Lots of power outages which means no hot water, no water upstairs. the pool at school was locked yesterday at the PTA meeting so we lost our chance for pool bath. So fun in the tubs at home. Cold water with one heated kettle of water in the bucket too. About 75 degrees.
Cole being Cole in the coffee field.
Colism:
I have the burp ups! ( poor Cole probably really has Giardia)
Is power on? ( every 10 minutes)
I really need need need to see Cars 2. ( at the theater today-so we drove to see it)
We went to the coast for a four day weekend. School is out to celebrate the end of Ramadan. http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Ramadan/
We drove eight hours to a lodge on the beach. Turns out we were the only guests this time. So one staff person for every family member.
We got to see green sea turtles hatching and making their way to the water for the first time. See our friends who are helping them at this web site. http://www.kasa-divers.com/index.php?action=news2
This is our bungalow and pool. The ocean had lots of seaweed and since Cole is a freak for seaweed we had a lot of pool time. Birch however is a fish and will swim in any water any time any place.
Screen time even on the beach. IPod mania to relax in the shade.
Sandy beach island that used to have trees. We went snorkeling. Lots of illegal fishing – this is a reserve, but the Africans still fish it. Hard to be angry since no other place for them to get food and no education on how not fishing it would be better in the long run for food. A real frustrating story that is making slow slow slow changes.
Waiting for the ferry that takes us across the water inlet to the main land before the eight hour drive. Kids already bored but staying happy on top of the car.
Cole’isms:
Wouldn’t it be great if there were a world with power all the time so that I did not have to ask you “ is there power can I play Wii I could just ask if I could play Wii?” - he says after only two weeks returning from the states.
After not being at Emayani for two years and then going and seeing the dog again “that dog knows my scent”.
Every morning waking up: Who are you? ( either a character in movie we watched the night before or a book we read) today I was the raccoon's wife in “ Furry Revenge” the movie.
My birthday is gonna be batman. ( Dec 13th) I tell him great I will buy him a batman suit and he says no- he is robin Birch is batman.
“ I hope birch will play kings and knights with me. He can be the king and I can be a knight or may be his royal dog”
Started with a trip to Tulsa for family and friends. Great time seeing cousins and friend cousins. Caught up with old and I do not mean old but long time friends. Sushi- yes even in Tulsa. The kids most amazing day at Splish Splash which is totally gross giant water park with too many people. Fireworks American style. Lots of strip mall shopping and too much fast food for me ( I am a fast food weakling.)
Then to Missoula Montana to see if this is the place of the future for us. Met great friends and had great outdoor adventures. The summer had just come so we had the best month ever. I could see us living there for sure. I wish some of our AK friends would move there too. AK old crew got together ( this time I think I meant old) and went rafting and camping. Lots of fun with kids all running around. I miss those trips. Giraffes and zebras don’t talk to you when you are camping.
Lastly to Maine for the kids to go to CAMP MIMI. Three days of total cousin fun. The last night Cole screamed bloody murder and cried when the cousins left.
Now back to Africa. Long flight and long recovery but finally slept the whole night thru. No power for 80 hours on for 4 and then off again. No diesel anywhere in town today. Kids missing family and cousins, but school started so they are in the groove now. Planning small safari for the weekend if the gas comes back to town, but Dar has not had any for 5 days- so we may be staying home. Not sure how long more we have – at least one year and then we will see. Loved MT work- any great jobs in Maine???? Sorry mom Tulsa is not in the future except for long happy visits.
Cole’isms:
How much longer until Africa? ( one hour after leaving Maine- in the car still on the way to the airport to go to Africa)
I wish it were xmas tomorrow. (midnight second night back while not sleeping) ( so he could get one more present – he was overrun by presents, media, commercials in USA)
Is there power? ( the minute we walk into our house because he missed his Wii in America)
Can I have some Candy? ( he just says this a million times a day)
You need some five hour energy. ( he says to me when I am tired because he read it on every aisle of every supermarket in USA)
Did you bring any shaker weights? ( when I leave to exercise, because then I could exercise at home- also seen on commercial in USA)
Peace to all- talk soon if power stays on.
joey
Forget the giraffe- give me candy or I won’t go one step more.
I am a slowpoke- Birch is a fastpoke.
God is everywhere. God made dogs and maybe a dog made god because it is spelled backwards.
What is mad scientist favorite dog. A lab. Made you laugh. I don’t get it anyway.
Want to see the robot dance?
Ruby Rool Ropout “ Beauty school drop out by Scooby Doo
Can warthogs see their bodies? ( I think cause they don’t have necks)
Finally the "I am not a biker" , " I do not like to bike" attitude has left the house. Granted we are teaching on very bumpy dirt roads and never lived in a place with neighborhood streets- we have crossed the barrier and are a biking family ( I guess except for mom who still doesn't really love it.) Of course we find fun friends as we practice biking on the school hard top in Africa. Have great videos but on hour one for a 10 second video download with no luck so imagine them riding really well. peace
Went an hour out of Arusha just to get away and stayed at lodge we could walk for a little safari. Funny the kids still played imaginary Harry Potter as we are walking among giraffes, zebras, and warthogs. Cole still needed gum and candy to get him going. Birch still talked the whole hike each time. Great swimming pool for after the walks- so everyone was happy. http://www.tanganyikawildernesscamps.com/camps/maramboitentedcamp/
