The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure!- Last Africa Ch. + World Showcase Pt. 2

[Steppesister]

Well, it is a bit of an expedition to get there from here...

I suppose. But it'd be more of one to get all the way to Asia.

Wait... bites... plural????

But, but... they're small bites.

All caught up again. I’m really enjoying, in a somewhat uncomfortable way, the juxtaposition of your trips.

Thanks, Tanya. I think that's not an entirely bad thing.

Also received a lovely package in the mail last week.

Oh, I'm glad it arrived safely!! I hope you like it!

 

[Steppesister]

Awww, great pictures, thank you for letting me tag along. Picture lots of OMG's and intakes of breath and other similar expressions of awe.

Of course, Donna- you are ALWAYS welcome here.

Can't participate in the contest or quote at the moment as I have started off the New Year with a broken arm, ugh.

Oh nuts!! That's awful!

I was getting a head start on my resolution of walking the dogs more on NYE and tripped over an extension cord that was across a sidewalk plugging in someone's truck. On the upside, I did not let the dogs go, and had my cell phone with me so I could call and let DH know where I was laying down and he drove to my rescue. Although the dogs tried to help, stepping on the arm and licking my face was not as helpful as they hoped, but was encouraging, lol. It's a chip and crack of the proximal humerus, so hopefully back to work in 6 weeks, unless the ortho consult comes back differently.

Holy cow! I can't imagine how horrible that must have been to lay there in that much pain while you waited for someone to help you. You poor thing.

I hope you heal up super quickly and can get back to work soon.

 

[Steppesister]

Mostly in the gift shop.

Are you talking about Steppe?! It's like you don't know her at ALL.

You don't bring your boom box along on the plane?

Dude, I don't even bring my underwear on the plane.

Sounds like me at the grocery store. I pick the wrong line every single time.

Murphy is alive and well, my friend!

Cool! Thanks for posting that.

You're welcome. I love when I learn stuff like that!

Wow, so cool! That must make for some fascinating conversations.

I really wish I'd have had some more time with him.

But Chevy is owned by GM...

Again, I ask, since when do facts matter at ALL on this TR?

Well, thank goodness! That would be a crime against humanity.

Okay, I'm gonna bare my soul and expose my deepest confession. I really don't LOVE cronuts. I do LIKE them, and will (and have) share one with friend, but given a choice between that and say... Rice Cream, I won't go out of my way.

I want to be sent out to explore uncharted territory.

Then may you be ever blessed with unlimited warp speed and a legion of Red Shirts.

What. The. Heck?! I have never, ever seen that line longer than a 10 minute wait.

I've never seen it longer than a walk on.

As I like to say, Journey Into Imagination is ironically the least imaginative ride in all of Disney World.

I'll give you that, and yet.... it is Figment.

Looks like a bus. So I think the sign means "No riding on buses".

Then they'd better provide horse-drawn carriages.

Proper lipstick for Dapper Days?

But, if you're truly thinking like Steppe... you're not. She'd forget to put it in her purse.

I mostly got clothes this year. One was a cool Philadelphia Eagles t-shirt with throwback logo/colors. I've now transitioned to the point where my favorite part of Christmas is watching the kids open their gifts. We got our kids a new Xbox this year and it was great to watch Scotty jump up and down in excitement.

Awww, that's a real milestone.

Nope. I have no self-discipline whatsoever.

Heh. I wish it were an elite club, but it's still prestigious.

That was from A Christmas Story. When they go to the Chinese restaurant for their family Christmas dinner and they get served a goose with the head still attached. "It's smiling at me."

I may be banned from my own halls, but... I've never seen it.

 

[Steppesister]

I received a package in the mail the other day. It was a "major award" but had no "Fragile" on it... I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I was getting a package. Then when I opened it up, I was amazed! Thank you so much! The piece of fabric is just beautiful. I have already put together a fabric group and am going to put it as a focal piece of a quilt. I have never made one for myself, always for others, so this will give me the oppurtunity too make one for me.

Thank you again! It is just lovely!

I"m SO glad you like it!

And I'm doubly blessed in the giving that you're making a quilt from it for your very own!! You're very welcome!

 

[Steppesister]

That's why we love you.

That I can be brainless?

I have to do that too, from time to time.

I suspect our reasons may differ.

I suspect you are very right! LOL!

Eep! Day 1. Arrived in Sierra Leone. Day 2. Spent day in hospital with broken leg after falling in shower.... again.

I was more concerned about whether they had catgut or staples to close a head wound.

Interesting about the bread. I wonder why they flatten it?

I don't think it was intentional. I think it was careless handling and just ended up that way.

Aren't you so glad that everything got rearranged?


No?

No.

Looks pretty good.
Is the meat Spam by any chance?
Just curious, since it's such a staple in Hawaii.

I think, not sure I'm right, but I think Spam is pork. Pork is a no-go and in the most part pretty hard to find.

No? More of a French toast kinda gal?

No. And yet, oddly that's what I had for breakfast this morning.

Yes. Agree completely. Your hosts are trying hard to please you. It's rude to not thank them.

Only problem there is, if you really don't like it... you can't just pop over to McDonalds after.

It's equally rude to not eat the food. If exotic food that is different from what you are used to gives you second thoughts, best to stay home.

Again... aren't you glad everything was rearranged?

No.

Really? I'm a bit surprised by that.
I'd have thought that you'd have everything written down and accounted for.

Yes, I really should have. But there were also precious few free hours on this end of the trip as well. A lot of those supplies were donated by my own surgical center and a nearby hospital so it'd had to have been done in the last week before travel. There was NO WAY that was going to happen. But, yes, lesson learned.

Yes. Keep drinking. Don't want to get dehydrated.

I think I spent 90% of my time there legit dehydrated. XP

A few things I note from your view.
The palm tree certainly looks familiar. For whatever reason, I wasn't expecting that.
Hillier than I imagined it. For some reason I thought it'd be more flat. Which is stupid considering the loss of life from the mudslide not long ago.
Razor wire surrounding you. I would've thought that the barred windows would be enough.

It was very tropical and junglelike. Yet, less so than say Brazil or Thailand. A lot of grasslands too with hardwood trees. You'll see more in later chapters.

Yes, the coastal area near Freetown is VERY hilly. ALL the roads are VERY steep and on bedrock which makes for some treacherous driving during rainy season. Every house had either razor wire or embedded broken glass for security as well. It kept out intruders from the "yard"/compound.

Pretty! Could you hear it, or was there too much surrounding noise?

Yes, you could hear the rush of water in the distance. But it only lasted a couple of days, then dried up.

I think it will take a major corporation or a lot of money from some other source to make that happen.

I think you're right. But even with, the corruption is so deeply embedded I think that'll never happen.

Okay! You could restrict yourself... but that's not gonna happen, is it?

Nope. Not a chance.

Awwww.... cute.
Remind you of yours?

Not anymore. Ours are all grown up and not so fluffy anymore. Cute, but not baby goat cute.

Nice shot!
Like I said, you've got a good eye.

Thanks! This is one of my Top 10 faves from the trip.

Wow. I can't even properly picture this. Outside my realm of experience.

Yeah, I think it's a see-it-to-believe-it kind of scene.

Ugh.... I hope you and Bek got the windows at least.

Most of the time we did, but not always.

This does not sound..... pleasant.

And yet..... I'm kind of envious. It is a totally different experience. The whole trip is, really. Most of us will never be able to say we've done something similar. Or comparable.

It was as different as I've ever experienced as well... I want to keep traveling but I doubt I'll ever see anything like this again.

Why?

I just didn't want to offend anyone along the way. I know some people, especially in other cultures can be very sensitive about their photo being taken.

Love this shot. Love the colour in her dress.

Also in my Top 10 faves! I too LOVE the colors in it.

You know.... I'm kinda not seeing it. I'm so interested in everything else that I'm.... kinda blind to it.

If you were there it'd be shocking to you. The trash literally COVERED the ground. It was in the rivers, streets, everywhere.

How do you know that?!?!?!?

I asked.

There are our heroes!

Nah, just doing what we went there to do.

I don't see schwarma as being all that... exotic.
And yet... I've never had it! Here, their so big, and I'm just not that hungry. Maybe next time I go to a football game I'll get one anyway.

These were quite small. MUCH larger here too. And I love them. Also, these had a more crispy wrap. The ones around here are soft.

Oh? I didn't know that! Huh!

Yep.

Wait... but you didn't????
Shame on you!!

It was too late by the time I realized it! LOL!

Convenient, perhaps?

I think likely. Yes.

Just run to Walmart and get another one! Sheesh!


No?

I doubt there is one in the country. Mine.

It is not an unflattering photo. You both look pretty darn good considering the heat and humidity (not to mention jet lag).

But I did want to come back to your choice of clothing that you'd mentioned earlier.
I do see that Liz has bare legs. So your leggings were not necessary after all.
I guess... it may be that the main religion is Islam, but it's still flippin' hot!

No, they weren't at all. I went without the rest of the trip. Plus, while they may be wearing hijabs if Muslim, they are also used to/acclimated to that climate.

I remember how shocked I was.
I had gone from Churchill, just south of the Arctic circle, where you could follow the sun's position around the sky all night long, to Hawaii (not much different latitude from Sierra Leone) where the sun simply.... vanished... almost instantly.

Isn't it weird? When we lived in Ecuador it was the same.

This surprises me not at all.
They probably don't all have smart phones and are glued to them.

No, but all the adult do. They constantly text and call. Not unlike any human in the West.

Nice! A restaurant... excuse me, restuarant just outside your office.
Convenient.

Nope. Turns out it was not a restaurant, but a house. I think it was just built over that sign with no regard to it.

And a supermarket too. What more do you need???

I really wish I could have gone into that supermarket. I'd have liked to have known what was in there.

Did you try her soup? Just to taste?

I did, and it was quite good. It was an egg/mushroom soup and I'd have been happy with it as well.

Nope. Don't apologize. I'm drinking in each and every photo (and devouring every word you write) of your Africa trip.

Thanks! Not sure where everyone went, but glad to have you along!!

Ugh... not fun.

I did say this was an adventure, didn't I?

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

There were many, MANY "just keep swimming" moments.

Okay, that's 2.

2 ?? photos with stuff on heads. Oh no... look more closely. Or 2 good photos?

Actually, I'm impressed that she can gesture with both hands while maintaining that load on her head. Very impressed.

They all could. There were very few times I saw people carrying stuff on their heads that needed hand help.

 

[pkondz]

I suppose. But it'd be more of one to get all the way to Asia.

Nah. Those aren't far. Sure, one's all the way across the pond, but the other is only halfway, going clockwise.

But, but... they're small bites.

Well....... maybe.

That I can be brainless?

I did not say that!

I was more concerned about whether they had catgut or staples to close a head wound.

Oh! Head wounds? No problem. They just seal the wound with feces or raw sewage. It'll close up in no time!

I don't think it was intentional. I think it was careless handling and just ended up that way.

"Herb..."
"What?"
"You stepped on that slice of bread."
"Oh. Sorry. I'll pick it up."
"Herb.."
"What??"
"You did it again."
"Oh, did I? Sorry."
"Herb!!"
...

No.

Bit of a sore spot?

I think, not sure I'm right, but I think Spam is pork. Pork is a no-go and in the most part pretty hard to find.

Yup. Had to look it up but:
"a canned meat product made mainly from ham."

It's the "mainly" part that's worrisome.

No. And yet, oddly that's what I had for breakfast this morning.

Called it!

It's equally rude to not eat the food. If exotic food that is different from what you are used to gives you second thoughts, best to stay home.

Agreed.

No.

Yup. Definitely a sore spot.

Yes, I really should have. But there were also precious few free hours on this end of the trip as well. A lot of those supplies were donated by my own surgical center and a nearby hospital so it'd had to have been done in the last week before travel. There was NO WAY that was going to happen. But, yes, lesson learned.

No, of course not. According

I think I spent 90% of my time there legit dehydrated. XP

Um.... that's not good.

It was very tropical and junglelike. Yet, less so than say Brazil or Thailand.

Huh. Of course, never having been to South America or Asia, that means absolutely nothing to me.

A lot of grasslands too with hardwood trees. You'll see more in later chapters.

Can't wait! For reals!

Yes, the coastal area near Freetown is VERY hilly. ALL the roads are VERY steep and on bedrock which makes for some treacherous driving during rainy season.

Scary stuff. When is rainy season?

Every house had either razor wire or embedded broken glass for security as well. It kept out intruders from the "yard"/compound.

I've seen that... but only in pictures or movies.

Yes, you could hear the rush of water in the distance. But it only lasted a couple of days, then dried up.

That too is pretty far from my wheelhouse. I'm so used to water just always.... being there.

I think you're right. But even with, the corruption is so deeply embedded I think that'll never happen.

That thought had crossed my mind.
Getting past that would be tough.
It would be like someone saying to you "Just stop using soap."

Thanks! This is one of my Top 10 faves from the trip.

Yeah, I think it's a see-it-to-believe-it kind of scene.

I see. I believe you.

Most of the time we did, but not always.

That would be tough.... seriously.
Survivable, of course... but not fun.

It was as different as I've ever experienced as well... I want to keep traveling but I doubt I'll ever see anything like this again.

Not until the next time you go to Sierra Leone, at least.

I just didn't want to offend anyone along the way. I know some people, especially in other cultures can be very sensitive about their photo being taken.

I have yet to encounter that.
I typically don't shoot people
(unless it's obvious.... in a studio.)
Mostly, if I'm shooting landscapes or scenics, I'm doing so in Canada or the US. And I know the laws there (expectation of privacy, etc) so don't worry.

If you were there it'd be shocking to you. The trash literally COVERED the ground. It was in the rivers, streets, everywhere.

Yes, I suppose it would. But... I'm seeing it differently through your photos.
Unless later you deliberately shoot the garbage, just to show us.

Nah, just doing what we went there to do.

I stand by what I said.

These were quite small. MUCH larger here too. And I love them. Also, these had a more crispy wrap. The ones around here are soft.

Interesting. It didn't look crispy and I'm surprised to hear that.

No, they weren't at all. I went without the rest of the trip.

That's good.

Plus, while they may be wearing hijabs if Muslim, they are also used to/acclimated to that climate.

Acclimatization is huge. I don't mind freezing weather.... except in the fall... because I'm not used to it yet.

Isn't it weird? When we lived in Ecuador it was the same.

No, but all the adult do. They constantly text and call. Not unlike any human in the West.

But at a much less expensive rate.

Nope. Turns out it was not a restaurant, but a house. I think it was just built over that sign with no regard to it.

Really! That's cool! I like that!

I really wish I could have gone into that supermarket. I'd have liked to have known what was in there.

At first when I read that I was surprised.
"She didn't go across the street?"
But then I remembered that you weren't there as tourists, but to work.

Thanks! Not sure where everyone went, but glad to have you along!!

It's the holidays. They'll be along shortly.

There were many, MANY "just keep swimming" moments.

2 ?? photos with stuff on heads. Oh no... look more closely. Or 2 good photos?

I counted at least 6-7 people with stuff on heads... but only two photos where that is the main subject.

They all could. There were very few times I saw people carrying stuff on their heads that needed hand help.

Like riding a bike, I suppose. Heck... even walking on two legs. How do we do that without falling over?

 

[franandaj]

While not a meal I’d choose (ever), when that’s what is offered, one puts on a smile, graciously accepts, and chooses to be thankful.

That's why you're a better person than me. I could never embark on a journey like this because I just can't relinquish control. Especially over my food. Notice we have ended up settling on two of my favorite restaurants during the April trip.

There, in the middle of abject squalor, lay this thing of beauty.

How nice that you can see the beauty in the middle of all this.

While the men changed the tire, I took the opportunity to wander a bit and found a few scenes worth taking a shot at. I was quickly fomenting a love affair with all things involving carrying things on heads. This is a deep mystery to me as to how it’s done.

I wonder if they have more or less neck/back problems than people who don't have strong necks from carrying things on their heads all their lives.

Suffocating in clean air is bad enough, but throw in the exhaust from a few dozen cars only feet from you, which have never seen an emissions test, the term “I might actually die in here” frequented my thoughts.

Yeah, another reason to take this off my "travel list" before it even made it on there.

I believe it took almost an hour and a half to travel the distance from Ahmed’s home to the office, being on completely opposite ends of the city.

Please note the degree of filth:

Another thing I couldn't deal with. I can't imagine how those stores and such look up close.

Anything. Luckily, someone suggested we be taken out to some fast food that would be somewhat unique to our trip- schwarma and fries. Fighting traffic, but not for too long, we ended up at a little hole in the wall place that was clean and smelled delicious. The menu was very limited to fried chicken, fries, schwarma, and a few other things,

Now this I could be OK with!

I know this is not the most flattering photo of me, but I included it to show that I was not kidding when I told you I was wet with sweat.

Caption: "You gotta be kidding me...."

Ahmed called ahead and ordered for us. While it sounded awesome, you could order: Chicken fried rice or eggdrop soup. Luckily, I like both, but opted for rice.

I like both of them too, so I would have been OK for two out of three meals today.

Did I mention that on top of the heat, fumes, and lack of personal space was throbbing music? The car headaches were a very real thing. We passed many scenes as foreign to us as a fish on land.

I don't know how you made it another 10? How many days?

Not even to each other?

She buys herself anything that she wants, usually on eBay. She does buy me gifts, but it's more like she forwards me the item on the internet and asks me if I want it...then when the package arrives, she opens it and says...here's your shirt....or whatever it is. It's kind of anti climactic.

 

[franandaj]

Okay, I'm gonna bare my soul and expose my deepest confession. I really don't LOVE cronuts. I do LIKE them, and will (and have) share one with friend, but given a choice between that and say... Rice Cream, I won't go out of my way.

I'm gonna say that I'm not a huge cronut fan, give me a regular old sugared donut made with yeast that it all fluffy and I'm a happy camper. We have a great donut store in Long Beach with a drive through where we sometimes break down and get one.

It's the "mainly" part that's worrisome.

Yeah, hence the reason I was so wary of trying it. Fran loves it and once I took a teeny tiny bite. Once.

I've seen that... but only in pictures or movies.

Well when you come So Cal, I can point you in the direction of several places you'll see it in person!

 

[pkondz]

I wonder if they have more or less neck/back problems than people who don't have strong necks from carrying things on their heads all their lives.

Good question!

Yeah, hence the reason I was so wary of trying it. Fran loves it and once I took a teeny tiny bite. Once.

It's huge in Hawaii.
Kay was just talking about it the other day. Rice, fried (or grilled?) Spam on top, wrapped in seaweed. Yum!
No... seriously... Yum!

Well when you come So Cal, I can point you in the direction of several places you'll see it in person!

Really?!?!? In So Cal??? I'm... pretty darned surprised!

 

[Steppesister]

Well....... maybe.

YAY!!!

Oh! Head wounds? No problem. They just seal the wound with feces or raw sewage. It'll close up in no time!

Sooo many folk remedies!

"Herb..."
"What?"
"You stepped on that slice of bread."
"Oh. Sorry. I'll pick it up."
"Herb.."
"What??"
"You did it again."
"Oh, did I? Sorry."
"Herb!!"
...

I think it was more like poor storage and handing in general. No idea.

Yup. Had to look it up but:
"a canned meat product made mainly from ham."

It's the "mainly" part that's worrisome.

I actually like it now and again. I've posted this recipe before, but will again:

Grind up Spam, add a can of chopped black olives, a small can of tomato sauce, a 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese, some finely grated onion, mix. Spread into hollowed out french rolls, broil on low until hot and cooked through. Definitely NOT Halal OR Kosher.

No, of course not. According

According...?

Um.... that's not good.

Nope.

Huh. Of course, never having been to South America or Asia, that means absolutely nothing to me.

We need to get you out more!

Scary stuff. When is rainy season?

I think it'd just ended when we got there.

That too is pretty far from my wheelhouse. I'm so used to water just always.... being there.

Yes! We Oregonians are very used to water. Everywhere. All the time.

That thought had crossed my mind.
Getting past that would be tough.
It would be like someone saying to you "Just stop using soap."

Pretty much.

That would be tough.... seriously.
Survivable, of course... but not fun.

It just meant the difference between sweat and a lot MORE sweat.

Not until the next time you go to Sierra Leone, at least.

I really don't know if there'll be a next time.

I have yet to encounter that.
I typically don't shoot people
(unless it's obvious.... in a studio.)
Mostly, if I'm shooting landscapes or scenics, I'm doing so in Canada or the US. And I know the laws there (expectation of privacy, etc) so don't worry.

Me neither honestly. I"m WAY too scared to do events. And landscape photography is just more... me.

Acclimatization is huge. I don't mind freezing weather.... except in the fall... because I'm not used to it yet.

I don't know if I'll EVER get used to or like cold weather. Cold being anything under say.... 72.

At first when I read that I was surprised.
"She didn't go across the street?"
But then I remembered that you weren't there as tourists, but to work.

I really wanted to, and DID have enough time for all the sitting around we did. But I never knew when that sitting around would happen.

It's the holidays. They'll be along shortly.

Mhmm..

Hello...? Anyone out there?? Anyone?


Anyone?

I counted at least 6-7 people with stuff on heads... but only two photos where that is the main subject.

THose were the 2 that I did get bold enough to do that. I do have more coming up later.

 

[franandaj]

Grind up Spam, add a can of chopped black olives, a small can of tomato sauce, a 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese, some finely grated onion, mix. Spread into hollowed out french rolls, broil on low until hot and cooked through. Definitely NOT Halal OR Kosher.

you lost me at spam, but then olives and I bailed out the window!

Yes! We Oregonians are very used to water. Everywhere. All the time.

Quite a change from your So Cal upbringing where we never get rain.

I don't know if I'll EVER get used to or like cold weather. Cold being anything under say.... 72.

That's about the point we So Cal folks are uncomfortable. Today it was 61 while I pumped gas and I was cold. I didn't have a jacket or overshirt and for the 10 minutes that I was out there, it was almost invigorating!

 

[pkondz]

Sooo many folk remedies!

"remedies"...

I actually like it now and again. I've posted this recipe before, but will again:

Grind up Spam, add a can of chopped black olives, a small can of tomato sauce, a 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese, some finely grated onion, mix. Spread into hollowed out french rolls, broil on low until hot and cooked through. Definitely NOT Halal OR Kosher.

Uh huh, uh... black olives???

According...?

That's weird. I typed it out. Must've gotten deleted somehow.
Here's what it was supposed to say.

No, of course not. According to your own TR, you were in Disney the week before you traveled to Africa, so it would've not been possible to do a proper inventory on items donated just prior to travel.

We need to get you out more!

I suppose. I've lived a sheltered life.
Because if I wasn't in a shelter, I'd have frozen to death.

Yes! We Oregonians are very used to water. Everywhere. All the time.

I really don't know if there'll be a next time.

Ah.

I don't know if I'll EVER get used to or like cold weather. Cold being anything under say.... 72.

Kelvin? Man! That's cold!

I really wanted to, and DID have enough time for all the sitting around we did. But I never knew when that sitting around would happen.

Not quite in control of the agenda.

 

[MeghanEmily]

“Bus driver, Sir, can you tell me what that sign at the back of the bus means?”

“Ma’am, we’ve been debating that for 20 years. We have no idea!”

No way!! I've long wondered what that icon is for...good to know even the bus drivers don't know!! You'd think it would be part of their training or something...

#thisholidayhostessisexhausted (I'll bet you looked at that one twice)

I sure did! but since "hausted" isn't a word, I knew to go back and read more carefully.

(Remember when NariPoo pantsed herself in front of the entire patronage of Coral Reef? )

How could we possibly forget!?

lovely!

 

[irene_dsc]

That's about the point we So Cal folks are uncomfortable. Today it was 61 while I pumped gas and I was cold. I didn't have a jacket or overshirt and for the 10 minutes that I was out there, it was almost invigorating!

So, I'm behind on actual TR quoting, but this cracked me up. One of dd's friends went to Tampa over Winter Break, and he was telling everyone how it got to 60 degrees, and people were wearing earmuffs. She thought that was pretty much the funniest thing ever...

 

[MeghanEmily]

While not a meal I’d choose (ever), when that’s what is offered, one puts on a smile, graciously accepts, and chooses to be thankful.

Absolutely! You could have done much worse than this, I'm sure. Protein, fat, and carbs sounds like a legit way to start the day!

The plan for the day was to head to the office to sort the (twice-already-sorted, then unsorted) medical supplies we’d traveled with.

Beautiful!!

Bek and I chose to split the schwarma that ended up being quite spicy, but not overly so, and an order of fries. The 2 guys who took us to lunch (both Freetown Office Teammates) ordered the chicken and fries. It had only just then occurred to me that today was American Thanksgiving. I quipped to Betty and Bek that it was wholly appropriate that they order poultry and potatoes on this important holiday.

Hahaha excellent point! Just like Thanksgiving dinner! ...kinda.

Ahmed announced we would be going to "Chinatown" for dinner. Intrigued I was!

While it sounded awesome, you could order: Chicken fried rice or eggdrop soup. Luckily, I like both, but opted for rice. Bekka got the soup and nibbled a bit of my rice as well. It was quite delicious despite the limited choices, and a cold Coca Cola product always helps most everything go down better.

Neat!! I guess everywhere you go you can find a Chinatown...even if it's only one building!

 

[irene_dsc]

(the cynical side of me screamed, “Just find my French Press.”)

Priorities... I gotta agree with yours!

Now… I’ll bet you’re wondering about this “Chinatown”. Its entirety was one building that housed a hotel, presumably for Chinese tourists or businessfolk and this restaurant and event venue

This is definitely an interesting version of Chinatown!

 

[Steppesister]

This is the 3rd time I've multi-quoted these and tried to respond. Let's see if I can make it through this time.

That's why you're a better person than me. I could never embark on a journey like this because I just can't relinquish control. Especially over my food. Notice we have ended up settling on two of my favorite restaurants during the April trip.

There was definitely a loss of control. Food, schedule, quality standards, organization, etc.... But I got to see things few people do, so I'll take the trade-off.

But, as for food on the April trip... I'm completely OKAY with everything we've talked about and actually am super excited to go to them. So, they may be YOUR favorite restaurants, I'm sure we will all enjoy them a lot.

How nice that you can see the beauty in the middle of all this.

There were many beautiful things there is you looked past the hard. I hope some of the future chapters will show some of that.

I wonder if they have more or less neck/back problems than people who don't have strong necks from carrying things on their heads all their lives.

I totally wondered that too! It'd be very interesting to do a study on that. I know that carrying stuff in your arms in front of you can cause back and neck issues too, so to do a comparative study would be cool.

Yeah, another reason to take this off my "travel list" before it even made it on there.

I think even for me there are a TON of other places I'd go for pleasure travel first.

Another thing I couldn't deal with. I can't imagine how those stores and such look up close.

Without water readily available, it's hard to really get in there and clean well.

I like both of them too, so I would have been OK for two out of three meals today.

YOu'd have liked this, I think. Both tasted very much like we'd get here in the States.

I don't know how you made it another 10? How many days?

November 22- Dec. 2

She buys herself anything that she wants, usually on eBay. She does buy me gifts, but it's more like she forwards me the item on the internet and asks me if I want it...then when the package arrives, she opens it and says...here's your shirt....or whatever it is. It's kind of anti climactic.

Yeah, I can see how that would be sort of anti-climactic. Gifts, but... not really.

 

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I'm gonna say that I'm not a huge cronut fan, give me a regular old sugared donut made with yeast that it all fluffy and I'm a happy camper. We have a great donut store in Long Beach with a drive through where we sometimes break down and get one.

I like the yeast donuts too. Light and fluffy. MMM! I RARELY do donuts at all, but every great once in a while, I'll break down and snarf one.

Yeah, hence the reason I was so wary of trying it. Fran loves it and once I took a teeny tiny bite. Once.

I think it's just something you either love or hate. I've never come across someone who'd only ambivalent.

Kay was just talking about it the other day. Rice, fried (or grilled?) Spam on top, wrapped in seaweed. Yum!
No... seriously... Yum!

That sounds delicious, actually. I'd try that.

you lost me at spam, but then olives and I bailed out the window!

Yeah, I didn't think you'd like this one.

Quite a change from your So Cal upbringing where we never get rain.

Did I mention how much I hate it here?

That's about the point we So Cal folks are uncomfortable. Today it was 61 while I pumped gas and I was cold. I didn't have a jacket or overshirt and for the 10 minutes that I was out there, it was almost invigorating!

I have NEVER stopped loving my SoCal climate. There is NOTHING better than a perfect 72 with a slight salty breeze shopping in San Diego or walking on the Santa Monica Pier.

 

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"remedies"...

Folk remedies that probably do more harm than good. Some may do some good- like washing a newborn baby in salt. Others, like putting poop on a wound, not so much.

Uh huh, uh... black olives???

Poison. I know.

That's weird. I typed it out. Must've gotten deleted somehow.
Here's what it was supposed to say.

No, of course not. According to your own TR, you were in Disney the week before you traveled to Africa, so it would've not been possible to do a proper inventory on items donated just prior to travel.

Correct. Bek and I packed the last few things up just a few days before I left and I didn't see those boxes again until we got to the airport.

I suppose. I've lived a sheltered life.
Because if I wasn't in a shelter, I'd have frozen to death.

But you had a hot meal, though right?

Kelvin? Man! That's cold!

Not quite in control of the agenda.

Not in control of agenda, traffic, weather, food.... shall I continue?

 

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No way!! I've long wondered what that icon is for...good to know even the bus drivers don't know!! You'd think it would be part of their training or something...

You'd sure think so. That or they just leave it there as a conversation piece. Or to be a distraction fromSe the fact that the bus is 31 degrees and you're freezing to death.

I sure did! but since "hausted" isn't a word, I knew to go back and read more carefully.

See?! SEE!?

LOL!

How could we possibly forget!?

Oh, I love that story.

lovely!

Thanks!

Absolutely! You could have done much worse than this, I'm sure. Protein, fat, and carbs sounds like a legit way to start the day!

Oh for sure. Not terrible by any means, but not Eggs Benedict either.

Beautiful!!

I loved the tropical landscape.

Hahaha excellent point! Just like Thanksgiving dinner! ...kinda.

Just!

LOL!

Just needed some cranberries in there.

Neat!! I guess everywhere you go you can find a Chinatown...even if it's only one building!

I think so! There's been one in nearly every place I've traveled.