tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45209726287584838482024-02-01T22:17:17.520-06:00Travel is FatalAllihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.comBlogger672125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-25389899911201764112021-08-31T10:04:00.002-05:002021-08-31T10:04:42.044-05:00K+A Are Fifteen!<iframe allow="fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/10839498364_KkSc9DB?width=640&height=720&albumId=263168603&albumKey=sTwDg6" width="640"></iframe>
<p> </p>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-44761873669787130062020-09-02T17:58:00.000-05:002020-09-02T17:58:08.827-05:00K+A Are Fourteen!<p> </p>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/9739490753_KkFKQSk?width=640&height=720&albumId=218912881&albumKey=ffJWTd" width="1280"></iframe>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-32248268366967114102019-08-26T12:51:00.000-05:002019-09-03T12:52:40.492-05:00K+A Are Thirteen!<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="361" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/357593169" width="640"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/357593169">K+A Thirteen</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-44362787997288385792019-08-14T08:43:00.001-05:002019-08-14T08:43:26.848-05:00Back to Singapore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pP4JmR7/0/e2a64786/X3/i-pP4JmR7-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pP4JmR7/0/e2a64786/X3/i-pP4JmR7-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Well *this* was a long time coming. The whole purpose of our trip, coming back to our old home, where we left just a short 7 years ago with our baby Hamish. But truthfully, after front-loading our trip visiting HK, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it felt unfortunately a little bit like an afterthought, an "okay, one more country, *then* we can go home". This is kind of reflected in our journaling from our time there. That said, we (adults) were very excited to be back, and Hamish was also pretty excited, wanting to tell strangers we passed that she was born in Singapore! And our friends saved the day, stepping up in every way to make us feel welcome and loved.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Before I get into that, I promised I'd report our home exchange. It was interesting. We knew that we would have the upper floor of a family's home, but we were told it was really two different apartments. I assumed that meant separate entrances, but it did not. When I arrived after dark, I knocked on the door at the home address, and the family's helper answered the door. She was not expecting me until the next day for some reason (I double checked correspondence and we were correct on dates), and was confused for a moment, but then realized we were the exchangers. I'm still asking her "ok, how do we get upstairs?" (looking for an external stairwell), and she of course invites me in. Bottom line, the parents were gone on their trip, and they left their two children with their two helpers (the live-in maids that are very common in Singapore). We had the upstairs to ourselves, but we had to go through their living room to get there, the refrigerator was downstairs, and the helpers still came upstairs to clean up after us and such. It felt kind of strange at the outset, but we learned to accept that it was just a little more of a shared space than we had anticipated. And that the helpers were happy to do our laundry or leave us fruit for breakfast (definitely an upgrade from the average home exchange experience where our goal is to leave no trace, essentially). We did have a door to our upstairs area that we could close and lock. We did so the first night. However, I made the mistake when we left the next day of pulling the door closed behind me. It wasn't actually locked-- the deadbolt was not set-- but there was no knob to turn on the outside and thus no way to open the door again except with a key-- the one I left inside as I wasn't intending to lock the door. We did not realize this until returning from our day, and one of the helpers said no big deal, grabbed a hammer, and had successfully destroyed the lock in no time. So... we didn't have that problem again. Clearly they never shut that door. So they also weren't concerned about the lock being broken. There were also some additional interesting things- they had a swing in our living room, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VGhN7sR/0/2b266f6c/X3/i-VGhN7sR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VGhN7sR/0/2b266f6c/X3/i-VGhN7sR-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
which the kids quite enjoyed, and a zipline in the living room downstairs. Almost every time we passed through, the younger daughter (5) wanted to know if ours could play. Unfortunately, she was on a late schedule, and we were usually passing her on our way to bed. The zipline was still used several times.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Friday, June 29)</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We had a good night's sleep once we got in our place. I think most of us were up about 7, and Alli was reading to the kids while I finished my snooze.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tHwxrM8/0/5fdbd38b/X3/i-tHwxrM8-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tHwxrM8/0/5fdbd38b/X3/i-tHwxrM8-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We were a little concerned about coming downstairs and waking someone up too early, but after a while we came down and made use of the cereal and fruit left for us, and figured out how to get tea and coffee prepared. I was actually not feeling too great this morning. I said before that we all stayed pretty healthy for the whole trip, which is true, but I seemed to pick something up somewhere in Cambodia that was never bad enough to really cancel plans, but was making my mornings unpleasant... On this morning, I said I wasn't ready to venture out into the city, So Alli took the kids and headed straight for Orchard, partially with the intent of picking up some MRT cards. Thankfully, in addition to picking us up from the airport and procuring our dinner, Germaine brought us prepaid SIM cards, so once again Alli and I could contact each other easily, call taxis, etc. Even though we have a sort-of-joke "rule" about not leaving each other in foreign countries, we find that being able to text one another, find each other's location, etc. is so valuable when on vacation. Sometimes we text each other from the front to back of a taxi, because we are discussing something that we don't need the kids weighing in on. </div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Alli had her taxi take her to Takashimaya, just one portion of many interconnected sprawling malls. Alli and I used to meet in the basement food court for pho with some regularity. I had also suggested getting some Ya Kun Kaya toast, and this was available in the basement here. She and the kids mostly wandered through the malls at first.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Wxr38Lf/0/b204bf5b/X3/i-Wxr38Lf-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Wxr38Lf/0/b204bf5b/X3/i-Wxr38Lf-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And she snapped a good photo of the rule followers that are Singaporeans.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-h7cprXw/0/bfd0e586/X3/i-h7cprXw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-h7cprXw/0/bfd0e586/X3/i-h7cprXw-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
I tried to rest longer, but I felt pretty guilty and like I was going to miss out, so as soon as I felt able, I got myself up and came to meet them in the Takashimaya basement for lunch.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Hamish was excitedly surveying the food stall options and interested in all of the noodle dishes. We tried a few different things-- noodles with chicken, wanton noodles, kaya french toast (I'm a fan, they don't slather the kaya (a pandan-based jelly) on as with normal kaya toast but provide it as a dip). The kids tried it all and generally enjoyed noodles. We ventured from here to get our MRT passes. I think we were considering taking a bus or MRT back home for naptime, but as often turned out to be the case, a taxi was only slightly more expensive for the family and much faster.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5423jDX/0/a5b5fb14/X3/i-5423jDX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5423jDX/0/a5b5fb14/X3/i-5423jDX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
So we did our midday rest thing. Then we had our first outing to meet friends Bryan and Kris and kids, followed shortly thereafter by Amanda, her helper, and kids. We met at Gardens by the Bay, which was finished after we left Singapore. It is a large area with way more than we got to see, but our friends advised at first to just meet at the free kids splash pad.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Bryan and Kris brought us Old Chang Kee curry puffs and assorted treats for the kids. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TL7kPHc/0/d773f4f2/X3/i-TL7kPHc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TL7kPHc/0/d773f4f2/X3/i-TL7kPHc-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The kids made pretty fast friends, as they do, and enjoyed the water play.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHrJ4z3/0/26f6760b/X3/i-pHrJ4z3-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHrJ4z3/0/26f6760b/X3/i-pHrJ4z3-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qpw4zF5/0/9902bf15/X3/i-qpw4zF5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qpw4zF5/0/9902bf15/X3/i-qpw4zF5-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
When the sun got low in the sky and blinded the adults, we all moved from water play into an adjacent area with sand, slides, and climbing structures, and the kids played on and on. Before long we walked a short distance to an outdoor food court. We had a feast of satay, grilled swordfish, chicken and rice (a distinction, the chicken rice stall was closed, this was chicken *and* rice, so different), followed by iced kacang. The kids mostly sat at their own table so the adults could converse.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fhB9V8X/0/069a5cb1/X3/i-fhB9V8X-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fhB9V8X/0/069a5cb1/X3/i-fhB9V8X-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jhNJpQ6/1/4df6b658/X3/i-jhNJpQ6-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jhNJpQ6/1/4df6b658/X3/i-jhNJpQ6-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
After dinner we walked to the supertree structures for a light show to the theme of Toy Story 4. It was kind of neat, but Manimal kept asking if the show would start soon... He was anticipating more of a movie he could watch, not a 10 minute light show. Finally we were in a taxi back to our place to drop Alli and the kids off to bed, while I carried on in our taxi to a nearby grocery store, where I managed to buy a few things on our list in record time, arriving about 10 minutes before the store closed.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Saturday, June 29)</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We continued to sleep in, later and later with each passing day. The kids had their own room with many sleeping options. Twin bunk beds and also a mat that could be pulled out so someone could sleep on the floor. Manimal wanted top bunk, and we weren't quite comfortable with this (very hard floor), but Hamish didn't want to climb up there. Nobody was interested in the floor. They mostly slept like this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SSvnWn3/1/ad24b131/X3/i-SSvnWn3-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SSvnWn3/1/ad24b131/X3/i-SSvnWn3-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We continued our morning routine of cereal and fruit, now using some of what I'd purchased on my grocery run the night before. Then we were off in a taxi again to Hort Park to meet James and daughter, Kelvin and son, and Reuben and kids. It was a good choice (thanks for planning, Germaine!) where the kids ran around playing in several different playground areas while we could chat and try to hide from the sun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7tsGhr4/0/d475dbf1/X3/i-7tsGhr4-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7tsGhr4/0/d475dbf1/X3/i-7tsGhr4-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PBQtvzP/0/a9157b7f/X3/i-PBQtvzP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PBQtvzP/0/a9157b7f/X3/i-PBQtvzP-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-R73nq2r/0/ee5ee09f/X3/i-R73nq2r-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-R73nq2r/0/ee5ee09f/X3/i-R73nq2r-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QBn5b5x/0/3d3d7663/X3/i-QBn5b5x-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QBn5b5x/0/3d3d7663/X3/i-QBn5b5x-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Once we were all sufficiently sweaty, we moved on to a big dim sum lunch. Most of our group met Germaine and baby, Ruth, and Bryan and Kris. Reuben had a church commitment, but he left his oldest to spend the day hanging out with us.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We ate heartily, the plates kept coming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5MhTshW/0/eb5cfbc3/X3/i-5MhTshW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5MhTshW/0/eb5cfbc3/X3/i-5MhTshW-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The kids kept playing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B6HTbPk/0/7dbeaf96/X3/i-B6HTbPk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B6HTbPk/0/7dbeaf96/X3/i-B6HTbPk-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And nobody let us pay for a thing!</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We had our midday rest back at home. The girls played cards with our host's youngest while Manimal and I napped.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2gg7hd2/0/6376a1bc/X3/i-2gg7hd2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2gg7hd2/0/6376a1bc/X3/i-2gg7hd2-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And then, once we woke up, of course, we reconvened for food. Mega-food. A DG barbecue at James and Germaine's place to put our old ones to shame. So much good steak. Bacon and mushrooms, scallops, shrimp, more satay, hot dogs, sausage. Non-stop grilling for a couple of hours, and in honor of the situation with kids and everything, it was just a grab-as-you-like, no need to wait until we can all sit down at a table together style party.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lq5Qjj9/0/ac49924b/X3/i-Lq5Qjj9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lq5Qjj9/0/ac49924b/X3/i-Lq5Qjj9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Randy and James did all of the cooking for us. There was also pasta salad on the side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rxj2vD3/0/bb02d3ca/X3/i-rxj2vD3-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rxj2vD3/0/bb02d3ca/X3/i-rxj2vD3-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
As additional fun, we bought gifts for all of the children. Of this group, our Hamish was the first baby. Now there are 10, with one more on the way. It was so cute to see them all playing together in their matching outfits. And it was a lot easier to find them amidst other concurrent grilling parties.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NZJthMS/0/b684c5b6/X3/i-NZJthMS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NZJthMS/0/b684c5b6/X3/i-NZJthMS-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BxdMNQC/0/2043f4ca/X3/i-BxdMNQC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BxdMNQC/0/2043f4ca/X3/i-BxdMNQC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HkpQKHw/0/bc62d8a4/X3/i-HkpQKHw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HkpQKHw/0/bc62d8a4/X3/i-HkpQKHw-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5PWcVDK/0/03bf353c/X3/i-5PWcVDK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5PWcVDK/0/03bf353c/X3/i-5PWcVDK-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
A little rainstorm blew in and ushered us all inside, where some Paw Patrol entertained the children</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mknzLQR/0/455cb0de/X3/i-mknzLQR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mknzLQR/0/455cb0de/X3/i-mknzLQR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And we also got to celebrate Bryan's birthday with some cake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hJQrCQF/0/6cb57603/X3/i-hJQrCQF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hJQrCQF/0/6cb57603/X3/i-hJQrCQF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
It was great being back together with everyone, getting a glimpse into what the DG has evolved into now with the need to "feed" kids and adults. We also got to hand out some random gifts we had shipped over-- food treats from Trader Joe's and specialty coffee.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
A sad part about the rain was that we did not get to eat the durian Kelvin brought me to share (it's not allowed in James' house).</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br />
Eventually it was time for us to make our move and rest for Sunday.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Sunday, June 30)</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">After the typical morning routine,</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zgdb9Tx/0/ba31a3fe/X3/i-zgdb9Tx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zgdb9Tx/0/ba31a3fe/X3/i-zgdb9Tx-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">we made our way back to Adam Road Presbyterian Church. It wasn't entirely clear how many of our friends we would see at the same service, but we did see James and Germaine and kids. Most excitedly, our old pastor continues to faithfully preach the gospel message as he reviewed what had been taught at their church camp. Included in his sermon was Psalm 139, including our verse for our time abroad, </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br />
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, </div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
if I settle on the far side of the sea,<br />
even there your hand will guide me,<br />
your right hand will hold me fast.</div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">He recognized us from the pulpit and excitedly came over to say hello, remembering us and only having forgotten our names. We chatted with him a while and then walked over to Adam Road food center, where we first had lunch with James and Germaine many years ago. I waited in the long line for nasi lemak while Alli, Germaine, and kids ate fresh fruit and juice and prata and more satay. I think I texted asking whether I should be buying more than one serving and received guidance that the kids had eaten pretty well already. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-L4psQkm/0/d4677ff6/X3/i-L4psQkm-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-L4psQkm/0/d4677ff6/X3/i-L4psQkm-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">Wrong. They ate 90% of my nasi lemak that I waited in line for close to an hour for. Well, I was happy that they enjoyed this local specialty anyway. Hamish counts it as a favorite thing discovered on our trip.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VFNX9rw/0/dbc14efe/X3/i-VFNX9rw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VFNX9rw/0/dbc14efe/X3/i-VFNX9rw-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">After lunch, Manimal and I returned to our home exchange while the girls proceeded to tea at the Fullerton Bay Hotel. This was where the girls had thrown a </span><a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2012/05/tea-for-hamish.html" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px;">baby shower for Hamish</a><span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;"> years before. </span><span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">They had a grand time.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4T8rtbK/0/10fb54e9/X3/i-4T8rtbK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4T8rtbK/0/10fb54e9/X3/i-4T8rtbK-X3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XrSwsj5/0/1ff9b1f2/X3/i-XrSwsj5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XrSwsj5/0/1ff9b1f2/X3/i-XrSwsj5-X3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bZ2jZxq/0/b30400ae/X3/i-bZ2jZxq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bZ2jZxq/0/b30400ae/X3/i-bZ2jZxq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Apparently they will just keep bringing you more of those plates full of food.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kvVRRnb/0/f617c0f7/X3/i-kvVRRnb-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" height="512" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kvVRRnb/0/f617c0f7/X3/i-kvVRRnb-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SWtQMqX/0/1c6017fd/X3/i-SWtQMqX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SWtQMqX/0/1c6017fd/X3/i-SWtQMqX-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 53, 53); font-size: 12px;">After eating until they couldn't, we all reconvened to meet friends Jiazi and Bingjun and kids for dinner. Of course. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 53, 53); font-size: 12px;">We had more good food and antics.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pd5ds6z/0/9c38bb75/X3/i-Pd5ds6z-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pd5ds6z/0/9c38bb75/X3/i-Pd5ds6z-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mdm5TCq/0/f2044ce2/X3/i-Mdm5TCq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Mdm5TCq/0/f2044ce2/X3/i-Mdm5TCq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BN3xDsR/0/7ff8e125/X3/i-BN3xDsR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BN3xDsR/0/7ff8e125/X3/i-BN3xDsR-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hf9WxJh/0/b3dbc792/X3/i-hf9WxJh-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hf9WxJh/0/b3dbc792/X3/i-hf9WxJh-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 53, 53); font-size: 12px;">It was great to see them and catch up. Once again, nobody would let us pay for our food.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 53, 53); font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">From here we left for the night safari at the zoo. I was tempted to call this idea off, knowing how late it had already gotten and how late we would be out if we carried through, but I knew it was this night or never, and it did sound like it would be a fun memory. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Our home </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(53, 53, 53); font-size: 12px;">exchange</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"> included a vehicle, so we drove out to the zoo that night and I got to do my first Singapore driving. It was fun to try out, but in the end, we may have been just as well off sticking to taxis. For instance, on this night, we knew that we'd need to pay to park. They have this great electronic system that pays tolls and parking in most lots, kind of like our fastpass and similar. But you have to top it up when it runs low, and if you don't have it connected to your credit card and all, you need to do this manually. Oddly, you can't buy the cards needed to top this up at gas stations, but you can at 7-11's. On the way to the zoo, we had to find a 7-11, which took us significantly out of the way, and then once we found it, there was nowhere to park, and it was in a residential area where people were parking on the street, making many 2-way streets single-lane. I had to drop Alli off and drive around in this mess while she got a card.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">And then, the funny thing was that when we arrived at the zoo and parked, it said "welcome, season pass holder". They had free parking. We tried to avoid the lines at the zoo by purchasing our tickets online. It was a long walk from parking to the entrance to the night safari. Perhaps 5 minutes into this 15 minute walk, we passed the ticket line. Hooray, not for us. Right? no, of course not. What we purchased was not tickets, but like reserved tickets. Something stupid, I had to walk the 10 minutes back, wait in line just as I would have if we'd simply come in off the street, and then walk back to the entrance. The line moved pretty quickly, but I was really irritated by the advertisements for buying tickets online: "Skip the line, buy online!" (this is possible, but they only allow you to make online purchases on their website for like multi-park passes). Luckily, there was a fire breathing dance show going on at the entrance when I got back, so everyone was entertained while waiting for me. I think it was 9 p.m. when we were finally *starting* the night safari. We took the tram ride around and enjoyed seeing the animals. We went for a walk to see some more, but we just had to cut it short due to the time. It must have been 11:30 by the time everyone was home and in bed.</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
(Monday, July 1)<br />
We dedicated the next day to visiting our old neighborhood of Toa Payoh. This time we finally used the bus instead of taking a taxi. Along with the swimming pools we saw in Cambodia and Vietnam, this bus ride will probably be a highlight in the kids' memories.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zD9L7fk/0/0aa21d41/X3/i-zD9L7fk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zD9L7fk/0/0aa21d41/X3/i-zD9L7fk-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We got a double decker and were able to get the front seats, and the kids were very happy. They are wearing matching merlion shirts that Germaine got them (they're not jammies). Once reaching Toa Payoh, we were on our way first to see our old home, but someone needed to go potty, so we detoured to the library. This was a highlight of our living in Toa Payoh, definitely a feature that helped Alli when she saw our home and its location, to say yes! I could live here. We decided to make good on our library time and read a few books.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KgJ9X8g/0/c04b03dd/X3/i-KgJ9X8g-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KgJ9X8g/0/c04b03dd/X3/i-KgJ9X8g-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next, since I could smell them from within the library, I wandered out to investigate the durian options. I put that on hold and hopped into Bata to check out some shoes. I used to walk right by and sometimes through this store on my way to and from work every day and thus purchased a few pairs of shoes there. Well, the family caught up to me, and someone else *neeeeeded* shoes of his own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VfjJfk5/0/d50b214a/X3/i-VfjJfk5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VfjJfk5/0/d50b214a/X3/i-VfjJfk5-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Often when asked about his Asia trip what the best part was, our Manimal points to these flip flops. Sigh.<br />
I got some black dress shoes that I needed for an upcoming wedding and one more pair of fun shoes. Then we bought some durian and had a snack in the open space.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n5MqBf6/0/75a73f8b/X3/i-n5MqBf6-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n5MqBf6/0/75a73f8b/X3/i-n5MqBf6-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j4hKdRx/0/79aa7da4/X3/i-j4hKdRx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j4hKdRx/0/79aa7da4/X3/i-j4hKdRx-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-53wtcwR/0/38da627f/X3/i-53wtcwR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-53wtcwR/0/38da627f/X3/i-53wtcwR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kids both tried it. Neither was in love, but encouraged by my enthusiasm, they each asked for 3rd and 4th bites. They were intrigued. It wasn't the best one I'd ever had, but it was pretty yummy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bmr9LrX/0/78b746bf/X3/i-Bmr9LrX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bmr9LrX/0/78b746bf/X3/i-Bmr9LrX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
After this, we hit the local McDonald's, because some children decided they were hungrier now. I think we just had some fries and nuggets. Then finally we walked to our old apartment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NC8Gw79/0/9566cfe0/X3/i-NC8Gw79-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NC8Gw79/0/9566cfe0/X3/i-NC8Gw79-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We walked up to our old door, which was closed, and snapped a quick photo standing in front. Hamish's first home in the world! Nobody surprised us by opening their door and asking our business.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zWhW3g3/0/f2bc43c9/X3/i-zWhW3g3-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zWhW3g3/0/f2bc43c9/X3/i-zWhW3g3-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We walked from here to a nearby very tall apartment complex, stopping to play at the local playground a few minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6stzdNQ/0/8426589b/X3/i-6stzdNQ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6stzdNQ/0/8426589b/X3/i-6stzdNQ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Our Hamish girl is strong! (though she fell one time right on her tailbone and was a little injured for a day or so)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kzBZKBt/0/c9d7f122/X3/i-kzBZKBt-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kzBZKBt/0/c9d7f122/X3/i-kzBZKBt-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We went up to the 50-somethingth floor and took in the view and constant breeze, and then back down to the sky garden, which is only on like the 12th floor. Still a decent view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3TgfNLV/0/2e86c0e4/X3/i-3TgfNLV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3TgfNLV/0/2e86c0e4/X3/i-3TgfNLV-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The masses were getting peckish again, so we decided to go into the HDB hub in center of town and down into a food court where we used to get juice with some regularity. Sadly (and unsurprisingly) the juice guy was gone. However, the famous rojak stall was still in place, and I waited in the line to have a try (while Alli read to the kids. We made it through 6 or 7 read aloud books on the whole trip).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mkMFVrx/0/21f1c560/X3/i-mkMFVrx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mkMFVrx/0/21f1c560/X3/i-mkMFVrx-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I actually never recall being much a fan of rojak, but I thought it was pretty good this time. Rojak is a kind of fruit/vegetable salad that comes in many varieties, but includes cucumber, pineapple, a fried bread called youtiao, a sweet/tangy/spicy dressing and lots of crushed peanuts. It may have helped that this stall asked about how spicy, and since ordering for family, I said very little. This may have had something to do with my liking it less on prior occasions. The kids ate it decently well. We added some chicken rice from one of the stalls (nothing famous, but ok food). And there was a different juice stall that still had pretty good offerings.<br />
<br />
The highlight of this eating trip was definitely the traybots though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xXSXFHN/0/6c3de649/X3/i-xXSXFHN-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xXSXFHN/0/6c3de649/X3/i-xXSXFHN-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There was a small army of them driving themselves around this food court, asking for your used trays. Their eyes lit up and they said thank you when you gave them one. If you got in their way they would politely and repeatedly ask you to move. Here is a backup of 3 of them in a row. Even the robots are over employed...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-94sbQDV/0/a86757ca/X3/i-94sbQDV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-94sbQDV/0/a86757ca/X3/i-94sbQDV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Finally we left Toa Payoh and headed to City Hall, where we visited the National Gallery, which has a bunch of free exhibits for kids. The kids subway-surfed on the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xcdGpgS/0/2474fd12/X3/i-xcdGpgS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xcdGpgS/0/2474fd12/X3/i-xcdGpgS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
They were just talking about this yesterday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnkgw3w/0/5b62603b/X3/i-jnkgw3w-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnkgw3w/0/5b62603b/X3/i-jnkgw3w-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We let the kids just wander and play with the different exhibits for a good while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7CHnZM2/0/4cfa8fb7/X3/i-7CHnZM2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7CHnZM2/0/4cfa8fb7/X3/i-7CHnZM2-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Hamish did some screen printing. Manimal quite enjoyed learning about Karung Guni Boy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7nLsDdR/0/d7621f6e/X3/i-7nLsDdR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7nLsDdR/0/d7621f6e/X3/i-7nLsDdR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
From here, we made our way down to Clarke Quay to take a bum boat ride, which follows the river out into the harbor with good views of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, downtown Singapore, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f6gKSW9/0/42ef23a9/X3/i-f6gKSW9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f6gKSW9/0/42ef23a9/X3/i-f6gKSW9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JxDHTCz/0/941b4d05/X3/i-JxDHTCz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JxDHTCz/0/941b4d05/X3/i-JxDHTCz-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I think at this stage of the day there was a high level of whining about having to take another step. So we bribed the children with ice cream again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-68X2PBX/0/03d6d88e/X3/i-68X2PBX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-68X2PBX/0/03d6d88e/X3/i-68X2PBX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I was looking for the traditional ice cream sandwich guys. I was looking for them the entire time we were in Singapore, and I never found one open. I saw their carts around Clarke Quay, but apparently they wait until later in the evening to open and hit the real tourist crowds. So we went to the Turkish ice cream guy, which is stupidly overpriced, but also pretty entertaining. The whole thing is using a very cold metal spatula to hold the ice cream, joking with the customer and repeatedly pretending to give them the ice cream. Manimal was especially happy to participate in this game.<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="640" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/8487712303_dnJsqsL?width=360&height=640&albumId=193489147&albumKey=T4cL6s" width="360"></iframe>
<br />
We were going to get tacos at a place we used to go a lot. I believe back then the tacos were $3 each, little street tacos, maybe still not dirt cheap, but ok. Now individual tacos were $7 and $8, so we kept walking, finally stopping at a pizza place. Then we headed home again.<br />
<br />
After the kids were asleep, Randy, Tee, and KeHui came over for late-night drinks. We visited late into the night, and around about 2 a.m., we convinced Tee to play a little guitar, and we sang "As The Deer" for old time's sake and prayed together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CG8VRbK/0/b8b4728e/X3/i-CG8VRbK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CG8VRbK/0/b8b4728e/X3/i-CG8VRbK-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Miss those friends.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Tuesday, July 2)<br />
The plan for the next day had been for me to head back to my old lab first, visit a while, and then meet Alli and kids out for lunch with my boss and some old lab mates. However, my boss's lunch plan changed when his favorite places were closed, and he decided to order in. Heading to bed Monday night, Alli asked me if she and the kids really needed to come, pointing out that they were just overtired, not necessarily being their best, kind of getting under my skin, and that while everyone would love to see them, their stamina for having a lunch with people they didn't know and listening to anything remotely science talk was pretty low. So we decided that only I would go.<br />
<br />
Owing to our 2 a.m. bedtime, we slept late in the morning and let the kids just play with the things around our apartment. I left in a taxi headed for Duke-NUS, and Alli and the kids headed to Botanic Gardens for the children's garden. While I had popiah and tikka masala, they ran through mazes, climbed tree houses, took a tree top walk, and rode zip lines.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZB2TMw8/0/61ceacda/X3/i-ZB2TMw8-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZB2TMw8/0/61ceacda/X3/i-ZB2TMw8-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JpJVHmw/0/00529d08/X3/i-JpJVHmw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JpJVHmw/0/00529d08/X3/i-JpJVHmw-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Apparently there was even MORE ice cream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-px8LZgK/0/213ce42a/X3/i-px8LZgK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-px8LZgK/0/213ce42a/X3/i-px8LZgK-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Manimal found a spot to pretend he was an ancient carving of Ta Prohm barely visible through the overgrown trees.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Dt8Npm/0/6ab81ea4/X3/i-2Dt8Npm-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Dt8Npm/0/6ab81ea4/X3/i-2Dt8Npm-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And my old boss made sure we got a selfie together before I left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kxHWSWM/0/337e899f/X3/i-kxHWSWM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kxHWSWM/0/337e899f/X3/i-kxHWSWM-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once I finished up at Duke, I took a taxi to Botanic Gardens to meet the rest, and after a short time all together there, we headed on over to the Arab Quarter to find some good hummus and pitas and mint tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KjsKsZz/0/4b489b75/X3/i-KjsKsZz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KjsKsZz/0/4b489b75/X3/i-KjsKsZz-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We walked around Arab Street and took some candid family photos.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wsCRS7N/0/4240c4bf/X3/i-wsCRS7N-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wsCRS7N/0/4240c4bf/X3/i-wsCRS7N-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
From here, our next stop was, of course, to meet friends for dinner. I made the call on where to go for the best chicken rice-- Wee Nam Kee at Novena. We arrived a little early and let Bryan and Kris know we would play on the playground first. They came and met us so we could play together again.<br />
I did tricks to amuse the children.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BBNVp8L/0/93538962/X3/i-BBNVp8L-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BBNVp8L/0/93538962/X3/i-BBNVp8L-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
and did some scooter pushing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wWQSpQ6/0/97308d41/X3/i-wWQSpQ6-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wWQSpQ6/0/97308d41/X3/i-wWQSpQ6-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Then we met Nigel and Grace and Cher Ern and Gwen and their oldest for our next feast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5WTC28v/0/ee2f3296/X3/i-5WTC28v-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5WTC28v/0/ee2f3296/X3/i-5WTC28v-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Which of course had to be followed by ice cream at Udders.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5b8pwVJ/0/b73f6ca6/X3/i-5b8pwVJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5b8pwVJ/0/b73f6ca6/X3/i-5b8pwVJ-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BkgXS3K/0/543d2d03/X3/i-BkgXS3K-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BkgXS3K/0/543d2d03/X3/i-BkgXS3K-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z98gn4g/0/9304c430/X3/i-z98gn4g-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z98gn4g/0/9304c430/X3/i-z98gn4g-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And our day was done.</div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Wednesday, July 3)<br />
We were all pretty truly done with our trip by this last day. There were still some spots we'd hoped to see and activities we'd hoped to do, but the name of the game now was keep the kids entertained, don't ask too much of them, let's have a low-key day. We took a taxi over to West Coast Park on the recommendation of a colleague, arriving just in time for a serious downpour. So instead of heading straight into the park, we had our taxi drop us off at McDonald's and had a bit of 2nd breakfast. It was a weird McDonald's. They have the automated ordering screens now, just as our American versions do, but with the typical overstaffing, there were multiple people coming over and asking if they could help with our order. Ronald was in house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NwZhFmz/0/8a353db1/X3/i-NwZhFmz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NwZhFmz/0/8a353db1/X3/i-NwZhFmz-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And there were complimentary balloon animals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X58PSRH/0/7c81b2a4/X3/i-X58PSRH-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X58PSRH/0/7c81b2a4/X3/i-X58PSRH-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And people coming by to ask if there was anything else they could get us. I guess it was nice.<br />
<br />
Soon the clouds parted, the sun returned, and we headed out to the playground to play. Some of the allure of this playground is that it has been around a long time and seems to have structures that nobody would deem safe today.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VNGnNgc/0/2d8b537b/X3/i-VNGnNgc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VNGnNgc/0/2d8b537b/X3/i-VNGnNgc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There were also more zip lines and fairly regular stuff to play on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PMq6sLc/0/dac7435f/X3/i-PMq6sLc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PMq6sLc/0/dac7435f/X3/i-PMq6sLc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Three of us made it to the top of the superstructure without injury.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q533MKf/0/d836343c/X3/i-Q533MKf-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q533MKf/0/d836343c/X3/i-Q533MKf-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There was also a guy in the park walking his parrots.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QLmjpcb/0/63f68d84/O/i-QLmjpcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="544" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QLmjpcb/0/63f68d84/O/i-QLmjpcb.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
The park is right on the ocean, so we walked over to look at the port.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ddZjq6d/0/d8870b3d/X3/i-ddZjq6d-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ddZjq6d/0/d8870b3d/X3/i-ddZjq6d-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And finally wandered over to a Nasi Lemak place nearby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bKgdgQp/0/49b07e27/X3/i-bKgdgQp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bKgdgQp/0/49b07e27/X3/i-bKgdgQp-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Alli wanted to buy a few more gifts that she was hoping to find in Chinatown, but we opted for me to keep the kids and enforce a rest time. Alli left in one taxi, and kids and I left in another headed home. Right after I walked into our apartment, I realized that I had left my phone behind. Worse, it had about 3% battery. I didn't know it's phone number, because it was the one associated with a random SIM. I didn't know Alli's number for the same reason. There was a brief panic as I tried to figure out what to do. Thankfully, the kids travel phones were still syncing contacts and such, so I was able to get Alli's number from there, and I was able to turn on the find my iPhone thing and see my phone driving north toward Malaysia. 2% battery. I made the phone beep and put a message on it saying to return it to our address and left the phone number of the helper at our apartment, who I'd now gotten involved. The taxi driver called her and said he would be back after dropping his current fare. And watching my phone's location and information, I saw the battery go to 0%. Luckily, the taxi driver did return my phone, and all was well. Whew!<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Alli had some fun in Chinatown and found presents that she was looking for.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MBmg2Sp/0/2162f094/X3/i-MBmg2Sp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MBmg2Sp/0/2162f094/X3/i-MBmg2Sp-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
She was excited to find a Daiso too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWLRfSn/0/b226fb76/X3/i-tWLRfSn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWLRfSn/0/b226fb76/X3/i-tWLRfSn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Finally she completed her trip and bought some Cedele to bring home for dinner (my choice as I needed something more bland before our upcoming big day of travel.)<br />
<br />
(Thursday July 4)<br />
We woke at 6 and got moving, heading to the airport at 7 for our 9:30 flight. We hit a lounge once more to get some free breakfast. My stomach was quite unhappy that morning despite the bland dinner, but we pressed on.<br />
This is how the kids felt about going home and getting to watch as many movies as they possibly could.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JM3F5cN/0/32e31e13/X3/i-JM3F5cN-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JM3F5cN/0/32e31e13/X3/i-JM3F5cN-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This is how I felt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bfhMj2F/0/f68ea28f/X3/i-bfhMj2F-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bfhMj2F/0/f68ea28f/X3/i-bfhMj2F-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I survived, thanks pretty much entirely to Alli doing all things children-related while I zoned out as much as possible. Alli read books, enforced rest time, and then gave in to the movies on the plane. At one point Manimal looked out the window: "Mom! Mom! There's a floating map outside that tells us what the world looks like!!!" We had to explain that was the actual world, not just a picture.<br />
<br />
San Francisco was annoying again. Not only did we need to do customs (receiving our bags and putting them back on another conveyor belt), but we did not have our bags checked through at all and once again had to leave security, take a tram to the ticketing gates, wait in line, check in, drop bags, wait in security, and make our way to our gate. I was really hating travel about then and was fairly sure we would end up missing our flight. However, our flight change had moved a little later, we got through security quickly with our TSA-pre status, and we actually ended up at our gate about an hour early. We had another bite to eat here.<br />
Finally we were on our last leg home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7b8brtk/0/3b85594f/X3/i-7b8brtk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7b8brtk/0/3b85594f/X3/i-7b8brtk-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We were all pretty tired by the time we got home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GBnXCMC/0/99e7c8a2/X3/i-GBnXCMC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GBnXCMC/0/99e7c8a2/X3/i-GBnXCMC-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Like while we waited for Ben to drive around and pick us up, and we needed a nap on the sidewalk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q8hpkjF/0/90ddee59/X3/i-q8hpkjF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q8hpkjF/0/90ddee59/X3/i-q8hpkjF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Finally, we were home. It was quite a trip. Good, yes. Hard, yes.</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-45153091397274445122019-07-29T10:11:00.001-05:002019-07-29T10:11:07.680-05:00Southeast Asia: Cambodia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pSZW22p/0/X3/i-pSZW22p-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pSZW22p/0/X3/i-pSZW22p-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(Monday, June 23)<br />
<br />
Breakfast is offered at 6 a.m. at our stay in Cambodia, which--with our jet lag--is a vast improvement over 7:30. But we still made the best time of the trip thus far and slept until 6. We ate and were ready for our driver and guide at 8.<br />
<br />
I really wanted SIM cards for our phones. In Vietnam, this was accomplished in the airport. It cost $16 for two cards with unlimited data for a week. The process was accomplished completely, SIM cards swapped with active data, in less than 2 minutes. Well Cambodia was not quite as easy. I read online to go to one of the local shops, with one specifically mentioned, so we asked our driver and guide if it would be okay to make a quick stop. They were happy to. Once there, I grabbed a number and sat; there were about 5 people in front of me. Nobody was in any hurry in this place, and I ended up waiting about an hour to complete the process. If someone had said up front it would be this involved, maybe I'd have skipped it, or tried to find the best time to come and not wait, but once I'd invested a certain amount of time, I felt like I had to see it through. In the end, we got 2 sim cards with more data than we used in our time (not sure if it was unlimited) for $3 total. It pays to wait?<br />
<br />
Then we actually started our temple tour at Angkor Wat, taking the back entrance in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jrpWWrn/0/X3/i-jrpWWrn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jrpWWrn/0/X3/i-jrpWWrn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qLCsMkN/0/X3/i-qLCsMkN-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qLCsMkN/0/X3/i-qLCsMkN-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids were impressed but not stunned. They enjoyed exploring the temples, though there were many guests and now specific routes we are to take through the temples.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3WhgXsK/0/X3/i-3WhgXsK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3WhgXsK/0/X3/i-3WhgXsK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sw5gnvT/0/48efc80d/X3/i-Sw5gnvT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Sw5gnvT/0/48efc80d/X3/i-Sw5gnvT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I feel like now is a good time to remind our readers that we visited this town and temples previously, <a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2010/02/siem-reap.html">in 2010</a>. On our 2019 trip, with kids, we are not going to go into any depth on history of these temples and such, as we documented a little in our previous trip. We also absorbed way less this time. The kids of course just wanted to climb and play ninjas, not really caring what century a temple was built in or which king ordered its being updated to include new Buddhist imagery.<br />
Back to pictures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RMtSvQr/0/07d28a6a/X3/i-RMtSvQr-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RMtSvQr/0/07d28a6a/X3/i-RMtSvQr-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SBs7j3s/0/efc80098/X3/i-SBs7j3s-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SBs7j3s/0/efc80098/X3/i-SBs7j3s-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JtX6tbc/0/e9b0c4b2/X3/i-JtX6tbc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JtX6tbc/0/e9b0c4b2/X3/i-JtX6tbc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cwJg6K2/0/3772b381/X3/i-cwJg6K2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cwJg6K2/0/3772b381/X3/i-cwJg6K2-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(more international fans)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tpsMWpq/0/172d0c7f/X3/i-tpsMWpq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tpsMWpq/0/172d0c7f/X3/i-tpsMWpq-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a pretty sad move, this is the only time we bought the bamboo coconut rice treats that we loved so much on our previous trip and that I was so looking forward to:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4ZRkG56/0/bbc66c4b/X3/i-4ZRkG56-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4ZRkG56/0/bbc66c4b/X3/i-4ZRkG56-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was still tasty, though perhaps not *the* best. And for some reason the kids weren't that into it, despite that I once bought one at a Thai market in Nashville, frozen, and cooked it, and they really liked.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We got some more ice cream to cool us off.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-drZj9zt/0/6133bc34/X3/i-drZj9zt-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-drZj9zt/0/6133bc34/X3/i-drZj9zt-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And moved on to the next temple: Bayon temple, completed at the end of the 12th century. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mnjtWNh/0/20dca032/X3/i-mnjtWNh-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mnjtWNh/0/20dca032/X3/i-mnjtWNh-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kZmMkb5/0/cd34ed6e/X3/i-kZmMkb5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kZmMkb5/0/cd34ed6e/X3/i-kZmMkb5-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b5jPv29/0/004f217f/X3/i-b5jPv29-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b5jPv29/0/004f217f/X3/i-b5jPv29-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9VzvdWV/0/0dc5d182/X3/i-9VzvdWV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9VzvdWV/0/0dc5d182/X3/i-9VzvdWV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9NvZkjp/0/f9a56657/X3/i-9NvZkjp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9NvZkjp/0/f9a56657/X3/i-9NvZkjp-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can find a picture of Alli in this same window, I believe, in our old post.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had lunch near Ta Prohm- maybe a little expensive but very yum. Chicken amok (different than memory, but still very good), papaya salad, and something Hamish ordered called something Siem Reap. Basil, beef, beans, red sweet peppers, lettuce, nuts, complex flavor. Very good, best thing from lunch.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There were some hammocks upstairs of the restaurant for siestas, should you like</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K6gds7b/0/c2acaa8d/X3/i-K6gds7b-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K6gds7b/0/c2acaa8d/X3/i-K6gds7b-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After lunch it was back in the tuk tuk for more temples. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qWzw3F8/0/c50d7ddb/X3/i-qWzw3F8-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qWzw3F8/0/c50d7ddb/X3/i-qWzw3F8-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sPwXfDG/0/4ea364c3/X3/i-sPwXfDG-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sPwXfDG/0/4ea364c3/X3/i-sPwXfDG-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kzd96Kd/0/51ed256d/X3/i-Kzd96Kd-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Kzd96Kd/0/51ed256d/X3/i-Kzd96Kd-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
(this is a chamber with an interesting echo, so if you beat your chest you'll hear it echo throughout).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Krr7xSK/0/612e308b/X3/i-Krr7xSK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Krr7xSK/0/612e308b/X3/i-Krr7xSK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was in this temple that we finally located the dinosaur!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-25L8Bct/0/502c5589/X3/i-25L8Bct-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-25L8Bct/0/502c5589/X3/i-25L8Bct-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
See it? We read about it in a book before coming. It looks just like a stegosaurus carved into a temple built in 1186. Manimal sees it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pqXs3JD/0/f2661669/X3/i-pqXs3JD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pqXs3JD/0/f2661669/X3/i-pqXs3JD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xnHkqsM/0/0489f5f2/X3/i-xnHkqsM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xnHkqsM/0/0489f5f2/X3/i-xnHkqsM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JPwkCX/0/e4c195f2/X3/i-2JPwkCX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2JPwkCX/0/e4c195f2/X3/i-2JPwkCX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RzQT7nT/0/a8bffecf/X3/i-RzQT7nT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RzQT7nT/0/a8bffecf/X3/i-RzQT7nT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finally wrapped up after 3. We were hot and tired and it was too late for a nap, so we did the next best thing: the pool. The pool was completely invigorating for our tired explorers and we played happily until about 5. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our kids decided they would take their swimming up a few notches on this trip.</div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/8487701173_BV4f5mw?width=640&height=360&albumId=193489147&albumKey=T4cL6s" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
We showered and changed and headed to an early supper.</div>
<br />
The top rated restaurant in Siem Reap happened to be just steps away, a spring roll restaurant owned by French expats. We ordered a spring roll feast and a jug of long drinks for adults.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNT5xh9/0/634c9b75/X3/i-JNT5xh9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNT5xh9/0/634c9b75/X3/i-JNT5xh9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We ate and then played several hands of Uno before coming back for early bedtime.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GRpMHtF/0/e83a8d22/X3/i-GRpMHtF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GRpMHtF/0/e83a8d22/X3/i-GRpMHtF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids were asleep almost instantly. And thanks to the jug of cocktails, we weren't far behind. It was a 10+ hour night of sleep for all of us.<br />
<br />
(Tuesday, June 25)<br />
<br />
We had pushed our guide pick up to 7 a.m. based on previous days, but this morning we were all still asleep at 6. We had to hurry to get dressed and eat breakfast. <br />
<br />
We saw more temples, thankfully some of the less crowded options that allowed a bit more exploring and climbing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bpF88vW/0/692190f6/X3/i-bpF88vW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bpF88vW/0/692190f6/X3/i-bpF88vW-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QbqNsgJ/0/cd1e99f7/X3/i-QbqNsgJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QbqNsgJ/0/cd1e99f7/X3/i-QbqNsgJ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4XdjPs6/0/aa9d183a/X3/i-4XdjPs6-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4XdjPs6/0/aa9d183a/X3/i-4XdjPs6-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Dg5RbZX/0/8b811717/X3/i-Dg5RbZX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Dg5RbZX/0/8b811717/X3/i-Dg5RbZX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jsb4wDg/0/4d5d8075/X3/i-jsb4wDg-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jsb4wDg/0/4d5d8075/X3/i-jsb4wDg-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JP6WSwF/0/83b0a36b/X3/i-JP6WSwF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JP6WSwF/0/83b0a36b/X3/i-JP6WSwF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T3RvjFP/0/8d033167/X3/i-T3RvjFP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T3RvjFP/0/8d033167/X3/i-T3RvjFP-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FcJh5vd/0/cb385473/X3/i-FcJh5vd-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FcJh5vd/0/cb385473/X3/i-FcJh5vd-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sFcQD7w/0/2480f29e/X3/i-sFcQD7w-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sFcQD7w/0/2480f29e/X3/i-sFcQD7w-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Nw8Lm8/0/ae9e5f9f/X3/i-2Nw8Lm8-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Nw8Lm8/0/ae9e5f9f/X3/i-2Nw8Lm8-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This last one was East Mebon, and we saw this one mostly without our guide (who had gone off to have breakfast). We didn't miss him. Hamish showed her attention to detail at this temple, pointing out how the builders had incorporated a design into the rain gutters used to divert water away from the lava rock layer underneath. Manimal also learned the difference between the lava stone and sandstone and enjoyed noticing the difference.<br />
<br />
We had agreed to come back to our hotel by 11 a.m., with the intention of regrouping in afternoon, but that was really the end of our stamina for temples. We thanked the guide, paid him for the full day, and sent him on his way. I wandered in the market some, while the kids and Alli had a cool drink and worked on post cards. Then I came back and we had lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zx3CPzq/0/d9d60578/X3/i-Zx3CPzq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zx3CPzq/0/d9d60578/X3/i-Zx3CPzq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(yummy lunch example)</div>
<br />
We tried for naps but that was overwhelmingly frustrating. So we walked to the market and bought shirts for the neighbors. Amid much whining and begging, we wrapped up and headed back for a swim, then dinner at the Christa: fish amok, beef lap (larp lab; minced beef with mint and citrus, yum), club sandwich for kids. Amok was better here. Good overall. And to bed we went.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3jT3sTC/0/46ebca31/X3/i-3jT3sTC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3jT3sTC/0/46ebca31/X3/i-3jT3sTC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
(Wednesday June 26)<br />
<br />
We again slept later, until about 7. Breakfast at the hotel, and Poly (who had been our driver the whole trip) picked us up with car at 9, a Mitsubishi SUV, for a 2 hour drive to the waterfalls at Kulen mountain. The kids played with their phones and frustrated themselves and proved why we limit their access.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WRcVdLz/0/bd1cafab/X3/i-WRcVdLz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WRcVdLz/0/bd1cafab/X3/i-WRcVdLz-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
countryside on the way:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6BHcFCM/0/41b88f0d/X3/i-6BHcFCM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6BHcFCM/0/41b88f0d/X3/i-6BHcFCM-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The waterfall was a little overly tourist-focused, we paid $2 to use a lock box and a small changing area (for family). People taking pictures for $. Tiny biting fish nibbled your feet (fish spa for free!) But it was ultimately pretty fun. We climbed on slippery rocks, swam right under falls, and stayed for 1.5 hrs or so.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RcLJt5z/0/a74dfaaa/X3/i-RcLJt5z-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RcLJt5z/0/a74dfaaa/X3/i-RcLJt5z-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mghTwrD/0/0bc0659e/X3/i-mghTwrD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mghTwrD/0/0bc0659e/X3/i-mghTwrD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Z4xjDV/0/8c9e2a92/X3/i-2Z4xjDV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Z4xjDV/0/8c9e2a92/X3/i-2Z4xjDV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There were so many butterflies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RC5w75S/0/6cdb2461/X3/i-RC5w75S-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RC5w75S/0/6cdb2461/X3/i-RC5w75S-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We left, with some picture breaks on the way<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-33N5DNn/0/e2650c2c/X3/i-33N5DNn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-33N5DNn/0/e2650c2c/X3/i-33N5DNn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
(The family posed the arm around. They wanted both kids but the Manimal declined; Hamish agreed.)<br />
<br />
On the way home we stopped at one more temple on our own, since we had a three-day pass... Banteay Srey was one of the oldest temples we saw, completed in 967. It was very hot mid-day, and Manimal didn’t want to walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S9xx3dB/0/501564cb/X3/i-S9xx3dB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S9xx3dB/0/501564cb/X3/i-S9xx3dB-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We made a pretty quick run through, stopped for Fantas and smoothies at the restaurant nearby, and got back in the car. We stopped at a basket seller on the return, and Alli bought a few things. I was no help choosing. We finished the trip home, with a few rain showers en route, got back about 4, and laid the kids down. Manimal actually fell asleep quickly. Hamish twittered for a while. I asked if she could be still for 5 minutes. Later she told me she was counting to 60 5x. She did not make it.<br />
<br />
We woke them at 6, walked to Meng Cafe for dinner (pizza, a sour tamarind-based curry with green shoots in it and chicken), then headed to the Phare circus after a brief panic when I thought I’d left my backpack. The “circus” was kind of awesome for talent and a show. It was a story of bar owners who were a little unscrupulous, and then this kinda weird overlay of people trying to pick each other up at the bar. We are hopeful the kids missed the innuendo. Over this story, the actors were all acrobats and contortionists. Highlights included a guy doing like 15 backflips in place, another guy balancing on several cylinders at once, such that there’s like 3 directions of very careful balance. He couldn’t hold that balance too long, but quite impressive at all.<br />
Well we have a video of that.
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/8487787364_Wxqq84T?width=640&height=360&albumId=193489147&albumKey=T4cL6s" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
There was also one pretty ripped dude (but skinny) who held himself up on 2 points on top of the “drink machines”, with several one arm balances, including a one arm-side crow kinda thing that was nuts. The music was rock and roll, all engaging and fun. Hamish was dancing in her seat and couldn’t move enough. She told me she wanted to go out and dance on the floor with them. After the show, back at our room she wanted to flip things and twirl and move like the actors were moving. It was fun.<br />
<br />
To bed we went. I noted here in our trip diary that everyone still had colds, but now I don't remember when we first got these colds, and luckily, looking back, I don't really remember having colds, but I'm sure at the time it was an annoyance. I know for the entirety of our trip, nobody got really sick, Manimal didn't need to use an inhaler, all things health related worked out pretty well.<br />
<br />
(Thursday, June 27)<br />
<br />
In the morning, we had breakfast, hit the pool for a while,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VCTxDxv/0/318b837b/X3/i-VCTxDxv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VCTxDxv/0/318b837b/X3/i-VCTxDxv-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
had lunch at an American cafe across town, and then Poly took us to the airport.<br />
<br />
We did a little bit of tabulation on our way out of town. We visited 7 temples, Angkor Was, East Mebon, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Preah Kahn, Ta Som, and Banteay Sray, the oldest of these being East Mebon dating to about 952.<br />
<br />
I'd like to make a note that we really rarely visit the same places twice when it comes to travel-- there's just always somewhere new to go! But we could really tell a difference between Siem Reap 2010 and Siem Reap 2019. It had just grown sooo much. My recollection of the main square in town 9 years ago was that it was just that, a small square with a few streets and a lot of local food and a few bars. Now it seems to stretch forever in all directions. It has just grown so much. It seems there's not a ton of oversight regarding land and resource management, but it was still a very pleasant place to visit, and of course in some cases, this means like more air-conditioned stores and restaurants, access to fancier hotels, etc., so there are some upsides.<br />
<br />
Before flying on to Singapore, we studied with a book Hamish received for her birthday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jVPsJWp/0/74774ad6/X3/i-jVPsJWp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jVPsJWp/0/74774ad6/X3/i-jVPsJWp-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
and hit another lounge<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6cKTfbP/0/cee12c0f/X3/i-6cKTfbP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6cKTfbP/0/cee12c0f/X3/i-6cKTfbP-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This one came with good dessert options and even nice mixed drinks.<br />
<br />
And once again we were off on a plane, headed to Hamish's first home in the world.<br />
<br />
Our good friend Germaine met us at the airport with a cute sign welcoming Hamish and Manimal, with small print inviting parents. She drove us to our home exchange and ordered Salad Stop to meet us when we arrived. So gracious and welcoming! We will tell you about our home exchange in the morning.Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-36611019768452686022019-07-22T10:44:00.001-05:002019-07-22T10:44:34.464-05:00Southeast Asia: Vietnam Days Three, Four, and Five<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Friday, June 21)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CX6xDK2/0/73dfb7db/X3/i-CX6xDK2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CX6xDK2/0/73dfb7db/X3/i-CX6xDK2-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We awoke for our wet rice culture tour in the morning, meeting at 8 a.m. outside our place after breakfast. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mp9Ks6N/0/d2e6cb95/X3/i-mp9Ks6N-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mp9Ks6N/0/d2e6cb95/X3/i-mp9Ks6N-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
</div>
We started on bikes through Old Town. Hamish rode with me, and Manimal rode with Alli. She says she was only a little bit terrified, but did fine.<br /><div class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Fs7wFXD/0/3204da6a/X3/i-Fs7wFXD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Fs7wFXD/0/3204da6a/X3/i-Fs7wFXD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qmKvMCv/0/610a14c7/X3/i-qmKvMCv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qmKvMCv/0/610a14c7/X3/i-qmKvMCv-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-425cMdq/0/be965706/X3/i-425cMdq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-425cMdq/0/be965706/X3/i-425cMdq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Cc7MCC2/0/1f0490b4/X3/i-Cc7MCC2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Cc7MCC2/0/1f0490b4/X3/i-Cc7MCC2-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We ended up at a farmer's house where we rode a water buffalo named Bihn </div>
<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SbGKrHh/0/246903b6/X3/i-SbGKrHh-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SbGKrHh/0/246903b6/X3/i-SbGKrHh-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We suited up:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gfv6NLL/0/9bc5cc08/X3/i-gfv6NLL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gfv6NLL/0/9bc5cc08/X3/i-gfv6NLL-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And all took turns riding Bihn... for fun, really.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NLPcKn2/0/0c505371/X3/i-NLPcKn2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NLPcKn2/0/0c505371/X3/i-NLPcKn2-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TgkpLFw/0/2be88297/X3/i-TgkpLFw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TgkpLFw/0/2be88297/X3/i-TgkpLFw-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hmHFCQv/0/a6d18610/X3/i-hmHFCQv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hmHFCQv/0/a6d18610/X3/i-hmHFCQv-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rm87SV9/0/4981bdb9/X3/i-rm87SV9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rm87SV9/0/4981bdb9/X3/i-rm87SV9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K7ZrNNj/0/1bd4de4e/X3/i-K7ZrNNj-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K7ZrNNj/0/1bd4de4e/X3/i-K7ZrNNj-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TQssGps/0/ce54d662/X3/i-TQssGps-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TQssGps/0/ce54d662/X3/i-TQssGps-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nH8LZtJ/0/2f7f4a6a/X3/i-nH8LZtJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nH8LZtJ/0/2f7f4a6a/X3/i-nH8LZtJ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWK3L8M/0/e9766bb7/X3/i-tWK3L8M-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWK3L8M/0/e9766bb7/X3/i-tWK3L8M-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Manimal kept recruiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bkHsHZs/0/409af8c9/X3/i-bkHsHZs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bkHsHZs/0/409af8c9/X3/i-bkHsHZs-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We learned to plow:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNBGg7g/0/9ea234e5/X3/i-JNBGg7g-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNBGg7g/0/9ea234e5/X3/i-JNBGg7g-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nz8SNCB/0/3578ba04/X3/i-Nz8SNCB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nz8SNCB/0/3578ba04/X3/i-Nz8SNCB-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />This involved a driver leading Bihn and a trailer to hold the plow up a little. This also involved walking barefoot through the field, where we had just witnessed Bihn relieving himself... for a really long time...<br />We drained a paddy using a woven basket and ropes. First, the lesson:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TNfHmC4/0/d9530888/X3/i-TNfHmC4-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TNfHmC4/0/d9530888/X3/i-TNfHmC4-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Then us giving it a try:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pCCrHMF/0/da9de7eb/X3/i-pCCrHMF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pCCrHMF/0/da9de7eb/X3/i-pCCrHMF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="720" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/8487718746_RWjFd7m?width=1280&height=720&albumId=193489147&albumKey=T4cL6s" width="1280"></iframe>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><br /></span>Once this paddy was dry, we smoothed it all out</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-59CDSst/0/fd20b1ae/X3/i-59CDSst-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-59CDSst/0/fd20b1ae/X3/i-59CDSst-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We planted rice by tossing it liberally onto the prepared paddy.<br />And then we fast-forwarded to the harvest, using a sickle to collect the grown rice stalks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mkZtgQb/0/907a8220/X3/i-mkZtgQb-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mkZtgQb/0/907a8220/X3/i-mkZtgQb-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZNXmmM/0/a20183ec/X3/i-JZNXmmM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZNXmmM/0/a20183ec/X3/i-JZNXmmM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We were treated to proper foot washing upon leaving the paddy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7dj8mWs/0/ef9c7597/X3/i-7dj8mWs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7dj8mWs/0/ef9c7597/X3/i-7dj8mWs-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We carried our collected stalks over to a foot-driven threshing wheel and released the rice grains from the stalks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LRNs2RT/0/cae8c100/X3/i-LRNs2RT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LRNs2RT/0/cae8c100/X3/i-LRNs2RT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
At this point we have the rice grains, but they have the tough brown husk on them. We first pounded the grains to knock off the husks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RM8V5FF/0/9b38b313/X3/i-RM8V5FF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RM8V5FF/0/9b38b313/X3/i-RM8V5FF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RfvMhts/0/4ada2316/X3/i-RfvMhts-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RfvMhts/0/4ada2316/X3/i-RfvMhts-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This is a delicate process, because too much pounding will break the rice grains, and broken rice grains are of decreased value. Machines do a better job.<br />Now we needed to separate rice from chaff, so some winnowing was in order.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w3hz3xB/0/6f0d7e40/X3/i-w3hz3xB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w3hz3xB/0/6f0d7e40/X3/i-w3hz3xB-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="1280" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/8487695166_4KbHVKw?width=720&height=1280&albumId=193489147&albumKey=T4cL6s" width="720"></iframe>Finally, with some careful movement of our baskets, sort of vibrating the whole thing to separate heavy from light, one could isolate the successfully hulled rice<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wVr2ZGV/0/ebc908d8/X3/i-wVr2ZGV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wVr2ZGV/0/ebc908d8/X3/i-wVr2ZGV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We ground some of this into rice milk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CsS6SbC/0/4b1590cc/X3/i-CsS6SbC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CsS6SbC/0/4b1590cc/X3/i-CsS6SbC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The rice milk could then be used to prepare a rice flour, which we used to prepare rice pancakes, right there on the ground over small wood fires. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b2kkCx7/0/f5a699a0/X3/i-b2kkCx7-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b2kkCx7/0/f5a699a0/X3/i-b2kkCx7-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tztGnqD/0/fd8627ef/X3/i-tztGnqD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tztGnqD/0/fd8627ef/X3/i-tztGnqD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2npft48/0/c45ac229/X3/i-2npft48-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2npft48/0/c45ac229/X3/i-2npft48-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qXBw8n6/0/dcc447fd/X3/i-qXBw8n6-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qXBw8n6/0/dcc447fd/X3/i-qXBw8n6-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our girl was especially proud of doing this entirely by herself, including using chopsticks to help fold and collect the finished product.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WzRm5cG/0/ab022025/X3/i-WzRm5cG-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WzRm5cG/0/ab022025/X3/i-WzRm5cG-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids did great with it all and enjoyed all the steps. We ended with a tasty feast of our pancakes, morning glory, fish, eggplant, and noodles for lunch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QzNLCx9/0/bae9d097/X3/i-QzNLCx9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QzNLCx9/0/bae9d097/X3/i-QzNLCx9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Quite the morning.<br />The house was surprisingly close to our guest house, so we got home quickly. Another afternoon nap, and then we headed back into town for foot massages.</div>
<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6D66kdC/0/e5910326/X3/i-6D66kdC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6D66kdC/0/e5910326/X3/i-6D66kdC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2xXtw4L/0/32c78115/X3/i-2xXtw4L-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2xXtw4L/0/32c78115/X3/i-2xXtw4L-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FM4FfMB/0/b849f364/X3/i-FM4FfMB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FM4FfMB/0/b849f364/X3/i-FM4FfMB-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hamish loved hers and asked many times for the rest of the trip if we could get more massages. Manimal enjoyed his for about 30 minutes before he told me it was too long, and then he laid calmly and waited for mine to be over.<br />Of course our foot massages included tea, fresh lychee, coconut crackers, and candy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pBqx52C/0/644be380/X3/i-pBqx52C-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pBqx52C/0/644be380/X3/i-pBqx52C-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And especially happy for the Manimal, some gift bracelets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gfd4W6k/0/629d2600/X3/i-Gfd4W6k-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gfd4W6k/0/629d2600/X3/i-Gfd4W6k-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I went back for a final fitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZQ4wJg/0/56549546/X3/i-JZQ4wJg-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JZQ4wJg/0/56549546/X3/i-JZQ4wJg-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cd7G8kw/0/4dabce61/X3/i-cd7G8kw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cd7G8kw/0/4dabce61/X3/i-cd7G8kw-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And we had dinner under the Hoi An lanterns. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DTPR6Mw/0/8e2f18dc/X3/i-DTPR6Mw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DTPR6Mw/0/8e2f18dc/X3/i-DTPR6Mw-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our waitress was smitten with our children and interested in practicing and improving her English. She brought them coloring pages and crayons and held their fans on them so they could color in comfort waiting for their food to arrive.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-32sJT5B/0/15b7b1a7/X3/i-32sJT5B-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-32sJT5B/0/15b7b1a7/X3/i-32sJT5B-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We came home after 8pm: a record for our jet-lagged selves. <br /><br />(Saturday, June 22)</div>
<div class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bc89xs5/0/5a29c59c/X3/i-bc89xs5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bc89xs5/0/5a29c59c/X3/i-bc89xs5-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The next morning we headed out before breakfast for a basket boat tour through the water coconuts. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-t32vsGq/0/90d23afd/X3/i-t32vsGq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-t32vsGq/0/90d23afd/X3/i-t32vsGq-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We rode through a narrow passage between the water coconuts, where we were taught to hunt for crabs. Hamish caught a very interesting purple-clawed crab. It was a perfect match for her hat.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3DQcdCs/0/94b6552c/X3/i-3DQcdCs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3DQcdCs/0/94b6552c/X3/i-3DQcdCs-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b7DwMSL/0/2f2ea802/X3/i-b7DwMSL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b7DwMSL/0/2f2ea802/X3/i-b7DwMSL-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Our guide also prepared us jewelry from the coconut leaves.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mpcgC2v/0/028bf392/X3/i-mpcgC2v-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mpcgC2v/0/028bf392/X3/i-mpcgC2v-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vBQQ62f/0/f0b2783a/X3/i-vBQQ62f-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vBQQ62f/0/f0b2783a/X3/i-vBQQ62f-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KdBFDsn/0/ad188f05/X3/i-KdBFDsn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KdBFDsn/0/ad188f05/X3/i-KdBFDsn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We proceeded to an opening, where we watched tricksters spinning their boats and dancing to Vietnamese hip-hop. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K5JQZVn/0/defce0bd/X3/i-K5JQZVn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K5JQZVn/0/defce0bd/X3/i-K5JQZVn-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And then I got to try my hand at fishing net throwing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D2NMzDM/0/7700a779/X3/i-D2NMzDM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D2NMzDM/0/7700a779/X3/i-D2NMzDM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JqF5Jd7/0/5943b8b3/X3/i-JqF5Jd7-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JqF5Jd7/0/5943b8b3/X3/i-JqF5Jd7-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I did not catch any fish.<br />Afterward, we came home in time for breakfast and then had pool time until lunch. </div>
<div class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5xTt8LK/0/e126f362/X3/i-5xTt8LK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5xTt8LK/0/e126f362/X3/i-5xTt8LK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We ate by the pool and headed back upstairs for rest. <br />After nap (~4 p.m.), we headed to An Hoi, an adjacent smaller island, rented bicycles, and crossed the harrowing bridge (narrow with motorcycles zipping by, we walked our bikes) to Cam Kim, a quieter area with more handicrafts (though workshops were closed.) We rode through narrow paths by some old architecture and more rice fields and rivers.</div>
<div class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4R2FHnD/0/3a39afd2/X3/i-4R2FHnD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4R2FHnD/0/3a39afd2/X3/i-4R2FHnD-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8j3hc6n/0/3306c111/X3/i-8j3hc6n-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8j3hc6n/0/3306c111/X3/i-8j3hc6n-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZGQbZtx/0/08eeeb65/X3/i-ZGQbZtx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZGQbZtx/0/08eeeb65/X3/i-ZGQbZtx-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DwtLrwT/0/9ced6248/X3/i-DwtLrwT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DwtLrwT/0/9ced6248/X3/i-DwtLrwT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
At sunset we returned to An Hoi islet and had dinner at a restaurant called Belleville. They had really good com ga, chicken rice, but it had an herb on it, I think anise basil, that was just a fantastic flavor We had ice cream and creme brûlée dessert. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ms7VwPv/0/c9a379f6/X3/i-ms7VwPv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ms7VwPv/0/c9a379f6/X3/i-ms7VwPv-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids were arguing in this picture, while Alli took a drink. I feel like this moment should not be forgotten among the joyful pictures shown.<br />There was also live music, which included Dixieland Delight. Because it totally makes sense to hear that in Vietnam. The musician was taking requests, but did not know Into the Mystic, sadly.<br />We were in bed at 8:30 and slept until nearly 6 a.m. Sunday<br /><br />(Sunday, June 23)<br /><br />After our glorious sleep, we had breakfast at our resort and then made a final trip to the beach, staying from about 8:30 until 10:30. We had a noon checkout, so we needed to return to our room and pack and clean. We could have stayed around the guest house and used their pool, our flight not leaving until 5, but we opted to head to the airport and try for a lounge.</div>
<div class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DrPWNGK/0/4fabf8f2/X3/i-DrPWNGK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DrPWNGK/0/4fabf8f2/X3/i-DrPWNGK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We did arrive too early at the airport, only being able to check in 3 hours prior to flight, but once able, we headed straight to the lounge. This was a big upgrade in our travel plans, a perk with our credit card. The lounge was lovely--plenty of free food, drink (beer and wine), and cozy nooks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NQZJSb5/0/899ffdd2/X3/i-NQZJSb5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NQZJSb5/0/899ffdd2/X3/i-NQZJSb5-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Manimal took a nap after I laid with him for a little bit. Hamish opted for an audio book instead. After a while, we all ate and then headed to our gate. <div style="color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></div>
</div>
<div class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3w3kFFz/0/df397ae2/X3/i-3w3kFFz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3w3kFFz/0/df397ae2/X3/i-3w3kFFz-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The flight to Siem Reap was changed to a bigger plane (yes, this is the bigger plane, it was only half full), so we made excellent time. Manimal was awake the whole flight, and both kids did well in immigration. We loaded up a tuk tuk arranged by our guest house and drove into Siem Reap. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w5J43vF/0/77064572/X3/i-w5J43vF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w5J43vF/0/77064572/X3/i-w5J43vF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Hamish fell asleep on the ride in, and Alli held onto her ankle for the rest of the drive. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #454545; font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jP6nRtj/0/12c1cd92/X3/i-jP6nRtj-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jP6nRtj/0/12c1cd92/X3/i-jP6nRtj-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We got into our "Superior room"--three queen/double beds--and went right to sleep.</div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 20.3px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"></span></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-5457267856623707332019-07-16T11:48:00.000-05:002019-07-17T14:54:50.859-05:00Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Day Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8Q7dBZq/0/dfb28ee0/X3/i-8Q7dBZq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8Q7dBZq/0/dfb28ee0/X3/i-8Q7dBZq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Thursday, June 20)</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We didn't hear a peep from the kids until 3:30, when Manimal came in to ask if it was morning because a rooster had crowed again and again and again and again. We told him the rooster was wrong, and we bought another hour of relative quiet and stillness. </div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
At 5 a.m., we were up and dressing for the beach. We got in a cab by 5:30 and headed to An Bang beach. Us and hundreds of locals. Apparently the locals like a sunrise swim. We believe many come for a morning swim and then head on to work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sjvS25G/0/8223b2be/X3/i-sjvS25G-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sjvS25G/0/8223b2be/X3/i-sjvS25G-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SshwcvR/0/e28fa64d/X3/i-SshwcvR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SshwcvR/0/e28fa64d/X3/i-SshwcvR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PNXMBvj/0/fa22989c/X3/i-PNXMBvj-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PNXMBvj/0/fa22989c/X3/i-PNXMBvj-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
It was a beautiful beach. Pretty calm waves, soft sand, and a long stretch with no hotels or anything, just small restaurants, each with their own set of chairs and umbrellas fronting the beach. Picturesque mountains in the distance. At a different time in life, Alli and I might have cozied up on one of those beach chairs and ordered Mai Tai's and pho all day. I don't know, maybe we could have still pulled that off. However, our daring and increasingly skilled swimmers meant that I felt like we needed to keep a close watch and even ideally be right beside them, especially until we knew just how calm the surf was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z9fNPqP/0/0e2ac407/X3/i-z9fNPqP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z9fNPqP/0/0e2ac407/X3/i-z9fNPqP-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6FkmPXJ/0/4c2863b7/X3/i-6FkmPXJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6FkmPXJ/0/4c2863b7/X3/i-6FkmPXJ-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
By about 6:30 the locals were clearing out, and we had the beach nearly to ourselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bTCZXkL/0/e3eb1378/X3/i-bTCZXkL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bTCZXkL/0/e3eb1378/X3/i-bTCZXkL-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NZDQ6Bn/0/117f41d2/X3/i-NZDQ6Bn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NZDQ6Bn/0/117f41d2/X3/i-NZDQ6Bn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kL3bNMc/0/8b011402/X3/i-kL3bNMc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kL3bNMc/0/8b011402/X3/i-kL3bNMc-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5R7r4MW/0/d28a92a1/X3/i-5R7r4MW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5R7r4MW/0/d28a92a1/X3/i-5R7r4MW-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Manimal found things to treasure lying on the ground all over SE Asia.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We had breakfast at a cafe nearby and then swam a little more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Z3ThpDX/0/d1029e93/X3/i-Z3ThpDX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Z3ThpDX/0/d1029e93/X3/i-Z3ThpDX-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-22DDmZH/0/2f5da4f0/X3/i-22DDmZH-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-22DDmZH/0/2f5da4f0/X3/i-22DDmZH-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We had various fresh juices throughout our time in Asia.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-W2fvmmd/0/7f2a998c/X3/i-W2fvmmd-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-W2fvmmd/0/7f2a998c/X3/i-W2fvmmd-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The tourists began arriving about 8 a.m. We came back about 10, rinsed off, and took a nap. </div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
When we got up we went straight to town. I had a 2 p.m. fitting that I headed to first, and Alli and kids met me at Yaly to provide feedback. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-svvhVqk/0/a01241ac/X3/i-svvhVqk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-svvhVqk/0/a01241ac/X3/i-svvhVqk-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
From there, we walked to a late lunch in Old Town. We wandered through the market, bought hats for the kids and "personal fans". </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Tfg7RJ/0/8d1bd467/X3/i-2Tfg7RJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Tfg7RJ/0/8d1bd467/X3/i-2Tfg7RJ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KTxkPKq/0/a6776380/X3/i-KTxkPKq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KTxkPKq/0/a6776380/X3/i-KTxkPKq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dnKDVnX/0/fa7d37ef/X3/i-dnKDVnX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dnKDVnX/0/fa7d37ef/X3/i-dnKDVnX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HbNfnVb/0/add86622/X3/i-HbNfnVb-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HbNfnVb/0/add86622/X3/i-HbNfnVb-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We took a rickshaw tour after walking around a while</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F86n2jf/0/e06071d3/X3/i-F86n2jf-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F86n2jf/0/e06071d3/X3/i-F86n2jf-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c3HKhrW/0/c458b32b/X3/i-c3HKhrW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c3HKhrW/0/c458b32b/X3/i-c3HKhrW-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hX292pJ/0/59bcc88b/X3/i-hX292pJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hX292pJ/0/59bcc88b/X3/i-hX292pJ-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X5BfPDS/0/63addc32/X3/i-X5BfPDS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X5BfPDS/0/63addc32/X3/i-X5BfPDS-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7TLQSs4/0/c3d5084e/X3/i-7TLQSs4-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7TLQSs4/0/c3d5084e/X3/i-7TLQSs4-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
After this, we had a riverside drink, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-k3mJrDV/0/3a958b77/X3/i-k3mJrDV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-k3mJrDV/0/3a958b77/X3/i-k3mJrDV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jJ7CWkL/0/f0cb66a6/X3/i-jJ7CWkL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jJ7CWkL/0/f0cb66a6/X3/i-jJ7CWkL-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Then we joined this group having dinner on the street</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SxP7X4T/0/02c41813/X3/i-SxP7X4T-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SxP7X4T/0/02c41813/X3/i-SxP7X4T-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Just kidding, we only photographed them. We meandered a little more, had some free shrimp crackers:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tMdHKfX/0/341aa736/X3/i-tMdHKfX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tMdHKfX/0/341aa736/X3/i-tMdHKfX-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ghrt4h9/0/8721fb2d/X3/i-Ghrt4h9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ghrt4h9/0/8721fb2d/X3/i-Ghrt4h9-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And finally returned to our guest house to have our one dinner that was included. Cao Lau (thick rice noodles, pork, greens), more pho I believe, spring rolls, and rice.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We finally had time and wakefulness to do a little journaling</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HmFDjtV/0/e3d31f5e/X3/i-HmFDjtV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HmFDjtV/0/e3d31f5e/X3/i-HmFDjtV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8WWvdP8/0/c34fa47a/X3/i-8WWvdP8-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8WWvdP8/0/c34fa47a/X3/i-8WWvdP8-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
And it was off to bed again, looking forward to learning how to grow and harvest rice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-6492909698842640392019-07-16T11:16:00.003-05:002019-07-16T13:30:22.193-05:00Southeast Asia 2019: Vietnam, Day One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gqnPpWc/0/01874cf2/X3/i-gqnPpWc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gqnPpWc/0/01874cf2/X3/i-gqnPpWc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
(Wednesday, June 19)</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Of course we knew we wouldn’t *really* get a full night’s sleep. Manimal was in our bed by 11:30 and Hamish followed by 1:30. We all pushed through until about 3, improvement, but we added another hour of time change coming from HK to Vietnam, kind of cancelling that effect. We coaxed the kids into a little more rest with audio books, but all were wide awake officially at 5. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Rx3DdRq/0/0b8a46ff/X3/i-Rx3DdRq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Rx3DdRq/0/0b8a46ff/X3/i-Rx3DdRq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
It was during this night that I began to wonder about the wisdom of our trip and to let worry creep in a little. Our place in Hot An was nice- it actually had a separate bedroom with twin beds for the kids, a nice bathroom with a great big bathtub, and of course, a/c- but it was a little underpowered and provided minimal actual air movement, so for at least the first few nights there we barely pulled up a sheet to cover ourselves. Waking in the middle of the night, in a place we arrived after dark, somewhere that wasn’t so developed, still hot despite the air conditioning being on full blast, my mind was just thinking all it would take is one little hiccup to push this into a bad place. Power outage, sickness, something like that. Thankfully, as usual my fears outweighed reality and things got better.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We found resort staff awake around 6 a.m., borrowed some Vietnamese Dong (we were so on top of things) from the owner, and he called us a taxi to take us to the old town (about 5 mins away). So, Hoi An Ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a well-preserved Southeast Asian trading port dating from the 15th century. UNESCO says that Hoi An Ancient town contains 1,107 timber buildings arranged side-by-side in tight, unbroken rows along narrow pedestrian streets parallel to the Thu Bon river, and the town reflects both indigenous and foreign, mostly Chinese and Japanese, with later European, influences. During the Vietnam war, the city escaped almost all damage. So it’s a little window into the past. It's cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mDLsZ2F/0/b93b7c6a/X3/i-mDLsZ2F-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mDLsZ2F/0/b93b7c6a/X3/i-mDLsZ2F-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Arriving first thing in the morning, we were able to see lots of opening hustle as markets got going, and we could walk through calm streets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZhS3WdH/0/d0c531e6/X3/i-ZhS3WdH-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZhS3WdH/0/d0c531e6/X3/i-ZhS3WdH-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tjk7tKD/0/3606d6eb/X3/i-tjk7tKD-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tjk7tKD/0/3606d6eb/X3/i-tjk7tKD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-45P7KJZ/0/c8fb89bb/X3/i-45P7KJZ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-45P7KJZ/0/c8fb89bb/X3/i-45P7KJZ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4fRzQ4f/0/9095799f/X3/i-4fRzQ4f-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4fRzQ4f/0/9095799f/X3/i-4fRzQ4f-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H89cSNK/0/78f98067/X3/i-H89cSNK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H89cSNK/0/78f98067/X3/i-H89cSNK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
(crabs)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hs2nPJd/0/be1fb1b0/X3/i-Hs2nPJd-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hs2nPJd/0/be1fb1b0/X3/i-Hs2nPJd-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NKFdwcW/0/59db0113/X3/i-NKFdwcW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NKFdwcW/0/59db0113/X3/i-NKFdwcW-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QzPgQGK/0/c39abb73/X3/i-QzPgQGK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QzPgQGK/0/c39abb73/X3/i-QzPgQGK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-drdkQr7/0/edc4cad7/X3/i-drdkQr7-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-drdkQr7/0/edc4cad7/X3/i-drdkQr7-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
After a little time of observing, we decided to take a taxi back for our included breakfast.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Passionfruit was a favorite from this leg of the trip:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PkD8z6J/0/611bb495/X3/i-PkD8z6J-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PkD8z6J/0/611bb495/X3/i-PkD8z6J-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
There were also omelettes or eggs prepared as you like, plenty of toast, baguettes, tiny bananas, yogurt, muesli, pineapple, mango, watermelon, and crepes, in addition to noodle bowls and fried rice. We never really partook of the true Asian breakfast offerings though.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
After this, it was pool time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sV8VxbV/0/59255bea/X3/i-sV8VxbV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sV8VxbV/0/59255bea/X3/i-sV8VxbV-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The place came with a nice small pool, shallow enough on one end that both littles could stand up, then venture a little deeper to practice swimming, and safely return. The pool was the best way to cool off in the middle of the day.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The goal this day was to push the nap much earlier so they'd be wakeable afterward. We put them down at 10. They were asleep by 10:30, and we woke them at 12:15. Still a slow wake but a world better than the day before. </div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We took a very hot walk to a lunch spot nearby and split pho and pizza. It came with a nice selection of books, and some great fans blowing on us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xrrNvGT/0/0046d9e2/X3/i-xrrNvGT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xrrNvGT/0/0046d9e2/X3/i-xrrNvGT-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nm8q4T4/0/f75b6389/X3/i-Nm8q4T4-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nm8q4T4/0/f75b6389/X3/i-Nm8q4T4-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Pho was an instant hit, and Hamish asked for it every meal for the remainder of Vietnam.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dz225cK/0/f57679e9/X3/i-dz225cK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dz225cK/0/f57679e9/X3/i-dz225cK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
Complimentary dessert.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Instead of going back to the room, we called a cab and went to the tailor so I could order suits. Hoi An is known for their tailors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tFSxzcn/0/12c81ee3/X3/i-tFSxzcn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tFSxzcn/0/12c81ee3/X3/i-tFSxzcn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The kids did gloriously, designing their own clothes while I chose fabrics and Alli bounced between advising me and listening to design details. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HWrckzn/0/341e2f06/X3/i-HWrckzn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HWrckzn/0/341e2f06/X3/i-HWrckzn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Manimal designed a suit with various protections from bad guys: rockets on the boots, diamond launchers, and a helmet. Hamish drew a floral dress with a Mandarin collar and plaid side panels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DCPgSVn/0/790c6fc5/X3/i-DCPgSVn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DCPgSVn/0/790c6fc5/X3/i-DCPgSVn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Then she moved on to accessories (shoes and earrings) and Manimal drew Alli a dress and chose a silk to have it made from. He says she should wear it with red high heels. She will look beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8PbXGzR/0/e8f051e6/X3/i-8PbXGzR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8PbXGzR/0/e8f051e6/X3/i-8PbXGzR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RH8kqRK/0/3524c632/X3/i-RH8kqRK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RH8kqRK/0/3524c632/X3/i-RH8kqRK-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Manimal recruited, as he does.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sgLDX6C/0/367ee8a8/X3/i-sgLDX6C-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sgLDX6C/0/367ee8a8/X3/i-sgLDX6C-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Once everything was chosen, ordered, and measured, we hopped in another cab and headed to our 4 p.m. cooking class. Vina, from Gioan Cooking School, took us through the market </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sfrT7SS/0/0c4da55b/X3/i-sfrT7SS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sfrT7SS/0/0c4da55b/X3/i-sfrT7SS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
and then took us back to her home to prepare a 4-course meal. She was an excellent instructor: cheerful and quick and extremely well prepared. She adored Manimal, and was so encouraging of both kids. They beat and chopped and sautéed and minced and mixed every step. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qLfsWDk/0/55cb4d53/X3/i-qLfsWDk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qLfsWDk/0/55cb4d53/X3/i-qLfsWDk-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QPbJfJ9/0/7f963c00/X3/i-QPbJfJ9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QPbJfJ9/0/7f963c00/X3/i-QPbJfJ9-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
Side note- the children were exposed to their first Fanta here. We were allowed to go grab a drink from the cooler, all soft drinks and such, and the children chose to try Fanta. They asked for Fanta for the remainder of our trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VTxVqTZ/0/5d6ea8dd/X3/i-VTxVqTZ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VTxVqTZ/0/5d6ea8dd/X3/i-VTxVqTZ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LkPZfS5/0/40d2e708/X3/i-LkPZfS5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LkPZfS5/0/40d2e708/X3/i-LkPZfS5-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4dF5QfS/0/a0e48220/X3/i-4dF5QfS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4dF5QfS/0/a0e48220/X3/i-4dF5QfS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We made fresh spring rolls, green mango salad, fish baked in banana leaf, and banana pancakes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LcPwn4N/0/8ac0144b/X3/i-LcPwn4N-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LcPwn4N/0/8ac0144b/X3/i-LcPwn4N-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jj8vxBM/0/299512a6/X3/i-jj8vxBM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jj8vxBM/0/299512a6/X3/i-jj8vxBM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c9qvMRR/0/127cc17a/X3/i-c9qvMRR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c9qvMRR/0/127cc17a/X3/i-c9qvMRR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f8JF8hP/0/6f958404/X3/i-f8JF8hP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f8JF8hP/0/6f958404/X3/i-f8JF8hP-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sR686Xz/0/d3df799e/X3/i-sR686Xz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sR686Xz/0/d3df799e/X3/i-sR686Xz-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DWBKG3s/0/bf732f56/X3/i-DWBKG3s-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DWBKG3s/0/bf732f56/X3/i-DWBKG3s-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rvGDvzz/0/7a91dc3e/X3/i-rvGDvzz-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rvGDvzz/0/7a91dc3e/X3/i-rvGDvzz-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
Vina will miss the Manimal.</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
The kids were slowing down dramatically by 6:30. They didn't eat too much even though they fully enjoyed making everything. The food was excellent, so many flavors!</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
We'd talked about a night swim after cooking class--trying to push the day longer. But Hamish asked for bed instead. Both stayed awake through the cab ride, and for the first time we had a normal bedtime routine and tucked both kids in by 7:30. </div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<div style="color: #353535; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Alli and I opted for our first beers of the trip and almost--almost!--made it to 9 p.m. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-31378211406840503012019-07-15T14:49:00.000-05:002019-07-15T14:49:38.273-05:00Southeast Asia 2019 - Getting There and Hong Kong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pdzvKmr/0/bac94f1a/X3/i-pdzvKmr-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pdzvKmr/0/bac94f1a/X3/i-pdzvKmr-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our blog is on the brink of death, but we have just returned from an epic SE Asian vacation, and it only makes sense to record it for posterity here.
So, Hamish was born in Singapore, <a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2012/06/hamish-arrives.html">as you may recall</a>, 7 short years ago. We have been trying now for 3-4 years to figure out how we could go back and let her see her birthplace and for us to visit old friends and hangouts. Finally, September of last year we got a bite on a home exchange opportunity and began to plan a trip for this summer. We could only have about a week in Singapore, not long enough in my mind to fly in and back out and be worth it, and we liked the idea of adding on some cheap flights to other nearby favorite destinations, thinking of places we could really chill, so we began to build a trip. As it turned out, the best flights (on Singapore Air!) went through San Francisco, then Hong Kong, en route to Singapore. So we decided we’d get off the plane in Hong Kong. Then we started to look at direct easy flights to other locations we’d like to visit again— Bali, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap, and after climbing several decision trees, we planned a Hong Kong -> Hoi An, Vietnam -> Siem Reap, Cambodia -> Singapore -> home trip. Three weeks, 4 countries, 7 individual flights, ~45 hours of flight time, and a 4-year old and a 7-year old in tow.<br />
Suspected insanity.<br />
<br />
We planned for months. Luckily, no new equivalent yellow fever vaccinations were necessary, just new backpacks, travel pillows, headphones, things like that. Finally, just two days after Hamish turned 7, we started our journey back to Singapore.
We considered many approaches regarding flights and time zone acclimation, but when it comes down to it, our international travel plan is to let them have screens as much as they want. Which is for the entirety of the flights. We left Nashville at 7 in the evening for our first leg to SF. We had hopes, this crossing right into bedtime, that we’d at least get some sleep on this first flight, then be mostly awake for our 3 hour layover in SF, and then get a “night’s sleep” on the first half of the flight to HK. But the first flight came with big TV screens and child content, and nobody was napping and missing this excitement. The flight went by relatively quickly.
Once in SF, Manimal decided travel was not so fun. He was way overtired, it now being midnight his body clock time. He proceeded to throw up in the airport. Uh oh. But, we had little option but to keep going. We proceeded to the international terminal, got our boarding passes, back through security, found our gate, and laid the kids on the floor, where they promptly passed out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-G3JdscZ/0/032a7a74/X3/i-G3JdscZ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-G3JdscZ/0/032a7a74/X3/i-G3JdscZ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Alli and I tried to rest too, with little success. Finally at 1 a.m. SF time (3 a.m. in our bodies) our flight took off. We carried sleeping babes onto the plane.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-66bGFZQ/0/45d5b63e/X3/i-66bGFZQ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-66bGFZQ/0/45d5b63e/X3/i-66bGFZQ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
They each slept for the first 4-5 hours of the flight and were wide awake after, glued to screens. We tried to make them rest again later in the flight, turning off all the screens, but neither was able to fall asleep, and we gave up. Alli and I both tried to sleep, but she was between the kids who gave little respite, and I just couldn’t sleep much, despite those new travel pillows. After many hours, we finally reached HK, 6 a.m. local time (time to give up on what our internal body clocks are telling us).
Our plan had been for us to visit an international lounge in the airport, so we could shower, get a bite to eat, recover from the flight a little, and make a plan. However, the airport design spits us right through immigration, customs, and out of the terminal. Our only choice was to proceed to our hotel, where at worst we’d be able to leave bags and try to make a plan. Surprisingly, we weren’t sick tired, I guess some excitement of being in a new place and the rising sun gave us a second (or third) wind. Mercy on mercy, we were able to get into our hotel room at 8 a.m. Still, it didn’t seem wise, if we could avoid it, to sleep. We dropped bags and headed out to find coffee, stopping at a cafe across the street. Coffee, tea, and french fries for breakfast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SbQg27w/0/df618589/X3/i-SbQg27w-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SbQg27w/0/df618589/X3/i-SbQg27w-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
From here, Alli and the kids decided to venture down to a park by the water, but I felt like I had to go back and at least take a shower, which felt wonderful. Then I made my way to the water to meet them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FBVp4rC/0/c840b985/X3/i-FBVp4rC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FBVp4rC/0/c840b985/X3/i-FBVp4rC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-krjQt8v/0/83d96e7f/X3/i-krjQt8v-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-krjQt8v/0/83d96e7f/X3/i-krjQt8v-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LMc3kz9/0/8c45ca0b/X3/i-LMc3kz9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LMc3kz9/0/8c45ca0b/X3/i-LMc3kz9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In an unplanned surprise, it turned out our Singapore-based friends Amanda and Reuben and kids were in HK at the same time as us, returning to SG that day. We arranged to meet at the Star Ferry and rode back and forth to Hong Kong Island together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hh6v4D9/0/fd701c51/X3/i-Hh6v4D9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hh6v4D9/0/fd701c51/X3/i-Hh6v4D9-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wZhgG46/0/09a4bb11/X3/i-wZhgG46-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wZhgG46/0/09a4bb11/X3/i-wZhgG46-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They made fast friends</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Z2DSXTW/0/5c432591/X3/i-Z2DSXTW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Z2DSXTW/0/5c432591/X3/i-Z2DSXTW-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We then had dim sum before they headed to the airport and we finally returned to our room for a nap.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6Qr7Sqc/0/46bf9c93/X3/i-6Qr7Sqc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6Qr7Sqc/0/46bf9c93/X3/i-6Qr7Sqc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This little piggy had bbq innards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We slept from 1 until a little after 3 p.m. It was incredibly painful, but we got ourselves, and then the kids, out of bed. There was much protesting, but we persevered and pretty much dragged them from the room. Unfortunately we didn’t have a great plan, and we also weren’t exactly excited to be awake and active. We went back to the ferry, rode over to Hong Kong Island and got off with the idea of making our way to the multi-level escalators. Ice cream helped to encourage the children, but its effect was short-lived. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bWdHP6c/0/c5a5489e/X3/i-bWdHP6c-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bWdHP6c/0/c5a5489e/X3/i-bWdHP6c-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j4SsxnS/0/872da268/X3/i-j4SsxnS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j4SsxnS/0/872da268/X3/i-j4SsxnS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We did not make much progress toward the MLM, before we gave up and went to the subway headed back home. Maybe surprisingly, *this* got our Manimal excited enough to walk on his own again. We returned to our hotel, had our free drinks in the hotel bar and a meat and cheese plate to share for dinner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GVhkrJM/0/6f2cf710/X3/i-GVhkrJM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GVhkrJM/0/6f2cf710/X3/i-GVhkrJM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In our state, nobody was actually very hungry, and we headed to the room for showers and bed. The kids were passed out by 7:30. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rGtzHXP/0/6def73e5/X3/i-rGtzHXP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rGtzHXP/0/6def73e5/X3/i-rGtzHXP-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, this was followed by the Manimal waking up at 1:30 ready to start his day. Alli coaxed him into staying mostly quiet and still while we all tried to sleep longer. Then he was bribed into stillness with an audiobook on his travel phone at about 4 a.m. Hamish followed at 5 and we gave up on sleep and all engaged our devices.
We hit the included buffet breakfast at 6:30. Kind of a highlight of the trip as it had the full range of local and continental offerings, pancakes, bacon, omelette, yakult, muesli, fruit, cappuccino, etc. In hindsight, we would have liked another day of this cozy hotel and easy breakfast while we defeated jetlag.
We briefly returned to the room to get ready and then we were out. We went to the MTR and headed back to Hong Kong Island, to the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens, where we walked around, played on some playgrounds, and saw some neat plants and tiny frogs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K4RhbLQ/0/8525ad44/X3/i-K4RhbLQ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K4RhbLQ/0/8525ad44/X3/i-K4RhbLQ-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nd6XmvG/0/54faa250/X3/i-nd6XmvG-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nd6XmvG/0/54faa250/X3/i-nd6XmvG-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vqJpHmp/0/238ebd1c/X3/i-vqJpHmp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vqJpHmp/0/238ebd1c/X3/i-vqJpHmp-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A little rain shower was a welcome respite from our first real brush with SE Asian humidity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NzfMkvF/0/cd292de0/X3/i-NzfMkvF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NzfMkvF/0/cd292de0/X3/i-NzfMkvF-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ThFNnJn/0/89cc7deb/X3/i-ThFNnJn-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ThFNnJn/0/89cc7deb/X3/i-ThFNnJn-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we headed back toward the midlevels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Fgnb8RL/0/3eeec5df/X3/i-Fgnb8RL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Fgnb8RL/0/3eeec5df/X3/i-Fgnb8RL-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pwcX3CZ/0/29c4839f/X3/i-pwcX3CZ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pwcX3CZ/0/29c4839f/X3/i-pwcX3CZ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ice cream bribes were doled out again, because somebody's legs hurt...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S8vjzq4/0/05d69cd6/X3/i-S8vjzq4-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S8vjzq4/0/05d69cd6/X3/i-S8vjzq4-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We happened to walk right by the department of justice, a hot spot of recent protest activity. Luckily all was calm while we were in town, though a police presence was felt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9MRKg7t/0/cff8ab23/X3/i-9MRKg7t-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9MRKg7t/0/cff8ab23/X3/i-9MRKg7t-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We made it this time, and went way way up looking for our dining room picture spot. The kids had never seen so many escalators and were excited for each level of ascent. We couldn’t find our previous picturesque spot though, gave up, meandered through a street market and picked up some mangosteen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zq3dzDv/0/7d5aed14/X3/i-Zq3dzDv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Zq3dzDv/0/7d5aed14/X3/i-Zq3dzDv-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-33FhJRX/0/88c113d0/X3/i-33FhJRX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-33FhJRX/0/88c113d0/X3/i-33FhJRX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VdJVrpG/0/9907be24/X3/i-VdJVrpG-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VdJVrpG/0/9907be24/X3/i-VdJVrpG-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then we proceeded to lunch at Thyme. We had a yummy quinoa beet salad and a crunchy chicken and rice and egg kinda bento box-ish thing. Chrysanthemum pear tea for me, coke for Alli.
We returned to the midlevels for one final try at finding our old spot (it just felt important to us, since the kids have seen this picture hanging in our dining room for years). And we found it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-s3xTS8S/0/c3830dab/X3/i-s3xTS8S-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-s3xTS8S/0/c3830dab/X3/i-s3xTS8S-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kfH2SZX/0/88a891a5/X3/i-kfH2SZX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kfH2SZX/0/88a891a5/X3/i-kfH2SZX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What it looked like in 2010:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dBRkWFs/0/9ace3740/XL/i-dBRkWFs-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="512" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dBRkWFs/0/9ace3740/XL/i-dBRkWFs-XL.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was heavily changed by construction but identifiable by comparison to our old photo. Having accomplished our goal, we took the MTR back to our hotel to pack up, change a little more $, and grab a taxi to the airport.
The kids danced and played deliriously in the large, open, cooled airport</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jLGwXrK/0/3d9e54a9/X3/i-jLGwXrK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jLGwXrK/0/3d9e54a9/X3/i-jLGwXrK-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fb57Fdm/0/836098ce/X3/i-fb57Fdm-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fb57Fdm/0/836098ce/X3/i-fb57Fdm-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a>But then they crashed quickly.
Manimal fell deeply asleep on the flight to Vietnam and was unwakable thereafter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LKBPgmM/0/cc3c454e/X3/i-LKBPgmM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LKBPgmM/0/cc3c454e/X3/i-LKBPgmM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j3nCb4M/0/7aa4201f/X3/i-j3nCb4M-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j3nCb4M/0/7aa4201f/X3/i-j3nCb4M-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hamish was a camper and roused herself to walk through immigration. Manimal was dead weight. Hamish fell asleep in the transfer to Hoi An (a 45 minute car ride), and we put both straight into bed at our resort, looking forward to a full night's sleep...</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-49297424618330931912018-08-26T21:38:00.000-05:002018-09-13T21:39:12.069-05:00K+A are TwelveYay, we were nearly on time with our video this year!<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/287119655" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-4517870238574748682018-01-23T21:12:00.002-06:002018-01-24T20:54:11.269-06:00Horseback riding in the Andes; Final Days in Ecuador<b>December 26</b><br />
<br />
<div>
Alli and Manimal continued their early morning dates. He gets up at 6 and she's been reading I Samuel and Winnie the Pooh to buy the rest of us more sleep. I got up at 7 and let Alli snooze a bit more. Hamish slept until 8. But then we quickly got dressed and got a cab south, out of the city to go horseback riding at Centro Ecuestra Bellavista.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again I used technology, making sure to have our maps downloaded. I double-checked the address of the place we were headed, and for good measure, took a snapshot showing the phone number and address. I glanced at the google map route. It was a little surprising... it said the trip would take about 45 minutes, that seemed right from what I'd read... the place we were going appeared to be just off the Pan-American highway, but google maps had us turn off a good bit earlier and take some other roads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hdLCBt8/0/5c03f9de/L/i-hdLCBt8-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="800" height="374" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hdLCBt8/0/5c03f9de/L/i-hdLCBt8-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
See? But whatever, google knows things. Probably, you can''t actually get there right off the Pan-American highway. Even if it's unnecessary it's probably just driving around in some neighborhood... We just grabbed a regular taxi and told him where we wanted to go, and as was often the case, he was happy to let my GPS do the guiding. Well, Google misled us big time. What you can't see in that map is elevation changes or road condition changes. We got off the main road, onto lesser traveled roads, lesser traveled roads, dirt roads, washed out dirt roads, up and over mountains. It was a little nerve wracking. However, our taxi driver seemed totally unbothered by this, as if it was almost normal (remember this is a Cuenca city taxi driver who I've taken well out into the country on a horse-cart path). There was one point where we came over a hill and approached an area that was pretty washed out, and he paused and made a sort of "umm.. ?" sound. I said "is this okay?" "esta bien?" He kind of surveyed it and shrugged, smiled, "Sí", and just carefully navigated through. Well, we follow that road all the way to the end-- to the Pan-American highway, where it becomes clear that the 30-minute over-mountain pass was not required, oops. Furthermore, we had not found our destination. We looked, we thought, and finally I called the horse place using my phone (this wasn't something I'd pre-paid for, so a little extra cost), then I handed the phone to our driver. Surprisingly, and I really don't know why once realizing how we were right at the correct place, he drove north, turned around, drove south, back past the place... then we called again... finally we turned back onto the road we had been on prior, coming from the highway, and the signage easily pointed us there.</div>
<div>
Additionally, there was a little miscommunication with the horse place, well, sort of. We'd made reservations for 10 a.m., but apparently another family came in without reservations at about 9:30, and he kinda thought they were us. He didn't realize we were different people until we called from the taxi. He apologized and said they'd be on their way back. The taxi waited a few minutes until someone else was there to meet us, and I paid him about 4x the fare for his inconvenience (still not a lot), even though he really still seemed unbothered by it all.<br />
We were led into a sort of covered arena with a sitting area at one end, where we were given some juice and a big bowl of chips to snack on until everyone got back, and we probably hung out an hour or so for them to get back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BvPK2GF/0/0444177a/X2/i-BvPK2GF-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BvPK2GF/0/0444177a/X2/i-BvPK2GF-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WmnGBPZ/0/3cd792d8/X2/i-WmnGBPZ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WmnGBPZ/0/3cd792d8/X2/i-WmnGBPZ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We wandered around the grounds a bit also and visited some horses in their stalls.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4q84vfJ/0/5e1c2cb4/X2/i-4q84vfJ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4q84vfJ/0/5e1c2cb4/X2/i-4q84vfJ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DhXmvmw/0/ad866e6e/X2/i-DhXmvmw-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DhXmvmw/0/ad866e6e/X2/i-DhXmvmw-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Once the group returned, our horses were prepared for us very quickly, and we all mounted up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qfMhG3S/0/4087822d/X2/i-qfMhG3S-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qfMhG3S/0/4087822d/X2/i-qfMhG3S-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mVcRv7X/0/7bf653ea/X2/i-mVcRv7X-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mVcRv7X/0/7bf653ea/X2/i-mVcRv7X-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Our host, Sebastian, apologized again and said he would like to give us a free lunch, which we accepted happily. Alli had ridden horses before, but somewhere on the order of 20+ years ago. I'm pretty sure I'd never been on an actual horse, and the kids definitely had not. But it was very chill. The kids were thrilled, and each got their own horse. Hamish rode Alaska, a 4-year-old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xjcKzhB/0/2f5f5430/X3/i-xjcKzhB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xjcKzhB/0/2f5f5430/X3/i-xjcKzhB-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Manimal got the easiest one of all, Lento Rodriguez (lazy Rodriguez), aged 12. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6tQKKRZ/0/f2ff609c/X2/i-6tQKKRZ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6tQKKRZ/0/f2ff609c/X2/i-6tQKKRZ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
My horse was Mote Pillo (a breakfast hominy and eggs dish), 8 years old, and Alli was on Hulk, the 10 year old big guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qFNLfTx/0/41004805/X2/i-qFNLfTx-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qFNLfTx/0/41004805/X2/i-qFNLfTx-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Both of the kids horses were tied up a bit different at their mouths so they wouldn't try to eat along the way. Manimal's horse was also led by Sebastian holding a rope.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wD8rJnN/0/36893253/X2/i-wD8rJnN-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wD8rJnN/0/36893253/X2/i-wD8rJnN-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w82hWPF/0/940210e9/X3/i-w82hWPF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-w82hWPF/0/940210e9/X3/i-w82hWPF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Sebastian said from the start that we would start Manimal off riding, but if he got tired or uncomfortable, they would ride together. We were all given just a quick set of instructions-- basically pull left to go left, right to go right, pull back to stop, and kind of kissy-kissy noise and maybe a little kick to make them go. And then we just walked along out into the mountainous countryside.<br />
We weren't supposed to let the horses stop and eat, but...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LJT9hvw/0/0f34ec57/X3/i-LJT9hvw-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LJT9hvw/0/0f34ec57/X3/i-LJT9hvw-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Hamish was in total control of her horse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X9W53PL/0/6be0821f/X3/i-X9W53PL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-X9W53PL/0/6be0821f/X3/i-X9W53PL-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Sebastian's son rode along with us, as well as a teenaged boy who said he just came out there to ride almost every day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7nZ2zj5/0/cd03a499/X3/i-7nZ2zj5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="595" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7nZ2zj5/0/cd03a499/X3/i-7nZ2zj5-X3.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
The scenery was wonderful and the kids had a great time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8tfgJhj/0/d59fa0eb/X2/i-8tfgJhj-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8tfgJhj/0/d59fa0eb/X2/i-8tfgJhj-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cFt8r45/0/fe7c7474/X2/i-cFt8r45-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cFt8r45/0/fe7c7474/X2/i-cFt8r45-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gMf3dmN/0/20ff06c4/X2/i-gMf3dmN-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="800" height="186" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gMf3dmN/0/20ff06c4/X2/i-gMf3dmN-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Manimal serenaded us for much of the ride.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-kHMM0iYwvc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-kHMM0iYwvc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
Sebastian told us after the ride he did not expect Manimal to last, but he sure did! He was brave of horseback riding! We were only out for an hour, but it was a good start. Lunch was also good.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JtQJRxX/0/51c0fa71/X2/i-JtQJRxX-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JtQJRxX/0/51c0fa71/X2/i-JtQJRxX-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids ate happily and then played with Sebastian's kids until our ride arrived, taking us straight up the highway home.<br />
Manimal fell asleep in the cab, but transferred to the bed easily. He only woke up and cried a little that he wanted to go horseback riding.<br />
After a short nap, we caught a cab to our dinner plans: Taco Tuesday at a local craft brewery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MBhdr86/0/2ea290db/X3/i-MBhdr86-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MBhdr86/0/2ea290db/X3/i-MBhdr86-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
It was a chill place, started by two Americans from Hawaii: just home-brewed beer on tap and US-style tacos: $1 each.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cXGZqSW/0/0ed86b17/X3/i-cXGZqSW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cXGZqSW/0/0ed86b17/X3/i-cXGZqSW-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We all ate our fill and then walked next door for ice cream. As we were leaving, a family sat next to us, and we learned that they were from South Carolina. We chatted while the bar tried to get us a cab in the rain. The dad graduated my year and played football at Clemson. They were spending a year in Cuenca just to see and do something different, and their two girls were learning Spanish of course. Pretty neat. Finally we hailed a taxi and got ourselves home.<br />
<br />
<b>December 27</b><br />
Our last day in Cuenca and Ecuador. However, our flight out wasn't until 7 p.m., so we still needed to fill one more day. The gray and rainy day again placed some limits on our options. Alli and I also really felt the effects of our horseback rides (stiff backs and obliques), and maybe those $1 tacos weren't the ideal thing to eat the day before we flew out... We went to the Museo Pumapungo, which is free and has more exhibits exploring native cultures.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M8JHWVQ/0/897a11c5/X3/i-M8JHWVQ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M8JHWVQ/0/897a11c5/X3/i-M8JHWVQ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
It was fun, this time, to see some of the native dress, and each time the kids would excitedly say "we saw that in the parade!" <br />There's also some decent ruins out back, which the reviews all indicated were worth visiting if you weren't going to make the trip to Ingapirca-- which is nicer, but still nothing compared to Machu Picchu of Peru. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4xGPTB4/0/8aa3fb47/X2/i-4xGPTB4-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4xGPTB4/0/8aa3fb47/X2/i-4xGPTB4-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7NT2RFr/0/1b29e999/X2/i-7NT2RFr-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7NT2RFr/0/1b29e999/X2/i-7NT2RFr-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The ruins aren't super exciting, but they also have a really nice gardens exhibit down a hill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zRgMXh7/0/addab70a/X2/i-zRgMXh7-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zRgMXh7/0/addab70a/X2/i-zRgMXh7-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The ruins look much cooler from down there too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-htGVGrM/0/a853edde/X2/i-htGVGrM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-htGVGrM/0/a853edde/X2/i-htGVGrM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And there's llamas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S8Q8ws8/0/2180af3c/X2/i-S8Q8ws8-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S8Q8ws8/0/2180af3c/X2/i-S8Q8ws8-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They were all tied up, grazing. Quite surprisingly to me, there were no signs about how to pet/not get near them. But their behavior as we approached did not give me courage. I think we still saw someone else walk up to one and pet it as we were leaving. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2L2sQX5/0/54a84597/X2/i-2L2sQX5-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2L2sQX5/0/54a84597/X2/i-2L2sQX5-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zVTHQ69/0/8dc2aa03/X3/i-zVTHQ69-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zVTHQ69/0/8dc2aa03/X3/i-zVTHQ69-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There was a bird exhibit we spent a little time at, and then we grabbed a taxi back over to Parque Calderon. We were really hoping the hat salesmen would come out as the clouds parted.<br />
But no dice.<br />
<br />
We grabbed lunch at a place on the square that was recommended, Raymipampa. So-so food. Once ordered, I took the opportunity to run some postcards we'd purchased over to the post office. This whole effort was somewhat insane. First off, postcards were nearly nonexistent in Ecuador. When we found them, they were either a) $2.00+ each, or b) horrendously ugly. Like as if nobody there understood the concept. Let's put an old, black and white picture of a random corner on a card and call it good? Luckily a shop near the markets in Quito actually had some decent cards for a decent price. I'd asked there about postage, and she told me I'd need to go to a post office. This hung over us for the rest of the trip. I asked at the grocery store in Cuenca. I talked to about 3 different people. I consulted my Spanish-English dictionary. I gesticulated. It was kind of like they had never heard of a) mail (correo), b) stamps (estampilla!), or c) the post office. I asked the neighbors in our building, and they said yes, there is a post office, where you'll need to go, but nobody uses mail here. It's just terribly inefficient. Expect your postcard to take 3 months to arrive. I was okay with that last part. So, during lunch, I ran about 3 blocks over to the post office. This was a weekday around noon. There were two windows open, one for receiving packages, one for mailing them. There were 2 people in line in front of me. ~20 minutes later I reached the window and asked for stamps to mail postcards. $2.30 each to mail them, but, bad news, they were out of stamps. That's right... they sort of ran out of stamps at the only post office in this town. But, he said he might be able to make something work. He literally pulled out a cardboard box-- you know that one at grandma's house with all the old polaroids?-- with old stamps in different denominations. He sold me a couple of $2.00 stamps, however many $0.30 stamps I needed, and then the remainder I needed in $1 stamps. Thus, for about 4 of my postcards, I had to use 3 stamps to mail them. You must be somewhat creative to get 3 stamps on a postcard that also contains address information and some brief correspondence. Then, because this was the only location from which to mail something, I had to sit down and lick each of these stamps and affix them before I could hand them back. For everyone who's ever said anything bad about the United States Postal Service, take it back.<br />
That said, I am pleased to report, that today, less than one month from the date of mailing, our postcard arrived!<br />
Once I returned to lunch, of course everyone's food was pretty well gone, so I scarfed some, and we headed back to our apartment.<br />
We spent Manimal's naptime packing our bags and cleaning and then headed for the airport. The neighbors all came out to see us off and even sent us with cookies.<br />
Yet again, our flight was delayed by about an hour. We should have had about 2 hours of layover in Quito. We ended up with closer to 1, but we still had no trouble making the final flight out-- ultimately leaving at 12:30 a.m. Kids slept pretty well on the flight. Alli and I only snoozed a little and watched movies. Mercifully, taco-related issues were not a factor for flights.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jpbHgBP/0/71b76b66/X3/i-jpbHgBP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jpbHgBP/0/71b76b66/X3/i-jpbHgBP-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Atlanta re-entry to the US was possibly the worst part of the whole trip, which is sad. We arrived at 5:30 in the morning, but immigration was packed. Hamish was doing well, despite how tired she was, but Manimal was definitely not happy about it all and would have preferred to sleep in someone's arms. The US, unlike other countries, is not known for noticing families with overtired infants and giving any special privilege. Immigration has gone to using kiosks, that you wait in line to reach, so that they can scan your passports and print out a little piece of paper, which you can carry to the next line to reach a border control agent (it used to be that you'd just wait in one line and the agent would handle all of this... We see no improvement). However, my passport would not scan. We finally got someone's attention, who tried multiple times without success and ultimately told us to just proceed. We asked her why they changed the system so, and she said they were going paperless. Alli held up the printout of our passport pictures with a quizzical look. Admittedly, we no longer have to fill out by hand a form for each person flying, but the system needs work. Singapore, this is an opportunity to miss you. After waiting in another line we finally saw someone who processed us through (and cared none about the machine issue). Then of course you must pick up your bags, proceed through customs (another line), and take your bags to another Delta representative so they can get on your next flight. Then you walk, then you ride the subway, and finally you'll be at your new terminal to wait a few more hours for the final flight home.<br />
On a positive note, we were able to get some Bojangle's chicken biscuits for breakfast. And we got into those cookies sent with us:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LPgv6GJ/0/bf9b7196/X3/i-LPgv6GJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LPgv6GJ/0/bf9b7196/X3/i-LPgv6GJ-X3.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
Finally, one more short flight and we were in Nashville. Ben picked us up with our minivan. Very nice, especially considering that we returned to a temperature hovering around 6 degrees Fahrenheit. We came home to a gloriously clean house, and the children were so happy to be back in their safe space, rediscovering all of their things.<br /><br />
So, it seems like a few summary notes of our trip might be warranted.<br />First, before I go further, it's worth noting what's been left out prior. It's good to know the words for men and women, because pictures are not always clear on bathrooms:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cvqrh2N/0/a7d293b8/X3/i-cvqrh2N-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cvqrh2N/0/a7d293b8/X3/i-cvqrh2N-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Seriously, doesn't that facial expression imply some uncertainty?<br />
Second, we are of course getting asked a lot: "did you have fun? how was it?" and that answer requires some nuance. Yes we had fun, and we are glad we did it. It really went well, big picture. We are thankful in so many ways that we were able to take this trip and for many many mercies along the way. However, at this stage with the kids, my general feeling is not like one of old where you return from a place kind of changed and exhilarated by the experience. Instead, it is a feeling of accomplishment. I think it was good for our family. We did it! We took our family to Ecuador, we went deep into the rain forest, we climbed to 13,000 feet, we ate weevil larva, we managed to converse in Spanish on many occasions, we didn't get pickpocketed, we slept in 4 different locations, we only had minor traveling sicknesses, we stood on the equator, we went horseback riding in the Andes, we drank coca tea and tried different exotic fruits. It probably goes without saying, however, that it wasn't all pure fun or relaxation. There was complaining; there was trying to keep the kids content in taxi rides, planes, and boats with books, storytelling (the adventures of Hamish and Manimal), drawing pads, and game books; there were reminders about not flushing the toilet paper and not using the tap water to brush your teeth; there was concern about bullet ants and tropical diseases and whether that fruit at the market was likely to make us sick. There's some of that constant weighing what this trip could be like as a couple-- quiet time when we want it, more adventure as we desired, probably a good bit more hiking in national forests and such, less time sitting at playgrounds. There's definitely less observed and absorbed when we always need to keep an eye on the kids and redirect them.<br />
<br />
But ultimately, we feel triumphant.<br />
<div class="yj6qo" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
</div>
</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-85326493620872314292018-01-20T22:37:00.000-06:002018-01-24T20:54:11.285-06:00Pase del niño and Christmas<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b>December 24</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-25KZRcZ/0/433b5409/X3/i-25KZRcZ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-25KZRcZ/0/433b5409/X3/i-25KZRcZ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ww8K49R/0/9469ac95/X3/i-Ww8K49R-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ww8K49R/0/9469ac95/X3/i-Ww8K49R-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We got up and got moving for the big parade. I didn't say before, but our home exchangers actually introduced us to 3 different couples who all checked in on us... generally they'd hear us coming down the stairs and come out and chat a bit on our way out. We got some good advice about where to go for the parade. We were asked if we would like to be in the parade by Shiloh's owners, and I answered "well yes, of course our kids would like to be in the parade... but I don't know that *we* want them to be in the parade." There was a directive to hold on a minute, and reindeer antlers were suddenly proffered. I guess at that point we had our ticket into the parade.<br />It seems like a little back story on the parade makes sense now.<br />The Pase del Niño Viajero (passing of the traveling child) is an interesting story... with some variations in their telling. However, this seems mostly supported: "The centerpiece of Cuenca's parade is an 1823 sculpture of the infant Jesus that was commissioned by Cuencan Josefa Heredia from an unknown artist. When the sculpture came into the possession of Cuenca Monsignor Miguel Cordero Crespo more than a century later, the Monsignor took it to the Holy Land (apparently where it visited Jesus' birthplace and was baptized in the Jordan river) and Rome in 1961, where it was blessed by Pope John XXIII. After the journey and the anointment, the statue became known as Niño Viajero, or Traveling Child, and has been the parade's main attraction ever since." Elsewhere I read that this is a 500-year-old tradition introduced by the Spanish, but I can't seem to find other stories (other parades in other countries), just this specific one in Cuenca. It's also apparently bigger than just Dec 24. "the Pase del Niño celebration is a three-month-long activity, beginning the first Sunday after Advent and continuing to Carnival in early March. The tradition also includes Novenas, nine consecutive nights of song, food and prayer, celebrated in homes and churches." Furthermore, several other cities will bring their own Christ-child statue. At this point, the centerpiece statue starts its tour in the church of the Heart of Jesus and ends in the church of Carmen de la Asunción. I'm honestly not sure when in the parade this took place; we did not see it. However, music and such kicks off at 9, with the parade officially beginning at 10 a.m. and lasting ~6 hours. I didn't read about much meaning or symbolism behind the parade; it's just a big celebratory event: "Jesus has come!" I suppose, "Let's remember". Anyway, when we reshuffled our dates to Christmas season and read about the parade in Cuenca, we thought being there for Christmas would be a good plan. We weren't disappointed with this choice.<br />We walked that same ~1 mile to the edge of downtown, and much closer than that, we began to pass cars, floats, and lots and lots of people getting into their costumes. We were also passed by many riders on horses (we'd already seen several ride by first thing in the morning from our apartment window.)<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pn8smKG/0/dfd58d58/XL/i-Pn8smKG-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Pn8smKG/0/dfd58d58/XL/i-Pn8smKG-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NfCVLn9/0/da2fc755/X2/i-NfCVLn9-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NfCVLn9/0/da2fc755/X2/i-NfCVLn9-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The floats, the costumes, all of it was pretty crazy. Cars were covered with all manner of shimmer, candy, food, roasted pigs, teddy bears, Christ statues, and more.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RJ8G9N7/0/a2f945bd/X2/i-RJ8G9N7-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RJ8G9N7/0/a2f945bd/X2/i-RJ8G9N7-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MshqNJ3/0/34d8cee5/X2/i-MshqNJ3-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MshqNJ3/0/34d8cee5/X2/i-MshqNJ3-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CCsTPqS/0/4be86f03/X2/i-CCsTPqS-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CCsTPqS/0/4be86f03/X2/i-CCsTPqS-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KspPGWc/0/362b035f/X2/i-KspPGWc-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KspPGWc/0/362b035f/X2/i-KspPGWc-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnkJPsT/0/4b6b5e2e/X2/i-jnkJPsT-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnkJPsT/0/4b6b5e2e/X2/i-jnkJPsT-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mJwS6rB/0/7539e731/X2/i-mJwS6rB-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mJwS6rB/0/7539e731/X2/i-mJwS6rB-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fPjWChn/0/dee7e828/X2/i-fPjWChn-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fPjWChn/0/dee7e828/X2/i-fPjWChn-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">There were more vendors of course (we snagged some fried balls of dough), some good-smelling food-</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KBMPdJ2/0/357b8086/XL/i-KBMPdJ2-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KBMPdJ2/0/357b8086/XL/i-KBMPdJ2-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
decked out horses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NGk6CTs/0/5dff022d/X2/i-NGk6CTs-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NGk6CTs/0/5dff022d/X2/i-NGk6CTs-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jqNKMP2/0/9069eee9/X3/i-jqNKMP2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jqNKMP2/0/9069eee9/X3/i-jqNKMP2-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and more kid-cars</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rpRSMVM/0/207f497c/X2/i-rpRSMVM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rpRSMVM/0/207f497c/X2/i-rpRSMVM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were warned sternly by the neighbors that the pickpockets would be out in force, and in general, I was feeling like I didn't want to be in an overly crowded place trying to keep up with everyone and make sure nobody got to my wallet. I wasn't sure we wouldn't kind of watch from a distance for a few minutes and then head somewhere else. But it was really chill. Where we first walked up was crowded and we were standing behind several people. However, this was not the kind of parade with barricades. This was the kind of parade where people freely joined in sometimes, crossed between dancers, etc. When there was a slight break in action, we crossed the street, walked half a block, and found a seat on the curb front row to enjoy the show for a good while.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m8kPgqg/0/67f5fa93/X2/i-m8kPgqg-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m8kPgqg/0/67f5fa93/X2/i-m8kPgqg-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(trust me, the kids had more fun than this picture lets on, and cup explanation forthcoming)<br />As for the pickpockets, early on there were a few teenagers that appeared to be casing us, but they moved along, and all of our belongings came through fine.<br /><br /> The parade was a ton of fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5wsD3LC/0/e94ef4ee/X2/i-5wsD3LC-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5wsD3LC/0/e94ef4ee/X2/i-5wsD3LC-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There was just wave after wave of dancers, dressed in many many different varieties of traditional dress, with music accompaniment, people in all sorts of costumes.<br />It should also be noted that there were big military trucks handing out chicha-- which is sort of a corn-based beer. However, we tried some-- it was very sweet, kind of funky (like a fresh wild fermentation)-- and felt no effects despite some indications that it could be very strong (it also didn't taste very strong). Furthermore, everyone was drinking it. Really young children. I don't know where you find official information on this sort of thing, but our analysis says they must have stopped actually handing out alcohol and that now it is the non-alcoholic version. Thinking it was alcoholic, it was kind of funny to see the scene of so many parade participants (like the man dressed as a priest) downing their chicha. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JDqWJvH/0/79c983a4/X2/i-JDqWJvH-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JDqWJvH/0/79c983a4/X2/i-JDqWJvH-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There was just so much going on that I think a slew of pictures and videos is the best we can do.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7SKg99f/0/f69e5ac3/X2/i-7SKg99f-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7SKg99f/0/f69e5ac3/X2/i-7SKg99f-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HgB5X4q/0/35a8583a/X2/i-HgB5X4q-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HgB5X4q/0/35a8583a/X2/i-HgB5X4q-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rR9LC4g/0/22b8ed66/X2/i-rR9LC4g-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rR9LC4g/0/22b8ed66/X2/i-rR9LC4g-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pWSzVtW/0/a5e2bd65/X2/i-pWSzVtW-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pWSzVtW/0/a5e2bd65/X2/i-pWSzVtW-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9nBgskk/0/6eed0f6f/X2/i-9nBgskk-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="478" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9nBgskk/0/6eed0f6f/X2/i-9nBgskk-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nnDqpwB/0/ddc6c853/X2/i-nnDqpwB-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nnDqpwB/0/ddc6c853/X2/i-nnDqpwB-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZVtmJ42/0/abd33470/X2/i-ZVtmJ42-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZVtmJ42/0/abd33470/X2/i-ZVtmJ42-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zgC4GH9/0/ce2f3b5a/X2/i-zgC4GH9-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zgC4GH9/0/ce2f3b5a/X2/i-zgC4GH9-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jhMFXjT/0/c6398bfe/X2/i-jhMFXjT-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jhMFXjT/0/c6398bfe/X2/i-jhMFXjT-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tdqSqVT/0/70f4999e/X2/i-tdqSqVT-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tdqSqVT/0/70f4999e/X2/i-tdqSqVT-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3Q7jdrL/0/66f840c0/XL/i-3Q7jdrL-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3Q7jdrL/0/66f840c0/XL/i-3Q7jdrL-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wNqqQCM/0/235b5fc0/X3/i-wNqqQCM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wNqqQCM/0/235b5fc0/X3/i-wNqqQCM-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8d2r8Hk/0/bbbf5535/XL/i-8d2r8Hk-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8d2r8Hk/0/bbbf5535/XL/i-8d2r8Hk-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FRxBhws/0/1e30b7d0/X2/i-FRxBhws-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FRxBhws/0/1e30b7d0/X2/i-FRxBhws-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PxHXKSZ/0/d789cb26/X2/i-PxHXKSZ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PxHXKSZ/0/d789cb26/X2/i-PxHXKSZ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-V63Kf9t/0/e024726e/X3/i-V63Kf9t-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-V63Kf9t/0/e024726e/X3/i-V63Kf9t-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cv8hWxM/0/93a7ce8a/X2/i-cv8hWxM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cv8hWxM/0/93a7ce8a/X2/i-cv8hWxM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wtqx6cT/0/e704ebb0/XL/i-wtqx6cT-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wtqx6cT/0/e704ebb0/XL/i-wtqx6cT-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BsSbjw6/0/24da43fc/X2/i-BsSbjw6-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BsSbjw6/0/24da43fc/X2/i-BsSbjw6-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4cwnwF8/0/ea41f076/X2/i-4cwnwF8-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4cwnwF8/0/ea41f076/X2/i-4cwnwF8-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7HBS7mq/0/8bacd69b/X2/i-7HBS7mq-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7HBS7mq/0/8bacd69b/X2/i-7HBS7mq-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NqmC7jh/0/2d04377a/X2/i-NqmC7jh-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NqmC7jh/0/2d04377a/X2/i-NqmC7jh-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9KFd8Xb/0/33f682d9/X3/i-9KFd8Xb-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9KFd8Xb/0/33f682d9/X3/i-9KFd8Xb-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GKCn8Hc/0/1b443c18/X2/i-GKCn8Hc-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GKCn8Hc/0/1b443c18/X2/i-GKCn8Hc-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3N2znqg/0/18c06320/X3/i-3N2znqg-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3N2znqg/0/18c06320/X3/i-3N2znqg-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-DrU1A8Ln_g/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-DrU1A8Ln_g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hFgI1rpS4n4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hFgI1rpS4n4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7SMys-DVY-c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SMys-DVY-c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SCViXJLqxe4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SCViXJLqxe4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Do you get the gist?<br /><br />We got to the real parade a little after 10, missing the very beginning. I think we sat and watched for a good hour and a half, and we only saw a few of the first trucks/floats go by<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jHWWTQf/0/da7a7e33/XL/i-jHWWTQf-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jHWWTQf/0/da7a7e33/XL/i-jHWWTQf-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dQgNJx7/0/7d7156ab/XL/i-dQgNJx7-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dQgNJx7/0/7d7156ab/XL/i-dQgNJx7-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Alli and I would have stayed for all of it, but the kidlets began issuing demands for food (despite that they were handed out candy during the parade!) So we left the parade route and walked to Cafe Nucallacta for lunch. Of course the Manimal requested some carrying on the way, and I complied. By the time we arrived he was out:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zS8c6XR/0/6d48e6bb/X3/i-zS8c6XR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zS8c6XR/0/6d48e6bb/X3/i-zS8c6XR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
But despite efforts there was no way to keep him asleep. <br />Alli and I both had the wet burrito, as it was highly recommended, and we enjoyed. Soon we were on our way back home for nap.<br />After naptime, we went to pretty much the closest restaurant we could get to- a little middle Eastern place, where we had good pitas, hummus, and something like Shwarma. We weren't up for much else that night.<br />Actually Shiloh's owners had invited us for a drink. We initially planned to swing by for a short visit with the kids, but they were overactive and overtired at dinner, so we put them to bed, set up a baby monitor with our phones (first time we've used that in ~2 years!) and went downstairs for more visiting. Very interesting to visit with these different expats who all travel quite a bit, and so nice that they were eager to hear what brought us to Cuenca and share their drinks and reindeer antlers.<br /><br /><br /><b> December 25. Christmas</b><br />We were up and did our usual for breakfast- a smattering of toast, jelly, apple slices. I may have even cooked some eggs.<br />Eventually we reminded the kids of their stockings. The Manimal's went over wonderfully; he loved everything. Hamish wondered why she didn’t get any of the slightly creepy fake Hello Kitty that was for sale, but eventually worked it out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vTps56g/0/ed387b4f/X3/i-vTps56g-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vTps56g/0/ed387b4f/X3/i-vTps56g-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RJJGrRM/0/f776a87a/X2/i-RJJGrRM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RJJGrRM/0/f776a87a/X2/i-RJJGrRM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-N4377SC/0/350eeae4/X2/i-N4377SC-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-N4377SC/0/350eeae4/X2/i-N4377SC-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Alli and I didn't really participate as it turned out... I put the chocolate beer I bought for myself in mine, and Alli put the manger scene she got for herself in hers...<br /><br />The upstairs wine-sharing neighbors invited us up for brunch, where they provided a little extra feeling that it was Christmas with some cinnamon rolls, mimosas, and more kinder eggs for the kids. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cB6s79c/0/4f7a76ed/X2/i-cB6s79c-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cB6s79c/0/4f7a76ed/X2/i-cB6s79c-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We hung out a while, but then needed to leave because we'd made other brunch reservations at a restaurant downtown. However, after leaving and getting back to our place, Alli and I both decided we really weren't hungry or much interested in going. So we just laid low and let the kids enjoy free time.<br />We snacked on some of the better cheese I'd purchased at the supermarket (not an easy find there) along with noni fruit paste (it tastes like blue cheese... interesting...), crackers, and such. We eventually put "Small One" on TV. Then we put Manimal down for nap, and me and little girl walked over to the the giant, local market. We made two successful river crossings sans bridge this time, and only on the way back across did we each get a good foot in the river. Hamish stated "I’m so excited to tell my class all the things I did without anyone helping me, like crossing that river”.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WxR2FnG/0/033fab58/X3/i-WxR2FnG-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-WxR2FnG/0/033fab58/X3/i-WxR2FnG-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The market was interesting, but really large, and really local-- no touristy things whatsoever. It was also Christmas day, and I have no idea how representative it was of normal. One would think not very, yet we were told that Christmas day is treated less as a holiday; the parade on Christmas eve kind of takes all the attention. Anyway, a lot more fruit, meat, seafood, and just regular clothing stalls. Hamish was interested in it all, but only up to a point, and we left without buying anything.<br /><br />We returned right as Manimal woke up, and then I cooked us dinner for the night—ravioli—and packed a picnic backpack. We took a cab to Parque Calderon, but most everything was closed (none of those hat sellers :-( <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8RVFgvf/0/e0413cee/X2/i-8RVFgvf-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8RVFgvf/0/e0413cee/X2/i-8RVFgvf-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We walked along the river to Parque de Madre to have our picnic, but it was much cooler in the wind and out of the sun. We played and ate on a bench, but didn’t stay as long as we’d expected because of the chill.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QHmmStR/0/47d1a647/X2/i-QHmmStR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QHmmStR/0/47d1a647/X2/i-QHmmStR-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a nice little park though, and the kids once again enjoyed running around some.<br /><br />We came home and did another movie night: Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The pirate accents and seafaring lingo was challenging though, and there were lots and lots of questions as we tried to calm everyone down and get them to sleep in anticipation of the next day's adventures...Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-33466754858835770732018-01-14T20:55:00.003-06:002018-01-24T20:54:11.237-06:00Cuenca<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b>December 22</b></span><br />
We woke up and took it pretty easy our first morning in Cuenca. Manimal sleeping fully through the night let us relax a little bit. We got him a warm bath pretty early on (first time we'd seen a bathtub on our trip, all showers thus far), and he seemed happy thereafter. I believe for breakfast, the kids were happy with Clif bars and applesauce that we'd carried with and hadn't run through yet.<div>
<br />I made a run out to the grocery store to ensure we had stuff like saltines and bananas, should Manimal need to stick to that kind of diet. I was too early for the grocery to open (9:30 a.m. open), but a market at an even closer gas station had a pretty good selection of things. Peanut butter--mantequilla de mani--was hard to find. "Pasta de mani" was the best I could do. Ingredients listed: peanuts. Yet somehow it was very salty. hmm. I picked up some bread and yogurt and a few other little things.</div>
<div>
Before too long we headed out to explore a little bit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hxp9Scx/0/3fbb3564/X2/i-hxp9Scx-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hxp9Scx/0/3fbb3564/X2/i-hxp9Scx-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
So, this was the home exchange portion of our trip... in some respects you might consider it the main factor that made the trip happen. We had a free place to stay here in Cuenca; we could build around it. Perhaps unfortunately, the allure of all the other things Ecuador has to offer kept us from just simply enjoying the free stay. We had to see the rain forest, and we had a few more intentions for side trips that we minimized after our jungle visit. Also, needing to get that one extra flight to get all the way to Cuenca made Quito a must-do.</div>
<div>
<br />Anyway, our place was lovely--3 bedrooms, a nice fully stocked kitchen, a bathtub with good hot water that didn't run out, and it was situated right by the Rio Tomebamba, a pretty small river, at least at the beginning of our trip, more of what I'd consider a wide creek, but a nice little place to walk by or to listen to the water running through. </div>
<div>
<br />Along the river, Hamish was pleased to find "screw nuts" to collect as treasure. They came in Phillips head, pentalobe, and the rare tri-point:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-h86XRdJ/0/89b53e5b/X2/i-h86XRdJ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-h86XRdJ/0/89b53e5b/X2/i-h86XRdJ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Bad development: Hamish put her hand down on a rock at random and received the first bee sting of her life from probably the only bee we saw in Ecuador. Thankfully, no anaphylactic responses kicked in, and we only had some mild complaints that her hand hurt from then on (I got the stinger out pretty easily).</div>
<div>
<br />As in previous situations, we set out walking by the river without a fully determined goal, but then we just kept on walking. It was about 1 mile to the edge of downtown.</div>
<div>
<br />We passed a few rocks with either scripture or Biblical indications on them:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PdX3zZT/0/c67ec74a/X3/i-PdX3zZT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PdX3zZT/0/c67ec74a/X3/i-PdX3zZT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
(Jesus es mi salvador). We also saw "Cristo vendra pronto (Christ come quickly)" and "El señor vendrá como ladron en la noche 1 Thessalonians 5:2" (my translation says "you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night"). So that's kind of neat. I don't know if these "graffitis" were a regular event or had something to do with the Christmas season and the upcoming parade.</div>
<div>
<br />Anyway it was a nice walk. When we reached town, we did was find a local market-- not the kind that sells a bunch of tourist souvenirs, as in Quito, but the real local food market. I love these.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-szWh9MR/0/9a5c67ab/X2/i-szWh9MR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-szWh9MR/0/9a5c67ab/X2/i-szWh9MR-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B7K6jmS/0/8a15de49/X2/i-B7K6jmS-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B7K6jmS/0/8a15de49/X2/i-B7K6jmS-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
There's lots of <a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2009/08/wet-market-stalking.html">memories of Singapore here</a>. There's just something really nice about these markets to me, so much fresh fruit and vegetables. And as seen above, huge bags of different pastas, hadn't seen that before. Here I am picking out one of everything I didn't recognize:</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Lr5RDr/0/6f1d90e7/X2/i-2Lr5RDr-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2Lr5RDr/0/6f1d90e7/X2/i-2Lr5RDr-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The nice lady gave the kids strawberries... sorta before we could do anything... should we be washing these?! too late, eaten.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mwhHfMq/0/f91b4d3f/X2/i-mwhHfMq-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mwhHfMq/0/f91b4d3f/X2/i-mwhHfMq-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
I guess they'll survive.<br /><br />There was also a huge section of meat and seafood and more. In Singapore, in all our time there, I bought fresh fish from the wet market one time I believe. It was fine, but the whole experience wasn't terribly appealing. For some reason I felt like things looked/smelled better/cleaner here, by comparison. I remember seeing a big display of shrimp and thinking if I lived there I'd be up for trying it out. But not on vacation.</div>
<div>
<br />In the back there was a section with more home goods and clothing. We didn't venture far, but there were a couple of stalls piled high with shoes. Figuring we could score a little deal and it would be fun, we ended up buying both kids a pair of new shoes. We only haggled a little, but we were happy enough with the price.</div>
<div>
<br />On the edges of the market and through town there were a number of stores that again seem like weird economics. Here is an example. I stopped at a couple of "pharmacy" stores to see if I could find something simple like an aloe to apply to Hamish's bee sting (it wasn't swelling or anything, I really just think the thought that I put something on it would have appeased her). I didn't find what I was looking for-- the one place that I explained things to suggested some tylenol and something else, and I knew it didn't warrant anything internal. In this picture, we're standing by a small store that had almost exclusively baby stuff. The baby oil drew me in, but again, no aloe or similar. But, I don't know, in that environment, the idea of a stall that carried only diapers and baby oil and wipes and the like just seemed kind of weird. There were other stalls that seemed to have only cooking oil. There were many with little candy/cracker Christmas gift assortments, as can be seen to the right of me:</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fv88WrF/0/1bf1bc4a/X2/i-fv88WrF-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fv88WrF/0/1bf1bc4a/X2/i-fv88WrF-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
And here's just another view of the street.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lxtxz6t/0/26e20946/X2/i-Lxtxz6t-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Lxtxz6t/0/26e20946/X2/i-Lxtxz6t-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jJ6Dq8r/0/e6911902/XL/i-jJ6Dq8r-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jJ6Dq8r/0/e6911902/XL/i-jJ6Dq8r-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We wandered around a little while. It didn't take long to realize that we liked Cuenca a lot. It just felt like a breath of fresh air after all of the prior. We were walking distance to some interesting but peaceful/relaxed stuff, we had a nice place to stay right by a calm river, we were pretty happy.<br />We grabbed lunch at a little Persian restaurant called Algeria. They also had a fixed-price set lunch that was very good. Not the first time we'd seen it, but popcorn as an appetizer is a nice touch:</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7G9ZFhc/0/cdbba088/X2/i-7G9ZFhc-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7G9ZFhc/0/cdbba088/X2/i-7G9ZFhc-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bL5RsZ8/0/b1474de9/O/i-bL5RsZ8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bL5RsZ8/0/b1474de9/O/i-bL5RsZ8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
There was an interesting looking shop across the street advertising alpaca wares, so I hopped up and visited on my own. It was run by a woman who said she and some other women raised the alpaca, sheared them, and created the products she had for sale. There was some lovely stuff but it was no longer Quito street market prices. She didn't speak English completely either, but was very pleasant. After shopping a bit, I got Alli and the kids to come and check it out. It wasn't long before Hamish was modeling clothes:</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LPnknfT/0/496a9369/X3/i-LPnknfT-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LPnknfT/0/496a9369/X3/i-LPnknfT-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Despite all this, we only purchased one gift for Aunt Jenn, and no discount was offered for our modeling. </div>
<div>
<br />We grabbed a taxi home (yes it's walkable, but a $2 taxi with sleepy kids is way way worth it) for our rest time.</div>
<div>
<br />Then I could photograph our market score. Shoes for each, custard apple, tuna (cactus-associated fruit), melon pear (or sweet cucumber), some yellow plums of some sort, dragon fruit, and of course mango. Cherries in the bag and smooth-skinned avocado on top. </div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-d2TFgnV/0/d4774d85/X2/i-d2TFgnV-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-d2TFgnV/0/d4774d85/X2/i-d2TFgnV-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
After nap, we stayed true to our promise of more playgrounds. We'd noticed one right across the river. Of course, there was a bridge a little ways away, but the water was so low, Hamish and I had to try...</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8KZwDG4/0/14b7e811/X2/i-8KZwDG4-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8KZwDG4/0/14b7e811/X2/i-8KZwDG4-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We gave up, however, before crossing all the way. I was pretty confident I could make some of the jumps but ensuring Hamish also did without getting all wet was more than I was ultimately up for. Now, you'll also notice several other people in the river here. They are not here for play, though. They've come to do the laundry. They were really beating and scrubbing some clothes on those rocks. <br />We made it to the playground:</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kNxggMt/0/e155819e/X3/i-kNxggMt-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kNxggMt/0/e155819e/X3/i-kNxggMt-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Hamish complained a bit that "everything was broken", which was not true, but it definitely wasn't a shiny new setup. There's a piece of wood missing from that suspension bridge, for instance. But, I figure it's good for her just to see that not everyone has the same quality stuff. There were local kids running about, mostly attached to those washing in the river. Ours didn't really mingle, but nobody seemed to mind the others' presence.</div>
<div>
<br />It turns out a tree stump and a few surrounding rocks worked better for our kids anyway, who took to pretending, e.g.,"Hey manimal, pretend that we were cats and there are bears chasing us and we have to run across the rocks to get to the other side, ok?"</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VLq82ht/0/2c8118ed/X2/i-VLq82ht-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VLq82ht/0/2c8118ed/X2/i-VLq82ht-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We let the kids play for a good while until it was time to come in and get dinner together. We'd brought mac and cheese all the way from home and not used it up to that point. Combined with the fresh exotic fruits, we made ourselves quite a little spread.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b2VXFzZ/0/447a67e1/X2/i-b2VXFzZ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-b2VXFzZ/0/447a67e1/X2/i-b2VXFzZ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
After dinner, we had a movie night and watched Holiday Inn. We got the kids to bed, and then neighbors (Americans who'd lived in Cuenca for 5 years) dropped in with a bottle of wine. We stayed up past midnight chatting about all manner of things and finally got ourselves to bed.<br /><br /><b>December 23</b><br /><br />We started off in the morning and ran into Shiloh and his owners.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TtwZwGk/0/48b5a2e5/X3/i-TtwZwGk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TtwZwGk/0/48b5a2e5/X3/i-TtwZwGk-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We'd already met her before, but the neighbors with the wine let us in on her fame, so we had to get pictures. She (we're talking the dog here) was trained to recognize when a previous owner stopped breathing... maybe even when his heart stopped beating, and jump on his chest and alert him. That owner eventually got a pacemaker and her working days were over, but she came along to Ecuador when the owner moved there. Though retired, she needed something more fulfilling and took to visiting sick children at a cancer hospital. There was a tear-jerking story of a boy with terminal cancer who only wanted Shiloh and her spending his last night with him. She apparently has a room at the children's hospital named after her now, maybe she got a medal. She also once rode from Quito to Cuenca in the president's lap when the airline wouldn't accept her "papers" that were in English. Anyway, of course the kids enjoyed getting to give her snacks and make her do tricks. We finally left and grabbed a cab into the city</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rTc8cR3/0/cf1a1f22/X3/i-rTc8cR3-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rTc8cR3/0/cf1a1f22/X3/i-rTc8cR3-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
to Parque Calderon, where there were many hats on display</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7KjFP2p/0/67b1a3e6/X3/i-7KjFP2p-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7KjFP2p/0/67b1a3e6/X3/i-7KjFP2p-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zfqHGh7/0/0ffdd656/X2/i-zfqHGh7-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zfqHGh7/0/0ffdd656/X2/i-zfqHGh7-X2.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Regrettably, we purchased none of these. Extra regrettably, that blue hat to the right stayed there also. We thought we'd get another chance after fully surveying our options, but the holidays and weather ultimately meant we never saw these particular hats again. travesty. We grabbed some sandwiches for lunch right on the edge of the square and chased those with ice cream (frozen yogurt for the manimal).</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NgRgRkr/0/41deded6/X2/i-NgRgRkr-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NgRgRkr/0/41deded6/X2/i-NgRgRkr-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n7SpqWH/0/9a578757/X3/i-n7SpqWH-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n7SpqWH/0/9a578757/X3/i-n7SpqWH-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We left here and walked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zSR89LS/0/fbc73a05/X3/i-zSR89LS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zSR89LS/0/fbc73a05/X3/i-zSR89LS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
-to the sombrero museum, which has a wide variety of hats in different qualities and colors. They also had a great view out back.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MdkrW4X/0/95658d6d/X2/i-MdkrW4X-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MdkrW4X/0/95658d6d/X2/i-MdkrW4X-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kG34nBR/0/decd1f5e/X2/i-kG34nBR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kG34nBR/0/decd1f5e/X2/i-kG34nBR-X2.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Sombrero museum also had a lot of information about the making of the hats, and on certain days, apparently, one side would be filled with craftsmen making hats.</div>
<div>
<br />The Panama hat, it should be said, originated in Ecuador (recall the Panama hat palm in the Quechua village). It was only in the 1850s that the economy of Ecuador led sellers to the bustling port of Panama where they sold many more, and the name Panama hat took. They come in many different levels of quality, having mostly to do with the tightness of the weave. The ones on the street were $15-$30. Most of the ones in the museum were more in the $50-$70 range, but the really good ones go for $1000 and are so tightly woven they can hold water. </div>
<div>
<br />We took our taxi home after the museum, had our rest time, and then headed back downtown to try and catch the tour bus. It was kind of funny- we pulled up in our taxi, having a vague idea when the next bus would leave (and which one we wanted to be on to maximize a view of the city lit up at night). We got out, and the tour bus was pulling up. I said something about what we were supposed to do about tickets (had read online that there wasn't much of a booth or anything, just find them on the square), and the nearest street vendors, selling chewing gum and candy and odds and ends whipped out an official-looking ticket book. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was skeptical, but I inspected them a little and paid cash (all while the bus is pulling around past us). She spent a decent amount of time filling in information on the tickets. Once in hand, we kind of jogged over to the other side of the square as the bus was pulling up. Most everyone else was getting on and paying as they got on. I handed the person taking money the tickets, and at first she responded with "No!.... something else I didn't understand..." (I'm thinking it's not going to be hard to walk back to the same vendor and demand my money back)... but then she gets the attention of another woman who speaks English, who says we just need to keep the tickets with us, and we boarded. Off we went!</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wmt2sr6/0/ae7ed2fc/X2/i-wmt2sr6-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wmt2sr6/0/ae7ed2fc/X2/i-wmt2sr6-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H89zBF6/0/5bc4e649/X2/i-H89zBF6-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H89zBF6/0/5bc4e649/X2/i-H89zBF6-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Xzzzwvs/0/55e52698/X3/i-Xzzzwvs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Xzzzwvs/0/55e52698/X3/i-Xzzzwvs-X3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
It's not a terribly long tour, but we enjoyed riding on top of the double decker and ducking when we went under low-hanging power lines. Guidance was given in Spanish and English, and the tour highlight is climbing a hill to the Mirador de Turi, a church, for the view of Cuenca. We were too early for the lit city view from the hill, but it was still pretty.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QwStXVP/0/84598e27/X2/i-QwStXVP-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QwStXVP/0/84598e27/X2/i-QwStXVP-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FM7mxVK/0/e0d21850/X3/i-FM7mxVK-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FM7mxVK/0/e0d21850/X3/i-FM7mxVK-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BdtDzVv/0/47499d8b/X2/i-BdtDzVv-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BdtDzVv/0/47499d8b/X2/i-BdtDzVv-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
As a nice bonus, they served us a small sample of warm canelazo (it was fairly chilly), and on the ride back we got to see a bit more lighting.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T4RPMLM/0/28f51f04/X3/i-T4RPMLM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T4RPMLM/0/28f51f04/X3/i-T4RPMLM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
For dinner, we'd made reservations at the Jazz Society Cafe. It sounded like a nice little place with the combination of jazz music and Italian food, and we were happy.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vmX5zNK/0/fcd028cb/X2/i-vmX5zNK-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vmX5zNK/0/fcd028cb/X2/i-vmX5zNK-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
December 23 was Joanie's birthday, and so Alli was extra happy that the jazz trio played Santa Claus is Coming to Town, a favorite of hers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We would have been happy to stay longer, but the kids called curfew on us. I had another fun moment when I donated some cash (part of the cafe focus is supporting a program for students) and then realized the restaurant did not accept credit cards. I had to leave and find an ATM. The first one I was directed to would only accept a 4-digit PIN--which mine is not--and also only spoke Spanish. It took me a couple runs through to figure out what the problem was. Then I ran a couple blocks to find one that would work. In the end, Alli and kids were only unaware of my whereabouts for about 10 minutes, and the kids remained entertained with their food, music, and eventually their little Dover activity books.<br /><br />We took our taxi home and made plans for the big Christmas eve parade...</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-3582105505965413812018-01-09T07:48:00.001-06:002018-01-24T20:54:11.253-06:00Last of Quito; On to Cuenca<br />
<br />
12/21- Last day in Quito<br />
<br />
<br />
We got moving pretty quickly in the morning and took an Uber to the TelefériQo, a gondola ride up the east side of the Pichincha volcano. Quito on the whole sits about 9,000 feet above sea level. This elevation didn't affect us greatly, but I think Alli and I did both notice on our first day or two there. It's hard to tell with the kids; they seemed to take it in stride. If I was worried about elevation, though, it was this part that made me unsure. The TelefériQo goes up to about 13,000 feet, and they say the ride up takes 18 minutes. Some common wisdom indicates that 10,000 feet is a point where a lot of people are more likely to experience altitude sickness (I read that at this elevation your hemoglobin is 90% saturated by oxygen; the air is simply less dense, and on any inhale you take in fewer molecules of oxygen.) And when buying tickets for the gondola, there was a good bit of signage with warnings. A lot of it we knew and were prepared for-- acclimate yourselves, for instance, less alcohol, and of course just taking it easy and listening to your body. There was advice that starchy sugary foods could help... But there was also a sign saying they didn't recommend taking children under 4. Hmm. We'd pushed this to our last day in Quito to maximize acclimation, hadn't noticed any problems yet with kids, and we'd read up elsewhere and not seen anything special about under 4, so we pressed on. I still felt a little nervous, said a couple of prayers. My biggest concern was that someone might start feeling unwell on the way up, trapped in a gondola for the next 18 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pq79s2S/0/feeee24c/X3/i-pq79s2S-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pq79s2S/0/feeee24c/X3/i-pq79s2S-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
However, I think the only thing felt by anyone was me and my nerves. It felt normal up there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jM4ZBNd/0/b0782afa/X2/i-jM4ZBNd-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jM4ZBNd/0/b0782afa/X2/i-jM4ZBNd-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think a lot of where people experience problems is heading up here on their first day in Quito and not listening to their bodies.<br />
There is further hiking that will take you to 15,000 feet on a 5-hr round trip (they recommend not starting after noon), but we weren't about to do anything strenuous up there. We popped into a cafe for a donut and some coca tea for me.<br />
<br />
So, coca tea. This is tea made from the leaves of the coca plant. Another, perhaps more well known use for these leaves is in preparing cocaine. The leaves contain cocaine along with several other alkaloids, though the cocaine quantity is small. Because of this association, coca tea is illegal in the U.S. So why would I try it? It's said to be very effective in staving off altitude sickness. Also I'm the curious type. According to Wikipedia, a bag of coca tea contains about 4 mg of cocaine, whereas a line of cocaine is 20-30 mg. As such, you might think that drinking coca tea would produce a mild high, but this is not the case. There is no mouth numbing effect like what happens when the leaves are chewed (indicating released alkaloid). It just tastes like green tea. Understanding exactly why the effect isn't the same as cocaine isn't the easiest task, but from what I can tell, the alkaloid is hydrolyzed pretty easily in the stomach unless there is a base present (so when people chew the leaves, they do so with some sodium bicarbonate or lime (calcium hydroxide)). Oral ingestion overall is pretty ineffective. The cocaine is also catabolized in the liver. I suppose that by snorting, smoking, or injecting, some of that first-pass metabolism is bypassed and the drug can have effects on the brain more easily. Anyway, all research suggests that you just really can not get a "high" from the tea. At best, you get effects similar to coffee- increased heart rate and blood pressure and vaso...dilation? that can relieve your headache? It is worth noting that drinking coca tea can still make you fail a drug test in the very immediate future, but I don't feel like this will be an issue for me.<br />
<br />
You may also be aware that Coca-cola originally used coca leaves that contained cocaine in the same way as my coca tea. Here's an <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/01/business/how-coca-cola-obtains-its-coca.html">interesting article</a> on the topic. They apparently continue to use de-cocainized coca leaves to maintain legality.<br />
<br />
Despite all of this, according to wikipedia, the use of coca tea is discouraged by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, but this seems to be a small-minded, backward, ill-informed stance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j8N3mCv/0/7810a983/X2/i-j8N3mCv-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j8N3mCv/0/7810a983/X2/i-j8N3mCv-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, we got just a little exercise by walking a little way down a path up there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2t7dFkG/0/6aee852b/X3/i-2t7dFkG-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2t7dFkG/0/6aee852b/X3/i-2t7dFkG-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qmDm2xx/0/3d8d100a/XL/i-qmDm2xx-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qmDm2xx/0/3d8d100a/XL/i-qmDm2xx-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And pretty soon we headed back for our 18-minute ride down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jgw3GXB/0/dbe01c35/XL/i-jgw3GXB-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jgw3GXB/0/dbe01c35/XL/i-jgw3GXB-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the bottom, we had to visit the amusement park that is so well located. It was weird-- granted this was a Thursday-- but the gondola was pretty quiet, and we weren't sure on approach whether this amusement park was even open. But we had to check it out, as we'd read that they had 10 cent carousel rides and similar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RPDTCsL/0/7ddf85cb/XL/i-RPDTCsL-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RPDTCsL/0/7ddf85cb/XL/i-RPDTCsL-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked on in, and a nice man approached us and explained in great detail and 100% Spanish what we needed to do to ride the rides. It involved a digital card that actually cost $1 (but we could use for everyone) and then putting however much $ we wanted on it. I think we started with putting $5 on it and headed for the carousel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nLcs7jw/0/7fb7cd0b/XL/i-nLcs7jw-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nLcs7jw/0/7fb7cd0b/XL/i-nLcs7jw-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LT2HhBQ/0/1001a27b/X2/i-LT2HhBQ-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LT2HhBQ/0/1001a27b/X2/i-LT2HhBQ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHL9zK3/0/bc2a673f/X3/i-pHL9zK3-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHL9zK3/0/bc2a673f/X3/i-pHL9zK3-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
$4.60 left.<br />
It was actually kind of nice that a class field trip showed up about then, so that we were not 4 of the 8 people in the park. That nice man who greeted us was pretty much the only one manning rides, so you needed to wait if the class was riding one ride and you wanted to ride another.<br />
They were also just a little bit tricky with the rides. A few had big advertisements on them indicating 10 cents. Others would randomly cost something like $2.37. But there wouldn't be a sign, you'd find that out after your card was swiped. Even so, in total I think we spent $11.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kh7PpKD/0/8585fd03/X3/i-kh7PpKD-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kh7PpKD/0/8585fd03/X3/i-kh7PpKD-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
There was a sad bit. There were height requirements for the rides, but in most cases, if we rode with the kids, it didn't matter. But the roller coaster actually required meeting height. Hamish did, Manimal did not. I asked Hamish if she still wanted to ride, knowing Manimal could not, and she still did. I rode with her, and Manimal sulked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5JkWTjs/0/a38d0190/XL/i-5JkWTjs-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5JkWTjs/0/a38d0190/XL/i-5JkWTjs-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think Hamish still enjoyed it, but I'd look at Manimal as we went by, and he would just display the most dejected countenance, so I could not enjoy.<br />
<br />
Luckily, his depression was short lived. He quickly found another ride that he was tall enough for and wanted sissy to ride with him on it. No hard feelings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XQ2mT3S/0/a4a832c8/X2/i-XQ2mT3S-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XQ2mT3S/0/a4a832c8/X2/i-XQ2mT3S-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One final carousel ride, and then we moved on. I couldn't get an Uber from there. We waited at the bus stop a few minutes, but a taxi dropped off a fare, so we hopped in and asked him to take us back to the market. We'd thought of just a few more things we wanted to buy as gifts and such. This taxi used his meter appropriately and escorted us safely.<br />
We got to the market and decided to just find the quickest, easiest food we could nearby. We chose a local burger place that also had a fixed sorta Ecuadorian lunch. Their burgers were all superhero-themed. Manimal and Hamish split a burger, and Alli and I got the set lunch- a sort of fried rice with chicken and pork:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XFt8D5x/0/08b0605d/X3/i-XFt8D5x-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XFt8D5x/0/08b0605d/X3/i-XFt8D5x-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I ate mine quickly, settled the bill while everyone else finished up, and headed over to the market with a mission. We agreed to meet in the middle of the market once my shopping was complete.<br />
Here's Manimal waiting by a Christmas tree and a nativity of a sort:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9wFb5JP/0/643eabac/X2/i-9wFb5JP-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9wFb5JP/0/643eabac/X2/i-9wFb5JP-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And then there was more Pooh reading.<br />
Once shopping was complete, we got an Uber back to our Airbnb, put Manimal down, and went to work packing up. Our evening flight wasn't until 7:30 p.m., but we knew it could easily take an hour to get to the airport. We used pretty much all of the time we had packing up and cleaning and woke Manimal a little bit early when we decided to move our departure time up a bit to try and beat rush hour. Once again we ended up taking a regular Uber. This was a little concerning because we wouldn't know until they got there whether their vehicle would likely fit all of our bags (they don't have the Uber-XL or whatever options there, and I'm not too knowledgeable whether a Chevy Sail is likely to be tiny or huge). But we ended up with a just-right size. We beat rush hour and made it to the airport in about 45 minutes.<br />
Check-in and security were a breeze, and we were at our gate close to 2 hours early. We ate dinner at a Mexican-ish restaurant in the terminal--chips and guac, quesadillas. I wasn't feeling too hot. My stomach was hurting, though nothing was coming of it, and I only took a few bites. Manimal indicated that his belly was hurting, and during the course of the meal, I took him to the bathroom 3 times, over which things were progressing to indicate an upset stomach. But he seemed to get relief.<br />
<br />
Then, our flight got delayed about 2 hours. Luckily, this was when we realized there was a little playground tucked away in the terminal. We spent at least an hour there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TGB6Cnv/0/6ce309fb/X2/i-TGB6Cnv-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TGB6Cnv/0/6ce309fb/X2/i-TGB6Cnv-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The kids ran and jumped and played hard.<br />
Finally, we boarded our plane. As we waited to board, Manimal was saying his tummy hurt, and Alli carried him onto the plane. We had just gotten seated good when he threw up on himself... and Alli caught a good bit of it while I searched for ziplock bags. That worked out well- we'd carried those bags primarily for the rain forest, but they were optimal for cleanup, disposal, and clothes quarantine. And the disinfectant wipes I'd purchased when I couldn't find regular baby wipes worked out quite well too. Mercifully, Bek was spared, and our naked sad baby could wrap up with his Bek for the ride. Further mercy: it was a very short flight.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CXkTMMC/0/2a049f6e/X3/i-CXkTMMC-X3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CXkTMMC/0/2a049f6e/X3/i-CXkTMMC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
sad, sick little bug.</div>
<br />
In flight, his symptoms progressed, but he was able to make it to the bathroom. When we landed in Cuenca and got our bags back, we got him into some jammies.<br />
<br />
We got the first taxi that rolled in (there was no line, we waited a few minutes for one to show), and after some explaining (and showing my GPS-enabled map), we were off and to our home exchange within 15 minutes. Neighbors met us at the door and showed us to our apartment. Manimal's symptoms kept going-- there was a little worry about showing up at night in this new place with a sick little one, but it was nice knowing neighbors were there that could help if we needed it. I emailed them before going to bed to say if things got bad I'd probably be knocking on someone's door in the middle of the night. We slept the kids in different rooms. Manimal's room had two twin beds, so Alli stayed in one of them in case anything got worse. He slept well through the night though. His stomach was upset for a few days, but he was not bothered by anything and acted himself from then on, never developed a fever, lethargy, or anything else. My stomach continued to hurt that night, but thankfully, I did not develop any of the same symptoms and was fine after a good night's sleep. We don't know after all is said and done if it was related to something he/we ate or the inadvertent swallowing of water or simply picking up a virus from a surface he touched in the city. <br />
<br />
Thankfully we were moving on to the most restful portion of our trip.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-80959288885340180842018-01-06T21:36:00.000-06:002018-01-24T20:53:09.248-06:00Quito<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q7HrrJ8/0/27b8e8de/X2/i-Q7HrrJ8-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q7HrrJ8/0/27b8e8de/X2/i-Q7HrrJ8-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">December 18</b></div>
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" />
We intended to sleep in, but the kids were up at 6. We bought some time with read-aloud books, but we were all up by 6:45 and out the door by 8.<br />
The children were happy to be able to run and touch a little more than they could in the jungle.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ggkfqo_NVLw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ggkfqo_NVLw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
We walked downhill about 15 minutes to a bus station and rode the bus down to Old Town. Taxis were cheap and easy, but the bus costs 1 quarter (kids free) and was supposed to be very easy. This was our first real adventure. We entered the bus platform through the exit (still working on our Spanish, salida), and Hamish and I got on the bus as it pulled up, thinking Alli and Manimal were right behind us and would also make it. But the doors opened and closed very quickly, and Alli and Manimal were left behind. Then, as we pulled away, a transit policeman firmly, but kindly showed them the entrance. He indicated that Alli would be welcome to come back in when she paid the 25 cent entry fee. Problem is, I was carrying all of our money. For a minute, Alli was paralyzed, until she realized she had just a little money in her camera bag. She found a dollar, got change, and made it back to the platform. Hamish and I hopped off the bus at the next stop, figuring Alli and Manimal would be on the very next one and we could easily reconnect (I still hadn't figured out that I'd done things wrong, I just thought I was going to pay for the bus ride when I got off perhaps). However, Alli and Manimal missed another bus as they did it the right way. I only panicked a little bit as I started to wonder how we would find each other again, and while waiting I realized what I'd done wrong in entering through the exit. I'm not sure I'd quite put together what the delay was when I heard my name being called. Alli had seen us on the platform; they hopped off so we could be reunited, I paid for myself, and we continued on our way. Side note: Hamish was unconcerned and trusting that mommy and Manimal would be on the very next train. Manimal was apparently very concerned about losing daddy.<br /><br />We got to the Old City, started at Marin central, and walked uphill to Plaza Grande.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wVcSdgS/0/ca02d9c9/XL/i-wVcSdgS-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wVcSdgS/0/ca02d9c9/XL/i-wVcSdgS-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We passed an interesting assortment of shops selling all manner of things and individuals standing in the street with the oddest and most specific things for sale: women's razors, toilet paper, chapstick, hats, etc. But like one guy standing in the street pushing only women's razors for $1 each. There's something about economics and how this happens that I do not understand. If you look closely at the guy standing to the side in the following picture, you'll see another example. He was selling sandals that he apparently made on the spot- so you could choose your bottom and whatever color of string material you wanted:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-StzpLZV/0/8e6d3f99/XL/i-StzpLZV-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-StzpLZV/0/8e6d3f99/XL/i-StzpLZV-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
At least that involves some art compared with the razor seller.<br />Later we saw bundles of cherries, other fruit, ice cream carts, tacky Christmas decorations, and bundles of Christmas candy being hawked for $1. Alli's favorite were the 20-lb bags of animal crackers—bags the same size and design as giant dog food bags, but full of animal crackers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHQWX4M/0/08fba0ed/X3/i-pHQWX4M-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pHQWX4M/0/08fba0ed/X3/i-pHQWX4M-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We stopped for breakfast at a little coffee shop, where we had some fig croissant and ham and cheese croissant and juice.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dr9WwFD/0/9165b8e2/XL/i-dr9WwFD-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dr9WwFD/0/9165b8e2/XL/i-dr9WwFD-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We thought the Plaza might be a good spot for the kids to run around and chase pigeons and such. However, there were some demonstrations going on in front of the Carondelet Palace, the seat of the Ecuadorean Presidency. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-v8MwnNP/0/37497cb9/XL/i-v8MwnNP-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-v8MwnNP/0/37497cb9/XL/i-v8MwnNP-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The Vice President was just sentenced to six years in prison on corruption charges the week prior, so it didn’t seem like the best day to hang out in the crowd.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fJr42ZL/0/b8ec53a9/X2/i-fJr42ZL-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fJr42ZL/0/b8ec53a9/X2/i-fJr42ZL-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We headed on to Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, Quito’s most ornate church. Construction on this gilded Jesuit church began in 1605 but wasn't completed for another 160 years. The kids were appropriately awed by the gold interior, and we talked a lot about Catholic iconography. However, no photography inside.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mqFGLqB/0/c24e9875/X3/i-mqFGLqB-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mqFGLqB/0/c24e9875/X3/i-mqFGLqB-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5JwxZRF/0/b6226d12/X2/i-5JwxZRF-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5JwxZRF/0/b6226d12/X2/i-5JwxZRF-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
That's a corner of the church on the right side. Of course, someone else has taken photos inside, so I'll show you what it looks like:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mmMPRrJ/0/73722aaa/X2/i-mmMPRrJ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="800" height="384" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mmMPRrJ/0/73722aaa/X2/i-mmMPRrJ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Next, we headed up to Plaza San Francisco, but most of it was under construction. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xvxx4jZ/0/cd0addf5/XL/i-xvxx4jZ-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xvxx4jZ/0/cd0addf5/XL/i-xvxx4jZ-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cpwnN9Z/0/f078ea5a/XL/i-cpwnN9Z-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cpwnN9Z/0/f078ea5a/XL/i-cpwnN9Z-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
On the way, I popped into a small grocery store and picked up just a few things, including some local fruits to try later, some tea, some cereal so we'd have a quick breakfast option without going out.<br />We grabbed lunch at Plaza San Francisco, right where those green umbrellas are. The weather was beautiful, probably 65 degrees, though you could definitely get real hot in the sun. <br />I got my first coca tea here. I'll say more about that later.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Djc6bwn/0/e9eca941/XL/i-Djc6bwn-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Djc6bwn/0/e9eca941/XL/i-Djc6bwn-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The kids finally got to chase some pigeons while I settled the bill. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nzxm5VT/0/45b45ffc/XL/i-nzxm5VT-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-nzxm5VT/0/45b45ffc/XL/i-nzxm5VT-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3qzKJ37/0/a78f79b7/XL/i-3qzKJ37-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3qzKJ37/0/a78f79b7/XL/i-3qzKJ37-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We used the data connection I signed up for through Verizon so we could get an Uber back to our place. Manimal crashed happily, and Hamish powered through another handful of read-aloud books. They only work in the apartment with a WiFi connection, but they are brilliant.<br /><br />When Manimal woke up, we headed to Parque Carolina. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RfsVQMr/0/fa1c3a7f/X3/i-RfsVQMr-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RfsVQMr/0/fa1c3a7f/X3/i-RfsVQMr-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(we have no idea who the man represented by this statue is/was)</div>
<br />The attractions there were closed, but there was a large playground. As indicated before, we'd resolved to find more playgrounds, and the kids were happy about this.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4f7d3h5/0/58754318/X3/i-4f7d3h5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4f7d3h5/0/58754318/X3/i-4f7d3h5-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rN3bCCR/0/d4bc8da8/X2/i-rN3bCCR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rN3bCCR/0/d4bc8da8/X2/i-rN3bCCR-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Manimal fell out of that swing four times, but only hit his head once. (That time, an Ecuadorean dad sitting 10 yards away got to him almost as quickly as Alli—and Alli was right next to him. It was kind concern.)<br /><br />We had dinner in the New Town. Shrimp and rice for me (very similar for Alli), spaghetti and chicken for kids.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HgLz4WJ/0/1c700c1e/X3/i-HgLz4WJ-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HgLz4WJ/0/1c700c1e/X3/i-HgLz4WJ-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We got strawberry ice cream afterward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VTktnrJ/0/c1bea26b/XL/i-VTktnrJ-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VTktnrJ/0/c1bea26b/XL/i-VTktnrJ-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
and headed home, putting the kids straight to bed. Hamish—somewhat surprisingly—rated it a 5-Star day (playgrounds and ice cream), where the jungle days averaged fair ratings.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gkVNQ9L/0/e8eee2ec/X3/i-gkVNQ9L-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gkVNQ9L/0/e8eee2ec/X3/i-gkVNQ9L-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">December 19</b><br />
<br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" />
The kids were up early but played happily together. We had breakfast at home including the local fruits.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ScFskBG/0/8a2a5677/X2/i-ScFskBG-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ScFskBG/0/8a2a5677/X2/i-ScFskBG-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Let's see, passionfruit (maybe maracuya, local variety), naranjilla (a citrusy fruit), something I don't recall... , guava, local peach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rBkgp86/0/60923374/X2/i-rBkgp86-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rBkgp86/0/60923374/X2/i-rBkgp86-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Kids enjoyed trying things. <br /><br />Also, on a later occasion, I picked up tomate de arbol (tree tomato, or tamarillo), which is an interesting local specialty.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zC3sJcx/0/8c5383dc/X3/i-zC3sJcx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zC3sJcx/0/8c5383dc/X3/i-zC3sJcx-X3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
It definitely tastes somewhat like a tomato, but a little different, more sour I think. I liked them. I read about using it as to create a paste and eat on toast, that sounded pretty good though we didn't try it. The tamarillo is also a staple used in a flavoring created by mixing with chili peppers that is present on almost every Ecuadorian table-- it's called aji. We noticed this on many occasions but didn't know what it was really, except that it had a little spice. I tried it a couple of times and liked it, just didn't know what to and what not to put it on really.<br /><br />Once we were up good, we went back to Parque Carolina to the Botanical Gardens. In order to be as peaceful as possible for our Uber/taxi drivers, I always sat in the front seat, and Alli sat between the kids in the back. When the cars had seatbelts (25% of the time?), they were more likely to be on the side seats, so at least the kids would get a lap belt. Alli made her way through Now We Are Six by AA Milne, and later on the trip, through a couple more Pooh books. Milne’s poems are great to read for short distances. Easy to start and easy to stop.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tB7Lwkx/0/492e7e2f/XL/i-tB7Lwkx-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tB7Lwkx/0/492e7e2f/XL/i-tB7Lwkx-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q7zQC8w/0/541ef0ca/X2/i-Q7zQC8w-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Q7zQC8w/0/541ef0ca/X2/i-Q7zQC8w-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gmg7zMJ/0/a607091d/XL/i-Gmg7zMJ-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gmg7zMJ/0/a607091d/XL/i-Gmg7zMJ-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvSBgqR/0/336e0cf1/X3/i-SvSBgqR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvSBgqR/0/336e0cf1/X3/i-SvSBgqR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NmdJPs6/0/6f573ec2/X2/i-NmdJPs6-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NmdJPs6/0/6f573ec2/X2/i-NmdJPs6-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There was not much info in English at the Botanical gardens, which was disappointing, but we enjoyed them anyway, particularly the orchid house, cactus gardens, and bonsai tree exhibit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H2q5Kz5/0/d2517b94/XL/i-H2q5Kz5-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H2q5Kz5/0/d2517b94/XL/i-H2q5Kz5-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M42q8jS/0/25d2efc3/X3/i-M42q8jS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M42q8jS/0/25d2efc3/X3/i-M42q8jS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-p8HsR5g/0/65836a62/X3/i-p8HsR5g-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-p8HsR5g/0/65836a62/X3/i-p8HsR5g-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DQXjvdR/0/9022373d/X3/i-DQXjvdR-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DQXjvdR/0/9022373d/X3/i-DQXjvdR-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DCC2sJh/0/fad18592/X2/i-DCC2sJh-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DCC2sJh/0/fad18592/X2/i-DCC2sJh-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z7kBrZq/0/2508e9fa/X3/i-z7kBrZq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z7kBrZq/0/2508e9fa/X3/i-z7kBrZq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There was a really cool playground inside the botanic Gardens built around a giant tree. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LRfPtxs/0/24c5a736/X3/i-LRfPtxs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LRfPtxs/0/24c5a736/X3/i-LRfPtxs-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6hmxbvS/0/0fc5fd80/X3/i-6hmxbvS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6hmxbvS/0/0fc5fd80/X3/i-6hmxbvS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7HsLHKh/0/c34aaf8c/X2/i-7HsLHKh-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7HsLHKh/0/c34aaf8c/X2/i-7HsLHKh-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We played there for a while and then walked to lunch. We had a few places in mind that didn't work out, and after passing lots of other places we would have been happy to stop at if we hadn't been looking for something else, we ended up finding a fast-food taco place and were very happy with a filling lunch.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BdV3ZsQ/0/e4bbb197/X2/i-BdV3ZsQ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BdV3ZsQ/0/e4bbb197/X2/i-BdV3ZsQ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And this seems like a good opportunity to talk more about speaking Spanish. I already described our interaction with Edison, but truthfully, Edison was one of the better English speakers we encountered. In many many cases with a taxi or ordering food, especially in Quito, despite that I obviously didn't know that much Spanish, we got zero English. To me that was surprising. We have traveled a bit, and in almost every case, you really had zero need to know the local language. In my general estimation, everyone everywhere speaks enough English for you to get by. Ecuadorians maybe spoke less English than I remember being spoken anywhere else. Ordering these tacos was a particular time I recall that none of the workers replied with a single word of English... and it was a kind of nice place, in a business district, not just a roadside stand. There was a nice menu on the wall, all in Spanish, so I had something to go on, but when they started asking questions, presumably things like "is this for here?", "what toppings would you like?", etc., I was fairly clueless. No frijoles, por favor. Sí queso. Anyway, as you can see, I did all right. Of course they may have been telling me "One quesadilla is going to be more than plenty to feed two children", and I missed that.<br /><br />We went home again for a nap. Manimal wasn't napping for as long as at home, but he was certainly happier with a little siesta. Hamish either worked on her journal or some more books. Alli and I had a bit of down time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D9ndznq/0/5ae91f41/X3/i-D9ndznq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D9ndznq/0/5ae91f41/X3/i-D9ndznq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We headed back out to a local market for some shopping. There was aisle after aisle of blankets, toys, hats, scarves, chocolate, and so much more. After a few passes all together, we felt bold enough to split up and let the kids do their stocking shopping for each other. Me and the Manimal shopped for Hamish; Alli and she shopped for Manimal. I drove most of our decisions, but Hamish took her task—and her money—very seriously. She chose a toy car, a llama pen, a Batman (yep) drum, and another tiny car. She had $1 left and decided to get Manimal a KinderEgg the next time we saw one. It was so sweet to see her focus on what he’d like. While she didn’t exactly negotiate, she quickly learned that if she put an item down the price would drop. <br /><br />The kids also made a friend for pole twirling:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wJWDSqc/0/dee425bb/X3/i-wJWDSqc-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wJWDSqc/0/dee425bb/X3/i-wJWDSqc-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
After our shopping trip, we went to a brewery I'd found online, Hops Craft Brewery. I enjoyed a sampler of some pretty good things-- note the maracuya, or passionfruit, flavor. It was intriguing, but wouldn't be my daily.<img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-np6n6WM/0/765d886a/X2/i-np6n6WM-X2.jpg" width="640" />The kids enjoyed nachos, chicken bites, and their Dover books, and it was a very chill and pleasant evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3DjhG4S/0/d8a49dfa/X3/i-3DjhG4S-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3DjhG4S/0/d8a49dfa/X3/i-3DjhG4S-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xfMjW4W/0/06d3c209/X2/i-xfMjW4W-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xfMjW4W/0/06d3c209/X2/i-xfMjW4W-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3GfBRHC/0/9104fe31/X3/i-3GfBRHC-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3GfBRHC/0/9104fe31/X3/i-3GfBRHC-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b>December 20</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
We skipped the nap the next day, and it worked out! We had been debating going to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo—the center of the world. The reviews weren’t super: touristy complex not technically on the equator. And the quotes we got for drivers/guides were insane: $120-$150! (so that they'd get us there, wait for us so we didn't have to find a new ride back, and maybe take us to an extra spot or two along the way). But we knew we needed to get out of town, and Hamish had asked if there was such a place where you could stand with one foot in one hemisphere and the other foot in the other. She wanted one side to be cold and one side to be hot. So we got an Uber there for $12.77.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3Njj27c/0/928aaf5d/X3/i-3Njj27c-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3Njj27c/0/928aaf5d/X3/i-3Njj27c-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
And there she is!<br /><br />The complex was dead on a Wednesday morning. We fought no crowds and only shared our equator photos with a producer from New York filming a show for Japanese public television. We agreed to be filmed, so there will probably be footage of the kids jumping around on the equator showing in Japan eventually.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JTmTHB2/0/f1322edf/X3/i-JTmTHB2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JTmTHB2/0/f1322edf/X3/i-JTmTHB2-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LxQmjPF/0/b69f5577/X3/i-LxQmjPF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LxQmjPF/0/b69f5577/X3/i-LxQmjPF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We started with the equator line itself for photos and egg-balancing challenging. I tried for like 4 minutes on TV. Lots of pressure. Alli stepped up and balanced it in 15 seconds. Maybe she will be on Japanese TV too.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nwzb9LF/0/8e13e916/X3/i-Nwzb9LF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nwzb9LF/0/8e13e916/X3/i-Nwzb9LF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-62rH4fz/0/e24dfe56/X2/i-62rH4fz-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-62rH4fz/0/e24dfe56/X2/i-62rH4fz-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Alli's perfectly balanced egg)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vzLrmdP/0/5f70baee/X2/i-vzLrmdP-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vzLrmdP/0/5f70baee/X2/i-vzLrmdP-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We then toured the monument and museum. The top half of the monument was indigenous costumes and lifestyles. The bottom half was science of the equator. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LFM7FXC/0/42502c12/X2/i-LFM7FXC-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LFM7FXC/0/42502c12/X2/i-LFM7FXC-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NNqPSsv/0/fa6598a1/X3/i-NNqPSsv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NNqPSsv/0/fa6598a1/X3/i-NNqPSsv-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Both could have used a bit more explanation, but the kids enjoyed them. It started sprinkling when we left the monument, so Alli and I found a shelter while the kids played on a playground. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n6pNQz5/0/f84d7808/X3/i-n6pNQz5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-n6pNQz5/0/f84d7808/X3/i-n6pNQz5-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZNsqXTV/0/e290b32a/X3/i-ZNsqXTV-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZNsqXTV/0/e290b32a/X3/i-ZNsqXTV-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
When it quit raining, we wandered into a few shops and to the cacao museum.<br />Back in the Quechua village, Nidia had gone over how the cacao seeds are harvested in the Amazon (and gave Hamish her first taste of fresh cacao). Here, a guide gave us a more modern overview (and Hamish got another couple of seeds).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q2JpTmk/0/9bf73a26/X2/i-q2JpTmk-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-q2JpTmk/0/9bf73a26/X2/i-q2JpTmk-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sgCS25j/0/603efc2d/X3/i-sgCS25j-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sgCS25j/0/603efc2d/X3/i-sgCS25j-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZWsCXQn/0/065aa469/X2/i-ZWsCXQn-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZWsCXQn/0/065aa469/X2/i-ZWsCXQn-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We learned how cacao was worshiped by the Mayans and Incas (or there was a cacao god, anyway) and how when the secret finally made it to Europe, the King of Spain kept it a secret until giving the recipe to his daughter as her dowry when she married France’s Louis III.<br /><br />They encouraged us to eat only 70% cacao chocolate to get the full health benefits and after our tour, we ordered traditional hot chocolate. Hamish was unimpressed with the high percentage chocolate, but Manimal drank it happily after we added a little bit of sugar.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8mk8MNF/0/89a12f2e/X3/i-8mk8MNF-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8mk8MNF/0/89a12f2e/X3/i-8mk8MNF-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
We left the cacao museum and went to find the train in the complex. Unfortunately, it was only a single train car that was basically running an advertisement video for Tren Ecuador (sad note, I really really wanted to ride the train- there's an all-day one that leaves from Quito and travels south through some countryside and around some volcanoes that sounds fantastic-- but after booking all our flights, I learned that this train only runs on the weekend, when we would not be in Quito. oh well.) Manimal was distraught that the train wasn’t going anywhere, and we had to get him away from the situation pretty quickly.<br /><br />Luckily, there was another playground right there.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T2Q69Hs/0/909f8947/X3/i-T2Q69Hs-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-T2Q69Hs/0/909f8947/X3/i-T2Q69Hs-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tRDbf8n/0/91177d15/X3/i-tRDbf8n-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tRDbf8n/0/91177d15/X3/i-tRDbf8n-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-387rhtm/0/28082af7/X3/i-387rhtm-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-387rhtm/0/28082af7/X3/i-387rhtm-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
There was also a nice exhibit of 4 indigenous house types, representing the housing and customs of various regions of Ecuador. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GgBzDdX/0/15d36d53/X3/i-GgBzDdX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GgBzDdX/0/15d36d53/X3/i-GgBzDdX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NJHxp2b/0/5b8adf92/XL/i-NJHxp2b-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NJHxp2b/0/5b8adf92/XL/i-NJHxp2b-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tksswjt/0/dc85546b/X2/i-Tksswjt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tksswjt/0/dc85546b/X2/i-Tksswjt-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Alli was most interested in the Amazon homes like the ones described by the Elliots, but they were all cool. The highland house had a stash of live guinea pigs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PVLBWLX/0/119a19f8/X2/i-PVLBWLX-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PVLBWLX/0/119a19f8/X2/i-PVLBWLX-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We were also interested in going to the edge of the crater at Pululahua. All morning we had watched the mountain be clear, then cloudy, then clear again. I arranged a driver at the Mitad del Mundo office when things were looking good, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kmZzRx7/0/8d6694b8/X3/i-kmZzRx7-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kmZzRx7/0/8d6694b8/X3/i-kmZzRx7-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Hamish waiting for our driver)</div>
and we drove up. Right into a cloud. We could see nothing at all. But we got a nice temperature shift and we walked around in a cloud so that was fun.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-krK2Xj2/0/398ffa92/X3/i-krK2Xj2-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-krK2Xj2/0/398ffa92/X3/i-krK2Xj2-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DLSs4QL/0/8ef759c5/X3/i-DLSs4QL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DLSs4QL/0/8ef759c5/X3/i-DLSs4QL-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RBQctbw/0/77a2173d/X2/i-RBQctbw-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RBQctbw/0/77a2173d/X2/i-RBQctbw-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f8ThNwt/0/33022cc9/X2/i-f8ThNwt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f8ThNwt/0/33022cc9/X2/i-f8ThNwt-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We went back to Mitad del Mundo, finished touring the indigenous houses, and had an ice cream and fried plantain snack. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QR63hzS/0/24072360/X2/i-QR63hzS-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QR63hzS/0/24072360/X2/i-QR63hzS-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7sT4pCJ/0/980a9124/X2/i-7sT4pCJ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7sT4pCJ/0/980a9124/X2/i-7sT4pCJ-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pbOwpO9oLp8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pbOwpO9oLp8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-55JsTsb/0/847c4289/X3/i-55JsTsb-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-55JsTsb/0/847c4289/X3/i-55JsTsb-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Then our same volcano driver took us back into Quito. ($20 total for his taking us to volcano, back to mitad del Mundo and waiting, and then to Quito, if you are counting). We stopped at a gift shop and loaded up on chocolate gifts from a fancy Ecuadorean chocolate company and then came home. I walked down the street to a pizza place and brought home a Hawaiian, and we put two exhausted kiddos to bed. And started a load of laundry.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6FjH9tX/0/a1ff344a/X3/i-6FjH9tX-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6FjH9tX/0/a1ff344a/X3/i-6FjH9tX-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-54995457200768294292018-01-05T07:02:00.000-06:002018-01-05T07:16:32.193-06:00Welcome to the Jungle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kBFNRJt/0/cce8dbfb/XL/i-kBFNRJt-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kBFNRJt/0/cce8dbfb/XL/i-kBFNRJt-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>December 15</b><br />
<br />
We were up after our wake up call at 5:30, 6 a.m. breakfast<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wCzC525/0/53c94660/XL/i-wCzC525-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wCzC525/0/53c94660/XL/i-wCzC525-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
and on our canoe by 6:30. The goal was to view parrots on a clay lick. We rode our canoe back to the creek, stopping to see a bunch of squirrel monkeys close to the water. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-g2xmF9b/0/aa0d0ad1/XL/i-g2xmF9b-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-g2xmF9b/0/aa0d0ad1/XL/i-g2xmF9b-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RFpRrpt/0/ea6eee7b/XL/i-RFpRrpt-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RFpRrpt/0/ea6eee7b/XL/i-RFpRrpt-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then the motor canoe took us across the river. The clay lick is in the Yasuni National Forest, and we stayed on the water and watched (and listened!) to the parrots. The benefit is that we were seeing several real parrots in their natural habitat, eating and playing. However, there was some distance between us, and we didn’t bring the big fancy binoculars, opting for weight and size. Dan passed around his nicer ones so we could get some good looks. The pictures aren’t too exciting though. <br />
<br />
We didn’t spend too much time at the salt lick before moving on to a local Quechua village. We saw a family of howler monkeys (5) and a trio of spoonbills (apparently pretty rare) on the way (same story with distance and photography).<br />
<br />
The Quechua (also Kichwa or Quichua) are an indigenous people group native to parts of Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia. It was the Quechua people that Jim Elliot first sought to reach in his missionary journey to Ecuador.<br />
<br />
Nidia was our Quechua guide, with Dan translating. We walked through the village, tasting the Quechua guava<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-t5rWdzV/0/085e0cd1/XL/i-t5rWdzV-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-t5rWdzV/0/085e0cd1/XL/i-t5rWdzV-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(totally unlike guava, more of a seed pod thing, I think it's technically a legume, white sweet sections to chew on), and cacao, the mother of chocolate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7pnxnDT/0/58acb4cc/XL/i-7pnxnDT-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7pnxnDT/0/58acb4cc/XL/i-7pnxnDT-XL.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Hamish loves the raw cacao fruit. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JVrX2fh/0/da440180/X3/i-JVrX2fh-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JVrX2fh/0/da440180/X3/i-JVrX2fh-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
It looks kind of like plastic fake food before it’s cut, kind of a gourd. Nidia deftly used her machete to gain access, and then we could scoop out small sections containing a seed covered in white fruit. The seed is the cacao nut that eventually becomes chocolate, through an elaborate process. But prior to drying and roasting and all, the nut is inedible. In this case you just suck the pulpy fruit off of the nut. It has a sweet, very mildly chocolate, buttery taste. The Quechua apparently only grow it as cash crop, sending it down the river for others to process and refine into chocolate. We saw the school at the community center and met a 3rd and 4th grade class together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2sxCnBt/0/9e59e7cf/X2/i-2sxCnBt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2sxCnBt/0/9e59e7cf/X2/i-2sxCnBt-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MPBvM6S/0/3f3e686f/XL/i-MPBvM6S-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MPBvM6S/0/3f3e686f/XL/i-MPBvM6S-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VN4PjZc/0/6cebf8ed/X2/i-VN4PjZc-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VN4PjZc/0/6cebf8ed/X2/i-VN4PjZc-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The kids are schooled until they are 14, and they were divided into 3 classes. Some kids walk two hours through the jungle from home to get to school. We were treated to some local Christmas songs, and we learned that "alli" in Quechua means “good”. <br />
<br />
Nidia demonstrated machete use and showed how the community uses the Panama hat palm to weave baskets, thatch roofs, and of course, create costume jewelry for children:</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5Jh2sRb/0/b3254655/X2/i-5Jh2sRb-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5Jh2sRb/0/b3254655/X2/i-5Jh2sRb-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ptgfD4b/0/e643e28e/X2/i-ptgfD4b-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ptgfD4b/0/e643e28e/X2/i-ptgfD4b-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvbJSb9/0/a83f2044/XL/i-SvbJSb9-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvbJSb9/0/a83f2044/XL/i-SvbJSb9-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a practice session with a blow gun.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sGkG3R9/0/ffb260f9/X3/i-sGkG3R9-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sGkG3R9/0/ffb260f9/X3/i-sGkG3R9-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I almost hit the target...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ddq2ZfS/0/639eff6d/X3/i-Ddq2ZfS-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Ddq2ZfS/0/639eff6d/X3/i-Ddq2ZfS-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XGfrSqf/0/8b84907b/X3/i-XGfrSqf-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XGfrSqf/0/8b84907b/X3/i-XGfrSqf-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We then went into the kitchen to learn their cooking methods while enjoying guayusa tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VCTXT25/0/da0eca76/X2/i-VCTXT25-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VCTXT25/0/da0eca76/X2/i-VCTXT25-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
And we received a selection of local delicacies. This included white cacao nut, roasted and mashed, hearts of palm, 2 kinds of river fish roasted in another leaf, plantain, yucca, and a palm weevil grub roasted over the fire.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8NzPsTx/0/e6e64f84/X3/i-8NzPsTx-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8NzPsTx/0/e6e64f84/X3/i-8NzPsTx-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dan said the grub tasted like bacon, so I went all in and tossed the whole critter in. They are high in fat, reportedly very good for respiratory ailments (asthma specifically mentioned), and the bacon comparison isn’t unwarranted. The roasting over the fire along with the fattiness gives it that savory and crunchy combination akin to bacon. However, I won't lie and say we should set the pigs free. The taste was great. The texture wasn't bad, but you can't get 100% away from the texture-driven knowledge that this is in fact an insect. It's mostly psychological though, and I think I could learn to eat it regularly. Hamish and Manimal each tried the grub, were just kind of indifferent about it, but Alli wasn't up to it.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Btmf5dL/0/3c5666de/X3/i-Btmf5dL-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Btmf5dL/0/3c5666de/X3/i-Btmf5dL-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
However, the fish, hearts of palm, and white cacao nuts were all very tasty and pretty well eaten.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LwR238D/0/f2a4d26e/X3/i-LwR238D-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LwR238D/0/f2a4d26e/X3/i-LwR238D-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I feel like it's warranted at this moment to hearken back to some of the advice I'd read months prior about what not to do in Ecuador. In one brief encounter, I think we broke most of those rules. Fish, check. Food prepared in ways you can't entirely vouch for, check. Even the machete and where it had been prior to cutting open the cacao or the cleanliness of the water that was used to make the guayusa tea. Well, that's how it goes on vacation sometimes. What are you going to do when you walk into a Quechua village and are offered food? turn them down? Of course, we were with a pretty upscale establishment who was vouching for these guys, our guide was eating and doing the same, and it didn't feel scary at all. I'm glad we didn't turn this down.<br />
<br />
Back to the Lodge we went to kill time before our 1 p.m. lunch. We changed into less-coverage clothes (additional side note, while the CDC considers all of the Amazon rain forest malaria, dengue, and yellow fever danger zone, the lake that we stayed on is a black lake with a low pH that apparently mosquitoes can not breed in. The lodge advises you bring insect repellent, long sleeves, and pants... but they also inform that in their many years of operation they have never had a guest or an employee contract one of these diseases. Our guide did not use bug spray and wore short sleeves as he desired. Again, the risk and concern levels dropped pretty quickly (though we kept using our bug spray and covered our arms when out on hikes). I recall seeing only one mosquito while at the lodge and grounds). Ahem, we took the kids to play jenga and uno in the common area... or at least to build towers and knock them down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HwnTBHv/0/f11a8619/X2/i-HwnTBHv-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HwnTBHv/0/f11a8619/X2/i-HwnTBHv-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M9brJ2X/0/eaf3a04c/XL/i-M9brJ2X-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M9brJ2X/0/eaf3a04c/XL/i-M9brJ2X-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally lunch. Manimal went straight down for a nap, even asking to be excused before dessert.<br />
<br />
Hamish and I entertained ourselves while Alli got Manimal settled. Then Alli and I snoozed while the little girl nested (she organized hers and Manimal's clothes, backpacks, etc.)<br />
<br />
When Manimal woke up, we put the kids in the jet tub with swimsuits on. As the tub water was brown, we approached this as a swim in the lake.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvGQqX4/0/a4ff83c1/XL/i-SvGQqX4-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SvGQqX4/0/a4ff83c1/XL/i-SvGQqX4-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I can't guarantee that none of that water was swallowed...<br />
<br />
At 4:30, we met Dan again, stopping to see more monkeys before walking into the forest to the observation tower high in a giant kapok tree.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CnTZWj8/0/f994209b/XL/i-CnTZWj8-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CnTZWj8/0/f994209b/XL/i-CnTZWj8-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PnnB6xk/0/23214dbf/X3/i-PnnB6xk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PnnB6xk/0/23214dbf/X3/i-PnnB6xk-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The kids were not thrilled with staying put up there to wait for the sun to set and the animal activity to increase. We had to play schoolhouse to keep them entertained part of the time. "Class, does anyone know how many species of snakes reside in Ecuador?"</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wRSc8FP/0/67fb0f44/X3/i-wRSc8FP-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wRSc8FP/0/67fb0f44/X3/i-wRSc8FP-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
But we did hear the howler monkeys and see some toucans.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8hQ4sM4/0/b03846d7/XL/i-8hQ4sM4-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8hQ4sM4/0/b03846d7/XL/i-8hQ4sM4-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Dan had another handy telescope device for getting close-ups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z7J79mW/0/b080358c/X3/i-z7J79mW-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z7J79mW/0/b080358c/X3/i-z7J79mW-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9ccv4zH/0/3908ff86/XL/i-9ccv4zH-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9ccv4zH/0/3908ff86/XL/i-9ccv4zH-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mqFrx3x/0/8b8c592a/X2/i-mqFrx3x-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mqFrx3x/0/8b8c592a/X2/i-mqFrx3x-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
On our way back down the 204 steps we saw a tree boa curled up on the tower. Dan kindly let Hamish get to a stopping point (50 steps) before showing her the snake.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JG9Zgwq/0/08d7b03f/X3/i-JG9Zgwq-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JG9Zgwq/0/08d7b03f/X3/i-JG9Zgwq-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We walked home and were the first to arrive at dinner. I put Manimal to bed while Alli and Hamish worked on the little girl's travel journal. When they were both settled, Alli and I walked down to the dock for a few minutes to marvel at the stars.<br />
<br />
Both of us were either accustomed to the heat or very tired at this point, as we each slept much better this night.<br />
<br />
<b>December 16:</b><br />
<br />
We slept in a bit this morning, getting a 6:30 wake up call and meeting Dan and Ramon (the native guide, we didn't introduce him yet, but he was also with us at all times) at the canoe at 8. We again toured the lake, seeing the nighthawks lining their branches after a night out.<br />
<br />
We got out of the canoe after an hour or so and walked back to the lodge. Dan pointed out several frogs and the trees in the jungle. Hamish walked the whole way, and we were so proud. Alli wore the Manimal for a solid portion when he repeated claims of broken legs.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fMp8jwp/0/7b999651/X3/i-fMp8jwp-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fMp8jwp/0/7b999651/X3/i-fMp8jwp-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This feels like a good time to address some of what it was generally like in the jungle. Here's a real quick clip:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MrnF3r45UU4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MrnF3r45UU4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
As you can see, in many ways it's like most other forests. It is usually pretty thick, mostly shaded at the bottom, and mostly you just see green. There are of course some giant trees and other plant life you're not accustomed to:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6kKB726/0/e2a33465/X3/i-6kKB726-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6kKB726/0/e2a33465/X3/i-6kKB726-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tc3MTGZ/0/e6d330f4/X2/i-tc3MTGZ-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tc3MTGZ/0/e6d330f4/X2/i-tc3MTGZ-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z4PFF4k/0/9a1bfb6f/X3/i-z4PFF4k-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-z4PFF4k/0/9a1bfb6f/X3/i-z4PFF4k-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
and the sounds of various birds and frogs throughout.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KOcGm76JupM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KOcGm76JupM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
(this is at the lodge, those hanging "bags" are nests, but this is a concentrated sample of the bird noises heard everywhere).<br />
<br />
There is color, but it is not vibrant throughout, a flower here and there:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VN6CnTM/0/fb97e7cb/X3/i-VN6CnTM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VN6CnTM/0/fb97e7cb/X3/i-VN6CnTM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
An additional point we haven't made yet: we were instructed not to touch anything. Combined with a need to stay behind our guides and on the trail, this did make the whole thing less fun for the kids. But the reason was good: Bullet ants (there's also the seriously deadly bushmaster snake, but we won't even talk about him).</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xqtp3VM/0/94128ad0/X2/i-xqtp3VM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xqtp3VM/0/94128ad0/X2/i-xqtp3VM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He's about 1 inch long.<br />
<br />
The bullet ant is so named because apparently its bite feels like a gunshot. Dan advised that if one of the kids were bitten, they would be in bed for a day and a half with a fever and very unhappy about it. He showed us this tree adjacent to a known nest at the outset of our first real hike to drive the point home. We did a pretty good job of keeping hands to ourselves, and this contributed to the Manimal being carried before being allowed to lay down in the path. Bullet ants are also the reason we all wore rubber boots (supplied by the lodge for three of us; Manimal brought rain boots from home). If you were to step near the ants, they'd have a much harder time scaling rubber boots than shoe laces and socks.<br />
<br />
We got back to the lodge about 11:15, enjoyed fresh mango juice and chips brought to our room, and then went to meet Pedro on the dock for yoga. He played games with the kids and showed us some paired yoga/acrobatics. The kids were crazy and joyful. Thankfully, no one fell into the lake.<br />
<br />
We had lunch after yoga and realized we were the only guests left. Most people leave Saturday morning or arrive Saturday night. Our shifted schedule gave us the lodge to ourselves during the day on Saturday. Manimal went down for a nap after lunch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hX626Kk/0/6b8c17a2/X2/i-hX626Kk-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hX626Kk/0/6b8c17a2/X2/i-hX626Kk-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sweaty nap.<br />
<br />
Hamish and Alli read library books downloaded from the Nashville library.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m4KMGXM/0/fc333b44/X2/i-m4KMGXM-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m4KMGXM/0/fc333b44/X2/i-m4KMGXM-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a while, we tried to wake Manimal to go swimming, but he was having none of it, so me and Hamish swam in the lake while Alli laid in the hammock. We saw no piranha or cayman at the time.<br />
<br />
We met Dan and Ramon again at 4:30 for another trek, this time starting in the jungle and walking to a canoe to ride back in at sunset.</div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PWZ5SNk/0/9e196a0b/X3/i-PWZ5SNk-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PWZ5SNk/0/9e196a0b/X3/i-PWZ5SNk-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We saw new monkeys—tamarin and titi. We saw more bullet ants and more frogs. Alli carried more Manimal. Our canoe trip back was peaceful. Ramon saw a sloth, but by the time we got to the binoculars, he had tucked his head away and we were never sure if we actually saw him or not.<br />
<br />
Again we were first at dinner, this time especially because we were the only guests and we asked for an early seating. The next round of guests arrived as we were wrapping up dinner. Gabriela came to our table after dinner to check us out, bringing 4 canelazo drinks (served cold, 2 virgin, of course, and with kiwi), a traditional Andean highland drink usually served warm.<br />
<br />
She was new to the shift and was excited to meet the kids. She said other staff had said our kids were so well behaved and tried every food put in front of them. This was nice to hear as there'd definitely been a few moments in which we asked ourselves why we took them to this place they wouldn't fully appreciate and made plans to scale back expectations and visit more playgrounds for the rest of our trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jx6bbmv/0/9b4dcbd0/X3/i-jx6bbmv-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jx6bbmv/0/9b4dcbd0/X3/i-jx6bbmv-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After check out, all 4 of us laid on the dock and watched the stars. Alli took Manimal to bed, and little girl and I mused about how all the stars we could see are contained in our galaxy, despite the estimated 100 billion *galaxies* beyond our sight, until she was well asleep. We finally went back to the cabin to pack and crash.<br />
<br />
<b>December 17:</b><br />
We didn’t have a particularly early morning, which was nice. We needed to be on the canoe to leave at 8. We had breakfast, packed up, and were on time to leave. Dan and Ramon escorted us out once more. Pedro came to the dock to say goodbye and perform a farewell headstand.<br />
<br />
Manimal convinced someone to cart him with the luggage as we moved from canoe to motorboat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CRx2hQ5/0/ed5766b0/X3/i-CRx2hQ5-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CRx2hQ5/0/ed5766b0/X3/i-CRx2hQ5-X3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Because we left on Sunday, we couldn’t take the boat all the way back to Coca. Instead, Ramon took us downriver about 45 minutes to Providence, which was enough time for Manimal to almost finish this song:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AY1ZbrkJc7I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AY1ZbrkJc7I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Mickey met us with a van at Providence, and a 2 hour drive later we were in Coca. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-55XpKWX/0/7b28ba78/X2/i-55XpKWX-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-55XpKWX/0/7b28ba78/X2/i-55XpKWX-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A box lunch was ready for us at the office, and then Dan escorted us to the airport. He was going back to Quito too, but taking a bus.<br />
<br />
The flight to Quito was quick. At the airport, Uber, which had been recommended, didn’t work out, so we took a regular cab back to Puembo to get our bags. Initially, we intended to have this cab wait while we got bags and then to go on to Quito. But he wouldn't use his meter and wasn't being reasonable on price, so when we reached the hotel, we said adios. We asked the hotel to call a new taxi for us, and Edison arrived soon after to usher us into Quito. <br />
<br />
This was perhaps one of the more authentic and interesting experiences of the trip for me. We had about 45 minutes to reach our Airbnb in Quito. Edison, who wasn't exactly a taxi driver, spoke just a little bit of English. I spoke just a little bit of Spanish, and we managed to converse. I learned of his plans to immigrate to the US with his family (una niña, no mas!) to work in carpentry and farming with his uncle. With some regularity we'd hit a point neither of us knew what the other was saying, and he would say "es muy complicado", and I'd say "Sí". But with a little more attempt, some inflection on a word where I hadn't placed it before, we'd figure it out. It also helped a ton that I'd planned ahead and downloaded off-line GPS-enabled maps. I'm not so sure Edison actually had any idea where we were going. He looked very happy when he saw my maps and asked me for directions from then on. "Tecnologia!" he said and smiled. <br />
<br />
We found the Airbnb pretty easily and were happy to settle a bit in a place we'd stay for several days. The view from our place was refreshing, and the air was cool and dry.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HNr3bCK/0/a464306f/X2/i-HNr3bCK-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HNr3bCK/0/a464306f/X2/i-HNr3bCK-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We wanted to go for a walk and get dinner, but the kids started melting down fast.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B6F2X6X/0/303fea3c/X2/i-B6F2X6X-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-B6F2X6X/0/303fea3c/X2/i-B6F2X6X-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We ducked into a little cafe with pizza and chicken empanadas and got an Uber back. Everyone had a bath to wash off the jungle, and to bed we went. Amazingly, we didn't separate the kids for bedtime in location or time, and we heard not a peep.</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-5725490784883634232018-01-04T22:43:00.000-06:002018-01-05T07:02:52.364-06:00Recovery Day and Into the Jungle<b>December 13:</b><br /><br />We went to bed between 4 and 5 and woke up again at 8:30. Thankfully all of us were feeling pretty good. We had breakfast at the hotel.<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hzqmCRV/0/aa331008/XL/i-hzqmCRV-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hzqmCRV/0/aa331008/XL/i-hzqmCRV-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />A nice little buffet with waffles, sausage, eggs, yogurt, and some fresh fruit including a couple interesting things like taxo and guava.<br /><br />We explored the grounds at our hotel and a pretty nice playground.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F2B8Ztp/0/a2493cde/XL/i-F2B8Ztp-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F2B8Ztp/0/a2493cde/XL/i-F2B8Ztp-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'd booked this hotel knowing we wanted a buffer day that we could do just about nothing if we wanted. So it was attractive that this hotel had a pool and sprawling property with gardens, hammocks, playground, and even some animals to check out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j6Wzmsr/0/e9583cfc/XL/i-j6Wzmsr-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j6Wzmsr/0/e9583cfc/XL/i-j6Wzmsr-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wRLmFD3/0/e98d03f3/X2/i-wRLmFD3-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wRLmFD3/0/e98d03f3/X2/i-wRLmFD3-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The playground included a zipline and a little playhouse where Hamish and Manimal pretended to be all sorts of characters.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m74bfBt/0/204f8013/X2/i-m74bfBt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m74bfBt/0/204f8013/X2/i-m74bfBt-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
After a while we went in to change into regular clothes and then decided to take a walk down the Chaquinan Trail, a disused railroad track.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MNX4pqV/0/b9f2d398/XL/i-MNX4pqV-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MNX4pqV/0/b9f2d398/XL/i-MNX4pqV-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We set out thinking we might just stroll a bit but decided to carry on into the small town of Puembo (15 min walk for normal people, 30 minutes with ours). We passed farm fields and one bull that may or may not have been tied to anything.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bbk4qqT/0/ee591ac2/X2/i-bbk4qqT-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bbk4qqT/0/ee591ac2/X2/i-bbk4qqT-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
nice bull, nice bull.</div>
View toward Quito:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnfTLtV/0/5d371d58/XL/i-jnfTLtV-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jnfTLtV/0/5d371d58/XL/i-jnfTLtV-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Using the power of google maps, we found a restaurant (mi Refugio de puembo) and ordered their set lunch for $2.50 apiece, including soup, chicken, vegetables, rice, juice (cranberry guava), and an ice cream treat for the kids.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K8xkJQN/1/d5456031/XL/i-K8xkJQN-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K8xkJQN/1/d5456031/XL/i-K8xkJQN-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6k9m3j5/0/3119e0cc/XL/i-6k9m3j5-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6k9m3j5/0/3119e0cc/XL/i-6k9m3j5-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />It was very good!<br /><br /> We tried for a minute to figure out how to catch the bus back (we'd seen it go by walking in), but my efforts at communicating on the street with a couple of locals got us nowhere. In retrospect I have no idea what they thought I was asking or what they thought they were answering. I think one showed me a phone number for the police... So we hailed a cab when we saw one so we could get to our nap time. Nap was a Disaster, frustrating everyone. But this is vacation. So out to the playground we went, fighting to hang on until the restaurant opened at 7. We then put the kids to bed one at a time. We relaxed just a few minutes before we also crashed.<br /><br /><b>December 14, Into the Jungle:</b><br />Everyone slept well and late. We had to wake Hamish up at 8. Downstairs for breakfast, and then the kids watched Spanish cartoons while we wrapped up the jungle packing. We left two suitcases with the hotel and had gone to a decent amount of effort in our packing such that minimal repacking occurred at this stage.<br /><br />On we went back to the Quito airport. The La Selva jungle lodge staff met us with boarding passes and checked our bag (how, exactly this is possible, we do not know, but man it was nice). Our original flight had actually been canceled just the night before, but we were booked on a later flight, and I was happy for the delay when my stomach was a little unsure first thing in the morning. The flight to Coca was easy and uneventful. We decided pre-trip that if we were actively traveling, most anything goes. Each kid got an old iPhone loaded up with some daniel tiger, Dora, Veggie Tales, and some very basic games.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dvbPhbr/0/677ac7e2/XL/i-dvbPhbr-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dvbPhbr/0/677ac7e2/XL/i-dvbPhbr-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m2WwnjS/0/efe93132/X2/i-m2WwnjS-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m2WwnjS/0/efe93132/X2/i-m2WwnjS-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /><br />We met our guide, Dan, at the airport, and took his van to a local office where we left bags. He then took us to a local hotel for lunch (another simple buffet with mostly chicken, rice, and plantains, though I had some <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babaco">babaco</a> juice that was pretty tasty). We went back to office and then walked around the corner to the dock. It started raining as we boarded a motorized canoe.<br /><br />From here, we took a 2.5 hour ride down the Napo. Manimal slept for an hour and a half. Hamish napped for about 45 minutes. It rained on us for the first 45 or so, during which we bundled under large provided ponchos.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bpdtB96/0/66a884ec/X3/i-bpdtB96-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bpdtB96/0/66a884ec/X3/i-bpdtB96-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HqBv8vM/0/0cc7e5f5/X3/i-HqBv8vM-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HqBv8vM/0/0cc7e5f5/X3/i-HqBv8vM-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DXXXQnd/0/1468d8f1/X3/i-DXXXQnd-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DXXXQnd/0/1468d8f1/X3/i-DXXXQnd-X3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The Napo, for what it is worth, is a giant river.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PSZnGbJ/0/70190ae3/XL/i-PSZnGbJ-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PSZnGbJ/0/70190ae3/XL/i-PSZnGbJ-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We spent the whole trip zipping back and forth across it, though, rather than cutting a straight path, presumably following known channels. But the Napo is just a tiny little feeder into the monstrous Amazon river. You can't even see it on this map.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ckdbHLt/0/2b44eec5/X2/i-ckdbHLt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ckdbHLt/0/2b44eec5/X2/i-ckdbHLt-X2.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">Enhance!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MjQGzJx/0/788f4346/X2/i-MjQGzJx-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MjQGzJx/0/788f4346/X2/i-MjQGzJx-X2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />So we only went about 2.5 hrs downriver to reach near that white dot right on the Yasuní national reserve. A good day or two more of traveling and we could have just *reached* the Amazon river around Iquitos in Peru. Then you can ride it all the way East to the Atlantic. I think it would take a while.<br /><br />Anyway, we reached our destination. There was a short walk from the motor canoe across a spit of land to a creek. Then, we boarded a quiet, man-powered canoe and rode up the creek into the lake and onto La Selva.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-59fZxCG/0/f109f359/X2/i-59fZxCG-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-59fZxCG/0/f109f359/X2/i-59fZxCG-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hbXCTQk/0/99452889/X2/i-hbXCTQk-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hbXCTQk/0/99452889/X2/i-hbXCTQk-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bm4vJVg/0/1206008e/XL/i-Bm4vJVg-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bm4vJVg/0/1206008e/XL/i-Bm4vJVg-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /><br />We arrived about 5 p.m. to welcome drinks (tamarind juice) and a quick orientation. Then we were shown our rooms.</div>
<div>
<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pJvbkCN/0/955f3c8b/X2/i-pJvbkCN-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pJvbkCN/0/955f3c8b/X2/i-pJvbkCN-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Our rooms were minimal, simple, but very nice and comfortable. The whole building only had partial walls, with screened portions and curtains making up remainders. There was no actual door, only a curtain at the entrance. But the porch had a nice hammock and a large soaking tub.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kKFdLmR/0/60f64713/X2/i-kKFdLmR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kKFdLmR/0/60f64713/X2/i-kKFdLmR-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"></span><br />
<br /><br />We had plenty of electricity and fans, but no air con. Running hot water, safe to bathe in, but not potable (actually came out kind of muddy looking, making the bath a little less appealing). Oh, and of course there was wi-fi.<br /><br />We met Dan about 6 for an evening canoe ride around the lake.</div>
<div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JFLKQVD/0/65fd535c/XL/i-JFLKQVD-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JFLKQVD/0/65fd535c/XL/i-JFLKQVD-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
We saw squirrel monkeys, a baby boa, various birds, and cayman eyes. We returned for dinner and then put the kids to bed one at a time. Everyone was beat and slept happily. Well, the kids crashed easy at least. Alli and I took a little while between the ambient ~75 degrees and high humidity and intermittent coughing as we tried to shake the last of the colds we carried with. I think we both agreed that it seemed maybe we wouldn't sleep early on, but noticed it was only 1 a.m. when we thought the sun would rise any second and slept well thereafter.</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-19044801175006062232018-01-04T08:19:00.000-06:002018-01-05T07:02:52.278-06:00Summer Vacation (in December) to Ecuador!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JB5HCr4/0/56f2a4ed/XL/i-JB5HCr4-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JB5HCr4/0/56f2a4ed/XL/i-JB5HCr4-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
(backstory)<br />
<br />
We planned this big trip to Ecuador back in January 2017, slated to leave at the end of June. There were a number of factors driving Ecuador as a choice. Alli grew up reading Elisabeth Elliot's telling of her husband Jim Elliot and 4 other missionaries who worked to spread the gospel to unreached indigenous people (the Auca, now known as the Waorani) and were killed in the process (but their efforts ultimately succeeded), and she maintained an interest in Ecuador from these stories. Neither of us had been anywhere in South America, and Ecuador is often presented as one of the easiest entries into SA. It's an easy ~5 hour flight from Atlanta with no time change, they use US money, the same voltage, and it's generally considered a pretty safe place to go. We briefly considered this for our 10 year anniversary, but couldn't make it all work; then, a home exchange in Cuenca made itself available, some credit card miles worked in our favor, and we geared up for a major trip.<br />
<br />
Between January and June of 2017, we steadily made progress in preparation. We sketched out a timeline of events, planned (and purchased) a big side trip into the Amazon rain forest, got an airbnb in Quito, purchased jungle-appropriate clothing and bug spray, binoculars, and some new luggage, <a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2017/06/training-for-ecuador.html">increased the children's capacity for hiking</a> with regular training, got yellow fever and typhoid vaccinations, watched programs on Ecuador we could find, and checked out a guidebook from the library and read through it at least twice.<br />
<br />
We were just about ready to go! ... and, also, a little scared. The travel clinic visit, working from a template, made things sound so much worse. Don't drink the water, ever. Don't swim in any water, ever. Look out for rabid dogs. Here's your malaria pill prescription. High altitude can be very dangerous, especially for young children. Some of that was easy to blow off-- we've traveled pretty well, we've never gotten too scared about anywhere we've gone, but, it was definitely a little different this time with the kids. Manimal had also developed some asthma-like symptoms associated primarily with seasonal changes, one more factor for something that could go wrong (so we made sure to get all prescriptions ready). Then I took the terrible step of reading up on various forums about some of the precautions. Don't do this. Americans (and maybe Europeans?) sometimes act as though it's 3rd world everywhere outside our borders. The advice was to never ever eat any seafood anywhere in Ecuador, matter of fact, maybe just stick to the rice, reaffirmed don't drink the water, people suggested even if you feel fine when you leave Ecuador, go ahead and pop into a clinic and have yourself tested for parasites. That's all to say that there was a big mix of excitement and fear about the trip. Still, we were packing suitcases.<br />
<br />
Me and the kids were out for a training hike in full gear when Alli sent me a text indicating that nobody had been in touch with her dad in a couple of days. Not long after, the sheriff was sent to his home, his cell phone was heard inside ringing, and his dog was inside. His door had to be kicked in, and he was barely conscious. He spent several days in the hospital, mostly getting worse. We were told a few days after he went in that he was not going to survive, but thank God, a nurse had noticed a spot consistent with a tick bite, an infectious disease consultant had confirmed the diagnosis (rocky mountain spotted fever), and the appropriate antibiotic started doing its work. A week after he went in, he was showing solid improvement. A few days later he was moved to rehab. Even at this point, though, he was showing stroke-like symptoms, and we were not hearing good prognosis. It was not known if he would truly recover. The timing was such that the day after he entered rehab was the day for us to leave for Ecuador. We'd already made the decision by this time to cancel/reschedule. Luckily, our credit card included trip cancellation insurance, and we were able to make use of this. The airlines waived change fees and held our tickets open. Our jungle lodge had a date change fee, which the credit card reimbursed us for. And ultimately our trip was placed on indeterminate hold (though we believed at the time we could bounce it to the next summer). Alli's dad getting RMSF actually had a kind of strange side effect concerning the fears I had about Ecuador. I was spending time reading about what could go wrong (malaria, dengue, etc.), and here a terrible, life-threatening tick-borne disease presented itself right in our back yard. Not that this made probabilities even, but it was just a reminder that we didn't have to travel to encounter dangers.<br />
<br />
A few months down the road, Alli's dad defied all the experts and was his normal self, and we were ready to think about this trip again. Our first thought was to push it to the following summer, but as it turned out, our home exchange was not available for the following summer, and Delta had misinformed me about the longevity of our open tickets (needed to be physically *used* 1 year from purchase date, by January 2018, whereas they initially told me (after repeated questioning) that I needed to rebook by Jan 2018, but the travel could be in June 2018). We also had a school schedule to contend with, and thus we ultimately booked our summer vacation over Christmas. I shouldn't gloss over how non-trivial this was. The dates we initially wanted were +$4000 for the flights- $4000 more than the value that we already held. We ultimately found flights that involved missing a little bit of school and only cost a little bit more than original. Then the Ecuador local airline carrier (Tame) said they couldn't issue new tickets without my physically presenting myself in NYC. We actually looked at the cost of flying me up there to complete this transaction-- but ultimately another call on another day, presented appropriately, gained more traction. I only had to fax them copies of my credit card, passport, drivers license, signed forms... I guess I was desperate, this does not sound like a good idea. So far I haven't noticed anything funny on our credit report... <br />
<br />
And so our summer vacation was finally booked for December.<br />
<br />
Some of the fears about Ecuador subsided, but we were a little bit over all the planning. We'd kind of ramped all up to go and weren't ready to do the preparation all over again. Still, we went for a few hikes, we bought some more clothes, better hiking shoes, and we also tried not to sweat it too much-- it will be educational and fun even if we just go to another country where they speak Spanish all day.<br />
<br />
Finally, the day came. <br />
<br />
<b>December 12:</b><br />
<br />
The kids went to school so we could wrap up all the last minute details. We got the house clean and all the last bits packed. When we were ready, Alli went to get Hamish, and I went to get Manimal. Our neighbor Gary rode with us to the airport and took our minivan back home.<br />
<br />
We were off!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cC9tGRt/0/6fa3fb3b/X2/i-cC9tGRt-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cC9tGRt/0/6fa3fb3b/X2/i-cC9tGRt-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sort of.<br />
<br />
The first flight was less than an hour. There was a lot of anticipation about flying, but before we knew it, we were back in an airport.<br />
<br />
Our flight to Quito boarded normally, but as we were taxiing to the runway, we got word that there was a mechanical issue. Four hours later, we had deplaned, changed gates, grabbed some food, and boarded a new aircraft. We felt kinda like this:<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mMdT6CR/0/28b4f873/X2/i-mMdT6CR-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mMdT6CR/0/28b4f873/X2/i-mMdT6CR-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The flight itself was only about four and a half hours, but it felt much longer after the delay.<br />
<br />
The kids were truly awesome. Everyone carried their own bag (two large suitcases were checked). They held hands when needed. We ran a bit during the delay, but no tears and no fussing. They both fell sound asleep after takeoff and missed the meal service. Manimal slept straight through, waking up when we landed in Ecuador. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6ftn75m/0/42e77b6e/X2/i-6ftn75m-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6ftn75m/0/42e77b6e/X2/i-6ftn75m-X2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hamish slept until about an hour before we landed, woke up, and watched some TV.<br />
<br />
Manimal cried when he woke up, insisting that we hadn’t flown at all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4Hc9qKz/0/2e234b81/X2/i-4Hc9qKz-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4Hc9qKz/0/2e234b81/X2/i-4Hc9qKz-X2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">"Really we didn’t!" </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></div>
But for a 3 a.m. arrival, they were both excellent travelers. One change from our original itinerary was that we decided to get a hotel for the first two nights right by the airport. Around about 3 in the morning, this was looking genius. Someone from the hotel was there to meet us, holding our sign-- no negotiating with taxis in the middle of the night. We quickly drove to our hotel and tucked into a big family room with 4 beds to sleep for 4 or 5 hours.</div>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-52801905975412758952017-10-14T14:01:00.001-05:002017-10-14T14:01:21.959-05:00Little Switzerland & The Blue Ridge 2017This year Hamish's fall break aligned with Columbus Day, and so we got to extend our annual Blue Ridge trip. We spent Saturday through Monday with family in South Carolina. We read lots of books, played, wiggled Hamish's first loose tooth incessantly, and celebrated Aunt Kitty's birthday with a piñata stuffed with presents and treats.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-wQ8xsXd/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-wQ8xsXd/0/247e44af/L/IMG_1080-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-xw9bHF6/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-xw9bHF6/0/d7ea0a0a/L/IMG_1083-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-DGXjhML/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-DGXjhML/0/0c7c13b1/L/IMG_1084-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bbp6QLx/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bbp6QLx/0/868a87b7/XL/IMG_1091-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-5G9XCq5/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-5G9XCq5/0/5180b9d1/XL/IMG_1094-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-dzk7zng/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-dzk7zng/0/a68d5a09/XL/IMG_1100-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bkmvK3k/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bkmvK3k/0/35442f05/XL/IMG_1105-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
On Tuesday we drove up to the Blue Ridge. For the past few years we've stopped for lunch in Little Switzerland, and this year we were thrilled to find a house swap in the heart of Little Switzerland: a little mountain cabin that made a great home base for exploring the Southern Blue Ridge Parkway.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-6prm35D/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-6prm35D/0/16fa490c/L/IMG_7691-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Tuesday night we headed to the Inn at Little Switzerland for dinner at the Fowl Play Pub. The whole ridge was was covered in mist.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-hjQFSCv/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-hjQFSCv/0/30214405/L/IMG_1119-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
On Wednesday, we headed North, driving the Blue Ridge up to Boone. The colors weren't at peak this year. It's always something. This year big temperature fluctuations and rain amounts kept the leaves off "schedule", and when Hurricane Nate blew through, lots of leaves fell early. But it was still lovely to walk in the woods and see the trees changing. And we had the van packed with snacks and coloring materials and Adventures in Odyssey on the radio, so everyone stayed happy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-tdDh32z/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-tdDh32z/0/3f5b3fc6/L/IMG_1136-L.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
We hiked Linville Falls North of Little Switzerland. We got the most comments from other hikers on the Linville Falls hike. Several older couples commented on the "next generation of hikers" and remembered fondly bringing their own now-grown children to hike on the Blue Ridge.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-8XQ6rGW/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-8XQ6rGW/0/23241aa1/L/IMG_1145-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-RZC2HkW/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-RZC2HkW/0/f400a173/L/IMG_7567-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-W2W3K97/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-W2W3K97/0/dcacd80a/L/IMG_7568-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-msN3QRP/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-msN3QRP/0/8a5c2a42/L/IMG_7617-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-4LJtCwP/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-4LJtCwP/0/36888240/L/IMG_7631-L.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Of course we also did some caterpillar-spotting.
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-c5gBk8Z/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-c5gBk8Z/0/10773dc9/L/IMG_7625-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-f9ntSCF/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-f9ntSCF/0/7677cd6d/L/IMG_1164-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
We'd done this hike in 2013 when Hamish was about 16 months old. It's fun to sit in the same spot four years later.<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2013/October-2013/n-zzsDv/i-wRmdbH6/A"><img alt="" height="427" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wRmdbH6/0/e8c92fd8/L/i-wRmdbH6-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-fD88nCB/A"><img alt="" height="492" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-fD88nCB/0/6366778b/L/IMG_7628-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Even though we didn't get quite the same color show <a href="http://travelisfatal.blogspot.com/2016/10/blue-ridge-2016.html">as last year</a>, the Lin Cove Viaduct was still our best view. Last year the kids stayed in the car while I walked along the path at the Viaduct. This year, they came with us, even climbing the rock face to get the best view.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-PSQs6SR/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-PSQs6SR/0/a15792e3/L/IMG_1182-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-VC7nRkn/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-VC7nRkn/0/db3eae8b/L/IMG_1184-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-r5vHc5g/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-r5vHc5g/0/24028376/L/IMG_1195-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-WWrNXXx/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-WWrNXXx/0/7ed2b11a/L/IMG_1202-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
We headed back to Little Switzerland after we made it all the way to Boone. We stopped at a playground by the river in Spruce Pine for a bit before dinner at a pizza place that our hosts had recommended. One of the best things about house swapping is getting inside suggestions for where to go and eat.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-7CsbmV9/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-7CsbmV9/0/f871ae10/L/IMG_7663-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-ZM7sHwn/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-ZM7sHwn/0/3cb0e5d3/L/IMG_1211-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Thursday morning we woke up to a heavy fog in Little Switzerland. We took a quick trip to the shops in Little Switzerland. Hamish had some change burning a hole in her hot pink purse. She really, really wanted to "buy a treat for everyone in the family." Unfortunately, $1.21 won't buy much of anything, much less four of anything. Instead of spending her stash on a single piece of candy, she chose to save it until she can buy what she really wants.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-qhRxgcL/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-qhRxgcL/0/7dadef99/L/IMG_1220-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-vkcMXL6/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-vkcMXL6/0/91291d0d/L/IMG_7559-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Once the fog had burned off and we'd had lunch at home, we got back on the road to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway South of Little Switzerland.<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-9rHVmPC/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-9rHVmPC/0/ad618680/L/IMG_7676-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bD3vZ4z/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bD3vZ4z/0/b7559982/L/IMG_7671-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-RDzMMPR/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-RDzMMPR/0/e134c10b/L/IMG_7673-L.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Mount Mitchell was our first stop. We walked up to the summit for the first time this year; it's a short walk from a visitor's center. There were boulders to climb, and our kids love being "baby mountain goats". <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-KpLHqrb/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-KpLHqrb/0/b78a73e6/L/IMG_1231-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-XxdM83g/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-XxdM83g/0/cb76eba0/L/IMG_1238-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-zLS7Ngd/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-zLS7Ngd/0/91dac36b/L/IMG_1244-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-4d57tVN/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-4d57tVN/0/e65e782e/L/IMG_7680-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-hq3kXqL/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-hq3kXqL/0/e1b6994e/L/IMG_1247-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bC4BB7W/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-bC4BB7W/0/b0e1777c/L/IMG_7678-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
Back at the parking lot we had traditional hot cocoa and hot apple cider. Kyle remembers always going to Mount Mitchell when he was a kid and the dramatic temperature change between the Blue Ridge and the summit. At 6,684 ft, Mount Mitchell is the tallest peak east of the Mississippi River. But the Blue Ridge is already at 5,100 ft at the turnoff into Mount Mitchell State Park. As we drove up, our car showed about a 3-5 degree drop. But when he was buying the hot cocoa, the attendant backed him up, and said sometimes there's as much as a 20-30 degree temperature difference!<br />
<br />
We worked on the loose tooth a lot on Mount Mitchell. Kyle thought it would be a good added memory to lose her first tooth on the peak. No luck.<br />
<br />
We bypassed Craggy Gardens this time in favor of the Manimal's car nap, and drove down to Asheville before turning around and heading home.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-29ff92n/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-29ff92n/0/e4820121/L/IMG_1261-L.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
Thursday night we had dinner at home on the porch, and then cozied up with popcorn and a movie: the 1974 Benji.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-9C52nVH/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-9C52nVH/0/e901e74d/L/IMG_7668-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-QZ8K3JB/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-QZ8K3JB/0/23145de5/L/IMG_1263-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Friday we cleaned and packed up and headed home. Hamish left our hosts a thank you note and drawing highlighting all of her favorite activities.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-2NLQJjX/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Oct17/i-2NLQJjX/1/746aa305/L/IMG_1269-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
We hit rush hour traffic right as we got into town, making the last hour and a half of the drive less that ideal. We made good use of the van's DVD player, watching many episodes of the Magic School Bus over the last 40 miles or so.<br />
<br />
We were happy finally to be home Friday night. (Tooth still in place).<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-70034674651421600302017-09-13T20:17:00.000-05:002017-10-14T14:01:46.752-05:00K+A Are ElevenLess than one month late!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/233757209" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
Kylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598674757342576564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-63007373686078340312017-09-12T15:22:00.000-05:002017-09-12T15:22:49.075-05:00Labor Day Getaway<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;">After Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc in Houston, it came toward Nashville, and dumped some rain on us as well. School was canceled on Friday because of flooded roads, so our Labor Day weekend plans were in jeopardy for a while. But on Saturday morning things looked clear, so our camping plans were back on.</span><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We had intended to leave mid-day on Friday and camp Friday and Saturday nights. We knew by Wednesday evening that wasn't happening. So while we had planned some on paper, we hadn't actually gone grocery shopping or cooked or packed anything on Friday. We spent Friday night having a loaves and fishes dinner with our neighbors and camping partners and introduced all the kids to the original Parent Trap.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">Saturday morning the weather had moved on and at 8:30 we decided to shift our camping reservation to Saturday and Sunday nights. Kyle ran to the grocery, I started cleaning and packing. He came home and I started cooking while he finished packing. (The van was a joy for him to pack! He loved all the space!) <span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We pulled out of our driveway at 1:30. Not bad for 5 hours.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We drove up to Edgar Evins State Park at Center Hill Lake. The park camping spots were full when we'd tried to make reservations several weeks ago, so we had booked at a small private campground just outside the park. It was an interesting place. There were a handful of permanent residents; that always makes a Campground unique. But we had a nice, shady, grassy spot to pitch our tent and start our fire, and the people were friendly. </span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-JdnChfT/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-JdnChfT/0/ca939f3a/L/IMG_7274-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We got camp set up and ate a snack and then headed into the park. We had a 5:30 reservation for a sunset pontoon cruise with a ranger in Center Hill Lake. The cruise was lovely and the ranger shared a lot about the dam and the history of the lake, which was created by the Army Corps of Engineers. We learned all about the short-lived freshwater pearl business that thrived there for about 15 years, and about the homeowners who were sold lake-front property but only later learned they had no access to the water. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-GX6z9Pc/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-GX6z9Pc/0/e84516ae/L/IMG_7276-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-qNBQkb8/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-qNBQkb8/0/a3abc32c/L/IMG_0757-L.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The temperature dropped dramatically in the two hours or so we were on the water, so while we started the trip comfortable in shorts and t-shirts, but were all pretty cold by the time we got off.</span><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> The Marina in the park had a restaurant and live music--and the Manimal really wanted to stay and listen--but we headed home to our campfire (and sweatshirts) quickly after the boat trip. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-bSf5kFs/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-bSf5kFs/0/66c5c028/L/IMG_7287-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We warmed up over a board dinner (cheese, crackers, tapenade, nuts and salami). The kids went down quickly with only a little silliness. I sat in the tent and sang them to sleep before going back out to sit around the fire with Kyle.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">Sunday morning we were up early and started the morning with homemade breakfast burritos over the campfire. Hamish had high praise, calling them a "tiny bit better than Pop's"--McDonald's. Eh. I'll take it.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-czXZNTp/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-czXZNTp/0/45dbd771/L/IMG_0768-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We spent the morning inside the park, first the kids played at at the playground while we listened to church online, then we went to the park's interpretive center listening to a ranger talk ok snakes and meeting Pearl, an albino king snake.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> The interpretive center had a story area, so of course we stopped to read some books as well. </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-c7H9dpr/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-c7H9dpr/0/23e6e229/L/IMG_0787-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-7gG93Hj/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-7gG93Hj/0/d28cc8d5/L/IMG_0789-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">When we got back to the campsite, our at-home neighbors had arrived and were just getting their tent set up. The kids were thrilled to see each other as always. We ate lunch together then headed to the Caney Fork River to get our canoes for an afternoon river float.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-Q3Kr5Md/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-Q3Kr5Md/0/1d4f19c7/L/IMG_7288-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-sHWzZ4w/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-sHWzZ4w/0/8020116e/L/IMG_7289-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">The weather could not have been more lovely--amazing because we had been wearing sweatshirts that morning. We rented three canoes from <a href="http://www.canoethecaney.com/">Canoe the Caney</a>. The company's logo is a pirate, and there was a real live, dressed up pirate at the shop. He was amazing with our littlest kids--gave them treats and each their own treasure map. He marked Xes and commissioned them to find treasure for his treasure chest. They were thrilled with the prospect. </span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-5WBq429/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-5WBq429/0/d4ec774b/L/IMG_0795-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-dbCFnTC/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-dbCFnTC/0/e7748bf5/L/IMG_0812-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-zrcBCTW/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-zrcBCTW/0/7d9b8027/L/IMG_0810-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-MXNKt4m/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-MXNKt4m/0/7dc641f5/L/IMG_0821-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-WkFSxMQ/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-WkFSxMQ/0/9f51dcf5/L/IMG_0832-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-NS7GN6f/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-NS7GN6f/0/dc54523a/L/IMG_0819-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">The Manimal fell in after about the first mile. He was looking over the edge of the canoe and just flipped in headfirst. He was wearing a life jacked of course and immediately bobbed safely to the surface safely, but he was terrified. I took one swipe to grab him as he went over, but couldn't get his life jacket so I jumped in after him. </span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">Kyle argues that maybe this was an overreaction. But I stand by the choice. </span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">Even though the water was shockingly cold and I was wearing clothes, not a bathing suit. Thankfully I had on some awesome water shoes. Thanks Mimi!<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-gbftFHT/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-gbftFHT/0/9d89df12/L/IMG_0847-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We got the Manimal back in the boat as soon as Kyle turned around, but I couldn't jump in a canoe when I could barely stand. So I swam while all 3 boats paddled over to the shore. The Manimal continued to be in some distress: Get my Mommy!! But we ended up stopping for a snack break and all was well. Once the Manimal had calmed down he was happy and again fearless in the water.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> Hamish was intent on finding treasure for the Pirate. She was dug a bit and looked for the famous freshwater pearls. Then she settled for pretty shells and rocks. </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-sDgLt2P/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-sDgLt2P/0/6ad93e66/L/IMG_0855-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-q95pnfL/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-q95pnfL/0/c5319732/L/IMG_0863-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">I dried off in the sunshine and the rest of the trip was uneventful, peaceful, and beautiful. Finally back to the office, the kids had to check in with their pirate and show him their treasure. He responded admirably and offered them each the chance to keep their bounty or add it to his treasure chest. They both chose to keep it. After another round of bathroom breaks we didn't get back to camp until nearly 6:30. Then it took us a while to get a fire going and arrange a cooking set up.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We had our Dutch oven and a <a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/end-of-summer-stew/">corn stew with chicken and sausage</a> prepared, but that meant we needed the right kind of fire and a rack to hold the heavy pot. Kyle and Gary figured it with everyone else took turns getting cleaned up and we put the kids to work assembling grilled banana splits. The Manimal fell asleep hard on the short dive back from the canoe trip, but he finally woke up and joined us for dinner and dessert. Then everyone went to sleep. The kids were exhausted and the adults weren't too far behind them.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-SJfTpPx/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-SJfTpPx/0/5817336a/L/IMG_0867-L.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">Monday morning we woke up before the neighbors and spent a long leisurely morning drinking coffee and tea, eating breakfast, and reading. Once everyone else woke up, our friends had prepared a breakfast feast for the second morning and Hamish devised a new hammock technique that kept everyone entertained. We finally started moving toward breaking camp, and had the vans packed by noon.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-h8PxCt5/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-h8PxCt5/0/e9d4510b/L/IMG_0870-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-5chTPzK/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-5chTPzK/0/495890e5/L/IMG_0876-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-HbcNNtq/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-HbcNNtq/0/000b2802/L/IMG_0883-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-d9nqsj5/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-d9nqsj5/0/50487ed0/L/IMG_7356-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-8J4FZBw/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-8J4FZBw/0/d3ff3840/L/IMG_7359-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-PTJj8Cm/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-PTJj8Cm/0/97bf1e2f/L/IMG_7366-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/6407885352_4Cz8Rpk?width=640&height=360&albumId=143394571&albumKey=rGXSgR" width="640"></iframe>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We headed back into the park and climbed the observation tower at the Edgar Evins ranger station then we started the 2-mile nature loop around the station. It was a beautiful trail and a tough one, but the kids did great. Everyone made discoveries: frogs, super letters, crazy caterpillars.</span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-NhXTkcc/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-NhXTkcc/0/db4cb8a0/L/IMG_0896-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-hVbZvZp/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-hVbZvZp/0/75d307e2/L/IMG_0907-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-TCgsGrg/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-TCgsGrg/0/2641b76a/L/IMG_0902-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-zjSGZzG/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-zjSGZzG/0/961d9d4f/L/IMG_0901-L.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">We stopped about a third of the way in when we found a trial spur to the Lake. We loved getting out into the sunshine and some of us took off shoes and soaked our feet in the water. Then we finished our hike and only had to really encourage and cajole for the last 20% of the trip. The Manimal rode on my shoulders for last 500 feet or so. #IworetheManimal</span></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_5297871908696027676p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1">The kids finished the trip with another several trips up and down the tower (second wind) and a BBQ lunch. Then we headed home.<span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_5297871908696027676s1"><span class="m_5297871908696027676Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-QbxzQgQ/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-QbxzQgQ/0/ca822d35/L/IMG_7372-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-V5NcD9M/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/Sept17/i-V5NcD9M/0/c0e93a76/L/IMG_7374-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-81996240703056855392017-08-24T21:21:00.003-05:002017-08-24T21:26:26.939-05:00The Bug is ThreeOur Manimal is three!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You are scrumptious and we love to eat you up. You asked Daddy once if he'd eaten you all up. When he said yes, you burst into tears. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-XNwnVKJ/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-XNwnVKJ/0/18ceed67/L/IMG_6889-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
You conquered your fear of bounce houses just in time for your birthday. Now, you explain, you are "brave of bounce houses." <br />
<br />
You are "brave of" most everything, especially water. You'll jump in with no fear or hesitation. You love music: singing, playing the piano, dancing, or drumming most of the time. Bek, Nowie and Cubbie are still your best bed friends. If you're hurt or upset you'll just as likely to turn one of them for comfort as one of us. In fact, once you accidentally poked me and quickly jumped up to get me Bek so I would feel better.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-XgZmrxP/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XgZmrxP/0/cba3ee37/XL/i-XgZmrxP-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
When you're in the mood, you are wonderfully independent. You happily entertain yourself with your magnet blocks and trains, playing in the sandbox and playhouse, or pretending with Nowie and Cubbie. Until we finally took your doorknob cover off, you'd wake up early and cheerfully sing and chat with your babies or lay on your bed and drum a beat on the wall with your feet until your light came on and it was time to wake up. <br />
<br />
Now that your doorknob cover is off, you're more likely to wake up at 5am to go potty, and never quite make it back to bed. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-2PFPgpn/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2PFPgpn/0/aa92ef29/XL/i-2PFPgpn-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div>
<br />
You adore your "Sissy" and copy everything she does; you are best friends. You miss her so much now that she has started kindergarten, but a couple of weeks in and you're getting used to one-on-one time with Daddy and really enjoying it. But as soon as she's home, you are busy telling her all your things (usually when she's also telling her things). "Sissy! Sissy, I need to tell you something!" <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-6Jzdqq8/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6Jzdqq8/0/03276855/XL/i-6Jzdqq8-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-FmSZvK4/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FmSZvK4/0/31cf9d70/L/i-FmSZvK4-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-rRssWrZ/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-rRssWrZ/0/a25564d3/L/IMG_6930-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
You are very opinionated about your clothes and your shoes, more than Sissy, certainly. You love your Blue Batman shirt, your rain boots, and your striped "conductor" hat. You prefer anything soft. There's a too-small striped long sleeved shirt that is a current favorite. Your little belly hangs out, but you dig it out of the laundry to wear because it is so soft. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-zgxPnPH/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zgxPnPH/0/6de6ae85/L/i-zgxPnPH-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-ddM7VJL/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-ddM7VJL/0/8046b191/L/IMG_6910-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Speaking of belly, yours is disappearing by the day. Hard to imagine considering all you eat, but your shape is becoming more little boy and less baby by the minute (your new short haircut did not help AT ALL!) You still have slight mid-forearm creases, but those are stretching out each day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-bS8mxrJ/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bS8mxrJ/0/762fbabc/XL/i-bS8mxrJ-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
At night, when we tuck you in, you love to request bedtime songs. We've long ago left any published collection. Now you ask each night for some original composition, "with a tiny cow and a big chicken and a stick to jump over" or maybe "Cubbie and Cheetah and Bek and an airplane and a big stick" or perhaps "a boy that went to the park and he found a ball and Cubbie liked the ball and also he ate a popsicle." Then often we need to do a tiny kiss, then a big kiss: MWAH!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-JKBWVSz/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JKBWVSz/0/3cf49205/L/i-JKBWVSz-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-ZggsfXt/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZggsfXt/0/621f318e/XL/i-ZggsfXt-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
For your birthday--a school day for Sissy--Aunt Jenn and Uncle Jeff came to dinner and brought brownies and a birthday book: If You Give A Mouse A Brownie. You adore Aunt Jenn, Uncle Jeff, brownies, and the "If You Give A Mouse..." books. You were a happy boy. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-jvxLwzB/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jvxLwzB/0/3df98bf2/XL/i-jvxLwzB-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We opened family presents and ate birthday cake the night before: more magnets, a baseball bat and balls, books, and Paw Patrol bandaids. You may have been most excited about the bandaids. As soon as you opened them you dropped to your knees, hopped up, and wailed about your boo-boos that needed bandaids. You got one for each leg immediately. We are somewhat rationing the rest. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-SMJZ4ss/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SMJZ4ss/0/62c88bdd/L/i-SMJZ4ss-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-9SCbgS5/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9SCbgS5/0/12f0285e/XL/i-9SCbgS5-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We spent your celebration day at the Williamson County Fair. You petted the goats, looked at the baby pigs, farmed, watched a show, built a birdhouse, and we all rode the Ferris wheel. The last time<br />
we went to the fair, you were just days away from joining us. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-RJTBgwm/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RJTBgwm/0/fb932704/XL/i-RJTBgwm-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-CD9m7Tj/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CD9m7Tj/0/5682129e/XL/i-CD9m7Tj-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Life really is so much better with you here. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/August17/n-pgFfXR/i-MMCmJKL/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MMCmJKL/0/5cd6ac12/XL/i-MMCmJKL-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We love you, Bug. </div>
</div>
Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-71125115522805862022017-07-07T14:50:00.000-05:002017-07-11T14:51:30.604-05:00A Different Plan for July 4th <div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9</i></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Our past few weeks have been not at all what we planned, but even though we didn't get to celebrate Independence Day in the Ecuadorean jungle as we'd hoped, we still had a great weekend.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-74m8q9M/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-74m8q9M/0/7c89bc33/L/IMG_6713-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Jonathan and his family have had their camper parked at Chickasaw State Park for a little over a week, so we used the camp as home base for July 2-4. We spent some of each day at the rehab hospital with Dad, and we spent the nights at Dad's house, but we filled the rest of our time with camping fun.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Chickasaw State Park is a "resort-style" park, a ranger told us, and there is so much to do. There was a great playground right next to our campsite with swings, a sandbox, and plenty of good concrete for chalk and bike riding. The four oldest had a ball while the adults and Lovie visited.</span><br />
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-WTzVTKM/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-WTzVTKM/0/6c93acc9/L/IMG_6723-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">On Sunday night the rangers organized a kickball game and everyone was invited. Our four big+medium kids were little more than cute obstacles to the game, but they were in heaven. They each got to kick and run the bases. I ran with the Manimal and he laughed the entire time, so overcome with joy. He was wearing a monogrammed outfit, so he enjoyed the added bonus of having everyone cheer for him by name.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Toward the end of the game, MK and Hamish actually attempted some fielding. Hamish chased a foul ball and got to toss it back to the pitcher. They are still talking about the game!<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-9sd9Zmc/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-9sd9Zmc/0/6def21e6/L/IMG_6734-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-6xhZDJ7/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-6xhZDJ7/0/5439168f/L/IMG_6731-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><br /></span>
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">On Monday morning we all met in Dad's room: 4 adults, 5 kids under 5, and Gracie the dog. It was a bit of a zoo. Then we headed back to camp for lunch, more playing, some fishing, and a big grilled-kabob supper. Nana joined us for most of Monday.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-bCFpr45/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-bCFpr45/0/acc58b83/L/IMG_6738-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-8vk4fNn/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-8vk4fNn/0/f2778c7a/L/IMG_6740-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-sR7bCSs/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-sR7bCSs/0/95e66595/L/IMG_6743-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-dpwDZKz/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/July17/i-dpwDZKz/0/a9f1d84a/L/IMG_6751-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"><span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Monday night there was another kickball game scheduled, but the adults had requested an adults-only game. No one wanted to be "that guy" who knocked over a child with the ball. The kids were disappointed, but watched their dads play and then moved on to the playground.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">Play was spirited, but no one was dressed for competition. Several people were playing in cowboy hats, some in boots, some barefoot. Kyle kicked the ball so hard his shoe flew into the dugout (and was caught by a teammate). Jonathan caught a slick spot by second base and executed an unnecessary slide.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">At the end of the night a few of the horse campers rode their horses over to the exercise ring, and Kathryn took all the girls to go watch. When the rain started, we all ran back to our cars and headed back.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p2" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3082691168919437434p1" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">
<span class="m_-3082691168919437434s1">On the morning of the 4th we again met at Dad's rehab room before heading home. We were happy to get home to naps and baths Tuesday afternoon. We spent the night of the fourth with a very low key evening at our neighbors. Pizza, puzzles, lots of snacks, and fireworks on TV. It was just about right.<span class="m_-3082691168919437434Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-88697449816568252662017-06-16T17:11:00.000-05:002017-07-12T08:50:34.116-05:00Training for Ecuador<i>(A bunch of these posts went up at the same time, so the timing here may be confusing. We ended up canceling our trip to Ecuador.) </i><br />
<br />
<br />
The countdown to our South American adventure is on! And we've been busy acquiring gear for our time split between the Amazon jungle and the Andes. You know that well-worn Thoreau quote: "I say, beware of all enterprises that require new clothes..."? We are ignoring that one. We're more Twain people anyway.<br />
<br />
I was talking about our trip to a sales guy at North Face. I told him I was looking for pants to hike in the jungle. Which jungle, he asked. The Amazon, I answered, nonchalantly. So cool. He was impressed until I told him I was going with my young kids and staying in a lodge. Then I was just a mom going on vacation. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<div>
Kyle has done all of his shopping on Amazon. When his stash arrived, he wasted no time getting suited up. New hiking hat, hiking socks, binoculars, and backpack.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-NBww7tv/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-NBww7tv/0/d66eb579/XL/IMG_6659-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
He does look dashing and adventurous. The kids also got binoculars and hats, so after school they suited up in the parking lot and went hiking at Radnor Lake. We've been going on family hikes since we booked this trip a few months ago. The kids LOVE telling people we meet that we are training for Ecuador. It's that much more fun with binoculars.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Vss3j5J/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Vss3j5J/0/3f1d7679/XL/IMG_2083-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-LfgG2sn/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-LfgG2sn/0/a1638080/XL/IMG_2084-XL.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-JGTgS9W/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-JGTgS9W/0/b35203a2/L/IMG_2099-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-McpssVL/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-McpssVL/0/a5f28979/L/IMG_2118-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<div>
<br />
The next day they tried their new pants and shirts too, and hiked with rain boots, which apparently we'll do in the jungle.<br />
<br />
This time they went to Percy Warner Park. Which I'm sure is very similar to Ecuador.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-TWPcLM7/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-TWPcLM7/0/57702a2e/L/IMG_2122-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-VtvhBT5/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-VtvhBT5/0/55673654/L/IMG_2134-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-cv8hWDs/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-cv8hWDs/0/03acd83f/L/IMG_2140-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Kyle even tried wearing the Manimal in the hiking backpack. It's hot, but doable.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-mmnHZVw/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-mmnHZVw/0/40d173dc/L/IMG_2142-L.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Everyone kept an eye out for wildlife: jaguars, monkeys, birds. The Manimal apparently told a fellow hiker there was a jaguar right overhead. But the wildest thing they saw was this very cool bug:
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-WKgZVZC/A"><img alt="" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-WKgZVZC/0/a204deed/L/IMG_2138-L.jpg" /></a>Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4520972628758483848.post-91430427697862191432017-06-13T16:49:00.000-05:002017-07-11T16:49:36.972-05:00Hamish is One Whole HandOur precious Hamish-girl is One Whole Hand! Can you believe it? We can not. Instead of a party this year, we had a Family Birthday Day, the weekend before the actual birthday, full of all the things she loves with one special friend--P, of course. Hamish got to pick most of the activities, with a couple of surprises thrown in for extra fun.<br />
<br />
First up, pedicures and donuts!<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-3f8DMKC/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-3f8DMKC/0/761c22ae/L/IMG_6579-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-r2QC4J4/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-r2QC4J4/0/ecebf5e8/L/IMG_6580-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Nothing quite like starting the day with flowers on your toes, pink frosting, and sprinkles!<br />
<br />
From there, we headed to ClimbNashville, the birthday girl's request. She really wanted manicures AND pedicures AND ClimbNashville. But I talked her out of manicures. The pedicures survived inside shoes and socks. The manicures wouldn't have!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-dbZfZ94/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-dbZfZ94/0/30f6731a/L/IMG_1954-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It was P's first real time climbing. She'd been before, but hadn't made much progress climbing. I was so proud of Hamish's encouraging spirit. She loves to climb, but she wanted to make sure P was having fun too. They had plenty of fun climbing as well has hanging and being silly.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-mDcBp4p/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-mDcBp4p/0/6ca66fd5/L/IMG_6582-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-23BvsR2/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-23BvsR2/0/9726cdbb/L/IMG_1957-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-QFDPrSR/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-QFDPrSR/0/660bf7c3/L/IMG_6587-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
P's little sister and babysitter were with us, so lots of fun was had by all. The Manimal is still uninterested in actually climbing, but he loves D. And Kyle brought snacks, which is always the best part. He and Kyle even did some sit ups.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-2j5z69J/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-2j5z69J/0/5eee3372/L/IMG_1965-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-gNzsmxD/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-gNzsmxD/0/9ef15778/L/IMG_6594-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-vzqKkLF/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-vzqKkLF/0/850b7fe2/L/IMG_6589-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-vMngpWC/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-vMngpWC/0/bbe6198a/L/IMG_6600-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-q33M28Z/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-q33M28Z/0/7c5731a7/L/IMG_6608-L.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
After we'd had our fill of climbing, we went to Bobbie's Dairy Dip for lunch. Everyone had as much french fries as they could handle.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Qjn46Kq/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Qjn46Kq/0/aa97e1f0/L/IMG_6611-L.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
After lunch, P and fam headed home. We wanted to sneak in one more family favorite before a little birthday rest time, so we headed to the creek at Belle Meade Plantation for a quick dip. Hamish actually had a bathing suit in the car. The Manimal was without his "babing suit" though, so he played in shorts until he soaked them. Then he went classy with just a diaper.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-XHSfVGq/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-XHSfVGq/0/8aa8d051/L/IMG_1982-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-RV2wjq5/A"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-RV2wjq5/0/f57279d9/L/IMG_1984-L.jpg" width="300" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-WDMdk4v/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-WDMdk4v/0/9905eef7/L/IMG_1986-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
We love a creek, and this one is great. Nice bathrooms nearby. Shade. Easy parking. It's lovely!<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-xKDzXLT/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-xKDzXLT/0/f9e87d51/L/IMG_1989-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-JrLW5vR/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-JrLW5vR/0/7953fa0f/L/IMG_2001-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
From the creek, we went home for a little afternoon rest. After that morning, everyone was happy to snooze just a bit. Then it was off to the Half Family Surprise Birthday Dinner. Kyle gave Hamish some clues:<br />
<br />
1. It'll be kind of like Ecuador.<br />
2. It's going to be fun.<br />
<br />
Hamish was indignant: "But everything you do is fun! That's not a clue!"<br />
<br />
The Rainforest Cafe, with its animatronic animals and simulated rain storm, was a HUGE hit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-tRDw3KP/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-tRDw3KP/0/0adf1ce0/L/IMG_2009-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
We ended our night with a chocolate volcano cake.<br />
<br />
On the morning of her actual birthday, a school day, we still celebrated with breakfast cake and presents.Nana watched the kitchen floor celebrations via FaceTime.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-LzQ2jqV/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-LzQ2jqV/0/352b59a8/L/IMG_2041-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-6xMqKWM/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-6xMqKWM/0/db11ac78/L/IMG_2055-L.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://travelisfatal.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Mx3vgNN/A"><img alt="" height="480" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/2017/n-xdqHfC/June17/i-Mx3vgNN/0/99a764ec/XL/IMG_2060-XL.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
The birthday girl got a bike, a grown up Bible, a pink parasol, dress up clothes and more books. <br />
<br />
And birthday cake for breakfast. Happy, happy 5, sweet girl!Allihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00339735794224390097noreply@blogger.com0