(aka the “bits and pieces” blog post comprised of blogs too short to stand on their own)
Our kids were introduced to American Idol, MTV Cribs, Pimp My Ride, and the Oprah show in Ethiopia since one of us was sick most of the time we were there. That and they memorized Arabic TV commercials. Scary.
I once saw a goat surfing on a bus, not even tied down, in Ethiopia. No joke.
The best germ killing cleaners are Protex and Clorox wipes (which just arrived while we were there) in Nicaragua; Dettol in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Uganda and Radox also in Uganda…just in case you are wondering.
Rome smells of jasmine at the end of May.
It took me a good 2 weeks, in Italy, to feel comfortable putting my face in the stream of the shower and to open my mouth, even though I knew it was safe. Old habits (especially ones that keep you from getting the runs) die hard.
When our shoes get dirty (say, on a camping trip) I throw them into the washing machine. In Uganda, Margaret would go out and lovingly scrub the gluey orange mud off of all our shoes. At first, I had no idea she was doing it until I came upon all of our shoes, looking brand new (like out of the box) and organized in the entryway. That was a humbling day and a day full of appreciation.
The whole milk fat content in Italy is 3.6%. At home, it is 3%. No wonder I can’t find cream for my coffee. Apparently everyone is well fed here…even the cattle.
Italy was especially a treat because we had gotten used to not having food on hand in some places OR (especially in the hot climates) eating food that was on the verge of going bad…a large amount of the time. So food on every block fresh from someone’s garden or farm that day made our new reality that much sweeter….pretty much heaven actually.
I miss barking geckos in Nicaragua.
In Italy, we used the bidet, but only for washing our filthy feet. So uncultured!
Even though I am loving and appreciating Italy immensely, my mind wanders back to Nicaragua and Uganda often.
In Uganda, when we were volunteering with Spring of Hope a woman started asking me about Caleb, “How old is he? Is he healthy? Was he breast fed? For how long? 18 months!!! Wow! I had no idea muzungu women could breastfeed for that long…I have a girl I’d like him to marry. Can we arrange a marriage?” who knew breast feeding was such a deal maker? (NOT me). Caleb fled in fear by the way. Justifiably so.
As a rule, one must do as the Italians do and stop for cafe or macchiatto ever 3-4 hours.
Most of my clothes won’t go to Goodwill. They will go straight into the trash can. Because there is no other reasonable option. RIP.
It is so strange to watch our supplies, the ones I painstakingly collected and that we have laboriously toted and used on our long journey dwindle down to nothingness. It carries a sense of satisfaction and yet also a dreaded finality with it.
6/17/10 I can’t readily remember the last time I had a washer AND a dryer. (after many moments of consideration) Oh yeah, in Uganda, almost 2 months ago. The last time I could use a dryer without worrying about how much energy it was using and how that would effect our electricy bill….hmmm, early September 2009.
HATED being stuck in a petite zippy car (great for gas mileage) while driving around Italy for a month, children stuffed into small back seat. Indicator of how bad it got…”mom, she is breathing on me!”. Pretty much says it all right there…
Italy has the fattest dogs I have ever seen.
What I wouldn’t do for a shower poof or any variety of exfoliation tool these days. Or a shower I could turn around in. Or a bath. And I’m in Italy for goodness sake!
Just in case you ever get to go to Italy, our favorite places to eat were: Any Vera Pizza place in Napoli, but especially Pizzaria Sorbillo. Il Latini in Florence and La Lanterna in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre.
Paris’ metro system is by far the easiest to use and most efficient system we have enjoyed on our whole trip. Very impressive and fabulous.
France really does have the best bread, butter, and pastries on the planet. I know, no great surprise. I am simply confirming this commonly known fact.
We clearly hearkened from the UK. London is too much like home (in comparison to Rome or Paris) to suit my taste. Amazing history. Much to do and see but too similar to the US. I even prefer New York to it. Sorry die hard London fans…just sharing my opinion here. After Central America, Africa, and mainland Europe it feels bland…like it’s food. The people we all stayed with, on the other hand, are far from bland. They were a joy.
-Dione