NB in MG

Ohhh...righhhtt

2012-02-28T18:08:00.000+03:00

My "day at the spa" was cut short. I may be staying at a reputable hotel chain....but I still have to remember where I am....and it's a long way from ~~Kansas~~ Canada.

I waited in the locker room for fifteen minutes or so, then I was escorted by the massage therapist to a room in the hotel with a massage bed. It was sort of going ok, until she started to use her knees and legs to massage my back, all while doing some kind of acrobatic moves. And...she had hairy legs so that added another aspect to the sensory component. And she must have prepared a spicy supper because her hands smelled distinctly like garlic. I had to hold my breath at times. She told me she was going to do a body scrub after - which I nixed. I've had one before and well...it's kind of weird. And not what I signed up for. There wasn't any mention of the pedicure that I had pre-arranged but after seeing the conditions in the locker room/"spa", I was happy to leave early.

I'm still not able to walk properly, but tomorrow I'll be going to an elephant orphanage and then a giraffe park.

No Pics

2012-02-28T05:38:00.000+03:00

For some reason I can't sleep tonight and I was just re-reading the journal I kept while climbing Mt Kenya. Wow, I really sound like a crazy person!! :D

I tried to upload a few pictures (to prove that I'm not such a crazy person?) but the internet here is incredibly brutal and I gave up trying after 20 minutes.

I'm still not able to walk properly....hopefully that will go away soon! Looking forward to tomorrow's spa day!

The Climb Journal

2012-02-27T20:43:00.002+03:00

Background info of the Mt Kenya Climb
THE PLAN:
Day 1: Spend a ridiculous amount of time pissing around getting ready for the climb. Climb to first stop, where we stay in…barracks (?). Climbing to 3300 meters (from 2650 meters)
Day 2: Climb up to second stop, same type of accommodation. Climbing to 4200 meters.
Day 3: Acclimatize at second camp and make a practice climb to 4500m.
Day 4: Climb to Point Lenana at 4985metres, rest for an hour, then back down to camp #1
Day 5: Descend back to Mt Kenya entrance and drive 3.5 hrs back to Nairobi

This was a solo trip and the guide was there to lead me and ensure my safety - not be my "buddy". I also had two other people with me that met us at each camp with our heavier gear and cooked for meals for us.

I have very little brain activity right now so I’m just going to post what I wrote in my journal as I went along. It’s not edited and probably inappropriate at times…

Day 1 – nothing written as I was too busy freaking out for stupidly assuming that this was just a ‘random hike’ that anyone would do, like on the weekend or something.

Day 2 –

I am not peeing. I am drinking. Still no pee. This concerns me.

Altitude is one nasty bitch. Like seriously. I am out of breath lying down, like how Homer Simpson breathes when he eats.

There is lots of UK army at the camp and I don’t think they’ve seen women in a long time.

Tonight staying in my room is some French people. One of the guys is kind of mean and really old.

I don’t think it’s possible these mattresses have bed bugs because it’s too cold.

I have to force feed myself because I am so nauseous. I am so forgetful (not sure if this is any different).

My guide knows every single symptom because I’m paranoid about altitude sickness.

Now I understand why my dad was so worried.

I had no idea that this was going to be so hard. I was talking with this one UK army guy and he said, “The big mountain in front of you when you pulled up didn’t give you any hints?”

Next thing I sign up for I will SERIOUSLY READ THE DIRECTIONS first

I love you, Louis.

Like no shit, I am winded when I have to get up to pee.

I’m trying to cram food in my mouth so I’ll have some energy. Tom and Paul are now cheering me on trying to get me to eat. I wish I would have brought energy gels.

I am going to try and eat carbs and protein and sugar.

Day 2 – before bed (I think, the pages are all out of order somehow)

Today we had peanut butter sandwiches.

Today I did things I never dreamed which shows that no matter what situation I can find a way to succeed. Big lesson here for some things that I struggle with a lot.

I ran into some school kids that were doing this as part of their school and two of them were following us so I gave them a granola bar to share. They became my watch dogs and followed us for a long time. They tried to talk to me but I’m afraid I was too cranky.

A different person’s guide passed me today and said, “Slowly, slowly, and drink water”. This helped a lot.

I thought my guide was a f*ck when he told me the camp was close. It was not close.

I STINK

Day 3 – Practice Climb (to 4500m)

I was thinking very negative thoughts all day today and it made our practice climb very hard. Like seriously nearly impossible. I don’t know how I made it. At one point, I pretended that I was an elephant on my way to give food to my baby on the other side of the mountain. But then I remembered that baby elephants are often prey, so I changed my mind and became a penguin, like March of the Penguins. I was the mother penguin, needing to get to my penguin husband and egg.

This lasted only a few minutes, because then I was a character in a movie, and Morgan Freeman was narrating my climb.

Even on the way down, I was thinking Morgan Freeman saying, “As she descends the mountain, she must be careful not too excited or she will slip, potentially injuring herself and eliminating any chances of making the climb tomorrow”. Like I can’t tell if the altitude is screwing with my head or if I’m always this goofy.

Why were my thoughts so negative on the way up? I really need to drink water.

I would really like to trust my guide. He talks a good talk and if what he says is true, he is a great person and highly involved in the community. But under these circumstances…anyone can say anything.That makes me kind of sad.

My water from my pack leaked on the floor and it really pissed off this German girl. Then I walked in on her in the bathroom which pissed her off even more.

Does anyone just one day wake up and say, Hey! I’m going to climb a mountain!! Seriously.

Day 4

It took me over an hour to gain 300meters of altitude. I collapsed and couldn’t speak properly so the guide made is climb down. I cried, but not so hard that he would hear.

I don’t even care. I missed the peak by 600 meters of altitude and I don’t care. Nobody’s perfect.

Later on that day
All I want to do is cry. We hiked down to camp #1.

I’m not crying because I didn’t make the top. Or because it hurts to walk. Or move. Or breathe. Or because I smell so horrible. I’m over exhausted and I couldn’t eat again tonight but I think it’s just because I’m tired.

Day 5 - Today
The peak is 4985 meters - I made it up to ~4500 meters. SO CLOSE but really, really so far away. On the way back down we ran into some elephants.

This trip was incredible…and I’m slowly remembering it….I’m so happy that I did it, but next time a little more research will be involved. I also need to make a list of all the songs I sang (in my head) because they were so out of the blue.

The Story Behind the Surprise Wedding

2012-02-22T19:53:00.001+03:00

I’m sitting in Nairobi, trying not to be nervous for the climb tomorrow, and I thought I’d rewind a bit and write about the wedding plans and how we came up with this fantabulous idea to get married in the jungle at the Tiki Bar.

For the last…five or six years, I’ve known that I do not want like a “real” wedding. Like, no white dress, no first dance, no elaborate plans starting six to twelve months in advance. There was some talk that maybe “one day” I’d do a destination wedding, but even that seemed a little farfetched. The decision for a “non wedding wedding” became clearer after I went to a wedding this summer. It was exactly what I “thought” I would have wanted. A backyard wedding, white chairs, flowers all around, a clear sky. It was the perfect setting, but I still could never see myself in that situation.

It wasn’t that big of a deal because, although I knew Louis was “the one”, I wasn’t in a rush to have a wedding or anything.

And then came this trip to Dubai. For the last year (due to some air-related fights) it’s harder for Canadians to enter the UAE. We have to apply for visas well in advance for a pretty penny. Also, some hotels don’t allow un-married couples to share a hotel room.

This started a few jokes that we should get married, which turned into conversations, which turned into research, which turned into us deciding that we would get married in Madagascar! Although we both have very close families, we decided that they would understand and be happy for us in the long run, and that we would get married, just Louis and I, on a beach somewhere, each with a witness and the mayor.

The plans started coming together nicely, well, sort of. It’s hard to get married here as a foreigner. We need SO MUCH documentation! Louis had to call in a favor, but once that got going, we were ready to get married.

One day at lunch, Louis said, “Tell me if you think I’m a lunatic. But I think we should get married on a Sunday. We won’t tell anyone there, and when our witnesses and mayor show up, we’ll just say, ‘Surprise!’, and whoever is at the pool that day will be a guest at our wedding!”

I thought it was a GREAT idea! Louis and I spend the majority of our Sundays at the pool, and it’s always a good time. Sometimes there are lots of people, sometimes there aren’t so many, but we always have fun!

And then the stupid cyclone put a damper on our plans. We didn’t know what the weather would be like, and we also didn’t know if we would need to leave early. So we came up with a new plan – we’d email everyone that was in town and ask them to come to the Tropical Bar on camp! I sent out the email (not everyone believed us!!) and….well…honestly, I don’t know the rest of the details! I told Louis the things that were important to me and he said he’d take care of it. I think Louis could take on a second job as a wedding planner! I just showed up at the Tropi Bar, and the back was set up for everyone to have a seat, there were a few flowers, and everyone was ready to go!

We all sat down around the table and the proceedings took place. And then it was time for celebrations!!! We all had a good time, laughing, a bit of dancing, a lot of champagne and telling stories. It was the perfect night!!

The next morning we were up early to drive to Tana to catch our plane.

I couldn’t have predicted this like – EVER! But sometimes things just happen like this, I guess. I should know by now that life can take you by surprise, but I guess I’m still learning.

Anyway – I’m not sure when I’ll have time to go through my pictures (and I’m still waiting to get some from a few people), but I’ll post them when I’m back from vacation.

Until then….I’m off to bed…and then on to climb a mountain.

I'm a princess and I'm okay with that

2012-02-22T15:46:00.000+03:00

Looks like I'll have internet the entire time that I'm here, so I'll be randomly posting whatever in the next 17 hours.

I'm at the hotel where we leave from tomorrow. I was told that there would be a guide, but I guess he just meets us later.

This hotel is like...a hostel. That's fine. I am in for much worse accomodations this week and I've stayed in much worse. But it's +30*C here and my air conditionning unit is a small household fan.

My checkout at the last hotel was painful but ok. I'm getting more and more embarrassed because I get "special attention" because they majorly screwed up and I am getting a couple of free nights. I would have preferred to stay there tonight, but whatevs.

Basically, I am rambling on because I'm super super super super nervous for tomorrow. Ok, I'm excited too, but I'm also nervous. Oh - and just to keep it real - I had a driver take me to the bank, a pharmacy (I could not find ANY bug spray in AUE), and the hotel. I get to the bank and whoops! My bank and credit card are in my stored luggage back to the hotel. SHOCKING I KNOW. We had to go back to the hotel (which is kind of a process because they have metal detectors and have to search your car before you are allowed to enter), scramble to find it in my suitcase and then go back to the bank. You would have thought I would have gone to the bank in the airport or something before I got to the hotel first, right? Well, I did. But I can't convert currency for the life of me and I ended up taking out THIRTY DOLLARS. My brain is special.

Crisis over, got the bank card and Visa, got money, and moquito spray. Now I'm in my hotel room wondering what I should do. They have a pool but I didn't bring my bathing suit. I guess I could always go back to the hotel and get it? Ha.ha.

Kenya Trip Day 1

2012-02-22T12:58:00.000+03:00

I just lost my entire blog post that I wrote. Oh, well. Here's the recap:

I'm pretty nervous. I've done physically challenging things before (200km bike ride in the mountains, half marathon), but I'm still nervous about this one.
I transfer hotels in a couple of hours to the hotel that I'll meet my travel group and leave from tomorrow morning. So far there is just me and the guides going on the tour. I'm hoping more people will have joined since the last time I checked.
I don't think that I'll have any internet or phone access until the 27th....so until then....here's hoping I make it to the top and back!

In Nairobi with lots to say

2012-02-21T17:42:00.001+03:00

I was so super excited to start my "wedding" posts yesterday. They'll be a little sporadic and mixed in with everything else, and I haven't had a chance to go through all of the pictures.

I'm sitting in my hotel room in Nairobi right now. I made the mistake and read some "travel advisories" before coming here and now I'm paranoid. Also, I had some problems with this hotel and made some complaints, the complaints got escalated so now I have some free nights on my way back and two managers helped me check in and took me to my room. It's awkward.

Also, last night I got some un-fantabulous news about a friend's family member that is fighting cancer...and as a result I think I slept two hours last night. With that amount of sleep, I'm not a totally functionning person.

I got dropped off at the airport this morning, and I couldn't beleive that Emirates has it's own terminal!! My ticket is business class, and I couldn't get over how huge and pretty everything was. So pretty, that I forgot that I was holding onto my passport and boarding pass AND I DROPPED IT ON THE GROUND WITHOUT REALIZING IT. It wasn't until I went to security that I realized I didn't have it. I have this stupid purse that has nineteen pockets in it, and I had to dump out my purse. I was so confused. I'm super tired and like I said, not a totally functionning person. Finally I decided to re-trace my steps. I must have looked like a confused idiot because this nice man said, "Are you looking for your passport? I gave it to the Check In Desk." I must have thanked him thirty times...and I was so embarrased.

Unfortunately, I tend to do things like this all the time....so I'm not sure why I'm surprised.

When I got to the Business Lounge I found out THEY HAVE A SPA INSIDE THE LOUNGE. Services cost extra....but don't mind if I do have a massage before I get on the plane! I sorta felt like a movie star.

I need to remember that I should not be allowed a window seat when I'm travelling by myself. I get up between 3-6 times during the flight. The guy next to me was already annoyed because I got up 3 times before take off, and managed to spill a half a glass of wine onto his table, seat, and part of is iPad. I'm not sure how he felt when I had to climb over him after he fell asleep. The seats recline very far, and I had to do some serious acrobatics each time I got up. One time when I came back to my seat, I accidentally knocked out his plug in for his iPad that he was charging. I bent down to plug it in, but I knocked it under HIS seat and it was too far for me to reach. So I had to put my seat all the way back up, climb onto the floor on my hands and knees, all while trying not to wake up him, and stretch my arms as far as possible to reach the stupid plug in.

I was nervous to get picked up because I feel like this is the first "real" trip where I'm totally by myself. I had arranged a car from the hotel, which made me feel better. The people here drive INSANE. Somehow 4 lanes of traffic jam into a 3 lane road. My driver wasn't making me feel very comfortable, I had trouble understanding his accent, he was listening to gangsta rap, and then HE GOT IN A CAR ACCIDENT. It was technically the other person's fault, and was just a dent and a scratch, but I wasn't thrilled. I think it took us 45 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic before getting to the hotel.

Whew. Glad I got that all out. I'm off to try and pack for tomorrow and figure out how to not be so nervous about this stupid mountain climb.

Status: Married

2012-02-20T20:42:00.000+03:00

So...I've been keeping a REALLY big secret. Louis and I....had a SURPRISE WEDDING in Madagascar last Saturday!!! (um...only our guests were surprised, not us, duh!!!)

Since we are both...unique individuals...and neither of us wanted an elaborate wedding....we thought we'd get married, where we met and fell in love (aawwwwwwww!!!!!!!). The cyclone thing kind changed our plans, but on February 11th, 2012, we got married.

From left to right: My witness, me, Louis, Government Official, Mayor, Government Official, Louis' witness

I couldn't have predicted this outcome in a gazillion years. We aren't perfect, our lives aren't always sunshine and rainbows, but we are very, very happy together. And will be for a gazillion years. :)

(More on the details soon, I promise! Also - my blog is now open for comments!)

Gold Logic

2012-02-19T20:36:00.001+03:00

I lost one of my cheapo earrings that I wear every day. These earrings cost me possibly forty dollars. I went to one of the infamous Gold Souks today, planning to replace the earrings. I left with a pair of 18k earrings and a 24k bracelet. Which ya know, totally comes in handy when you live in the jungle. But using "Gold Logic", it's impossible to NOT buy something ridiculous like this because it's so cheap. When in Rome, I guess....

Cyclone Giovanna kills 16 in Madagascar, worst over

2012-02-18T21:40:00.000+03:00

At least 16 people have been killed this week when a category four cyclone lashed Madagascar's eastern shores, rescue authorities said on Wednesday. Some 65 people were injured and about 11,000 people left homeless after Cyclone Giovanna pummelled the country's eastern seaboard causing power shutdowns in parts of the island's port city of Tamatave, rescue officials said.

The eye of the storm had made landfall south of Tamatave and was now headed towards the Mozambique channel. Rescue officials said the death toll could rise.

"It is still a provisional toll and it may still change," Liva Randrianambinina, a communication officer at the National Bureau of Risk Management and Disaster, told Reuters.

Madagascar is prone to cyclones and tropical storms, especially in the rainy season from February to May.

In 2008, Cyclone Ivan smashed Madagascar, killing more than 80 people and leaving over 200,000 homeless.

Madagascar, the world's biggest producer of vanilla, is the world's fourth largest island at about size of Texas or France. The island is also one of the world's poorest countries.

The worst of the storm was over by late Tuesday when the authorities cut off power in the capital Antananarivo, and ordered drivers to stay off the roads and businesses to shut their doors as torrential rains persisted.

On Wednesday, electricity remained unstable in Antananarivo, said residents.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the national office for disaster response and humanitarian agencies are gearing up to help those affected by cyclone.

"What needs to be done now is a proper assessment so we can understand the exact dimensions of this natural disaster," said Dominic Stolarow, UNICEF's emergency coordinator in Madagascar.

Source

Abu Dhabi Day 2

2012-02-18T21:27:00.002+03:00

I love it here! It's totally not what I expected it! Today we went to famous mosque, did a little shopping, and went for supper. Louis just left Abu Dhabi to catch his plane in Dubai for Montreal.

About the shopping...the jewelry is amazing and a gazillion times cheaper than in Canada or the US. I tried on a few things...but thankfully walked out of the mall. But tomorrow we are going to the Gold Souk. YIKES!!!!!!

"There is plastic bag in back if you want throw up"

2012-02-17T22:52:00.003+03:00

Not what I want to hear before I take off for a couple of hours in an SUV in the middle of the desert.

It's popular for tourists to take a "sand safari day" in Abu Dhabi. This includes having a "proffessional" driver drive us up and down extremely high sand dunes (at one point the SUV becomes more like a tobbagon at times (that's like a sled for any non-Canadians). After the sand duning, we eat on carpets in the middle of nowhere, after a camel ride or two.

Thankfully, I did "want throw up", but the guy sitting next to me neary did. I started to worry when I saw sweat trickle down his face. We are in an air condionned SUV. He barely made it out and I HAVE NO IDEA how we didn't flip these Land Rovers. The drivers partially deflate the tires, which is supposed to help with traction, but at time we are at like a 80 degree angle. Straight down or straight up. At times we come down the sand dune sideways - with the passenger side door leading the way. These sand dunes are the equivalent of a "bunny" ski slope.

After the rides, we sat outside and waited for supper to be cooked. I took in the full tourist package and took an extremely short camel ride. I had to wear my sunglasses most of the time when we were outside even though it was dark out because we are caught in a rare sand storm. It gets caught everywhere, including your eyes, and I'm scared where I'm going to find sand on/in my body. Anyway, it was a blast!

I'm loving learning about the area here! Tomorrow we are off to a mosque and maybe a bit of shopping.

Dubai Day #1

2012-02-16T17:10:00.001+03:00

Louis & I are spending the first day and a half with a very good friend. He should possibly take a second job as a tour guide. We have very little time in Dubai before we go to Abu Dhabi and he's made sure we have seen as much as possible.

On agenda tonight: boat tour, supper with a few of Louis' ex-colleagues and a fountain show. We are tired but having a blast!

In Dubai

2012-02-16T17:05:00.001+03:00

I'm having a migraine so I can't fully enjoy it yet, but all I can say is Wow, Wow, Wow.

It's obviously a very different culture than what I'm used to. I can' wait to take a gazillion pics tomorrow. We have a jam packed day starting with breakfast at 8am ending very very late.

Goodnight!

Next stop: Dubai

2012-02-15T11:13:00.000+03:00

Yesterday Louis and I had a cool day in Paris. We couldn't really think of anything to do, so we went to a touristy kind of district recommended by a friend. It's around 0*C, so we were a little chilly (again, YES, this makes me feel less like a Canadian!!). After walking around for five or six hours we went for a nice Valentine's Day dinner (thanks grandma and grandpa! We got to use the gift/supper money you gave us for Christmas!). The food wasn't fantastic, but it was a neat place.

Oh - and Paris - seriously - can you guys quit being so rude? I wanted to slap at least three people working in the shops - they were shockingly rude at times. I'm slow and I walk around my merry way like I'm in Canada - and I'm not. Whatevs.

I'm pretty sure I took some good pictures, but we are just about to get ready to catch our plane. To Dubai!!! We are so excited.

(All but for one thing. We have to take this plane that has two levels. I can't figure out why but this freaks me out!!!)

Thirteen

2012-02-14T14:11:00.000+03:00

Nothing like getting kicked when you're down. "Thirteen" is forming and following the same path as Giovanna. Of course, the trajectory path can change frequently, and it's not classified as a cyclone yet (once it is, it will get a real name). It's predicted to be a tropical storm and then form to a level 2 cyclone. Well, shit.

Cyclone Giovanna pummels Madagascar, kills one

2012-02-14T13:37:00.000+03:00

ANTANANARIVO | Tue Feb 14, 2012 2:36pm IST

A category four cyclone pummelled Madagascar's eastern shores on Tuesday, killing at least one person and causing power shutdowns in some major towns, the authorities said.In the eastern port city of Tamatave, schools and offices were closed for a second day as heavy rains and powerful gusts lashed the seaboard after Cyclone Giovanna hit the island.

"One person died in Brickaville after an electricity pole fell on her," Alain Mahavimbina, the top official in Antsinanana, told Reuters.

Madagascar is prone to cyclones and tropical storms, especially in the rainy season from February to May. In 2008, Cyclone Ivan smashed Madagascar, killing more than 80 people and leaving over 200,000 homeless.

"Tamatave is like a ghost town," resident Joel Milamaro told Reuters. "The roads are deserted."

In the capital Antananarivo, the authorities cut off power and ordered drivers to stay off the roads and businesses to shut their doors as torrential rains persisted into Tuesday.

A special weather bulletin in the morning warned of "imminent danger".
Data supplied by the U.S. Navy and Air Force Joint Typhoon Warning Center showed sustained winds of around 231 km (143 miles) per hour driving the category 4 cyclone into Madagascar. The eye of the storm made landfall south of Tamatave.

The U.S. space agency NASA's website said the cyclone was expected to weaken as it moved across the world's fourth largest island, where foreign firms are mining nickel and ilmenite and exploring for oil.

"It is expected to move into Mozambique Channel and may re-intensify," NASA said.

Source

Sunday and Monday

2012-02-13T21:43:00.001+03:00

I want to start taking more pictures - hold on, let me rephrase.I want to start taking more better pictures. Yesterday and today is a fail.
Despite the most scenic drive ever, I didn't take one picture. Louis took these two while I was holding on praying that I wouldn't puke. Classy.

Like, seriously, I was NOT doing well.

I started to feel like a real person by the time we got to the hotel a quick seven hours later. Not such a great shot of the two of us. I still look a little under the weather. Damn you ~~rum, whiskey, champagne, wine, and tequila~~ car sickness!

The Happy Couple. I still look a little green. I could use a shower too...

The first picture I took in Paris. First thing I want when I get out of Madagascar is Starbucks and a salad.

A few hours later, Louis and I went for supper. We're staying in the airport so we went to Hippotame. Gross and kind of a rip off. JUST KIND OF. I can't manage to turn this picture the right way, but I was obsessed with the idea that someone would order raw hamburger with a raw egg.
How can that even taste good? Do they validate your parking for the Emergency Room visit you'll have a few hours later?

I ordered a very gross Ceasar salad. When in Rome...do as the Romans. When in Paris, don't order a freaking Ceasar salad.

I ~~pushed the food around so it look like it was sort of eaten~~ ate and then...I started to hear angels singing.

I'm a little under the weather, so I didn't order anything. But I had to go in "just to look". I will be back very early tomorrow morning!

There is this really cool thing that we keep walking past. It's the image of an aquarium on the floor, and when you step on the rocks of the "aquarium", the fish move and the water splashes. It's totally flat surface and I can't see how they have motion sensors or something. Anyway, I'm tired and easily amused, so I have thirty or so pictures of this oddity.

And then back to the hotel. For some reason, sane people pay a ridiculous amount of money to stay at the Sheraton at the airport. It IS super convenient but it's not like the nicest hotel I've ever seen. We could have stayed in town in a cool area and walked around and stuff...but I booked our hotel around 230am on Sunday...so this is what we got.

As it's Valentine's Day tomorrow, we are thinking of something fun to do. We've both been here a few times, so we're trying to think of something new. You know you have real life problems when you're "stranded" in Paris trying to think of something to do on Valentine's Day.

Anyway, I'll be back tomorrow with some less boring pictures. Maybe even some good ones.

Safe in Paris

2012-02-13T15:33:00.000+03:00

Click here to follow cyclone Giovanna. It has been upgraded to a Level 4 in Toamasina and will be a Level 3 when it reaches Tana, which is three hundred kilometers away from the ocean.

While I am so very releived to be in Paris, it's a very worrysome feeling to know that so many people will have to fight through this. The storm is set to hit at 3am (not sure what time zone MG is, but it is 10 hours ahead of Alberta and 8 hours ahead of Quebec).

I hope everyone stays as safe as possible.

(also, for some reason my comments are disabled. Send me an email @ nbosch77@hotmail.com until they are fixed.)

Cyclone Giovanna threatens Madagascar, “massive destruction” possible

2012-02-13T13:40:00.000+03:00

Extremely dangerous cyclone Giovanna, equivalent to a category 4 hurricane, is set to make landfall on the east coast of Madagascar today. The powerful storm contains maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (125 knots) and may produce extensive damage on this island off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Satellite imagery reveals a storm with a well-defined eye, excellent symmetry and deep convection around its core. Its outer bands are already lashing the coast and the eye should move ashore late today.

Concerns are mounting about the toll the storm may afflict on this relatively poor country, especially as it may target highly populated areas. John Uniack Davis, Madagascar’s director for the humanitarian organization CARE, told the United Nations news agency IRIN that if the storm center moves just south of the coastal port of Toamasina “it has the potential to cause massive destruction.”

AccuWeather’s Jesse Ferrell, reviewing the history of storms to strike Madascar, found that Giovanna’s track most closely remembles cyclone Geralda from 1994. That storm “destroyed 80% of the city’s seaport Toamasina.” IRIN news said Geralda “killed about 200 people, displaced 40,000 and affected another 500,000.”

In addition to the destructive category 4 intensity winds, a large storm surge and 4-8” or more of flooding rain are also likely with this storm. Wunderground’s Jeff Masters notes an elevated risk of damage relative to past storms due to deforestation over the last 30 years, which will worsen runoff from flood waters.

As Giovanna crosses Madagascar, it will weaken considerably before it re-emerges over the water late Tuesday or early Wednesday. It is then forecast to strike Mozambique as a tropical storm or depression late this week.

Source

In Tana

2012-02-12T18:47:00.000+03:00

6.25 hours later, we made it to Tana. This drive, is spectacular. The scenery is incredible. Want pictures? Sorry, I was too busy praying that I wouldn't puke. This road requires Gravol or Dramamine when you've had a good night's sleep. Last time I took Gravol, but for some reason, I thought this time I wouldn't need it. I discounted the fact that I drank a mix of rum, champagne, whiskey, tequila, and win and partied all night long. It was a very, very long drive.

Louis won't shut up about how much he enjoyed the ride. No car sickness or anything!! I'm slowly coming back to normal.

Back in Tamatave, it's still a level 3 cyclone, projected to hit Toamasina directly. It's not clear who is being evacuated and when, but there are plans and actions in progress.

My flight is late (not-cyclone related - it's pretty much a regular thing with Air France), we are set to leave at 2:15am. I'll be happy to be leaving, but worried about people staying behind. This "wait and see" thing sucks.

Giovanna Update

2012-02-12T09:02:00.000+03:00

Good News:
- The cyclone has been downgraded to a Level 3- We are leaving in 30 minutes

Bad News:
- Level 3 cyclones still have crazy amounts of rain and winds well over 100km/hr.

On our way to Tana.

Saturday

2012-02-12T01:51:00.001+03:00

Tonight I went to one of the best weddings I've been to - in my life
Everyone is talking about what will happen in the next couple of days...everyone is being evacuated (I'm not sure who "everyone" is).
Louis & I are leaving at 9am via driver to Tana.
I haven't even started packing my suitcase.
It's almost 2am here.
I have drank a lot of champagne and a lot of tequilla.
I'm waking up at 6am tomorrow to pack.
Madagascar is a weird, weird place.
I hope & pray that everyone that isn't evacuated is ok.
Tonight was one of my most favorite nights in Madagascar - ever.
I'll post from Tana or Paris tomorrow. Crossing my fingers to get to Paris!!!

Giovanna's a B*T$CH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-02-11T13:41:00.003+03:00

The lovely Giovanna has turned into a Level 4 cyclone. This means big problems. Winds of 131-155m/hr or 211-250km/hr.

Louis & I were planning on having a big party on Sunday at the pool, but instead we're having the party tonight. Tomorrow early morning, we'll pack and drive to the capital. We also booked our flights to leave at 1am on the 13th, instead of 1am on the 15th (the eye of the storm will be over Toamasina at midnight on the 15th).

I don't know WHY I'm surprised by all of this...it's very "typical" Madagascar. Anyways....I'll check in tonight or tomorrow night after we've arrived in Tana.

GOOD TIMES!!!

Giovanna - can you wait a few more years please? Thanks in advance.

2012-02-10T17:08:00.002+03:00

This is what a satellite view of a cyclone looks like.

The big piece outlined in red? That's Madagascar.

Who the hell is responsible for naming these things??!?! GIOVANNA???? (I looked the meaning of the name up and here's what I got: Derived from the Hebrew Yohanan and means "God is gracious". In ancient times the name was given to children born to late-in-life parents. Ok, I admit, I found this last part a little ironic.....)

Even more fantastical??? Click on this link to see the trajectory: http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/tracker/dynamic/201212S.html

Some background info:

February 14^th at noon, I'm scheduled to fly to Antananarivo

February 15^th at 1am, I'm scheduled to fly to Paris and continue on to Dubai.

FREAKING MADAGASCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FREAKING GIOVANNA!!!!!!!!!!!!

(here's another article to read: http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/tropical-storm-giovanna-is-forecast-to-strike-madagascar-as-an-intense-tropical-cyclone-at-about-0000-gmt-on-14-february)

Happy Anniversary!

2012-02-10T16:51:00.002+03:00

Two of my most favorite co-workers celebrated their fifth anniversary today.

Not normally something I would write about, but it was made into an extra special occasion.

The husband is usually quiet, a bit shy (but he certainly knows how to speak up when he needs to!), and very nice. I hired his wife nearly two years ago and I am happy that she is in my life. Not only from the professional side of things, but we've learned a lot from each other.

Life is never static, life is never perfect, and life is never easy. Neither is marriage.

And sometimes, just celebrating the fact that you've made it this far, is worth a little extra effort.

Yesterday the husband went out and bought cakes at the best bakery in town. Then today, he had the Finance Admin Assistant call a Finance meeting. This afternoon nearly our entire team piled into the meeting room and waited. No one knew what the meeting was about and no one knew why there were cakes on the end of the desk!

The quiet, shy husband got up (he recently broke his leg and is on crutches!), and told us that he brought us all here to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. He had written out some touching words (in English no less!!!) and after some encouragement, he read them aloud.

The words were not so important as the time he took to surprise his wife. That he went WAY out of his comfort zone to show his wife that, in spite of life's ups and downs, they are together, and that's worth celebrating.

Hotel Snobbery :P

2012-02-09T21:06:00.001+03:00

Yes, there are times where, I AM A COMPLETE PRINCESS. I can also handle dirt and stuff, but when it comes to hotels, I am a bit...ahem...picky. First, having a travel allowance that must be spent on accomodation or transport (we lose any of the balance we don't use) and growing up with a father working in the hotel industry makes me a bit of a...well, like I said, hotel princess.

Given that my next vacation starts in 4.5 days, I have a bit of tunnel vision. I can't stop thinking about it. I looked up pictures of the hotels today. Wow. A fabulous start and then extreme steady decline.

Hotel in Dubai (two nights)

Hotel in Abu Dhabi (I had to drop down to a 3* hotel. Hotel costs in UAE are PRICEY!)

But still, doesn't look too terrible?

The moving on to Nairobi. A pretty nice hotel.

And then, the hike begins with a night at this hotel:

Ok, a bit understated, but nothing terrible.

And moving on to this "hotel" for two nights. Swanky!I'll be sharing this room with a cook, a guide, and a guy that helps carry our stuff. Cosy.
And then, our last night we get to stay at this gem:

Gorgeous.

BUT, I have a feeling that by that time, I really won't care WHERE I sleep because I'll be so tired from the hike.

I think this vacation is going to be crazy interesting.

Traveling Temperatures

2012-02-09T09:30:00.001+03:00

I’m always fascinated with the different temperatures that I put my body through when I go on vacation. It’s rarely under 20*C here, so most of the time, wherever I go, I’m cold.

I’ve been checking out the weather of the different places I’m going next week.

February 7th:
Toamasina: +30*C
Antananarivo: +23*C
Dubai: +22*C
Abu Dhabi: +19*C
Nairobi: +21*C

February 8th :
Toamasina: +27*C
Antananarivo: +21*C
Dubai: +18*C
Abu Dhabi: +16*C
Nairobi: +18*C

February 9th :
Toamasina: +25*C
Antananarivo: +21*C
Dubai: +16*C
Abu Dhabi: +19*C
Nairobi: +14*C

At this time of the year in Madagascar, the humidex adds at least another 10*C.
I feel less like a Canadian when I see +14*C and start to worry that I’ll be too cold….

Fly by post!

2012-02-07T11:24:00.001+03:00

This time next week Louis and I will be boarding a plane to Tana. I’ll hopefully have a little nap, eat supper, and then wait at the hotel until it’s time to leave for the airport. Around midnight, we’ll go to the airport and begin the long process of boarding a flight in Tana. Urgh.

Anyway, we leave around 1am (ok…with delays usually 2 or 230am), we’ll get to Paris, shower, get on a big a$$ plane (it has two floors!!!), fly to Dubai.

We’ll hang out with a good friend for a couple of days and then my dad will pick us up and drive us to Abu Dhabi. Louis only spends one night there, he’ll head back to Montreal.

I’ll spend a few more days in Abu Dhabi and then back to Dubai to fly to Nairobi! A couple of nights there and then I’m off to summit Mount Kenya! I’ll be gone for six days, then back for a few nights in a fancy hotel. There will be many spa services and fancy salads ordered. I am so so so so so so excited!

Accounting Error

2012-02-06T09:15:00.001+03:00

Well, maybe here's why I never did well whenver I had a exam on Net Present Value.

My last post wasn't reviewing my thirty first year, it was my THIRTY SECOND year. Since as of Friday I am 32 - not 31. :S

Good thing I'm getting out of Finance....

Year #31

2012-02-03T18:09:00.001+03:00

I could do a link-festival back to the original posts...but if you read my blog regularly, you’ll know what I’m writing about, and if you don’t, the posts are divided by month on the right hand side.

My thirty first year….has gone by so fast. It seemed like so much has happened. So much HAS happened!!!

February:
Started out cool with a great birthday party for twenty or so at a restaurant and everyone had a good time.
I got addicted to the show Glee.
We nearly had a cyclone in my city, it changed paths and we just had crazy winds and rain, but got to do the ‘cyclone prep’ stuff which for some demented reason, I thought was cool.

March:
I went to Canada!!!
I went to Alberta to see my family, then went on a ski trip with my cousin and his fiancée and Louis and his girls. Didn’t love the skiing, but loved the trip!
I went to Quebec to meet Louis’ brothers and sister and mom! They are all wonderful and were so nice to me.
I came back from vacation to find out that my contract would not be renewed and my time in Madagascar was limited.

April:
I tried to post positive things on the blog, pictures of random stuff that I did, and overanalyzed everything.
I spent a lot of time planning May’s vacation!
I said goodbye to a good friend. He left the project….and I still kind of think it sucks that he’s gone. We see each other but it’s not the same.

May:
I took a super awesome, amazingly cool trip travelling Madagascar and South Africa with my mom.
I had some mixed emotions about the trip – I was happy to finally see Madagascar but sad that I was leaving so soon.

June:
My contract was renewed!!!!!!!

July:
I went to Canada for my cousin’s wedding and then on a little vacation to British Columbia with Louis and his girls.
A few days before my Canada holiday I had an unfortunate event where I tried to help someone I knew in a time of need. Unfortunately it was too late and he died.

August:
I rambled on about whatever Madagascar threw my way.
I struggled a bit with the death from July. Ok, maybe “a bit” is a little too conservative of a word.

September:
I took a cruise with my grandparents and then met up with Louis in Hawaii!!! It was awesome!! Ok. No, it was not awesome. I got sea sick a lot and the cruise stuff isn’t really my style. But I still had an awesome time and it was a once in a lifetime trip!

October:
Same old crap. Rambling on about life in a new environment (even though it isn’t new anymore).

November:
I went to Belgium to visit my BFF and her three kids!! We took a day trip to Brussels and another day trip to the United Kingdom. SO AWESOME!

December:
I nearly had a nervous breakdown because I thought my iTouch was stolen.
We moved back into the camp.
I surprised my grandpa arriving at his 75th birthday.
I spent time with my family and time with Louis and his family. It was so cool to celebrate New Years in Quebec City!
Oh – and I can’t forget my waste of gazillion dollars spent at Paris Disneyland!

January:
Struggled to get back into work.
I was distracted about my future in Madagascar.
I found out that my future was indeed, not as long as I’d like it and that my last day would be May 9, 2012.
I found out later that I’d begin a new job, in a new department after my Finance contract was over! So exciting!! Another year in Madagascar!!!

Of course I’ve left out the nine billion times I was sick, the three trillion times that I cried, and the countless number of times where I asked myself if I had done the right thing and if I was cut out for this expat stuff. Geez! I’ve been here for nearly three years so I should quit questioning it already! I read somewhere that “you can’t choose what you love to do, but you can chose what you do”. So yeah, expatriate life wasn’t exactly a long term plan for me. It’s turned out that’s what I want….for now.

For my birthday this year, I actually asked Louis for not a ‘big deal birthday party’. Last year’s supper was awesome, but I kind of felt like keeping things low-key. Tonight I hope to go for a run (it’s sweltering outside) and then stop by the camp bar…maybe I’ll bring the bottle of champagne in my fridge. I have to work the next day at 06h30 so it won’t be a late night….but I think I’m due for some champagne.

Year 31 was crazy and amazing!! LOTS of ups and downs. I’d like to say that I expect things would even out a bit…but I don’t really feel like that’s gonna happen. HOWEVER, I think year 32 is going to be pretty awesome.

Let's All Go For A Run February 11th, at 9am EST

2012-02-02T17:33:00.002+03:00

February 11th, at 9am EST (7 pm Madagascar time) I'll be out for a run.

The Run for Sherry

I am an "alone" runner. I don't really want to run with anyone. I like listening to my music. I like having the time alone (even in the camp where everyone sees me). I like that I go for a run in an almost-crazed state and come back feeling calmer about everything in life.

When I lived in Canada, I would never run in an isolated area. I sometimes ran in the dark (there's not much choice in Alberta in the winter!), but I was in a well-trafficed area. As an "alone runner", I realize that this could be me. Or one of the many people that I know that run reguarly. Unfortunately, her story is not unique. But sometimes, the only thing that people can do when this kind of tragedy strikes is make a small gesture, showing that care and concern for the world that we live in.

I'm (very) slowly learning that I can't care about everything and everyone. But when I can do something as small as go for a run....I'll take that challenge on.

I can't (and don't want to) imagine what Sherry's loved ones are feeling. I would guess that they feel the world is a cold, cruel place. The support recieved through this run won't take away their pain or suffering. It won't bring back their mom, sister, daughter, or friend. But if for a second, it can help them see that there is more good than evil, than that's all I can hope for.

Good News But Still Not Official

2012-02-02T11:33:00.001+03:00

You know that PERFECT job that I wanted? Yesterday I received the formal job description. I love it. I have a few questions and clarifications, but I think it’s a great fit for me and for them.

It’s been clear for some time that I am not a “Finance” person. I want to get more Project Management experience and get some additional formal education.

This is the job I have been looking for to transition out of Finance and into a role with more exposure to Operations.

I don’t have a signed contract, but right now I feel like that’s a formality. Since I can be a pessimist at times…I’m not going to be fully relieved until I have signed a contract and the ink is dry. And I’ll have the champagne chilling and ready to go.

Taking a crap with words

2012-01-30T21:10:00.000+03:00

Yes, that's classy. I feel like I have all these things to say but don't know how to organize them, so I'm just dumping everything I feel like into a point form post. I used to find writing in my blog cathartic, so here goes:

Since moving back into the camp, I haven't figured out how to upload pictures onto my blog. This frustrates me, because photo-journaling stuff was kind of neat hobby when I felt like it. Every Sunday I wake up hours before Louis, and it's been very frustrating to screw around with my computer to try and fix it.
I had like one of the worst mornings ever. By 08h00 I was wishing it was 22h00 and I was in bed. Somehow I managed to get through the day, laugh more than once, and get work done. This is a miracle.
The four stalls in the bathroom in my work building today were all working. This happens maybe 20% of the time. I don't know when I'll learn to check if there is toilet paper and running water BEFORE I go.
I found a job that I want here and I like REALLY want it. I should know more by Wednesday. It's one of those crappy situations where really I don't have a clue if I'll get it or not but I'm PERFECT for the job and it's PERFECT for my career goals.
The heat is so intense today. It feels like I'm standing beside a dryer vent.
It rains a lot lately at night. Like SUPER loud and the noise is very calming.
I ordered three seasons of Breaking Bad and a friend delivered them from his latest trip to Canada. Breaking Bad is the only TV show I can admit that I watch without embarassement. I watch A LOT of crappy tv shows.
I am almost out of almond butter. Monday to Friday Louis and I have almond butter with toast. Don't mess with my morning routine. It's like, one of the most annoying things. There is peanut butter here sometimes, but I think the ratio is 70% peanuts, 10% oil, 19% sugar, 1% unknown. It has Arabic writing and it scares me.
It's my birthday on Friday and I don't want to celebrate it unless I have a contract. I'm not sure when my self-worth got tied to the fact of me having a new contract or not, but it sucks. I think I need to get some shock therapy or something to kick these stupid thoughts.
Running in 29*C/42*C (with humidex) is like TOUGH. But since I've decided to climb a freaking mountain in Feb, I can't give up.
I hope to have access to put up pictures soon.
I hope I find out that I got that job on Wednesday morning (or sooner)
I hope I find out when my grandparents are back from Mexico because it feels like a month since they've been gone.
I don't know what the hell this Instagram thing is but I feel like SO out of the loop.
I need to go bed, after I change out of my soaking wet running clothes.
Oh, and if you haven't watched Stepbrothers, with Will Farrell, you are missing out. If you have watched it and you don't like it...I don't know that we could be friends in real life. :P

GOODNIGHT!!!!!

Vomit Trees

2012-01-27T19:39:00.000+03:00

Madagascar is full of a gazillion species of flora and fauna. Unfortunately for me, it's eucalyptus tree flower season. The smell of these trees is incredible. Incredibly disgusting. It's like a mixture of beer, movie popcorn butter, and vomit. Imagine that in a mixing bowl, smell it, and that's what you have. I thought eucalyptus was like all minty smelling and refreshing. These trees are freaking everywhere. I constantly forget until I'm punched in the face with this revolting odor.

However - I SO hope I can stay around here for a couple of years to smell these disgusting trees. Crossing my fingers on that one.

Gazillion Word Blog Post

2012-01-25T19:38:00.000+03:00

I seem to start a million blog posts...whenever the mood hits me....I type most of it, and then just scrap it. I think that whatever I'm writing isn't:

interesting
appropriate
legible

Interesting: I don't have much going on that's, like, interesting to read about. My moods are all over the place, I started the week off on the wrong foot with an afternoon migraine, work has been wacky, and I'm worried about my future. Ok, maybe some of it would be interesting, but that leads me to my next point.

Appropriate: There are potentially people I work with reading this blog (ok, I know there are, I just don't know who). Since I spend 12 hours a day at work, it's obviously an area where I'm going to have the most problems with. I don't feel it's appropriate to talk about work, or to go into too much detail about my job hunt. I've had some positive events and some negative moments. I'd like to write about them all (there would certainly be a few curse words), but it's not really appropriate.

Legible: My French is improving constantly. My English - specifically my written English, has gone down the tubes. (And I had to spell check "legible"). I know from experience that this comes back quickly, but it still takes me a bit of time.

So, the old Nicole, would be like, Since when did I care if anything I ever wrote was interesting? If it's not, skip onto the one of the next gazillion blogs about whatever. And appropriate? I have described disastrous bathroom events on this blog. And legible? Well, as long as it is somewhat understandable....then who really gives a rat's ass. (I sometimes say these kinds of sayings with our local staff and trying to explain them....just never makes sense...).

Okay, so here's a random update then. Interesting/appropriate/legible or not.

The camp totally does not suck. Like, I was all prepared to TOTALLY hate it and spend my days trying to figure out where else I could live...but...I really don't mind it? It's probably because it makes me feel more like it did when I first moved here. I spent more than a year in camp...so it kind of feels normal to me. Now - I haven't solved the laundry issue... but I'm working on it.

Speaking of work, I still don't have a job lined up after May. Yes, I know that on Saturday it will be a full two weeks since I knew for sure that my contract wasn't going to be re-newed...and I don't have anything lined up. Okay, so I get that I have to be patient... but I'm really not. I know I'm handling it okay, but I have moments where I think everything will be fine, and I have moments where I'm pretty sure I'll end up on the street because I suck as an expat, employee, and person in general. Yes, still dealing with that bi-polar spectrum of moods.

For the panic-moments, I have listed the worst case scenario.

Worst Case Scenario
I don't find a job in Madagascar or elsewhere by May. I hang around Madagascar for a couple of weeks, and then head back home. I continue to job search and take a prep course for an exam that I want to write for a program that I will take (more on that another time, this post is already too rambly). I'll live off of my savings, I'll contact everyone I've ever met to try and find a job that suits me, and we'll deal with things from there.

I/We can deal with the worst case scenario. It is truly like the LAST thing that I want (except the exam thing - I gotta get that going), but I can deal with it.

This brings me to another topic. I totally feel like I've told everyone about this, but I really don't think I've told anyone, I just kind of figured that everyone would just know somehow.

By April, all of my worldly possessions will either be in Madagascar, or in Ste Therese, Quebec. I'm moving provinces. Normally this would be like a major thing - but for some reason moving provinces seems less than a big deal than potentially having to move countries for work.

I'm at a time in my life with Louis where I want to make this move. We have an unusual-but-legit-none-the-less, family. I'm not sure how to define our family - but it's made up of one man (father and significant other), one woman (significant other), two children (who share their time between their mother and their father), and one dog (that follows the children wherever they go).

Never thought this would be what I define as a "family", but my ideas on a lot of things have changed in the past two years. I'm still learning how to deal with two (very loveable, kind) teenagers, how to handle dating a father to the two teenagers, and how to not kidnap their dog and bring her to Madagascar (kidding. Sort of. I love this dog. I make Louis put her on Skype for me...)

The next few months are going to be really interesting. I almost want to skip to the end of the book to find out what's going to happen. I guess that would be a lot less interesting.

Well, that was quick

2012-01-21T15:43:00.000+03:00

Plane carrying Madagascar's Ravalomanana diverts to Mozambique
An aircraft flying Madagascar's exiled former leader Marc Ravalomanana home on Saturday was diverted to Mozambique after the Malagasy authorities ordered the jet to turn around, a spokesman for Ravalomanana
said.

"Madagascar civil aviation has turned the plane around and it's been diverted to Pemba in Mozambique. It doesn't have enough fuel to return all the way. It will refuel there and then return to Johannesburg," a spokesman for the ousted president told Reuters in Johannesburg.

A Malagasy government minister confirmed that the plane, which earlier departed from South Africa, had turned around but said the reasons were unknown.

Geez. Imagine being on that plane! That's quite the detour. Maybe next time....

Ravalomanana to return to Madagascar Saturday

2012-01-20T14:01:00.002+03:00

(via www.AFP.com)

Madagascar's ex-president Marc Ravalomanana said Friday he will return home from exile in South Africa on Saturday, almost three years after he was ousted by the island's current leader Andry Rajoelina.

"It is with great pleasure and carrying the hopes and aspirations of all Malagasy for a return to peace and freedom in our beloved country that I announce, once again, that I will return to Madagascar tomorrow,"Ravalomanana told a press conference in Johannesburg.

Ravalomanana had previously tried to return home in February last year, but was blocked at the airport by airline officials who said they had received a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) order from Madagascar that the country would turn away any aircraft that had him on board.

The self-made millionaire said Friday he was confident that the scenario would not repeat itself.

"It has taken a year of hard negotiation to get back to the point where I am confident that I can now return to my beloved country, ending three years of exile in South Africa," he said."

If anyone has sort of followed Madagascar politics...you'll remember that it's a long drawn out story dating back to January 2009. Since then there has been an ongoing uncertainty of what will ever happen or if we will ever get an elected president. Because of the political situation here, the European Union had cut off financial aid. Things will continue to get worse here until we have a proper government.

Wedding Bells

2012-01-17T19:44:00.001+03:00

Today wasn't my best day. I am trying to be patient and realize that it's only been three days since I had a rather upsetting meeting and the same day that I found out like, for real that my contract was officially over in 2012. It's hard not to feel like a failure, regardless that I was only supposed to be here for two years.

I don't want to make it sound like I cry all day. Even though I'm bothered often by my career uncertainty, I still have a lot of laughs. But today...was a challenge.

And then, the sweetest, nicest staff member came into my office, so very nervously and so uncomfortable and awkward, and invited me to his wedding.

(I've removed their names...I'm never sure what the policy is for showing pics/names of people when I don't ask first.)

The invitation was beautiful, very cute, and I was honored that he invited me. I've only been to one Malagasy wedding. Unfortunately it's the same night as Louis' Christmas party, so I won't be able to stay for the entire reception, but I'm so looking forward to going to the wedding.

The groom was the first Malagasy to officially laugh AT me to my face. I had just started to try and learn Malagasy and I tried to reply to something someone asked me. Obviously, whatever I said meant something very different, because the sweet, cute, young man (I always feel like he's 17, but he's probably 25 or so), who was so polite and quiet, laughed so hard that he had to put his hand on the desk beside him. (No one would ever tell me what it was exactly that I said...). Then - he realized that he had just laughed and a vaza. And a woman vaza at that! He was mortified and apologized three or four times, but I was just happy to finally see some personality! This was back in the day when everyone was scared of me and no one would even dare look me in the eye.

Anyway, the invitation was an awesome way to end a crappy day. Not only am I excited to go to the wedding, but it kind of kicked me out of my crappy mood. My favorite part? The invitation is made out to Monsieur and Madamme Nicole. I haven't asked Monsieur Nicole what he thinks of his new title. :-)

Singing (and running) in the Rain

2012-01-16T20:42:00.001+03:00

It's been like, a REALLY long time since I've said this or felt like this, but, I LOVE RUNNING.
When so many things in my life feel out of control or chaotic, I can go for a run. When I'm feeling blue, I can go for a run.

Tonight's run almost didn't happen because last week I took a pretty good sized chunk off of my big toe and it hasn't totally healed (I hope you weren't eating breakfast or anything...). But I thought it would be ok, and off I went. I had to stop once to get a plastic bag to keep my iTouch from getting soaking wet.

It started raining so hard that I couldn't see properly. I had less and less area to run because it was puddle after puddle - or more like a group of puddles forming a mini-lake.

And cause I haven't taken any pictures lately, I tried to capture just how soaking wet I was. (Anyone who has lived with me is going to love the first one).

That shirt is a few shades lighter when it's not drenched.

The pictures might not show it, but I am just as wet as if I would have jumped in the pool. Since it's summer, it's kind of a warm rain. And the run did me good.

I don't entirely know if I'm cut out for the contract line of work....but since I'm just a baby-expat, maybe I'll get used to it. My moods change from "OMG I'm never going to find a job and I suck" to "Things are totally going to work out and I'll find somewhere that makes me happy". Nothing better than a little bi-polarism.

In the meantime, I look forward to more runs in the rain.

Here we go again!

2012-01-14T19:29:00.008+03:00

Job hunting.

Faaaaaaaahhhhhhhbulous.

Some stats:

Number of work weeks left in my contract: 11

Number of meltdowns I’ve had thinking about it: 11

Number of drinks I’ll have tomorrow by the pool: 11 (Well, not eleven drinks. Maybe nine? Kidding. Sort of.)

Some good things:

I have transferrable skills.

There’s lots of jobs around the world.

I have a savings account.

I have a lot of contacts (who could know someone who knows someone that needs an expat).

I've been wanting to transition into another area outside of Finance.

It’s a WEE bit harder since I’m kind of a “package deal” now… but since the other half of my package is pretty smart and I’m….pretty, I’m sure we’ll put our heads together and somehow figure something out.

And in the mean time? I have like a GAZILLION things to get done before May so my schedule is going to be jam-packed. AND I still have two vacations to get in!!!

I sound all smiles and rainbows…but yah, I’m a bit worried, but….I don’t think I have much of a choice to just do my best, see what happens, and figure my stuff out as I go. My goal is to have more good days than bad. There is one option in particular that I'm really hoping will work out, since I'm in no rush to leave Madagascar...but like any job search, who really knows.

Most of all, I have to enjoy the next few months!! It's like, supposed to be all about the journey, not the destination, or whatever, right? I'll have to remind myself that sometime before meltdown number 12... :-)

Christmas in Madagascar

2012-01-13T20:45:00.000+03:00

I'm pretty behind on any blog posts...I haven't even gone through my Christmas and New Year pictures..

Until then, I'll leave you with some pictures of what went on Christmas in Tamatave while I was away.

A co-worker, a very seasoned expat, very creative and full of ideas, had everyone over for a magical evening!!

There's one in every crowd... sometimes Santa is scary! :-)

I spent last Christmas Eve I spent in Tamatave, sort of feeling sorry for myself because I was missing my family and didn't feel the "Christmas" spirit.

After seeing all of the 166 pictures taken that night and the following day....I don't think I was looking hard enough.

Swallowed Up

2012-01-12T20:19:00.000+03:00

Hi! I'm still alive. I've just been swallowed up by the effects of jetlag. And this mountain of clothes...

And try to fit them into this little closet.

Camp life is awesome.

(actually it's not that bad. But it's an adjustment..)

And here I thought Air Canada was the worst....

2012-01-06T01:12:00.000+03:00

It's midnight. I flew from Montreal to Paris, walked around for a few minutes, then flew from Paris to Antananarivo (and boy are my arms tired. wah wah!). Tomorrow morning I'll leave the hotel at 06h00 and get back into Tamatave, back to camp.

I am officially declaring my hatred for Air France. The agent service on ground is awful, they are always A MINIMUM of two hours late (when there are no poor weather conditions), and continually have strikes.

Compared to most of my collegues, I've had the best and easiest experiences with Air France.

Our September rotation, AF was late and Louis missed his connection, forcing him to stay a day in Paris.
November rotation, there was a strike and we had to book with Swiss Air and spend an night in Johannesburg.
This rotation, AF flight was late and Louis missed his connection again. The connection times range between 2.5 and 4 hours. PLENTY of time.

A friend of mine's luggage has been lost THREE CONSECUTIVE TIMES. It was later found, but it's such a stressful thing to go through....waiting and wondering...

Tonight, we got SUPER snotty service from AF check in staff, took off an hour late, and landed over an hour late. Ok, not a big deal. Things happen, right? But EVERY single time?

I'm getting a little sick of the international travel. It's probably because I've flown to Canada four times this year (min 30 hours in air) but I've just had enough of it. Bad service, bad food, unreliable service....Urgh. I am so done with Air France.

Crying Airport Batting Average

2011-12-30T21:18:00.000+03:00

I have a few tricks that I do so that I don't cry at the airport back from my early twenties. Back then, I'd cry the entire hour and a half flight home from Vancouver. Anyway, I'm not battling a very good average for not crying. Yesterday I had a friend drop me off - we were early and needed to eat breakfast so he came into the airport with me. BIG MISTAKE. Number one rule is that I cannot say goodbye in an airport. I thought I would be fine. I even put on makeup.

The goodbye scene wasn't pretty. I sort of made it through security and sort of didn't look like THAT much of a mess. But once I got through security, I had a full blown ugly cry in the corner (of the new Edmonton airport! It's super nice!), called a friend, calmed down for a bit, got a super nice goodbye text message from a family member, cried again, and then walked my butt over to Starbucks, which seemed to do the trick. Thankfully.

My babyness for the airport goodbyes is something I don't think I'll ever be able to get rid of. Oh, well. I guess there could be worse habits to have. :)

Today I'm off to Quebec City. It's roughly a two hour drive from where we are. It's cold here, -17*C, I think, with more snow than Edmonton. I'm off to spend a few days with Louis, his girls, and their extended family. The last time we all were together it was fun and they are all super nice. I just have to switch back into French-speaking mode. A full week of speaking only English may make that a bit more difficult!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

Leaving On a Jet PlanE...

2011-12-29T18:22:00.001+03:00

...and I really don't know when I'll be back again! (I have a wedding in September, but my 2012 plans are truly and completely up in the air.)
I am SO happy and feel so much better that I was able to get here earlier for my grandpa's birthday. I am SHOCKED that I was able to keep it a surprise!!!

Christmas always seems like such a whirlwind. Between jetlag, climate adjustment (although I was SO lucky this year!), doctors, dentists, fitting in quick visits with friends and family... coming back to Canada hardly feels like a vacation, but there is definetly something that I get from the chaos and weird sleeping patterns and quick visits that I need. Last Christmas I was a disaster and even though I've been running around, sleeping and waking up at odd times, spending way too much money, I'm so happy I came back this year.

Now off to part two - Montreal and then Quebec City for a few days!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T16:38:00.008+03:00

Merry Christmas from Canada!

And back in Madagascar,

In Malagasy, Tratry Ny Krismasy!

In French, Joyeux Noël!

In Filipino, Maligayang Pasko!

In Korean, Sung Tan Ghuk Ha!

In Japanese, Merii Kurisumasu!

(Phew! I didn't realize how diverse our group was at work until I wanted to make a Christmas banner (Vistaprint is super cool, by the way!)).

Disneyland Paris Pictures

2011-12-25T05:25:00.001+03:00

I'm finally getting around to posting my pictures from visit to Disneyland Paris.

This is the entrance. Does it look full of magic and wonder???

I kept walking. The further I got into the park, the more it looked Disney-esque. But still pretty blah.

This gave me heart palpatations...but I had already spent 50€ to get there, so I thought this would be my Christmas present to myself? (I guess I haven't been good this year....)

Okay, looking more and more like Disneyland...but still, it was missing like, the je-ne-sais-quoi of the Disney spirit.

So I brought (and bought) a little Disney magic of my own. A mere 40€ later, and I got to look super cool.

Yes. I was by myself. And yup! I looked special. But hey, when in ~~Rome~~ Disneyland!

I walked around a bit (ie: got lost) and came upon Adventure Land. First area - Pirates of the Carribean.

I look like I'm having fun, right??

This ride was actually cool!! And virtually zero waiting time.

One day I'll learn how to use my camera properly!!

It looks like I had a good time!!!

I kept walking (and getting lost) but I was Frreezzzing!!! I wasn't expecting rain so my boots were soaking wet!

I remember going on "It's a small world" ride back in Disneyland when I was younger. I had no desire to ever go on it again - even in Paris.

I was surprised, I never saw any Disney characters walking around.

Almost all of my pictures make Disneyland Paris kind of creepy!!

One last pose - maybe next year's Christmas card?

How come I didn't see this earlier?

Now this was my biggest dissapointment!! I was all excited to see Disneyland Paris for Christmas.

I was there on the 16th.
It started on the 17th. Grrr!!

I had a quiet ride back to the hotel (once I figured out how to use the train)and walked to the McDonalds in the airport for supper. I thought about eating at the hotel, but I didn't think I could afford it.

I was up really early for breakfast, and breakfast was a little cheaper than the dinner meal - so I thought I'd try out the Continental Breakfast.

Um...29€???

Just add this to the theme of the trip "Spending lots of money on things that aren't that cool". Oh, well. Ya only live once!

And I can now put my Disneyland (and expensive breakfast) curiosity to bed. Well, maybe after I'm able to pay off my credit card this month. :)

Redneck Doctor

2011-12-23T21:06:00.000+03:00

I had my regular doctor's appointment scheduled yesterday (which worked out perfect because I was up sick the night before). It's really hard to find a family doctor in Alberta - we certainly have a shortage. Luckily, my grandparents found a great doctor in a town near where they used to live. It's a small town about an hours drive away - but it's SO worth it. She's smart, listens to all of my worries, tells me to stop using "Google" so much, and takes the time to explain anything to me. For that, I'm grateful.

But having this restaurant beside the Medical Clinic, makes me feel like I'm part of the "You might be a redneck" jokes from Jeff Foxworthy. Anyone remember those?

That would be the "Hungry Hunter Restaurant & Dining Room". It was a good laugh for the day. I just wish I could have got a picture of the wild animals on the side. :)

Guide to Expatdom - In stores 2015

2011-12-22T20:34:00.001+03:00

I’ve been an expatriate for a couple of years now.

Prior my expatriateness, I hadn’t left North America. I grew up very sheltered. In my adult life, I’m overemotional, I probably share too much information, I say the “F” word too often for a lady, I worry too much with results me struggling with anxiety, I am obsessed with chocolate, and I love my family and friends. And dogs.

This week a friend re-reminded me that I should write a book about expatriate life. Maybe not like a serious “I’m going to make money off this” book, but a for-fun book out on the internet. Since I’ve been feeling like writing lately but have nothing that I feel like writing about – I think this is a good idea. Now…just to find the time. I’m thinking….publication date of June 15, 2015.

Regardless if I ever wrote my pretend book on “Expatriateness”, I’ve come up with some potential chapters.

Chapter One: Preparation

There is no such thing as too much research on Culture Shock
Forget all you researched upon arrival
Say goodbye to any of your reasonable expectation
The importance of reading travel medication instruction

Chapter Two: Forget it!
How survival in your expatriate life depends on your ability to:

Forget how everything you thought you knew about life at all
Accept that 10% of your actual field experience counts for the work that you’ll do.

Chapter Three: Self-Awareness

No, you’re not crazy. But you kind of are.
How to cry at work and make it look like you have allergies
How to realize when you’re just acting crazy because you’re overwhelmed with all the changes. Or because the power went out – while you are sitting on the toilet.
How to accept the fact that you will never blend in and you will always be stared at.

Chapter Four: Illness

Jetlag – the undefined mental illness
Diarrhea and vomiting – how they will become a way of life, an acceptable topic between colleagues, and the deciding factor of more than you’ll ever think.
What to expect your first overnight hospital stay in a shipping container/makeshift medical clinic
The importance of wearing suncreen (I'm sorry. I had to.)

Chapter Five: Food

What NOT to eat
What is “safe” to eat
What is “safe” to eat but you will most likely get sick anyway

Chapter Six: Tears, Tears, and More Tears (I’ll be contacting Kleenex to sponsor this chapter)

Chapter Seven: Love

Love in the expat community
Love in the local community
It’s not prostitution, it’s called making a living (um… might get some haters on this one.

Chapter Eight: Travelling

If you got to Australia, don’t just stay in Sydney
How to fly by the seat of your pants and last minute travel plans
First Class Travel Syndrome
The kindness of strangers

Chapter Nine: Languages

Challenges of speaking a foreign language
How to mess with others who are learning your language
Frenglish (Part of me thinks this deserves a chapter on its own)

Chapter Ten: Moon-time Cycles
(I’m sorry. I have to talk about this. It’s a serious factor when it comes to dealing with all hell breaking lose, Boys can skip this chapter.)

Chapter Eleven: Small Town Living

How Gossip and Rumors = Reality
The 12th Commandment doesn’t apply here – you will be judged
Maintaining friendships in the expatriate community

Chapter Twelve: Recreational activities

Drinking – What’s acceptable and what warrants an intervention (my opinions only, of course
Running – the sport you used to love when it wasn’t +40*C outside
Pool time – Chlorine is your friend (especially when everyone is drinking all day but no one visits the toilets)
The "Spa" - how to spot the difference between a "spa" offering massages and "masazes"

Chapter Thirteen: Sleep
It will never be the same. You’ll never get enough. (Although I've never had kids, and from what I've heard it gets A LOT worse!).

Chapter Fourteen: The tough stuff

Dealing with Poverty and not letting it break you
Homesickness
Family Illness or death when you are away

Chapter Fifteen: You're Different!

Realizing that you’re not the same as before. Except you’re the same as before.
Maintaining family and friend relationships as you change with your experiences.
Realizing it's okay to not have a clue about your future. No really, it's okay.

Chapter Sixteen: Electrical Appliances are different in other countries.

Chapter Seventeen: Beginning an amazing relationship with a Quebecer (Contacting Cadbury Crème Eggs for sponsoring here) (had to end on a cheesy note there).

Whew. I’m sure there’s a few I've left out, like, How to live with daily power outages, Cell Phone Rings and just how dumb they can get, and Toilets of the World. But so far, I think it's a pretty good outline!! Like I said, keep your eyes open at Chapters in 2015.

My Canadian Boyfriend

2011-12-22T04:34:00.000+03:00

..must be my dentist.

I spend more time with him than anyone else when I'm in Canada. I thought it was all over - I've been dealing with this stupid tooth for over five years and I think FINALLY, it's good.

This time, I thought I'd go in for a quick cleaning and a small cosmetic fix, and guess what?? He tells me that I grind my teeth. Oh, rrrrreally? Or is this just your way to get me into your office ~~cause you know you're my real boyfriend~~ to get me to spend a gazillion more dollars? (I'm pretty sure it's neither....I know I grind my teeth).

But how can I resist visiting his office when he gives makes me look sexy like this:

...and now like this, at least until my "permanent" non-teeth grinding aparatus is ready.

Let's hope my Malagasy boyfriend, Louis, doesn't mind going to bed every night with someone that looks like they're ready to enter the boxing ring...

Expensive-landDisneyland

2011-12-20T15:02:00.000+03:00

For some weird reason, I've had this obsession about going to Disneyland Paris for the last year or so. No idea why. I went to Disneyland in the US ten-ish years ago. I had a good time but not SUCH a good time that I would go, like, in France. But still, I couldn't kick my desire to go.
So my thirty hour layover in Paris was the perfect excuse to finally put this to bed.

After I checked into my hotel, I went off on my own little adventure. It's pretty cold today....and rainy...but I dressed warm. (A little piece of me....wanted to stay back and go to the spa.)

First I had to buy my train tickets. TGV and SNCF - I hate you guys. Seriously. The last time I used the trains in Paris was in November, and I actually had a fight with the ticket agent. This time was easier, but still kind of confusing. I kinda sorta thought I had figured it out... but, well, I guess not.

Good news - the train ride to Disneyland is only 10 minutes. Bad news - the return tickets cost 50€. Ouch.

When I got off the train - I couldn't see where to go. Like, there weren't any signs or anything.

But why use signs? All I had to do was follow the trail of crying children screaming, But, I don't WAAAAHHHHNNNAAA LEAVE!!!
(So not joking there.)

I find my way to the ticket booth. A one day ticket - 74€. I've been in France less than two hours and I've spent over a hundred euros. Fahhhbulous.

I start walking around. But it's like....mega cold. So, I go in and buy a touristy and expensive Mickey Mouse hat and gloves (pictures to come later. They are awesome).

But, I'm not really feeling the Disney magic? Maybe it's because...it's so cold that I can't feel my extremities either?

I got lost and found my way onto the Pirate's of the Carribean ride. That was fun!

But it's so weird - there are little kids with snowsuits on, and then when they get inside, they have to take them off because it's too warm. The whole winter-Disneyland thing...doesn't make a whole lotta sense.

I was JUST about to leave...and I saw HIM. Mickey. All decked out. I went over, but his body guard said he had time for just one more picture and there was a long line up of people. Come on, Mickey!! Don't let me down. I'm wearing a freaking Mickey hat and Mickey gloves and I look like I'm super special!!! Nope. There was a little girl in a wheelchair that he chose. Jeez.

So I walked around. Cold. And I had an okay time, and I'm glad I went because now I can quit wishing that I would go every time we stop over in Paris.

Because I was cold, wet, and tired (and like REALLY WET!), I decided to leave earlier than originally planned....which of course resulted in more money spent with TGV and running around the train station again and again. (At least I got some exercise in today!). Did you know that Charles De Gualle Airport is NOT in Paris? Maybe this was obvious to everyone else but me... but I found that out today - when I was in the "wrong" line up. Seriously. TGV....you are on my hit list.

Ohhhhhh, well. I had some fun. I finally know what Disneyland Paris is like. I knew it would be pricey....anything in Europe is - but it is like CRAZY expensive! (Like, more than a day at the spa...)

I know, I know, my life is so SOOO rough. :P

(I'll post some pictures up this week!)

Surprise!!!!!!!!

2011-12-19T04:28:00.000+03:00

If you are reading this post, I am so excited!! It means that I kept THE BEST surprise!!!

I was originally scheduled to leave Madagascar and get back to Canada on December 20th (it always confuses me how I'm flying for more than 24 hours, but somehow I make it to Canada the same date I leave Madagascar).

A few weeks ago, my grandma emailed me and told me they were renting a hall and having a big party to celebrate my grandfather's SEVENTY-FIFTH birthday!! The party was scheduled for the 18. Two days before I got there. These are the kinds of things that kind of make me sad when I'm here. I hate missing out on stuff that goes on back in Canada.

Anyway, I told my grandparents that I wouldn't be able to go because my tickets were already booked.

But the next day, I thought I'd just check to see if it was possible. Well, guess what!? I could change all my flights from Madagascar to Canada, still stay business class all of the way (I know, I know, I'm a princess!!), and it would only cost me 240 EUR!! I have no idea how that is even possible - making fairly last minute changes - with different airlines - for such a small cost!!

To avoid paying a gazillion dollars, I have to leave one day earlier than I'd like, and then spend a day and a half in Paris. Poor me, I know. I booked a very nice, extremely convenient hotel room on points, so I'll arrive, rest if I need to and then go to Disneyland Paris!!! Okay, so I am going by myself....and I'm over thirty...but I don't care!! I really want to see it!! Especially all decorated for Christmas!!

Anyway, after my day at Disneyland Paris, I'll head back to the hotel and catch my flight the next afternoon. I'll fly to Montreal and then to Edmonton. I'll take a taxi to a hotel I booked (using points!) and then I'll just go to the hall party, maybe a few minutes late, and just walk in and be like, Hey!! Happy Birthday!!!

I'm so excited. In effort to keep me from not spilling the beans, I haven't written any real-time blog posts. I wrote all of my posts before hand and scheduled them to post during and after my flying times.

I have a million and a half things to do before I go (including finishing moving!!) but I'm super excited for the birthday party!!!

Happy Birthday

2011-12-17T12:49:00.001+03:00

One of the harder things about working far away from home is the missed events, random get-togethers, and parties.

Tomorrow my grandpa is turning SEVENTY-FIVE!! My family is hosting a big bash at a nearby hall with a band and everything!! I know I'll see pictures, but it's just not the same. I know I'll be there for other birthdays...and events...and random get togethers...but I'll be missing everyone tomorrow. Hope they all have a drink for me!! (I'm partial to Mai-Tais at moment, if you really want to have one for me :P)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!!

Moving back to Camp Guantanamo

2011-12-16T18:53:00.013+03:00

Well, I knew it was coming for some time...but that doesn't mean I like it.

Over a year ago, we moved from camp into the village. Our house was awesome.
We had two rooms, a living room, a kitchen, a nice big bathroom - and a washer and dryer!! This was a HUGE step up from living in camp.

This week we had to start moving.

Here's our new place. It's roughly 35 duplexes that have been divided into two different units - each unit contains four rooms and one common area. The houses are in a compound and we have a bar, swimming pool, cafeteria, and gift shop (okay, it's not a gift shop, but calling it that sounds so less prison like than calling it a "commissary"). It is patrolled twenty four hours a day and is fenced in with high metal fences with razor wire.

My new running route. In the Village, they had different loops. Now I'm back to running a circle over and over and over again.

We have two rooms in the same unit.

We're using this one as our room.

And this one as ~~my closet~~ the "spare" room. We'll eventually put in a couch and make it into a living room.

But somehow I have to remember how I fit all my clothes into this teeny, tiny little closet. I did it for over a year...but now the task seems almost impossible.

Ok, so far, I didn't really have any complaints. And then...I remembered the laundry situation.

I spent hundreds of dollars replacing clothing because of the laundry service. I was lucky enough in the Village we had a washer and dryer so I could hide any clothes that I didn't want housekeeping to wash.

When I"m back in the new year, I'll be buying a washing machine so that I can wash some of my own clothes. It's a bit pricey, but so is replacing an entire wardrobe every six weeks!

As we left, I noticed this sign. What a lovely welcome back. Mosquitos and malaria are a big thing here, so they spray often. I guess it's not the worst thing but it always makes me wonder just what kind of chemicals I'm inhaling. (Side note: Every time I fly from Madagascar or South Africa - they always spray this ridiculously horrid smelling spray that's supposed to kill any pests. I think it just kills brain cells and shorten my life span...)

At least I'll be coming back to a bug-free environment.

Technically, we don't have to be out of our house until December 19th, so after moving, we came back to our place. Which I guess isn't our place anymore, but I still like to call it that.

Camp is really not that bad. Laundry issues aside...I lived there for a year and it didn't kill me. I'm just spoiled since I've lived in a house since last September. A few people are talking about renting places in town, which seems like an interesting idea, but it kind of depends on my work situation. I don't think there will be a requirement for me to stay in Finance after May 2012, but ideally, I'd like to stay in Madagascar for another year or so after my contract expires. If that's the case, then maybe we'll look into alternate arrangments, but for now, although it's no "Home Sweet Home", things could be A LOT worse!

When I'm back after the holidays, I'll start decorating and moving things around to make it look more pretty. :)

Christmas Season

2011-12-15T18:47:00.001+03:00

I don't know how many years it takes before it doesn't feel weird to see Christmas decorations when it's +35*C and sunny.

Independance Avenue has Christmas signs, the grocery stores have tacky garland everywhere and are playing Christmas songs, and just today, a mobile vendor (I have no idea what to call them - they hang around every store and sell sunglasses, dried fish, or watches) tried to sell me a mini santa suit or Santa hats. Toamasina is certainly experiencing the effects of having hundreds of foreigners moving into their city.

I hear Celine Dion signging Christmas music more often than I'd like (truth be told, I think more than 5 seconds is too much). But even driving around, it's like my eyes are seeing something that my brain can't compute.

Christmas Shopping

2011-12-14T19:00:00.003+03:00

So.... it’s Christmas time. Which always gets everyone thinking about what gifts to get for whom. I have a few gifts for my staff and one other guy (Moose Poop Guy. But this time it’s Reindeer Poop. No, the joke is NOT getting old!!). So here's my Christmas List

Louis’ driver

We have a really good driver and last year I got Louis’ driver gifts for his children and we gave him money so that he could take his family to stay with his extended family, who live 3 hours away from Toamasina.

Sort of good, but super smiley driver

He is really friendly and smiles a lot (he was also crying in my office one day after he got reamed out by the expatriate that he drives for and he didn’t understand if he got fired or not)

Driver I don’t really like and that isn’t reliable and kind of an ass

But - his wife had a baby this week. I know, I know. He should be taken off my list. We shall see.

Our Finace Driver

Love this guy. No question, he needs a gift.

It’s not like thousands of dollars I’m giving out… And it’s CHRISTMAS. And I’m sure if I lived in Canada, I would be making a donation to an organization, right?

It’s hard to remember the value of money here. When a driver makes less than $200 CAD per month, and feeds a family of four to eight people….well, a few hundred dollars split between a few people here doesn’t seem to be that much.

But there’s been one more person in my thoughts lately. Perhaps it’s because it’s Christmas, perhaps it’s because I’m at the end of my rotation, or perhaps it’s because I’m crazy (and always will be) – but I’ve been thinking about the driver that I tried to help a few months back - Julien.

The short story for anyone that doesn’t remember is that Julien was very sick, the family that he drove for was away in Canada, and because I was the only French speaking one in the office at that very moment, I went to help him get the medical care that he needed. I had the help of so many people here – some in Finance, some in HR, some who just happened to be on the same flight as him. As much help as we had – it didn’t matter. It was too late.

I really don’t like thinking about the two days that led up to his death. It was so chaotic and hectic that I still can’t totally piece together sequence of events or everything that happened. Sometimes I have the “…if only I had done this…” type of thoughts, which I know are purely emotional and not rational, but are hard none the less.

I know I need to accept that there plenty of places in the world – not just Africa – where if you have money, you get the right medical treatment. If you don’t have money, you die.

I know I can’t change or save the world. I’m not trying to. (Since I’ve moved here, I’ve stopped recycling. So REALLY – I should be giving even MORE money because I’m killing the environment. Oh. Um, there aren’t recycling facilities here either…)

Last night I was wrestling with the idea of giving his family money for the holidays. Our drivers are ecstatic whenever they get a Christmas cash bonus! But that just didn’t feel right.

So today, after analyzing the situation to death - I asked an employee to go with me into town, help me pick out a toy for Julien’s son and a basket full of fun goodies that his wife and family would like. I’ll write a simple note on a card to his wife, and I’m going to ask that our driver deliver the presents later. Something tells me our driver would be a more welcomed guest that a giant white vaza walking into her house (and possibly hitting my head on the ceilings). And to be super honest, I don’t want to know where he lives.

My goal isn’t to become part of his or his wife’s life. I just want to help in any way I can to ease the suffering, because at Christmas, the absent loved ones in your life are somehow missed even more.

Trial and Error

2011-12-12T10:22:00.002+03:00

So this “massage” I was talking about. All things Malagasy, I guess it wasn’t that horrible.

Olive Spa is where I got my first massage and I continued to go there for over a year. The massages started to deteriorate, so I quit going. I tried another spa, which was good at first, but again, the quality started to deteriorate – the masseur would rub one leg and forget the other, or have a cold and be sniffing the entire massage. And it was a good 45 minute drive which is hard to take after a long day ( due to very poor roads, its probably only a 10 or 15km drive).

A few months ago, we found The Calypso, which was pretty good! Until 100 000 MGA ($50 CAD) was stolen from Louis’ locker….so I thought we’d go back to the Olive Spa.

They had changed locations are now in a new building. The old building was kind of creepy, frequently lost electricity, but it was clean and I liked its atmosphere. There is a mosque down the road so whenever the power went out, candles would be lit and I could hear the singing/worship from the mosque.

Anyway – this new location isn’t fantastic, but it’s convenient.

We parked the truck and went inside. I was happily greeted by Juliette – a girl that used to work at the Olive Spa that gave great massages!

And then we walked in further…and saw…two beds. Both of them had dirty, off-white blankets covering them and stained towels. Okay. I tried to remember where I was, and that I used to come to the “old” Olive Spa, so just relax. I did however, forget that Juliette and the other staff do not leave the room while you undress. It’s.. ah…. kind of awkward when you’re not used to it.

So I de-robed, and got down on the (dirty) bed. The massage started. Juliette rubbed SO HARD and SO FAST, I felt like she was on speed. And it hurt!!! I have NO IDEA why I didn’t stop and say, Listen, Juliette. This isn’t what I expected, I’m leaving. No. I just sat there, in pain and discomfort, while she gave me a massage. I kind of hoped that Louis’ massage was going good, so at least one of us could enjoy ourselves.

After the massage, Juliette took very old, hard towels, rinsed them in hot water, and then scrubbed me off to get all of the massage oil. This hurt!!! And I can’t confirm if the towel was used to wash the floors for the entire week. Or if the towel was washed between customers.

Before we left, Juliette gave me some “magic cream” in an empty soap dish with no lid to rub on my thighs and stomach when I “do sports” and it will make me skinnier. She kept telling me that was her gift to me. Well, Juliette, I hope that’s the only “gift” I get from this massage.

We made the mistake of asking what the price was AFTER the massage and it was a RIDICULOUS price, but we were tired, frustrated, and just wanted the hell out of there. They asked us to leave via the backdoor (??) and we barely made it into the truck without laughing. Unfortunately Louis had the same experience as I. Painful, awkward, but his included the extra sensory experience of smelling the masseuse after her being out during a long, hot day in the sun. Ick.

I was so happy to come home and scrub and scrub and scrub.

I kept giving her the benefit of the doubt that things were getting better and just stayed the entire time. I don’t know why we didn’t just get up and leave. I guess it was just a long week.

The good news is, neither of us seemed to have caught any illness…and we have learned about another place we can try. Who would have guessed that Toamasina has four or more “spa”s? Hopefully our next experience is less... gross.

The iTouch Incident

2011-12-09T13:07:00.006+03:00

So….remember that iTouch? Uhh…yeah..

Well that entire day was kind of eventful. I spent parts of the day dealing with extremely frustrating stuff. Madagascar stuff, work stuff, personal (trying to get my money back) stuff, and the day ended with a ridiculous meeting. Combined with the day that I had, I was furious because one of the meeting attendees was disrespectful, condescending, inappropriate, and asked ridiculous, pointless questions. It’s so odd because outside of work this person is nice and friendly. At work - it’s a disaster. They become hostile and aggressive….almost attacking in nature. This person’s attitude wasn’t even directed at me, but I was so frustrated why some people are like this. Why don’t we work together to fix the problems instead of blaming (and laughing at!!!) the other party?? I actually left the meeting early. perhaps not my finest moment, but I was soon joined by two others.

This project, like any other, faces so many challenges and when I see behavior that is over-the-top disrespectful….well, yesterday it just struck a nerve with me.

Ok, so, Louis picked me up, we ate supper really quickly, and then we drove into town. We were trying out a new “spa” for a massage. (This massage needs a post of its own.)

We head back home after our “massage”, Louis was laughing, I was more like dry heaving in disgust.(Ok, slight exageration). The massage was painful and uncomfortable, but I kept saying in my head, I’m going to climb a mountain, I have to be prepared for pain. (????). We talked and laughed and cringed the entire ride home.

I get home, break open a bath gift set that I was planning to use for a birthday gift, take out the sponge thing, and hop in the shower. Ooops, I forgot the sponge thing on the sink. I get out of the shower, the sponge thing falls into the toilet. Urgh!!!

I get back in the shower and scrub and scrub – sans sponge thing - hoping to save myself from any germs/illness/body lice I may have picked up from the “spa”. But then I remember I couldn’t find my iTouch so I yell at Louis from the shower to look. Who yells back that he can’t find it.

I quickly finish scrubbing, barely dry off, and try to find my iTouch. No luck. And Louis? He’s on the computer!!!! He’s not tearing apart the house like I am. He’s not freaking out cursing Madagascar because everything gets stolen here (in fairness…..a lot DOES get stolen here)…What is wrong with this guy?!?!?!

So, I pull out the old, I’m pissed off because I lost something so I’m going to get mad at you too.

Why isn’t he panicking and looking for this iTouch???! (Which must be made out of solid plantinum, because I’m sure making a big deal out of finding it).

I know I’m nearing the end of my rotation, so I’m a little more tense… but yeah….not my finest moment.

Ahh, true love is grand.

If this is true....Louis has his work cut out for him! :P
(Source)

Anyway, the night ended with both of us going to bed mad. Me, because I lost my iTouch and Louis didn't think that the world was ending because of it; and Louis - because his girlfriend's brain was kidnapped by aliens and replaced by this bat-sh*t crazy one.

Somehow I managed to sleep without the “Relax &Get to Sleep” App. Even though I cried about it before falling asleep (I’m sorry, I wish I was making this up).

This morning, Louis generously offered to get ready first, which means that I can sleep in an extra fifteen minutes or so. And then of course, I apologize. And because he’s who he is, he accepts my apology, tells me I’ve used up my “Jerk Credit” for the month and we go back to talking about our horrific massage experience the night before.

As we said goodbye, I apologized again, feeling like an idiot for taking out my bad mood on him, and we leave each other laughing about how stupid the whole thing was.

I get up to my office and GUESS WHAT. I found it.

Source

Sitting behind the screen of my laptop. Yesterday I went through every nook and cranny in my office…I went through EVERY piece of paper I’ve ever had. But didn’t look behind my screen.

I called Louis. I’m pretty sure he was even expecting it. I told him the good news….and apologized again. Crap.

But seriously, you all knew this was coming. Like, honestly, reading the original post….you SO KNEW I was going to find it, right?????!!! I'm special sometimes.

Immaterial

2011-12-08T20:37:00.001+03:00

I know it's just a material thing. But I am like, REALLY attached to this thing. For running, for entertainment, for relaxing, for sleeping (the "Relax & Get to Sleep-type Apps are amazing). Yoga, Bootcamp, Movies, TV shows, reading, writing...it's always with me.
I was pretty sure I brought it to work with me. I'm more likely to forget my phone. It goes with me everywhere.

I couldn't find it mid-morning. I thought maybe I'd left it at home. Then I thought that was impossible, so I cleaned my office. This is a big task. I am Queen of Paper Piles. I found a dead spider that somehow got trapped in the collection of pens, paper, nail polish (??), lip gloss, lotion bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, VIA packages, and gum. No iTouch.

I came home. No iTouch. My iTouch is ~~stolen~~ ~~lost~~ missing.

The last time I lost one, I KNEW exactly where I'd left it (and I got it back some time later, Thank you Air Canada (I bet they don't hear that very often!!)). It just seems weird because it goes everywhere with me. I care more about it than my wallet (stupid, but true).

It's just a thing. Replaceable (oh, man, but so expensive to replace....)

But, still, I'm really pissed off about it. And going the next however many days without it, and then flying home, is really, really, really going to really, really suck ass. Like A LOT.

Kenya - February 2012

2011-12-07T19:45:00.005+03:00

My December rotation hasn’t yet started but I’m already super pumped about my February rotation, which includes a few days in the United Arab Emirates visit with Louis, and then I’m flying to Nairobi for a mountain treck!!

For some reason, regardless that I’ve never been interested in mountain climbing or hiking, I’ve wanted to climb Mount Kilamanjaro. But the more and more I read about it, the less and less I’m sure I want to do it. Altitude sickness is a very serious thing and you can be like, whether you’re an ultra elite marathon runner or a out of shape office worker, you never truly know how it’s going to effect you until you’re up there. It’s kind of a cop out, but spending thousands of dollars on a vacation only to not climb the freaking mountain, kind of deters me.

So I found an option that is better suited for me. It’s still a bit of a stretch… I think it will have plenty of challenges, but I’m looking forward to it.

I get to Nairobi in the afternoon, I’ll spend the night in my hotel and then meet up with my group.

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi via Dubai. Chill out in my super nice room.

Day 2: Meet up with tour guides and then spend the day doing touristy things in Nairobi.

Day 3: Hike 10 km to Old Moses Camp (4 hours hiking time, starting altitude 2610m, ending altitude 3300m).

We'll drive through Kikuyu Farmlands, arriving at the town of Nanyuki for any last minute preparations, and on to the Sirimon gate of Mt. Kenya National park at 2600m. Baboons and elephants will mst likely be seen as we hike up through the forest.

Day 4: Hike 16km to Shipton's Camp (8 hours hiking time, starting altitude 3300m, ending altitude 4200m).

We'll cross Liki and Mackinders valleys with a great view of Tereri and Sendeo peaks, Nankyki town and beautiful terrain.

Day 5: This is a day to acclimatize to the altitude. We do a short four hour walk, then have lunch and just relax (Um…I have to Google “Spa at Shipton’s Camp”. I want a massage after all this hiking!

Day 6: Hike 9 km to Lenana Peak / Chogoria park gate (8 hours, starting altitude 4200km, ending altitude 4985km).

Alpine ascent of the third highest peak point Lenana (4,985m). It will take us a at least 4 hours of stiff walking to the summit. Then, we’ll descend down the Chorogia route to stay in the Meru Mount Kenya bandas.

Now here's where it gets extra crazy. We wake at 2.30am climb three hours to get there for sunrise. We’ll be able to see Mt. Kilimanjaro's highest peaks, Indian Ocean from the east and Mt. Elgon from the west.

After our “oohing” and “ahhing”, we go back to Shipton’s camp for breakfast and then climb back to Meru Mount Kenya bandas.

Day 7: Wake up, eat breakfast, and drive via 4x4 to Chogoria Town. Have lunch and then head back to Nairobi.

Day 8 and 9: Hang out in Nairobi, get a pedicure, massage, and possibly a haircut if I haven’t been able to already (I tried getting a haircut here a few months ago, the results were hideous).

So ya. Typing this all out KINDA scares the crap out of me and excites me at the same time. I’ll be like a REAL mountain climber!! Although I’ve taken some pretty luxurious vacations, I really like getting dirty too (like I said, as long as I can have a massage and a pedicure after!), so I hope this is first of more rough and rugged vacations!

I live the life of a Rockstar

2011-12-05T19:33:00.001+03:00

Working in Madagascar with the lemurs, travelling around the world every six weeks - business class none the less - well, it's nothing short of the life of a rockstar.

So I thought I'd post a few pictures of the week of my rockstar life.

Monday, I forgot my runners in the truck so I did a bootcamp workout I downloaded.

Wednesday I had a work supper that left me in a super cranky mood. It was a pretty fun night, but I was a little bitter that I was left to walk home in the PITCH black (I should have pushed the issue and got a ride home) and fell and got a scratch on my leg.

Thursday - I went to bed with a little lizard. Bungalows on the beach? Open-concept hotels? I can deal with a lizard. My home? In my bedroom? I had visions of his running over my face or something. I tried to catch him but Louis thought I was going to kill him so he stopped me. Damn him.

Saturday I played tour guide to an Internal Auditor. We came across this gem. It's a zebu foot turned into a candy dish. Doesn't everyone pine for a bovine-candy dish?

Saturday night, I had big plans. Mai Tai Making.

Mai tai attempt #2 was a hit. A little strong, but it was good. But it turned my kitchen into a disaster.

The new cooler! Appropriately named "Tank".

"Tank" is how one of the Quebecers ends every email. He means "Thanks" but as English is his second language, he says, "Tank". And...he's been on the project for years. And every email is signed off the same way. And no one has been nice enough to tell him his mistake. And this is funny, because French people say hilarious things in English (just some examples: What the sh*t? What the hells? I thing I know the answer!) just as English people (like me) say hilarious things in French (Je vais perdes mes cerveaux!). It's these tiny little things that sometimes can make a crappy day into a less crappy day. :)

So, we brought Tank to a BBQ. And...we stayed until maybe 22h00?? I was beat after a long week at ~~rockstardom~~ work.

The next day, we had a Tank to take care of and it was bright and sunny.

After lazing around most of the day, we went to the pool for the typical pool party. I meant to take pictures of the fun I was having, but I forgot. Mai Tais will do that to you.

Louis had his share of fun! He was especially fond of the Mai Tais.

We had a fun walk home, which included walking for supper in the pitch black (as usual there was no power on the pathway), we ran into some rats (or rat-looking animal) and ate supper at the camp with a few collegues, while pretending to not be drunk on Mai Tais.

And then I went to bed.

Yes, the life of a rockstar. Possibly a retired ninety-year old rockstar. Same difference.

The Secret to Life - by Me.

2011-12-02T20:18:00.000+03:00

I go through phases. Like everyone, probably.

But my phase right now has been, What's wrong with me and why aren't I blissfully happy?

Here's my own rant, and my own advice, to myself, and to anyone else that feels likes like they want to read my crazy tonight.

I've been looking at my life like some kind of calculus equation.

If, x²+y^x(z²) - 12 = maximized happiness.

x is?
y is?
z is ?

I've been feeling like I'm on some kind of quest to identify the variables, when, if I just sat back, instead of trying to solve the problem, the end answer of x, y, and z is: It Really Doesn't F*cking Matter (I really do think an Fbomb is warranted there).
As long as I continue to breathe, wake up, do whatever it is that I've been doing, everything else will work itself out. Cause that's how it's worked for the last 31 years and things have turned out pretty good.

(Can someone remind me of this when I'm having a meltdown in three days because [insert any reason from what I want to do when I grow up to the fact that we ran out of bread])

Instruction Manual

2011-12-01T20:08:00.002+03:00

I’m really tired, and when I’m really tired I’m partial to moodiness, crankiness (maybe that’s the same thing?), and just general weirdness.

Sometimes I’m not quite sure how to handle a working situation like this. I feel like my down time is becoming less and less. Should I continue with this expatriate lifestyle, I think I need to seriously consider becoming residential and not rotational. Yes, it means less holidays (like more than half!!!) but I might get a better quality of life.

Residents work hours are 8h00 to 17h00, Monday to Friday, and they get all national holidays off (I think there are at LEAST twelve during the year).

This would also mean that I don’t get to have all over the world holidays. Or if I do…it means that I pay for them myself. Which isn’t the end of the world.

I took the option to work 6h30 to 18h30 instead of 7h00 to 19h00 (and actually fought for it!) so that I can get a run in a few times a week, but I’m still adapting to it.

I’m just tired of being tired. Tired of hurrying so that I can go to bed so that I don’t feel tired the next morning.

The project has changed a lot. When I first came, it was party/social central. Everyone wanted to hang out together and there was always something going on. There still are things going on, but it’s just different. The people that got here a couple of years ago have changed along the way just like I have too. I had my year and a bit of mega partying, and although that wasn’t sustainable, I feel like it’s dropped off to almost nothing. We still go by the pool or go sailing and have fun, but I don’t have the energy to get together with people like I used to.

And I value my “own” time SO much. Like SO much. Yesterday I had a work supper and I was beyond annoyed. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the fun, or the company (actually, I think I made a new friend), but it was the fact that I HAD to do something. My day is all about “have tos”

Have to wake up at 5h05

Have to leave the house at 5h50

Have to finish eating by 6h20

Have to be at work by 6h30

Have to take lunch/be back at work at 12h00/13h00

Have to stay until 18h30

Have to run Monday, Wednesday, Friday (running three times a week almost never actually happens!)

Have to get to bed before 22h00 so that I’m not exhausted during the day.

That leaves me roughly an hour and a half every evening to myself.

In this hour and a half, I have to get everything ready for the next morning, have a shower, and then watch a tv show or to and then go to bed.

I could totally go out for supper with friends, but I don’t think to set anything up.

I could totally go for tennis lessons like I did a few times, but again, I forget or just don’t feel like it at the end of the day.

I could totally go out dancing Saturday night, but 95% of the time, I’m just waiting for the moment my head touches the pillow.

I realize that this probably sounds like a Oh, poor me post. I’m not complaining. Ok, scratch that. I’m totally complaining but more just to get my thoughts out rather than looking for any kind of sympathy. This job is the most amazing opportunity I’ve had in my life and I am more than grateful for it. I just wish I felt more balanced. And I’d like a few more hours in the day. I’m sure next week I’ll be all about laughing at some kind of poop joke, but this week I just feel like I’m struggling.

Luckily, today I found some helpful instructions. :)

Boring Pics, Fun Day

2011-11-28T20:13:00.001+03:00

When it's nice out, we like to spend some time by the pool. The gated village we live in (until December 13th :( ) has a new pool that seems to have brought back some of the liveliness that used to be around these parts.

Since visiting Hawaii, Louis and I have been in love with Mai Tais. But they don't exactly serve them here. So after a couple of months of hunting down the ingredients, we got everything we needed, according to many websites, anyway.

Guava Juice
Pineapple Juice
Lime Juice
Simple Syrup
Orange/Almond Flavoring
Light Rum
Dark Rum
Grand Marnier.

We were set for the booze component.

I played Martha Stewart and made some simple syrup.

And somehow we I turned our kitchen into this:

Oh well. We made some adjustments to the disgusting recipe and were off to the pool. It doesn't look that sunny out but it was SUPER hot. This time of year, the pool water feels like warm bath water.

And then the horseplay starts. It seems that every Sunday is "How Many Times Can We Push Each Other Into The Pool" or "How Many Times Can we Beam Unsuspecting People With A Nerf Football In The Head" day. At one point, I ended up tearing the football in two.

But it was fun to get out. I haven't been doing enough of it lately. I missed a fun party on Friday because of some random crap, and I like, REALLY need to make more of an effort to socialize more. The hours, the stress, the early wake-up calls....they make me tired. But I need more days like this. Perhaps without receiving a football to the head, though. :)

Water, water, everywhere....

2011-11-24T21:34:00.001+03:00

Our company has scaled back some of our luxuries and we are no longer provided with 1.5L of bottled water. While I agree that it's a waste of money and makes a huge impact to the environment, I have become become picky with my water. WATER of all freaking things!!! Like I don't already have enough crap to be picky about.

Anyway, this is the same water that they provide us with now in the big office-type water coolers. And we're supposed to be all enviro-friendly and use our reusable bottles provided (that I'm sure are made with BPCs or whatever that bad plastic is called).

It tastes like worms. No, I wasn't like Ralphy and ate worms and paste when I was little. But if you ever wonder what worms taste like, drink this water, and then you'll be like, What is that weird taste? It's something....I can't put my finger on...I think it tastes like worms!!! Unfortunately I bought a dozen bottles pre-worm taste, so I'm not sure what we are going to do with it.

Now this water tastes normal. It's even clearly labeled that it's "Safe for Babies" to drink, but it's bottled here, so I can never tell if it's safe. But it's my water of choice.

Now THIS water is most often available (unless we don't have electricity and/or the generator isn't working). But it will most likely make you sick (even if you use it to brush your teeth) and it's chemically treated, so I'm sure it's not the water of choice.

And in a pinch, there's always this kind of water. But it tastes a bit strong. And I always end up with a major headache the next morning from it.

Why the post about the water?

No idea. I'm overtired.

Nature's High

2011-11-21T20:48:00.002+03:00

Although I wasn't exactly feeling 100% yet, I HAD to go for a run to get some endorphins or whatever they are called.
I also needed something to forget all of the a**holes I had in my life today. (I wish I could exclude myself from the a**hole list...but today...not so much.)

I guess that's what a good night's sleep is for. It has definitely been one of "those" days. Yay for tomorrow.

Crappy Week

2011-11-20T20:41:00.001+03:00

I guess it’s no secret that I can, at times, have a toilet sense of humor. And I think it got worse here since...well..just cause.

So when I was on holidays, I found a toy that I wanted to bring back for my Moose-Be co-worker. It’s a dog, dressed up as a reindeer, that poops chocolate peanuts. Like, who comes up with these things? And, how many million dollars have they made on stupid ideas like this?

I was going to save it as a Christmas gift, but I found out that he just came back from a close family member’s funeral…so I thought this would be a good first day back to work.

Here it is.

I unwrapped the toy, filled his “belly” with the candy, and then made a “walking noise” while the dog walked along and the made the.. um…other kind of noise, and the dog-reindeer hybrid pooped on the desk.

Yes, he was very excited.

I sent this picture out to three colleagues. And we laughed liked ten year olds do when they hear a fart joke (minus the smiley face since I'm not sure if he'd appreciate his picture on the world wide web :D)

I had a crappy week (and not the chocolate covered nut kind), it ended off even worse, so having a stupid, immature little things like this to laugh about, really, really, really helps. (That and good coffee.)

Drugs are good

2011-11-20T18:47:00.001+03:00

...at least in this case.

Since taking the FIVE different medicines, I'm almost feeling like a human again.

I'm sure it's not the healthiest thing in the world to ingest that many medications (plus one given by needle!!) but I can't believe how much better I feel 24 hours later.

Welcome back...

2011-11-19T18:34:00.001+03:00

This time I waited just half a day before heading to the doc's. Let's hope this concoction takes care of things quickly.

Ever changing Travel Plans!

2011-11-15T16:20:00.001+03:00

Louis & I got on the flight today leaving Johannesburg thinking we'd be home by supper. Nope!
We got to Tana, but our flights were cancelled due to storms. All of the company charter flights are full for tomorrow.
Options:
- Another charter will run at 06h00 (NOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooo!!!!)\
- Another charter will run around 9h00 (YEssssss!!!!)
- Someone finds ten of us seats on an Air ~~Scare~~ Madagascar flight.

Seriously hoping for a 09h00 flight.

UPDATE: It's a 06h00 flight. This sucks.

Last day of Vacation Ramble

2011-11-14T20:29:00.001+03:00

Last night, I flew Swiss Air for the second time and boy do I hope I can fly with them again. First, they hand you Swiss chocolate, and second, they have a lay-flat bed where the flight attendant comes and makes the bed for you - like a sheet and new pillow and everything. When you arrive, there is a "greeter" guy there for you that fast-tracks you through customs. I totally felt like a movie star!!

I totally thought I was up for an awesome vacation day in Johannesburg. BUT I didn't take into account that I would have been on a plane for ten hours and that Louis would be working with an eight hour time change.

Anyway, even though it was a super nice bed, I didn't sleep well, Louis was mega-jetlagged, and we had to nagivate around the most confusing mall ever. Sandton City is Joberg's claim to fame mall, and it is a bunch of malls all connecting together in a confused maze. I had to get people to repeat directions multiple times and then would just end up bringing Louis in with me to try and figure out where to go and what they are saying. Sometimes in some places I just can't grasp the accent. I also think my brain cell count today has dropped due to lack of sleep last night - comfortable bed and all.

I thought we'd do a bit of shopping but I could barely keep my eyes open, and Louis looked like he was a zombie sleep walking. Kind of a good thing we left because I could spend a month's salary at Woolworths.

I just ordered what will be my last salad for six weeks. :(

It came with the wrong kind of lettuce and was missing a component....I thought about just eating it and then I was like, Come on! I'm not going to be able to eat any interesting lettuce or vegetable (apart from tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots) for the next six weeks, so take your stupid salad back and bring it back to me with the right lettuce. I guess I continued on with the "movie star" routine of this morning.

Tomorrow we're up at 06h00 to have the best breakfast of my life. I'm not sure what it is about this hotel, but I am obsessed with their breakfasts. Every kind of fruit imaginable, amazing service, all kinds of things that I don't get back in the jungle.

It's not quite 20h00....but I think I'll be asleep within the hour....and I'll be back in the jungle by supper time tomorrow!!

Perfection

2011-11-13T16:51:00.001+03:00

Right now, I'm in the airport lounge waiting for my flight to Zurich, where I'll be for a few hours and then I'll be off to Johannesburg for nearly 24 hours.

My vacation plans changed I don't know how many times, but everything worked out absolutely perfect. Today is definitely not an ostrich/flamingo day. I'm feeling pretty lucky (and no, I'm not drunk on champagne :P).

Kids and Travelling

2011-11-11T12:25:00.000+03:00

I've made it no secret that I have zero idea about kids. I mean, yes, put me in a locked house with them, and I can feed, bathe, and clothe them, but it's almost a guarantee that there will be tears (on their part and mine), I won't think to feed the kids until I'm hungry, and that their diaper and/or clothes will probably be on backwards.

Just a little foreshadowing on my spur-of-the-moment idea to "go somewhere fun and random".

The city I'm staying in is pretty small, and since we only had a toddler and a five month old to take care of (the kid was in school), I thought it would be a fun trip. We had heard there are fun stores in Evergreen. One of them being Stone Manor, a British store. It's a quick 81.6km? What could go wrong?

The red arrows signify toddler meltdowns.

So we got to this store....and I think we were expecting Walmart, but we got sort of...corner store stocked with British food. Again with the weird flavored chips. Haggis?? Seriously.

Shopping with a toddler is wonderful as well. I'm not sure I came up with this thought that toddlers were like no maintenance and just behaved when you want them to. I think being a toddler is a hard job. You want everything - but you're not allowed it. You want to talk to everyone - but they can barely understand you. I'd like to say I'm more patient with toddlers... but I'm not quite there yet. Maybe in a couple of years. :)

After the drive and shopping, I needed a thirty-second time out for some peace and quiet. I think my friend is a freaking superstar. She kept her cool while there was some loud crying from the toddler and baby - and we can't forget some scary driving on my part. And she's not like, on traqualizers or anything.

So, we thought, it's only like 20 minutes away to the next town, so let's go.

Except in traffic, it's more like forty minutes away. And when we got there...we couldn't really find anything. We found a few shops, had a carb party with some fancy european baked goods, and got back in the car.

And we did what anyone would do with a toddler and a girl living in Africa where there's no drive-thru restaurants. We went to the happiest place on earth. No, not Disneyland.

We programmed the GPS to the next McDonalds. That cheeseburger, Coke, and fries were awesome. The toddler liked her lunch too.

After lunch, it was naptime. For me, anyway.

(Just so you know, I'm having like a super wicked time here. But my eyes have been ripped open for what it's like having a family of youngters. I'm sure my pal is looking forward to when I have kids and she can watch the gong show!! :P)

24 hours in the UK and my Dirty Little Secret.

2011-11-09T20:11:00.000+03:00

Before I came, my friend booked us on a day tour to Canterbury, UK. The town is mainly famous for it's three cathedrals.

We started REALLY early. Like four am early.

The baby didn't seem to mind. He was up for a party on the bus! :) (Yes, I'm still wearing the hat. It's cold!)

Best travelling baby!!!

What's a day trip without me dumping a bottle of water IN my purse and on myself? I think this is pretty standard now.

After napping for a few hours, a border crossing, crossing underneath the ocean, we had arrived!

It was a quick five minute walk into town.

We were told to hit up the cathedrals first, but really....we wanted to shop. And shop we did. Soon it was time for lunch and we found a Marks & Spencer diner.

And what's that!??!?! A STARBUCKS!!?!!!

It was all-in with some gazillion calorie coffee drink.

And then we found the UK version of Dollarama! I could have spent a few hours in here. :P

Finally we made our way to the first cathedral.

A few minutes after we arrived, there was a quick prayer being held. Good timing.

We could have spent all day in the cathedrals, and the other cathedrals, but we were more in a walking around kind of mood. And I think we were both excited just to be in a country where we could speak English.

Ben and I had a photo shoot with our matching special hats.

British smiles!!!

We got back on the bus and they made a stop to Tesco, which is kind of like Walmart.
We were impressed and amazed by the different kinds of foods - especially the weird flavors of chips. Butter?? Prawn Cocktail?

Ham?

This was pretty hard to pass up. But....I somehow managed to.

Busted!!! There were like a bazillion different kinds of chocolate!!!

I thought about buying some to bring back... but first, I wasn't feeling well, and second, come on. I'd never bring any back. Except in my belly.

Alright. I am publically coming out of the closet here. No hate mail please. I have a dirty secret. I have this "thing" with breaking chocolate bars. Yes, it is weird. Yes, I'm in therapy. But I think it is like the funnest thing to do EVER.

After Tesco we got back on the bus, went through the chunnel again (our bus actually boarded the train, we never even had to get off?), and got back home around midnight.

Loved spending the day in the UK!!

Also, quick change of plans. I wasn't feeling fantastic today and decided to hang a few more days in Belgium.

Afternoon Run

2011-11-07T19:24:00.001+03:00

I went for a short run today, the scenery was totally different than what I'm used to! It's crazy how much easier running is when it's not 90% humidity and +33*C!

(Sorry Oil....it was a borrowed toque....)

Tomorrow we're off (very, very early) to Canterbury for the entire day!

Flamingo

2011-11-07T01:10:00.001+03:00

There are MANY times that I've wanted to get a different blog where people I don't know can't read it. I used to find the process of writing as an outlet to get all of the crazy out of my head (and onto the world wide web? How does that make sense??). But now, I am more guarded as to what I put out there.

The very short version is, tonight, today, I pretty much feel like crap. I should be on top of the world. I'm able to travel, I am healthy (okay, everything except my stomach is healthy!), I have a job, I have family and friends that love me. I'm embarrased to say that I don't feel 100% happy - because I'm on freaking vacation!!! Like, come on!!

But there are days, maybe everyone has them, where I am overwhelmed with....normal life things and want to put my head in the sand for like....a week. I hope to look back on this post a few months from now having figured out a way to avoid wanting to play flamingo.

I don't know how it's possible to have a fun day or a bunch of fun and happy moments, and then almost simultaneously feeling like total crap and want to crawl into bed. But somehow I've found a way. I don't know if this happens to other people, or just crazy-overanalytical-weird people like me. One thing I know, is that everything always looks better after a good night's sleep.

My day in Brussels

2011-11-06T17:24:00.001+03:00

My friend that I'm staying with lives in a small town about a one hour train ride from Brussels. We left just before noon so that we could have lunch in Grand Place - in other words, pay a ridiculous amount of money for poor quality food. :)

Total poser shot pretending to eat some fish row. Ick.

My first beer in Belgium. More like raspberry pop than anything.

The tour started and we went to the oldest pub, dating back somewhere to the 1600s. I think? For some reason the details are a little fuzzy.

At each bar, we tasted a variety of beers. I don't drink beer, but I had a sip of all of them. Okay, maybe a few sips. Okay, maybe almost an entire mini-glass.

This one was nice. But not very flavorful.

I think I'd drink this beer on a hot day.

Not such a fan. Also...who names their beer Malheur? (Means, misfortune in French. I wish I could remember the story behind this....)

After three beer tastings...I think they were all pretty much the same. But I remember this one because it was over 12% alcohol.

Our tour group. Only beer could bring this odd combination together. Two Cubans that live in NYC, one snobby British/American girl that had an accent, one girl from New Jersey, three Englishmen, and our Belgian tour guide.

I was like TOTALLY behaving (like, for real) and after this shot, our tour guide came up to me, gently rubbed my arm and told me that the goal of the tour was not to get drunk and to please be careful. I was like....wha???

First - Did I just get in trouble from the teacher??
Second - I was the only one being good!
Third - The objective of a beer tour is NOT to get drunk? What freaking planet are you from!!!

What didn't help my case is the matching outfits we bought for the tour. We took this occasion to have a little fashion shoot.

Yes. We are that sexy.

The British guys were hilarious and awesome. Here's my favorite. This was our "British smile".

Moving on to the next bar and the next beer. This one tasted similar to THB in Madagascar.

And it came with a shot?

How come these guys didn't get the warning from the tour guide?

I wish I rememebered what "trappist" meant. I expected a lot more information on the beer - where it's from, the history behind the brewery, what to look for when tasting it.

Instead it was a lot of tomfoolery (yay! love that new word!) with the English dudes. I think we were a little too wild for the British/American & NJ girls.

I had to stop drinking here. The glasses were very small, but the alchohol percentages can be pretty high...and I knew that if I wanted to say....find my way home, I better go back to "tasting" mode.

Our last beer was a chocolate beer, but I didn't take a picture of it. I had one sip and thought it was revolting. I never thought I could say that about anything chocolate....but it was pretty weird.

We had an awesome day and an awesome time!!! There was some confusion on how to get back home, but we managed. My friend had a full day sans kids, and we had a day together to act like losers while getting "culterized" on this historic tour. :P

Belgian Beer Tour

2011-11-05T22:54:00.001+03:00

Cost of Belgian Beer Tour € 120
Cost of Train tickets € 19
Cost of Ridiculously Overpriced Lunch € 50
Cost of Matching "Fur" hats €30
Cost of Matching "Belgian Beer" T-shirts € 25.90

Cost of pretending it's nine years ago and that we're on summer break from school....

Priceless. (Except I think back then we weren't in bed by 22h00... :P Pictures to be posted tomorrow. I gotta get my old butt in bed.)

When in Rome Belgium...

2011-11-04T19:51:00.000+03:00

Tomorrow we've got a babysitter and we're going on a tour to Brussels (about 1 hour by train) and going on a beer tour!

Typically, I don't drink beer, but it's a walking tour with 8 beer tastings, some history, and touristy fun (Although I secretly want to do the chocolate tour again....).

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Lesson of the day

2011-11-04T11:38:00.001+03:00

When bathing a two-year old, dumping a bucket full of water on their head to wash their hair will result in a level red meltdown.

Bienvenue

2011-11-02T16:39:00.000+03:00

Nothing says "Welcome to Europe" better than having to find a bank machine, take out Euros, buy something to make change, paying .50 Euros to use the bathroom that's freezing cold, smells like dried urine and has ice cold water to wash your hands.

But the greeting at the train station was well, well worth it. Yah. I kinda wanted to cry. It's been too long since I've been here. Can't wait to spend the next week here. :)

Officially on Vacation

2011-11-01T20:41:00.000+03:00

1. I made it out of Madagascar. This is the travel process that stresses me out the most. Customs/security/pushy people everywhere sucks. This time we had a project representative take care of everything. WOW!!
2. In my favorite airport.....but didn't have time to shop around or eat sushi and drink sparkling wine. Yup, super tough life.
3. Boarding my next flight - we have a quick stopover in Zurich. Just a few more flights and I'll be in Belgium! Woo hoo!!

The Good, The Bad Ah, who cares, I'm on vacation!!!

2011-10-31T21:56:00.000+03:00

Well.

The Good: In general, I've had okay luck with travel. Other people have had it MUCH worse (delayed in London for four days over Christmas, one guy was refused entry due to customs error and had to fly back to Paris from Reunion – a mere 10 hours), but the month of October is NOT MY MONTH FOR RELIABLE TRAVEL.

The Bad: First, it was the Kenyan tour. Ok, REALLY not a big deal….although I’m still fighting for my money back….I got a pretty good deal out of it and am spending a full week with my BFFs that I haven’t seen in a year.

This little Turkey expedition. A quick four days, but I was looking forward to it. After I contacted the travel agency, they told me they couldn’t book it. This is now TWICE in ONE MONTH where I have been burned by this company. (I’m in the process of getting MORE than just the funds for my trip repaid! This, is, The Ugly!).

Anyway, I’m keeping my Turkey flights and hotels, but I won’t have anything organized. After talking to a few expats, this doesn’t seem that bad. I’m also staying in old Istanbul which is close to EVERYTHING! I spoke with a few people yesterday who talked about how safe it was, how great it was, and I’m looking forward to it. Disappointed that the tour didn’t go through, but it’s still going to be a wicked good time.

This tour company I used was well recommended and reputable.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/

However, I would strongly advice against it. Poor customer service, unreliable, and just generally CRAPPY!!! Boo Intrepid Travel!!!!!

Now, onto bigger and better things. I’m flying to Johannesburg airport tomorrow. I LOVE THE JHB airport. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. You can have sparkling wine IN THE FOOD COURT. They have fruit there. They have shops there.

Oh – and on the way back, we spend the night in Johannesburg. As I’ve said before, I heart Johannesburg.

So really - none of this matters because....I’M ON VACATION AS OF 11H00 TOMORROW!!!

Sunday Demands- Yo Da laeeoouuu!!!! (is that how you spell a yodel?)

2011-10-30T20:49:00.004+03:00

I had the best Sunday that I've had in a REALLY long time. I even took PICTURES of the day. I was all set to do a regular post, like in the good ol' days, where day-to-day life was interesting and worth while posting pics.

However, my night has gotten a bit tense.

I'm leaving in two days. Flying to Paris with Louis and then meeting up with my BFFs that I haven't seen in NEARLY A YEAR.

And then I hear on the radio that Air France is on strike.

MOTHER F.

There's been a few times this kind of stuff has come up and I've made the best of it. Not this time. I'm getting to Paris, I don't care how.

I could have just cancelled my ticket and flown through Reunion and then to Paris - except I can't book it on line and it's a National holiday Monday and Tuesday.
I can fly to Johanesburg to Frankfurt. BUT I'd have to figure out a way to get to Antananarivo tomorrow.

To this point, Air France's message has been, "Keep checking back and see the status of your flight".

I am not feeling tremendously patient.

Get me to Tana. As scheduled.
Get me to Paris. As scheduled.

***edited later on. I'm getting to Paris. I don't care how. Screw you AF.

***2nd edit: Air France has been cancelled. Condions are expected to get worse. :(
New Travel Plan:
Nov 1: Leave Toamasina six hours earlier to Tana
Nov 2: Fly from Tana to Johannesburg via South African Airways. Eat supper and then get on a Swiss Air flight to Paris, with a brief stopover in Zurich.
rest of the plans are the same until
November 13: Fly from Paris to Zurich to Johannesburg. Only a few hours in Zurich, but Louis is already telling me that we have to find a place to have a Swiss fondue. :S
November 14: Arrive in Johannesburg - about an hour too late to catch the flight to Tana.
Spend the night. So So So So SSOOO hoping to stay at this one hotel THAT IS AMAZING, but not sure my budget can afford it....
November 15: Fly from Joberg to Tana, catch the charter to Toamasina.

Phew. I have to admit I was a little panicky. Air France is supposed to return to work on the 3rd of November....but depending on how things go, my little trip to Istanbul might have to be changed around.

Who cares, I'm officially making it to Paris!

Geography and History Class

2011-10-28T16:55:00.001+03:00

Original Trip Plans:
October 28: Leave for Antananarivo
October 29: Leave for Nairobi, Kenya. Spend a couple of days getting spa’d.
October 31: Begin camping/hiking trip up Mt Kenya (I’m too scared still for Kilimanjaro. The altitude sickness thing freaks me out.)
November 7: Return to Nairobi. Sleep in a fancy hotel.
November 8: Return to Antananarivo and then hop on the charter to Toamasina

Revised Trip Plans:
November 1: Leave for Antananarivo
November 2: Fly to Paris, take train to friend’s place in Belgium
November 5: Spend the day in Brussels on a history/beer tour (still working this one out)
November 8: Take day tour to Canterbury, England.
November 12: Leave for Paris, drop off suitcase and spend the day at EuroDisney. (Have no idea about this one. I could not stop thinking about freaking Euro Disney!! I was even trying to get there a day earlier and spend the night in the park).
November 13: Arrive in Antananarivo
November 14: hop on the charter to Toamasina

Revised Revised Trip Plans:
November 1: Leave for Antananarivo
November 2: Fly to Paris, take train to friend’s place in Belgium
November 5: Spend the day in Brussels on a history/beer tour (still working this one out)
November 8: Take day tour to Canterbury, England.
November 9: Take train to Paris, hop on flight to Istanbul
November 10: Take a two day tour through Istanbul and back to Gallipoli Pennisula
November 12: Leave Istanbul and fly to Paris. Spend the night in an airport hotel
November 13: Meet up with Louis, fly to Antananarivo
November 14: hop on the charter to Toamasina

Um. 24 hours ago I didn’t know Istanbul was in Turkey (yes, I am that clueless). I’m not sure where the Turkey thing came from. I sent out an email to a travel group I knew, then by the afternoon it was already booked. Hotels, tours, flights, everything. My only regret (yes, I am this pathetic) is that I didn’t use my miles so that I could fly business class.

So. I get to fly to Tana and Paris with Louis, then I get to see my most favoritest people for an entire week, hang out with them, take a day tour or two, and then take a historical tour of Turkey? Oh, and then meet up with Louis and fly back with him to Toamasina? I don’t think this has all set in.

Random fact: I was horrible in geography and history and almost every year I BARELY passed. Like, I REALLY sucked. Bigtime. And now? I’m paying my money out of my own pocket (travel allowance for the rest of the year is at about $200) to learn about geography and history. Hm.

As a Matter Of Fact

2011-10-27T22:21:00.002+03:00

A couple of weeks ago, I read a super good quote. "Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind, don’t matter." This made me think about a few comments I’ve received.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend the past two years in Madagascar. Working for an interesting company, with interesting people, in a verrrry interesting environment.

It’s rarely easy (but what job is). To add to the…challenges, I’m away from my homeland, where I’m familiar with the country, the culture, and generally how things work. Example: going to the grocery store. In Canada, I’d never give it a second thought. In fact, I think most of us grocery shop on “auto-pilot”.

The first time I went grocery shopping here, I clutched my purse with every muscle I had and was scared for my life. Well, maybe not my life. Well. Ok, maybe I was pretty scared.

In this new-ish life, there are so many unknowns in a process that I used to do without thinking. I think, that for the most part, by now, I’ve figured this out. I’ve accepted the concept (for the most part) that I quite regularly won’t have a clue what to do or how to do it, so take a stab in the dark and try something.

This whole “dive in blindfolded and figure it out” process has changed me. The exposure to sickness, death, and poverty has changed me. The exposure to happiness, while living in a world of sickness, death, and poverty has changed me too. The luxury of traveling to places I didn’t know exist has changed me.

I can’t say for the better or worse… because there is nothing I regret. Even the… interesting (ie: negative) experiences eventually led up to…today. Where I’m happy (most of the time), am working on fixing the things that I don’t like about myself (most of the time), and where the future that remains unwritten. I don’t even know what continent I’ll be living in six months from now.

Back to how I’ve changed. I can’t totally explain it.

In some situations, I’m quieter. Some situations, I’m much more aggressive. Some situations, I’m FAR less patient. Others, I’m WAY more patient. It’s interesting to look back how I’ve changed in the past couple of years. I know not everyone likes these changes but hey, as long as I’m happy…..I guess that’s all that really matters. And those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind, don’t matter. I changed the way that I lived my life, and along with it, I changed too. Somehow this hasn’t made the world come to a grinding halt.

International Oil

2011-10-25T19:51:00.001+03:00

A few weeks ago the power was out when I got to work. But it was only in some areas of the building. I work on a laptop so for the most part I don’t care. But it was the morning, which means I need hot water for my Starbucks VIA. So I cared
big-time.

I walked around the building a bit into another department. I have no idea what department this is, I don’t know anyone, I just wanted some hot water from the water cooler (which is clearly marked “Safe for Babies to drink”. So people buy water that isn’t safe for babies to drink?). I go into this new area, I find a water cooler and start to get my hot water.

It’s pretty desolate, most people don’t show up for work for another hour still. And I see a Malagasy guy sitting at a computer. And he’s wearing AN OILERS HAT. I first think, ok, he must no So-And-So, who rightfully pimps out the Oilers-wear, as he’s a proud Edmontonian. :P

As I pass him on the way back, I tell him, “I like your hat!”.
“Really???” he says. I’m not so sure why he’s so surprised.
“Yes! It’s my team!”
“Really???” again he says.
“Yes!”

Now – in general, the Malagasy population is timid, especially around foreigners, especially around gigantic female foreigners.

He continues, “Oh… because….did you know your team placed last out of all the teams last year?”

I told him that yes, I knew that. And it was still my team.

He said, "Okay, for your sake, I hope your team does better this year!"

THIS GUY, living fifteen thousand kilometers away from Edmonton, who has never been to Edmonton, probably never watched an ice hockey game (there is a ball hockey quasi-league set up here, courtesy of the above mentioned Oilers fan), but he knows that the Oilers were last out of all the NHL teams.

Um….Come on Oilers. We have a really wide-spread reputation to take care of here. Don’t make me embarrassed to be a fan….when I live on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean!!

Remember when there was....

2011-10-24T19:40:00.000+03:00

Cupcakes, mixed lettuce, berries, milk, almond milk, muffins, self-serve fro-yo, drive thru coffee (preferably Starbucks or Second Cup), brushing my teeth with tap water, reliable telephones/power/internet, going out on Saturday night and sleeping on my friend’s really gross & dirty couch, spinach smoothies (spinach, frozen banana, milk, peanut butter – don’t knock it until you try it!!), movie popcorn, fountain pop, slurpees, Walmart (I know, I’m pathetic), spinach, Sobeys (so much cool stuff available to buy…), fresh mushrooms, green onion cakes, paralyzers (oh, it’s been too long!!), hot tub parties, spin classes, doctors that didn't think you "may" have a parasite in your toe (hopefully this will be the last that you'll hear of this), oven yoga, LuluLemon (my bank doesn’t miss this one), red/yellow/orange bell peppers (and eating them like an apple), baked banana oatmeal, electric toothbrush (it’s on the list for next week’s trip), a sort of clue what was going on in the rest of the world (this includes celebrity gossip), line up etiquette (scroll back to where I accidentally punched a nun :P), running in the river valley, daylight past 18h00, iced coffee, speaking English all day long, not feeling like dying after a 20 minute bootcamp.

Ah....who needs that stuff anyways...that's what vacations are for.

(Except for the bootcamp thing. I gotsta get into better muscle-shape. Quick runs are not cutting it!)

Googling

2011-10-21T19:51:00.000+03:00

I’ve just recently learned how to use a feature of the Google Analytics.(I know what you're thinking, Get with the times already!!)

At first when I used this tool, I was amazed by the randomness of countries where people read my blog. Or why someone that doesn’t know me would read it (even though I read people's blogs I don't know!).

A month or so ago, I found that you can also see what words people were “googling” which resulted in them passing across my blog.

These are my favorite of the week:

insane woman
lazy+garbage
little halloween chocolate bars
normal people worry me
quebec wet t-shirt
the cons of johnson and johnson tear free shampoo
wet tshirt contest australia
homer chocolate city
fake smile
cry haircut
alcohol in the fridge

why are they my favorite? I think if I had to sum up my life – these eleven google searches are a pretty good fit (okay, maybe not the "wet-tshirt" ones. Sweat-t-shirt perhaps!)

Ich mag Deutschen.

2011-10-20T20:10:00.004+03:00

Three German Contractors that work on the project,

As I passed you yesterday on my way to work after breakfast, I heard you speaking an unfamiliar language. I’m quite intrigued by languages and was curious as to what language you were speaking. I made the bold assumption that you did not speak French, and after we passed you, I asked my boyfriend, in French, what language you guys were speaking.

Please, please keep in mind, that up until 2009, I lived a fairly sheltered life.

When my boyfriend told me you were speaking German, I was excited, as I am (somewhere down the line) from German heritage. So excited, I used my outside voice and said, “Ah, Bosch!!!!”. Bosch, you see, is my last name.

I’m sure you could understand my confusion and disbelief when my boyfriend embarrassingly told me that I had just, very obviously, insulted you. I agreed that it may not be perhaps the most couth thing to ~~yell~~say loudly. But I really had no idea that Bosch was a derogatory word for Germans.

I kinda though that….since I’ve had the same last name for thirty one years….this would be something that I would have heard before.

I didn’t believe him and went to look it up on the internet…. and sure enough, the boyfriend was right:

Kraut (offensive)
Since World War II, Kraut has, in the English language, come to be used as a derogatory term for a German. This is probably based on sauerkraut, which was very popular in German cuisine at that time. The stereotype of the sauerkraut-eating German pre-dates this, as it appears in Jules Verne's depiction of the evil German industrialist Schultze as an avid sauerkraut eater in "The Begum's Millions."

In the Fawlty Towers episode The Germans, Basil performed an Adolf Hitler impersonation. When the German guests asked him to stop, Basil exclaimed "I'm trying to cheer her up, you stupid kraut!"

Boche (derogatory)

Pronounced [boʃ], boche is a term used in World War I, often collectively ("the Boche" meaning "the Germans"). A shortened form of the French slang portmanteau alboche, itself derived from Allemand ("German") and caboche ("head" or "cabbage"). Also spelled "Bosch" or "Bosche".

This morning, when I went out of my way to say good morning to one of you, and then a “smile and nod’ to your friend, it was my attempt to resolve the misunderstanding. I thought about trying to awkwardly explain to you all that I wasn’t insulting you yesterday, I was simply just being the goofy twelve-year-old that I sometimes am. And that I’m quite proud of my German heritage and embarrassed I don’t speak any. But your death glares made me second guess that plan…

In any regard, I’m sorry for the understanding. And will continue to smile and nod awkwardly as I pass you every morning.

Yours truly,

Miss Bosch.

Twenty-two Pictures that Sum up my Hawaii trip

2011-10-19T20:06:00.000+03:00

Blue Skies

2011-10-18T22:32:00.001+03:00

Pictures taken a few weeks ago standing in our driveway.

Random Updates and I'm going to buy a purse.

2011-10-15T18:55:00.000+03:00

iTunes is going to make me broke. When I lived in the camp, I couldn't download anything. Now that I'm in the village, I'm realizing the potential that I have. $0.99 here, $2.49 there....may as well take half my salary now.
I was able to eat today. Very little. But this is progress!
I wonder why when I'm sick my face goes a grey-ish color and my lips go a purpley color. It gets me a lot of, "Wow, you don't look so good" comments. It reminds me of something off of Law & Order (which I watch too much of, thanks to the internet I have in the village).
I'm not sure if I'm more excited to go to the UK for the first time ever, or to go to Tesco. Pathetic, yes. But, shopping becomes a totally different thing when 75% of the local stores here are grass/bamboo huts.
My contract is up in seven months and I'm not yet panicking about where I'll live and what I'll do. Yet. I hope this continues for at least six more months.
I tried pineapple Fanta last night. Grossest stuff I have ever tasted. Horrible.
I lost 6.4lbs on my "three day diet" this week. If half of that stayed away, I'd be pleased.
I'm going to religiously start taking a multivitamin vitamin, pro-biotics, and anything else I can think of every day. If I can take good enough care of myself, and not have a stomach-party that lasts longer than 24 hours, I'm going to buy myself a Coach purse/bag big enough to carry a laptop and/or travel with when I'm in UAE in February. So that's it. From now until February, I'm on a mission to try anything and everything that I can do to prevent a stomach-party. I'm not naive enough to think I won't get sick from now until then, but if I can keep it to small sicknesses less than 24 hours, which means missing less than a full work-day from now until February, I'll buy a ridiculous and frivolous bag that I will love. The last time I was in Canada, I talked to my doctor about some tips. She gave me none, and was like, look where you are, it's gonna happen. Well, fine, let it happen, but it can't happen knock me flat on my ass for three days. Things move too quickly here. I am fully aware that I sound crazy, but I'm trying to do some kind of like visualization or something.
I downloaded this "Boot Camp" app on iTunes. OMG. I did it on Monday and it nearly killed me. Running isn't enough to stay in shape, I need some muscle stuff. Monday will be a bit too soon probably to get back into the work out grove, but this week I'm going to start encorporating it into my excercise. I was shocked at how hard it was for me! I used to be the Boot Camp queen!

When I read this post, it sounds particularly crazy. But, I've been in bed for the better part of three days. And sometimes I'm particularly crazy.

Fate got tempted

2011-10-13T22:37:00.003+03:00

Oh, I don't want to blog. I have nothing to write about. Everything in my life is just so damn perfect...

Remember that? Like 24 hours ago?

The SAME night, I wake up sick and choking. I have a crazy night full of insane dreams, and wake up not feeling well at all. I had to sit down once while I was getting ready. I thought, this is nothing that a Starbucks VIA won't fix. I finished getting ready, joking around trying to convince myself I.WAS.NOT.SICK. I couldn't each much breakfast but managed some toast and juice. Big mistake. I will not be drinking orange juice anytime soon. Possibly ever.
I got to work, still feeling a little wobbly, and decided to drink a Diet Orange Pop and take some Pepto tablets. For some reason, Pepto tablets and Coca Cola are like some kind of magic potion, but we didn't have any Coca Cola.

An hour passes by. I am feeling worse, getting sweaty, and running to the toilet frequently.

Another hour passes, I am feeling near dealth, have a super quick meeting, send off a few nagging emails, and decide to go home. At least for the morning. This rotation I am dead and determined NOT.TO.BE.SICK. My stomach will not get the best of me.

(I fully realize this post is basically a lot of TMI. But I'm suffering, mad, and apparently loved to talk about vomit when I was little. My dad's told me when I was younger, I could talk about every occasion I was sick - where I was, what I was doing, and all the gory details. I guess I haven't grown up.)

I barely made it home again, only to find our lovely housekeeper having a little party with two maintenance workers. They left when I got home. I also left my cell phone in my jeans and she put the jeans in the wash. Now, I'm 90% at fault for this. But don't people normally check the pockets before they put stuff in the wash?

When I get home, I start the worrying process. Is this going to be like the time where I was in the hospital? Is this going to be like a few months ago when I was bed-ridden for three days? Do I need to get to the doctors? Should I wait? (Normally, I would just go to the doctors, the drive there takes about 20 minutes and it's on really, really bumpy roads. If the doctor was closer, I would have gone on the way home...).

I take my temperature every time I wake up (in my mind, if it stays low, I don't need a doctor). I run a low fever, but nothing scarlet-like. I lay in bed. I get a small amount of work done. Urgh.

So after spending all day on or with my face in the toilet, I do what every sane person would do, and blog about it. And how I'm going to trick my stomach to quit hating on me every time I come back.

My Love Affair With My iTouch

2011-10-12T19:46:00.002+03:00

So. I have a ton of awesome pictures from Hawaii. Some of which are already uploaded onto blogger (which can at times be a challenge with the internet here…). However, I have little to no desire to post them. I have little to no desire to post…anything.

Nothing is wrong. In fact, I’m pretty sure that I haven’t been this content and calm in a long time. I have bouts of anxiety about the future, or about situations at work, but I feel like I worry less. If there was a Worriers Annonymous, I totally would be a candidate. So perhaps I’m in worry-recovery mode.

In the evenings, I feel short on time in the evenings and don’t feel like logging on to a computer.

I check my facebook and personal email from my (new) iTouch (which is friggen amazing!), and that’s about it.

I still do fun and exciting (to me, anyway) things.

I still corrupt the local staff (like teaching them the word "@$$hole").

I still worry about world Malagasy hunger.

I sign obscure and random songs in the morning ("Kookaburra" was this morning’s. "Ce n’etait qu’un reve" was the day before).

I think I laugh a lot more and that I’m putting out more productive work this quarter than last.

I still either have a nervous breakdown OR pee my pants laughing from the randomness and the uniqueness that is Madagascar. Possibly some psychosis involved, but that’s not anything new.

Plans for the next month. (Like, outside of work):

October 15th: Stay at the one and only nice hotel in Toamasina so we can feel like we’re on a mini-holiday.

October 31st: Decorate the office and dress up. I really want to find a witch’s costume and paint myself green. Halloween isn’t celebrated here, but from enough expats talking, the national staff sort of get the idea. Or not. When you think about it, dressing up in goofy costumes and eating candy is a weird thing to explain. Same concept applies to explaining the leprauchaun at the end of a rainbow.

November 1st: Leave Toamasina in the afternoon for Tana

November 2nd: beginning at 00h30, start the extremely dreaded process of embarking on an Air France flight to Paris. This means: waiting in line to get the boarding pass, waiting in line to go through the line that goes through customs, waiting in line for customs, waiting in line for security, get into the Air France lounge, then start to wait in line for the second security screening, having my bags searched while I stand outside freezing, then waiting in line for a body scan using one of those metal detector thingies (Side note: Last time I did this, a nun that had cut the line at least twice during this process somehow got behind me. While getting the body scan, I had to stand with my arms stretched out by my side. Unbeknownst to me, she was at my heels, so when I turned around to get the backside of my body scanned, my arm came into contact with her head. In other words: I punched a nun in front of three hundred people.)

I’ll fly eleven hours just in time to wake up and arrive in Paris! Then I’ll take two trains to get to Mons, Belgium and meet up with my crew!

November 8th: A day trip to Canterburry, England is booked. I’m SOO excited! I’ve never been to the UK. And I think this means we get to take the chunnel. Which is cool because I get to say “chunnel” over and over again.

November 12: Take the train to Paris. I haven’t decided if I’ll stop for a bit in Brussels since I have to change trains there anyway.

November 13: Meet up with Louis at the Charles de Gualle airport and fly back to Tana. The arrival process isn’t nearly as painful!

I’m sure before then….I’ll feel like blogging. But for now. I’m going to cook supper and watch trashy TV that I downloaded onto my ahhhhhhhmazing iTouch. Which I'm using to post this blog entry right now. :)

Next stop, Kenya Belgium!!

2011-10-07T20:03:00.002+03:00

A fairly mentally unstable person I once knew wrote a fairly mentally unstable email to me, and he ended his email by writing: "Life, is magic..."

Well, turns out the crazy ol' ~~bastard~~ guy was right.

I haven't written much about it, but I was scheduled to leave Oct 29th to Nairobi. I was going to spend a few nights there and then join a group tour and camp and hike up Mount Kenya. I was crazy excited for this once-and-a-lifetime vacation. I had booked super swanky hotels pre and post-hike, and, I kinda missed camping and was ready for a different kind of vacation.

And then there was some trouble in Kenya. And then, I was having troubles securing my "tour" with the travelling agency. I found a back-up camping/hike trip to take, but I wasn't as excited about that one. I was supposed to find out today if the original tour was still on. I called and there was STILL no news.

Practically at the same time, magically I get an email from my BFF that used to live like, five minutes away from me, and now lives, like, a bazillion minutes away from me (or one hour flight, an eleven hour flight, and two half-hour train rides)...saying that her husband would be away on training for eight weeks. Super good news for them in the long run, but kinda sucky for her to be husband-less.

Then I was like....heeyyyyy.....I have a vacation coming up.....why don't I....hmmmm....

But....I had planned to go to Kenya. Like once-in-a-lifetime kind of vacation. The more I thought about it, Kenya isn't going anywhere. Certainly Mount Kenya isn't going anywhere. But the idea of spending time with my BFF and her kids (that have GROWN SO MUCH SINCE I SAW THEM IN DECEMBER!!), and just hanging out like we "used to" post "move across the world" is like....super, ridiculously exciting. (I was supposed to see them this summer, but ended up bailing super last minute and deciding that I mega way too stressed out and needed to go straight to Canada.)

So, it's official. The tour is cancelled. The swanky hotels are cancelled (got almost all my money back...). Flight to Kenya is in process of being cancelled and the flight to Paris (where I'll take the train to Belgium) is already reserved with my travel agent for November 2nd and is just awaiting my credit card info.

Yup. Life is pretty freaking magic.

^%::&++

2011-10-04T19:28:00.001+03:00

I have a lot of pictures to post from the vacation but don’t have the patience to post them yet. I think this vacation recap will take me a month or so.

So onto today.

I have a super wonderful fantabulous person that reports to me. We’ve both taught each other about our cultures, traditions, and the differences and similarities we have. I truly enjoy our non-work conversations as much as I do working with her.

Every so often I have the privilege of teaching her something really important about Canada. Like how to swear. And for some reason (you can use your imagination here), I used a bad word today: a$$hole. She is in Advanced English class, so her ears perked up when she heard a word she didn’t recognize. I went on to explain the meaning of it. We laughed.

And then, she told her husband about the bad word.

And then I had to go through the process of explaining when/where they can use the word.

Yesterday’s post was all “The world here is so sad and I want to contribute but don’t know how to”. Today’s post is all about “My days are good when I’m a bad influence on super nice innocent staff”.

Jetlag jumble

2011-10-03T20:37:00.001+03:00

So.

I’m scared to ~~say~~ write this. I could be tempting fate.

But today marks the 4th day in Madagascar and I have had ZERO. STOMACH. SICKNESS. Could it be? Could my stomach have decided to man up and like NOT get sick the moment I set foot here?

I’m having mega sinus pain but nothing that this liquid that you squirt up your nose won’t fix (um, no, not like liquid cocaine or anything. If there is such a thing).

So. Yeah. I’m back in Madagascar. Annnnnnnddddd I want to give all my money away.

Louis’ driver has to take fifteen days off work for a medical condition. He actually is contracted out through another company – and this company won’t pay for his time off. So…when Louis wasn’t looking I gave him 65 00 MGA ($32.50 CDN = 30% of his monthly salary). I knew that Louis would not appreciate/approve of me giving his driver money… but the driver has a family…and he won’t be paid for nearly half of a month’s salary…
However, handing out money like that tends to create a negative cycle. First, the driver can become dependent on the supplemental income. When I’m gone, so is the extra money. It can also lead to changing the economics of the country. Workers get more money, so staples – like rice - become more expensive. But non-project workers don’t make more money. So they can no longer afford simple things like rice, which leads to an increase of petty theft, and so forth.

I can’t save the world. I can’t give money to everyone. But. Its. So. Hard.

I donate every month to an orphanage down the road. I give the equivalent to $50 CDN…and often I wonder if half of it benefits the children. Then I think…even if 10% gets to the needs of the children….it’s 10% that they didn’t have before. I’ve contacted a few places to see if I can volunteer but no one is looking for volunteers on a Sunday (the only day off we have).

Yesterday Louis and I went into town for a quick grocery run. A little girl, maybe 12 years old and all of 50lbs asked if she could guard for our truck while we grocery shop. Louis obliged and we bought her a pastry and a juice box. I put the straw in the juice box for her and she ran off extremely happy and we watched her share her goodies with her family. I like doing things like that, but I’ve had experiences where I’m nearly mobbed when I hand out any kind of food. So I’m pretty careful about doing that. I try to be nice. To be appreciative. To speak Malagasy as much as I can. I don’t always succeed....

I don’t have a point. I’m just jet-lag-rambling. I have no idea if I’ll ever get used to the difference between incomes. I have no idea how long I’ll be in Madagascar.

A little tidbit of info about moi. When I’ve had a few too many drinks, I am a “I love you guys” kind of person. I will call you or text you and tell you that I like you so much and that I’m happy you’re my friend. I’m having the same kind of feeling today and think it’s a big jet-lag induced. So... I love Madagascar and what it’s done in my life (remind me of this when I'm having a bad day here....) I would so send it a text message right now, like when I'm a little tipsy.... It’s made me think of things in a different perspective. It’s been super hard. But it’s made me question….what I want out of life and how I’m going to live my life. I haven’t quite decided how or what exactly I want….other than to be happy and feel fulfilled with what I have. It’s pretty simplistic but a pretty tall order depending how you look at it.

Ok. ~~Drunk “I love you, man”~~ Mega jet-lag me signing off….

(Oh, and I totally confessed about my donation to Louis’ driver. He was less than impressed….but far from surprised…)

Cave, Waterfall, and Lagoon Trek

2011-10-02T14:22:00.001+03:00

And let the start of the Hawaii vacation posts begin.

I'll start with the first day that I was off the ship because...well...the days I was on the ship weren't exactly my best....

I had signed up for a Cave, Lagoon, and Waterfall Trecking Adventure on Hilo, the big island.

After we got off the ship (and I had my little incident with my wallet), we got on a tour bus. I'm not a huge fan of tour buses... but here we go.

The wallet!! (I took this picture later on that day....not before I re-joined my travel mates :P)

And the tour started. In the pouring rain.

More rain...

Okay, that sort of looks like sun...

That's better.

Some surfers catching the waves

And we stopped by the side of the road to take pictures of the "waterfall". I'm thrilled, as you can see....

Although the scenery was very pretty.

Okay. Wasn't this tour about some....trecking???

Last time I checked, "trecking" didn't include paved pathways with hand rails...

But I can't complain about the scenery. These trees are also found in Madagascar!

So. Here's the "waterfall" we get to. What? You can't see it?

Maybe my big head is blocking it?

Nope. Here it is! Or....water stream. A had a couple from our tour asked me where the waterfall was.

I asked a friendly American to take my picture. Thanks.

But again, the scenery was nice.

Next stop was the caves. These caves are formed by "lava tubes". Years ago, as hot lava hits the ocean, it can make a phenomenon called lava tubes. We were told that you can walk up to ten miles through this one tube!

Except - our tour guide told us we had fifteen minutes to look around.

A bunch of asshats carved their name in the lava (which looked super cool, by the way! (the lava, not the asshat names))

It was dark!

Next stop. The lagoon. Eeek!!! I had to walk through this mess!!!

I did not enjoy the feeling of...."mush" between my toes....

But, yet again, the scenery was beautiful.

This poor couple... the wife did not enjoy walking through the lagoon...and we heard here screams for the entire walk. I could totally relate....but kept my screams to myself....:S

After a disgusting ten minutes or so, we got to the ocean. The crashing waves were awesome!

Except I got a little too camera happy and got yelled at for going too close. Oops.. :(

After a few minutes we were told we had to go. We walked back through the sludge and back to our tour van.

Before I left on my day trip, we asked a local person where the best place to meet up was. They told us Walmart!!! What's a trip without a visit to Walmart?!?!?!! I was in shopping heaven - it's the first real store of any kind I've seen since my last trip to Canada.

Our dinner atire was supposed to be Hawaiian that night. I really, really wanted to buy this shirt and these pants...but they were over $40 combined and my cheapness won out.

After shopping a bit, I found my grandparents and we went back to the ship. Around 20h00 that night, we were hitting the other side of the island, where there is almost always lava flow. But the weather conditions were poor and we didn't see anything. Darn.

All in all, the tour was cool, but just not what I expected. Our local was a native to the area so she told us lots of interesting information and different cultural aspects....I was just expecting like a hard hike....and at least to get wet in the ocean. The tour was a bit misrepresented by the cruise ship. Oh, well. I was on dry land and had a pretty good day! And in Hawaii!!!!!