Showing posts with label family travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family travel. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
McDonald’s McDumb@$$
Today was the last day I will buy anything from the fast food establishment known to the majority of the world as McDonald’s. Yes, you heard it here. Feel free to point at me and scream if you see me even eyeing some greasy fries. I have HAD IT! McDonald’s has long been my least favourite of the fast food franchises. Today they have solidified their placement at the bottom of the list. In fact, as I inferred, they are not even ON said list.
What has happened that this mecca of fried would be deliciousness has so disgruntled Beach Mama as to be banished from her world? Well, it began years ago, when on a road trip. This first egregious incident happened at 8:30 in the morning. We pulled into a McDumb@$$ for some quick drive-thru breakfast. The Dude and I had been extolling the many virtues of a certain breakfast pancake style sandwich and decided to pick one up. Remember, it is 8:30 am. We were informed by the barely coherent attendant that they were no longer serving breakfast. WHAT!??!!?!? Yes. This particular restaurant began serving breakfast at some ungodly hour and decided, that, well, 8:30 am is a fine time for lunch. What – you don’ crave a floppy grease soaked fish sandwich at 8:30? How about a Big Mac. But, by all means, DO NOT try to order a egg and cheese biscuit and heaven forbid you want pancakes.
Ok, so that is what began my loathing that is McDonald’s, now known to me and my faithful bloggers as McDumb@$$. I decided to write this off as a twilight zone-esque anomaly.
Onto today…
We slept in a bit and by the time we were packed and ready for travel to Charleston, SC it was after 11. So the Dude and I decided to drive through a McD’s for some LUNCH. Little Mermaid got a Happy Meal, and Dude and I got sandwiches. Little Dude also got a Happy Meal. First, we nearly didn’t get our drinks b/c the window cashier was shirking her responsibilities. Then, we parked to check our food. Good thing too, b/c we were missing an order of fries. So Dude went back into the grease bucket to get the fries. When he got back we realized we were given any napkins. SHEESH! Good thing I had some extras stashed in the glove box. Oh, I also forgot to mention that the health code rating was a mere 90. That’s out of 115 folks. Yup. You KNOW we sucked down some e-coli with our cokes.
Ok, whatever. It wasn’t until we stopped for a bathroom break that Little Mermaid discovered she never received her apple dippers with her UN-Happy Meal. ARGH!
So we carry on. Later in the afternoon Dude was thirsty and Little Mermaid was hungry, still upset about her AWOL apples. So like a good father, Dude pulls into a McDumb@$$ drive-thru to order said apples. He also orders a vanilla milkshake for himself. Notice I wrote ordered and not got… We are pulling onto the road when Dude goes to take a satisfying slurp of his coveted VANILLA shake. Wait. Not vanilla. STRAWBERRY! UGH! NO! SAY IT ISN’T SO!
It wouldn’t have been SO bad if these last 2 incidents had happened on different days. But for this to happen in 2 separate McDumb@$$’s, in 2 different states, on the same day?! No, it’s fate. I’m clearly not supposed to buy from these people. I can quit while I’m ahead. No bolt of lightening needed. I get it. Moving on…
Finally we get to Grandmum-mum and Grandpa-pa’s house in Charleston. The Dude and I unpack the car while the G-rent’s play with the G-kids. We have sandwiches for dinner. I brought my first vegetable from my organic garden. A beautiful green bell pepper. Aahh! So good! Should have taken a picture. Oh well.
Then my Mom (aka Mamasita or Grandmum-mum) had planned a mini birthday party for me. Complete with hand delivered invitations to the Dude, Little Dude and Grandpa-pa (aka Padre-man, my Dad). We took pictures and Little Dude helped me blow out my candles. Some were trick candles, yeah, those never get old. The cake was funfetti. G-d I love those. So colourful and happy. I opened cards and presents. Got a cool candle warmer. Looks sort of like a mini crock-pot and it holds those great big candles in glass jars. I never, almost never, light candles. I too often forget their lit so now I use warmers to melt the wax and get all the scented loveliness in the air. I also got some warm vanilla sugar scented bath goodies in a super cute basket. And school supplies. I love school supplies, and I’ll actually need them this year, as I’m going to be taking a class at UNCG this Fall.
The Dude and Padre-man played Bocce Ball, Little Mermaid served play tea and I cut out paper strips for that paper purse project. Oh yes folks, I’m on the verge of a break through!
It’s been thoroughly great evening at the ‘rent’s house in SC. Mom and I hit Wal-mart for some groceries tonight and now we are all going to bed. I’m pooped. One of these days I’ll catch up on my sleep…
Later Gators!
What has happened that this mecca of fried would be deliciousness has so disgruntled Beach Mama as to be banished from her world? Well, it began years ago, when on a road trip. This first egregious incident happened at 8:30 in the morning. We pulled into a McDumb@$$ for some quick drive-thru breakfast. The Dude and I had been extolling the many virtues of a certain breakfast pancake style sandwich and decided to pick one up. Remember, it is 8:30 am. We were informed by the barely coherent attendant that they were no longer serving breakfast. WHAT!??!!?!? Yes. This particular restaurant began serving breakfast at some ungodly hour and decided, that, well, 8:30 am is a fine time for lunch. What – you don’ crave a floppy grease soaked fish sandwich at 8:30? How about a Big Mac. But, by all means, DO NOT try to order a egg and cheese biscuit and heaven forbid you want pancakes.
Ok, so that is what began my loathing that is McDonald’s, now known to me and my faithful bloggers as McDumb@$$. I decided to write this off as a twilight zone-esque anomaly.
Onto today…
We slept in a bit and by the time we were packed and ready for travel to Charleston, SC it was after 11. So the Dude and I decided to drive through a McD’s for some LUNCH. Little Mermaid got a Happy Meal, and Dude and I got sandwiches. Little Dude also got a Happy Meal. First, we nearly didn’t get our drinks b/c the window cashier was shirking her responsibilities. Then, we parked to check our food. Good thing too, b/c we were missing an order of fries. So Dude went back into the grease bucket to get the fries. When he got back we realized we were given any napkins. SHEESH! Good thing I had some extras stashed in the glove box. Oh, I also forgot to mention that the health code rating was a mere 90. That’s out of 115 folks. Yup. You KNOW we sucked down some e-coli with our cokes.
Ok, whatever. It wasn’t until we stopped for a bathroom break that Little Mermaid discovered she never received her apple dippers with her UN-Happy Meal. ARGH!
So we carry on. Later in the afternoon Dude was thirsty and Little Mermaid was hungry, still upset about her AWOL apples. So like a good father, Dude pulls into a McDumb@$$ drive-thru to order said apples. He also orders a vanilla milkshake for himself. Notice I wrote ordered and not got… We are pulling onto the road when Dude goes to take a satisfying slurp of his coveted VANILLA shake. Wait. Not vanilla. STRAWBERRY! UGH! NO! SAY IT ISN’T SO!
It wouldn’t have been SO bad if these last 2 incidents had happened on different days. But for this to happen in 2 separate McDumb@$$’s, in 2 different states, on the same day?! No, it’s fate. I’m clearly not supposed to buy from these people. I can quit while I’m ahead. No bolt of lightening needed. I get it. Moving on…
Finally we get to Grandmum-mum and Grandpa-pa’s house in Charleston. The Dude and I unpack the car while the G-rent’s play with the G-kids. We have sandwiches for dinner. I brought my first vegetable from my organic garden. A beautiful green bell pepper. Aahh! So good! Should have taken a picture. Oh well.
Then my Mom (aka Mamasita or Grandmum-mum) had planned a mini birthday party for me. Complete with hand delivered invitations to the Dude, Little Dude and Grandpa-pa (aka Padre-man, my Dad). We took pictures and Little Dude helped me blow out my candles. Some were trick candles, yeah, those never get old. The cake was funfetti. G-d I love those. So colourful and happy. I opened cards and presents. Got a cool candle warmer. Looks sort of like a mini crock-pot and it holds those great big candles in glass jars. I never, almost never, light candles. I too often forget their lit so now I use warmers to melt the wax and get all the scented loveliness in the air. I also got some warm vanilla sugar scented bath goodies in a super cute basket. And school supplies. I love school supplies, and I’ll actually need them this year, as I’m going to be taking a class at UNCG this Fall.
The Dude and Padre-man played Bocce Ball, Little Mermaid served play tea and I cut out paper strips for that paper purse project. Oh yes folks, I’m on the verge of a break through!
It’s been thoroughly great evening at the ‘rent’s house in SC. Mom and I hit Wal-mart for some groceries tonight and now we are all going to bed. I’m pooped. One of these days I’ll catch up on my sleep…
Later Gators!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What a busy day! After running around in a whirling dervish looking for kitty Dramamine, getting the van packed and kids ready, and parent’s lawn mowed and an attachment for the stroller at the store, and being denied kitty Dramamine from the vet’s office after looking at EVERY pet store in Winston Salem and checking the cats into the hotel we FINALLY made it to Carowinds Theme Park.
We caravanned with the V-C family, Sabby, Big D and Little C. Also, Jack the Dog. He chilled with our cats in the La Quinta. We stopped at the Wendy’s outside of the park, b/c it was lunch time by the time we drove up to the park, and why pay $15 for plain stale hotdog when you can get Wendy’s for 1/3 the cost? Huh? Why? WHY I ASK YOU!
You know the economy is bad when someone steals fast food. The Dude picked up our order and as he was filling the cokes SOMEONE ACTUALLY STOLE OUR FOOD! What is the world coming to? At least Wendy’s replaced the food for free. Good Grief!
Then we had to park in lower Slavonia because every single other spot was taken! Except for the VC family, someone happened to pull out of a primo spot, right next to the handicap parking. So we had to hoof it, but they had to wait for us.
The men split to ride roller coasters and the women and children chilled in the kiddie section. We rode the Dora the Explorer train; I rode the Flying Dutchman’s Revenge (think Sponge Bob Square Pants.) with the Little Mermaid. She also rode her first roller coaster! GO HER! I was so impressed! I HAD to buy the photo of us on it, as evidenced below.
I am so proud!
The weather was great. Overcast, warm, not hot, and just enough spritz and sprinkles to keep the locals at home and the lines short, but not enough to close any attractions. By the late afternoon Sabby and I were sticky from the humidity so we made our way to the water attraction side of the park. We met up with the men and hit the big wave pool the kids wore life vests and bobbed along with us (yes Mom, we held onto them – they weren’t just free floating on their own!) The Little Dude LOVED it. He was having so much fun, he didn’t even complain when an unexpected wave smacked him in the face!
We stayed at the pool for a long time, until about 5:30 and then the men split for some water slides and the women and children marched on to the neighboring sprinkler park for the little-uns. The water park closes at 7, so after the guys showed up, we took turns going into the locker rooms to change back into dry clothes. Now it was the mama’s turn! Sabby and I left the kids with the men and skipped over to the best roller coaster at Carowinds – After Burn (formerly known as Top Gun). I don’t know why they changed the name… my esophagus hurts just thinking about the word after burn. Like heart burn or something else equally unpleasant.
We met up with the men and the lines were so short we took turns watching the kiddies so we could ride the roller coaster with our hubbies. I got a great pic of Sabby and Big D. We rode in the front, and now I’m spoiled. It was AWESOME! I felt like I was flying!
We caravanned with the V-C family, Sabby, Big D and Little C. Also, Jack the Dog. He chilled with our cats in the La Quinta. We stopped at the Wendy’s outside of the park, b/c it was lunch time by the time we drove up to the park, and why pay $15 for plain stale hotdog when you can get Wendy’s for 1/3 the cost? Huh? Why? WHY I ASK YOU!
You know the economy is bad when someone steals fast food. The Dude picked up our order and as he was filling the cokes SOMEONE ACTUALLY STOLE OUR FOOD! What is the world coming to? At least Wendy’s replaced the food for free. Good Grief!
Then we had to park in lower Slavonia because every single other spot was taken! Except for the VC family, someone happened to pull out of a primo spot, right next to the handicap parking. So we had to hoof it, but they had to wait for us.
The men split to ride roller coasters and the women and children chilled in the kiddie section. We rode the Dora the Explorer train; I rode the Flying Dutchman’s Revenge (think Sponge Bob Square Pants.) with the Little Mermaid. She also rode her first roller coaster! GO HER! I was so impressed! I HAD to buy the photo of us on it, as evidenced below.
I am so proud!The weather was great. Overcast, warm, not hot, and just enough spritz and sprinkles to keep the locals at home and the lines short, but not enough to close any attractions. By the late afternoon Sabby and I were sticky from the humidity so we made our way to the water attraction side of the park. We met up with the men and hit the big wave pool the kids wore life vests and bobbed along with us (yes Mom, we held onto them – they weren’t just free floating on their own!) The Little Dude LOVED it. He was having so much fun, he didn’t even complain when an unexpected wave smacked him in the face!
We stayed at the pool for a long time, until about 5:30 and then the men split for some water slides and the women and children marched on to the neighboring sprinkler park for the little-uns. The water park closes at 7, so after the guys showed up, we took turns going into the locker rooms to change back into dry clothes. Now it was the mama’s turn! Sabby and I left the kids with the men and skipped over to the best roller coaster at Carowinds – After Burn (formerly known as Top Gun). I don’t know why they changed the name… my esophagus hurts just thinking about the word after burn. Like heart burn or something else equally unpleasant.
We met up with the men and the lines were so short we took turns watching the kiddies so we could ride the roller coaster with our hubbies. I got a great pic of Sabby and Big D. We rode in the front, and now I’m spoiled. It was AWESOME! I felt like I was flying!
After much more walking and then forcibly removing the men from the extreme rides we began the long trek, cross country to our van. Since we were staying in Charlotte, we wanted to go to our FAVOURITE NC restaurant… Mert’s Heart and Soul. The BEST cornbread and soul food EVER! Don’t believe me? Come and try it. Go on. The cornbread will make a believer out of anybody.
Now it’s midnight. The VC family is on their way home. Little Dude and Little Mermaid are asleep and I can barely keep my eyes open.
Time for bed.
Ciao for now!
Xo
BeachMama
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Birthday Girl!
Monday is a blur. We woke up at 4:45 and got home in the USA after midnight. We had a great visit with Banana, the Dude’s sister, at the Washington DC airport.
Oh, here’s a quick and dirty story about our return. On the flight to DC from Bogota, the Little Mermaid spilled a full cup of orange juice all over herself. We had checked the bags in Manizales so we wouldn’t have to deal with them on the way back home. This means that we had no clothes for the poor Little Mermaid to wear. I gave her my huge (even on me!) Juan Valdez hoodie. Yes, his face is TOTALLY on the front. It was a big sacrifice on my part. But, as Ned Kelly said, such is life.
When we got to DC, after going through customs, getting our bags and re-checking them, going through security and walking to the ENTIRE other end of the dang airport, we were able to look for new clothes for the Little Mermaid. Why didn’t you just get some clothes out of the bag once you picked them up – you ask? Well, the baggage guys in their infinite wisdom zip corded our bags shut. We didn’t have any scissors and were unable to open them! ARGH!
So, we were looking for clothes. Did you know that there is an entire men’s suit store in the DC airport? Look in the B gates, like B 40 something. BUT there is not 1 article of clothing for the lower half for ANYONE else in the ENTIRE FREAKIN’ AIRPORT. I know. I looked. Thank goodness I have mad skills when it comes to clothing design. My mom would say that I have mad skills at rigging myself up, but I disagree. It’s art Mom. Art. I looked for the cheapest t-shirt I could find. $9.99 at a newsstand. Yup, I bought it and asked the cashier if she had any scissors. She asked the manager and the manager went back into the secret room where they scan your retina to make sure can you be trusted with scissors in the airport and then came back with a pair for me to use. What I’m going to tell you next is shocking – at least to the ladies at the register. I unfolded that bad boy and cut across the body of the shirt, just under the armpits. Then I cut a strip off the raw edge of that newly cut tube. I snipped the strip so that I had 1 long strip and a tube of shirt. I shoved the cropped off top in my shopping bag. Then I cut a little hole in the hemmed bottom of the t-shirt tube. I threaded the strip through that already turned over and hemmed bottom, flipped it upside down and viola! The Little Mermaid had a skirt! TA-DA. Then I got her a shirt and she was ready to take off that screaming hot Juan Valdez sweatshirt hoodie.
The Little Mermaid was very happy with her new ensemble and modeled it all over the airport. You would have thought she was wearing Versace!
On to my birthday…
On the drive home from the airport, the kiddies were asleep and the Dude and I sang Happy Birthday to me. We quickly crashed and slept until late the next morning. I woke up to the sweet smell of Colombian coffee. Then we went to our local pizza place, the Mellow Mushroom for lunch. Ah, so good! AND there is a new frozen custard shop on 4th street! So of course we hit that. Did you know that frozen custard has half the fat of ice cream? It tastes so much better too!
The Dude surprised me with a trip to Greensboro! UNC-Greensboro! I got information on starting towards my Master’s in History. As of today, my application is in and my transcript has been ordered!!! I’m a college girl again! Check it out. The school colours are blue and gold, like my first high school, and the mascot is the Spartans, like my graduating high school. See, it was meant to be.
Then we went to this super cool bike shop and got a chariot for my bike. This way I can stick it to the man and ride my bike with the kids to the grocery store instead of driving and buying gas. SCREW THE MAN!
PLUS, I got both Barack Obama books on CD, read by Grammy winner and Future President Obama himself. And the Dude got me the Netflix attachment so we can watch the free Netflix movies on our TV instead of crowding around our laptop! CHA! SEE?!?!? THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! Plus a Lemon Charlotte Royal cake from Whole Foods. It tasted like a combination of cake and Lemon custard. AHhhhh! AND pink champagne!
I didn’t even care that we had a major storm that knocked over tons of trees blocking street access all across Winston Salem! Or that our power was out until the next morning! I had the best dang birthday ever!
Neener neener.
Oh, here’s a quick and dirty story about our return. On the flight to DC from Bogota, the Little Mermaid spilled a full cup of orange juice all over herself. We had checked the bags in Manizales so we wouldn’t have to deal with them on the way back home. This means that we had no clothes for the poor Little Mermaid to wear. I gave her my huge (even on me!) Juan Valdez hoodie. Yes, his face is TOTALLY on the front. It was a big sacrifice on my part. But, as Ned Kelly said, such is life.
When we got to DC, after going through customs, getting our bags and re-checking them, going through security and walking to the ENTIRE other end of the dang airport, we were able to look for new clothes for the Little Mermaid. Why didn’t you just get some clothes out of the bag once you picked them up – you ask? Well, the baggage guys in their infinite wisdom zip corded our bags shut. We didn’t have any scissors and were unable to open them! ARGH!
So, we were looking for clothes. Did you know that there is an entire men’s suit store in the DC airport? Look in the B gates, like B 40 something. BUT there is not 1 article of clothing for the lower half for ANYONE else in the ENTIRE FREAKIN’ AIRPORT. I know. I looked. Thank goodness I have mad skills when it comes to clothing design. My mom would say that I have mad skills at rigging myself up, but I disagree. It’s art Mom. Art. I looked for the cheapest t-shirt I could find. $9.99 at a newsstand. Yup, I bought it and asked the cashier if she had any scissors. She asked the manager and the manager went back into the secret room where they scan your retina to make sure can you be trusted with scissors in the airport and then came back with a pair for me to use. What I’m going to tell you next is shocking – at least to the ladies at the register. I unfolded that bad boy and cut across the body of the shirt, just under the armpits. Then I cut a strip off the raw edge of that newly cut tube. I snipped the strip so that I had 1 long strip and a tube of shirt. I shoved the cropped off top in my shopping bag. Then I cut a little hole in the hemmed bottom of the t-shirt tube. I threaded the strip through that already turned over and hemmed bottom, flipped it upside down and viola! The Little Mermaid had a skirt! TA-DA. Then I got her a shirt and she was ready to take off that screaming hot Juan Valdez sweatshirt hoodie.
The Little Mermaid was very happy with her new ensemble and modeled it all over the airport. You would have thought she was wearing Versace!
On to my birthday…
On the drive home from the airport, the kiddies were asleep and the Dude and I sang Happy Birthday to me. We quickly crashed and slept until late the next morning. I woke up to the sweet smell of Colombian coffee. Then we went to our local pizza place, the Mellow Mushroom for lunch. Ah, so good! AND there is a new frozen custard shop on 4th street! So of course we hit that. Did you know that frozen custard has half the fat of ice cream? It tastes so much better too!
The Dude surprised me with a trip to Greensboro! UNC-Greensboro! I got information on starting towards my Master’s in History. As of today, my application is in and my transcript has been ordered!!! I’m a college girl again! Check it out. The school colours are blue and gold, like my first high school, and the mascot is the Spartans, like my graduating high school. See, it was meant to be.
Then we went to this super cool bike shop and got a chariot for my bike. This way I can stick it to the man and ride my bike with the kids to the grocery store instead of driving and buying gas. SCREW THE MAN!
PLUS, I got both Barack Obama books on CD, read by Grammy winner and Future President Obama himself. And the Dude got me the Netflix attachment so we can watch the free Netflix movies on our TV instead of crowding around our laptop! CHA! SEE?!?!? THE BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! Plus a Lemon Charlotte Royal cake from Whole Foods. It tasted like a combination of cake and Lemon custard. AHhhhh! AND pink champagne!
I didn’t even care that we had a major storm that knocked over tons of trees blocking street access all across Winston Salem! Or that our power was out until the next morning! I had the best dang birthday ever!
Neener neener.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Shopping!
Well I don’t know WHAT I was thinking when I wrote that CC’s brother was freakishly tall. Maybe he just looked that tall compared to the other small people waiting at the airport. But he is maybe 5’7 on a good day. Probably only 5’5”, really.
Monday!
CC bought the Little Mermaid some cereal, b/c she’s not really into the whole Colombian breakfast thing. The rest of us ate large pancake size arepas with a Colombian cheese melted on top. Muy Bien! I’m not sure if the cheese is goat cheese or made with olive oil – but it reminds me a little of a very mild feta, not crumbly though.
Once we are all showered and dressed we headed downtown. It was sort of a wet day, so we didn’t do a lot of sight seeing, but we did hit a downtown mall! The Dude finally found some sandals. He’s been wearing the same Teva’s for 8 years and they are barely staying together! The Little Mermaid got some super cute shoes for escuela and at a girly store called YoYo one of the retailers spoke perfect ingles. So we had some fun there. Little Mermaid got a cute white jean skirt with sparkly studs on it and a darling pink/orange plaid jumper. I finally bought something for myself – some turquoise plaid canvas shoes. I love them, they are slip-on flats.
The Little Mermaid was starving, so we headed to the food court. It was dominated by the oh so Colombian pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers. Little Mermaid ate pizza, I found an empanada (not a good one) and then we headed home.
The main meal in Colombia is lunch. Breakfast is pretty light. Lunch is huge and dinner is nearly non-existent. I kind of like this philosophy.
For lunch we had the Colombian version of Roast Beef Stew, Sancocho. YUMMY! They also made a guava juice drink. Pretty good – though not my favourite beverage.
The Little Dude took a nap (before lunch) and after lunch the Dude and I joined him. The Little Mermaid watched Disney in Spanish.
After our siesta we came downstairs to find CC in the living room visiting with a friend and former co-worker. Her English is perfect. Even a US accent – slightly Californian. I asked her if she’d ever studied abroad and she said no! She learned it all from school and TV! WOW!
We all piled into CC’s car and went to a beautiful shopping center in Manizales. It is built into a mountain so the views from the windows were amazing! First we hit a Juan Valdez out door coffee shop. Juan Valdez is branded like Starbucks in Colombia. And the coffee is, obviously, top notch! I was able to get on the Juan Valdez wireless system and publish yesterday’s blog. Though it proved too slow for pictures.
After our coffee break we walked to the mall for SHOPPING! First we hit a grocery store. CC’s mom needed some things and the Little Dude needed butt crème, I needed hair conditioner and the Little Mermaid needed detangle spray. We walked the multilevel mall and the Dude finally found a pair of jeans, the Little Dude got a pair of cute sufer dude shorts and I bought a cool black/grey shirt. At the top of the mall is a cinema and play area for kids. The Little Mermaid jumped until just couldn’t jump anymore on the netted trampoline. And the dudes shot basketball hoops and played a race car video game. By this time the sun had set. And we began to meander down to the ground floor. We made one more stop at a book store. The Little Mermaid got a Barbie movie – Mariposa – in espanol and a Strawberry Shortcake colouring book and story book. The colouring book is pretty cool. It has tracing paper between all the pages so you can trace the image and have 2 to colour! MUY BIEN!
We came home, happy and exhausted. After a small snack of sandwiches, we hit the sack.
The other day I asked CC to let me cook with her so I could learn the recipes for the food we’ve been eating. She smiled and told me that she doesn’t cook. Doesn’t cook! Over the weekend when her sister in law and los ninos were visiting another woman magically appeared in the kitchen. I asked CC who she was and it turns out that she is her brother’s family’s housekeeper/ nanny. On Monday, after CC’s brother’s family returned to their town another woman mysteriously appeared. Again I asked CC who she was, and she is her parent’s housekeeper! She prepares all the meals, keeps the house and does laundry.
Each morning I make our beds and make sure all of our things are picked up. Well, after our adventures on Monday when we returned to our rooms, I noticed the beds had been re-made. I guess I didn’t do it right! LOL! I have to say, it is nice not having to cook. CC’s sister-in-law was able to focus all her attention on her children and family. The housekeepers are sort of like part of the family. We all help out, clearing the table, setting the table, but sometimes, the help we offer (ie: making the beds) is not that effective.
TUESDAY!
This morning CC was able to get a dentist appointment. A couple of teeth had been bothering her and she wanted to get it checked out. The Dudes and I ate Migas for breakfast with hot chocolate – I figured out what that magical fragranced taste to the chocolate was. Panela water! Panela is a sugar brick that is used in a variety of ways. It reminds me of molasses. For the hot chocolate, panela is dissolved in water as the water simmers on the stove. I don’t know the ratios yet, but YOU KNOW I’m going to find out.
The Little Mermaid slept in, which is a good thing. While the Dudes and I visited with Senor Tortuga, Abuelo, CC’s father, came down stairs and went out for his morning constitutional. Every day he goes for a long walk. I don’t know if he has a destination, or just exercises. The Little Dude and Abuelo have a special bond. They just love each other! Well, The Little Dude didn’t get to Abuelo before he was out the door and by the time I figured out how to open the door (yes it IS that complicated) Abeulo had disappeared down the street. I had to deal with a minor breakdown at that point. But breakfast was served and disaster was averted.
I observed the most precious moment between the Little Dude and Abuelo. Last night Abuelo was standing on the front stoop looking out at the night. I was bringing the Little Dude to everyone for good night kisses before I took him to bed. When we got to Abuelo, he leaned close to the Little Dude and whispered something in Spanish to him. Immediately the Little Dude opened his arms to Abuelo and he took him from me. My Spanish is not great, but I was able to figure out that Abuelo was showing the Little Dude how to say good night to the day and welcome the night. After several minutes of cuddling and talking, Abuelo gave him back to me and we went upstairs to bed.
Monday!
CC bought the Little Mermaid some cereal, b/c she’s not really into the whole Colombian breakfast thing. The rest of us ate large pancake size arepas with a Colombian cheese melted on top. Muy Bien! I’m not sure if the cheese is goat cheese or made with olive oil – but it reminds me a little of a very mild feta, not crumbly though.
Once we are all showered and dressed we headed downtown. It was sort of a wet day, so we didn’t do a lot of sight seeing, but we did hit a downtown mall! The Dude finally found some sandals. He’s been wearing the same Teva’s for 8 years and they are barely staying together! The Little Mermaid got some super cute shoes for escuela and at a girly store called YoYo one of the retailers spoke perfect ingles. So we had some fun there. Little Mermaid got a cute white jean skirt with sparkly studs on it and a darling pink/orange plaid jumper. I finally bought something for myself – some turquoise plaid canvas shoes. I love them, they are slip-on flats.
The Little Mermaid was starving, so we headed to the food court. It was dominated by the oh so Colombian pizza, hotdogs, and hamburgers. Little Mermaid ate pizza, I found an empanada (not a good one) and then we headed home.
The main meal in Colombia is lunch. Breakfast is pretty light. Lunch is huge and dinner is nearly non-existent. I kind of like this philosophy.
For lunch we had the Colombian version of Roast Beef Stew, Sancocho. YUMMY! They also made a guava juice drink. Pretty good – though not my favourite beverage.
The Little Dude took a nap (before lunch) and after lunch the Dude and I joined him. The Little Mermaid watched Disney in Spanish.
After our siesta we came downstairs to find CC in the living room visiting with a friend and former co-worker. Her English is perfect. Even a US accent – slightly Californian. I asked her if she’d ever studied abroad and she said no! She learned it all from school and TV! WOW!
We all piled into CC’s car and went to a beautiful shopping center in Manizales. It is built into a mountain so the views from the windows were amazing! First we hit a Juan Valdez out door coffee shop. Juan Valdez is branded like Starbucks in Colombia. And the coffee is, obviously, top notch! I was able to get on the Juan Valdez wireless system and publish yesterday’s blog. Though it proved too slow for pictures.
After our coffee break we walked to the mall for SHOPPING! First we hit a grocery store. CC’s mom needed some things and the Little Dude needed butt crème, I needed hair conditioner and the Little Mermaid needed detangle spray. We walked the multilevel mall and the Dude finally found a pair of jeans, the Little Dude got a pair of cute sufer dude shorts and I bought a cool black/grey shirt. At the top of the mall is a cinema and play area for kids. The Little Mermaid jumped until just couldn’t jump anymore on the netted trampoline. And the dudes shot basketball hoops and played a race car video game. By this time the sun had set. And we began to meander down to the ground floor. We made one more stop at a book store. The Little Mermaid got a Barbie movie – Mariposa – in espanol and a Strawberry Shortcake colouring book and story book. The colouring book is pretty cool. It has tracing paper between all the pages so you can trace the image and have 2 to colour! MUY BIEN!
We came home, happy and exhausted. After a small snack of sandwiches, we hit the sack.
The other day I asked CC to let me cook with her so I could learn the recipes for the food we’ve been eating. She smiled and told me that she doesn’t cook. Doesn’t cook! Over the weekend when her sister in law and los ninos were visiting another woman magically appeared in the kitchen. I asked CC who she was and it turns out that she is her brother’s family’s housekeeper/ nanny. On Monday, after CC’s brother’s family returned to their town another woman mysteriously appeared. Again I asked CC who she was, and she is her parent’s housekeeper! She prepares all the meals, keeps the house and does laundry.
Each morning I make our beds and make sure all of our things are picked up. Well, after our adventures on Monday when we returned to our rooms, I noticed the beds had been re-made. I guess I didn’t do it right! LOL! I have to say, it is nice not having to cook. CC’s sister-in-law was able to focus all her attention on her children and family. The housekeepers are sort of like part of the family. We all help out, clearing the table, setting the table, but sometimes, the help we offer (ie: making the beds) is not that effective.
TUESDAY!
This morning CC was able to get a dentist appointment. A couple of teeth had been bothering her and she wanted to get it checked out. The Dudes and I ate Migas for breakfast with hot chocolate – I figured out what that magical fragranced taste to the chocolate was. Panela water! Panela is a sugar brick that is used in a variety of ways. It reminds me of molasses. For the hot chocolate, panela is dissolved in water as the water simmers on the stove. I don’t know the ratios yet, but YOU KNOW I’m going to find out.
The Little Mermaid slept in, which is a good thing. While the Dudes and I visited with Senor Tortuga, Abuelo, CC’s father, came down stairs and went out for his morning constitutional. Every day he goes for a long walk. I don’t know if he has a destination, or just exercises. The Little Dude and Abuelo have a special bond. They just love each other! Well, The Little Dude didn’t get to Abuelo before he was out the door and by the time I figured out how to open the door (yes it IS that complicated) Abeulo had disappeared down the street. I had to deal with a minor breakdown at that point. But breakfast was served and disaster was averted.
I observed the most precious moment between the Little Dude and Abuelo. Last night Abuelo was standing on the front stoop looking out at the night. I was bringing the Little Dude to everyone for good night kisses before I took him to bed. When we got to Abuelo, he leaned close to the Little Dude and whispered something in Spanish to him. Immediately the Little Dude opened his arms to Abuelo and he took him from me. My Spanish is not great, but I was able to figure out that Abuelo was showing the Little Dude how to say good night to the day and welcome the night. After several minutes of cuddling and talking, Abuelo gave him back to me and we went upstairs to bed.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Manizales
Hola mi familia y amigos!
Yesterday we arrived in Manizales. We had an amazing Colombian breakfast in our lovely hotel, the Habitel of Bogota. Arrepas (sp), tamales, cafe and hot chocolate. I was even brave enough to try papaya juice, not my favourite drink. Arrepas are traditional maize pancakes, the tamales had some lima beans, maize and some meat - ham maybe? I´m not a Colombian Vegetarian. Hey, when in Rome...
The coffee was good, the waiter asked me if I wanted it in American style, I said si. So he put milk in it. The milk was hot, not cool, which I found interesting. The Little Mermaid had Hot Chocolate. It was amazing! I can´t put my finger on just what is different about it. I think it is stronger and less sweet, but there is this amazing aromatic quality to it. hmmm...
Before I go any further, I would be remiss not to mention the OUTSTANDING service we received on our flight from the US to Bogota. We were given all the refreshments we wanted, plus 2, yes TWO hot meals. Plus, the alcoholic beverages were FREE. They even had a ´house´´airline wine!!! No I didn´t get a drink - but I should have! I needed one! The attendants were extremely polite and very affectionate towards the children. An unaccompanied minor sat next to me and he was so sweet, playing with the Little Dude. I wish I could let him parent´s know what a wonderful boy they have. 25F I´m talking about YOU!
Ok, now back to yesterday...
The hotel took us to the airport and we checked in and went through security. It was a lot like US security, but we didn´t have to take off our shoes. The Dude thought that was interesting, but I mentioned that they probably have not had someone try to blow up an airplane by lighting his tennis shoe!
We waited in an open terminal for about 30 minutes then boarded our propeller winged puddle jumper. Looked just like the ones in the US. The flight was a little loud, as those small planes often are, but it lasted less than an hour. As we flew into Manizales the beauty of the land was evident. Mountains and hills, dotted with houses and small towns. As we deboarded the plane I could see our hostess, CC, through the window in the airport. She was there with her baby brother, who is a giant in Colombia, probably 6´3". Also CC´s niece was there, a mere 9 months younger than the Little Mermaid. We loaded into 2 cars and drove to CC´s family home.
Manizales is very hilly. Much like San Fransico! On our way to her home, we passed a WAWA of all things! I laughed and told her that we have WAWA´s in the NorthEast. Philly and NJ! It´s a small world!
CC´s house is beautiful. Her parent´s are selling it, b-c as the 3 children are grown and on their own, they hardly have need for a 6 bedroom house! They have a lovely atrium with exotic plants and Señor Tortuga who lives in the indoor garden. It is a 2 level house, with a bedroom and full bath on the 1 1/2 floor. There is lots of light and many religious artifacts throughout the house. The walls are white, the ceiling is made of lovely honey coloured wood, as are the floors. Once we settled in CC ordered Chop Suey. Let me just say the chinese food in Colombia is better than ANYTHING I´ve had at home. The rice that came with the meal definately had a colombian influence. But we all really loved it.
Soon after lunch, the Little Dude had a nap the Little Mermaid and her new hermana played and played. CC´s parent´s took a siesta and CC, the Dude and I all sat in the livingroom chatting about our flight, food and politics. Obama seems to be a favourite in Colombia, even though McCain visited here just before the FARC hostages were freed.
Once the Little Dude woke up, we all walked to a little shopping mall. Our first order of business was a store that is not unlike Target. I bought the girls matching nightgowns for last night and Jack got a new pair of shoes. I wanted to get some clothes for the kids, but EVERYTHING has english printed on it, whether what it says makes sense or not. The Little Dude also got a new cup, because we forgot his in los Estados Unidos.
We came back home to find CC´s sister in law and baby niece at home. The baby is about 4 months younger than the Little Dude. They kept hugging each other. So the kids played and the Dude and I and Abuela (CC´s Mom) watched some fútbol on tv. A major Colombian star was retiring last night. It was touching to see his speech with tears and sweat in his eyes. The field was littered with confetti during the game. I don´t know how they were able to play!
For dinner we ate the equivelant of hotdogs/ sandwiches. It was ham, onions, cheese and maize sauteéd and rolled up in a tortilla, with potato chips on the side. Muy Bien!
Then is was off to bed for the Little Dude. We cuddled up in CC´s old bedroom and flipped through the channels, finally settling on LOS SIMPSONS. We watched about 2 1/2 episodes of the spanish speaking Simpsons, at one point with the Little Mermaid and her neuvo hermana in bed with us!
Sleep was deep and full.
Now we are all dressed, fed (Migas = a traditional Colombian breakfast of arrepas scrambled with cheese and eggs) and on our way to park where the kids can play and get rid of their wiggles. At noon we have a church service and then after lunch we will spend our afternoon in the country.
More later my virtual touristas!
Adios!
Yesterday we arrived in Manizales. We had an amazing Colombian breakfast in our lovely hotel, the Habitel of Bogota. Arrepas (sp), tamales, cafe and hot chocolate. I was even brave enough to try papaya juice, not my favourite drink. Arrepas are traditional maize pancakes, the tamales had some lima beans, maize and some meat - ham maybe? I´m not a Colombian Vegetarian. Hey, when in Rome...
The coffee was good, the waiter asked me if I wanted it in American style, I said si. So he put milk in it. The milk was hot, not cool, which I found interesting. The Little Mermaid had Hot Chocolate. It was amazing! I can´t put my finger on just what is different about it. I think it is stronger and less sweet, but there is this amazing aromatic quality to it. hmmm...
Before I go any further, I would be remiss not to mention the OUTSTANDING service we received on our flight from the US to Bogota. We were given all the refreshments we wanted, plus 2, yes TWO hot meals. Plus, the alcoholic beverages were FREE. They even had a ´house´´airline wine!!! No I didn´t get a drink - but I should have! I needed one! The attendants were extremely polite and very affectionate towards the children. An unaccompanied minor sat next to me and he was so sweet, playing with the Little Dude. I wish I could let him parent´s know what a wonderful boy they have. 25F I´m talking about YOU!
Ok, now back to yesterday...
The hotel took us to the airport and we checked in and went through security. It was a lot like US security, but we didn´t have to take off our shoes. The Dude thought that was interesting, but I mentioned that they probably have not had someone try to blow up an airplane by lighting his tennis shoe!
We waited in an open terminal for about 30 minutes then boarded our propeller winged puddle jumper. Looked just like the ones in the US. The flight was a little loud, as those small planes often are, but it lasted less than an hour. As we flew into Manizales the beauty of the land was evident. Mountains and hills, dotted with houses and small towns. As we deboarded the plane I could see our hostess, CC, through the window in the airport. She was there with her baby brother, who is a giant in Colombia, probably 6´3". Also CC´s niece was there, a mere 9 months younger than the Little Mermaid. We loaded into 2 cars and drove to CC´s family home.
Manizales is very hilly. Much like San Fransico! On our way to her home, we passed a WAWA of all things! I laughed and told her that we have WAWA´s in the NorthEast. Philly and NJ! It´s a small world!
CC´s house is beautiful. Her parent´s are selling it, b-c as the 3 children are grown and on their own, they hardly have need for a 6 bedroom house! They have a lovely atrium with exotic plants and Señor Tortuga who lives in the indoor garden. It is a 2 level house, with a bedroom and full bath on the 1 1/2 floor. There is lots of light and many religious artifacts throughout the house. The walls are white, the ceiling is made of lovely honey coloured wood, as are the floors. Once we settled in CC ordered Chop Suey. Let me just say the chinese food in Colombia is better than ANYTHING I´ve had at home. The rice that came with the meal definately had a colombian influence. But we all really loved it.
Soon after lunch, the Little Dude had a nap the Little Mermaid and her new hermana played and played. CC´s parent´s took a siesta and CC, the Dude and I all sat in the livingroom chatting about our flight, food and politics. Obama seems to be a favourite in Colombia, even though McCain visited here just before the FARC hostages were freed.
Once the Little Dude woke up, we all walked to a little shopping mall. Our first order of business was a store that is not unlike Target. I bought the girls matching nightgowns for last night and Jack got a new pair of shoes. I wanted to get some clothes for the kids, but EVERYTHING has english printed on it, whether what it says makes sense or not. The Little Dude also got a new cup, because we forgot his in los Estados Unidos.
We came back home to find CC´s sister in law and baby niece at home. The baby is about 4 months younger than the Little Dude. They kept hugging each other. So the kids played and the Dude and I and Abuela (CC´s Mom) watched some fútbol on tv. A major Colombian star was retiring last night. It was touching to see his speech with tears and sweat in his eyes. The field was littered with confetti during the game. I don´t know how they were able to play!
For dinner we ate the equivelant of hotdogs/ sandwiches. It was ham, onions, cheese and maize sauteéd and rolled up in a tortilla, with potato chips on the side. Muy Bien!
Then is was off to bed for the Little Dude. We cuddled up in CC´s old bedroom and flipped through the channels, finally settling on LOS SIMPSONS. We watched about 2 1/2 episodes of the spanish speaking Simpsons, at one point with the Little Mermaid and her neuvo hermana in bed with us!
Sleep was deep and full.
Now we are all dressed, fed (Migas = a traditional Colombian breakfast of arrepas scrambled with cheese and eggs) and on our way to park where the kids can play and get rid of their wiggles. At noon we have a church service and then after lunch we will spend our afternoon in the country.
More later my virtual touristas!
Adios!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Bogota
Ahhh.... Vacation time!
We are finally in Bogota, Colombia! Let me just say, the Colombian people are not only beautiful, but they are so welcoming and kind. Nearly everyone here speaks English, and WELL! Almost no hint of an accent. It sort of makes me feel ashamed, because it seems the only people who are bilingual in the USA are immigrants or 1st and 2nd generation Americans. I'm really motivated to learn Spanish now!
The flight from DC to Colombia was LONG and hard. It was totally full and I was stuck in a middle seat, with the Little Dude, away from the Little Mermaid and the Big Dude. Actually, I was in the row across from them. And there was THIS WOMAN! Argh! Yes, I'm talking about YOU Ms. 25C! She was sitting with my family and she was travelling with her son, who was a little younger than the Little Dude - maybe 18 months. She looked like a lizard and her son looked like a hobit. I only say this, b/c she never offered me her seat. So the Big Dude and I had to communicate by shouting over her and passing things infront of her. PLUS, the Little Dude had to stay with me the ENTIRE 5 1/2 HOUR FLIGHT! He was crying b/c he wanted to be with his sister and daddy so I gave him to the Big Dude at the beginning of the flight and the flight attendants told us that due to the number of oxygen masks, there could only be 1 lap child in a 3 seat row. AND since Gollum and her spawn were there, THE LITTLE DUDE COULD NOT! Now you see my frustration!
Well, it's over now. We are in our BEAUTIFUL hotel. We breezed through customs. The Colombians really cater to families, so we were placed in the short line. Woo-hoo! And since we had not any checked bags (thank you - idiot american run airlines), we were able to walk right past the throngs of people waiting for their items, and right into the capable hands of our escort from the hotel. SO GREAT!
We checked in and got to our room and CRASHED! The room is huge and the bed is comfortable. The Little Mermaid is still asleep and the Dudes are at breakfast. I’m about to hop in the shower.
We have to get back to the airport for our flight to Manizales, Colombia. So excited! This leg of the trip is only an hour and then we will be able to relax with our friends in the city on the mountain!
More later!
Adios!
We are finally in Bogota, Colombia! Let me just say, the Colombian people are not only beautiful, but they are so welcoming and kind. Nearly everyone here speaks English, and WELL! Almost no hint of an accent. It sort of makes me feel ashamed, because it seems the only people who are bilingual in the USA are immigrants or 1st and 2nd generation Americans. I'm really motivated to learn Spanish now!
The flight from DC to Colombia was LONG and hard. It was totally full and I was stuck in a middle seat, with the Little Dude, away from the Little Mermaid and the Big Dude. Actually, I was in the row across from them. And there was THIS WOMAN! Argh! Yes, I'm talking about YOU Ms. 25C! She was sitting with my family and she was travelling with her son, who was a little younger than the Little Dude - maybe 18 months. She looked like a lizard and her son looked like a hobit. I only say this, b/c she never offered me her seat. So the Big Dude and I had to communicate by shouting over her and passing things infront of her. PLUS, the Little Dude had to stay with me the ENTIRE 5 1/2 HOUR FLIGHT! He was crying b/c he wanted to be with his sister and daddy so I gave him to the Big Dude at the beginning of the flight and the flight attendants told us that due to the number of oxygen masks, there could only be 1 lap child in a 3 seat row. AND since Gollum and her spawn were there, THE LITTLE DUDE COULD NOT! Now you see my frustration!
Well, it's over now. We are in our BEAUTIFUL hotel. We breezed through customs. The Colombians really cater to families, so we were placed in the short line. Woo-hoo! And since we had not any checked bags (thank you - idiot american run airlines), we were able to walk right past the throngs of people waiting for their items, and right into the capable hands of our escort from the hotel. SO GREAT!
We checked in and got to our room and CRASHED! The room is huge and the bed is comfortable. The Little Mermaid is still asleep and the Dudes are at breakfast. I’m about to hop in the shower.
We have to get back to the airport for our flight to Manizales, Colombia. So excited! This leg of the trip is only an hour and then we will be able to relax with our friends in the city on the mountain!
More later!
Adios!
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