ABCs of a Nursing School Grad Trip + FL Keys Mini Report;D is for: Dang! Last Chapter of this TR...

[Steppesister]

You were up for a Grammy too?
You act and sing?

Impressive.

I do badly at both, but I sure have fun.

hmm...
Can't say as I noticed that.

Then again, with all of Disneyland to look at, I suppose I may not have been looking that close.
Next time, I'll stare at you until you're uncomfortable.

We will have a staredown. First one to blink loses.

I feel the same way about my grandma.

Awww...

How many of them are there anyway?
Everytime I see one... they just seem to fall over.

Considering they are cloned, potentially an infinite number.

Define "Hoopla".

Oh boy. You are bound and determined to get me in trouble, aren't you?

I KNEW you were gonna go there. I knew it!

Me! Me! Had some.
Not a lot... but some.

Ok, I'll see your Tinker Toys and raise you some Lincoln Logs.

But totally impossible.
No one could draw worth a darn on those things.

So true!

Yes. Very familiar with that expression.
Especially if it's the other child's chore.

So, it's universal then!

How is that even possible?
Do they just pick random, near-sighted people and say "Here. You're a storm trooper now."

This is a Lucas question. I... I just.... don't get it. It's like the Red Shirts in Trek.

No sympathy!
Not after you made me do the spew cups.

Keep it up, and I'll make you go on the Dolly Ride too.

Really?

Popular guy, obviously.

Tate is.... something else.

Kids these days.

They need to watch more TV.

Or read a book now and then.

What. No pictures???

I was too busy trying not to puke.

Oh? Hello?

Nah. You're too young for that.

(really though? Then, congrats!)

Update coming up soon....

 

[Steppesister]

You make it sound.... less beautiful and more bleak and desolate.

Judge for yourself.

Granted these were mostly taken in the 2 weeks of Spring we got.

Only 15 hours by car away!

Well, if you'd vacuum once in a while....

Sand tends to clog the machine.

So has an average rainfall of 56 inches?

Sadly, most of you missed the alternative meaning of "dry".

I do think that people can't grasp just how big it is.

No, they don't.

I'm really glad you posted that.
I like to hear how they did from the perspective of one who's actually been there.

The food is very different despite it being called (choose an iteration) of "Asian", most people do NOT speak English, they have better internet, but aren't allowed to use it, and our "poor" would make the richest "Village" Asian envy. Quote of a close friend: "Poor? N. Americans do not know poor. Even your homeless have socks."

Well, then you should go back!

Yes. Yes, I should!

Hmmm... more cool than lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, cheetahs or rhinos?

Hmmm....





Cheetahs maybe not...

But... yes.

I don't consider a drinkable item a "snack".
Closest would be a Dole whip float... but you eat at least half of that with a spoon.

But... I'm still glad you found a new (was it new? or had you had it before?) favourite.

Noted.

New, entirely new in fact. Saw it while perusing the Allears menus and thought... "Steppe, you'd better try that!"

Steppe did and was aptly impressed.

Love that shot.

Thank you!

This one doesn't even look real! Nice capture!

Some are just timed well. And are lucky shots!

I see what you did there.

Good! You were behind a bit, and I wasn't sure you'd catch up. Butt you did, and even reached the end! I know catching up can be a pain in the rear.

Ok, ok, I'll stop being a pain in the tuckus.

Okay! Okay!

I already told you, you've convinced me!

Some day I'll have the time to relax and not rush.

Hopefully some day very soon!

cool mists spraying you is preferable to monkeys throwing their dung at you.

I've had that happen. Twice. Once there was glass between me and it. The other time, in a zoo in Chiang Mai, Thailand, there wasn't. This one also peed in a Coke bottle someone had thrown in there and drank it. Not even kidding. Vile things, but fun to watch.

I love those prayer flags. I always stop to admire them.

They are very picturesque. Here's an authentic one from the middle of somewhere in Crapistan. Not the Tibetan type, but the same idea.

I think I need to take you up on this offer.
You certainly know how to sell it.

Any time.

You definitely have a good eye, Liesa.

Thank you. The feeling is quite mutual. I've seen your recent Banff photos.

Now that is something!
I had no idea. How did you come to find out about that little tidbit?

Disney puts scads of these subtle hat tips and nods all over the parks and none are accidental or haphazard.

This one took a fair bit of research, and I had no idea what it meant when I took the photo. But KNEW it wasn't random. I didn't know it meant until I started researching a couple of days ago and was super interested to learn what I did. I LOVE that there is stuff like this all over the place in Disney to keep it intriguing trip after trip. A pretty deep Google search and reading some articles got me there.

Who knew sheep's eyeballs could taste so good?

I wouldn't know, but my kids would. Usually the kids are served those.

I think of Nat'l Lampoon Christmas Vacation

Been far too long since I've seen this.

Me! Me! Pick me!

Hmmm....


ok.

Oh.



So for all you know, it might have been less "beauty and romance" and more "ugly and spiteful".

But, but... the wall said "beauty and romance"!

Hmmm...
I tried some for the first time in Japan and wasn't overly thrilled.
Then again, I'm not much of a drinker.

Might have to give that one a whirl.

It was quite sweet and apple-y. Very light and refreshing. But not crisp. Mellow.

Won ton soup and pot stickers?
Dang. I should've taken Kay here.

Next time!

But is a little pixie dust too much to ask for?

No, I suppose not!

Cool shot!

Thanks!

Interesting.
Most people I know are turned off by them.

I know. Sad. I guess the horror stories of them sucking blood and getting caught in hair have taken their toll.

Huh. Didn't know they were docile.
Knew the fruit part.

I don't think I'd approach and handle, but that's what I was told.

And can kill and eat you if given a chance.

Good thing I won't be getting very close to one anytime soon.

Well... not a tea or coffee drinker, so I'll pass.

Such a shame. But this didn't taste like either, really.

I'm with Alison. I notice he has one on both hands.

I'd be more convinced if he had long nails on a few more fingers. But maybe sitar is only played by plucking with the pinky and forefinger (with the metal pick)?

Hmmmm....


Nah. Not buying it.

Your prerogative.

Obvious photopass photo.

Nope, didn't have PP.

I noticed those too... and had the same reaction.

Disney nails it with fixtures all over the parks.

 

[Steppesister]

Your pictures in "Anandapur" are so lovely!

Thanks Meghan! It was a lovely little jaunt!

I'm always surprised when people find bats scary or yucky. They're such neat animals! I mean, I don't know that I'd want one to land in my hair or anything (especially not one of that size, they'd knock me out!) but I like my personal space and don't usually like humans or other animals landing in my hair either, so I don't hold that against the bats...

I don't think they do it on purpose and even when they do, it's pretty rare. I'm rather grateful for the great job they do at eating the mosquitoes!

We've never tried the frozen chai latte, but I think my fiance would love it! Will have to put it on the list for our August trip...

Let me know how you like it!!!

And as a response to your tree of life picture - what a gorgeous family you have! <3

Thanks, 2 kids are missing- those married ones. And Mike wasn't there for most of this trip.

Chris has been a good influence on her. His Mama has him cleaning the house and running errands. He's an only child.

That's awesome!! It'll go a long way.

I tried to take a picture but it didn't come out. Dennis can vouch for me.

Dang! Hate when that happens. Ended up with several deletable photos from this trip.

It was! I missed out on seeing it at night so I have to go back.

Nighttime is the thing I"m looking forward to most!! The pix make it look so beautiful!

Can't wait to see it on FB.

Soon. Just a few more family members need to know.

 

[Steppesister]

So many different lands and peoples in Asia. Chris' family is from Vietnam. He couldn't identify with Asia in AK but did with China and Japan in Epcot. One of the things he and Danielle have in common is Anime. They could have spent all their time in Japan. I use to work with someone from Afghanistan, her Asia was different too.

Perfect case in point! There is Eastern Asia (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc...), Southern Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, etc....), Subcontinental (India, Nepal, etc...), Western (parts of Turkey, some of the Stans around the Caspian and the Balkans), and Central Asia (Kazakhstan, most of Russia, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan, etc...) All are VERY VERY different in culture, language group, cuisine, art, religion, etc.. Vast is an understatement!

I love the details in AK but you're right, Asia has the most details. I'm so glad you found your best snack. They took my jalapeno pretzel away.

I may never forgive Disney for doing this. I am incensed!

Fabulous pictures!

Thanks!

I see what you did there.

Wait until you walk across a bridge to Pandora and you're transported light years away to another dimension.

So, SO excited for this!

Count me in with the people who did not know this. Where is the plaque located?

It is near EE, but cannot tell you exactly where. I snapped it on the go without making note, knowing I'd research it when I got home. (or 6 months later. )

Some good eating. We ate her too.

You ATE her?!

jk

It is good food and a nice change of pace from the normal park food.

We enjoyed the apps more than the meal.

I can say the same. In fact, I've not had a meal here. So I can't technically say the same. But I very often only order apps in any restaurant I'm in at Disney.

We had an ADR and were upstairs, but no view either.

I got one on my solo trip time in Sept, 2010. I lingered as it was so nice.

Love this. It's so much better than the one in Africa. So many pretty birds. I love the birdhouses too. My only fear is bird droppings.

The Weaver birds are super cool in the Africa Aviary, but these are way more colorful.

Great tiger photos too. They were a no show for us.

I was surprised they were out. I hear they often are not.

Great find. I want to go back and look now.

You should!!! I love an HM scavenger hunt!

Great family photo!

Thanks!

 

[Steppesister]

It's up there, that's for sure. Amazing detail.

I'm not sure if I could quickly name a 2nd place. Hmm...


Carsland (different park), maybe one of the pavilions from WS, but I'd never spend as long in there as I would in ANY area of AK. Nope, BUT, and this is a huge but, I think Pandora is gonna blow my socks off and I can see it outing Asia as Top-Wandering-Area.

Morons. Every last one of them!

I see what you did there.

Hold onto your seats, I'm just getting started.

Are you sure they MUST be sampled??

Only if you don't want to highly offend your hosts.

That's why I've always struggled with that restaurant.

Are you sure it wasn't because they don't have steaks and cheeseburgers?

Impressive work thus far!

Coming along!

Wow, nice colors there.

This one was just stunning. The only thing that comes close around here is a pheasant maybe.

Odd. That's me on a Monday morning.

Either one.

I wonder if they'll ever replace these. I do miss the colors they used to have.

I do too. If they are genuine with prayers "attached" I just don't know. Maybe? I have no idea the protocol or proper procedure for this, not being Buddhist. Good question. But yes, they were prettier when more saturated.

Beautiful pics in Asia.

Thanks!

Glad you liked the lunch at Yak and Yeti.
I have wanted to try it there for the last 3 trips, we did finally do the CS version on our last trip in 2014, it was good.

Good to know! I have often thought about a quick CS meal there. Or an eggroll snack.

Love the bird pics, the colors are so vibrant, I really liked the blue one.

Here is one I didn't post thinking it was too blurry, but oddly it got the most likes on FB. Huh.

Love the tigers! Hate the bats! LOL

I believe you are in the majority.

 

[Steppesister]

A little Real Life Update- you know, to keep us all connected on a personal level.

So...


I wear many hats. I'm a Nurse, a Student Pilot, a Mom, etc...

but last weekend, as some of you who read the small print may have seen, I am now the proud owner of a new hat.

My oldest son and his wife are expecting. They live in Guam, so I won't see this baby nearly as much as I'd like or be able to help out Emily and Andrew in their transition to parenthood either. I now understand the great sacrifice my own parents made while we tried to make a difference overseas. If you don't appreciate the sacrifices our servicemen and women make every day, or those who are called to live and work far from home to do Community Development or Aid work, remember this story and re-think.

Baby is due Dec. 3rd. We had hoped to visit there this winter, but since we are in this transition phase of selling our rental property to swap out for something closer to where we live, times are a bit lean. My income is supplementing instead of being play money for the time being. Which sux, but there ya have it.

Regardless, I am beyond thrilled for them and am excited to enter a new phase of life, in some ways. On the flip side, I had a few days of having to let this all sink in. I suddenly went from feeling fabulous and on top of my game at 50, to.... old. I've processed that, and am back to feeling fabulous at 50 again.

One request: This is not public news yet on FB. So for those of you who know me there, please keep this mum for now. They are waiting on her next appt. (I think tomorrow) before they make their own general announcement. Most in our family know now, but there are a few who don't yet. You heard it here first.

Meantime, I'm gearing up a bit of time with my mom and dad and some solo vacationing of my own. Needs to get me some time away. So, I will be a bit scarce from the 21st- the 1st.
Hopefully, at least one more update to both TRs, though.

So, any grandparents doing the long-distance thang? How are you handling this? Give me your thoughts.

Peace, My Friends,

Steppe

 

[Flossbolna]

Wonderful news! I was wondering if it were the Guam people or the Oregon ones. Sorry that your first grandchild will be so far away! But I am sure, future postings will bring them closer again.

Be prepared to spend more time than ever on Skype.

 

[pkondz]

I do badly at both, but I sure have fun.

Well that's all that really matters.

We will have a staredown. First one to blink loses.

Okay! Haven't done that in a long while.
Used to with the kids.

Oh boy. You are bound and determined to get me in trouble, aren't you?

I KNEW you were gonna go there. I knew it!

Of course you did. I didn't want to disappoint.

Ok, I'll see your Tinker Toys and raise you some Lincoln Logs.

Those I never had.

So, it's universal then!

No it's Disney.

This is a Lucas question. I... I just.... don't get it. It's like the Red Shirts in Trek.

yup!
"Yay! I'm going down to the planet!"
Put this shirt on.
"Crap."

Keep it up, and I'll make you go on the Dolly Ride too.

Noooooooo!!

Or read a book now and then.

Now you're going too far!

I was too busy trying not to puke.

That bad?

Judge for yourself.

I see what you mean.
Desolation, yet.... something about it.

Those are the weirdest looking dogs I've ever seen.

That looks fake. with that little bit of bright green along the river.
Very interesting!

Only 15 hours by car away!

I remember that shot. And so different!

Sand tends to clog the machine.

Leaf blower then.

Sadly, most of you missed the alternative meaning of "dry".

Oh!

Well, I can be excused since I don't drink much anyway. I don't know what everyone else's excuse is!

The food is very different despite it being called (choose an iteration) of "Asian", most people do NOT speak English, they have better internet, but aren't allowed to use it, and our "poor" would make the richest "Village" Asian envy. Quote of a close friend: "Poor? N. Americans do not know poor. Even your homeless have socks."

Interesting comparisons.

Hmmm....





Cheetahs maybe not...

But... yes.

Love cheetahs. Used to be my favourite animal.
Still might be.... Hmmm.....
I don't have any cheetah carvings in my bathroom however...

New, entirely new in fact. Saw it while perusing the Allears menus and thought... "Steppe, you'd better try that!"

Steppe did and was aptly impressed.

Then I'm doubly glad. As much as I love a Dole whip float, I'm always glad to find a new taste favourite... and disappointed when a new "all the rage" treat turns out to be a dud.

Only had one of those at DL.

Good! You were behind a bit, and I wasn't sure you'd catch up. Butt you did, and even reached the end! I know catching up can be a pain in the rear.

Ok, ok, I'll stop being a pain in the tuckus.

ba dum bum

Hopefully some day very soon!

Ya just never know!

I've had that happen. Twice. Once there was glass between me and it. The other time, in a zoo in Chiang Mai, Thailand, there wasn't.

Oh, no! You got hit?

This one also peed in a Coke bottle someone had thrown in there and drank it. Not even kidding. Vile things, but fun to watch.

Ew... but yes.
I have a funny story about an encounter.
Remind me to tell it to you some day.

They are very picturesque. Here's an authentic one from the middle of somewhere in Crapistan. Not the Tibetan type, but the same idea.

That's so cool!
On two levels.

Cool just for me to see it, as I don't think I ever have outside of movies.
And cool that you got to actually see it.

Very cool!

Thank you. The feeling is quite mutual. I've seen your recent Banff photos.

Aw, thanks!

This one took a fair bit of research, and I had no idea what it meant when I took the photo.

Really!
I admire your dedication! Seriously!

I wouldn't know, but my kids would. Usually the kids are served those.

Ah!

So pleased that I'm an adult...

Been far too long since I've seen this.

I make it a point to watch it every year.
It's not Christmas unless I do.

But, but... the wall said "beauty and romance"!

That's true. Okay. I'll let that one go.

It was quite sweet and apple-y. Very light and refreshing. But not crisp. Mellow.

Hmm... that sounds good...

I know. Sad. I guess the horror stories of them sucking blood and getting caught in hair have taken their toll.

Then again, some bats do drink blood.

I don't think I'd approach and handle, but that's what I was told.

Well, no. Of course not. A wild animal is still a wild animal. Would you try to pet a raccoon????

Good thing I won't be getting very close to one anytime soon.

Those things are crazy dangerous.
They will bite an animal (or person) and then not worry about it. Eventually the bitten animal will keel over and die from the toxic saliva injected from the bite.

Such a shame. But this didn't taste like either, really.

Then I'll give it a try.

I'd be more convinced if he had long nails on a few more fingers. But maybe sitar is only played by plucking with the pinky and forefinger (with the metal pick)?

Yeah, maybe.

I'm not saying you're wrong but... I can't imagine Disney not saying "Okay, you're hired, but you'll have to get rid of the coke nails."

But you still could be right.
Devil's advocate.

Nope, didn't have PP.

So you say....

Here is one I didn't post thinking it was too blurry, but oddly it got the most likes on FB. Huh.

Yes, I can see that.
I need to get on FB and check out your photos. Been a while.

 

[vamassey1]

I may never forgive Disney for doing this. I am incensed!

We need to start a petition!

So, SO excited for this!

You're going to love it!

It is near EE, but cannot tell you exactly where. I snapped it on the go without making note, knowing I'd research it when I got home. (or 6 months later. )

Sounds like I'm going on a treasure hunt.

You ATE her?!

My bad...

But I very often only order apps in any restaurant I'm in at Disney.

We need to try this when we go without the dining plan.

I got one on my solo trip time in Sept, 2010. I lingered as it was so nice.

Sounds like a slice of heaven.

My oldest son and his wife are expecting.

Congrats to the whole family.

They live in Guam, so I won't see this baby nearly as much as I'd like or be able to help out Emily and Andrew in their transition to parenthood either.

This is a hard one. My oldest, my son lives in Austin, TX. Daughter in law keeps saying they aren't going to have kids. If they do they will be so far away, not as far away as Andrew. I'll have to cross that bridge if we come to it.

On the flip side, I had a few days of having to let this all sink in. I suddenly went from feeling fabulous and on top of my game at 50, to.... old. I've processed that, and am back to feeling fabulous at 50 again.

Michelle wanted to have a child so bad. I wanted her to have one for her happiness. Actually having to deal with being a grandparent took some adjustment. I do feel old now.

Meantime, I'm gearing up a bit of time with my mom and dad and some solo vacationing of my own.

Have a great trip and enjoy your time with your parents.

 

[englishrose47]

Congrats , the girls were my first grandkids and I had double pleasure , I was so happy to be able to see them every day and be there for Judy with Twins!! I would have said there is nothing like being a Grand parent BUT being a GREAT grandparent tops it that little boy is my heart !!

 

[afwdwfan]

In all of Disney World, this is perhaps my most very favorite place to wander and photograph. The colors are incredibly vibrant everywhere one turns, there are hidden gems scattered all over the place, and has, to me, the coolest of all the animals in the park.

The Yeti! He's my favorite too!

It's just a shame that they had to put him down and send him to the taxidermist so they could keep him there though.

In addition, Asia is home to my new favorite snack in Animal Kingdom, so therefore wins as “Best Area” for Snack Default.

The ribs at Flame Tree? You can see Asia from there, but I didn't realize it was part of Asia...

That’s how Animal Kingdom is best enjoyed. But that’s just one gal’s opinion. Try it though; maybe you’ll agree.

Is it even possible to enjoy it like that with 6 million people descending on the park to go to a moon with blue people living on it?

Traveling and exploring is best done in a sated state, and to heighten the experience, the local cuisines must be sampled, even if it means sheep’s eyeballs or Caspian caviar. (Only one of those is delicious.)

One of those is delicious????

According to the folks who work closely with them, bats are docile and gentle and love to eat loads of fruit. I guess that makes the bats a lot like the Komodo Dragon. Well, except that the Komodo doesn’t have hair. Or wings. But close enough.

And they both really creep a lot people out!

***(Perhaps the single best sweet snack in all of Animal Kingdom. Yes, I will get one of these next time I'm there. No, I probably won't share... unless you are very, very nice to me and are a very close friend. In which case, I will have to ask for a bite or sip of whatever you have. Tit for tat, as they say. In case you are wondering, this is the Frozen Chai Latte $5.39 from The Royal Anandapur Tea Company. Has a nice British Colonial ring to it, no?)

Thanks but no thanks. You keep your Latte, and I'll go to Flame Tree and grab some ribs.

Did I like this guy’s coke nail? Not so much. I’m sure it was for digging for gold, right? …. Right?

Disney has a drug testing policy, don't they????

 

[pkondz]

but last weekend, as some of you who read the small print may have seen, I am now the proud owner of a new hat.

I did notice that.

My oldest son and his wife are expecting.

So, officially now... Congratulations!!

Baby is due Dec. 3rd. We had hoped to visit there this winter, but since we are in this transition phase of selling our rental property to swap out for something closer to where we live, times are a bit lean. My income is supplementing instead of being play money for the time being. Which sux, but there ya have it.

As you are fond of saying. This is but a season. It'll change in due course.

I suddenly went from feeling fabulous and on top of my game at 50, to.... old. I've processed that, and am back to feeling fabulous at 50 again.

Glad to hear it! 'Cause you sure ain't old!

Meantime, I'm gearing up a bit of time with my mom and dad and some solo vacationing of my own.

Nice!
And... solo.... and then you invite all of your readers to join you!
Which I will if it's still okay.

 

[Cruella 66]

So, any grandparents doing the long-distance thang? How are you handling this? Give me your thoughts.

<raises hand> me, me, me!!! My daughter and her sailor moved 1,000 miles away from us last summer. She took my 2 1/2 year old and 4 month old grandloves with her! Try as I may, I couldn't convince her to even leave the 2 1/2 year old with me. I cried a lot before they left, knowing what I would be missing. It also opened up my eyes to my parents situation, my husband was in the Navy for 20 years and we have NEVER, even in our 'retirement' lived near family. My mom died in 2008 but my dad ever so succinctly said, "Now you know how WE felt!" Yep, Dad, got it! So, I dried my tears, put on my big girl drawers, and got on with life. Really though, grandparenting is the bomb!!! My oldest grandlove calls me 'Grandma the first' (nod to Sophia the first). I wear it with pride. How do we survive going from daily visits to long distance? Facetime IS your friend! And I will occasionally mail a care package with small gifts for my grandloves. And my daughter always texts pictures and we 'talk' by text a lot. She values my experience and advice as her mom-who has 4 children and was a Navy wife for 20 years, as well as my professional nursing advice. And prayer... Congratulations and best wishes!!! Cindy

 

[mom3sonstt]

My oldest stepson and his family live about 1000 miles from us. But I don't know if it was an age thing or the fact that I was raising littles of my own (stepson is 6 yrs younger than me, I was not quite 30 with 2 1/2, 5 & 6 1/2 year olds when they had their first) but the distance wasn't as daunting. Now that mine are all grown - if any of them ever decide to reproduce, or possibly date someone on a regular basis, I'll let you know if it's different.

 

[mom3sonstt]

Since most of my favorite Disney people hang out here I wondered if anyone had any trips planned for the spring? Preferably during Flower and Garden, but not too close to Easter??

I'm getting ready to start planning a trip and wondered if the odds were in my favor to see/meet any of you.

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Mac Brew]

Hi
Just poped in and would like to say congratulations on your news.

 

[KathyM2]

My oldest son and his wife are expecting.

Wow congrats!! This is so exciting!! I'm sure it will not be easy being so far away. But at least the one bonus...the INTERNET that past generations have not had. I know it's not the same as seeing kids face to face, but it certainly beats not even seeing pictures of their daily lives or only being able to talk through terrible connections that we had back in the day with long distance phone calls! I think it will be tough, but manageable and there are lots of ways you will be able to try to stay connected.

 

[franandaj]

Take my hand, together we’ll discover the wilds of Asia- not only a “place of many delights”, but one of “beauty and romance”.

OK, I'll come along!

But, is also home to adventure and danger. On June 8, 1924, two men set out to do what no one had ever done before. To this day, it remains a mystery as to whether George Mallory and "Sandy" Irvine made it to their destination: The summit of Mt. Everest. Regardless, that was the day they died trying. The Disney Imagineers paid their respects to an attempted feat, possible triumph, and unfortunate fate.

That's nice that they included a tribute to them. Disney is great about that sort of thing!

Traveling and exploring is best done in a sated state, and to heighten the experience, the local cuisines must be sampled, even if it means sheep’s eyeballs or Caspian caviar. (Only one of those is delicious.)

I think I'll starve.

Normally, I detest sake, but this was sweet and smooth. Sooooo good!

I would have ordered the bottom one on the menu! Junmai means premium!

We ordered a bunch of small plates and dim-summy-like things and were completely satisfied, declaring it delicious.

You can't go wrong with that. I keep a selection of this type of stuff in my freezer for "emergencies".

These guys knock my socks off and I’m glad I stopped to spend a bit of time with them.

They kind of creep me out, but they are cool.

While not so gentle or docile, but no less fascinating, beautiful, or exotic, the tigers were up and around for a stroll.

The Tigers are my favorite on that trail.

Did I like this guy’s coke nail? Not so much.

It's really a thing, check out www.guitarplayernails.com

Miraculously, we all ended up being able to meet back up.

Nice picture of you all!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

My oldest son and his wife are expecting. They live in Guam, so I won't see this baby nearly as much as I'd like or be able to help out Emily and Andrew in their transition to parenthood either.

Wow, congratulations to both you and them! That's wonderful news! I'm sorry they'll be so far away--that will be hard, I'm sure. I have a brother who lives in New Hampshire, so my parents only get to see them and their kids a couple of times a year. That's not easy. Use Skype, Facetime, or whatever tools you have available!

Meantime, I'm gearing up a bit of time with my mom and dad and some solo vacationing of my own. Needs to get me some time away.

Cool! Always nice to get a break.