ABCs of Trip Reporting, Pt. 2-Life Can Be Crappy and Then You Move On (3/7)

[All7OfUs]

Wow. That video is so much fun. And the mirror was definitely a great purchase. Useful, cute and authentic.

I loved the size and decorativeness (hey, look at that! I just made up a new word!) of my mirror! ONe of the better finds of the day. Originally, I had set out to find finger cymbols, but ended up with this instead- more useful for sure!

They were having a great time! I don't know if they do that like all the time for show, or if was more like a pick up dance party?

ughh. Did I mention that I too am NOT a fan of cabbage...or corn beef.

Aw, too bad---- but more for me!

What a great video!!! They were haivng a lot of fun!! Yay for hearing the familar songs.

I think I may have been having just as much fun watching!

It looks great. Just glad I can't smell it.

I second that!!

But those who came to dance tonight....

Neither am I (we had fish filet sandwiches instead ).

Whenever I think of fish filets, I think of McDonalds. Were yours any better?

Loved the update! I've always love cruising through Morocco, it seems so authentic - it will be so much more so after seeing your tour and the dancing! Thanks for sharing! (I've always wondered why Indy doesn't come snapping his whip through every once in awhile!)

Did you get your classes?

Maybe the fact that it's the only Pavilion that the host GOVERNMENT oversaw has soemthing to do with its authenticity?? I didn't end up taking a lot of video this trip (camera battery issues, remember?) but this was one of my rare gems. Love it!

Hey, you've hit on something. The guys have their belly dancer- they should give us gals Indy!!

Classes: I did NOT get into the section of math I wanted, but the instructor told me to show up with an add/drop form first day of class, and if there's a seat I'm in. WHICH MEANS, I have to still go to my class I did get into on Monday night in case the other doesn't work out, AND on Tues afternoon to the one I do want. Which means less time to get ready for our Meet.

 

[OhioDisneyLover]

Loved the update. Morocco is one pavillion that I have never spent much time in. I think this year I need to check it out.

I have to say that I was squirming in my chair when I read "butt blistering heat" and I always wondered exactly how long one could really sit on the concrete.

 

[pinkxray]

Great update! I haven't spent much time looking through Morocco except when DD when hunting down Jasmine. I will have to check it out.

I love the mirror. I also love your idea of getting something from every country. I think I might steal that idea, it seems to really give you a reason to explore.


Cabbage. You brought back many smelly memories of living at home when I was a kid and my mom cooked it. Thankfully, I have my own house now and never have to smell it again

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

That bread looked delicious!
No Corned Beef or Cabbage here. We had Shepherds Pie and roasted asparagus.

 

[Flossbolna]

I love your Morocco souvenir! I am glad that the pavillion which you got to enjoy so much also gave you the perfect shopping opportunity.

I really enjoyed your description of the pavillion and loved your sentiment. It really shows how much you enjoy experiencing foreign cultures.

 

[PennyLane1084]

All of my PRESearch for my trip led me to a few little things in this Pavilion that I wanted to hunt down. The first was a copy of a letter written by George Washington to King Mohammed III of Morocco thanking him for his political support just following the Revolutionary War. Did you know the country of Morocco was the very first state to recognize the new USA as a sovereign entity??

Maybe I'm just a nerd as well but I thought this is really neat!! I did not know that Morocco was the very first state to recognize the new USA as a sovereign entity. How cool is that?

An Awesome proverb!! I love it!

CUTE!

And believe it or not, it was “Made in Morocco”, was not “Disney, and was under $8.00! I use it almost every day when I do the lipstick thing in the car. Not a bad find for $5.75.

Great find!! That's the perfect size to go in a purse!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

That's a very cool tour of Morocca. Even if the free tour no longer exists and you got the Mo'Rockin' B Team. The pictures are great, and I'm really glad you were able to take some time and enjoy the culture and the CM's there. I'd always ignored the WS on previous trips as a kid...this last time, I felt like I "got" it. Somehow, I don't think you had that problem.

But doesn't the whole system of a Metro train breakdown bring everything to a grinding halt as well??

Yes, but then we're back to the cost thing. It's easier to build rails on the ground. So there are usually alternate tracks and switches that enable you to go around. Up in the air, there aren't any alternatives.

Oh, you're right- must have been someone else I was thinking of...

Obviously.

 

[norybell]

I was a bit behind, like usual...

[

I love this pic!

I have never seen the France movie (or, at least, I haven't seen it in so many years that it practically counts as "never") -- maybe in April I'll finally check it out.

Your grandmother's wine stopper is beautiful. How fitting that you should find it.

I really think that you should have sung the words to Habibi Da, even though they weren't...maybe you would have been so awesome singing, they would have invited you to join Mo Rockin! Then you could be at WDW all the time!

As far as the hardscaping goes...I would like Seven Seas Lagoon, and all of its accompanying beaches (and hammocks), please. Or, OK, I'd take Bay Lake as a second choice. Manhattan could really use an extra little lake in the middle of it, don't you think? Right behind my apartment?

 

[All7OfUs]

Good morning, Everyone!! I"m sitting here in Starbucks in West Salem (did you here that, Kathy?? I'm sitting in a Starbucks) getting ready meet Toni!!!! Oops she just walked in.... replies later... I'll edit!!

Loved the update. Morocco is one pavillion that I have never spent much time in. I think this year I need to check it out.

I have to say that I was squirming in my chair when I read "butt blistering heat" and I always wondered exactly how long one could really sit on the concrete.

Hey Sophia!! I think a lot of folks don't really know how much is "back there" in Morocco. There's a lot of winding passage way to explore!

I think my fanny lasted about 15 minutes before it became completely unbearable. I mean concrete under the Florida sun??

Great update! I haven't spent much time looking through Morocco except when DD when hunting down Jasmine. I will have to check it out.

I love the mirror. I also love your idea of getting something from every country. I think I might steal that idea, it seems to really give you a reason to explore.


Cabbage. You brought back many smelly memories of living at home when I was a kid and my mom cooked it. Thankfully, I have my own house now and never have to smell it again

I never did run into Jasmine, but do know that she and Aladin hang out there on occassion. But even if you don't see them, there's still a lot to see.

A shop around the world is a fun to way really get you intot he shops to see what's there. I really enjoyed my time finding that certain something!

Yeah, living under my own roof means I never have to eat another banana- EVER. LOL!

 

[MEK]

Stellar update Liesa!!!!

I love the hat picture! That is awesome. Hats off to the photographer. Get it...Hats off! (sorry - I couldn't resist).

I really enjoyed all your pictures of Morocco. That's it - I am definitely spending more time in there during May. I am sorry to hear they don't do the tour anymore.

Love your souvie. You are really finding some great things.

I can't believe you knew the songs! Your rock!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Wonderful update Liesa! I really loved this one.

First off, this is I think your best hat pic.

You look fabulous!

Isn't that Morocco area amazing?? I love it in there, so many little unique shops that wind this way and that.

I never noticed that letter to Washington from the King of Morocco! What a neat little find, something I didn't know even either. I'm telling ya, Disney is eduational folks!

That video! Wow! I would have been completely mesmorized, it was so fun to watch! It really illustrates that these people are native to their particular pavillion in the WS, doesn't it? So very cool, I'd have taken a video too.

Your authentic Moroccan mirror is gorgeous! I'm going to hunt one down next time we go to Disney. So pretty.

 

[All7OfUs]

That bread looked delicious!
No Corned Beef or Cabbage here. We had Shepherds Pie and roasted asparagus.

As much as it looked good, and thanks Pat for posting it, it was wasn't authentic Irish soda bread. I have a bread cookbook and the recipe it has is VERY different. It says it has a velvety texture and is free form in shape and has a razored criss cross over the top. In order to do that, you definitely wouldn't have the muffin dough consistency the one I used had. So, now that you've heard FAR more than you ever wanted to about Irish soda bread, I'll just say, what it ended up being was more like a shortcake in loaf form and was GREAT with the homemade strawberry preserves. YUM!

My 8 year old adores Shepherd's Pie!! She has asked for it for her birthday (in June!) even. Easy and tasty!! No asparagus around here lately. The cheapest in town is almost $4 bucks a pound right now at Winco. NO way am I going to pay that!

I love your Morocco souvenir! I am glad that the pavillion which you got to enjoy so much also gave you the perfect shopping opportunity.

I really enjoyed your description of the pavillion and loved your sentiment. It really shows how much you enjoy experiencing foreign cultures.

It did. In fact, though, it did take a bit of hunting. I contemplated a little incense burner in the shape of a genie lamp, but we had already picked a couple of those up in Dubai a few years ago; I also looked at some cute wooden coasters, but those were too spendy. I really like what I ended up with after all. I know it's homemade, as if you look closely, you can even see a flaw in it. (Towards the top of the mirror in the photo, you can see where a hole or two is not punched out)

I do enjoy cultures all over the world. None is perfect, but all have qualities that are worthy of emulation. If Americans were half as hospitible as Kazakhs or Moroccans we'd all be better off.

 

[All7OfUs]

Maybe I'm just a nerd as well but I thought this is really neat!! I did not know that Morocco was the very first state to recognize the new USA as a sovereign entity. How cool is that?

I would never have known that except for the research I had done before going. I really wanted to see what little things the Imagineers put in the parks to make them different than all other theme parks.

An Awesome proverb!! I love it!

Gee, I guess we'd better buy this house as soon as we can!! Oh, and now I wonder if we should sell that rental and the house in kaz. ??

Great find!! That's the perfect size to go in a purse!!

I keep it in my makeup bag, which is nestled right next to the purse, IN the big red bag. Sheesh- sherpa me this, sherpa me that.

That's a very cool tour of Morocca. Even if the free tour no longer exists and you got the Mo'Rockin' B Team. The pictures are great, and I'm really glad you were able to take some time and enjoy the culture and the CM's there. I'd always ignored the WS on previous trips as a kid...this last time, I felt like I "got" it. Somehow, I don't think you had that problem.



Yes, but then we're back to the cost thing. It's easier to build rails on the ground. So there are usually alternate tracks and switches that enable you to go around. Up in the air, there aren't any alternatives.

HA! The Mo'Rockin' B Team. They are a good band, and opposing popular opinion here on the DIS, I really prefer them over Off Kilter. I fell in love with WS first time I ever went in 2000, but then again, I was headed off to "exotic" and far away lands too. Maybe that had something to do with it.

OHhhhhhh, now I get it---- switches and alternate tracks. Still it would be really cool! Guess I'll keep going back to Disney.

I was a bit behind, like usual...


I love this pic!

I have never seen the France movie (or, at least, I haven't seen it in so many years that it practically counts as "never") -- maybe in April I'll finally check it out.

Your grandmother's wine stopper is beautiful. How fitting that you should find it.

I really think that you should have sung the words to Habibi Da, even though they weren't...maybe you would have been so awesome singing, they would have invited you to join Mo Rockin! Then you could be at WDW all the time!

As far as the hardscaping goes...I would like Seven Seas Lagoon, and all of its accompanying beaches (and hammocks), please. Or, OK, I'd take Bay Lake as a second choice. Manhattan could really use an extra little lake in the middle of it, don't you think? Right behind my apartment?

 

[All7OfUs]

I love this pic!

I have never seen the France movie (or, at least, I haven't seen it in so many years that it practically counts as "never") -- maybe in April I'll finally check it out.

That little library is such a cute little nook. I love that "window" . But what I like about that photo is the reflection of the Boulangerie in the background. Totally unintended.

Half of what makes the movie so great is the soundtrack. So soothing!!

Your grandmother's wine stopper is beautiful. How fitting that you should find it.

Providential for sure!

I really think that you should have sung the words to Habibi Da, even though they weren't...maybe you would have been so awesome singing, they would have invited you to join Mo Rockin! Then you could be at WDW all the time!

HA! wouldn't THAT have been cool! But I doubt my hubby would let me move there to be a singer.

As far as the hardscaping goes...I would like Seven Seas Lagoon, and all of its accompanying beaches (and hammocks), please. Or, OK, I'd take Bay Lake as a second choice. Manhattan could really use an extra little lake in the middle of it, don't you think? Right behind my apartment?

Stellar update Liesa!!!!

Thanks, Mary Ellen!

I love the hat picture! That is awesome. Hats off to the photographer. Get it...Hats off! (sorry - I couldn't resist).

LOL! Good one!! Honestly, I can't even remember if I got any more- still only have up through Day 2 loaded onto the new netbook. But this one sure did turn out ok.

I really enjoyed all your pictures of Morocco. That's it - I am definitely spending more time in there during May. I am sorry to hear they don't do the tour anymore.

I think of all the Pavilions Morocco truly sees it for all its potential... a super opportunity for a LARGE advertising. Of course, with its recent atrocious examples of human rights breaches, they'd be hard pressed to attract many westerners right now.

Love your souvie. You are really finding some great things.

And just think... only 8 more to go! I may combine a few of the countries though. But 8 more goodies in my collection.

I can't believe you knew the words. You rock!

Well, that doesn't mean I know what ANY of them mean!

Ok, I confess, though, since I"m such a geek... I actually asked one of the CMs what Habibi means, and it turns out it is a term of endearment something like "my love" or "my sweet thing". Like calling someone "honey". So, apparently, it a love song.

Wonderful update Liesa! I really loved this one.

First off, this is I think your best hat pic.

You look fabulous!

Yeah, I agree, so far this is one of the better ones. but I actually like the beret a bit better.

Isn't that Morocco area amazing?? I love it in there, so many little unique shops that wind this way and that.

It IS amazing! I really think the designers put there all into it!

I never noticed that letter to Washington from the King of Morocco! What a neat little find, something I didn't know even either. I'm telling ya, Disney is eduational folks!

WS certainly is educational! Every country has little things like that, and if you catch the right CMs you can really learn a lot more. In the China pavilion I had one CM give me a tutorial on chopstick holders.

That video! Wow! I would have been completely mesmorized, it was so fun to watch! It really illustrates that these people are native to their particular pavillion in the WS, doesn't it? So very cool, I'd have taken a video too.

I was absolutely mesmorized!! I have no idea how long they had been dancing before I got there, and it ended shortly after I stopped this video- maybe they were afraid of management stopping them? or maybe they break into dancing fairl often; I just have no idea.

Your authentic Moroccan mirror is gorgeous! I'm going to hunt one down next time we go to Disney. So pretty.

I think it's made of brass, and still shows no sign of "rusting" or corroding.

 

[glennbo123]

Ok, I confess, though, since I"m such a geek... I actually asked one of the CMs what Habibi means, and it turns out it is a term of endearment something like "my love" or "my sweet thing". Like calling someone "honey". So, apparently, it a love song.

It's probably just a morphing of "hey baby".

 

[All7OfUs]

It's probably just a morphing of "hey baby".

I love your responses! Too funny!

 

[Poolrat]

Ok, I confess, though, since I"m such a geek... I actually asked one of the CMs what Habibi means, and it turns out it is a term of endearment something like "my love" or "my sweet thing". Like calling someone "honey". So, apparently, it a love song.

It's probably just a morphing of "hey baby".

when I see Habibi all I can think of is Amazing Race and Charla and Mirna. Mirna called everyone Habibi. Now that makes sense.

 

[marvali]

Had a few minutes and trying to get caught up some. Had to stop by and check out some of your updates that I knew would be most entertaining.

Being that I only had a half a day to rustle up all my booty, I needed to do this Mega-Shop methodically;

For such a small lady, a half day to rustle up your booty is quite perplexing. I guess this is why you chose to expose the other end in your infamous greeting!

With my purchase in hand, it was time to head out and spend the next 30 minutes seeing what I could in the UK Pavilion. I had budgeted about that long for each country, which would put me done just about the right time. Maybe it’s just me, but this particular pavilion really doesn’t need a full 30 minutes. Unless you happened to run into a plump, fluffy bear and his playpals. Which I did. And there was hardly any line. Which is the only reason I stayed, because I just don’t normally stand in line for ANY characters.

Good that you didn't have Rosie with you! No time for her to attempt one of her famous lap dances. Then again, maybe Piglet is the only one she finds worthy of such behavior!

At the very stroke of 30 minutes, my glass slipper turned into a leather sandal, and I had to bid a hasty farewell to Prince Charming.

This guy is sure to be getting a complex by now when all of his Princesses run off as soon as they get to know him a little....

And now, it's off to the dreaded mamm exam. So I won't have a chance to take a peek until later this evening... UGH!

Well I see someone else is due for an infamous Liesa greeting! Hope all came out well.....

It was a perfect time to find some much needed A/C, and a place to rest my derrière.

It's no wonder when it takes a half day just to rustle it up.....

But I didn’t buy the beret- I’ll leave cute hat purchases to Marlene (Glennbo’s cutie patootie daughter).

At least it was a source of a very internationale pic! You looked marv-elous!

But there is a rainbow at the end of this tunnel. About a month ago, I unpacked a box of stuff that my mom had saved from my recently dearly departed Grandmother (the one to whom this whole trip was partly dedicated) and there sitting neatly wrapped up was this:

I could hardly believe my eyes!!! She was 2nd generation French, and I was just astounded that I would get a pretty wine stopper from her things after being so disappointed with my own purchase at EPCOT. Definitely one of those “had I known” moments. So there ya have it: 2 wine stoppers for the price of one, both with a bit of sentimental meaning.

Very nice and so very special! What a great treasure!

Leaving my playmate, Valentin, to climb his chairways to heaven, it was time to find some new pals to have some fun with.

Nice!

But not before finding a few of the hidden gems that take some seeking out in my favorite of all EPCOT Pavilions in WS.

I really need to spend more time here on my next trip, and not because of the belly dancer (although she doesn't hurt). Some wonderful pics and I was totally unaware of that letter from George Washington! So many more things to experience.

But before I knew it, the familiar tune of Habibi Da sprang from his guitar. I was in heaven- and I was prepared to sing the Arabic too. But NO ONE SANG IT!! Don’t get me wrong, the tune in and of itself is great, but the words are so easy on the ear.

That would have been so cool!

After another song or two this raving beauty came out to entertain. Just as the band is easy on the ears, she must be easy on the eyes. Yeah, guys?? She in fact, is the same reason it took my hubby half an hour to “settle the bill” at the Marakesh in 2008. Just one comment: This is belly dancing right? I get that. And being so, the eye is drawn to her belly, where I noticed a rather large HOLE from a piercing. I guess I was sorta grossed-out by it. I know Disney doesn’t want jewelry, but well, this was just sort of bad looking, and might have been better WITH the ring or whatever IN it.

I always wondered why they called it belly dancing. Not normally one of the parts that draws my attention, even if the outfit is supposed to direct you that way. Just never got excited seeing a woman roll her belly for me. Makes me think of the guys trying to make their belly buttons "talk" or something like that!

Well, maybe I’m the only one who thinks this stuff is really cool beans.

Not the only one! Got to put this on my must do list for next trip!

Jim says he would buy one of the original E tickets - I would like a carousel horse! We are stripping Cindy's area!

For a minute after the first time I read that, I thought you were doing a Liesa Greeting in Fantasyland.

I agree! A caroussel horse would be VERY cool!! I wonder how many E tickets there are in attics here and there.

When I finally search through my parent's house one day it wouldn't surprise me to find unused tickets, but there is no way there will be any "E" tickets. Those were the first ones I was anxious to use! Might find some "A" or possibly a rare "B" ticket.

 

[All7OfUs]

WOW! I imagine it took you a fairly long spell to rustle up that lengthy response. You've been a working maniac lately- either that or you're avoiding all of us these days.

You are the only one who though Valentin and his climbing was funny- guess that says something about us.

Yeah, Rosie might have made things REALLY interesting. But I could have proxied in for her had Piggy been there.

There's always something to add to the next time list, isnt' there??

So, I take it Pocahontas is another big hit with you??

E tickets went fast!! A tickets, not so much!

 

[tinacaplan]

OK...I miss one day and you start a new thread that's on page 12 already??? Wow...that is impressive. Now I'll go and do some reading.