Our last day in Rome. All of us are so thrilled, even though we've had a wonderful time.
St. Peter's, saw the Pope again.
Castle Saint Angelo
Search for a Nativity - no luck, Jennifer was too picky
Lunch
Pantheon for Jason again
Plaza Nuvona - Artwork and the kids got a combined portrait - so cute!!
Back to hotel - packed, rearranged, all ready to leave
Dinner - best Italian dinner yet - everyone full and happy to go to bed so they can go home - doing the happy dance.
Leaving hotel at 6:45a.m.
Fly out of Rome 10:10a.m. (11 hours 48 min flight)
Get to Atlanta at 3:20p.m.
Leave Atlanta at 6:15p.m. (4 hour + flight)
Arrive in SLC at 8:21p.m.
Leave SLC at 9:08p.m. (1 hour flight)
ARRIVE IN IDAHO FALLS AT 10:10P.M.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Vatican City, The Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Via Cola Di Rienzo, Plazza Del Popolo, Pincio Park, The Spanish Steps, Ice Cream at the Trevi
Another wonderful day in Rome was had by the South Family Travelers--much to the dismay and amid whines and moans from worn out from traveling and touring South children.
Yesterday, following our tour at the Roman Forum/Palatino Hill, the guide told us that tomorrow, they would be giving tours of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel and we were very excited about this for several reasons. #1 We knew very little about the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel and #2 The tour guide was so much fun to listen to, the kids stayed totally engaged and this was a huge perk from the tour. After hearing the prices, Jason was a little dismayed, but still wanted to, so the kids would get the most they could from the visit here. Just then, a cute young lady came up to us and gave us their brochure and prices and they were significantly cheaper. I was worried that it wouldn't be as well done, but Jason decided we would try it out. The hotel bus doesn't leave until 10:15a.m., and the tour was slated to begin at 9:30a.m., so after breakfast at 8a.m., we walked down the road in front of the hotel to the bus stop, where we got on bus 246. We rode for a few minutes, then got off and found the Metro which took us just a block or so from the Vatican where we were starting our tour. The young lady met us again and told us we could hang out in a nearby cafe/bar until we began. We walked in, sat down, the boys started having arm wrestles when Jason noticed the pictures all around us. We quickly decided that the content of these pictures were not what we wanted surrounding the kids, so we headed outside where they had tables and chairs to sit on. We waited for about 15 minutes, paid for the tour, which was 1/2 the price of the other tour company and were on our way.
I was immediately impressed by our guide. She was so kind to the little boys and asked them question after question about our living in Morocco, all the places we had visited and listened to story after story from the boys as we waited in line outside the Vatican City. The line was huge and took almost an hour to get through before we were able to start our tour. We each got or own little ear phone and receptor, so no matter where our guide was, compared to where we were, we could hear her. As we finally went through security and went upstairs to start our tour, a very ornery, older lady walked up to the guide and asked her if she was going to stop babysitting and start giving us information. Our darling guide, Adrianne, kindly but firmly looked right at The Ornery Old Lady and informed her, that she had been talking to each of the children before the tour started to keep us from getting too bored in line, but Adrianne was sure that she (the lady) would be very pleased with the amount of information she would receive once the tour began inside Vatican City. I wanted to give her a big hug and kick The Ornery Old Lady in the toosh for being so rude.
She was so fantastic and she told about each area we went to. She told story after story to us all describing things in terms that the kids would understand, like how Julius II "texted" Michelangelo, to get Michelangelo to leave Florence and come to Rome to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It was cute. She explained about how they found many of the items located in the Vatican and about how the Vatican was the richest country in the entire world. The Vatican is it's own little country inside of the country of Rome.
I'll finish tomorrow--I'm wiped out!
St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people.[1] It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".[2][3][4] In Catholic Tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Probably the largest church in Christianity,[1] it covers an area of 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. One of the holiest sites of Christendom in the Catholic Tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to Roman Catholic Tradition, also the first Bishop of Antioch, and later first Bishop of Rome, the first Pope. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, Catholic tradition holds that his tomb is below the baldachin and altar; for this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried there. Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506. At length on November 18, 1626, Pope Urban VIII solemnly dedicated the church[5].
Although the Vatican basilica is neither the Pope's official seat or first in rank among the great basilicas, (St. John Lateran) it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls. In the apse of the basilica is Bernini's monument enclosing the "Chair of Saint Peter" or cathedra, sometimes presumed to have been used by Saint Peter himself, but which was a gift from Charles the Bald and used by various popes.[8]
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
Yesterday, following our tour at the Roman Forum/Palatino Hill, the guide told us that tomorrow, they would be giving tours of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel and we were very excited about this for several reasons. #1 We knew very little about the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel and #2 The tour guide was so much fun to listen to, the kids stayed totally engaged and this was a huge perk from the tour. After hearing the prices, Jason was a little dismayed, but still wanted to, so the kids would get the most they could from the visit here. Just then, a cute young lady came up to us and gave us their brochure and prices and they were significantly cheaper. I was worried that it wouldn't be as well done, but Jason decided we would try it out. The hotel bus doesn't leave until 10:15a.m., and the tour was slated to begin at 9:30a.m., so after breakfast at 8a.m., we walked down the road in front of the hotel to the bus stop, where we got on bus 246. We rode for a few minutes, then got off and found the Metro which took us just a block or so from the Vatican where we were starting our tour. The young lady met us again and told us we could hang out in a nearby cafe/bar until we began. We walked in, sat down, the boys started having arm wrestles when Jason noticed the pictures all around us. We quickly decided that the content of these pictures were not what we wanted surrounding the kids, so we headed outside where they had tables and chairs to sit on. We waited for about 15 minutes, paid for the tour, which was 1/2 the price of the other tour company and were on our way.
I was immediately impressed by our guide. She was so kind to the little boys and asked them question after question about our living in Morocco, all the places we had visited and listened to story after story from the boys as we waited in line outside the Vatican City. The line was huge and took almost an hour to get through before we were able to start our tour. We each got or own little ear phone and receptor, so no matter where our guide was, compared to where we were, we could hear her. As we finally went through security and went upstairs to start our tour, a very ornery, older lady walked up to the guide and asked her if she was going to stop babysitting and start giving us information. Our darling guide, Adrianne, kindly but firmly looked right at The Ornery Old Lady and informed her, that she had been talking to each of the children before the tour started to keep us from getting too bored in line, but Adrianne was sure that she (the lady) would be very pleased with the amount of information she would receive once the tour began inside Vatican City. I wanted to give her a big hug and kick The Ornery Old Lady in the toosh for being so rude.
She was so fantastic and she told about each area we went to. She told story after story to us all describing things in terms that the kids would understand, like how Julius II "texted" Michelangelo, to get Michelangelo to leave Florence and come to Rome to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. It was cute. She explained about how they found many of the items located in the Vatican and about how the Vatican was the richest country in the entire world. The Vatican is it's own little country inside of the country of Rome.
I'll finish tomorrow--I'm wiped out!
St. Peter's Basilica, is located within the Vatican City. St. Peter's has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world, holding 60,000 people.[1] It is regarded as one of the holiest Christian sites and has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".[2][3][4] In Catholic Tradition, it is the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Probably the largest church in Christianity,[1] it covers an area of 2.3 hectares (5.7 acres) and has a capacity of over 60,000 people. One of the holiest sites of Christendom in the Catholic Tradition, it is traditionally the burial site of its namesake Saint Peter, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and, according to Roman Catholic Tradition, also the first Bishop of Antioch, and later first Bishop of Rome, the first Pope. Although the New Testament does not mention Peter's presence or martyrdom in Rome, Catholic tradition holds that his tomb is below the baldachin and altar; for this reason, many Popes, starting with the first ones, have been buried there. Construction on the current basilica, over the old Constantinian basilica, began on April 18, 1506. At length on November 18, 1626, Pope Urban VIII solemnly dedicated the church[5].
Although the Vatican basilica is neither the Pope's official seat or first in rank among the great basilicas, (St. John Lateran) it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls. In the apse of the basilica is Bernini's monument enclosing the "Chair of Saint Peter" or cathedra, sometimes presumed to have been used by Saint Peter himself, but which was a gift from Charles the Bald and used by various popes.[8]
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
Sistine Chapel (Italian: Cappella Sistina) is the best-known chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. Its fame rests on its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple of the Old Testament and on its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted 12,000 square feet (1,100 m2) of the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. He resented the commission, and believed his work only served the Pope's need for grandeur. However, today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgement, are widely believed to be Michelangelo's crowning achievements in painting.
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV, who restored the old Cappella Magna between 1477 and 1480. During this period a team of painters that included Pietro Perugino, Sandro Botticelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio created a series of frescoed panels depicting the life of Moses and the life of Christ, offset by papal portraits above and trompe l’oeil drapery below. These paintings were completed in 1482, and on August 15, 1483,[1] Sixtus IV consecrated the first mass in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Since the time of Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Today it is the site of the Papal conclave, the ceremony by which a new Pope is selected.
April 6 - Monday - The Roman Forum, Moses, The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Plaza Navona
Today was a day that I could be proud of--the kids were fantastic and we saw so many amazing and incredible sites here in Rome.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Earthquake in Italy
WOW!! I couldn't believe we got shook up in our hotel by an earthquake about 50 miles away. We are all fine and worried a little about the sites we wanted to see. I think everything is ok and we are all fine.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
The leaning tower of Pisa, The coastline of Italy (Piombino), Monte Argentario, back in Rome
This morning ended our stay in Florence. We may not have seen everything we wanted to, but we saw all the kids were capable of seeing and saw all the highlights. After getting everything packed up, we went down to breakfast. We still cannot access the internet, so watching Conference was not a possibility. I will be anxious to watch the rebroadcasts of it when we either get home or in Rome where we hope to find better internet access. While in the breakfast room, three different people came up to me and complimented us on the behavior of the children and how amazed they were that we have five children. One woman from Ireland, was the most talkative and curious about us. She was a retired teacher and wanted to know if we were just traveling. I briefly described our last 3 months and she was shocked and amazed. We then discussed our homeschooling efforts and if the boys were always this calm and well-behaved. She was very kind and sweet. I was grateful she had left the breakfast room, when I turned and saw Mitchell try and stuff a whole kiwi into his mouth and nearly choke on it as he tried to chew it. Robby laughed so loud and so hard, it made all the people sitting near us jump off their seats. We left quickly before everyone got a real view of what our "calm and well-behaved" boys were really like.
=)
We went down into the front lobby and they called the parking garage for our van. Seriously, the only vehicles that could park on the streets here are Smart cars and motorcycles. When the parking attendant pulled up, we quickly hurried out, loaded up our things and took off (as we had created a traffic jam, because there is only one lane per road). Luckily, the GPS led us out of town easily and we were on our way to Pisa. As we drove out of Florence, it made me so grateful to be in a Christian country again as we saw Italian after Italian carrying olive branches on every street. It was very obvious that it was palm Sunday and it was so nice to see so many people remembering this. I was also impressed to see that nearly every store was closed (and it remained that way everywhere we went today). When we were just outside of Pisa, Reggie called out and asked me if he could lay down on my pillow. My stomach dropped--I had forgotten both Jason and my pillows in the hotel. Boo Hoo! I have carried those pillows everywhere and now they were gone. I was so sad. Jason refused to go back, bummer!
We drove into Pisa about 1 1/2 hour later, easily found parking on the street, walked around the corner and boom there was the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Jason was amazed how truly tipped this building was, along with every other building and wall in the entire square. We took lots of fun pictures where it looked like each of us were either climbing the tower or trying to push it back up. It was funny. We then walked around the square, quietly watched a Catholic Mass in the Cathedral right next to the Tower (the boys were amazed by the size of these people's Church and how dressed up their "speaker" was), saw the Baptistery and then got back in the car to head down the coast.
We drove first to Piombino where I hoped to get lunch and take pictures on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. Jason wanted to drive on to the next town, so off we went. The trees here are so amazing and the countryside is so lush and green. It again met every expectation I had for the Tuscan countryside. The kids were bouncing off the walls. The alphabet game and stories were the only thing that saved us. I enjoyed listening to Rush on my MP3 player because I cannot read while we are driving here and all the radio stations are in Italian.
Jason read about a place called Monte Argentario and wanted to see it. This place used to be an island until the early 18th century, when the shallow waters separating it from the mainland began to silt up, creating two sandy spits of land or land-bridges. It appears to be a favorite place for yacht owners and older people who like to sit at the little tables lining the harbor and play cards. Once again, as we walked along, we were congratulated on having 5 children. It seemed like we had won them in a lottery or something the way people talked. :D There were no restaurants open, so we bought a few things from a bakery and ice cream and headed down the road to Rome. The coastline was so beautiful and the kids got to touch the Mediterranean Sea and have pictures by it.
We were all grateful to arrive at the hotel. We are staying at the same Holiday Inn Rome West hotel, but it is really driving the poor boys crazy that they did not give us our same rooms again, but they're glad to be back to something familiar. We have a huge 3 days ahead of us and then our favorite day of all--Thursday--when we get to go home. We are all beyond ready, but we really are seeing the most amazing things!
=)
We went down into the front lobby and they called the parking garage for our van. Seriously, the only vehicles that could park on the streets here are Smart cars and motorcycles. When the parking attendant pulled up, we quickly hurried out, loaded up our things and took off (as we had created a traffic jam, because there is only one lane per road). Luckily, the GPS led us out of town easily and we were on our way to Pisa. As we drove out of Florence, it made me so grateful to be in a Christian country again as we saw Italian after Italian carrying olive branches on every street. It was very obvious that it was palm Sunday and it was so nice to see so many people remembering this. I was also impressed to see that nearly every store was closed (and it remained that way everywhere we went today). When we were just outside of Pisa, Reggie called out and asked me if he could lay down on my pillow. My stomach dropped--I had forgotten both Jason and my pillows in the hotel. Boo Hoo! I have carried those pillows everywhere and now they were gone. I was so sad. Jason refused to go back, bummer!
We drove into Pisa about 1 1/2 hour later, easily found parking on the street, walked around the corner and boom there was the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Jason was amazed how truly tipped this building was, along with every other building and wall in the entire square. We took lots of fun pictures where it looked like each of us were either climbing the tower or trying to push it back up. It was funny. We then walked around the square, quietly watched a Catholic Mass in the Cathedral right next to the Tower (the boys were amazed by the size of these people's Church and how dressed up their "speaker" was), saw the Baptistery and then got back in the car to head down the coast.
We drove first to Piombino where I hoped to get lunch and take pictures on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. Jason wanted to drive on to the next town, so off we went. The trees here are so amazing and the countryside is so lush and green. It again met every expectation I had for the Tuscan countryside. The kids were bouncing off the walls. The alphabet game and stories were the only thing that saved us. I enjoyed listening to Rush on my MP3 player because I cannot read while we are driving here and all the radio stations are in Italian.
Jason read about a place called Monte Argentario and wanted to see it. This place used to be an island until the early 18th century, when the shallow waters separating it from the mainland began to silt up, creating two sandy spits of land or land-bridges. It appears to be a favorite place for yacht owners and older people who like to sit at the little tables lining the harbor and play cards. Once again, as we walked along, we were congratulated on having 5 children. It seemed like we had won them in a lottery or something the way people talked. :D There were no restaurants open, so we bought a few things from a bakery and ice cream and headed down the road to Rome. The coastline was so beautiful and the kids got to touch the Mediterranean Sea and have pictures by it.
We were all grateful to arrive at the hotel. We are staying at the same Holiday Inn Rome West hotel, but it is really driving the poor boys crazy that they did not give us our same rooms again, but they're glad to be back to something familiar. We have a huge 3 days ahead of us and then our favorite day of all--Thursday--when we get to go home. We are all beyond ready, but we really are seeing the most amazing things!
Saturday, April 3rd - Florence, Italy
We were much more organized this morning and were out of the hotel room and eating breakfast by 8:20a.m. It wasn’t a breakfast to brag about, so we’ll just say that we had enough to eat so we weren’t hungry and were ready to go.
Our hotel recommended that we get reservations for the Academia Museum where Michelangelo’s sculpture, “The David” was located, so we wouldn’t have to stand in the long lines that we would find there. They said that the reservations weren’t much more than a ticket to get in, but when we got there, we were pretty surprised to find that the hotel had charged us 14 euro and a ticket to get in was only 6.5 euro! We did appreciate not having to stand in line, but I’m not sure that it was worth the many extra euros we paid.
After going through the xray screenings with all backpacks, purses, etc., we saw beautiful paintings and then walked into the room where the 17 foot David was on display. It was truly the most amazing sculpture we had ever seen. Michelangelo was a genius and what is even more amazing is the fact that he did the David when he was only 27 or 29 years old! The kids were a little embarrassed by the unclothed statue, but we focused on his arms, legs, feet, hands, the story of David as a young man, and how realistic this sculpture looked. Jason and I were pretty sad that they would not allow pictures to be taken, but Jason still, very sneakily, took a couple that I hope turn out ok. We spent about an hour in this museum and really enjoyed the beautiful art that we were able to see. When the guards started getting after the boys for touching the ropes and climbing under the “boundries,” we decided to vacate the premises. Italian people have very little patience with children, we have found. Also, Paris is much more family friendly than either Rome or Florence. In Paris, all children are free, under 18, for all museums and exhibits, including transportation! Here and in Rome, Will is the only one free and every other child has to pay an adult price. It’s exceedingly more expensive here as a result.
Climbing the Florence Chapel. After
Beautiful views of Florence
The Baptistry where Michelangelo was baptized
Lunch at a yummy Pizzaria – and didn’t kill us on price
Church where Micelangelo was buried – along with Galeleio, the man who wrote Cinderella, Dante—the poet that influenced Michelangelo so much—the cloisters and lots of pictures.
A walk along the river and the Bridge that Jason loves again.
Ice cream treats
Rain
Hotel for a movie for the boys
Jennifer and Vanessa went and got the Marble statues of Moses, the David and Winged Victory! Vanessa got two masks that she loved.
Came back to the hotel, did laundry, went to dinner. Really delicious.
Back to the hotel.
Not able to get on line with the internet to see Conference.
Leaving for Pisa and Rome tomorrow.
Our hotel recommended that we get reservations for the Academia Museum where Michelangelo’s sculpture, “The David” was located, so we wouldn’t have to stand in the long lines that we would find there. They said that the reservations weren’t much more than a ticket to get in, but when we got there, we were pretty surprised to find that the hotel had charged us 14 euro and a ticket to get in was only 6.5 euro! We did appreciate not having to stand in line, but I’m not sure that it was worth the many extra euros we paid.
After going through the xray screenings with all backpacks, purses, etc., we saw beautiful paintings and then walked into the room where the 17 foot David was on display. It was truly the most amazing sculpture we had ever seen. Michelangelo was a genius and what is even more amazing is the fact that he did the David when he was only 27 or 29 years old! The kids were a little embarrassed by the unclothed statue, but we focused on his arms, legs, feet, hands, the story of David as a young man, and how realistic this sculpture looked. Jason and I were pretty sad that they would not allow pictures to be taken, but Jason still, very sneakily, took a couple that I hope turn out ok. We spent about an hour in this museum and really enjoyed the beautiful art that we were able to see. When the guards started getting after the boys for touching the ropes and climbing under the “boundries,” we decided to vacate the premises. Italian people have very little patience with children, we have found. Also, Paris is much more family friendly than either Rome or Florence. In Paris, all children are free, under 18, for all museums and exhibits, including transportation! Here and in Rome, Will is the only one free and every other child has to pay an adult price. It’s exceedingly more expensive here as a result.
Climbing the Florence Chapel. After
Beautiful views of Florence
The Baptistry where Michelangelo was baptized
Lunch at a yummy Pizzaria – and didn’t kill us on price
Church where Micelangelo was buried – along with Galeleio, the man who wrote Cinderella, Dante—the poet that influenced Michelangelo so much—the cloisters and lots of pictures.
A walk along the river and the Bridge that Jason loves again.
Ice cream treats
Rain
Hotel for a movie for the boys
Jennifer and Vanessa went and got the Marble statues of Moses, the David and Winged Victory! Vanessa got two masks that she loved.
Came back to the hotel, did laundry, went to dinner. Really delicious.
Back to the hotel.
Not able to get on line with the internet to see Conference.
Leaving for Pisa and Rome tomorrow.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Florence, Italy!!
We left Rome this morning after breakfast. Breakfast wasn't nearly as exciting as before, because they were out of oranges for the freshly squeezed orange juice machine. Robby looked so sad it made all the waiters and waitresses feel bad that they didn't have any more oranges to give him. Jason was not pleased that it took us so long to get out of there, but 10a.m. seemed rather good to me, seeing how late we had come in last night and got to bed. We consolidated down to one large suitcase and two small suitcases holding dirty clothes in hopes that we can find a laundromat in Florence. All of our other luggage was left at the Holiday Inn Rome West hotel where we will be staying next week.
After our GPS navigator had been installed with the address of Florence (it would not register our hotel's address), we were off. This GPS navigator is a life saver here. There is no way we could have found our way, even out of Rome, without it. The drive to Florence was spectacular! It looks just like every postcard or picture or way I've even imagined Italy looking. It is so green and lush and nearly every home, village, etc. are built on a hill. It is so rare to see any flat land here. There are green rolling hills covered in trees, flowers, and just perfectly looking European homes everywhere. The highway was great. We were able to drive at about 70 mph I think--that is so great after being able to only go up to speeds of 40mph in Morocco. There were sheep, horses and cows grazing in many of the fields. Looking at how fat and happy they looked, I decided that any animal outside of Morocco is blessed. The people everywhere are so nice and friendly. It was such a fun drive. The kids were a little rowdy, but enjoyed a morning of non-sight-seeing. They played a lot of alphabet letter finding games and "what movie is this line from" games in the car. I'm not sure Vanessa would have made it without her ipod. She sings all the time and has such a beautiful voice.
We arrived in Florence and lets just say that the 9 passenger van that we rented was not made for these streets. They are just a little tiny bit wider than the Van! It totally freaked out poor Jason as he nearly ran over many people. The shops here are incredible and our hotel, Hotel Paris, is just down from the Florence Chapel, so Jason was overjoyed! We are also right by the bridge where there are shops built all along it, and I can't remember the name right now. We spent a lot of time at both of these places, ate ice cream, were congratulated by no less than 10 people for having five children, and then at dinner at a perfect Italian restaurant--the kids had their regular: spaghetti with butter and Parmesan cheese only for the 3 little boys, pizza for Mitchell and Spaghetti with meat sauce for Vanessa and Mitchell (each of the boys, except Will required 2 servings today--man it is soooooo expensive to feed kids in Europe!!). The kids came back to the hotel--which by the way looks like we are staying in a museum. They made us take the Presidential Suite, and another room, because of how many kids we have. The ceiling is all painted and vaulted--17 feet or so. It has Victorian looking furniture, a huge fireplace, etc. Vanessa and Mitchell think it feels like we are staying in the Haunted Mansion. They like the cramped Holiday Inn much better. They are so weird. Anyway, the kids came back full and happy and fell asleep faster than any other day. Yahoo.
After our GPS navigator had been installed with the address of Florence (it would not register our hotel's address), we were off. This GPS navigator is a life saver here. There is no way we could have found our way, even out of Rome, without it. The drive to Florence was spectacular! It looks just like every postcard or picture or way I've even imagined Italy looking. It is so green and lush and nearly every home, village, etc. are built on a hill. It is so rare to see any flat land here. There are green rolling hills covered in trees, flowers, and just perfectly looking European homes everywhere. The highway was great. We were able to drive at about 70 mph I think--that is so great after being able to only go up to speeds of 40mph in Morocco. There were sheep, horses and cows grazing in many of the fields. Looking at how fat and happy they looked, I decided that any animal outside of Morocco is blessed. The people everywhere are so nice and friendly. It was such a fun drive. The kids were a little rowdy, but enjoyed a morning of non-sight-seeing. They played a lot of alphabet letter finding games and "what movie is this line from" games in the car. I'm not sure Vanessa would have made it without her ipod. She sings all the time and has such a beautiful voice.
We arrived in Florence and lets just say that the 9 passenger van that we rented was not made for these streets. They are just a little tiny bit wider than the Van! It totally freaked out poor Jason as he nearly ran over many people. The shops here are incredible and our hotel, Hotel Paris, is just down from the Florence Chapel, so Jason was overjoyed! We are also right by the bridge where there are shops built all along it, and I can't remember the name right now. We spent a lot of time at both of these places, ate ice cream, were congratulated by no less than 10 people for having five children, and then at dinner at a perfect Italian restaurant--the kids had their regular: spaghetti with butter and Parmesan cheese only for the 3 little boys, pizza for Mitchell and Spaghetti with meat sauce for Vanessa and Mitchell (each of the boys, except Will required 2 servings today--man it is soooooo expensive to feed kids in Europe!!). The kids came back to the hotel--which by the way looks like we are staying in a museum. They made us take the Presidential Suite, and another room, because of how many kids we have. The ceiling is all painted and vaulted--17 feet or so. It has Victorian looking furniture, a huge fireplace, etc. Vanessa and Mitchell think it feels like we are staying in the Haunted Mansion. They like the cramped Holiday Inn much better. They are so weird. Anyway, the kids came back full and happy and fell asleep faster than any other day. Yahoo.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
An Absolutely Amazing day in beautiful Rome
*Jason called from Brindisi. Meetings went very well. He will be able to come back today early and meet us at 2p.m. at the Colosseum. Jason said that he was very glad we didn't come--it took almost 7 hours to drive there yesterday.
*Delicious breakfast here at the hotel - Holiday Inn Rome West
*People on hotel bus amazed I would dare go out into the city with 5 excited children by myself. The boys played "Smart Car Find" and pretty much drove every elderly person on the bus crazy as they called out each smart car they found, its color, and the points they had earned from finding that color of car. Hotel bus dropped us off in front of a beautiful building - Monumento a Vittosio Emanuele II - I think. We climbed all over the steps, went into the cathedral, saw pictures of the previous Pope, took our own amazing pictures, saw the Colosseum from it, etc. All white marble and amazing.
*Went down to the bus stop to figure out how to find the hill where the consieer here at the hotel told me were cannons that would be shot off at noon and had marionette puppet plays that she loved watching as a child. The "bus info guy" spoke no English, but I showed him where we wanted to go and he took us right over to a bus, told the bus driver where we wanted to go and we all climbed on. We drove down the craziest street I'd ever been on--no more will I think that Morocco had the craziest streets--Rome puts it to shame. THEY ARE INSANE DRIVERS HERE!! They just don't honk so much.
*Bus driver, who also spoke no English, had me stand right by him so he could tell us when to get off. We arrived at a beautiful bridge, called the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, and he told us to get off. Then he showed me on my map where we were. We were A LONG WAY from where we needed to go, but he made little walking movements with his fingers and pointed the way to go. I decided there was nothing else to do, so off we went.
*River walk. Found the hill, climbed and walked around the streets. So Italian and fun and beautiful. However, when we reached the top, it was a house, and not the street where we needed to go. A nice English speaking, man told us that he home was here now and pointed to where we needed to go. We were about 1.5 hours from when we needed to meet Jason, so I decided that we better head that way. The road we were on had no buses, so my original plan of finding a bus and riding to the collussum turned into a walking tour of Rome.
*Walked along the River Tevere on the street, Lungotevere Glanicolense. The river isn't clear or clean, but the walk along side of it, up above, was tree-lined with branches just starting to bud out with green leaves and flowers. It was so peaceful and beautiful. The boys got to kick every tree they wanted to, run, jump, etc. and they didn't complain one second about having to walk. The streets were jam packed with traffic, one traffic accident, and the street had those European houses, buildings, etc. that just matched every idea that you've ever had at what Italy should look like. That street turned into Lungolevere della Famesina and then Lungotevere Raffaelo Sanzio. We then crossed the river and went into a beautiful old building that used to be a hospital for army veterans I think. We had some delicious ice cream that was only 1 euro 8 per cone. That was great!
*Walked by the church made famous in Roman Holiday that holds the "truth book" or something like that. Audrey Hepburn sticks her hand into the book, in the movie, and the myth is that if you tell the truth, you are fine. If you lie, the book will bite your hand off. They boys thought that story was so cool. I had them stand on this huge tree stump for a picture with the church in the background. When the picture was taken, Reggie decided to "help" Will off the stump by giving him a pushing start and Will landed in a huge muddy area that was hidden by green grass. Will screamed and then just looked at me with his shoe and most of his calf part of mud buried in gooey mud. We rubbed as much off as possible, and then, with no other choice, went on.
*Up the hill we walked and came to the Circus Maximus. This is where the largest outdoor arena ever built used to be located. We were told, later, by a guide that if you lined up all the marble that was in the seats surrounding it, it would go more than 43 miles! WOW! Today there was a huge concert stage being set up. WE tried to find out who would be performing, but had no luck discovering who it would be. We then came around the corner and saw the arch where we were meeting Jason, right by the COLOSSEUM! It was as magnificent as any picture I'd every seen of it.
*I really wanted to find a tour guide and as luck would have it, a "seller of tours" approached us right then and we were able to book a tour with a man from Italy, but who had only a slight accent and spoke English extremely well. It was the best guided tour I have ever been on. He told so many stories and kept the kids mesmerized the entire time. He will also be giving us tours of the Roman forums and St. Peters and the Sistine Chapel next week.
*The kids were starved, as were we, and we went to a restaurant right by the Colosseum. That was very cool! The pictures we took in the restaurant, with the Colosseum in the background, make it look like a poster! They loved their pizza and spaghetti and delicious ice cream for dessert. It was even better than the ice cream in Paris. We then made it back to get on the 7p.m. bus back to the hotel (I would have like to have kept going until midnight), and got the kids showered, relaxed and in bed. Jason did a truckload of work and is stressed to the max about the new dome skin being manufactured back in Idaho.
*We leave for Florence in the morning, bright and early, Jason hopes.
*Delicious breakfast here at the hotel - Holiday Inn Rome West
*People on hotel bus amazed I would dare go out into the city with 5 excited children by myself. The boys played "Smart Car Find" and pretty much drove every elderly person on the bus crazy as they called out each smart car they found, its color, and the points they had earned from finding that color of car. Hotel bus dropped us off in front of a beautiful building - Monumento a Vittosio Emanuele II - I think. We climbed all over the steps, went into the cathedral, saw pictures of the previous Pope, took our own amazing pictures, saw the Colosseum from it, etc. All white marble and amazing.
*Went down to the bus stop to figure out how to find the hill where the consieer here at the hotel told me were cannons that would be shot off at noon and had marionette puppet plays that she loved watching as a child. The "bus info guy" spoke no English, but I showed him where we wanted to go and he took us right over to a bus, told the bus driver where we wanted to go and we all climbed on. We drove down the craziest street I'd ever been on--no more will I think that Morocco had the craziest streets--Rome puts it to shame. THEY ARE INSANE DRIVERS HERE!! They just don't honk so much.
*Bus driver, who also spoke no English, had me stand right by him so he could tell us when to get off. We arrived at a beautiful bridge, called the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, and he told us to get off. Then he showed me on my map where we were. We were A LONG WAY from where we needed to go, but he made little walking movements with his fingers and pointed the way to go. I decided there was nothing else to do, so off we went.
*River walk. Found the hill, climbed and walked around the streets. So Italian and fun and beautiful. However, when we reached the top, it was a house, and not the street where we needed to go. A nice English speaking, man told us that he home was here now and pointed to where we needed to go. We were about 1.5 hours from when we needed to meet Jason, so I decided that we better head that way. The road we were on had no buses, so my original plan of finding a bus and riding to the collussum turned into a walking tour of Rome.
*Walked along the River Tevere on the street, Lungotevere Glanicolense. The river isn't clear or clean, but the walk along side of it, up above, was tree-lined with branches just starting to bud out with green leaves and flowers. It was so peaceful and beautiful. The boys got to kick every tree they wanted to, run, jump, etc. and they didn't complain one second about having to walk. The streets were jam packed with traffic, one traffic accident, and the street had those European houses, buildings, etc. that just matched every idea that you've ever had at what Italy should look like. That street turned into Lungolevere della Famesina and then Lungotevere Raffaelo Sanzio. We then crossed the river and went into a beautiful old building that used to be a hospital for army veterans I think. We had some delicious ice cream that was only 1 euro 8 per cone. That was great!
*Walked by the church made famous in Roman Holiday that holds the "truth book" or something like that. Audrey Hepburn sticks her hand into the book, in the movie, and the myth is that if you tell the truth, you are fine. If you lie, the book will bite your hand off. They boys thought that story was so cool. I had them stand on this huge tree stump for a picture with the church in the background. When the picture was taken, Reggie decided to "help" Will off the stump by giving him a pushing start and Will landed in a huge muddy area that was hidden by green grass. Will screamed and then just looked at me with his shoe and most of his calf part of mud buried in gooey mud. We rubbed as much off as possible, and then, with no other choice, went on.
*Up the hill we walked and came to the Circus Maximus. This is where the largest outdoor arena ever built used to be located. We were told, later, by a guide that if you lined up all the marble that was in the seats surrounding it, it would go more than 43 miles! WOW! Today there was a huge concert stage being set up. WE tried to find out who would be performing, but had no luck discovering who it would be. We then came around the corner and saw the arch where we were meeting Jason, right by the COLOSSEUM! It was as magnificent as any picture I'd every seen of it.
*I really wanted to find a tour guide and as luck would have it, a "seller of tours" approached us right then and we were able to book a tour with a man from Italy, but who had only a slight accent and spoke English extremely well. It was the best guided tour I have ever been on. He told so many stories and kept the kids mesmerized the entire time. He will also be giving us tours of the Roman forums and St. Peters and the Sistine Chapel next week.
*The kids were starved, as were we, and we went to a restaurant right by the Colosseum. That was very cool! The pictures we took in the restaurant, with the Colosseum in the background, make it look like a poster! They loved their pizza and spaghetti and delicious ice cream for dessert. It was even better than the ice cream in Paris. We then made it back to get on the 7p.m. bus back to the hotel (I would have like to have kept going until midnight), and got the kids showered, relaxed and in bed. Jason did a truckload of work and is stressed to the max about the new dome skin being manufactured back in Idaho.
*We leave for Florence in the morning, bright and early, Jason hopes.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Saint Peters Cathedral, The Square, The Collanade, Saw the Pope!!
Jason left for Brindisi at 5a.m. Will be back tomorrow night.รน
Breakfast at the hotel. Machine that squeezes oranges right in front of you. Boys loved this.
Hotel bus to St. Peters.
Pope speaking to the crowd. He blessed us.
Saw the Pieta inside the cathedral.
In line for two hours. Will and Robby lost it.
Most incredible sights we have ever seen. Huge, beautiful, grand and amazing.
Yummy lunch
Took bus back to hotel.
Blogging
Boys losing it. Have to go.
Breakfast at the hotel. Machine that squeezes oranges right in front of you. Boys loved this.
Hotel bus to St. Peters.
Pope speaking to the crowd. He blessed us.
Saw the Pieta inside the cathedral.
In line for two hours. Will and Robby lost it.
Most incredible sights we have ever seen. Huge, beautiful, grand and amazing.
Yummy lunch
Took bus back to hotel.
Blogging
Boys losing it. Have to go.
March 31, 2009 Traveling to Rome, Italy
Everyone up at 5a.m.
Taxi driver said he could not pick us up at 8a.m., he needed to get us at 7a.m., and he was then 30 minutes late. Oh well, we were early and drove quickly to the airport.
Had to transfer things around in suitcases to get the weight correct so we had no overweight charges for luggage.
Waited 3.5 hours in airport for our flight
Just as we were about to line up for checking in, a group of 60 to 70 Parisan teenagers showed up with teachers to check in. The volume in the airport went up about 50 decibles.
EasyJet is a great airline for checking people in. Even though the line was HUGE, we only stood there for less than 15 minutes before we were totally through! Seriously unbeleivable.
Great Flight. Will sick of traveling. Arrived at 2p.m.
Arrived and realized Jennifer had reserved the van at the Leonardo De Vinci airport and not the Campaneli airport. After 1.5 hours, found a large enough taxi to take us 40 km to the other airport. Got to airport at 4p.m.
Reserved a van through CarTrawler. No one had heard of it. Took 2.5 more hours to find it and get the van. Jennifer stayed with the boys and Vanessa on the concrete pad between two parking garages playing.
Searched for GPS cord for one hour so we would not get lost. Got lost anyway. Found hotel just before dark. Vanessa declared this the worst day ever. Boys bouncing off the walls. Hotel rooms. One king bed in each room. Nice and cozy.
Dinner at the hotels restaurant. Seriously delicious Italian food. Vanessa had such a wonderful dish, she declared it was the best day ever!!!! And it was only Spaghetti and Bolenaise sauce!
Jason decided to leave us here and go to Brindisi tomorrow by himself for meetings.
Got to bed just after midnight.
Taxi driver said he could not pick us up at 8a.m., he needed to get us at 7a.m., and he was then 30 minutes late. Oh well, we were early and drove quickly to the airport.
Had to transfer things around in suitcases to get the weight correct so we had no overweight charges for luggage.
Waited 3.5 hours in airport for our flight
Just as we were about to line up for checking in, a group of 60 to 70 Parisan teenagers showed up with teachers to check in. The volume in the airport went up about 50 decibles.
EasyJet is a great airline for checking people in. Even though the line was HUGE, we only stood there for less than 15 minutes before we were totally through! Seriously unbeleivable.
Great Flight. Will sick of traveling. Arrived at 2p.m.
Arrived and realized Jennifer had reserved the van at the Leonardo De Vinci airport and not the Campaneli airport. After 1.5 hours, found a large enough taxi to take us 40 km to the other airport. Got to airport at 4p.m.
Reserved a van through CarTrawler. No one had heard of it. Took 2.5 more hours to find it and get the van. Jennifer stayed with the boys and Vanessa on the concrete pad between two parking garages playing.
Searched for GPS cord for one hour so we would not get lost. Got lost anyway. Found hotel just before dark. Vanessa declared this the worst day ever. Boys bouncing off the walls. Hotel rooms. One king bed in each room. Nice and cozy.
Dinner at the hotels restaurant. Seriously delicious Italian food. Vanessa had such a wonderful dish, she declared it was the best day ever!!!! And it was only Spaghetti and Bolenaise sauce!
Jason decided to leave us here and go to Brindisi tomorrow by himself for meetings.
Got to bed just after midnight.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Our Last day in Paris--Boo Hoo!
Breakfast
Monet's waterlily's at the Musee national de l'Orangerie
Notre-Dame cathedral and climbed the tower - belfry
The most incredible ice cream EVER!! On the Island, right behind Notre-Dame
Jason: Chocolate & Carmel (The best you've ever tasted)
Jennifer: Red Rose (It really did taste like I was eating a red rose and it smelled that beautiful too!)
Vanessa: Chocolate and Carmel
Mitchell: Rasberry & Orange (unbelievable flavors)
Reggie: Orange and Vanilla - my favorite
Robby: Orange and Rasberry
Will: Orange and Rasberry
Boat cruise down the Seine
Arc d'Defense
McDonald's
Louvre
Pastry Shop - strawberry tarts, walnut supremes, eclairs, AWESOME
Back to the hotel to relax and pack
If anyone decides to buy "Three Cups of Tea," please go to their web site because part of the proceeds and all of the profits go to benefit schools being built in Afganistan. EVERONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK! IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED IN SCHOOOLS!!
Monet's waterlily's at the Musee national de l'Orangerie
Notre-Dame cathedral and climbed the tower - belfry
The most incredible ice cream EVER!! On the Island, right behind Notre-Dame
Jason: Chocolate & Carmel (The best you've ever tasted)
Jennifer: Red Rose (It really did taste like I was eating a red rose and it smelled that beautiful too!)
Vanessa: Chocolate and Carmel
Mitchell: Rasberry & Orange (unbelievable flavors)
Reggie: Orange and Vanilla - my favorite
Robby: Orange and Rasberry
Will: Orange and Rasberry
Boat cruise down the Seine
Arc d'Defense
McDonald's
Louvre
Pastry Shop - strawberry tarts, walnut supremes, eclairs, AWESOME
Back to the hotel to relax and pack
If anyone decides to buy "Three Cups of Tea," please go to their web site because part of the proceeds and all of the profits go to benefit schools being built in Afganistan. EVERONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK! IT SHOULD BE REQUIRED IN SCHOOOLS!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
A chilly, wonderful Sunday in Paris!
Last night, I googled "lds ward paris, france" and up popped the Paris, France Mission web site. On it listed numerous wards in Paris with the times that they started and directions on how to get to their locations. The kids were whining and crying about it. They are all scared about not being able to understanding anything, about meeting new people, etc.--all being led and orchestrated by our wonderful daughter. Some times she makes me SO CRAZY! They had gone to bed, each hopeful that I would be unsuccessful in my attempts to find the church, but to their dismay, my diligence paid off and we know just where to go. There were wards starting at 9, 10, 11, and 1 o'clock all over the city. It showed that there was English translation available at a ward in Versailles, but the meeting started at 9a.m. and Jason decided this would be next to impossible to make it there on time with the walking, subways and trains. We decided upon the 10a.m. meeting located by the Pompidou Museum.
Everyone got up and whined mightily about going to church, but looked so great in their white shirts and ties. Jason and Mitchell look fantastic in their new suits and wow did we get points, stares, smiles and looks down at breakfast this morning. Vanessa looked darling in her dress and everyone there seemed shocked to see so many children and parents looking that dressed up. We quickly ate and then headed for the subway.
We walked down our street "Rue Richelieu" and entered the subway at the Palais Royal Louvre station and Jason discovered he'd forgotten our subway tickets and the ticket station was closed. Heavenly Father must have wanted us to be able to attend, because the place where they usually take the tickets was all open and people were just walking through. I don't know if this is normal or not, but we were able to enter and get on the subway taking us to the church. We had one connection and made it right on time. We came out from the Metro right at the Museum and once again tickets were not required to get out. I was amazed. We followed the directions right to the church. Greeting us at the front door were two missionaries from Salt Lake City and Seattle, WA. They shook each one of our hands and then pointed us to where we needed to go. I asked him if Sacrament Meeting had already started (It was about 5 min. after 10a.m.) and he told us that this was a bit of a different day. #1 The website was incorrect--the meetings started at 9:30a.m., not at 10a.m. #2 It was daylight saving time now and we had come at 11a.m., not 10a.m. #3 It was stake conference today and there would be no normal French sacrament meeting. #4 Today was the first Sunday they would be starting their Summer English Sacrament Meetings and it would be starting at 11:30!!! After the first 3 things they had told us, I was pretty discouraged and then came that last bit of information. I was shocked, amazed and humbled again by the many tender mercies we seem to be receiving no matter where we go.
We walked in and hung up our coats. They then started the meeting and the room was packed. A man who was on the high council conducted the meeting and was totally amazed by the turn-out. They were not planning on starting these English meetings until late May or June, but just the night before, the Stake President felt strongly that they should start the meetings today. What an inspired man he must be. He asked for deacons who could pass the Sacrament and my eyes filled with tears when Mitchell proudly raised his hand and walked up with another young man to sit in front of the Sacrament table. This was his first time passing the sacrament to anyone besides our family in Morocco. What an amazing introduction to the Priesthood he is having. I wish all of his Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles could have seen him.
The meeting was a Testimony Meeting--People we heard from included: two young men there on their way home to Boston after traveling all over Israel; A couple from Florida who are the parents of 10 children and because her husband is a professor of languages, they had lived for a year at a time in Hungary, Switzerland, the Philippines, Germany, Russia, etc. and he was currently a professor in Denmark where they are living now--he speaks 11 languages and 8 of their 10 children served foreign missions; A newly wed couple from the Bay Area who were web designers and whose company let them come and live in Europe for a year while he does his work. They've lived in a different city or country in Europe every month for the last seven months. Her parents were there visiting them; Two young girls from Russia who are studying German in Switzerland for school and who were in Paris for the weekend and who spoke very good English; A woman from Tennessee who has a mixed up and pretty sad life with work--her kids are in Tennessee and she is working in Paris for 6 months (her children are very young--I haven't quite figured out what in the world she is doing over here); There was a couple from Shelton--Rigby, who were there on vacation and A couple from Naperville, Chicago, Illinois--the Harris'--they did not know Hillary and Joe. The High Council Man has lived all over the world and raised his children in Saudi Arabia for many years. It was quite a group and I'm sure all the other people had amazing stories too. It was so wonderful to be gathered together with other members of the Church. It feels like it's been forever. Jason bore his testimony and told about our experience. He did such a nice job and we were bombarded with questions from everyone after the meeting. It was very fun.
After the meeting, we walked through the Pompidou for a little while. They had a wonderful exhibition for children that the little boys loved. We then had lunch at Subway and came back to the hotel to change our clothes. The kids were all tired and wanted to stay in the hotel. Anyone who knows me, knows that this drives me crazy when we are traveling, but Jason decided it was best. We napped and read and they watched Anne of Green Gables. Subway was not high on my list of French quisine, and we went to a restaurant right by our hotel for dinner that was so beautiful and the food was delicious.
We are all well rested for a big day of sight-seeing tomorrow! Our goals are: Notre Dame, a boat ride down the River Seine, The L'Orange Museum to the the Waterlily Paintings by Monet, and the Sewers or Catacombs of Paris. We also want to climb the Eiffel Tower and eat at a Pattiseree that was suggested by Mindy Larsen! Yahoo--I have so much work to do on the tread mill when we get back! We'll see how much we are able to accomplish. We leave for Italy on Tuesday morning. We'll stay one night in Rome and then head to Brindisi where Jason has 3 days of meetings. We'll then come back to Rome and hopefully Pisa, Florence and Venice.
Good news: Reggie's ear didn't hurt one time today. I am treating it for both an internal and an external infection and it seems to be working. I'm so relieved and he's so thrilled that he's not in pain any more. Vanessa is so thrilled that the marriage proposals, constant stares at us as Americans and calls to come to their shop are over. This would make Paris perfect if her brothers could stop wrestling, poking each other and singing the McDonald's YouTube Song that they have memorized and sing like their own personal mantra. But, because they sat through watching Anne of Green Gables with her, she aggreed that it was a wonderful day!
In finished Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It is an absolute must read for every American! It's given me so much to think about and discuss with Jason. It's one of my favorite all time books!!
Everyone got up and whined mightily about going to church, but looked so great in their white shirts and ties. Jason and Mitchell look fantastic in their new suits and wow did we get points, stares, smiles and looks down at breakfast this morning. Vanessa looked darling in her dress and everyone there seemed shocked to see so many children and parents looking that dressed up. We quickly ate and then headed for the subway.
We walked down our street "Rue Richelieu" and entered the subway at the Palais Royal Louvre station and Jason discovered he'd forgotten our subway tickets and the ticket station was closed. Heavenly Father must have wanted us to be able to attend, because the place where they usually take the tickets was all open and people were just walking through. I don't know if this is normal or not, but we were able to enter and get on the subway taking us to the church. We had one connection and made it right on time. We came out from the Metro right at the Museum and once again tickets were not required to get out. I was amazed. We followed the directions right to the church. Greeting us at the front door were two missionaries from Salt Lake City and Seattle, WA. They shook each one of our hands and then pointed us to where we needed to go. I asked him if Sacrament Meeting had already started (It was about 5 min. after 10a.m.) and he told us that this was a bit of a different day. #1 The website was incorrect--the meetings started at 9:30a.m., not at 10a.m. #2 It was daylight saving time now and we had come at 11a.m., not 10a.m. #3 It was stake conference today and there would be no normal French sacrament meeting. #4 Today was the first Sunday they would be starting their Summer English Sacrament Meetings and it would be starting at 11:30!!! After the first 3 things they had told us, I was pretty discouraged and then came that last bit of information. I was shocked, amazed and humbled again by the many tender mercies we seem to be receiving no matter where we go.
We walked in and hung up our coats. They then started the meeting and the room was packed. A man who was on the high council conducted the meeting and was totally amazed by the turn-out. They were not planning on starting these English meetings until late May or June, but just the night before, the Stake President felt strongly that they should start the meetings today. What an inspired man he must be. He asked for deacons who could pass the Sacrament and my eyes filled with tears when Mitchell proudly raised his hand and walked up with another young man to sit in front of the Sacrament table. This was his first time passing the sacrament to anyone besides our family in Morocco. What an amazing introduction to the Priesthood he is having. I wish all of his Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles could have seen him.
The meeting was a Testimony Meeting--People we heard from included: two young men there on their way home to Boston after traveling all over Israel; A couple from Florida who are the parents of 10 children and because her husband is a professor of languages, they had lived for a year at a time in Hungary, Switzerland, the Philippines, Germany, Russia, etc. and he was currently a professor in Denmark where they are living now--he speaks 11 languages and 8 of their 10 children served foreign missions; A newly wed couple from the Bay Area who were web designers and whose company let them come and live in Europe for a year while he does his work. They've lived in a different city or country in Europe every month for the last seven months. Her parents were there visiting them; Two young girls from Russia who are studying German in Switzerland for school and who were in Paris for the weekend and who spoke very good English; A woman from Tennessee who has a mixed up and pretty sad life with work--her kids are in Tennessee and she is working in Paris for 6 months (her children are very young--I haven't quite figured out what in the world she is doing over here); There was a couple from Shelton--Rigby, who were there on vacation and A couple from Naperville, Chicago, Illinois--the Harris'--they did not know Hillary and Joe. The High Council Man has lived all over the world and raised his children in Saudi Arabia for many years. It was quite a group and I'm sure all the other people had amazing stories too. It was so wonderful to be gathered together with other members of the Church. It feels like it's been forever. Jason bore his testimony and told about our experience. He did such a nice job and we were bombarded with questions from everyone after the meeting. It was very fun.
After the meeting, we walked through the Pompidou for a little while. They had a wonderful exhibition for children that the little boys loved. We then had lunch at Subway and came back to the hotel to change our clothes. The kids were all tired and wanted to stay in the hotel. Anyone who knows me, knows that this drives me crazy when we are traveling, but Jason decided it was best. We napped and read and they watched Anne of Green Gables. Subway was not high on my list of French quisine, and we went to a restaurant right by our hotel for dinner that was so beautiful and the food was delicious.
We are all well rested for a big day of sight-seeing tomorrow! Our goals are: Notre Dame, a boat ride down the River Seine, The L'Orange Museum to the the Waterlily Paintings by Monet, and the Sewers or Catacombs of Paris. We also want to climb the Eiffel Tower and eat at a Pattiseree that was suggested by Mindy Larsen! Yahoo--I have so much work to do on the tread mill when we get back! We'll see how much we are able to accomplish. We leave for Italy on Tuesday morning. We'll stay one night in Rome and then head to Brindisi where Jason has 3 days of meetings. We'll then come back to Rome and hopefully Pisa, Florence and Venice.
Good news: Reggie's ear didn't hurt one time today. I am treating it for both an internal and an external infection and it seems to be working. I'm so relieved and he's so thrilled that he's not in pain any more. Vanessa is so thrilled that the marriage proposals, constant stares at us as Americans and calls to come to their shop are over. This would make Paris perfect if her brothers could stop wrestling, poking each other and singing the McDonald's YouTube Song that they have memorized and sing like their own personal mantra. But, because they sat through watching Anne of Green Gables with her, she aggreed that it was a wonderful day!
In finished Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It is an absolute must read for every American! It's given me so much to think about and discuss with Jason. It's one of my favorite all time books!!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Seven American's in Paris!! Yahoo!
I couldn't believe, at the end of today, how well our children had done and how much we had been able to see. Having lessons from Mimi made all the difference. Whenever they would get tired or not want to go on, I would mention how proud Mimi would be of them and how excited she would be to hear about everything they had seen, and on they would go. A backpack full of snacks also helped to keep their stamina up for all the walking we accomplished.
We started out the day by eating at our hotel's breakfast buffet. It's quite good--the kids favorite things are Coco Puffs, orange juice and the hard-boiled eggs with lots of salt and pepper. I have been overwhelmed with thankfulness for the staff of this hotel--they are so nice to the children and tolerant of the noise they inherantly bring. Everyone left with full stomachs and energy for the day.
Last Thursday, Will left his coat in the Louvre--Jason had taken Will and Robby back to the hotel early, and I had stayed in the Louvre to look at the Mona Lisa again and then to another wing where we saw "Napoleon's Apartments." Anyway, the first thing that we did this morning was go to the Louvre to try and find Will's coat. Although the information person feined understanding, little effort was made to find his coat and we left empty handed. Jason had to change some money, so I took the kids into an environmentally friendly store that was really fantastic. It had the neatest kids toys and numerous learning games, toys, kits, etc. to help children take more interest in the outdoors. It was really cute. Jason then met up with us and off we went on the Metro.
Our first stop was Vareene and we went first to the Rodin Museum where the kids all got pictures in front of the most famous Rodin sculpture--The "Thinker." We then left the museum (I was determined to focus on the most important things, not wear them out looking at everything I would have liked to have spent hours in front of). Then we walked across the street and went into Les Invalides. The kids were amazed at the size of Napoleon's tomb and the beauty of the building. They really enjoyed this visit. We then went back onto the Metro and went to the Champs Elysses stop.
It was so thrilling for me to be there with the kids, experiencing it with them. We walked down the street and soaked in all the surrounding. I couldn't believe how crowded the sidewalks were. When we had been there last July, at the height of tourist times, there were not any more people then as there are now. This has really surprised Jason and me. The weather was not on our side, however, and we went frequently into many shops due to the heavy downpours of rain and cold wind. Reggie was doing really well--he keeps cotton in his ear at all times and he didn't complain even one time.
Spaghetti and Pizza and Vesaro's
Arch of Triomphe - climbed to the top and spent lots of times learning about all the sculptures all over the exterior of this beautiful building.
Crepes on the Champs Ellysse's
Pugeout, Mercedes-Benz, other race car stores
Several "mini malls"
Huge record, music store
port Alexander Bridge
Grand Palais
The concorde
The building of Madeline
Games at the hotel, movies and dinner at Subway.
Jennifer's first bubble bath in 4 months
Paris opera house
We started out the day by eating at our hotel's breakfast buffet. It's quite good--the kids favorite things are Coco Puffs, orange juice and the hard-boiled eggs with lots of salt and pepper. I have been overwhelmed with thankfulness for the staff of this hotel--they are so nice to the children and tolerant of the noise they inherantly bring. Everyone left with full stomachs and energy for the day.
Last Thursday, Will left his coat in the Louvre--Jason had taken Will and Robby back to the hotel early, and I had stayed in the Louvre to look at the Mona Lisa again and then to another wing where we saw "Napoleon's Apartments." Anyway, the first thing that we did this morning was go to the Louvre to try and find Will's coat. Although the information person feined understanding, little effort was made to find his coat and we left empty handed. Jason had to change some money, so I took the kids into an environmentally friendly store that was really fantastic. It had the neatest kids toys and numerous learning games, toys, kits, etc. to help children take more interest in the outdoors. It was really cute. Jason then met up with us and off we went on the Metro.
Our first stop was Vareene and we went first to the Rodin Museum where the kids all got pictures in front of the most famous Rodin sculpture--The "Thinker." We then left the museum (I was determined to focus on the most important things, not wear them out looking at everything I would have liked to have spent hours in front of). Then we walked across the street and went into Les Invalides. The kids were amazed at the size of Napoleon's tomb and the beauty of the building. They really enjoyed this visit. We then went back onto the Metro and went to the Champs Elysses stop.
It was so thrilling for me to be there with the kids, experiencing it with them. We walked down the street and soaked in all the surrounding. I couldn't believe how crowded the sidewalks were. When we had been there last July, at the height of tourist times, there were not any more people then as there are now. This has really surprised Jason and me. The weather was not on our side, however, and we went frequently into many shops due to the heavy downpours of rain and cold wind. Reggie was doing really well--he keeps cotton in his ear at all times and he didn't complain even one time.
Spaghetti and Pizza and Vesaro's
Arch of Triomphe - climbed to the top and spent lots of times learning about all the sculptures all over the exterior of this beautiful building.
Crepes on the Champs Ellysse's
Pugeout, Mercedes-Benz, other race car stores
Several "mini malls"
Huge record, music store
port Alexander Bridge
Grand Palais
The concorde
The building of Madeline
Games at the hotel, movies and dinner at Subway.
Jennifer's first bubble bath in 4 months
Paris opera house
Friday, March 27, 2009
Museum Passes, Versailles!!, Musee d'Orsay, Reggie's Ear Infection
Breakfast in the hotel
Museum Passes at the Louvre (we are within walking distance--awesome!)
Train to Versailles
McDonald's for lunch
Versailles - So amazing, but very, very cold and windy outside
Trams not running to the Petit Trenon - 60 euro to rent little golf carts - Reggie crying so hard outside in the wind, we did not have the heart to force him to go out to the Hamlet in the wind. Killed Jennifer, but it was best for Reggie.
Bought Eiffle towers for each of the kids from the African/French vendors
Musee d'Orsay for an hour - Cezan, Renior, Rodin, Manet, VanGogh
Found outer ear infection drops for Reggie and Tylenol extra strength for the intense pain.
Were going to go to the Louvre for dinner, but so packed with college and high school age kids, we opted out.
Reggie crying so hard to just go back to the hotel, we went and got Subway, filled him with antibiotics.
Once again, not as much done as Jennifer would have liked, but the kids loved what we had done and with Reggie in pain, it was great what we were able to do.
So many awesome pictures.
Will dancing everywhere on every street
Robby still wishing he could have gone home with Barry and Elinor, but a great little traveler to everything.
Reggie - crying, but smiling in every picture, loved seeing everything Mimi had told him about
Mitchell enjoyed everything (including teasing little brother, while pretending to keep them under control)
Vanessa enjoying it all and informing us that she had already learned everything from Mr. Robbins in her English class last year. Wishing she was here with friends!
Museum Passes at the Louvre (we are within walking distance--awesome!)
Train to Versailles
McDonald's for lunch
Versailles - So amazing, but very, very cold and windy outside
Trams not running to the Petit Trenon - 60 euro to rent little golf carts - Reggie crying so hard outside in the wind, we did not have the heart to force him to go out to the Hamlet in the wind. Killed Jennifer, but it was best for Reggie.
Bought Eiffle towers for each of the kids from the African/French vendors
Musee d'Orsay for an hour - Cezan, Renior, Rodin, Manet, VanGogh
Found outer ear infection drops for Reggie and Tylenol extra strength for the intense pain.
Were going to go to the Louvre for dinner, but so packed with college and high school age kids, we opted out.
Reggie crying so hard to just go back to the hotel, we went and got Subway, filled him with antibiotics.
Once again, not as much done as Jennifer would have liked, but the kids loved what we had done and with Reggie in pain, it was great what we were able to do.
So many awesome pictures.
Will dancing everywhere on every street
Robby still wishing he could have gone home with Barry and Elinor, but a great little traveler to everything.
Reggie - crying, but smiling in every picture, loved seeing everything Mimi had told him about
Mitchell enjoyed everything (including teasing little brother, while pretending to keep them under control)
Vanessa enjoying it all and informing us that she had already learned everything from Mr. Robbins in her English class last year. Wishing she was here with friends!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Airplane flight to Orly Airport in Paris, Taxi ride, Louvre, Eiffle Tower & Ear Infection
Went to bed last night 1:30a.m.---up at 3a.m.---Goodbye Agadir
flight to Orly Airport in Paris
Taxi ride--Ghauna man--huge taxi--14 suitcases, a backpack, purse
Hotel--loft room with 7 beds for the price of two double rooms!! Miracle of miracles
Louvre for lunch, Mona Lisa, Napoleon Apartments
Eiffle Tower with Barry and Elinor
Dinner at hotel
Reggie with terrible ear infection
flight to Orly Airport in Paris
Taxi ride--Ghauna man--huge taxi--14 suitcases, a backpack, purse
Hotel--loft room with 7 beds for the price of two double rooms!! Miracle of miracles
Louvre for lunch, Mona Lisa, Napoleon Apartments
Eiffle Tower with Barry and Elinor
Dinner at hotel
Reggie with terrible ear infection
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Goodbye Morocco! Our last day here!
Packing, packing, packing
Cleaning
Swimming -- so fun
packing
lunch
leather jackets
suits
packing
visits: Saud, Amine, Butch, Lyn, Aziz, Jeff & Gizzlann
packing
cleaning
Cleaning
Swimming -- so fun
packing
lunch
leather jackets
suits
packing
visits: Saud, Amine, Butch, Lyn, Aziz, Jeff & Gizzlann
packing
cleaning
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pancakes for breakfast, CousCous for lunch, Crepes for Dinner!
Jennifer made pancakes for breakfast--no cold or hot cereal in the house. Big event
Shopping - coat for Jennifer, clothes, purses at souk, shoes and pants repaired--amazing tailors at the souk for 15-20 dirham (about $2)
Fitting for leather coats
Couscous from Zara!! for lunch ---soooooooo kind
Swimming - lots of skits and flips and enjoying our last days by the pool
Late french lesson for Vanessa and Mitchell
Little boys dressing up like "football players"
Robby loses his tooth
Jennifer & Jason begin the packing!!
Dinner at the Cafe by the apartment where she's been trying to get everyone to go since we came here--everyone loved it. The little boys had crepes with chocolate, Mitch, Vanessa & Jennifer had chicken paninis--awesome - Jason had a beef chipolata
Lesson on Michaelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vatican City, Rome, Florence, etc. from Mimi!! so excited to go!
Shopping - coat for Jennifer, clothes, purses at souk, shoes and pants repaired--amazing tailors at the souk for 15-20 dirham (about $2)
Fitting for leather coats
Couscous from Zara!! for lunch ---soooooooo kind
Swimming - lots of skits and flips and enjoying our last days by the pool
Late french lesson for Vanessa and Mitchell
Little boys dressing up like "football players"
Robby loses his tooth
Jennifer & Jason begin the packing!!
Dinner at the Cafe by the apartment where she's been trying to get everyone to go since we came here--everyone loved it. The little boys had crepes with chocolate, Mitch, Vanessa & Jennifer had chicken paninis--awesome - Jason had a beef chipolata
Lesson on Michaelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, The Vatican City, Rome, Florence, etc. from Mimi!! so excited to go!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Packing begins, homeschooling and a Moroccan Cooking Class with Zara!
-Homeschooling
-Organizing/Packing
-Cooking Chicken and Beef with Zara, Miriam and other Moroccan women
-Jason fitted for his new suit
-Dinner, compliments of Zara
-Discussion with children regarding personal responsibility & unselfish behavior
-Apartment contract problems with Saud and his Sister--want to charge us for April
-Jason organizing and writing incident reports for the dome failure - stressful
-Barry and Elinor missed their flight in Casablanca yesterday--awaiting their phone call to find out if they had to spend the night in that horrible airport.
-Organizing/Packing
-Cooking Chicken and Beef with Zara, Miriam and other Moroccan women
-Jason fitted for his new suit
-Dinner, compliments of Zara
-Discussion with children regarding personal responsibility & unselfish behavior
-Apartment contract problems with Saud and his Sister--want to charge us for April
-Jason organizing and writing incident reports for the dome failure - stressful
-Barry and Elinor missed their flight in Casablanca yesterday--awaiting their phone call to find out if they had to spend the night in that horrible airport.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Barry and Elinor leave us to go to Portugal and then Paris
Our week with Grandparents is over. We were so sad to see family leave today. Luckily, we were able to have Sacrament Meeting with them and then a nice afternoon. They left here at about 4p.m., our time. Jason and Mitchell took them to the airport and they are flying to Portugal for 3 nights, then to Paris for two nights and then home. Robby asked if they would like to take him with them. It was cute. I think they are grateful to be leaving, but they enjoyed seeing where we have been and Elinor and I became pretty intense shopping buddies. Elinor learned vocabulary she said she never knew existed: Prada, Versache, Gucci, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, etc., :D. I'm not sure that Barry was too thrilled she'd learned this "whole new language!" We may be able to meet up with them in Paris on Thursday. They leave Friday morning.
I am now blogging and we are waiting for my Mom to call to learn about Italy today. My Mom is the best story teller ever and our children are so excited to leave Morocco and see all the sights she is telling us about.
As I contemplate leaving, I find myself a little teeny, tiny, teensy, weensy bit sad that we are leaving this world. I've learned a lot and I appreciate our wonderful American country even more than I already did and in an entirely different way than before. I've been making it a point to carry around a lot of little coins called dirham. When I meet people begging for money, I've been able to give these coins to as many as I could. When I first arrived, I tried to keep my eyes down and tried to ignore these beggars as much as possible. I think I thought that if I couldn't helpe everyone, how could I help one? My attitude has changed dramatically. If I can help one or bring happiness to even one person, it lifts my spirit and helps remind me of the many blessings I have been given. As I was walking today with Elinor, Vanessa, etc., we came across a man that reminded me of stories I'd heard my entire life of people that begged the Savior to heal them. He was a Moroccan and he was sitting on the ground, on a dirty looking thin rug and his legs were out in front of him shrivelled and severely deformed. I rushed over to him to give him money--my eyes filled with tears. It made my heart hurt to see him in this condition. It made me wish that the Savior was there to heal him and make him whole. Some day. Once again, my mind and heart filled with gratitude for the blessing of being born in my family, in Idaho, as a member of the Church and the blessing of having my sweet little family with me, healthy, happy and learning to appreciate all the blessings we have been given.
I am now blogging and we are waiting for my Mom to call to learn about Italy today. My Mom is the best story teller ever and our children are so excited to leave Morocco and see all the sights she is telling us about.
As I contemplate leaving, I find myself a little teeny, tiny, teensy, weensy bit sad that we are leaving this world. I've learned a lot and I appreciate our wonderful American country even more than I already did and in an entirely different way than before. I've been making it a point to carry around a lot of little coins called dirham. When I meet people begging for money, I've been able to give these coins to as many as I could. When I first arrived, I tried to keep my eyes down and tried to ignore these beggars as much as possible. I think I thought that if I couldn't helpe everyone, how could I help one? My attitude has changed dramatically. If I can help one or bring happiness to even one person, it lifts my spirit and helps remind me of the many blessings I have been given. As I was walking today with Elinor, Vanessa, etc., we came across a man that reminded me of stories I'd heard my entire life of people that begged the Savior to heal them. He was a Moroccan and he was sitting on the ground, on a dirty looking thin rug and his legs were out in front of him shrivelled and severely deformed. I rushed over to him to give him money--my eyes filled with tears. It made my heart hurt to see him in this condition. It made me wish that the Savior was there to heal him and make him whole. Some day. Once again, my mind and heart filled with gratitude for the blessing of being born in my family, in Idaho, as a member of the Church and the blessing of having my sweet little family with me, healthy, happy and learning to appreciate all the blessings we have been given.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Taroudant with Elinor & Barry and Happy Anniversary to Jason and Jennifer - 17 years!!
Elinor and Barry couldn't sleep in again and were up by 5:30a.m. this morning. We all got rolling, a lot slower than Barry and Elinor and at about 9:30a.m. we left for Taroudant. I had walked over to the Minibrauheim for bread, but they weren't open. I hoped that we would be able to find bread in Taroudant like we had the last time we were there.
Off we went. Aziz rented a car for us so we could go in two cars. I knew this would be an experience for Barry driving in Morocco, but with the many places he has worked and been, that it probably wouldn't be a problem at all. Vanessa and Robby started in their car and the other boys were with Jason and me. It was a wonderful drive. There weren't any problems, minus one traffic stop by a policeman who just reminded us of the speed we should be going(we weren't even speeding, he was just stopping each and every car coming down the road--this is Morocco!) The guy with all the goats was there again with even more goats now. Since we had been there, we found out that this is this man's full time job. There are post cards with this man's goats on the card, and pictures of them all over Morocco. People stop, take pictures with the goats, pay the man whatever they want and then drive on. Elinor was so funny. She refused to even touch one of the goats! We got some more really cute pictures and the boys loved holding the babies.
As we were driving into the city of Taroudant, Jason looked at his watch to see what time it was and started to laugh. I didn't know what he was laughing at. He showed me his watch and I just gasped. His watch has the time and well as the date--there I saw 3/21. I couldn't believe I had forgotten our Anniversary! I was so glad he had realized it. We have been married 17 years and I was quite thrilled that coming to Taroudant was how we were going to be spending this day. This was one of my favorite places. I can't really explain why, I just like the city, it's ethnic feel and the wide variety of "characters" that we found here, the last time we had come.
We arrived in Taroudant and drove around the outer city walls hoping to run into RedOne again. Jason was sure he would still be there with his horse and carriage, but no luck. Jason finally decided on a gate to enter and into the city we went. A "parking attendant" showed us where to park and we both pulled in. This is when the Moroccan miracle happened again. Jason got out of the car and up rushed a very slight young man, with terrible looking teeth, but a huge smile! He grabbed Jason's hand and started shaking it like crazy. He immediately started introducing himself as RedOne's brother--Mustaffa!! He recognized us from before. We could not believe it! I honestly feel like we are watched over, every single place we have ever been in Morocco. There were very specific places we wanted to take Barry and Elinor and we knew there was no way we would find them without someone who knew Taroudant. Once again, prayers were answered and here was our guide.
Into the city we went, a different way than we had been before and it was really fantastic. This city is much more ethnic--Agadir is more westernized, kind-of, and not as ancient (Agadir was knocked down in the early 1960s by a huge earthquake, so it was all rebuilt then). Elinor immediately declared that she loved it more than Agadir! We wound through the aisles in the souk and saw so many great booths. These aisles are much more narrow and items are hanging down above your head, everywhere. I think, because there are so fewer tourist that come here, the shopkeepers here do not pull or call to you to ask you to come into their little stores. It's a much more pleasant way to look at things and explore. As Mustaffa led us to the different areas in the souk, we went through the meat and fish area. The flies were thicker and more numerous than any other place I've ever seen. The smells were absolutely horrific. I was laughing so hard because Elinor was grunting and groaning at each new smell that impacted her sense of smell. Robby described it as disgusting; Will said it was really, yucky and stinky; Reggie said it smelled like poo; Vanessa said that the terrible smell defies any description of stinkiness that she could describe; Mitchell said it smelled like a sewer and the only way he made it through was finding a peppermint leaf and holding up in front of his nose. Jason said to imagine dozens and dozens of fish locked in a dark, hot box for several days, set in the hot sun and then opening it up. In other words, it was not our favorite aisle to have walked down.
Vanessa was bugged out of her mind. She got an extraordinary amount of looks, calls, whistles, etc. and of course, hated it. She was whining her head off, until I told her that if she were ugly, this wouldn't be a problem. She better appreciate it for the craziness that it is and know that it won't last forever. She grinned, but stayed very close to me or Grandma Ellie.
We wound throughout the souk and finally arrived at the Berber essential oils shop where they make the essential oils right there from the argon tree and fresh herbs.
Elinor was fascinated by it and got a few bottles. It was very fun. I asked Mustaffa about RedOne. Mustaffa spoke very good English, actually much better than RedOne, and he told me that RedOne was now working for an Italian man who owned 50 horses as a groomer and stable boy of some kind. He then told me that the government of Morocco has decided that they do not want Taroudant to have so many horse carriages. They will keep the 10 best horses and everyone else is out of business. Once again, I was so grateful that, in America, the government does not abstractly decide who can have a business and who cannot. Who can provide a service and who cannot--it depends upon the economy and the services provided. If there are people who will pay for your service, your business can survive and thrive.
We went next to the museum-like shop with all the fancy items and then to the Tuareg Rug shop. It had moved because of all the rain that happened in February--their other shop was flooded and closed up. The huge man that we met before was not there this time. He was out in the Sahara taking care of his parents. His brothers were there this time and they were fantastic in their explanations of the stories these rugs tell. By this time, everyone was starving. We'd been going like crazy and all the kids started taking the snacks out of the backpack and eating. Elinor was not pleased at all with Jason for not finding something to eat. We took a while longer in the rug shop and Jason and I got our Anniversary present for each other--the most beautiful Berber rug EVER!! It was made by the three wives of a very famous Berber man, he's like a Berber king, and his wives are from 3 totally different tribes or clans. One wife was perfect in weaving. The second wife was perfect in embroidery and the third wife was perfect in knotting wool - it's called something else, but I can't remember the term he used. They are very famous for the beautiful work that they do.
After this, Mustaffa showed us where all the bread in Taroudant is made. The women come in from their villages, make the dough, raise it, bake it and then take it to the vendors to sell. This place could fall into the category of what you would call--TMI---Too Much Information!! This "bakery" was down a dusty, dirty, cluttered alley way where there were several women begging for money and then to a dark, fly infested, horribly dirty room where there was dough raising on a dirty, wooden shelf or "counter-top" and then cooked in a fireplace thing. All of us knew then, we would not be buying ANY bread in Taroudant. We were pretty worn out by this time and Barry was anxious to go out to Tiout--the Oasis. So we found our car again, paid Mustaffa for all his help and time and thanked him many times. We stopped at a little gas station and got drinks for everyone and then headed out to the oasis.
When we arrived in Tiout, it was a different situation. Before, we arrived at near dusk, this time it was the middle of the afternoon and many people were out and about. As we drove into the city and toward the oasis, I didn't see any local "tour guides" and thought we would go there ourselves this time. As we got deeper into the city, along came an old man on a motorcycle. He knocked on our window as he squeezed past us and the house right next to us and gave the wave of "follow me" and off we went--Jason and I just looked at each other and smiled. Every one's a guide in Morocco! :} He led us up to the Kasba--an ancient castle-like building high on the hill above the city (which we couldn't go to last time because it was closed), so we could over look the oasis. It was great! I got some pictures with our guy--the poor guy was missing an eye and was as nice as could be! He offered to take us on a tour of the oasis on the back of their donkey's, but Reggie and Mitchell are so allergic to horses, we just didn't dare.
We then walked through the oasis and I had the boys pass out candy to the children and adults we met along the way. We made everyone, very happy! The women even let me take pictures of them. It was neat. When we left, we drove through the city and stopped each time we saw little children and gave them pieces of candy. Barry was not thrilled with us, he thought we were teaching them to beg, but we looked at it like if we could give these little, precious children something to smile about, it was worth it. They are taught to beg from their parents, we just wanted to make them happy.
The drive home was faster than usual and we later found out that it drove Elinor crazy--she thought we were going over 100 mph, but in actuality, our top speed was 60mph and was typically around 40mph. It's just that there are so many people on the roads, along with the fact that they are soooooo narrow. Another thing that I noticed was how many crops were now being harvested, which were tiny when we had come before in January--beans, peas, oranges, wheat, etc. The fields were very organized and full of women doing all the work. I sure hope these women's hubsands are working somewhere and not just casually hanging out in town with the other men. We saw lots of trucks filled to the brim with ladies in their scarves and wraps--some with 24 women standing in the back of the trucks as they zoomed down the roads. It was crazy!!
Elinor has been very worried about eating any food that isn't from her suitcase, like cup-of-soups, etc. or from McDonald's, so when she found out that dinner tonight would be from Aziz and his Mother, who made us dinner, she went right in and ate a cup-of-soup and bread. That was safe and familiar and she was really hungry. Aziz, Miriam and baby Jade came to our apartment at about 8:30p.m. We asked them if we could have a blessing on the food and although they were quiet during the prayer, they seemed to try to ignore the fact that it was going on. From what I can understand about the Muslim religion, only the priests are allowed to pray and those prayers are set in stone. The people bow, etc., but they do not say "their" own prayers, so I don't really know how it was received. I hope that it was positive. It was a delicious dinner of beef and chicken, which I am learning to cook tomorrow, with Aziz's family. The kids would only eat the bread. They weren't fed too well today, but they surprisingly complained very little. Neither Aziz, Miriam or Jason used utensils. Aziz said that fingers are cleaner than utensils. He said he had worked in Four Season Hotels in Florida and to trust him that clean hands are much more clean and reliable than any utensils found in restaurants. Scary!! This really grossed out Elinor. I used half fingers and half utensils, Barry was all utensils and Elinor didn't touch it. She was full from her soup.
We all got to bed late, but had had a very fun day.
Off we went. Aziz rented a car for us so we could go in two cars. I knew this would be an experience for Barry driving in Morocco, but with the many places he has worked and been, that it probably wouldn't be a problem at all. Vanessa and Robby started in their car and the other boys were with Jason and me. It was a wonderful drive. There weren't any problems, minus one traffic stop by a policeman who just reminded us of the speed we should be going(we weren't even speeding, he was just stopping each and every car coming down the road--this is Morocco!) The guy with all the goats was there again with even more goats now. Since we had been there, we found out that this is this man's full time job. There are post cards with this man's goats on the card, and pictures of them all over Morocco. People stop, take pictures with the goats, pay the man whatever they want and then drive on. Elinor was so funny. She refused to even touch one of the goats! We got some more really cute pictures and the boys loved holding the babies.
As we were driving into the city of Taroudant, Jason looked at his watch to see what time it was and started to laugh. I didn't know what he was laughing at. He showed me his watch and I just gasped. His watch has the time and well as the date--there I saw 3/21. I couldn't believe I had forgotten our Anniversary! I was so glad he had realized it. We have been married 17 years and I was quite thrilled that coming to Taroudant was how we were going to be spending this day. This was one of my favorite places. I can't really explain why, I just like the city, it's ethnic feel and the wide variety of "characters" that we found here, the last time we had come.
We arrived in Taroudant and drove around the outer city walls hoping to run into RedOne again. Jason was sure he would still be there with his horse and carriage, but no luck. Jason finally decided on a gate to enter and into the city we went. A "parking attendant" showed us where to park and we both pulled in. This is when the Moroccan miracle happened again. Jason got out of the car and up rushed a very slight young man, with terrible looking teeth, but a huge smile! He grabbed Jason's hand and started shaking it like crazy. He immediately started introducing himself as RedOne's brother--Mustaffa!! He recognized us from before. We could not believe it! I honestly feel like we are watched over, every single place we have ever been in Morocco. There were very specific places we wanted to take Barry and Elinor and we knew there was no way we would find them without someone who knew Taroudant. Once again, prayers were answered and here was our guide.
Into the city we went, a different way than we had been before and it was really fantastic. This city is much more ethnic--Agadir is more westernized, kind-of, and not as ancient (Agadir was knocked down in the early 1960s by a huge earthquake, so it was all rebuilt then). Elinor immediately declared that she loved it more than Agadir! We wound through the aisles in the souk and saw so many great booths. These aisles are much more narrow and items are hanging down above your head, everywhere. I think, because there are so fewer tourist that come here, the shopkeepers here do not pull or call to you to ask you to come into their little stores. It's a much more pleasant way to look at things and explore. As Mustaffa led us to the different areas in the souk, we went through the meat and fish area. The flies were thicker and more numerous than any other place I've ever seen. The smells were absolutely horrific. I was laughing so hard because Elinor was grunting and groaning at each new smell that impacted her sense of smell. Robby described it as disgusting; Will said it was really, yucky and stinky; Reggie said it smelled like poo; Vanessa said that the terrible smell defies any description of stinkiness that she could describe; Mitchell said it smelled like a sewer and the only way he made it through was finding a peppermint leaf and holding up in front of his nose. Jason said to imagine dozens and dozens of fish locked in a dark, hot box for several days, set in the hot sun and then opening it up. In other words, it was not our favorite aisle to have walked down.
Vanessa was bugged out of her mind. She got an extraordinary amount of looks, calls, whistles, etc. and of course, hated it. She was whining her head off, until I told her that if she were ugly, this wouldn't be a problem. She better appreciate it for the craziness that it is and know that it won't last forever. She grinned, but stayed very close to me or Grandma Ellie.
We wound throughout the souk and finally arrived at the Berber essential oils shop where they make the essential oils right there from the argon tree and fresh herbs.
Elinor was fascinated by it and got a few bottles. It was very fun. I asked Mustaffa about RedOne. Mustaffa spoke very good English, actually much better than RedOne, and he told me that RedOne was now working for an Italian man who owned 50 horses as a groomer and stable boy of some kind. He then told me that the government of Morocco has decided that they do not want Taroudant to have so many horse carriages. They will keep the 10 best horses and everyone else is out of business. Once again, I was so grateful that, in America, the government does not abstractly decide who can have a business and who cannot. Who can provide a service and who cannot--it depends upon the economy and the services provided. If there are people who will pay for your service, your business can survive and thrive.
We went next to the museum-like shop with all the fancy items and then to the Tuareg Rug shop. It had moved because of all the rain that happened in February--their other shop was flooded and closed up. The huge man that we met before was not there this time. He was out in the Sahara taking care of his parents. His brothers were there this time and they were fantastic in their explanations of the stories these rugs tell. By this time, everyone was starving. We'd been going like crazy and all the kids started taking the snacks out of the backpack and eating. Elinor was not pleased at all with Jason for not finding something to eat. We took a while longer in the rug shop and Jason and I got our Anniversary present for each other--the most beautiful Berber rug EVER!! It was made by the three wives of a very famous Berber man, he's like a Berber king, and his wives are from 3 totally different tribes or clans. One wife was perfect in weaving. The second wife was perfect in embroidery and the third wife was perfect in knotting wool - it's called something else, but I can't remember the term he used. They are very famous for the beautiful work that they do.
After this, Mustaffa showed us where all the bread in Taroudant is made. The women come in from their villages, make the dough, raise it, bake it and then take it to the vendors to sell. This place could fall into the category of what you would call--TMI---Too Much Information!! This "bakery" was down a dusty, dirty, cluttered alley way where there were several women begging for money and then to a dark, fly infested, horribly dirty room where there was dough raising on a dirty, wooden shelf or "counter-top" and then cooked in a fireplace thing. All of us knew then, we would not be buying ANY bread in Taroudant. We were pretty worn out by this time and Barry was anxious to go out to Tiout--the Oasis. So we found our car again, paid Mustaffa for all his help and time and thanked him many times. We stopped at a little gas station and got drinks for everyone and then headed out to the oasis.
When we arrived in Tiout, it was a different situation. Before, we arrived at near dusk, this time it was the middle of the afternoon and many people were out and about. As we drove into the city and toward the oasis, I didn't see any local "tour guides" and thought we would go there ourselves this time. As we got deeper into the city, along came an old man on a motorcycle. He knocked on our window as he squeezed past us and the house right next to us and gave the wave of "follow me" and off we went--Jason and I just looked at each other and smiled. Every one's a guide in Morocco! :} He led us up to the Kasba--an ancient castle-like building high on the hill above the city (which we couldn't go to last time because it was closed), so we could over look the oasis. It was great! I got some pictures with our guy--the poor guy was missing an eye and was as nice as could be! He offered to take us on a tour of the oasis on the back of their donkey's, but Reggie and Mitchell are so allergic to horses, we just didn't dare.
We then walked through the oasis and I had the boys pass out candy to the children and adults we met along the way. We made everyone, very happy! The women even let me take pictures of them. It was neat. When we left, we drove through the city and stopped each time we saw little children and gave them pieces of candy. Barry was not thrilled with us, he thought we were teaching them to beg, but we looked at it like if we could give these little, precious children something to smile about, it was worth it. They are taught to beg from their parents, we just wanted to make them happy.
The drive home was faster than usual and we later found out that it drove Elinor crazy--she thought we were going over 100 mph, but in actuality, our top speed was 60mph and was typically around 40mph. It's just that there are so many people on the roads, along with the fact that they are soooooo narrow. Another thing that I noticed was how many crops were now being harvested, which were tiny when we had come before in January--beans, peas, oranges, wheat, etc. The fields were very organized and full of women doing all the work. I sure hope these women's hubsands are working somewhere and not just casually hanging out in town with the other men. We saw lots of trucks filled to the brim with ladies in their scarves and wraps--some with 24 women standing in the back of the trucks as they zoomed down the roads. It was crazy!!
Elinor has been very worried about eating any food that isn't from her suitcase, like cup-of-soups, etc. or from McDonald's, so when she found out that dinner tonight would be from Aziz and his Mother, who made us dinner, she went right in and ate a cup-of-soup and bread. That was safe and familiar and she was really hungry. Aziz, Miriam and baby Jade came to our apartment at about 8:30p.m. We asked them if we could have a blessing on the food and although they were quiet during the prayer, they seemed to try to ignore the fact that it was going on. From what I can understand about the Muslim religion, only the priests are allowed to pray and those prayers are set in stone. The people bow, etc., but they do not say "their" own prayers, so I don't really know how it was received. I hope that it was positive. It was a delicious dinner of beef and chicken, which I am learning to cook tomorrow, with Aziz's family. The kids would only eat the bread. They weren't fed too well today, but they surprisingly complained very little. Neither Aziz, Miriam or Jason used utensils. Aziz said that fingers are cleaner than utensils. He said he had worked in Four Season Hotels in Florida and to trust him that clean hands are much more clean and reliable than any utensils found in restaurants. Scary!! This really grossed out Elinor. I used half fingers and half utensils, Barry was all utensils and Elinor didn't touch it. She was full from her soup.
We all got to bed late, but had had a very fun day.
Friday, March 20, 2009
More shopping!! Mitchell's fitting, dinner at LaScala. Happy Birthday Chase!
Homeschool
French Lesson
shopping at the souk with Elinor - purses and berber rugs
beggars receive dirhams
lunch at apartment
Mitchell's suit fitting--made it too small--redoing much of it
purse bartering--no good for either one of us!
McDonald's for the kids - LaScala for the adults! Yummy (and our dinner was cheaper)
Everyone tired - Barry and Elinor were up at 4:30a.m.
French Lesson
shopping at the souk with Elinor - purses and berber rugs
beggars receive dirhams
lunch at apartment
Mitchell's suit fitting--made it too small--redoing much of it
purse bartering--no good for either one of us!
McDonald's for the kids - LaScala for the adults! Yummy (and our dinner was cheaper)
Everyone tired - Barry and Elinor were up at 4:30a.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Mitchell gets fitted for a new suit!! Shopping, Decisions about leaving made.
We kind-a, sort-a, did homeschooling this morning. We mostly got ready to leave for shopping. The dome coming down yesterday has changed everything. The kids do not want to do school anymore and with Elinor here, it's much harder, because, we'd rather be shopping!! =) Amine came over for our French lesson, however, it wasn't incredibly successful because the kids were SOOOOOO excited to give Amine his gift from us! I can't remember if I mentioned this before or not. When Barry and Elinor decided to come over, Jason decided that he wanted to get Amine a laptop computer. There are very few computers available to buy here and because the taxes are so high on electronics, they are 6 - 8 times more expensive here than they are in America. Barry said that he would bring the computer over if Jason wanted to buy it, and this is what we decided to do. This computer will literally change Amine's life. He will be able to get jobs that were out of the question for him without having his own computer. His love is computers and his access to them has been limited, so this will open so many doors for him. He is very talented and has helped us immensely with all of our computer issues while we've been here.
A few lessons ago, the kids were asking him about his birthday and he thought for a minute and then said that it had been on March 3rd--he had forgotten about it, because birthdays are not celebrated here. The kids were shocked by this! Birthdays are such a big deal in our family! So, Reggie and Robby decided they wanted to bring out the computer and we could all sing happy birthday to him. When they came out, Amine almost stopped breathing! He was so surprised. He kept saying that it was too much. He kept saying that he had NEVER received a birthday present and he had never even dreamed of a gift so wonderful as this. He must have said thank you more than 20 times. He was on the verge of tears, so my eyes made up for the lack of tears running down his face. He looked like he was in total shock. He kept rubbing his hand over and over the computer. It was one of the most wonderful moments and part of our trip. I'm so grateful that Jason thought of doing something so great.
After this, I asked Amine about the tailor who could make a suit for Mitchell. He told me that he could take us there if we wanted. Jason was home writing about the dome collapse and said that he could take us. So, we left Vanessa with the 3 little boys watching Tom & Jerry cartoons on a new dvd that we had bought last night and headed for the tailor's shop. This was quite an event. The tailor was quite a huge man and very international looking and speaking. He is the tailor for the King of Morocco! He had many beautiful fabrics. Mitchell was beyond excited! This will be his first suit. I'm a little worried that they will not make it big enough. I want it big enough that Mitchell can wear it for a couple of years. This man wants to make it custom to fit him perfectly, right now. I don't know if I'm going to win in this area. It makes me a little angry, but I'm happy Mitchell will have one great suit in his life.
Jason has said that we will be leaving next Wednesday. We are going to go to Paris for 3 days and then to Italy for 9 days. This is longer than the kids and I want to go for, but we are here, in this area of the world, and we'd better take advantage of it. The kids just want to go home. We will arrive home on April 9th at about 10:30p.m.
A few lessons ago, the kids were asking him about his birthday and he thought for a minute and then said that it had been on March 3rd--he had forgotten about it, because birthdays are not celebrated here. The kids were shocked by this! Birthdays are such a big deal in our family! So, Reggie and Robby decided they wanted to bring out the computer and we could all sing happy birthday to him. When they came out, Amine almost stopped breathing! He was so surprised. He kept saying that it was too much. He kept saying that he had NEVER received a birthday present and he had never even dreamed of a gift so wonderful as this. He must have said thank you more than 20 times. He was on the verge of tears, so my eyes made up for the lack of tears running down his face. He looked like he was in total shock. He kept rubbing his hand over and over the computer. It was one of the most wonderful moments and part of our trip. I'm so grateful that Jason thought of doing something so great.
After this, I asked Amine about the tailor who could make a suit for Mitchell. He told me that he could take us there if we wanted. Jason was home writing about the dome collapse and said that he could take us. So, we left Vanessa with the 3 little boys watching Tom & Jerry cartoons on a new dvd that we had bought last night and headed for the tailor's shop. This was quite an event. The tailor was quite a huge man and very international looking and speaking. He is the tailor for the King of Morocco! He had many beautiful fabrics. Mitchell was beyond excited! This will be his first suit. I'm a little worried that they will not make it big enough. I want it big enough that Mitchell can wear it for a couple of years. This man wants to make it custom to fit him perfectly, right now. I don't know if I'm going to win in this area. It makes me a little angry, but I'm happy Mitchell will have one great suit in his life.
Jason has said that we will be leaving next Wednesday. We are going to go to Paris for 3 days and then to Italy for 9 days. This is longer than the kids and I want to go for, but we are here, in this area of the world, and we'd better take advantage of it. The kids just want to go home. We will arrive home on April 9th at about 10:30p.m.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Big Changes coming our way!
Elinor and Barry are really battling with jet lag. Their poor body time clocks are all mixed up and I think they've been waking up at about 3:30a.m., here in Morocco. By the time the kids got up and had breakfast (it was about 7:30a.m.), Barry and Jason were long gone to the jobsite and Elinor was ready for a nap. That worked out really nice, because she could sleep and we got our schoolwork, mostly completed.
After we got school finished and I got ready for the day, I decided that I wanted to take Elinor with the Artisan souk. It's so fun to return to places that are smaller like this and have the workers there recognize me and talk to me like we are old friends. We went around and looked at the sandstone workers, the sandals--Elinor and I both bought a pair that were being hand made while we were there--these people are so creative and talented!! We also watched the pottery makers and looked at the rug and blanket makers. It was a lot of fun and it was fun showing someone else the different treasures and places we have found. After this, we got a taxi and decided to go and get some food at the Marjean. While we were driving to the Marjean, we got the most surprising and shocking phone call of our lives here in Morocco. THE DOME SKIN RIPPED AND CAME DOWN!! I couldn't believe it. We were both shocked. They only spoke to us for a minute, but they told us they didn't know what this meant or what was going to happen. They hoped they would be able to repair the hole and put the dome back up, but we just don't know if that will work. They were busy and had to go. My mind was racing. On one hand, I was so sad that all of the hard work Jason and all the other men had been doing was now "ending" in failure--at least for today. On the other hand, I knew that this meant that our time here would be coming to an early end, and that was thrilling to me. On the other hand, I knew that if Barry was here and could fix it, it would be fixed. I was so glad that he was here to witness how the dome came down and that he had been on-site to see what happened to make the dome come down. I was just filled with questions about what this all meant and what we were going to do. There were so many things that we were going to do before we went home and now, maybe, all of these things wouldn't get done and we wouldn't get to see all the places we had hoped to see. I was so glad we had done so many day trips when we got here and had not left them to the end. Soon after they called, Lyn called from our apartment--she was there with the kids working on poems--and she wanted to make sure that we had heard about the dome.
At the Marjean, Elinor was both surprised by what was there and as confused as I have always been with everything being labeled in French or Arabic. We got some snacks and other foods that looked good, then got another taxi and went home. We sure had a lot of sacks when we got out of that taxi. I was grateful that the taxi driver could drive us so closely to the front door of the apartment.
When we got everything unloaded, we took the kids out to the pool and let them swim. That was good--the weather is so much nicer. After swimming, the boys came up to shower. I went into the kitchen to make dinner. About 20 minutes later, I decided that something must be wrong because I could still hear the water running and I knew that we did not ever have that much warm water. As I went towards the bathroom, I saw the boys all out on the balcony watching some swimmers in the pool. Then I looked down. There was an inch of water everywhere!! I hollered at the boys. They had left their towels in the floor of the shower and the water had no where to drain, so out into the apartment it went. The floors are concrete and covered with tile, so it just ran everywhere. I turned off the water and grabbed our giant squeegy, that the maid uses to mop the floor, and started pushing water out, onto the balcony where there is a drain. It took nearly 30 minutes to get it all cleaned up, but--I guess that's one way to get rid of dust bunnies!
After dinner, Jason and Barry were still not home, so we all walked down to a little store that sold movies for $1.50. We got Tom & Jerry and Dan in Real Life. The kids were so excited to watch Tom and Jerry. I was thrilled about the price of the movies.
Jason and Barry came home and the rest of the night was serious discussions about what was going to happen now. Barry and Elinor were planning on staying until next Wednesday, but now, they decided that they would leave early--on Sunday--and then get to go to Spain and then to Paris, before they had to return home. Even thought I'm thrilled that we get to leave early, it makes me sick to my stomach that Jason is going to have to return again. I wanted to be all done with this. It's a stressful night, but I'm very grateful Barry was here to see what happened first hand.
After we got school finished and I got ready for the day, I decided that I wanted to take Elinor with the Artisan souk. It's so fun to return to places that are smaller like this and have the workers there recognize me and talk to me like we are old friends. We went around and looked at the sandstone workers, the sandals--Elinor and I both bought a pair that were being hand made while we were there--these people are so creative and talented!! We also watched the pottery makers and looked at the rug and blanket makers. It was a lot of fun and it was fun showing someone else the different treasures and places we have found. After this, we got a taxi and decided to go and get some food at the Marjean. While we were driving to the Marjean, we got the most surprising and shocking phone call of our lives here in Morocco. THE DOME SKIN RIPPED AND CAME DOWN!! I couldn't believe it. We were both shocked. They only spoke to us for a minute, but they told us they didn't know what this meant or what was going to happen. They hoped they would be able to repair the hole and put the dome back up, but we just don't know if that will work. They were busy and had to go. My mind was racing. On one hand, I was so sad that all of the hard work Jason and all the other men had been doing was now "ending" in failure--at least for today. On the other hand, I knew that this meant that our time here would be coming to an early end, and that was thrilling to me. On the other hand, I knew that if Barry was here and could fix it, it would be fixed. I was so glad that he was here to witness how the dome came down and that he had been on-site to see what happened to make the dome come down. I was just filled with questions about what this all meant and what we were going to do. There were so many things that we were going to do before we went home and now, maybe, all of these things wouldn't get done and we wouldn't get to see all the places we had hoped to see. I was so glad we had done so many day trips when we got here and had not left them to the end. Soon after they called, Lyn called from our apartment--she was there with the kids working on poems--and she wanted to make sure that we had heard about the dome.
At the Marjean, Elinor was both surprised by what was there and as confused as I have always been with everything being labeled in French or Arabic. We got some snacks and other foods that looked good, then got another taxi and went home. We sure had a lot of sacks when we got out of that taxi. I was grateful that the taxi driver could drive us so closely to the front door of the apartment.
When we got everything unloaded, we took the kids out to the pool and let them swim. That was good--the weather is so much nicer. After swimming, the boys came up to shower. I went into the kitchen to make dinner. About 20 minutes later, I decided that something must be wrong because I could still hear the water running and I knew that we did not ever have that much warm water. As I went towards the bathroom, I saw the boys all out on the balcony watching some swimmers in the pool. Then I looked down. There was an inch of water everywhere!! I hollered at the boys. They had left their towels in the floor of the shower and the water had no where to drain, so out into the apartment it went. The floors are concrete and covered with tile, so it just ran everywhere. I turned off the water and grabbed our giant squeegy, that the maid uses to mop the floor, and started pushing water out, onto the balcony where there is a drain. It took nearly 30 minutes to get it all cleaned up, but--I guess that's one way to get rid of dust bunnies!
After dinner, Jason and Barry were still not home, so we all walked down to a little store that sold movies for $1.50. We got Tom & Jerry and Dan in Real Life. The kids were so excited to watch Tom and Jerry. I was thrilled about the price of the movies.
Jason and Barry came home and the rest of the night was serious discussions about what was going to happen now. Barry and Elinor were planning on staying until next Wednesday, but now, they decided that they would leave early--on Sunday--and then get to go to Spain and then to Paris, before they had to return home. Even thought I'm thrilled that we get to leave early, it makes me sick to my stomach that Jason is going to have to return again. I wanted to be all done with this. It's a stressful night, but I'm very grateful Barry was here to see what happened first hand.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A day at the Souk with Elinor
This morning was wild. We quickly completed schoolwork, before Amine came at 9:30a.m. for our French lesson. He brought each of the kids a little workbook to write words in every day and even Disney stickers. They were so excited. After the lesson, I took a taxi over to Iberstar to check Elinor out of their hotel. They were not happy with the hotel, so we decided it would be best for them to come and stay with us for the rest of the time they will be here. When I got there, I was surprised that Barry and Jason had taken most of their bags that morning and when Jason came to pick up Barry, they took care of the bill; so all Elinor and I had to do was turn in her key card and off we went back to the apartment. The taxi driver who had brought me over, had waited for me, so we went right back again. He was very nice and thought it was amazing we were from America and had family coming over to visit us. We are amazed and so happy about it, too!!
They are blowing up the dome today at the job site! We are so excited for it's success. Hopefully Jason will take a lot of pictures.
After we got back, I got the kids all settled and Elinor and I took off for the souk. She wanted to get purses for Kylene, her Mother and sister, Rachel, Dianna and Margo. It was quite an adventure. I found a fantastic Jimmy Choo purse and we took lots of pictures of purses for the girls! I even came home and created a facebook account just so I could easily upload the pictures and show them off better than I could on a blog. I'm not keeping up a facebook account and will delete it after they decide which purses they would like. There were lots of name brands and some of the most beautiful leather purses I've ever seen. The leather purses are double or triple the price of the name brand purses like Prada, JimmyChoo, Coco Channel, Gucci and even Versache! Elinor also found some beautiful scarves and a handmade table cloth--a specialty for Morocco. We had our own personal porter - a guy I had met before and bought clothes for the boys from, who carried all of our purchases and led us to only the best shops. I got distracted once - I'm trying to find some beautiful red fabric for a tree skirt--and he quickly lead me away letting me know that this fabric was of very inferior quality and would rip immediatly! He was fantastic and I tipped him well for all his help and guidance. We could have never had such a successful day without him. We were both worn out, but what a fun day! This was my first REAL shopping day ever! When we came back to the apartment, we took the boys out to the pool and let them swim their little hearts out! Their energy level is boundless.
After swimming, Mimi called and we had the best lesson about Louis XIV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. She is finally signed up with skype and the kids loved watching her--dynamically--tell them stories all about these kings of France. The kids are so much more excited about our trip on the 1st to Paris. Mimi will be teaching them a few more times before we go. They loved every second.
We were all starving, so off we went to Pizza Hut and McDonalds. Barry and Jason met us there and said that altough they were at first worried about the shape of the air form, it looked like everything was going to turn out ok. I sure hope so. --One accident--Jason slammed on his brakes while driving and Barry did not have his seat belt on and really wacked his head on the front windshield. He's got a bad bruise. I felt so bad for him!
It's late again. I've got to find time to enter more pictures on the blog!
They are blowing up the dome today at the job site! We are so excited for it's success. Hopefully Jason will take a lot of pictures.
After we got back, I got the kids all settled and Elinor and I took off for the souk. She wanted to get purses for Kylene, her Mother and sister, Rachel, Dianna and Margo. It was quite an adventure. I found a fantastic Jimmy Choo purse and we took lots of pictures of purses for the girls! I even came home and created a facebook account just so I could easily upload the pictures and show them off better than I could on a blog. I'm not keeping up a facebook account and will delete it after they decide which purses they would like. There were lots of name brands and some of the most beautiful leather purses I've ever seen. The leather purses are double or triple the price of the name brand purses like Prada, JimmyChoo, Coco Channel, Gucci and even Versache! Elinor also found some beautiful scarves and a handmade table cloth--a specialty for Morocco. We had our own personal porter - a guy I had met before and bought clothes for the boys from, who carried all of our purchases and led us to only the best shops. I got distracted once - I'm trying to find some beautiful red fabric for a tree skirt--and he quickly lead me away letting me know that this fabric was of very inferior quality and would rip immediatly! He was fantastic and I tipped him well for all his help and guidance. We could have never had such a successful day without him. We were both worn out, but what a fun day! This was my first REAL shopping day ever! When we came back to the apartment, we took the boys out to the pool and let them swim their little hearts out! Their energy level is boundless.
After swimming, Mimi called and we had the best lesson about Louis XIV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. She is finally signed up with skype and the kids loved watching her--dynamically--tell them stories all about these kings of France. The kids are so much more excited about our trip on the 1st to Paris. Mimi will be teaching them a few more times before we go. They loved every second.
We were all starving, so off we went to Pizza Hut and McDonalds. Barry and Jason met us there and said that altough they were at first worried about the shape of the air form, it looked like everything was going to turn out ok. I sure hope so. --One accident--Jason slammed on his brakes while driving and Barry did not have his seat belt on and really wacked his head on the front windshield. He's got a bad bruise. I felt so bad for him!
It's late again. I've got to find time to enter more pictures on the blog!
Monday, March 16, 2009
"I wasn't going to let go of Will's hand. No matter what!"
Well...homeschooling...a little neglected, but boy did we have a fun, swimming day! :) Everyone was up around 6-7a.m. to get school finished early, so we could head over to Elinor's hotel and go swimming. Amine came at exactly 9:30a.m. for our French lesson--we are working on the feminine and masculine articles for all nouns in French. This concept was a little difficult for the kids and it was so funny, because Amine kept saying muscular instead of masculine, so the kids were getting a pretty weird picture in their mind until I helped get things straightened out. It was pretty hilarious to watch their faces as he would describe things as muscular or feminine. Not everything was completed after French, but we took off anyway because I knew Elinor would be waiting for us.
We headed over to the "main street" of the marina where we live and had to take 2 taxis. Each taxi will only carry 3 people; so Robby, Will and I went in the first taxi and Vanessa, Mitchell & Reggie went in the second taxi. The little boys loved their first ride in the taxi, but we had a very non-talkative driver, so I think they may have driven him crazy with their non-stop questions and comments about everything in and out of the taxi. It was pretty cute.
As soon as we drove up and I paid the taxi's 20 dirham each, there was Elinor sitting in the front chairs waiting for us. The hotel, unfortunately has not been very friendly or helpful. We are all quite disappointed that Barry and Elinor's stay has not been more pleasant here. The employees are not, shall we say, the most friendly staff on the planet. They question, thoroughly, everyone who walks onto their property and were freaking out about all of us being with Elinor until I told them that we were going to pay to be there. Sadly, they charged 250 dirhams for the kids and 500 dirhams for me! This is an outrageous price! That was for swimming, lunch, drinks and a snack. We had such a fun day, it was worth it.
Lunch wasn't being served yet, so the boys went directly for the pool. They had an absolute blast in the 3 huge, beautiful pools here--one was really quite warm and there was even a toddler pool with was 60 cm deep, which the little boys loved. The pool had boogie boards that they could use and these were a huge hit! The boys swam and swam for about an hour. Then we went up and had lunch. It wasn't the most tasty, but the kids loved the bread and ice cream, so they were happy.
Although the boogie boards were a huge hit, unfortunately, they were also the cause of our near tragedy. Will was near the side of the warmest, large pool, swimming on the boogie board. He turned and started going out toward the center of the pool. Robby decided that he wanted to be on the boogie board too and swam out to Will. Vanessa, Elinor and I were sitting in lawn chairs on the side of the pool--I called to Robby and told him not to be on the board with Will, because it could make him tip over. Robby responded by telling me that they were on their way over to come get more sunscreen on. I figured that was ok. Seconds later, whoosh...there went the boogie board and both boys sunk like rocks and then came bobbing up. It felt like it took forever for my mind to accept what I was seeing. The second time they came up, I squealed and ran for the pool. They were about 20-25 feet from me. The lifeguard, sitting fully clothed, was about 10 feet in front of me and I ran past him and jumped in the pool to reach Will and Rob. The first thing I remember thinking was that I thought I would be able to touch bottom when I jumped in, but I was unable to and that shocked me. I thought I would grab them and then walk to the side, but I was having to swim hard and I had not touched the bottom yet. The second thing that I remember thinking was why hadn't I dove into the pool instead of jumping--weird to be able to think of these things along with rescue my children and do what I knew had to be done. Elinor told me later, that she had been talking to me and all of the sudden I was gone. She didn't even see me run over or jump into the pool. The first thing she saw was the lifeguard jumping in. That's when she realized that there was a problem.
I reached my boys and shoved them up out of the water and right behind me was the lifeguard--his hat, glasses, pants and shirt all on. I was so glad to see him! The lifeguard took Will and started for the side. Robby was gasping for air and was pulling on the guard, so I pulled him off of the guard and swam with him to the side of the pool which was about 6 feet away. We all climbed out. The other lifeguards came running over with towels for the boys. They made Will lie down on his side like they were going to push water out or something, but he was talking, so I knew that he was ok. The guards just kept saying, "No problem...he's ok...no problem...no problem." I think they were reassuring themselves as much as they were reassuring me. I was shaking with adrenaline and fear and shock. I held Robby on my lap while the guards were talking with Will. Then I moved over and put Will's head in my lap. Robby decided that the excitement was over and jumped right back into the pool. The poor lifeguard about had a fit and pulled Robby by the arm, right back out again. He scolded Robby in French and gave him to me. I helped Will stand up and we walked back to the lounge chairs. After about 5 feet, Will burped two loud burps and declared that he felt all better now--he just needed to burp! It was so cute.
I had them sit on my lap for a few minutes. I asked Robby why he hadn't swam for the side or flipped over onto his back like we'd practiced in the pool and he told me that he wasn't going to leave Will. He had held onto Will's hand until I had gotten there! Then he said the cutest thing, "I wasn't going to let go of Will's hand--no matter what!" My eyes filled with tears. I was so proud of him. I wish what he had done would have had helpful assistance, but the idea that he was not going to leave Will, no matter what, filled my heart with extreme gratitude and love for these wonderful boys.
I was a little concerned that they would become fearful of the water, so I walked with them over to the 60cm pool (it's as deep as Will's waist) and let them swim for a while. They then wanted to get back into the big pool. The poor lifeguard came back about then. He just shook his head when he saw Rob and Will back in the pool. I know that he wanted to shoot me, but I didn't want them afraid of the water. I stayed close by them the rest of the time, for my peace of mind as well as for the lifeguards'. I know that the lifeguard wished I had arm floaters for their arms, but I didn't, so I just stayed really close to them.
We went up for a "crepe snack" at the little restaurant by the pool at about 4:45p.m. and then swam until 6p.m. Everyone, reluctantly, dried off and went into Elinor's room to change. Will has lost his DS. He thought he had left it in Elinor's hotel room on the first night that they came here, but we can't find it anywhere. We went up to the reception desk, to the restaurant, etc., but no one has seen it or had it turned in. I can't imagine how we are going to travel for the rest of our time here. The DS systems are real life savers and I'm so sad that it's gone. We're going to keep looking and hopefully, it will show up.
Jason and Barry came about the time we were done looking for the DS. We went home, had dinner, stories and some family time and then got everyone in bed. The boys were out cold, minutes after laying their heads down! I love swimming for this fact alone!
We headed over to the "main street" of the marina where we live and had to take 2 taxis. Each taxi will only carry 3 people; so Robby, Will and I went in the first taxi and Vanessa, Mitchell & Reggie went in the second taxi. The little boys loved their first ride in the taxi, but we had a very non-talkative driver, so I think they may have driven him crazy with their non-stop questions and comments about everything in and out of the taxi. It was pretty cute.
As soon as we drove up and I paid the taxi's 20 dirham each, there was Elinor sitting in the front chairs waiting for us. The hotel, unfortunately has not been very friendly or helpful. We are all quite disappointed that Barry and Elinor's stay has not been more pleasant here. The employees are not, shall we say, the most friendly staff on the planet. They question, thoroughly, everyone who walks onto their property and were freaking out about all of us being with Elinor until I told them that we were going to pay to be there. Sadly, they charged 250 dirhams for the kids and 500 dirhams for me! This is an outrageous price! That was for swimming, lunch, drinks and a snack. We had such a fun day, it was worth it.
Lunch wasn't being served yet, so the boys went directly for the pool. They had an absolute blast in the 3 huge, beautiful pools here--one was really quite warm and there was even a toddler pool with was 60 cm deep, which the little boys loved. The pool had boogie boards that they could use and these were a huge hit! The boys swam and swam for about an hour. Then we went up and had lunch. It wasn't the most tasty, but the kids loved the bread and ice cream, so they were happy.
Although the boogie boards were a huge hit, unfortunately, they were also the cause of our near tragedy. Will was near the side of the warmest, large pool, swimming on the boogie board. He turned and started going out toward the center of the pool. Robby decided that he wanted to be on the boogie board too and swam out to Will. Vanessa, Elinor and I were sitting in lawn chairs on the side of the pool--I called to Robby and told him not to be on the board with Will, because it could make him tip over. Robby responded by telling me that they were on their way over to come get more sunscreen on. I figured that was ok. Seconds later, whoosh...there went the boogie board and both boys sunk like rocks and then came bobbing up. It felt like it took forever for my mind to accept what I was seeing. The second time they came up, I squealed and ran for the pool. They were about 20-25 feet from me. The lifeguard, sitting fully clothed, was about 10 feet in front of me and I ran past him and jumped in the pool to reach Will and Rob. The first thing I remember thinking was that I thought I would be able to touch bottom when I jumped in, but I was unable to and that shocked me. I thought I would grab them and then walk to the side, but I was having to swim hard and I had not touched the bottom yet. The second thing that I remember thinking was why hadn't I dove into the pool instead of jumping--weird to be able to think of these things along with rescue my children and do what I knew had to be done. Elinor told me later, that she had been talking to me and all of the sudden I was gone. She didn't even see me run over or jump into the pool. The first thing she saw was the lifeguard jumping in. That's when she realized that there was a problem.
I reached my boys and shoved them up out of the water and right behind me was the lifeguard--his hat, glasses, pants and shirt all on. I was so glad to see him! The lifeguard took Will and started for the side. Robby was gasping for air and was pulling on the guard, so I pulled him off of the guard and swam with him to the side of the pool which was about 6 feet away. We all climbed out. The other lifeguards came running over with towels for the boys. They made Will lie down on his side like they were going to push water out or something, but he was talking, so I knew that he was ok. The guards just kept saying, "No problem...he's ok...no problem...no problem." I think they were reassuring themselves as much as they were reassuring me. I was shaking with adrenaline and fear and shock. I held Robby on my lap while the guards were talking with Will. Then I moved over and put Will's head in my lap. Robby decided that the excitement was over and jumped right back into the pool. The poor lifeguard about had a fit and pulled Robby by the arm, right back out again. He scolded Robby in French and gave him to me. I helped Will stand up and we walked back to the lounge chairs. After about 5 feet, Will burped two loud burps and declared that he felt all better now--he just needed to burp! It was so cute.
I had them sit on my lap for a few minutes. I asked Robby why he hadn't swam for the side or flipped over onto his back like we'd practiced in the pool and he told me that he wasn't going to leave Will. He had held onto Will's hand until I had gotten there! Then he said the cutest thing, "I wasn't going to let go of Will's hand--no matter what!" My eyes filled with tears. I was so proud of him. I wish what he had done would have had helpful assistance, but the idea that he was not going to leave Will, no matter what, filled my heart with extreme gratitude and love for these wonderful boys.
I was a little concerned that they would become fearful of the water, so I walked with them over to the 60cm pool (it's as deep as Will's waist) and let them swim for a while. They then wanted to get back into the big pool. The poor lifeguard came back about then. He just shook his head when he saw Rob and Will back in the pool. I know that he wanted to shoot me, but I didn't want them afraid of the water. I stayed close by them the rest of the time, for my peace of mind as well as for the lifeguards'. I know that the lifeguard wished I had arm floaters for their arms, but I didn't, so I just stayed really close to them.
We went up for a "crepe snack" at the little restaurant by the pool at about 4:45p.m. and then swam until 6p.m. Everyone, reluctantly, dried off and went into Elinor's room to change. Will has lost his DS. He thought he had left it in Elinor's hotel room on the first night that they came here, but we can't find it anywhere. We went up to the reception desk, to the restaurant, etc., but no one has seen it or had it turned in. I can't imagine how we are going to travel for the rest of our time here. The DS systems are real life savers and I'm so sad that it's gone. We're going to keep looking and hopefully, it will show up.
Jason and Barry came about the time we were done looking for the DS. We went home, had dinner, stories and some family time and then got everyone in bed. The boys were out cold, minutes after laying their heads down! I love swimming for this fact alone!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday in Agadir with Barry and Elinor; a guided tour by Mohammad
Too late to write: Highlights
*Sacrament Meeting and meetings with Barry and Elinor
*Elinor wanted to see the artisan souk, so we went and looked around--most shops closed
*Went to ancient ruins overlooking all of Agadir
*Dropped off Elinor & all kids, except Reggie--they went back to the apartment
*Jason, Barry, Reggie and Jennifer went to the fishing warf--fantastic tour by Mohammad who asked for candy and pencils for his children. Didn't have any, came home and gathered them, along with other treats, went back to find Mohammad and he was gone! We'll try again tomorrow!
*Fixed dinner
*Took Elinor and Barry to hotel
*Talked on Skype to DaBell family! Yahoo!
*Going to bed
*Sacrament Meeting and meetings with Barry and Elinor
*Elinor wanted to see the artisan souk, so we went and looked around--most shops closed
*Went to ancient ruins overlooking all of Agadir
*Dropped off Elinor & all kids, except Reggie--they went back to the apartment
*Jason, Barry, Reggie and Jennifer went to the fishing warf--fantastic tour by Mohammad who asked for candy and pencils for his children. Didn't have any, came home and gathered them, along with other treats, went back to find Mohammad and he was gone! We'll try again tomorrow!
*Fixed dinner
*Took Elinor and Barry to hotel
*Talked on Skype to DaBell family! Yahoo!
*Going to bed
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A spa day for Vanessa and Jennifer & Barry and Elinor arrive in Agadir
What a fun day we had today! Jason was out the door by 6a.m. and headed out to the job site. The kids enjoyed playing and messing around, not having to do any school work. They love Saturdays over here! Vanessa and I got all ready and Jason got back at 10:45. He took us over to a spa called L'Argon. It was set in the middle of a very old looking part of Agadir and I was a little nervous about going in, but there were a lot of taxi's and people coming in and out, so we decided to check it out. Jason had reserved a massage for both Vanessa and I along with a pedicure and manicure. When we walked in...Vanessa started freaking out. She did not want to have a massage. I told her that she didn't have to, so I kept my appointment and canceled hers. They then led us upstairs. One woman sat Vanessa down and got her feet soaking and another woman grabbed her hand and started working on her fingernails. It was quite a process and Vanessa was loving it. It was just then that I realized that I had forgotten my camera. I knew Jason had headed over to the Artisan Souk to get the things made that have everyone's names in Arabic on them, so I hoped he was still fairly close. I called and asked him if he had his camera and asked if he would bring it to us. He, very kindly, said yes he would bring it right over. I was excited to take pictures of Vanessa getting everything done. However, just then, they came and got me to take me up for the massage. We were on the 2nd level and the massage part was on the 3rd level.
I was led upstairs by a beautiful black woman. She had gorgeous eyes and a beautiful smile. As we were about to go up, down came two Caucasian men--I'm assuming French, because they were speaking French, but they could have been from anywhere, because so many people from everywhere speak French here. Anyway, they were coming down the stairs and they smiled and said something to the woman taking me upstairs. She nodded her head at them, but as soon as they passed, she looked at me and made a circle motion by the side of the head (like she was saying they were cuckoo), and started laughing and whispering in French. I started giggling--I love it how you can communicate so easily with another person and know just what they are saying and not even understand a syllable of what they are saying with the language they are speaking. As we went upstairs, the noises got less and less and it was lit only by Moroccan candles. We went back to one of the massage rooms; the walls were red and beautiful Moroccan draperies (we had seen ones like it made at the Artisan Souk) were hanging all around to soften the walls. The massage table was covered with white towels and red rose petals were arranged in swirling patterns across towels. The lighting included candles and a beautifully dimmed chandelier. The most peaceful part to me, was the American music that was playing softly in the background. The massage was really great. I had anticipated getting sick from it and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was the most relaxing thing I have done in years. (I had had a massage in Logan, while I was pregnant with Vanessa and got so sick from it, that I've never had another) This was a completely different experience. My muscles felt so good afterwards and that lasted all day. It was something I really enjoyed.
During the massage, Jason called and asked if I had left the key to the apartment in the car. I felt so bad, it was here in my purse. The massage lady took it downstairs for me. I later found out that Jason had come and sent Mitchell in to get the key--they would not allow him to come up and disturb me, and they finally realized that the key was with Vanessa. Jason had quite the time with the boys. After they had come the first time, to bring us the camera, he went and got them ice cream and Sprite drinks. For some unknown reason, to the common sense world, Reggie and Will shook their cans of pop and then opened them in the back seat. They exploded all over the car and Jason had to go to the car wash and get the entire car cleaned. After the cleaning, they got all the way back to the apartment, realized that the key was back at L'Argon and had come back to get the key. What a rat race. Meanwhile, I was totally relaxed, getting completely pampered.
I went down to the second level and there was Vanessa grinning her head off. Her finger and toe nails looked so nice and one hour later, mine looked much better too! The girls working on my nails kept commenting on how "fragile" my skin was because she kept making me bleed. Being tortured like this was a little painful, but the end result was worth it!
I better speed things up...We came home and got ready then left for the airport at exactly the time that Barry and Elinor's plane should have been arriving at the airport. Due to the fact that our apartment is about 30 minutes from the airport, this was a bad thing. However, their plane was late, customs and the passport checkpoint was long, so we got there just as they were able to see us! I was so thrilled to see family that I burst into tears. After hugs and lugging all their suitcases out to the car, we decided that we didn't want to be separated and chose to ride together to the hotel, instead of separating into our car and a taxi. That meant that Jason, Mitchell and Elinor sat in the front bucket seats (the car is a stick shift); Barry, Jennifer, Vanessa, Reggie, Robby and Will were all in the backseat, and their 5 or 6 suitcases were fit with puzzle like precision, into the trunk. We received several humors stares from cars that we passed. We have become truly Moroccan.
Barry and Elinor were amazed how "tropical" Agadir looks. The flowers are really blooming right now and everything is quite green.
I'll finish later, but here are the highlights
--got Barry and Elinor checked into their hotel.
--ate at McDonald's and were attacked by every poor child on the beach for money
--went and saw our apartment
--Jason took them back to their hotel, we watched a movie and went to bed late!
I was led upstairs by a beautiful black woman. She had gorgeous eyes and a beautiful smile. As we were about to go up, down came two Caucasian men--I'm assuming French, because they were speaking French, but they could have been from anywhere, because so many people from everywhere speak French here. Anyway, they were coming down the stairs and they smiled and said something to the woman taking me upstairs. She nodded her head at them, but as soon as they passed, she looked at me and made a circle motion by the side of the head (like she was saying they were cuckoo), and started laughing and whispering in French. I started giggling--I love it how you can communicate so easily with another person and know just what they are saying and not even understand a syllable of what they are saying with the language they are speaking. As we went upstairs, the noises got less and less and it was lit only by Moroccan candles. We went back to one of the massage rooms; the walls were red and beautiful Moroccan draperies (we had seen ones like it made at the Artisan Souk) were hanging all around to soften the walls. The massage table was covered with white towels and red rose petals were arranged in swirling patterns across towels. The lighting included candles and a beautifully dimmed chandelier. The most peaceful part to me, was the American music that was playing softly in the background. The massage was really great. I had anticipated getting sick from it and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was the most relaxing thing I have done in years. (I had had a massage in Logan, while I was pregnant with Vanessa and got so sick from it, that I've never had another) This was a completely different experience. My muscles felt so good afterwards and that lasted all day. It was something I really enjoyed.
During the massage, Jason called and asked if I had left the key to the apartment in the car. I felt so bad, it was here in my purse. The massage lady took it downstairs for me. I later found out that Jason had come and sent Mitchell in to get the key--they would not allow him to come up and disturb me, and they finally realized that the key was with Vanessa. Jason had quite the time with the boys. After they had come the first time, to bring us the camera, he went and got them ice cream and Sprite drinks. For some unknown reason, to the common sense world, Reggie and Will shook their cans of pop and then opened them in the back seat. They exploded all over the car and Jason had to go to the car wash and get the entire car cleaned. After the cleaning, they got all the way back to the apartment, realized that the key was back at L'Argon and had come back to get the key. What a rat race. Meanwhile, I was totally relaxed, getting completely pampered.
I went down to the second level and there was Vanessa grinning her head off. Her finger and toe nails looked so nice and one hour later, mine looked much better too! The girls working on my nails kept commenting on how "fragile" my skin was because she kept making me bleed. Being tortured like this was a little painful, but the end result was worth it!
I better speed things up...We came home and got ready then left for the airport at exactly the time that Barry and Elinor's plane should have been arriving at the airport. Due to the fact that our apartment is about 30 minutes from the airport, this was a bad thing. However, their plane was late, customs and the passport checkpoint was long, so we got there just as they were able to see us! I was so thrilled to see family that I burst into tears. After hugs and lugging all their suitcases out to the car, we decided that we didn't want to be separated and chose to ride together to the hotel, instead of separating into our car and a taxi. That meant that Jason, Mitchell and Elinor sat in the front bucket seats (the car is a stick shift); Barry, Jennifer, Vanessa, Reggie, Robby and Will were all in the backseat, and their 5 or 6 suitcases were fit with puzzle like precision, into the trunk. We received several humors stares from cars that we passed. We have become truly Moroccan.
Barry and Elinor were amazed how "tropical" Agadir looks. The flowers are really blooming right now and everything is quite green.
I'll finish later, but here are the highlights
--got Barry and Elinor checked into their hotel.
--ate at McDonald's and were attacked by every poor child on the beach for money
--went and saw our apartment
--Jason took them back to their hotel, we watched a movie and went to bed late!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Mood Swings
Poor Vanessa! She is really down in the dumps tonight and I don't blame her. I wish there was a way to solve the problem....! After homeschool, french lessons and my adventure to a clothing store (I will talk about that later), we went out to the beach. Vanessa hates the beach because she draws so much attention from all the Moroccan men, boys, "entrepenuers", young children, EVERYONE!! With the swimming pool looking like a swamp from Jurassic Park, the beach has become the only place the boys can burn off a lot of energy and they make so many friends. There just aren't any other open places around for the boys to run and play. Anyway, we went out to the beach, which wasn't nearly as crowded as yesterday and Vanessa had great hopes that she would be able to play with the boys like she had earlier this week. As we reached the beach, the boys realized that they hadn't brought the soccer ball. No one wanted to go back to the apartment to get it, so they decided to just play in the ocean. Vanessa will not wear a swimming suit to the beach, never does her hair and never wears any make-up out the beach--the one time she did, she was nearly bombarded with boys wanting to talk to her and find out what country she was from. It makes her so angry! On Wednesday, when we were with Lyn, I was offered 60 camels for Vanessa. I told them 60,000 camels and their eyebrows shot up. Vanessa about killed me--she asked if I would have really given her to them for 60,000 camels. Oh, brother. I wish she were able to laugh it off. It scares her so bad. Unfortunately, laughing at them only makes them want to entertain you more, so we'll have to think of something else and just continue with our "get lost" routine.
The boys headed out into the waves and we sat watching them from the beach. I went out into the water to cool off and about froze in the water, but it did feel nice to not be overheated (sorry family that is freezing at home!). They played in the waves for quite a while and then Mitchell said that he and Robby wanted to go and get the ball. We were very near our apartment and I could see them the entire way, so I said ok. Anyway, we were sitting there talking when up came a Moroccan with dred-locks, no less. He asked where we were from--that's always the first question after they realize we're not French. And then said, "Is this your daughter?"..."Yes"..."Oh, she is beautiful! I would like to marry her if you wouldn't mind." I then said that she was too young and he needed to go away. He said, "I am too young too, but I would like to take her home to meet my family and she can live with me." I then got very firm and told him to go away and leave us alone. Then he had a big smile and said, "I am just teasing. Have a good day." I told him "GOOD-BYE!" He went away. Vanessa was so furious, she just wanted to spit sand. She wanted to go back to the apartment, but didn't want to move because she didn't want anyone to look at her. I told her we would go back and she said no--she just wanted to stay put. When she gets angry, nothing makes sense. I made her get up and we walked like we were going to go home. Mitchell and Robby were coming back from the apartment with the soccer ball and wanted to play for a few mintues. Vanessa was ok with this, so we sat down to watch them play. The ball developed this magnetic force pulling all young Moroccan boys to us as soon as it was set down on the sand and kicked once between our boys. Vanessa knew this was not good for her and Will was thirsty, so they went up to the apartment. She was madder than a wet hen and needed to go to the apartment to cool down. It's very frustrating for her, because if she gets dressed up, she gets attention that she does not want in any way, shape or form. She doesn't care that Jason and I get rid of the boys, etc. very quickly. She just plain doesn't want it to happen, ever, for any reason. I don't blame her and we try to build her confidence, yet realize that she's dead on correct--as far as all the attention--we just have to deal with it while we are here and not become hermits to avoid it. She does like it when we are with all the boys, because then they get all the attention and she's barely acknowledged.
Robby made his first friend his age while playing soccer. I didn't get any pictures today, because I spent all of the time videoing them playing. It was very cute. Robby's friends were Abibe, Hussan and Mohammad. They rolled the ball back and forth, kicked it to each other and played with the boys' older brothers a little. Robby was so thrilled there was finally a boy exactly his age, with his skill level and who didn't overwhelm him with his soccer prowess.
It's very interesting. Whenever the boys make friends--the Moroccans treat the boys so nicely and act very protective of them. Between soccer games on the beach, when they run to the ocean to cool off--without any formal organization, the strong swimmers go with Mitchell, the ok swimmers have a great time with Reggie and another group stays with Robby and Will near the beach, just playing and splashing in the water, so everyone is having a good time and no one is getting hurt. They will not allow Robby and Will to go out to the deeper water--this could have two reasons: 1. They cannot swim or 2. They are worried that Robby or Will will drown and they protect them. It's very cute and so friendly. Everyone watches out for the boys to keep them happy, included and safe.
After everyone was sufficiently worn out, we went back to the apartment. Jason was still at the job site. It was a huge day for the job. The skin for the dome was rolled out and checked to make sure everything was ready for inflating it--hopefully on Monday. There were more than 60 Moroccans and Jason said it was a real gong show. Everything had to be pantomimed out for them to do anything. They had to have safety after safety lesson, so the Moroccan's would get themselves hurt. But one huge success had to do with the crane they have out at the site. There is a weazily little Spaniard named Carlos who has been unethical and basically a liar the entire time. Two weeks ago, the reverse on the crane went out. Jason told him that in two weeks, they would be inflating the dome and if the crane didn't work, they wouldn't be able to do the job. Carlos said that he would get it fixed. Well, instead of fixing the crane, the little weazle rented out the crane to someone else, so it could continue generating revenue. When Jason checked with him a week ago, Carlos lied and said that it was almost repaired and then when Jason told him, yesterday, that the crane needed to be brought out today, Friday, Carlos, admitted what he had done and said that Jason was just going to have to make it work without it's ability to go in reverse. Jason blew a gasget!! He called the head honchos over the Moroccan building permits, or something, and told them that he needed their help. The job would be put completely on hold and nothing would progress unless he had a functioning crane and they would have to keep paying everyone when no one was able to do any work. Well, they told Carlos that if he didn't get Jason a crane that worked, he could take all of his cranes (which total 4 at the job site) and get out! This would kill Carlos' business! Within hours, Jason said that Carlos had a better crane than before, at the same old price out at the job site. He was shocked and thrilled. Tender mercies, tender mercies. If either the skin had had holes or been damaged in some way, or if the crane had not been functionable. The job would have come to a screetching halt. Heavenly Father is blessing us at every turn!
Because Jason wasn't back yet and everyone was hungry and it was Friday and I was NOT going to cook, I told the kids we would walk to Pizza Hut. Of course there were the obligatory whines, etc., but playing the part of a good sargeant, out they went. Vanessa decided that this was just the icing on the cake for a bad day. We got so many stares, she was in tears until I pointed out they weren't always looking at her--they were looking at the number of children I had. This boyed up her spirits a little, but she would just about melt away, if anyone looked at her or smiled. She loops her arm through mine every time we're in public. This is not abnormal for Morocco--all women are linked with a daughter or friend when out strolling or shopping. So, Vanessa feels normal doing it and she gets VERY angry with her brothers if they try to hold my hand or get in her way of being able to stay linked to me.
They were surprised at how close Pizza Hut was. I had gone there that afternoon, trying to buy a couple of beautiful blouses I had found on Wednesday, but all the stores were closed because it was Friday and everyone was at mosque. Jason met us at Pizza Hut for our regular meal and then we got ice cream cones along the beach from a little stand. When we told Jason about the marriage proposals on the beach, Jason was able to make Vanessa laugh a little when he told her that she will be all practiced up for college when the return missionaries come calling.
I didn't think Jason was getting me ice cream and I was full from the pasta dish I had had and was commenting to the kids asking who would like to share mine. About then two little girls came up and were asking for money...they pointed to my ice cream (it was in a waffle cone with whip cream and chocolate fudge swirled on top. I asked them if they would like it and held it out to them. They nodded their head vigerously and took it. Then started eating as fast as they could. Our kids just stood there dumbfounded. They were shocked that anyone would ask for someone elses food and then take it and eat it. They laughed and laughed and talked about it the rest of the night. Germs, personal space, tact, and shyness are not a part of the culture. We walked over to the leather shop where Vanessa and I had tried on the coats. I still like the white one on the Ness, but she still loves the bomber jacket and wants it made in white. Jason was so worn out by this time, that he wouldn't even try anything one. I didn't blame him too much because he was still in his work clothes that were dirty and he needed a shower. The guy there is very nice and fun to work with. Vanessa is so excited about the jacket.
There was something that I wrote home about that I didn't want to forget--it has nothing to do with anything I've talked about so far in this blog entry, but I just didn't want to forget. It is so strange here--there are NO ADDRESSES. You just live in a certain section of town and then where you live is according to the major landmarks around you. I think about how people make fun of Idahoans and how they say things like....turn right at the big red barn, go past 3 houses and it's the one on the left...That is nothing to the directions given for places here. For example, we are trying to find a tailor to make a suit for Mitchell. The directions given to us were...go to the area with a large mosque in the middle of town (there are four mosques in the middle of town). It is in the area of two butchers (I have seen butchers on nearly every corner) and four fabric shops (there is fabric in nearly every store in Agadir) on the west side of the mosque! We gave these directions to the taxi driver (shockingly he didn't just laugh his head off and say there is no way to find this) he just looked and looked and asked person after person and 30 minutes later we still could not find the tailor. Amine has finally found us one--he was tailor to the king here, so the suit will be great I hope! But once again, there are no addresses--Amine is just taking us there so we are able to find it. OK, back to today.
After this, we went back to the apartment. Mitchell, Robby and I went down to the Minibrauheim to get milk, cereal, water and bread and then we came back and watched a terrible movie for kids. Jason had downloaded an old, classic Marlin Brando, black and white movie, that Jason thought everyone would love. It was about the mob and lots of people got killed and Reggie is now awake saying that he's having nightmares. I could just shoot Jason! We'll all survive I'm sure. It's almost 2 a.m., everyone is now asleep and I think I'll go to bed too!
The boys headed out into the waves and we sat watching them from the beach. I went out into the water to cool off and about froze in the water, but it did feel nice to not be overheated (sorry family that is freezing at home!). They played in the waves for quite a while and then Mitchell said that he and Robby wanted to go and get the ball. We were very near our apartment and I could see them the entire way, so I said ok. Anyway, we were sitting there talking when up came a Moroccan with dred-locks, no less. He asked where we were from--that's always the first question after they realize we're not French. And then said, "Is this your daughter?"..."Yes"..."Oh, she is beautiful! I would like to marry her if you wouldn't mind." I then said that she was too young and he needed to go away. He said, "I am too young too, but I would like to take her home to meet my family and she can live with me." I then got very firm and told him to go away and leave us alone. Then he had a big smile and said, "I am just teasing. Have a good day." I told him "GOOD-BYE!" He went away. Vanessa was so furious, she just wanted to spit sand. She wanted to go back to the apartment, but didn't want to move because she didn't want anyone to look at her. I told her we would go back and she said no--she just wanted to stay put. When she gets angry, nothing makes sense. I made her get up and we walked like we were going to go home. Mitchell and Robby were coming back from the apartment with the soccer ball and wanted to play for a few mintues. Vanessa was ok with this, so we sat down to watch them play. The ball developed this magnetic force pulling all young Moroccan boys to us as soon as it was set down on the sand and kicked once between our boys. Vanessa knew this was not good for her and Will was thirsty, so they went up to the apartment. She was madder than a wet hen and needed to go to the apartment to cool down. It's very frustrating for her, because if she gets dressed up, she gets attention that she does not want in any way, shape or form. She doesn't care that Jason and I get rid of the boys, etc. very quickly. She just plain doesn't want it to happen, ever, for any reason. I don't blame her and we try to build her confidence, yet realize that she's dead on correct--as far as all the attention--we just have to deal with it while we are here and not become hermits to avoid it. She does like it when we are with all the boys, because then they get all the attention and she's barely acknowledged.
Robby made his first friend his age while playing soccer. I didn't get any pictures today, because I spent all of the time videoing them playing. It was very cute. Robby's friends were Abibe, Hussan and Mohammad. They rolled the ball back and forth, kicked it to each other and played with the boys' older brothers a little. Robby was so thrilled there was finally a boy exactly his age, with his skill level and who didn't overwhelm him with his soccer prowess.
It's very interesting. Whenever the boys make friends--the Moroccans treat the boys so nicely and act very protective of them. Between soccer games on the beach, when they run to the ocean to cool off--without any formal organization, the strong swimmers go with Mitchell, the ok swimmers have a great time with Reggie and another group stays with Robby and Will near the beach, just playing and splashing in the water, so everyone is having a good time and no one is getting hurt. They will not allow Robby and Will to go out to the deeper water--this could have two reasons: 1. They cannot swim or 2. They are worried that Robby or Will will drown and they protect them. It's very cute and so friendly. Everyone watches out for the boys to keep them happy, included and safe.
After everyone was sufficiently worn out, we went back to the apartment. Jason was still at the job site. It was a huge day for the job. The skin for the dome was rolled out and checked to make sure everything was ready for inflating it--hopefully on Monday. There were more than 60 Moroccans and Jason said it was a real gong show. Everything had to be pantomimed out for them to do anything. They had to have safety after safety lesson, so the Moroccan's would get themselves hurt. But one huge success had to do with the crane they have out at the site. There is a weazily little Spaniard named Carlos who has been unethical and basically a liar the entire time. Two weeks ago, the reverse on the crane went out. Jason told him that in two weeks, they would be inflating the dome and if the crane didn't work, they wouldn't be able to do the job. Carlos said that he would get it fixed. Well, instead of fixing the crane, the little weazle rented out the crane to someone else, so it could continue generating revenue. When Jason checked with him a week ago, Carlos lied and said that it was almost repaired and then when Jason told him, yesterday, that the crane needed to be brought out today, Friday, Carlos, admitted what he had done and said that Jason was just going to have to make it work without it's ability to go in reverse. Jason blew a gasget!! He called the head honchos over the Moroccan building permits, or something, and told them that he needed their help. The job would be put completely on hold and nothing would progress unless he had a functioning crane and they would have to keep paying everyone when no one was able to do any work. Well, they told Carlos that if he didn't get Jason a crane that worked, he could take all of his cranes (which total 4 at the job site) and get out! This would kill Carlos' business! Within hours, Jason said that Carlos had a better crane than before, at the same old price out at the job site. He was shocked and thrilled. Tender mercies, tender mercies. If either the skin had had holes or been damaged in some way, or if the crane had not been functionable. The job would have come to a screetching halt. Heavenly Father is blessing us at every turn!
Because Jason wasn't back yet and everyone was hungry and it was Friday and I was NOT going to cook, I told the kids we would walk to Pizza Hut. Of course there were the obligatory whines, etc., but playing the part of a good sargeant, out they went. Vanessa decided that this was just the icing on the cake for a bad day. We got so many stares, she was in tears until I pointed out they weren't always looking at her--they were looking at the number of children I had. This boyed up her spirits a little, but she would just about melt away, if anyone looked at her or smiled. She loops her arm through mine every time we're in public. This is not abnormal for Morocco--all women are linked with a daughter or friend when out strolling or shopping. So, Vanessa feels normal doing it and she gets VERY angry with her brothers if they try to hold my hand or get in her way of being able to stay linked to me.
They were surprised at how close Pizza Hut was. I had gone there that afternoon, trying to buy a couple of beautiful blouses I had found on Wednesday, but all the stores were closed because it was Friday and everyone was at mosque. Jason met us at Pizza Hut for our regular meal and then we got ice cream cones along the beach from a little stand. When we told Jason about the marriage proposals on the beach, Jason was able to make Vanessa laugh a little when he told her that she will be all practiced up for college when the return missionaries come calling.
I didn't think Jason was getting me ice cream and I was full from the pasta dish I had had and was commenting to the kids asking who would like to share mine. About then two little girls came up and were asking for money...they pointed to my ice cream (it was in a waffle cone with whip cream and chocolate fudge swirled on top. I asked them if they would like it and held it out to them. They nodded their head vigerously and took it. Then started eating as fast as they could. Our kids just stood there dumbfounded. They were shocked that anyone would ask for someone elses food and then take it and eat it. They laughed and laughed and talked about it the rest of the night. Germs, personal space, tact, and shyness are not a part of the culture. We walked over to the leather shop where Vanessa and I had tried on the coats. I still like the white one on the Ness, but she still loves the bomber jacket and wants it made in white. Jason was so worn out by this time, that he wouldn't even try anything one. I didn't blame him too much because he was still in his work clothes that were dirty and he needed a shower. The guy there is very nice and fun to work with. Vanessa is so excited about the jacket.
There was something that I wrote home about that I didn't want to forget--it has nothing to do with anything I've talked about so far in this blog entry, but I just didn't want to forget. It is so strange here--there are NO ADDRESSES. You just live in a certain section of town and then where you live is according to the major landmarks around you. I think about how people make fun of Idahoans and how they say things like....turn right at the big red barn, go past 3 houses and it's the one on the left...That is nothing to the directions given for places here. For example, we are trying to find a tailor to make a suit for Mitchell. The directions given to us were...go to the area with a large mosque in the middle of town (there are four mosques in the middle of town). It is in the area of two butchers (I have seen butchers on nearly every corner) and four fabric shops (there is fabric in nearly every store in Agadir) on the west side of the mosque! We gave these directions to the taxi driver (shockingly he didn't just laugh his head off and say there is no way to find this) he just looked and looked and asked person after person and 30 minutes later we still could not find the tailor. Amine has finally found us one--he was tailor to the king here, so the suit will be great I hope! But once again, there are no addresses--Amine is just taking us there so we are able to find it. OK, back to today.
After this, we went back to the apartment. Mitchell, Robby and I went down to the Minibrauheim to get milk, cereal, water and bread and then we came back and watched a terrible movie for kids. Jason had downloaded an old, classic Marlin Brando, black and white movie, that Jason thought everyone would love. It was about the mob and lots of people got killed and Reggie is now awake saying that he's having nightmares. I could just shoot Jason! We'll all survive I'm sure. It's almost 2 a.m., everyone is now asleep and I think I'll go to bed too!
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