tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91916820504046496592024-03-13T07:42:06.379-07:00Better NowBetter Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-7518346745304259852024-02-06T01:20:00.000-08:002024-02-06T11:17:04.092-08:00Babylonstoren<p> <span> </span><span> </span>When we were at Mosaic Lodge and we told the “Brits” that we were staying at Babylonstoren, they were so impressed. “How did you manage to get reservations?” That answer was all due to our Elsewhere travel agent, Natalee. Remember, we found her through Lonely Planet? This place is quite unlike any other place we have stayed. when we mentioned it to anyone, they were positive we would love it. It is a wine farm (not called vineyards here), a water buffalo farm, that also has huge vegetable gardens, orchards, Peking ducks, guinea fowl, chickens, and of course roosters which we heard this AM at 5:30. Everything is farm to table. And everything is free range and as organic as possible.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZBgVjcCq_Zw4bfBBJaxmTNLyE5wr5WCKuayVOfObS2FRvI4I8Xv5dmU-LvS6O9mr3dBUezB629_MWhQcQXQK-U2hLVN3NbQ0sXNY0pzrwBdz-godtSE5xJpJRcy_Mi5mlEF63HjjTWIbT5run-4fJAYBD7b5fDsD24DCUfJYTngVM2W4i12c-FWEw_8I/s4608/140059168_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZBgVjcCq_Zw4bfBBJaxmTNLyE5wr5WCKuayVOfObS2FRvI4I8Xv5dmU-LvS6O9mr3dBUezB629_MWhQcQXQK-U2hLVN3NbQ0sXNY0pzrwBdz-godtSE5xJpJRcy_Mi5mlEF63HjjTWIbT5run-4fJAYBD7b5fDsD24DCUfJYTngVM2W4i12c-FWEw_8I/s320/140059168_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lounge with a serve yourself bar</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprcM_e0tRmu2w545zF0rLca7_mI0RlLSJwxJoBaWdQmr13ExSluXzYjuabXsdnpK1KiYPry8CxrynFlHKZgz4aqiQAat79Gaf-dbnbi6Y5mpLDRJAWNxhqzHSsNkjh6_MPFIhHwQs0w2UtDoUyNcLZvsdSknRbAth-hlJSpLuQANNoghyphenhyphenyLk39FY45-zY/s4608/140059248_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiprcM_e0tRmu2w545zF0rLca7_mI0RlLSJwxJoBaWdQmr13ExSluXzYjuabXsdnpK1KiYPry8CxrynFlHKZgz4aqiQAat79Gaf-dbnbi6Y5mpLDRJAWNxhqzHSsNkjh6_MPFIhHwQs0w2UtDoUyNcLZvsdSknRbAth-hlJSpLuQANNoghyphenhyphenyLk39FY45-zY/s320/140059248_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis working hard on the blog</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcynPgmAOlI6KbMSRdeYH-Gt4021BWcSG9xZy_A3yo19BnwqVg-hrATFFDrgebFQVKp4OMM9QJtwJllb549yWG1QY7dsutn223BE3IgiHvzkuvQp7Wh8Fe5YmQcVbhcCnAiXIAxtC8Dvp-GhdF7wL0my4mS9fijfTnY2lUCfhNy5eilvra-fANnQ22bz3B/s4608/140321616_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcynPgmAOlI6KbMSRdeYH-Gt4021BWcSG9xZy_A3yo19BnwqVg-hrATFFDrgebFQVKp4OMM9QJtwJllb549yWG1QY7dsutn223BE3IgiHvzkuvQp7Wh8Fe5YmQcVbhcCnAiXIAxtC8Dvp-GhdF7wL0my4mS9fijfTnY2lUCfhNy5eilvra-fANnQ22bz3B/s320/140321616_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis in front of our room at the farm house</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWovQq1ifrcIU7-SsNQrzCAbnRse1ZuHbcfS2XK46awdMkf2RqcGIayKlQFjme98x8g8PI6uRouImBMfVety1Vv5f1Uw70_6Iy3rXqbUO5TCTf800tL86PjTM0luP2tMJQquUpdeN9IfTCS5S8Fz-wXrYxDpzEU4ilBO4EvD4Ny5sApCv3M8F1x6tTd9A/s4608/140059360_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWovQq1ifrcIU7-SsNQrzCAbnRse1ZuHbcfS2XK46awdMkf2RqcGIayKlQFjme98x8g8PI6uRouImBMfVety1Vv5f1Uw70_6Iy3rXqbUO5TCTf800tL86PjTM0luP2tMJQquUpdeN9IfTCS5S8Fz-wXrYxDpzEU4ilBO4EvD4Ny5sApCv3M8F1x6tTd9A/s320/140059360_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The living room of the farm house </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq33J4LEr_jlMaZLW2GJmZUObx68sD1nrI0NfWSSeDXZB_Yb5ju7cmN1ZYXSprs9fCdTMZW_SlBroFTVOm21lsz_bKeTikb8yrOfW28AV94rSRj_C288WcxJVb_0rOwdl7D29a12tCSKv08negtsEWG3Wsg1Yhpxnw9Mp3AGyK1iix19WY74hNxUOHofU/s4608/140059440_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq33J4LEr_jlMaZLW2GJmZUObx68sD1nrI0NfWSSeDXZB_Yb5ju7cmN1ZYXSprs9fCdTMZW_SlBroFTVOm21lsz_bKeTikb8yrOfW28AV94rSRj_C288WcxJVb_0rOwdl7D29a12tCSKv08negtsEWG3Wsg1Yhpxnw9Mp3AGyK1iix19WY74hNxUOHofU/s320/140059440_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKOz18PJCiBzLUtJeZxBC0nTDLfjrrmBdqiJuBVlHOczMqMprmZr4biaZMdatjBancfC9W2gwdVdRsa_jFmPDA588MOjT9rC_3B23bC2x5VepZOHK91hNxJ1kbcgOC7L_Heq3y9W2Tv6j8FuzbXS3oNhLTGJRMSSuq8AQI2yXL-eg7VIk-C21Dsl20yHE/s4608/140059376_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKOz18PJCiBzLUtJeZxBC0nTDLfjrrmBdqiJuBVlHOczMqMprmZr4biaZMdatjBancfC9W2gwdVdRsa_jFmPDA588MOjT9rC_3B23bC2x5VepZOHK91hNxJ1kbcgOC7L_Heq3y9W2Tv6j8FuzbXS3oNhLTGJRMSSuq8AQI2yXL-eg7VIk-C21Dsl20yHE/s320/140059376_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span>Our first reservation was at the Bakery. The walk there was short but gave us a chance to see a bit of what the farm has to offer.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNladL_yu-sR6Bmi_Y_HDho-mwp-8vQ33qiNTiMJPGC0M_i5uJbuZ0kp8fVO-HlJuk0ODg4txH-M2ypiB7cW5TTkN6lHZs_MSjzDvjvnQr2pP_HLdw24G5EJBkQXQhE69sB8cXHXS4pZLpSTxNyq9XCPDs6d44VRRexJnsPB1Wbww_WtwXH43_YofedEw7/s4608/140321664_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNladL_yu-sR6Bmi_Y_HDho-mwp-8vQ33qiNTiMJPGC0M_i5uJbuZ0kp8fVO-HlJuk0ODg4txH-M2ypiB7cW5TTkN6lHZs_MSjzDvjvnQr2pP_HLdw24G5EJBkQXQhE69sB8cXHXS4pZLpSTxNyq9XCPDs6d44VRRexJnsPB1Wbww_WtwXH43_YofedEw7/s320/140321664_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkgictD5zq0qvgkpkVhcyB283ywT8FRbCGUFIL8Dpc5ZiPH1HICjO4YMs9U9AIX2Rc4f9GBPh2m3Eza08KNXabRxPghJaUxi8Qjd3tnJiFhFcY7zGQxI7Gm-igfIATFvitUkdpUGZCB5hYworcf-teWUo4euCSa1QkVxfcz25iUxkJjKo1lQhxWbBzOqq/s4608/140321696_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkgictD5zq0qvgkpkVhcyB283ywT8FRbCGUFIL8Dpc5ZiPH1HICjO4YMs9U9AIX2Rc4f9GBPh2m3Eza08KNXabRxPghJaUxi8Qjd3tnJiFhFcY7zGQxI7Gm-igfIATFvitUkdpUGZCB5hYworcf-teWUo4euCSa1QkVxfcz25iUxkJjKo1lQhxWbBzOqq/s320/140321696_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgg02TPsjdC8Gde-b4wpgo9DaA6sMlXp9BvxYzUYx9uu3N0x8mlNNEmvIsdOOFDp6ACqqP9XYFvLOCsiyWtL2XWx_KfHG-h9U6xMSZx-iQJolgNWy4QzkZGbamWxnoCa17TdG6WT7ykK7Qi4r4hAfsmD0yzesixa_5lO2TbVrw5DeQHurCzmnArQnWQlr/s4608/140321728_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgg02TPsjdC8Gde-b4wpgo9DaA6sMlXp9BvxYzUYx9uu3N0x8mlNNEmvIsdOOFDp6ACqqP9XYFvLOCsiyWtL2XWx_KfHG-h9U6xMSZx-iQJolgNWy4QzkZGbamWxnoCa17TdG6WT7ykK7Qi4r4hAfsmD0yzesixa_5lO2TbVrw5DeQHurCzmnArQnWQlr/s320/140321728_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span><span> </span>The food at the Bakery was from a set menu and we couldn’t handle it. Just the salads to start us off were too much. There was a caprese salad and a vegetable and fruit salad that was enough for at least six people. This was followed by a mushroom ravioli bowl and then as many slices of pizza as you could eat, topped off with chocolate chip gelato with figs. Do you need to take a walk, just from reading this?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIyWooJia35MMlUnd54gNBLPBX-FRj-I6M2tYBVxC0YMhU20QDHrjB-39CGXTbp7Q6BEmhhPvGSVoS5bG-mrNRRhgGW7Pezp34r5kNIbXyNWygt3ZnXejf7Zn1Sdyi1MC0g6Uco0YEtvfSTbhDxF6tajDS076mhgl8M4Aqk_Gnspb7d3QmOhc7Ta7GeXo/s4608/140321824_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIyWooJia35MMlUnd54gNBLPBX-FRj-I6M2tYBVxC0YMhU20QDHrjB-39CGXTbp7Q6BEmhhPvGSVoS5bG-mrNRRhgGW7Pezp34r5kNIbXyNWygt3ZnXejf7Zn1Sdyi1MC0g6Uco0YEtvfSTbhDxF6tajDS076mhgl8M4Aqk_Gnspb7d3QmOhc7Ta7GeXo/s320/140321824_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JAyOMjSZUNE57JK5hy-VHTGFYWaKiNNdJpXstlEJ-VKhHK5O2QIB95jTh872qK1Q_z2aaH_Yhkdk9IADbuQh62mej9yc9uL8kv9WJEUlZvzZwNZKLSjtFpT705LYD1XsnxGSyRIXLkmMWqv6KSwaSqezZRw02fO7w_GGSZ22OJE_yvt6S1OxeDgM82eO/s4608/140321808_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JAyOMjSZUNE57JK5hy-VHTGFYWaKiNNdJpXstlEJ-VKhHK5O2QIB95jTh872qK1Q_z2aaH_Yhkdk9IADbuQh62mej9yc9uL8kv9WJEUlZvzZwNZKLSjtFpT705LYD1XsnxGSyRIXLkmMWqv6KSwaSqezZRw02fO7w_GGSZ22OJE_yvt6S1OxeDgM82eO/s320/140321808_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hAYc35cRhPOp5rKLUpqQK4dgMEmfmcKEqigxROUdlA2MbRMF25xwggV5Umlc9E2mK0m6DU_-ymbyjrOOt9aQfhXKPxVnhzMZk4wxgYe7kh14q4irsr0bcdRBhGGB-4ggxkxPhTHM-0SSIENiLB5Jvo2wLnLSWzRKUz8UcGgKrkCp0pzW9iZFLc0vBPop/s4608/140321792_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hAYc35cRhPOp5rKLUpqQK4dgMEmfmcKEqigxROUdlA2MbRMF25xwggV5Umlc9E2mK0m6DU_-ymbyjrOOt9aQfhXKPxVnhzMZk4wxgYe7kh14q4irsr0bcdRBhGGB-4ggxkxPhTHM-0SSIENiLB5Jvo2wLnLSWzRKUz8UcGgKrkCp0pzW9iZFLc0vBPop/s320/140321792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> This morning we went on a tour of the water buffalo farm. It is quite an operation. Very well-run, beautifully maintained with every thought given to the comfort of the animals. We got to put a female name for a new baby into a lottery. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32SY8OYH4mfPq_C1ejWSsQ9Q1CUqHEcF4Fvqf4n02Nx0D2t8GEXjYx8wUPZFMotDfn-0SZsXrdbGs3TzsvPgpP0a-JapEta0htfvSFOM8RvaxpuCbKo3Oox7SwGM3MU-0rPlkdaJjMPRs-rovoxLZqx_ejoaWpdd-pz6QpqbhLmLdIgzArBEaXfnYSSAI/s4608/140322240_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32SY8OYH4mfPq_C1ejWSsQ9Q1CUqHEcF4Fvqf4n02Nx0D2t8GEXjYx8wUPZFMotDfn-0SZsXrdbGs3TzsvPgpP0a-JapEta0htfvSFOM8RvaxpuCbKo3Oox7SwGM3MU-0rPlkdaJjMPRs-rovoxLZqx_ejoaWpdd-pz6QpqbhLmLdIgzArBEaXfnYSSAI/s320/140322240_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxoGmCWJl1ESvqd5N_BdCd_D3DKLulj6v6cWRm6uLb0ZdvU8GLLx8-DTaj-0iEap2GUhDopCDX0B8UdMQDflQsRVEEE0ZTryXQlixWFXAAvZXPNaCizk7xst08u0rhJAjElZZhvNRGNU9D-SyYopa8Rd6V7AGVP9JJsM22OwKU6kug1DiW3zfb2lJ0q4B/s4608/140322208_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxoGmCWJl1ESvqd5N_BdCd_D3DKLulj6v6cWRm6uLb0ZdvU8GLLx8-DTaj-0iEap2GUhDopCDX0B8UdMQDflQsRVEEE0ZTryXQlixWFXAAvZXPNaCizk7xst08u0rhJAjElZZhvNRGNU9D-SyYopa8Rd6V7AGVP9JJsM22OwKU6kug1DiW3zfb2lJ0q4B/s320/140322208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz6oDMMNszK0jWYdFmHaWc9MvHtTDCTCjGlh_19lDGcM6_UF1JUQ70mpYMR2ghyphenhyphen7OppM-qZvVbdcAAtmVkDX6Xl0KGzlvmLKjoN9n2BgQrEVv3k6Wp0tX3MJGuk0dmoVzmsMszb2fbisOxAfn-Ygr3NuY92vUkY6e8ptL1nMmSH19RR5IZ_PWqjiPVr9r/s4608/140322192_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwz6oDMMNszK0jWYdFmHaWc9MvHtTDCTCjGlh_19lDGcM6_UF1JUQ70mpYMR2ghyphenhyphen7OppM-qZvVbdcAAtmVkDX6Xl0KGzlvmLKjoN9n2BgQrEVv3k6Wp0tX3MJGuk0dmoVzmsMszb2fbisOxAfn-Ygr3NuY92vUkY6e8ptL1nMmSH19RR5IZ_PWqjiPVr9r/s320/140322192_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FuDD12T3alNeLfBoVusGpQLqC0ZJHOf0mHTZuYjO61nlxTDEVmL2EfQcAltB7jSAzOMPqj6c-154cNuWATodAU_Bi54Pxgs4UVPUEz3A3VTI_xUUk2yMiqhrJAyEHKNntzd0axZSq5PE6Ga78uW_l0GD_AnDdqtmGTi9yuMoGsyurfQJ2VfHzWQvrPYs/s4608/140322176_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FuDD12T3alNeLfBoVusGpQLqC0ZJHOf0mHTZuYjO61nlxTDEVmL2EfQcAltB7jSAzOMPqj6c-154cNuWATodAU_Bi54Pxgs4UVPUEz3A3VTI_xUUk2yMiqhrJAyEHKNntzd0axZSq5PE6Ga78uW_l0GD_AnDdqtmGTi9yuMoGsyurfQJ2VfHzWQvrPYs/s320/140322176_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwYQMUAtj7gja0i6eXYBRJLCKhbIRUCYNAtbvYNHZsBlHatepZy1OYmekCYsQNFvm2C72UIMRXOhwFJ28xNL2DBKaxUA-SC4z1_H7kkLNae8MrC5QI8r0Vxm5uIUvLwoYFoJZp90BJWZrZjhPnDVgCzZYHKIx_rLUYS2F9FqslwyCSIOZTOFxMz6Wy834/s4608/140322144_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwYQMUAtj7gja0i6eXYBRJLCKhbIRUCYNAtbvYNHZsBlHatepZy1OYmekCYsQNFvm2C72UIMRXOhwFJ28xNL2DBKaxUA-SC4z1_H7kkLNae8MrC5QI8r0Vxm5uIUvLwoYFoJZp90BJWZrZjhPnDVgCzZYHKIx_rLUYS2F9FqslwyCSIOZTOFxMz6Wy834/s320/140322144_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> All of this was followed by an amazing breakfast and then a short walk to see some of the many shops that are here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeodRDWzuAghKO0bf5wbmtyrLANe7k11RG-J1gASv6xhcsWho-HXUwzEoCRJ5_EqAoxmz0NvyUV-ZiXhndW9hLIRpoOKLkgpk6QZNbuxylk0FSEwoqv1BCcs3A7jSez8hHxRpOku-OQ_khhFrWtk-z5l-aB9d4NakMTlvNNuRlM4xfdUDf5eeBUNQnFuH/s4608/140322640_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeodRDWzuAghKO0bf5wbmtyrLANe7k11RG-J1gASv6xhcsWho-HXUwzEoCRJ5_EqAoxmz0NvyUV-ZiXhndW9hLIRpoOKLkgpk6QZNbuxylk0FSEwoqv1BCcs3A7jSez8hHxRpOku-OQ_khhFrWtk-z5l-aB9d4NakMTlvNNuRlM4xfdUDf5eeBUNQnFuH/s320/140322640_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqbIeFTdUiIjtnXVwzS0th35nWkWlvFUqv8iTQrj8-wf3m-pDwYShf1bHacD4Pu84JJO6x2EaOQ8EzQhmr3VckwpbbPQ0RAqU7eh4uh67lkd1IJ6cm-WSgPppM4Grb5XJvmuhz-iVcDZu2myyqbc2B7wglQTaNMGY2UIa-_4B30I5y2kVPMSFGv-hgvU9/s4608/140322608_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqbIeFTdUiIjtnXVwzS0th35nWkWlvFUqv8iTQrj8-wf3m-pDwYShf1bHacD4Pu84JJO6x2EaOQ8EzQhmr3VckwpbbPQ0RAqU7eh4uh67lkd1IJ6cm-WSgPppM4Grb5XJvmuhz-iVcDZu2myyqbc2B7wglQTaNMGY2UIa-_4B30I5y2kVPMSFGv-hgvU9/s320/140322608_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3MGvSgQIIpPxw7jnIK8zUfMv5yYc3J6DVmfpH9vYO4xxm8qETU7xOfOHRqHRtmnc2USJAH2Zoo5kYWPNL8tXK9z5bQvyFy78QBSJPbjdgc-Ul4BVa9Q50Fk6tmCa7YNiEhjYEMgeyDgcO6F0_E-mFh5jc-P9VJCkjfsK_FG9SWwoRmivLL7bjM03fK_7/s4608/140322480_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3MGvSgQIIpPxw7jnIK8zUfMv5yYc3J6DVmfpH9vYO4xxm8qETU7xOfOHRqHRtmnc2USJAH2Zoo5kYWPNL8tXK9z5bQvyFy78QBSJPbjdgc-Ul4BVa9Q50Fk6tmCa7YNiEhjYEMgeyDgcO6F0_E-mFh5jc-P9VJCkjfsK_FG9SWwoRmivLL7bjM03fK_7/s320/140322480_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Dennis is out for a bike ride. I am waiting to hear about the resolution of a travel glitch, and even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be bike riding that is not a good option. The old saying, once you know how to ride, you never forget? That is so not true. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkn8z8UcPYAL7dt3x1BOcJKaj-32w5DSLYw47zn1DYe76y83QRk0nRReqGcKIx-UFedstTxEUZk3Wte-_kj5-dXcXeV0GiANnvrmLSlbJiIAwyJfOqOOzeE7AlVhVMel2IDzqWOE6pQNk2iIeNr6l5wLqgisVG7uMq7Zq6wH2vdqZkxkTd2tlqUjktG8m/s4608/140322720_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFkn8z8UcPYAL7dt3x1BOcJKaj-32w5DSLYw47zn1DYe76y83QRk0nRReqGcKIx-UFedstTxEUZk3Wte-_kj5-dXcXeV0GiANnvrmLSlbJiIAwyJfOqOOzeE7AlVhVMel2IDzqWOE6pQNk2iIeNr6l5wLqgisVG7uMq7Zq6wH2vdqZkxkTd2tlqUjktG8m/s320/140322720_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyi60oLPGu9nLonLnvHdGb2RGpLRR4FPbEdYKBjRxoRh72EumF8X3kJymEh2uiV2s6YFhha57qfcLfWwS2KQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Lcx5EPQM6bTbYHfjtVrhZt-eWBpt7PrFgBQHGaAwM95MadBedb9ut_EbkiLnc6jMo_euDzDQtRdog9MA6jO6luyeocWJ12r0EFJ1ov4ITtclZCpZwHNTjWkNSjvDNUcNtw4UFx_uyVSXD_GaqKj5cgwv186JLvb9_joz6wwFHsOzedWK7JWYg5ABzE0/s4608/140322736_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99Lcx5EPQM6bTbYHfjtVrhZt-eWBpt7PrFgBQHGaAwM95MadBedb9ut_EbkiLnc6jMo_euDzDQtRdog9MA6jO6luyeocWJ12r0EFJ1ov4ITtclZCpZwHNTjWkNSjvDNUcNtw4UFx_uyVSXD_GaqKj5cgwv186JLvb9_joz6wwFHsOzedWK7JWYg5ABzE0/s320/140322736_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOPJin3BHYUJpYj7vozSRl5aw_6nTxDbJ3UakAi1NbvkAzmclIS05CcDs9mUzPtMmRp0SIP6Cpf97jQCtPas0YRnpg0ivPld6TESoKCVoi8zm3yIarAVAWlTuIRQheUU8T_daFZ_CbN_sHyOwGrTnFjkm598jCcJaEsfDcKvgv24_SSs9I_lqr_ySQqqH/s1500/IMG_0525.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNOPJin3BHYUJpYj7vozSRl5aw_6nTxDbJ3UakAi1NbvkAzmclIS05CcDs9mUzPtMmRp0SIP6Cpf97jQCtPas0YRnpg0ivPld6TESoKCVoi8zm3yIarAVAWlTuIRQheUU8T_daFZ_CbN_sHyOwGrTnFjkm598jCcJaEsfDcKvgv24_SSs9I_lqr_ySQqqH/s320/IMG_0525.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was joined on his ride by this big guy.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeOP0crt2IGojJjOpD0NqmhKPVUTSbbIvsI0iiKDLaQ5hs2MC6943DjX7ucNgUDVMfeiVr6w9OJcisRnYYGjkkudovk_ggk-oDA1QKnUIapoLN2XSL8_w-pMwfJh_ouweqBvI14HiOX9NGQ_qqAhILJkk-1ywugWzGfoGIwfDG1Js3IBVHAE5_f36tFfv/s1500/IMG_0527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeOP0crt2IGojJjOpD0NqmhKPVUTSbbIvsI0iiKDLaQ5hs2MC6943DjX7ucNgUDVMfeiVr6w9OJcisRnYYGjkkudovk_ggk-oDA1QKnUIapoLN2XSL8_w-pMwfJh_ouweqBvI14HiOX9NGQ_qqAhILJkk-1ywugWzGfoGIwfDG1Js3IBVHAE5_f36tFfv/s320/IMG_0527.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> </span>Now for the travel glitch—Lufthansa cancelled our flight. So after a frantic call to our travel agent in Indiana we are confirmed on the next flight back which is Thursday rather than Wednesday. We are crossing our fingers that this will go through. And we are relying on our South African travel agent, Natalee to find us a room for Wednesday night as Babylonstoren is all booked up. </span><br /></div><span> </span><span> </span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span><span> To drown our potential sorrows we went to the wine tasting room…<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxdljyoMGZffOdnKVl5C3yeYo9cTsoo6IxRVolEIiStnzx-IWQBuzSKu2LECbI68aYkoJc4kVkgqIHn6tHKAqgMkQAzk-ffZP_4X2WbcRaSHJxqfDF3UjorulgesYvQCEZoAqci8EMkUl6mL6-9LUYYxVoTdoiCt5uGJdHEqiOhlPUy0FtgjhXFaYdA24/s4608/140322928_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxdljyoMGZffOdnKVl5C3yeYo9cTsoo6IxRVolEIiStnzx-IWQBuzSKu2LECbI68aYkoJc4kVkgqIHn6tHKAqgMkQAzk-ffZP_4X2WbcRaSHJxqfDF3UjorulgesYvQCEZoAqci8EMkUl6mL6-9LUYYxVoTdoiCt5uGJdHEqiOhlPUy0FtgjhXFaYdA24/s320/140322928_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A snack for one, that we couldn’t finish.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh0cNh4a2CP7G67dEGn7J-yfXvN5o1PiKmO9wAVf8IybmgzCrsfxG3OlyZU5gOmbI6RGE5tPFUA1oR-8fS81tdQUZ8zwIt46v-znATY4UNkug_4c1pPlpQOI8Ay_QgSAutkgcqo_gDBnjyOY-2PBQYKB6AMsydkPa7MFG4hhJV8OChKlgGLlvTwqyFcWv/s4608/140322896_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUh0cNh4a2CP7G67dEGn7J-yfXvN5o1PiKmO9wAVf8IybmgzCrsfxG3OlyZU5gOmbI6RGE5tPFUA1oR-8fS81tdQUZ8zwIt46v-znATY4UNkug_4c1pPlpQOI8Ay_QgSAutkgcqo_gDBnjyOY-2PBQYKB6AMsydkPa7MFG4hhJV8OChKlgGLlvTwqyFcWv/s320/140322896_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven wines per tasting, we could finish that!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdKkPf2_s2Hd8n83vzUOpoyLZiGrMlYfP_RuilvZcRdxILN_5VhjPflq6rolV3a174QstRH1Cj7gYZQmyrZa34Rak-ryY4elD0efB5zk84Z9AJrCK2wb-cUC9iZbgKp4OA95aB9x0dZrkpn4OTV9dKtFlrcoCDkM4BBU3YceOQvakBRPqEhWDPd_MjS-O/s4608/140322848_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdKkPf2_s2Hd8n83vzUOpoyLZiGrMlYfP_RuilvZcRdxILN_5VhjPflq6rolV3a174QstRH1Cj7gYZQmyrZa34Rak-ryY4elD0efB5zk84Z9AJrCK2wb-cUC9iZbgKp4OA95aB9x0dZrkpn4OTV9dKtFlrcoCDkM4BBU3YceOQvakBRPqEhWDPd_MjS-O/s320/140322848_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBseo2XLnGwzH6Dukit_JEGhMYbG3-OC7hyphenhyphenO0Z1mjRfuUjM2StJ1v7dJ-CUG67lv_LkZ0geABeN1RYF6O-Wk088Xll9cfZEmpuqHwc5RJHPbpGq7OuHdoJLqWmZxyFzHsR8f88llqTz9SUWBSK2-kyIOqb9hSltGgT8uI6xoxn0vki37YH8LT5Q_1hlVih/s4608/140322784_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBseo2XLnGwzH6Dukit_JEGhMYbG3-OC7hyphenhyphenO0Z1mjRfuUjM2StJ1v7dJ-CUG67lv_LkZ0geABeN1RYF6O-Wk088Xll9cfZEmpuqHwc5RJHPbpGq7OuHdoJLqWmZxyFzHsR8f88llqTz9SUWBSK2-kyIOqb9hSltGgT8uI6xoxn0vki37YH8LT5Q_1hlVih/s320/140322784_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><span> </span><span> After the tasting we headed for the meeting point of the Mountain drive again with Morne. An absolutely stunning drive, culminating with a picnic at the top of the mountain. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPe-MENwlVMrCci2C0xzu3oas4W3UdlIRTksFIu-qzAwhQzLG7GWJ8yt4iCtnHnYN_zmWjDQlbFSQZUDKbiwqrWo0LT4WNeRtvUP45VegaQca58pD7QQq1bAUbNZKevy-9YdJUXiQ-BOCtEhWM5HA_evet5IpDvcGLKXSGFy4_U7-bWwdvjCIdV_yrxPZ/s4608/140323072_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPe-MENwlVMrCci2C0xzu3oas4W3UdlIRTksFIu-qzAwhQzLG7GWJ8yt4iCtnHnYN_zmWjDQlbFSQZUDKbiwqrWo0LT4WNeRtvUP45VegaQca58pD7QQq1bAUbNZKevy-9YdJUXiQ-BOCtEhWM5HA_evet5IpDvcGLKXSGFy4_U7-bWwdvjCIdV_yrxPZ/s320/140323072_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzrrRXQBtgmq1Kbk_BL-BQMR_6HF29ATlAiNjBoXwJFSj_Y_DCtdKJjq4k5X4cZav8FTlEJjIhKDi1ElD9vdQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnBPPU9c1AEPMM8fFodsODyOs0hJx6YAhzZU4gREJF-2WkAqqMnuUwYnsXrObNLAzjZV5SNYtNZ9nAqlSOVU4uW8539jUudJU1wgKOm1TRDINtf_yAamBg7vlI7kiZjC1oMl_mjAXQb00D-Me2spB_ZJ00jpY59d_9BG_JpJqpgItFWJWgcikWdM-oosA/s4608/140586224_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnBPPU9c1AEPMM8fFodsODyOs0hJx6YAhzZU4gREJF-2WkAqqMnuUwYnsXrObNLAzjZV5SNYtNZ9nAqlSOVU4uW8539jUudJU1wgKOm1TRDINtf_yAamBg7vlI7kiZjC1oMl_mjAXQb00D-Me2spB_ZJ00jpY59d_9BG_JpJqpgItFWJWgcikWdM-oosA/s320/140586224_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCDJKn0g3mO_bYwhS8dSpzVKMexMetHOiUGEr8_9M_vWY60MsTo2DYwifa_i9b0D3I2ZosYx_CTshlhsSEifMs6K0d48Ro3ecSjJxOvdnYVH_mhn8rfdYQlOjaTeax4tRAlpp5tc_4PcWf7Gn8kSYnxh5gS7FqbrtoJh9L01V3NWq0kAAgzoz7GnVCDIl/s4608/140586128_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkCDJKn0g3mO_bYwhS8dSpzVKMexMetHOiUGEr8_9M_vWY60MsTo2DYwifa_i9b0D3I2ZosYx_CTshlhsSEifMs6K0d48Ro3ecSjJxOvdnYVH_mhn8rfdYQlOjaTeax4tRAlpp5tc_4PcWf7Gn8kSYnxh5gS7FqbrtoJh9L01V3NWq0kAAgzoz7GnVCDIl/s320/140586128_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEmLD0EjgI9OYM2dO1Wzyy5hndoaV_a9FvxBgRHLPQDhZ2Yo8wEpoQrbPJumgv29KdRhp-lRtSPRgR9pJ_3cfZopqO4GyvK79I5rj0ETknZiP8m7e38saDGCccb5q9LC7TWw-yr1R48V63uCh-YXC3GkQCv3i7uUWdS0mJwdO_9RoaJ1P9EeijBpX04t/s4608/140323888_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaEmLD0EjgI9OYM2dO1Wzyy5hndoaV_a9FvxBgRHLPQDhZ2Yo8wEpoQrbPJumgv29KdRhp-lRtSPRgR9pJ_3cfZopqO4GyvK79I5rj0ETknZiP8m7e38saDGCccb5q9LC7TWw-yr1R48V63uCh-YXC3GkQCv3i7uUWdS0mJwdO_9RoaJ1P9EeijBpX04t/s320/140323888_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5zstD-dGVLDda2TquBBsQ3y8byr6nkisuT2NaegXFemkviSrMoLVUdUQeZsi3aq6AIF-WKSRKm0RwxaWLuzB7Q_aYfvCyfU0TjrSXf99v8bRpYfXFDOEOx52v0PmxBJEIJovqhih9__py6_iNQk2D0TjVrJ5ymrUZZUlC8jICzMsyAYNhAEIuasO8oak/s4608/140323792_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5zstD-dGVLDda2TquBBsQ3y8byr6nkisuT2NaegXFemkviSrMoLVUdUQeZsi3aq6AIF-WKSRKm0RwxaWLuzB7Q_aYfvCyfU0TjrSXf99v8bRpYfXFDOEOx52v0PmxBJEIJovqhih9__py6_iNQk2D0TjVrJ5ymrUZZUlC8jICzMsyAYNhAEIuasO8oak/s320/140323792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDE3ZiciI_4a4opdVBbFtsFrOvxw-dOxsDUkCJl39IR_Gc4VaAW0-TPblkBYb9HL9wykxlPWZf5fBcCXouazuJQchAiU06-DVYmkkBFMEQuAWEDpLHXYvkqjqWKmzhGXr6YBw8opj46_GSru-bCjQhp-E1TvQpJaTI4yqCplili42JkMp6HY5tvzgTguF/s4608/140323728_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDE3ZiciI_4a4opdVBbFtsFrOvxw-dOxsDUkCJl39IR_Gc4VaAW0-TPblkBYb9HL9wykxlPWZf5fBcCXouazuJQchAiU06-DVYmkkBFMEQuAWEDpLHXYvkqjqWKmzhGXr6YBw8opj46_GSru-bCjQhp-E1TvQpJaTI4yqCplili42JkMp6HY5tvzgTguF/s320/140323728_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> What a lovely way to end the afternoon. And our travel plans seem to be moving ahead. Natalee found us a place to stay in CapeTown and Debbie got us confirmed on flights. We’re good to go. With one last word from Mr. Dennis—</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> Today for me, was the highlight of our African trip. Yes, the lodge we stayed in was wonderful but the mountain drive with our guide Morne (More-nay) was exceptional. Babylonstoren (the lodge) encompasses approximately 3000 acres of land in the Drakenstein Valley. Accommodations? Outstanding! Great rooms and staff. Activities? Even better but the drive up the side of the mountain was mind boggling (that’s the word I was looking for). To look over this valley from 3000 feet above sea level? Our pics don’t do it justice. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> </span>Seeing acres and acres of vineyards that are irrigated by miles and miles of 1/2 inch irrigation lines and thousands of posts supporting the vines, I asked Morne, “Where does this water come from?” He said, “The river we have access to.” I noticed land that was fallow and asked, “Why isn’t it being used?” His response, “Land is not the issue, water is!” We have all the land we can use but without water?” Where have I heard that before? The Colorado River through the USA? Water? Climate Change? It finally struck home with me…and home we’ll be headed for shortly.</span><br /></div><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /> </span><p></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-46364547791172898032024-02-05T04:37:00.000-08:002024-02-05T04:37:23.133-08:00Cape Peninsula<p> What a day we had beginning with the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. The plants and the flowers were so vibrant, it was snap, snap, snap with the camera. I just loved all of the colors. Alex took us through the shaded areas as much as possible. There was one shortcut up a very steep hill that I wasn’t sure I would make. But make it I did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJ0Wg23Rpd-RPAKq5Lxd8M6Zb08124DYzNc6yp-pHDcsoHkFIVBnvLOj_9RQ_Ui5A6UN22fRGf7FKckUUGsDcUelawaUav1HsaOxhMY5ozr2WlY7rSSPYzJVhaQEGgmi_Fi9HLRxA7NkYFJ72pcrhJTDkyGMEhMz-AZ-Uf2Pa53Jq-tPlltVw-opDJHL/s4608/139794448_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxJ0Wg23Rpd-RPAKq5Lxd8M6Zb08124DYzNc6yp-pHDcsoHkFIVBnvLOj_9RQ_Ui5A6UN22fRGf7FKckUUGsDcUelawaUav1HsaOxhMY5ozr2WlY7rSSPYzJVhaQEGgmi_Fi9HLRxA7NkYFJ72pcrhJTDkyGMEhMz-AZ-Uf2Pa53Jq-tPlltVw-opDJHL/s320/139794448_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRBqnyEwfipFcpF7dnLvfv-gLQbQdUHJtZ3MummxEiP9nDtzX_QtPtwAybo1kd3KxUXeGJlIywW1sozev9howP4YgjzOI2KxPHPTNnQE1jDbAEJo7wOyiSJvU0tQCLP_q3_Vl2-lGGjEFwUkBAP0koBBPffShI378MbxbNxRtwe8OjG4Ls0kB1Mu0_jmT/s4608/139794464_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUcfbicwhqxlU-gosLqMcXGh3s869T5L0-r80lmZFE1FdEuUW_R_do9sVFRkjxBuSOoOLyPwqROv1CGXic_qGy0RALG9YSAy4a88R9XQbH1ihCgl5sim5VyYzl6rRR-U6zJTTx_-WwzNyLQwOMrKtgIW06wbjKfoD-dOwJYFqKBNXPzr0IWhjUWKGy9C/s4608/139794560_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGUcfbicwhqxlU-gosLqMcXGh3s869T5L0-r80lmZFE1FdEuUW_R_do9sVFRkjxBuSOoOLyPwqROv1CGXic_qGy0RALG9YSAy4a88R9XQbH1ihCgl5sim5VyYzl6rRR-U6zJTTx_-WwzNyLQwOMrKtgIW06wbjKfoD-dOwJYFqKBNXPzr0IWhjUWKGy9C/s320/139794560_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCze-7wGbkV41kOarM7b7qQFW64O7a337k6bhDdzX57motShEsWznBXmxo40Cbie06WPoRpSmIqu81iEX3yrOltTh45ly85wrAYrgrlnR1SgCdUahPyfmg26NeBcRD1TVC5Xg5TfSwlTxHQmnv-TiS5Zfr16ihZQm0aHj7a9hicN69eZ9rCKIlq3SMelSK/s4608/139794576_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCze-7wGbkV41kOarM7b7qQFW64O7a337k6bhDdzX57motShEsWznBXmxo40Cbie06WPoRpSmIqu81iEX3yrOltTh45ly85wrAYrgrlnR1SgCdUahPyfmg26NeBcRD1TVC5Xg5TfSwlTxHQmnv-TiS5Zfr16ihZQm0aHj7a9hicN69eZ9rCKIlq3SMelSK/s320/139794576_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5qW38bidAkwU32-5oSnbQFPUukw233u-qn0Hvu1Ko09o2k7J8cNaYb1bdP9zYqMerN6OK8lOlvIjHLRNlbHZeM2FMpR3pgGhtwrGqhdhbHD_aUlQbiagTkN5DvzvS98g8LTmkgWhbKlc69oDrmjjPaOpjNOKVrSszqzgiuvmbXD2yaLZ1MT5TQizPAiO/s4608/139794592_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5qW38bidAkwU32-5oSnbQFPUukw233u-qn0Hvu1Ko09o2k7J8cNaYb1bdP9zYqMerN6OK8lOlvIjHLRNlbHZeM2FMpR3pgGhtwrGqhdhbHD_aUlQbiagTkN5DvzvS98g8LTmkgWhbKlc69oDrmjjPaOpjNOKVrSszqzgiuvmbXD2yaLZ1MT5TQizPAiO/s320/139794592_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9_TruFOAHXt93jij5Hfhzu47TPivG6QRhxGj9g25PIDs_ptQP-ai30E890vNnvBcKSV0F1UzgzkX4tN4G_8vXs8T_6j5w5uSPy-eWbbv6cPVmxcZjnNzqFb230PLwt-lQ7WaTavLFwnugvxwoAhQhPdJaD78DuT40Bmj508DwVxotEn8oa5ydF83kW0C/s4608/139794608_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9_TruFOAHXt93jij5Hfhzu47TPivG6QRhxGj9g25PIDs_ptQP-ai30E890vNnvBcKSV0F1UzgzkX4tN4G_8vXs8T_6j5w5uSPy-eWbbv6cPVmxcZjnNzqFb230PLwt-lQ7WaTavLFwnugvxwoAhQhPdJaD78DuT40Bmj508DwVxotEn8oa5ydF83kW0C/s320/139794608_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqV1shU5iTFgp4gLEQ5smw3yihvRzKr_Qzxm_XLSo97dmBNCqjwuqJ53jU3m5XYhQMm_SX5I99VkIaZHrDYDeqE5wAcfH0n5PZQW4jUyTFNn8KH2CfQsOeCOjz1eqjJNn5i0jlNxcfokdW5Q-5DF6L-lFNTHOirW5sgZzN6YqOTR4Hrz27OW_v9p2HHKw/s4608/139794624_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqV1shU5iTFgp4gLEQ5smw3yihvRzKr_Qzxm_XLSo97dmBNCqjwuqJ53jU3m5XYhQMm_SX5I99VkIaZHrDYDeqE5wAcfH0n5PZQW4jUyTFNn8KH2CfQsOeCOjz1eqjJNn5i0jlNxcfokdW5Q-5DF6L-lFNTHOirW5sgZzN6YqOTR4Hrz27OW_v9p2HHKw/s320/139794624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span> </span><span> </span>I wasn’t feeling too good all day and I kept apologizing to both Dennis and Alex. I had taken an Instant Imodium and then another and then a regular Imodium pill and finally one last instant. So I really didn’t want to be too far from the facilities. I have no idea why I wasn’t up to par. Dennis and I had eaten exactly the same things. It was a bit like the golf joke about hit the ball and drag Fred.</p><p><span> </span><span> But this was such a beautiful place, I didn’t want to miss anything.</span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvtJTO1hiBZSsYxnte8ZnARilAW91eKE57l8VQyWvxD8U1mqnEIe60_H0D7KSOleH8-kgRB7gGaboZ7QBlgy13ESw2-PTn4KPq8OS2tajoA5K4D8i8lAxbGzU7mx8lhGEK9qUYszpRivnwQNVh5xfcSLsgTk0WWB1F902dCfqSbi53f0q3FFdGcONgYzn/s4608/139794656_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvtJTO1hiBZSsYxnte8ZnARilAW91eKE57l8VQyWvxD8U1mqnEIe60_H0D7KSOleH8-kgRB7gGaboZ7QBlgy13ESw2-PTn4KPq8OS2tajoA5K4D8i8lAxbGzU7mx8lhGEK9qUYszpRivnwQNVh5xfcSLsgTk0WWB1F902dCfqSbi53f0q3FFdGcONgYzn/s320/139794656_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE_5-thJlyD6kfhu-l4PxJygFkIscMp-12mTsBXdGyJXgSSx-Bo2HVuzmP1NkzRETcI_Xa4-xl6Fibxg6SGWjleYrCZ8geZCh_SgZsvJxMdEDSNtbhxkRpXS-z2OuXNvK1OZ4TlIkm-JpyqagBA71gcGmvgoxDDzjDFV0pi57-jgQvFVySrKt_bBqFnfq/s4608/139794688_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtE_5-thJlyD6kfhu-l4PxJygFkIscMp-12mTsBXdGyJXgSSx-Bo2HVuzmP1NkzRETcI_Xa4-xl6Fibxg6SGWjleYrCZ8geZCh_SgZsvJxMdEDSNtbhxkRpXS-z2OuXNvK1OZ4TlIkm-JpyqagBA71gcGmvgoxDDzjDFV0pi57-jgQvFVySrKt_bBqFnfq/s320/139794688_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2oAEdwSDqk3AQXiYQmk6DlFkpszPsFLibRyTeJJAFYaMxmMbt-gulX8mqfhIF7TfdaIcX-FO6iHGNPo-mxK-1-esG9r2dzRTfa2rDDs6XQVI8BiN5w7XV3Wd0WZeDCBpNWzBeMZ_DwccBGaZc0BWnYPGZnW0eRPzJO9R03kVpgPFOcrVvG_gLqcvASPp/s4608/139795088_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp2oAEdwSDqk3AQXiYQmk6DlFkpszPsFLibRyTeJJAFYaMxmMbt-gulX8mqfhIF7TfdaIcX-FO6iHGNPo-mxK-1-esG9r2dzRTfa2rDDs6XQVI8BiN5w7XV3Wd0WZeDCBpNWzBeMZ_DwccBGaZc0BWnYPGZnW0eRPzJO9R03kVpgPFOcrVvG_gLqcvASPp/s320/139795088_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgEPFO3isU1iJIthkKFk26LKMBAEUdL4LJQAq7vHN5pSh6QaoUYrwAw6usmUjyEsiGLbxVvtCxKrE_8xYbJVrp3xA_zqVL21ZMvV9CEXu06aX8RN4R17893e2I5Bmx3ej0J8jwAoPuwNrbu-ZdVuYvEX5daVR6XsKeBp1D-m5hSA-qFjmF3U1wPz5d9xO/s4608/139795104_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgEPFO3isU1iJIthkKFk26LKMBAEUdL4LJQAq7vHN5pSh6QaoUYrwAw6usmUjyEsiGLbxVvtCxKrE_8xYbJVrp3xA_zqVL21ZMvV9CEXu06aX8RN4R17893e2I5Bmx3ej0J8jwAoPuwNrbu-ZdVuYvEX5daVR6XsKeBp1D-m5hSA-qFjmF3U1wPz5d9xO/s320/139795104_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bQ65eUuoTCkRUIzpgzZcGa1RVTKba8BLCcXoo4zMv5WqnN2wiDUojb_reKLFYO_YUQw8qOz0jvbrOGmoI7JGu9eP8Uw8ENf6XpgHNVMocEwPxuOqNChy1Ojj5Q_GD1eP5i4aW8kQOZj1nPppceck_6ssUAeVzMwRQSPAXzcRr-aN_v8-KvUKZ-0VLeo1/s4608/139795152_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1bQ65eUuoTCkRUIzpgzZcGa1RVTKba8BLCcXoo4zMv5WqnN2wiDUojb_reKLFYO_YUQw8qOz0jvbrOGmoI7JGu9eP8Uw8ENf6XpgHNVMocEwPxuOqNChy1Ojj5Q_GD1eP5i4aW8kQOZj1nPppceck_6ssUAeVzMwRQSPAXzcRr-aN_v8-KvUKZ-0VLeo1/s320/139795152_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VaPR4kFFKRhbNaWhZ_Cqz5WNsFtpKnsE6yIG6ONG4ZxpS8lwmqpXVS2x7vbdvsckAtVpheIXyUu46lWbfzyZ47xe232YxZKV3c9wGKAb_92JVnUafFTYZ3e3ELJyMXAUsnXnhb1gG93s1L6d1O0DkMOk-daI9Fxfvd8NeJF2n0idMW0U1AncGLKodsy/s4608/139795264_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VaPR4kFFKRhbNaWhZ_Cqz5WNsFtpKnsE6yIG6ONG4ZxpS8lwmqpXVS2x7vbdvsckAtVpheIXyUu46lWbfzyZ47xe232YxZKV3c9wGKAb_92JVnUafFTYZ3e3ELJyMXAUsnXnhb1gG93s1L6d1O0DkMOk-daI9Fxfvd8NeJF2n0idMW0U1AncGLKodsy/s320/139795264_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZ6sGOT3Wlit7VYLwjsxhjkRSqZ5GmGYMfAOZmSJgN52FuFW-bFOyn4JiBubw6L9FdmAawmkOtvAq_C1ecEBDvU7f8fc-lgpjbppps7_bj9OdfcMkPtspxExg4zPoWH4rmH7RLTa6AkeINFaU2sMG65EcKULAaStKPzHtNxoAuj1S62_VyErI0SV2vUM/s4608/139795312_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQZ6sGOT3Wlit7VYLwjsxhjkRSqZ5GmGYMfAOZmSJgN52FuFW-bFOyn4JiBubw6L9FdmAawmkOtvAq_C1ecEBDvU7f8fc-lgpjbppps7_bj9OdfcMkPtspxExg4zPoWH4rmH7RLTa6AkeINFaU2sMG65EcKULAaStKPzHtNxoAuj1S62_VyErI0SV2vUM/s320/139795312_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span><span> </span><span> From here we drove down the coast of the peninsula to see some just incredible views of the ocean. Cynthia sat in the back hoping she wouldn’t need a rest room. 😨</span><br /></span><p></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkS2uLQ01gewYhu7HT3xxJhWvc_eaYudbYa1UPEfDwWR9-EwzAEA6Xe0wf0fDaTxWZQZYXJXJMhfLj8rYCk4SpIy5XVrfQMXFNnLQFmXfVtag2k_3G73GL3zzg2JefqSUTbs3fPjFQe2gRNvxKefyzgpqBjQ6cJ86Xc58ImGfHfFJkkNk0X5tkXK9Y1jD/s4608/139795360_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkS2uLQ01gewYhu7HT3xxJhWvc_eaYudbYa1UPEfDwWR9-EwzAEA6Xe0wf0fDaTxWZQZYXJXJMhfLj8rYCk4SpIy5XVrfQMXFNnLQFmXfVtag2k_3G73GL3zzg2JefqSUTbs3fPjFQe2gRNvxKefyzgpqBjQ6cJ86Xc58ImGfHfFJkkNk0X5tkXK9Y1jD/s320/139795360_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfKs14zDN3tGNJ-tRTk8maqtkwBuglqtb_MswrbzNULs6pNcyNNI4hRAfuNEKmFe34NI_wKutVoNC0WcW6SUUP_RgedniKJv9J-F8BDor8tRBGzrAj5HamY8kAncNeIrFV8EajshmlPQng-KmOZ0oYXGYTof620T8cMz2uVqsZquFn6TRBfqOL6gI1DP3/s4608/139795456_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOfKs14zDN3tGNJ-tRTk8maqtkwBuglqtb_MswrbzNULs6pNcyNNI4hRAfuNEKmFe34NI_wKutVoNC0WcW6SUUP_RgedniKJv9J-F8BDor8tRBGzrAj5HamY8kAncNeIrFV8EajshmlPQng-KmOZ0oYXGYTof620T8cMz2uVqsZquFn6TRBfqOL6gI1DP3/s320/139795456_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> From here we drove to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We took the gondola up to the top of Point Cape. There was to be load shedding at 2:00 PM so if we wanted to go up, we needed to walk down. We wanted to go up, so up we went.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxCVJmQqch8OXh-oH2SGrByO0AjxD-A4aLTh5X_sdHQZy7fKsFPWEotbiJJCKBBGkL5Iu6wpuab5wlNqlynAR17qFn0aG4ko_JfT58wvTm7sJ8BdMNnwHsuO2PWYoj3d035Efjn53VsqvDGROjau3MjTpLHx0BS-ngkkqZFHlPdUBy55lAnrDvJ9-sl-j/s4608/139795552_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxCVJmQqch8OXh-oH2SGrByO0AjxD-A4aLTh5X_sdHQZy7fKsFPWEotbiJJCKBBGkL5Iu6wpuab5wlNqlynAR17qFn0aG4ko_JfT58wvTm7sJ8BdMNnwHsuO2PWYoj3d035Efjn53VsqvDGROjau3MjTpLHx0BS-ngkkqZFHlPdUBy55lAnrDvJ9-sl-j/s320/139795552_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3lo00TaGeTkes3nMC9tmVWFbpQ49V0f1iK1S8nMxRwfoFZm5ywbtSR4_714lRCwzM9s7-jPPlMvysw-ieBW-LyEFgR12Lv9kFOzNqZaEasdg0RnvjsrcDpLGEhO3rH27tNXgzooadS1YEB20XI6OeAPkn0DFEYWRwr5PHltWyoqzTbYj7KMyk29BQx8m/s4608/139795584_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3lo00TaGeTkes3nMC9tmVWFbpQ49V0f1iK1S8nMxRwfoFZm5ywbtSR4_714lRCwzM9s7-jPPlMvysw-ieBW-LyEFgR12Lv9kFOzNqZaEasdg0RnvjsrcDpLGEhO3rH27tNXgzooadS1YEB20XI6OeAPkn0DFEYWRwr5PHltWyoqzTbYj7KMyk29BQx8m/s320/139795584_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs95181VqkzgmfXaOPXYCVClWRwQ0xDwXPDBP5o1FotCTgPvUSCcNufBmENu9IwqAmXmxx3pus9UoumeTnMV36spDhOZv2Bs5wMOPsl-i3HNuAz2YXFZU-LPQMhk9imrJeC1J3lnPARoxiAu7q6Lh-PO7GSbusL9IJF4KNbZ0gbXPzjw0iDpdirCkrRk-/s4608/139795664_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvs95181VqkzgmfXaOPXYCVClWRwQ0xDwXPDBP5o1FotCTgPvUSCcNufBmENu9IwqAmXmxx3pus9UoumeTnMV36spDhOZv2Bs5wMOPsl-i3HNuAz2YXFZU-LPQMhk9imrJeC1J3lnPARoxiAu7q6Lh-PO7GSbusL9IJF4KNbZ0gbXPzjw0iDpdirCkrRk-/s320/139795664_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqtxDN2EI2mG2oTHC6g_Kn1_NnhKz6IbYxsh_2kAqpqrwRqvMAk76siIGoJ0WN0JTo0KNRwWbLsRxxjwdpmVFlNPmG3ycx4y_WGSRZ55ARpucsW5GdhCDguKX4cQeSDAkf5gNrAQRArx8RfR3bTOmOc0rALnz4gEHmG4DKtmctv9QuW9G0GoColh5dyI0/s4608/139795824_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqtxDN2EI2mG2oTHC6g_Kn1_NnhKz6IbYxsh_2kAqpqrwRqvMAk76siIGoJ0WN0JTo0KNRwWbLsRxxjwdpmVFlNPmG3ycx4y_WGSRZ55ARpucsW5GdhCDguKX4cQeSDAkf5gNrAQRArx8RfR3bTOmOc0rALnz4gEHmG4DKtmctv9QuW9G0GoColh5dyI0/s320/139795824_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkwxhJP9aku0DwI-jXzZb3lksn59N9i5jZcaq_nR9wY3UAZ5yAaElBG7qINLlPJusUs6u3rUjgZlcmudUdpgDRfRAGpByPI1T-UtaIaV7PQo_Ozwhx91vF-PrB0nG4l1M5KosVzJ9CoelQ1rIXlIzqJYcXXBeIR3AYbw4rnShhJIu-SfQq6Qh6OiQ6iu/s4608/139795840_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1zkwxhJP9aku0DwI-jXzZb3lksn59N9i5jZcaq_nR9wY3UAZ5yAaElBG7qINLlPJusUs6u3rUjgZlcmudUdpgDRfRAGpByPI1T-UtaIaV7PQo_Ozwhx91vF-PrB0nG4l1M5KosVzJ9CoelQ1rIXlIzqJYcXXBeIR3AYbw4rnShhJIu-SfQq6Qh6OiQ6iu/s320/139795840_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1VyN6EGFAk0cZMCv383CuUPHW8VvfNSo2AhwE1hWU4kdJ6783JDM7sn2Kundxmqc1nf0KqNogBCoPWuLJ0XODT_AhvUvCMlr8bzL5M0SbFGV4q31FuGFf-LbDTSVKMXFf9kNMchyhtHQqbRhbd1kQ2pmyZOhr13SCkwOU9_6Pm_QUy2eP_QB0mOv0sy/s4608/139795872_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc1VyN6EGFAk0cZMCv383CuUPHW8VvfNSo2AhwE1hWU4kdJ6783JDM7sn2Kundxmqc1nf0KqNogBCoPWuLJ0XODT_AhvUvCMlr8bzL5M0SbFGV4q31FuGFf-LbDTSVKMXFf9kNMchyhtHQqbRhbd1kQ2pmyZOhr13SCkwOU9_6Pm_QUy2eP_QB0mOv0sy/s320/139795872_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWdHtBuybCOpQoVly3bt7JKEO9x6Gj5Lgp2TdE1Ur3OQnNt_4JT2YnEXPdn8QfVQTfgQ0XhvI_Fymrt1sQhyjJG5N8zPImOKPvG0eSSfFziJ1FUA4d4xaUQItoD91KsLZbeIvbmyHJr28YcpnK_OSjyaWfZItgEg6lbLT2P2Bh2n3AS9VBTnPrpJWZOon/s4608/139795904_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWdHtBuybCOpQoVly3bt7JKEO9x6Gj5Lgp2TdE1Ur3OQnNt_4JT2YnEXPdn8QfVQTfgQ0XhvI_Fymrt1sQhyjJG5N8zPImOKPvG0eSSfFziJ1FUA4d4xaUQItoD91KsLZbeIvbmyHJr28YcpnK_OSjyaWfZItgEg6lbLT2P2Bh2n3AS9VBTnPrpJWZOon/s320/139795904_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> After this we met Alex in the restaurant and had lunch and a very tall cold beer. There were several guests who joined us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqCP_Np9Ht0lMPJ8xdBKTaKUod8kIBd3EC09hHyUsYda_Cf35F42zCw-LLAkJmBcpeFN4vkWEfB5_Trx5P1N4Smg_szHJaNnOeFrmwxOlrc-8pXIcCEGsks9BXuS1xyd1_8AYR-dQzrEz3sHmgi9NbnSJ0OALbYP2ClVnuT4e2BwszeNkkRNeJ82Hb0vX/s4608/139796112_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqCP_Np9Ht0lMPJ8xdBKTaKUod8kIBd3EC09hHyUsYda_Cf35F42zCw-LLAkJmBcpeFN4vkWEfB5_Trx5P1N4Smg_szHJaNnOeFrmwxOlrc-8pXIcCEGsks9BXuS1xyd1_8AYR-dQzrEz3sHmgi9NbnSJ0OALbYP2ClVnuT4e2BwszeNkkRNeJ82Hb0vX/s320/139796112_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div>Luckily they didn’t seem to need the restroom.</div><div><br /><span><span> </span><span> </span>On the road again, this time headed for the penguin colony. This was something we really wanted to see. It is a lively colony of tuxedo clad little guys, waddling, braying and doing all sorts of things…</span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdR6vm5j-Tr_OhVHSyncjU11JNuEe_DTVVp4l6H_-jMcbGof2_Jbaw48WP8QGgPhYkGuvN-RMTzuvGvbNnuKI5Lp71hBMiV3SJ66FnORYrNQ4VoMVUhwqHQLNvU1Jr31EwW9NPYEsLiHdamuEgwOP6AbLKl-DUbENCQK5tBi8d4RB6Nhgv9UcGE-X-Z0r/s4608/140058432_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRdR6vm5j-Tr_OhVHSyncjU11JNuEe_DTVVp4l6H_-jMcbGof2_Jbaw48WP8QGgPhYkGuvN-RMTzuvGvbNnuKI5Lp71hBMiV3SJ66FnORYrNQ4VoMVUhwqHQLNvU1Jr31EwW9NPYEsLiHdamuEgwOP6AbLKl-DUbENCQK5tBi8d4RB6Nhgv9UcGE-X-Z0r/s320/140058432_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WyQKm9FM-yV2dtOaBZ35hJ2jBCu1JQkq5RX-KgjFWVavZ2-5US7rrKEBR_9kTY_sENG0TlavlmF4CoaaFPfj0Q34Y8fQF7JpwJHCsuZq0eC3lJ4h7lZarm74-xN5cwNIQp9xJB3bD416ropS3LuNZ7v3sSPxIduTTEH24h1bwhCbehhw3tYljPESFufq/s4608/140058544_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WyQKm9FM-yV2dtOaBZ35hJ2jBCu1JQkq5RX-KgjFWVavZ2-5US7rrKEBR_9kTY_sENG0TlavlmF4CoaaFPfj0Q34Y8fQF7JpwJHCsuZq0eC3lJ4h7lZarm74-xN5cwNIQp9xJB3bD416ropS3LuNZ7v3sSPxIduTTEH24h1bwhCbehhw3tYljPESFufq/s320/140058544_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEWpEmYXW6FCoUhz9-U31YaGqLSvTH0BUseco_xnJ2psE6JhxKXoqKXqhYimc7efWl7jdGxzOUV17AMqK5hTpersZ6JknsDV0l5xWwhKmG9cF6xwwNvnXr1ToMJTw5oBD8L3rZkJJz5d9kn28VNpd69MNC5V3jwG1ixYgvtEtDjmxdAd08qbNNviZgrYz/s4608/140058816_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEWpEmYXW6FCoUhz9-U31YaGqLSvTH0BUseco_xnJ2psE6JhxKXoqKXqhYimc7efWl7jdGxzOUV17AMqK5hTpersZ6JknsDV0l5xWwhKmG9cF6xwwNvnXr1ToMJTw5oBD8L3rZkJJz5d9kn28VNpd69MNC5V3jwG1ixYgvtEtDjmxdAd08qbNNviZgrYz/s320/140058816_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJoazWIGmf8gcX8xR3lm7l74RKmawHdoSh9lrz_1UE-zV5Ob1NkS8_P1ldjy7Efmv5KTgSsrAHk3EtD4SgPh8CgpquYhGPMMvs6sT1Cz8DQzgpVNsQZUxuOnhyphenhyphenz_cB1qaTo_cXS9SMUnBW0BPv0_iLziiyBQpH_5vkpKESIEfDxPTNY1Ujm0a_28leI5s/s4608/140058704_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJoazWIGmf8gcX8xR3lm7l74RKmawHdoSh9lrz_1UE-zV5Ob1NkS8_P1ldjy7Efmv5KTgSsrAHk3EtD4SgPh8CgpquYhGPMMvs6sT1Cz8DQzgpVNsQZUxuOnhyphenhyphenz_cB1qaTo_cXS9SMUnBW0BPv0_iLziiyBQpH_5vkpKESIEfDxPTNY1Ujm0a_28leI5s/s320/140058704_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwvBJeNq0FdwStfnVoWhwuDA3Uy3N6sowMds2SOX_jlTReK6VlQt3iYwAoPNkNh22l2cGdedOl68xdJSoFT9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> After spending time here it was time to head back to Ashbourne House. I collapsed and Dennis went swimming. A very good day!</span><br /></div><div><span><br /></span></div>A word from Dennis—</span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Well, our African holiday is coming to a close. Our trip yesterday with Alex to the Botanical Gardens, peninsula where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide and culminating in Simon’s Town where 2700 penguins live, love, and breed was outstanding. Cindy’s pics and commentary will fill you in. It was mind blowing but it was a long, full day. Alex didn’t want us to miss anything as he’s very proud of his home here in South Africa. He picked us up at 8:30 AM and dropped us around 7:00 PM. We estimate we put on close to 250 miles. I’m going to look into this further but I estimate, we’ve (our guides) have driven us 1500 - 2000 miles since we landed in Namibia on January 3rd (Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and finally South Africa). As I wrote this and think back, it’s kind of a blur but thanks to Cindy’s blog with text and especially pictures, it brings it back into focus. </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> We just arrived at Babylonstoren and will be here for 3 days and I’ll fill you in. Oh, this place also has complimentary “alcoholic beverages, either made to order or self-serve. I’ll try to remember what we see and do so I can pass it on to you. Traveling Buddy, Cindy the Nag has been out here 3 times since I began writing, asking, “Are you done yet? I wanna add it to the blog.” D</span>id I also mention we’ve been together 24/7 for almost 6 weeks now?? Ain’t love grand? 😏</span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> </span> </span><br /> <br /></span><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-59991462704974886242024-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:002024-02-03T11:35:22.937-08:00So much to do…<p> <span> </span><span> Yesterday we spent going from a sculpture garden to two wineries. The sculpture garden was near Stellenbosch. The garden is part wild and part tamed with manicured lawns juxtaposing wild foliage. The sculptures pop out of the different venues. This is definitely a show, don’t tell, kind of place.</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN38DdEQrXQJdpcNF3fYNuNMK7WCchkFgNcNyvUzKtkWNAsWmUMl5ooYfEBVwrYLbCZKpGyPj0S_dWwB70e2gwhLZhbRRKS3X-oRXt_Y8CPb_juNy4ScAAS8KcXB4P9aiAS4iGit2QmvLBlD0oGatCdWKeSJlhPhfKEZUBYQYeallhcJ5an9qNJCWcdSSX/s4608/139268320_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN38DdEQrXQJdpcNF3fYNuNMK7WCchkFgNcNyvUzKtkWNAsWmUMl5ooYfEBVwrYLbCZKpGyPj0S_dWwB70e2gwhLZhbRRKS3X-oRXt_Y8CPb_juNy4ScAAS8KcXB4P9aiAS4iGit2QmvLBlD0oGatCdWKeSJlhPhfKEZUBYQYeallhcJ5an9qNJCWcdSSX/s320/139268320_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jILyk8rC11aT9B9Grcc_SD5hLfc54E0_YaSFusDi3XpIRH04TjGTu_L3vnRiaFgCs5zgfv0CvAHTgYMb2E04jP85LlY59Ca0KG_iS8jCRc0lh6TxCghA3t5P_jahUF68buCK7QzpR_Z-lcwcdhzTCXKbIDg8e7d9yFD24WgjTE7Q7Iqb_ktaTJYPlGAd/s4608/139268384_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jILyk8rC11aT9B9Grcc_SD5hLfc54E0_YaSFusDi3XpIRH04TjGTu_L3vnRiaFgCs5zgfv0CvAHTgYMb2E04jP85LlY59Ca0KG_iS8jCRc0lh6TxCghA3t5P_jahUF68buCK7QzpR_Z-lcwcdhzTCXKbIDg8e7d9yFD24WgjTE7Q7Iqb_ktaTJYPlGAd/s320/139268384_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbtBkpPH6hxtOsINHUlEDe6c-womhC3MRyomfFbTALtfDId-G-2F-ZcOPMVQH6BoNKFop-r4tBINgmx3r9SfhPkxD6L33lKqCh9ruXPwf3eB7v4JRyh-QFMdmQBWQ65emPTDDgcASxK4-g7BCrf_cduH9Fth0y7wuLwH9Eu9-Xv_u0OCQeYVtPQ12jhOz/s4608/139268416_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbtBkpPH6hxtOsINHUlEDe6c-womhC3MRyomfFbTALtfDId-G-2F-ZcOPMVQH6BoNKFop-r4tBINgmx3r9SfhPkxD6L33lKqCh9ruXPwf3eB7v4JRyh-QFMdmQBWQ65emPTDDgcASxK4-g7BCrf_cduH9Fth0y7wuLwH9Eu9-Xv_u0OCQeYVtPQ12jhOz/s320/139268416_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGbB0iH65QdTRpyNZ8xQ0NhZIEBgwGq_GIHuox1iV5M24M4l01kA793naddVzElf9xd6tygvQvt20gdhDV4yrzJSRHaJeh7rw0RiVFe26UHWNr9qlVy-IutF5g0g5iB1XGOGVNsvSxfi_lcvHnH3-lPUD2DKm8DN3Xg2a79tASibuS9MJ_44qq5HHP4hz/s4608/139268512_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGbB0iH65QdTRpyNZ8xQ0NhZIEBgwGq_GIHuox1iV5M24M4l01kA793naddVzElf9xd6tygvQvt20gdhDV4yrzJSRHaJeh7rw0RiVFe26UHWNr9qlVy-IutF5g0g5iB1XGOGVNsvSxfi_lcvHnH3-lPUD2DKm8DN3Xg2a79tASibuS9MJ_44qq5HHP4hz/s320/139268512_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_51qpfLQjXLGKqHTLlylIWnpVHP9-hliR3B0vnbrU-p3BO63MT6qbzLZS1x8yxwFnT9tg37GmpTK_KzVeSMrxmPgfw-lp8YtZ6We3ubu4LcASqV8jZ2xomOZmOKJ2tE-4ODNsZPwNKKrSkRsWqLKLFCqdVb0flYB4Y1kb7MsY3Bc2Cf7ecffRMO4DXKa/s4608/139268576_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_51qpfLQjXLGKqHTLlylIWnpVHP9-hliR3B0vnbrU-p3BO63MT6qbzLZS1x8yxwFnT9tg37GmpTK_KzVeSMrxmPgfw-lp8YtZ6We3ubu4LcASqV8jZ2xomOZmOKJ2tE-4ODNsZPwNKKrSkRsWqLKLFCqdVb0flYB4Y1kb7MsY3Bc2Cf7ecffRMO4DXKa/s320/139268576_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1Ceu1vvsgyYVHQ_xRgKUT1PMCKIdQYzOkh1SdduK51xYlxY2ScTifmaiU8BZ4hI9bdhTKkiN1paPW7d5PfDDJiqFLcoRMBYMjs6Pa_qzw59c5awlJ_3wBDFbKBPq5LU12975gqcBgmcCcEEgvipXtncy7tD1zlO25NFfjHEToCsqO0H05ijYG9H1_zTL/s4608/139268688_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1Ceu1vvsgyYVHQ_xRgKUT1PMCKIdQYzOkh1SdduK51xYlxY2ScTifmaiU8BZ4hI9bdhTKkiN1paPW7d5PfDDJiqFLcoRMBYMjs6Pa_qzw59c5awlJ_3wBDFbKBPq5LU12975gqcBgmcCcEEgvipXtncy7tD1zlO25NFfjHEToCsqO0H05ijYG9H1_zTL/s320/139268688_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3I2Jv_vvK2qECTGYJX807IuU219hOUt5tLqyMhgjYCahQDhw25Zhr0s2FyMSIEYLWo11nnpHoLp9ZFAwah892Zf0B3F1nIpXRy33kS50BuX3smMBJjIbADJMy-kcOhS07kuQBMmhtVnKsmKfdRY57MXuOQYa7MIBSWSVd6M27wktiZM85YtHgd9BydsO/s4608/139268800_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3I2Jv_vvK2qECTGYJX807IuU219hOUt5tLqyMhgjYCahQDhw25Zhr0s2FyMSIEYLWo11nnpHoLp9ZFAwah892Zf0B3F1nIpXRy33kS50BuX3smMBJjIbADJMy-kcOhS07kuQBMmhtVnKsmKfdRY57MXuOQYa7MIBSWSVd6M27wktiZM85YtHgd9BydsO/s320/139268800_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpLFW0_UnySHShED-8e7JenY2OJ6YcUoBEJwcyNtb63JazZ20X-FuH4NzuKUCh3anjQOmB94plKked4Mp8o6B1sFTWlHNrfONnU8xjKPacI68aYd438eFoYQauGOULl9LwUeuZNjuZQIdQp0CpGg3goAoAA4lzdtxgii0nNk1MW9554MxKvMJU1_ssubc/s4608/139268816_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpLFW0_UnySHShED-8e7JenY2OJ6YcUoBEJwcyNtb63JazZ20X-FuH4NzuKUCh3anjQOmB94plKked4Mp8o6B1sFTWlHNrfONnU8xjKPacI68aYd438eFoYQauGOULl9LwUeuZNjuZQIdQp0CpGg3goAoAA4lzdtxgii0nNk1MW9554MxKvMJU1_ssubc/s320/139268816_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span><span> </span><span> <span> After this we went to de Graff winery where we tasted 4 wines and had a charcuterie tray. The view was lovely and the winery gorgeous. It is filled with sculpture and paintings and beautiful flowers are everywhere.</span></span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomuTdzGB-H6ynKGEzW_NFzGt2vqYO7usWrPJlft0VdOtljeV-Ks6lJf1k5q542mM0rdqfPejpsn1eCREzr1vCJYGpSYrKja4S8QIfUhAf1O_TIvK4Rs4ITua0BhYk-rk_dLd4TIO_Bz5_Jd0TWBmiCNZQdYpZKSHHWuv1M43EedLv-gLq5HH73dtnsEiP/s4608/139268848_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomuTdzGB-H6ynKGEzW_NFzGt2vqYO7usWrPJlft0VdOtljeV-Ks6lJf1k5q542mM0rdqfPejpsn1eCREzr1vCJYGpSYrKja4S8QIfUhAf1O_TIvK4Rs4ITua0BhYk-rk_dLd4TIO_Bz5_Jd0TWBmiCNZQdYpZKSHHWuv1M43EedLv-gLq5HH73dtnsEiP/s320/139268848_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex, our guide and Dennis </td></tr></tbody></table><span><span><br /></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWiMD7vNK_L6CIsmTm6Jpxgao-HJCmkmd2rf5bqqI4-u7GArETIz8OQ14Bnh5boHq8EzPM5Dl5_orFciHuK5vJDM16K9Ya3vDPN4-MA0q3__ZBx7K04F2y5SHza_i8Dj7zendGrF0FwDk09_74RXMZit5ribOv_w8Bi0twAGg0jPvk6sV8UIYUaoksSAF/s4608/139268864_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWiMD7vNK_L6CIsmTm6Jpxgao-HJCmkmd2rf5bqqI4-u7GArETIz8OQ14Bnh5boHq8EzPM5Dl5_orFciHuK5vJDM16K9Ya3vDPN4-MA0q3__ZBx7K04F2y5SHza_i8Dj7zendGrF0FwDk09_74RXMZit5ribOv_w8Bi0twAGg0jPvk6sV8UIYUaoksSAF/s320/139268864_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qgna6p_w5d0jP1xArbzsxqRWRrFglCeygd3WaxufEVq5EgRB6ztPLoFo7L_iYfyqGlP3gttrNW3UApNpTvIsRc8Qxrr_IHBSsToasU2PUBSoXUUnJe8U9jAUzHmzi5tzHgF-enW5qWXXXWluP8ijrNfXiEJlmJIr31C-pziKNNcwkl1Y-q1fSMNj0Q8J/s4608/139268928_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qgna6p_w5d0jP1xArbzsxqRWRrFglCeygd3WaxufEVq5EgRB6ztPLoFo7L_iYfyqGlP3gttrNW3UApNpTvIsRc8Qxrr_IHBSsToasU2PUBSoXUUnJe8U9jAUzHmzi5tzHgF-enW5qWXXXWluP8ijrNfXiEJlmJIr31C-pziKNNcwkl1Y-q1fSMNj0Q8J/s320/139268928_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span><span> Finally we went to the Waterford Estate where we had, yes more wine and a bit of a picnic complete with salads, relishes, and an assortment of breads. All brought with us by Emil who was our Waterford guide.</span></span><p></p><p><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-I3qTsCsvHhYp1n4lxYbSIFGpmM_DSRA_MQDCBqSX8lzw1gFu3ihn9CLwkxmKBc2bxpjx7jcDXFwmqPH1vKQLa7u3leomw0U0Zjo8kENlYmuAVrdD8ad4wpUYOYff6hp2BbecavXv553K-L_63NgN7zpYXPGdri2drhHJPGwz3rrYGIpdNxNPQhrxI11/s4608/139268976_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-I3qTsCsvHhYp1n4lxYbSIFGpmM_DSRA_MQDCBqSX8lzw1gFu3ihn9CLwkxmKBc2bxpjx7jcDXFwmqPH1vKQLa7u3leomw0U0Zjo8kENlYmuAVrdD8ad4wpUYOYff6hp2BbecavXv553K-L_63NgN7zpYXPGdri2drhHJPGwz3rrYGIpdNxNPQhrxI11/s320/139268976_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i6d0TbzNfzBY8q0uxqkmOUUli00K1fbKLZheotmkUqQAVDqf2ByTENci-2wPpAxX4gMiLa1uhTXlWhMYeBrzUFuaiR7S6zHf3CpVqL7_ZJ8ncLni5WYzQc-NuD28sBNx-98ZtY8uQ6zt4DLN80Cha3n_4de_XVH5NtYZvFvyv75EUKfal_ZUhI60bi9p/s4608/139269216_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i6d0TbzNfzBY8q0uxqkmOUUli00K1fbKLZheotmkUqQAVDqf2ByTENci-2wPpAxX4gMiLa1uhTXlWhMYeBrzUFuaiR7S6zHf3CpVqL7_ZJ8ncLni5WYzQc-NuD28sBNx-98ZtY8uQ6zt4DLN80Cha3n_4de_XVH5NtYZvFvyv75EUKfal_ZUhI60bi9p/s320/139269216_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW8EI03iznoRnvxQfayijwtXF46VgNgFfvFCGCZTKbRf65Y5oLZWIyIt1Xm5YamDqYuSsl2qmocTOSR0Biu94ZAVw9BR_DyLc_uHbFpJbZOM1Z1N2L2LNbh7B4pEPo_FmE3ejN2DUkifiiTbrnFcGlunArtcTgoWsumAWCoyhZGiCte5Dq_mFMuNWrLX_/s4608/139269248_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsW8EI03iznoRnvxQfayijwtXF46VgNgFfvFCGCZTKbRf65Y5oLZWIyIt1Xm5YamDqYuSsl2qmocTOSR0Biu94ZAVw9BR_DyLc_uHbFpJbZOM1Z1N2L2LNbh7B4pEPo_FmE3ejN2DUkifiiTbrnFcGlunArtcTgoWsumAWCoyhZGiCte5Dq_mFMuNWrLX_/s320/139269248_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg0GBmAmQvQDicnVMwwMe_jYY2VB9sBMK_R4nYDaH7L1lp9FdasbLL89mV5vEpzpgmwpcO8qeggfRC2-NpvOC54dCnqfCaHGTupXRmWkAjYS_uT8v1eKwmFiTOVNQR0YPV-S3iqFRZ6I8ECmwOTdLWfaeApdfuBCk1cBiQWSir6bPF-jKghug69bTWnvJ/s4608/139269360_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg0GBmAmQvQDicnVMwwMe_jYY2VB9sBMK_R4nYDaH7L1lp9FdasbLL89mV5vEpzpgmwpcO8qeggfRC2-NpvOC54dCnqfCaHGTupXRmWkAjYS_uT8v1eKwmFiTOVNQR0YPV-S3iqFRZ6I8ECmwOTdLWfaeApdfuBCk1cBiQWSir6bPF-jKghug69bTWnvJ/s320/139269360_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2a5z9OOZOaWe7904zLa4yFcHDCkPjprNMAwe6NAeVjpKi-ydmxgljZwC9Snc9Frvx2Z7uBB7XogoI_iytCgTZZz9eZKb-cfU8emkQqMS9ov5uw-yzVAB0wRMplHa9RIyVsLlbITMqbzoRlHuU8b4-AyPIslmTxat57fX-g-UnuCMxOkKkgXNEgZFS50E/s4608/139269376_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2a5z9OOZOaWe7904zLa4yFcHDCkPjprNMAwe6NAeVjpKi-ydmxgljZwC9Snc9Frvx2Z7uBB7XogoI_iytCgTZZz9eZKb-cfU8emkQqMS9ov5uw-yzVAB0wRMplHa9RIyVsLlbITMqbzoRlHuU8b4-AyPIslmTxat57fX-g-UnuCMxOkKkgXNEgZFS50E/s320/139269376_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> This was followed up with…well, before I can tell you that, Dennis had to be sure you all know how difficult it is to get in and out of the vehicle. I know he was tempted to give a little push from behind, thank you very much, but no! </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl__ll7cmX0vPUSNRrAUkP6oIsEGGak-ERmwTZ-3NSACHfanQCJiWGgqqmGdGOZvQ72zMjJ8zNeqqchzVQxj8LPiee-5Ngd_bh0Gjy0zWk8nbRNfPuQufwbSgfUmoS2DSBX02eVDajQtsBZwGytIz2mEo6TiZ8UGci2LMaHNQDQAbJp0Sz5TQrpbGmPyu/s4608/139531760_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbl__ll7cmX0vPUSNRrAUkP6oIsEGGak-ERmwTZ-3NSACHfanQCJiWGgqqmGdGOZvQ72zMjJ8zNeqqchzVQxj8LPiee-5Ngd_bh0Gjy0zWk8nbRNfPuQufwbSgfUmoS2DSBX02eVDajQtsBZwGytIz2mEo6TiZ8UGci2LMaHNQDQAbJp0Sz5TQrpbGmPyu/s320/139531760_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5kUECoUdgaoXq7x-fBqFnS1bioxq5WrVRZgsNLDRCzCsRzhVFEtroUOawoYZ_O7tUd6DJo9Mr4XJh5w8lUQZs0CQaI4YDXZ8u2bk_ASDO6rhTJqvsT3beKfQz2ULsyKD_sfhMM1ybs6yCcJ2vUof4ox_r4xK5_R6ckmtysmNYurXmCEpmaSk7RJSYpUJ/s4608/139531792_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5kUECoUdgaoXq7x-fBqFnS1bioxq5WrVRZgsNLDRCzCsRzhVFEtroUOawoYZ_O7tUd6DJo9Mr4XJh5w8lUQZs0CQaI4YDXZ8u2bk_ASDO6rhTJqvsT3beKfQz2ULsyKD_sfhMM1ybs6yCcJ2vUof4ox_r4xK5_R6ckmtysmNYurXmCEpmaSk7RJSYpUJ/s320/139531792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkHRZCtQ1Zzyu8uCEc2sOItsSYw6uhOQAzPnMX5hwE7aaiwtvNViDN0p074zEoqBRQ7Q5hCe1HXRG2MAIVWVEHGOWRQ-Ca-FpgFAaEIqVjs79efBIXGidWxXbS9BQUErDJAmx676-__ai9AFqjVGwtXuBfRg0v_m3_gM83_XiqGgzPvKjmBoOGDleA9Oy/s4608/139531824_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkHRZCtQ1Zzyu8uCEc2sOItsSYw6uhOQAzPnMX5hwE7aaiwtvNViDN0p074zEoqBRQ7Q5hCe1HXRG2MAIVWVEHGOWRQ-Ca-FpgFAaEIqVjs79efBIXGidWxXbS9BQUErDJAmx676-__ai9AFqjVGwtXuBfRg0v_m3_gM83_XiqGgzPvKjmBoOGDleA9Oy/s320/139531824_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span><span> When we were all safely in, off we went to the edge of the old Chardonnay vines where we ended with 2 types of chocolate paired with two different reds. An absolutely brilliant ending.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaWGq1U6hnOzLfvvB-RJbCXI2ivVLur9exzEWZ1AVdJ3lVmM8nhcpwa3Ol0RS4l6oftXw5u0ZJIKEqF5jfmxg2POsARLFPrs5zRzlcp-HIgCvZck_wzf-MV7bfupefk2op0goQ1_NqG_t_jOBX-j7Rl22qD25CBQlEZpurssxMOB1D5nafwnxuFV6fXII/s4608/139269488_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaWGq1U6hnOzLfvvB-RJbCXI2ivVLur9exzEWZ1AVdJ3lVmM8nhcpwa3Ol0RS4l6oftXw5u0ZJIKEqF5jfmxg2POsARLFPrs5zRzlcp-HIgCvZck_wzf-MV7bfupefk2op0goQ1_NqG_t_jOBX-j7Rl22qD25CBQlEZpurssxMOB1D5nafwnxuFV6fXII/s320/139269488_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmlvqSiV37IIwQ3QzXYz4FKiBRZtGO8kEy1l8MUpV8du3Bu4wbLWwW3irGOZrTPV5d3754NtQCOTqvG2nZj5e0oQgvlx2aY6hyphenhyphendHJ5_Ijo2waa2UKOmdmtrGOrGaFQOeLmoRvId-Tyi88CPpcNYMiSUjCNnKF98PGkVJxiNQdksRcSbS4iXhF9ZdniIhs/s4608/139269456_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmlvqSiV37IIwQ3QzXYz4FKiBRZtGO8kEy1l8MUpV8du3Bu4wbLWwW3irGOZrTPV5d3754NtQCOTqvG2nZj5e0oQgvlx2aY6hyphenhyphendHJ5_Ijo2waa2UKOmdmtrGOrGaFQOeLmoRvId-Tyi88CPpcNYMiSUjCNnKF98PGkVJxiNQdksRcSbS4iXhF9ZdniIhs/s320/139269456_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-OGK2MXXyVtHEjYsPXQu_0goK5NrMKVPELUAk0geEggNTVGvWk5meEsXuVlTHlwqpaX-EFGtcrQB7hJbyYCbox1qqldm6kNHkB8G9u1RRnpZx1IMtoOHhXS85N-yF1riVrQi0LEyKCIBXDgR9lQAddoE6tveEcHmh26_Muw4aC39WbRA7N_6Ab3MAQHC/s4008/139531744_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3006" data-original-width="4008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-OGK2MXXyVtHEjYsPXQu_0goK5NrMKVPELUAk0geEggNTVGvWk5meEsXuVlTHlwqpaX-EFGtcrQB7hJbyYCbox1qqldm6kNHkB8G9u1RRnpZx1IMtoOHhXS85N-yF1riVrQi0LEyKCIBXDgR9lQAddoE6tveEcHmh26_Muw4aC39WbRA7N_6Ab3MAQHC/s320/139531744_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div> </span><span> This morning I started the day with Dim Sum on the porch of Ashbourne House.</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjVJj2Vcq-dRG97Mhw_h9cicfQnx5EToOKMLP3WzpOFhHL8YsXwi9mOO9aYbBtTrlI64ulfMGYHFcSiGHxZeugry9eLiE8vB1V5MQ-xvU_Ivl7Xt9MfHTZAHEMd9Hti6SHM1BLH_p85RIsr5hzWgZ7IqYcdJk-yF9uxiniyalGayeSKNqe7pIV8Abn3nD/s4608/139531872_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjVJj2Vcq-dRG97Mhw_h9cicfQnx5EToOKMLP3WzpOFhHL8YsXwi9mOO9aYbBtTrlI64ulfMGYHFcSiGHxZeugry9eLiE8vB1V5MQ-xvU_Ivl7Xt9MfHTZAHEMd9Hti6SHM1BLH_p85RIsr5hzWgZ7IqYcdJk-yF9uxiniyalGayeSKNqe7pIV8Abn3nD/s320/139531872_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OnoLeA3Qe-4a9b8UT459idBVee9BYilupqtfFyJ9kpkwYzdEXQD5c09BDH7ZIvRLwe1QyIhzQZHvIxQk6ZG7hKLD7YSKPzxwt95K-9PHlDuhcDaQC-Ec10ZgC-Pqc4EN733K3jPakEuAmrppd_PGRskKxXEyNIzxh-HBwxGbFoMmYGMtg05QxrzEn4YF/s4608/139531920_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0OnoLeA3Qe-4a9b8UT459idBVee9BYilupqtfFyJ9kpkwYzdEXQD5c09BDH7ZIvRLwe1QyIhzQZHvIxQk6ZG7hKLD7YSKPzxwt95K-9PHlDuhcDaQC-Ec10ZgC-Pqc4EN733K3jPakEuAmrppd_PGRskKxXEyNIzxh-HBwxGbFoMmYGMtg05QxrzEn4YF/s320/139531920_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> From there we went to the market which is absolutely wonderful. It is full of crafts, art, wine, food, and music. I also got to meet a few artists and admire their work as well as buy some. While there we met two more Brits who are from the island of Jersey. They are both turning 80 this year as are we. We learned a bit more geography and some of their story. It’s so much fun to plunck down and just talk to new people. And between leaving Dennis to read, bringing him wine, and shopping it was a busy busy morning.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKbdWZ2HtcaHYe0KmokUQ1xfvj0nBrE0kw8AU2F5mQfH9llIh2wKSeWrwz7QNuI6QJPYLEjnxXuRqoIewokhHa9iWPr9yxyYVObZ2h4wNLVTlc11NR6m2l_z63F3ny-7iym8LRfnL_ONB8-tqlHYm61-Da1AkqhmHfR65M6m2zuhyu7wc6gbO1eb_i88/s4608/139532000_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVKbdWZ2HtcaHYe0KmokUQ1xfvj0nBrE0kw8AU2F5mQfH9llIh2wKSeWrwz7QNuI6QJPYLEjnxXuRqoIewokhHa9iWPr9yxyYVObZ2h4wNLVTlc11NR6m2l_z63F3ny-7iym8LRfnL_ONB8-tqlHYm61-Da1AkqhmHfR65M6m2zuhyu7wc6gbO1eb_i88/s320/139532000_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hwc_lHBiZ-HHfqyaekHz0aVblzQY8YfrynOpz7zJ1ndqMGnq225gBCJKDujmPsQWFoI4GJ7GSckGjbFrHtHiqkY9ZcySgL4lrFgoDi8Y7K_OoG4m-WYqFYMSqsLDJxUtlwmqufPIgl90sCCHCN7kb7CD2tHZbJof1kQ-gwFwbgaojdeXXG4BKJDk997Y/s320/139532064_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zL5UbYKiiTUFYYXBbO0Pgdf8n6ZR5rIMQqOjp39Ss26WgWx7mZSZSGM_sQIhIzkLxhSJFuQN8-OBX7w5nKjHZFUq9xUU3UgqULQtk-2U-Nn-MPgyP6h-caGuy19DMO7dQyo10RoEGgP8DecEikue4rGQ_eDDxShqeA_nxWQF8DV1mXn3XXrupRMk6t3U/s4608/139532144_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zL5UbYKiiTUFYYXBbO0Pgdf8n6ZR5rIMQqOjp39Ss26WgWx7mZSZSGM_sQIhIzkLxhSJFuQN8-OBX7w5nKjHZFUq9xUU3UgqULQtk-2U-Nn-MPgyP6h-caGuy19DMO7dQyo10RoEGgP8DecEikue4rGQ_eDDxShqeA_nxWQF8DV1mXn3XXrupRMk6t3U/s320/139532144_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl38V8ng3Y6lYgyQSiQVFBEyDIWbVI3pJO5-O5w3sI64mNAFIfSanF5ggCRQiMQ3R8v0uR6E-0m_5oW2S_zXVbbUdDIlZOqAoqjCmD2bSAvPlA1kbSk5a-KsMwbpV3QckVWiT9V-Hft-pFmL-TECFoHJS5HKh4KTod4ZBz1ctmy5J9uJZOPskxEXmo-J7Y/s320/139532192_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqc86Mj8CPTxRzn9uNQzrKVZH1Cb0joAUpQYbPw4Ju6D7EICVaGvCDoQ-tEhitEjfbC_fioPfP8hNf3klIcjGoJ2IO6FVDp_AMlW6WIx5B9NFWGMATNCaD9dj1suH9AoU0Xd3-hWKLgWbXctgxPZozoZaCtI6TpwGpW5Zbj3wVmiJXkaTf-q4_KtaAJfN/s4608/139532208_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqc86Mj8CPTxRzn9uNQzrKVZH1Cb0joAUpQYbPw4Ju6D7EICVaGvCDoQ-tEhitEjfbC_fioPfP8hNf3klIcjGoJ2IO6FVDp_AMlW6WIx5B9NFWGMATNCaD9dj1suH9AoU0Xd3-hWKLgWbXctgxPZozoZaCtI6TpwGpW5Zbj3wVmiJXkaTf-q4_KtaAJfN/s320/139532208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx_D7Yc3vmeGoK2ykWSWhOkinMcbVbSL23xeEZwO6nxNPHqTaC3e2FRzCAYRlQD2gQ_78wg4KLUM1ODNGHecQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></span><span> </span><span> Now off we go to have dinner at Monneaux Restaurant which has received many fine reviews. It will definitely be our upscale evening. </span><br /><span><span> </span><span> And off we went to a perfectly beautiful meal in a wonderful setting which you saw on Facebook. Mr. Schulz was happy not only with the quality of the food but the impact on his wallet. 😁</span><br /></span></span></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><br /> <p></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-20884004496271205382024-02-01T11:21:00.000-08:002024-02-01T11:21:33.183-08:00Ashbourne House, Franschhoek, South Africa<p> We are beginning the downward spiral of our journey and what a journey it has been! We have met the most wonderful people in five different countries. Each country has its own unique gifts and like ours its own problems. With the state we are in, we have refrained from judgement. It seems in every country we were in, there is a desire to have a leader who has integrity and who is honest.</p><p><span> </span><span> Now we are in Franschhoek, a beautiful little town surrounded by mountains and vineyards in the Western Cape of South Africa.</span></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVPFqc7AQWE845uQ1L88Lpc1sHsZnbQpnxKBP28ipRkctZhTEcNqavX-1FjlJbL51yVBxhO7NbQfx662QbchN9_njIA8bGf2MjohzLKrc2w4ACcoaWsQ2WezAs5NW5ith-MaXdOhdaolw9XeKyTSFXCi3Q_4cfrMUnSSrGqfnuTEhjNS0mZ8RV3AOjOSu/s4608/139005536_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUVPFqc7AQWE845uQ1L88Lpc1sHsZnbQpnxKBP28ipRkctZhTEcNqavX-1FjlJbL51yVBxhO7NbQfx662QbchN9_njIA8bGf2MjohzLKrc2w4ACcoaWsQ2WezAs5NW5ith-MaXdOhdaolw9XeKyTSFXCi3Q_4cfrMUnSSrGqfnuTEhjNS0mZ8RV3AOjOSu/w320-h240/139005536_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig9kZodREkrVCZEzjId1MUyKNtLy8sCJAuyzdIlldMHY5BPRTBW4n1QEE_bs4lppw93n60vfOSRuLQb5r_0dFFhMuRwQynu79EDzfAUYqvKQpXvXg0O0iU5lHggY3xb_H7PgXuwG18cyYhEG2TXYhOZolvVPZXyP9fkZTuNprA-otS1ueQY7g4m1I7yZK/s4608/138743296_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig9kZodREkrVCZEzjId1MUyKNtLy8sCJAuyzdIlldMHY5BPRTBW4n1QEE_bs4lppw93n60vfOSRuLQb5r_0dFFhMuRwQynu79EDzfAUYqvKQpXvXg0O0iU5lHggY3xb_H7PgXuwG18cyYhEG2TXYhOZolvVPZXyP9fkZTuNprA-otS1ueQY7g4m1I7yZK/s320/138743296_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7uqSmWgZwsOo-nd0WccrUUKp6pIkU3ucA_vDsbDtddvIdF5nivEE2tEb-KkIc7z7cPRGv_M-Md6-tGyT35CdsbcyLLqciyS4Z4owYwgGXV3WeRTzSHiJwczq8WP50GGhyphenhyphen8g-XDEgVU-2_p_x3e6jMEsyYm1F9D12oxKw0PXz_LWuN2PMnZ4ev2c8wP9x/s4608/138743168_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh7uqSmWgZwsOo-nd0WccrUUKp6pIkU3ucA_vDsbDtddvIdF5nivEE2tEb-KkIc7z7cPRGv_M-Md6-tGyT35CdsbcyLLqciyS4Z4owYwgGXV3WeRTzSHiJwczq8WP50GGhyphenhyphen8g-XDEgVU-2_p_x3e6jMEsyYm1F9D12oxKw0PXz_LWuN2PMnZ4ev2c8wP9x/s320/138743168_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskaYSYyHAGUM8j0mjxA_VjvO0AsUcP5_JpwxMYvd59LqnUdqP44LN8090cYTZUEZb95SSfVrgTrRKA5KGRO2EVJZ81l5Ef7BHbgQq3JSdnNfKhMLXBy1tfW3tn3-upPQVT8UMT3FJwajX-6HNR7SleU3UKmL4zn75LB4x1BmJaHXAv4rXYQtag0jZnaE9/s4032/IMG_7157.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskaYSYyHAGUM8j0mjxA_VjvO0AsUcP5_JpwxMYvd59LqnUdqP44LN8090cYTZUEZb95SSfVrgTrRKA5KGRO2EVJZ81l5Ef7BHbgQq3JSdnNfKhMLXBy1tfW3tn3-upPQVT8UMT3FJwajX-6HNR7SleU3UKmL4zn75LB4x1BmJaHXAv4rXYQtag0jZnaE9/s320/IMG_7157.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span> </span><span> Our first misadventure happened when we locked ourselves into our room and couldn’t get out.😂 there are 3 doors to our room: one to the outside terrace, two into the dining area. the first locks but the second is to make it more sound proof. That second door doesn’t lock unless you really try and then you can’t get it open. Luckily we had the door to the outside. Dennis went through that one, around to the dining room to one of our hosts who came and unlocked our sound poof door. What a pair!!</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3CsMi7UsdbO7ZmckGix0GdtOwkRctmcLOzcqR0Sc39ECYZF0Tzqn8eFR-mVSewn4DMLg8UT0lMC3PxKvXfssROTw9QkwTnrivYtf064bxWu0qaG0GqEZSo07ImzmF4ezCl_YbHUJ3NXUHZT-80MsCj26Q9k9jZjqoOnw5_qrCH6Cy2sVtF_ck0ti5-0X/s4608/138743280_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3CsMi7UsdbO7ZmckGix0GdtOwkRctmcLOzcqR0Sc39ECYZF0Tzqn8eFR-mVSewn4DMLg8UT0lMC3PxKvXfssROTw9QkwTnrivYtf064bxWu0qaG0GqEZSo07ImzmF4ezCl_YbHUJ3NXUHZT-80MsCj26Q9k9jZjqoOnw5_qrCH6Cy2sVtF_ck0ti5-0X/s320/138743280_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He got back in!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> Dennis read that from the top 100 restaurants in the world there are 8 here in this town. It has shops and </span><span style="text-align: left;">restaurants galore. On Saturday there is a market which we are hoping to visit. </span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> Last night we took a walk to a nearby bistro for an early dinner and to see the town a bit.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMepJtanmMch2RCUZXy9jIhmNunzOe6YVsfv7MinUpZV4Dh3xndW91ZLqFXvcH-AX0fIL_nESyBbYuqGNYcFCZbASV71cLyeM3cfqskQMH5UI3ZoW0CcA3wekNzQ-ay14M8iutTGglBdus1PLVWy3GzHRklDnnigochhRHzjWCtPMQPEFcllRaKKB5jwH/s4608/139005616_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMepJtanmMch2RCUZXy9jIhmNunzOe6YVsfv7MinUpZV4Dh3xndW91ZLqFXvcH-AX0fIL_nESyBbYuqGNYcFCZbASV71cLyeM3cfqskQMH5UI3ZoW0CcA3wekNzQ-ay14M8iutTGglBdus1PLVWy3GzHRklDnnigochhRHzjWCtPMQPEFcllRaKKB5jwH/s320/139005616_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WABvRQxVQfKJZ6DFvmkXzVicQTZdko98KKMJ9DysPhAWSQ9wzUul7FcvLZn9vVTaHY-tLbef2fAeCqwXOjigICpjobLOKUVOT3O0mzF6GiwfH5LnQgKVPBqZS1uY26iZbBYO7tpT5cqw_6uGc1OrMOwhnbvSEZmgpq4PyiIYctnBbBv9O1-yj2LynUW4/s4608/139005648_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WABvRQxVQfKJZ6DFvmkXzVicQTZdko98KKMJ9DysPhAWSQ9wzUul7FcvLZn9vVTaHY-tLbef2fAeCqwXOjigICpjobLOKUVOT3O0mzF6GiwfH5LnQgKVPBqZS1uY26iZbBYO7tpT5cqw_6uGc1OrMOwhnbvSEZmgpq4PyiIYctnBbBv9O1-yj2LynUW4/s320/139005648_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuUYhtXSaRThMIwHWtQuHotVZXCINLVvInkDo3fvZZLaqNYg9nI14920CTIg340zm450KcNzJOzT2Cp_HvLB5sfGOF5cyRrNcw9V2Nlorbxcci7jyWkK-N-fUfYeRu5LJxOaEyo_bkobtsZguM0bBncKbL9g-Qnk4xWeTlkS_YNPbpJ-hUl7EnHcYy00z/s4608/139005664_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsuUYhtXSaRThMIwHWtQuHotVZXCINLVvInkDo3fvZZLaqNYg9nI14920CTIg340zm450KcNzJOzT2Cp_HvLB5sfGOF5cyRrNcw9V2Nlorbxcci7jyWkK-N-fUfYeRu5LJxOaEyo_bkobtsZguM0bBncKbL9g-Qnk4xWeTlkS_YNPbpJ-hUl7EnHcYy00z/s320/139005664_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FutSwhKtIidh_QrqxK22yrLJqKx1GDmrHz1TKmd1adZcaFPuUUgYMJzBb9Aa2jlWxJeyjBTWOnrX-cwxuTe6vQoq2sGJ6pwsZSjxwZhGPDmNyznFqkzJB0ZcdLdiSyOm3JPAb7xRFsHqG3k8KMRZ1cZo2cozbprluuZ0LCluBdGBEPoDOYfLFtXoefJf/s4608/139005680_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3290" data-original-width="4608" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FutSwhKtIidh_QrqxK22yrLJqKx1GDmrHz1TKmd1adZcaFPuUUgYMJzBb9Aa2jlWxJeyjBTWOnrX-cwxuTe6vQoq2sGJ6pwsZSjxwZhGPDmNyznFqkzJB0ZcdLdiSyOm3JPAb7xRFsHqG3k8KMRZ1cZo2cozbprluuZ0LCluBdGBEPoDOYfLFtXoefJf/s320/139005680_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way back we got lost even though it was a straight shot from the shopping area to our lodge. A friendly security guard helped us find our way after we went back and forth and around a few blocks. We ended the evening with a bit of brandy in the lounge of Ashbourne House.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjvbjBBuMVZE2mOdeFwiAydOzc6IUaQXpsi1Lw3CWHTrmi6DBWTiE5f4MnIvdHQ4uU59sRDfAEO4jNf_md06tPpTk7ZmaKowqYfhv0U31Y-Lzw_ZjQx0FZe9D4We16Mo6JE02UVwvHVA-oZX816uAnWcJb5J922XgayuE_DXY_SNlj6mA1L8VdRe-g3Ac/s3088/IMG_7158.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjvbjBBuMVZE2mOdeFwiAydOzc6IUaQXpsi1Lw3CWHTrmi6DBWTiE5f4MnIvdHQ4uU59sRDfAEO4jNf_md06tPpTk7ZmaKowqYfhv0U31Y-Lzw_ZjQx0FZe9D4We16Mo6JE02UVwvHVA-oZX816uAnWcJb5J922XgayuE_DXY_SNlj6mA1L8VdRe-g3Ac/s320/IMG_7158.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> This morning we had another tiny glitch. What is this??</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtlqmxiXRZ1WtYDYYO61s_qF1SWQHE800ZTf-2o837TuA4HTsesfcb9o8Uv6ZMfoSVagxJRfI9H0nHczJaTNbE6AVxpi3B8R_pMqA1fZS8XBhJz-K-EX5ZFAG9IhzHkEFghYgwEPY_tcBvP-tcwb-2jzUvDWtqBHDGJ7UMR82Xu-S9elaSQ4c5Ox_7tH3/s4608/139268176_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtlqmxiXRZ1WtYDYYO61s_qF1SWQHE800ZTf-2o837TuA4HTsesfcb9o8Uv6ZMfoSVagxJRfI9H0nHczJaTNbE6AVxpi3B8R_pMqA1fZS8XBhJz-K-EX5ZFAG9IhzHkEFghYgwEPY_tcBvP-tcwb-2jzUvDWtqBHDGJ7UMR82Xu-S9elaSQ4c5Ox_7tH3/s320/139268176_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Is it A. A hand mixer. B. A robotic vacuum C. A coffee maker D. All of the choices? If you said coffee maker, you get a 100%. After getting hot water all over the top of the cabinet and across the floor to the bathroom we learned how to use it. Just when we mastered the French Press we got thrown a curve. But now we’ve got it down. After an amazing breakfast we headed into town. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span>Today Dennis spent his time having a beer and reading at a local bar while I perused the many shops and oh yes, I came home with a bag or two. I always do my part to support local economy. 😉 I also found a shop where artists made ceramics and hand painted them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1sGOFT5ER7HUpWmRR1GTtDEstzQ5AWS6GnUB1kbLY_LfID8UplfPy287_sbJQg9TDtb4cJdqzbZ49RNNLJiO-5QOEFvuhKUF8A3JNquiOJPnHaSXN6J8qDZuXfQmOd3PArdYCaDskSz8vubfkJzNgFQRSQwVcUUfbTDeKf1oqlNSJzEM_ZmU45vml2P2/s4608/139005808_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1sGOFT5ER7HUpWmRR1GTtDEstzQ5AWS6GnUB1kbLY_LfID8UplfPy287_sbJQg9TDtb4cJdqzbZ49RNNLJiO-5QOEFvuhKUF8A3JNquiOJPnHaSXN6J8qDZuXfQmOd3PArdYCaDskSz8vubfkJzNgFQRSQwVcUUfbTDeKf1oqlNSJzEM_ZmU45vml2P2/s320/139005808_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2jZOusFb2DUxb3UBtJOvRN0gfz80qbx2rLqkcBhsINQyhG1tC9HL4F-_t-9NbYPJcxcCzMQioALTjihVHyaZwJUGPXyoHAnxnMRY00QSR2Mj_Kd2uAn9RkdBlNZFz6b1Q3XPyv4nbLkDl1HdEy-i2AcxM2asht0QR2XE9AqtYbBAO-oca40hmnlV8m3P/s4608/139005936_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2jZOusFb2DUxb3UBtJOvRN0gfz80qbx2rLqkcBhsINQyhG1tC9HL4F-_t-9NbYPJcxcCzMQioALTjihVHyaZwJUGPXyoHAnxnMRY00QSR2Mj_Kd2uAn9RkdBlNZFz6b1Q3XPyv4nbLkDl1HdEy-i2AcxM2asht0QR2XE9AqtYbBAO-oca40hmnlV8m3P/s320/139005936_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78nS2aFkOQdHK6b8_DyNadLA7mYOKLXgcJ8k6uYyXmTGWwwVFeGkpZkzJvhErmcNsUOcptO9BidmM0vUckuJpE4nOpbCZo5tPNvJOJDVijwKtjQlUNNcRJIKOHdkZiPbA2gwJQnymCAR7c6w25K4SKQSKM-u87_mX222Pcmhd4MiXz8aWtc5tHw9t2Pjr/s4608/139005888_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78nS2aFkOQdHK6b8_DyNadLA7mYOKLXgcJ8k6uYyXmTGWwwVFeGkpZkzJvhErmcNsUOcptO9BidmM0vUckuJpE4nOpbCZo5tPNvJOJDVijwKtjQlUNNcRJIKOHdkZiPbA2gwJQnymCAR7c6w25K4SKQSKM-u87_mX222Pcmhd4MiXz8aWtc5tHw9t2Pjr/s320/139005888_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddbIbcOfAQpTyaOmrjwN79f1mSCmYijWt1exZupxl02q9KPtbgsPVYoCD4Bdabc07SXzw7gT2YkgR4fo0HYz_bDQnKZP3S4VyIOwIN7FJZi5KB88lg3BWSW29X4xS3mz0ng0AY7QPjz1WlsllYsONBbZmGYn4_knrK3voz1qozb4rrwRJZy0tWtL1HxmW/s4608/139005840_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddbIbcOfAQpTyaOmrjwN79f1mSCmYijWt1exZupxl02q9KPtbgsPVYoCD4Bdabc07SXzw7gT2YkgR4fo0HYz_bDQnKZP3S4VyIOwIN7FJZi5KB88lg3BWSW29X4xS3mz0ng0AY7QPjz1WlsllYsONBbZmGYn4_knrK3voz1qozb4rrwRJZy0tWtL1HxmW/s320/139005840_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTw1QMQykh2OeLNQuq91YcMvOhkgUVDG4Qt8AzMqR-pCrNjnjuQNTiF8H3K4G9ByGdppqPTJJ39dKN999DXYswhKq5POYy5qVEhGiz9FZlJ0zszQa9o9O1SPWxVdmqyfxY32N2mQC-8QfttJ4N0vDqMCK_EtZLNjZzxSD_bhlDdNrSDFRNK-wFyzFbiB3/s4608/139005856_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTw1QMQykh2OeLNQuq91YcMvOhkgUVDG4Qt8AzMqR-pCrNjnjuQNTiF8H3K4G9ByGdppqPTJJ39dKN999DXYswhKq5POYy5qVEhGiz9FZlJ0zszQa9o9O1SPWxVdmqyfxY32N2mQC-8QfttJ4N0vDqMCK_EtZLNjZzxSD_bhlDdNrSDFRNK-wFyzFbiB3/s320/139005856_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <span> </span><span> Back at our home away from home, Dennis went to the pool and I had a zoom with Ethiopia.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPdx2Rm7AF5vdpVe2_mTQVLxjtrurFfk8V0bqI4u1JHj1HrYB7mzIIJo0CNtvTsXIX6YsV2NeJ7a9eQD0cvNLQMmWQOU9FqKjn7KgJIGIy2xd8gWAXCzwhqi4UbuQRowVN-Q-zq7-3T2Lb29xjXZbIq38kqM6gJxB6fyjT15iCVEzBZVfL4D62dg2haVq/s4608/139005968_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPdx2Rm7AF5vdpVe2_mTQVLxjtrurFfk8V0bqI4u1JHj1HrYB7mzIIJo0CNtvTsXIX6YsV2NeJ7a9eQD0cvNLQMmWQOU9FqKjn7KgJIGIy2xd8gWAXCzwhqi4UbuQRowVN-Q-zq7-3T2Lb29xjXZbIq38kqM6gJxB6fyjT15iCVEzBZVfL4D62dg2haVq/s320/139005968_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxpn4PWGnqulmc_g1PtXVpg0_iIxDIxpu60ddGbQ2AbBrRAc76idsM_n5uX9ugzfVvz9Jr0FBg2TAtqrUziaQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> And finally a dinner of caprese salad and pizza, sitting outside and enjoying the evening.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCjqFSSiUVOiqx69iVGrTKawRlXToaw1_wgcH86JG8L_MUf6-2DMVH4X0FYaTsA95YthnM2G9_M9l_UQW9rMg03tnibi-Lq7ED1T_EndXaEGOJY5olZYq3b_6pUIIPEupLGPcdXXGSN4KhwcCqXxeT125hy25-fHFw7rNDIuRR8DlIoGxrG4xcL0G4bYP/s4608/139268208_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCjqFSSiUVOiqx69iVGrTKawRlXToaw1_wgcH86JG8L_MUf6-2DMVH4X0FYaTsA95YthnM2G9_M9l_UQW9rMg03tnibi-Lq7ED1T_EndXaEGOJY5olZYq3b_6pUIIPEupLGPcdXXGSN4KhwcCqXxeT125hy25-fHFw7rNDIuRR8DlIoGxrG4xcL0G4bYP/s320/139268208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVksmkRP7rBLGROYQA-F0yW94dHFfm-lwDrzC0Wb2Co67B1nYl91mRuQ0Cak2qEEXFehfGPJ6Mcrz0H2TWrqBFCVM_-aOJ7jF6VZaXprmc1WCABGlIPcm0UZD_iUjAD7pkCHpQpXKEf5dnj5y-YMd8TaNXSeG2tTVYiDHBVHzoxwGUICUc8ju7VWaTPUTQ/s4608/139268240_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVksmkRP7rBLGROYQA-F0yW94dHFfm-lwDrzC0Wb2Co67B1nYl91mRuQ0Cak2qEEXFehfGPJ6Mcrz0H2TWrqBFCVM_-aOJ7jF6VZaXprmc1WCABGlIPcm0UZD_iUjAD7pkCHpQpXKEf5dnj5y-YMd8TaNXSeG2tTVYiDHBVHzoxwGUICUc8ju7VWaTPUTQ/s320/139268240_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The end of an amazing day! Xoxo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span><br /></span></div><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-68680835794471236862024-01-30T01:23:00.000-08:002024-01-30T01:23:00.118-08:00Adventures at Mosaic Lodge<p> <span> </span><span> This eco lodge was originally started by a couple from Tennessee, USA. When they sold it so they could retire, it was with the understanding that the staff would remain and the commitment to the ecology of the area would remain in place. And so it has. all products are locally sourced. The chefs are incredible. The spa, relaxing. In a blog that I have not published I did a little rant about makeup. As I like to always support the local economy, I booked a facial at the spa. </span></p><p><span>Here’s the before…<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8_BEwYR1HhswVlGYPmdXX4z2XJ1oLJSlcmeiAZoFeTUEBei5IMTUGySqoWyCVUD9sub_XwnSKRUN7oq2OXpFnC5J1TWQyXfWV_dBnNIfIf6cCYTcnRK3IuHjt3JE_50c_mduVcz6kHbKMfTC2MALPCvZ9JaI7SGfywRRTG2TlpnIEUthOKRdknzxgbMi/s1664/138217264_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1664" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8_BEwYR1HhswVlGYPmdXX4z2XJ1oLJSlcmeiAZoFeTUEBei5IMTUGySqoWyCVUD9sub_XwnSKRUN7oq2OXpFnC5J1TWQyXfWV_dBnNIfIf6cCYTcnRK3IuHjt3JE_50c_mduVcz6kHbKMfTC2MALPCvZ9JaI7SGfywRRTG2TlpnIEUthOKRdknzxgbMi/s320/138217264_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /> During…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKasoMpD1jCj2kNd8b9qRikdkv9Q57-5h-NAWKvruWuWihvfeefrhE1-Mkg1AYyv1YkTpQcHZRzWJu8u-EqJqnO9mW8ufdR8r9TBcMuh296gAwTCEQLM-lx3AKVHEhZ8Am67-dQF2QlsiKlmXHsyiOu1RO5Madqg7hVkKzrtb8ynZQSpiMhHge2gunPwPC/s1024/IMG_0076.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKasoMpD1jCj2kNd8b9qRikdkv9Q57-5h-NAWKvruWuWihvfeefrhE1-Mkg1AYyv1YkTpQcHZRzWJu8u-EqJqnO9mW8ufdR8r9TBcMuh296gAwTCEQLM-lx3AKVHEhZ8Am67-dQF2QlsiKlmXHsyiOu1RO5Madqg7hVkKzrtb8ynZQSpiMhHge2gunPwPC/s320/IMG_0076.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>After…</span><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8wQM-3XRSHPZVNH5kH1pqBJdVCfMSosN_5rV6_xNn87mlUZgMvmwQKAzy6q82iKi3ti624xKFJ_oeKOGRwOvYC2bTAmcETcn1G4F-I32KrX0F-_NqgM2sqbSZtkK44FxyOeb-0dSyTXv4-pZEJG-dNkIWwkK922RypYyarEYrrdVQ0s9LLlzk65_tV4x/s4608/138480624_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8wQM-3XRSHPZVNH5kH1pqBJdVCfMSosN_5rV6_xNn87mlUZgMvmwQKAzy6q82iKi3ti624xKFJ_oeKOGRwOvYC2bTAmcETcn1G4F-I32KrX0F-_NqgM2sqbSZtkK44FxyOeb-0dSyTXv4-pZEJG-dNkIWwkK922RypYyarEYrrdVQ0s9LLlzk65_tV4x/s320/138480624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span> </span><span> In the meantime, sometime between before and during, we went on a boat cruise on the Klein River at the foot of the Kleinrivier Mountains. The boat took us from Stanford down the river toward the lagoon and back. The group included 4 Brits who are adding to our vocabulary so if you read knickers, posh, lovely, brilliant, you may attribute it to their influence. They were the most lovely foursome and all had such great senses of humor. The first time we met, one of the men asked, so how’s your liver doing? Which here, is a fair question!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaymQAvC5ztkuyAyBsXcloKUjX6H6u4qW_yeZjN8uj6ksEIAVSxrPXKfVAfBnHZ2y7OidGrYSnfnwiZZ-nUQqVK03yQ7N3ISAnu_wrOsM0CtEEL962cJPjdny_BPzUekTfiuw0J2bNx1LRo6CAgvcDw9BMdJmiRUzA2b4qAMidKHiaVQd_9mZutfe19SG_/s4608/138216480_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaymQAvC5ztkuyAyBsXcloKUjX6H6u4qW_yeZjN8uj6ksEIAVSxrPXKfVAfBnHZ2y7OidGrYSnfnwiZZ-nUQqVK03yQ7N3ISAnu_wrOsM0CtEEL962cJPjdny_BPzUekTfiuw0J2bNx1LRo6CAgvcDw9BMdJmiRUzA2b4qAMidKHiaVQd_9mZutfe19SG_/s320/138216480_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGy6Z07iK24dRkiGELvD64waZpHlO_evFtlZeoc2UgddFjx9vmq0k_Fnia4m5JlrlPRSHnHLCTeoxZos7JbE2gX5nHgl9ISBRgxORWBGuwVOA3MYVvJrgoNXgo82tA520pjMH37x2OkpoViPFYF9pIOsBNvWYeipaK_BWZxH08pjy5QoclPwF1IwCfGX/s4608/138216656_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8tGy6Z07iK24dRkiGELvD64waZpHlO_evFtlZeoc2UgddFjx9vmq0k_Fnia4m5JlrlPRSHnHLCTeoxZos7JbE2gX5nHgl9ISBRgxORWBGuwVOA3MYVvJrgoNXgo82tA520pjMH37x2OkpoViPFYF9pIOsBNvWYeipaK_BWZxH08pjy5QoclPwF1IwCfGX/s320/138216656_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The river is lined with lots of vegetation and many species of birds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHvyHITgB4SZzQITdE8drtz_8Ky3RvsE5iYP2MsHMGnxU-66Y45w5-yzfoQA2c7xkAel7k603XYgNC0KujkCxpw_xgIu9mx4Fr-KBkQ8jbjTkmZFIgHaaV-uFGcufrwn6czRBrjcm20wXHsAeHoHbfOhKf9LBKhS8LNP-Ft4voFHFpo7T37JE8WhTIXoX/s4608/138216944_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHvyHITgB4SZzQITdE8drtz_8Ky3RvsE5iYP2MsHMGnxU-66Y45w5-yzfoQA2c7xkAel7k603XYgNC0KujkCxpw_xgIu9mx4Fr-KBkQ8jbjTkmZFIgHaaV-uFGcufrwn6czRBrjcm20wXHsAeHoHbfOhKf9LBKhS8LNP-Ft4voFHFpo7T37JE8WhTIXoX/s320/138216944_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00hnAESgsbXVMHCffCsJq6IoLp7SjnirUy5Y0NdjqvStH1Y4VKfu22Y-L2FFLdj8WJLCrdwNZMafwRXaykXYk19_Vtnirc34fKTsm9WKDCtxs9a7vZ5Zb6rCaJXgzovqnYtj4olIaxqa2cW0xi4eMxwMokblW_CEGVbsR0yAKHnVMjM54RhfP55V08LTb/s4608/138217312_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00hnAESgsbXVMHCffCsJq6IoLp7SjnirUy5Y0NdjqvStH1Y4VKfu22Y-L2FFLdj8WJLCrdwNZMafwRXaykXYk19_Vtnirc34fKTsm9WKDCtxs9a7vZ5Zb6rCaJXgzovqnYtj4olIaxqa2cW0xi4eMxwMokblW_CEGVbsR0yAKHnVMjM54RhfP55V08LTb/s320/138217312_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyT-OnouNb7VFLjCj5pMnJRpkDKC7E2bkCBzHy2lxQ34_DuU_SONdPm4OmOQe0h2eZq3MTIfmNz_aQyverq0qNIXhS3T5IBNVfEetEHRv_o8VY1N78HYpB6RUQAEduQrAoyCO7-4Tffa06JDBm6hEHuiLMoMn9tuKIsxiGOKYNVt2-BnnyEipaQtYpBfz/s320/138217568_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD6gbpHHvvD2zkIqGK07GyqBtrCdHmrdXq7B3SmX6KqIjcf2HlE5aKFUsM_BO2QBEyHnp8ZVBX3gKsd27Xy-Jbu7HnaX2rUru8ahtMGZYM5FdR6xqASBWC2fbF9h9h1JVFsMWiuvWnw-c9AAdYhPchs-XTr929_EEiwYVh2CYRe4DJPJVRSbuTRLuzr2C/s4608/138217888_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaD6gbpHHvvD2zkIqGK07GyqBtrCdHmrdXq7B3SmX6KqIjcf2HlE5aKFUsM_BO2QBEyHnp8ZVBX3gKsd27Xy-Jbu7HnaX2rUru8ahtMGZYM5FdR6xqASBWC2fbF9h9h1JVFsMWiuvWnw-c9AAdYhPchs-XTr929_EEiwYVh2CYRe4DJPJVRSbuTRLuzr2C/s320/138217888_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFyULx4Egs4DXNtx004NUt4G2QyTSL_W41qnIkwMilNifVbw9hU30Y6lsuNxJRWAdbYs2WM2eI75C50ECTqIj5ThzbGx8u0pmi75xN69PXy0xjhgQHp3gd0_OX4ocJrozf5pb3iqHQSpKZ7CXvzC4BZendXpdPuoEHQ2cD5kQufeJkYV_FZsjda9jKChR/s4608/138217968_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFyULx4Egs4DXNtx004NUt4G2QyTSL_W41qnIkwMilNifVbw9hU30Y6lsuNxJRWAdbYs2WM2eI75C50ECTqIj5ThzbGx8u0pmi75xN69PXy0xjhgQHp3gd0_OX4ocJrozf5pb3iqHQSpKZ7CXvzC4BZendXpdPuoEHQ2cD5kQufeJkYV_FZsjda9jKChR/s320/138217968_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a stop for a swim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvc9c766wjCvYez8oFuYNNjFj9KQ9CxNasrX8nz3bR1rZ_kCBicXDkY0b6N3LSs4V3cPEKwwcIyrnOTske-_HJJ9pM4F4dGunjPyrMLHYVR0zCSIzva4LkF0is0hpQh6m_ksXT7kbpC1AUphp-xQFBrClCH4OJwaEwXG-pxbvLKkpoKJ51XgKBXPm6HTc/s4608/138217072_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvc9c766wjCvYez8oFuYNNjFj9KQ9CxNasrX8nz3bR1rZ_kCBicXDkY0b6N3LSs4V3cPEKwwcIyrnOTske-_HJJ9pM4F4dGunjPyrMLHYVR0zCSIzva4LkF0is0hpQh6m_ksXT7kbpC1AUphp-xQFBrClCH4OJwaEwXG-pxbvLKkpoKJ51XgKBXPm6HTc/s320/138217072_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nXkZINnriwqkDHHBMCVd35K8Gs6szVwq0cqKo2Dsi4qelYfpuZBVnNhU4DxU0vB5X8BGpZNDwWuMJllBhnVV5o4pCpY_gahhDzFgRZiK82RxOhkw1xWtTpPJsLkoYCQQrW6XoGxMj7Ijl0_IqiBllRq-O8TMuvaoyQKGSqvJ1I0pybH-anfH8wuFBY30/s4608/138217104_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nXkZINnriwqkDHHBMCVd35K8Gs6szVwq0cqKo2Dsi4qelYfpuZBVnNhU4DxU0vB5X8BGpZNDwWuMJllBhnVV5o4pCpY_gahhDzFgRZiK82RxOhkw1xWtTpPJsLkoYCQQrW6XoGxMj7Ijl0_IqiBllRq-O8TMuvaoyQKGSqvJ1I0pybH-anfH8wuFBY30/s320/138217104_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH4mH204-ylNGiqUDa1JX7eRBSwoJpGXSWAWiVIaBGqGKqt4x_mMC1JXrgAQwaN1WxMZUhVLXsR3YdzGdoB6BN81kNXrPeOe8hfxPD8fUG8YNCuonpXtdCcld1AuX-2_xG4cN3KzpAay7M274O65ij364rYKXRi0OetD2ExiFX07Ifpn-WbCUb6CkNeY9/s4608/138217120_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH4mH204-ylNGiqUDa1JX7eRBSwoJpGXSWAWiVIaBGqGKqt4x_mMC1JXrgAQwaN1WxMZUhVLXsR3YdzGdoB6BN81kNXrPeOe8hfxPD8fUG8YNCuonpXtdCcld1AuX-2_xG4cN3KzpAay7M274O65ij364rYKXRi0OetD2ExiFX07Ifpn-WbCUb6CkNeY9/s320/138217120_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Vitalis, our activities guide had refreshment for us also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRNx2vTXal1lrpslOXXGZkXbHObe3t5mUy-UFtvinJ9P974lNEG9DfOeZNs9e97SBvOlmIKcoHwa5ZmF0PZmCI2qi3rvuMMto-rVN2dWfGwOI2T3YLLVuPozbU40X9kMPFLyeQJevsX6tfzU4NfR_sfcm6wQQ3tYl8PHyE7PirK1n3NTJrQ-gDAcj6q-h/s4608/138217232_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRNx2vTXal1lrpslOXXGZkXbHObe3t5mUy-UFtvinJ9P974lNEG9DfOeZNs9e97SBvOlmIKcoHwa5ZmF0PZmCI2qi3rvuMMto-rVN2dWfGwOI2T3YLLVuPozbU40X9kMPFLyeQJevsX6tfzU4NfR_sfcm6wQQ3tYl8PHyE7PirK1n3NTJrQ-gDAcj6q-h/s320/138217232_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4BqHI_lq6QXsE9Za56UeO4sUj2i5G6VpKk2B9HTc6Ji7gJKD0GrGlf3Pla-vY7YIfDI46fMSXVOA_9qhlGZuSPZ1g2KYWmJC63j80DtHf_ouGO8h3pYugd3LxZmu5z7cFm9iWx7soXDuhcjzvfsu7lKvPne0mI0H8hWBSWVMCG4hSxyqECBUc-Wqdx1x/s4608/138217248_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4BqHI_lq6QXsE9Za56UeO4sUj2i5G6VpKk2B9HTc6Ji7gJKD0GrGlf3Pla-vY7YIfDI46fMSXVOA_9qhlGZuSPZ1g2KYWmJC63j80DtHf_ouGO8h3pYugd3LxZmu5z7cFm9iWx7soXDuhcjzvfsu7lKvPne0mI0H8hWBSWVMCG4hSxyqECBUc-Wqdx1x/s320/138217248_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOsNXyWc9vfPtPWRA-j4xC3nvJeLsSa-EH47gm9f_ts0nQyHk9iZb9X83H2tbe0zIvByKTcnhBt64gfNO_LijBHksO8mqVLoq9Um6rJyfIGX54_17lv7X49tt5leHLDkP_RHXLmE_YEe-OAzVdt3ukVAp_Lf5Y5r2uQpLq9AFV3lo8BL-MP7nqoyfSpz_/s4608/138217280_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOsNXyWc9vfPtPWRA-j4xC3nvJeLsSa-EH47gm9f_ts0nQyHk9iZb9X83H2tbe0zIvByKTcnhBt64gfNO_LijBHksO8mqVLoq9Um6rJyfIGX54_17lv7X49tt5leHLDkP_RHXLmE_YEe-OAzVdt3ukVAp_Lf5Y5r2uQpLq9AFV3lo8BL-MP7nqoyfSpz_/s320/138217280_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now you know why the liver question is not only fair but brilliant. What a relaxing cruise on a beautiful day. <br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> When we returned it was to a lunch of a salad topped with strips of ostrich which was absolutely delicious. Then Dennis went off to do a quad bike ride and I was off to the spa.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Dennis’s two cents…</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> </span>Today is January 30th and our last night at Mosaic Lodge located 6 miles from the small town of Stanford, south AFrica. I would consider it an “all inclusive” resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included with an accomplished chef on staff. There’s a fully stocked bar in the lodge and like our meals, everything is complimentary. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58R4IiLy5nU1eOO3uYXByeMIhbZqcBYuwacALR0zXRDVUIab5FKtuhQ4GIhNIj0RO2r1B5EluVjtzKRAad8ZAQujq2ZFGm7jBmfBw8_JTaoNfcVgeNDwAB2nbS9wj1q06jhA6uR3pju8TZKhG6gh-lXkc33H9ExABtZWL8uXmjdau81-A93Y5vlgbTno3/s4608/138480592_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58R4IiLy5nU1eOO3uYXByeMIhbZqcBYuwacALR0zXRDVUIab5FKtuhQ4GIhNIj0RO2r1B5EluVjtzKRAad8ZAQujq2ZFGm7jBmfBw8_JTaoNfcVgeNDwAB2nbS9wj1q06jhA6uR3pju8TZKhG6gh-lXkc33H9ExABtZWL8uXmjdau81-A93Y5vlgbTno3/s320/138480592_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO7D7rDkspjoOj1iSfMgBZq1gNCsYTkRSCvMl-dutnkqxoe9ZDfe0-7GvN2-iClymeZCsFj5pE7vydo8eoESXFwmsfBC2O6158FAZian2kqzwKZC4L-HRmIl7QqVSrg-WLeIy2aSfvg1nab35wD1xeNGVEgxVCECdksiu9wMiVDApW3eTQN83gTFynR5S/s4608/138480640_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwO7D7rDkspjoOj1iSfMgBZq1gNCsYTkRSCvMl-dutnkqxoe9ZDfe0-7GvN2-iClymeZCsFj5pE7vydo8eoESXFwmsfBC2O6158FAZian2kqzwKZC4L-HRmIl7QqVSrg-WLeIy2aSfvg1nab35wD1xeNGVEgxVCECdksiu9wMiVDApW3eTQN83gTFynR5S/s320/138480640_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> Last night as we gathered to dine and talk with fellow travelers, it was a little too complimentary, if you get my drift. There are also a number of activities included, the pontoon cruise and swimming in the river, off roading with good sized quad bikes, guided hikes through the bush, mountain bike trails and more. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span><span> Yesterday I went quad</span> biking. It was a blast! They are 266 cc bikes and the trails are pretty tough. Cindy decided to pass and I think it was a good decision. I don’t believe her back would have handled it well. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamaa_EfquB4bBwvJMbFrTVLdSp8MO3QJN4aC6rDZmEzhEKMnC0s4EZa1ZI3NauxTFMLP7FRIVORmDOIt-FNnZezXnVDBQyNe580_YUz2igst5bWFIo5SGw28W0E-qo5evLoPuaWDOcagWw-l6bG_IFNeJHKD8VjUAPvZHQsdEOkp7US2w6lSn80H3AeOl/s4608/138218032_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamaa_EfquB4bBwvJMbFrTVLdSp8MO3QJN4aC6rDZmEzhEKMnC0s4EZa1ZI3NauxTFMLP7FRIVORmDOIt-FNnZezXnVDBQyNe580_YUz2igst5bWFIo5SGw28W0E-qo5evLoPuaWDOcagWw-l6bG_IFNeJHKD8VjUAPvZHQsdEOkp7US2w6lSn80H3AeOl/s320/138218032_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47XlwhUP96aZl-OnM_BIPZjOuxzhaHnX7RtK8c22wtwUxdGY3OhiBj3V40ARjdLVWelXlbMQZBSHwHOtiTnC5XpAD20ATLcdjU47vLVWuXMwl8mmxLkolImlsLwOLz1zs4fNGd3I9xopXmaHBjeo5VfLCR2ys-wv3Tan5jJ4bVwYwvCYb7MrhpOyGv-Jn/s4608/138218064_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi47XlwhUP96aZl-OnM_BIPZjOuxzhaHnX7RtK8c22wtwUxdGY3OhiBj3V40ARjdLVWelXlbMQZBSHwHOtiTnC5XpAD20ATLcdjU47vLVWuXMwl8mmxLkolImlsLwOLz1zs4fNGd3I9xopXmaHBjeo5VfLCR2ys-wv3Tan5jJ4bVwYwvCYb7MrhpOyGv-Jn/s320/138218064_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM2bp8LOWNKWxwdOXHQGMxnLMANpHx2Tg2cBjNaTpOglOHGUZghgEbSZhvEZ-SRCR_KmSv3dJAv3h6QvF6pczmfWr9ueitwG3_klGp0v5WUmm_s20XnY43e4a32svA6kHw7RIfQxYy7bpxjxzfw8eBGHT3-4HsMxUbNItGql7RZjL-O5MTIEP6k0-ojiT/s4608/138218096_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizM2bp8LOWNKWxwdOXHQGMxnLMANpHx2Tg2cBjNaTpOglOHGUZghgEbSZhvEZ-SRCR_KmSv3dJAv3h6QvF6pczmfWr9ueitwG3_klGp0v5WUmm_s20XnY43e4a32svA6kHw7RIfQxYy7bpxjxzfw8eBGHT3-4HsMxUbNItGql7RZjL-O5MTIEP6k0-ojiT/s320/138218096_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmiDsmgYwIEXuGeDMK-eqpMK-au62czsDQbI8a307VhU5g_kmKRI853I-4lUZcZQtpgmSa9pW9NU6zTosN0e1AF9OvD7VFyPgg74EUUws3eFehsse5YPOKn41LXBIjKrlH5q8H1gaL53eYY_vR3EZWSQvC_gvP5TNsEE1qkfzAn0m3NwIUCAKS0_mEvex/s4608/138218160_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZmiDsmgYwIEXuGeDMK-eqpMK-au62czsDQbI8a307VhU5g_kmKRI853I-4lUZcZQtpgmSa9pW9NU6zTosN0e1AF9OvD7VFyPgg74EUUws3eFehsse5YPOKn41LXBIjKrlH5q8H1gaL53eYY_vR3EZWSQvC_gvP5TNsEE1qkfzAn0m3NwIUCAKS0_mEvex/s320/138218160_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvyBNbfreAAgVL1VHrCCqx71tExXCMqCxrQrK4pFAq4hyIyLkS1Enz6l7fUPGlxL2vYeK9C3YdLcxSfhFvrZXq_X_DeNKHJzNyyRylq-3z0NqzNI8pQZ6Nwde4QeYZqjdwRu6YozoV681TaFO7TKb3mxvcepsPZG6Dz417X23Sl67LLbFB8s4ZfHbAgt4/s4608/138218144_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQvyBNbfreAAgVL1VHrCCqx71tExXCMqCxrQrK4pFAq4hyIyLkS1Enz6l7fUPGlxL2vYeK9C3YdLcxSfhFvrZXq_X_DeNKHJzNyyRylq-3z0NqzNI8pQZ6Nwde4QeYZqjdwRu6YozoV681TaFO7TKb3mxvcepsPZG6Dz417X23Sl67LLbFB8s4ZfHbAgt4/s320/138218144_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz-XwdvqSLLSjManfr7lHgVJ1IPdMJMj-8C26dvcc4eK2fqVGvPuhSaeai8EmqSuwA-lJ6PjJdlIDR0kt1n0A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EYKR6HIRwgW7a5xpGA26DmW4m0MF1qvZ-h9fDvpT9frSRt-sbgB9VPsuqv-HaBPiQ8GsWWAZhzlV7MI2nPLSuNFI5OVINiJT_kjATibi-iPr7IvfhFqpBL-ZMjB-T9xXNK_bAlOiru1TWHUnD4BMC9IBnef5JKVd_MVrdq9RXMhPMUzf2eAfrVB_pbi3/s4608/138218208_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4EYKR6HIRwgW7a5xpGA26DmW4m0MF1qvZ-h9fDvpT9frSRt-sbgB9VPsuqv-HaBPiQ8GsWWAZhzlV7MI2nPLSuNFI5OVINiJT_kjATibi-iPr7IvfhFqpBL-ZMjB-T9xXNK_bAlOiru1TWHUnD4BMC9IBnef5JKVd_MVrdq9RXMhPMUzf2eAfrVB_pbi3/s320/138218208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span><span> There’s also a nice plunge pool near our hut that I’ll visit when I’m done writing. We leave here at 10 AM tomorrow heading to another lodge for a 5 night stay. It’s around 100 miles from here or about 2 hours by car. I’ll fill you in on what transpires there after a few days…</span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> </span><span> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9sz2zgS701dI8VG6IOZplN2WviPeOA3AEWJIJuQ6eWoHCWaQ0NihgnhDZ9n0h2mg2jBp-2mUnHWKRGpWiwuRuJzNm2YIKdEfh4plXQIEeK3OIGuyjmFP0sfZBu9WjwLonhz9o2fyEkb1Jo4l8Oxx3eKj_USXXijGEvJ_dUiS5spM_-ccJapxevuM4rDH/s4608/137953776_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9sz2zgS701dI8VG6IOZplN2WviPeOA3AEWJIJuQ6eWoHCWaQ0NihgnhDZ9n0h2mg2jBp-2mUnHWKRGpWiwuRuJzNm2YIKdEfh4plXQIEeK3OIGuyjmFP0sfZBu9WjwLonhz9o2fyEkb1Jo4l8Oxx3eKj_USXXijGEvJ_dUiS5spM_-ccJapxevuM4rDH/s320/137953776_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It’s refreshing!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHczkr0YLTnFYtrMaCn3PGltS6lj5ud5bzXFzPErrzyoPjjBQ487D5gFd2LgzxfUpSlUpM2CaRsEIIRIbpHO3_Jh0d9aDVn2zSwdP48pUAxFas21q0oXdwrvrZ-NNXq4jmo7yWoVguR3zvrJq9oAuE4I2a1jMdlHykI4-zUHgjObGdwGoCxjlMw2Hq1iCn/s4608/137953696_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHczkr0YLTnFYtrMaCn3PGltS6lj5ud5bzXFzPErrzyoPjjBQ487D5gFd2LgzxfUpSlUpM2CaRsEIIRIbpHO3_Jh0d9aDVn2zSwdP48pUAxFas21q0oXdwrvrZ-NNXq4jmo7yWoVguR3zvrJq9oAuE4I2a1jMdlHykI4-zUHgjObGdwGoCxjlMw2Hq1iCn/s320/137953696_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZqSRwqVDBL39h-P1lQJg0cnUovXE-inR4Popkf-NywrYcRdGOadacYDtNTB9DLmZ8A4kVceGqhzx0qfUds1TQbcFGsfVy1UrtkLRkSTXtOeXITy7y3568vJ8ZyhtqlZaWhNYJAP-BHiazl9lfWHb8gPxlHXTf-xd7FIUE-bWYfLrqWbxyZInBpPwwp8P/s4608/137953680_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLZqSRwqVDBL39h-P1lQJg0cnUovXE-inR4Popkf-NywrYcRdGOadacYDtNTB9DLmZ8A4kVceGqhzx0qfUds1TQbcFGsfVy1UrtkLRkSTXtOeXITy7y3568vJ8ZyhtqlZaWhNYJAP-BHiazl9lfWHb8gPxlHXTf-xd7FIUE-bWYfLrqWbxyZInBpPwwp8P/s320/137953680_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><br /></span></div><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span> </span></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-81092069825122478722024-01-27T06:43:00.000-08:002024-01-29T07:00:14.669-08:00Leaving Moontide and Arriving at Mosaic Eco Lodge<p> <span> </span><span> We both loved Moontide Riverside Lodge. Can Natalee top it? It was an easy walk along the river to Salinas Bar & Restaurant, the beach at the Indian Ocean or into the town of Wilderness. Dennis could swim, suck prawns for fishing and then fish as well as paddle a canoe on the river. His last fish swallowed the hook and he couldn’t save it to throw back into the water. He gave it Edmond. Edmond dredged it with flour and egg and fried it. He said it was delicious. This was a place at which we both could have happily stayed longer.</span></p><p><span><span> </span><span> We took a couple of side trips. One to Knysna on a sunset cruise. Our driver Anton took us up to the top of the headland for a fantastic view of the ocean below wildly throwing itself into the estuary.</span> </span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwSadw05wUTzSJzs6nzo0EDEDbzLjOeSp30Z04oBpiDwZA30ZHhbh95FZT_VoxaDisf5tDkkhcOz8gb-1I1ypa_7M7ngWozxBkaBfP9oq83tV-fpNH2V99drVBRlWzwX_ycIvdmC60m8Tio39lnvxBTGKDCp2uGSCOXzv-QY6I1BuiG1qAnoIQ70LFkDC/s4608/137164576_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwSadw05wUTzSJzs6nzo0EDEDbzLjOeSp30Z04oBpiDwZA30ZHhbh95FZT_VoxaDisf5tDkkhcOz8gb-1I1ypa_7M7ngWozxBkaBfP9oq83tV-fpNH2V99drVBRlWzwX_ycIvdmC60m8Tio39lnvxBTGKDCp2uGSCOXzv-QY6I1BuiG1qAnoIQ70LFkDC/s320/137164576_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb1rALKzsDEZL28QZ9HDpz1KgxDVYsvLjog8SFceiIxcjs5Wh0kDnCs-2bCmjzq1Sp4uMX8m0YzJAgexnF7tPi3G9AObNsFWuDvqe1gViEQhGZaJcADknn_gapJ3owrI5AEOp9OHHeXpPTViw4VkGMgX1Od1W8IIEfO759DFZ-kVMLuCu4Ue086gtk4Gf/s4608/137164624_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb1rALKzsDEZL28QZ9HDpz1KgxDVYsvLjog8SFceiIxcjs5Wh0kDnCs-2bCmjzq1Sp4uMX8m0YzJAgexnF7tPi3G9AObNsFWuDvqe1gViEQhGZaJcADknn_gapJ3owrI5AEOp9OHHeXpPTViw4VkGMgX1Od1W8IIEfO759DFZ-kVMLuCu4Ue086gtk4Gf/s320/137164624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-geC8Ax7Yt6e9ZLB5yPoSFP__Ld4XpFmMNYlDot5ibUGC3ftmztlq-8KxPw9DgwUQyX9iObu9NYGiuEoOLa-IHiJ1zUYZzE7eaS6AUd9c3IK_0F83uhMcjhsKjsyfsOfSS06e2byT_dnkXFE4b91RszKxpwqx93XtzbOSw9Z2Kg53JaDMwOsO68PYx4b/s4608/137164720_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-geC8Ax7Yt6e9ZLB5yPoSFP__Ld4XpFmMNYlDot5ibUGC3ftmztlq-8KxPw9DgwUQyX9iObu9NYGiuEoOLa-IHiJ1zUYZzE7eaS6AUd9c3IK_0F83uhMcjhsKjsyfsOfSS06e2byT_dnkXFE4b91RszKxpwqx93XtzbOSw9Z2Kg53JaDMwOsO68PYx4b/s320/137164720_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M3XlRLeev7DMwWpCGDsajcuNbkjEz3c6hh3aC9_Ug0O5p6NBp05gjSiVlPsIsFYVXDezcDw55ovO0AV7iwJwwO6GIVmG7eNwZC_RvlXwsnsjMTWX3Bja2cd_bcWS5mv1mLXw_SEfmfs3-ykYI3ZlTk8StrX9jiyE0atoSLTy8VUuP8S4mQIvYS41hIym/s4608/137164736_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3M3XlRLeev7DMwWpCGDsajcuNbkjEz3c6hh3aC9_Ug0O5p6NBp05gjSiVlPsIsFYVXDezcDw55ovO0AV7iwJwwO6GIVmG7eNwZC_RvlXwsnsjMTWX3Bja2cd_bcWS5mv1mLXw_SEfmfs3-ykYI3ZlTk8StrX9jiyE0atoSLTy8VUuP8S4mQIvYS41hIym/s320/137164736_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span> </span><span> Later on the cruise we got to see the view looking up from below.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXMqzNoExxpjPHONF_9GsUtZVrZtfn6xSnQcUXdxdhWfdLRjgFDLVJ5bRhpxjadv79foJinmJNkfqnnMeoato_I9LlCxnqYdP7F4MP5KeJ8D7FPMOmiOl0oNyL_bBiYlNxZSrNvlxhZO18EodTD8MQJVWOIO5heZgwREnsJf0J0LDn5Mq_RAnQdtfCyKr/s4608/137427008_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXMqzNoExxpjPHONF_9GsUtZVrZtfn6xSnQcUXdxdhWfdLRjgFDLVJ5bRhpxjadv79foJinmJNkfqnnMeoato_I9LlCxnqYdP7F4MP5KeJ8D7FPMOmiOl0oNyL_bBiYlNxZSrNvlxhZO18EodTD8MQJVWOIO5heZgwREnsJf0J0LDn5Mq_RAnQdtfCyKr/s320/137427008_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzxg47_rYcyMONGxBcZgNdNEblWyz_refDMLXQcX-ra4cJSeEdbuaB1oJBrAylTxgkV-40EYk6Y45gnvp94HNokRAy9a7sqfUbd9Zzop2l8mTcojUxq609dR88dNIRqwFgIiQOirP9VMzb7dWHgD4CMa_w2xTXOY3E6UnHHr3nGncStt3EPddch61kqEE/s4608/137427248_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzxg47_rYcyMONGxBcZgNdNEblWyz_refDMLXQcX-ra4cJSeEdbuaB1oJBrAylTxgkV-40EYk6Y45gnvp94HNokRAy9a7sqfUbd9Zzop2l8mTcojUxq609dR88dNIRqwFgIiQOirP9VMzb7dWHgD4CMa_w2xTXOY3E6UnHHr3nGncStt3EPddch61kqEE/s320/137427248_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDqxC-0APxQBcRtuBmFQmrLrshM3wwmtg_znQVN_LofkYDPg_RPahZuVfrVtF5L5vjvjToP5GtrRWvF_sUEawe0QO5kGqhgN9x2TsO7Ju_5Y8Mp7OmiH2c6ie96wo0Wbt0UGX3C5wK9LssRNKtyjSc-orParZ-929o1UoPfDJYlNXDT5WGk2jb8dEiQZo/s4608/137427504_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDqxC-0APxQBcRtuBmFQmrLrshM3wwmtg_znQVN_LofkYDPg_RPahZuVfrVtF5L5vjvjToP5GtrRWvF_sUEawe0QO5kGqhgN9x2TsO7Ju_5Y8Mp7OmiH2c6ie96wo0Wbt0UGX3C5wK9LssRNKtyjSc-orParZ-929o1UoPfDJYlNXDT5WGk2jb8dEiQZo/s320/137427504_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qfWC7JaUCPRJAwAnbcmLRa18THzQQdkxuGQUhhw1MuSSfJ62fvGW-JrQxZygpwn8zUYq2hdJZn-B1chi45TGJ0Z7-XkArMNNWQs4qsZ8OjmWGUSYYVRCSkJpJPCqcRmHicf6EfkDh0lE5WoAgzFomn0fmPa8rjPhcrCNbvYizyThNH7Q3V0M8tQaDu7y/s4608/137427648_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qfWC7JaUCPRJAwAnbcmLRa18THzQQdkxuGQUhhw1MuSSfJ62fvGW-JrQxZygpwn8zUYq2hdJZn-B1chi45TGJ0Z7-XkArMNNWQs4qsZ8OjmWGUSYYVRCSkJpJPCqcRmHicf6EfkDh0lE5WoAgzFomn0fmPa8rjPhcrCNbvYizyThNH7Q3V0M8tQaDu7y/s320/137427648_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBXG4QQIe7KQo6SCX6aXQBYOgjKqmxZT_XnI_AtqJ1WgiO8KMV3NVT-p3cMWTu1EAOki4_RKLeZhPkSe9cXSkzQ67hTUiNQfhdwMs-BhY0tiUQ0667RbbVYR6RQcOS8tkRVspAL7c3WsqG9t-LobeJYdczWTrKYa-CxWQ6OOWVALSTHnQST-9dsR40RO2/s4608/137427712_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBXG4QQIe7KQo6SCX6aXQBYOgjKqmxZT_XnI_AtqJ1WgiO8KMV3NVT-p3cMWTu1EAOki4_RKLeZhPkSe9cXSkzQ67hTUiNQfhdwMs-BhY0tiUQ0667RbbVYR6RQcOS8tkRVspAL7c3WsqG9t-LobeJYdczWTrKYa-CxWQ6OOWVALSTHnQST-9dsR40RO2/s320/137427712_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7vZFmUK_b6V_kd7sgWcGFJDQY_E8Gmy9OTv-DEn2QupcgEIZpOlQMtsTRxTuBl4twd3JSzmOeivvsUAZ6R1Ue4n-rW9q85MQZFLhZxZpR_tYuG7uF_DQOvEZ7wBXdxMW-3E4Tb4xBEzB5DG3LIXMRWh7hqWdfIpmrEmbwXK3z7bddQjXVdM5QyIm-vfc/s4608/137427792_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7vZFmUK_b6V_kd7sgWcGFJDQY_E8Gmy9OTv-DEn2QupcgEIZpOlQMtsTRxTuBl4twd3JSzmOeivvsUAZ6R1Ue4n-rW9q85MQZFLhZxZpR_tYuG7uF_DQOvEZ7wBXdxMW-3E4Tb4xBEzB5DG3LIXMRWh7hqWdfIpmrEmbwXK3z7bddQjXVdM5QyIm-vfc/s320/137427792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> The next day, our last in Wilderness, we drove up into the mountains around Wilderness to see the “map of Africa” and the oldest tree in the country. 800 years and counting…</span><p></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X73v6tFHnLn7urz6YFLZycLIHWwYrZOt2z-v7O8m0kqbwaA7vOvtr3tNNoGHZNTKznNZxiCmLp8AspPIg35yGIKCxUQPvvHFXuM11IdCOew_oNYJSTC-G4uQS0rS3DCsq6fXpTiyTFUTTDEA9dTIZLGJ46rrYLlHjrpVqBBtNoguEckFhoE_5LxDRM6Q/s4608/137427824_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_X73v6tFHnLn7urz6YFLZycLIHWwYrZOt2z-v7O8m0kqbwaA7vOvtr3tNNoGHZNTKznNZxiCmLp8AspPIg35yGIKCxUQPvvHFXuM11IdCOew_oNYJSTC-G4uQS0rS3DCsq6fXpTiyTFUTTDEA9dTIZLGJ46rrYLlHjrpVqBBtNoguEckFhoE_5LxDRM6Q/s320/137427824_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4wq7IkCx6PKqq0W1TmXUPG5TBXvJf3Cc_BXKFftPKgPUfvpbWiubNhf0IEVsbPeqEaRjv0QQNFkos0K5pIT8mLB3j4wUY4ILglUElJbiVDV3jF_97SCmX4Ja7W0xJNoq5NqEowvWvzdPc4rrX8ptO-OAH1FVhPN6Wpxj_eZZ6WFD4AtbHmwLqKtYjl-p/s2649/137427888_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="2649" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4wq7IkCx6PKqq0W1TmXUPG5TBXvJf3Cc_BXKFftPKgPUfvpbWiubNhf0IEVsbPeqEaRjv0QQNFkos0K5pIT8mLB3j4wUY4ILglUElJbiVDV3jF_97SCmX4Ja7W0xJNoq5NqEowvWvzdPc4rrX8ptO-OAH1FVhPN6Wpxj_eZZ6WFD4AtbHmwLqKtYjl-p/s320/137427888_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOLvBLRVAQrzX_cB7xzDYrMg0uCJapwSBvbWj6dEEls1u5gqDz4P-BV5UAOg_dc_6BRzyU8rh2AlatezPMXOBigTWe7Ujp9sLTXafm_v8w-cKHIQrSJ0pro9KEIDKsVmhBfwm1SEWhUV2nBta2dCcjhsKc3KaqusPc2nyiTnzOkCHGAQIigZqLmzCQ1hV/s4608/137427984_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOLvBLRVAQrzX_cB7xzDYrMg0uCJapwSBvbWj6dEEls1u5gqDz4P-BV5UAOg_dc_6BRzyU8rh2AlatezPMXOBigTWe7Ujp9sLTXafm_v8w-cKHIQrSJ0pro9KEIDKsVmhBfwm1SEWhUV2nBta2dCcjhsKc3KaqusPc2nyiTnzOkCHGAQIigZqLmzCQ1hV/s320/137427984_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu3DEHk6qTPhugRUPAY1cPymcxQGdUTebC3NllOKXUZ3xibah-wSt5Q8h2PFMqjkbS4-lqX-5jShp4_CVPAOKnCPKAzUOh5ueK2Js-bC1YzAOL0g3ueppRfNQKUyyaZi5S5YsUDNdD7WgifqF3Za0euVNmg5j6SVOmu73WwQxd8g7AHTMk95xantNd9R2/s4608/137428000_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu3DEHk6qTPhugRUPAY1cPymcxQGdUTebC3NllOKXUZ3xibah-wSt5Q8h2PFMqjkbS4-lqX-5jShp4_CVPAOKnCPKAzUOh5ueK2Js-bC1YzAOL0g3ueppRfNQKUyyaZi5S5YsUDNdD7WgifqF3Za0euVNmg5j6SVOmu73WwQxd8g7AHTMk95xantNd9R2/s320/137428000_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> Each day started with a large breakfast—fruit kebabs, warm croissants, fruit juices, rooibus tea, coffee, cappuccino, eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled tomato, toast, omelette, French toast, all made fresh to order. Our first day we were in the dining room. After that the weather has been gorgeous and we’ve had our breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwd0ppEh49X_wGtbFkYgH-taLrUlCD3KmREpTC-mlF8YMWIgTLAG3HpGT6-1gEJIqVjf17n1nJ_VztNUQCSQoiKmbPe0YMulcjJEpklWJTqstop1AP4DyHyPHhkSf-N5He3J6WPfV9d5rR9_jF7rZDQiHChNaaiYMJo8RAaHnWd-4NU9FNPiChJIjf5y/s4608/137690384_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMwd0ppEh49X_wGtbFkYgH-taLrUlCD3KmREpTC-mlF8YMWIgTLAG3HpGT6-1gEJIqVjf17n1nJ_VztNUQCSQoiKmbPe0YMulcjJEpklWJTqstop1AP4DyHyPHhkSf-N5He3J6WPfV9d5rR9_jF7rZDQiHChNaaiYMJo8RAaHnWd-4NU9FNPiChJIjf5y/s320/137690384_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQydqb1II2wntbgyokuLmnDk1saFdROxo4uBMTj43LmenocSvQkAJZ3BVK5YcEZJfhT2h0o0P9a6EfaowcH7XxPfin3JLf9JmYPEiJQeyrqRkKe9CoX0ZVoZImJUCjO3BDzq_rxL7psoYXPDz8W3y7f64tXArO-46QBYUuoZkIpo8YbUHqVnmzGFs_R-A/s4608/137690400_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQydqb1II2wntbgyokuLmnDk1saFdROxo4uBMTj43LmenocSvQkAJZ3BVK5YcEZJfhT2h0o0P9a6EfaowcH7XxPfin3JLf9JmYPEiJQeyrqRkKe9CoX0ZVoZImJUCjO3BDzq_rxL7psoYXPDz8W3y7f64tXArO-46QBYUuoZkIpo8YbUHqVnmzGFs_R-A/s320/137690400_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciyihyphenhyphennjmscYy4BqIppZGxBaS4gM2umezOzYWgrRr6lZ0WQxntZVZmy6ymCo2crMlgm53_nCfDyQoJ1NsRNRzRlKuarxskKjpD5eJryfzEv0kiZ_w37B8YHxbKAjK_WwiXPXqQHDlRCR2KuuOiTmZSPM7B55XqkpajZ9js41jPBp-xeFzcvXkwhgxght6/s4608/137690512_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjciyihyphenhyphennjmscYy4BqIppZGxBaS4gM2umezOzYWgrRr6lZ0WQxntZVZmy6ymCo2crMlgm53_nCfDyQoJ1NsRNRzRlKuarxskKjpD5eJryfzEv0kiZ_w37B8YHxbKAjK_WwiXPXqQHDlRCR2KuuOiTmZSPM7B55XqkpajZ9js41jPBp-xeFzcvXkwhgxght6/s320/137690512_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeDVDOUfxDB0tl7o0Cm3cKVuhXuqA5TdvDk_A8ZQnMit3ItIYxjFK5Dm4dlFZJRKwItAVB2kOdWdDKiANP1Jryp0WclX61NRKmI-uUGYpdrqHwVV5YywgcV7SZ32X1LRRtUt7_IkFEaee5RdAbWxfH6dLKRTDw6xlMoDfuWjyAvZczK7OxRWlzvksORHx/s4608/137690576_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeDVDOUfxDB0tl7o0Cm3cKVuhXuqA5TdvDk_A8ZQnMit3ItIYxjFK5Dm4dlFZJRKwItAVB2kOdWdDKiANP1Jryp0WclX61NRKmI-uUGYpdrqHwVV5YywgcV7SZ32X1LRRtUt7_IkFEaee5RdAbWxfH6dLKRTDw6xlMoDfuWjyAvZczK7OxRWlzvksORHx/s320/137690576_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGmF8k2dI4C8HSK5kqMPwrx8KpUy5HHItpVtJnB8Ef0-JFPminj9dc02Ao1xHP8YodgcAZZV7Y7WRToa2qGA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Every day begins beautifully…and now we have traveled four hours southwest to the Mosaic Eco Lodge which is tranquil, and fantastically beautiful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tNpSmM3e_OuFrWYm0BeFd7lJ10gaJ_GDGQio1-feJlis3uAzEnq-bwSb2CN5xZy3jzPx4tLJHW2-WoI-zAGmU3dfQh6_3BQoJVn5tGbUN1uH9MKKuvI5ySVwJjsRPvJPS_AGfl5YUYVpw0Bu-QGB86GGP8XnmowwROd5m1R3LZhCxIHWDalseEtwNcxw/s4608/137690592_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tNpSmM3e_OuFrWYm0BeFd7lJ10gaJ_GDGQio1-feJlis3uAzEnq-bwSb2CN5xZy3jzPx4tLJHW2-WoI-zAGmU3dfQh6_3BQoJVn5tGbUN1uH9MKKuvI5ySVwJjsRPvJPS_AGfl5YUYVpw0Bu-QGB86GGP8XnmowwROd5m1R3LZhCxIHWDalseEtwNcxw/s320/137690592_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVZ17GyIvFen8k7VV8uh4EagE6dMevsZke9pcxe_myO9iKxFBonei5cVsVwthN0Z27czdbU7sWqt14H5IJR7VGlX_5ZBPjVAA28Qy87XRHS5qdGehihSptnb4Jpah2gwniRZrJv-GRec3S8SOcmZ7UKHQjDQe-7YH-3FVGInr8IsKgFaAEDOU3y0UKVRG/s4608/137690624_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVZ17GyIvFen8k7VV8uh4EagE6dMevsZke9pcxe_myO9iKxFBonei5cVsVwthN0Z27czdbU7sWqt14H5IJR7VGlX_5ZBPjVAA28Qy87XRHS5qdGehihSptnb4Jpah2gwniRZrJv-GRec3S8SOcmZ7UKHQjDQe-7YH-3FVGInr8IsKgFaAEDOU3y0UKVRG/s320/137690624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeBw4j6cJFZ_L3nP8pFmMpgl7XBOoaWs728DCJiAC_tiD8j1tSWILfHvqKgBaEPmPD4M6ye8d5MFKoawCqXUBekyJXfL41C5lLQGjHXwtsEF7eq7oZc-3rqCTFjj8_yKss-c0RiDuXfG86nraOX14a18ZWsmdbuaFT3j4ZzelEBYEZlLFC3Is7F3DRUW5/s4608/137690720_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeBw4j6cJFZ_L3nP8pFmMpgl7XBOoaWs728DCJiAC_tiD8j1tSWILfHvqKgBaEPmPD4M6ye8d5MFKoawCqXUBekyJXfL41C5lLQGjHXwtsEF7eq7oZc-3rqCTFjj8_yKss-c0RiDuXfG86nraOX14a18ZWsmdbuaFT3j4ZzelEBYEZlLFC3Is7F3DRUW5/s320/137690720_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlENIpry3H28Zq5Wq8b0CGGqFyGyJLRhMy34O_0VJBtVGpXHfaNfWK79cpLfh_q3dvqOB18uWQO0W_lGmPoB86jroQ5y4XJXsZDRYiZX-P1883c0XBPhUSCV-T1HMIfevpZxPv6iGdcNMq6yZ27APnff70pJGlwOtl6j4pOAsYnrwSQeK3VZxHs5M7-Tu/s4608/137690784_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlENIpry3H28Zq5Wq8b0CGGqFyGyJLRhMy34O_0VJBtVGpXHfaNfWK79cpLfh_q3dvqOB18uWQO0W_lGmPoB86jroQ5y4XJXsZDRYiZX-P1883c0XBPhUSCV-T1HMIfevpZxPv6iGdcNMq6yZ27APnff70pJGlwOtl6j4pOAsYnrwSQeK3VZxHs5M7-Tu/s320/137690784_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2Hdlm4UacIodobnUYTiaQvWirFxSy6nqEx1nPUyy3wZ5vgPZvjpSHGAf5JqLWUle9GxKqu6eef-jwKCZQ1_ucaasbTyVSMpMHSwN9qRw-KkN93l-MOZ1mZWRB6hfE-Ounq0E8Mo_ohTQft8K2FKq1jeT5efav8cx0ezt_NmcvL7CG2xiAFLoZdvqch99/s4608/137690832_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2Hdlm4UacIodobnUYTiaQvWirFxSy6nqEx1nPUyy3wZ5vgPZvjpSHGAf5JqLWUle9GxKqu6eef-jwKCZQ1_ucaasbTyVSMpMHSwN9qRw-KkN93l-MOZ1mZWRB6hfE-Ounq0E8Mo_ohTQft8K2FKq1jeT5efav8cx0ezt_NmcvL7CG2xiAFLoZdvqch99/s320/137690832_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Everyday brings a new surprise. What an adventure!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /> </span><br /><span><br /> </span><p></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-87202422982893163892024-01-25T00:30:00.000-08:002024-01-25T00:30:54.021-08:00Moontide Riverside Lodge, Wilderness, SA<p> We arrived on Sunday, January 21st to this lovely place on the river. Our landlady Maureen has assembled a fantastic staff who can arrange almost anything for you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxltp3FFOQuai04NR3vftmqzM4sHAT6rKd04Ofn5iMLa3IOPy0AC3Vp_SzfbbjiI_monFQGgqQDf3B1p8a62gAOZHRI0pAa3yqF5XEuWCfIZbiCm0UjQ5DwwApz7RZ2U2DvbtWhUHYTKnwyJktUfjqaQgLRge4y6FQOnRQo5IUt305qzze9xB07DxsBFW/s4122/136638448_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="4122" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxltp3FFOQuai04NR3vftmqzM4sHAT6rKd04Ofn5iMLa3IOPy0AC3Vp_SzfbbjiI_monFQGgqQDf3B1p8a62gAOZHRI0pAa3yqF5XEuWCfIZbiCm0UjQ5DwwApz7RZ2U2DvbtWhUHYTKnwyJktUfjqaQgLRge4y6FQOnRQo5IUt305qzze9xB07DxsBFW/s320/136638448_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHbWSBvFy1QL5ukfe1b_im8P_ZDa_75ElfLKW5zSBdTNr7F_j2gJFeArMHMu1Fb2Yu7wv8wvlxNM_Z-fvP6ysiAucQ20moM9nu8W66tVBMBpgH6f0uebNzaSsWsPb393V-Xv8y0emqxVTGAjIAUDkm1pDnb9hU0tp-MgWSboC54Dl2bHMHSRibj4gg0Lh/s4608/136901616_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHbWSBvFy1QL5ukfe1b_im8P_ZDa_75ElfLKW5zSBdTNr7F_j2gJFeArMHMu1Fb2Yu7wv8wvlxNM_Z-fvP6ysiAucQ20moM9nu8W66tVBMBpgH6f0uebNzaSsWsPb393V-Xv8y0emqxVTGAjIAUDkm1pDnb9hU0tp-MgWSboC54Dl2bHMHSRibj4gg0Lh/s320/136901616_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dennis & Maureen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGXP4HgrsLGZhl4704vAqwCItnTLODmItt9bKb4_d95jPyGqiE7K4MrMBdkAW5eefPC7y_VnyJDMtXffHwJAI7_B5vMvVswCuJyfNE5PbQRiU8wxiD2ElxnRjPWpA7-0sdSnHFjXERMcqGBfdtyUML_z1jLui3CTG0B6tpopG3I_A9jU6KY7RRw1qOxu4/s4608/136113632_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGXP4HgrsLGZhl4704vAqwCItnTLODmItt9bKb4_d95jPyGqiE7K4MrMBdkAW5eefPC7y_VnyJDMtXffHwJAI7_B5vMvVswCuJyfNE5PbQRiU8wxiD2ElxnRjPWpA7-0sdSnHFjXERMcqGBfdtyUML_z1jLui3CTG0B6tpopG3I_A9jU6KY7RRw1qOxu4/s320/136113632_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cottage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvRH7V-60BY8Qa_5QwZieukFz7ezzwPaKWtqfogXj-Gy2h9elyiwIx1ovopsrZs_ws0orIas2BOjqBztyp84CuKfMte77cwrmfzbD9aCySS6PiqU1Q0fyGRAzR4H5LHLz6ra5yTPbmxJFq6rNEeBuSWZTBMLNT4NKA-alaiiRMV8MDhIRWahfppuwIoH-/s4608/136113648_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixvRH7V-60BY8Qa_5QwZieukFz7ezzwPaKWtqfogXj-Gy2h9elyiwIx1ovopsrZs_ws0orIas2BOjqBztyp84CuKfMte77cwrmfzbD9aCySS6PiqU1Q0fyGRAzR4H5LHLz6ra5yTPbmxJFq6rNEeBuSWZTBMLNT4NKA-alaiiRMV8MDhIRWahfppuwIoH-/s320/136113648_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xqVl1OqJPTu1lmMzqR6O6dLCXc8fzxgf2BEUmXv4UpBSNQLSKQNJqI9pHjXq3fWNdHE80e5vRjfQUkD4Bk89DGIVa-epYK0IrrX9YEZCkyTe7OS4Y4sYn2rBFxk9wlQp4ps1rheFv86jEVYaKWbxQDxTI69yzReMw6nMBe0j4nMlA7WvGHnIgv81b8Y/s4608/136113680_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5xqVl1OqJPTu1lmMzqR6O6dLCXc8fzxgf2BEUmXv4UpBSNQLSKQNJqI9pHjXq3fWNdHE80e5vRjfQUkD4Bk89DGIVa-epYK0IrrX9YEZCkyTe7OS4Y4sYn2rBFxk9wlQp4ps1rheFv86jEVYaKWbxQDxTI69yzReMw6nMBe0j4nMlA7WvGHnIgv81b8Y/s320/136113680_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v8xSRyFH8D9JLIAfr_I6oNSUxkFUBPl-2YHn5iFP5GlPBdijDpx6YQdS_Y4OcHPWUDaCRt1gSnp2zB2oE2KYEgW0z2wZNK52cILxcyQNcTbNCnYBDYO3en27ZKbmSLcl6LzV_hsoZ2-nRnalfCoqz-GMhpE3aA-Y8UIL7KKTwseyeyLNhbMCUQguLwzb/s4608/136113712_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7v8xSRyFH8D9JLIAfr_I6oNSUxkFUBPl-2YHn5iFP5GlPBdijDpx6YQdS_Y4OcHPWUDaCRt1gSnp2zB2oE2KYEgW0z2wZNK52cILxcyQNcTbNCnYBDYO3en27ZKbmSLcl6LzV_hsoZ2-nRnalfCoqz-GMhpE3aA-Y8UIL7KKTwseyeyLNhbMCUQguLwzb/s320/136113712_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> We have a very nice second bedroom which you can peek at through the kitchen door, if you’d like to take a jaunt over we’d be happy to see you. Our days here have been most relaxing. Both of us have been reading. I’ve been painting and working on an anticipation guide for Ethiopia. We’ve walked into town, bought a few groceries and walked the short distance to the Indian Ocean where we’ve enjoyed the Salinas Bar & Restaurant.</span><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3TpDn9Q-5FfP-65eTkA-QCfarK4lXzi3D8UHPbl20PLKLwWlCBSBAlFqJjO8UIQE4FyyJbK_m1O8sE_YX1qibfVyA3uHXPE1EDzzaBbvJbCt-KTvLCe1BN6YG7lxc5e1hfByiAcAXa4jFjz4b7J3lNSXSAMsWai9Uk4QxBvY7emOdkjvOxm2E1brqYei/s4032/IMG_7071.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_3TpDn9Q-5FfP-65eTkA-QCfarK4lXzi3D8UHPbl20PLKLwWlCBSBAlFqJjO8UIQE4FyyJbK_m1O8sE_YX1qibfVyA3uHXPE1EDzzaBbvJbCt-KTvLCe1BN6YG7lxc5e1hfByiAcAXa4jFjz4b7J3lNSXSAMsWai9Uk4QxBvY7emOdkjvOxm2E1brqYei/s320/IMG_7071.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdrAQ-fCBQXZejANSjCg8yfwejU28i4cdnkacwTFh5Qu7LoIa6pyRHMNvmC9bQoOCfa1HjCxjpPTXr76BquMdbAmWz79KyBHnswAxteKn4AaAF-7gkO1v_ndWn7dyzkJoMaOLh2UTgTZDyxfrIhVFHVnL0_aRl-hih_Crccfm80s6cnsoIlBa9oaunirk/s4608/136638336_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdrAQ-fCBQXZejANSjCg8yfwejU28i4cdnkacwTFh5Qu7LoIa6pyRHMNvmC9bQoOCfa1HjCxjpPTXr76BquMdbAmWz79KyBHnswAxteKn4AaAF-7gkO1v_ndWn7dyzkJoMaOLh2UTgTZDyxfrIhVFHVnL0_aRl-hih_Crccfm80s6cnsoIlBa9oaunirk/s320/136638336_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-JAnLcmR_e9JaUdTDC2gns4VC5CFeX0VBV8yv2PI1vfAGFCqNvJNb9QoaRdIO_qkQln3hEZwCnvzHSXo4oYYoZF8iQlib5IKAgJoszJ_IdpWnLpzYLIHcRHv8BIQZwAW9WV37THEAluDQcbKiyoyb7kqonzZgZQlSxz22YKi3oa6wph7ysnrQjZHZzKd/s4608/136638912_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-JAnLcmR_e9JaUdTDC2gns4VC5CFeX0VBV8yv2PI1vfAGFCqNvJNb9QoaRdIO_qkQln3hEZwCnvzHSXo4oYYoZF8iQlib5IKAgJoszJ_IdpWnLpzYLIHcRHv8BIQZwAW9WV37THEAluDQcbKiyoyb7kqonzZgZQlSxz22YKi3oa6wph7ysnrQjZHZzKd/s320/136638912_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yEm1ECrhY3NVoMIjKGvh1KaquDHBVH3pO1HN8XkW7v32FSc9Pmz2aoiJPOd-NNkV694zKwbgRpOeaAg9ICXFHpJki-pNRFrj9exUSa4tjR_gnmlMNzBhzwciftM5mfPxC9L7zlyMTgKuvuL4XRI8WrXt3QBHcUjAdfZ8UbmHksadG9GU9-4mNpyki5b0/s4608/136638928_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_yEm1ECrhY3NVoMIjKGvh1KaquDHBVH3pO1HN8XkW7v32FSc9Pmz2aoiJPOd-NNkV694zKwbgRpOeaAg9ICXFHpJki-pNRFrj9exUSa4tjR_gnmlMNzBhzwciftM5mfPxC9L7zlyMTgKuvuL4XRI8WrXt3QBHcUjAdfZ8UbmHksadG9GU9-4mNpyki5b0/s320/136638928_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNXtBn3sLfOyi8fVwp93dEMFx9CzJXJl16AkgJgaXQcy8NlpINidZrZaYIXZfQjLH1yUawG8rXLSLfecRBPn_QUUWAK4emNG9FCvZqVRrHf34IGmKGK7J_xWNVcwJFKkNV2UABKGxahmR9O9_auaC-r8pRDC9vxQgfzNpDe-bkrWfA0pxaXzJ2uWo45OU/s4608/136639056_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNXtBn3sLfOyi8fVwp93dEMFx9CzJXJl16AkgJgaXQcy8NlpINidZrZaYIXZfQjLH1yUawG8rXLSLfecRBPn_QUUWAK4emNG9FCvZqVRrHf34IGmKGK7J_xWNVcwJFKkNV2UABKGxahmR9O9_auaC-r8pRDC9vxQgfzNpDe-bkrWfA0pxaXzJ2uWo45OU/s320/136639056_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquaYlxhz00-lJrLYQvIhP7bd8_WMBcSHji3K7NKyGSrw7DMgKlH-q-sgDLEvKHBcUhoKtFnWPxoJo4tG1WBI4HHaHyGtwMxJ0rFY8xlfSl3p8lyIxNebSbFg31c6HZveG8DEWaS7hec9BHppZe0_ecN-TfcLr2W5w71hf5bSF4rFoD24EjDWDDiFrvOVE/s3369/136901472_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3207" data-original-width="3369" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquaYlxhz00-lJrLYQvIhP7bd8_WMBcSHji3K7NKyGSrw7DMgKlH-q-sgDLEvKHBcUhoKtFnWPxoJo4tG1WBI4HHaHyGtwMxJ0rFY8xlfSl3p8lyIxNebSbFg31c6HZveG8DEWaS7hec9BHppZe0_ecN-TfcLr2W5w71hf5bSF4rFoD24EjDWDDiFrvOVE/s320/136901472_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <span> </span><span> This morning Dennis is out learning how to catch prawn so that he has bait for fishing. I’m not sure what he’s going to do with the fish if he catches one but I’ll worry about that if the time comes.</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzNBxVuqkWmgyPvUpEiDy_YrK-3Wkf9yDkBsyNuo_HQDPSfmm54OJTmTvGhSMyb17tf2ohMLKh7n7mxxG5TwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzbWq-IKhQzgcuR0bgq4NydQPdPXzYmz4HDgEgkaAiEajoBIPy6jsSrWzxbWIK-mbWyCoWmLK-DcYdP3V6Q1Bt5TOvjDyTFEAMy2XRYqsfvft4TzxHU5jJCQyb83gQPlS8vFDXTOrXZsHZvrvEKTTnxYKWPxqf74aWvEej-qj5RK8ZOx84_ggg7SrM_nB/s4032/IMG_7074.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzbWq-IKhQzgcuR0bgq4NydQPdPXzYmz4HDgEgkaAiEajoBIPy6jsSrWzxbWIK-mbWyCoWmLK-DcYdP3V6Q1Bt5TOvjDyTFEAMy2XRYqsfvft4TzxHU5jJCQyb83gQPlS8vFDXTOrXZsHZvrvEKTTnxYKWPxqf74aWvEej-qj5RK8ZOx84_ggg7SrM_nB/s320/IMG_7074.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What will I do if he catches a fish?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoVC90ToLR8YG5OamLlZoG8QgCah2BQLy7orLclFUYE-rs4jYnWdyM1khhBPJPHe-zgtS2nH7L3XQpFgpSRLla8ZOjYLfLhQhafoLsYMkUJYcGrpFlTFpeqekOiaG_333BkFdMhTRcp2V5HCTq6248FAyKPRAQOBAzcTm-gs4DHjiviFByGdnRhESovw6/s4608/136901808_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoVC90ToLR8YG5OamLlZoG8QgCah2BQLy7orLclFUYE-rs4jYnWdyM1khhBPJPHe-zgtS2nH7L3XQpFgpSRLla8ZOjYLfLhQhafoLsYMkUJYcGrpFlTFpeqekOiaG_333BkFdMhTRcp2V5HCTq6248FAyKPRAQOBAzcTm-gs4DHjiviFByGdnRhESovw6/s320/136901808_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPumi0JdNIKqm9vcpoQxzYT0SPhAU4tIb4l9DeZbhxuqOpaxJ-7n7iiaxiA9BXyF-djMfzjd6dgTBH6IFEowL4d_WUVEBCo3C_xchFkLnqvC4NUoIuRSjrsWmbUst8YnPxf9hOrZRB_GSDFz9ZSqFLCZTXXITt70bLJFJzppQlQvEJ7jwppFXredyGLbz6/s4608/136901792_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPumi0JdNIKqm9vcpoQxzYT0SPhAU4tIb4l9DeZbhxuqOpaxJ-7n7iiaxiA9BXyF-djMfzjd6dgTBH6IFEowL4d_WUVEBCo3C_xchFkLnqvC4NUoIuRSjrsWmbUst8YnPxf9hOrZRB_GSDFz9ZSqFLCZTXXITt70bLJFJzppQlQvEJ7jwppFXredyGLbz6/s320/136901792_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4D19rPcfwq6vcMWAT39MYL3OWTx5Vbp_nR3OfvvxeeBu91EpWDTUasdwA5dO78NjaAd_nVycJRY4DzdK9irELj3jXuGcVOvEgpYZ3Q-hbUsz8dTGj5BlB7HyL__lzOtwn5R6wwUh-ggzVGD7EaCTBhQKQQclxfKA0dZvTlCZssYzaTVowDjO_fxjgJgJ/s4608/136901712_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4D19rPcfwq6vcMWAT39MYL3OWTx5Vbp_nR3OfvvxeeBu91EpWDTUasdwA5dO78NjaAd_nVycJRY4DzdK9irELj3jXuGcVOvEgpYZ3Q-hbUsz8dTGj5BlB7HyL__lzOtwn5R6wwUh-ggzVGD7EaCTBhQKQQclxfKA0dZvTlCZssYzaTVowDjO_fxjgJgJ/s320/136901712_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span> </span><span> Oh Boy! This is quite the day. Yes he has caught fish, two at the moment both are catch and release. </span><br /><div><span>First there are the prawns for bait…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwkdIxhVFIP8_mcpNmEhSQYFyi3yiR0TLEv_HT-cJ3TmBC_OBzIaUnMcJ50wcC_IMeRcDBvBWJ8GmJ1Z-b90A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> And then comes the fish…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9dsu8O1gHIl8zU6EQcsMw7oUtX4DsREvohxdooxdVt9IUpnIUyK3cJ4atJGrfcopcbBLzHLGWQAuzYFRVWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPAmZ6k-9k9AAzjD17OWyp6zuahZfqxicYutIvfumvOHBfKlrvnvhiovqQu7zNNMg98EgoeI3i047HXEJJOL8oJuFyJbWAfWHgXPe9pXRPFVgU_uLPzJHX7iWrPaaIDahViQEJdMXrd6U0JlB_HTj5iyXMT9XyzyycHw2xw1X6D6Kx2FeUnY9ntPzavS4/s4608/136901968_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPAmZ6k-9k9AAzjD17OWyp6zuahZfqxicYutIvfumvOHBfKlrvnvhiovqQu7zNNMg98EgoeI3i047HXEJJOL8oJuFyJbWAfWHgXPe9pXRPFVgU_uLPzJHX7iWrPaaIDahViQEJdMXrd6U0JlB_HTj5iyXMT9XyzyycHw2xw1X6D6Kx2FeUnY9ntPzavS4/s320/136901968_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rW2sOWPs8ap3H1iHNhBjnsbC7lq8aTW-YV-LpM1f9sN63sx6UGcwsBVO_eQTFd-PTnsXt9xiUm4nBP4qEM2KTumb6fHm6KcCuEFUb0LpylSeE1fGhmAi4pDv36kmLxlfQoI-D0hdkf0FeWegJoLF8SUkWPDWmLUuVRKp_HQzutgCewVzfwrR5D-E82Vg/s4608/136901952_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rW2sOWPs8ap3H1iHNhBjnsbC7lq8aTW-YV-LpM1f9sN63sx6UGcwsBVO_eQTFd-PTnsXt9xiUm4nBP4qEM2KTumb6fHm6KcCuEFUb0LpylSeE1fGhmAi4pDv36kmLxlfQoI-D0hdkf0FeWegJoLF8SUkWPDWmLUuVRKp_HQzutgCewVzfwrR5D-E82Vg/s320/136901952_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5mvxhTkAt_FBO6O5S7TX3lzufsbnLYtcov3FQ_3zZPxV5P28Gt-DEVx72qKc5f3pLmBY3ZDlHLglOrkRR2GuHBXfflndnTzYfEHLEyYxIsBX2Ohf5N4Nbn7oj03KFcJ8BUI6kiulMwpYeARkDYj2H65ejXOodu9hucHXzQJEMCYDHLVWlkFuLSaEX3bw/s4608/136901936_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5mvxhTkAt_FBO6O5S7TX3lzufsbnLYtcov3FQ_3zZPxV5P28Gt-DEVx72qKc5f3pLmBY3ZDlHLglOrkRR2GuHBXfflndnTzYfEHLEyYxIsBX2Ohf5N4Nbn7oj03KFcJ8BUI6kiulMwpYeARkDYj2H65ejXOodu9hucHXzQJEMCYDHLVWlkFuLSaEX3bw/s320/136901936_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69j21MJZDW0yfAr89W56O0UHUCb-VE7kSBLHH2oi2CWo-mvhQ5172YjSS70-xYqZhsoh2r9QarqIr3RkgYZE6vclvPCcys0Y1emNw6_IlpUM5yeaZckYa-hypOQYBlkSyF8CTrTp7uvPnM1mexmXfkJIKrmeToQyIj-8T1jzpganTMTMQ_qx1OUFvhN3_/s4608/136901888_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69j21MJZDW0yfAr89W56O0UHUCb-VE7kSBLHH2oi2CWo-mvhQ5172YjSS70-xYqZhsoh2r9QarqIr3RkgYZE6vclvPCcys0Y1emNw6_IlpUM5yeaZckYa-hypOQYBlkSyF8CTrTp7uvPnM1mexmXfkJIKrmeToQyIj-8T1jzpganTMTMQ_qx1OUFvhN3_/s320/136901888_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And the prize goes to…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sm99CqiImM-thlCK4bWuRgbNo63SjVp6iSYXT_m_YOYN8RExvPq7KE99pUpAqDFj95n8f5JqY4X2O8hNHxQ8wZxv8SBjh6Q2pkWZy79Q3kk326YJU_aALq-SevPb0AlxtAmXV8cg2iY8ZDagSpgACsg8CaVlF9Lx6snTUjLjPBYdoMNBRn0Nb5C2FePG/s1200/9dfb5c8c-343f-45dd-b4ef-eb83878a2c8a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1200" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Sm99CqiImM-thlCK4bWuRgbNo63SjVp6iSYXT_m_YOYN8RExvPq7KE99pUpAqDFj95n8f5JqY4X2O8hNHxQ8wZxv8SBjh6Q2pkWZy79Q3kk326YJU_aALq-SevPb0AlxtAmXV8cg2iY8ZDagSpgACsg8CaVlF9Lx6snTUjLjPBYdoMNBRn0Nb5C2FePG/s320/9dfb5c8c-343f-45dd-b4ef-eb83878a2c8a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihERmG76YxFF6QE6GCJcJBWHbNFJQEhotaaztccITm9ao5AkzfzuW46oVv212BnjWktpKUPJBGTO3fiNfOHo0IXw4m-yiT9mmyInKe11D2lNJ1UWycSQuiP-c03eWD6_jaHQQ7R2T0mbRX7bZ-vfOFQnUnn05PY1taLlxKTmG_sGqAv6HucaGBHrF5cMpF/s1600/53ecccb4-91ba-4949-8d78-7f1eca15b0f3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihERmG76YxFF6QE6GCJcJBWHbNFJQEhotaaztccITm9ao5AkzfzuW46oVv212BnjWktpKUPJBGTO3fiNfOHo0IXw4m-yiT9mmyInKe11D2lNJ1UWycSQuiP-c03eWD6_jaHQQ7R2T0mbRX7bZ-vfOFQnUnn05PY1taLlxKTmG_sGqAv6HucaGBHrF5cMpF/s320/53ecccb4-91ba-4949-8d78-7f1eca15b0f3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>And in a very few moments she was back in the water swimming quickly away from the fisherman! We finished the day with a delicious dinner at Girls on the Square where we got to meet Natalee and her partner Andrew. Natalee is our Elsewhere Lonely Planet travel agent who arranged this part of our extraordinary trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS7s9q0B7nR5niARTBGf_gPQQxNZ6DPbL8VzkYnwFXkr8DnR5mZXmLsDWlc3t5-M1TtEqbvdkxdXmO5DDqQuZ-YRV0-YcvLrh2X9GxgM-kbN1ptZxbnSx4ysvIDL38h8QBvUCXTSOYCzeBVyWf89mEB1T1vCVa28axXvd8TudsZHNMXLf1hMOhl_0n_Ob/s4608/137164240_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS7s9q0B7nR5niARTBGf_gPQQxNZ6DPbL8VzkYnwFXkr8DnR5mZXmLsDWlc3t5-M1TtEqbvdkxdXmO5DDqQuZ-YRV0-YcvLrh2X9GxgM-kbN1ptZxbnSx4ysvIDL38h8QBvUCXTSOYCzeBVyWf89mEB1T1vCVa28axXvd8TudsZHNMXLf1hMOhl_0n_Ob/s320/137164240_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This restaurant specializes in South African game and so I must confess I tried kudu which was delicious. So the animal is beautiful and tasty. We ended the evening listening to the many stories of Andrew and Natalee who have been in the travel industry for most of their adult lives. They met in the bush where they managed park lodges. Now there’s a book in there somewhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /></span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-48095487723474236542024-01-21T10:45:00.000-08:002024-01-21T10:45:26.025-08:00Eswatini AKA Swaziland<p> <span> </span><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbSf945JU4ZdvbcltLM994Zbkt3jO73g0PvtJ8qBdLnUO_dpndHcCO3YduITEeex-ZzagrlGe7-i55dqJfivGViLYSm6Kbpjx_b6qGsLB-Zc4GnXGmceGdiJVJ8zynM5XiyK2VUh9By4FuHUm4TvgXFF6WclugOnEatFtKUf68G9zPGAWBjq-XnJdUS2z/s4608/135851216_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbSf945JU4ZdvbcltLM994Zbkt3jO73g0PvtJ8qBdLnUO_dpndHcCO3YduITEeex-ZzagrlGe7-i55dqJfivGViLYSm6Kbpjx_b6qGsLB-Zc4GnXGmceGdiJVJ8zynM5XiyK2VUh9By4FuHUm4TvgXFF6WclugOnEatFtKUf68G9zPGAWBjq-XnJdUS2z/s320/135851216_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WIAK5fIBab7H4GhVpCcIeSJna4-VEQbOsLDW1BH260xLuRAb7-9F51j1Lg90XqHgI4DAVCl5EMP8hX5Wq7IJ84IXVo6ddgG3aayznKw9ptPsIRHYhn15XhdveIZo-i3t9DYcLclnZn9Q7emNfestEZaH9QJdH_6bpYYx7frxe8TxhzkwPaLRnD53wxg_/s4608/135851200_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WIAK5fIBab7H4GhVpCcIeSJna4-VEQbOsLDW1BH260xLuRAb7-9F51j1Lg90XqHgI4DAVCl5EMP8hX5Wq7IJ84IXVo6ddgG3aayznKw9ptPsIRHYhn15XhdveIZo-i3t9DYcLclnZn9Q7emNfestEZaH9QJdH_6bpYYx7frxe8TxhzkwPaLRnD53wxg_/s320/135851200_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lDg1ZLezZpbtKnCtnbHhwaiVkcnWJ027qRNrGJu7HK-1HRaD1Y0xD3-NlLEvyKXSFqmL99hNGIjnwk00Z2WliMIhtq79S_hyphenhyphenWAyTAlE_GCABH4a6xdTEJIhjCE_6Y_Fna-53XgeqAsiGUUkWPQatMH3yz6uWWr3WGLHZ3F0kqE6E_pBRSLp-imGOQR2v/s4608/135324160_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lDg1ZLezZpbtKnCtnbHhwaiVkcnWJ027qRNrGJu7HK-1HRaD1Y0xD3-NlLEvyKXSFqmL99hNGIjnwk00Z2WliMIhtq79S_hyphenhyphenWAyTAlE_GCABH4a6xdTEJIhjCE_6Y_Fna-53XgeqAsiGUUkWPQatMH3yz6uWWr3WGLHZ3F0kqE6E_pBRSLp-imGOQR2v/s320/135324160_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> We arrived at Foresters Arms in the afternoon along with the rain, after a 4 hour drive from White river. The lodge, surrounded by trees is nestled in the forest and offers views of multitudes of flowers and fauna. Dennis was really taken with the huge platter of green leafed plants. The pool was also very green since the rain had washed in mud and plants. Three days later when we left, the efforts of the grounds crew were paying off and both transparency and blue were returning to the water. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVn0fxKXKBKcJgqD3rtwApHj3KKdKwGPW-XDd2KaC2zufEAtBjCY6N9hyJdDAcAhsvabPQNC5emI-sN9cIc5OgVMMtnJr3mSfsh-jLjwkDbTBf3L4jvnI5FWGV6A5DDSe-3iYD05sdIz8cqKvY5pBuusWm9gbhwjw25NNactPIqzCvDXsMJSOuyft_6x7/s4608/135850800_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVn0fxKXKBKcJgqD3rtwApHj3KKdKwGPW-XDd2KaC2zufEAtBjCY6N9hyJdDAcAhsvabPQNC5emI-sN9cIc5OgVMMtnJr3mSfsh-jLjwkDbTBf3L4jvnI5FWGV6A5DDSe-3iYD05sdIz8cqKvY5pBuusWm9gbhwjw25NNactPIqzCvDXsMJSOuyft_6x7/s320/135850800_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtlQ-zq1O8Nj6qae2PGvvdClXcX3QeU32vOrIx0U2eg0W5eCeNIoklWfhfNXZSXpa__TUXIpptYZdycVbkRj6tN1vKUbORds9lrq-0bojt8eX0PZOa1RFsdebKPaCYQRSTid2U5sh31_wZZC0dl88QCkYj6b3pI98snFhyU7qqC0knpYIRBI_tCAsTcIR/s4608/135850816_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBtlQ-zq1O8Nj6qae2PGvvdClXcX3QeU32vOrIx0U2eg0W5eCeNIoklWfhfNXZSXpa__TUXIpptYZdycVbkRj6tN1vKUbORds9lrq-0bojt8eX0PZOa1RFsdebKPaCYQRSTid2U5sh31_wZZC0dl88QCkYj6b3pI98snFhyU7qqC0knpYIRBI_tCAsTcIR/s320/135850816_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5izC8bWhpe_2PJu0_tHHyvfCmDX_8o21psy-YyHaGQ1wIDAo8WuqXiL7SvgLFAwqDxWF5Dxdbk7e8nfZbdHgJ-H9-G1ImAq4SmV562vjjJHEEuqnRBikJ2XlyKepLT3wV-boGzyKxK85YeGmq-XEv5VZdcLQXAH4YRxtH8t-qIJnb3Dm5_Vzyz7L5BV7V/s4608/135850960_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5izC8bWhpe_2PJu0_tHHyvfCmDX_8o21psy-YyHaGQ1wIDAo8WuqXiL7SvgLFAwqDxWF5Dxdbk7e8nfZbdHgJ-H9-G1ImAq4SmV562vjjJHEEuqnRBikJ2XlyKepLT3wV-boGzyKxK85YeGmq-XEv5VZdcLQXAH4YRxtH8t-qIJnb3Dm5_Vzyz7L5BV7V/s320/135850960_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KR6Hq6yUoFNIZSXVYD-JPpekbTEPONtgmkx-i8wFi0TOcL7ipZR7SMcxtqkP87Fu6Zy8D4lexvGap-7FYdXAPxdELJjA4tK5a0MrlW_pmub0utVrJBQZwPjQ5gp3HxC7mK-wjxk71FGTZgl-tlJKCfhetaedLKdzw6Ewza-0KkJb63jjQWt0IFftjJeu/s4608/135851024_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KR6Hq6yUoFNIZSXVYD-JPpekbTEPONtgmkx-i8wFi0TOcL7ipZR7SMcxtqkP87Fu6Zy8D4lexvGap-7FYdXAPxdELJjA4tK5a0MrlW_pmub0utVrJBQZwPjQ5gp3HxC7mK-wjxk71FGTZgl-tlJKCfhetaedLKdzw6Ewza-0KkJb63jjQWt0IFftjJeu/s320/135851024_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQNIQyRbsTB9Dx7u1X5NQ8RwgPCnOMMgexDztL4uutmkE3QPuIphrvY-d6JAFCp_Gz-o_ioGAl8sIoGTrkoMg0IOjtskcetkmTf2_6-unrISshrzHV1_Z6BStPrL2lMqSZvmA2G9Ec6qdsCW_qXAs1Q3S9hC8AP9gnE2u-wrGR7hjzmRXhqlceum2PRSZ/s320/135851152_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX2XCiqoHPn0haA0zNkn2s4lb9zIJ42NNhImTOzVk-s3rxssVD292hHr85qc9PZgvEzupDSPKNWDWkpeUyp8JZ3w25Wbvn48QeFy2LUBvi7JXG3Ek2Jo0sY9-tSsFGr2j29X1brtcqWuEmHKxJfupeM7fKgRRWqPOU7CD_AyRD3FLyNrFNk3X9PnGzgoA/s4608/135850848_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqX2XCiqoHPn0haA0zNkn2s4lb9zIJ42NNhImTOzVk-s3rxssVD292hHr85qc9PZgvEzupDSPKNWDWkpeUyp8JZ3w25Wbvn48QeFy2LUBvi7JXG3Ek2Jo0sY9-tSsFGr2j29X1brtcqWuEmHKxJfupeM7fKgRRWqPOU7CD_AyRD3FLyNrFNk3X9PnGzgoA/s320/135850848_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8AlqyGY5xIuoU_1fn8EpgA_Lm7YnGUCDJCBfhaN8l9rRV0WydUCuCyI7ndEp-eQJj-RAu7RFtynIpSFzae43ZpeHfHwNtEmcpH8ol1lPf3ZDTe_io904Ca1bTSQ5IeFqPZ10_HMdyZMjL3KZonNZFGFN5fGgjFYDPOCcAJAzcQTo8c5KnSZJvE4pApds/s4608/135850880_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8AlqyGY5xIuoU_1fn8EpgA_Lm7YnGUCDJCBfhaN8l9rRV0WydUCuCyI7ndEp-eQJj-RAu7RFtynIpSFzae43ZpeHfHwNtEmcpH8ol1lPf3ZDTe_io904Ca1bTSQ5IeFqPZ10_HMdyZMjL3KZonNZFGFN5fGgjFYDPOCcAJAzcQTo8c5KnSZJvE4pApds/s320/135850880_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFWFh48CBx6tiQQeoDy4YUuSAd_t5oQ7g7QBdEyE-fKCi89ymBL7ZP_tLZL1O7_jgKLxEcNsQ3yVkbu5L_SWBlPrEz3l3dt-Q-Vb5DVwyImsT4GWmGbDWZBhpD-FtyzbSUMGBNgaydC2m9U9sGtUJ9wmbmUFQTcw-PPu_0Ki5MnlWa00xH6HYjzizz8VD/s4608/135850944_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFWFh48CBx6tiQQeoDy4YUuSAd_t5oQ7g7QBdEyE-fKCi89ymBL7ZP_tLZL1O7_jgKLxEcNsQ3yVkbu5L_SWBlPrEz3l3dt-Q-Vb5DVwyImsT4GWmGbDWZBhpD-FtyzbSUMGBNgaydC2m9U9sGtUJ9wmbmUFQTcw-PPu_0Ki5MnlWa00xH6HYjzizz8VD/s320/135850944_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> At dinner that night we spoke to Ruth, the owner and arranged for a driver to take us to the Mantegna Cultural Village and the Sugar Snap Cafe. Both of these were recommendations from Matt Perry. Ruth suggested that we put off our excursion for a day due to rain. So we spent a quiet day reading and for me, painting. It was the first time I had actually had an opportunity to get out the art supplies and go to work. It was a good day for both of us.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgoHl5I4aFaJqNhycsLv8n4h8rdblY8RUW_zq-9OuOkOGgb5208U68byRf0D54JFEsnhNPpZuP5UNZiMXMhQShMQ9QFPwJRLaImoNovSvfxWV4Jfeccou-yDBoBeBmPNljU1eTbosKE5nz0nn8suUIWUcq3eh0w1a-taVRim0FC2xvE-hShh9XzARlQUu/s4608/135324224_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgoHl5I4aFaJqNhycsLv8n4h8rdblY8RUW_zq-9OuOkOGgb5208U68byRf0D54JFEsnhNPpZuP5UNZiMXMhQShMQ9QFPwJRLaImoNovSvfxWV4Jfeccou-yDBoBeBmPNljU1eTbosKE5nz0nn8suUIWUcq3eh0w1a-taVRim0FC2xvE-hShh9XzARlQUu/s320/135324224_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impressions of Namibia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pz0EQjbeySIPOmLoJBd9DTZavRt5mLtpZpEwYFx1u-nmaa1b-xKojXhES9u5UUazVHplXcqeRYZlNf-zyDdUui1QKgRQKr3sQdVb4sOzK1j__8_GXK9aCIYEkAKOc3l_a6KEKliuFP7B1YtOYnwfrFlHPIvZx-4mRwJXH9LL58UMpJn3eDJ0c7KhNNj0/s4608/135324240_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pz0EQjbeySIPOmLoJBd9DTZavRt5mLtpZpEwYFx1u-nmaa1b-xKojXhES9u5UUazVHplXcqeRYZlNf-zyDdUui1QKgRQKr3sQdVb4sOzK1j__8_GXK9aCIYEkAKOc3l_a6KEKliuFP7B1YtOYnwfrFlHPIvZx-4mRwJXH9LL58UMpJn3eDJ0c7KhNNj0/s320/135324240_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning to envision Windhoek</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> Our excursion day dawned bright and sunny. I had one little tiny glitch. Something has happened to the LCD screen of my camera. It looks like it’s cracked but there’s no actual crack. It looks like the fingerprint of a witch so the left hand side doesn’t show what the left side actually is. I contacted Canon but they no longer have the great tech support they had. I can call but it will cost a fortune, especially if I have to wait on hold. I sent two emails but have gotten no response. When I’m home, I’ll start shopping for a new one but I doubt that it will be a Canon. Grrr. </span></span><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span> </span><span> </span>At Mantegna we were there in time to enjoy the music of the traditional dancers. I think the dances are kept alive in much the same way as Folkloric dances. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTpW2RfU1HKZTKMuRz6qIRGlsEeIBc4VcLZTMPOLGWxyhRVf5vgYKjOs_ic9OptJ1pKQgUKNxQAbheQSlj0r0_2XLPY3_cypNKlxFki14uGGVVJav5oeWxBJWTw9rRoyvi8tTsq1dhhgHwJYqClgtYX1WEgu9WXNvVn0_JRtdW5D4kaJ0neOeguc4KHUy/s3741/135587696_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3361" data-original-width="3741" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTpW2RfU1HKZTKMuRz6qIRGlsEeIBc4VcLZTMPOLGWxyhRVf5vgYKjOs_ic9OptJ1pKQgUKNxQAbheQSlj0r0_2XLPY3_cypNKlxFki14uGGVVJav5oeWxBJWTw9rRoyvi8tTsq1dhhgHwJYqClgtYX1WEgu9WXNvVn0_JRtdW5D4kaJ0neOeguc4KHUy/s320/135587696_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuu6JteSsbBpzd85da-cbwEeZjbFXHX8Gqnx2-4AxEo4cLzXgKvE1nGpM25Gs6zZS0UALta41lIgAS-C5URO8skvLgmWEborsXhdf7_RQDo8tpTnHr2qwN2zXU5GOyS7tOHeuh_7eNagdXev7DS6X9QtxD1t9zPXHr9VivXB2QrWASPcMXfSE0AEKa8Ww/s4608/135587472_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3182" data-original-width="4608" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuu6JteSsbBpzd85da-cbwEeZjbFXHX8Gqnx2-4AxEo4cLzXgKvE1nGpM25Gs6zZS0UALta41lIgAS-C5URO8skvLgmWEborsXhdf7_RQDo8tpTnHr2qwN2zXU5GOyS7tOHeuh_7eNagdXev7DS6X9QtxD1t9zPXHr9VivXB2QrWASPcMXfSE0AEKa8Ww/s320/135587472_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6oQqUTehhvbdmFVKCN73QgOYuibDrUWqrR09PFhhQQZhjehpsMcSmhY3LmP921mSWI6jn5OOj1Dukb9HCJ6tiCoSqOqfAPQn8xe9BcDbxk2iws7465fWqMfZrG-y3U6ixGUnCs6wiWJsOBnWqimZ5ADFrTyh5LElYSFelUhR3qvh6gVu6sBKXIbB-ikk/s2727/135586768_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2727" data-original-width="2637" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6oQqUTehhvbdmFVKCN73QgOYuibDrUWqrR09PFhhQQZhjehpsMcSmhY3LmP921mSWI6jn5OOj1Dukb9HCJ6tiCoSqOqfAPQn8xe9BcDbxk2iws7465fWqMfZrG-y3U6ixGUnCs6wiWJsOBnWqimZ5ADFrTyh5LElYSFelUhR3qvh6gVu6sBKXIbB-ikk/s320/135586768_Unknown.jpeg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SaBu7bipGeLNvoJuk9Nt5AUcBw9eN49Mw7Jjk5tLokLdtDFYKt4jKvYSEHa9c30b4D8r_9BWXa7j4kpk2k4NFpGHzjw9bDmrRoapo18qwEY6L7s-NC4K4o37Y_CGHm8giW4iS_hv4JlZ_KUOum0KQYcXFYz5QYGvbfXd9kNecZeMMxDPngTlQcIIPGxs/s4608/135586608_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SaBu7bipGeLNvoJuk9Nt5AUcBw9eN49Mw7Jjk5tLokLdtDFYKt4jKvYSEHa9c30b4D8r_9BWXa7j4kpk2k4NFpGHzjw9bDmrRoapo18qwEY6L7s-NC4K4o37Y_CGHm8giW4iS_hv4JlZ_KUOum0KQYcXFYz5QYGvbfXd9kNecZeMMxDPngTlQcIIPGxs/s320/135586608_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> After the singing and dancing we took a tour of the traditional village. The grandmother has a special house. As the men can have more than one wife the husband’s mother has a special role. This grandmother becomes the negotiator and the judge should conflict arise between wives or between a wife and a husband. I asked our guide, Thulani if such traditional villages still exist. He said they have not existed in this way since the times of his great-grandparents or not for about 100 years. Though it is still possible to have more than one wife. King Mswati III had 15. Two left and two died. He has 36 children and 11 grand children. Younger people are less likely to follow this tradition.</span></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt25ULx4a7OFFffDEVKAb_qWkcA6GhfY8PVfgU5d0nJYx49IGGbWOiTInd5Fr2tfsxIxrf9JvKBt5i7Zqy7xWGluIOyApsOT2RCk-1ho7KRRmyiEaQ5SRUg2wDM_hnkY_HA84BjFfo7mivQHGXk2kauFKkvumYXBvZTCdz7KAJ1ucjIP-jvZqXxVso28C/s4608/135588224_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt25ULx4a7OFFffDEVKAb_qWkcA6GhfY8PVfgU5d0nJYx49IGGbWOiTInd5Fr2tfsxIxrf9JvKBt5i7Zqy7xWGluIOyApsOT2RCk-1ho7KRRmyiEaQ5SRUg2wDM_hnkY_HA84BjFfo7mivQHGXk2kauFKkvumYXBvZTCdz7KAJ1ucjIP-jvZqXxVso28C/s320/135588224_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynWafevyzT9xT72fxGp38nu0ey0ERy6IutozzdrVPSQx-WFQu7GEbB8nBU2B2jWAItxqSlcgVZllKXV3w0kTO_fYx3NAerd_r8Gm_nksf4Gut3JQxbdtwgPOI7gksbos9OIdu4f9RCtjT0o7eMWUvvXJAk2XU9kfSIktyLby2vbNCbl1bzA_NLyo61Zh-/s4608/135588336_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynWafevyzT9xT72fxGp38nu0ey0ERy6IutozzdrVPSQx-WFQu7GEbB8nBU2B2jWAItxqSlcgVZllKXV3w0kTO_fYx3NAerd_r8Gm_nksf4Gut3JQxbdtwgPOI7gksbos9OIdu4f9RCtjT0o7eMWUvvXJAk2XU9kfSIktyLby2vbNCbl1bzA_NLyo61Zh-/s320/135588336_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-93WJqxqbL9CgNevHHZT0mopCp_7PEANKGgRmQ6ZvkkbqMNfDmXSVVlPULJ3o0YD5rHb46DsKNwsZvrb7FYyFUzmmhCXmRSbXp9fMI_zlQjgA6FJpYMSElmw5c5uyE-jty4bNEl1fh4H5PtKb-y92desrIyCdzrUkr_5x4Y3nYO_fV63HRmfqaO_1TpAD/s4608/135588352_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-93WJqxqbL9CgNevHHZT0mopCp_7PEANKGgRmQ6ZvkkbqMNfDmXSVVlPULJ3o0YD5rHb46DsKNwsZvrb7FYyFUzmmhCXmRSbXp9fMI_zlQjgA6FJpYMSElmw5c5uyE-jty4bNEl1fh4H5PtKb-y92desrIyCdzrUkr_5x4Y3nYO_fV63HRmfqaO_1TpAD/s320/135588352_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuG4VY2e1xdqQUsKUF1kugXPWg3RVU7TA9a7Os6x8mUKZAdS4YcrLboC1JUlb1Ki5xays_U3XYJ5XNyJKDPrhAiFclaS0bTnVP3UxOMvTVdrSAIAsUefwsDT8gty1O03g0xT32cGBYdGi2yXwPeMyzzjgondnDdwWX2E-XVOIFlKuY2VZg7Bd720IH5Tt/s4608/135588368_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuG4VY2e1xdqQUsKUF1kugXPWg3RVU7TA9a7Os6x8mUKZAdS4YcrLboC1JUlb1Ki5xays_U3XYJ5XNyJKDPrhAiFclaS0bTnVP3UxOMvTVdrSAIAsUefwsDT8gty1O03g0xT32cGBYdGi2yXwPeMyzzjgondnDdwWX2E-XVOIFlKuY2VZg7Bd720IH5Tt/s320/135588368_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHKzO4gUlog2UmdgxQVR8fWHP4TOr5X0RscI2u5GswKQY3mdM49ZxmJjGaYmfnuoZEHBVS8MeViR5OpoGH5rxz9C6E3n1JOkgtyiH4y73cxCqg6pIARFwoo2pv0fLaThcCh5dPpvNC3VwU-089gTFwqmWIJ3CZpr58gQyyO-FjOLm37H-lfw8NMMd29jV/s4608/135588432_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHKzO4gUlog2UmdgxQVR8fWHP4TOr5X0RscI2u5GswKQY3mdM49ZxmJjGaYmfnuoZEHBVS8MeViR5OpoGH5rxz9C6E3n1JOkgtyiH4y73cxCqg6pIARFwoo2pv0fLaThcCh5dPpvNC3VwU-089gTFwqmWIJ3CZpr58gQyyO-FjOLm37H-lfw8NMMd29jV/s320/135588432_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span><span> Near the village there is also a very pretty waterfall. We took the rough challenging drive to see it. It is a lovely spot for a picnic though it has signs warning about crocodiles. Our guide Thulani told us that in 7 years he has never seen one.</span></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnNlMfELmoHVjfuGo2fuIF67d1Ytjh5_MOCZsbE-OwvG8k31MMjwJjMc4P64YpypgrlFm6Ywrd9DeMWS-0yTf0JBrfWnD9w0EvD95_b7YHvoUQAQwFX3I2AkZfNJxLgdAoPMe6MUqFV-kiBL75NbmkpWiy5h_CHorpLgoFm07H6IoSgMrgiIH1QE-twqp/s4608/135588528_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnNlMfELmoHVjfuGo2fuIF67d1Ytjh5_MOCZsbE-OwvG8k31MMjwJjMc4P64YpypgrlFm6Ywrd9DeMWS-0yTf0JBrfWnD9w0EvD95_b7YHvoUQAQwFX3I2AkZfNJxLgdAoPMe6MUqFV-kiBL75NbmkpWiy5h_CHorpLgoFm07H6IoSgMrgiIH1QE-twqp/s320/135588528_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtZpk_IOkN6nRNRQV5i8zvqhDBqKKDnE-B0FvsG0sMlhLZps7lyJ81RVJSNESxv1V2UiFanXbt6khj6uwxdlWfILOBeH-VKY0wnsmYyWQBTb6B5fOdC2WYbkK0gG7ebye1DqMGkV0kXP0Z2PZjojQOYO6lspS-VEL8qycm9_JmLVrt1GJvnHSlEFPLRGk/s4608/135588560_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtZpk_IOkN6nRNRQV5i8zvqhDBqKKDnE-B0FvsG0sMlhLZps7lyJ81RVJSNESxv1V2UiFanXbt6khj6uwxdlWfILOBeH-VKY0wnsmYyWQBTb6B5fOdC2WYbkK0gG7ebye1DqMGkV0kXP0Z2PZjojQOYO6lspS-VEL8qycm9_JmLVrt1GJvnHSlEFPLRGk/s320/135588560_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> From here we went to the Sugarsnap Cafe where the 4 of us had lunch and got to meet Cynthia Coozi, the owner. This was another recommendation from Matt. She was a delight as is her cafe.</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jpUmNzg_z0R2vLLB7BanYBu9VBSgVUPB-STxY_L4EC3N7RjK8EbQaaxpIUWxKK0zyAi3NjXQtOfQfDihMl7EDOzVTN88d60nZqv1iD-yGZdNI_-WX1iS2lo1sjutmctludBEc75ZFExsCvcHTDou6gOHCqgIkGVy5lvnQ-vbmE8fFY7uq6DLGd5PBncU/s4032/IMG_7059.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jpUmNzg_z0R2vLLB7BanYBu9VBSgVUPB-STxY_L4EC3N7RjK8EbQaaxpIUWxKK0zyAi3NjXQtOfQfDihMl7EDOzVTN88d60nZqv1iD-yGZdNI_-WX1iS2lo1sjutmctludBEc75ZFExsCvcHTDou6gOHCqgIkGVy5lvnQ-vbmE8fFY7uq6DLGd5PBncU/s320/IMG_7059.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span><span> Back at the lodge we finished packing. After the generous lunch at Sugarsnap we couldn’t even think of eating dinner. We went to the bar to share a bottle of wine. While there we began talking to a couple sitting at the bar. We had seen them around the lodge before, working on computers and internet service. They lived in Johannesburg but come to Foresters Arms several times a year to provide tech support. It seems they’re animal lovers and have rescued 4 dogs. They also have a 300 pound pig. They got the pig as a gift for her young son who had been traumatized by the loss of 2 Pekinese dogs. The woman who sold it to them assured them that it would NOT get larger than 45 pounds. It turns out that many of her customers also ended up with very large pigs. When they complained on her Facebook page she simply defriended them and the complaints disappeared.</span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLyWVA57e10vemtBWDewvNh8iXvhRMwKDHk4QPffVk5q-QwWU8EfDE4d6riHcg8eVC9pNs9E5PCTQ8wK5aZqBgv6RoQkKxQdzgtGF5YVdjTibe695wYgOE0P3LJpaw5z0SeOA2tmuUvWDsp79J6Jcy6duKqWSiTne4seFihbFSU9ATxXx3IY7LIvFROE0/s4032/IMG_7023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLyWVA57e10vemtBWDewvNh8iXvhRMwKDHk4QPffVk5q-QwWU8EfDE4d6riHcg8eVC9pNs9E5PCTQ8wK5aZqBgv6RoQkKxQdzgtGF5YVdjTibe695wYgOE0P3LJpaw5z0SeOA2tmuUvWDsp79J6Jcy6duKqWSiTne4seFihbFSU9ATxXx3IY7LIvFROE0/s320/IMG_7023.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9DuO3bsLu7wu4eWJUHJXnebAccfHOYgYyAmaGaRajkl9SBQgK95Sg0aKdE10LuJXLbcV02mQU_zm8ZLOtYkqDZgslPNt1MDuNQNehLWqDWPZO_sOT6gmo8yDWZt8RlUXZ4CGEjTYlWQeZBS9a9OZM4Awegac-cpB1avBJfYkJMx3fkgn5b9mZpPU057W/s4032/IMG_7025.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9DuO3bsLu7wu4eWJUHJXnebAccfHOYgYyAmaGaRajkl9SBQgK95Sg0aKdE10LuJXLbcV02mQU_zm8ZLOtYkqDZgslPNt1MDuNQNehLWqDWPZO_sOT6gmo8yDWZt8RlUXZ4CGEjTYlWQeZBS9a9OZM4Awegac-cpB1avBJfYkJMx3fkgn5b9mZpPU057W/s320/IMG_7025.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37C0YJqH5cyS6RR3WEsVs1kHTmhsdZQ6K0joTxdXxMJjSLdEsbNeBD3IKwgk_pHWWP7jh87ihi437EhcjgiLSnNl5TVzNK9ogtS15GnDWgO0xSnYkwaHQ1rvVJdZ5C2_v7Si22D70N-7ZYvrU_aPtp8LWSWAsOLOmYYdw8_D_zErPnTuZWd5mMxqtM9pJ/s4032/IMG_7024.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37C0YJqH5cyS6RR3WEsVs1kHTmhsdZQ6K0joTxdXxMJjSLdEsbNeBD3IKwgk_pHWWP7jh87ihi437EhcjgiLSnNl5TVzNK9ogtS15GnDWgO0xSnYkwaHQ1rvVJdZ5C2_v7Si22D70N-7ZYvrU_aPtp8LWSWAsOLOmYYdw8_D_zErPnTuZWd5mMxqtM9pJ/s320/IMG_7024.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> This pig, Harold is about 14 years old now. He’s completely housebroken and sleeps in the kitchen. As he’s getting up there in age, they’re beginning to worry about what will happen to his body when he dies. To have him cremated will cost a fortune, plus can you imagine the smell coming from the crematorium? BBQ! Currently their vet bills are about $500.00 a month. They were very entertaining to talk to. They talked over each other explaining their lives and telling tales on each other. What a fun evening.</span></span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> Saturday—South Africa!</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil1LiYoXHWeZjvku0teKz_mROtEMPIz38Dtd0lqQ2Rb-X33K0KZYp0ngETyCuwg9D8iIDyohoJOWDF2FJJNyhqHJkODC64p1JNs8Hju_WKVrVXGri0RkDQHWaP35f5_1RJ5mzEDocbOyUReGAiPNOpb5KVphChD_c0mC4bD0YYMDMHpia0XoJqeoGX09u/s4032/IMG_7065.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil1LiYoXHWeZjvku0teKz_mROtEMPIz38Dtd0lqQ2Rb-X33K0KZYp0ngETyCuwg9D8iIDyohoJOWDF2FJJNyhqHJkODC64p1JNs8Hju_WKVrVXGri0RkDQHWaP35f5_1RJ5mzEDocbOyUReGAiPNOpb5KVphChD_c0mC4bD0YYMDMHpia0XoJqeoGX09u/s320/IMG_7065.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itX6kPSzoEYRqFrzGFjXSPePxPplA41BiXXtwoOV9zwEV3VLaSFQ3jfvfyjHIHrnaTsoho3nwu67Yq6PWaoWKl22Hgj1qYYj2f-ZxdP1CLW1WoACIUMGAMEcD46JTnlaUtioBBaaScITGkna81knArulNjvi1ZnZ9FyGgS7MqPdlcknS-7lTb8Ctxnh2/s4032/IMG_7069.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7itX6kPSzoEYRqFrzGFjXSPePxPplA41BiXXtwoOV9zwEV3VLaSFQ3jfvfyjHIHrnaTsoho3nwu67Yq6PWaoWKl22Hgj1qYYj2f-ZxdP1CLW1WoACIUMGAMEcD46JTnlaUtioBBaaScITGkna81knArulNjvi1ZnZ9FyGgS7MqPdlcknS-7lTb8Ctxnh2/s320/IMG_7069.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good bye Swaziland! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><span> </span><span> A final word from Dennis:</span></span></div><div><span><span> </span><span> I too enjoyed the cultural village, the dancing and especially the talk given by the village elder. As we toured the reconstructed village. But life here in Africa (as it has in many other places in the world we’ve visited) has and is evolving. Accessing the internet and cell phones is changing people and cultures. Everyone has a cellphone. As an example, our driver Selo asked if we would mind if he picked up his son while returning us to the Foresters Arms. No problem. The boy is a beautiful three year old attending pre-school. Selo stopped and came back to the vehicle with a bright eyed, smiling boy. “He’s learning English in school.” Selo told us. </span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xvxn-GY3YwFgVtknWU8gpFuhz5171SviP2b-TOxV_m2hzV-L8q5GNEfK15_NDSkGTikP2qd-B9W97ZJGGIJlpSGJxiBMkHorpQn7h9gk5Jk7knPxL103h3I8sTOCa422WDw3YHOzUE9TRc2lVYu8d0uIMrm-7RlwEQ8_X5_LeFUUOnJhH7piBAwmYYMT/s4032/IMG_7061.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xvxn-GY3YwFgVtknWU8gpFuhz5171SviP2b-TOxV_m2hzV-L8q5GNEfK15_NDSkGTikP2qd-B9W97ZJGGIJlpSGJxiBMkHorpQn7h9gk5Jk7knPxL103h3I8sTOCa422WDw3YHOzUE9TRc2lVYu8d0uIMrm-7RlwEQ8_X5_LeFUUOnJhH7piBAwmYYMT/s320/IMG_7061.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span><br /><span><span> </span><span> </span>We talked to him a bit and then Selo got a phone call from his wife. His son knew it was mom and wanted to talk to her so Dad passed the phone to him. He was sitting in the back seat between Cindy and me. After taking and laughing with mom, he disconnected and started searching the photos. with two thumbs he maneuvered like a pro to things he was interested in seeing while the 79 year old grandpa sitting next to him sat sucking his thumb. 😋 I found it fascinating. Where am I going with this? Good question. When we travel, we hope we provide jobs and money to those needing to feed their families as well as adding new experiences and adventures to ours. That’s what we hope. Oh, and the waterfall at Mantegna? It was beautiful. Comments? Go easy on me. Remember I’m old. 😲 <br /></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><span><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-80459862713623603332024-01-17T06:33:00.000-08:002024-01-17T06:33:36.748-08:00It isn’t just about the count…<p> Welcome to South Africa. No we didn’t see all of the big five animals listed by big game hunters: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo. We missed the lion and leopard but we have seen those two in Tanzania. Here we got some photos of some of the herd animals and birds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PbJ5BQqb_J4KwmhMWZ0b7iRBcOQAhyphenhyphen0-FyKVWVlWNh0Vbf8B2PbzvA65u1LAH5GdIp9CqYMD0htUFXDbCGuTPdnJc6B5F88vs394b2x5HcSvAkb-5yyGQGbPMCu7SndcPADrMqrYTAgB44vPN408cpD6Rbp91OYHIfHz5qbWjEJNM5NdeN1ru3A3u7kf/s4608/134795808_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PbJ5BQqb_J4KwmhMWZ0b7iRBcOQAhyphenhyphen0-FyKVWVlWNh0Vbf8B2PbzvA65u1LAH5GdIp9CqYMD0htUFXDbCGuTPdnJc6B5F88vs394b2x5HcSvAkb-5yyGQGbPMCu7SndcPADrMqrYTAgB44vPN408cpD6Rbp91OYHIfHz5qbWjEJNM5NdeN1ru3A3u7kf/s320/134795808_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkyhYAOuOIydLlaxbc2oOXw2UNn7bIYceFuj-tqup6rsFBXRZ9bdIpuA16vZPSFSsfMXU18gjuDF-DlGNyfEdAgCg5JHi9ofEyNN4zfrI7_ltWVqw_Cfv13oZzUlibdBP0cNe4WPgR0uV5wrjTBl9RXtL-VyDDybPVVHLFcZW-WmexiHsn2pEfvYnOwO0K/s4608/134796080_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgcXi69H9Ia90cr3nzimMJNcBBWZoxrEtMJ1rA0BH7PSWXGX8JRZhaFbnGaXoUP0vCKPRdQZUpmcTwIaaf3VeZnTqB3ZND2jHgrbN9pRX8AATONOXiKE5zUlBAZjfrqg2EsYCCPhZxljhIWRerwHUsttItJDbMN1T0MB2MI8xJRqiaYpPiasjvLxr0epY/s4608/134797568_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgcXi69H9Ia90cr3nzimMJNcBBWZoxrEtMJ1rA0BH7PSWXGX8JRZhaFbnGaXoUP0vCKPRdQZUpmcTwIaaf3VeZnTqB3ZND2jHgrbN9pRX8AATONOXiKE5zUlBAZjfrqg2EsYCCPhZxljhIWRerwHUsttItJDbMN1T0MB2MI8xJRqiaYpPiasjvLxr0epY/s320/134797568_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDd2KdMSLB3PYH7VocDHyQ3X6neBGwVIkCyka6krRvjsELCVs9Wlx6gIJDQLla5cIX_BJbpH7qffp_gLwHccSWOGdmieaXZ1ea2cFezRhyphenhyphenSXvvKcW5Qs8ouOaAL9tyvieioGnQ4-x9FVwaEw0dcBPwn0vqxwTHq8sn_di1m9Z9dWBbZMrCtvwcMN4EH62/s4608/134797824_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXbzc8cLFm7wQdmkUcDG5dOQlx6Gy4ygY4Lf5bbVmZtrpo-sExOC5owZSOhAns4AYWc7XNJ5Tz2zJEdn-x2Fax_LjthIfk0Pu7rlfbUNStQJXTgjd70OrL5las5bEAnSFeRn2NRdwrk-ffqByfzGwzzDxHqMjyq65YhyYk0rODXVdHoDwQD7NSlvBEzOJ/s4608/134798480_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXbzc8cLFm7wQdmkUcDG5dOQlx6Gy4ygY4Lf5bbVmZtrpo-sExOC5owZSOhAns4AYWc7XNJ5Tz2zJEdn-x2Fax_LjthIfk0Pu7rlfbUNStQJXTgjd70OrL5las5bEAnSFeRn2NRdwrk-ffqByfzGwzzDxHqMjyq65YhyYk0rODXVdHoDwQD7NSlvBEzOJ/s320/134798480_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnIOBmbR37jUV8ou8BVSiEuoX1-cS0QlShxQRjfSDoUT-JlIsdyNwVcTteo0Nmw-uNQVq9MPM0qwI0P0w7KiCohBYxIUSpqjK_R2WDQKotxhLUHH7rddnYOo3z2PMvkPE-bBXDXo2JeeAKt_of4ASl7VOynqg-be29MAVHmNimVTq1T1VpWPKuvXRgr9m/s4608/134798624_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnIOBmbR37jUV8ou8BVSiEuoX1-cS0QlShxQRjfSDoUT-JlIsdyNwVcTteo0Nmw-uNQVq9MPM0qwI0P0w7KiCohBYxIUSpqjK_R2WDQKotxhLUHH7rddnYOo3z2PMvkPE-bBXDXo2JeeAKt_of4ASl7VOynqg-be29MAVHmNimVTq1T1VpWPKuvXRgr9m/s320/134798624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVV62NYblxjrmWXiwXHBuUY3zG76z3DywVDfPGburu5jAPsunkqSLeaPbaPc9YZc-mRhGRmrydyzqPLZKQdSEGyhiaQ3Tl-lzOicLAO-6uFOyL1RMX2TQsizF_0H4XlcB10VzxP4oBUVrQWPSPC9TT0mwpx3ielDwdUNtrBSQoqBrZ67-xqklLzBxsNfQ/s4608/134798832_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqVV62NYblxjrmWXiwXHBuUY3zG76z3DywVDfPGburu5jAPsunkqSLeaPbaPc9YZc-mRhGRmrydyzqPLZKQdSEGyhiaQ3Tl-lzOicLAO-6uFOyL1RMX2TQsizF_0H4XlcB10VzxP4oBUVrQWPSPC9TT0mwpx3ielDwdUNtrBSQoqBrZ67-xqklLzBxsNfQ/s320/134798832_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUqaq9hFfhberp-xLla_HcnJzp_gbK7eK7nd1TnmVp-BC_D_flwkJZvUOG0iciQExY7oqocjKDPXAKmlm9XECMLqT24-Z7yA2yN8OMUgOm3JNA-wKmiWc5f9kuFIvCipXqqpRB3luxhSOjZrIOJfHU2MWpzsX0g2wvSrWQKmp0Xb6dw37G-9b7sQJRO4q/s4608/134798976_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpUqaq9hFfhberp-xLla_HcnJzp_gbK7eK7nd1TnmVp-BC_D_flwkJZvUOG0iciQExY7oqocjKDPXAKmlm9XECMLqT24-Z7yA2yN8OMUgOm3JNA-wKmiWc5f9kuFIvCipXqqpRB3luxhSOjZrIOJfHU2MWpzsX0g2wvSrWQKmp0Xb6dw37G-9b7sQJRO4q/s320/134798976_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHmHrlI23y_-sctqmo8H8WT6KC19QAwVuQj3fmtJxOzZT3O-Ohp_vBfhJ-iW8I1mBbWRtXD091kVncIZ3pWijBVGy56PMMGIIDTL_RVJnc0okUMG-ySgoAYlrGekfXX6euS9D12_zh7X5j0fsUNkUp8Gyr4_EWfJJe780pehZfSnI-brwAgZ_0VBh5r0n/s4608/134799024_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHmHrlI23y_-sctqmo8H8WT6KC19QAwVuQj3fmtJxOzZT3O-Ohp_vBfhJ-iW8I1mBbWRtXD091kVncIZ3pWijBVGy56PMMGIIDTL_RVJnc0okUMG-ySgoAYlrGekfXX6euS9D12_zh7X5j0fsUNkUp8Gyr4_EWfJJe780pehZfSnI-brwAgZ_0VBh5r0n/s320/134799024_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> Dennis and I both thought that we had an extremely knowledgeable guide. He not only knew the names and habits of the animals, he knew their names in Latin and truly seemed to love his job. Dennis’s only disappointment was that he couldn’t ask lots of personal questions. So Dave was spared.</span><div><br /></div><div>As for birds:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnAAvCTPSjRjyUzV0QKuyENF0HJZCVSrhyphenhyphensyzEAwMQ6mh6jMW7wprSfVsaOlhSzaBvuU5TunlDUGc_MVrSXUk6TM-hJu2K9_xiHW67GIapFWwzyFgr5UwEtkZ1KoPYFMCNvsvKj_EfcgDw0f4t8NSVZi7aV1tOgEuNT9kKhn3u264v25mnLjvQ_wjCHiV/s4608/134797440_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnAAvCTPSjRjyUzV0QKuyENF0HJZCVSrhyphenhyphensyzEAwMQ6mh6jMW7wprSfVsaOlhSzaBvuU5TunlDUGc_MVrSXUk6TM-hJu2K9_xiHW67GIapFWwzyFgr5UwEtkZ1KoPYFMCNvsvKj_EfcgDw0f4t8NSVZi7aV1tOgEuNT9kKhn3u264v25mnLjvQ_wjCHiV/s320/134797440_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahPmcGblTliYbewQadvUGRqEM_AeYotHp4kccEFDNil3ylujtGlUq0sgOWipRXtB7aQWZtKDVYzoZaQJx9m6keykROIpDvmAdVLlyzfJDSSKRHQjhFk6h2EzyHHH249wuYzAd3Hbgcuy2fwEdKQ8eSeYT752xQ158MVLUAsA8A4aoyRxIzARfqDQ_lIlF/s4608/134797776_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahPmcGblTliYbewQadvUGRqEM_AeYotHp4kccEFDNil3ylujtGlUq0sgOWipRXtB7aQWZtKDVYzoZaQJx9m6keykROIpDvmAdVLlyzfJDSSKRHQjhFk6h2EzyHHH249wuYzAd3Hbgcuy2fwEdKQ8eSeYT752xQ158MVLUAsA8A4aoyRxIzARfqDQ_lIlF/s320/134797776_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTaaRK-_A3PrWd7bj00_bZjtBcp2KovaujqHOx5m24v9V2eEGskZN41GDsdWokNCiSt-o0g2SdtlNMhicP9N_LVqRfbbg1t2hP64xBup3T4j5LWlx2e46gZqTDBlW0RbQ93hCU-C-rE1IOPjhMx-HUFpjMtxWVNQYrLGB0IzUGJQbbCYNTQQnwL82GYV_/s4608/134797840_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUTaaRK-_A3PrWd7bj00_bZjtBcp2KovaujqHOx5m24v9V2eEGskZN41GDsdWokNCiSt-o0g2SdtlNMhicP9N_LVqRfbbg1t2hP64xBup3T4j5LWlx2e46gZqTDBlW0RbQ93hCU-C-rE1IOPjhMx-HUFpjMtxWVNQYrLGB0IzUGJQbbCYNTQQnwL82GYV_/s320/134797840_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70kZQrnNRD_MK0qcTBgqG2xoetwD8Qs81FwUEGbrpKmKvq4S1r9L7rJnOH3kUs8Al8hIeKGze181LaLm-SRowc3ZqOng0EODHn6NOkLaBsXFR4hIzojBhL0pJfDx1ZQn44t084Qbv6TbPDLVJcF5AQDA8JC5HVCkhFdVX_9BP0nByNwWEv-Ytv4pehtfQ/s4608/134797872_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70kZQrnNRD_MK0qcTBgqG2xoetwD8Qs81FwUEGbrpKmKvq4S1r9L7rJnOH3kUs8Al8hIeKGze181LaLm-SRowc3ZqOng0EODHn6NOkLaBsXFR4hIzojBhL0pJfDx1ZQn44t084Qbv6TbPDLVJcF5AQDA8JC5HVCkhFdVX_9BP0nByNwWEv-Ytv4pehtfQ/s320/134797872_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBDT2ZdoT0AYtxOoDNdrss2c_mexP_weoHrCpaPHLR_CEuPTfB72947xLuSeKgBu-tFPDVeace_3W_LtY0PcWY_u_oS7T_9VbLSx4zSGIAa5lj1PnBi3ZLWeU_s2MoNul9DpzcRuBoOyqxfOvUJzxo-BroSJ6Y95uiN40vXmtpMhJDsG86v4cGtExUDGt/s4608/134798592_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBDT2ZdoT0AYtxOoDNdrss2c_mexP_weoHrCpaPHLR_CEuPTfB72947xLuSeKgBu-tFPDVeace_3W_LtY0PcWY_u_oS7T_9VbLSx4zSGIAa5lj1PnBi3ZLWeU_s2MoNul9DpzcRuBoOyqxfOvUJzxo-BroSJ6Y95uiN40vXmtpMhJDsG86v4cGtExUDGt/s320/134798592_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W_56SR-tyBpFkHDk4czU8LUbMpa9BYNGeTmPPCTOrzIPNuT3Ex8Zwur3_8EYcIDv5iE8NeXUkwlcJ0oT5QHPOaTJVO5k8a6cd2LulnOH3qQW-DHUbXvvzusTx4_itpqdQjXxzYtrJypNhddjzVukdSWBRjz7PSwd48hacNIEyc6Qc6wiEYJfyAadzmPi/s4608/134799136_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5W_56SR-tyBpFkHDk4czU8LUbMpa9BYNGeTmPPCTOrzIPNuT3Ex8Zwur3_8EYcIDv5iE8NeXUkwlcJ0oT5QHPOaTJVO5k8a6cd2LulnOH3qQW-DHUbXvvzusTx4_itpqdQjXxzYtrJypNhddjzVukdSWBRjz7PSwd48hacNIEyc6Qc6wiEYJfyAadzmPi/s320/134799136_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZUbdV2RBDn0TvwDdrUg8CfjqsjL4TMfr38bqQOAST0iQGBd_eiCbo_xyfdYQi1gFautKQNLJL6sHoD8nZE5eLsHseB6dKN8_l7B3G-8pYBeI_Ug4HMtRv3t0ksOdJ1pcOAwYGwhQPn_TCdfwKnhDuqk8upsZoJTKTACYkU18PiNaiE61fNMdGnwz_mHd/s4608/134799280_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZUbdV2RBDn0TvwDdrUg8CfjqsjL4TMfr38bqQOAST0iQGBd_eiCbo_xyfdYQi1gFautKQNLJL6sHoD8nZE5eLsHseB6dKN8_l7B3G-8pYBeI_Ug4HMtRv3t0ksOdJ1pcOAwYGwhQPn_TCdfwKnhDuqk8upsZoJTKTACYkU18PiNaiE61fNMdGnwz_mHd/s320/134799280_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And next we’re off to Eswatini (Swaziland). <br /><p>A final word from Dennis:</p><p><span> As Cindy related Dave was an encyclopedia of information. He’s been guiding for about 15 years. When he spotted animal, anything as small aa a lizard crossing our path to a male elephant in musk (could you smell him?) Dave had all the info. Chameleon? “He crosses slowly and impersonates a leaf blowing in the wind.” Wanna know how big an elephant’s tally-wacker is? Yep, Dave knows, around 60 pounds or more. He looked at me with a quizzical smile. I averted his gave and looked sheepish. Oh yea, the safari? Really loved it and Dave was the highlight. 👍</span><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-11819819951215397292024-01-14T23:54:00.000-08:002024-01-14T23:54:57.166-08:00Play Misty for Me…<p> Words of wisdom from St. Dennis: </p><p><span> </span><span> Our guide Shaun told us it could take anywhere from 2 hours to all day to cross the border from Botswana into Zimbabwe. With his help, it only took about 20 minutes. 👍 We are at Shearwaters Explorer’s Village in Zimbabwe, a beautiful lodge with A/C, pool, bar, and restaurant. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5ZVngYeVZ_1VpwY4rSxQGezxThZu-kHb5TtenqpcC_-A_rVH7WJEXR6URj8jpoOubmrDMHr1lhXA2DLsTKno3JyuIm5AhWpJPZ9od9QpwKzsCGHlqXeowmTCE5Ie1-YDo3oJubdbVTCSUwWtW3UecNqwIkU54THy7OWfPOHIQtsqOY_KvEKIbIlgVrhA/s4608/134006448_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5ZVngYeVZ_1VpwY4rSxQGezxThZu-kHb5TtenqpcC_-A_rVH7WJEXR6URj8jpoOubmrDMHr1lhXA2DLsTKno3JyuIm5AhWpJPZ9od9QpwKzsCGHlqXeowmTCE5Ie1-YDo3oJubdbVTCSUwWtW3UecNqwIkU54THy7OWfPOHIQtsqOY_KvEKIbIlgVrhA/s320/134006448_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYG3Tpvj3HFr9NuhghUKMgjh_bgpktEQz47Ed4qp-72yLXFlhJyyhcTmwaN3b5k4YY2kmr4J5BsJOIJihCepqoGkkufe0x6XsCKLRYtZTqctDKMRlJxftxaV7QrpUA7wYoM_1uPwEcDfF6ezV3lvH6MzTkaN0EEKrEsYaImizono4fabXR06iAChlh9oA/s4608/134006400_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYG3Tpvj3HFr9NuhghUKMgjh_bgpktEQz47Ed4qp-72yLXFlhJyyhcTmwaN3b5k4YY2kmr4J5BsJOIJihCepqoGkkufe0x6XsCKLRYtZTqctDKMRlJxftxaV7QrpUA7wYoM_1uPwEcDfF6ezV3lvH6MzTkaN0EEKrEsYaImizono4fabXR06iAChlh9oA/s320/134006400_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HVcsedh3Lhs0IzwRou-4_xtRq54fiv0kQ88rHl8ZiqKn7kv_QwGOaDSA3v_DqUEygwslWKPjX0QOk8MdXk_oL4_zIoTL5BjNgiR2iqU4sFFmBejiC_RLr51Sq7xXrn5L69b1KQzV6GUtPBiKHQ-yAjpcoejjuc5qSfFAgHs3HY9iY2U95DMv73-fS_6s/s4608/134006320_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HVcsedh3Lhs0IzwRou-4_xtRq54fiv0kQ88rHl8ZiqKn7kv_QwGOaDSA3v_DqUEygwslWKPjX0QOk8MdXk_oL4_zIoTL5BjNgiR2iqU4sFFmBejiC_RLr51Sq7xXrn5L69b1KQzV6GUtPBiKHQ-yAjpcoejjuc5qSfFAgHs3HY9iY2U95DMv73-fS_6s/s320/134006320_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHtnv84fYyG57KqlqEXaiHuiivnOMgh0MnuL1Hr3zuT_iPGUcYZOCJ4UPgn9TljHIhS2vOoN3QUf0VJ-1QNeyAgp-ReoMujcWCXAZOTb8szcQxQjj3Nqt2ysYhDiWDCKFHramQ0SSN3Sty2585c5bDIfuYPS_C9Y7aFWF-oZkXORKmF-QaSQP-Fa-XeFA/s4608/134006256_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHtnv84fYyG57KqlqEXaiHuiivnOMgh0MnuL1Hr3zuT_iPGUcYZOCJ4UPgn9TljHIhS2vOoN3QUf0VJ-1QNeyAgp-ReoMujcWCXAZOTb8szcQxQjj3Nqt2ysYhDiWDCKFHramQ0SSN3Sty2585c5bDIfuYPS_C9Y7aFWF-oZkXORKmF-QaSQP-Fa-XeFA/s320/134006256_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We booked a tour to visit Victoria Falls, s short way from our hotel. Rosemary, our guide picked us up. we were her only guests for the two hour tour. We arrived at the gate to the park with our prepared tickets to enter for $50 for each of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n3L4Eb-Vd_uYNlA5lfwDeUZ_yAcTDoTW1ZcPI8axUZAwA0trb6XYlmgN0iPvIbL0RBla3qoyoDb87IkmuXZcZNVXtsKlb9-Gt03pBCttHv_1A8kOd6sofEw7JEaxmmmhb_Rycl6TdK_IV9MZQojFGRjyIH1xcPL1mkVvBA6plZjt1SaLITuPDKNmjrBp/s4608/134269792_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2n3L4Eb-Vd_uYNlA5lfwDeUZ_yAcTDoTW1ZcPI8axUZAwA0trb6XYlmgN0iPvIbL0RBla3qoyoDb87IkmuXZcZNVXtsKlb9-Gt03pBCttHv_1A8kOd6sofEw7JEaxmmmhb_Rycl6TdK_IV9MZQojFGRjyIH1xcPL1mkVvBA6plZjt1SaLITuPDKNmjrBp/s320/134269792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rosemary gave us rain gear and off we went. The falls are spectacular and about a mile in length with a 200 foot drop into the Zambezi River below. When we neared the center of the falls, at the rim, the blowback or mist from the rushing water was like standing in a thunderstorm, thank you Rosemary for the rain gear. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMenIIaP05hsSWgbcW_-Dd3gU8YVvh9vJCayP7MLib5rvQV1OqCU2L4cPklMkkm6ps2oFPov0g6YbpEjWM05ORRvio3oghZ0jMXg6mdjKx28yw1MY7A5iI1P0ssEGn1h6w8uV_Tn9Hk_K3wbFr3nHnLkfKscJ0hMgVtwIbTmK9IqJfPdfe3B6CQqaGFw4/s4608/134269872_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGMenIIaP05hsSWgbcW_-Dd3gU8YVvh9vJCayP7MLib5rvQV1OqCU2L4cPklMkkm6ps2oFPov0g6YbpEjWM05ORRvio3oghZ0jMXg6mdjKx28yw1MY7A5iI1P0ssEGn1h6w8uV_Tn9Hk_K3wbFr3nHnLkfKscJ0hMgVtwIbTmK9IqJfPdfe3B6CQqaGFw4/s320/134269872_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlW8caK55euQmzcobKOpHrSen0XJipsyVvyP_cPIBYY3xui2jk9uS48CuMWjmqSlfxCdEuHSLqDNh_X8lEzCtUbAIXdgDlgqiLjNYP0axgK3SWaqN8XxQXbYNTBdPfm51ewuVlmniftjjv7aOheRf2k49VBjZKHQgNvXoOnQR9sD0vX-dzrJwlkJ0h5ih/s4608/134270112_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlW8caK55euQmzcobKOpHrSen0XJipsyVvyP_cPIBYY3xui2jk9uS48CuMWjmqSlfxCdEuHSLqDNh_X8lEzCtUbAIXdgDlgqiLjNYP0axgK3SWaqN8XxQXbYNTBdPfm51ewuVlmniftjjv7aOheRf2k49VBjZKHQgNvXoOnQR9sD0vX-dzrJwlkJ0h5ih/s320/134270112_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary and Dennis<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrIfZpQc7CcVEOnY4laTtc15QbhXPRPn-Z12Czv4zguXfsnT2fPQVTRLnVsOBPtCtLnntdylNzRqJtRyLPdtWlK_5vZWxsH1q5BJ8BxMB-6bWfltCUzuFoOj2-ALvhEnndIRC_03Qquw4H9lOmAHOcnO4-ZJ5JsyROdcactmWu4DROOrOhOTPX5eZ_De1/s4608/134270448_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrIfZpQc7CcVEOnY4laTtc15QbhXPRPn-Z12Czv4zguXfsnT2fPQVTRLnVsOBPtCtLnntdylNzRqJtRyLPdtWlK_5vZWxsH1q5BJ8BxMB-6bWfltCUzuFoOj2-ALvhEnndIRC_03Qquw4H9lOmAHOcnO4-ZJ5JsyROdcactmWu4DROOrOhOTPX5eZ_De1/s320/134270448_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PGLkHYLEPP-PmD2Bd86_5rWbads840BJ6extgZIqHMy0FxEuPF4VIXv-20yAB7jEVv_EZRVUHIM5skwqsFB3_XKh2dQ0tG8xv9eIORcj7MKPq4_65G8S2W9yWGICxICg2ubbXmwgNLdHLiolwh21pNU9c32TbZ_0QZPvfcYH-YToWkuSri7sIwrvv47J/s4608/134270592_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3PGLkHYLEPP-PmD2Bd86_5rWbads840BJ6extgZIqHMy0FxEuPF4VIXv-20yAB7jEVv_EZRVUHIM5skwqsFB3_XKh2dQ0tG8xv9eIORcj7MKPq4_65G8S2W9yWGICxICg2ubbXmwgNLdHLiolwh21pNU9c32TbZ_0QZPvfcYH-YToWkuSri7sIwrvv47J/s320/134270592_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>At this point, Cindy had had enough and headed back toward the exit to wait while Rosemary and I completed the trek. At the end of the falls is a bridge that enters Zambia. This is where the bungee jumpers drop into the gorge. I took a pass. Walking back I learned a lot more about Rosemary—her family and kids and what life is like in Zimbabwe. We returned to the exit gate, met Cindy and were driven back to our room at the lodge. As with the river cruise on the Chobe in Botswana, I want to learn more about Victoria Falls. David Livingstone named the falls in 1855 for Queen Victoria of England. I want to be able to compare it to Niagara Falls but I won’t bore you with the details. Next up? Swimming pool and wine.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cindy adds…</div><div><span> I made it back to the exit/entrance point where I had a bit of fun photographing these little guys.</span><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MkseEzODCpw7LYFkSe5GeXXU3MheS-vWn6z-813EU3-Rt5neLUor9zu65feZfgIZYD_xJdE7b848iMe6CXyw9R7kveXhroW2yc_0T9SdqfNQlHSwAtgucqLGAJyOmkiri3c5irHfMjZcq0WWa7_fUqRfglKt3JVnYNX-DDzKRSd_RCFGl2lWTGT19CuR/s4608/134270608_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MkseEzODCpw7LYFkSe5GeXXU3MheS-vWn6z-813EU3-Rt5neLUor9zu65feZfgIZYD_xJdE7b848iMe6CXyw9R7kveXhroW2yc_0T9SdqfNQlHSwAtgucqLGAJyOmkiri3c5irHfMjZcq0WWa7_fUqRfglKt3JVnYNX-DDzKRSd_RCFGl2lWTGT19CuR/s320/134270608_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3R7Xq4pSbEjQGUdhf8G9UtFrv6u0jJdJ8rDUu8XVHryj7V5z5WmZBamyHPuRTbcmvanY9V67gL9RgBpVq4eINQEme-_Mz6Xtdv40IbRHMEi0_ohY6sxqii1t7XNxpLbuQ2V5p3I7LMIBweWSzT0GK_-NQ2sXMDCEmKAQ0X_U2vpHigamhdW_4KIuuXBH/s4608/134270672_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3R7Xq4pSbEjQGUdhf8G9UtFrv6u0jJdJ8rDUu8XVHryj7V5z5WmZBamyHPuRTbcmvanY9V67gL9RgBpVq4eINQEme-_Mz6Xtdv40IbRHMEi0_ohY6sxqii1t7XNxpLbuQ2V5p3I7LMIBweWSzT0GK_-NQ2sXMDCEmKAQ0X_U2vpHigamhdW_4KIuuXBH/s320/134270672_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoaJhjaZP5kRzSB5FTA0fmkqFLDFFEwNtJ4AXetD19TUERqlN_LWJS955teb8HfTjDzm9_A63TfZUM0G0iFfu-bttGqiBuqg_QVRs6m_9AHeR9-g2zDWZOPL-VHxuf5ZQDn4kPoXFVP7XpYfK9VIuV8YyB8YhYyTbcibP6wTQ2803paoN3_qM8bp8yPtM/s4608/134270704_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoaJhjaZP5kRzSB5FTA0fmkqFLDFFEwNtJ4AXetD19TUERqlN_LWJS955teb8HfTjDzm9_A63TfZUM0G0iFfu-bttGqiBuqg_QVRs6m_9AHeR9-g2zDWZOPL-VHxuf5ZQDn4kPoXFVP7XpYfK9VIuV8YyB8YhYyTbcibP6wTQ2803paoN3_qM8bp8yPtM/s320/134270704_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> </span>But I need to back up a bit. Our drive to Zimbabwe was one of the shortest and easiest drive. We stood in line to pay the $30 USD entrance fee for our very classy looking visas. I handed the official my three bills and went to wait for my passport. Shortly my name was called and I had my new visa. I put my passport away while standing and waiting with the others. As I placed it in my purse I saw that I still had a ten dollar bill. I had shortchanged Zimbabwe! Given them 2 fives and a ten. Yikes, I let Shaun know and gave him the ten dollars. He took it to the officials who simply accepted it and we were good to go.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span> After a short drive we arrived at the beautiful Shearwater Explorer's Lodge. Here G-Adventures supports two women’s groups. One group of ladies prepared a delicious traditional lunch for us—beef stew, chicken stew, several kale types of vegetables, pap, potato salad, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, plus grilled and blackened caterpillars. Much to Dennis’s delight the caterpillars were greasy and salty, yum!</span><br /></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HxYUjBpcACN7uHsZyyUZ_SBIFfVm-zl4dpYYLdpVKbLVTGnkCn3DHXRNNtIacdV2k-DEHep9AL4v421VFR67R0o4mWmejAZXbNmTW8ND_WZ7Tskhi6tGckTsNSxf7gxqVtBe4q05Ft2KHuTccVdygrRuoEGVmn-1z3HNT2tg1uM-4Vln12nvDf_l3Dff/s4608/134006080_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HxYUjBpcACN7uHsZyyUZ_SBIFfVm-zl4dpYYLdpVKbLVTGnkCn3DHXRNNtIacdV2k-DEHep9AL4v421VFR67R0o4mWmejAZXbNmTW8ND_WZ7Tskhi6tGckTsNSxf7gxqVtBe4q05Ft2KHuTccVdygrRuoEGVmn-1z3HNT2tg1uM-4Vln12nvDf_l3Dff/s320/134006080_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkNJaBCF8aJfwRLWkv72wtdR5eq1leB2Cy07ca3I-5gGKc0JQk7D335VOPtnh-qN2BhprQ_w_0u2Ia_u_xRf4BqYpNOv8OCfhHxoUjjX7Y4arrh1wHyeiwO-BxgGN-3oG-lvzPn5nDYW4zi1Ec42txwe5aB6O3zntQ5KcO5rHZCVRkE1yEgFMlMji1CUL/s4608/134006128_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkNJaBCF8aJfwRLWkv72wtdR5eq1leB2Cy07ca3I-5gGKc0JQk7D335VOPtnh-qN2BhprQ_w_0u2Ia_u_xRf4BqYpNOv8OCfhHxoUjjX7Y4arrh1wHyeiwO-BxgGN-3oG-lvzPn5nDYW4zi1Ec42txwe5aB6O3zntQ5KcO5rHZCVRkE1yEgFMlMji1CUL/s320/134006128_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLgsG1i_H1IB8XF6Ek30-g4W7s8zCEZZCM1odgjto3xoU6zZ3FbUlicAjQlzeUPX5irVB402pVRDB0FUL-ubzubzq8wHaFiDkcblHdhbNLHjuzbosdOT5tjxgnOr7Y0oR8NIiSUS5GyNSzPZr3qwHXKKE5u_xC4k8nn7RX7uFzsWWDHhljQkSfOd1Qwis/s4608/134006144_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLgsG1i_H1IB8XF6Ek30-g4W7s8zCEZZCM1odgjto3xoU6zZ3FbUlicAjQlzeUPX5irVB402pVRDB0FUL-ubzubzq8wHaFiDkcblHdhbNLHjuzbosdOT5tjxgnOr7Y0oR8NIiSUS5GyNSzPZr3qwHXKKE5u_xC4k8nn7RX7uFzsWWDHhljQkSfOd1Qwis/s320/134006144_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWK8nNK7o3DVTD6dAll_3GrypwVERUkdnZjGFWmZPySWeuQ0i0SECT83io3Q2eSMzvQVIEj3wnxbs7s8gd_bjA7kWkjmxpXKerQnEXwaVFN7PglKkvnJoT8zgOTuf3j78chstsveZHXyWW3odaPrqXF4V-wRS0iVKKdd4LTa9KTUZM-NgkjyxoUrHvIhP/s4608/134006192_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWK8nNK7o3DVTD6dAll_3GrypwVERUkdnZjGFWmZPySWeuQ0i0SECT83io3Q2eSMzvQVIEj3wnxbs7s8gd_bjA7kWkjmxpXKerQnEXwaVFN7PglKkvnJoT8zgOTuf3j78chstsveZHXyWW3odaPrqXF4V-wRS0iVKKdd4LTa9KTUZM-NgkjyxoUrHvIhP/s320/134006192_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6TLOX6QTkf8D4FRzGDB5Pa9bWpbFzkZ1XkBIzpyCEA3oRFtd40U_hb-6lbDflurVPaFHZZlXq9-ZGDZFpHMsqxHgAReWGDBhwxuLgb_mdPHTRr94kFNsZOSXgf4Nuyyi5qqlT2y82U3XiqDY5Dkx7YjjBoJubya3DwrFG2Ql-BSvYUodJE99NBbvCn5U/s4608/134006208_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6TLOX6QTkf8D4FRzGDB5Pa9bWpbFzkZ1XkBIzpyCEA3oRFtd40U_hb-6lbDflurVPaFHZZlXq9-ZGDZFpHMsqxHgAReWGDBhwxuLgb_mdPHTRr94kFNsZOSXgf4Nuyyi5qqlT2y82U3XiqDY5Dkx7YjjBoJubya3DwrFG2Ql-BSvYUodJE99NBbvCn5U/s320/134006208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48lSSf4WMOAIvFRPdMVY8zGEcxB-XJLxCvUStP6uL2uX0T_XU4rKkosW3xAnWlYTBeqlE6GujZoUxXZL177mjoQeVuCpuzR2X6iuz97xuVfqQCRhMXeiiNPTbgRU4QIGyKJMe2PDLxP1OOxOu-o8l1W2OuNpn4ykpfJHwkSYtzhJzds-uBXuFGyI6gbas/s4608/134006224_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48lSSf4WMOAIvFRPdMVY8zGEcxB-XJLxCvUStP6uL2uX0T_XU4rKkosW3xAnWlYTBeqlE6GujZoUxXZL177mjoQeVuCpuzR2X6iuz97xuVfqQCRhMXeiiNPTbgRU4QIGyKJMe2PDLxP1OOxOu-o8l1W2OuNpn4ykpfJHwkSYtzhJzds-uBXuFGyI6gbas/s320/134006224_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><span> The other supported group does laundry. For $20.00 we got a huge bag of laundry done and received a bright cloth bag.</span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> </span>After getting our room, collecting our luggage, going back for our forgotten, still drying out gym shoes and purchasing tickets for our tours here, it was almost time to meet the group for our final dinner.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrhkdT7xtNgjjQGKlj3OTKya00_sVLIO2d83LY1HWQ79nSdtxgu9xDsC02fLKepjdei_GhHUc4qYepw262A1we2Ech5KouEpkuY8Z0Mlx_hyphenhyphenH_UXr14R3mEml1QsSGv22Z7HAoC0AWGJ4zRRy9iagDOKkoUrlW1izS0fdRxh-VNYpvp4UoYVuHd-PXB0b/s4032/IMG_6998.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrhkdT7xtNgjjQGKlj3OTKya00_sVLIO2d83LY1HWQ79nSdtxgu9xDsC02fLKepjdei_GhHUc4qYepw262A1we2Ech5KouEpkuY8Z0Mlx_hyphenhyphenH_UXr14R3mEml1QsSGv22Z7HAoC0AWGJ4zRRy9iagDOKkoUrlW1izS0fdRxh-VNYpvp4UoYVuHd-PXB0b/s320/IMG_6998.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span>Where had the time gone? Except for the longest night of the year it was the</span> shortest week ever, filled to the brim with interesting people and totally absorbing activities and many moments of sheer awe.</span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> Barry our driver was delightful with a full blown sense of humor. He kept an eye on us, especially Dennis so we stayed out of trouble. Shaun our CEO was patience personified. He was always calm, answering our same questions repeatedly, never asking, “Don’t you listen??” We will no longer have anyone to tell us when to get up, when to show up for dinner or what we’re doing today. That’s a lot of responsibility. I can only hope we’re up to it. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span> </span></div><div><span> </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <br /><p></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-66347785322019832952024-01-14T01:58:00.000-08:002024-01-14T01:58:04.737-08:00Elephant Sands and Chobe National Park, Botswana<p> <span> </span>Leaving the delta we were once again in the mukoros being poled through peaceful waters, then once back at the hotel we collected all the gear left behind and headed out on the Elephant highway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxgMXLr4L5GrdpK5NYRXo5cTza79AnoxTPnnCHT5cUl2jmY0ZytTS_K5LPgJJP_ENiO2-RtJ4ko8HlxNEjmv1M-LQ2YimJCXPiOHjADz5bQQnHC1VTUqk9luMi-htJcOxVPe2wq9OVvEBJ3touZS0jUnZ0ZYMn_xMnunVckSbk3xHlMhpdlUaneUHHuKq/s4608/133478192_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxgMXLr4L5GrdpK5NYRXo5cTza79AnoxTPnnCHT5cUl2jmY0ZytTS_K5LPgJJP_ENiO2-RtJ4ko8HlxNEjmv1M-LQ2YimJCXPiOHjADz5bQQnHC1VTUqk9luMi-htJcOxVPe2wq9OVvEBJ3touZS0jUnZ0ZYMn_xMnunVckSbk3xHlMhpdlUaneUHHuKq/s320/133478192_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipNFHaDFozIlKP_JZxFxtoqcTFS5NK8La1qnFsLmRDWm5ynp_Fxt6bks7cOfrZcpnZqWDnVRVuaj83LEHCGaV_HZrAJjFUZGh7tSuX1OOJIFp9NmKRH-tnhyphenhyphenFVS4U9HiVARhcY9rD9k-k0B3bm3rgdoqa2W0f6c6ciFN0ZxRietk5UIJY7b1ASdw_293G/s4608/133478208_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipNFHaDFozIlKP_JZxFxtoqcTFS5NK8La1qnFsLmRDWm5ynp_Fxt6bks7cOfrZcpnZqWDnVRVuaj83LEHCGaV_HZrAJjFUZGh7tSuX1OOJIFp9NmKRH-tnhyphenhyphenFVS4U9HiVARhcY9rD9k-k0B3bm3rgdoqa2W0f6c6ciFN0ZxRietk5UIJY7b1ASdw_293G/s320/133478208_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Imagine these guys along I-65 or 294. It was a quiet drive except for the snores. And no one wanted to be close to anyone else. Deodorant can only do so much. Most of us were sitting in barely dry clothes. Not a bus full of fashionistas. Travel this day was pretty straight forward. Get us to a shower and a place where we can change clothes. Our gym shoes were beginning to stink as were we.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>We arrived at Elephant Sands and were soon in our “tents” that were very different from our camping experience—en suite with hot water in the shower. We looked out our patio door to find an elephant having a drink. Sounds like a great idea!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCIJPyBE4GsNUJbF1qCV4pcOmr9Daf-pSWQP1YE-wmdg_jUXWk622TR8Udtg1G-Pr3xAAv06tQm3Oy2lvoipO5Rd4STEWRUrs5wyPKqlZWtF0HWz066Kxfc2X6djF22G812pAFdUMw0Hj5xFfzW25Otf6eqPd7-aVbSxKkv4Mv36QF6s-9DdQUHAB42XW/s4608/133740448_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCIJPyBE4GsNUJbF1qCV4pcOmr9Daf-pSWQP1YE-wmdg_jUXWk622TR8Udtg1G-Pr3xAAv06tQm3Oy2lvoipO5Rd4STEWRUrs5wyPKqlZWtF0HWz066Kxfc2X6djF22G812pAFdUMw0Hj5xFfzW25Otf6eqPd7-aVbSxKkv4Mv36QF6s-9DdQUHAB42XW/s320/133740448_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaMIEw_ZNZvnR75uWJwo5ZV0VjbOXerNt8psFyDJ-lBFzmjkp9JN7Qj7_MFzO18Gvbj0IvPA0Z3zWGcSE9ADqxfGLHSE7XEVyticI2lP7Vv4-mYK3T0VmA3a7fndnJ5npEQqbaYXfmsYuIhBmWflYuYxvXAfj5TZCMOfzEgVMXy9PiCvu9m0S4jjE9szP/s4608/133740528_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaMIEw_ZNZvnR75uWJwo5ZV0VjbOXerNt8psFyDJ-lBFzmjkp9JN7Qj7_MFzO18Gvbj0IvPA0Z3zWGcSE9ADqxfGLHSE7XEVyticI2lP7Vv4-mYK3T0VmA3a7fndnJ5npEQqbaYXfmsYuIhBmWflYuYxvXAfj5TZCMOfzEgVMXy9PiCvu9m0S4jjE9szP/s320/133740528_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw48-4nmOIbvaHxTb1JPpUA5cUNXKwu-jbp5l40moG4qLuQ0-Kq93Wza6VxbP7SRYob_FyDyOY70yiRjcXvfMkh8uf5inMpAbbRSrZMveNSd7gQY505nYuGbhHXrNB8mmo4IGGOXq52JMx-gg7LQF3DcYLyEQ19BIRAOfrzwXP-_6duFWERA2nrSFSXW5Z/s4608/133740576_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw48-4nmOIbvaHxTb1JPpUA5cUNXKwu-jbp5l40moG4qLuQ0-Kq93Wza6VxbP7SRYob_FyDyOY70yiRjcXvfMkh8uf5inMpAbbRSrZMveNSd7gQY505nYuGbhHXrNB8mmo4IGGOXq52JMx-gg7LQF3DcYLyEQ19BIRAOfrzwXP-_6duFWERA2nrSFSXW5Z/s320/133740576_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE6FqTaGQ5w0onHKV61QQqJx6-LjoZ2Xe5jPb5cjfnCo9BzUAK6fslPq1v0mZM5-ioVq6RnEkbmH67JQXF48Gg1YFJBgqQH9kei8YDSXNU_5x-sEEOlRyr1j4gYhZT97h9_qnDXuwCOC-eW3LOvcxuRB3i64KTSfLeGF4EOB9hJtPLifAuAidHHPkha6c/s4608/133740672_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE6FqTaGQ5w0onHKV61QQqJx6-LjoZ2Xe5jPb5cjfnCo9BzUAK6fslPq1v0mZM5-ioVq6RnEkbmH67JQXF48Gg1YFJBgqQH9kei8YDSXNU_5x-sEEOlRyr1j4gYhZT97h9_qnDXuwCOC-eW3LOvcxuRB3i64KTSfLeGF4EOB9hJtPLifAuAidHHPkha6c/s320/133740672_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> We spent a quiet evening. Had a wonderful dinner. Barry our driver walked us home as we are not allowed to walk once it is dark. The next morning we went for breakfast and enjoyed being on this property.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQEPz21huChyphenhyphenIRjTMYvmfx6gvDD7A9IFQe9HRGIG-qdV8sK11gtM5bU3XnsTXgIsa0fVbR7qYOznvnSh0svTTFvFka22-rxUVADDmXFyEKmBUBmk9caX0vU4GEcC7c6yht9CZMQSYgcZPbgL_N3Xbakq1xtVqpHxFPytal5aNGJjjTLBZgMxcfTaBbSKd/s4608/133740624_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQEPz21huChyphenhyphenIRjTMYvmfx6gvDD7A9IFQe9HRGIG-qdV8sK11gtM5bU3XnsTXgIsa0fVbR7qYOznvnSh0svTTFvFka22-rxUVADDmXFyEKmBUBmk9caX0vU4GEcC7c6yht9CZMQSYgcZPbgL_N3Xbakq1xtVqpHxFPytal5aNGJjjTLBZgMxcfTaBbSKd/s320/133740624_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning at Elephant Sands</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvSqxXWxP1md_PTrT24Gp6wfMypjHoxQD2Bc8xmlXkZVe_1nx07ot2UBMp5sd7vg8lp9G5FRgOc1-JNHonq4BcAQUlTlTc37Ad0J-yNzyFROWeKADliuSAWwze5lb8dpImpzM6hDUxCFL4izq56ApQb-mM3EMp3X_9SzL7J9ADJAu5-PuSr20dBzXsqFz/s4608/133740416_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvSqxXWxP1md_PTrT24Gp6wfMypjHoxQD2Bc8xmlXkZVe_1nx07ot2UBMp5sd7vg8lp9G5FRgOc1-JNHonq4BcAQUlTlTc37Ad0J-yNzyFROWeKADliuSAWwze5lb8dpImpzM6hDUxCFL4izq56ApQb-mM3EMp3X_9SzL7J9ADJAu5-PuSr20dBzXsqFz/s320/133740416_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAoV9ifjVmSHhLrhlmANLEqR1mjVxaDSRx4JrEmxVkfRW8ewZ34DFXbvz1KRnYzkCz4kgZ4qCyhX5O5eOTekbvWAPOJvQ-OOdLQfXwB5ZQ702dtVpD-IjUErXyBXJYmfZDwEDOssGhM0J3_fZbd9rzqYTPaGfB9vsa5GLtus-AF1vQ4EuirlGtMg3PLFg/s4608/133740944_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbAoV9ifjVmSHhLrhlmANLEqR1mjVxaDSRx4JrEmxVkfRW8ewZ34DFXbvz1KRnYzkCz4kgZ4qCyhX5O5eOTekbvWAPOJvQ-OOdLQfXwB5ZQ702dtVpD-IjUErXyBXJYmfZDwEDOssGhM0J3_fZbd9rzqYTPaGfB9vsa5GLtus-AF1vQ4EuirlGtMg3PLFg/s320/133740944_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weaver birds near the lobby</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxhpt7HwOpfrRXE0_N1ptffKDxzKhSWrZQqpoRiT_pBITCZ_p1TfxQAdNhIAs0XP0e9MKD0eipKMRd372Z4pci0fnT73GLVscCKesAjmEmCIzx_ri4S7mD31lOnHFN2-qHcWInhQR5B0i-vOUvc9rI5igTRXhFP7r0q3DVYvG7O1fRslbaPzjcx3CynyI/s4608/133740992_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxhpt7HwOpfrRXE0_N1ptffKDxzKhSWrZQqpoRiT_pBITCZ_p1TfxQAdNhIAs0XP0e9MKD0eipKMRd372Z4pci0fnT73GLVscCKesAjmEmCIzx_ri4S7mD31lOnHFN2-qHcWInhQR5B0i-vOUvc9rI5igTRXhFP7r0q3DVYvG7O1fRslbaPzjcx3CynyI/s320/133740992_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>After breakfast, time to get on the bus…<br /><span>And as promised words of wisdom from St. Dennis:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> Cindy did a great job of describing our experience of camping in the Okavango Delta so I can’t add to that. This memory will never be forgotten and will produce many stories. Isn’t that part of the fun of travel? What I will contribute here are my thoughts about leaving the camp for a game walk. The trek started with warm winds and a light breeze. Soon, we heard thunder followed by light rain, then heavier rain. After walking for about an hour and spotting many animals we were now soaked. I thought, “It’s time to pull the plug.” We still had an hours walk back and the only thing dry was…well, nothing was dry, the rain was cold and I realized the “shrink factor” had set in for me. 😦</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> We got back to camp and it started to rain harder. Shaun had prepared a great meal including hot soup but all the camp chairs were soaked so there was nowhere to sit and no heavy foliage to hide under. Rain splashed into the soup and back in your face. At about 7 PM, everyone, except our wonderful polers and guides who had to clean up, headed for their tents. Water puddled inside the tents around its edges and started to soak into the mattress pads. I sacrificed our sleeping bags in hopes that they would soak up the water and the pads would remain dry enough to sleep on. It partially worked but we “slept” in wet clothes with no covers shivering the night away. It rained until midnight and then slowed and stopped. Thank god for Cindy’s Travel Jane’s so we could pee in the tent or we would have gotten totally drenched. Everyone woke around 5 AM. Shaun and the crew made a wonderful breakfast and we broke camp. Eighteen drowned rats in wet clothes were ready for their next adventure. 😉</span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span> It’s getting more difficult to write about our adventures. No, not because we’re drinking too much. I guess I’d call it sensory overload. There’s just so much to see. After Elephant Sands we took a cruise down the Chobe river in Botswana. One side of the river is Botswana, the other side is Namibia. Our 18 person platoon boarded the pontoon boat around 4:00 PM. The weather was beautiful with clear skies and a light breeze. Within minutes we encountered a pod of hippos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrruykDqNX1HQ0XVtP3wD1bhd9Y3gR9fjJW5m6LoxrdNKFLZsnMAq8fL1iS-NMkgLdOzSPs_E7582lUkeezPTkvy-0b1xwoVnPwS2AUe98OwUBBm4tHp7tZuVsqyqrrI9esStx90HUw0xY5A3S7Yrh4zCpd8DLuNo3KsLV_OBVlPkWtfGj-oMnTaadWon/s4608/133741088_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihrruykDqNX1HQ0XVtP3wD1bhd9Y3gR9fjJW5m6LoxrdNKFLZsnMAq8fL1iS-NMkgLdOzSPs_E7582lUkeezPTkvy-0b1xwoVnPwS2AUe98OwUBBm4tHp7tZuVsqyqrrI9esStx90HUw0xY5A3S7Yrh4zCpd8DLuNo3KsLV_OBVlPkWtfGj-oMnTaadWon/s320/133741088_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWstUL8VnYOlcwk-vZwVTPngRr3E50lu-aJ8mQ6DMQakdNcHyxShBbwjxXlnVaxlleQBvmaQgfIJS_yJigGFhNSsZXa91LgFqrBsMnZz9jzjihoKinlBxHIiP8aXrgvOMnEcNPhjN0KzQzWjnjda44O5yCL9xCX4ZzZz9o1kv-DNmDERALrl0LIl_s5wc4/s4608/134004992_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWstUL8VnYOlcwk-vZwVTPngRr3E50lu-aJ8mQ6DMQakdNcHyxShBbwjxXlnVaxlleQBvmaQgfIJS_yJigGFhNSsZXa91LgFqrBsMnZz9jzjihoKinlBxHIiP8aXrgvOMnEcNPhjN0KzQzWjnjda44O5yCL9xCX4ZzZz9o1kv-DNmDERALrl0LIl_s5wc4/s320/134004992_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAS9cFLRKhFbJz6HTscrTCBAiXaiS2xLFUV55SDz_NQY-PKLgKpV3NE_H2WSyt2vxY1GV8CayxX9zlT-Lle1-bfuo20wFbWAOO6xzc3HB8QTtdcLoVOShK5Upu8I8Kt3q9gEWp8Z9pNk_55c63fv5MroW4YyWBfssAfQ39velY-CvbxoVeI_wPls9Miva/s4608/134005104_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAS9cFLRKhFbJz6HTscrTCBAiXaiS2xLFUV55SDz_NQY-PKLgKpV3NE_H2WSyt2vxY1GV8CayxX9zlT-Lle1-bfuo20wFbWAOO6xzc3HB8QTtdcLoVOShK5Upu8I8Kt3q9gEWp8Z9pNk_55c63fv5MroW4YyWBfssAfQ39velY-CvbxoVeI_wPls9Miva/s320/134005104_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUE5dhBhR_pbtm1p_wd5TG3Jo9bCnf_2-zy2YfhquSd-G3vHUvnxEm1Qd3kunFISRMbbDZT70bZtvfRcCZniVpiA0-PFB8rjTuILyVFFYXZvcJPUywhyphenhyphenMl-gikfR3U51ULLBsJ-pyNz3M9fDgsyzmxYIgrTarg98o2uh7QWBRcsHdtu_kJTKwrLYSa19q/s4608/134005136_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUE5dhBhR_pbtm1p_wd5TG3Jo9bCnf_2-zy2YfhquSd-G3vHUvnxEm1Qd3kunFISRMbbDZT70bZtvfRcCZniVpiA0-PFB8rjTuILyVFFYXZvcJPUywhyphenhyphenMl-gikfR3U51ULLBsJ-pyNz3M9fDgsyzmxYIgrTarg98o2uh7QWBRcsHdtu_kJTKwrLYSa19q/s320/134005136_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> While in the mukoros during our camping adventure, we couldn’t get too close to the hippos. They were faster than we were. In our motorized prop driven pontoon, this wasn’t a problem. We could get within 10 feet of them and still maneuver out of trouble if they decided to chomp us.</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> Shortly we ran into a group of about 20-30 elephants both in and out of the water. Again, the pilot brought us within 10-20 feet of them, from bulls to babies only a few months old. They divide themselves into smaller groups or families. I’m planning to study them a bit more on Google. The guide provided many fascinating facts about their life in the wilds of Africa but I’d like to know more.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21YDA_R9e62FtyaPXjvczIogC3SCtsDj9Qw4t4P-Tq01S9X6senmI8lM_ua5E_U1eha7Rot7lf1ZrTpCEF-zmTwDQIuQrS1kW6yPxDSkZRB3zLr7ZuNvShPJN_8sC8vcv73Nvp5rc7Ym1gLgKSlUl7HVzDpfyFSUC-DfqIU6bZhZkhoI5biJdoCQFopOe/s4608/133742240_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21YDA_R9e62FtyaPXjvczIogC3SCtsDj9Qw4t4P-Tq01S9X6senmI8lM_ua5E_U1eha7Rot7lf1ZrTpCEF-zmTwDQIuQrS1kW6yPxDSkZRB3zLr7ZuNvShPJN_8sC8vcv73Nvp5rc7Ym1gLgKSlUl7HVzDpfyFSUC-DfqIU6bZhZkhoI5biJdoCQFopOe/s320/133742240_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAqko6-U2zkfzBEB2UOUpOjQT6lL5LEy3b4GiD2R91ki8_-1L99HHVpDfx4T7n81EIXRtaDNDwZBB4Lw6lkoBdvgWGhxSaajkUFd0ycqS1Uy3Uwv5jmttMVgCspZNm1rLy9S5VKq3q_izl2p86mhntBbSsZliz2Xc2Mc3wPP9GQA4H114vbaE826HGFb9/s4608/133742320_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAqko6-U2zkfzBEB2UOUpOjQT6lL5LEy3b4GiD2R91ki8_-1L99HHVpDfx4T7n81EIXRtaDNDwZBB4Lw6lkoBdvgWGhxSaajkUFd0ycqS1Uy3Uwv5jmttMVgCspZNm1rLy9S5VKq3q_izl2p86mhntBbSsZliz2Xc2Mc3wPP9GQA4H114vbaE826HGFb9/s320/133742320_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDKD_9AJSi_5Xd9I_cAihmp_IK6_9q41qFlmqYpWXB3RHndGQBvKzL9vR3zu2yD8Xm9oV-F5AHVlaKzYZpfg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span>Watching the adolescent males play fighting with each other was a riot.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfShI3QYs_Yhj5xkykNEg5lbEjCBAn8IQx08Eo6YD8M-5q3j-vAKNdfecK07r9rQ1SL-5YqQZWSVI_tKg0-a7GThkQ1VYQJD_qQlWEAqfi7Mat5ii_jsycHTZ7K1KfwAKnE7dcOTHc8RMHKXDt8CaOmWjKEbr1jikTSO-dLlKb4bzpr6eczEyWSiPtDv/s4608/133741872_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmIfShI3QYs_Yhj5xkykNEg5lbEjCBAn8IQx08Eo6YD8M-5q3j-vAKNdfecK07r9rQ1SL-5YqQZWSVI_tKg0-a7GThkQ1VYQJD_qQlWEAqfi7Mat5ii_jsycHTZ7K1KfwAKnE7dcOTHc8RMHKXDt8CaOmWjKEbr1jikTSO-dLlKb4bzpr6eczEyWSiPtDv/s320/133741872_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG2fkFtEKC3s_u24a8DmJxKu_uq9p6egc6BBGCxdoLuMYxbKcLDJaCLAiz_RxhOjYIIwP5wIipovE045fQShElrEQHKam3Y7kJLM5SwIUf51tCjSHF7ZTuf2TKMgEH1w4D68wIbxwKj4brAZqRmn5jZa-TInRVvKAxiATQF_yHB5Yo3ubVCy5f6Nnab7x/s4608/133741936_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbG2fkFtEKC3s_u24a8DmJxKu_uq9p6egc6BBGCxdoLuMYxbKcLDJaCLAiz_RxhOjYIIwP5wIipovE045fQShElrEQHKam3Y7kJLM5SwIUf51tCjSHF7ZTuf2TKMgEH1w4D68wIbxwKj4brAZqRmn5jZa-TInRVvKAxiATQF_yHB5Yo3ubVCy5f6Nnab7x/s320/133741936_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxYZ9ySgf_weFHFsN6-NaDJgJcNU4lvcCAcD9E8nseYj3Q-TOVkPdbBOgRVYz_-dX-9VPljTLaWu5Zl8S1DqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> Continuing on, we saw numerous animals—crocodiles, water buffalo, birds of different sizes and colors from the tiniest to the foreboding undertaker vulture, the Marabou Stork. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCLQC5JGmM3slAicWEPOjeMQip7GikmphZY5wRmjeisJmhNzlmRm60b-OlpdEmhJ6RsOKCjkh0yX1d_QD99UTmjDdWKlsWbC8TV22WrM4h0P03uj5zHS6M11o_C9-mSyOy6XagaqREUJsVu1Mg9WvL6COnlxIg04YEVJUK9otLsIjbceCnr2ckLbYzwTR/s4608/133742416_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCLQC5JGmM3slAicWEPOjeMQip7GikmphZY5wRmjeisJmhNzlmRm60b-OlpdEmhJ6RsOKCjkh0yX1d_QD99UTmjDdWKlsWbC8TV22WrM4h0P03uj5zHS6M11o_C9-mSyOy6XagaqREUJsVu1Mg9WvL6COnlxIg04YEVJUK9otLsIjbceCnr2ckLbYzwTR/s320/133742416_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DP4rwB7-P8W0tCWwU8E5G9K-YbO2qpyFKRc64KeUPjcDSs1VTqKcbQ5aMzKy1MniN-HBBZSK9QZo6adAs_7mg-342jF-GXVMuyEMVfVJMrnxTPqkKDh4N2Z2SaLEW8z6o1V4IIR6rjL9oKwwMznh2myoS28v7B0Zm7QxL06i552nPaOUf-Q0_VaI18gJ/s320/134005648_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1iroH0BjpO2XJkB3sCGhAZxANheaGM9gMBopFa4mi8ZGgTcmWDK7wR71UxNUsFY1sICqUq2uC1_5GKalunu_te94bnQuYsjcRiTq1biNOZc0eZLFrRgG_zyyzVecFyuEcOUlJYbNIeJNlgEDCtjgx7HnuYSNvAP7Rr34L1lHmNtKiLUj4gytLmv_tYBn/s4608/134005712_Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1iroH0BjpO2XJkB3sCGhAZxANheaGM9gMBopFa4mi8ZGgTcmWDK7wR71UxNUsFY1sICqUq2uC1_5GKalunu_te94bnQuYsjcRiTq1biNOZc0eZLFrRgG_zyyzVecFyuEcOUlJYbNIeJNlgEDCtjgx7HnuYSNvAP7Rr34L1lHmNtKiLUj4gytLmv_tYBn/s320/134005712_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> Our bus driver, Barry told us, “Don't miss the river cruise. Among all the options, you must experience this!” He was so right! If we had to endure the rain soaked game walk and night in a tent with “a river ran through it” it was worth it!! Next back on the bus and on to Zimbawe. </span><br /><span><br /></span></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-16795343108303681272024-01-12T08:50:00.000-08:002024-01-12T08:50:42.759-08:00The Okavango Delta Challenge<p> <span> </span>Today we had a lovely lunch prepared by the ladies who have benefited from G Adventures support. They are a local cooperative who prepare traditional meals for tourists. While here another G Adventure group joined ours for lunch. They are just starting their tour and will do everything we did in the reverse. A woman from that group asked me about the camping experience in the Delta. She said she thought when she booked the tour it would be glamping. It is as farther from glamping as a Motel 6 is from the Hilton. All I could tell her is that it was an experience. She wanted more details but she was already worried. Should I tell her what we experienced? It may not be the same for her. I was worried about being able to get up during the night to go to the bathroom. That was a trifle, a silly little incidental compared to what the Okavango is like during a rainstorm.</p><p><span> </span>It began with an open truck ride to the meeting place in the Delta where we met our crew of polers. We came equipped with sleeping bags, day packs and 5 liters of water. As we got into the Mokoros, 2 people plus a poler we set off with a cool breeze into the canals of the delta, passing lily pads with flowers of pink, white, and purple. So tranquil.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpvqa-83ldK_1e5nfefpa6igIh7H2I1MfHh7SxAeXk1wUvxJxH0tbBXanOAGrxIKMbjAKstE_gj9QAR_oEIJYLUJywYquk0MO873In9-j7iyscEd9vId5bVd70JGP8oXuElkPpQAmqKjlPk1AVwaIqO7ER64Iorl_oLU9OLHEM9nBbrILHntZ3FcAKV-9/s4608/133213792_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpvqa-83ldK_1e5nfefpa6igIh7H2I1MfHh7SxAeXk1wUvxJxH0tbBXanOAGrxIKMbjAKstE_gj9QAR_oEIJYLUJywYquk0MO873In9-j7iyscEd9vId5bVd70JGP8oXuElkPpQAmqKjlPk1AVwaIqO7ER64Iorl_oLU9OLHEM9nBbrILHntZ3FcAKV-9/s320/133213792_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLqolwd-zeJLzB1hnTad5a5wxRKYYfpSBoTcLh_D8vWNw_Q6U96GGre-_gvkbo-4L599iysK49UorJ7tRXmzuJap2ETf9R08JFa459Kdnhfln9GZnNzS5c3jmw9afQvgi9_a8QEv38WwnPV1vt6rvDYqkEnP2uzQr01r8sqI9bjsXRr0IcBYvDGv4L4AT/s4608/133214048_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLqolwd-zeJLzB1hnTad5a5wxRKYYfpSBoTcLh_D8vWNw_Q6U96GGre-_gvkbo-4L599iysK49UorJ7tRXmzuJap2ETf9R08JFa459Kdnhfln9GZnNzS5c3jmw9afQvgi9_a8QEv38WwnPV1vt6rvDYqkEnP2uzQr01r8sqI9bjsXRr0IcBYvDGv4L4AT/s320/133214048_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAcwzTRYP3IsgdSkHCStYWkW4YYw7_iRxCMKGRy7VIR4pva7tkOcTMjZ1rDcX3eJLqlZC4Oi4Bf7cda1q9KtBBeVuhXp133yZuwcWHNjT1ioIVRD_5lhDrCmggot1Dg-AhXUmYXqAlbnhQ-rm4qJsA-qLmB6FMwAOmcIDwP-mcMKL0tN0V6nmrbCFGdHg/s4608/133214128_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAcwzTRYP3IsgdSkHCStYWkW4YYw7_iRxCMKGRy7VIR4pva7tkOcTMjZ1rDcX3eJLqlZC4Oi4Bf7cda1q9KtBBeVuhXp133yZuwcWHNjT1ioIVRD_5lhDrCmggot1Dg-AhXUmYXqAlbnhQ-rm4qJsA-qLmB6FMwAOmcIDwP-mcMKL0tN0V6nmrbCFGdHg/s320/133214128_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span> After bout an hour we arrived at our campsite where the crew began unloading and quickly setting up tents. As this was being done, Shaun our intrepid guide began preparing lunch with the 4 youngest women acting as sous chefs.</span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdO0axqJ5ZvYgYDgp-udeujblkhzVpK-pkvo-lFv_KibTS6eOZvNpkP9y71uPfaUvzA__7HxV8bcdE37DMoLpR0E4bmjPbKX2WjkjNHoWuGKKIAE7oit-1RObm32yGQWaCCxXoIAs0kYpjRc9XWfTQo9lfFfW9tWcxH8O_4yclcfp5KTgPjD8FltOPfuZ/s4608/133214432_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdO0axqJ5ZvYgYDgp-udeujblkhzVpK-pkvo-lFv_KibTS6eOZvNpkP9y71uPfaUvzA__7HxV8bcdE37DMoLpR0E4bmjPbKX2WjkjNHoWuGKKIAE7oit-1RObm32yGQWaCCxXoIAs0kYpjRc9XWfTQo9lfFfW9tWcxH8O_4yclcfp5KTgPjD8FltOPfuZ/s320/133214432_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq14xNnSLvcpcnJN9xBsJj48MVKn-Mdc2mGx_c-P7-DpOFgktJezxQMSaYbzvjSSqIYstKtnyQBkFxD0i2BHbOrGPsLVrFwHauqy1Ux6HA8hY92i-7Qt_96GkrQmdjVZXrCCbwvpC9QFIWXUQa-jpBvxKFGWhtNhkm4bR-cubkN84aVglhvGaeUulwgloZ/s4608/133214480_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq14xNnSLvcpcnJN9xBsJj48MVKn-Mdc2mGx_c-P7-DpOFgktJezxQMSaYbzvjSSqIYstKtnyQBkFxD0i2BHbOrGPsLVrFwHauqy1Ux6HA8hY92i-7Qt_96GkrQmdjVZXrCCbwvpC9QFIWXUQa-jpBvxKFGWhtNhkm4bR-cubkN84aVglhvGaeUulwgloZ/s320/133214480_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIssyM_MTL7GW_GUw_PkR-bguvQkAQROtEkGprGB9WuEgQNn82ct7rHZuAtyOSM_JDCKfEJ2n5JRgF_ZStLQZDd310NjFYkn-UxUlMxyCoOTFTV6Q59BL4IORwKwKLwBLvVxanfMEKB97Gw_-mc83MzBkYRz67LXET0pijE5r9OghYPMACF6bfQs6BHVNK/s4608/133214496_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIssyM_MTL7GW_GUw_PkR-bguvQkAQROtEkGprGB9WuEgQNn82ct7rHZuAtyOSM_JDCKfEJ2n5JRgF_ZStLQZDd310NjFYkn-UxUlMxyCoOTFTV6Q59BL4IORwKwKLwBLvVxanfMEKB97Gw_-mc83MzBkYRz67LXET0pijE5r9OghYPMACF6bfQs6BHVNK/s320/133214496_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> After the camp was set up and we had lunch which was delicious we had free time to read, relax, learn how to pole, or puddle around the swimming hole which was about 2 feet deep. At 3:00 we were to set off for a bush walk, single file and silent. We were divided into 3 groups. Our group leader knew that I was having back issues and that Dennis and I did not want to do a 3 hour walk. So K-K (double K) would take us back when we were ready.</span><p></p><p><span><span> Off we went. First in the mukoro across the water to the land where our trek would begin. Then we got into line and followed the leader. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTPRVDOYNdc5biPWqwTKdMxNezkmj8T4fa9NPncZjOOGchQki_AGTkWU7AYYfz_OELWB4QpqX3sOLEBVZdOrg821airJFXEH8Q53eBWKUy5g5QImzdWlL_orxYHsjssFznjVrMwN8ucswkZXm02ohnkMmGaaEVJBSU9YKFBLae78XAoeM2JZEtgqdnet2/s4608/133477200_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTPRVDOYNdc5biPWqwTKdMxNezkmj8T4fa9NPncZjOOGchQki_AGTkWU7AYYfz_OELWB4QpqX3sOLEBVZdOrg821airJFXEH8Q53eBWKUy5g5QImzdWlL_orxYHsjssFznjVrMwN8ucswkZXm02ohnkMmGaaEVJBSU9YKFBLae78XAoeM2JZEtgqdnet2/s320/133477200_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FJ0tUM0qPtRfMz7B24dQCB4RVuKnTpeFzl-pG3vKxVrz-BI366-FsuqgyjJwtKueLyRW8cViErzW87ysMyYVy1rQMeicJ6OHeobwqgBKl0W-ktKgGlIbgz8Ciau23fwrzgWZoo768-WTd4NpjL9gY3CkjNW4G8PUIh6tKUhuutUeY62QNl_tSmFOpViQ/s2602/133477072_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2602" data-original-width="2530" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FJ0tUM0qPtRfMz7B24dQCB4RVuKnTpeFzl-pG3vKxVrz-BI366-FsuqgyjJwtKueLyRW8cViErzW87ysMyYVy1rQMeicJ6OHeobwqgBKl0W-ktKgGlIbgz8Ciau23fwrzgWZoo768-WTd4NpjL9gY3CkjNW4G8PUIh6tKUhuutUeY62QNl_tSmFOpViQ/s320/133477072_Unknown.jpeg" width="311" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQjqlXZUWO9VdWurOpLkj_EgiubtcsU2S0Z5hbFalOuIPqIQobBgSVy3mBpPibLZwNEUfOJqWJGt9W-D63RkfvHcEvnPqYVvOoZZdpmPuVXTQrQfReGygF0x-qQy7TzUMEsLeI26lMF66lrJ_TlofJP8iNJjcU9LznF-Bu4seUlzTfDdczJaspc7EARH1/s3030/133214800_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2966" data-original-width="3030" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQjqlXZUWO9VdWurOpLkj_EgiubtcsU2S0Z5hbFalOuIPqIQobBgSVy3mBpPibLZwNEUfOJqWJGt9W-D63RkfvHcEvnPqYVvOoZZdpmPuVXTQrQfReGygF0x-qQy7TzUMEsLeI26lMF66lrJ_TlofJP8iNJjcU9LznF-Bu4seUlzTfDdczJaspc7EARH1/s320/133214800_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span> </span><span> Do these pics seem a little hazy? Like there might be rain? Yep, at about 4:00 the rain started. We thought (stupidly, naively?) that the rain would be like that in Florida, a spat of rain and then, done. Try midnight, think buckets. I thought I could continue to the next animal, St. Dennis knew better and after 2 hours, said we needed to go back. He was so right. K-K kept looking around, like for lions or some other predator. Dennis was sure it was because he wanted to be sure I was still trudging along behind. When we got to the mukoro I fell in, in front of Dennis and thought I killed him. I dropped in so hard I thought I had bashed him in the head. He said, no problem, just the chest. Across the water we went to the camp. Shortly everyone was back. The rain continued. There were no dry places to sit, the trees weren’t dense enough to offer protection. Shaun had prepared a delicious soup for dinner that was difficult to enjoy because it was continually diluted with rain. The tents were the only places where you might have a dry spot. So everyone headed into their tents. By now it was 7:00. </span><p></p><p><span><span><span> I brought a small flashlight, our phones were losing their charge. We sat in the dark and drank wine. We didn’t even finish it. Imagine, Cindy and Dennis leaving wine!</span> The tents were leaking. Really leaking. We had nice pads topped with the sleeping bags. We used the sleeping bags to sop up the water that was leaking into the tent. We each had about a third of the pad to sleep on that wasn’t wet. Did I mention this was the night from hell? It certainly made our decision to never ever camp again! </span></span></p><p><span><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n0PAQ1X8F8syL6-FY6Qx9X3rSVC-Y96YqNfC903NQyXYyBmd3ZzMB43_KQZI1ffkLuc4LX3PpnM0PI0RqVbJ-iGABly0SQLdzRyDq8w83HBz1DqUfBz6s8Bt7TY2QnTB1jj8P4J_7Z0dHB75yqopGik5M6jcc0BY7v_pkHAmaHgxaMb2sOUs08uVAI6s/s4608/133477280_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4n0PAQ1X8F8syL6-FY6Qx9X3rSVC-Y96YqNfC903NQyXYyBmd3ZzMB43_KQZI1ffkLuc4LX3PpnM0PI0RqVbJ-iGABly0SQLdzRyDq8w83HBz1DqUfBz6s8Bt7TY2QnTB1jj8P4J_7Z0dHB75yqopGik5M6jcc0BY7v_pkHAmaHgxaMb2sOUs08uVAI6s/s320/133477280_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoty2XL3wFEDGs8_AG8K7DDmObrgY6UsLs_YMUYt-nduzQDaHCuhHlFmhGwbaxSaYUl5m4ePyfXE11fF1kRbcwTmUNvEu3utUVtlnDRMUoRL5LablA2mb2UOnSGa0nwvbq808cvP8qFtduqYUWBTY1GDueiEJuxvgVoweA2Aij6EkMHe-gnfOAK4fueI4Z/s4608/133477296_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoty2XL3wFEDGs8_AG8K7DDmObrgY6UsLs_YMUYt-nduzQDaHCuhHlFmhGwbaxSaYUl5m4ePyfXE11fF1kRbcwTmUNvEu3utUVtlnDRMUoRL5LablA2mb2UOnSGa0nwvbq808cvP8qFtduqYUWBTY1GDueiEJuxvgVoweA2Aij6EkMHe-gnfOAK4fueI4Z/s320/133477296_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We slept on the pads, the dark spot in the center are puddles. The pink things are Travel Jane’s which we used by kneeling on the dry spots of the pads so that we didn’t have to go out into the rain which continued until after midnight. It was not light rain it was coming down in buckets. In between the thunder the hippos let us know this was a great time. The toilet paper looks a little ditzy because it’s damp as were we. Finally morning came. Finally. And breakfast and again Shaun and his crew did an amazingly delicious job. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQay83-UzHMvfO73cKsoU_d4nxYlaPKL7k85mxrLul5W1iCX7yIYIESx5p5AxznUMW7fTVye-sP3bRN93NBJSlaS4PqZRDbEdTC1lwG0-xzDKO7Qhxy7-5G6jugzyJbzpuw2oLL-EVDqHRnEEJWO-sRflzT9Fr7RqE8bVXmp4b9ZHvJUes5BMbSq8si0/s4608/133477360_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgQay83-UzHMvfO73cKsoU_d4nxYlaPKL7k85mxrLul5W1iCX7yIYIESx5p5AxznUMW7fTVye-sP3bRN93NBJSlaS4PqZRDbEdTC1lwG0-xzDKO7Qhxy7-5G6jugzyJbzpuw2oLL-EVDqHRnEEJWO-sRflzT9Fr7RqE8bVXmp4b9ZHvJUes5BMbSq8si0/s320/133477360_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtaii3ZIfNVUvbYxH9abkYxYZYIxb2oUcAyDYIMHLaVjGAD5EUeeJwteZ5IgFqkwmJZWbkvxg8yM8c9X1ffih6I6iMTy5ENLEukT66_bJUReVYjT50b6r5g4XfkRSiSyilzVT-VU8Hn9qmuoSYThUymXR1LDuzt47VqYRVTOV-yjvJBY9lLD2MraS0aP5/s4608/133477392_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtaii3ZIfNVUvbYxH9abkYxYZYIxb2oUcAyDYIMHLaVjGAD5EUeeJwteZ5IgFqkwmJZWbkvxg8yM8c9X1ffih6I6iMTy5ENLEukT66_bJUReVYjT50b6r5g4XfkRSiSyilzVT-VU8Hn9qmuoSYThUymXR1LDuzt47VqYRVTOV-yjvJBY9lLD2MraS0aP5/s320/133477392_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> And then we are again off in the mukoro to the pick-up spot to go back to the hotel and on to the next spot. Shaun was right, it was an unforgettable experience. It certainly helped us make a life decision about camping. The youngest members of the group gave us hope for all of our futures. They all pitched in whether it was cooking or carrying all the gear to the mukoros. We were very lucky to be with such upbeat young women. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk-VLaw4SIkiHUH-QcUn7NwRYPzYJd4VqnDrtAupVSSU9cKQ6vk0NxvBRw5Kv2Jn8cjciGNdyRLKYMOUvVgjHu8rTy5wUCdeN1Oc_NAjiEvQuf6Dvi-Bpu9HuM94LHYcy16nGb2qxRpZG7xD-JezRtLdIed4TbLp1F7ufWDqdnPyLMPN2LSWxx-Ompt1_/s4608/133478016_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzk-VLaw4SIkiHUH-QcUn7NwRYPzYJd4VqnDrtAupVSSU9cKQ6vk0NxvBRw5Kv2Jn8cjciGNdyRLKYMOUvVgjHu8rTy5wUCdeN1Oc_NAjiEvQuf6Dvi-Bpu9HuM94LHYcy16nGb2qxRpZG7xD-JezRtLdIed4TbLp1F7ufWDqdnPyLMPN2LSWxx-Ompt1_/s320/133478016_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoXiowOMAzEu07xAZURYgzBf44XzyFbq-JgujLbi7YgAukzUnfn-q_337adj88NI6be2jK1W3Vjjn_b00IY14izA1a0MGhmCVfAzARn6z3BK9Ivp1lWnrZpm_zdvdhRIiBeW04Xd9DJrEXckZQyXCT42nA2RF06078CIugfLoJmdTscxJC0egKEZiXVhf/s4608/133213744_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoXiowOMAzEu07xAZURYgzBf44XzyFbq-JgujLbi7YgAukzUnfn-q_337adj88NI6be2jK1W3Vjjn_b00IY14izA1a0MGhmCVfAzARn6z3BK9Ivp1lWnrZpm_zdvdhRIiBeW04Xd9DJrEXckZQyXCT42nA2RF06078CIugfLoJmdTscxJC0egKEZiXVhf/s320/133213744_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXxuH61gIV63JYLjR5EP5Pv2_e7k3rahSARj7Cm06rmKqv-dKiqQysM5p3rlDIKLCjGQZQ2T9yGAZ3DqBKYA1LXC983cPdmZiBLhtSV2EN1DIH49g5ZfgjeFfQKZiHnJV8JwyxV5MajWYXwZMpNzdQtdRkQSWGX7YNvx7rVWnYWG3jhzo4705CA8LvNVk/s3248/133213904_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3208" data-original-width="3248" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXxuH61gIV63JYLjR5EP5Pv2_e7k3rahSARj7Cm06rmKqv-dKiqQysM5p3rlDIKLCjGQZQ2T9yGAZ3DqBKYA1LXC983cPdmZiBLhtSV2EN1DIH49g5ZfgjeFfQKZiHnJV8JwyxV5MajWYXwZMpNzdQtdRkQSWGX7YNvx7rVWnYWG3jhzo4705CA8LvNVk/s320/133213904_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbcsG6jWOIA0myCnKMjYpr3VZWz0wK5pxP3cmDSo0qtAl33jQI6HCI-yvjjgPkcrs48ywS_h5ARGOvkkHujJ4-ZKi-xAhyguRtrm9MfcQ5Z46PPBksQJrmZn__gNFAAgMazBF7XV7B8nHfp3Is0S-HG2DE3MeQXrmcsBdp-C6J5l9MeG-KrCWEZE-WZbh/s4608/133213680_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbcsG6jWOIA0myCnKMjYpr3VZWz0wK5pxP3cmDSo0qtAl33jQI6HCI-yvjjgPkcrs48ywS_h5ARGOvkkHujJ4-ZKi-xAhyguRtrm9MfcQ5Z46PPBksQJrmZn__gNFAAgMazBF7XV7B8nHfp3Is0S-HG2DE3MeQXrmcsBdp-C6J5l9MeG-KrCWEZE-WZbh/s320/133213680_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span> <span> St. Dennis deserves a break. So he will add his wisdom in upcoming segments.</span></span></div><br /> <br /><p></p><p><br /><span><br /></span></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-33448677063994636422024-01-07T11:33:00.000-08:002024-01-07T11:33:01.746-08:00Thakadku Bush Camp<p> I won’t do much writing today, more details later. We are in Botswana at Thakadku Bush Camp. Tonight we went for a walk with a bushman who is doing everything possible to keep his culture alive. Dennis had a long talk with him and at some point he will share that. Let’s just say, it was a truly unexpected evening. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kWlHWAOIA4L19qvdfYLqg7V843I7Q1YPsULm6Ld9KO_0QY40PpzT05sCl7HF5FCcPKPR_6neweeDam9HqdXcC05VFRzVMtngdxdHUVguUCm1gR0khr0E_IyP1IHnw6fkXQTogQupTojTuiQUw9oXtFx8WNJms5Xmzur-NFsg3GdCfCpj9N4Tkl02CyVX/s4608/132949888_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kWlHWAOIA4L19qvdfYLqg7V843I7Q1YPsULm6Ld9KO_0QY40PpzT05sCl7HF5FCcPKPR_6neweeDam9HqdXcC05VFRzVMtngdxdHUVguUCm1gR0khr0E_IyP1IHnw6fkXQTogQupTojTuiQUw9oXtFx8WNJms5Xmzur-NFsg3GdCfCpj9N4Tkl02CyVX/s320/132949888_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vH1kWpB5FY/ZZr6VTmttZI/AAAAAAAB5D8/T_DAjH_E3ZMkkdIadyHLUVTpET1muhiaACNcBGAsYHQ/s4608/132950208_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vH1kWpB5FY/ZZr6VTmttZI/AAAAAAAB5D8/T_DAjH_E3ZMkkdIadyHLUVTpET1muhiaACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/132950208_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHykGNaKSTmhfwju7mrd0R6Xh_hZE8meykCIbXC-xQLx446dALU4aNv1DXOwVKwpLhIXkduVk6kBdaW-VOHXWSyhZM_6q9NyvsYV5EuJKhGWK1uRwQWD4TEvhRK3uAazOclSfAgJeGyNNETDlbjxoaS-9Qx_MNhbyNJRRF7HsmfOyF8Z3HylSL2jMz49eK/s4608/132950272_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHykGNaKSTmhfwju7mrd0R6Xh_hZE8meykCIbXC-xQLx446dALU4aNv1DXOwVKwpLhIXkduVk6kBdaW-VOHXWSyhZM_6q9NyvsYV5EuJKhGWK1uRwQWD4TEvhRK3uAazOclSfAgJeGyNNETDlbjxoaS-9Qx_MNhbyNJRRF7HsmfOyF8Z3HylSL2jMz49eK/s320/132950272_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Hunting, eating, cooking, medicines, were demonstrated as well as languages. When we have more internet strength, we have a couple of videos to share. In the meantime, stick with us! We are on the edge of the Kalahari and it is HOT. Tomorrow we head to the Okavango Delta, the largest Delta in the world.<br /><p><br /></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-78200276038024241152024-01-06T17:12:00.000-08:002024-01-06T17:12:50.326-08:00The Nambibian Desert: the oldest desert in the world<p> <span> </span>We are really worn out tonight. After arriving back from the desert and joining the G Adventure welcome meeting, Dennis turned to me and said, “What did you get us into?” Actually, it was said a bit stronger than that. I’m not sure what I got us into, we’ll soon find out as we leave for Botswana tomorrow morning. While there we will have little internet so will get in touch whenever we can.</p><p><span> Today Ricky picked us up to take us to where the Namibia Desert meets the Atlantic. I am nosing off so I am just going to give a peak at what the day was like. It was filled with color—Namibian skies, sand water, salt mining at the pink lagoon, flamingos, just an incredible day!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNS8f0OBib8Oeq3kXOIOtGLx6RK1QQzZUJdjel1k3VrUwO8Fr4aHBNk_4hxeUOBITQ33uW1v-Ao97UGTtAad-eXRrKaWQxC6V_BxhdNWsoKbbFWPbQBB8MDQnTR5s0YDvXSMaUY3WW2n0KovyIKTfkDQ1f_M1hff80O_YD3NTEvxAj-PpK7slW7Kh19dC/s4608/132423648_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNS8f0OBib8Oeq3kXOIOtGLx6RK1QQzZUJdjel1k3VrUwO8Fr4aHBNk_4hxeUOBITQ33uW1v-Ao97UGTtAad-eXRrKaWQxC6V_BxhdNWsoKbbFWPbQBB8MDQnTR5s0YDvXSMaUY3WW2n0KovyIKTfkDQ1f_M1hff80O_YD3NTEvxAj-PpK7slW7Kh19dC/s320/132423648_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLPpHs5xBVH8sxv5hyphenhyphenqvVtg3fYJbDj8Xe1n3qkjJu-v5mAOrGl075Ym6OefcOvm62DrJgwoMQVrc6gxBajBFrrsttvGYNHnyeISFA-7JADH30r1LNcT0_dej4FjmTMVc9bGtdlWFUwvVzXg_LpITAsPKdZhN9REzjqiaUVslb0fTpEeHjN_46R6s2LdHf/s4608/132423712_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLPpHs5xBVH8sxv5hyphenhyphenqvVtg3fYJbDj8Xe1n3qkjJu-v5mAOrGl075Ym6OefcOvm62DrJgwoMQVrc6gxBajBFrrsttvGYNHnyeISFA-7JADH30r1LNcT0_dej4FjmTMVc9bGtdlWFUwvVzXg_LpITAsPKdZhN9REzjqiaUVslb0fTpEeHjN_46R6s2LdHf/s320/132423712_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULmy2WGgOrp5XF2ht1xROOOb1CqRJpf43waDEIfY3TLtkJSB7l7Wkw92au8g_m4YhyphenhyphenEoI2gSnP5G9uakALNZvISDMHkEsx2q36PNgibBkUSkPp5QMO1BirNgOn8NsRkJ6ad5Sa3AuXNNXc-1oeFNBYQi3FqN3spptcWEEWi81uYsm-Y-zkHcBfbXAHu0T/s4608/132423984_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULmy2WGgOrp5XF2ht1xROOOb1CqRJpf43waDEIfY3TLtkJSB7l7Wkw92au8g_m4YhyphenhyphenEoI2gSnP5G9uakALNZvISDMHkEsx2q36PNgibBkUSkPp5QMO1BirNgOn8NsRkJ6ad5Sa3AuXNNXc-1oeFNBYQi3FqN3spptcWEEWi81uYsm-Y-zkHcBfbXAHu0T/s320/132423984_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv2rsLoMKIIB2bLgi3M4X1pVr5uX6M0lJyhwGChbI-d4DFg5cEVVvHMtkolI8lpkiaB2nqSd-je4Lz7kFnQvUOtGdaHDBI5KWDNZv20OBUPOqlnsr3TZeneV6lbaGDeFvFPEFKvB2f7CGTbfLrrdayGLPC21wF5JlnVE08CSaBEL5-PYI9j1_cVsKHuof/s320/132425040_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-fqsVEobOmD4culy3MNTsxj-7vuVru4UHfGeHx2OXeP_hxHnsvoeQm40OtUJ_lvczWAUirRJYJ5fyVhZGvs_LvE5m2Fwly3lUEQ_yXv6l0d937Q4NdlUKyTUEPh9OzfdwXwa9jI-3RAD7pMAxK5kdSKV1v9zmqahdQS0TsrxXAjdFEejb9Ku69K-vXBZ/s4608/132687472_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-fqsVEobOmD4culy3MNTsxj-7vuVru4UHfGeHx2OXeP_hxHnsvoeQm40OtUJ_lvczWAUirRJYJ5fyVhZGvs_LvE5m2Fwly3lUEQ_yXv6l0d937Q4NdlUKyTUEPh9OzfdwXwa9jI-3RAD7pMAxK5kdSKV1v9zmqahdQS0TsrxXAjdFEejb9Ku69K-vXBZ/s320/132687472_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_oJSpTem7HUORVtflA0fVZyAQYSFIJfOZJNDtt4PZpX6Gg62UIC5Ta9GGWtZ5Yldk6Afa4B6d53ar3xRhB-IP4tzIlhkVUOO0SkMplLCwM5fUwasaFPLuZwrEPp-tmHXnUGTjKibm46I_j698Pr7YdgyN929BianxNIcFMFDBU2TWznHXElCUW75ece6/s4608/132687488_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_oJSpTem7HUORVtflA0fVZyAQYSFIJfOZJNDtt4PZpX6Gg62UIC5Ta9GGWtZ5Yldk6Afa4B6d53ar3xRhB-IP4tzIlhkVUOO0SkMplLCwM5fUwasaFPLuZwrEPp-tmHXnUGTjKibm46I_j698Pr7YdgyN929BianxNIcFMFDBU2TWznHXElCUW75ece6/s320/132687488_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span>Dennis is snoring away and I hope to be doing the same soon. There will be more when we are able. Xoxo</span><p></p><p><br /></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-23954704798008827002024-01-05T13:05:00.000-08:002024-01-05T13:05:57.609-08:00A Most Unusual City Tour: Katutura <p><span> </span>This tour gave us a view of not only Namibian history but of some of the concerns for the daily lives of the Namibian people. Namibia was colonized by the Germans. The Germans left and the apartheid government of South Africa decided that Namibia should become a province of South Africa. What followed was a brutal war of the attempted colonization of one African nation by another. Since Namibia has gained independence the country has dealt with corruption of public officials, high employment—50%, increased dependence of the people for survival on the federal government which is running low on funds with an increasing debt to nations such as China. Dennis and I came into this incredibly uninformed.</p><p><span> This tour brought us many insights into the amazing people of Namibia. We are staying at a smaller and incredibly comfortable hotel in Windhoek, the Auas City Hotel. The staff are attentive, friendly, and dressed neatly and uniformly. The chefs provide excellent food along with a selection of either Portuguese or South African wines. </span>The staff whether at the front desk, cleaning staff, or restaurant staff are all friendly and accommodating.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlVUx7tcwCmqrKXQRlAjSXL_ffH_X3xGqhr7ep2v7zAM_p00Y5XLlFsGeEAQZCqaxvM58hRCTWnT0VKu1VpZOrULp3wcawP5Id-HJH-oiUD5DgLhuR7eMogU3dXwyYGER29_Ewy7xJ0PP0HLUyvpnhlDknde7BV5ALBtdysVXBIMGMgs6w37XSsvsU9jN/s4608/132161056_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlVUx7tcwCmqrKXQRlAjSXL_ffH_X3xGqhr7ep2v7zAM_p00Y5XLlFsGeEAQZCqaxvM58hRCTWnT0VKu1VpZOrULp3wcawP5Id-HJH-oiUD5DgLhuR7eMogU3dXwyYGER29_Ewy7xJ0PP0HLUyvpnhlDknde7BV5ALBtdysVXBIMGMgs6w37XSsvsU9jN/s320/132161056_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9Bf5K6NwPqJ1QEv-A3ha7StTwbpq9GU0zU6NYRSW8X-oFOm_65ImgqWym33FDZmbNWbSbmW-miNEVh0hVhMbQkr4wATtp_sKkBAijFAaHG8jkEzdQHK7gb63aB62fdlbc6J1L8InwxdJPiMJZbsV6k0Q7d_J4qbyqgFf1SX2GfeCuUfNKj4nSwUcZVmi/s4608/132161072_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9Bf5K6NwPqJ1QEv-A3ha7StTwbpq9GU0zU6NYRSW8X-oFOm_65ImgqWym33FDZmbNWbSbmW-miNEVh0hVhMbQkr4wATtp_sKkBAijFAaHG8jkEzdQHK7gb63aB62fdlbc6J1L8InwxdJPiMJZbsV6k0Q7d_J4qbyqgFf1SX2GfeCuUfNKj4nSwUcZVmi/s320/132161072_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc6OMFmowUTqd-DLd2g2Cd22nURb3TzNh3U5yroOn1eUDZ6xxb2xVLXibHMKjxyug4_mY6wD522MeyUPthjinXodNBpGO78kdT-FgrlkNQ74Hba8pkoNZ7jUW-bLE-IIBw-ovffXAEcj08ALXAzgSZYBWYUZWxWQsux-o2-8Zjx3rfBhzHILJRKQ8WxES/s4608/132161088_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc6OMFmowUTqd-DLd2g2Cd22nURb3TzNh3U5yroOn1eUDZ6xxb2xVLXibHMKjxyug4_mY6wD522MeyUPthjinXodNBpGO78kdT-FgrlkNQ74Hba8pkoNZ7jUW-bLE-IIBw-ovffXAEcj08ALXAzgSZYBWYUZWxWQsux-o2-8Zjx3rfBhzHILJRKQ8WxES/s320/132161088_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD50cUXHre3usG5MhdUcAhealRWlqfDCgqRvu_6aETN-BP49chLI2sVht9sO0iipVYcu5D9tLleTQ4Wvi0jhtrq2IywFT1NpoCw8n_MbcUOsUBqFx1HxZ0ZcdtMvCD99Mq-bt9LSERmS74zXqCdwMWvK2ZEbBqwWyr1ayZpCjWbZV4JEOc3tFB2HDqUE3/s4608/131898880_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD50cUXHre3usG5MhdUcAhealRWlqfDCgqRvu_6aETN-BP49chLI2sVht9sO0iipVYcu5D9tLleTQ4Wvi0jhtrq2IywFT1NpoCw8n_MbcUOsUBqFx1HxZ0ZcdtMvCD99Mq-bt9LSERmS74zXqCdwMWvK2ZEbBqwWyr1ayZpCjWbZV4JEOc3tFB2HDqUE3/s320/131898880_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> Linda picked us up at at 2:00 PM and we set off for the landmark Christ Church, a Lutheran church. Here we received our first lesson in the history of Namibia. One of the many things that Linda said was that English is the official language of Namibia spoken by almost everyone. There are at least 8 distinct ethnic groups in the country. In order to be able to communicate with each other, a common language was needed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCstLreO7P1og1dbPt6Tg75zzG2wG04PA_mr5oJ9EF6vLWKENpY9NIUojgMl26B_9NUBHWtIrzYGko4NtuZPmGRZHie0M-Vdqjxt5mtdppGMOq3vOU7YwGQVByn9pIp157rSIgcLuwmXkbwOuxEPMK_b1pJNUhgQHj89fv7WBQfMUOlxTcd4o3eClqdBo/s4608/132161120_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCstLreO7P1og1dbPt6Tg75zzG2wG04PA_mr5oJ9EF6vLWKENpY9NIUojgMl26B_9NUBHWtIrzYGko4NtuZPmGRZHie0M-Vdqjxt5mtdppGMOq3vOU7YwGQVByn9pIp157rSIgcLuwmXkbwOuxEPMK_b1pJNUhgQHj89fv7WBQfMUOlxTcd4o3eClqdBo/s320/132161120_Unknown.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> From here we left for the Katutura Township tour. To bring us up-to-date on this very large township, we stopped at a national memorial where we learned the story of Katutura and its sense of community. It reminded me of one of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novels where one character asks another, Do you think that because they have less, their joy is any less than yours? He was describing a wedding party on the beach of clearly impoverished people who were having a fabulous time celebrating. That scene has always stuck with me. I have seen newscasts of royal weddings, of celebrity weddings but cannot believe that they are experiencing more joy than I have had at weddings of those I love. And so I know that regardless of economics, joy comes form the heart not the purse. Still what we saw and experienced affected both of us deeply.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MPyyXJosrfK-GGdXgRtY0lwr5j1HiwFjiXACUbdGhBkh-c1fJQ49nR7Q1qMdB1CeOI_4zbDE1MK6VxGhwcK-RWzlxJW8jMGIENZCpgVw8EAfzA-w0g0uOg0Bom93vi-ewlnWpy8Uz_hqfsGY4IJcz7q-ZjtP8AksJ-CnBi-6wBjQRJ-CtEZWiruXrM3O/s4608/132161216_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MPyyXJosrfK-GGdXgRtY0lwr5j1HiwFjiXACUbdGhBkh-c1fJQ49nR7Q1qMdB1CeOI_4zbDE1MK6VxGhwcK-RWzlxJW8jMGIENZCpgVw8EAfzA-w0g0uOg0Bom93vi-ewlnWpy8Uz_hqfsGY4IJcz7q-ZjtP8AksJ-CnBi-6wBjQRJ-CtEZWiruXrM3O/s320/132161216_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGZtupN_jaTZpRnD5GrO1c5tpX1SGcDOOuGeFWfC5-P_t6IRmFRR3ObU6XG2GvsgelL5_xeM3zKUiIuyFktTME3F0Q4AI2ev-GuNBRzK8MVlu_byJfKk1IVm2fc-dsSuT7aX7Fk1SYHg0iKkVBoXZX0y3-0HZPxzfHq_X3Kg0Iz36FOerneFWMNl0TFV_/s4608/132161232_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGZtupN_jaTZpRnD5GrO1c5tpX1SGcDOOuGeFWfC5-P_t6IRmFRR3ObU6XG2GvsgelL5_xeM3zKUiIuyFktTME3F0Q4AI2ev-GuNBRzK8MVlu_byJfKk1IVm2fc-dsSuT7aX7Fk1SYHg0iKkVBoXZX0y3-0HZPxzfHq_X3Kg0Iz36FOerneFWMNl0TFV_/s320/132161232_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span>Though there are streetlights there aren’t lines running into homes. In the section below Dennis explains this in more detail. Our final stop before returning to the hotel was at the Oshetu Market. Two young boys ran up to me and asked to have their picture taken. Of course I was only too happy to do that. The grandfather (uncle?) sitting behind them joined them to see the photo. “Very nice photo!” They all agreed. This was followed by hugs for myself and Dennis. I loved it.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3OtRtnnDXBbSD7dU8f1VlscpyBdxPTcZGD9pCfc_bWH0nl0mA_Za1BSPxDaeQn-399wIHcIhQr2tz8x52w9rRc5ZI2LQMX5OMsg0j0Hul9QNTVoXtBaXJcw807kLqRFkSm2hinCYYEF4yMRbxjPzgBWqaZHXawWqrJTCGj7V-YS9QCJDPcKnM-P2D_OU/s4608/132161264_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3OtRtnnDXBbSD7dU8f1VlscpyBdxPTcZGD9pCfc_bWH0nl0mA_Za1BSPxDaeQn-399wIHcIhQr2tz8x52w9rRc5ZI2LQMX5OMsg0j0Hul9QNTVoXtBaXJcw807kLqRFkSm2hinCYYEF4yMRbxjPzgBWqaZHXawWqrJTCGj7V-YS9QCJDPcKnM-P2D_OU/s320/132161264_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjO5kENpnNDMXOkcsN3Zpij-dJBkrxhXeFzkld-ogC9bENIAllTMiPF9Aq1LVPGk6tYcoYR4OogroyLoIxNAdqcjxYbonLbFL4oWR1QKraGfaXYoeEBSdUGt_o9vb7khyr8-N7O0OOWfTy15OTtJqWvXYPgAqMkXpLnzThl7qNGv34CSBiKNiaggPXBxB/s4608/132423504_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjO5kENpnNDMXOkcsN3Zpij-dJBkrxhXeFzkld-ogC9bENIAllTMiPF9Aq1LVPGk6tYcoYR4OogroyLoIxNAdqcjxYbonLbFL4oWR1QKraGfaXYoeEBSdUGt_o9vb7khyr8-N7O0OOWfTy15OTtJqWvXYPgAqMkXpLnzThl7qNGv34CSBiKNiaggPXBxB/s320/132423504_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> </span>Next came the stop at the Kapana vendor where we bought the grilled meat for Linda and for 4 boys who were standing there drooling at the smell of the grilling meat. We hoped we didn’t do more harm than good. Linda assured us it was all good. The boys loved it and we left the market smiling. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDb55XkgDthmR1bdwrnAQfRLjxci4O_4gv8MDNbpKuJoBUOmvsmjgVtk7JkXFR78pXCFwjr25znkhNGr1ukvwL4hNEfQS_M03bPTGvk6Tl01zadPLkNk2ADA0lN6mUxhjhoOFyuKO6nIveGsMHKmIkmRET9L3GJ0xMkjoRsEdlK44ZsPa-m5vDRoq7LNf/s4608/132423584_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDb55XkgDthmR1bdwrnAQfRLjxci4O_4gv8MDNbpKuJoBUOmvsmjgVtk7JkXFR78pXCFwjr25znkhNGr1ukvwL4hNEfQS_M03bPTGvk6Tl01zadPLkNk2ADA0lN6mUxhjhoOFyuKO6nIveGsMHKmIkmRET9L3GJ0xMkjoRsEdlK44ZsPa-m5vDRoq7LNf/s320/132423584_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm1mBzMn6ySvG2NiCHyqgn2IMwV8bqLru_vF6iuRPgdlTVhIPBwEtq-a4ApnxYxpuymk5kaeuwJiOTYt14irccWMCIN8XtE9eWBJZIJ1EmhTCE2TZxTXtGv8mG_kPkIbFJ0vgNNjIvzgJvhzug8-DYI75WQ1aJNJ2tVaf3ofc9BiqWxLbC2_RC4bDQ_rU/s4608/132161280_Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm1mBzMn6ySvG2NiCHyqgn2IMwV8bqLru_vF6iuRPgdlTVhIPBwEtq-a4ApnxYxpuymk5kaeuwJiOTYt14irccWMCIN8XtE9eWBJZIJ1EmhTCE2TZxTXtGv8mG_kPkIbFJ0vgNNjIvzgJvhzug8-DYI75WQ1aJNJ2tVaf3ofc9BiqWxLbC2_RC4bDQ_rU/s320/132161280_Unknown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span> This may seem to be an unusual tour but it was one that we are very glad we were able to do. All countries have internal issues and most tourist tours and events cover them up. It was a privilege to take part on this tour with Linda and Anchor Adventures Namibia.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span>Dennis and notes of his day…</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> I know she’s going to ask me to write, so tonight I’m beating her to the punch. I started today at 33 1/3 RPMs and I’m finishing the same way. Nineteen hours in the air on 2 flights plus 9 hours of layover are responsible. Most people reading this are most likely “older” adults but for those stray pups, Google 33 1/3 RPM.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span> Cindy started the day with a 10 AM zoom with a team in Ethiopia so I went for a walk around our hotel here in Windhoek, Namibia. Windhoek has a population of about 500,000 people, a good sized city. I visited the mall across the street that sells just about anything you need, from auto parts to zucchinis. I returned to our hotel and got ready for our tour of the city with our local guide Linda. She’s very nice with a thorough knowledge of the town’s history and development.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span> After working our way by car in and around the city, our final stop was a market in one of the suburbs. It was surrounded by thousands of make shift houses constructed of wood, plastic, tarps, corrugated sheet metal, and whatever could provide shelter. Linda said there were community toilets but most had problems and most of the houses didn’t have electricity. Oil lamps and battery powered lanterns provided the light. Wood from the surrounding mountains is used for cooking when it can be found. See Cindy’s pictures. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> Two </span>boys about 10 -12 years old with bright smiles followed us and asked to have their picture taken with the condition they could see them. When they saw them, their smiles grew even bigger. Vendors were grilling beef and we asked four boys if they would like some. they agreed. We bought some for Linda as well and some spices from another vendor. Here’s my dilemma, we were the only white people in this mass of humanity. Was I uncomfortable? I have to admit I was. Did I have reason to be. No. Everyone we encountered, treated us well. The discomfort I felt was in “my” mind, not theirs. I gotta stop. I’m even getting too deep for me. Thanks for listening. 🤔 </span></span></span><br /> </span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-38455614015178786382024-01-03T07:48:00.000-08:002024-01-03T07:48:19.611-08:00Glitches Happen<p> <span> </span>Getting to Frankfort was a bit more complicated than we imagined. Christmas Eve found us near Chicago with family. After Christmas 8 out of the 10 were ill with everything from Covid to RSV to an ear infection. The 2 old ones, that would be Dennis and I were fine. Because of our age we have been vaccinated with every possible prevention—5 Covid vaccinations, RSV, pneumonia , flu, and Typhoid. Plans for Matilda after Christmas were canceled and we went about packing. I went on Lufthansa’s mobile app to check-in, a ten minute task. Two hours later, we were checked in and had seats for all of our Lufthansa flights to and from Chicago via Frankfort. It took two phone calls. The first agent said I couldn’t check in for 72 hours which would have meant we would miss our flight. Then he hung up on me. Can you imagine anyone hanging up on a sweet old lady? The second agent helped me by explaining what I needed to do. I couldn’t check-in with the confirmation number. I had to check-in with the ticket numbers. There were ticket numbers listed in a cluster but not with the ticket to which they belonged. So thinking the first number would go with the first ticket, I put it in. She explained the first ticket went with the third number so finally, we were all checked in.</p><p><span><span> The day before our flight we started for Chicago. I got a call from my son, Nick explaining that he and his family were all sick so we shouldn’t stay with them for fear of our getting sick. On our way to Chicago we got a call from Elana, my daughter where our cat Lucky was to stay.</span> All of her family was sick. They were also worried that we would arrive in Namibia, ill. She suggested that as our flight didn’t leave until 10:00 PM, we turn around and stay home for the night, dropping off the cat the next day with everyone masked. That was good advice and we took it. Finally we made it to O’Hare.</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-pgqQK4OakIUDS1FAzqAbZ53kY2DhSNH9JHsDiIIjiGYm07cEHClyLlfva3G2sQUzfJOt0vymeHsJ2OrzQz3iR4e2B8t3RjbyESsydrtcBrZ9tsPLsekWLWHXrlNmhFQ9KU3X2bK0vy2555UZks6zXdJ-awCEaH8SS33UrhsPC5QzxL_48aC8aguVIwT/s4032/IMG_1051.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-pgqQK4OakIUDS1FAzqAbZ53kY2DhSNH9JHsDiIIjiGYm07cEHClyLlfva3G2sQUzfJOt0vymeHsJ2OrzQz3iR4e2B8t3RjbyESsydrtcBrZ9tsPLsekWLWHXrlNmhFQ9KU3X2bK0vy2555UZks6zXdJ-awCEaH8SS33UrhsPC5QzxL_48aC8aguVIwT/s320/IMG_1051.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <span> We were eventually on the plane in comfortable seats and after a bit of dinner, and reading, I had 30 pages left in a Horowitz mystery, we slept. </span><p></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrn7fk_kewigte1gnjkk05TsDxNCOlgdHvFbOlM_RovU7k6O895prN1mGKgYkoLqg5_F7TG0lpOywteLRd5hP6TxVuRVPHkIEFH9DGXvXrESUivJNjrRlAIzERpf1OS0WaOqAlNxx0zpptgBcy9BaMrQUPeXiSWsAaSWymp7CNrHmChrNPEM0p3NQ3tYB/s937/IMG_1056.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="937" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrn7fk_kewigte1gnjkk05TsDxNCOlgdHvFbOlM_RovU7k6O895prN1mGKgYkoLqg5_F7TG0lpOywteLRd5hP6TxVuRVPHkIEFH9DGXvXrESUivJNjrRlAIzERpf1OS0WaOqAlNxx0zpptgBcy9BaMrQUPeXiSWsAaSWymp7CNrHmChrNPEM0p3NQ3tYB/s320/IMG_1056.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><span> </span>Somehow in the hustle I misplaced two of our 4 vouchers from United for lounge access. It appears it doesn’t matter because Lufthansa, a part of United’s Star Alliance won’t honor them. Ah well, we found a comfortable place to sit, read, blog, send a WhatsApp or two while we wait for about 5 more hours until our gate for Windhoek is announced. For someone who advocates independent travel for as long as possible, I must accept glitches without whining. 😉</span><p></p><div><span>Life according to Dennis:</span></div><div><span><span> So, here we are in Frankfurt. We left Chicago around 10:30 PM on 2/2/2024 and arrived in Germany at 1:00 PM their time on January 3. Germany is 7 hours ahead of us. Now we wait. Our connection leaves here at 10:00 PM so we have about an 8 hour layover. I slept most of the first leg which was just fine with me. We thought we had access to the Lufthansa lounge but…nope. We were wrong so we’re sitting here reading, writing, and watching planes come and go. Windhoek, Namibia beckons. 😐</span><br /></span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-79218105973983855742023-12-28T14:22:00.000-08:002023-12-28T14:22:17.754-08:00Here We Go Again!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Several friends and a few in our families have asked us, “Where are you going this year?” And then when we answer, the next question is why? We are going to be visiting 5 countries in the southern tip of Africa: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and South Africa. I have loved the people, the places, everything about every country we have visited. I always say, “We must come back. We didn’t see…” Dennis says, “No, we need to visit new places.” So this year we are indeed, visiting new places that we have never been.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We had the good fortune to meet Matt Perry and his partner, Ian at the wedding of Deanne and Scott. Their descriptions of this part of the world, intrigued us. And with much advice from Matt, I set about finding out how we could actually travel here. As we have stated many times, our budget is based on what it would cost us to stay in Florida or Arizona for a month or more. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sticking to this in Africa is a bit tricky because when you start, it is always assumed that you want to go on a safari. If you have never gone on a safari, it is definitely a must at least once in your life. You will, in the end want your children and grandchildren to experience it. Buy lottery tickets now because it is expensive. As we had gone with Thompson Safaris in 1999 to Tanzania we wanted a different experience. That is what we are about to have. We are both, for the first time, a bit anxious about a trip. We have no idea of what to expect. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40FeaiPVW-3DHIyqUqG8M7h3pjc02WJ9A2BXivagrBBg8eb4sGBn0tlymjWIuMhfzBvztdevJGXcEQsQ3dx7F0x5QAbt7rS8owgyJhUHc12su_D9Oe3hP4oxhTBwcf-2KHL0gM9difPqjhFZDzL9c-DIOe4g7GMAHjZ8Lh0sEg0MGkZHu5onom_XnUkZx/s791/Screenshot%20(3).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="791" data-original-width="757" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40FeaiPVW-3DHIyqUqG8M7h3pjc02WJ9A2BXivagrBBg8eb4sGBn0tlymjWIuMhfzBvztdevJGXcEQsQ3dx7F0x5QAbt7rS8owgyJhUHc12su_D9Oe3hP4oxhTBwcf-2KHL0gM9difPqjhFZDzL9c-DIOe4g7GMAHjZ8Lh0sEg0MGkZHu5onom_XnUkZx/w383-h400/Screenshot%20(3).png" width="383" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our route (blue arrows) from Windhoek to Capetown</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">We had help from three sources: Matt who lived and worked there, Debbie Isom of Travel Leaders, our ever patient travel agent, and Natalee of Elsewhere part of the travel service from Lonely Planet. The first half of the trip was in the hands of Debbie from flights to Windhoek and back to Chicago, airport transport, booking a G-Adventure, hotels and internal flights. Eswatini was based on recommendations from Matt. For South Africa our resource was Natalee. And on January 2, we will be off!</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And now a word from the intrepid adventurer, Dennis:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It's begun already! She's making me write again and soon I'll hear (like an echo in a canyon), "Dennis, write a few lines about what we saw today. Dennis have you written something for the blog yet? Dennis where's your notes on what you wrote for the blog? Etc., Etc., Etc.," And we haven't even left yet. 😒</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">To be honest, I am a little anxious about this trip. Not because of fear or danger (the State Department says where we're going is as safe as most of Europe) but I really don't know what to expect. Well, with Cindy's prodding, stay tuned. You'll be getting my point of view as to what transpires. Wish I knew how to say Ciao in Oshiwambo, that's the most common language in Namibia. Impressed yet? 😁</span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-18092197578846286202023-02-25T15:07:00.002-08:002023-02-25T15:07:40.050-08:00Travel Janes are NOT needed in Japan!<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">We arrived in the land of the best toilets in the world. Yes other countries have nice toilets, many have bidets, but none are of the quality found in Japan. You will find them in your hotel, at the McDonald's, in the subway. The toilet seat is heated, the remote is on the wall so that you can regulate where the warm will hit and with how much force. The toilet in our hotel automatically flushed. I have no idea how it knew when was it appropriate but it was accurate each and every time. Dennis is particularly enamored of them and is busy researching what will be the best one for us. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkcOQaltrhWiwmpAE6Ki5RDXuPCn5zTXk121n5so951BH03eOnUJAazaPfPSc-0VyoHu4hUHTHX-lnKhM536WHAoW94V43yjOoapr71nXsDQs94SYqCLYwfY-pjGTaPdFDXVGwc3-InlWR8dEU6DNzBsFi_1VZkVvOyNKGyMlU2OwXZyh3_SmEdQrnQ/s3264/bidet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkcOQaltrhWiwmpAE6Ki5RDXuPCn5zTXk121n5so951BH03eOnUJAazaPfPSc-0VyoHu4hUHTHX-lnKhM536WHAoW94V43yjOoapr71nXsDQs94SYqCLYwfY-pjGTaPdFDXVGwc3-InlWR8dEU6DNzBsFi_1VZkVvOyNKGyMlU2OwXZyh3_SmEdQrnQ/s320/bidet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfHE7jXMZAjfOm0GQwaan5JtHcoldOT6uYIcuaId8QKycBXlUSGjDDguUEhCSWMXmHnOa933AEoZY74Yjk1DOy91JJu1ppvUcoXGBAdsfDahGW-EieREMSbawFiYf_UsZzOgU9tdKmKWks7teWEF6od2t82OqR4ABmN8BlC1DtVF6VOjX6Gd4X-SSzQ/s3264/bidt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfHE7jXMZAjfOm0GQwaan5JtHcoldOT6uYIcuaId8QKycBXlUSGjDDguUEhCSWMXmHnOa933AEoZY74Yjk1DOy91JJu1ppvUcoXGBAdsfDahGW-EieREMSbawFiYf_UsZzOgU9tdKmKWks7teWEF6od2t82OqR4ABmN8BlC1DtVF6VOjX6Gd4X-SSzQ/s320/bidt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So what did we do in Tokyo besides hang around bathrooms? The first night we left our hotel to find a restaurant. And we found one just down the street which was great as we didn't have to go far in the rain. It was a bit like the Midnight Diner on Netflix--small, great staff, a friendly place. We learned after many trials that you don't go into a restaurant to be seated or to be told how the long the wait will be. You open the door and ask if you can come in. When they have reservations for the evening, it's for the whole evening. If a party leaves and then they have space, you may be allowed to come in if they are still taking orders. It wasn't until our last night that we finally understood this. But our first night at Yakitori Tasuku was memorable. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We stopped inside this small diner when we were invited in. We didn’t know what to expect but what we got was awesome food and a delightful experience. The staff are friendly and the food is delicious. We tried a variety of grilled </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial;">skewers, meat and veggie as well is a dish of large in the shell sweet peas (maybe soy beans) served hot with mayonnaise. At the end of the meal we shared a Kirin whiskey which we both found very tasty. If you’ve wished to be in a place like Cheers, this is the place!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YbSaXEQfzAPonQSzVCu5Hw7ioXp0pLIzYmAyUhiXFzN-rYVxsQErGgkcats5mGkdt9BiFamDYCu7phuvydSfH5MctIIdeJvsKhRVHr236_dNAuYGT7MfZmKaz2ag0oL8il-hHbZYRXkZEw2UcFvdw6Q42muUJmi58Yb0yiir1FrBOCBYbg92hljk2A/s1080/Dan4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YbSaXEQfzAPonQSzVCu5Hw7ioXp0pLIzYmAyUhiXFzN-rYVxsQErGgkcats5mGkdt9BiFamDYCu7phuvydSfH5MctIIdeJvsKhRVHr236_dNAuYGT7MfZmKaz2ag0oL8il-hHbZYRXkZEw2UcFvdw6Q42muUJmi58Yb0yiir1FrBOCBYbg92hljk2A/s320/Dan4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwSfIo0lFWaWlaa6fW8byHZ9UwZq9_b5wUj1FZpgP7n-4_WeKyAq165tWajSQbQgE9DolPoI-tkvo_6bgY92edT8qKTKC0xSbj9lHcP6j8lq4lxpD8E-uTIHAR37r4TyNrYL1aWm79drLPZZflIBpDQ8KWsc4vUdJT5bse7Gjr1UK-xDMkqOLgSWAMw/s213/Dan5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="213" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwSfIo0lFWaWlaa6fW8byHZ9UwZq9_b5wUj1FZpgP7n-4_WeKyAq165tWajSQbQgE9DolPoI-tkvo_6bgY92edT8qKTKC0xSbj9lHcP6j8lq4lxpD8E-uTIHAR37r4TyNrYL1aWm79drLPZZflIBpDQ8KWsc4vUdJT5bse7Gjr1UK-xDMkqOLgSWAMw/s1600/Dan5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdosXAXGH4MB4woK31fdd7Bv-U6Z0dggovGsNfaCmxWCEPgbcce-Zo7NuX__8asBOaa3RnLQtT7XzgHxLhhnGBqSGicwuwrfL_XwNB_peidG48YT0sjm8ChQG-Gw5hKaNHwO7Vz46pt6ri88vwb-aHRHZWIXLpez7-0l4vQcaA93BST65IGx92nD_5tA/s810/Dan7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdosXAXGH4MB4woK31fdd7Bv-U6Z0dggovGsNfaCmxWCEPgbcce-Zo7NuX__8asBOaa3RnLQtT7XzgHxLhhnGBqSGicwuwrfL_XwNB_peidG48YT0sjm8ChQG-Gw5hKaNHwO7Vz46pt6ri88vwb-aHRHZWIXLpez7-0l4vQcaA93BST65IGx92nD_5tA/s320/Dan7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04CaJ5tb2dkK93i4wjpkOjWETTuizabFKcOtffrzxkP-zhhSko56GpCMn2G892GDDObc_cJQhcB3Up0B3hnqlC5q6i8XskeuUVF_9x13C_v4or4L1NK8PZsPCLy-hH-xQ0X_pDD0bwIx2f9noTaPF0Mo1Y_sCfR1f8x4LXYmC0iHMaBelI6uDI76MVg/s810/Dan8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi04CaJ5tb2dkK93i4wjpkOjWETTuizabFKcOtffrzxkP-zhhSko56GpCMn2G892GDDObc_cJQhcB3Up0B3hnqlC5q6i8XskeuUVF_9x13C_v4or4L1NK8PZsPCLy-hH-xQ0X_pDD0bwIx2f9noTaPF0Mo1Y_sCfR1f8x4LXYmC0iHMaBelI6uDI76MVg/s320/Dan8.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;">The next morning we woke early and left the hotel to meet at the Coffee Turret to go for breakfast at the Fish Market. Haruka was our guide and she started us off with a perfect latte--strong and hot. From there we walked to the nearby fish market where we were to start our breakfast and explore the market. We had breakfast at a market restaurant that consisted of three types of fish each prepared with a different sauce, sticky rice, miso soup and tea. Very nourishing but very different from our western first meal of the day.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeze130STkQd8GeCRU3C-sVmCLvpdBb493MVcGQ2QX1SCT8WQM9IyKKs20WdEYV-D6BurpxF8m1a3T7_wEkktuv3TYAwR6mtu5bsiDAy_HEuK7iRPf08VFkbypM7E54QTFO_upnSP3sXxTErzpCs_eQY143dpRdL_Bdirz7lIi2Xp-c1vtkzgVfP-Xw/s4608/IMG_0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeze130STkQd8GeCRU3C-sVmCLvpdBb493MVcGQ2QX1SCT8WQM9IyKKs20WdEYV-D6BurpxF8m1a3T7_wEkktuv3TYAwR6mtu5bsiDAy_HEuK7iRPf08VFkbypM7E54QTFO_upnSP3sXxTErzpCs_eQY143dpRdL_Bdirz7lIi2Xp-c1vtkzgVfP-Xw/s320/IMG_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNWgkwMmnnI8iM0-5CB5BF8868UEhUMssLMRRCSfzydFm8JYxah-JTsSYUj8hwQOhpEf6BJe7VuQj1WCVL17_N6UXja1FSIJEnwdgJZ-HqQ90e6DAKaukREJX9jg2abYoC9fY8h8VKF5AwUmP1X0I1UMUEzrG3LaoB_16aZ6I_748_y9zai8kVaLvbA/s4608/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNWgkwMmnnI8iM0-5CB5BF8868UEhUMssLMRRCSfzydFm8JYxah-JTsSYUj8hwQOhpEf6BJe7VuQj1WCVL17_N6UXja1FSIJEnwdgJZ-HqQ90e6DAKaukREJX9jg2abYoC9fY8h8VKF5AwUmP1X0I1UMUEzrG3LaoB_16aZ6I_748_y9zai8kVaLvbA/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQofVHSnAUbKmi4C3qJXZ3cO-8KpK8NPTNpsOYMkTJUDH7EL1zZ3N8_-v3mFOaK3HH9IwGMvvc_SotlG-cBCNdK7GY3JbfWIWTflRSpT4rHq9sorP2of_Mux4kkGXGzwVhnJfpAG6LAl0h0vq9Un7oVdj04e6incMArnWqwuVcydVlxAX2XFH3_oHhfQ/s4608/IMG_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQofVHSnAUbKmi4C3qJXZ3cO-8KpK8NPTNpsOYMkTJUDH7EL1zZ3N8_-v3mFOaK3HH9IwGMvvc_SotlG-cBCNdK7GY3JbfWIWTflRSpT4rHq9sorP2of_Mux4kkGXGzwVhnJfpAG6LAl0h0vq9Un7oVdj04e6incMArnWqwuVcydVlxAX2XFH3_oHhfQ/s320/IMG_0530.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBKqBSWbosxVx0RsTx6-rG1QhWsE9CkmbkZsrywOtHqGl0jZOLqLCUmtXyE7waFMQ2N8Oj6ii6itdpag4lAb96qNxWFABzqT1kvuWBTbQVXpfEg1xxt-4PtT7eCo-tITN0QI_B5u32jZtAvd5gyocnFwTuk5dQ8Si43wkT-i4VkscQB0k8fOHcYZG2g/s4608/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBKqBSWbosxVx0RsTx6-rG1QhWsE9CkmbkZsrywOtHqGl0jZOLqLCUmtXyE7waFMQ2N8Oj6ii6itdpag4lAb96qNxWFABzqT1kvuWBTbQVXpfEg1xxt-4PtT7eCo-tITN0QI_B5u32jZtAvd5gyocnFwTuk5dQ8Si43wkT-i4VkscQB0k8fOHcYZG2g/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;">From there we went farther into the market and stopped to have a Japanese omelet. The line was long but it was worth the wait and we had a chance to watch the cooks expertly make the products.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvUflOFyyM3FfxtY_nSbAKrrHD39WsHlYh83-MEAUONN9pgHZRsXnKkSR4oYyZppRZbZ23mtIZ--5afK8SmaXvkd6VjwXwWKV2ESAqmvR6__bt0idtsvnbZdVVeCUU_yVQxDRseHBINE2SQlhAO0uf_CyNXxR8sc93zd-PmuxtmuCcwPmlYEx13A2Dg/s4608/IMG_0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvUflOFyyM3FfxtY_nSbAKrrHD39WsHlYh83-MEAUONN9pgHZRsXnKkSR4oYyZppRZbZ23mtIZ--5afK8SmaXvkd6VjwXwWKV2ESAqmvR6__bt0idtsvnbZdVVeCUU_yVQxDRseHBINE2SQlhAO0uf_CyNXxR8sc93zd-PmuxtmuCcwPmlYEx13A2Dg/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmNoCkHCy0bglTQpRtGIkbYxiDsYaYt1rujFYPa5Xvtp1_VE0JBG11kolluO0Ra9pXxTbkCw1rHsy8ZZny3NvwtcR8jBP7rRAYUAowIXoKbWKTVBmx6fzQX94bpuh0wF8bITCJroU3rteWUniIAz5Gfseb-pfXT_MaCP2KbRsWaQniFPUL6JSIgxAWw/s4608/IMG_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmNoCkHCy0bglTQpRtGIkbYxiDsYaYt1rujFYPa5Xvtp1_VE0JBG11kolluO0Ra9pXxTbkCw1rHsy8ZZny3NvwtcR8jBP7rRAYUAowIXoKbWKTVBmx6fzQX94bpuh0wF8bITCJroU3rteWUniIAz5Gfseb-pfXT_MaCP2KbRsWaQniFPUL6JSIgxAWw/s320/IMG_0545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9w0n9HX-Xo_iN7UCoTYKCVrSAyqxTMXCGfGApgNXPt3-QUWbVGgAWo5DKQnml1x4y4vnlfG3zbNa0eZGYHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;">We also went to the commercial fish market where Haruka picked up several more items for us to taste: fresh salmon (medium fat), grilled eel, another chewy white fish (can't remember the name) and the most delicious strawberries, in the world. You will see that I mention the best, the most, the finest, when referring to items in Japan. This is because they focus on perfecting things. It might be a toilet or a strawberry or organic chickens that you can eat raw. It is all done to perfection and with great care and balance.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09BRo4aki31Nyb0XRIPheFyQ3f3s88lygkVqqsBGMtsGFJyXJVt2kW0H4HGETScLFQbia6a9y9RyOlz8Mcf61Pofyrwt4W30A2Uc6VQJy-GiqEcX2XNe8XiVynr8LZSqZ7Uzf3Opjqxz6efcEtEBaUdMarxLFQf3-_qPqy_C9y6bVj0Pn1eGl2l-LwQ/s4608/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09BRo4aki31Nyb0XRIPheFyQ3f3s88lygkVqqsBGMtsGFJyXJVt2kW0H4HGETScLFQbia6a9y9RyOlz8Mcf61Pofyrwt4W30A2Uc6VQJy-GiqEcX2XNe8XiVynr8LZSqZ7Uzf3Opjqxz6efcEtEBaUdMarxLFQf3-_qPqy_C9y6bVj0Pn1eGl2l-LwQ/s320/IMG_0552.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMtedTMlQli2aasnmw_hnDga80tqPKDvyOwXXhvGfWxp91IhgbD_wdShCvrcI9rEBZOTgVlKOEt2w_2JfndlHOA4B52Ti1pgY5xrDcTlsOP9duNvm7lmIpYLXRT4OmFkVWTiERaf6RNpuTbS-6BrwQjRlqiZfp4MXGoyVJkX1jouGpr3na8JQ_70hcA/s4608/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMtedTMlQli2aasnmw_hnDga80tqPKDvyOwXXhvGfWxp91IhgbD_wdShCvrcI9rEBZOTgVlKOEt2w_2JfndlHOA4B52Ti1pgY5xrDcTlsOP9duNvm7lmIpYLXRT4OmFkVWTiERaf6RNpuTbS-6BrwQjRlqiZfp4MXGoyVJkX1jouGpr3na8JQ_70hcA/s320/IMG_0553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2-7cUXhSZbZMggrP1ro-VVBOYWvj6VHmSvahjT0UaS3IO_H_WaqploKrBgZy7KTAaSuy9ef5EPLiTWbQF8WXHi3TS8cZzYSlH4kcQqGBbtb2rLiaDIe1TsnkQYvgeDAQw3w7FWopUdtdgWsxGIBU_YsXZHRALFvpy35LJbK1JQsQdjcOjbAotlKx4w/s4608/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2-7cUXhSZbZMggrP1ro-VVBOYWvj6VHmSvahjT0UaS3IO_H_WaqploKrBgZy7KTAaSuy9ef5EPLiTWbQF8WXHi3TS8cZzYSlH4kcQqGBbtb2rLiaDIe1TsnkQYvgeDAQw3w7FWopUdtdgWsxGIBU_YsXZHRALFvpy35LJbK1JQsQdjcOjbAotlKx4w/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl288tsrNYq5tds75PF5X4HgSAw2GsjcGudeOSONdVM-OWe919LpsLjkqukH2kIT_c-IUPkTrVLXGYZd_DLUM90T65KTBO_N3DZ1iMgXiFvvc-ps_rBOzTCQ8fniWBZ_MJAB9PaNYxUz2EN1eMNwaaJrd_1POsOpZ93IxjIbfZ9V4_EzfMmIch_O7Q4w/s4608/IMG_0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl288tsrNYq5tds75PF5X4HgSAw2GsjcGudeOSONdVM-OWe919LpsLjkqukH2kIT_c-IUPkTrVLXGYZd_DLUM90T65KTBO_N3DZ1iMgXiFvvc-ps_rBOzTCQ8fniWBZ_MJAB9PaNYxUz2EN1eMNwaaJrd_1POsOpZ93IxjIbfZ9V4_EzfMmIch_O7Q4w/s320/IMG_0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmabD9FqEWLxoJyfvRujr7VpDy9vBjUz30z6v1JSHQ_kYb7firw89h-mAQuYv1vHP0n9p_lZ2WdlC03fW8eGmwPludKMMcZwnrxJrMfuQVwVd2gj7HS302mWp9L5Ljz8T-yPRHis6cxLohYNSv41ImuSxWppHERt96VNBXgGIM3YwgCmhqFso7scq1g/s4608/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmabD9FqEWLxoJyfvRujr7VpDy9vBjUz30z6v1JSHQ_kYb7firw89h-mAQuYv1vHP0n9p_lZ2WdlC03fW8eGmwPludKMMcZwnrxJrMfuQVwVd2gj7HS302mWp9L5Ljz8T-yPRHis6cxLohYNSv41ImuSxWppHERt96VNBXgGIM3YwgCmhqFso7scq1g/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;">The next day we were to go on a cocktail tour so before we tried to find where we were to meet we thought we should do a run-through. We had directions from Arigato the tour company, the hotel and Google. None of them got us to where we needed to meet. We were walking in the opposite direction of where we needed to go. Thankfully a kind woman stopped and gave us perfect directions. Retracing our steps, we found our meeting place. Later that day we met Josh our guide and Victoria and Derek, a delightful young couple who were on vacation in Japan.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Josh took us into the Ginza neighborhood where we started with a tasting of sake. After that a moment of prayer at a small shrine in an alley and then tea and then on to a mixology experience at Salon. A very exclusive place where the making of cocktails is an art form. The décor is sophisticated and every detail has been carefully planned. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNzOkcAQqq9MWG2jpkibLmOOIS2z62MtZHujV0NbZZKuF8zg_MR5ihpKvw91hvHwQWuNG7CRPfqbe7hhYkt_DDeRU3AX1Y0BjSwHGu2z0E9yA17sOWPR56-xv4o1pmHzbP7EbkktjvPYd8NV7bfXwip2dBY-G1jufF1p_lOJd6xRm7bElCO4h8iCu9g/s4608/IMG_0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNzOkcAQqq9MWG2jpkibLmOOIS2z62MtZHujV0NbZZKuF8zg_MR5ihpKvw91hvHwQWuNG7CRPfqbe7hhYkt_DDeRU3AX1Y0BjSwHGu2z0E9yA17sOWPR56-xv4o1pmHzbP7EbkktjvPYd8NV7bfXwip2dBY-G1jufF1p_lOJd6xRm7bElCO4h8iCu9g/s320/IMG_0582.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEugZuo2fFh7O_naN-zOrhHZVZpvD1xgWtXkQvNEZ_MktEz3u6JjpUaez3p_BynscEtoBRVupBUoMikmZC-jwp9BDQmGDDH18NqAmHpLZQFb0GNg47Uhr4rJ2AzqLrjtt5EqoMaluuToa38-8nsOqMh1psUuKrOqHYMK51_cLWtID3ygmqWrx1JS-eXg/s4608/IMG_0593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEugZuo2fFh7O_naN-zOrhHZVZpvD1xgWtXkQvNEZ_MktEz3u6JjpUaez3p_BynscEtoBRVupBUoMikmZC-jwp9BDQmGDDH18NqAmHpLZQFb0GNg47Uhr4rJ2AzqLrjtt5EqoMaluuToa38-8nsOqMh1psUuKrOqHYMK51_cLWtID3ygmqWrx1JS-eXg/s320/IMG_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ68aOJIWoM4BrDslScliXsgRjQ8CtkjrHfPtS70FW_fTFuVKPxk-T44yIwBUHqvg3Zi4e-Y_dhI60ZeSZVI0DHXcho3NqUmvY67r8OCpzL2ZKFUbOV7iVIJSdq3uJ6DcFG12Y4Gz6Mr1ZesedjjvBoym83eJlUmgXPnHZ91VCkuZyTw1zPh98vkKSMQ/s4608/IMG_0597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">After Salon we went to another mixology offering at a bar that was designed as a farmhouse. The outside is blackened wood, very dramatic. The inside is very warm and cozy. At all of these places we were given small but very tasty small bites--duck, cheeses, beef tenderloin, dates with butter, persimmons, and more.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8ZwTJig1ERx305Zi5pW7MsjHyfKjlMiutGgSAibHoCGOXqb2MY0xgapsf2Bl504cgcbCibSWu-Sn7IU6PX8eIDiLgfpncjFg31Ne1gTUr9CIGSFOjpbtEoA_0P_nbhBKsTQ_qYjxGqAhDfAfl3VJ_rPpfcG7RFnMMGDzVNTPrgNp_h9XG2TwHNp3HA/s4608/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8ZwTJig1ERx305Zi5pW7MsjHyfKjlMiutGgSAibHoCGOXqb2MY0xgapsf2Bl504cgcbCibSWu-Sn7IU6PX8eIDiLgfpncjFg31Ne1gTUr9CIGSFOjpbtEoA_0P_nbhBKsTQ_qYjxGqAhDfAfl3VJ_rPpfcG7RFnMMGDzVNTPrgNp_h9XG2TwHNp3HA/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HwS5qGIHIVyf0aBW8QKGDBEu_Sw-7tOU6LNUyfG0_TqAfW-2ov01dm-5pEtyfX9AQUUjr475G6JQ9Rk_oqHbu1r047vO4WhTPORoBZDRj_4WlAheeE2YqvfELmfYPst_-nRV8sY_uTqEtjFsDPCN3j9j1chRUJO8JFZldxwraiQYCvScpvvOo6b7uA/s4608/IMG_0645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HwS5qGIHIVyf0aBW8QKGDBEu_Sw-7tOU6LNUyfG0_TqAfW-2ov01dm-5pEtyfX9AQUUjr475G6JQ9Rk_oqHbu1r047vO4WhTPORoBZDRj_4WlAheeE2YqvfELmfYPst_-nRV8sY_uTqEtjFsDPCN3j9j1chRUJO8JFZldxwraiQYCvScpvvOo6b7uA/s320/IMG_0645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhmodR0YnNvN7FGjGs7FbIEVrR18b3aJPY7Ku1PNjs_oqbnI_eJ9YMvJiibJEY8YiIxgVJiNzkCVO7Gg6awfIO8bZKFTfiHnEw0rntI6ITkxx6Kio0-9h-Z0s4cf0NoNs0bAfkHgzY_cZ2lkcNmKwQX2h2NxIUZEoH9fmpHNhq6s2CdvJKk4ARAXBTQ/s4608/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhmodR0YnNvN7FGjGs7FbIEVrR18b3aJPY7Ku1PNjs_oqbnI_eJ9YMvJiibJEY8YiIxgVJiNzkCVO7Gg6awfIO8bZKFTfiHnEw0rntI6ITkxx6Kio0-9h-Z0s4cf0NoNs0bAfkHgzY_cZ2lkcNmKwQX2h2NxIUZEoH9fmpHNhq6s2CdvJKk4ARAXBTQ/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PZ9Pz65zIBRByJlXHYxjYpPfj98vS1KgA2Y44YIMNBEScG2mu23V8mZGxS9ViAGfgi_kRazzAIorqKuJ0LAwpmnCyOnLZRhxpgirBcuteOPU7HWEnbV24-7hoX9RH5Hkl8oigEkyRLqdBS5S17mTlz6I8vtzwTrZaecNA-FaOd-aGJfTbwZUNGGkCw/s4608/IMG_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PZ9Pz65zIBRByJlXHYxjYpPfj98vS1KgA2Y44YIMNBEScG2mu23V8mZGxS9ViAGfgi_kRazzAIorqKuJ0LAwpmnCyOnLZRhxpgirBcuteOPU7HWEnbV24-7hoX9RH5Hkl8oigEkyRLqdBS5S17mTlz6I8vtzwTrZaecNA-FaOd-aGJfTbwZUNGGkCw/s320/IMG_0661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We had a day on our own to explore our neighborhood and also walk back to Ginza. finally I knew where we were. I could even show Dennis from the 17th floor lobby of our hotel the Blossom Hibiya.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Our final day was spent in Sagumo the neighborhood of old people. We started at a shrine and I participated in lighting incense and wafting it on to myself. The shrines and temples are beautiful and have meaning for so many people. At a nearby dessert shop we sampled two sweets. The most memorable for me consisted of two small pancakes with a slab of butter sandwiched between them. Yep butter and it was delicious. Remember I said they focus on perfection and balance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtFxnTGn8hdQOkUzAcxSWFl0jK_jQ1rW4qWuIDdufgqg0w28-jREDbbqzduNCP-Gh33HyDb6slpusiV-ZosAGWk19dba5cSSpEspSzDAf7nKfUmZNj2lYNYKyTsYER5zP8J0x4gk-iVZDrI1YZaCZSjWhY2h1QKh13481DUncp0MyAtnZm9NpLSDnkA/s4608/IMG_0692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtFxnTGn8hdQOkUzAcxSWFl0jK_jQ1rW4qWuIDdufgqg0w28-jREDbbqzduNCP-Gh33HyDb6slpusiV-ZosAGWk19dba5cSSpEspSzDAf7nKfUmZNj2lYNYKyTsYER5zP8J0x4gk-iVZDrI1YZaCZSjWhY2h1QKh13481DUncp0MyAtnZm9NpLSDnkA/s320/IMG_0692.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6XK5z9jZEAQlDjLJhhyw0B86JgTLf_IATqt_CuSjLAVfCfEO3wE-WtuHCyMzmQ0vkVESq-z_bgy5wW-OH2ufd4avBItwTC90jvvAQ6hxp3S71y8cM_HHxhDFjziPpfED42OgX0qFjAk0bc_uerXanRNc6ttROCrJ9aZ8oyQl5YPLj0aKCiiJ2tY8Sw/s4608/IMG_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6XK5z9jZEAQlDjLJhhyw0B86JgTLf_IATqt_CuSjLAVfCfEO3wE-WtuHCyMzmQ0vkVESq-z_bgy5wW-OH2ufd4avBItwTC90jvvAQ6hxp3S71y8cM_HHxhDFjziPpfED42OgX0qFjAk0bc_uerXanRNc6ttROCrJ9aZ8oyQl5YPLj0aKCiiJ2tY8Sw/s320/IMG_0697.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9K7e-XyueernPSayChXKvzLPLtvujIbuxXH0Pl9_NzYQlHULc8e3XIoIu82fkU4Vd099wPKY3kCWPp-J5mMlbsv3Bu243-PbohEFbYcVOoSDeuE7VGR_5aVxE7LHrZUGPKsP955saKGftt70slQDOM0Sv1OwkDLFnr6jj9W3l4wp6pTq0CAI2eEOqQ/s4608/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9K7e-XyueernPSayChXKvzLPLtvujIbuxXH0Pl9_NzYQlHULc8e3XIoIu82fkU4Vd099wPKY3kCWPp-J5mMlbsv3Bu243-PbohEFbYcVOoSDeuE7VGR_5aVxE7LHrZUGPKsP955saKGftt70slQDOM0Sv1OwkDLFnr6jj9W3l4wp6pTq0CAI2eEOqQ/s320/IMG_0684.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI50xZ5-jQJNdBbexKfSJ2kcUo_xSzUyQSV3stHImV7awU-LcVIfUzwD7pjdwlrE6shl03BMvGsKIJrEKCB9H64mzzRDQR176DhMSNPIC-HIkmqqYmACiAmvXiPdJcJPnZK7SzsErRHzx9OUqbPo1i00PW3j5FnEV9fvhAKUmwru2D6MHyTtFqR7KH6Q/s4608/IMG_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI50xZ5-jQJNdBbexKfSJ2kcUo_xSzUyQSV3stHImV7awU-LcVIfUzwD7pjdwlrE6shl03BMvGsKIJrEKCB9H64mzzRDQR176DhMSNPIC-HIkmqqYmACiAmvXiPdJcJPnZK7SzsErRHzx9OUqbPo1i00PW3j5FnEV9fvhAKUmwru2D6MHyTtFqR7KH6Q/s320/IMG_0681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIUETrs86q4nFtEPabiIUNN65-HWKRZIuG7DvOVhJPBTcQKjuND1uoN1hnEIS64PjwDHzymhglSrlPv-zNB3Rp17AEf6Dirouvb3f1SPGGq5W6EoiF_5R7knKIGavXqWTkKxvS6p49EGfla0NcGXm5zLxnyng5qcALSA3DOwgo31IsCDJGCsQ7Xnylg/s4608/IMG_0682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIUETrs86q4nFtEPabiIUNN65-HWKRZIuG7DvOVhJPBTcQKjuND1uoN1hnEIS64PjwDHzymhglSrlPv-zNB3Rp17AEf6Dirouvb3f1SPGGq5W6EoiF_5R7knKIGavXqWTkKxvS6p49EGfla0NcGXm5zLxnyng5qcALSA3DOwgo31IsCDJGCsQ7Xnylg/s320/IMG_0682.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As we walked on we stopped in several shops and then arrived at the restaurant where we would have lunch. It was one that specialized in noodle soups. Dennis had one with meat, I had one that was basically all noodles. Both were delicious. Norma was our guide in Sugamo and she ordered a potato starter for us. I do like potatoes but I do not care for most kinds of aspic or jellied foods. The potato had been ground into flour and then processed so that it's consistency was similar to what happens to Jello when you leave it in the refrigerator for weeks. I could manage a bite but not more than that. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnwJPkhrcSjyMo_Aw3iS5LSwBhihPBMoQIv5NZ7hAAwMgOPmGlefyPgldv7r9qaEYprPweF600VUH51nYyb-n1Oi1tdXy21fvYbfc9GAIzTZXv0TqEPQcD-V33WDfmUkwm3Ywy9-mZZObONtMlFK-FylNRzyISi4eBSJDtTOflgALsnPXlwxRgBeGVA/s4608/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwnwJPkhrcSjyMo_Aw3iS5LSwBhihPBMoQIv5NZ7hAAwMgOPmGlefyPgldv7r9qaEYprPweF600VUH51nYyb-n1Oi1tdXy21fvYbfc9GAIzTZXv0TqEPQcD-V33WDfmUkwm3Ywy9-mZZObONtMlFK-FylNRzyISi4eBSJDtTOflgALsnPXlwxRgBeGVA/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m_hILiGgtpuekjPREzcM_nA0IRB6UWVMZfPif-Gguv52D9p81IRzhUnugyP76_pT3dGDjHqoq72lC9U3GrZzIqpnvFUecBZLJr-Oi6aJG7R4YvP1slHE6u169kq7njay9onO2lde-3TaWiHoUrgO_lqH9uqLWzkwMgXkax2FJ_-IhOt0umxG5M-OmA/s4608/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6m_hILiGgtpuekjPREzcM_nA0IRB6UWVMZfPif-Gguv52D9p81IRzhUnugyP76_pT3dGDjHqoq72lC9U3GrZzIqpnvFUecBZLJr-Oi6aJG7R4YvP1slHE6u169kq7njay9onO2lde-3TaWiHoUrgO_lqH9uqLWzkwMgXkax2FJ_-IhOt0umxG5M-OmA/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">From here we went to a temple, following the sounds of the drumming. A service was taking place with three monks--one on the drum, one on cymbals/gong and the lead monk leading the chanting. The acoustics in the temple were so good that it sounded like an orchestra and a choir. After we listened for a while we went outside and I participated in a healing ceremony for my back. After washing the statue where you have pain, you wring out the cloth and put it in a plastic bag to keep with you. And yes, I have mine with me. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxWM9voU-J3JBNEOh1E0fMXOgGU5EtnAPMEobmNN3lPozMxnPD56XAIdFLJLOSMyeGpJJ1iQH4RFCzRl1aQmQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovpabpTBJz7LdX8ce-_G1UVHxXVyU2gMFtzZ4A8H3B5DgBxXzllVpxsTXAyUJyZfy0jrdprbRi92_Bbb0u-mbfqAaSQMDMWC8xYrJvA-5nAJkHmn7Gx_WjIgJs8uCwInv1InmbNm6wdSpYwoLsg538iXX8XVZTfsyfGUdZswEbJs48AvtBit3WMjhag/s4608/IMG_0726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovpabpTBJz7LdX8ce-_G1UVHxXVyU2gMFtzZ4A8H3B5DgBxXzllVpxsTXAyUJyZfy0jrdprbRi92_Bbb0u-mbfqAaSQMDMWC8xYrJvA-5nAJkHmn7Gx_WjIgJs8uCwInv1InmbNm6wdSpYwoLsg538iXX8XVZTfsyfGUdZswEbJs48AvtBit3WMjhag/s320/IMG_0726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kZtxttRfq2OcTQ9DwZzZ9S4KqJ-kegOHmGp5DNndwbfVnDhG5CaL1KK4ybwLW-fPIk53AIn9ziimpI0S2WoxVkU8Zke0-HRuWEfBBNnHXvPO8ECOGHnQ-JjkzGt_z4F8lbFKHzjZjm0KNVvV8FeadKM-5QziW75NXtD9pnr2wUezv-_HDDxnnG7NYw/s4608/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9kZtxttRfq2OcTQ9DwZzZ9S4KqJ-kegOHmGp5DNndwbfVnDhG5CaL1KK4ybwLW-fPIk53AIn9ziimpI0S2WoxVkU8Zke0-HRuWEfBBNnHXvPO8ECOGHnQ-JjkzGt_z4F8lbFKHzjZjm0KNVvV8FeadKM-5QziW75NXtD9pnr2wUezv-_HDDxnnG7NYw/s320/IMG_0730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAmgd8l0yDJmfh8OT1WbpWUWEOM-YFu8EQBIMyN65fsRmBwYe8DLjAIfNn--iphv69jemI2XZkf-gsBMuFxqkQ2mcYnt4mIerogGEIcpnxfA0Zui_LzgxJbOXHraDs0vl1d0MXr5djIiV-Yhg6jxbYj9byJB3HJ1030bGkektrPNrTnyYXc96PXQmLA/s4608/IMG_0740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAmgd8l0yDJmfh8OT1WbpWUWEOM-YFu8EQBIMyN65fsRmBwYe8DLjAIfNn--iphv69jemI2XZkf-gsBMuFxqkQ2mcYnt4mIerogGEIcpnxfA0Zui_LzgxJbOXHraDs0vl1d0MXr5djIiV-Yhg6jxbYj9byJB3HJ1030bGkektrPNrTnyYXc96PXQmLA/s320/IMG_0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Finally we visited several other places and then the red underwear shop where I bought some. They promote good luck and longevity. Don't talk to me about genetics, just give me red underwear. I think I was quite lucky to get them supersized!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9Rgn9AR5dsqw7SjmAEUDiWuKzbQVFe9VaSBmKd6fyp8if421vh7QHvjfGNrHra1_6yv08LScQSY5wbQieFHcW56F4gk-UjqtptlTquJm6tB4M8ohumNKnamPHLynqaoVRW4zBRvgnmIqfVqFVjn6oEju6CU2TSEkMWHdJ8OriNjxDEY-eqswomWJ3g/s4608/IMG_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9Rgn9AR5dsqw7SjmAEUDiWuKzbQVFe9VaSBmKd6fyp8if421vh7QHvjfGNrHra1_6yv08LScQSY5wbQieFHcW56F4gk-UjqtptlTquJm6tB4M8ohumNKnamPHLynqaoVRW4zBRvgnmIqfVqFVjn6oEju6CU2TSEkMWHdJ8OriNjxDEY-eqswomWJ3g/s320/IMG_0705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We took the train back to our hotel station. It was a quick and easy ride and we were quite happy that we did not leave Tokyo without going on the train. And yes, I used the bathroom in the station which was as wonderful as I have described in the beginning of this post.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Our last meal was in a large restaurant full of happy young Japanese celebrating the end of the work week. Dennis had a bit of a surprise as the appetizer was a raw chicken heart. We met a lovely young couple from the Philippines who told us all about why we should travel there, not Manila but they gave us several other suggestions. So who knows what's next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx66jZV7pwUAi5JMxcOxLU_sqpr5-kl-DzK3Q5tyTEdWXJXmnekHfl4wpdtWfj_tqi67ZngpiKtY_6Xhgsism9VbQiQ3VA8QShYaOB2elRLW4xJM6V2oMl5rGHMQ048Wmesro83QXVfbOsZu7H9c-u15xPQRDTEy4IZRgXZkpRW5VaWuaOh80-pTAzw/s810/chickenHeart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="607" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkx66jZV7pwUAi5JMxcOxLU_sqpr5-kl-DzK3Q5tyTEdWXJXmnekHfl4wpdtWfj_tqi67ZngpiKtY_6Xhgsism9VbQiQ3VA8QShYaOB2elRLW4xJM6V2oMl5rGHMQ048Wmesro83QXVfbOsZu7H9c-u15xPQRDTEy4IZRgXZkpRW5VaWuaOh80-pTAzw/s320/chickenHeart.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And now a word from Dennis--</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">As usual, Cindy's done a hell of a job describing our traveling antics, this time regarding Japan. As I write, I too remember the bidets, I've already begun my search for the one that will be installed in our guest bathroom. My "tush" will undoubtedly be forever thankful and clean. When you come to visit, you will also be able to take advantage of this technological wonder and save us money on toilet paper as well...😉Now on to my story which I've already cleared with Cindy.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">She refers to herself as clumsy. I would classify her more as careless. She talks with her hands a lot and does this while eating, napkins, silverware and occasionally glasses leave the table. For example: we were at a small diner one evening in Tokyo and had just ordered a glass of wine. Low and behold, our waiter had just poured the wine from the box (yep, the Bota box) and Cindy started questioning him about items on the menu. She swung the menu around while pointing to the pictures on the pages and before you could say, "Holy Schmidt." the wine glass was parallel to the table and the wine was on the table and the floor. Accidents happen, right? They just seem to happen to Cindy an inordinate amount of time. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We've all seen séances with people sitting around a table and all of a sudden something is levitating. That's just like dining with Cindy except gravity takes over and the levitation process discontinues. Why am I telling you this? Here's why. Next up is a cocktail tour at some really fancy-schmancy drinking establishments.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">You saw pictures of them above on the blog. The drinks were expensive, but included in the price of the tour. Here's the rub on the menu it stated, "Glasses are fragile and expensive so please handle them with care. If you break the glass, please pay for it in any case." So the drinks are crafted and served for your pleasure in expensive, finely made glasses. Should you break one, it will be added to your bill. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0POPwijvlaUtkR7g8aXusi11YZl4yl0oXLxLXByQ47_ulx7oaU4H2Epd-8WJ2ZfVJtDXSXAto6KoDk2kdmZaK6f5QHh0IVBrLboXXAkfjU2LrRpgToZ6uuWJlq8tEVH34m0bArrJKYmauw2tYyEQq9JBPFXUtcroEdzb7RJA08uqSdn-2drA8BOGxVA/s4608/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0POPwijvlaUtkR7g8aXusi11YZl4yl0oXLxLXByQ47_ulx7oaU4H2Epd-8WJ2ZfVJtDXSXAto6KoDk2kdmZaK6f5QHh0IVBrLboXXAkfjU2LrRpgToZ6uuWJlq8tEVH34m0bArrJKYmauw2tYyEQq9JBPFXUtcroEdzb7RJA08uqSdn-2drA8BOGxVA/s320/IMG_0621.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ViptXO-ThqB2AKrXgFXcHwXysbLHxIT59Ap7UkfOHrFyVho4mWJFopKjH-EhvClJHvcjgu5j1IVJgFXuSStnPto4COu15Ms_ucgD19BI8AKDh-v7i7D6pAtV8ZoIZpvorVzw1FArBOFfknMbxw1xShgKcgXG4YzkCP_un495L5DBF78B-PkTzk2Dng/s4608/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ViptXO-ThqB2AKrXgFXcHwXysbLHxIT59Ap7UkfOHrFyVho4mWJFopKjH-EhvClJHvcjgu5j1IVJgFXuSStnPto4COu15Ms_ucgD19BI8AKDh-v7i7D6pAtV8ZoIZpvorVzw1FArBOFfknMbxw1xShgKcgXG4YzkCP_un495L5DBF78B-PkTzk2Dng/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oh No!! I looked at Cindy and considered tying her hands down to the barstool with a scarf and asking for a straw. But I knew that wouldn't fly--nope. Can you picture that? 🤔 </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In my defense, on a trip to Amsterdam, we were sitting next to a canal at a table having cocktails. There were other tables near us doing the same thing. Cindy got up to go to the ladies room and after taking a step she got her right shoe caught in her left pant leg. On her way down she stretched out her arms for support on the adjacent tables. Well, it was another séance but gravity works in Amsterdam only this time not only did knives, forks, napkins, and drinks go flying, so did the tables. After apologizing and offering to replace the drinks for everyone within a 30 yard radius, we said we were Russian tourists on vacation and quickly slipped away. Such are the travails of traveling with Cindy. Careless she may be but a new adventure is right around the corner.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">That's it for this trip. Thanks for joining us until next time.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Afterword:</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">For The Traveler </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Every time you leave home,</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Another road takes you</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">into a world we're never in.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">...that you may not waste the invitations</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">which wait along the way to transform you.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">...live your life to the fullest,</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Return home more enriched and free</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">to balance the gift of days which call you.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> ~John O'Donoghue </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">There are some people who will stay with you even when you are once again at home. In Hua HIn there was Jhonny from Scotland who seemed to enjoy the company of two old people and shared who he is with us. In Vientiane we met Chomsay who spent a day with us showing us the beauty of his city. He shared a part of himself with us and we were given a glimpse of his perseverance. In Vang Vieng our hot air balloon pilot who took his time explaining so much to us and who seemed to really enjoy talking to Dennis. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In Luang Prabang we met Somsay who gave us our most cherished day at a Hmong village and school. And the children, we cannot forget the children who are so precious. We discussed what opportunities the children might have. After 5th grade they will need to go to a larger village to continue school. Is it important to be able to see what's outside your village? If you're happy, isn't that enough? The dilemma of education is losing culture and language versus keeping a traditional life. Perhaps for those who have a yearning soul, education fans that discontent. And for those who can find happiness and contentment with the familiar, education can be an enrichment to life. I am not wise enough to know the answer but it does trouble me.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">"Every time you leave home</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">another road takes you</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">into a world we're never in."</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> ~John O'Donoghue </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Trip Sans VF", "Trip Sans", Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-26785602417230293992023-02-11T01:24:00.000-08:002023-02-11T01:24:48.173-08:00Our Last Full Day in Laos<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">It was a very early start today. We were out on the street in front of the hotel with our basket of sticky rice and tray of bananas ad pastries. There were long blocks of stools set up all over town. On our street people began filling the stools, and wrapping the scarf that was provided, a blue or red check around their shoulder and under one arm. Soon a saffron line of monks began to process by holding a covered metal bowl in one hand and a bag over the other shoulder. Rice scooped out of the basket with a plastic gloved hand went into the bowl. Other food stuffs went into the bag. Once the bag or bowl is filled, there are baskets in the street where the monks deposit the foods that overflow their bowls or bags. According to our hotel manager, the poor and/or homeless are then welcome to take these extra food stuffs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-45mcPH5yFOCyhlOky9C7gLROvDiPl27XpCv60PMsBtxw7eU3UczGQIT4xS1IXD_HBmcrMgktrzu6PUom8JSQbMJxDKEvWcAwGp6Vg92oeP2a77U74rJjccksICUF6Ig7NyIPYhxrhYYWwOomLKGYX41nJFFYn2vfzx9LrPEKWFu3c4uf_nVQvkXMw/s4608/E689AAC3-9142-4BA1-BEFF-7FBFBE929725.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-45mcPH5yFOCyhlOky9C7gLROvDiPl27XpCv60PMsBtxw7eU3UczGQIT4xS1IXD_HBmcrMgktrzu6PUom8JSQbMJxDKEvWcAwGp6Vg92oeP2a77U74rJjccksICUF6Ig7NyIPYhxrhYYWwOomLKGYX41nJFFYn2vfzx9LrPEKWFu3c4uf_nVQvkXMw/s320/E689AAC3-9142-4BA1-BEFF-7FBFBE929725.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnApKSRInWG_wl9QOfhCSUMjoeVyuaSUwEd1ZmTwbfDA1qije-fRDG-Nra0yh8tA0YK8JV6P_XRKbeBUHWmiQPOqvxyFVRSQfqcUyaKkZfwHpK8e_Dfx30X_IJq6bQpLuDIjfCXz4E-qNF8b40NQuDBG81QDHXRQer-0BC-havXX-Zh-x0k7Qo6t_Kwg/s4608/EA410E5F-06FF-4C06-957C-E2450DFF1381.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnApKSRInWG_wl9QOfhCSUMjoeVyuaSUwEd1ZmTwbfDA1qije-fRDG-Nra0yh8tA0YK8JV6P_XRKbeBUHWmiQPOqvxyFVRSQfqcUyaKkZfwHpK8e_Dfx30X_IJq6bQpLuDIjfCXz4E-qNF8b40NQuDBG81QDHXRQer-0BC-havXX-Zh-x0k7Qo6t_Kwg/s320/EA410E5F-06FF-4C06-957C-E2450DFF1381.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0FwVV_JznSvNiYTF39gH_OS9uRrBedfiW1EX-jvA2kHsSFxyz-OFu5E52C7PchqltV8YYXwA-yWB8T41aFZNfbExCiETU6o3ek4JGSHqgAUqIkhadvcuyc6llHuY9DdsQa1WqoexmCPV1_SkJHDHjr-RK0YQ0u12TnhYE2s2Zn4gfajCgynE5MIyoQ/s4608/8B510C31-C16F-4CD6-95B7-E6BAEFB93064.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0FwVV_JznSvNiYTF39gH_OS9uRrBedfiW1EX-jvA2kHsSFxyz-OFu5E52C7PchqltV8YYXwA-yWB8T41aFZNfbExCiETU6o3ek4JGSHqgAUqIkhadvcuyc6llHuY9DdsQa1WqoexmCPV1_SkJHDHjr-RK0YQ0u12TnhYE2s2Zn4gfajCgynE5MIyoQ/s320/8B510C31-C16F-4CD6-95B7-E6BAEFB93064.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the ethical questions to be considered is whether or not to attend and participate in Sai Bat. If you are a practicing Buddhist you understand the significance of the ceremony. One writer compares it to taking Holy Communion from a Catholic priest by a non-Catholic. My mother-in-law, a devout Catholic believed just the opposite. She told me once that everyone in church, believer or not should take communion. She said if you did not, it was like being at someone’s house for dinner and refusing to eat.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dennis distributed the alms and I watched the people and the monks. At the end of the ceremony, an older man approached me. He told me, “I want to thank you for participating. We do this for everyone. It is for everyone in the world. Thank you.” All I could do was give him my thanks for taking the time to share that with me.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-AYefzKGSWl7qq9GOwmFlJS-sHLqElYhUZL_SHhrxsVoaftEZ3-VkoDQr5Dq5IL_Cf1OFdnYEh1VcaaXCKOmndrTcwQKlP7aUA8bIm5w-HdSbTUPkcoIY34psnVcHUicBtbOF3wTjFrVSpUSgKddhNjhnNO7uO1bTZ8ZI5MUU_1M2iCJJEPQDl1NnA/s4608/22FDA027-D1F4-4470-8728-4C4821E2AF9F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-AYefzKGSWl7qq9GOwmFlJS-sHLqElYhUZL_SHhrxsVoaftEZ3-VkoDQr5Dq5IL_Cf1OFdnYEh1VcaaXCKOmndrTcwQKlP7aUA8bIm5w-HdSbTUPkcoIY34psnVcHUicBtbOF3wTjFrVSpUSgKddhNjhnNO7uO1bTZ8ZI5MUU_1M2iCJJEPQDl1NnA/s320/22FDA027-D1F4-4470-8728-4C4821E2AF9F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpBtgMSL4FbHW_MEPE9mJ_kfyQ5ybBiKyN_1DcHrrdfxwSwXQC1_hxB9gawhWeEimp8Hf3sdmEM8mlZTNtIprpKvyCfVbu_Q5PUlowu80U0PibEcLP7H_jRofF2r0IVGSX3yuE_IwvrhKyHx7T26A6x9Iegl_jzGjk3WlE5tHlqkOBjM-jIfqdwaX6w/s4608/F8A58204-1E71-474E-8AE2-B649B72B6799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpBtgMSL4FbHW_MEPE9mJ_kfyQ5ybBiKyN_1DcHrrdfxwSwXQC1_hxB9gawhWeEimp8Hf3sdmEM8mlZTNtIprpKvyCfVbu_Q5PUlowu80U0PibEcLP7H_jRofF2r0IVGSX3yuE_IwvrhKyHx7T26A6x9Iegl_jzGjk3WlE5tHlqkOBjM-jIfqdwaX6w/s320/F8A58204-1E71-474E-8AE2-B649B72B6799.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwNJFjtuSGxyqr6IRjwIRnyEiwmLQcE6EKYb8TeWFxgvKTr-693Vlj-d1Os_r2izZJW0QHAHJ557-vLJq1zJ5SijriepDsEmgQJ4oK6SdwE_T1Syu7POYr148zkEHrxuRAmAiS8q1h3bXus5q1jslMKAw2eqjcxCK-zdH7bncWz6KKUEdf308Ob5rvQ/s4608/20174F78-6B48-440F-A676-4A4C27F2C210.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwNJFjtuSGxyqr6IRjwIRnyEiwmLQcE6EKYb8TeWFxgvKTr-693Vlj-d1Os_r2izZJW0QHAHJ557-vLJq1zJ5SijriepDsEmgQJ4oK6SdwE_T1Syu7POYr148zkEHrxuRAmAiS8q1h3bXus5q1jslMKAw2eqjcxCK-zdH7bncWz6KKUEdf308Ob5rvQ/s320/20174F78-6B48-440F-A676-4A4C27F2C210.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6ovYCYRtQaDYXcfkzXTGGGQn5K_XBLSMaWLElkAch-v3pxpyfumhrVQjZeSGpZjXrgT4zZ3zxKErBcoamecT99YSVLcycRixfgrXdnmzixAbjY8sYie_Mv7ts0htLLAAfL5J1hgkZu_TyBrgkNF8klHpByvF2MRQN8_Ee90QgnY9IXqEJLAlGymEyw/s4608/78C2533F-F767-40E6-8D0C-45A7E88F8B9C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6ovYCYRtQaDYXcfkzXTGGGQn5K_XBLSMaWLElkAch-v3pxpyfumhrVQjZeSGpZjXrgT4zZ3zxKErBcoamecT99YSVLcycRixfgrXdnmzixAbjY8sYie_Mv7ts0htLLAAfL5J1hgkZu_TyBrgkNF8klHpByvF2MRQN8_Ee90QgnY9IXqEJLAlGymEyw/s320/78C2533F-F767-40E6-8D0C-45A7E88F8B9C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">A final word from Dennis: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">(Note: after reading this you may want to take a moment to shake your head or roll your eyes.)</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning we arose at 5:00 AM to “feed the monks.” Puzzled? I’ll try to explain with what little I know of this tradition. Monks live in Buddhist temples and are given a room. They have duties to perform but food is not provided so they rely on people’s generosity in the form of alms (money so they can buy food or food given directly). Each morning around 6:00 AM, people line the streets of Luang Prabang outside the temples to provide food for the monks. You can bring your own, I suppose but everyone we saw bought a prepaid basket containing cooked sticky rice and packaged fruit and pastry for about $5.00. Hundreds of small stools were lined upon the sidewalk for us to sit on with our alms displayed in front of us.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6qRL7kxLh1OvGhY-HcNZAR0Jikas2jwCb856G3ReeNt3T5Si63Dx5OzyilC40Ha_CaofTH8c-7X7SVM-tcogIH-IOMWAe0fByK3zovrA4X4XNmOJm03TlLIiVbnPR2Id5wOutW5-fF2Tqc1YZfz-srAjNDULIjeXfyf8zuLx1WCfxZwLwvkTNQQVFg/s4608/D5F85F07-ADAB-4134-9C4B-E774588D2E96.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6qRL7kxLh1OvGhY-HcNZAR0Jikas2jwCb856G3ReeNt3T5Si63Dx5OzyilC40Ha_CaofTH8c-7X7SVM-tcogIH-IOMWAe0fByK3zovrA4X4XNmOJm03TlLIiVbnPR2Id5wOutW5-fF2Tqc1YZfz-srAjNDULIjeXfyf8zuLx1WCfxZwLwvkTNQQVFg/s320/D5F85F07-ADAB-4134-9C4B-E774588D2E96.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8hRE1_bGrKM_PlH3N8LHxtC4D_YtBUogROgphA0lWa3IUAOF9EADG6p5QTjhxvd0L-t5eXefir0aHG1cUu8wa29UiScxLOYWkJBysG_i_OUVNlm7sM0LTFnq52jr7bxPAgpE_6ZLb9gTyNIGD6pgQa28UWnOk2-QuSwtsGZTUxZUr4esnedGUpPXqQ/s4608/E06A34F5-BA54-45AE-9D2D-E9C8770649C0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8hRE1_bGrKM_PlH3N8LHxtC4D_YtBUogROgphA0lWa3IUAOF9EADG6p5QTjhxvd0L-t5eXefir0aHG1cUu8wa29UiScxLOYWkJBysG_i_OUVNlm7sM0LTFnq52jr7bxPAgpE_6ZLb9gTyNIGD6pgQa28UWnOk2-QuSwtsGZTUxZUr4esnedGUpPXqQ/s320/E06A34F5-BA54-45AE-9D2D-E9C8770649C0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M1Q-Trn2KyBC-xl1Oqg674dy0uBsSjop6gXmvXG1VNArDcVYWtF0XhvUzZ_J_Jd5szQ4bbcrfgtb6nG36nczfZcb4HIVYU7n5VO8jS9NdFd8yBw6om5VlYmsFlm_-fLIN9aLYGFgWXeGic7aeYrJ1GYgH0TQ_ydnat4JMDbQkP_Kb6PrnadR-w28sQ/s4608/EBA8143C-80CD-4ACD-8E7C-AD728D784E6F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2M1Q-Trn2KyBC-xl1Oqg674dy0uBsSjop6gXmvXG1VNArDcVYWtF0XhvUzZ_J_Jd5szQ4bbcrfgtb6nG36nczfZcb4HIVYU7n5VO8jS9NdFd8yBw6om5VlYmsFlm_-fLIN9aLYGFgWXeGic7aeYrJ1GYgH0TQ_ydnat4JMDbQkP_Kb6PrnadR-w28sQ/s320/EBA8143C-80CD-4ACD-8E7C-AD728D784E6F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, a row of monks as young as maybe ten years old to those in their 60’s or 70’s came sown the sidewalk in front of us. They carried a kettle on one arm and a bag with a strap over their shoulders. They stop in front of each person and we were to put a small ball of rice in the kettle (we wear a surgical glove) and the fruit or pastry in the sack. Now picture this—there were probably 300 of us sitting on our stools with our alms. There may have been another 200 hundred or more observers on the street taking photos. Then about 100 monks started their collections. Stupid me started putting the rice and pastry into the kettle but I soon saw the error of my ways although the monks still smiled and nodded thanks. (I can only wonder what they thought. 🤔</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The entire process took about 45 minutes. In conclusion, a cadre of personnel picked up the stools and rice baskets and everyone left to begin their day. We were also given a small silver container of water (holy?) to pour over the roots of an old tree on the temple grounds. We were instructed to either make a wish or pray for peace or something like that. Cindy handled this part for us because she is so much more spiritual than me.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEKr8wxVoqatNXEdH0SQhbAcM8v3YY2gBqQCwBxr6kDm5tu2_Yxpired2wZ1YfwA3VNyMoIEXQlhHGQ2RhFBbyLRo8_kqeSDdtEJGb9MdMIi9c9AoU1DYQjgd_dn6EgR6D_mYJjL98Cx0ilKJJhRHLobQL81PZdIXQp4Mv1kQdqIpjE7vSayN8s_1Vw/s4608/72A2706C-6402-4351-8531-5DA468C6D213.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEKr8wxVoqatNXEdH0SQhbAcM8v3YY2gBqQCwBxr6kDm5tu2_Yxpired2wZ1YfwA3VNyMoIEXQlhHGQ2RhFBbyLRo8_kqeSDdtEJGb9MdMIi9c9AoU1DYQjgd_dn6EgR6D_mYJjL98Cx0ilKJJhRHLobQL81PZdIXQp4Mv1kQdqIpjE7vSayN8s_1Vw/s320/72A2706C-6402-4351-8531-5DA468C6D213.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I mentioned to Cindy, “Man, they’ve got quite a business going there. Hundreds of people paying 5 bucks a pop every morning, 7 days a week.” She looked at me incredulously. “What’s the matter with you?! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Didn’t you see the beauty and significance of the tradition? Do you always have to look at everything with that capitalistic mind set of yours? You know you can really be an a*#@+le at times.” </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought about that for a minute and responded—“Do you think it’s easy for me? Well, it’s not. I work very hard at that and kinda think I’m closing in on being a professional, soon!” I concluded, “A professional is someone who works hard and makes something difficult, look easy.” Yep, I’m getting better and better each day at becoming a perfect a*#@+le. Such is the way of our travels together. 😘 </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-75110130060069253482023-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:002023-02-10T07:00:17.844-08:00Our Last Town in Laos: Luang Prabang<span style="font-family: arial;">My sister June is thinking of nominating Dennis for sainthood. And I think I may have to second that nomination. Is there someone we should direct this to other than Pope Francis? We haven’t written much since we’ve been in Luang Prabang. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all it’s a beautiful UNESCO town situated on a peninsula at the confluence of The Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and there’s so much to see. Luang Prabang was formerly the royal capitol of Laos.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB8bprKqIwww4ybeNaK7nYXLrHSpDJKkU_OE9fh0Y8vgWPsGRh8mKVgXfJ3KO9_BB4m4gaj1dEq40EqhrD2vBtfkjfwHW_0rk8oTe4vAwm_xj8OzzI-EFwL4kQ5X6pf_MC9ExWxbQnRiarARa2yPhStlKySnh-XEZmkGWmK6-obmydKif0EG1DR3XIA/s3699/5F65FB43-F0B8-41A7-8EEF-14390D6B748E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2774" data-original-width="3699" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB8bprKqIwww4ybeNaK7nYXLrHSpDJKkU_OE9fh0Y8vgWPsGRh8mKVgXfJ3KO9_BB4m4gaj1dEq40EqhrD2vBtfkjfwHW_0rk8oTe4vAwm_xj8OzzI-EFwL4kQ5X6pf_MC9ExWxbQnRiarARa2yPhStlKySnh-XEZmkGWmK6-obmydKif0EG1DR3XIA/s320/5F65FB43-F0B8-41A7-8EEF-14390D6B748E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHGoVaCkzHjJ9-47g6GR7HRxvmwGT8zvGRxy1tXA9fvX-dit-e0Oul3ehMX_HqkO_uJpqE7fiSZW1cjNpWDhr_wZ-BwVv7s5ql8ETMNK75J9058mmkevRQwW-BKzNAenzCedFtJd5C6HjkjkHFD_e5kiV-3_kltdXonTFGqOCgXVTc5LqPWZFC0tfkw/s4608/32451066-8498-4D4F-A6F8-06EFCBC90F44.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHGoVaCkzHjJ9-47g6GR7HRxvmwGT8zvGRxy1tXA9fvX-dit-e0Oul3ehMX_HqkO_uJpqE7fiSZW1cjNpWDhr_wZ-BwVv7s5ql8ETMNK75J9058mmkevRQwW-BKzNAenzCedFtJd5C6HjkjkHFD_e5kiV-3_kltdXonTFGqOCgXVTc5LqPWZFC0tfkw/s320/32451066-8498-4D4F-A6F8-06EFCBC90F44.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnWW1dg1qVMywBtW7khU6OZCm3XnttIMaaRcQk2hOWBLeI9BTgj61DBBY_h1i5YboO0Kxf7qIqfPCAFGM9P8EX1OUm3u0GkLfXCmE7ZJ6P3Q734S0aWx9tEcavA7PpwOdIiAEu2WM-zIFzWC5xUYi1FAOBNfELEYmitzlXMWczwanh6xQk1egKchu0Q/s4608/BABAB869-2080-4F53-9A96-73702EF8AA93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRnWW1dg1qVMywBtW7khU6OZCm3XnttIMaaRcQk2hOWBLeI9BTgj61DBBY_h1i5YboO0Kxf7qIqfPCAFGM9P8EX1OUm3u0GkLfXCmE7ZJ6P3Q734S0aWx9tEcavA7PpwOdIiAEu2WM-zIFzWC5xUYi1FAOBNfELEYmitzlXMWczwanh6xQk1egKchu0Q/s320/BABAB869-2080-4F53-9A96-73702EF8AA93.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQYiUiARviR0D61u3-UgA3Np1DIk7E4x4OBPgNSGsrA6mlmJH-NbBm2vPklxsPc-gx5e37XByjtCbNnwVWg7DWFvDg-jByWaqF-RNwBrrsGorhndWgGjn0G5Cff-WPPxFLjLPWVYJ9y-4slEJL228GfEW4xI3kTSkLUN7QWMv6ra8Zu2TsT3pk7_3fQ/s3999/BD0BDE65-3E53-439D-8761-162FB82A702F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2999" data-original-width="3999" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQYiUiARviR0D61u3-UgA3Np1DIk7E4x4OBPgNSGsrA6mlmJH-NbBm2vPklxsPc-gx5e37XByjtCbNnwVWg7DWFvDg-jByWaqF-RNwBrrsGorhndWgGjn0G5Cff-WPPxFLjLPWVYJ9y-4slEJL228GfEW4xI3kTSkLUN7QWMv6ra8Zu2TsT3pk7_3fQ/s320/BD0BDE65-3E53-439D-8761-162FB82A702F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The second, reason for less writing is that I haven’t exactly been myself so in my gratitude for Dennis’s patience, I haven’t been nagging. I picked up some kind of a stomach bug that causes nausea and dizziness. I have little appetite for any drink other than soda water or plain water. OMG, that woman is ill! Thanks again to cousins Candace and Lai for directing me to an English speaking pharmacist. I’m feeling much better. Almost good enough to nag someone about writing. So Saint Dennis, right?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The first tour we were supposed to take here was a cooking class—The Bamboo Experience. I was really under the weather so Dennis went on his own and it was terrific. I’m sure he’ll write about it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we went to a Hmong village and the Kuang Si waterfalls. The village was our fist stop. The Hmong are traditionally mountain people but about 50 years ago some groups were resettled by the government. This resettlement strategy of ethnic minorities has become a central feature of rural development in Laos and other SE Asian countries (Han in China, Kinh in Vietnam, Khmer in Cambodia). It is intended to facilitate the ban on slash-and-burn agriculture and opium growing. It also allows the state to implement new roads, schools, sanitation works, land reform, etc. (Evrard & Goudineau). If you’re interested, there’s lots more information out there. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We started in the village with a demonstration of how cotton used to be milled and turned into thread. Dennis got a chance to try his hand at it. Sitting on that tiny low stool for very long would soon have become painful for a novice. Then a quick demo of a whiskey still where rice is being distilled. According to Mr. Schulz, it was like drinking straight alcohol.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjHN04_T6fdKQ8kJFKBEcn7xNlDYhv8rIY-E1Agm9HldZXuiHR2La9EVxiuVT9evoEuJUSzuI3QLw4pIXdHoTfM79lfMV-2oPAKYgYTrnBbU4VaVreBI3xiWcv2hFH0eTOMYxsKKm8Kfb3A7TlBVmtfibejg0kCtqEy4pFY8rGCXs7pkF7h4Uu5aTdg/s4608/20958C59-DAEF-47CA-9F6A-3104DF226402.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjHN04_T6fdKQ8kJFKBEcn7xNlDYhv8rIY-E1Agm9HldZXuiHR2La9EVxiuVT9evoEuJUSzuI3QLw4pIXdHoTfM79lfMV-2oPAKYgYTrnBbU4VaVreBI3xiWcv2hFH0eTOMYxsKKm8Kfb3A7TlBVmtfibejg0kCtqEy4pFY8rGCXs7pkF7h4Uu5aTdg/s320/20958C59-DAEF-47CA-9F6A-3104DF226402.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4FTM60itNbFjuiU1ztxHDnx4LwKJY6yjH8qV4Xa7Yw5SMEwZWAKo7VzZBjjuaXXSV0you540g0TSzz11OStxi2vCqo2imIvwWE7P5t_4vFz4PU0nUzIpwAs26md_c18_LhR_ZJ2HltdOmzlnAERuNrzlBjehO1OycdMy0OoribQO_o0jWfHgP3BDWw/s4608/D23D4ED8-4AF9-4E5C-ABE1-23432841B249.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4FTM60itNbFjuiU1ztxHDnx4LwKJY6yjH8qV4Xa7Yw5SMEwZWAKo7VzZBjjuaXXSV0you540g0TSzz11OStxi2vCqo2imIvwWE7P5t_4vFz4PU0nUzIpwAs26md_c18_LhR_ZJ2HltdOmzlnAERuNrzlBjehO1OycdMy0OoribQO_o0jWfHgP3BDWw/s320/D23D4ED8-4AF9-4E5C-ABE1-23432841B249.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcgPEYJN4Qpc2nuEHcFX8gVTfBxgjJCMB7Zdv74kuy9HM08aB_6Hjd-O2AVMMQgpEizm-avDOQenKah7ZxMpWkzfev3LTFgGRWJRJZ2xs1JO-s4CqjSlAxzmXR24pguDHcBJgeyd9Qq4LysIqt8pnG4u2SChaczx8Ul0bQvTq1uf4OdPz-3YKYKOPKQ/s4608/FE1CEB59-F41D-43B6-8339-DAA95F2FDB2D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcgPEYJN4Qpc2nuEHcFX8gVTfBxgjJCMB7Zdv74kuy9HM08aB_6Hjd-O2AVMMQgpEizm-avDOQenKah7ZxMpWkzfev3LTFgGRWJRJZ2xs1JO-s4CqjSlAxzmXR24pguDHcBJgeyd9Qq4LysIqt8pnG4u2SChaczx8Ul0bQvTq1uf4OdPz-3YKYKOPKQ/s320/FE1CEB59-F41D-43B6-8339-DAA95F2FDB2D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">From there we went up to the cultural center where Dennis got a chance to use a crossbow. His target? A pig and a chicken. He hit the pig (styrofoam) on the snout and the chicken (again styrofoam) on one foot. No dinner tonight. To get there and then out of the village we had to go through a gauntlet of small children—all holding something for us to buy. This was very painful. We wondered if we couldn’t just make a donation to the village. I don’t think we have enough friends to cover the number of coasters offered for sale by beautiful little children. At the end of this visit our guide, Boun told me I paid too much for the handmade fabric that I bought. He added that as I bought it at the first place we stopped for the demo it would be shared with the whole village. I will use it as a table runner. It was 500,000 (LAK) kip or $30.00 all elegantly stitched.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd7qYDEDOO4q0g8muPuVJFe9s-QAbmgmukXb3uiWMkH9MpGeLMJVRjFjEC9Y6nE6lF-Lr1VySBSJLaUyidXvSsaOY77CaBrgbFRqABuRdaKkF03OisvH8Bez_lr7GI4ZJs5BfTDsHlm_gFJsVA3Z2doe-nZHBxHEJJ_iRHUVZUM0Uh5rxhitz2Ccl9A/s4608/6DE4573F-712A-4369-843C-AC046F4302B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDd7qYDEDOO4q0g8muPuVJFe9s-QAbmgmukXb3uiWMkH9MpGeLMJVRjFjEC9Y6nE6lF-Lr1VySBSJLaUyidXvSsaOY77CaBrgbFRqABuRdaKkF03OisvH8Bez_lr7GI4ZJs5BfTDsHlm_gFJsVA3Z2doe-nZHBxHEJJ_iRHUVZUM0Uh5rxhitz2Ccl9A/s320/6DE4573F-712A-4369-843C-AC046F4302B2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqHVc5jJDrDJ1v2DxxEHnZaIaIJBPGFUztRG90pYA7rcX1FLkMOIYy4wBS99E2PGIJVE6HHycGURhzaZt4II-bEDG8WcVaaUMNd4y7nGjZt1hn0AH0gIccNl61mIlBFCQUBMelpAfym1JenRqZ5STriwmDs9SGMNbDknKfDnIuLAjF31bkZhVKxutRQ/s4608/05397B32-6BBC-455E-8E74-08817C5ACBFC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqHVc5jJDrDJ1v2DxxEHnZaIaIJBPGFUztRG90pYA7rcX1FLkMOIYy4wBS99E2PGIJVE6HHycGURhzaZt4II-bEDG8WcVaaUMNd4y7nGjZt1hn0AH0gIccNl61mIlBFCQUBMelpAfym1JenRqZ5STriwmDs9SGMNbDknKfDnIuLAjF31bkZhVKxutRQ/s320/05397B32-6BBC-455E-8E74-08817C5ACBFC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75eqjo4h1Cswl6QoR7hYYgzxQIuVet1pdtbCUgF8V_MCKNsAiYM50h8I2mMke2yxQbs4e97elapFbto8ueotG-BGje3tJqLd1uQ8TvDm_SqQJbDvLgYY1D1jNa-dwF9LRLLfJ7C0HXtrgI_LS9wXb9kjgcjZtdfEZMQBVECjOtt_eXuMBzgafnhP6Gw/s4608/9D70B51E-E54B-4683-B3F6-AE61639C0207.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLDIeI-N7UeM2GVb_2caxihX_pJlxV53LWkKwu_jwRoUlWaYNOmDdQsUpcwIP8gCyuR1d9EBGMc9R3rsUF-1717vOP-6abO9m9pLtbXUgAq0i6Vs0azIkZ53BxO-UijCmdLpI2vVMauxtkS2eQaHBxR-HcjrDzYohLoBu_uA-cTbRJcb-CyESMkt_eQ/s4608/A4326FCD-2103-42E6-BC7B-A1E50097EA7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLDIeI-N7UeM2GVb_2caxihX_pJlxV53LWkKwu_jwRoUlWaYNOmDdQsUpcwIP8gCyuR1d9EBGMc9R3rsUF-1717vOP-6abO9m9pLtbXUgAq0i6Vs0azIkZ53BxO-UijCmdLpI2vVMauxtkS2eQaHBxR-HcjrDzYohLoBu_uA-cTbRJcb-CyESMkt_eQ/s320/A4326FCD-2103-42E6-BC7B-A1E50097EA7B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK4zQoJPcVoMRMcgUyFfhroHFUkkxCYJyJELgOH19r_kJ3aIHVtBIvL_zWUj-4x1Li4eCUUH0Qzc_jp4gIB1kUYo7eXsF5MCU-1NfkgvXrZcY8fNEQamDkFFiyfydhp2hKYKy5GdtPjsHBP0B-G-6GiPweEBUM1UAuRSK45ckFcpFT9uq2VehtMrz1Q/s4608/DC038AFE-B942-4AF4-A9A0-D26C1F1AB2A0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK4zQoJPcVoMRMcgUyFfhroHFUkkxCYJyJELgOH19r_kJ3aIHVtBIvL_zWUj-4x1Li4eCUUH0Qzc_jp4gIB1kUYo7eXsF5MCU-1NfkgvXrZcY8fNEQamDkFFiyfydhp2hKYKy5GdtPjsHBP0B-G-6GiPweEBUM1UAuRSK45ckFcpFT9uq2VehtMrz1Q/s320/DC038AFE-B942-4AF4-A9A0-D26C1F1AB2A0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">From the village we went higher into the mountains until we came to Kuang Si Waterfalls. The waterfalls are blue and turquoise and beautiful. Dennis had a refreshing swim in the azure waters and even enjoyed a bit of a shower under one the falls.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gSzSqHnn_su-8_F0dwPycHG1U5YOz3AbuanzNpKdsSIALfJBv6FWAwGn1FhvA1742T971aZZCuFjJsJoI3V5YYRf_yOjI2AtHJfgmt9Q58xJP2DXqLOHhry_a61pnIfMuE5L3Ug1nc93IHaUfgbsHOqyavyUMHaLijMnfc3MXoNb9HqeTQqNNiRoJQ/s4608/0F8E639D-A0F8-4D12-934F-B1EE4C558DD1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gSzSqHnn_su-8_F0dwPycHG1U5YOz3AbuanzNpKdsSIALfJBv6FWAwGn1FhvA1742T971aZZCuFjJsJoI3V5YYRf_yOjI2AtHJfgmt9Q58xJP2DXqLOHhry_a61pnIfMuE5L3Ug1nc93IHaUfgbsHOqyavyUMHaLijMnfc3MXoNb9HqeTQqNNiRoJQ/s320/0F8E639D-A0F8-4D12-934F-B1EE4C558DD1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTU_bNoO1kkxGBSBzj-ndSkrjptbmLRgFB0rWl8QRk5Kerji1FIsxD6dtzkRvaIm6VN-RnpaIhqaul6PxTkCYL2HITLZx4uQuzdWKPqYnT2DvKkKfzkoQuYd2G3UbxouckLkpPKK7C7tE4Iq8kU5YTDUHdL8GAWCFRgZTGihZtvy-AIEOmImwx50VI1A/s4608/2E3A8627-09BD-4E02-9FA0-2EA7C0DF047E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTU_bNoO1kkxGBSBzj-ndSkrjptbmLRgFB0rWl8QRk5Kerji1FIsxD6dtzkRvaIm6VN-RnpaIhqaul6PxTkCYL2HITLZx4uQuzdWKPqYnT2DvKkKfzkoQuYd2G3UbxouckLkpPKK7C7tE4Iq8kU5YTDUHdL8GAWCFRgZTGihZtvy-AIEOmImwx50VI1A/s320/2E3A8627-09BD-4E02-9FA0-2EA7C0DF047E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMRX4gZYO68GLTblnArR2qG4sFjA7JYoz1If61M6unm-Z_Mg45r9lam4_0QpjMRtgzCHRH0h_4DxiAKC9qjPqLC2u4Gkf3dtF496h-sZ6K-JT_q5yH7jjCwbitOAJfRPL3QxsHejmXfMMvelSJ7HbfoNIFX6EeHGwRttpLFNOsPbjZOk0i8X3w74Y8A/s4608/34CA2674-1859-4744-8FC0-7A793E0DDF18.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZMRX4gZYO68GLTblnArR2qG4sFjA7JYoz1If61M6unm-Z_Mg45r9lam4_0QpjMRtgzCHRH0h_4DxiAKC9qjPqLC2u4Gkf3dtF496h-sZ6K-JT_q5yH7jjCwbitOAJfRPL3QxsHejmXfMMvelSJ7HbfoNIFX6EeHGwRttpLFNOsPbjZOk0i8X3w74Y8A/s320/34CA2674-1859-4744-8FC0-7A793E0DDF18.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Fyd1dqF9QLVQEcKH32NPlQ2B8r8MlWmYLLApbVbgXbDPDtkAUo2LQz8CeJF_fC3FhMYrf90Wqv8SExzxgeUKNy9wb_2daQ7oqquSEjbrdN2BWIQy7oVXlEBlmGvUR5Aj5pZqZiw1XAJmgrQbK2m6mQILNfnw9v5VUv6wLH7B40ORutDTXKI8GNfEg/s4608/53A2436D-18D6-4623-8FB4-2547E8CA7B60.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Fyd1dqF9QLVQEcKH32NPlQ2B8r8MlWmYLLApbVbgXbDPDtkAUo2LQz8CeJF_fC3FhMYrf90Wqv8SExzxgeUKNy9wb_2daQ7oqquSEjbrdN2BWIQy7oVXlEBlmGvUR5Aj5pZqZiw1XAJmgrQbK2m6mQILNfnw9v5VUv6wLH7B40ORutDTXKI8GNfEg/s320/53A2436D-18D6-4623-8FB4-2547E8CA7B60.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Later that night we took a tuk-tuk to the night market. I found the perfect bag to replace my trusty Baggallini which I had left at home. This one has beautiful Lao stitchery on it and will become my carry-on. I’m going to check my bigger suitcase. There are many who would never check a bag and I used to be one of them. Now both Dennis and I are happy to take our chances and let someone else wrestle with our bags. The few extra minutes at baggage give us a moment to figure out our next moves. My neighbors on the flight are welcome to the overhead compartment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The night market is a very colorful and lively place. It is a blaze with golds and reds—treasures for the eyes and perhaps one or two to take home. There is a painting there that I can’t get out of my head. Should I warn Dennis that we shouldn’t venture that way again? Hmmm, no that’s part of the adventure. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RzrvBgCNBUNXRvEqf7SD7TqxarjgBvXDUUeNgIdaTli9MqGPk7wLmjDbdTi8UmfuSs84G5S213mCAEzQ4i3QaRrUbZQSHR9cEg5V81AoLov59SJtzxtR4yGhApm5tGSeM4CGged5wetk7vnIRvOktH8fYoGdswhg9Y2oswm4tvKXkc_6TeSzDVL76A/s4608/4ED05A7B-BE82-4E19-B730-A9E0D388AB7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-RzrvBgCNBUNXRvEqf7SD7TqxarjgBvXDUUeNgIdaTli9MqGPk7wLmjDbdTi8UmfuSs84G5S213mCAEzQ4i3QaRrUbZQSHR9cEg5V81AoLov59SJtzxtR4yGhApm5tGSeM4CGged5wetk7vnIRvOktH8fYoGdswhg9Y2oswm4tvKXkc_6TeSzDVL76A/s320/4ED05A7B-BE82-4E19-B730-A9E0D388AB7B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmIpVoFwuYgauQk8tDqysUL3wFlc-HZLVv_N-v8NeZ2DqbbZlhspUT5nKQJaQHM0tVwEl9mEdsAEw_vfmszcwWHDklBzLZJwO0QpvvdkRDBSirZzYCB_JuHYm5qfgsetQM7sWMaajcALKXrHQD-bTp1xFlPvC-7e-rcL9bswSQciVkSQ-jWk-2zXCzA/s4608/9709CF02-650E-4FA8-BC00-8F3E237E9E7A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmIpVoFwuYgauQk8tDqysUL3wFlc-HZLVv_N-v8NeZ2DqbbZlhspUT5nKQJaQHM0tVwEl9mEdsAEw_vfmszcwWHDklBzLZJwO0QpvvdkRDBSirZzYCB_JuHYm5qfgsetQM7sWMaajcALKXrHQD-bTp1xFlPvC-7e-rcL9bswSQciVkSQ-jWk-2zXCzA/s320/9709CF02-650E-4FA8-BC00-8F3E237E9E7A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cTWtMsKvOtoOz_XqSVpawPWAKHOXL9ClalMqO6OupzIoFcpqrPZvHhi7Pi2JHQbanW6s8S6EU3zUcZCkYzJGxtgMBbNAACsWN3L7XhUDo5HLM6oqFV-syJPr4ZjMtuFKeDbpXl1eI5cx5nlmMJUDdxdRffAJvbZ_RBPWvvKhmOBiCKRt0pZFurdPQw/s4608/ED414077-9712-45EA-9628-F68129C56959.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3cTWtMsKvOtoOz_XqSVpawPWAKHOXL9ClalMqO6OupzIoFcpqrPZvHhi7Pi2JHQbanW6s8S6EU3zUcZCkYzJGxtgMBbNAACsWN3L7XhUDo5HLM6oqFV-syJPr4ZjMtuFKeDbpXl1eI5cx5nlmMJUDdxdRffAJvbZ_RBPWvvKhmOBiCKRt0pZFurdPQw/s320/ED414077-9712-45EA-9628-F68129C56959.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we went on a day tour with Somsay from the Bamboo Experience. It turned out to be for both of us, the highlight of our trip to Laos. We visited the small remote Hmong village of Ban Long Lan. The tour began with Somsay asking us if we wanted to visit a small village and school. Of course. Then we first stopped at a school supply store to buy some items to take to the school. There are about 100 students in this primary school with four teachers and one of these serves as the director. The kids start school at approximately four years of age and the school ends at 5th grade. We bought notebooks, pens and crayons for the youngest. Once we had our purchases we set out. First we were on a blacktopped road, then blacktop with plenty of potholes, then dirt and gravel and more potholes. Since Covid there has been little money for road repair. Up the side of the mountain we went avoiding potholes and washouts as much as possible. The view from the edge of the road into the valley was sensational.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYBFnF1CfYhT7H0xvV_UwwUHnYgd0zjJkmgtge_cLAY5QtljBAJKHbV8mmDs_Ig02H4wb3ub4AW1TNRS2EgrBS_GgsfNBtBBJGVzPv0CfLeuM6q-VE9g1eim1tOM1XYNgAMl_HtMK_8mdozp8xEpkUIuRZbKpiK_kMZ0G4LJKFWgNYIPA0cWwCahkvg/s4608/D8EAA57B-BD7F-40E9-8E96-04A9BB85A4A2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYBFnF1CfYhT7H0xvV_UwwUHnYgd0zjJkmgtge_cLAY5QtljBAJKHbV8mmDs_Ig02H4wb3ub4AW1TNRS2EgrBS_GgsfNBtBBJGVzPv0CfLeuM6q-VE9g1eim1tOM1XYNgAMl_HtMK_8mdozp8xEpkUIuRZbKpiK_kMZ0G4LJKFWgNYIPA0cWwCahkvg/s320/D8EAA57B-BD7F-40E9-8E96-04A9BB85A4A2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN-jVmnt7PEtT2q4GvUg6bwPaN5Tvo2fOllZC0miZ6zbpRq6ST_BaRook43dHXWPr71SBqsULElFzwfEoMZex_RQmfl-5fbpF9xE80SZL6wpKPhJRr90J7uMON1mKbOXNfO0tm8zVBtXDkp6Ox_18L5xaJih2Uz_VkBgM9Z-WufUoD_PCC-z1NNHAJQ/s4608/58979DC7-A9F6-4396-BD32-36EFFDA410FC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqN-jVmnt7PEtT2q4GvUg6bwPaN5Tvo2fOllZC0miZ6zbpRq6ST_BaRook43dHXWPr71SBqsULElFzwfEoMZex_RQmfl-5fbpF9xE80SZL6wpKPhJRr90J7uMON1mKbOXNfO0tm8zVBtXDkp6Ox_18L5xaJih2Uz_VkBgM9Z-WufUoD_PCC-z1NNHAJQ/s320/58979DC7-A9F6-4396-BD32-36EFFDA410FC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpcA2ahTY9aB7fDJ_fxGZG9Qp8J3AV-bugRSqRQYGH_1_xhyDE34thxkE4QLEBKk35-duaPuZlr0Fficxu36efwuqbp56VZN0ioOxpdSBzMpij7UjeYWCLRAqrMOa5ZKbqXWokg7t-oTWmtoeYMgnRkXdKREsS662PtDDinEnGiPIwoZALUXeDYoyrQ/s4608/7A25A21C-9250-4728-83B8-58EA8C1E1883.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpcA2ahTY9aB7fDJ_fxGZG9Qp8J3AV-bugRSqRQYGH_1_xhyDE34thxkE4QLEBKk35-duaPuZlr0Fficxu36efwuqbp56VZN0ioOxpdSBzMpij7UjeYWCLRAqrMOa5ZKbqXWokg7t-oTWmtoeYMgnRkXdKREsS662PtDDinEnGiPIwoZALUXeDYoyrQ/s320/7A25A21C-9250-4728-83B8-58EA8C1E1883.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscfheGreNi9Qr9cR44VLd-xoYwUGrkng-FdKgkmKwi3HtgAXXqiAhtRHo6WEIZB3qo5LI4mxWILXYEYLEhcFIlH5A97mnBH9mYxipuvnNk0LolyqjJybMSCWDZ4tE4FSRYV9hz1siD5SSrYGa2VfXzm9RTIMoKh62VQBqrO2lmbWVNpBRXtnIPvjKTg/s4608/72A35F26-745E-4A24-AEF7-3DF5926F07D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscfheGreNi9Qr9cR44VLd-xoYwUGrkng-FdKgkmKwi3HtgAXXqiAhtRHo6WEIZB3qo5LI4mxWILXYEYLEhcFIlH5A97mnBH9mYxipuvnNk0LolyqjJybMSCWDZ4tE4FSRYV9hz1siD5SSrYGa2VfXzm9RTIMoKh62VQBqrO2lmbWVNpBRXtnIPvjKTg/s320/72A35F26-745E-4A24-AEF7-3DF5926F07D6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh61FF9esdbunpGs5CILQD3yJ4RkbTy6H0XuyftRNDUH5tWr4Hf9sPxPn7EIcITCJa4T6ATQONFt1XKNWIT_9YEGBr5ITJ9H1uQO3bxWBIFcB9NsAgxSv4JRKGqA8okztpmNVGlwj0fpghihlx0AiIGAj_949zbsNhqBkl1RjUvlcc6roC2BzyuNtvw/s4608/C751D750-7874-4B6A-8AD8-087C314FF5F1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZh61FF9esdbunpGs5CILQD3yJ4RkbTy6H0XuyftRNDUH5tWr4Hf9sPxPn7EIcITCJa4T6ATQONFt1XKNWIT_9YEGBr5ITJ9H1uQO3bxWBIFcB9NsAgxSv4JRKGqA8okztpmNVGlwj0fpghihlx0AiIGAj_949zbsNhqBkl1RjUvlcc6roC2BzyuNtvw/s320/C751D750-7874-4B6A-8AD8-087C314FF5F1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">We entered Ban Long Lan and went directly to the school. Somsay spoke with the Director and a few of the teachers. They made us welcome and opened their classrooms to us. I remember those long ago days where there would be an interruption to our classroom routine. How exciting.Those were the days when every minute was not underscored with testing. That was the long ago time of the “teachable moment.” When every occurrence became an opportunity. I hoped that was what we were. The kids were seated in pairs in rows of desks. They looked at us rather solemnly but there were a few shy smiles and then more and more smiles appeared. When was the last time a new notebook or a new pen or a new box of crayons made you excited? For me, it was right then. If I could change anything we did that day, it would be to have brought crayons for all students not just the young ones. And if I could have I would have brought paper and more art supplies and done a quick art experience. Next time. The teachers do need warning that their classes are going to be invaded and interrupted with such frivolity.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLLC7uZU8DJ1w4NmIBKr2cu9zHDdBuU1bX4NS6Pqv67keJkwprobRTLXl93WYSsWujjYDO6MQp4C6If99q_dpI3eDrs3c7FuTIN8gtkNv1YqY-pPDrfAQN7TYFj1an3ZKOHK-tlOnVOdzxdRN9h3TN8s4em4AWLF2MHnz1BAvX0pimcRvpgsCGGViAw/s4608/2A4CB1A2-216B-4C89-8BFD-9FA466B3712B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLLC7uZU8DJ1w4NmIBKr2cu9zHDdBuU1bX4NS6Pqv67keJkwprobRTLXl93WYSsWujjYDO6MQp4C6If99q_dpI3eDrs3c7FuTIN8gtkNv1YqY-pPDrfAQN7TYFj1an3ZKOHK-tlOnVOdzxdRN9h3TN8s4em4AWLF2MHnz1BAvX0pimcRvpgsCGGViAw/s320/2A4CB1A2-216B-4C89-8BFD-9FA466B3712B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNlZF7z2SmIPu5bd1b3Stzd30-C7Ls-9oXc6OFCNkWJG9Qa1HC1pp7KNdL8_THC4xAKTjQaKqK1rL-bTmNvhoGO7zGjXc30zKsHP-qkNc53Vb47SGiLAh8QUCQdvT1np-K3XI1pFLcBFY_JzeqZ6YCVkqSnZJskYnx2qLH-ARd8SOIOHX8Bk6LTRECw/s4608/9CFDDA9B-EF54-4455-97BA-6945810B55E4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNlZF7z2SmIPu5bd1b3Stzd30-C7Ls-9oXc6OFCNkWJG9Qa1HC1pp7KNdL8_THC4xAKTjQaKqK1rL-bTmNvhoGO7zGjXc30zKsHP-qkNc53Vb47SGiLAh8QUCQdvT1np-K3XI1pFLcBFY_JzeqZ6YCVkqSnZJskYnx2qLH-ARd8SOIOHX8Bk6LTRECw/s320/9CFDDA9B-EF54-4455-97BA-6945810B55E4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXyWGwa0cd5fw2r56NplCrycHABjStVawG3_AwQL945Qlq4f3g_1E67p1foGPioB4fcCyWjjgEGe44pxVLfCeGZ4_cncpAg-MsJLMOtzrtWTgskgj4lm1InwgJwWOCnMNKOtVOa8R4zwdKFXPV8pcFhppp_HSttYDoh06wU11OPH70FN-KgqNfap8Fw/s4608/D962C359-F6FC-4863-84AF-3B7A48612D63.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikXyWGwa0cd5fw2r56NplCrycHABjStVawG3_AwQL945Qlq4f3g_1E67p1foGPioB4fcCyWjjgEGe44pxVLfCeGZ4_cncpAg-MsJLMOtzrtWTgskgj4lm1InwgJwWOCnMNKOtVOa8R4zwdKFXPV8pcFhppp_HSttYDoh06wU11OPH70FN-KgqNfap8Fw/s320/D962C359-F6FC-4863-84AF-3B7A48612D63.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWO5FCNFVOk55OTKzllNKGp6UbZE_e25ZY4VuR_avlxtjz72q1HEyYel135ibGDEVwU0pd814D6LnT7XfvxrJf-Hdc8TZkxoQGxn72sQ0HXGji7iMr6eZ-rwXMVBLrubrXP0eP5mW5ITL4tFHzwSbtA_pkeDUjDTHBpYw1pXeA7SISOniIOXgoUx93w/s4608/EA625BD7-C6A3-48EC-940C-3D5D5137525C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWO5FCNFVOk55OTKzllNKGp6UbZE_e25ZY4VuR_avlxtjz72q1HEyYel135ibGDEVwU0pd814D6LnT7XfvxrJf-Hdc8TZkxoQGxn72sQ0HXGji7iMr6eZ-rwXMVBLrubrXP0eP5mW5ITL4tFHzwSbtA_pkeDUjDTHBpYw1pXeA7SISOniIOXgoUx93w/s320/EA625BD7-C6A3-48EC-940C-3D5D5137525C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9cHYnY2wl70D30Eq_aTkfgelXEJ4wQdB9LegxX7qSUkkiTxl92TjUTmgJ4Sg4mc-TSioT3Sj9p5fBtZPxvZ668MpwgEk5Sjb-0BmNeyqCTXgkAsfXWVWpH96pAmPV8P8SApwTSsJp2m2sW3B7gqCXb7cW1qdS5XTmzgYJ-hiSnvNwnwmR9zvnA9S9A/s4608/F24F00E4-3E09-4C64-B16D-25032612672D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9cHYnY2wl70D30Eq_aTkfgelXEJ4wQdB9LegxX7qSUkkiTxl92TjUTmgJ4Sg4mc-TSioT3Sj9p5fBtZPxvZ668MpwgEk5Sjb-0BmNeyqCTXgkAsfXWVWpH96pAmPV8P8SApwTSsJp2m2sW3B7gqCXb7cW1qdS5XTmzgYJ-hiSnvNwnwmR9zvnA9S9A/s320/F24F00E4-3E09-4C64-B16D-25032612672D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After we visited every room, it was time for everyone to go home for lunch. As they left the school they clustered in small groups to see what they had received. Then chatting and giggling, off they went for home and lunch.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfAzx22finIVp6ybjtCxdVtA1yq9b7bAjdlpoggly3NQhlLf2oidYsLf9VsrkaNza9xEYyvpE7oGDmPBe_kw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Somsay, Dennis, and I went to the teacher’s house who lived at the edge of the school field. He and his wife and three children lived there and ran a small store. His wife is a weaver and she gave us a short demonstration on her loom. She had finished 3 scarves or table runners and I bought two of them.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wehaUL-Q7IVxb0rjm_0noNhI75Xp6f-3ZNlQYwU-q_maUUfiP8XhhKZgEIxsm-F0NC4zI4MN3gltyDoNDHrPKl6KktapKy21gUnynDceWRGEKE9V60VqYI9qOFanVHXMtGo3cGDvrBZONVQju7kr5GrAh-Y_JxA_AvVE1xK7Hd06kcnPdr0aSCu7Yw/s4608/E0D8B54C-5705-42F2-8AF0-54F8CF128E6B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wehaUL-Q7IVxb0rjm_0noNhI75Xp6f-3ZNlQYwU-q_maUUfiP8XhhKZgEIxsm-F0NC4zI4MN3gltyDoNDHrPKl6KktapKy21gUnynDceWRGEKE9V60VqYI9qOFanVHXMtGo3cGDvrBZONVQju7kr5GrAh-Y_JxA_AvVE1xK7Hd06kcnPdr0aSCu7Yw/s320/E0D8B54C-5705-42F2-8AF0-54F8CF128E6B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next we were off on a walk through the village. Here we discovered a whole new version of raised beds. The bed was quite high which prevents animals from nibbling on the plants and in the rainy season it prevents the plants from being washed away. The beds usually contain herbs, especially chives, mint and coriander. We also found coffee, avocado, mangoes, and corn growing in and around the village.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8YYP0nAA4XjC8gJCxsXGIf5hFQ8dedHGqJJBSVgDshgcOpadv0mSee-8-pxaNO-ewD0HPxUxrzDbk_iDsyZGXkhOY7KERkG3TaBtc3Kl8OdFbcm1-cLSEuPNZx_7kY9HIawAmqxbZ6s7qqdNxiLOvSfvplYnG7gbj6SqPDJMH64bdNZJNQdQGKrZkA/s4608/8B094C5A-1D24-4045-B962-8E120AA84F39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8YYP0nAA4XjC8gJCxsXGIf5hFQ8dedHGqJJBSVgDshgcOpadv0mSee-8-pxaNO-ewD0HPxUxrzDbk_iDsyZGXkhOY7KERkG3TaBtc3Kl8OdFbcm1-cLSEuPNZx_7kY9HIawAmqxbZ6s7qqdNxiLOvSfvplYnG7gbj6SqPDJMH64bdNZJNQdQGKrZkA/s320/8B094C5A-1D24-4045-B962-8E120AA84F39.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQl6h7O603impgGQmu3nrN35E-ox6UFXccjfU_Tr-6iUBvpPaxITYyCG7cOGw-VNaVWA45KowhewO_9AasLMe7pVBB9BvXN_MDOIp-ghuYUHFuuhZRz5WHIk1DXl8EG350DINM98Uu9LKMIb86W-Pt7rdS1zYtRV0_9_uSXWmy-lWemVyf4jMaGOSrQ/s4608/221A5343-99DF-4265-BDBB-6ED9A5542B85.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQl6h7O603impgGQmu3nrN35E-ox6UFXccjfU_Tr-6iUBvpPaxITYyCG7cOGw-VNaVWA45KowhewO_9AasLMe7pVBB9BvXN_MDOIp-ghuYUHFuuhZRz5WHIk1DXl8EG350DINM98Uu9LKMIb86W-Pt7rdS1zYtRV0_9_uSXWmy-lWemVyf4jMaGOSrQ/s320/221A5343-99DF-4265-BDBB-6ED9A5542B85.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKws5x5Y2HKoAEvXhff8vKQ0rwi7kCJgsmOVMhozrwLsOf3ARnUhtm-KnVAylApJ-rYcS9kMAsN97-7lPAWn1K2afcN8t2M3orzS_ZmERo1NbYQ-b5CXGqhCs9IUveN7P7ZvqkIo_My4zmzWYtG-M2y-AIO1gcydy2hyZRcn5kZLTe2vFO47uZpKdnhg/s4608/2342E7B0-C08B-4952-B852-3280BF2292B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKws5x5Y2HKoAEvXhff8vKQ0rwi7kCJgsmOVMhozrwLsOf3ARnUhtm-KnVAylApJ-rYcS9kMAsN97-7lPAWn1K2afcN8t2M3orzS_ZmERo1NbYQ-b5CXGqhCs9IUveN7P7ZvqkIo_My4zmzWYtG-M2y-AIO1gcydy2hyZRcn5kZLTe2vFO47uZpKdnhg/s320/2342E7B0-C08B-4952-B852-3280BF2292B7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4zknDqEiDg9YfK0aFirbbcLANdut8r4jSOPIyfysVH_keAq4UzJ88CXSw0VQ1lZYLlPxk7dUgeH2qNV2B0tZ-AvDMuVAkln8MG5nCUyXkq4zVUcPmc4ug29XQIQo8I7FUcNToG47lCTV62LmxyDWVpKQHxhtU9nmITqLljM3i1ylJQPSe85nOL_fjw/s4608/72844880-3F1B-47A5-B148-F11036B4450F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4zknDqEiDg9YfK0aFirbbcLANdut8r4jSOPIyfysVH_keAq4UzJ88CXSw0VQ1lZYLlPxk7dUgeH2qNV2B0tZ-AvDMuVAkln8MG5nCUyXkq4zVUcPmc4ug29XQIQo8I7FUcNToG47lCTV62LmxyDWVpKQHxhtU9nmITqLljM3i1ylJQPSe85nOL_fjw/s320/72844880-3F1B-47A5-B148-F11036B4450F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxo--LY1KDGpSRYKrOtGsr8uNIw_WHwqR29CDG0PpKzB94jEwpQkvTjsoxMCOsg0a6Wktiwj5w1WnHqe_euujNZ1k5pV3_B2Zcg2qQ6HdSOMXHptVdOl3-fEX1lzaFhaHOPgJIRskqsF8suKW7qrW1neFPjFTRNZIzInZOd5jOwV9ROtExmNyjH-c9Q/s4608/D99F23D0-28E8-4C32-8214-E94FE27D052B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxo--LY1KDGpSRYKrOtGsr8uNIw_WHwqR29CDG0PpKzB94jEwpQkvTjsoxMCOsg0a6Wktiwj5w1WnHqe_euujNZ1k5pV3_B2Zcg2qQ6HdSOMXHptVdOl3-fEX1lzaFhaHOPgJIRskqsF8suKW7qrW1neFPjFTRNZIzInZOd5jOwV9ROtExmNyjH-c9Q/s320/D99F23D0-28E8-4C32-8214-E94FE27D052B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">As we continued to walk, we began to hear drumming and chanting. Somsay told us a ceremony was taking place. As animism is practiced here, he rightly predicted there would also be animal sacrifice. We followed the sounds to the house where a healing was proceeding for an older ill woman. Two pigs were slaughtered. I was told, if the illness was serious it would have been one, if it was quite serious then two and if death threatening, three.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QTQ_vp-GTeGx3Vh78Lx0JVN6hlFeMzfc-fgkWYkLrb8r-cDrC00U_H1RxI5SMCFppeOTdzxAGpJg_t6at7k_U_A7N17jAicE4af_CNJz9UNlVOrZHATZQ_-jgECO093nrFapHw7V5tEEJi7WwnqOy37n4i-VxpJ9HdsScj73BipoWZfxgLgRqtp1Og/s4608/A060BAC4-A0C1-4F1D-A22C-3AD25691903A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3QTQ_vp-GTeGx3Vh78Lx0JVN6hlFeMzfc-fgkWYkLrb8r-cDrC00U_H1RxI5SMCFppeOTdzxAGpJg_t6at7k_U_A7N17jAicE4af_CNJz9UNlVOrZHATZQ_-jgECO093nrFapHw7V5tEEJi7WwnqOy37n4i-VxpJ9HdsScj73BipoWZfxgLgRqtp1Og/s320/A060BAC4-A0C1-4F1D-A22C-3AD25691903A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPDaKX6Z1L7rsGg2ecQek-_gNfABL9VNiKQhI539BBFxEEhEgb_FQVfOWOXYl295CHdUcIn9sY6GOkCZqriA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">A young man came out of the house and introduced himself as Kam. The ceremony was for his mother. His English was excellent. He knew where Chicago is and he was very gracious in allowing me to take photos. Somsay explained later that Kam had been a tour guide in Luang Prabang. Then Covid hit and there was no tourism so he returned to the village to raise cattle.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Pv5mGCHscLQSW_YlTa47y7LcH1cgQ2DK1iiViGF5KSiPIiLtUX1gQKajuc6W4EGHdUg8SjDp7fBpJYbfntxddNw208CKYyr4g2icsbzEyp1zx7miCS0y-9aBFLKiapuikp-kWVjauj_4OW_Rb25ykPE9hp3hVXseI5p0jql1h7FiBYJzECd9LjH3A/s4608/AD075631-ECC2-486E-94B2-4128FA1A0EDA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5Pv5mGCHscLQSW_YlTa47y7LcH1cgQ2DK1iiViGF5KSiPIiLtUX1gQKajuc6W4EGHdUg8SjDp7fBpJYbfntxddNw208CKYyr4g2icsbzEyp1zx7miCS0y-9aBFLKiapuikp-kWVjauj_4OW_Rb25ykPE9hp3hVXseI5p0jql1h7FiBYJzECd9LjH3A/s320/AD075631-ECC2-486E-94B2-4128FA1A0EDA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T5g3jFd9BAczDUipLtgq8yLW_TxPPK5WQwitj10tJ8xhiSlZHuhq_HL4jjvua6ncpqd0s93cFu7gC_vjOKcuymDKoWUiFLtWwckOs1L_Zhpjx5z11hedEQ2eAwQZCkbhDgM0bUDGUdKEES8yt8hJoXuix4AvvC4eTZJ7BPnZVYdDv1tzcYS5CMzMxw/s4608/B25492F5-18EC-47FF-BBE6-426C018F62CB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T5g3jFd9BAczDUipLtgq8yLW_TxPPK5WQwitj10tJ8xhiSlZHuhq_HL4jjvua6ncpqd0s93cFu7gC_vjOKcuymDKoWUiFLtWwckOs1L_Zhpjx5z11hedEQ2eAwQZCkbhDgM0bUDGUdKEES8yt8hJoXuix4AvvC4eTZJ7BPnZVYdDv1tzcYS5CMzMxw/s320/B25492F5-18EC-47FF-BBE6-426C018F62CB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Soon after, we walked back to the teacher’s house where we had our picnic lunch. The lunch was beautifully packaged in banana leaves. Banana leaves also formed the bowls and the plates and the table covering. Our “silverware” was a wood spoon and chopsticks, all biodegradable, none of it headed for a landfill. Don’t be surprised if you see banana trees sprouting up in Dennis’s garden. After the beauty of the lunch came it’s tastiness. Every dish was scrumptious. My favorite was the green beans. For Dennis, I’m guessing the chicken or the pork. Yummy!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxjPgCr6JsYSXmBelC6B3uxYQshmX60EOJyBfBqCGAhqCqvTHMoCGibVSED4oXzQ2rF6qy-7XoyeSAff0BW8bDfgla2dWUh05k5b9AfHgPyzwTOWYI7sHueKfEKn2bFuuetKv0QH75lxjkixpbaOU-gYFTWRrLCEOm7yAfStO9k3LGstzEtHLYXKj5Q/s4608/7B177E99-6AC1-403B-B260-CBB327167A1E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxjPgCr6JsYSXmBelC6B3uxYQshmX60EOJyBfBqCGAhqCqvTHMoCGibVSED4oXzQ2rF6qy-7XoyeSAff0BW8bDfgla2dWUh05k5b9AfHgPyzwTOWYI7sHueKfEKn2bFuuetKv0QH75lxjkixpbaOU-gYFTWRrLCEOm7yAfStO9k3LGstzEtHLYXKj5Q/s320/7B177E99-6AC1-403B-B260-CBB327167A1E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xg9RJXzH8DdGgMSrSq7IZFoWWDdPsHDX6c3WUzetcCAy5DoxG1MChUONo_70a3Uspj0HMF_6V2ZGpvsBOZCzci4r0_0sNvakNeygbbiyMBUXLN_wTdNB_FSk2BIf4ZlmdmBg4k30AwCiIRwDviuG91BskF4VZ9TIpwNn1zSHSv9GwnPCMTXkaIFnjA/s4608/96B1D6E5-0844-4E2A-980D-46B3C47232A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xg9RJXzH8DdGgMSrSq7IZFoWWDdPsHDX6c3WUzetcCAy5DoxG1MChUONo_70a3Uspj0HMF_6V2ZGpvsBOZCzci4r0_0sNvakNeygbbiyMBUXLN_wTdNB_FSk2BIf4ZlmdmBg4k30AwCiIRwDviuG91BskF4VZ9TIpwNn1zSHSv9GwnPCMTXkaIFnjA/s320/96B1D6E5-0844-4E2A-980D-46B3C47232A4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After lunch we headed back down the mountain. Near the intersection back to town we took a short detour to visit a town that specializes in producing whiskey. Dennis tasted several and was fascinated by the bottle that contained a cobra, a scorpion, and a spider. I passed on the tastings but they had some very pretty silk scarves and shawls/table runners. So always trying to do my part for the economy, I bought several.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfWZdM1peWdHZowQZNRW9r6lYCmfWGyQ5i2qFV28RgDMJwvnXqhFRFlwYOVOHiHndyRoCesvRIhSpCelyuL6sKzrfRE7TF1KWmeIL9SwEur7d7kaeRS7yH4vWIvGYbQDN4eJnk5oJWePWAZABxSjEgV3Ge6p-hK0PMUC5v-NGPV5PyrEEtihbw84SNw/s4608/75694959-C1BB-414B-A451-A631A7D9BFA4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfWZdM1peWdHZowQZNRW9r6lYCmfWGyQ5i2qFV28RgDMJwvnXqhFRFlwYOVOHiHndyRoCesvRIhSpCelyuL6sKzrfRE7TF1KWmeIL9SwEur7d7kaeRS7yH4vWIvGYbQDN4eJnk5oJWePWAZABxSjEgV3Ge6p-hK0PMUC5v-NGPV5PyrEEtihbw84SNw/s320/75694959-C1BB-414B-A451-A631A7D9BFA4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">We have taken my cousin Candace’s advice to heart. She said to be generous and in both buying and tipping we have done our best to do that. It really appalls me when I see tourists of all nationalities, all ages, shapes, and sizes demand service and then get up without leaving even a small tip. We have a couple of stories that are disgusting. I know this doesn’t describe any of our readers. I’m getting dizzy on this soapbox so I’ll get down now. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Words from Dennis—</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">My day with Say (pronounced Sigh) at his Bamboo Experience:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As Cindy related, she was sick so I did this tour on my own. Say believes that bamboo is the answer to some of SE Asia’s problems. It is fast growing, provides material for building homes and shelters and also is edible and sustainable. He sat me down in his shop/home and gave a seminar on the benefits of bamboo. I was the only attendee that day. It was wonderful—an audience of 100 would also have enjoyed it equally well. Regarding sustainability? It is an exceptional tool. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After the presentation, Say’s wife prepared a delicious meal and asked me to participate in its preparation. What a great experience! His neighbor Oncle then demonstrated the art of weaving bamboo into many useful items for the home and kitchen. He finished his presentation by offering me a few shots of banana whiskey. Yahoo! Then we ate…</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39mfpvyGtri32uj75fce6QhdsMcZOdJAkChi_gVy9lxs7qQM0SwlW94IqYbQJhYMP_PC2yO5btdEyeAx1IkwdsL-hIJTi16bkLsWrRWH_w0I661eYzSzgNmx44OgdB8Dch1P3uSKxIvfr0uXu3oPuOFLSkBwL8bbldljPk-GINUq-ugNpL5y5hoT8yg/s1024/4BC0CA9F-653B-4AA4-B1AF-EA91D27632D9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39mfpvyGtri32uj75fce6QhdsMcZOdJAkChi_gVy9lxs7qQM0SwlW94IqYbQJhYMP_PC2yO5btdEyeAx1IkwdsL-hIJTi16bkLsWrRWH_w0I661eYzSzgNmx44OgdB8Dch1P3uSKxIvfr0uXu3oPuOFLSkBwL8bbldljPk-GINUq-ugNpL5y5hoT8yg/s320/4BC0CA9F-653B-4AA4-B1AF-EA91D27632D9.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw6R19J5NwV1aqVZY-F6T9F531wResdYgL9qIy43-KLt3eN1mUCbVCAbfeq91NH9wLiLtT_bAdB6_DuJXEUzcWbVosNuPJ-sfnWKK5TqqKS6EiQNYnC3bVH1kLGtrFljUtWHekxqd6wAxlQAsRuneTgNFpaxVpajLq9rIZ5crGq50VK26qXvjhuD9qg/s1024/96D94F26-E81B-4599-8E0D-5F986BC1D7F2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw6R19J5NwV1aqVZY-F6T9F531wResdYgL9qIy43-KLt3eN1mUCbVCAbfeq91NH9wLiLtT_bAdB6_DuJXEUzcWbVosNuPJ-sfnWKK5TqqKS6EiQNYnC3bVH1kLGtrFljUtWHekxqd6wAxlQAsRuneTgNFpaxVpajLq9rIZ5crGq50VK26qXvjhuD9qg/s320/96D94F26-E81B-4599-8E0D-5F986BC1D7F2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-oB2Ubey83Y5adiT69w7GAz0sDxa3M975VDKao9HUE4Cid7QXKZHheDYtNKRQe4eLFzCkd4uMy0gmHTd3-BIzd_4-pXvHe38JISLuCo3FrN4t0KjVaL4Tq4em5lEaN2V0Y9kIyThuAh94DjJPkxPSXdJMNYNfAHgbaGmyj3JMM86xbFS-83lhrkw8g/s1024/76152D57-EDE7-4CF3-B910-D0B722ECE072.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-oB2Ubey83Y5adiT69w7GAz0sDxa3M975VDKao9HUE4Cid7QXKZHheDYtNKRQe4eLFzCkd4uMy0gmHTd3-BIzd_4-pXvHe38JISLuCo3FrN4t0KjVaL4Tq4em5lEaN2V0Y9kIyThuAh94DjJPkxPSXdJMNYNfAHgbaGmyj3JMM86xbFS-83lhrkw8g/s320/76152D57-EDE7-4CF3-B910-D0B722ECE072.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After the meal, a student from the village demonstrated a Laotian dance in costume while playing a traditional instrument. Again, this was all done for an audience of one—me.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4u0gkm7dBC9cSyjFcuqcmz40h5JcFFgTuRUAzj7QFzEE1mOmTHoJFTRfOWIhSiuMnzmTmZscP2isxROjot4-posr7JW3HwZidcXLzGrMjvKu_iYouclFAUIaxfCkhOKBgAA0jrHJ8zcXS1nrn_h6w5RAr0oecUM07erOPL98MCxLeMmTtP4rQ7BWsQ/s1024/DDDE19F3-E461-47B5-A33F-5E1F876009DE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4u0gkm7dBC9cSyjFcuqcmz40h5JcFFgTuRUAzj7QFzEE1mOmTHoJFTRfOWIhSiuMnzmTmZscP2isxROjot4-posr7JW3HwZidcXLzGrMjvKu_iYouclFAUIaxfCkhOKBgAA0jrHJ8zcXS1nrn_h6w5RAr0oecUM07erOPL98MCxLeMmTtP4rQ7BWsQ/s320/DDDE19F3-E461-47B5-A33F-5E1F876009DE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m sorry Cindy missed it but I took lots of pictures in her absence. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed it and making a new friend with Say. He’s going to take us on a tour of a Hmong village as well and I’ll follow up with notes regarding that visit. 👍</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Two days later, Hmong Village:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This account is tough for me because it involved children. They provide the brightest moments as well as most personally emotional. Say took us to a real traditional Hmong village. It was about 1 1/2 hours from Luang Prabang over a washed out highway and then up a steep mountain path that only a 4 wheel drive vehicle could traverse. If I had a jeep, I’m not sure I would take it up there but Say took his vehicle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We may have been the only tourists in the village since Covid began in 2020. The village contains about 60 homes most built of bamboo with metal or thatched roofs and dirt floors. Population? Approximately 250 men, women, and children. They have electricity but water is the main problem. They share a community well that usually runs dry in the summer when they rely on water stored in large urns trapped in the rainy season. There is a community school with about 100 students, ages 4 - 12. One of our goals was to visit the school and provide a gift for each child. Say helped us out here and suggested bringing notebooks, pencils and crayons which we bought before we left town. The woman there said kids use 10 - 20 notebooks a year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We met the four teachers and then were taken into each of the classrooms to dispense our gifts to each child. Here’s where it gets tough for me to write. Each child sitting at their desk, smiled, put their hands together as in prayer and bowed their heads in thanks. At recess many sat excitedly in small groups comparing their small gifts. For the cost of a pair of tennis shoes in the USA ($80.00) we made this a “special day” for these little children. Seeing those smiles and that excitement over such a small gift made me happy. But also brought me to tears that I tried to hide. They got so much from so little…</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvpFgVJdGfzTVsCneHenlKYIQIARhDQ2acicpbYFzcpxjwmwvn_2Czd5Z9tUSajyp-wTrtKqgNTGwcFdesTWiW15gwJhQvaAW1pouTrCtL7IUyL-XKbvzdhcLgmwnwzkdhBcnZNuk4FGpvw1M251vSHYP_xFAjHfff0MbD6Xcmm0BjYMAQqT9eVjeFw/s4608/3384F52F-63D1-4064-8553-79349F0C377B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvpFgVJdGfzTVsCneHenlKYIQIARhDQ2acicpbYFzcpxjwmwvn_2Czd5Z9tUSajyp-wTrtKqgNTGwcFdesTWiW15gwJhQvaAW1pouTrCtL7IUyL-XKbvzdhcLgmwnwzkdhBcnZNuk4FGpvw1M251vSHYP_xFAjHfff0MbD6Xcmm0BjYMAQqT9eVjeFw/s320/3384F52F-63D1-4064-8553-79349F0C377B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YKmGMAdQ1GLN9uNtzt3GTyTSydYQpHQBUUPYeC9dPfhZ83IGs_xHOH-PSJHm0IjuwS5b0AEuhlRhKFsScG2WToZWgFPE1o0Ep5kqLEaFNxJmMBeHHmhAi6IWCzO2pyhgZXHFmo-lwHQP93e54NjNf4CMpWHa0NEZUlkVIl2wYAYCGx7d-dBZvhcOgA/s4608/B3B2DD2A-43F1-4B6D-BBE3-B915DF2A4F36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YKmGMAdQ1GLN9uNtzt3GTyTSydYQpHQBUUPYeC9dPfhZ83IGs_xHOH-PSJHm0IjuwS5b0AEuhlRhKFsScG2WToZWgFPE1o0Ep5kqLEaFNxJmMBeHHmhAi6IWCzO2pyhgZXHFmo-lwHQP93e54NjNf4CMpWHa0NEZUlkVIl2wYAYCGx7d-dBZvhcOgA/s320/B3B2DD2A-43F1-4B6D-BBE3-B915DF2A4F36.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0vmb3levw0zVAFH4TbA6WVCFsV9E14cpSd1UjLOEPKq5QE6DG7sEkJkDygHAAjgpz543lD6PX95g-UY1q1BI-TZ80I7zSkTk2VW6yxl2zIqGRZp2Q2TJCrPqO1CAxEzEOk22p021WG72j7QjsCQaW_zs_c5nHKkfebSz8hO6OE0OkJPz6j3Mxpq8Tg/s4608/EEC5AAC8-9C57-48E3-A7D7-43E28A96949A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0vmb3levw0zVAFH4TbA6WVCFsV9E14cpSd1UjLOEPKq5QE6DG7sEkJkDygHAAjgpz543lD6PX95g-UY1q1BI-TZ80I7zSkTk2VW6yxl2zIqGRZp2Q2TJCrPqO1CAxEzEOk22p021WG72j7QjsCQaW_zs_c5nHKkfebSz8hO6OE0OkJPz6j3Mxpq8Tg/s320/EEC5AAC8-9C57-48E3-A7D7-43E28A96949A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Cindy in high school attended a presentation by a young Peace Corps Volunteer. Because of that brief talk, two young students out of a class of 40 volunteered to join the Peace Corps. It opened a new world for her. Cindy was sent to Ethiopia for two years to teach English. It changed the course of her life and made her who she is today. Did the volunteer who spoke at that assembly know that he changed two lives dramatically? He simply moved on to make his next presentation. Will we, by briefly meeting these children unknowingly change the direction of a life by what we said or did?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The more we travel and meet people of many cultures, I think I’m starting to get it. Dennis, be careful of what you do and say. You may change the direction of someone’s life that day or just maybe for a lifetime. Please make it positive. It’s such a hard lesson for me to learn it seems. 😢 </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">😊</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlbnXsZVZ_T3lFrZRCy2i40n5AoLXejZt3HHmMu2b0k6aV78KXO7C4XaQFL95MLMWB6gvr1SLwUDOfEFav7zSHKmivLkJYSOxVT-jhTlkj_liRRwvna1y2eaR2iHdpLDEK36S0NnzbpTPF3sYGeRCvnhBhQb3ms5zUP54dai1WuSUx6QrV3PPDp5G8Q/s4608/D5698844-F1F4-4184-90AD-434E9AFFBF53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlbnXsZVZ_T3lFrZRCy2i40n5AoLXejZt3HHmMu2b0k6aV78KXO7C4XaQFL95MLMWB6gvr1SLwUDOfEFav7zSHKmivLkJYSOxVT-jhTlkj_liRRwvna1y2eaR2iHdpLDEK36S0NnzbpTPF3sYGeRCvnhBhQb3ms5zUP54dai1WuSUx6QrV3PPDp5G8Q/s320/D5698844-F1F4-4184-90AD-434E9AFFBF53.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-84422602078142233542023-02-01T23:38:00.000-08:002023-02-01T23:38:09.567-08:00Vang Vieng: Backpacker Paradise<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">We were told Vang Vieng used to be a party town but after several deaths while tubing and stopping at bars along the way, the government cleaned up on what’s allowed. There are still plenty of bars and restaurants but you don’t want to be caught drunk or high on drugs. Those activities have been changed.The focus now is on physical activities—hiking, biking, ballooning, ultralight paraglider, motorcycles, dune buggies, tubing, zip lining—it’s all here. And as we walked through the town, we noticed that we were among, if not the oldest, people in Vang Vieng. The beauty of this place though should not be reserved only for the young. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9i2p78o7Tjv-tqR2tSxHPfOlveqXrQXhT9xUGpof2TbtL0qNd8CW6eqXirmpeSZBUwX_x5-wFzh3mDGx5ZtWos8aQpim9L8LbrJ1W0KWeze3octqyHUY6xKTcIGhz02iX0V18_VYAWHUjG0W0nbEi5JxaBIaPHX-XvkXCV7IJIndg0qS_Y6QQDq4jA/s3088/2AC4C3EE-B74A-44BB-A1DF-ECA67BE13D4E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr9i2p78o7Tjv-tqR2tSxHPfOlveqXrQXhT9xUGpof2TbtL0qNd8CW6eqXirmpeSZBUwX_x5-wFzh3mDGx5ZtWos8aQpim9L8LbrJ1W0KWeze3octqyHUY6xKTcIGhz02iX0V18_VYAWHUjG0W0nbEi5JxaBIaPHX-XvkXCV7IJIndg0qS_Y6QQDq4jA/s320/2AC4C3EE-B74A-44BB-A1DF-ECA67BE13D4E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jCiAC7YCRK3Xv8TE0-HIQfh3rnhlfGIPOEsv4P5lmo_nJLm0On1rDzwanhjoS0NOOHn36FPTxrCmcAMsP4NO945wgZR29mqay6r_g9RBR5WIhdaRB_u0xfLA-wHfPu7ZifH1eIFEFfFl7gHshlWexis3cySthu6n1qW0O_o7Gn_c6xaMR2QO8wiMiw/s4608/53D986FA-CAFE-4F1C-832E-388AF96F3D34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jCiAC7YCRK3Xv8TE0-HIQfh3rnhlfGIPOEsv4P5lmo_nJLm0On1rDzwanhjoS0NOOHn36FPTxrCmcAMsP4NO945wgZR29mqay6r_g9RBR5WIhdaRB_u0xfLA-wHfPu7ZifH1eIFEFfFl7gHshlWexis3cySthu6n1qW0O_o7Gn_c6xaMR2QO8wiMiw/s320/53D986FA-CAFE-4F1C-832E-388AF96F3D34.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMcSuybeYXYjnQrNoCpHnVddrm7jx7R5jDmhC1eb-JwgQegxEEoswvHXcNGw6e6HaZBrxPDmGlQgVGZ76n2S21TYwe6jJ8-39P3UIsSJHLKZw0hzM7pACNLU4tPiAJAa4_dXuNDRHMsOs3x9GWozB3Id0HpZbYMJ3ZRO5sjE41z-6itDLrdQracVUpQ/s4608/865C0075-5E11-472C-8D16-904B8CC8B611.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOMcSuybeYXYjnQrNoCpHnVddrm7jx7R5jDmhC1eb-JwgQegxEEoswvHXcNGw6e6HaZBrxPDmGlQgVGZ76n2S21TYwe6jJ8-39P3UIsSJHLKZw0hzM7pACNLU4tPiAJAa4_dXuNDRHMsOs3x9GWozB3Id0HpZbYMJ3ZRO5sjE41z-6itDLrdQracVUpQ/s320/865C0075-5E11-472C-8D16-904B8CC8B611.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1VBPTLrvb1caaXX0Z3ok_SMmQsn1pqBvH-kcaDV3tKsNqdH2RbkBUIq_XEQ_lbvYqBVqyqkir50_wdASNkgTt56BTNFi32-GEUbWyy2i_DBdgg00sRYTw3p4Nfl8twgZ4HejGWYZbK17hidU2Z2d2s94Bp-FLdPtiV577WQFdA1zpAR9fXI0ivqFpw/s4608/8525A1B4-CB28-4412-8876-9AFF4192B347.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1VBPTLrvb1caaXX0Z3ok_SMmQsn1pqBvH-kcaDV3tKsNqdH2RbkBUIq_XEQ_lbvYqBVqyqkir50_wdASNkgTt56BTNFi32-GEUbWyy2i_DBdgg00sRYTw3p4Nfl8twgZ4HejGWYZbK17hidU2Z2d2s94Bp-FLdPtiV577WQFdA1zpAR9fXI0ivqFpw/s320/8525A1B4-CB28-4412-8876-9AFF4192B347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">For us, Vang Vieng has been both relaxing and busy. I was able to add a third layout in my art journal which will be finished only after we are back home. The main focus of each layout is added to the backgrounds in country. Then at home comes the final completion of the pages.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The hotel Amari Vang Vieng provides beautiful vistas from the poolside patio. This morning we had breakfast there looking up from dragon fruit and melon to the majestic blue karsts. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WoNdz0S5rK3ra5oUPu8rZdrcZd-5-TQOER9yCAfU_5BGDQJB_mnRLJkjdD7E_j4Tka5QLfXWarH7qc3x1EPABsYf6owQCOAhE1WggmKf6H9hmNrFvKrrFhnQpmBzaK9KRSmkyVP9WGpBtak79wQSAskxkYvNPDyoglyWtb348H1iB2HGkusoxkVXQQ/s2048/6AFFFAA8-0301-4EF8-825D-F3B14868361E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WoNdz0S5rK3ra5oUPu8rZdrcZd-5-TQOER9yCAfU_5BGDQJB_mnRLJkjdD7E_j4Tka5QLfXWarH7qc3x1EPABsYf6owQCOAhE1WggmKf6H9hmNrFvKrrFhnQpmBzaK9KRSmkyVP9WGpBtak79wQSAskxkYvNPDyoglyWtb348H1iB2HGkusoxkVXQQ/s320/6AFFFAA8-0301-4EF8-825D-F3B14868361E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1QAZjw_caHb2rmvRjoh5asQe5Bs7WrjLE8kEmcEChVl4JjXTFgUaD0LFO5EVhqHhAyDQN1_TGkdVVRhAtc094veMIGL5L-cJm1kRJsaS6_isdndsRV4i-gISGTI5vb4_oMegnUJW92Omzb7B4yD1Jugo4825fhTxb2a2y_tTkrIfZNDTJtU_EKxrVQ/s4608/6ED8BEC7-3685-4F3A-AF1E-B063F2FE6BE8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1QAZjw_caHb2rmvRjoh5asQe5Bs7WrjLE8kEmcEChVl4JjXTFgUaD0LFO5EVhqHhAyDQN1_TGkdVVRhAtc094veMIGL5L-cJm1kRJsaS6_isdndsRV4i-gISGTI5vb4_oMegnUJW92Omzb7B4yD1Jugo4825fhTxb2a2y_tTkrIfZNDTJtU_EKxrVQ/s320/6ED8BEC7-3685-4F3A-AF1E-B063F2FE6BE8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xUQBh6RaHH600KyS-UGfsecSr8SqrwgEeJL_MdEVQu8vIOvY02E9SRAzColn7g7uB5PARihDm1L3i8hBy5zdnxsURe8GUt35MbnyMUEq98PO1ufvjtfTahPGNSppFPgwjnbM43HTI4sawXmjetxMqH-DDpm2UoVIJAu5KjYOzb60uG2v0ZngVQdM1g/s4608/73705C67-B1BC-4DD4-8559-C31B59E04E3A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xUQBh6RaHH600KyS-UGfsecSr8SqrwgEeJL_MdEVQu8vIOvY02E9SRAzColn7g7uB5PARihDm1L3i8hBy5zdnxsURe8GUt35MbnyMUEq98PO1ufvjtfTahPGNSppFPgwjnbM43HTI4sawXmjetxMqH-DDpm2UoVIJAu5KjYOzb60uG2v0ZngVQdM1g/s320/73705C67-B1BC-4DD4-8559-C31B59E04E3A.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPftXteMe4HSkkb83a_01qNkV4srt9Sg0ail9pwkqgfnQseMxheBdNeZw-GZwXNVNhkpFnIGTzr-IJ-7V0URQGlILtKrRi4S6SFrZ-CvxlHoB_f7dvxtvFucTNqMbNXwhIbDGsu-BbenvdD3aSotqCX05rh7SOW9dn7XqTgELCNT-l242xH5jZrof-Q/s2048/B2B383B1-466F-41C8-93C1-C13D2638765E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPftXteMe4HSkkb83a_01qNkV4srt9Sg0ail9pwkqgfnQseMxheBdNeZw-GZwXNVNhkpFnIGTzr-IJ-7V0URQGlILtKrRi4S6SFrZ-CvxlHoB_f7dvxtvFucTNqMbNXwhIbDGsu-BbenvdD3aSotqCX05rh7SOW9dn7XqTgELCNT-l242xH5jZrof-Q/s320/B2B383B1-466F-41C8-93C1-C13D2638765E.jpeg" width="320" /></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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKgymsTQeRxk0B3mExTivWztjsbmQPfuEIsuUVvrM9NNv1WJbMPu3F0v0zRai4RxqsXYuguvap_0bd6LxmboU0o43O44-Df9H-0-qJA1zmbo6b21EcVlJbq_OLdYp9qr43O2QV-VytCIEhey7mGCma_KwFbUzIpyiM430tEvtPw0aJHIAWZEInPsExA/s3840/BC51E70B-588F-48F1-A521-516090B991FC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKgymsTQeRxk0B3mExTivWztjsbmQPfuEIsuUVvrM9NNv1WJbMPu3F0v0zRai4RxqsXYuguvap_0bd6LxmboU0o43O44-Df9H-0-qJA1zmbo6b21EcVlJbq_OLdYp9qr43O2QV-VytCIEhey7mGCma_KwFbUzIpyiM430tEvtPw0aJHIAWZEInPsExA/s320/BC51E70B-588F-48F1-A521-516090B991FC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The hotel was also able to arrange a longboat ride for us on the river, Nam Song that flows through town. The long boat ride was relaxing and an easy way to see the river. We had a few small thrills as the water became choppy as it flowed around rocks, past water buffalo, people fishing or clam digging. We thought it would be a very short ride but it was quite long and we loved it.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ztLXjdp217mbBTJk98mF9eXmyt59e22-5tRJP2706xGQVag5u_2a1b5X4_yYTHd0_7CvKMYA0BolJPZixQ8cNjRI6chQcjM3apmpsqGDah2bveotjzJhPSKS_C8ZNU66NJD_N4olKfxJ2rpFRzcEA-cT7V1TCvlKT3xVNPVmr3GSj56gtKFAervFw/s4608/7CDFCA2A-4E46-45E2-B8B7-AA06E3BF58A0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9ztLXjdp217mbBTJk98mF9eXmyt59e22-5tRJP2706xGQVag5u_2a1b5X4_yYTHd0_7CvKMYA0BolJPZixQ8cNjRI6chQcjM3apmpsqGDah2bveotjzJhPSKS_C8ZNU66NJD_N4olKfxJ2rpFRzcEA-cT7V1TCvlKT3xVNPVmr3GSj56gtKFAervFw/s320/7CDFCA2A-4E46-45E2-B8B7-AA06E3BF58A0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6gYBoZhNhQuW2oq31vt_jTSqdKVrSighLiIgZZ6AWM5whjtMixzjLaMKdWSBFY9mDqU0V3lAxwzbXBbn30vCUZystCW1xqIAnCTZ_Ziewk-cxXqiBwf6shQGDyqq01EZP2H6eXO-qBJtOzQQrdISryaM73ORPJow3zP1GLadPaSaDOIfXLyXWcd4UA/s2048/4010F19C-9E40-4F5B-89E1-CCD24EDC6E91.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6gYBoZhNhQuW2oq31vt_jTSqdKVrSighLiIgZZ6AWM5whjtMixzjLaMKdWSBFY9mDqU0V3lAxwzbXBbn30vCUZystCW1xqIAnCTZ_Ziewk-cxXqiBwf6shQGDyqq01EZP2H6eXO-qBJtOzQQrdISryaM73ORPJow3zP1GLadPaSaDOIfXLyXWcd4UA/s320/4010F19C-9E40-4F5B-89E1-CCD24EDC6E91.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3lZrWPPJcgY4i2bYPjJtUep6dPbs_sillyU2Tpjj2knhCM3W0W8lN1Qbi7uEY3noQPskgl_L3KKFea930rI22adPDFGE6H7lHTYQwdTGyTU8Hvj9ttU43D1Ax7oP20ZmctkwyEc3UKVoEFDrBsBl9kWwgsFzQB_FO5xhaoBHwJ2ClUahVo6quYQwSQ/s4608/4965DCC0-E25E-43FA-98C2-561B39D39009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3lZrWPPJcgY4i2bYPjJtUep6dPbs_sillyU2Tpjj2knhCM3W0W8lN1Qbi7uEY3noQPskgl_L3KKFea930rI22adPDFGE6H7lHTYQwdTGyTU8Hvj9ttU43D1Ax7oP20ZmctkwyEc3UKVoEFDrBsBl9kWwgsFzQB_FO5xhaoBHwJ2ClUahVo6quYQwSQ/s320/4965DCC0-E25E-43FA-98C2-561B39D39009.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And what about the night market?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyaY-sIX71VtwBRI29b24BPxbw2p2dcjV6nDqD2dtoIpGMqjcif9xgIy8aqAJKymtIFx4sYFwiowXxULGQXTw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_nlmnH9X4l4Bs-lddncePu4W20NDoigX1zo84Hv9vMI1jh30r_CJ1C-FJ-b7PBw3kxYMI8hYFRHnMSYE3nVcLFe4q98T7VXj5NBHretP9rKHfWg6lbBdRP9Oq7iYFpBuyiEgrtvUVVrJOPs72Z9_lL8ZQ1RuJBzPnNTWwlAn-dvo5AK7WOfz1VWY3Q/s2048/9D9D5720-6065-4FA6-A9CA-22B6385FC75A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pLdxLx9nWd6AJ9Ja6kAlNS82-1ZYUMQrJRpGAza8_64v6cVk6NOqKhI4fK3697ry6CEAL-fLWj2Lqb8Vuxi6pQg7SP3NIY0vzcTI_YrEXQDI3qIWFsUmyPjY18o7nY-P0A4IG_q88JPEwxeO1E4sRipvlZDb8l1notk-s_9hPixar3s_kbON0BDPOg/s320/2DC5F40A-F66E-4CE4-A479-8E15B60C9043.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJZjdLgIqTLhTQ9X9lDbPzq4Ii4AksNrh7FwB6kOKviC7KkBhHJtew1eG5t0zmCRQ0PKHG97w7Ni4P8iN3elzvgoIJhx-ccV8ZBKuA-Vcft8yFxesNtig237Pvc1jWCpeR8WkPVMhRp18YMB8nbqbnypjDJy2tQcdh0y5GMVufTz8bpgukw0eUyLldQ/s4608/4F7CC49D-7CCD-495B-8A94-F906F6669060.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJZjdLgIqTLhTQ9X9lDbPzq4Ii4AksNrh7FwB6kOKviC7KkBhHJtew1eG5t0zmCRQ0PKHG97w7Ni4P8iN3elzvgoIJhx-ccV8ZBKuA-Vcft8yFxesNtig237Pvc1jWCpeR8WkPVMhRp18YMB8nbqbnypjDJy2tQcdh0y5GMVufTz8bpgukw0eUyLldQ/s320/4F7CC49D-7CCD-495B-8A94-F906F6669060.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6yAn3PkPe_w_dEN7V5nBlWI-2nK8xaQICHQBzFzNUuaUWpzGnUMeEFX1DsjQ43PRaEoPltJykKT-cWpsGNMJFw0Vldjh6lZxdDgj2f1Jhadb_UQqI1b5dPp3Ld1wRv6h7Eoh1YzDraNcJD_yVjdsILOdIISEDjBmPenCrSS-w4PcpK9l869Nf61k4w/s2048/76DA0B73-641D-48BC-96F4-CB90BF451B68.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM6yAn3PkPe_w_dEN7V5nBlWI-2nK8xaQICHQBzFzNUuaUWpzGnUMeEFX1DsjQ43PRaEoPltJykKT-cWpsGNMJFw0Vldjh6lZxdDgj2f1Jhadb_UQqI1b5dPp3Ld1wRv6h7Eoh1YzDraNcJD_yVjdsILOdIISEDjBmPenCrSS-w4PcpK9l869Nf61k4w/s320/76DA0B73-641D-48BC-96F4-CB90BF451B68.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we had dinner here and watched a hot air balloon land across the river. It settled down onto a tiny stretch of land between a house and the road. Incredible! We stayed in last night because Dennis was a bit tired after his day of kayaking, tubing, and zip lining. He will be writing about his experiences, so enough said.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The night before we were off on a hot air balloon flight with Above Laos. My accomplishment was getting myself into and then once down, out of the balloon basket. There were eleven of us eager to go up in the air. We were divided into two groups: eight in our basket plus the pilot and three in the smaller basket plus the pilot. As I was attempting to wedge my foot and leg over the side of the basket “someone” was pushing from behind on my backside. Whoa! Just give me a minute. Up and over!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGoKzkQGTxazO1uzEzaOadzonRbAro15Oakn7XDKM7WX93iG-XjQjFfwjr34dHFiBFpd1O1x1g4YPMIKwPnrtOUo36viE0nk3RkgpbkY6yl5ne--ncuMQlHrnZovAJT_Dk_iWdtgT1gIzWrHnXnfsggO3AZQ0jWGpQDyZ4mxHfbdgyEXhR2Ri1m-k6w/s4608/240EFE14-3751-4374-BF97-A9A41F6E6006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGoKzkQGTxazO1uzEzaOadzonRbAro15Oakn7XDKM7WX93iG-XjQjFfwjr34dHFiBFpd1O1x1g4YPMIKwPnrtOUo36viE0nk3RkgpbkY6yl5ne--ncuMQlHrnZovAJT_Dk_iWdtgT1gIzWrHnXnfsggO3AZQ0jWGpQDyZ4mxHfbdgyEXhR2Ri1m-k6w/s320/240EFE14-3751-4374-BF97-A9A41F6E6006.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoFCSQapvs4rqutiaUBm6UEqlTx74dw5nASMm0cJbGAJRcbwXoyJAQSNDBhoXS0kGXEUaVOsWMkhS9SyOhPsLbVDW1olnTMPj2TLvyD-dmiCAbsKet6gVDKc-9eBJ99Jngh0aNIh-16NmW0dClJ_ZUZ97-xTk1gTR1oh-fv1WR6tzQrsCAdsxfDRgXw/s4608/E66DE911-EB75-4300-9B30-E74A8804B0D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoFCSQapvs4rqutiaUBm6UEqlTx74dw5nASMm0cJbGAJRcbwXoyJAQSNDBhoXS0kGXEUaVOsWMkhS9SyOhPsLbVDW1olnTMPj2TLvyD-dmiCAbsKet6gVDKc-9eBJ99Jngh0aNIh-16NmW0dClJ_ZUZ97-xTk1gTR1oh-fv1WR6tzQrsCAdsxfDRgXw/s320/E66DE911-EB75-4300-9B30-E74A8804B0D6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOV-CxLiCOnFtNyuZ4tXwQiZldqCq2HpcxXD-LExVNPFsfBVQH9gCxtR8rv6FsiQ4gukUrrDZn0bcT4lJ5wJHr3zMIP4gjMrJNSK-3Llqq6E-D-qb3d6xzVBhBIyMFaz9y1hRa7rE6DX9WE8d8HGVQb7-NBf18jxyQWds5Se4tZsmcUN4PWA6f89pig/s4608/F8654DDF-B3FC-434C-BD16-E5089C050AC1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOV-CxLiCOnFtNyuZ4tXwQiZldqCq2HpcxXD-LExVNPFsfBVQH9gCxtR8rv6FsiQ4gukUrrDZn0bcT4lJ5wJHr3zMIP4gjMrJNSK-3Llqq6E-D-qb3d6xzVBhBIyMFaz9y1hRa7rE6DX9WE8d8HGVQb7-NBf18jxyQWds5Se4tZsmcUN4PWA6f89pig/s320/F8654DDF-B3FC-434C-BD16-E5089C050AC1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVkIO2auF-iWTGmpwN8l09W5MEmHoXOLUo9tBh_WjbiTgVtT-TozwF9Lcshpg1YGD9asUAwxdRJAiZI_xa88_U80_37151N-T-qBrp-QQ6fBihy-Sm0ZCJFYmIAhQ84227Hta8thH32dzgw0WrnsaEu2m38wj4Wj70lZvVBiEelGxGwl4dqqa6IUhYw/s1024/1096FCA9-2473-44C6-AC23-B3F2F1DEA2E4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVkIO2auF-iWTGmpwN8l09W5MEmHoXOLUo9tBh_WjbiTgVtT-TozwF9Lcshpg1YGD9asUAwxdRJAiZI_xa88_U80_37151N-T-qBrp-QQ6fBihy-Sm0ZCJFYmIAhQ84227Hta8thH32dzgw0WrnsaEu2m38wj4Wj70lZvVBiEelGxGwl4dqqa6IUhYw/s320/1096FCA9-2473-44C6-AC23-B3F2F1DEA2E4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo53A1wOwzh-4JuadP5RY0GUaZoHULy0GyHzFFHF7p6zLCaJGYwUhgWXSnBt46FE7lzbubQ1CTqkMeqguM_pW5MyfTIZFlnkoJRCEotU0_-rtpnZL8AWHibDo_k0gSnS1t49oSQuBzJDbc_zQWkdact3vd4DZIFJqQTmcV1_Jv-Z34gNvODtLToaPug/s1024/AA40C5FB-7764-49BC-9972-8530A1D7BC40.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1024" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqo53A1wOwzh-4JuadP5RY0GUaZoHULy0GyHzFFHF7p6zLCaJGYwUhgWXSnBt46FE7lzbubQ1CTqkMeqguM_pW5MyfTIZFlnkoJRCEotU0_-rtpnZL8AWHibDo_k0gSnS1t49oSQuBzJDbc_zQWkdact3vd4DZIFJqQTmcV1_Jv-Z34gNvODtLToaPug/s320/AA40C5FB-7764-49BC-9972-8530A1D7BC40.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWOItJUk-uVTzrWobXUBdfBp4gVWj_H2wf2aNzq-1EcoQpnx0WEEjjRzIUcgmO_uSyqBhso7lYYTvkIfwDhix9MsH01qqyV3bdcKSruf-omA-sNZqnx9ScC0wABtFfY6UKE4Oktq4UUiSgd9OQBo1E5lysv1E6GMTCNXcPDjd9l_UU0N3vHFKnZDGXQ/s4608/C7CF5146-C750-440D-9155-664F5B5E585D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWOItJUk-uVTzrWobXUBdfBp4gVWj_H2wf2aNzq-1EcoQpnx0WEEjjRzIUcgmO_uSyqBhso7lYYTvkIfwDhix9MsH01qqyV3bdcKSruf-omA-sNZqnx9ScC0wABtFfY6UKE4Oktq4UUiSgd9OQBo1E5lysv1E6GMTCNXcPDjd9l_UU0N3vHFKnZDGXQ/s320/C7CF5146-C750-440D-9155-664F5B5E585D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaD_wo0XnhpMwUB4TVlL2f5eBKbFlVj0rlB09WE3s4mOYJZrLe16ogAHLxeJQpLWyn6Q7kci5WEPxBZ9L5b0C10pEPCEdpM-iv6zj_cYd8SwOMRJeDQgqRHtrGGhkvPgs6I1Zzkg_Ks3z3A77USyF8CrAx0KswwAP9iZrKq9aGcmp2bDNsUw0-4CXkQ/s4608/0662209D-7DCB-4EC9-AF0B-814A34A8915D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaD_wo0XnhpMwUB4TVlL2f5eBKbFlVj0rlB09WE3s4mOYJZrLe16ogAHLxeJQpLWyn6Q7kci5WEPxBZ9L5b0C10pEPCEdpM-iv6zj_cYd8SwOMRJeDQgqRHtrGGhkvPgs6I1Zzkg_Ks3z3A77USyF8CrAx0KswwAP9iZrKq9aGcmp2bDNsUw0-4CXkQ/s320/0662209D-7DCB-4EC9-AF0B-814A34A8915D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">As we left the ground, the only sound you could hear was the gas as it ignited and caused the ballon to rise. The contented sighs of the awestruck passengers was drowned out as the cows below became tiny toys on a play farm. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We soared over a valley between the karsts. For midwesterners we see mountains and hills, so what’s a karst? When I first saw a karst I thought mountain. But no, a karst is formed from the debris of dead marine organisms (calcium carbonate). These become cemented together as limestone. The collision of continents lifted these layers above sea level. Then the high temperatures and rain carved them into these amazing formations (Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden). More than you want to know?</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVRtFyIAUscAETcRCN74M4LRz8FO40dpNkWFgcLLtWYCqL8vsaNgBMMQjJK3VYtFQc5W8B9lLTCNWEXye0iQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzpHpnyyDAkZU_OmCk3rqknXRyro3c6GqaIc-Qz3hhT0Wv2-e6KK0OaqjIAZvo7Y5bIZZUYWSaVQJ7aPMC_6A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Soaring over the valley between the karsts, we looked down on rivers, road, small villages quiet at dusk as families were inside having supper. After about a forty minute flight our pilot began to look for a landing spot. As we began our descent we were headed for a rather large clump of trees. Down we sailed straight into those trees. Will he pull up? No way, hitting the tree, boom! And still descending. We ducked down below the rim of the basket. As the basket went over the tree, good sized branches could be heard cracking in two. The pilot never missed a beat as he continued toward a landing spot. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxgAddSLttPQgtMtDZau8SQJNPM6ANKjfswmkppQcftTRZgzDOCWhlXl-tU8nWF2wDop1tRAfPF7t9kqVi8Dw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Instead of ducking, I should have kept filming.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">His crew below followed us across dry paddies and around grazing cattle.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlf7wm2wR0Ub_lV5Tfc4p8o_FXpX5vBIjaBTduDMDpa78Q7GLrwYirpqhskFr1HwwFJhMB42ZtqE34YdJ9zGs6ThpIDoQcWYaPl50D0LoiFm5W5DTijULyZ4bj7l7JLDsBzekTotykZC40zKskI1Kce3F3BBMzlZNLYleB6lCF_4Y4FzHGvnJ_7yBw/s4608/9DE9107B-4904-4A0E-B038-ACC0B24DADF2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNlf7wm2wR0Ub_lV5Tfc4p8o_FXpX5vBIjaBTduDMDpa78Q7GLrwYirpqhskFr1HwwFJhMB42ZtqE34YdJ9zGs6ThpIDoQcWYaPl50D0LoiFm5W5DTijULyZ4bj7l7JLDsBzekTotykZC40zKskI1Kce3F3BBMzlZNLYleB6lCF_4Y4FzHGvnJ_7yBw/s320/9DE9107B-4904-4A0E-B038-ACC0B24DADF2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The other basket landed first and the crew was busy deflating and gathering up the balloon. Then we were down! Time to get out. There she blows—no there she goes over the edge with a foot and a leg, then the other one and unto the ground, hurray! Dennis (Bless him), said “Good job! You did it.”</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Village kids were right there to help deflate the balloon. Fun for everyone. Then on to Above Laos shelter for a toast of champagne, certificates, and fruit snacks. Such a heavenly way to end the day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrwbOmrhlAXmXajLvnn6Z3Oe8H0QkYojoLXbe8IHYQFaUmFCvfS29r56wZYsaM0zWAkzY4rZBR9P1Gc0o8VVTCfpTH8125RsDf_ZL5b84QIXBphllTYOqyvXsm4-Jtw7Gj55CS40QYPuNeWwNycPck3ORGeawd0yeVMfioxw_zIUoxsaB5a4bdSqWZA/s4608/80DD4F42-2851-42EA-93E7-74093FAE7B3F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrwbOmrhlAXmXajLvnn6Z3Oe8H0QkYojoLXbe8IHYQFaUmFCvfS29r56wZYsaM0zWAkzY4rZBR9P1Gc0o8VVTCfpTH8125RsDf_ZL5b84QIXBphllTYOqyvXsm4-Jtw7Gj55CS40QYPuNeWwNycPck3ORGeawd0yeVMfioxw_zIUoxsaB5a4bdSqWZA/s320/80DD4F42-2851-42EA-93E7-74093FAE7B3F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ-P-cAw_Jhy3VNEa1sDofrT83ksPVBIFY9awWRNPyTJJochzEGzzabjchjB4PfqLH_UdtEEAjB5tfndWI6sPCkYrNtpRzux6zOTHYwUC1-PZKvrZD4SS-wwnxgG3tRUmkR2h59gjlqNezligKCpRAYoS9h9i_i5YyFjUdYbzo9gp8cJ2y4mcgnGCnw/s4608/972BD0D9-ED1E-4B79-8BB7-1CBD5D8E8832.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ-P-cAw_Jhy3VNEa1sDofrT83ksPVBIFY9awWRNPyTJJochzEGzzabjchjB4PfqLH_UdtEEAjB5tfndWI6sPCkYrNtpRzux6zOTHYwUC1-PZKvrZD4SS-wwnxgG3tRUmkR2h59gjlqNezligKCpRAYoS9h9i_i5YyFjUdYbzo9gp8cJ2y4mcgnGCnw/s320/972BD0D9-ED1E-4B79-8BB7-1CBD5D8E8832.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPzFeiV5J1rOhOOGAvdY-dyeRXiEhbkTtE1uiqjEXlSpY4_HxLhogxbXfeJlkrLjYBBOYXOWADctR8bp-wrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A Final Word on the Vang Vieng Adventure—</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today was quite a day for Ol’ Denny Baby. Cindy opted out of this full day tour she planned for me. She stayed home to paint, read and catch up on writing and I went off to kayak, tube, spelunking a cave and finish the day zip lining.“ </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUnkcZDyhzZ3FQ-bYHVH3iT1KCAeinRQ27BdnUUn1ZEUE13LyJI-nNBk5GAm1MbqJhxj218imDpbAtwA7ibCEVw2bFgu7cUgQo1mXz3c4hDHlhcqhzVeW9ovzvH4GCZsvC0wrajiQ_JRN0QqzD06yynoUUO8UizXxqWlfMqh5Vzql1O7A1lKO_k2iQw/s1024/DA934F71-7309-4571-821C-C13EEC8C7402.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUnkcZDyhzZ3FQ-bYHVH3iT1KCAeinRQ27BdnUUn1ZEUE13LyJI-nNBk5GAm1MbqJhxj218imDpbAtwA7ibCEVw2bFgu7cUgQo1mXz3c4hDHlhcqhzVeW9ovzvH4GCZsvC0wrajiQ_JRN0QqzD06yynoUUO8UizXxqWlfMqh5Vzql1O7A1lKO_k2iQw/s320/DA934F71-7309-4571-821C-C13EEC8C7402.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I started the morning thinking, “I can do this. I’m in half way decent shape. After all, I golf, play bocce ball, poker, and drink and as all of us know these are all highly exhausting exercises.” Well, to say I overestimated my abilities is like Humpty Dumpty thinking he could easily jump off that wall. I was the old geezer on the trip, ten years older than the other two guys with the rest of our fifteen companions in their 20’s and 30’s.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> We started off kayaking down the Nam Song River for 1 1/2 hours. The kayaks weren’t like the kayaks I’m used with a back support. These you sat on with your legs stretched straight out in front of you and no back support. After 15 minutes, my thighs were screaming, “What the hell’s the matter with you?” I was in front, my partner Victor from Spain, was in the rear. We managed the 1 1/2 hours without dumping our boat and kept it upright in the rapids. We both were thankful to pull in and get out!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxud6bWgh_F9M-PpN_0TKOE-sr3KO05FN9PYPtUyXjozYDlgnKvXxAnTp1b9IuZw_V_xntopjO2zCRd_wdPmW95CPan7Rx8bf-KS205ogudkUis7MW3CdT9Rf_K3-dVoMOMwSu4dgFaIP-v8ZB1xKi3wxGQ5881F3SK7WFgCdD-uBFsC2ZwbzBqKDbw/s1024/4B168941-EFC2-4040-8C26-97797624619D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxud6bWgh_F9M-PpN_0TKOE-sr3KO05FN9PYPtUyXjozYDlgnKvXxAnTp1b9IuZw_V_xntopjO2zCRd_wdPmW95CPan7Rx8bf-KS205ogudkUis7MW3CdT9Rf_K3-dVoMOMwSu4dgFaIP-v8ZB1xKi3wxGQ5881F3SK7WFgCdD-uBFsC2ZwbzBqKDbw/s320/4B168941-EFC2-4040-8C26-97797624619D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next was the tubing into and climbing up into the cave. The water was cold and the footing treacherous. At times we had to crawl through tight squeezes. I’m not proud to say that at one point our guide took my hand and pulled me up one of the steeper inclines. Thank God for helmets and head lamps. If not for my helmet, I would have lost more brain cells than I do drinking. We crawled out of the cave and had a nice lunch awaiting us.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL94xWXUFmmNUrLPuy_75X-M52o7SrBC4JYzVN4MuTVJxA3pPy_91i5pPkZv2YsVGo3KVbz_u6_kNvqOyRvSHMhwxQoFaVzeMyFSIrfj2XX0X5-qF4DXG3HbY2v8dk8N0X1mXiCesRcQOOa_3SoUd7XpF2zHlOo7DbTnbETWUakI9UnBqXt8ceaG7-w/s1024/0C1AB83D-F3E0-4B84-AAD3-AF382BA91044.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFL94xWXUFmmNUrLPuy_75X-M52o7SrBC4JYzVN4MuTVJxA3pPy_91i5pPkZv2YsVGo3KVbz_u6_kNvqOyRvSHMhwxQoFaVzeMyFSIrfj2XX0X5-qF4DXG3HbY2v8dk8N0X1mXiCesRcQOOa_3SoUd7XpF2zHlOo7DbTnbETWUakI9UnBqXt8ceaG7-w/s320/0C1AB83D-F3E0-4B84-AAD3-AF382BA91044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNe0_m-VnL1WiEgAcGjFB8DjcI2-GJoDZaHEVJsZUlC0lC52d8KPs0wiFSVKk0k4pFMXEouBVrhF8pn_SzGlu3_CJG60gFSXIk2Tdi24HHG-Ej-cHJKOVsgv0cbQ4KiY5g1wBBZJVhABm8GjAHtwh9wnKODJ-ZaOSlzPk43qkon5dpB1Z1plmcYcW_w/s1024/5FC8FD84-66E0-4B82-B4BD-7C66CB53EC2E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNe0_m-VnL1WiEgAcGjFB8DjcI2-GJoDZaHEVJsZUlC0lC52d8KPs0wiFSVKk0k4pFMXEouBVrhF8pn_SzGlu3_CJG60gFSXIk2Tdi24HHG-Ej-cHJKOVsgv0cbQ4KiY5g1wBBZJVhABm8GjAHtwh9wnKODJ-ZaOSlzPk43qkon5dpB1Z1plmcYcW_w/s320/5FC8FD84-66E0-4B82-B4BD-7C66CB53EC2E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfHAIHa-nG77qCXkjKACzFSvblViv4bwjMTov0lfVRjzrojsOmuN91INg7GjcCYcuXEBxGoy8nT4uZTxPgA9BTvmtV65LFbgwvwRFUUIo2ris56q2hndzQnuzWiq-11oGJjpJFleBFUVJLRgQrmCL7ImrF6Loc4wf6Q-dF_D_jCtUgkk881wIWtuQDQ/s1024/F54FE061-C0D4-4BEF-9A81-7AD0A3DD4A7B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfHAIHa-nG77qCXkjKACzFSvblViv4bwjMTov0lfVRjzrojsOmuN91INg7GjcCYcuXEBxGoy8nT4uZTxPgA9BTvmtV65LFbgwvwRFUUIo2ris56q2hndzQnuzWiq-11oGJjpJFleBFUVJLRgQrmCL7ImrF6Loc4wf6Q-dF_D_jCtUgkk881wIWtuQDQ/s320/F54FE061-C0D4-4BEF-9A81-7AD0A3DD4A7B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg4-Q3izY7O6fjdHyQNp-23kzl79LdlGEd8bWdMNJacQcLSw1TSfFzcEYVor9Fjejr1dlvZkn30kxSYix62v97cAKUjIdvl3DeSEh1Voh9fPAXlqB2mrx01ma8woFXhRHNZMBYP0xCkPVomIpEtGKmLqqgmrs8PlYAesEJIeg7MaNFgM17FpiNhlKEg/s1024/4FE3D029-2580-4F0D-90CD-6902FCF4A077.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg4-Q3izY7O6fjdHyQNp-23kzl79LdlGEd8bWdMNJacQcLSw1TSfFzcEYVor9Fjejr1dlvZkn30kxSYix62v97cAKUjIdvl3DeSEh1Voh9fPAXlqB2mrx01ma8woFXhRHNZMBYP0xCkPVomIpEtGKmLqqgmrs8PlYAesEJIeg7MaNFgM17FpiNhlKEg/s320/4FE3D029-2580-4F0D-90CD-6902FCF4A077.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After 30 minutes or so, it was zip line time. We climbed further up the mountain—up steep foot paths and hanging rope bridges to the first zip landing and off we went. It was great. Little did we know that there were 7 more landing and zip lines to bring us back to where we began. My legs felt like pudding but I felt great. I had made it!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5o6ds-2h-paG7t7iTlyDIRSFnpEdA21GhoXPhpLVNuXDLrP0WF_rRMaLCnDsJKu5dcIsyTsd-uiV-P-SHbG_Fcw7LKR94E8lSic9p2aWGOpjPv7XS3ir8ivycOuuRoJiCg2aPCqdZGMAW2IWc_3a9NXQ2xxFX8f9kQz0gnqEEOHavtEob-wiUgzydVw/s1024/983B0709-3D73-4460-AB64-5143485B3C70.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5o6ds-2h-paG7t7iTlyDIRSFnpEdA21GhoXPhpLVNuXDLrP0WF_rRMaLCnDsJKu5dcIsyTsd-uiV-P-SHbG_Fcw7LKR94E8lSic9p2aWGOpjPv7XS3ir8ivycOuuRoJiCg2aPCqdZGMAW2IWc_3a9NXQ2xxFX8f9kQz0gnqEEOHavtEob-wiUgzydVw/s320/983B0709-3D73-4460-AB64-5143485B3C70.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdyDZ7KK2MSttYT0dc0r2SuNjmWze_LIL5s56MhCUd_Vs0pSYH-8eQkhpHNkEVZO85emT2XiO5nO2SUAleUu8_hFkzAOpaU3N_K-jChh8vXznq4A1sPsQc_Bwm2IrhQW0fmNIGQuNBYemVJj7AJTbeif8v0KPgO9BbA2O9OU68sQ0WDkqSnLV6QA3Dg/s1024/567847AB-D731-415C-AEBC-E363E525C9CD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdyDZ7KK2MSttYT0dc0r2SuNjmWze_LIL5s56MhCUd_Vs0pSYH-8eQkhpHNkEVZO85emT2XiO5nO2SUAleUu8_hFkzAOpaU3N_K-jChh8vXznq4A1sPsQc_Bwm2IrhQW0fmNIGQuNBYemVJj7AJTbeif8v0KPgO9BbA2O9OU68sQ0WDkqSnLV6QA3Dg/s320/567847AB-D731-415C-AEBC-E363E525C9CD.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbwRCXYeI5sWi2bJbV_Iwz4d-37XZQn-1Jk_2seD5gdVA4DtuR00CLVUj86YDzdHtQKQU_xDlnvj6P8TFCGXwlfB4Ga_BMV0V4Oj2yjS_KRTppNKTXKb9emJDKQMsy5phIOvrUq2UDCaw4UJ8y3-vUo3hReuE7FjltgJMWzcWhBvYKHDqGKJxiohbeQ/s1024/ECBCBB58-02B1-49D3-9E3B-AB1136406006.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbwRCXYeI5sWi2bJbV_Iwz4d-37XZQn-1Jk_2seD5gdVA4DtuR00CLVUj86YDzdHtQKQU_xDlnvj6P8TFCGXwlfB4Ga_BMV0V4Oj2yjS_KRTppNKTXKb9emJDKQMsy5phIOvrUq2UDCaw4UJ8y3-vUo3hReuE7FjltgJMWzcWhBvYKHDqGKJxiohbeQ/s320/ECBCBB58-02B1-49D3-9E3B-AB1136406006.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwHEIV9Z5mPDgUt58dVfsymWyd26iqVh0ZEbK1bQ0lyJD0s3nHB4tLQUcbzY00qKv7utjGHwKl1sPdQxW_IhA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We started walking back to the river, I thought to meet our truck to return to town. Not so Amigo. We marched down to the river again to board our kayaks to paddle back to town. This time it took about 6 minutes for my thighs to express their discontent. If they had the ability, they would have left me legless in my kayak. I kept hoping to see the lead kayak pull over indicating the end of the torture but it took about thirty more minutes. I crawled out of the boat and river and into our truck. There wasn’t a lot of talking on the ride back. We left our voices and energy up the river somewhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I got back to the hotel, got out of my wet clothes, showered, ate dinner at the hotel with a few drinks, and fell asleep at 7:30 PM. So much for the guy who thought he was in “half way decent shape.” I found out I’m on the wrong side of half way. 😢</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-44332584733807192042023-01-29T05:39:00.000-08:002023-01-29T05:39:39.923-08:00Vibrant Vientiane <p><span style="font-family: arial;">Greetings from Laos! Before I even start with what we’ve been up too I want to make a recommendation. If you are interested in Laos and mysteries and a bit of the supernatural thrown in, start reading Colin Cotterill’s Dr. Siri Paiboun series. Start with the first one, <u>The Coroner’s Lunch</u>. This series will give you some sense of where Laos has been. Cotterill’s main characters are two old post-revolutionaries who view the current state (late 1970’s) with more than a bit of cynicism. Throw in a mad man, an honest police officer, a Down syndrome assistant, a stocky nurse and you’re ready to rock n’ roll. That’s not even the full list of characters you’re going to meet and then wish you could meet them in real life. It was this series that kindled my interest in traveling to Laos. See what reading can do? And it was the enthusiasm of our grandson Dan that got us going. We simply picked the three cities that he visited.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On our Vientiane tour we spent the day learning more about Laos with our guide Chansay. We both thought he was a top notch guide, excellent! He was very patient with all of our questions and he had a sense of humor which makes for a relaxed and fun tour. Believe it or not, Dennis had more questions than I did. So many in fact, that at one point I went to find a toilet which was a ways away. When I returned Dennis was still questioning Chan about how to become a monk. Hmmm, perhaps I need to watch him more closely. Though I don’t think orange is really a good color for him but we’ll come back to this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Toilet? Just a word… The toilets have been clean with paper. There is usually a choice— Eastern (stand) or Western (sit or hover). Often there is hand sanitizer and always soap and water. As long as I have paper, I’m a happy old coot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So on to Buddha Park which is outside of the city. It is a park filled with sculptures from both Buddhism and Hinduism. Some of them are very old and some are only from the late fifties. The park was put together mostly from donations and the work of volunteers. The sculptures are surrounded by the most gorgeous flowers. This combination of statuary and riotous colors of the flowers are delightful. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTH8TOMqV797gETT7JTADhXZKIC2HCINoMGuDIlHdgpW-N1DYdGOMCWJP-vEFCIbjrILK70obuYN-mvyqfFay6svFAoEF9d0z_FEO-ERrcdpug-IvrCLcDMg3P6OGxF846k1Nq17A2RjxoI396qXq6baNR8KnMQhSJN-WLCWbtVUXZS3AEXd4FQTzcA/s4608/27634030-1304-49C0-8C83-084FB126CEFF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTH8TOMqV797gETT7JTADhXZKIC2HCINoMGuDIlHdgpW-N1DYdGOMCWJP-vEFCIbjrILK70obuYN-mvyqfFay6svFAoEF9d0z_FEO-ERrcdpug-IvrCLcDMg3P6OGxF846k1Nq17A2RjxoI396qXq6baNR8KnMQhSJN-WLCWbtVUXZS3AEXd4FQTzcA/s320/27634030-1304-49C0-8C83-084FB126CEFF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYp9jTFTwPvUgNLtD-gNsc7O_D9VwsdIjsck9nji_tbDIK3Fv67aj_07A0G_8YthxuiM1eQtU883Ml6dLeuJOuFhGPGa77irLbEgR8usWImxd4GVrBXIhaQFNpGaKd9_vb1YQKE9zhz5PyN5y1eItoKotyMZYmBZcV2MKKQ4OI65BqtH47_HYG716nlA/s4608/201AAC31-11D2-4783-92C7-291EE200265F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM5EK7ktvM6BNsCYTcaeeXq7kNgKJXg1CyDOV_w3Zpre5Fg5aqLeReRe3g8oyUQaXIzv2wrz6W_IV3_Uzh81iNViE_t0sOyrN4Ol6T3zKDMII89dr-NzLw-cyRf5sVTpVwyHxk3sflblumyN7F98jqX3IzzpgpH6e0Z1e6NKiBCc25iB9eRA7JcLzlg/s4608/4B51250D-5B9D-4DBB-9F3C-A8CB0F7150E7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIM5EK7ktvM6BNsCYTcaeeXq7kNgKJXg1CyDOV_w3Zpre5Fg5aqLeReRe3g8oyUQaXIzv2wrz6W_IV3_Uzh81iNViE_t0sOyrN4Ol6T3zKDMII89dr-NzLw-cyRf5sVTpVwyHxk3sflblumyN7F98jqX3IzzpgpH6e0Z1e6NKiBCc25iB9eRA7JcLzlg/s320/4B51250D-5B9D-4DBB-9F3C-A8CB0F7150E7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wnIpeDQ2vnfqcoezA2W5DPW6HrYfJti3CDwa7jleAXxoHCSBCateZdy_BFMWvB_ayu1kuexxLjo_n2Cz6truCqkWczB_wvM10VlFfNmchOMHxSbNoZNrfp0OnKRi9jEn-a8LEnMLYzu2xodRD8p0wjjnLsFV3Jp0LmyPWTTimMP_gWepWijSo9Ln5A/s4608/5F7D3A90-86B8-4D00-B83C-953769F062BF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wnIpeDQ2vnfqcoezA2W5DPW6HrYfJti3CDwa7jleAXxoHCSBCateZdy_BFMWvB_ayu1kuexxLjo_n2Cz6truCqkWczB_wvM10VlFfNmchOMHxSbNoZNrfp0OnKRi9jEn-a8LEnMLYzu2xodRD8p0wjjnLsFV3Jp0LmyPWTTimMP_gWepWijSo9Ln5A/s320/5F7D3A90-86B8-4D00-B83C-953769F062BF.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBf8tf-S1SacJIuRw4U7qCVFPpAyHKzlFj9cFwyE2jEfRcmQJpKRwPXb13LeLSthZ-0I6elR3hV3CIsZv8NqJ2eTxnz8r6j_4T3q17A2FVrOncO6RikGhxFd1ncJjfkNwchmEVtl6Nqk5tkfMFuWcauKRkhek4Djg3iOmr7fnu_onD3F5fy6LvAyvOQ/s4608/7F9F51A9-471C-4416-9C1D-6D852AB55D01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBf8tf-S1SacJIuRw4U7qCVFPpAyHKzlFj9cFwyE2jEfRcmQJpKRwPXb13LeLSthZ-0I6elR3hV3CIsZv8NqJ2eTxnz8r6j_4T3q17A2FVrOncO6RikGhxFd1ncJjfkNwchmEVtl6Nqk5tkfMFuWcauKRkhek4Djg3iOmr7fnu_onD3F5fy6LvAyvOQ/s320/7F9F51A9-471C-4416-9C1D-6D852AB55D01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRPXoqmFOrOcp7B23LUx_sWXMmXXA69xldeBOxYI6bHA7_6uPhX9H1z1pp1qERjAYksW58CDGJNt9hC-u7V__CBZRYdwliS3kS4x6l1PFkHcN_1qPXapE_ogzllj-X2lbtHa4Z5xBZytFUxPKaUXMsriyJemAwe-WUzDnr0XmlhkRqOrUQzhqjigYKQ/s1600/AC542906-DD2D-4291-8AF6-7F7AE23E8B79.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRPXoqmFOrOcp7B23LUx_sWXMmXXA69xldeBOxYI6bHA7_6uPhX9H1z1pp1qERjAYksW58CDGJNt9hC-u7V__CBZRYdwliS3kS4x6l1PFkHcN_1qPXapE_ogzllj-X2lbtHa4Z5xBZytFUxPKaUXMsriyJemAwe-WUzDnr0XmlhkRqOrUQzhqjigYKQ/s320/AC542906-DD2D-4291-8AF6-7F7AE23E8B79.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>While Chansay and Dennis climbed into the structure symbolizing the world topped with the tree of life, I wandered the gardens happily snapping photos. As I was doing this a lively, sweet group of children on a field trip came by. When they saw me, it was all hello, hello, wave, wave. Such a charming addition to a splendid day. Can you tell I’ve been using a thesaurus? I can’t keep using the same words—adorable and beautiful over and over. But the kids were charming and it was a splendid day!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXqYH8C_EnEWIX9PNFk-f90zYq7pq7RGR7WjJhwR0PKlrl97d40R5rOoKsGnyWC8GrvCxrlFWzB2CXsiIYPir4cnFvuCcMr5fBOglyrt8OTM-vdiYIS1CnI8x7gYGRgfsSlgJgdcpr_STZmQqr4ncRU8eTzlnJ-840je9qSKH16tNqcqKHOszgRDyFQ/s4608/D8FEBD9E-1C70-4AA5-BAFB-6E90E58560F8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXqYH8C_EnEWIX9PNFk-f90zYq7pq7RGR7WjJhwR0PKlrl97d40R5rOoKsGnyWC8GrvCxrlFWzB2CXsiIYPir4cnFvuCcMr5fBOglyrt8OTM-vdiYIS1CnI8x7gYGRgfsSlgJgdcpr_STZmQqr4ncRU8eTzlnJ-840je9qSKH16tNqcqKHOszgRDyFQ/s320/D8FEBD9E-1C70-4AA5-BAFB-6E90E58560F8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCanQZA7RoznlUF8KiJihGlHFViiDRyzHe8_uE2Ju9JljrPN6gc93q2dZEMCYnef1-BJK4SqaNBgZBGAZ7_Gs_lv_0B_Sb8CYIWtwW3UI3bXa7ATdrO0skjkvFWk1gHChlMzY-sqC1va-Ng5MAbD7IQlBoEcNd_Wgl2R2y1ofoUEFAexYdJLczxnRfw/s4608/A277D0D7-5F2C-4F14-B540-CA6EA22E8B05.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCanQZA7RoznlUF8KiJihGlHFViiDRyzHe8_uE2Ju9JljrPN6gc93q2dZEMCYnef1-BJK4SqaNBgZBGAZ7_Gs_lv_0B_Sb8CYIWtwW3UI3bXa7ATdrO0skjkvFWk1gHChlMzY-sqC1va-Ng5MAbD7IQlBoEcNd_Wgl2R2y1ofoUEFAexYdJLczxnRfw/s320/A277D0D7-5F2C-4F14-B540-CA6EA22E8B05.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1w2EPMhlRCpRubtQ07BDsPPL9jB1nfaUcAGfzf0C5LiTufFvgkdPhT9xa5iyBgIoB4rt7Qe7Z3OE4wYiLlwGsyoa2taWJPqrYbPSuBtTy4FePQ341oJkm7ScqNycqkSN1dTLz80Zr5ZkQ4-ztvQtU7BDaSn6Mk8DrLo-PtjiuFuWoDcOF4Y1zVdItA/s1600/54C063BE-6F9B-4545-AF88-36898B9B917E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1w2EPMhlRCpRubtQ07BDsPPL9jB1nfaUcAGfzf0C5LiTufFvgkdPhT9xa5iyBgIoB4rt7Qe7Z3OE4wYiLlwGsyoa2taWJPqrYbPSuBtTy4FePQ341oJkm7ScqNycqkSN1dTLz80Zr5ZkQ4-ztvQtU7BDaSn6Mk8DrLo-PtjiuFuWoDcOF4Y1zVdItA/s320/54C063BE-6F9B-4545-AF88-36898B9B917E.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxBXeYuMTHF9-Q3KvblKRLTCOW8Z_ptH9b6PnQArLEhBBAvxLMej2L0WL0TyU9_QvZ8iK5mpdJzJ-zxadyWgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Dennis will tell you about climbing up to the tree of life. After the three of us reunited we walked though the gardens to the Mekong River. Here we sat sipping the milk from a coconut in the shade of a large gazebo. We watched farmers planting while their cattle meandered along the river bank finding the tastiest of grasses. After our rest we were on our way back to Vientiane.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJob1wsqEmCtF5Yz81dWcU8E4w93Qee9YiPU1_A7SCguPBTTGywzhXELL3tmdgYT9xyOq_iwpAJrqbdzG3BdK8Ap8h3oAAtcldgOW1lHhUA3q3-4dRwRfAaoaAmCZit9jd9vak30xkXf2vvF03gZDdzV7Ev6B7oD9EgmFB0ANORiCIB-WLGM1FaW8UxA/s4608/2B19DD19-40B1-4E70-B5C2-8CBCB02C7E47.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJob1wsqEmCtF5Yz81dWcU8E4w93Qee9YiPU1_A7SCguPBTTGywzhXELL3tmdgYT9xyOq_iwpAJrqbdzG3BdK8Ap8h3oAAtcldgOW1lHhUA3q3-4dRwRfAaoaAmCZit9jd9vak30xkXf2vvF03gZDdzV7Ev6B7oD9EgmFB0ANORiCIB-WLGM1FaW8UxA/s320/2B19DD19-40B1-4E70-B5C2-8CBCB02C7E47.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMEC3iVT_Pg4pi4onOh84yPX0_NOddxhZpfqJuptvEYmnt2hG3sA7z5RSjHsq7n-WXaNEjjL7tSkdbV3gjO3rJhOKloriWUPPSHv8_W_Bh24zntB__E4dX29c-IQ4TYUTIKAlAiQ8nDk3kM8-dKC9Xf4cEHLbrYH2WFBvHdrwgcOIFsXtU6_CGRKhoQ/s4608/1E698933-EDF6-408D-B460-0EBA4D41D2A6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMEC3iVT_Pg4pi4onOh84yPX0_NOddxhZpfqJuptvEYmnt2hG3sA7z5RSjHsq7n-WXaNEjjL7tSkdbV3gjO3rJhOKloriWUPPSHv8_W_Bh24zntB__E4dX29c-IQ4TYUTIKAlAiQ8nDk3kM8-dKC9Xf4cEHLbrYH2WFBvHdrwgcOIFsXtU6_CGRKhoQ/s320/1E698933-EDF6-408D-B460-0EBA4D41D2A6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb6rnV6BxLmu-GR7ZxGXkBCDa11KBPEYkmL-_8TS0CJPqNUQMmMFoWLtcuOFegjAWOQy7Mo66qZ1EsPYRHrpsJ-bNEGPyOI6D7zutlWwZLGiufmsRfLIoukSYZrrbGVfTgKAF1mQzPvCHRiVrLWdNJ_aqhdmk541IKAPcmCprX-fPP8rUaadgcFUuRw/s4608/A0883C49-EA72-4517-9C63-B0E32353F810.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb6rnV6BxLmu-GR7ZxGXkBCDa11KBPEYkmL-_8TS0CJPqNUQMmMFoWLtcuOFegjAWOQy7Mo66qZ1EsPYRHrpsJ-bNEGPyOI6D7zutlWwZLGiufmsRfLIoukSYZrrbGVfTgKAF1mQzPvCHRiVrLWdNJ_aqhdmk541IKAPcmCprX-fPP8rUaadgcFUuRw/s320/A0883C49-EA72-4517-9C63-B0E32353F810.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dXCATsFlcLqQX4BNQK1CIdE3qgkPZu3tjsE3OC70hCBYSsRgiwbZ6dZ1rqH9O21y_-jLzwih4tiNXMvIKcnOpwgDPOhiOSC9kKXSU3-R3A9Rx67oR9_9KUXDmYMJgx-QY7R934xFzC4i8mwistnAlIcNbWEVqfjIpjyDg9_7MGo2cUyAriIBomWCVQ/s4608/D8A41662-09AD-4B1E-82B9-331158D480B1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dXCATsFlcLqQX4BNQK1CIdE3qgkPZu3tjsE3OC70hCBYSsRgiwbZ6dZ1rqH9O21y_-jLzwih4tiNXMvIKcnOpwgDPOhiOSC9kKXSU3-R3A9Rx67oR9_9KUXDmYMJgx-QY7R934xFzC4i8mwistnAlIcNbWEVqfjIpjyDg9_7MGo2cUyAriIBomWCVQ/s320/D8A41662-09AD-4B1E-82B9-331158D480B1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iYwxpMUWYD299KhcFxvR8w4OW8KxHOmsxCV6jEvWn7nsMM9GroXLXy5W6h17lzkcD94RTeFdUTK9gjzv47wZIRyTB4HJRuxyniSwDw8KNzd0ddkuOIaTHS3SnD6VYBnve-QypRETdxPkyJMM8emDGZIicDRp2Qe8kdXKevbeJ-1ml574l3L2geEQLg/s4608/C29B2D95-892C-4160-A861-01E64EEB548F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iYwxpMUWYD299KhcFxvR8w4OW8KxHOmsxCV6jEvWn7nsMM9GroXLXy5W6h17lzkcD94RTeFdUTK9gjzv47wZIRyTB4HJRuxyniSwDw8KNzd0ddkuOIaTHS3SnD6VYBnve-QypRETdxPkyJMM8emDGZIicDRp2Qe8kdXKevbeJ-1ml574l3L2geEQLg/s320/C29B2D95-892C-4160-A861-01E64EEB548F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDsBCePSK6T3f__ieHJsafL-wf65pdxRVx1FdFTtJgqRNQ6Lj4Pg-OTLMKjRT03zhFU-BDbol1W5Q8UPrzc0GW9cHphd5-Y3Oib1RpLVSldbvv6d8PJtX2oUb3SfR4UsS4OOK8588S5rM2eAyjsOuPbW5NwyH9dmrqmbuJUNBPqz2HCsqhxZOko9c4w/s4608/073913C7-3FA9-4FB6-B659-E56A48B3B841.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDsBCePSK6T3f__ieHJsafL-wf65pdxRVx1FdFTtJgqRNQ6Lj4Pg-OTLMKjRT03zhFU-BDbol1W5Q8UPrzc0GW9cHphd5-Y3Oib1RpLVSldbvv6d8PJtX2oUb3SfR4UsS4OOK8588S5rM2eAyjsOuPbW5NwyH9dmrqmbuJUNBPqz2HCsqhxZOko9c4w/s320/073913C7-3FA9-4FB6-B659-E56A48B3B841.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in the city we stopped for lunch where Dennis and I split a traditional Lao lunch and a plate of sausages with ginger. I love ginger and it was a generous portion of the fresh root.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWpM7-hRITCyFdXPBZreUz4B64xSiuAA8NTzbgUFsJeZadNddIgd_2fwmqiW2ACQs4rRB7LfN_2x__d--8R03b7qRKWbiumJdv_Zev3wJDlaY9WeJtUWUtpxZej6QdhNr2pfm7px7kRihcvl57dQYKg3A98_wSCPAZ5-uIHWQGi2a3H_bbgLfE-2xJg/s4608/D7C01B49-F6AA-4FB2-9DC0-E4CB45ECD1F9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWpM7-hRITCyFdXPBZreUz4B64xSiuAA8NTzbgUFsJeZadNddIgd_2fwmqiW2ACQs4rRB7LfN_2x__d--8R03b7qRKWbiumJdv_Zev3wJDlaY9WeJtUWUtpxZej6QdhNr2pfm7px7kRihcvl57dQYKg3A98_wSCPAZ5-uIHWQGi2a3H_bbgLfE-2xJg/s320/D7C01B49-F6AA-4FB2-9DC0-E4CB45ECD1F9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7holyrJquSZMOZi37y4iBCZOQ6un-qFAd_KUZ6Ibd7lCC362sZwqPalwC3Ot9WPRnhJUsqbjNgial9rcWVQJnSL0Sux96AN4wMjI78SC0qLpqipmX3FQu3r3qlL_PXcOrBtzpCYiEdKlsH8il3-NoommPsUJPmb-wv8nYmJdu8vubjLn5gpIESjuFpA/s4608/8CBD8BE3-6532-443C-8C52-7826857AF036.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7holyrJquSZMOZi37y4iBCZOQ6un-qFAd_KUZ6Ibd7lCC362sZwqPalwC3Ot9WPRnhJUsqbjNgial9rcWVQJnSL0Sux96AN4wMjI78SC0qLpqipmX3FQu3r3qlL_PXcOrBtzpCYiEdKlsH8il3-NoommPsUJPmb-wv8nYmJdu8vubjLn5gpIESjuFpA/s320/8CBD8BE3-6532-443C-8C52-7826857AF036.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCIQ7wSt8UDFRDFTf9cKAwqscE4oX7FszdPCLJJEqihUfpJyx9Gken5BAXqw2Vu_wcwve0sHjqvfh_aGz_lq0GjkWKJjGeuFLShqIGs5HbnYzyn1XJ5WtIv1p8kl3vdplv3sLNSw2vvG6p091wMLMzuYk81wVDZtgJbR6WgIajZHwcBCsc1GXBiO6Cw/s4608/3A53FE8E-69CB-45F7-BAB5-095BC15A5B7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCIQ7wSt8UDFRDFTf9cKAwqscE4oX7FszdPCLJJEqihUfpJyx9Gken5BAXqw2Vu_wcwve0sHjqvfh_aGz_lq0GjkWKJjGeuFLShqIGs5HbnYzyn1XJ5WtIv1p8kl3vdplv3sLNSw2vvG6p091wMLMzuYk81wVDZtgJbR6WgIajZHwcBCsc1GXBiO6Cw/s320/3A53FE8E-69CB-45F7-BAB5-095BC15A5B7D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMioIg5Dx0KU3agA8tvifa1XcC80uYIRa_ww6sp1DW5epuKMg6atNlDAofeUDgk5nY6Aq9Q8rDAKZtgD3iTeZXD7z6mJMhr6HFBSF2SRZSBNmGngSb052xVMARG5lOFaX9g2m1B8p5U4Z_d0QOP8e_uofKZAkhB7gfzC1Gy1KNeVcuAyP4lQmgwajw/s4608/7F24BD6A-49E9-4D1B-93B0-26639A7B7589.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMioIg5Dx0KU3agA8tvifa1XcC80uYIRa_ww6sp1DW5epuKMg6atNlDAofeUDgk5nY6Aq9Q8rDAKZtgD3iTeZXD7z6mJMhr6HFBSF2SRZSBNmGngSb052xVMARG5lOFaX9g2m1B8p5U4Z_d0QOP8e_uofKZAkhB7gfzC1Gy1KNeVcuAyP4lQmgwajw/s320/7F24BD6A-49E9-4D1B-93B0-26639A7B7589.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82VrGbbvMOtqUy9OYzE90o40z3tDfPMFcPxYtyjUHfy6lwA2y_FKQb-rfroB6YCyGKRULppuTah3NrwWaaI7cn1SkZcXm9odLsgA4-Op3mlGmqOUne5Mv98mIszE0GktPhKPn4Hqy8jFUJnYcBsQVMiSrJBsvqX7fv68e0BbbGHmOfZm22wDkl5-uiQ/s4608/58B788F3-2524-43AF-ADCB-84352643745A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi82VrGbbvMOtqUy9OYzE90o40z3tDfPMFcPxYtyjUHfy6lwA2y_FKQb-rfroB6YCyGKRULppuTah3NrwWaaI7cn1SkZcXm9odLsgA4-Op3mlGmqOUne5Mv98mIszE0GktPhKPn4Hqy8jFUJnYcBsQVMiSrJBsvqX7fv68e0BbbGHmOfZm22wDkl5-uiQ/s320/58B788F3-2524-43AF-ADCB-84352643745A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After lunch we went to the COPE Museum. Dan, our grandson told us about the museum. He said it made him so sad to discover what had happened here. The COPE tells the story of unexploded cluster bombs dropped by American forces on Laos during the Vietnam war.Two million tons of booms were dropped between 1964 - 1973. COPE provides medical and therapeutic help for the victims of the bombs that were dropped and exploded after they were found on the ground. Many of these were children who wanted to play with the round metal ball they picked up near their home. C</span><span style="font-family: arial;">OP</span><span style="font-family: arial;">E also tells the story of how these bombs are being discovered and removed by international teams. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHQVPgrGyIJtpEgOsdL3F6fH31Kx7beVrdhmRSwb2pQVlT7Z_ylCo_x-f57MtenFxHtTevocfGV8s37hoOyZN_SXVIrJZqM3mo-5-kiZ76cQ3Ehxu8mXZ-0AUXARO7NE6yJBHsi4CPzuUWRMNmNYIaskGSO7MG_OvmsvSXeIPJSvroLNoHCaoasgzPQ/s4608/E6E2420D-74B3-4AB2-9F3E-EEB33133E57F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHQVPgrGyIJtpEgOsdL3F6fH31Kx7beVrdhmRSwb2pQVlT7Z_ylCo_x-f57MtenFxHtTevocfGV8s37hoOyZN_SXVIrJZqM3mo-5-kiZ76cQ3Ehxu8mXZ-0AUXARO7NE6yJBHsi4CPzuUWRMNmNYIaskGSO7MG_OvmsvSXeIPJSvroLNoHCaoasgzPQ/s320/E6E2420D-74B3-4AB2-9F3E-EEB33133E57F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFyvtYvKYTl2XQPvxa5PP7kCWVY3ch3t-odwqbe6KCWdclWojaIV8zCNQLSRQmFJdzTvRYIGtB7Xm0Fjc3ZIkdOIi9kJQtW_j1KgL85sg0t9ezgF2wB1tdLuljuJRdRuGguwrv0CwP7l_Bm-SM-fHzNE3o3QDZkUmMrdGTifvf0L_ScksFYwiJviivw/s4608/BB9C2BA2-699A-487D-9847-C735A6FFC49D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMFyvtYvKYTl2XQPvxa5PP7kCWVY3ch3t-odwqbe6KCWdclWojaIV8zCNQLSRQmFJdzTvRYIGtB7Xm0Fjc3ZIkdOIi9kJQtW_j1KgL85sg0t9ezgF2wB1tdLuljuJRdRuGguwrv0CwP7l_Bm-SM-fHzNE3o3QDZkUmMrdGTifvf0L_ScksFYwiJviivw/s320/BB9C2BA2-699A-487D-9847-C735A6FFC49D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is an eye opening place where you can make a donation by buying a card illustrated by Colin Cotterill. We made a donation and I also bought a pair of earrings that were crafted from newspaper.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjx1F-1P0XSpBuqw-4Fz-UnvYYXOn3szI79OPG_umFkTdRBHUyJW2lxQ7EsYUF2K23c1CJpNa5qx05m41iXb-oUqfRGVSuOLg32--wkRfx5QG9UyCSWg_MUks1YY9IxSodC2grJ-XDTcJ4Zpj5LpCZNZ5EjD4AyEt9uDBjIE0XDxC9D9KaI-lcXVSA/s4608/B2BDE091-CA14-4082-A18B-202E6024CAF2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yjx1F-1P0XSpBuqw-4Fz-UnvYYXOn3szI79OPG_umFkTdRBHUyJW2lxQ7EsYUF2K23c1CJpNa5qx05m41iXb-oUqfRGVSuOLg32--wkRfx5QG9UyCSWg_MUks1YY9IxSodC2grJ-XDTcJ4Zpj5LpCZNZ5EjD4AyEt9uDBjIE0XDxC9D9KaI-lcXVSA/s320/B2BDE091-CA14-4082-A18B-202E6024CAF2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next came a temple which survived the war for independence from France and then the civil war as well. Here we briefly met some red and orange clad monks. The youngest was the one who wanted his photo taken with Dennis. This aroused Den’s curiosity. What does it take to become a monk? What do they do all day? How can a monk be married, be a monk, join a temple for a time, and then go back to his family? As Chansay was trying to answer all of his questions this was the time when I decided to go exploring for a bathroom. The application to become a monk is all in Lao so I wasn’t too worried. However, it’s really hot standing in one place so off I went.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAppivLjkzj5482zSO2icUTQAAO2QfedMgYRsQvNvIMxnppVApfJn2ADut5oaecUwZ-ZspqRcwR_JSqTRvmFTW63s90P1h0d5I-B7gFST-kF9hB7ZsPLqXjqdrMx85kdxqJz9-8C3UjhTbOlxMf1Een9aParqSViG9ZA8Dp346RnpBeDvGF-teYcEqJQ/s4608/4513FF1B-D4E3-49B1-8F9E-4967EA4D0CB3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAppivLjkzj5482zSO2icUTQAAO2QfedMgYRsQvNvIMxnppVApfJn2ADut5oaecUwZ-ZspqRcwR_JSqTRvmFTW63s90P1h0d5I-B7gFST-kF9hB7ZsPLqXjqdrMx85kdxqJz9-8C3UjhTbOlxMf1Een9aParqSViG9ZA8Dp346RnpBeDvGF-teYcEqJQ/s320/4513FF1B-D4E3-49B1-8F9E-4967EA4D0CB3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ-0lVSKfjI8fdlM_PSZ3FYZgiUvzolK8S0xbqiuQ7-gm0GwbbvHOkEWaW788llF7rrR9AHC7if37yz4qz8VRhAoTfIuXC7507l8XSe8Qln7pxYfDpIV5zd3Dae9C8yT-5DUEYPZAZdq9lMkKKsZ8VGnfxjoOeEfVEekcCIf4na6xmuAQN6ZG5MwY0w/s4608/77EE16D3-55B9-445C-B7E3-26F000706140.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ-0lVSKfjI8fdlM_PSZ3FYZgiUvzolK8S0xbqiuQ7-gm0GwbbvHOkEWaW788llF7rrR9AHC7if37yz4qz8VRhAoTfIuXC7507l8XSe8Qln7pxYfDpIV5zd3Dae9C8yT-5DUEYPZAZdq9lMkKKsZ8VGnfxjoOeEfVEekcCIf4na6xmuAQN6ZG5MwY0w/s320/77EE16D3-55B9-445C-B7E3-26F000706140.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsAhmpJD571T5xbm8AsvVY3ZSq7o2GXEOC_EWnSqYXYjBzT3pH5pmkxJFlyAgCkGPByR-nngZBiWpksWSBfX5DlUThVHclpr7v0NBa32UIS6glf4xUc8t3l3-B4UJe2Z1xpx3Qb1Mrb4yeZQJB6JG9UQ86Uvo6piSCXya6Yhyrpm79Xxb7iI7kKMmzA/s4608/239ED690-3540-4ECA-A33F-FAB1C3EF183A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsAhmpJD571T5xbm8AsvVY3ZSq7o2GXEOC_EWnSqYXYjBzT3pH5pmkxJFlyAgCkGPByR-nngZBiWpksWSBfX5DlUThVHclpr7v0NBa32UIS6glf4xUc8t3l3-B4UJe2Z1xpx3Qb1Mrb4yeZQJB6JG9UQ86Uvo6piSCXya6Yhyrpm79Xxb7iI7kKMmzA/s320/239ED690-3540-4ECA-A33F-FAB1C3EF183A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlM_NXIHaWTJcwHVaPexkJWtO8sSNywuNd4_nIGsn7uw-9Xcv3H9vfDPvHDLA1LfMzNvw4URtwlCqxtgkjXXiQj4e4OVPux5vM3sAI6witnHVtZzfiKmtf5RUCE2j2rrNKvnnYLcE0cJDjYcUHzQexhNsMYGMWPWHrUHz7nrvF8txIj2N7FgK8B9kwg/s4608/2C1071D9-7669-4CE0-AB9F-8162FC33DB7D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlM_NXIHaWTJcwHVaPexkJWtO8sSNywuNd4_nIGsn7uw-9Xcv3H9vfDPvHDLA1LfMzNvw4URtwlCqxtgkjXXiQj4e4OVPux5vM3sAI6witnHVtZzfiKmtf5RUCE2j2rrNKvnnYLcE0cJDjYcUHzQexhNsMYGMWPWHrUHz7nrvF8txIj2N7FgK8B9kwg/s320/2C1071D9-7669-4CE0-AB9F-8162FC33DB7D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCoClEq0sshFAbCW0t-VgMngIBcISe5MkF8M1Iyw2JAIAfSLME2T773x4GDKrcgvWabbzVNV2lJaqaQrmUDQddvqmDJqNPCHot_Th3rvZP4NqHQsVUVPe7XC1qp_Y8tQJ6XmMeoqotUN0HQOSkSqtkCQqan9HjeB0Exjg0FCOPyHobN-RmeH7nsiUmA/s4608/E0FFE26F-2222-41FB-8B0A-F174E5AE7963.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnCoClEq0sshFAbCW0t-VgMngIBcISe5MkF8M1Iyw2JAIAfSLME2T773x4GDKrcgvWabbzVNV2lJaqaQrmUDQddvqmDJqNPCHot_Th3rvZP4NqHQsVUVPe7XC1qp_Y8tQJ6XmMeoqotUN0HQOSkSqtkCQqan9HjeB0Exjg0FCOPyHobN-RmeH7nsiUmA/s320/E0FFE26F-2222-41FB-8B0A-F174E5AE7963.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQr8-6wJMlN0A3zjGkTWT22E93KsIDdPpZVKyryOAn-7BvH2GUxz26RlJc5sr5l-lhHHZ3NwiIU-fqEadjRvImaNVuP7JubJHLSGl-5CJe80mm_enLAPguwoC2GIoRjykcmHg96AbnR_aDcPUkJFiMnUMihSgyCs-2DPnDoeSfM5CZ3xNKH09iRPLaw/s4608/18981C6F-954A-4741-BD45-64026DA876B8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQr8-6wJMlN0A3zjGkTWT22E93KsIDdPpZVKyryOAn-7BvH2GUxz26RlJc5sr5l-lhHHZ3NwiIU-fqEadjRvImaNVuP7JubJHLSGl-5CJe80mm_enLAPguwoC2GIoRjykcmHg96AbnR_aDcPUkJFiMnUMihSgyCs-2DPnDoeSfM5CZ3xNKH09iRPLaw/s320/18981C6F-954A-4741-BD45-64026DA876B8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">By the time we saw two more temples and a couple of monuments we were exhausted. The Anusawari monument or Patuxai (victory gate) was built in 1968 with money using American funds meant to build a new airport. You can laugh or cry at that. I prefer laughing. Crying is so messy. Chansay dropped us off with our profound thanks and his thanks for our thanks and a good tip which he richly deserved. Yes, tip. While it’s not expected it is not only appropriate but very appreciated. A spectacular day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlfOnDkDOxHok7LFFlE9RQ2437Z2chnsuizBOpRKZrujuO0PsrN9eMSJVQLvVxOJHZ9yw28zjwCIxbioiR6yXO8DZo9TM76Ly_h1rPC3Z8JGAwW7zhY9iTUdm8X4gsYYEza-mO87QkrVhxNmL1R16qXewJyxlD0JBP0eL9xHF7Ye9S0khyiHudkO3g/s4608/89C290B6-5E47-42DC-B6F7-B25F2C57B2E3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVlfOnDkDOxHok7LFFlE9RQ2437Z2chnsuizBOpRKZrujuO0PsrN9eMSJVQLvVxOJHZ9yw28zjwCIxbioiR6yXO8DZo9TM76Ly_h1rPC3Z8JGAwW7zhY9iTUdm8X4gsYYEza-mO87QkrVhxNmL1R16qXewJyxlD0JBP0eL9xHF7Ye9S0khyiHudkO3g/s320/89C290B6-5E47-42DC-B6F7-B25F2C57B2E3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gBHk4HFmQpJvb635bIkB3nTsVW3I4v5hzFHXJCXUBtBhGtQas4dMatx4Z982KUCrJtFlpH6V6DPK1IqjqSaA0ZP3ce-FIEq50YrmggL6k-F-TnfBBF2WQGDjImklCIuIs7QF2fQOshNSmoZgeEr1826bohtyE3fvfiNV2TgSCCPC1cZybb5iRMRMAg/s4608/3782FDE8-17E2-4C88-B379-BE237BA40655.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gBHk4HFmQpJvb635bIkB3nTsVW3I4v5hzFHXJCXUBtBhGtQas4dMatx4Z982KUCrJtFlpH6V6DPK1IqjqSaA0ZP3ce-FIEq50YrmggL6k-F-TnfBBF2WQGDjImklCIuIs7QF2fQOshNSmoZgeEr1826bohtyE3fvfiNV2TgSCCPC1cZybb5iRMRMAg/s320/3782FDE8-17E2-4C88-B379-BE237BA40655.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnObk739dMdgxv3DDRQVC-GSf2W18Y5KC7CruTMPIahK6Ki__HQLDph3Ll2Dqx0blpZYzhxSSlkPB46O5H1MGtSZ7UlTGxYnmC5qy39Bv-OM2_9BRA4IGQC7Qzel24qngXYG7vTd5hVBleF3iovXaemGNl9F-T5va1Up-Iprq-xU_TTVohFjb9NvGnLw/s1600/11DD0877-E253-4FB4-83BC-C9F46486D9A5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnObk739dMdgxv3DDRQVC-GSf2W18Y5KC7CruTMPIahK6Ki__HQLDph3Ll2Dqx0blpZYzhxSSlkPB46O5H1MGtSZ7UlTGxYnmC5qy39Bv-OM2_9BRA4IGQC7Qzel24qngXYG7vTd5hVBleF3iovXaemGNl9F-T5va1Up-Iprq-xU_TTVohFjb9NvGnLw/s320/11DD0877-E253-4FB4-83BC-C9F46486D9A5.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAQp9FvR-0GAhda8ael8aHUDQIFspklWmdCkkHdiceFFsutaOvJOn7ERQJJjyphzFkykVdx2d63_tp_JsjnrN_6jDclYvpJvQSj_vhLNNUmOKjUP_Qzlx32aDw2PTOVnX0H6-eBWj12eInG2-6b_upd9iLZM_0XbFjljqmN9Mi--EfROTm2r7mKo9Vg/s4608/C7702051-4BF9-4AF8-B69C-D3ADD6F6D9DD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAQp9FvR-0GAhda8ael8aHUDQIFspklWmdCkkHdiceFFsutaOvJOn7ERQJJjyphzFkykVdx2d63_tp_JsjnrN_6jDclYvpJvQSj_vhLNNUmOKjUP_Qzlx32aDw2PTOVnX0H6-eBWj12eInG2-6b_upd9iLZM_0XbFjljqmN9Mi--EfROTm2r7mKo9Vg/s320/C7702051-4BF9-4AF8-B69C-D3ADD6F6D9DD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgESHuqY2HVUDYIXjK0InaW5cQn_PRUOcf8TYhSS8Ye7M3eEN-IfU9UX9YrKZCImS7G38x3WKIflH8pAv9c5AkrN5FeHtaaebM0LUwpzpX7N52-uQxA_5KPSjl9cnegVNuSzWn_rK9cBoZQLSM1p7KxWLuj4_2UsRCsnTdt5oDjvWI6YNqjDLa4nvolg/s4608/C9643626-B513-46A9-84E4-73C91357BF49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgESHuqY2HVUDYIXjK0InaW5cQn_PRUOcf8TYhSS8Ye7M3eEN-IfU9UX9YrKZCImS7G38x3WKIflH8pAv9c5AkrN5FeHtaaebM0LUwpzpX7N52-uQxA_5KPSjl9cnegVNuSzWn_rK9cBoZQLSM1p7KxWLuj4_2UsRCsnTdt5oDjvWI6YNqjDLa4nvolg/s320/C9643626-B513-46A9-84E4-73C91357BF49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzan2Bp0FPD61k-nJxoT1rtaPCdzbF8K1OVQD2E9rErG44Q9XRVTJwTKp2Sm8sfLPNcz13Mqy5vpg0vF1WUk9eEQfCtsJBp0gbcTgIFveTNeQidAxvs7oNe04DBM_BFYdCOvQtHYk-sdKUduYzupL6vWzYqQ9iPxYWEX1v8XyAFmNyyVXbPzCfjfPLg/s4608/CDEA5DEF-D244-4DDD-B3FA-5DA54AA6EAB1.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNzan2Bp0FPD61k-nJxoT1rtaPCdzbF8K1OVQD2E9rErG44Q9XRVTJwTKp2Sm8sfLPNcz13Mqy5vpg0vF1WUk9eEQfCtsJBp0gbcTgIFveTNeQidAxvs7oNe04DBM_BFYdCOvQtHYk-sdKUduYzupL6vWzYqQ9iPxYWEX1v8XyAFmNyyVXbPzCfjfPLg/s320/CDEA5DEF-D244-4DDD-B3FA-5DA54AA6EAB1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Patuxai (Victory Gate)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A final word from Dennis—</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My summary of our day with Chan will be much shorter than Cindy’s. Chan was a great guy and a great guide. I try to remember names but since I’m not in sales any longer, I’m not as good at it as I was. I have to come up with gimmicks to help me remember them. With Chan, I thought I’d just have to remember “Charlie.” Get it? Charlie Chan. I remembered his name all day. And absolutely no disrespect intended for those of you thinking racist. Charlie was Chinese, Chansay is Lao… 😊</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Climbing with him in that recreation of the world was fun. There were many very narrow stairways, no handrails and my back pack kept getting me stuck in the tight places so I took it off and tossed it ahead of me up the stairs.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPUwnVB6dEx6KqXKk-S_IcacgmCiGKvgKXmXdUhvoLsZoMazV4_kERqv_DWwFxGC7yynLUZRNg_A1oizrIYQTDoGxle4nD_19IILcdeGrylMJM6FAhyr2hkzylVHsn2skalfarwf5DaRRTsvBNbhNWLs86hDUXEPayW7ZgijrbIqCAaYmFaibA9XEA/s4608/1B5127C0-BC2C-4513-87D5-D8FF1CC7282D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrPUwnVB6dEx6KqXKk-S_IcacgmCiGKvgKXmXdUhvoLsZoMazV4_kERqv_DWwFxGC7yynLUZRNg_A1oizrIYQTDoGxle4nD_19IILcdeGrylMJM6FAhyr2hkzylVHsn2skalfarwf5DaRRTsvBNbhNWLs86hDUXEPayW7ZgijrbIqCAaYmFaibA9XEA/s320/1B5127C0-BC2C-4513-87D5-D8FF1CC7282D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzFzVidryNbOh6XK4Xf-XvCx5Rlb2Em-2kMtuKRVwcy7n1kO8eSXRuAKXhpj3Pm_r6gTFDP4HEu6Ip2axVPLZjm_WC6wv6xYRCSkUufNLALFrFZJ3kaaPbCO38ZQMtLYoOfpkqWy4CionjqQa9q2bD-gW7BRvG-XkFzVOZwO32YeV2D5e57WVZVr4Wg/s1600/20F48872-9B23-4A42-9A1A-3F750F21587F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzFzVidryNbOh6XK4Xf-XvCx5Rlb2Em-2kMtuKRVwcy7n1kO8eSXRuAKXhpj3Pm_r6gTFDP4HEu6Ip2axVPLZjm_WC6wv6xYRCSkUufNLALFrFZJ3kaaPbCO38ZQMtLYoOfpkqWy4CionjqQa9q2bD-gW7BRvG-XkFzVOZwO32YeV2D5e57WVZVr4Wg/s320/20F48872-9B23-4A42-9A1A-3F750F21587F.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSu43-dz_05zKvXX4dpKEk4wM-hepnQF-FF7DCQDDqeNA8qhXx4X8cKl-3KMS7XWhn8HLny-dsmg-ZYskVZaZ_0KzUL2bL_DEF8YRaQeDjYO1p7t8IcfO1pdUeCIvog9u7Sh25Oje-_15DsHnFvyU1JdQ-N6DLqzIg-l7z6CmsGUgjJ3LPDaqNDJM5w/s1600/1531AB6A-1BB6-4DBC-B2B2-4F2975DCEA72.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSu43-dz_05zKvXX4dpKEk4wM-hepnQF-FF7DCQDDqeNA8qhXx4X8cKl-3KMS7XWhn8HLny-dsmg-ZYskVZaZ_0KzUL2bL_DEF8YRaQeDjYO1p7t8IcfO1pdUeCIvog9u7Sh25Oje-_15DsHnFvyU1JdQ-N6DLqzIg-l7z6CmsGUgjJ3LPDaqNDJM5w/s320/1531AB6A-1BB6-4DBC-B2B2-4F2975DCEA72.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUnSpEB0dhjy33wFD6Q9-Hp5sc8OPz6wjwonEPEq1OSzzrHl1Ya4IMkkVG2FJ48p2oo8ah7ADMlnmBXIuP5qLinyy2o-RqsCUNU64gbkPmw8EI1G2O0HgkXPSd5e5TA1oIl3PWv0Ij1VjT6jA9xIZtPiDO-y3v_EVboR0k6bTDiLgyO1ex4z7QvCmUQ/s1600/A6BB48A6-6728-459E-BBB1-93E58AA50198.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUnSpEB0dhjy33wFD6Q9-Hp5sc8OPz6wjwonEPEq1OSzzrHl1Ya4IMkkVG2FJ48p2oo8ah7ADMlnmBXIuP5qLinyy2o-RqsCUNU64gbkPmw8EI1G2O0HgkXPSd5e5TA1oIl3PWv0Ij1VjT6jA9xIZtPiDO-y3v_EVboR0k6bTDiLgyO1ex4z7QvCmUQ/s320/A6BB48A6-6728-459E-BBB1-93E58AA50198.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyvnH-xZAz4slDO7cXj_6sMVdNKHQVelF7VIBnd3lAqFWWbNDh144OzsFpf98WttlXc1FTwYNDUZkpIzMUVebNqRuDtiDI9FFDo9rJSbjnm0XdAZK73x-qXjrC0opYTabukESO2GxAmtqP9QaRm3JCmagkl7o4p7LZ3Tk4maqNmQwoMx-vNhuYGT-_Q/s1600/DE731D2B-C9E8-46B0-8592-6D7C5519ECE8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyvnH-xZAz4slDO7cXj_6sMVdNKHQVelF7VIBnd3lAqFWWbNDh144OzsFpf98WttlXc1FTwYNDUZkpIzMUVebNqRuDtiDI9FFDo9rJSbjnm0XdAZK73x-qXjrC0opYTabukESO2GxAmtqP9QaRm3JCmagkl7o4p7LZ3Tk4maqNmQwoMx-vNhuYGT-_Q/s320/DE731D2B-C9E8-46B0-8592-6D7C5519ECE8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got to the top and popped out about 40 feet above the ground my “little buddies’ tried to return to where they started in my body, many years before. The slope on top was relatively steep with only a 1 foot high rail with no footholds, should you start to slide. Chan was not happy when I crawled to look over the rail. He said he’d never had a customer die on one of his tours and he didn’t want me to be the first. “It’s not good for business or for tips. Please get back from there!”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Csqa5XhoHRF5Rdjyt_3Qyo-eQm53TQ-IaI3OqPiGqGO2ksEvRLqIY1iXwGe-1MXBQQLXzjvx7zuUOR-82JywOqbGedSqiR37Fc9LrFMpj6ffrASnyVcKlYvYuxsijAaF8CREUwaLN5Iq5sB-v2MKNvUTy9WcFtvYFm5xKTp7OJoig1BFFR9n3Hfe1w/s1600/384AE162-1D97-4B6B-9DF6-CF1E1FBBF649.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Csqa5XhoHRF5Rdjyt_3Qyo-eQm53TQ-IaI3OqPiGqGO2ksEvRLqIY1iXwGe-1MXBQQLXzjvx7zuUOR-82JywOqbGedSqiR37Fc9LrFMpj6ffrASnyVcKlYvYuxsijAaF8CREUwaLN5Iq5sB-v2MKNvUTy9WcFtvYFm5xKTp7OJoig1BFFR9n3Hfe1w/s320/384AE162-1D97-4B6B-9DF6-CF1E1FBBF649.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ0xbhhII8TMfW20T36YsC9KQxuAEHAT2zGh9ftsKVcEQBf2RhrLUqDzpM1xVFqHuybRm-7HGa8gxeTT11ABvHghNTackBGZey6i4PWwQy48iazq7b24eRDoCD9x2lHtDLQiQxBGGcBxQH6vnMlLdCn-d9-pIod_zV_lzwZ0CgCDIFrWbNjv6tEDQCg/s1600/53845D71-C789-414D-B196-ED5D322954A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZ0xbhhII8TMfW20T36YsC9KQxuAEHAT2zGh9ftsKVcEQBf2RhrLUqDzpM1xVFqHuybRm-7HGa8gxeTT11ABvHghNTackBGZey6i4PWwQy48iazq7b24eRDoCD9x2lHtDLQiQxBGGcBxQH6vnMlLdCn-d9-pIod_zV_lzwZ0CgCDIFrWbNjv6tEDQCg/s320/53845D71-C789-414D-B196-ED5D322954A4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVqNMgueoAX9HgCorySzJHSvtr5NTFiGo84jyX8OiIiEqD2p_3_ZadG06xx3zC8rfzvVZcDzLHI0FxG9wgsAXQ4WduF1G_DK9QpCoZgBoLDAYltesdGzbK9gjJJqM__pqvH88NDXLR2-G5imJ7l7QZuzmbtbBDPCsY9txVkZO6sbLz3CJcmJMn_Q7ng/s1600/CB496C8D-E26F-46F7-9EE6-C6EB891C9C36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVqNMgueoAX9HgCorySzJHSvtr5NTFiGo84jyX8OiIiEqD2p_3_ZadG06xx3zC8rfzvVZcDzLHI0FxG9wgsAXQ4WduF1G_DK9QpCoZgBoLDAYltesdGzbK9gjJJqM__pqvH88NDXLR2-G5imJ7l7QZuzmbtbBDPCsY9txVkZO6sbLz3CJcmJMn_Q7ng/s320/CB496C8D-E26F-46F7-9EE6-C6EB891C9C36.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT7KXEsd2JYNZyKOI3zsEpfgsdUrF09OaF3bcNcnRYil5DoFfH1_7pIIKuZ6nzbFap8BJOEE1gxz4hCVgEtqNBDEDjnw5IYckJPiNyCOxOWehmO7_jbKybkCBzfRVUVYrknkSMftc-ocJcpT6LPD87DqxprrPUZmyvouZpzViRqxnqpkQBykLPNq6pw/s1600/D16ABA50-53CF-46C8-8B2B-6694E4BAEA5D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFT7KXEsd2JYNZyKOI3zsEpfgsdUrF09OaF3bcNcnRYil5DoFfH1_7pIIKuZ6nzbFap8BJOEE1gxz4hCVgEtqNBDEDjnw5IYckJPiNyCOxOWehmO7_jbKybkCBzfRVUVYrknkSMftc-ocJcpT6LPD87DqxprrPUZmyvouZpzViRqxnqpkQBykLPNq6pw/s320/D16ABA50-53CF-46C8-8B2B-6694E4BAEA5D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Thereafter, me and my buddies dutifully climbed down with him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy7Oky7YewxD7VkOBV2bx9i8BbeWn6t1lr68o071MgRHC_X4xPGKrdwMzxRBky4anhoD0R4wWidLqFJOFsrAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cindy filled you in on the specifics for the rest of the day and I have nothing to add except…I did find the monks fascinating. I was flattered when an older monk asked if he could take a photo of a younger monk with me. I said “absolutely” and immediately made a faux pas. I put my arm around the man’s shoulder and smiled for the camera. Just as quickly, Chan lunged at me and removed my arm from the shoulder. Just as if I was in the zoo, he blurted, “Don’t touch the monks!” How was I to know? Just call me another “ugly American.” Sorry guys, think I made us all look bad. 😔</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-41922442671678037362023-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:002023-01-27T19:20:21.373-08:00Vientiane: Capital of Laos<p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Every time you leave home,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another road takes you</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Into a world we’re never in.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">New strangers on other paths await.” ~ John O’ Donahue </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Walking around Vientiane last night we encountered a quiet city. A group posed for a formal photograph. We thought at first they might be a group of young graduating police cadets. As we drew closer we realized they were a group of newly hired and trained Hard Rock Cafe employees, standing of course, on the steps of the newly opened Hard Rock Cafe.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We walked back towards our hotel and then took a detour through the park. At Vialy’s Steak House we stopped for appetizers. As we sat talking about our first impression of Laos we were served food that was all freshly made. After Hua Hin and Bangkok, Vientiane is so peaceful and quiet. The staff of the places we have stopped—the hotel, a bar, the restaurant are so helpful even though English is in short supply. This seems a more innocent city and perhaps one that is more willing to please than others we have visited. We find the slower pace, without the hustle of Thailand, welcome. That said, the traffics is still incredible. Crossing the street even at a crosswalk is an adventure.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhkgWu4BSuN5SnNqgyuYrI1AeMzwjVmV_E8NhysOKRyptcoX0zV1zeC-MDeqeazjWDy9MgJbynrKVaH44I0_O5k68a131Xi-rE-71t-_045S7WB3IUs_UZ-jKwv78LEFtxYfcqnUS5-tUx0Cx5ZXod7TsRPUhmbowX_b0guzkDRqKj-F0i0IFdH8oeQ/s2048/E512E5ED-18E2-4D00-9DDA-06A40F600BD7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhkgWu4BSuN5SnNqgyuYrI1AeMzwjVmV_E8NhysOKRyptcoX0zV1zeC-MDeqeazjWDy9MgJbynrKVaH44I0_O5k68a131Xi-rE-71t-_045S7WB3IUs_UZ-jKwv78LEFtxYfcqnUS5-tUx0Cx5ZXod7TsRPUhmbowX_b0guzkDRqKj-F0i0IFdH8oeQ/s320/E512E5ED-18E2-4D00-9DDA-06A40F600BD7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI2LK_T7LDI8MB9fUpv2-eaSxQJWePTdRGZFUtyR7BXogK1sRVxSn-9Nfw1hT1ZGoNdo_El6Ae1NiAG74u54wXU_rWSADrYvAd81nwhO3Z7MsNnRjd6UBBgfv5ykMPwkm4orU9_tS6IU4WE-XXh8wES6ysL3Mz8IgtZmcUdEdtB2TQMemKeA9QueTyg/s2048/2E5B3B08-3ADA-4763-AA3B-545F486F4FF7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI2LK_T7LDI8MB9fUpv2-eaSxQJWePTdRGZFUtyR7BXogK1sRVxSn-9Nfw1hT1ZGoNdo_El6Ae1NiAG74u54wXU_rWSADrYvAd81nwhO3Z7MsNnRjd6UBBgfv5ykMPwkm4orU9_tS6IU4WE-XXh8wES6ysL3Mz8IgtZmcUdEdtB2TQMemKeA9QueTyg/s320/2E5B3B08-3ADA-4763-AA3B-545F486F4FF7.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjgreTDAB7XzHzDJgh-NkBVgUNQQZ4ngUcgE9VVNr0l1upBCRSHZwVWwjl8Ht4cXvxH07GEMldZFEy84WhLgLx4J50J9kbVsRyjRuZUuHq1jbltBavLKaJni_zt7XeePKeDWnGgYY9SDZ6G8sSaTRiWqB7PxbE6KySBQuaVRQz57lKT2uabR7T0Vo_A/s4608/09F5765B-22BA-48F6-96B5-6C9F88532252.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjgreTDAB7XzHzDJgh-NkBVgUNQQZ4ngUcgE9VVNr0l1upBCRSHZwVWwjl8Ht4cXvxH07GEMldZFEy84WhLgLx4J50J9kbVsRyjRuZUuHq1jbltBavLKaJni_zt7XeePKeDWnGgYY9SDZ6G8sSaTRiWqB7PxbE6KySBQuaVRQz57lKT2uabR7T0Vo_A/s320/09F5765B-22BA-48F6-96B5-6C9F88532252.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyDUmvqCsNCSXnA1GHkkkBsHtIY9Fp_VxOeLCLbTvJa4qzxTQHHV9JVb6XIbQM7vYQeW2NHulMX2EHscDhYAeWNk4nLVazFSG656M9HdsTXzQAv_bSDXWX4m3Fsac2b7rGQ0q-lBVF8jEvQRq7b_HQt0Rc-K5futFW0GdW_pHqM1hBx-2LKxAzA1hbg/s4608/0D3D994F-FEF0-4F55-ABE3-8D0D5A6CCA6A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAyDUmvqCsNCSXnA1GHkkkBsHtIY9Fp_VxOeLCLbTvJa4qzxTQHHV9JVb6XIbQM7vYQeW2NHulMX2EHscDhYAeWNk4nLVazFSG656M9HdsTXzQAv_bSDXWX4m3Fsac2b7rGQ0q-lBVF8jEvQRq7b_HQt0Rc-K5futFW0GdW_pHqM1hBx-2LKxAzA1hbg/s320/0D3D994F-FEF0-4F55-ABE3-8D0D5A6CCA6A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h5LpadPY1r3HbuhLP1deyRWhwxlR3riou7Rf3ojyYcs-uXKjtrxQ_iNzLYVBCmClGTT-PT3SHDvLllIv3hUIHzRb_xdLKqHquZ3pNlbi89S0cdnVJDzhCYi8n0syTbeySIqDgQm1ZpwlP9vAmtEgTfrKe_F5I_F7WVfAUcO0m0pPlTDPmejPZW_5rQ/s4608/C81DBC98-CF76-4DDB-B79D-D78C79F55609.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5h5LpadPY1r3HbuhLP1deyRWhwxlR3riou7Rf3ojyYcs-uXKjtrxQ_iNzLYVBCmClGTT-PT3SHDvLllIv3hUIHzRb_xdLKqHquZ3pNlbi89S0cdnVJDzhCYi8n0syTbeySIqDgQm1ZpwlP9vAmtEgTfrKe_F5I_F7WVfAUcO0m0pPlTDPmejPZW_5rQ/s320/C81DBC98-CF76-4DDB-B79D-D78C79F55609.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Thursday we began to explore the city. When we left the hotel we turned left this time. We came to the Presidential Palace and a wide boulevard. We soon decided to leave this street which was home to many governmental offices and international banks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6NRyRSjvhjWROTpikjXkplI1Q6FlEgq0_LCewx9nZ10FcE613JP-uv1MeoLmDFGvhulzb2lAZ6SYaS0FouaRAJy8dR-RtSYtkrZkjaBiQ6QvEY7hXUYHNp9kok53GGyAxxaI9n5BK3Y0AyYk3vISrNkweorIqcc6-T_QS-NNSpz6taIc0a3VJF9oyg/s4608/DBC52568-0973-4058-8B6D-74629D1A2A9B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6NRyRSjvhjWROTpikjXkplI1Q6FlEgq0_LCewx9nZ10FcE613JP-uv1MeoLmDFGvhulzb2lAZ6SYaS0FouaRAJy8dR-RtSYtkrZkjaBiQ6QvEY7hXUYHNp9kok53GGyAxxaI9n5BK3Y0AyYk3vISrNkweorIqcc6-T_QS-NNSpz6taIc0a3VJF9oyg/s320/DBC52568-0973-4058-8B6D-74629D1A2A9B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYyf4XX4u97l_JI9n8IgBge3rsw5TFYahq4S_FH8q6pq6gDVD5b5LyQ8SS9bO8_2MMN2BJK1Ts10x7B50eY95cFtT4HGdbXvpX_QVUDYIijVBqQiHDI3nTMFD0XA4NGE9ZI9viaLPzohV94luQ0O9mDboVGu9-LuZfvr3zz-DT9et5uxBona1T24yqA/s4608/6DA4F10B-58EC-4443-831F-D1D9DC197263.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYyf4XX4u97l_JI9n8IgBge3rsw5TFYahq4S_FH8q6pq6gDVD5b5LyQ8SS9bO8_2MMN2BJK1Ts10x7B50eY95cFtT4HGdbXvpX_QVUDYIijVBqQiHDI3nTMFD0XA4NGE9ZI9viaLPzohV94luQ0O9mDboVGu9-LuZfvr3zz-DT9et5uxBona1T24yqA/s320/6DA4F10B-58EC-4443-831F-D1D9DC197263.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwRwhgYPa_lBnmz5EEK2sNlx_tiZVL8Ol_UAuRwj-0TNQA3CctAb-7eo9IcuopTDkRT9ceVYM50dgnqQsatdG-RgMczGmWLDlXHK4M-uAfTpP0z1JU_g85haJoZFAg1pfXTssZCiuvQiUmfAq6U1WHol8HO1j6PEtgOMo5dt0sD_E11ZUVtYia5fT8Q/s4608/1750CC5A-3F9B-4FA2-8052-CD6EDAB7FE1D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwRwhgYPa_lBnmz5EEK2sNlx_tiZVL8Ol_UAuRwj-0TNQA3CctAb-7eo9IcuopTDkRT9ceVYM50dgnqQsatdG-RgMczGmWLDlXHK4M-uAfTpP0z1JU_g85haJoZFAg1pfXTssZCiuvQiUmfAq6U1WHol8HO1j6PEtgOMo5dt0sD_E11ZUVtYia5fT8Q/s320/1750CC5A-3F9B-4FA2-8052-CD6EDAB7FE1D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the side street we came to a wine shop. Yes, can you believe it? A wine shop? Baravin Savor’s Club. Inside we found the staff having lunch so we browsed the wide selection of wine and liquors. There were few whites but a huge selection of reds—most if not all, from France. And so France, once ousted from Laos is still here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Ken the store manager came to help us. He spoke English beautifully with a lovely French accent. He confessed to studying in both France and England. After purchasing a bottle of a French red blend and a small bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label he made some recommendations. One was to have a glass of wine at 7th Heaven, the rooftop bar at La Seine Hotel.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Later that day our Sunset Food Tour guide didn’t show up which is a whole different story. In conciliation we went to the 7th Heaven bar to whine about our disappointment. But how can you whine when watching the sunset over the Mekong? So we didn’t. We enjoyed our wine, our appetizers, the attentive wait staff and the glorious sunset.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLwV5fKyf75YZdxvjq_pDBmfw0SWV0xByx9UN4uRk10XbDNN1jZ6bhufs58SZCgzxtXcxLqtkrhAgZGQCcpMM60wrcDuDr2rioBSwk0KHT2gOu_NK4JxMcV1BcYgmcNgDr9XcdG2dU0jroh72oqdunOEwtZLOoc188N2CRmQYCo8jwWI59H2nO96vtg/s4608/D105BD00-2512-409D-811B-F4299730BC66.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLwV5fKyf75YZdxvjq_pDBmfw0SWV0xByx9UN4uRk10XbDNN1jZ6bhufs58SZCgzxtXcxLqtkrhAgZGQCcpMM60wrcDuDr2rioBSwk0KHT2gOu_NK4JxMcV1BcYgmcNgDr9XcdG2dU0jroh72oqdunOEwtZLOoc188N2CRmQYCo8jwWI59H2nO96vtg/s320/D105BD00-2512-409D-811B-F4299730BC66.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPvny3sjxEW8nGcFx7yc7o4KsluqPBEpAzzo_KUtjuoERedTz0W6SgTb0g3Kp4VqxpjFWytQrbz6KAxHdIPm1G9SL_sqwnbX53RFM0f717yXTgbg9t2U20FvpCNUVw0FDIuTwiXJOV9_ezhi5w0fDJtLKAIawuXocHaEa-DVdrlkOmULULRZ-MNx9kg/s2048/694D87E4-EEE7-446A-B0EA-C0112BC1C71C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPvny3sjxEW8nGcFx7yc7o4KsluqPBEpAzzo_KUtjuoERedTz0W6SgTb0g3Kp4VqxpjFWytQrbz6KAxHdIPm1G9SL_sqwnbX53RFM0f717yXTgbg9t2U20FvpCNUVw0FDIuTwiXJOV9_ezhi5w0fDJtLKAIawuXocHaEa-DVdrlkOmULULRZ-MNx9kg/s320/694D87E4-EEE7-446A-B0EA-C0112BC1C71C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgSVZqRx7G9BOo7gViYFaRPPIg17mtJoccBaxDlZG3EIvt5_klVGwNUATkkOizilREny8bglC3yOvuETBO1qRZT8Rhgg_qupEsEPVnGkorNPdM3RkiLiWi9o_VJkPpcc1BgCi3Svid_ZTg0FkEPq6IP3lNPzALOkByPyp2kzobP4uJSTFSALqY7DeUQ/s4608/EE3B1ED6-89FD-45BF-B7D4-E4A9146217D7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgSVZqRx7G9BOo7gViYFaRPPIg17mtJoccBaxDlZG3EIvt5_klVGwNUATkkOizilREny8bglC3yOvuETBO1qRZT8Rhgg_qupEsEPVnGkorNPdM3RkiLiWi9o_VJkPpcc1BgCi3Svid_ZTg0FkEPq6IP3lNPzALOkByPyp2kzobP4uJSTFSALqY7DeUQ/s320/EE3B1ED6-89FD-45BF-B7D4-E4A9146217D7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJLuC08_oHVuk_8X0-Pkyo0e_6vOq0dvnUAHVA2Lil1eStoDESL4ZZxHQc07qSbxQbbIsHAScZCj2103Gx1tW5aiEjqvKcN0aIE1n4PIP_m3j6wiCoQtxK23oZtf5BXs9N1-GMOkqBd5rBBx_NdymYa5hpCh8WpAAM0cXu5Tr8A45JF8jt3K-n-oDFw/s4608/B6221710-8371-4907-B2D9-3BDBA404CA32.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJLuC08_oHVuk_8X0-Pkyo0e_6vOq0dvnUAHVA2Lil1eStoDESL4ZZxHQc07qSbxQbbIsHAScZCj2103Gx1tW5aiEjqvKcN0aIE1n4PIP_m3j6wiCoQtxK23oZtf5BXs9N1-GMOkqBd5rBBx_NdymYa5hpCh8WpAAM0cXu5Tr8A45JF8jt3K-n-oDFw/s320/B6221710-8371-4907-B2D9-3BDBA404CA32.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJDmh4Xg9VMUIJLRVjJ5cnoxekmDq6UM9nm_d4REL0m58YHlDw_UYl1vL6FnzSDedq2mE_XyK3Q6ovA3ZvIpLAVg1kheP7282jjt1biL80uvTvhJzcprtwBBCV7LNy62JgQbRcXzEyx3J1NWbsJxLZ1wOKOtZ6SoGoHLuFHtnBs8d4nsXK4emEAwIHw/s4608/3A200E92-4D67-4604-9988-F73BD60E8AF9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJDmh4Xg9VMUIJLRVjJ5cnoxekmDq6UM9nm_d4REL0m58YHlDw_UYl1vL6FnzSDedq2mE_XyK3Q6ovA3ZvIpLAVg1kheP7282jjt1biL80uvTvhJzcprtwBBCV7LNy62JgQbRcXzEyx3J1NWbsJxLZ1wOKOtZ6SoGoHLuFHtnBs8d4nsXK4emEAwIHw/s320/3A200E92-4D67-4604-9988-F73BD60E8AF9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And Dennis says—</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It’s Saturday morning, 8 AM and Cindy’s already on my butt about writing something for the blog. I feel like a third grader with the teacher prodding me to do my homework. Sheesh!! I look out the window and realize we’re probably in the safest place in town (not that it’s at all dangerous). Our hotel is right net door to the police station. Up the road are embassies from other countries around the world as well as the presidential palace of Laos. Yep, pretty safe here.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9iPdNIdTfSB_lIMYbkq4lxcL_QfowbjhqbgalYd8MCZ3NBEAiVTIGO7dvsmbalaxaIIncJduNhfKMYpmFL9wtX7px9C20MDNKygHoHpXGX0_sHJ0be0ZBPKHtXK2Or05hhxBBVs7TfhWbpHQ1-M-78G74itwhbYGd_YzMYdnSO4jiNBoiQQkbt_oBA/s4608/BDFA17A7-9595-4205-ADFB-967281817CBD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9iPdNIdTfSB_lIMYbkq4lxcL_QfowbjhqbgalYd8MCZ3NBEAiVTIGO7dvsmbalaxaIIncJduNhfKMYpmFL9wtX7px9C20MDNKygHoHpXGX0_sHJ0be0ZBPKHtXK2Or05hhxBBVs7TfhWbpHQ1-M-78G74itwhbYGd_YzMYdnSO4jiNBoiQQkbt_oBA/s320/BDFA17A7-9595-4205-ADFB-967281817CBD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presidential Palace</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking out the window, I also see hundreds of electrical wire on poles extending for miles in all directions. I wonder if one goes out, how the heck do they trace it down and untangle the bundles. We’ve seen the same in other countries of SE Asia, especially Vietnam. 😱</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h19lJWfA5UAL5Nkgjb6E-2YT-04TA506oj7iYW8gEw75KA7iDIs3xs9PQCAE5sNQOx4QAsqPFRz5YlPVf3tLV3oMwik_iV5aA3rhOStJ0jHICpJKZL_fxKHYXlFEqeHef6sXGBqfR_fKD9XTkvEpcbhaM-QB3QCruFX3LioCVAfLO3d9ATLeX9H_YA/s4608/C29E3365-5DCC-4CC2-B7CB-A1ADF47A5A2F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h19lJWfA5UAL5Nkgjb6E-2YT-04TA506oj7iYW8gEw75KA7iDIs3xs9PQCAE5sNQOx4QAsqPFRz5YlPVf3tLV3oMwik_iV5aA3rhOStJ0jHICpJKZL_fxKHYXlFEqeHef6sXGBqfR_fKD9XTkvEpcbhaM-QB3QCruFX3LioCVAfLO3d9ATLeX9H_YA/s320/C29E3365-5DCC-4CC2-B7CB-A1ADF47A5A2F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One quick story about my traveling partner. Last night we took a tuk-tuk to a nice rooftop restaurant (see photos). The driver wanted 50,000 Kip ($3.00) to take us there. After a few drinks and dinner, we hailed another to take us back to our hotel. I asked, “How much?” He said, “70,000 Kip ($4.00).” I said, “No, 50,000 Kip” and we began to negotiate. Cindy steps in (without a welcome I might add) and tells me I gave the first driver 70,000 Kip. I tell her I know what I paid and it was 50,000. Now, I’m arguing with her and the driver. I gave up! I gave him 70,000 Kip with the caveat to her, “I’m trying to save us money as well.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You’re probably thinking, “C’mon, it’s only a buck.” But it’s the principle that counts, right? It didn’t come down to pushing and shoving, wrestling on the ground between her and I but, I was right, right? You gotta stand up for what’s right. Which one of us gets an “atta boy/girl”? Sometimes being together 24/7 ain’t easy…😄 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one gets a rebuttal from Cindy—</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am so sorry that I told him it was okay to make fun of me. He has responded much too enthusiastically. Next he’ll be telling you how I fell down in the airport in Bangkok trying to help him put on his backpack. Sheesh. </div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-9608893282767530052023-01-24T19:17:00.000-08:002023-01-24T19:17:17.103-08:00Kick Boxing and Wet Feet<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Our last day in Hua Hin found us sitting on the beach with the warm waves from the Bay of Thailand tickling our toes. A delightful breeze cools the air making this a deceptively temperate day. To get the idea of how hot the sun really is, you only have to look around to see the sunburns on the foreigners. The native Thais are completely covered. A few daring souls wear short sleeves rather than long. What a glorious day!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc25f4qAho3D2a8Yqs0Wxd6WL0iPyk8Vbqnucmf8XfJ0sXXteVp7WzjBbOL2nVaH4ym4GDlWyqChzEB_Z6BtjbDDitKprb011fESmllYR72bHVgevqg596ZtnPP24o4Mvd8nbeipLSBwQ93mRk5q_FwDlZk1xhvZwUdEEmR2hQzEurl-sxYkPvNhHwgg/s4608/70198843-D0DB-4B9D-BDA7-AE7D4F665F68.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc25f4qAho3D2a8Yqs0Wxd6WL0iPyk8Vbqnucmf8XfJ0sXXteVp7WzjBbOL2nVaH4ym4GDlWyqChzEB_Z6BtjbDDitKprb011fESmllYR72bHVgevqg596ZtnPP24o4Mvd8nbeipLSBwQ93mRk5q_FwDlZk1xhvZwUdEEmR2hQzEurl-sxYkPvNhHwgg/s320/70198843-D0DB-4B9D-BDA7-AE7D4F665F68.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKQlc4dA5BKe7XLGC3ICnf3O7iFq173jrPOC-duFWdr0nYmo_0pcS59W7oVrUmqoEjLgE_Z3lG3Hx6EFhirBhZULj56aqFqsCllpEfKQbtx2peLMFwcha-uqI_3dQU5-K-BNKde1_Uz9sJz31th23hRmX9IMZNak4MIKRD7cxEQsj07vAPr2j5o9K9g/s4608/FA8521CE-C00A-4B87-8B5C-989151B30BF1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKQlc4dA5BKe7XLGC3ICnf3O7iFq173jrPOC-duFWdr0nYmo_0pcS59W7oVrUmqoEjLgE_Z3lG3Hx6EFhirBhZULj56aqFqsCllpEfKQbtx2peLMFwcha-uqI_3dQU5-K-BNKde1_Uz9sJz31th23hRmX9IMZNak4MIKRD7cxEQsj07vAPr2j5o9K9g/s320/FA8521CE-C00A-4B87-8B5C-989151B30BF1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Saturday night we had tickets for Muay Thai (kick boxing). We saw Jhonny at Kuiburi National Park where he was on a different tour. We mentioned Muay Thai to him. He was able to get tickets and a seat right next to us. We met him at Heidi’s Garden for dinner before the match. We came to realize that Thai Boxing Garden events were not championship matches. The garden is a neighborhood gym that trains fighters and gives classes to anyone who is interested. When we bought the tickets a man from Finland and his teenage son were there to take a class.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After dinner at Heidi’s the three of us walked down the alley to the gym. We presented our tickets and were rewarded with a Singha beer. After finding our seats in the upper balcony overlooking the ring, we had only a short time to wait before the first match began. For me the formal rites or ceremony before each match was as fascinating as the match itself.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfAQUpsB_mqhS51BE9p0Yw0Kb8JbbAtz5zl5-JS2RFPUrcu4EfMzmXIpgwMvRosFbu8NP5J_b8eyjN33hYJne7VrAnCTn2RxWAbQbSessE-0B5Ydm6xdn-fkFplSGFmkDN48nPO-OsTuwhbHKbmDBHgoWY4FtRlNnVuX0p5NWUh_hMU80Om0XBHI-XQ/s4608/1991525C-6D18-49CB-B3CA-C2A34E2B758B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfAQUpsB_mqhS51BE9p0Yw0Kb8JbbAtz5zl5-JS2RFPUrcu4EfMzmXIpgwMvRosFbu8NP5J_b8eyjN33hYJne7VrAnCTn2RxWAbQbSessE-0B5Ydm6xdn-fkFplSGFmkDN48nPO-OsTuwhbHKbmDBHgoWY4FtRlNnVuX0p5NWUh_hMU80Om0XBHI-XQ/s320/1991525C-6D18-49CB-B3CA-C2A34E2B758B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ugeieGa5Fx39HilDcbE_Jim8-JTby88q9J8js2c4cFBAuxvXKfu98PvYfXCohMMVDGVYmmQO1ZlJxnWYFqj1Pt2twI_TLqL0g45_bdV2RTlWHgyQgmjjpjZ2eHnsrxxS0NGjYwe0PVDl7tPAZakrZ0zGPCGDloGNANHmRG2vWQHRIGMokKwFzB4yg/s4608/A16F33B8-C543-4173-A867-CEF8676B746B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-ugeieGa5Fx39HilDcbE_Jim8-JTby88q9J8js2c4cFBAuxvXKfu98PvYfXCohMMVDGVYmmQO1ZlJxnWYFqj1Pt2twI_TLqL0g45_bdV2RTlWHgyQgmjjpjZ2eHnsrxxS0NGjYwe0PVDl7tPAZakrZ0zGPCGDloGNANHmRG2vWQHRIGMokKwFzB4yg/s320/A16F33B8-C543-4173-A867-CEF8676B746B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvOKgJ96vltEZ4RJbk8U95XLleYkZmtJuaapxTmqBQ3hhBYyJ31btbp1G_hK8_YWLvjjST1PvaY4c4p-treg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There were five matches on Saturday. The youngest boxers were twelve and their match was three rounds of three minutes each. Both young men gave it their all. After the winner was declared both fighters proceed to walk through the stand and collect money from the audience. Some people only gave to the winner, some only to the loser and some gave to both. This practice was a surprise to us but nonetheless, we participated.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The oldest fighters were grinning for most of their match. The fighter we thought would win, did not. By the last round he was just too tired. Whenever he got a chance in the last round, he took a walk around the ring. His opponent had at least thirty pounds on him and in the end that won over technique.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijtd0TRObslwGy_e_n9dYOYibeYiiw5fGcGC7j4CCT6ViKZUmOVARSTQhtPYhoYr-9RTflC0Tm_8sojOjhJeYvg5ix3SyW8yKRK3hiqKllYgXI4MHizE3oCbw-YFxpAFV6fmjHUl6jxfl49aa9mytgg1YO6odVSZ2x-Ng21kX4MrZFCtuGI4NrDn1JQ/s4608/955E997E-C39F-40CE-A08A-8D232EEEAB49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhijtd0TRObslwGy_e_n9dYOYibeYiiw5fGcGC7j4CCT6ViKZUmOVARSTQhtPYhoYr-9RTflC0Tm_8sojOjhJeYvg5ix3SyW8yKRK3hiqKllYgXI4MHizE3oCbw-YFxpAFV6fmjHUl6jxfl49aa9mytgg1YO6odVSZ2x-Ng21kX4MrZFCtuGI4NrDn1JQ/s320/955E997E-C39F-40CE-A08A-8D232EEEAB49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kFwVI3JsuK4JlUNIjhWdv85qG2pPMjBKS8-8FtYl_CMGg7ucTFNPh1yAr0b9efYsa7X_0IeB37x-pN1n65xfXQvpKK2bUUbK14cVcguHZ4T0u1-N159uxEy23JHcfHZ-nY_qQpJEnJWIwtN7ZmawdmSVC-ime9634UX85YyqSp3swkxq1sO0Ew8olQ/s4608/644FCA3D-8C00-4E0F-8339-7A5A995F9245.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2kFwVI3JsuK4JlUNIjhWdv85qG2pPMjBKS8-8FtYl_CMGg7ucTFNPh1yAr0b9efYsa7X_0IeB37x-pN1n65xfXQvpKK2bUUbK14cVcguHZ4T0u1-N159uxEy23JHcfHZ-nY_qQpJEnJWIwtN7ZmawdmSVC-ime9634UX85YyqSp3swkxq1sO0Ew8olQ/s320/644FCA3D-8C00-4E0F-8339-7A5A995F9245.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrukWvk-tgTxH082Y5jtp-lMgxjLzOu--3DcGee8FPaYH7-zE3XevXf_6rzntia8G_ZA091236hSjzKrUymT_2vwbwXa65_YSDkCZmeVqnfAzGiIk1u7pMblSabeIiBWzEclzEGjKYaQPp_wtgAzFGWavuCUBITegho5QEy7LdPK6lowcm9tHK1ckkMA/s4608/5D248091-FDFA-47D2-B43E-C4C87C988956.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrukWvk-tgTxH082Y5jtp-lMgxjLzOu--3DcGee8FPaYH7-zE3XevXf_6rzntia8G_ZA091236hSjzKrUymT_2vwbwXa65_YSDkCZmeVqnfAzGiIk1u7pMblSabeIiBWzEclzEGjKYaQPp_wtgAzFGWavuCUBITegho5QEy7LdPK6lowcm9tHK1ckkMA/s320/5D248091-FDFA-47D2-B43E-C4C87C988956.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXCxv8sTznj8WbxqPP5jKw5B3VsSEONSIlIfY-N7l0JG6N2dXz7lht1MPLzHrHvBMSwJqyKpxD9FC0nxmbDaFP2d7PBr3fV2ZSWf9u2x8G4slRzbpPA7B_E00rXHk3eAoFElGzoASrgC1ZrHs_Jh6mHhdIqIxgEQ83j2NX4g899SmwAVy0q52E5p86g/s4608/27555661-B46C-4EAA-B3D8-70434DED0A06.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXCxv8sTznj8WbxqPP5jKw5B3VsSEONSIlIfY-N7l0JG6N2dXz7lht1MPLzHrHvBMSwJqyKpxD9FC0nxmbDaFP2d7PBr3fV2ZSWf9u2x8G4slRzbpPA7B_E00rXHk3eAoFElGzoASrgC1ZrHs_Jh6mHhdIqIxgEQ83j2NX4g899SmwAVy0q52E5p86g/s320/27555661-B46C-4EAA-B3D8-70434DED0A06.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUjRdugWW9_yFlzexKyTpryGYZAXSHnDRc3KcfXVQ7zlpdKvRhTKWWIUhzBTCZsgttcnOGxjk3GnwUfrKPZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQTjefXaVGrPlgPnKGztvgkDpiOuGdrVny7RAk8vA3zsFhrg0AxW7SgfWbsNGpbKIkc-D6ZuTMpVFsY60yPW234A5EaQ7CLnCgUr5feSafde6dGUYct5OsbwUqw4iPiJFSyvCOXL2QPSPBZOZw5FNC171PZ8rtFaytKnksJd4sqjX7sVyWjW-KwPTw/s4608/40277665-D27A-4B1A-B73B-F14B3CE55238.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQTjefXaVGrPlgPnKGztvgkDpiOuGdrVny7RAk8vA3zsFhrg0AxW7SgfWbsNGpbKIkc-D6ZuTMpVFsY60yPW234A5EaQ7CLnCgUr5feSafde6dGUYct5OsbwUqw4iPiJFSyvCOXL2QPSPBZOZw5FNC171PZ8rtFaytKnksJd4sqjX7sVyWjW-KwPTw/s320/40277665-D27A-4B1A-B73B-F14B3CE55238.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The best fighter was the young man we met when we went to get the tickets. He won his match by a knockout. WOW! That was a surprise. The even bigger surprise was the walk by the fighters around the stands. Both of them were there with the winner going first. I couldn’t believe the other young man was not off seeing a doctor.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx6jJxFOq936NApXXKBsScmV2UYV6L-F1phYWbSwO8Ih43ldE_ZgP41nIKicZJHdluBAu-RBFSvdttucwjYuw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwbRYz9PqI7GYcGlSe1QgaNYO9omVW3sH9XqbGiY88m5L-eFRV3zv0Gqr2YOqmWYNyuvKJ1rti2vubsDnRQJbFNBKU4bralqfkoPnoUo6ysWAfOelQUevCB9dU5drwYUZXTp-TBMd19Clyantaw1CpnEPiBd5oQ8NtvV-HLrHBJjTfAlFVDbMrx975w/s4608/6D91FE2B-56DC-4B05-AA0D-B809ED4C0952.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwbRYz9PqI7GYcGlSe1QgaNYO9omVW3sH9XqbGiY88m5L-eFRV3zv0Gqr2YOqmWYNyuvKJ1rti2vubsDnRQJbFNBKU4bralqfkoPnoUo6ysWAfOelQUevCB9dU5drwYUZXTp-TBMd19Clyantaw1CpnEPiBd5oQ8NtvV-HLrHBJjTfAlFVDbMrx975w/s320/6D91FE2B-56DC-4B05-AA0D-B809ED4C0952.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YPkYZwo5JH4LK_FOBXG7nbVxP9EtliddLLaE9SpTVk0gmz7nJUiLlUXOKdRnkbZCXRfQb8eJkg0hFg1PcKSJlDpdoN6lYdwpANE-9Zymw3yBAjIynERcrDndj-e5K8kONYJcfdnTvJMDlyzq-FmyDb0BTucT3W5FHScANpFazvIqfde7Pwj9U62uWA/s4608/D9AE454B-B5DF-4C5E-B40E-B24E20FC8EBB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5YPkYZwo5JH4LK_FOBXG7nbVxP9EtliddLLaE9SpTVk0gmz7nJUiLlUXOKdRnkbZCXRfQb8eJkg0hFg1PcKSJlDpdoN6lYdwpANE-9Zymw3yBAjIynERcrDndj-e5K8kONYJcfdnTvJMDlyzq-FmyDb0BTucT3W5FHScANpFazvIqfde7Pwj9U62uWA/s320/D9AE454B-B5DF-4C5E-B40E-B24E20FC8EBB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Quite an interesting and exciting evening!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning Cream picked us up with Noi as our driver. We headed out to the mangroves. What a wonderful day! I may repeat because both Dennis and I thought this was an exceptional day. The mangrove park was initiated by Queen Sirikit the mother of the current King Maha Vajiralogkorn. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The mangroves are traversed by a wooden plank trail that encircle a portion of the mangrove swamp. We barely started walking the trail when the boards were covered with swamp water. Dennis made the smartest move and took off his shoes and socks. Cream and I tried tiptoeing through the water which gradually flowed over the soles of our shoes, soaking our socks. Too late, my shoes and sock came off.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIZdw7fAM_G9zKl-SDfC3cfl706L1esMWMwq-8xdyeksfbycL1FzfcfXu_MAXRzA-6SuhFAEGILkn9Vaf2sWdkzmc8msby3RBICTOa-QRKApjEOrAsqRVTxgs3Qgv07uPWBa7enAEeA69e5EON56OCrnSAVd9ew0l4r7SJ4X82Fd80QdHBNK5F-GgQw/s4608/279A4D54-A665-435C-A70F-99BCF8F9BBE7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIZdw7fAM_G9zKl-SDfC3cfl706L1esMWMwq-8xdyeksfbycL1FzfcfXu_MAXRzA-6SuhFAEGILkn9Vaf2sWdkzmc8msby3RBICTOa-QRKApjEOrAsqRVTxgs3Qgv07uPWBa7enAEeA69e5EON56OCrnSAVd9ew0l4r7SJ4X82Fd80QdHBNK5F-GgQw/s320/279A4D54-A665-435C-A70F-99BCF8F9BBE7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dydbJw1WUNyu0F2pe2XdEEJGX25FQmkjy3iMdwQossH9KqNjr4wXu3nT57Wrml2o1IgI4nsHwnPBpfj87pQbQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: arial;">About half way through the loop, is a clearing where the mangrove meets the river. If you wish you can take a boat ride. I highly recommend doing this. It is 450 Baht ($13.00) for 1 - 4 people and 500 Baht ($15.00) for up to 6 people. It is a beautiful ride, ending in brackish water where the ocean and river meet. Passing through fishing villages and into more open water is splendid. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For me it is mesmerizing to see fishing boats cruising past. Given my experience with sea sickness, I don’t know why I love seeing the boats, the fishermen, and their catches. Okay, some of the fishermen are ruggedly handsome so I get that but really, the catches—a bit smelly.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3qhnaRx3XVxH9Yqp2X3ak1CmXynntRAIJXf-3istgcFl9vIwKqypTNRyFUbzQiLhnJ8WPDjpRHOpKhiwOnM7hihw9nEgtoD0BVDPoNgh4wKcB3-FUaVa7qvlGK5MZxGRuwO4oZJuE0uy6ggxQ9lW8IvppYgSOvOshJ8gB8C-FQaFaQQY2ntY7EUf2g/s4608/727FB29F-4145-45CC-B334-524E1556B6C4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3qhnaRx3XVxH9Yqp2X3ak1CmXynntRAIJXf-3istgcFl9vIwKqypTNRyFUbzQiLhnJ8WPDjpRHOpKhiwOnM7hihw9nEgtoD0BVDPoNgh4wKcB3-FUaVa7qvlGK5MZxGRuwO4oZJuE0uy6ggxQ9lW8IvppYgSOvOshJ8gB8C-FQaFaQQY2ntY7EUf2g/s320/727FB29F-4145-45CC-B334-524E1556B6C4.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb3KDjztmhZF6yoUgy1O-dZkDB7Ho-geRIocLrFtHYB5qEfnGZvzw6ClCZ3FOhQE3xZbfg6JZqAJcen_5YeMswX_9HkQOiSBNWC-b8kzqws8AUJ7T1kaO21ypcunayVcZ6F6Q6ykvpC8mahJFjAUqhTtI_xdv71Ju3q8qY-tpH6B5dOCJVSk3Q23Eew/s4608/E9E713A7-6594-4010-ABB6-CDD01C695751.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcb3KDjztmhZF6yoUgy1O-dZkDB7Ho-geRIocLrFtHYB5qEfnGZvzw6ClCZ3FOhQE3xZbfg6JZqAJcen_5YeMswX_9HkQOiSBNWC-b8kzqws8AUJ7T1kaO21ypcunayVcZ6F6Q6ykvpC8mahJFjAUqhTtI_xdv71Ju3q8qY-tpH6B5dOCJVSk3Q23Eew/s320/E9E713A7-6594-4010-ABB6-CDD01C695751.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX4wUDQcbGjqfKRPBHaFvrApLntB5A-XJgcSvDfjHSDPtbyq9-ZurebqUWopoAEdYYORcGQvAmcHKZMfJOxG1sr8gppTO1GMg0s3VB61-ossaPIsoPHXMsyqLH0UUNYvCNwlgDOCpY6mL26lr-Zmu_mWacHrfmhsfdGnna4dlByjGMn5V4-BVgvW7RQ/s4608/F05A8BA7-B35C-4306-A220-0FA47FDF5490.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX4wUDQcbGjqfKRPBHaFvrApLntB5A-XJgcSvDfjHSDPtbyq9-ZurebqUWopoAEdYYORcGQvAmcHKZMfJOxG1sr8gppTO1GMg0s3VB61-ossaPIsoPHXMsyqLH0UUNYvCNwlgDOCpY6mL26lr-Zmu_mWacHrfmhsfdGnna4dlByjGMn5V4-BVgvW7RQ/s320/F05A8BA7-B35C-4306-A220-0FA47FDF5490.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDROsX92AI8X6BP5TT6CxrEpnlM0pMVGoZsvCCCYlODiITrMAn3_HZTCzqOsXDTw5OFuFtBevGe6XUSoXzGXoKN-B3WJTVTWs2T14cFP1tWYMbW_5FfcyLIaOkDZNHM_rEh9A4S1jt9FQGSYnpuTY-7Sl55r5D-yN8A-fSKraM_KHhQcaZy8Wkt_6cQ/s4608/F6FB9D02-4693-4688-8DD8-B0E27E993482.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDROsX92AI8X6BP5TT6CxrEpnlM0pMVGoZsvCCCYlODiITrMAn3_HZTCzqOsXDTw5OFuFtBevGe6XUSoXzGXoKN-B3WJTVTWs2T14cFP1tWYMbW_5FfcyLIaOkDZNHM_rEh9A4S1jt9FQGSYnpuTY-7Sl55r5D-yN8A-fSKraM_KHhQcaZy8Wkt_6cQ/s320/F6FB9D02-4693-4688-8DD8-B0E27E993482.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwrku-HxwNkFit5j7WJWlORj8NTR06NNduCm6NMvBF3YJtoc6BH77PzCCrA6y_MI7Zm9ou5TX-z3FB5xWvRQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once back at the dock at the grove we continued walking on the loop trail so that we could return to our starting point. We had an opportunity to climb up a standing platform to view the magnitude of the mangroves. Dennis did it, I did not.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYm544UvkYx10tIBqbjyopVqY2DoqH-TgqoLFaplZB92dgPU_YbnOQFIbhfRT5erK2DK4JgbBRJW81_ExxqVA-Sbz19e6lj7UAqIMA1McIb5H9dmWCCVWZBzaj94i92xMEKGswL5Y4PPrqcQUnUtQDgquqbV3NhYMB57fir6A0s4WrspiysK0wP_N9w/s4608/5DE05127-CB9D-4703-A0D8-4DF55767EDE1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYm544UvkYx10tIBqbjyopVqY2DoqH-TgqoLFaplZB92dgPU_YbnOQFIbhfRT5erK2DK4JgbBRJW81_ExxqVA-Sbz19e6lj7UAqIMA1McIb5H9dmWCCVWZBzaj94i92xMEKGswL5Y4PPrqcQUnUtQDgquqbV3NhYMB57fir6A0s4WrspiysK0wP_N9w/s320/5DE05127-CB9D-4703-A0D8-4DF55767EDE1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtcfvf_9hlZ_U5mrdKY80p3S-W-a9Of5lO2iRt7ZyGv3uFXXqoXYw8Irj27QiyUoagKt9-LcCqiwyro-vCDwGq-4_Uqa1VLerJ4V2zHA8mTaawbPd7gl6lAERf2mp2OQoGaNXlWt9S0pMy2yFecKSMjxwtf8_ugum3DAjGkV8VDtDoTW5GAUrABYVTA/s4608/069B8E34-7792-43B8-A623-918CBDFA2D01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtcfvf_9hlZ_U5mrdKY80p3S-W-a9Of5lO2iRt7ZyGv3uFXXqoXYw8Irj27QiyUoagKt9-LcCqiwyro-vCDwGq-4_Uqa1VLerJ4V2zHA8mTaawbPd7gl6lAERf2mp2OQoGaNXlWt9S0pMy2yFecKSMjxwtf8_ugum3DAjGkV8VDtDoTW5GAUrABYVTA/s320/069B8E34-7792-43B8-A623-918CBDFA2D01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7fIWRK-Ejm5InWYHkwkuaEnlRl6Gp8w0xCjLb4QsWNaUhXRxoOw4JMs7W3659OQ7PEKw0m2XuDX5yEch0a-osSVrc7nazWom-ee6UVhFy9B_zEggp28lKl4_sTXxV_zmgV2UN9hUXNCEpd4t8ccjHc8E92MrGtz-mWSVQXrmd76fwA0zV4L8US728g/s4608/071224F3-144C-4E25-86DD-E69B491BB45B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7fIWRK-Ejm5InWYHkwkuaEnlRl6Gp8w0xCjLb4QsWNaUhXRxoOw4JMs7W3659OQ7PEKw0m2XuDX5yEch0a-osSVrc7nazWom-ee6UVhFy9B_zEggp28lKl4_sTXxV_zmgV2UN9hUXNCEpd4t8ccjHc8E92MrGtz-mWSVQXrmd76fwA0zV4L8US728g/s320/071224F3-144C-4E25-86DD-E69B491BB45B.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After a short walk across the road to the beach and the bathroom, we continued on our way to the crab bank.The crab bank was started because the crabs were being overfished. The bank allows the female crabs to deposit their eggs in the “bank”. Then once they are at the next stage (zoea) (see photo of glass) they can be safely returned to the water to grow. The females are then sold. The “bank” has significantly increased the crab population and positively impacted the lives of the crabbers. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje7GF0tL8fENeXO2k3jYkV1_i6jhPob5n-CS-6yibXS5xo1IzfDfmpgCDJGxP5ReI2_sbepT2K33cAz78YJhZoIlAWQ5nhyxNrrRx5m77GwQtxfwjqaM9HNX9Hdj5SRCLsOZgWhkzZUtdTSqarjQESteUWvHAn4lUBcR98W14SG6oEASI6IRLYXZE6A/s4608/9E1179CD-FC01-4F45-B25E-ECC8092310E9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje7GF0tL8fENeXO2k3jYkV1_i6jhPob5n-CS-6yibXS5xo1IzfDfmpgCDJGxP5ReI2_sbepT2K33cAz78YJhZoIlAWQ5nhyxNrrRx5m77GwQtxfwjqaM9HNX9Hdj5SRCLsOZgWhkzZUtdTSqarjQESteUWvHAn4lUBcR98W14SG6oEASI6IRLYXZE6A/s320/9E1179CD-FC01-4F45-B25E-ECC8092310E9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-9P-UlKh6En5Bx55ZcJhGsuSsMWiXOTCRRjtHW3LgCm92lBLHcTcNQ4b3_GZqtW_G0L-AGWcX8QK8q4KGHRcRe8YNOArQO8745BgGUiAki_18AHqgjIcXydd9-HDNomNJxfHNfL9vrRrAVsFrFJ76pkYu7RI3se-lXtW5zmnRqmTFJa7x2dc1qG2Ng/s4608/38B282A4-6512-445B-8200-8B66146E2137.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-9P-UlKh6En5Bx55ZcJhGsuSsMWiXOTCRRjtHW3LgCm92lBLHcTcNQ4b3_GZqtW_G0L-AGWcX8QK8q4KGHRcRe8YNOArQO8745BgGUiAki_18AHqgjIcXydd9-HDNomNJxfHNfL9vrRrAVsFrFJ76pkYu7RI3se-lXtW5zmnRqmTFJa7x2dc1qG2Ng/s320/38B282A4-6512-445B-8200-8B66146E2137.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP7b7OdCfdObL4LXfNRfKHuCJuHc9DfozUu1Zvz6NhV16qKEWO8ewz4QPZUVpBjw-NeymEmpCoUC-hJOpAmMinl-d6FOIHHfaCjPJMKvQ9yFmf0tCLcxAqOx1JmMSPEv3IgvgLUVq6TsK2Kqlr7ySt8wncbSlNfWbpv-v1w4PkBJdvPYMtqhdlW57aw/s4608/C881A537-C6CC-4317-AAC3-33717AA0F11D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrP7b7OdCfdObL4LXfNRfKHuCJuHc9DfozUu1Zvz6NhV16qKEWO8ewz4QPZUVpBjw-NeymEmpCoUC-hJOpAmMinl-d6FOIHHfaCjPJMKvQ9yFmf0tCLcxAqOx1JmMSPEv3IgvgLUVq6TsK2Kqlr7ySt8wncbSlNfWbpv-v1w4PkBJdvPYMtqhdlW57aw/s320/C881A537-C6CC-4317-AAC3-33717AA0F11D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MQpIQbNCoSDHFKcCnHJNUHwgIMV_njilSfOLR_UfChZMVFUZXSdBSwwTiE9PmRM0YgDiT_X7BSH0aE8B4CLXI4ut-R3EmOcVmH4kU52P2Y2Oj2Ggpbw9q5rUPniqooX-CIkGibUb4JNVujg-kcGsRJzvZefXQItu0o8udU9MAKsCglJVR7hV2u8VRQ/s4608/E8A270C8-76D3-4B55-8687-FA035C212F04.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MQpIQbNCoSDHFKcCnHJNUHwgIMV_njilSfOLR_UfChZMVFUZXSdBSwwTiE9PmRM0YgDiT_X7BSH0aE8B4CLXI4ut-R3EmOcVmH4kU52P2Y2Oj2Ggpbw9q5rUPniqooX-CIkGibUb4JNVujg-kcGsRJzvZefXQItu0o8udU9MAKsCglJVR7hV2u8VRQ/s320/E8A270C8-76D3-4B55-8687-FA035C212F04.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our final stop before lunch was at a squid processing operation. Dried squid is a favorite food here. After the catch, they are dried, sorted and sold. Then the consumer grills them, rolls them up and they’re ready to eat. The women working here do not have an easy job but they do have a sense of humor. As I was taking photos, one of the women who was sorting dried squid by size said (in Thai), as she pointed across at another woman, “Take lots of pictures of her. Put her on social media so she’ll be famous!” </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDQT-03vO4LgWzK4EXjimrgYvV6C7w0KGCbjImPpba9_JqAw6QXirBIU4ZFLPBebXKAneGkKq2oSN4LplOk5Xn0v09s81nYAeFhTRB6FcsDI_VALwc2k0Ixcjqag1j6uEvxyXkjp8G2JKjQJag429MJmTNu90CUGuF__pXnqUkdNPKfwHjhRulICjQA/s4608/283AFFB0-F0AC-4F6B-90ED-79A5F4295A25.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDQT-03vO4LgWzK4EXjimrgYvV6C7w0KGCbjImPpba9_JqAw6QXirBIU4ZFLPBebXKAneGkKq2oSN4LplOk5Xn0v09s81nYAeFhTRB6FcsDI_VALwc2k0Ixcjqag1j6uEvxyXkjp8G2JKjQJag429MJmTNu90CUGuF__pXnqUkdNPKfwHjhRulICjQA/s320/283AFFB0-F0AC-4F6B-90ED-79A5F4295A25.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drying the squid</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIg3SdeUilWzGnvfrNqo94iI74iuG9qamqSKdR1CxwEvbz55n0NTjbyTODJlDlks4L54IZhIG9PNL4HQ1CzlXNHn8JfFQ58xtUzmoz3shhx0kSJQ9shk3evAUyRaBnGykKohQ9IIaaTv_L5hb_XHpb_JqcYHmMHWKbXwaWq9BBHqjxWtQ8w5tIacKMw/s4608/25844A85-6F14-4932-AB50-7B64F15C68C5.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIg3SdeUilWzGnvfrNqo94iI74iuG9qamqSKdR1CxwEvbz55n0NTjbyTODJlDlks4L54IZhIG9PNL4HQ1CzlXNHn8JfFQ58xtUzmoz3shhx0kSJQ9shk3evAUyRaBnGykKohQ9IIaaTv_L5hb_XHpb_JqcYHmMHWKbXwaWq9BBHqjxWtQ8w5tIacKMw/s320/25844A85-6F14-4932-AB50-7B64F15C68C5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sorting by size</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXgVnmxg54v3Ibz3KPOoVSzY-jo0JSNwPSEyuCOThIiJwQuKrf8yAOfj56gEOgPoDYfA3r1Zl-5-gplmoamW65V2HJct5dlGtQDYVd8sY9W931ojBVl1Pl-Vraa-ZS00B_Du_EMHvp_VXfCU7TndyjOoyy6acb5fCchLWvanlTlF5Ln41UlWMkSr9Jg/s4608/ABCD96D9-05EF-4836-93D1-F963ED0D0781.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXgVnmxg54v3Ibz3KPOoVSzY-jo0JSNwPSEyuCOThIiJwQuKrf8yAOfj56gEOgPoDYfA3r1Zl-5-gplmoamW65V2HJct5dlGtQDYVd8sY9W931ojBVl1Pl-Vraa-ZS00B_Du_EMHvp_VXfCU7TndyjOoyy6acb5fCchLWvanlTlF5Ln41UlWMkSr9Jg/s320/ABCD96D9-05EF-4836-93D1-F963ED0D0781.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Drying</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S7BiZN6Z0LnwINycqupFUeMHQF0Jkyju2D_V0lkOR_tD3O2-bDZNbORLXkqDut_BI3ChARKVmFzkfcPdKmwZuBi9sUdqGWJTvw2gZJIBMyaIF62ayXqopk0OqTGRJ8R-Fp_X96S1XTxc_FM1SYEkpdtlOza2lkyS8rPU5cPX7lsdQvgXWrLFcFLqZw/s4608/D921A827-BBA4-43CF-96B6-A43D4F03505C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4S7BiZN6Z0LnwINycqupFUeMHQF0Jkyju2D_V0lkOR_tD3O2-bDZNbORLXkqDut_BI3ChARKVmFzkfcPdKmwZuBi9sUdqGWJTvw2gZJIBMyaIF62ayXqopk0OqTGRJ8R-Fp_X96S1XTxc_FM1SYEkpdtlOza2lkyS8rPU5cPX7lsdQvgXWrLFcFLqZw/s320/D921A827-BBA4-43CF-96B6-A43D4F03505C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cleaning the squid before drying</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lunch beside the river was luscious and then we met Jhonny at the Cicada Market. This market has everything—food, crafts, art, music. And so ends a fabulous time in Hua Hin.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Tbrl_A_Es5A5wrQqJHNDsBt-CrN2negbbekzJzvgEG4NIM3SXL1jwH53cyFmXporQFQxZ5cZr_OjxxcuAdAP2DYZ-4Da_yI6tq2_wBmEJASVtPsrfFlbT6DOSjy2FmOlD4kGX3ffTUH0qB57LUIDji1hs1FBdUfPbR75GQzK7_z2Xqfl19-Ek4IIQ/s4608/1670EA12-C64D-413E-84E0-0BCA8594EB61.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Tbrl_A_Es5A5wrQqJHNDsBt-CrN2negbbekzJzvgEG4NIM3SXL1jwH53cyFmXporQFQxZ5cZr_OjxxcuAdAP2DYZ-4Da_yI6tq2_wBmEJASVtPsrfFlbT6DOSjy2FmOlD4kGX3ffTUH0qB57LUIDji1hs1FBdUfPbR75GQzK7_z2Xqfl19-Ek4IIQ/s320/1670EA12-C64D-413E-84E0-0BCA8594EB61.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WXLalQKz5LO7H358QteGMymC27seykSlvK9wn5jBDX3mPYt7iMUbkDNhUw_eHMXGAjfVnzpIWbrwx00M4nf-KF45xdPyQl70u2nFwzMeH7me1V3HqD8Y7Chv0U_a0eEWgiohRBiATaKL7idrMw8G9DXnBkSRHliqTawCRa-RS_Ow8xpL0EEgnkRZdQ/s4608/A4A855E2-99A7-4449-89D5-3A578389ADE9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WXLalQKz5LO7H358QteGMymC27seykSlvK9wn5jBDX3mPYt7iMUbkDNhUw_eHMXGAjfVnzpIWbrwx00M4nf-KF45xdPyQl70u2nFwzMeH7me1V3HqD8Y7Chv0U_a0eEWgiohRBiATaKL7idrMw8G9DXnBkSRHliqTawCRa-RS_Ow8xpL0EEgnkRZdQ/s320/A4A855E2-99A7-4449-89D5-3A578389ADE9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And then the Cicada Market—</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmesKKrFJyXEOPzQVs_AwRTUzEK_z_im6-DH4LC7FpyCg8wwDwQ4I8QYDApm2NPAL17NX9h0W1DluS_5MWQsy7TRIu5e3FU1kVIgANePAODpTvH_x5dHCrSV05Mzcjdwku-pzDNC4WzoxlGC3lTXLllJtIOu9SwZQemAQw9-c7e6BkXwpVXQLocc0Xw/s4608/2EA6B730-1FB1-4D33-BAA6-CCB65835FADE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmesKKrFJyXEOPzQVs_AwRTUzEK_z_im6-DH4LC7FpyCg8wwDwQ4I8QYDApm2NPAL17NX9h0W1DluS_5MWQsy7TRIu5e3FU1kVIgANePAODpTvH_x5dHCrSV05Mzcjdwku-pzDNC4WzoxlGC3lTXLllJtIOu9SwZQemAQw9-c7e6BkXwpVXQLocc0Xw/s320/2EA6B730-1FB1-4D33-BAA6-CCB65835FADE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhYsC0A3UIalC_eyVnCBUn64NPqD3WfhjUA7IhI3Shh-YStlR7Q1xNrmhjRMMeSy9vLpkxtwb60F2rjNiIjXVdY8f-6goXQ4L2oGW1sMBa1fBgm-tcecGIqDXZfyZn89dfu_DbLVvSMCqQJvNhEIOsWfrJa6yKA4m7iHJNs1rh5aHzur08PjpvKKf1A/s4608/A1235A68-4325-4256-86E3-5AA3B191CBC2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhYsC0A3UIalC_eyVnCBUn64NPqD3WfhjUA7IhI3Shh-YStlR7Q1xNrmhjRMMeSy9vLpkxtwb60F2rjNiIjXVdY8f-6goXQ4L2oGW1sMBa1fBgm-tcecGIqDXZfyZn89dfu_DbLVvSMCqQJvNhEIOsWfrJa6yKA4m7iHJNs1rh5aHzur08PjpvKKf1A/s320/A1235A68-4325-4256-86E3-5AA3B191CBC2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuWun_2GjQp10s9Mtc0REHIukS7SwnOQBkBdfak__RrQ0q82XLRlqQdDlupmiFNUujv4HQ7pERICAL5TFFWVz_Yt2dNAqH_1Ji4MayzSRnKz4mOwWVAvhCbhBKb92GHkUEG6HY-3mvYQNMB00oCpC29cOlCZagIxY9EJM5XU8jNTrx3WKUqEaxcec5g/s4608/CF1FAE5F-7C72-4882-AB0A-3CE00D763AF5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuWun_2GjQp10s9Mtc0REHIukS7SwnOQBkBdfak__RrQ0q82XLRlqQdDlupmiFNUujv4HQ7pERICAL5TFFWVz_Yt2dNAqH_1Ji4MayzSRnKz4mOwWVAvhCbhBKb92GHkUEG6HY-3mvYQNMB00oCpC29cOlCZagIxY9EJM5XU8jNTrx3WKUqEaxcec5g/s320/CF1FAE5F-7C72-4882-AB0A-3CE00D763AF5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What a wonderfully busy day. And now a final word from Dennis—</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ok, now you have shared with us our final days in Hua Hin, Thailand. Beach, Muay Thai, mangrove swamp tour, fishing village and Cicada Night Market. I can’t say enough about the great little city, the places we visited and people we met. Truly wonderful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now we are sitting in our hotel room in Bangkok awaiting a short cab ride to the airport and a one hour flight to Vientiane, Laos. We’ve never been to Laos and I’m looking forward with the hope that it equals the fun we had in Thailand. that being said, I am also very curious. Will there be old guys that look like me walking the streets with lovely young ladies, 20 - 40 years younger than them as there were in Hua Hin?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I’m puzzled, what do these young ladies see in those old guys? I wonder if towns in Laos advertise “weed” for sale next to massage parlors with girls guaranteeing, “a happy ending and a smile” like in Thailand. Hmmm?? Just a few of the questions I have and answers I’ll provide for you as our adventure continues. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">See ya…👺 </span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9191682050404649659.post-3175609024506904852023-01-22T21:21:00.000-08:002023-01-22T21:21:43.664-08:00Here and There<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we’re off doing a bit of exploring on our own. Two days ago we were on a Feast Thailand tour which was guaranteed to leave you as stuffed as the bird on your Thanksgiving table. I am always embarrassed when I use a metaphor, especially a goofy one but I couldn’t resist. It really is the only way to describe how full we were. And for the English teachers reading this, if it’s a simile please feel free to correct me and maybe I’ll finally get the difference.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Off we went in the back of a pickup truck with our guide Cream and Jhonny, a new friend from Romania living and working in Scotland. Our first stop was the “Dinosaur” market, so called because it is old and not a tourist market. It is between Soi 45 and Soi 56. And what a marvelous market! Fruit, fish, meat, vegetables, clothes, candy, baked goods, sauces, oils, and more!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYZdMQyZld-zPzc5J885dcRe2VyMK5GmNSU5-F4K_1UkOxuboZsieODKb8tmwSL1x1P01lsvECPXYLQsiHF55JE7pD58AKXbf2qGJKLSCRiGrC_ZWYI0skk8DeywBMCmilV9o5UFyaOuagLQ2VCz9J7P3RqSjs1H1Zc4z86w8DYmPRN1l85RXB6w5rQ/s4608/8F34AD23-00BC-4776-837F-039DEE27F3AC.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYZdMQyZld-zPzc5J885dcRe2VyMK5GmNSU5-F4K_1UkOxuboZsieODKb8tmwSL1x1P01lsvECPXYLQsiHF55JE7pD58AKXbf2qGJKLSCRiGrC_ZWYI0skk8DeywBMCmilV9o5UFyaOuagLQ2VCz9J7P3RqSjs1H1Zc4z86w8DYmPRN1l85RXB6w5rQ/s320/8F34AD23-00BC-4776-837F-039DEE27F3AC.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DeCx9cbAvCz3eGxckcbXtu8LPADDnCzMLL6yn-vNEgADsSUSs5i7o-BHh5pRLP9WCIWiCOmLrAJgkjg8wAf__9zzlXrET6N2TaDBQ3KW0o8VTXOuhSwiAXFhfV1faSCYO9tx5n-Izk2u1WX2idiPuA3Gi9YSFlAPrlKdOvdpQEOHyzJhL8alTYhLQA/s4608/02370343-9205-458A-A152-1D126CB85F95.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4DeCx9cbAvCz3eGxckcbXtu8LPADDnCzMLL6yn-vNEgADsSUSs5i7o-BHh5pRLP9WCIWiCOmLrAJgkjg8wAf__9zzlXrET6N2TaDBQ3KW0o8VTXOuhSwiAXFhfV1faSCYO9tx5n-Izk2u1WX2idiPuA3Gi9YSFlAPrlKdOvdpQEOHyzJhL8alTYhLQA/s320/02370343-9205-458A-A152-1D126CB85F95.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd8klj4WBYc8Jr2x_Fb2uyjaWe6uMj-TNEjfhfLvSmG7Cv6C1ivwfu0S2c3seaRhHmDkm8YZSrtbYzl_wn3K8uPM__4M0PLnmjjSzwQXg7IAWUV0R7luio8ICCEgH3Q2FZOGyRKo54EXd8GAF7Ok_WgGylRed5w5OHH9ZXS9Uy6abLZSVFiKlyA2edg/s4608/B99C14E0-534E-4634-93FE-8E7FCC0C38D9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGd8klj4WBYc8Jr2x_Fb2uyjaWe6uMj-TNEjfhfLvSmG7Cv6C1ivwfu0S2c3seaRhHmDkm8YZSrtbYzl_wn3K8uPM__4M0PLnmjjSzwQXg7IAWUV0R7luio8ICCEgH3Q2FZOGyRKo54EXd8GAF7Ok_WgGylRed5w5OHH9ZXS9Uy6abLZSVFiKlyA2edg/s320/B99C14E0-534E-4634-93FE-8E7FCC0C38D9.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7A8NnsdO1lPa3PtNSAiIONr46DzWK_XslP86kZpaPWlMKeUQqsD3tj5X8CSuCwJ_d7uGjjzD0GXHFaDbcvR2hVaCqXrb9hvr_aQFm3Q1dAg6WNPXP1V51AE1zWKzeu3iQFtyG9WI2WkDZUx9em18m45qcifgUca4EiLnTnlg1_4QIbnsX7gBj5o4AQ/s4608/C3EBC7E4-569E-4AE3-8370-1565BA31DE87.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7A8NnsdO1lPa3PtNSAiIONr46DzWK_XslP86kZpaPWlMKeUQqsD3tj5X8CSuCwJ_d7uGjjzD0GXHFaDbcvR2hVaCqXrb9hvr_aQFm3Q1dAg6WNPXP1V51AE1zWKzeu3iQFtyG9WI2WkDZUx9em18m45qcifgUca4EiLnTnlg1_4QIbnsX7gBj5o4AQ/s320/C3EBC7E4-569E-4AE3-8370-1565BA31DE87.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z381sYGW6A4gox9S8BAHNp7S2c2T80SVKM1AvnCRy1Q3pMFby2MzCG82IiZvT1tEhRy_u9ri98tDOYlJ1ZalW6C7XcKfy8ctHVhKqm91ioGbRuo4pHxGlKkJeiaeClSWt5CxFK7cltYCDSF0XtuwQ_9ju8gOT-LYk2Y-EKkwkGayEj036iyGAfpyyg/s4608/D1752CCD-2A0C-4E05-9E26-64EB2701FA81.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Z381sYGW6A4gox9S8BAHNp7S2c2T80SVKM1AvnCRy1Q3pMFby2MzCG82IiZvT1tEhRy_u9ri98tDOYlJ1ZalW6C7XcKfy8ctHVhKqm91ioGbRuo4pHxGlKkJeiaeClSWt5CxFK7cltYCDSF0XtuwQ_9ju8gOT-LYk2Y-EKkwkGayEj036iyGAfpyyg/s320/D1752CCD-2A0C-4E05-9E26-64EB2701FA81.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We tasted sausages, Chinese pancakes with chives, fried kale, pineapple, BBQ pork with rice, peppers, ginger, herbs, jack fruit salad, and that’s just a sample. The array of food stuffs was astounding. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZZ5vbTUISZ5oOaFk7v7B9DNvxUDkuUnAN6DOmgbt1LfWhleceC97oP7fj8SUmirnlaZy4n5iUD_ftDH-MDLgdcvbDbUbNi8IFrk5E6i-sviRNc1wpoFYPo_tSB7i4XeXIi66zFfd32kGFYcK2H5MfV8tq7w-Blmm5CJ_7hP31AVz6BDI5Ivkfpnt7A/s4608/39F1F6AC-6A7F-44BB-AD26-EED3C5C11849.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZZ5vbTUISZ5oOaFk7v7B9DNvxUDkuUnAN6DOmgbt1LfWhleceC97oP7fj8SUmirnlaZy4n5iUD_ftDH-MDLgdcvbDbUbNi8IFrk5E6i-sviRNc1wpoFYPo_tSB7i4XeXIi66zFfd32kGFYcK2H5MfV8tq7w-Blmm5CJ_7hP31AVz6BDI5Ivkfpnt7A/s320/39F1F6AC-6A7F-44BB-AD26-EED3C5C11849.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP9QGgU4Wr-omKaMkxWNteCw3ws5vnchbQQJGtoTzdT3ESkazRAtTjseMOLZjrDTDX290IIUcGTVdAvnYJ4DVzwfZ15_Dbg6-APoePx_uDTuFNWmy2auVysMOTdzQFOc1Pa4PlmkcBZ5ZlVn1_e_PN5axs_Vb1X2J2SI1o6B8Eox57-NH8aWbrvKl2A/s4608/29DD649B-BBE7-41F3-A876-F47A904261E1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP9QGgU4Wr-omKaMkxWNteCw3ws5vnchbQQJGtoTzdT3ESkazRAtTjseMOLZjrDTDX290IIUcGTVdAvnYJ4DVzwfZ15_Dbg6-APoePx_uDTuFNWmy2auVysMOTdzQFOc1Pa4PlmkcBZ5ZlVn1_e_PN5axs_Vb1X2J2SI1o6B8Eox57-NH8aWbrvKl2A/s320/29DD649B-BBE7-41F3-A876-F47A904261E1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1rMRDGVyyAevnNo8iBfbKct5ZzPMHfxBZNR2hfZe9xVdzgxNfROoGvogCO8RAKcidJQ5KKCumBhKjy46So5BRk05OferOZLvAzcKTKvqPUkwH6MPGbQdRTgrzFq7OH2jFcGU9L0Qh4ivT_E5sK2XPz7MwXEBq7Z_-PPRHqp4xfo9A-dXbVeSOyoj7g/s4608/BAD0BB0C-2B41-41E1-A439-D962CE272A1E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1rMRDGVyyAevnNo8iBfbKct5ZzPMHfxBZNR2hfZe9xVdzgxNfROoGvogCO8RAKcidJQ5KKCumBhKjy46So5BRk05OferOZLvAzcKTKvqPUkwH6MPGbQdRTgrzFq7OH2jFcGU9L0Qh4ivT_E5sK2XPz7MwXEBq7Z_-PPRHqp4xfo9A-dXbVeSOyoj7g/s320/BAD0BB0C-2B41-41E1-A439-D962CE272A1E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO491tBO2qj18rRWWg2GpYI-eWSzbwKD6e_RujgigSpTJ1I50SZzldc7JKVjAUSSjxKb5H0FmUU6fm5xuF2LJ8r5rBun3P1cOkOjE9j5DK65eQO36JfSqPhWlJb6e8wxhiu66FxvUKVJgHbGUBP6qlHtkvLloZ97vpMJClz5X_-ABcyJOz5VJ2Ipw_Q/s4608/B8623C9A-B0AC-4824-9284-67C712276706.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO491tBO2qj18rRWWg2GpYI-eWSzbwKD6e_RujgigSpTJ1I50SZzldc7JKVjAUSSjxKb5H0FmUU6fm5xuF2LJ8r5rBun3P1cOkOjE9j5DK65eQO36JfSqPhWlJb6e8wxhiu66FxvUKVJgHbGUBP6qlHtkvLloZ97vpMJClz5X_-ABcyJOz5VJ2Ipw_Q/s320/B8623C9A-B0AC-4824-9284-67C712276706.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr-zEsZmzzXOaVHRVl3k699JyRc7zOXtC3vfp-AwEe8-UmBV13tlDEc0HD49A9H9zrU5MSsLmDY8YVpvii_al6XuQhEwV-vpSaFbyrTv1QiGR1sQmCF_XEnW2tz7eOGTlAPgaiVnrLccAPU2uGkWq5vRB0YTz0qVxJPlE-9-rzLvNN9S_0C3X9oDwig/s4608/F4692A47-3ECF-45A7-B9B5-7DF75846DE5B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsr-zEsZmzzXOaVHRVl3k699JyRc7zOXtC3vfp-AwEe8-UmBV13tlDEc0HD49A9H9zrU5MSsLmDY8YVpvii_al6XuQhEwV-vpSaFbyrTv1QiGR1sQmCF_XEnW2tz7eOGTlAPgaiVnrLccAPU2uGkWq5vRB0YTz0qVxJPlE-9-rzLvNN9S_0C3X9oDwig/s320/F4692A47-3ECF-45A7-B9B5-7DF75846DE5B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After tasting so many wonderful foods, we had a bit of time to shop. We bought several tomatoes, a bag of cherry tomatoes, and a bag of sliced guava that came with a small bag of a mixture of salt, sugar and red pepper for dipping. The fruit looked like a bumpy green apple, very hard, not sweet but not sour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQkZpN-iLIekKEgW-ddpDaYqkDccfM8xVR-bUyEmuoodtWvARNWTSlbNwhD5473Hc5H7gl9kmqWzO9mlcWrg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWc2gYCa-YZCFCvXRNPe2UtFjbfiTXeiPBO6-2okBpa-8BXAHuZC-k55V9LGhGuia5np5rLjJpmjafcFD-DQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stuffed but with more tastings ahead of us we climbed back into the truck. Next stop— a restaurant specializing in organic healthy food. We started with blue rice and fried rice accompanied by tamarind sauce, shallots, and pickled vegetables. This was followed by a shrimp and broccoli dish, another dish of rice with minced sausage, shallots and cucumber, and according to Cream, the best chicken noodle soup to be found anywhere. There were two kinds of noodles in the soup, crunchy and broad soft noodles. It was the favorite for Dennis and Jhonny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9yG6_b_lxp-eQj7mEmiDwZcTkqFc7qHMpeei1cXs8JYxC7sQQl2xp0oM6rYAESIUK5grdvWC7jfn4BUo827mESlQW49n37zjQNK1Tw4BwzFcma0o_Cktun_qCR6snm796ZkF6XVrtLedZ_HWUPpiHLelEUeYnP3md_kZr19_BOPFgqzMuc37YOPPfw/s4608/40E3310D-26DF-4A08-A33C-BA0F6D2F3FAE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9yG6_b_lxp-eQj7mEmiDwZcTkqFc7qHMpeei1cXs8JYxC7sQQl2xp0oM6rYAESIUK5grdvWC7jfn4BUo827mESlQW49n37zjQNK1Tw4BwzFcma0o_Cktun_qCR6snm796ZkF6XVrtLedZ_HWUPpiHLelEUeYnP3md_kZr19_BOPFgqzMuc37YOPPfw/s320/40E3310D-26DF-4A08-A33C-BA0F6D2F3FAE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2oF79FyKGGVWrC7PKj-EDYjUuaPzbfrleThmDpy-js5NYknsCNZaiUX-q8BdZtmYgEnwPCjFfZNhZXx2CAf063KD3j_YKp_1mLwRAY9QmhLCpry6HgwreHn59Q1uEYGfxw5iWkhSBGgLE0IsPXSqpC-f-SyWhIWU7wN0BCSopb6yDff5vrP2Mcvq7g/s4608/75F9F334-EF99-416D-8ED7-CA7B70567C48.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq2oF79FyKGGVWrC7PKj-EDYjUuaPzbfrleThmDpy-js5NYknsCNZaiUX-q8BdZtmYgEnwPCjFfZNhZXx2CAf063KD3j_YKp_1mLwRAY9QmhLCpry6HgwreHn59Q1uEYGfxw5iWkhSBGgLE0IsPXSqpC-f-SyWhIWU7wN0BCSopb6yDff5vrP2Mcvq7g/s320/75F9F334-EF99-416D-8ED7-CA7B70567C48.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A9M1HRQv8OCGZQZeC-bn6niNn3x3IekbiAKge5oByLeROczR5TjSMcdCP9nHFyT36ofC5w62Ad4X_f_fA2v25ffhqbJYCF_IC5poVtogBARSfIZQF7Sis1AZ8Z1VYvtVb9NZX23-AD9uRrO-zSaeJsHFv-AZreuYpy2GC9HSKyuvO1U47_4p7sWicw/s4608/27CA6AE2-CE6A-4454-8CB3-3DD35DC0A53B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6A9M1HRQv8OCGZQZeC-bn6niNn3x3IekbiAKge5oByLeROczR5TjSMcdCP9nHFyT36ofC5w62Ad4X_f_fA2v25ffhqbJYCF_IC5poVtogBARSfIZQF7Sis1AZ8Z1VYvtVb9NZX23-AD9uRrO-zSaeJsHFv-AZreuYpy2GC9HSKyuvO1U47_4p7sWicw/s320/27CA6AE2-CE6A-4454-8CB3-3DD35DC0A53B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA2Hgx02X-CO4p63ukESioJlIQloBC9LmgMw_jBwN7HVqpx3ekO9fp4o75vQMBCNBfeeo4VmLjtJuaQPIfSmJ7tl2YmxHA29XJtUYGrfIlpQe3QgMBKbjolBe6N6UXYSXe2xNKkuo8qCYhMXqZUwpRCphy0zkaK-43c1VmP4mO7OpQCBzx23VwP2muw/s4608/50B51B69-CAFC-499E-A38F-37792B89BE49.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGA2Hgx02X-CO4p63ukESioJlIQloBC9LmgMw_jBwN7HVqpx3ekO9fp4o75vQMBCNBfeeo4VmLjtJuaQPIfSmJ7tl2YmxHA29XJtUYGrfIlpQe3QgMBKbjolBe6N6UXYSXe2xNKkuo8qCYhMXqZUwpRCphy0zkaK-43c1VmP4mO7OpQCBzx23VwP2muw/s320/50B51B69-CAFC-499E-A38F-37792B89BE49.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ggnnHSDsC4xXlWwbwsK3-tv4zlLjyzo9GyJ8hY9tVh0p4zPEBlO7Y2RZlrVA2m55-tI9pWnql7MPU8Bl3TvLWwcNl7W5dpld6hypZT0bnBsclVn1N8rmlCxVxqu2rGOUeLo_3gNLIA07hEB9sMDrUsjQKzF-oQyySId78j3pPWXQmKKKmbWdPYatPA/s4608/44AD4272-DB90-4AB4-8CF0-8CBB987441AD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ggnnHSDsC4xXlWwbwsK3-tv4zlLjyzo9GyJ8hY9tVh0p4zPEBlO7Y2RZlrVA2m55-tI9pWnql7MPU8Bl3TvLWwcNl7W5dpld6hypZT0bnBsclVn1N8rmlCxVxqu2rGOUeLo_3gNLIA07hEB9sMDrUsjQKzF-oQyySId78j3pPWXQmKKKmbWdPYatPA/s320/44AD4272-DB90-4AB4-8CF0-8CBB987441AD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again we climbed into the back of the pickup truck. These moments of hoisting myself up into the truck aren’t my finest. They were not accomplished with the natural grace of a ballerina. The pickup was equipped with steps and rails for getting in and out. I’m just not naturally graceful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our last restaurant found us enjoying tilapia, beef with fried spice leaves, and two kinds of papaya salad, hot and burn your lips hot. To eat the deliciously grilled tilapia we made a cone of a coriander leaf, placed a bit of fish in the cone, added a dollop of glass noodles, and a bit of sauce. Scrumptious!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lHsGqLWqmHKpvXQZNZxHMf-6JFUV1j5bHhxLm5Ckevu3qw_wQPr9ksG-eksdfHyec9zRQ-amEB12yq_fcU4ZIhKEBJpm-qBB3OIYsj2akWYcJz2dCpHm_spqaabU9MzWZtQNOopkLsv1bF4YRTRJRO6tubIshmXOg74DkyvYJitsTdu-5xup74zfog/s4608/5E139F89-8CAE-4BFB-B5BA-9256A67BF2CA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lHsGqLWqmHKpvXQZNZxHMf-6JFUV1j5bHhxLm5Ckevu3qw_wQPr9ksG-eksdfHyec9zRQ-amEB12yq_fcU4ZIhKEBJpm-qBB3OIYsj2akWYcJz2dCpHm_spqaabU9MzWZtQNOopkLsv1bF4YRTRJRO6tubIshmXOg74DkyvYJitsTdu-5xup74zfog/s320/5E139F89-8CAE-4BFB-B5BA-9256A67BF2CA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nRfmnltV3-rX94NKD97wcdQPjzUWdY_ctADR1P49Y4EmlBG-ZUBRZ4WFcUgM49OI3M2fy0vjoXaMOZCtJBsqYYvdn4QKqpuurQp6PJWUB5HFesAfAU0-jXxP09HjUjiEUN05TRaKaRpoOX8G0Y2n2BI8M6ogvCWOV5U0btoh7vpHKxJfm93vfCYBw/s4608/8795D8A6-8C26-481A-A2CA-EC05DC458650.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3nRfmnltV3-rX94NKD97wcdQPjzUWdY_ctADR1P49Y4EmlBG-ZUBRZ4WFcUgM49OI3M2fy0vjoXaMOZCtJBsqYYvdn4QKqpuurQp6PJWUB5HFesAfAU0-jXxP09HjUjiEUN05TRaKaRpoOX8G0Y2n2BI8M6ogvCWOV5U0btoh7vpHKxJfm93vfCYBw/s320/8795D8A6-8C26-481A-A2CA-EC05DC458650.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Were we finished? No way! Back into that truck and on to a night food court for dessert. I could have this wrong but I think our dessert was called Nam Kong Sai, a shaved ice creation. We each choose 3 ingredients which were put into a small bowl. The items ranged from noodles, potatoes, taro, sweet yams, sweet corn, to mangoes, melon, ginkgo beans, and bananas. I chose mango, melon, and ginkgo. Dennis picked bananas, ginkgo, and mango. Next came sweet fragrant coconut milk topped with a scoop of crushed ice. Very refreshing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-edfdroUx9HioG6VlkTbSrksu-ig-QuWb_LiYTiEIPFXmhmRbG19yepqPJL1Yulh32PexjrNlNfZxI9SXn3Jb-BllI3sIv74OEbiTSABVDKUgIJB1COlAJwH13CMdGV8Eh2mU-KjFpOdAjFzPD-hlQzLE0GG2NvItQKx6Oc-6jzLZGsguyFRvgVIH_w/s4608/9F50F329-590A-4B04-A168-CF091F8FA610.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-edfdroUx9HioG6VlkTbSrksu-ig-QuWb_LiYTiEIPFXmhmRbG19yepqPJL1Yulh32PexjrNlNfZxI9SXn3Jb-BllI3sIv74OEbiTSABVDKUgIJB1COlAJwH13CMdGV8Eh2mU-KjFpOdAjFzPD-hlQzLE0GG2NvItQKx6Oc-6jzLZGsguyFRvgVIH_w/s320/9F50F329-590A-4B04-A168-CF091F8FA610.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-Fys4seKufkSStuCMhaVUjR-7lBHHKoQKeOVczK2dmlOGUVg2XhafPxnvN-jD51QIVCX3FtByez9BGE0nyWK60fCeVTPiLEm8UTjbWYnOzY78JNmLo-cGmMZY5xULq8PGu3jHt2aRSbeEkGrQr46XCKwzohB7xEu61lya2XTOkL9MeDtKUwVXylmEA/s4608/591229BB-CB42-43E8-A827-4141689239CB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-Fys4seKufkSStuCMhaVUjR-7lBHHKoQKeOVczK2dmlOGUVg2XhafPxnvN-jD51QIVCX3FtByez9BGE0nyWK60fCeVTPiLEm8UTjbWYnOzY78JNmLo-cGmMZY5xULq8PGu3jHt2aRSbeEkGrQr46XCKwzohB7xEu61lya2XTOkL9MeDtKUwVXylmEA/s320/591229BB-CB42-43E8-A827-4141689239CB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOPmkg4cOeadUOyXdqNEY-ZP0J8Mfuce21ONM88mM5wjo4oM5jIgDWuEKSytrKyps-W4AQ-QFUS3wEWQvZPHmvfNeVv-V7O7FgDt2uuNbTSx1vRLD7hkAuBLGbhH8MXJKRR4sp9DnMn7nvpoaf_L-6211-tFnPzSFQyZcpfqo2AKrm4hv8tmOLoBHzA/s4608/C19F274F-9C0A-4CE4-BBA1-0BCD9675AFE5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOPmkg4cOeadUOyXdqNEY-ZP0J8Mfuce21ONM88mM5wjo4oM5jIgDWuEKSytrKyps-W4AQ-QFUS3wEWQvZPHmvfNeVv-V7O7FgDt2uuNbTSx1vRLD7hkAuBLGbhH8MXJKRR4sp9DnMn7nvpoaf_L-6211-tFnPzSFQyZcpfqo2AKrm4hv8tmOLoBHzA/s320/C19F274F-9C0A-4CE4-BBA1-0BCD9675AFE5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then came a day for Dennis to explore, shop for breakfast, and pick up laundry. He found a used book store where he could trade in the books he’s read and get a couple of new ones. I spent time working on my art journal. Friday found us on the road again. This time we were going to Kui Buri National Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kui Buri or Kuiburi National Park is a refuge for wild elephants and wild gaur. There are no guarantees that you will see see the animals or birds that populate the park. For me, the very idea of the park with animals living completely free makes it worth supporting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way there we stoped at a fruit market where Mi, our guide bought mangoes. We were surprised to see breadfruit for the first time. They are huge, at least as big as a good sized watermelon! Mi bought us a bag of prepared breadfruit. We really liked it. It’s a bit unusual, not too sweet and a bit sticky but really tasty.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jQphidqDjq58B7QBhBfCyRyU7gElcmZ182wxt9LWFKq03QDrXtj86ODtso3X5v0dUJAt_IBb3RC5rAib3zeeRzuoOWi0ln7bx1Mse8H0xr35HCXXsCn13x2OBLrTmF9AJwVWtm0CkVPeGKpGpoD3Ndf4zomtK9C0Indt5BqJo2X13nJBcrFsP0F46g/s4608/E41FFFC7-FE89-43D6-B674-0701B7DCC9DB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jQphidqDjq58B7QBhBfCyRyU7gElcmZ182wxt9LWFKq03QDrXtj86ODtso3X5v0dUJAt_IBb3RC5rAib3zeeRzuoOWi0ln7bx1Mse8H0xr35HCXXsCn13x2OBLrTmF9AJwVWtm0CkVPeGKpGpoD3Ndf4zomtK9C0Indt5BqJo2X13nJBcrFsP0F46g/s320/E41FFFC7-FE89-43D6-B674-0701B7DCC9DB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmBAQSeLJ6huRxbs4IOG3fSu5k-8HHUYZZSiC2ltFrD48FfsRLgRQlGsJd9zaDPaQNYZTtqVvu_UDZ16FvzPGfT83zFpADvupNxYWkowsWTQwwCLgkzo7Ya9R7kz78xwZ_XrujxP-YcR1ycTcjrMTOcWhzlCAWUA-mJ1hoKiv8NXVKCSO2dQTZlsEjQ/s4608/02304FB9-2517-48D8-8725-0AD62B867AA0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmBAQSeLJ6huRxbs4IOG3fSu5k-8HHUYZZSiC2ltFrD48FfsRLgRQlGsJd9zaDPaQNYZTtqVvu_UDZ16FvzPGfT83zFpADvupNxYWkowsWTQwwCLgkzo7Ya9R7kz78xwZ_XrujxP-YcR1ycTcjrMTOcWhzlCAWUA-mJ1hoKiv8NXVKCSO2dQTZlsEjQ/s320/02304FB9-2517-48D8-8725-0AD62B867AA0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5WjgcJBlAzlT81m_fyFqxFUi6ClxywcxsIzA_Q68bLGvPc3eb3woithQigjkMRXdjQYfESzjThIbIKVtq5JAEgJRkp-gJPo7bw4l0xZo3CInL7IaHUgEWoJ0K05IoF-kdbXz66TtuuoqY2oj88uoixNnCp6CIQAEK6-kNdrrVAve5zQziSvRyw7fvg/s4608/41228B7D-7DBE-4886-B327-83D309DB3670.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5WjgcJBlAzlT81m_fyFqxFUi6ClxywcxsIzA_Q68bLGvPc3eb3woithQigjkMRXdjQYfESzjThIbIKVtq5JAEgJRkp-gJPo7bw4l0xZo3CInL7IaHUgEWoJ0K05IoF-kdbXz66TtuuoqY2oj88uoixNnCp6CIQAEK6-kNdrrVAve5zQziSvRyw7fvg/s320/41228B7D-7DBE-4886-B327-83D309DB3670.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6u0it7k97NaBQNv47SxxXo9FXW1RI68DDmqDTt5c-cuFAp0q_mfmEP08qooJREtZVA2smu4qMiBp7IoSEhay8LHF-INC8GKm-3nNpI2cM0BnEbyaLyFaZ50WHzRJSm9xWivUZTlRrRFuIScBk8lg9ghLv3Gl7gN-H_3Nf3wP2bLMj4irdHxvsRUF_Q/s4608/B437A876-3F6E-4FAA-A6F4-57A23E48BC83.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6u0it7k97NaBQNv47SxxXo9FXW1RI68DDmqDTt5c-cuFAp0q_mfmEP08qooJREtZVA2smu4qMiBp7IoSEhay8LHF-INC8GKm-3nNpI2cM0BnEbyaLyFaZ50WHzRJSm9xWivUZTlRrRFuIScBk8lg9ghLv3Gl7gN-H_3Nf3wP2bLMj4irdHxvsRUF_Q/s320/B437A876-3F6E-4FAA-A6F4-57A23E48BC83.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYv5znTJhuSKYXV_AaJ0zaWISYAbnLISWSZwgPF6SPzReSb68cn7GsnRq-YVLyZ-0AHuyFknq0dwJvkrUIr9QD8ZO9903p88-cuvEqE9iP-WT5gWEq9L9x8DGXoFFeEy-suVSp76cLwsRtxnyHJcX1bG-Dz7eqzkEoEOzq9cShSSrRjbVGEoI-iT3qw/s4608/B075729A-2E5F-4CCB-A1ED-5AAF01820958.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYv5znTJhuSKYXV_AaJ0zaWISYAbnLISWSZwgPF6SPzReSb68cn7GsnRq-YVLyZ-0AHuyFknq0dwJvkrUIr9QD8ZO9903p88-cuvEqE9iP-WT5gWEq9L9x8DGXoFFeEy-suVSp76cLwsRtxnyHJcX1bG-Dz7eqzkEoEOzq9cShSSrRjbVGEoI-iT3qw/s320/B075729A-2E5F-4CCB-A1ED-5AAF01820958.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We found the park to be very well cared for, beautiful and peaceful. The washrooms were immaculate and well-supplied with toilet paper for which I was grateful. Once again we found ourselves climbing into the back of a pickup truck, this time without steps or rails. Oh boy! When the guide saw the look on my face she produced a small step stool much like the one in our kitchen. Off we went into the forest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy52A2Pgwa1B5AJQRtmKbMLmx1DcdOm5_be-PyhBCwMmBIMMlVPAWk7XuLBcmGNpGjf70nlowvabedxBwzawQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>The National Park guide has to be one of my favorites because she was able to fix my camera when for some reason, something went wrong. I wish I knew her name. She was a lifesaver!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hBucQ0Uax81PCkJ4HQ5eAq34WpEMKznWjvf6UBMXjjF9DjNKjsLgXpHVLheo00n5sMo2q5vQeM9Z_Z4pp6cM_Yyfte9Ed66R7BI9ms3-zWa5nmcUwfaTk0IGIYP1Te-6uQ8bhI0LTj7NB8F2Ig0eVp73z73Z7T9UQRdLy_Ctu2w9T0yddJHsirVgjg/s4608/BA7A0077-7F01-473E-B257-BEA9FEEDAFAB.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hBucQ0Uax81PCkJ4HQ5eAq34WpEMKznWjvf6UBMXjjF9DjNKjsLgXpHVLheo00n5sMo2q5vQeM9Z_Z4pp6cM_Yyfte9Ed66R7BI9ms3-zWa5nmcUwfaTk0IGIYP1Te-6uQ8bhI0LTj7NB8F2Ig0eVp73z73Z7T9UQRdLy_Ctu2w9T0yddJHsirVgjg/s320/BA7A0077-7F01-473E-B257-BEA9FEEDAFAB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWFZhEFJH2vqaXVWcjpO5TX9Z9tRAirriNajJW8R0K5_lPL0BmpX8rrR7pViarC_TagpTDHu7TGKGox1KPxBTJaUlIYzV178qzxC0FtZ-csDsqr-fKb4xydLD0rd0H1yGZEGxZo_uygeL7JSFPf2qyRGFvUhHPVXtWO2vgwOLXphHE-iIGnAG0O2bFA/s4608/5DC84E39-4475-4B36-98DB-6360CA149870.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWFZhEFJH2vqaXVWcjpO5TX9Z9tRAirriNajJW8R0K5_lPL0BmpX8rrR7pViarC_TagpTDHu7TGKGox1KPxBTJaUlIYzV178qzxC0FtZ-csDsqr-fKb4xydLD0rd0H1yGZEGxZo_uygeL7JSFPf2qyRGFvUhHPVXtWO2vgwOLXphHE-iIGnAG0O2bFA/s320/5DC84E39-4475-4B36-98DB-6360CA149870.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYKgphyHPSqEg6lyuaL3h47WXRjG-jiJASIgm_iYKuhsOS_Zzwkz-U_LeFcPhqkfGY2sUIgbiDSIT-UXF1khxnGIRUSRh_IzN1NxgRVHgpgW4SkN5oTF_V6JCiyDV-PXEKLWhsauHH3xBfd_DR2ZMfBeN5sEGvL6XtS_h5TQmGuH07IYAKlMLFG9jSA/s3176/22B005C3-5A55-4D14-AA08-C5C8D5A45FE8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2416" data-original-width="3176" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYKgphyHPSqEg6lyuaL3h47WXRjG-jiJASIgm_iYKuhsOS_Zzwkz-U_LeFcPhqkfGY2sUIgbiDSIT-UXF1khxnGIRUSRh_IzN1NxgRVHgpgW4SkN5oTF_V6JCiyDV-PXEKLWhsauHH3xBfd_DR2ZMfBeN5sEGvL6XtS_h5TQmGuH07IYAKlMLFG9jSA/s320/22B005C3-5A55-4D14-AA08-C5C8D5A45FE8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEs0oRa-5_Luo3zPm-X7crcoh-Ci-kqRkgBg4WzGqV2_D_o1WsJBVgs3SH1jdca7Y23gv4t8uzCDYZ_ss3htRwIy0xxizIsE8mPA1Be7vfS3GbspGU4nZPGLvcmfHCHjLDf1_cTZc1uzb_EvJoR4on63y0jewVRqoqlqX0gVHUgQBxCRPaSvpBLANeQ/s3659/59619F67-2823-4720-9953-341DF3CF0353.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3130" data-original-width="3659" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEs0oRa-5_Luo3zPm-X7crcoh-Ci-kqRkgBg4WzGqV2_D_o1WsJBVgs3SH1jdca7Y23gv4t8uzCDYZ_ss3htRwIy0xxizIsE8mPA1Be7vfS3GbspGU4nZPGLvcmfHCHjLDf1_cTZc1uzb_EvJoR4on63y0jewVRqoqlqX0gVHUgQBxCRPaSvpBLANeQ/s320/59619F67-2823-4720-9953-341DF3CF0353.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOakEFA0xX-5ijNmsUWdHsZ02D45FKIYMr3fJyOtzXzmzSx1fhQD9M9FWVJMJtZUAykLHlCVvV69uN2Ir3ZbpmaukBsfbjUgv8qED4YZLsNC_eWFnkeZk6IsEtGxbh28R6A8A23KMuQhw6y0UVwfGkbNZqKqNDUgFAwf2BcJBLVRMp9qqELyXiTyVEBA/s4608/E1D6A4DB-124C-428A-BB50-C1055731EA3E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOakEFA0xX-5ijNmsUWdHsZ02D45FKIYMr3fJyOtzXzmzSx1fhQD9M9FWVJMJtZUAykLHlCVvV69uN2Ir3ZbpmaukBsfbjUgv8qED4YZLsNC_eWFnkeZk6IsEtGxbh28R6A8A23KMuQhw6y0UVwfGkbNZqKqNDUgFAwf2BcJBLVRMp9qqELyXiTyVEBA/s320/E1D6A4DB-124C-428A-BB50-C1055731EA3E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx9Rv23p7jrCeLl_ajRf3obG1HFByHvAXzevRR7k-tMvATZGksqjDTXC-sT8XYT2ARypv18Bh8KU4779AUOlgV2BBvxL7x3jMQNaQxzKels9mG4BXyPLYg7lZPjMGKrrAdcmo71UXPg_sa6SmVZpCeW6ZgkBl_LtStU8_I00SXMrU8gVuKScB04DKcQ/s2345/690B6D88-5BBB-4261-9BD1-F0C79D891710.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2345" data-original-width="2287" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYx9Rv23p7jrCeLl_ajRf3obG1HFByHvAXzevRR7k-tMvATZGksqjDTXC-sT8XYT2ARypv18Bh8KU4779AUOlgV2BBvxL7x3jMQNaQxzKels9mG4BXyPLYg7lZPjMGKrrAdcmo71UXPg_sa6SmVZpCeW6ZgkBl_LtStU8_I00SXMrU8gVuKScB04DKcQ/s320/690B6D88-5BBB-4261-9BD1-F0C79D891710.jpeg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtS_Os_NDguTZNzej-Pyz7NQkM7eBEG0P7oBLiZPbV_JSTVz4nVmwXENkRLsqPzEmXkg3wTeppuHHC9MURHD5mrMLrsyaqrTdD9fRvhm5qecAcsJeb1qB-AIfjCYDpiJjyoM-Q3SrbtfyeiOoVNFpPAmvENP3lAYqC7L-R-nFrj8vNFNAiaq3xfv-GQ/s4608/A5A94E60-471A-4517-8729-E34F5283D10C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtS_Os_NDguTZNzej-Pyz7NQkM7eBEG0P7oBLiZPbV_JSTVz4nVmwXENkRLsqPzEmXkg3wTeppuHHC9MURHD5mrMLrsyaqrTdD9fRvhm5qecAcsJeb1qB-AIfjCYDpiJjyoM-Q3SrbtfyeiOoVNFpPAmvENP3lAYqC7L-R-nFrj8vNFNAiaq3xfv-GQ/s320/A5A94E60-471A-4517-8729-E34F5283D10C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Back to our apartment to relax and perhaps have a sip of wine or two.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dennis with a final word—</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Me again. I’ve got to give Cindy credit. since she started this blog, the purpose (I think) was two fold: 1. To share with friends the places in the world we’ve been fortunate enough to visit and experience so you can get a feel for it and 2. So that Dennis can see and remember where we’ve been and what we did. No, I’m not suffering from Dementia (I think) it’s just that I have a poor memory. When I see the videos she makes of our trips, I feel again the experience we had. She on the other hand, doesn’t need a tutorial. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, After reading her account of our “food fest,” I asked her, “How can you remember all the different kinds of food we ate? Different rices and noodles? Different spices and fruits? Wine and beer?” Well, that I do remember. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I asked, “Do you take notes?” and she replied, “No.” </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Again, I asked, “How do you remember all that?” She just shrugged. I related, “If someone asked me what we ate, I would respond, lots of food.” She just laughed and her look seemed to imply, “poor guy.”</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It’s kind of like that with emotions for me too. I know happy and mad. I don’t get all the subtleties before, after, or in-between these emotions. How did you like the food? It was good or I didn’t care for it. The toilet? It was clean or it didn’t have soap or toilet paper. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We both look at the sun. I see it shining or it’s cloudy. Cindy? She sees colors, shades, and hues. I guess this might be what keeps our relationship interesting. That’s all I can write for today. For in-depth photo journalism, please see Cindy 😎<br /> <br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> </div><br /> </span><p></p>Better Nowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05063849350381191439noreply@blogger.com1