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

It is quite obvious. It's depicting the rear of WDW bus (stoplights, license plate and grill). Duh!!! I can't believe you couldn't figure that out. :rolleyes:
Now, the reason it's a sticker on the back of the bus has differing theories.
Some say it's because they're trying to say this is the rear of the bus, you can't go any further back
Some say it's you cannot take the rear of the bus with you when you leave
Some say it's don't get too close to the rear of the bus (tailgate) because, well, you're ON it
Some say it's this bus can't work without wheels (hence the red circle and slash through the bus missing it's wheels)

Wonderful postulation! I could buy any of those. :)

Cool looking car.

Thanks! I aim for mediocrity!

7) Give me your best guess on the 3rd Mystery bus symbol. Any answer works for a point.
See above

Noted!

8) For a bonus point, what did Mickey give Minnie in the box? **Think like Steppe.
Ummm, this is a FAMILY board...thinking like Steppe and answering what Mickey gave Minnie in the box is well....

Hmmm.... my mind could go so many directions. Let's just say... Steppe is pure-minded in this one. ;)

9) And for the entertainment of everyone here and more bonus points: What was your favorite gift you received this year? From whom? And why? (1 point for each part)
Time off

But who gave it to you and why?

10) Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Do make them? Do tell!!
Nope, never done them. I feel if it's important enough to do, why wait until a new year to do it.

Fair enough! All noted!
 
Hi Liesa! I'm catching up from my trip to AR to see my parents and DSIS and Fam for Christmas. It was so nice there - not far from Branson. But it was COLD! Came home to a really cold Texas. That'll learn me for trying to stay here and have one more warm Winter before I head back to Oregon. Jim will be here for the weekend tomorrow morning, and I see you will be headed to KS to see your grandbaby. She is so beautiful! Hope you have a great trip!

I am watching your updates. I can't believe they would just rip open your bags and take over like that with no thought of respect. I guess it is a survival thing in a way. Wondering how this will turn out. Little Abu. I am sure God sent you his way to help him. I will PM - have been so busy, but I will get on it. I'm sure he will get what he needs with you and God behind him.

Love the Dapper report! You and Pondz clean up nice and the tea doesn't look too bad either. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Loving your Epcot day so far. Poor Anara will never live down the pants down story. :D I am not going to play the game because I am just plain lazy. Hope you have a great visit in the midwest.

Happy New Year and God Bless You!
 
Wonderful postulation! I could buy any of those. :)
Well, I left out the most logical one...
Someone ate too many beans once and blew off the back of the bus and they're saying not to do it again.

Thanks! I aim for mediocrity!
With that response, I may want to change my answer for which place you came in. :rotfl:


Hmmm.... my mind could go so many directions. Let's just say... Steppe is pure-minded in this one. ;)
It's a bit sad you had to say "in this one". I'm not sure that helps your case any.
Okay, fine, he gave her the key to his heart in the box.

But who gave it to you and why?
I think you know the answers, but if not, give me a shout.
 
Hi Liesa! I'm catching up from my trip to AR to see my parents and DSIS and Fam for Christmas. It was so nice there - not far from Branson. But it was COLD! Came home to a really cold Texas. That'll learn me for trying to stay here and have one more warm Winter before I head back to Oregon. Jim will be here for the weekend tomorrow morning, and I see you will be headed to KS to see your grandbaby. She is so beautiful! Hope you have a great trip!

Sounds like a lovely trip for you! I love visiting my folks too. :) Might again this summer. It's been a long time since I've been to Dollywood- may need to pay a visit. Yes! It's COLD there in Kentucky right now too. EEK!! And I am looking forward to you being closer. :) It'll be fun to plan a Meet!

I will take loads of photos and show her off.

I am watching your updates. I can't believe they would just rip open your bags and take over like that with no thought of respect. I guess it is a survival thing in a way. Wondering how this will turn out. Little Abu. I am sure God sent you his way to help him. I will PM - have been so busy, but I will get on it. I'm sure he will get what he needs with you and God behind him.

I was fairly aghast as well. And the stories will continue.....

Please PM me. I'm doing what I can, but it's tough slogging.

Love the Dapper report! You and Pondz clean up nice and the tea doesn't look too bad either. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Loving your Epcot day so far. Poor Anara will never live down the pants down story. :D I am not going to play the game because I am just plain lazy. Hope you have a great visit in the midwest.

It was a really fun day! I was surprised at how much fun I had playing dress up.

No, she won't! It was a priceless, once in a lifetime occasion to now laugh about for years. LOL!!!
 


Well, I left out the most logical one...
Someone ate too many beans once and blew off the back of the bus and they're saying not to do it again.

OH, of course! Why didn't I think of that!?!

With that response, I may want to change my answer for which place you came in. :rotfl:

You might. ;)

It's a bit sad you had to say "in this one". I'm not sure that helps your case any.
Okay, fine, he gave her the key to his heart in the box.

Oh, er... umm....

Awww! How adorbs is that answer!

:lovestruc

I think you know the answers, but if not, give me a shout.

Okay, fine. I'll extrapolate.
 
So did you? Did you get a bit of the white stuff?

Yes actually... We did. It was so pretty.

2017-12-28 23.31.25.jpg
2017-12-28 23.31.58.jpg



Had to Google that. Never heard of a meeple

I too had to Google. But wow do I feel dumb! I've played Catan for YEARS and never knew these were even called that! What a neat and meaningful gift. :)

DH and I spend a lot of time together playing board games. We have grown our collection to over 200 games now. It brings us and the kids together around the table too. Here is a picture of the necklace.

2017-12-28 23.26.17.jpg
 
Nice one. I see what you did there!

rimshot_zpsxgbdywf5.gif


And the consensus is, it seems.... no one can.

I can!!



No. I can't.

P'raps. We have several Asian stores- those would be the first I tried.

::yes::

Hmmm, I wonder if 22 is open again? I think that's the one that was being re-done. Sigh.... I need to get back into this.

Nope.
NOTAM'd to be closed until end of January.

And you know the sad part? I"ve never seen it! I"d better hurry as that company is going belly up... FAST.

What????
Then I better hurry too!

Thanks, pkondz!! And now we have a whole new year to live big in!

Yes!

Must be started while very young. "This bed here, young son? You're only borrowing it." ;)

:lmao:

I thought it was a quote, but I couldn't find it. Can someone clue me in here?

It's from the end scene of A Christmas Story.

Hey, no one told me I had to use the letters from where I'm talking about. I almost used "Where is this letter found? as one of my Contest questions.

Thank goodness you didn't.

Yeah... then you get on the DUD and it all evaporates.

But if you didn't ever have to?


You're welcome.

But, why? You'll never see them again, so if you look like a dolt, you won't have to worry. Not saying you'd look like a dolt. That's reserved for when I do TV interviews.

Nope. Can't do it.
Not easily anyways. Depends on the situation.

Please. Please no avocado or goldenrod kitchen appliances ever again.

Awwww... Are you sure?

Maybe. Maybe it's just a giant bus conversation conspiracy scheme.

It might be.
I'm not allowed to say.

You wear your sashay well.

You got that right.

We don't have reserved seats in any of ours. So no.

:p

Then wouldn't I have to follow you?

If you can keep up!
Oh, fine. I'll let you hold my hand.

No, but maybe I'd have eaten more than I did.

Hmmm?

Only if you hold my barf bag for me.

No. Because that would mean I'm on it too.
And... just, no.

Of all my readers, I knew you'd be the one who actually read it.

::yes::

I didn't have a long time. "You're safely recovered? Buh-bye."

Occupational hazard.

Sure. When I get my '63 split window 'Vette.

About the same price, too.

If you eat enough of them, they become speedbumps. Right around the middle.

:laughing:

You have those folders too, huh?

:rolleyes2

Thank you. NO, thank you! One of my favorites.

:)

Are you saying we're dead when we get there? I was hoping for... not that!

Well, you have to die to get there.
I wouldn't know. I'm probably heading the other way.

It's the only iteration I've ever seen, so yes. But I understand that everyone raves about its former life.

I don't remember the former one. I probably rode it... but don't remember.

Thanks! I have fun with it every year. :)

I believe you! Really pretty!

Well, this one actually has a really neat story. But I will wait on that one.

This one also has a bit of a story... and will save it as well....

Standing by.

This is a really plausible option! Good one!

Of course it's plausible. It's correct.

Aw, Mickey knows Steppe pretty well! Minnie would be very pleased with any of those.

:)

I've heard of this in passing and it sounds very poignant. I'd like to see it someday. What a really nice gift from your folks.

I was really pleased to get that. :)

What was your favourite gift?

Very wonderful goals! Yeah, umm... way too much eating in this household too .

'tis the season.
 


Yes actually... We did. It was so pretty.

2017-12-28-23-31-25-jpg.290808

AW, that IS pretty! We get a "white Christmas" about once a decade.


But, I don't envy you here! ^^ That doesn't look safe at all. :(

DH and I spend a lot of time together playing board games. We have grown our collection to over 200 games now. It brings us and the kids together around the table too. Here is a picture of the necklace.

2017-12-28-23-26-17-jpg.290807

I love it!! And 200!! games?! I didn't even know there were that many. But, yes, you are so right, games are a great way to bring folks of all ages together.
 
Nope.
NOTAM'd to be closed until end of January.

How odd. I mean no multi-million $ project has EVER gone over past its estimated completion date! LOLOL!

:lmao:

What????
Then I better hurry too!

Come on over!

It's from the end scene of A Christmas Story.

Thank you! Had no idea!

Thank goodness you didn't.

Does my title give you a hint?

But if you didn't ever have to?

Then I'd be... the happiest person on Earth, no?

Awwww... Are you sure?

Yes. Ew.

It might be.
I'm not allowed to say.

:lmao:

If you can keep up!
Oh, fine. I'll let you hold my hand.

Only if there's a Dole Whip in it to share.

I was really pleased to get that. :)

What was your favourite gift?

Hmm....? I got a beautiful crystal ornament from a good friend that I hung in a special place to enjoy all year long. :)
 
How odd. I mean no multi-million $ project has EVER gone over past its estimated completion date! LOLOL!

:lmao:

Um.... if memory serves...
Usually when a NOTAM is for the end of the month... that's how they say "Just put it til the end of the month until we know how much longer it will be."

Come on over!

In the plans!

Does my title give you a hint?

Yes! Edmonton! I've been there!

Then I'd be... the happiest person on Earth, no?

Well, I know I would!

Only if there's a Dole Whip in it to share.

Um....

You don't eat much, so..... maybe?

Hmm....? I got a beautiful crystal ornament from a good friend that I hung in a special place to enjoy all year long. :)

Aww.. :)
 
Holy Contest Batman! As I sat here reading this yesterday, I thought when I get to the end I'll go back and multiqote and give some good answers, I have a little time! But now that I see the contest, I'm going to have to just focus on that! :faint:

I will say, 45 minutes for Figment? Just no.

7) Give me your best guess on the 3rd Mystery bus symbol. Any answer works for a point.

No portable space heaters.

8) For a bonus point, what did Mickey give Minnie in the box? **Think like Steppe.

A new kitchen?

9) And for the entertainment of everyone here and more bonus points: What was your favorite gift you received this year? From whom? And why? (1 point for each part)

That's a good question. We don't exchange Christmas gifts with anyone....perhaps my best gifts were from @pkondz back in March.

10) Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Do make them? Do tell!!

Don't even bother. If I want to change something, I just do it. Doesn't even have to do with time of year.
 
All caught up again. I’m really enjoying, in a somewhat uncomfortable way, the juxtaposition of your trips.

Also received a lovely package in the mail last week.
 
Disney holds magic like no other place and her heart was ready to explore the wondrous new world of adventures she would find there and treasure each moment.

Mostly in the gift shop.

No radios? (Who’s carried a radio or boom box around since 1985?)

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

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

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

:rotfl2::rotfl2:

And the one Steppe always, ALWAYS chooses is the one that has 14 little kids whose MBs don’t work on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 8th time of trying.

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

Traveling and exploring and learning new stuff is her kinda thang, and this park does a great job at indulging that side of her. Disney for Geeks!

Exactly why I love Epcot!

Check out this article she dug up and enjoy the read if you're a nerd like her.

Cool! Thanks for posting that.

BUT!!! Speaking of Moon Landers... I have a story to tell! I recently met an elderly gentleman at work with a very strong British accent. After some talking with him, we learned that he was one of the electrical engineers for the Apollo Projects Moon Landers! He emigrated over from the UK in the early 1960s to work on the project(s). Along with his degree in math and "half a degree in physics", he had some of the driest, wittiest humor I've come across in a very long time.

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

Steppe appreciates that Chevy has taken over sponsorship of TT, because GM had sucky cars to try out.

But Chevy is owned by GM...

**No cronuts were hurt in the making of this test drive.

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

Steppe invites you all to take a short tour of Innoventions Plaza- better known as “The Place Where Everyone Takes a Photo, Then Quickly Asks, ‘What’s Next?’”

:lmao::rotfl2::rotfl: It's funny because it's true.

Some people want to be a professional ice skater or ballerina or pro-footballer in Heaven. Steppe just wants to plant and maintain a garden and enjoy yardwork even a little bit up there. And have a beautiful yard for once. Or, be in charge of a legion of landscaping angels.

I want to be sent out to explore uncharted territory.

45 minutes for FIGMENT!!!!! For reals?!?

:eek::eek::eek:

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

Being the impatient sort, there are only a VERY small handful of attractions Steppe will stand in line more than 30 minutes for. Eau du Skunk ain’t one of ‘em. Cute, but not that cute. (And to be clear, it’s not THAT great a ride- just holds some nostalgic memories that keep her going back.)

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


Gorgeous!


Another great one.

I hope this New Year brings you all the joy and happiness you can imagine. I hope you can find some moments to look back on what made you happiest and are able to chase your dreams and goals. I hope you find and spend time with the people that make you truly contented and bring you peace.

Aw, thanks, Liesa. Happy New Year to you, too!

7) Give me your best guess on the 3rd Mystery bus symbol. Any answer works for a point.

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

8) For a bonus point, what did Mickey give Minnie in the box? **Think like Steppe.

Proper lipstick for Dapper Days?

9) And for the entertainment of everyone here and more bonus points: What was your favorite gift you received this year? From whom? And why? (1 point for each part)

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

10) Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Do make them? Do tell!!

Nope. I have no self-discipline whatsoever.

I thought it was a quote, but I couldn't find it. Can someone clue me in here?

That was from A Christmas Story. When they go to the Chinese restaurant for their family Christmas dinner and they get served a goose with the head still attached. "It's smiling at me."
 
I received a package in the mail the other day. It was a "major award" but had no "Fragile" on it... I couldn't for the life of me figure out why I was getting a package. Then when I opened it up, I was amazed! Thank you so much! The piece of fabric is just beautiful. I have already put together a fabric group and am going to put it as a focal piece of a quilt. I have never made one for myself, always for others, so this will give me the oppurtunity too make one for me.

Thank you again! It is just lovely!
 
Sierra Leone Day 2

After a fitful sleep, really no sleep at all due to the thunderstorm that raged through the night, we awoke to bright sunshine streaming through our barred windows. It was already muggy enough to wish clothing was optional. Then again, Steppe has been known to conveniently forget certain wardrobe accoutrements now and again.

I arose with high hopes of a nice warm shower, but instead was met with a 10-gallon bucket of cold water, a cup to pour it with, and a prayer I’d make it out of the shower area alive. Slippery is one thing; Sierra Leone-tiled-shower slippery is another altogether. Clean (enough) I got dressed and it was about then that I discovered I’d packed altogether wrong. Before leaving, I was told that we’d need to be very careful with modesty being that the majority religion in SL is Islamic. No problem- been there and done that plenty. However! After layering up with leggings, a skirt, and a long-sleeved shirt with an under-cammie, we found that after venturing out it was nothing short of insane. But that’s getting ahead of myself. After we dressed, we were called down to our first morning’s fare- eggs fried in palm oil, squished white bread, fried lunch meat, and instant coffee. Neither my coffee nor (brand new) French Press made an appearance after repeated inquiries.



While not a meal I’d choose (ever), when that’s what is offered, one puts on a smile, graciously accepts, and chooses to be thankful. The coffee was adequately caffeinated, and the fare filled the belly. The plan for the day was to head to the office to sort the (twice-already-sorted, then unsorted) medical supplies we’d traveled with. Because sorting a third time was a perfect use of our time. :rolleyes2 To be fair, we had not done an accurate inventory, and for Foundation integrity and accountability that needed to be done. While we waited, we had a bit of time to explore and orient ourselves to our surroundings. This also assured we would arrive at the office a bit later and adequately... saturated.


Here are the few shots taken off of our balcony I got that first morning.





The rain from the night’s thunderstorm made for a special treat for me while I sat on the balcony writing in my journal:



I was told this little waterfall doesn’t run consistently, but only after a rain. There, in the middle of abject squalor, lay this thing of beauty. Sierra Leone has so much potential for eco-tourism and a profound innate splendor, but with an extreme lack of stewardship and care given to the land, I don’t see this becoming a real part of their economy any time soon. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this little tropical oasis from my humid vantage point while I waited for our departure.

Sometime around 10:00 or so, our rides arrived and we no sooner turned the corner out of our compound that we heard an ominous “POP!” and “pffffffszzz”. In less than 5 minutes, we’d been rudely made aware of the realities of driving in Sierra Leone.



While the men changed the tire, I took the opportunity to wander a bit and found a few scenes worth taking a shot at. I was quickly fomenting a love affair with all things involving carrying things on heads. This is a deep mystery to me as to how it’s done. So, please, brace yourselves. I took an embarrassing amount of photos on this theme that you’ll see in the current and
all future chapters. This lovely young girl’s conveyance is handmade soap.



A little further on, I came across this elderly shepherd who took the time to smile at me and pose. Mama’s baby was simply adorable, as it munched on the corner garden of okra, eggplants, and other edibles.





Apparently, the goats weren’t the only creatures to enjoy a snack of okra in any of its forms.



All kidding aside, the view was lovely with the warm Atlantic waters off in the distance.



Soon enough a “new” used tire was put on the car and off we bumped and jostled down the track. "Road" is far too generous a term. We passed literally thousands of street vendors selling everything from cookies to coconuts and shirts to shoes. Rugs, sunglasses, bananas, more cell phone time, you name it, it was for sale. They surrounded your car, making it doubly difficult to proceed, and that was on top of the hundreds of motorbikes and other cars competing for the same one lane of road space. Let me paint a picture for you which was true of every car ride we took anywhere. A backseat meant for 2, in a pinch 3, was filled with 4, and sometimes 5, people. It was already 85 degrees out with the humidity bearing down on us like a pedicure “hot towel”. Suffocating in clean air is bad enough, but throw in the exhaust from a few dozen cars only feet from you, which have never seen an emissions test, the term “I might actually die in here” frequented my thoughts.







I believe it took almost an hour and a half to travel the distance from Ahmed’s home to the office, being on completely opposite ends of the city. To keep my mind off of actively dying, I pointed my camera here and there. I tried very hard to be discreet as I went. Enjoy the commute to the office.





Please note the degree of filth:









A gigantic breadfruit tree:



We aren't the only NGO working in SL (Doctors Without Borders):



Because I’m writing this, you already know I lived long enough to tell this tale. Our next task was to get the supplies inventoried and sorted. This took us several hours of counting, listing (by hand), and then putting into an Excel sheet.







By the time 3:30 or so? (Sorry, only rough times written down, because, as you will see, times are simply not important in Africa. At all.) rolled around, my stomach was yearning for something. Anything. Luckily, someone suggested we be taken out to some fast food that would be somewhat unique to our trip- schwarma and fries. Fighting traffic, but not for too long, we ended up at a little hole in the wall place that was clean and smelled delicious. The menu was very limited to fried chicken, fries, schwarma, and a few other things, and while I was quite hungry, I was also reluctant to eat much knowing hot weather slows down digestion pretty significantly. An upset stomach on top of everything else simply didn’t sound appealing at all. Bek and I chose to split the schwarma that ended up being quite spicy, but not overly so, and an order of fries. The 2 guys who took us to lunch (both Freetown Office Teammates) ordered the chicken and fries. It had only just then occurred to me that today was American Thanksgiving. I quipped to Betty and Bek that it was wholly appropriate that they order poultry and potatoes on this important holiday.



Lunch was just enough; I was not too full but certainly no longer hungry. We fought the same traffic back to the office and on the way the Main Government Hospital, the medical school, and School of Nursing were pointed out. I found it oddly ironic that the city morgue was directly adjacent.

The next several hours were spent sitting and sweating while the Freetown Team had a meeting. Apparently, some serious NGO business was being discussed. Eventually, Liz, our main organizer and logistics gal came out and sat with us. We spent quite a while just talking about our expectations, hopes for our time there, needs, etc… (the cynical side of me screamed, “Just find my French Press.”)

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




Dusk rolled around, and being near the Equator, it was dark within just a few short minutes. But it was certainly dusk long enough for a pick-up game of soccer on the rough road and the happy sounds of children playing filled the air. Even kids living in slum-like conditions can find fun.



Other views from our office:






By the time everyone was finished doing whatever meetings they needed to, Ahmed announced we would be going to "Chinatown" for dinner. Intrigued I was! We piled into the car, in the same squished fashion, and launched into the traffic. It did not matter what time of day or night you were on the road- you could count on it being bad. It took us over and hour to get there, and on the way, Ahmed called ahead and ordered for us. While it sounded awesome, you could order: Chicken fried rice or eggdrop soup. Luckily, I like both, but opted for rice. Bekka got the soup and nibbled a bit of my rice as well. It was quite delicious despite the limited choices, and a cold Coca Cola product always helps most everything go down better. I think we also ordered tea all around.



It turns out that Ahmed likes to frequent this place because his brother is engaged to one of the waitresses. They are a very cute couple. I took this opportunity to ask about wedding traditions and learned that, as in most Asian and African cultures, the man’s family pays a bride price and “purchases” the girl. The groom in this case is a Muslim so the ceremony will be at a mosque and the reception will be at a local venue all of which Ahmed paid for.

Now… I’ll bet you’re wondering about this “Chinatown”. Its entirety was one building that housed a hotel, presumably for Chinese tourists or businessfolk and this restaurant and event venue. Here are the few photos I got. With my rushed attempts at dark photography, please excuse the raw, not-so-great nature of the photos.








It had been a long day. While not overly physically demanding, we were all still pretty jetlagged, were totally sleep deprived, and the oppressive heat had sapped every ounce of life we had left in us. We made the long, arduous drive all the way back across the city to Ahmed’s house munching on street oranges and trying to drown out the deafening music being blared in the car. Did I mention that on top of the heat, fumes, and lack of personal space was throbbing music? The car headaches were a very real thing. We passed many scenes as foreign to us as a fish on land.


(Women doing laundry on the street at 10:30 at night.)



It was perhaps 11:00 by the time we arrived back home, and I took just a few last minutes to catch up on the day’s events in my journal. But only a few. Sleep was going to be a precious commodity and I wanted all I could get. And with that, Dear Friends, I will sign off wishing you a fantastic weekend and beyond.

Cheers,

Steppe
 
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It was already muggy enough to wish clothing was optional.

Yes!!!! :banana:

Then again, Steppe has been known to conveniently forget certain wardrobe accoutrements now and again.

That's why we love you.

I arose with high hopes of a nice warm shower, but instead was met with a 10-gallon bucket of cold water,

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

I suspect our reasons may differ.

a prayer I’d make it out of the shower area alive. Slippery is one thing; Sierra Leone-tiled-shower slippery is another altogether.

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

After layering up with leggings, a skirt, and a long-sleeved shirt with an under-cammie, we found that after venturing out it was nothing short of insane.

I will comment on this in a bit...

eggs fried in palm oil, squished white bread, fried lunch meat, and instant coffee.

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

Neither my coffee nor (brand new) French Press made an appearance after repeated inquiries.

Aren't you so glad that everything got rearranged?


No?


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

While not a meal I’d choose (ever),

No? More of a French toast kinda gal?

when that’s what is offered, one puts on a smile, graciously accepts, and chooses to be thankful.

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

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

The plan for the day was to head to the office to sort the (twice-already-sorted, then unsorted) medical supplies we’d traveled with. Because sorting a third time was a perfect use of our time. :rolleyes2

:sad2:

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

To be fair, we had not done an accurate inventory

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

This also assured we would arrive at the office a bit later and adequately... saturated.

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


:rolleyes1


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


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

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

And you found it. You've got a good eye for detail.

Sierra Leone has so much potential for eco-tourism and a profound innate splendor, but with an extreme lack of stewardship and care given to the land, I don’t see this becoming a real part of their economy any time soon.

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

no sooner turned the corner out of our compound that we heard an ominous “POP!” and “pffffffszzz”.

Aw.... crap.

In less than 5 minutes, we’d been rudely made aware of the realities of driving in Sierra Leone.

:laughing: Well, they just wanted you to feel at home!

I was quickly fomenting a love affair with all things involving carrying things on heads. This is a deep mystery to me as to how it’s done. So, please, brace yourselves. I took an embarrassing amount of photos on this theme that you’ll see in the current and all future chapters.

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


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


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

They surrounded your car, making it doubly difficult to proceed, and that was on top of the hundreds of motorbikes and other cars competing for the same one lane of road space.

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

A backseat meant for 2, in a pinch 3, was filled with 4, and sometimes 5, people.

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

It was already 85 degrees out with the humidity bearing down on us like a pedicure “hot towel”. Suffocating in clean air is bad enough, but throw in the exhaust from a few dozen cars only feet from you, which have never seen an emissions test, the term “I might actually die in here” frequented my thoughts.

This does not sound..... pleasant.

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

I tried very hard to be discreet as I went.

Why?


Love this shot. Love the colour in her dress.

Please note the degree of filth:

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

A gigantic breadfruit tree:

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

This took us several hours of counting, listing (by hand), and then putting into an Excel sheet.

Soooo much fun!


There are our heroes! :goodvibes

someone suggested we be taken out to some fast food that would be somewhat unique to our trip- schwarma and fries.

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

I was also reluctant to eat much knowing hot weather slows down digestion pretty significantly.

Oh? I didn't know that! Huh!

It had only just then occurred to me that today was American Thanksgiving. I quipped to Betty and Bek that it was wholly appropriate that they order poultry and potatoes on this important holiday.

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

:laughing:


That does look good!

on the way the Main Government Hospital, the medical school, and School of Nursing were pointed out. I found it oddly ironic that the city morgue was directly adjacent.

Convenient, perhaps? :rolleyes:

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

Just run to Walmart and get another one! Sheesh!


No?

:rolleyes1

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


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

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

Dusk rolled around, and being near the Equator, it was dark within just a few short minutes.

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

Even kids living in slum-like conditions can find fun.

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


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


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

While it sounded awesome, you could order: Chicken fried rice or eggdrop soup.

Extensive menu!

Luckily, I like both, but opted for rice. Bekka got the soup and nibbled a bit of my rice as well.

Did you try her soup? Just to taste?

It turns out that Ahmed likes to frequent this place because his brother is engaged to one of the waitresses.

Ah! Well, that would explain it, then. :)

I took this opportunity to ask about wedding traditions and learned that, as in most Asian and African cultures, the man’s family pays a bride price and “purchases” the girl.

Interesting. Smart of you to ask. ::yes::

The groom in this case is a Muslim so the ceremony will be at a mosque and the reception will be at a local venue all of which Ahmed paid for.

Very generous of him. :)

Now… I’ll bet you’re wondering about this “Chinatown”.

Yes! ::yes::

Its entirety was one building

:lmao:

Wow!

With my rushed attempts at dark photography, please excuse the raw, not-so-great nature of the photos.

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

Did I mention that on top of the heat, fumes, and lack of personal space was throbbing music? The car headaches were a very real thing.

Ugh... not fun.

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

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...


Okay, that's 2. :)

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

It was perhaps 11:00 by the time we arrived back home

Whoa. You guys must've been wiped out by then.

And with that, Dear Friends, I will sign off wishing you a fantastic weekend and beyond.

Thanks for the update! Have a good weekend, yourself! :)
 
Holy Contest Batman! As I sat here reading this yesterday, I thought when I get to the end I'll go back and multiqote and give some good answers, I have a little time! But now that I see the contest, I'm going to have to just focus on that! :faint:

I will say, 45 minutes for Figment? Just no.

There won't be Contest Questions with every update and certainly none on the Africa chapters. :)

I've NEVER seen Figment have anything more than a walk on. For real. Not once have I had to wait to get on it.

No portable space heaters.

Good rule considering it's Central Florida! LOL!

A new kitchen?

Ooooh... you DO think like Steppe!

That's a good question. We don't exchange Christmas gifts with anyone....perhaps my best gifts were from @pkondz back in March.

Not even to each other?

Don't even bother. If I want to change something, I just do it. Doesn't even have to do with time of year.

Good way to keep improving all year long! Lots of fresh new starts that way. :)
 

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