tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45074811812375939602024-02-07T01:25:58.815-08:00Beth's Seafaring Adventuresbethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-78892855665024790972012-10-26T15:15:00.002-07:002012-10-26T15:15:57.767-07:00Home again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry for the lapse in blogging. Turns out traveling takes alot out of you. In summary, the last week had me saying good-bye to my home for the past two months, returning to my future home (aka Paris), learning to cook from a professional chef, eating (and almost liking) cheese, spending 24 hours traveling home, and being prevented from landing at O'Hare by none other than the President of the United States. But I'm home in Indy, hanging out with family and friends and thoroughly enjoying relaxing and relaying my stories to anyone and everyone who will listen.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Leaving was rather difficult. As excited as I was to be heading home and seeing friends and family, I'd made some great friends on the ship. There was a wave of people leaving the Saturday before me, so it made it a little easier to split up the good-byes over a couple days. Monday, though, I was a wreck. My beautiful cabin-mates met me for a brunch and bought me a crepe and coffee (Mercy Ships has the best crepes). I got a cards and traveling goodies from good friends Kalinda and Olivia, and Miriam made me traveling biscuits (aka cookies in American speak). Still, there wasn't enough time to say goodbye to everyone.<br />
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I'm still processing the trip. I keep wondering how it's affected me and changed my perspective, if I'll go back and in what capacity, and how to keep that part of me alive as I adjust to life in the States. It already feels like a dream, and I've only been away for 4 days. I pray for the people on and off the ship, but it's hard to reconcile two places that are so drastically different. I'll keep you posted as I sort through my thoughts, but for now, I'm grateful to be home and miss the home I left.<br />
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One way to distract oneself from reflection is to spend a whirlwind two days in Paris with the lovely Lynne (pictured above). Lynne was a cabin-mate of mine who had the great idea to have "special days" with friends, where she'd spend the day hanging out with someone-basically getting quality time with a friend. I, unfortunately, never got my day with Lynne in Conakry, so I stalked her in Paris and made her spend the two days there with me. Luckily, she was as excited to spend time with me as I was with her. After I arrived to Paris at 6 am, I crashed for a few hours at her hotel room and woke up ready to take on Paris.<br />
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She'd signed up for a cooking class in Montmartre, so we walked to the rendez-vous point, passing some gorgeous flower shops on our way. Part of the class involved going to local shops to pick out fresh produce and supplies. So once we met Constance, our chef, we headed off to the cheese shop, the butcher, the baker (of bread, but not the candlestick maker), and the grocer.<br />
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Montmartre has a reputation as a foodie area, so just walking down the street, the markets looked so colorful and inviting. I've never been so excited to cook. We ended up making foie gras with sautéed mushrooms, walnuts and root vegetables, chicken with a butter and parsley crust, roasted potatoes and tri-color carrots, and a pear tart with rosemary and gingerbread ice creams. WHAT?!! I've never felt so fancy. Beware those of you who live in Indianapolis. I have the recipes, and I plan on having multiple dinner parties until I figure out how to perfectly recreate the menu. So you will get to be guinea pigs. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Constance the amazing chef<br /></td></tr>
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We were paired with two couples, one of whom was from Indy and lives not far from Butler. Go figure. I go halfway across the world and meet two people who live down the street from me. <br />
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And for the exciting news: I ate (and actually liked)....CHEESE! Oh Paris. Only you could change me so. And yes, the cantaloupe looking item is actually cheese. It's injected with a color to make it look like that. Something about an area wanted to recreate a certain type of cheese but wanted to make it stand out from its competition. I don't know. I sampled all of the above cheeses (except blue cheese...seriously, how can you eat something you know is mold? Gross.), and they were all palatable, but the only one I actually like was the pepper coated goat cheese. I'm still not ready to throw a wine and cheese party, but I didn't gag the entire night, which is rather impressive for me. We got to eat some incredible food, paired with some incredible wines, and met some incredible people. I'm so glad I got a chance to try it. And if you are ever in Paris, I highly recommend Cook'n with Class. You can take cooking classes, dessert classes, bread making classes, pretty much anything you want.<br />
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The second day needs it's own blog post, so I'll leave you with a photo of what you see out of the hotel. *Sigh*<br />
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-26270540742350426232012-10-20T04:50:00.000-07:002012-10-20T04:50:04.638-07:00Things I've learned (the list continues)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1) I would have made an awesome Charlie's Angel, with Jeanette and Petra of course.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDIQwSxkqle0ABbgKuFS9KS1U9-2klbADBAAQG0osOFiiI1KNCoxZ1NTzi2QjqHQ1uGbxF4qUqPipTKMyiJsWbQ4KO2YhEbLkJoZacoPoxx7YbEb4kNbKXBOT0OjYP0e6W6AYTWC4iPw/s1600/Gray+sky+and+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDIQwSxkqle0ABbgKuFS9KS1U9-2klbADBAAQG0osOFiiI1KNCoxZ1NTzi2QjqHQ1uGbxF4qUqPipTKMyiJsWbQ4KO2YhEbLkJoZacoPoxx7YbEb4kNbKXBOT0OjYP0e6W6AYTWC4iPw/s320/Gray+sky+and+sea.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHZkLpcMAfJBCOUvxa0lmh-rhLu4grzNl-cuRySfv8h4cVwZZpsgzLzQFoxsEWLUp-0ZF_Vdbe-zjckBBHYWkRrDb4NgmzKlpukRDCjwH5BPP-_3IxgldToMIBvD3haiEpMmy9I_PHTU/s1600/Island+sea+same+color+as+sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHZkLpcMAfJBCOUvxa0lmh-rhLu4grzNl-cuRySfv8h4cVwZZpsgzLzQFoxsEWLUp-0ZF_Vdbe-zjckBBHYWkRrDb4NgmzKlpukRDCjwH5BPP-_3IxgldToMIBvD3haiEpMmy9I_PHTU/s320/Island+sea+same+color+as+sky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2) I love it when the sky matches the color of the ocean. I think Bill Nye the Science Guy had some explanation about light reflecting or refracting or something, but I don't remember it. Clearly not as smart as a fifth grader.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg3dUOSfMGfdZTyP8Fx7ZOZTpg4O2btjta2cycb60KQzCMMYtIxiLZCOhLRLYylKmpkUqpziJyRVQLjrYKruWWczWf60LbQGDe9YIfGCkH-7rXwUYBQ5HfPwJkrKnwmTyMg2y8YEvyMY/s1600/Arne+and+his+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIg3dUOSfMGfdZTyP8Fx7ZOZTpg4O2btjta2cycb60KQzCMMYtIxiLZCOhLRLYylKmpkUqpziJyRVQLjrYKruWWczWf60LbQGDe9YIfGCkH-7rXwUYBQ5HfPwJkrKnwmTyMg2y8YEvyMY/s320/Arne+and+his+cake.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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3) Arne makes amazing going-away cake.<br />
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4) Paracetamol is the same as acetaminophen. That seriously took me a good week to figure out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK_5Ia_EothWaiPKxte0EQ74UsYP6EA4hyphenhyphen9Z39qoRYhl3c5iRjxId0VBZ8FGjQi8slBEbIGrzU7vWZPnR5kczDyVdu93rtEb6hyphenhyphenMK_U8zvXiQo3SeVNdXjpOBcF6gMNJXmMAUcd9-x0Q/s1600/Me+in+a+box+of+trash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK_5Ia_EothWaiPKxte0EQ74UsYP6EA4hyphenhyphen9Z39qoRYhl3c5iRjxId0VBZ8FGjQi8slBEbIGrzU7vWZPnR5kczDyVdu93rtEb6hyphenhyphenMK_U8zvXiQo3SeVNdXjpOBcF6gMNJXmMAUcd9-x0Q/s320/Me+in+a+box+of+trash.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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5) I feel like I am perpetually generating rubbish while working in the pharmacy.<br />
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6) There is something supremely satisfying about impromptu jam sessions to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song in the pharmacy.<br />
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7) A Brit and a Kiwi knew all the words to said theme song. Who says there can't be world peace?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ_fmDLos6X5rhA7_czR3zaup6vd3FMUfkFc3Y9BodGYZC_MY76Axkis1QTbucD_QhuqBgwOSJLalx5eIOioMj9diPo0Ue8SdyKrpIwVPVyrPLNKbZuG4zV77yLb80nkPJ2EA8kLmZz0/s1600/Carolyn+in+Pharmacy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJ_fmDLos6X5rhA7_czR3zaup6vd3FMUfkFc3Y9BodGYZC_MY76Axkis1QTbucD_QhuqBgwOSJLalx5eIOioMj9diPo0Ue8SdyKrpIwVPVyrPLNKbZuG4zV77yLb80nkPJ2EA8kLmZz0/s320/Carolyn+in+Pharmacy.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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8) You never feel more like a zoo animal than when tours of dignitaries and presidents and ambassadors pass through the hospital, peering in and taking photos of you "in action" counting pills.<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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9) If you want prompt service in the pharmacy, your best recourse is to "Ca Caw!"</div>
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10) You can, in fact, vomit out the window of a moving vehicle and not get any on yourself or the car.<br />
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11) You will, however, terrify the driver of said vehicle and the 8 African men in front of whom he brings the car to a stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5rOZRktvPFfpuohp2mUCqqQCaWCxpb2u_1APgMxq5v9O8V72gYM_timxGNVfZ3wMZ7X_SztYOjYRTVle4v6OFvXM8PgMdyhcH4apAdTMUr4kLelsXxAa5xHH4ekgPfw_3yUO23kl9w8/s1600/Aug+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5rOZRktvPFfpuohp2mUCqqQCaWCxpb2u_1APgMxq5v9O8V72gYM_timxGNVfZ3wMZ7X_SztYOjYRTVle4v6OFvXM8PgMdyhcH4apAdTMUr4kLelsXxAa5xHH4ekgPfw_3yUO23kl9w8/s320/Aug+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFv1Wa0JuuIpq-EPF6aeHlQJltsLQX5kjcWwud5mJxoh54Fxo_zhjZrj6jg0vDVNhI_WPI_Qvg_3SP8fGGtpVd92X52S7CHl149JckRfXyYe69VPdFsAQIm644-MQanVlb9BwA0QIsuU/s1600/Oct+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFv1Wa0JuuIpq-EPF6aeHlQJltsLQX5kjcWwud5mJxoh54Fxo_zhjZrj6jg0vDVNhI_WPI_Qvg_3SP8fGGtpVd92X52S7CHl149JckRfXyYe69VPdFsAQIm644-MQanVlb9BwA0QIsuU/s320/Oct+Sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October Sunset</td></tr>
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<br />12) The sun sets in a different location now than it did in August. Explain that, Bill Nye (or Dad)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_yg78OlobmmacReKUCRE_eaW9nsSTkb1tuToyxNrhrgQg3z6adC294b3wf4DUzrjFSSisDL9W27Wwn52j9gj0StRNgBn3gVz5qvs_cvU_91UK5gRzqLK954yt8AXfhiyaVoxqHfkwRU/s1600/Whinin+Aurora+Hacke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_yg78OlobmmacReKUCRE_eaW9nsSTkb1tuToyxNrhrgQg3z6adC294b3wf4DUzrjFSSisDL9W27Wwn52j9gj0StRNgBn3gVz5qvs_cvU_91UK5gRzqLK954yt8AXfhiyaVoxqHfkwRU/s320/Whinin+Aurora+Hacke.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
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13) My pirate name is Whinin' Aurora Hacke.<br />
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14) The President of Guinea is really glad we're here, so much so, he took time to shake each of our hands during a spur-of-the-moment visit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8kMCirVVLJntQaJw_VW6GvO1zzZU8Bp3VuBjXJrYGBNk2C6HHlYJElHCYWL5_9RoYiLRCMFQ3Wkh6mRQz3uDuJ1ZY-JhykAgdfKrzO6TiJG1StqRCfgZSCqvmh4gRld3r7ev1JfgWs/s1600/Petra+and+me+and+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8kMCirVVLJntQaJw_VW6GvO1zzZU8Bp3VuBjXJrYGBNk2C6HHlYJElHCYWL5_9RoYiLRCMFQ3Wkh6mRQz3uDuJ1ZY-JhykAgdfKrzO6TiJG1StqRCfgZSCqvmh4gRld3r7ev1JfgWs/s320/Petra+and+me+and+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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15) The Boyz II Men had it right: it's so hard to say goodbye.<br />
<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-84942762190157851652012-10-12T14:59:00.000-07:002012-10-20T04:53:51.011-07:00Church w/Jeanette<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgegVbWicuojOwRGbQKCOpAsjMHJckFUkJj6AkP5fBFN674hG1tl8nHDZbCY0rYHr230Tu2bgf3FVm_KM3TlVdipecdycCmMlks0nQc16RO8uL5YIng16MOMsFMg86xyU1eNUiNZZnycE/s1600/Jeanette+beating+me+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgegVbWicuojOwRGbQKCOpAsjMHJckFUkJj6AkP5fBFN674hG1tl8nHDZbCY0rYHr230Tu2bgf3FVm_KM3TlVdipecdycCmMlks0nQc16RO8uL5YIng16MOMsFMg86xyU1eNUiNZZnycE/s320/Jeanette+beating+me+up.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Jeanette</td></tr>
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The auxiliary services of the hospital (ie the lab, pharmacy, radiology, etc) are one side of the hospital while the wards are on the other side. We have Wednesday morning devotions together, a meeting together every other week (a fortnight in British speech), and we often sit together on breaks. The radiology lab is next door to the pharmacy, so I see Petra often, as well as Jeanette, a dayworker from Conakry. Jeanette sits with the patients as they wait for their x-rays or scans, and she translates and explains the process to the patients.<br />
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So Jeanette invites several of us to go to church with her at the beginning of September, but due to the the demonstrations, we weren't allowed to travel for a while. Finally, this past weekend, she met us at 9 am at the ship, and we traveled 40ish minutes to get to her church home. It's a pentecostal church off of a main road, and the inside was decorated with rich fabric and flowers in glass cases. We sat in rows of 8 amid beautiful ladies in regal african fabric dresses and hats and men in dark pants and button down shirts. And when the church started with a single voice from offstage merging into multiple harmonies as the gospel choir walked onstage, I knew it was going to be a good church service. Jeanette had warned me that we were going to dance and sing praise, but I was unprepared. Woefully unprepared. No amount of wedding reception two-step or cupid shuffle or electric slide could have made me remotely on par with this praise and worship dance. <i>je voudrais complete son histoire, mon nom c'est kevin effowe je suis Togolais, je travail au dining room pour maintenent 14 mois, ok bonne suite de ton histoire;</i><br />
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That's Kevin. He's from Togo and works on the ship in the dining room and is quite the prankster. I went to check out the fall carnival and get some spicy popcorn, and I came back to find he'd hijacked my post. Continuing on...some of the praise music was in french, some in english, but it all involved standing up and dancing and moving around. Towards the end, we formed what might best be described as a praise conga line that marched around the room seven times before sitting down. On a side note, it might help to know that a popular song sung in the wards has the lines, "Sing a song for Jesus, we shake our bodies for Jesus." It's a bit of an understatement to say that music and movement are important parts of worship here. And I loved it. There were people of all ages dancing up front, in the aisles, on stage, in rows, everywhere. Then it was like every other church service I've been to. The words were different, the methods may be a little different, but it was really comforting to see how faith and worship plays out similarly in Indianapolis and Conakry. We pray, we search the bible for answers, we reflect, we have announcements, we have offerings. I'm sure the similarities have something to do with missionaries carrying the same faith from Europe to Africa as they did to America, but it was still a reminder that we are all one body, united in faith.<br />
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The week has played out pretty uneventfully. I got to do another Mercy Ministry where I visited a pediatric hospital ward. It was really heartbreaking, but I'm glad I went. A doctor gave us a tour and introduced the patients, but I couldn't always follow what brought each kid to the hospital. I forget that on the ship we mostly have surgery patients, so the kids aren't necessarily sick if they're on the wards. So often I encounter bubbly, curious, smiling patients as I'm checking medications that it was a bit of a shock to see so many quiet, reserved kids on the beds by their parents.<br />
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We brought puzzles and coloring books and toys to pass out, but the biggest hit was the bubbles. There was one little girl who was a little sister of one of the patients, who was really wary of all of us. We brought out the bubbles, and she staunchly refused to come near us. We'd smile, cajole, laugh, hand the wand to her to see if she wanted to try, her mom would tell her to try, but she wasn't having it. So I moved on to some older girls who were asking to try. We'd blow bubble showers in the air and take turns trying to catch each bubble before it hit the floor. Not five minutes later, this little pink flash came rushing by and started chasing bubbles. It was great. The look of sheer terror had been replaced by a beautiful smile, and she started reaching for the wand to try to blow a new bubble shower. Of course, it's a little hard for a 2 year old to master the subtleties of bubble blowing-mostly the film would pop before making bubbles, but it was really exciting to see her attitude towards us change and to see her so excited with each new wave of the wand. For the kids that couldn't leave their rooms, we walked to each bed and let parents and kids alike try their hand at catching bubbles. Again, the smiles were so encouraging, and I'm glad we could bring something fun to a place that isn't always fun or happy, at least for a few hours.<br />
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-6656116106823688892012-10-06T06:44:00.000-07:002012-10-07T08:55:26.187-07:004-weekend! and the rest of the weekAfter the busy days of Friday and Saturday, I spent Sunday and Monday chillin-out, maxin', relaxin' all cool, all shootin' some b-ball outside the school... It was great to take a nap and chat and play games. Sunday I got to attend ward service for the first time. They have church services for the people in the hospital complete with a devotional and a message and, of course, some singing and dancing. I really love praise and worship here. I don't know why it strikes me so differently than at home, but I can't help but dance when songs start playing. I love that people come to the wards everyday and sing some songs and give prayers. And it's even better that I happen to be checking medications on wards at that time. Win-Win!<br />
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Monday I got to be security for a dental screening, which means I wore a fluorescent yellow vest and walked up and down a three lines of people with a former NY cop and said, "Restez en ligne, s'il vous plaît (Please stay in line)." To explain: we had our big screening to fill our surgery schedule at the beginning of Sept, but there are continual dental and eye screenings-sometimes for surgeries (like cataracts) but sometimes just for cleanings or eye drops. People know that every Monday and Thursday, they can line up outside the dental clinic to see if they can get their teeth checked. It's hard, because we're limited on time, so the dentists select the most urgent or emergent cases first and then take less urgent cases if possible. But whoever comes and doesn't get selected that day, they can come back the next screening day. In theory, as more of the emergent cases are addressed, as the field service continues, the other cases will be able to be seen. Unfortunately, it is really frustrating for people to come, wait in line, and then find out that they weren't selected. It reflects a constant tension in what Mercy Ships does in how we're limited by resources (including time) but there is always great need. I mentioned it before in reference to the initial screening day, but the issue seems to come up alot. The only way I've been able to deal with knowing we can't help everyone is to spend time on the wards and see the faces of those we can help. It's not a solution to the issue, by any means, but it's a reminder that we are doing good work here in Guinea.<br />
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Come Tuesday, it was a little weird to be back at work. More of the same, unpacking newly arrived drugs and the like. This week, I say goodbye to two new friends-Cathy of Kindia, the island, and other adventures fame, and Sue, our pharmacy partner in crime.<br />
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Sue was such a blessing these past two weeks. She allowed for us to take days off to explore and experience mercy ministries and other adventures we wouldn't have been able to do on a regular work schedule. And she brought life and laughter to our department with a cheerful attitude and willingness to pitch in wherever. We'll definitely miss her.<br />
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And Cathy...it's weird to say goodbye to someone who's been a part of your main circle of friends since the beginning. If I ever come as a long term crew member, the transient nature of friends on the ship will be a hard adjustment. We're already making plans to visit each other when we all go home, but it will be different not having Cathy here as a part of our fierce four.<br />
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We went back to the island on Friday as a last day celebration for Cathy. It was great to see some of the same people on the island and to play in the ocean again. A great relaxing day with good friends.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-9880285500214050692012-10-03T13:34:00.002-07:002012-10-03T13:34:49.951-07:004 day weekend!-Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since arriving on the ship, I've heard rumors of a magical place off the coast of Conakry where unicorns frolic and dreams come true. Roume Island may not have mystical creatures, but it was a definite respite from the constant work at the hospital and pretty close to paradise. </div>
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The above map shows the three islands that are about an hour off the coast of Guinea. You can see the Conakry shoreline, but it takes longer than it looks to cross the water to these three palm-tree isles. I didn't learn until I got back that Roume island isn't spelled Rome (it's pronounced like the city in Italy), hence the incorrect spelling in the first photo, but who needs spelling when you have sand and waves and African music surrounding you? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Petra G</td></tr>
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Our day began with 8 of us walking to the boat port of Conakry where you can find every type of boat and every type of cargo coming off the boats. I actually saw a guinea pig (in the traditional sense, not a pig from Guinea, though both would be applicable in Guinea) in a plastic cage, which was new for me here. We were met on the street by a man, Abul, who had business cards with information on one side and a smiling photo of himself on his boat on the other. Business cards are a definite plus, so once we negotiated the price some, Abul led us to his boat. After the tragedy in August, all passengers are required to wear life vests, so we all got brand new correctional-facilities-orange flotation devices and climbed in. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Petra G creation</td></tr>
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It's the first time I've seen Conakry from the ocean, so it was fun trying to pick out landmarks and see which ship was the Africa Mercy. Along the way, we got beautiful vistas of palm tree and forest lined shores and cliffs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Petra G</td></tr>
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Once we arrived onshore (and after a near mishap with the ocean eating my flip-flop), we hiked through this:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Petra</td></tr>
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and the world opened up to this:</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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It didn't take long to get settled, and soon Abul brought his friends over to sing and dance for us. The "Welcome to Africa" song is permanently ingrained in my temporal lobe (or is it parietal...or frontal....I know it's not occipital or the cerebellum...but that's all I got), but it is rather catchy, and the dancing was so fantastic. The proprietor of the hotel/patio area taught us some traditional african dance moves, and after much cajoling, we joined in. (He's the one on the right).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I whip my hair back and forth." Photo by Petra G</td></tr>
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Yikes.</div>
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After a few repetitions, he decided he needed to see how we were doing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Petra for providing all the great photos for this post</td></tr>
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Not long after this he started showing us all the moves again, so I don't think he was too pleased with our performance. Oh well, maybe next time. After he gave up, I got some quality swim/wave surfing time with Hannah and Emily. I'd forgotten how great it is just to play in the waves and bob in the ocean. I got the prize for finding the most rocks on the floor, and by find, I mean trip, so my toes were a little banged up by the time I sprawled out on my towel for some quality sun time. It was so relaxing to just sit and hear the ocean waves break, surrounded by new friends. Soon it was time to head back to the ship, and the rest of the evening was spent watching "O Brother, where are thou?" which is considerably better the second time, and some deep sleep.</div>
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On a side note, the french word for sunburn is coup de soleil, which translates to a hit or slap by the sun. I'd just like to say that the Guinean sun smacked, sucker-punched, and flat out pummeled my SPF 30 sunscreen-ed self. For a day of relaxation and laughter, though, it was worth it.</div>
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-78338151416297159922012-10-01T10:56:00.001-07:002012-10-01T11:01:00.355-07:004 day weekend!-FridayYesterday you met my two fabulous comrades in the pharmacy, but for the past week and for this week, we have a visitor, Sue. I'll post a photo of her as soon as I get one, but she's been helping out in the pharmacy and is a super trooper because she doesn't have a pharmacy background. It was a lot for me to take in when I first arrived, and I at least know some of the drugs and what they're used for. But Sue is picking everything up with style and grace and is so enthusiastic. The first time I took her with me to the wards to check meds, a group came to sing and worship while we were there. About halfway through, I could just see Sue swaying with the music, and pretty soon she just jumped right in and started dancing with the singing group. I was a) impressed that she could bust a move so well and b) impressed that she could dance so uninhibited. I was much more comfortable counting pills than praising, but I'm thinking by the time I leave, I might be able to join in as well. So since Sue is here, and you might have noticed that the pharmacy is a bit small, we're rotating these two weeks so everyone has 2 days off. And mine happened to fall last Friday and today, which means a 4 day weekend! Woo!<br />
<a name='more'></a>Friday morning, my friend Cathy and I went in search of fabric to bring home with us. We've been limited in our travel areas while demonstrations are going on, so we've been frantically searching for some fabric and dresses for Cathy to take back when she leaves Saturday. :( We found some great patterns in the Niger Market near the port, which is a collection of stands spanning several blocks. It's funny because stands selling similar items are often grouped together, so you go to one stand, negotiate a price, and then walk 2 feet to the next stand to negotiate some more, all in view of the original seller. I feel guilty sometimes when I only buy from one vendor, but each person has different patterns so it's really just about who has the pattern you like. But I really want to buy something from everyone so everyone wins. And that's how Beth is going to end up with $0 to her name when she returns home.<br />
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I think my favorite part of the Niger Market adventure was when a few kids (maybe teenagers-I always fail at the age guessing game. And the guess the number of jelly beans in a jar game. And the cake walk. Pretty much any fall carnival game is no good.) thought we wanted to find a tailor for our fabric, so we got a tour of the inner Niger Market with produce and animals and clothes and people everywhere. It reminded me of City Market in Indy, only more compact. The upper level is full of tailors with every possible thread and lace and bedazzlements possible. When we finally explained we were looking for more fabric rather than someone to sew fabric, the boy lead us back through the maze, but not before Cathy bought a plaid shirt for her dad, and out to the street. Later, when I was trying to explain where the Market was to another crew member, I burst out laughing, because my directions included the phrases, "you duck through tunnels with dim ceiling lights" and "you turn left at the chickens" and "you shimmy past a plantain stand before you hop up some stairs without knocking over the woman's head basket of peanuts." I'm pretty sure the inner market was actually a Harry Potter style Room of Requirement that won't exist if we try to find it again. It really felt like you needed a password and a map to even find your way to it. Or Jack Sparrows compass that doesn't point north.<br />
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Once we finally found our way back to the ship, it was time to go to the Hope Center. If patients come aboard ship for surgery, they often need to return for checkups/dressing changes. Since so many patients live far away, the Hope Center is an hotel/recovery area at a local hospital where our patients go when they are well enough to be in a hospital but will still need some care. The Mercy Ministries team has set up opportunities for crew to visit and play games/read stories/do crafts with the kids at the center. We brought the Noah's ark story with us and some boat cut-outs for decorating with animal stickers. (Shout out to Ashley for the fabulous sticker book she sent with me-the kids loved them.) The kids were great at listening to the story from the book and then translated into kreol (which is not the same as Haitian creole. I'm not sure how to describe it, but it takes the English words and adds a more interactive story with it. I'll try to ask someone and get an example soon). Martha, a girl I had met on the ward, found me right away and was my buddy for the day. She and I sat together for the story and craft, and afterwards, I made balloon animals with her. (Shout out to Dottie for showing me how to make swords and flowers and turtles.) Crowns, dogs, and flowers were the most popular items, though the balloons were popping almost as quickly as we were making things. Afterwards we went to a hallway with everyone and played catch with some beachballs. Mamie, another girl I recognized from the ward, joined us and soon some adults and the security guards were playing a group version of "think fast." It was hard to go after a few hours, but I hope to be able to come back soon. It's actually within walking distance of the ship, so I don't think I have to wait for Mercy Ministries to go.<br />
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After our busy day, it was nice to come back and rest for our trip to island on Saturday. See you tomorrow for 4 day weekend! Saturday edition.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-53812935556431915252012-09-30T07:28:00.001-07:002012-09-30T07:28:16.535-07:00A day in the life...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi friends! I've been trying to put together a sort of journal of what I do each day since I got here, but I wanted to make sure I had photos to describe as well as words. It's been difficult to get photos though because for security reasons, respect reasons, and various others, the photo policy on and off board is very strict. So here's a few to give you an idea, and I'll post more as I can.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The day begins with breakfast that's served for an hour and a half. I do a separate post on food here, because it is rather quite good. However, breakfast usually consists of porridge, hard boiled eggs and, and several options for cereal or toast. Which usually means I sleep through breakfast and snack later on in the morning. Coffee is available all the time and is fantastic. I purchased a travel mug in our ship shop (a very mini-walmart) that has a shelf row of food items and a shelf row of everything else. You can get shampoo, laundry detergent, jump drives, alarm clocks, soccer balls, Guinea soccer jerseys, and toilet paper here, so all the basics are covered. There is a European supermarket nearby that has most everything else you could need in case the ship shop supply is depleted. There's often a mad rush whenever the ship shop is restocked, so all the mint oreos and Betty Crocker brownie mixes are usually gone by the first day. All in all though, they keep a really good stock and variety of items.<br />
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So the day begins in the pharmacy with Carolyn and Miriam, the two pharmacists on board.<br />
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Meet Miriam, the long term pharmacist from New Zealand. She is sitting in the back room of the pharmacy with our fabulous pill counter (in the bottom left corner) that makes my life so much easier. Miriam also goes by the name Captain Jezebel Blythe and shares my affinity for all things pirate. When people come to the front room to ask for medications or prescriptions to be filled, they often "Ca-Caw" in lieu of saying "hello" or "good morning", and we respond in kind to indicate that we're coming as we shimmy through the narrow aisle with various bags and boxes that still need homes. My first job with the pharmacy was to unpack everything that was stowed and secured for the sail. Unfortunately, it seems like supplies multiplied while sailing, so items and boxes are still homeless and pushed to the side for now. Which makes for awesome obstacle course training, but often results in several bruises by the end of the day. Miriam has been on the ship for one and a half years and is staying through the end of the Guinea field service in June. She has been updating our inventory system (an excel spreadsheet where we enter what we take out of stock and put into stock) and putting in orders for medications for the next field service, since it can take up to 6 months to get an order in. I never thought of how difficult it is to guess how much of a medication you might need for a year long stretch, but Miriam seems to have it down to a science.</div>
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Voici Carolyn, our short-term pharmacist from Great Britain. She lived in Northern Ireland, spent a semester in Tennessee, and has been a clinical pharmacist in Bristol for the past few years. She and I both have pirate names, but we don't really like them, so I'll let you know when we find her true pirate name. She has a great sense of adventure and humor, so we spend a good chunk of the day laughing. Right now she's working on filling a prescription for an outpatient which requires pulling the drug and modifying as necessary based on what is available as well as writing a label with instructions in French. Luckily we have some templates for basic instructions, but there have been several frantic translator questions on how to best explain taking a medication before bed or to not take more than a certain does each day. </div>
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And here's me. My day starts out by checking each of the 3 open wards (we only have enough nurses to staff 3 of the 4 wards. And they're always looking for new nurses--just throwing that out there for anyone who may be thinking of working on board). We keep a standard stock of antibiotics, pain medications, anti-vomiting agents, vitamins, etc in each area, so we check each day to make sure there's enough for the rest of the day. Once I finish checking and restocking, I usually have odd jobs within the pharmacy to consolidate or pull expired medications or work on updating our inventory. This past week I opened hundreds (literally-I pretty sure I opened over 1500) of eye drop packaging to store the actual drops in smaller boxes to make more room. You'll notice in the above picture that I'm surrounded by bags and garbage and the like. While reorganizing I sorted some items that were expired, but they needed to be separated between what we could dispose of and what we can't. So I took inventory of the items, took them out of their original packaging, and sorted. But it consolidated several boxes into 1, which made so much more room. We can now have impromptu dance parties, should the need arise.</div>
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So that's my day in the pharmacy. I also help out with filling orders/prescriptions as needed or get boxes ready for the items needed by the eye or dental teams since they work off-ship. It can be pretty hodge-podge, but I like that each day can be a little different. We get an hour for lunch and two breaks in the day where you can run to the snack bar (with sodas and candy bars) or get a Starbucks coffee or a crepe or waffles on Mondays and Fridays. </div>
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This is the closed Starbucks area, and above it, you can see the Deck 6 lounge area. There's a computer lab, several comfy couches, a few tvs inevitably tuned to the Disney channel or cricket, and lots of chairs. You get good reception for wireless here, so usually people camp out here with their computers. Alot of people play games or cards here too. This deck has the laundry room and the crew kitchen where you can escape if you feel the need to bake.</div>
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The galley has lots of pans, KitchenAid mixers (!), spices, and supplies. It's pretty much everything you could want in a kitchen. It's always great when other people are cooking as well, because you get to sample other food and meet new people. The woman in the back corner is the one who makes the plantain chips that are so addictive. I can't wait to try to make them at home. A few weeks ago I got a craving for pizza, which is rather difficult to find on and off ship. So Petra, Olivia, and Cathy, and I decided to try to make pizza, which started a discussion on various desserts we missed as well. And so began the cross-cultural dessert exchange starting with brownies, and then rice krispie treats, an Austrian bundt cake, and root beer floats. All of which were fantastic. Up next is the chocolate chip chocolate pudding cake that I've been wanting. Here's a few photos of our creations. </div>
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The first photo at the top of this entry is from the top deck of the ship where there's a pool and lounge chairs that let you look out over the ocean on one side and the city of Conakry on the other. It's the end of rainy season here, so there's some spotty rainstorms, but a few days ago there was a strong one that came up on us with the sun shining in the background. A double rainbow spread across the whole sky, so we were all trying to capture it with our cameras. Most evenings are spent up on that deck watching the sunset, or just catching up on reading or emails or blogs. Weekly we have a community meeting that can involve a testimony or worship or culture/country training (which is what the past 4 weeks were). And that's pretty much how weekdays roll. Tomorrow, I'll work on posting about this weekend with involved a trip to a local island and a Mercy Ministry visit to the Hope Center where kids who live far away from the ship stay while they go through the weekly checkups after surgery. Until then, I have a few prayer requests to add. </div>
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First, the hospital needs more nurses for the rest of the field service here. There's always a need, but it seems like they're more short-staffed than usual. Also, prayers for the country would be good. There are several tribes that live in Guinea, and most of the time everyone gets along. But there has been some friction recently over elections that falls along tribal lines, and there have been some protests recently which resulted in some deaths. I honestly don't know much more than that, but I do know that it means someone has lost a family member or a friend, so please pray for those grieving. Also please pray that people would be able to express what they need and how they feel peacefully and that they would be heard and respected. As always, please let me know if I can be praying about something for you as well. </div>
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bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-41196531936346336042012-09-23T05:40:00.000-07:002012-09-23T05:40:22.643-07:00HomeI've been thinking alot about the idea of home this week. As far as time goes, I've been on the ship for four weeks, and it finally feels like it's the normal part of my life. Not that I'm just visiting for a few days, but as much a home as you can be in a 6 person cabin among 450 other people. I haven't written much about day to day life yet, but it's coming tomorrow or Tuesday. I'm trying to collect photos so you can see more. But one thing I've noticed in making this place home is that I don't feel like I can connect without that sense of being settled.<br />
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My job in the pharmacy doesn't put me in much contact with other people, other than a daily check of what each ward needs in their stock. I have nurses as friends who have stories upon stories about their favorite patients or the kids who wreak havoc with the games and coloring books, and all my stories involved opening up boxes and counting tablets for inventory. Woo hoo! I actually really enjoy what I do, but as I realize that I only have a month left, I think I expected to be more involved in the direct mission or at least more involved with the people of Conakry than I am. But I also know I've put as much into living here as I can. I think I've spent more energy than I expected to create a sense of home or a sense of settled, and it wasn't until that was established that I could reach out. But then I started thinking of how Jesus said he didn't have a place to lay His head, or how the Bible says this place is not our home-we are aliens to the earth, and I wonder how in the world He ever did ministry in such a nomadic capacity. It took me a month, on a rather comfortable mini-America complete with air-conditioning, to even start processing how to serve and incorporate new people into my life. Granted, I'm not God, but even He was separated from His community with the Father and the Spirit (or at least had a different relationship with them as a human).<br />
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So all this is to say, I'm just wondering if we're called to be our own home. And how does community relate to all of this? I have an amazing community in my house church, and my friends, and my family, and all of you, but if I place my home in that community, then does that need for community inhibit me when I leave it and set up a temporary home in a new place? Or is my home within me and the Spirit, and once that's established, then I can be as nomadic or as stationary as necessary? Or is there another option? I hate to think that my first month here wasn't useful in the sense of connecting to the greater purpose of Mercy Ships, and I really don't think it was, but I just didn't expect to require so much in terms of feeling at home. I came here wanting to serve however I'm needed, and I want to leave knowing I've given everything I can and worked as hard as I can.<br />
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I'm really excited to learn more about Mercy Ministries here. They're opportunities throughout the week for crew members to visit orphanages or prisons or day care centers and help however needed-play games with kids, lead Bible studies, make crafts, etc. One of them involves helping people learn to bake with the goal of being able to set up a shop in a local market to sell baked goods. I'm really excited about going to that one. I want to visit the orphanage as well, and there's an agriculture site a few hours away. I think they provide education on soil conservation and crop rotation, but I really don't know. I'll give you updates as I get to go.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts and adventures and leaving comments or sending emails. It's really encouraging to hear from you and to know that you'd take time out of your day to follow what's going on with me. Please know I'm thinking and praying for you as well.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-61971599713305632572012-09-19T13:01:00.001-07:002012-09-19T13:01:15.750-07:00Kindia part twoSorry for the delayed post-the internet went down yesterday on the ship. But have no fear, the saga continues tonight!<br />
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So where we last left our fauté adventurers (I think fauté falls in the same category as gringo as nicknames; at least that's what I'm assuming as everyone is yelling it at me as I walk by), the girls survived the night in a rather comfy hotel. There was a small confusion with our taxi driver and payment, but it was quickly resolved, and we set off for the mountain.<br />
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As we walked, Ansulman told us of the people who live on the mountains and how they farm/ranch/provide for themselves without having to leave the mountain. I think they still do leave, for trade and social reasons, but it sounds like they wouldn't have to if they didn't want to. As we started off, we attracted several kids from the nearby village who tagged along as our unofficial tour guides. The hike up wasn't too bad; the terrain was mostly rocks and streams that you navigated while avoiding the slick spots. </div>
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Of course, I ended up stepping mostly on slick spots and ended up face down multiple times, much to the amusement of our tour guides (who also graciously helped me up every time and made sure to lend me a hand on big steps). It was worth it though just to look out part way up and see this all around.</div>
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Naturally, more than a few Lion King quotes were thrown out during the hike, even if this wasn't the Serengeti. And this is what we saw off in the distance.</div>
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It didn't seem real. I've never felt like I was living in a National Geographic magazine as much as I did here. It was breathtaking, and several times, I just stopped to praise God for such a beautiful creation. Best church service EVER!<br />
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Once we reached the top, we found a woman, her cows, and a thatch hut. She informed us that the road to mountain village is overgrown, and the best way to get there is to climb back down and go around to climb a bigger mountain.<br />
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In the meantime, she was kind enough to let us take photographs of her home and livestock.<br />
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I thought the branding was really interesting (even if I felt sorry for the cows). The woman had one request of us, that we bring prints of the photos back with us. She said white people walk up and take photos of her and her cows, and she wanted pictures to have for herself. We promised that we would send some with Ansulman if we couldn't make it back before we left.<br />
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Meanwhile, the kids discovered they liked cheesing for the camera, so there was a constant cry of "Moi aussi!" (Me too!) The result is some fabulous gangster poses (where did they learn this?) and a lesson in proper fist bumping (they wanted to teach us).<br />
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I also thought I'd be clever and make a visual trompe d'oeil photo of me "leaning" against a cow, but the cow in the background moved without my permission, so here's the result. Really, these Guinean cattle-they're so unprofessional.<br />
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We decided that the hike to another mountain would make our return to Conakry after dark (it would have been at least 3 hours to hike, and another 5 hour taxi squish back home), so we chose to head back and try to return another time. Once we reached the village, a woman, who turned out to be a believer, offered us some palm water. I was guessing it was similar to palm wine, but she says that they tap palm trees, and this water comes out. The men in the village like it, because it's natural, and they believe that God created all natural things, so it must be good. I'm not explaining that well, but it kind of followed the idea of Peter's dream where he was told that no food (or person) is unclean. She gave it to us to refresh us, which is so kind, but we were all a little nervous about drinking something that hadn't been filtered. But we didn't want to be rude, so we said a prayer for our stomachs and gulped. I think I expected it to be sweet, which it's not, and it had a slightly fermented taste, but it was rather refreshing. She pulled up benches for us to rest, and we got to meet her family. </div>
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As we left, she gave us a gift of another bottle, which was so kind. I wish I had had something to give her, but I'll to remember to bring something if I go back. One of the girls who had gone to Kindia the weekend before had mentioned that she was glad to go there because she felt like she met the "real" Africa there. It wasn't just another big city, but she saw the life, and vibrancy, and generosity that is so prevalent here. And after meeting Bettina and spending time on the mountain, I agree. </div>
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-68413708368300838132012-09-17T10:54:00.004-07:002012-09-17T10:59:32.339-07:00Kindia Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend was a visit to a city about 120 km outside of Conakry. Guinea has beautiful landscapes and forests and mountains as you move east in the country, but being in the port at the western point of a 2 million inhabitant city, I had no idea that so much green existed. The main color scheme of our life on the ship is ocean blue and the dusty brown and gray of a city, but it took leaving the boat to realize how much I missed the grass and trees and even cucumber plants we saw as we left the city.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Though Kindia is only 120 km (aka 75 ish miles) from us, it took us 5 hours in the backseat of the equivalent of a Toyota Corolla to reach our hotel. It was so cramped I was actually thankful for the three police checkpoints, because it meant a chance to stretch our legs as we showed our ID badges and explained that we just wanted to see waterfalls. Thankfully, our guide, Ansulman, was great at making everything go smoothly, and his friend, Tiran (I'm not sure how to spell it) who was our driver for the weekend, was equally skilled at avoiding the "potholes" in the roads. I will never complain about Indiana potholes again. This car was practically off-roading at some points, and there was one time we jumped off the road through a market parking area and drove around a gas station to climb a 45 degree shoulder to get back on the road again. For anyone who says I'm a bad driver-I'm merely driving like I'm in Guinea. Here were my partners in crime for our weekend adventure.<br />
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Cathy (in purple) and Olivia (in grey) are two med techs on the ship and work just down the hall from me. Both are from the States, and we were laughing about how we've only known each other 2.5 weeks, and we're already going on vacation together. This is Cathy's first time out of the States, so we were all admiring how brave she was to venture out to such an unknown area during her first trip.</div>
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Petra (the girl who isn't me) is from Austria and is a radiology technician who works next door to me. She'll be on the ship for 6 months, and was gracious enough not to be offended when we made sweeping comments about our group being typical Americans. Most of the trip she was holding her camera, trying to capture every moment, and generally looking like a National Geographic photographer.<br />
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Our first stop was the hotel-Hotel Masabi-who somehow didn't have our reservations, but they were very gracious and helpful in adjusting the two rooms to fit 6 people. Everyone had mosquito nets and a mattress to sleep on, and the rooms had air-conditioning, which was rather luxurious (though it only had electricity after 7pm until 8am, which made the light situation a bit complicated for a few hours). The hotel has a common room that's open and sunny where you eat breakfast and can sit to chat or have a drink or just relax. The walls are filled with art-from fabric covered canvases to flowers made of dyed bird feathers, and it just had a relaxed, tropical feel to the whole room. Sadly I didn't take photos of it, but I'll try to get some from one of the other girls.<br />
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Ansulman (pictured above) majored in hospitality and tourism, and he's working on Mercy Ships during the Guinea field service as a staff development assistant. After Mercy Ships leaves, he wants to be a tour guide, so he can show visitors the beauty of Guinea. He's particularly fond of the waterfalls. He also speaks at least 4 languages very well (Susu, Malink´e, French, and English), and loves to say "Wow, wow, wow" at anything exciting or surprising or amazing.<br />
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After we straightened out the hotel situation, Ansulman took us to the Bride's Veil waterfall. It looks like a regular state park at first, with some well outlined paths lined with trees, but once you break through to the falls, it's breathtaking. I'm used to waterfalls that trickle (or sometimes gush) down the rocks, but this just falls from an overhang. Ansulman said that, whether it's rainy or dry season, the waterfall always looks the same.<br />
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It was hard to pull away from the fall, but we were all rather hungry, so we headed toward town. We found a Senegalese restaurant, and I ordered riz au gras which is rice with chicken and creamy mushroom-like sauce (yep, I ate mushrooms). I discovered I really like Senegalese food.</div>
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Everyone was pretty beat after our travel day, so we headed back to the hotel for some showers and sleep. Day 2 to come tomorrow, same bat time, same bat station.</div>
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<span id="goog_568051165"></span><span id="goog_568051166"></span><br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-55470946283924174112012-09-11T12:04:00.000-07:002012-09-13T15:16:03.129-07:00Things I've learned (an ongoing list)1) Michelangelo might the the only person who could ever recreate this sky.<br />
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2) After two weeks of galley food (which is rather good), there is still nothing like homemade spaghetti.<br />
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3) While making homemade spaghetti, you can meet the woman who fries plantain chips to sell in the ship shop, and sometimes she'll give you a sample.<br />
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4) I really like plantain chips.</div>
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5) Everywhere you go, you will be photographed, gawked at, and smiled at. Some children will run up to give you a high five. Others will run terrified to their mother after you bend to their level and try to play with them. Especially if you are bright red from the heat and are wearing a blue Butler hat. Not that I've experienced this or anything.</div>
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6) The proper way to pack clothes is to fold them into pockets.</div>
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7) Water needs to be conserved on the ship, which means 2 minute ship showers and 1 load of laundry per week. This in turn means I will save hundreds of dollars on water bills when I return home, and people do laundry in groups so you can still have a lights, darks, and towels load.</div>
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8) Laundry day is so much more fun when you fold your roommate's laundry into pockets for them to discover after work. </div>
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9) You will get proposed to on a regular basis. Right now my tally is Guinea - 5, USA- 0. </div>
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10) If you want to attend a Africa Cup soccer game, you only need 4 bucks and a few street vendors with tickets in the same section.</div>
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11) The proper term for a soccer game is a football match.</div>
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12) You get instant respect on the way to said game if you sport Guinea's colors.</div>
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13) However, it's good to make sure you're seats are in the Guinea section rather than the opposing team's section (in this case the country of Niger).</div>
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14) This is what the Niger flag looks like. Our seats were right in front of it. With no one else around for at least 5 rows. </div>
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15) The wave is cross cultural.</div>
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16) After listening to my NZ coworker, I really want to add the phrase, "Jolly Good!" to my vocabulary.</div>
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17) No matter how many times I try to incorporate "Jolly Good!", I will never sound like a Kiwi.</div>
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18) Chickens are everywhere.</div>
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-47744353656323018942012-09-10T05:55:00.001-07:002012-09-10T06:02:52.131-07:00Language class with BethSo the formal language of Guinea is French-that's what most government agencies use-but there are several local languages-Susu, Pular, and Malinke. I sat at lunch with a guy from lower Guinea today, and he taught me how to say hello, good-bye, and little bit in Susu.<br />
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(this is all hooked on phonics; I have no idea how this is really spelled)<br />
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E maman- hello to one person<br />
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Wo maman-hello to multiple people<br />
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Wo-u-wo (think motown sounds)-good bye<br />
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Don de repan-a little bit (as in I say "E maman" and then someone starts rattling off in Susu, I say "don de repan", so they know I have no clue what they just said).<br />
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More lessons to come...bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-15872360269150539072012-09-09T03:04:00.001-07:002012-09-09T03:04:22.938-07:00This past weekAfter the screening, this past week was rather uneventful. We had a few more mini-screenings for Max/Facs Patients (Maxillary and Facial, I think), so there were definitely more people on board, but the pharmacy churned away, stocking units and filling crew scripts. Friday, we got an urgent order from a pharmaceutical company in England, so I got to unpack, count, put into stock, and put away the overfill all by myself. I've never been so thankful for our stockroom guys at Methodist.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>Some of the drugs that came in needed to be checked by the ministry of health, so we had a member of that office (I still don't know her official title) come on board to watch us as we unpacked everything. She was beautiful and very composed. She spoke only French, but luckily there was a French interpreter to help (not me). As we unpacked, you could tell she was getting frustrated at the haphazard manner of packing, which made it hard to unpack all the antibiotics at once and consequently took more time to unpack and check. But she was very gracious, and at the end said, "Merci, et je m'excuse si je vous dérange." (Thank you, and I'm sorry if I messed up your flow-beth's colloquial translation). To which I replied, "Pas de problème." (No worries). To which she replied, "Ah bon, il y a une qui a compris." (Oh good, at least one of you got my drift). Victory!!!!!! I spoke French, and I didn't get the look of doom, where no one understood what I was saying or even if I was speaking French. I might have done a dance in the aisle between L-Z tablets and topicals. She also was very fascinated by our pill counting machine, so we gave a demonstration, and then Miriam took her on a tour of the hospital.<br />
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I don't think I introduced my coworkers, so here's a quick rundown. I'll post photos next time. Miriam is a Kiwi (that's how she introduces herself) and plays rugby and has a dry sense of humor that often involves teasing. So basically I feel right at home. She's a community pharmacist (basically the same as a retail pharmacist) so she signs emails as "your local friendly pharmacist".<br />
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Carolyn arrived last Saturday from SW England. She's a clinical pharmacist in a hospital, so we speak a similar language, but she's got a steep learning curve for more of the filling/sorting/organizing side of pharmacy. She's been great though and is learning very quickly. She's a short-termer like me, but is thinking of joining as long term crew someday.<br />
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One surprise this week was singing. At home, I'm used to various online radio stations like Greatest Ballads of the 80's or Martini Lounge blasting in the background while we work. Here...silence. Until last Wednesday. All of a sudden I hear live music that doesn't involve Frank Sinatra or Pat Benetar or "Walk like an Egyptian". It turns out that people do mini concerts and just break into song while waiting on the wards. I don't know who was singing, but I walked by one of the areas and there was a group of 5 with a drum, sitting on some stools and singing beautifully. It was not in English or any other language I recognized, and I was enchanted. Not as enchanting is my attempt to sing in our pharmacy. Carolyn and I put great effort into bringing some of the showtunes back ("Tomorrow" from Annie makes a frequent appearance as we're leaving). Oddly enough, Miriam doesn't join in. Hmmm.<br />
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I have a few stories about the "reefer"-our refrigerated overflow area that involves makeshift levers and body slams and trekking through arctic conditions for the sake of storage, but I think they'll be more entertaining in a post with photos. Until then, hope your days are filled with songs, laughter and new adventures around every corner.<br />
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-17495112915738153892012-09-03T13:16:00.000-07:002012-09-13T15:14:09.039-07:00Screening Day!Today was a long day, but it marked the beginning of our field service here in Guinea. (Sorry, there won't be any photos. We're very limited on what we can photograph. I still don't know why, but maybe I'll find out at my orientation meeting). We had people line up starting last night at the People's Palace in Conakry to wait for a chance to be seen and selected for surgery/hospital care. To help with the process, Mercy Ships has very specific guidelines for what surgeries they can do, which means several of the 3500 people who came were turned away and referred to local hospitals or doctors. The criteria are based on what type of surgeons are going to be on board, what other staffing is available (ie nurses and auxiliary staff) and what kind of equipment is available. Sometimes someone will have something treatable, but the ship hospital isn't able to accommodate that particular treatment.<br />
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I was placed as an escort for the first section people, which is where a patient sees a pre-screener and are either sent in for a more thorough history or told that we aren't able to help them. I walked so many patients to the next section with their precious square card that indicated which surgical group would treat them, and it was so fun to engage them and ask names or where they're from. I also walked many people who were told no to the prayer tent or the exit, and it was hard to know what to say. Compounded by the language barrier, most often all I could do was say hi and my name and that I'm sorry. I'd try to put my (right) hand on their back and offer a smile, but it seemed like such a small gesture after disappointing news. I had several people who smiled back, and one man even said he understood, but there were some who didn't understand. I really just had to pray that God would watch out for them, since He loves and cares for them more than anyone on this ship ever could.<br />
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The night before the screening, our community meeting speaker challenged us to look at how we approach our service here. He talked about the levels of poverty and how my attitude towards helping the poor can actually be harmful rather than helpful. I'm still processing what I think of what he said, and I'd love feedback from anyone else, but the last thing he said was to think not just how a Guinean might need our healthcare skills or knowledge but to think how I can learn and gain knowledge from a Guinean. For alot of the day today, I found myself trying to look at people I met (Mercy Ship crew, translators, patients, everyone) not as a project or something to be rescued, but as someone to grow with. It made me think of the verse of how we're entertaining angels everyday (sorry, my Bible is downstairs), and that helped change my perspective of how I treated and engaged people I met today. I don't know how else to elaborate on that, and I'm sure I'll have many more opportunities to engage, but it made today more reflective than I'd planned.<br />
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One fun part of this whole process was my french practice. Apparently I should have watched Amelie a few more times before coming. I know I said some ridiculous stuff throughout the day. Mostly grammatical stuff, but I got more than a few "Quoi?"s with a questioning stare, which I followed with charades to attempt to act out what I was saying. As the day got longer, my American accent got stronger, and I think at one point a Texas drawl came out of my mouth. I did pick up rather quickly that as soon as you say "Bonjour" and "Ça va?" ("Hello" and "How's it going?") you break through any tension and are often greeted with a big smile. So if all other communication failed, I'd just say hi and smile. Which is pretty much the start to any friendship, no matter which continent you are on.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-10149135009369453952012-09-01T10:08:00.000-07:002012-09-01T10:13:07.589-07:00Ocean and other musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So the ocean and I are best friends, even if I do most of the work in the friendship. It's not just that I like to visit it on vacations or the occasional long weekend trip. I get giddy as I approach the ocean, twisting my neck to see any sliver of water that peeks through houses or trees or hills as I drive by. As soon as I get close enough to smell the saltwater, I pause, inhale deeply, and then tear off in the directions of the seagulls, loosing various socks and shoes and inhibitions until I end up barefoot in the surf. <br />
<a name='more'></a>Needless to say, the fact that I can walk a few (actually 4) flights of stairs to deck 7 and watch the eastern edge of the Atlantic sway makes my heart flutter. Where we're docked, there's a rock outlet that absorbs the harsh waves that would normally make our ship shaky, which is helpful for stocking pharmacy items on open shelves, but apparently makes it a little treacherous for ships. There are at least 3 shipwrecks viewable from various sides of our ship.<br />
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We were supposed to go to an island today, but apparently there was an accident yesterday with some boats, and several people drowned. I don't know the whole story or who died, but the whole day today, I've just been reflecting on why we're here, and even wondering how we can help when events, like the accident, occur, and we have no control over it. I know we're going to bring hope and healing to several people here in Guinea, and I'm so excited about that. It's great to make a difference in a few lives, even if you can't fix everything. I think I'm just sad about the whole state of affairs-that people suffer and have unfair diseases that ravage their body and people die, in spite of our best efforts. It's nothing new; history is filled with pain and disappointment and loss; I just am so excited for the day that it stops. That injustice and inequality and fear are banished, and love wins. For now, I guess I just have to keep looking at sunsets in Africa that will soon be sunrises in another part of the world and remember that time continues on whether we eagerly anticipate the next day or feel as though the world has disintegrated. And one day, we won't have to wait. It will just be good.</div>
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bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-29210966544140906562012-08-30T14:20:00.000-07:002012-08-30T14:20:31.579-07:00Welcome Wagon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's what I found upon arrival on Monday. I love it! And today, I actually made it out to the deck (once I figured out the door. Doors and stairs don't work the same on the ship as on land. Who knew?). The sunset was gorgeous, and apparently there are a few shipwrecks you can see when the tide is low. I plan on trying to see them/photograph them tomorrow. The hospital is still in setup mode, but you can feel the excitement rising as screening day gets closer. Tonight we had a guest speaker who has lived in Guinea for the past 20+ years, so he was giving us a crash course in Guinean culture. Some information was pretty general, like pay attention to how the people around you behave and act accordingly. One fun thing to learn was that many Guineans like to celebrate, so they might ask you to come to a wedding or a baby naming ceremony after just meeting you. And it sounds like church services are very energetic and interactive, and the description reminded me of church in Poneloya, Nicaragua. I can't wait to go on Sunday.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-87086607868003024542012-08-29T11:42:00.001-07:002012-08-29T11:42:20.820-07:00yo ho, yo ho!A pirate's life for me! It's official! I'm on a boat! And I really like exclamation points! I've been here for the past 2 days, and it's been rather overwhelming to get used to everything. First-people are fabulous. There are crew from all over the world, so the first three questions out of everyone's mouth are:<div>
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I've meet so many people; most are nurses, but there's lots of auxiliary hospital staff (like me) and sailing crew. I really love being on a ship. It doesn't feel claustrophobic, which is great, and it doesn't rock with the waves, so no sea sickness! Bonus! :) I'll try to load a photo later, but I can only get internet in certain places, and I don't have my photo cord. </div>
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I have 4 roommates, 2 from Australia who are friends and are nurses in the same hospital, 1 from the US who's a travel nurse, and 1 who's from Australia originally but has been doing nursing in the UK for the past year. They're all super friendly, and we're all fairly new, so it's kind of nice to have people who are experiencing things at the same time you are (be it excitement, fear, or just being overwhelmed).</div>
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I've been working in the Pharmacy organizing inventory from the sail. The ship actually just arrived last week in Guinea, and so everything has to be packed up tightly so nothing spills while the ship is moving. It's been helpful to learn what and where everything is, but I'm looking forward to starting the regular routine. I'll be stocking the 4 wards with meds, and helping the Pharmacist fill prescriptions and such.</div>
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Everyone is gearing up for our big screening, which is how we determine which surgeries are scheduled and when. I'm not entirely sure how this works, but I'm sure I'll have more stories for you afterwards. I think I'll be escorting people from the different stations as they're checked out, and we determine if we have the resources to treat them. I hope I get to practice more French here, so we'll see how well that goes. :)</div>
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I'll be sure to update as more stories occur. Right now, everyone seems to be in a holding pattern until the chaos begins. Prayer requests I have at the moment are:</div>
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1) I would be able to continue settling in, and eventually get a sense of home, even if it is only for a few months</div>
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2) The screening. That people who need surgeries would be able to get here, and that the screeners would have wisdom on how to best treat people. Also, with that many people, it can be crazy, so I pray everyone would stay calm and the day would run smoothly.</div>
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3) That we would be able to impact the people of Guinea positively. It's been years since the last time Mercy Ships has been to Guinea, so I think people don't know what to do with us yet. I hope we can form a good relationship that will continue for many years.</div>
bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-84134896113777068912012-08-28T13:27:00.002-07:002012-08-29T11:19:02.462-07:00Au revoir, Paris! <br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It’s been a whirlwind tour, but still, it seems too early so say goodbye to the City of Lights. Today was officially Museum Day, so the game plan was bags to the new hotel (a Hilton no less), the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Orangerie, and maybe Versailles if time allowed. The hotel trip was long and uneventful, which is to say boring, so we’ll move on. I’d been to the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay on my last trip, but I was excited to see these places and the art through my Mom’s eyes. She loves Impressionist paintings, and one of the first things mentioned when planning the trip was that she wanted to see a Monet.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My favorite part might be getting to walk through the Medieval Louvre. So according to Rick Steves, the Louvre used to be a palace with the king’s royal collection being absorbed and donated to the museum over the past 800 years. So you get to walk through what was the foundation of the palace (I think. I missed the plaque on this). It looks almost Egyptian in it’s steadfastness-as though hundreds of years of elemental, human, and foreign destruction couldn’t break down the walls, but on the other hand, it’s texture reminds me of a sandcastle. In any case grandeur doesn’t do justice to this area. There were some texts from centuries before Christ that were not only intact, but well preserved enough to read. To think that something that existed over 3000 years ago still exists is rather incredible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Orangerie is known for it’s 2 rooms of Monet’s Water Lillies. The paintings are life size and the 4 canvases surround the room, so, when sitting in the middle of the room, you feel immersed in what he saw. It’s hard to grasp scale and size on postcards and museum books, so it’s almost daunting to see these photos in real life. Underneath the Lillies rooms are the life’s collections of two Parisian men. I couldn’t tell you exactly how many paintings were from one collection, but it had to be over a hundred. And there were Cezannes, and Rodins, Monets, Picassos, and countless more, all that used to hang in one man’s house. There’s even a mock-up of a room in his house and how he had the paintings arranged, and it was wall to wall of famous paintings you see in books. I can't imagine living in a home like that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Musee d’Orsay was the most changed from what I remember. There were Impressionists and Post-Impressionists (Van Gogh), but then there was this room of photographs. It had 30 or so, but the fun part was the subjects and the photographers. People from George Bernard Shaw to the children of artists were the subjects, while people you’d never expect to be behind a photo lens (Degas, for example) where snapping photos of close relatives. It was a really intimate way of seeing these artistic idols and how they saw the world outside of their normal medium. Like you got to step away from the hype and facade of someone and see a truer picture of their world. Rather fabulous.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">We walked through the Colonnade to get to each Museum, and it was a picturesque Sunday afternoon. Everyone was lounging in green chairs while people watching as locals and tourists walked through. On our way back to the hotel, we chose the St. Michel metro stop, by the Notre Dame. The bridge right before has a tradition of couples and families hanging padlocks on it as a way of sealing their love for each other. It's eye-catching how the walls of the bridge glitter in the sunlight, and as you get closer you realize each one is personalized. I really liked the one in the photo below. Someone took time to decorate it with pretty flowers, and I found myself wondering if the two people were still together or if they even knew each other anymore. </span> It seemed as fitting as place as any to say our goodbyes to the city and was a poetic end to our vacation together. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_gRu4nZd_0vQefk4ElPTuS38pYVIIGpa7294en7HjeYq3kunHtGSTY6flaJuMOPh0kj_S2tXK5BGWV4tiQI9my7-RHOHuOmdfFa0xDb9vSSxn_DgPyl1i1Jk_eWwnEDHMM3U5r05bQQ/s1600/Padlocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_gRu4nZd_0vQefk4ElPTuS38pYVIIGpa7294en7HjeYq3kunHtGSTY6flaJuMOPh0kj_S2tXK5BGWV4tiQI9my7-RHOHuOmdfFa0xDb9vSSxn_DgPyl1i1Jk_eWwnEDHMM3U5r05bQQ/s320/Padlocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-54323598788382076392012-08-26T13:10:00.001-07:002012-08-29T11:22:28.855-07:00Return to me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT8_IknEfSzaMMRognfJhTt0kyR2ZDo9L06OfXa_jcJtKynFOHtBXS7vudgtfvw8ApMCnySpBkWQOatXeIdjZ9pT7Cx4CneEUFSxWkt4BI7z0bRq0A8EdBcTUpoXW8sJn0dILPu_eLFM/s1600/IMG_0292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT8_IknEfSzaMMRognfJhTt0kyR2ZDo9L06OfXa_jcJtKynFOHtBXS7vudgtfvw8ApMCnySpBkWQOatXeIdjZ9pT7Cx4CneEUFSxWkt4BI7z0bRq0A8EdBcTUpoXW8sJn0dILPu_eLFM/s320/IMG_0292.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Our last day in Geneva let us get some souvenirs (most importantly chocolate), take a long stroll out to the Water Jet, and leisurely meander along the boardwalk while people watching. First things first, one of my coworkers (Melissa) made me promise to sing "The Sounds of Music" while in Switzerland with the mountains around me. Nevermind that the movie takes place in Austria, but being obliging, here's the silent proof. Sadly, no one asked me to participate in any remakes of the movie.</div>
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So if you walk the Lake Geneva shoreline, past the English Gardens, you come to an outcropping that takes you next to the Water Jet. Along the way, I was mesmerized by the boats in the marina, so I couldn't help but take a photo of them. I'm so excited that I get to spend the next two months on a boat. The water of the lake was this fantastic shade of transparent blue green. I've only ever seen it in the Caribbean before, and never in a lake. </div>
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After a few minutes on a park bench, watching the locals pedal by (seriously, everyone owns a bike), we headed for the train station.</div>
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On the way, we passed by one of my favorite parts of Geneva-the street signs. I love that they include a history lesson with each road. It's a unique legacy for the person after whom the street is named.<br />
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Since I failed a photo-taking on the trip down, here's a few of the sights on the way back. Please ignore any reflection shots you see.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunflowers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <i>Chocolat</i> town</td></tr>
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The 3 hours train ride was made a little longer by engine failure, but apparently is wasn't that bad, because we were only 15 minutes late. Well done, TGV. After retrieving our bags we'd stowed at our hotel (which were thankfully still there), we deposited the extra luggage in our room and took off for Notre Dame and the Centre Pompidou. The last time I was in Paris, I got to visit both places, but it was fun seeing my mom's enthusiasm for the history and the beauty of them. At Notre Dame, mass was going on while we were visiting, which added an extra sense of the true purpose of why such beautiful monuments were built. And apparently it was at Notre Dame that members of the church stated the process to "rehabilitate the reputation" of Joan of Arc. Who knew? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XljHRhn_z4zwdIyigvdiMy9v_fKOaWKCtIKEfvPNkOxkZuuTWQ8Rk4tCmgeiartfIECaROlXFX5ahzywjEeY06XZtAF3R3D_f7Tk-arx4ocKL-i9ZOL9z9Fbp-fhx3REukOX9uCEdjI/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XljHRhn_z4zwdIyigvdiMy9v_fKOaWKCtIKEfvPNkOxkZuuTWQ8Rk4tCmgeiartfIECaROlXFX5ahzywjEeY06XZtAF3R3D_f7Tk-arx4ocKL-i9ZOL9z9Fbp-fhx3REukOX9uCEdjI/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag"-name that movie</td></tr>
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And the Centre Pompidou is this brightly colored, plastic covered building that houses modern art. There's Andy Warhol, Picasso, Robert Doisneau, and so many more that I didn't know but loved after visiting the museum. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5AUOC8qIQsn3La5Qouj06Hm1ZBRQ1dWxW8xTw6Rk1z0g_lqUWoNCdKHCJNBW0enqNpHBJQeYv0Pg70giblzYJvaBrHr01KAGv6p-mcW1YVYx0jMCDlWooHb-EoUI38gyd0S-iNEBYO8/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC5AUOC8qIQsn3La5Qouj06Hm1ZBRQ1dWxW8xTw6Rk1z0g_lqUWoNCdKHCJNBW0enqNpHBJQeYv0Pg70giblzYJvaBrHr01KAGv6p-mcW1YVYx0jMCDlWooHb-EoUI38gyd0S-iNEBYO8/s200/IMG_0327.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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And now I have a great idea for a future wall decor for my apartment. And out of a chain link fence. I love it! If nothing else, how awesome would a dog feel being in such a decorative fence rather than a boring one? Seriously!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think a dragon or an owl would look really cool</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uZoJeiEgnSN2tt-Iazw5kHE_Ho7n9SP-2OUGiot9-LuluJzKv8UHip9rBzlnpydak0tPleweq9IRbGGPwfzF6ors8uANzcDnpGPtdb6IY0kX-QjqXopuX1W13bb-KbbG6wBo4J3ugQc/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uZoJeiEgnSN2tt-Iazw5kHE_Ho7n9SP-2OUGiot9-LuluJzKv8UHip9rBzlnpydak0tPleweq9IRbGGPwfzF6ors8uANzcDnpGPtdb6IY0kX-QjqXopuX1W13bb-KbbG6wBo4J3ugQc/s320/IMG_0324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-52007056975487629442012-08-26T12:36:00.001-07:002012-08-29T11:17:20.534-07:00Geneva Day 2So let's discuss what's really important: food. Here's a sampling of our continental breakfast at our lovely hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgB3shlKll_O4_rlCNm8kzdK_LatePbjG_NYssBlaoo4RFbkTDGwFgNOIWgzWt7PpuRJ0zSgzkrkW-bDNI6NbaSnKwgRVR_-kw3tkbTd5jbztBJnYHpGeSdRPZuFZGesi3HEcpMeJt1Y/s1600/IMG_0288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgB3shlKll_O4_rlCNm8kzdK_LatePbjG_NYssBlaoo4RFbkTDGwFgNOIWgzWt7PpuRJ0zSgzkrkW-bDNI6NbaSnKwgRVR_-kw3tkbTd5jbztBJnYHpGeSdRPZuFZGesi3HEcpMeJt1Y/s320/IMG_0288.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast of Champions!</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>That's pineapple yogurt with little bits of pineapple, a mini-nutella (that I want to keep in my pocket for chocolate emergencies), and the lightest, flakiest, melt-in-your mouth croissant that has ever existed. Take that sponge-y eggs at the Holiday Inn in Iowa; this is how you do breakfast. And what would a morning be without:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDps4TcK8L9s72-msXg8ab3w9OzfV6qNQK4_p0Z1YOKsMcBhbIIoEY0G9ZiC1zGWM5nhBDRiS-K5Yz01U2AicWUizla38KUwYeU_TcM3HZVPQs9itO2b3Rz32H1FAH8K7Og77rkjg0txo/s1600/IMG_0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDps4TcK8L9s72-msXg8ab3w9OzfV6qNQK4_p0Z1YOKsMcBhbIIoEY0G9ZiC1zGWM5nhBDRiS-K5Yz01U2AicWUizla38KUwYeU_TcM3HZVPQs9itO2b3Rz32H1FAH8K7Og77rkjg0txo/s320/IMG_0289.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not as good as my dad's but still does the trick</td></tr>
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Now in contrast, here's a photo of what Mom and I have been eating for dinner for the past 3 days:</div>
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So we pretty much felt like queens at our breakfast feast. Even now, I might be slightly drooling while looking at these photos. Yum...So moving on, our second day in Geneva was a as jam-packed as all our previous vacation days. First stop-flower clock in English Garden:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKgcnlfplkDkvQ2nfrUH49nzlrqbt54XYpbbNdU_WoB__GQJSHkytn7k073egOp3xulLDAd7rRdpZUcR3vI70CIB-YLplOnuAq4uHTtF48zUUJgYSoJdkgMnncZA3zRU8RonvAEu2VJ4/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKgcnlfplkDkvQ2nfrUH49nzlrqbt54XYpbbNdU_WoB__GQJSHkytn7k073egOp3xulLDAd7rRdpZUcR3vI70CIB-YLplOnuAq4uHTtF48zUUJgYSoJdkgMnncZA3zRU8RonvAEu2VJ4/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Clock?</td></tr>
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We were a little disappointed by the lack of flowers in the flower clock, but around the corner was a beautiful fountain that offered seats and a cool breeze.</div>
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We then took the bus (!) up to the Ariana Museum of Ceramics and Glass. It's near the United Nations Headquarters, so here are a few photos of around the plaza:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOFfpssy733qH_EPA1QpRRKjp4d7M8W96xa_fpyalt6ASOoJ4klEaX6AgPUUHQcWDuxTF1DLDZ0W2jP0AVWWuZDATqD4O3nbIrZN3cHKy6-JzRiZY2UZCwqLFNAt-J0A8znBtKilKO9g/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOFfpssy733qH_EPA1QpRRKjp4d7M8W96xa_fpyalt6ASOoJ4klEaX6AgPUUHQcWDuxTF1DLDZ0W2jP0AVWWuZDATqD4O3nbIrZN3cHKy6-JzRiZY2UZCwqLFNAt-J0A8znBtKilKO9g/s200/IMG_0241.jpg" width="148" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XSd5JSHcaYOKZ99WjUHSrw_qRVs8hFRm2qnhCweoO7hBb2jEjdrRc93RxEnuPd8QlN9nPdTxzq87hf9hkJIQoske_cLqA7Su2cLQpNLGVWMtsYtKQBeZ2oPKGvSSs10L7F4fBW6z_Tc/s1600/IMG_0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XSd5JSHcaYOKZ99WjUHSrw_qRVs8hFRm2qnhCweoO7hBb2jEjdrRc93RxEnuPd8QlN9nPdTxzq87hf9hkJIQoske_cLqA7Su2cLQpNLGVWMtsYtKQBeZ2oPKGvSSs10L7F4fBW6z_Tc/s200/IMG_0245.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08BqtSiDpWv1nquDqJ6EeJnoev4Y5g6lLlUpEeRVg32i2HFppTs9J_jA3vNSE5FKXegLjzAnNU3vHcQ4PhzWSuTgREeomD1S8dp3Zgn8m3nb5bWXbxeiZi73iWQ2YlVDVgadq3y0VoJU/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08BqtSiDpWv1nquDqJ6EeJnoev4Y5g6lLlUpEeRVg32i2HFppTs9J_jA3vNSE5FKXegLjzAnNU3vHcQ4PhzWSuTgREeomD1S8dp3Zgn8m3nb5bWXbxeiZi73iWQ2YlVDVgadq3y0VoJU/s320/IMG_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As is most of Geneva, the area around the United Nations seems perfectly planned. There's a smattering of trees that gives you the sense you're in nature without feeling lost in a forest. There are monuments and large scale art scattered along the plaza, and there are fountains that squirt water intermittently, much to the delight of the 2 kids in their swimsuits waiting on the next burst. The museum is just around the corner, and it was just as surprising and delightful as our previous museums. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxDP2EbRXJAH2vQkdZZyRJp7PU2425Rf679EeBmfkdjnyl9MOPaBXvbZFhT3BCt0opMIJ5UUN-BNKjcAGzu7xYpxZCovECJRhZSbtWiJHnTDzw2LIGlcgDuO4q3CRE1HD5kVjz5KZiBQ/s1600/IMG_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxDP2EbRXJAH2vQkdZZyRJp7PU2425Rf679EeBmfkdjnyl9MOPaBXvbZFhT3BCt0opMIJ5UUN-BNKjcAGzu7xYpxZCovECJRhZSbtWiJHnTDzw2LIGlcgDuO4q3CRE1HD5kVjz5KZiBQ/s320/IMG_0265.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Ariana Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06cyRXtQLu5a36gS01w-Lsnnsv9GQpZlNWJLgG6wYB1xu2H61-IAjuPMo57j33cYwkps4TtOjUZ9gN3O49KPFgTNT2LH7PKVTx53ILZ0bRyblynrT26k86vsAbet7K5-s61pj5CFvo98/s1600/IMG_0262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi06cyRXtQLu5a36gS01w-Lsnnsv9GQpZlNWJLgG6wYB1xu2H61-IAjuPMo57j33cYwkps4TtOjUZ9gN3O49KPFgTNT2LH7PKVTx53ILZ0bRyblynrT26k86vsAbet7K5-s61pj5CFvo98/s320/IMG_0262.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art pieces in the entrance</td></tr>
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It's full of bowls and glass art from the middle ages to modern day, and it even had a special exhibit on Swiss ceramics. Here's a few of my favorites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIZcbfnOxCtvL3nPY1Vr0rrvjrv4mO_tO3e740xI8mYooWug99lIVJon-kAvVP5p_fyfXN3R6Zq4ZE_soi6ZjlQsFxNLMqfHDn_ySUUcwqPDzV7bJMxWvsHmcInNOV8emXiGl9PBKHyc/s1600/IMG_0253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIZcbfnOxCtvL3nPY1Vr0rrvjrv4mO_tO3e740xI8mYooWug99lIVJon-kAvVP5p_fyfXN3R6Zq4ZE_soi6ZjlQsFxNLMqfHDn_ySUUcwqPDzV7bJMxWvsHmcInNOV8emXiGl9PBKHyc/s320/IMG_0253.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It reminds me of the 40s war posters, and I liked the idea of fighting with cookware</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8P-gAliU7P-S9tzEKJDujK_N8MTIRoe3rQtlzd57iWPg3eQ1C9xVKXGFfmlnj9zIEPU1S177tWERURfA4lZnZHmTZVmQqX_iK6hNxYuxgRXvqS-JtSGdya6iv6p-SbIhEVx8tVK4mcg/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_8P-gAliU7P-S9tzEKJDujK_N8MTIRoe3rQtlzd57iWPg3eQ1C9xVKXGFfmlnj9zIEPU1S177tWERURfA4lZnZHmTZVmQqX_iK6hNxYuxgRXvqS-JtSGdya6iv6p-SbIhEVx8tVK4mcg/s200/IMG_0264.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't even tell you. Something about having all the famous Swiss battles painted on it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bowl from the 1400s</td></tr>
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After learning more about the pottery making and glazing process, we went for a lake cruise that showed famous houses, like Baron Rothschild's estate and where Lord Byron stayed, and monuments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lVQ6nZATiYFOZMKajdJGZmhAGDIcUFKIW6dXAYHObwDtfHhNi5u1wHR0dxsGDIN_F2cGJ-0Er0U6pS20KqQ47WGnZmG46-D9i3zjvPiWmTKiPX5pDsvu4wk-rg7ZqbPMKB0Ikj78Sb8/s1600/IMG_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_lVQ6nZATiYFOZMKajdJGZmhAGDIcUFKIW6dXAYHObwDtfHhNi5u1wHR0dxsGDIN_F2cGJ-0Er0U6pS20KqQ47WGnZmG46-D9i3zjvPiWmTKiPX5pDsvu4wk-rg7ZqbPMKB0Ikj78Sb8/s320/IMG_0270.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I think it's a monument, but it looks like a lighthouse</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyerexlmyNV4xDc87pWDc18xSYpHfWPUuRocc4WhRped7LdAYaW3wZWZtK_Xai2ITw72CsM1o1tmymUwPv_cV4B4JSFaPpUH6C27lWuRq1RKaQbT7d8M5NptwgonGmWjWqOcCyg4Jq_Rw/s1600/IMG_0269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyerexlmyNV4xDc87pWDc18xSYpHfWPUuRocc4WhRped7LdAYaW3wZWZtK_Xai2ITw72CsM1o1tmymUwPv_cV4B4JSFaPpUH6C27lWuRq1RKaQbT7d8M5NptwgonGmWjWqOcCyg4Jq_Rw/s320/IMG_0269.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Jet, up close and personal</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BNaccwwLHl6XRk9J70cbl64KtCb-1ynuRE_Eh5KGC3THc9itqCCULAIwjaAQwgxgcVqlFiPTsmYTFPGUSpiQE3hgYtsvR9KkygDxSRtPPFaR3Vqi0S06UR1y9fE6cLvk-xtVKVXpz0s/s1600/IMG_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6BNaccwwLHl6XRk9J70cbl64KtCb-1ynuRE_Eh5KGC3THc9itqCCULAIwjaAQwgxgcVqlFiPTsmYTFPGUSpiQE3hgYtsvR9KkygDxSRtPPFaR3Vqi0S06UR1y9fE6cLvk-xtVKVXpz0s/s320/IMG_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the mountains surrounding Geneva</td></tr>
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The day rounded out with a tram ride around Vieille-Ville which helped me figure out what some of the buildings were and how they related to Geneva's history. More cathedrals and the like, but the best part was when our tram inadvertently caused a rather large traffic jam. Apparently our tram couldn't fit through somewhere, but the bus blocking the way couldn't move. All I know is I hear horns honking behind me, I see all the other passengers getting off, and our driver just gets out of the car and starts walking away. Mom and I looked at each other, wondering if it was then end of the tour or what. Finally our driver came back and buses moved and everyone was happy again, but I was a little nervous that we were going to be firmly escorted out of Switzerland for disrupting the peace.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFznBwoN6wXzH6qtI8s5-cjAxhnMOrw6jpRZ5xCN0np6nUuSzz3kxPKxvALrQ7Ji36afuXYPHb5jlxhRFL0T7cUmJJH8GVB7a-PN9C_twcbOO_wdfGKT2hxnmiP2KHq_D1JN007ymSJY/s1600/IMG_0282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFznBwoN6wXzH6qtI8s5-cjAxhnMOrw6jpRZ5xCN0np6nUuSzz3kxPKxvALrQ7Ji36afuXYPHb5jlxhRFL0T7cUmJJH8GVB7a-PN9C_twcbOO_wdfGKT2hxnmiP2KHq_D1JN007ymSJY/s320/IMG_0282.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at a more serene moment of our tram ride</td></tr>
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bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-25395847744189115332012-08-24T13:31:00.000-07:002012-08-29T11:19:58.022-07:00Geneva<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgV6trsUewaZCXEkC8uzkysujvFaHKgpNR8LcrFtOwN3RrNxXPMJ_RnbQlvmsgfOIAwbGAlb_cqy2oHxO_IwUQSZoyL_Eyep2DexgbU2lNJAxo3ZxyoCnDAsUWX7nExKPzQ_J2XyagR4/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgV6trsUewaZCXEkC8uzkysujvFaHKgpNR8LcrFtOwN3RrNxXPMJ_RnbQlvmsgfOIAwbGAlb_cqy2oHxO_IwUQSZoyL_Eyep2DexgbU2lNJAxo3ZxyoCnDAsUWX7nExKPzQ_J2XyagR4/s320/IMG_0226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We survived the France train system! I'd never taken the train before (in the States nor Europe), so I was a little nervous, but everything went smoothly, and the train is fantastic! So smooth and quick and you get to see all the great French countryside. Every village reminded me of the one in Chocolat. *sigh* So when we arrived in Geneva, I wasn't sure what to expect, other than there was a large lake nearby. It's beautiful! I'll post a few photos, but we really hit the ground running as soon as we checked in.</div>
<a name='more'></a> Our hotel is very nice-the Best Western Hotel Strasbourg-and the staff is amazing! They helped me navigate the bus system for which I am eternally grateful. I hate buses. I get metros and taxis and trains, but buses require pushing the stop button, and there's always that awkward moment of "Is it too soon to push the button? Will the driver think I'm an obnoxious control freak? Or will he be stopping anyway so pushing the button isn't even necessary?" Umm, I need help. But in spite of that we headed for the Vieille-Ville (Old Town) for a few museums. We came across the Musee Rath which had prints and etchings from Rousseau's time that showed the influence of his thinking in the art of his time. Really interesting, especially after reading some of his novels in college. And there was a print by Rembrant which was fabulous to see. Then came the International Museum of the Reformation, which granted doesn't sound like the most captivating concept, but it was incredible. Really. As in you should plan a trip to Geneva for this little museum.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUVDj06MlTlVpb1a7hItBAkX6GohghuPLeMDhlUrxLIhdtclLxaBdJS1tH3Ewnkd7NGia3lMT56VP8k_WOlQNjTgqJBjI6f1Ume4r0a2pGhMkNc2PChW0etTKhiIQLqNhjq4I6nYRkF0/s1600/IMG_0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixUVDj06MlTlVpb1a7hItBAkX6GohghuPLeMDhlUrxLIhdtclLxaBdJS1tH3Ewnkd7NGia3lMT56VP8k_WOlQNjTgqJBjI6f1Ume4r0a2pGhMkNc2PChW0etTKhiIQLqNhjq4I6nYRkF0/s320/IMG_0278.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Int'l Museum of the Reformation</td></tr>
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It's in an old house and each room is set up with different information about the Fathers of the Reformation (John Calvin, Martin Luther, etc) and how Geneva was a haven during the persecution of Protestants. It's really interactive too, with english translations of different items, and a room that has samples of protestant music (from Bach to choral groups), and videos. There's all kinds of drawers to open with photos inside, and games to play. I really can't say enough about how fascinating and informative this museum was. It was like the Children's Museum of Indy meets Vacation Bible School. Which is pretty much what I want my life's description to be. And there was a special exhibit on the scents of the bible, like frankincense and myrrh, but apparently cinnamon is referenced and so is saffron. Who knew? Not only did they have pictures of the 12 plants that gave the scents and info on medicinal purposes (though some more anecdotal than empirical), but they also had their essences in Erlenmeyer Flasks!!! I heart chemistry supplies. Side note: some of the scents really made me wonder why people wanted to smell like them. Hmmm... Anyway, so after that it was on for some delicious ice cream and a walk around a beautiful park. Geneva has so many green spaces, and it seems like everyone bikes everywhere. I always smile when I see a man in a business suit pedaling across the Mont Blanc bridge. Here are a few photos of our first impressions of Geneva.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIt5uyDB-SimXRSs6PaS2Tuj7xwlGtuzIXigGzCTlAq_PLgPuUs99aNY6W9ojEFe4JOdL8E_XuMa5-Ps59GOs1ILJq3-UVAnmfBegxJrcZYrgyjkH5pesLevRpsYfcw-Yky76YP0mg8s/s1600/IMG_0223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIt5uyDB-SimXRSs6PaS2Tuj7xwlGtuzIXigGzCTlAq_PLgPuUs99aNY6W9ojEFe4JOdL8E_XuMa5-Ps59GOs1ILJq3-UVAnmfBegxJrcZYrgyjkH5pesLevRpsYfcw-Yky76YP0mg8s/s320/IMG_0223.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over Mont Blanc Bridge to the Water Jet in Lake Geneva</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR3TK4z-9v7cJRKXg2nDGXDyNmG1T_PNz6xLoPOOHlq7y5vqLH9SJY6iGKZTYvh_hheYYW8bTe-hV8OrCxHjTtebeklt2jmrGu5WYFgYt9KIg7swnbA4x2vmGzqY7VTirLQit_LTxQP0/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR3TK4z-9v7cJRKXg2nDGXDyNmG1T_PNz6xLoPOOHlq7y5vqLH9SJY6iGKZTYvh_hheYYW8bTe-hV8OrCxHjTtebeklt2jmrGu5WYFgYt9KIg7swnbA4x2vmGzqY7VTirLQit_LTxQP0/s320/IMG_0222.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some building on the Rhone River. It looks cool.</td></tr>
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<br />bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-81083368194065939092012-08-23T13:25:00.000-07:002012-08-23T14:06:38.081-07:00And we're off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So part 2 of the whirlwind tour of Paris. We definitely slept in until 11am, which wasn't exactly on purpose but apparently very needed. After our late start, we decided to save the museums for Saturday and Sunday (to make the most of our museum pass), and we headed for the Sacre Coeur. The Sacre Coeur is a Catholic basilica that's had someone praying at all times of the day for the past 125 years.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04mVj2rcBd_otKaUYfVOsS32opc7yZ866vjrwDj7vsFwMBDKv6a5r_-SVhMU8rMB5Mm5A4VJb-sjeFNmIOM5J3cnctCuuqzSvj5kjHey1nf2lPY7n2MxGyrpArAqxVvBXFfwOtWH858E/s1600/IMG_0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04mVj2rcBd_otKaUYfVOsS32opc7yZ866vjrwDj7vsFwMBDKv6a5r_-SVhMU8rMB5Mm5A4VJb-sjeFNmIOM5J3cnctCuuqzSvj5kjHey1nf2lPY7n2MxGyrpArAqxVvBXFfwOtWH858E/s320/IMG_0213.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps leading up to the Sacre Coeur</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a>It's on the highest point of Paris (landscape wise) which means you get a great view of the city. After seeing the area we walked yesterday, Mom and I both were slightly in awe and a little regretful of not making better use of our metro passes. Not so today! The metro and the bus were our best friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGcCvQAC_YvJVZnxpWAiOZzql8A4toCm_N-bVZK9LEhVCBkHSKIeGhJQmtZkCeO9U6nRgcwwDanz3MWbqRGmER8D9cYthLrFIUX1Hs-jSuPyqXlDfRo776zM77DeT0QLO2zQKqeVQr88/s1600/IMG_0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGcCvQAC_YvJVZnxpWAiOZzql8A4toCm_N-bVZK9LEhVCBkHSKIeGhJQmtZkCeO9U6nRgcwwDanz3MWbqRGmER8D9cYthLrFIUX1Hs-jSuPyqXlDfRo776zM77DeT0QLO2zQKqeVQr88/s320/IMG_0216.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View out from the steps of the Sacre Coeur</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHB7vCtkal3vfbAZAwkpICYq6WSixVkCfNy7WK7f6ePvf6wTPGIkdZhV_MpbLanwzAp6GeHCTeNYrcmL-q58EB4wWc9j_8i82pBAVWSbumdURJ6-6i_VEu0fOJjwH17eJO7h0F1-DJOQ/s1600/IMG_0212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHB7vCtkal3vfbAZAwkpICYq6WSixVkCfNy7WK7f6ePvf6wTPGIkdZhV_MpbLanwzAp6GeHCTeNYrcmL-q58EB4wWc9j_8i82pBAVWSbumdURJ6-6i_VEu0fOJjwH17eJO7h0F1-DJOQ/s320/IMG_0212.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs84qywIaQgbZiUp96GqRvEOSm3ETRCS41uEa3_OsYjZE6pCLa0wj_5D323iZKuaQzAdqNnTBIvFBtsezLPrlHxi5incHGNwy0yzC1bIn3IU-d4eOazLD1zh-t-kRxqZ-fFaw9pbdQXlQ/s1600/IMG_0210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs84qywIaQgbZiUp96GqRvEOSm3ETRCS41uEa3_OsYjZE6pCLa0wj_5D323iZKuaQzAdqNnTBIvFBtsezLPrlHxi5incHGNwy0yzC1bIn3IU-d4eOazLD1zh-t-kRxqZ-fFaw9pbdQXlQ/s320/IMG_0210.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another self photo...the preferred photos of these travellers</td></tr>
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After here we got our first stand and go cafe sandwiches on baguettes. Yum!!! We also staked out the Gare de Lyon which is where we'll board the train for Geneva tomorrow. It looks like a train station with large glass windows and ceilings and pigeons flying freely inside. There's also people everywhere, but that's slowly becoming part of my expectation in Paris. Sadly no photos; I'll try to get some on the way back. After our orientation tour, we took the Metro back to the Eiffel Tower to pick up the bus for Rick Steve's bus 69 tour bus route. Basically you take the bus from the Eiffel Tower to Pere Lachaise cemetery, and you get a great view of the main attractions of Paris-the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, etc. along the way After we took the Metro to the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe. The Champs-Elysees is a large street on the west side of Paris. It's lined with designer shops and bright lights and rather reminds me of Times Square in New York City. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv35V42pro5ax8m0DyZ4yP6loW8mAcKmNCYl8ITKDLbszIIUkOpHUMr-6nk-OGJNNxZ28kRTph5VRknao6-v8PXVyloFjJA-yr5aHJf33Mgin3wmFCahd6XR4wRb4-OzXYvSBuO9s0JA/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAv35V42pro5ax8m0DyZ4yP6loW8mAcKmNCYl8ITKDLbszIIUkOpHUMr-6nk-OGJNNxZ28kRTph5VRknao6-v8PXVyloFjJA-yr5aHJf33Mgin3wmFCahd6XR4wRb4-OzXYvSBuO9s0JA/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe. You can't see (or hear them), but the French Military was across the street under the Arc and playing La Marseillaise (the French national anthem)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsh3CVIMbVbboFB8snEFLOvU0xtz4mUtpMvpSG_d7sFYzCsy5eA4iYAIsiUltlk-mCEre5GcZGL8gCGHyIFcEnRHexELEOziRgXDbQE_CTvaO8WDbINy_dpjyOO-F4KG5bdgIVkP9r1Y/s1600/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsh3CVIMbVbboFB8snEFLOvU0xtz4mUtpMvpSG_d7sFYzCsy5eA4iYAIsiUltlk-mCEre5GcZGL8gCGHyIFcEnRHexELEOziRgXDbQE_CTvaO8WDbINy_dpjyOO-F4KG5bdgIVkP9r1Y/s320/IMG_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the middle of the Champs-Elysees</td></tr>
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Another great, but long, day. We finished it out with a disastrous trip to the Carrefour (like a Wal-Mart store) for some bread and yogurt, which resulted in us getting booted from the self-serve line because American credit cards don't work like European credit cards. I ended up causing a huge backup and had all my french vocabulary fall out of my head, and in general caused mass chaos. Point 1 for the Americans. Oh well. The bread was fantastic.bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-9212777773032950872012-08-23T12:49:00.000-07:002012-08-23T12:49:22.218-07:00Ah Paris...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbXqefK7GiJ_bhjLv-N7W6yFWwl35XEHE1X6Je62e1zowgKyWuGgBXx7mxiArnScEgZV00RMPC9GOwOLEaLYw83kQBI4UlUT87qvVsT8iEWWyQlp3zDXUC0MWjAqx_6uMHUVr-in1ihQ/s1600/IMG_0204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbXqefK7GiJ_bhjLv-N7W6yFWwl35XEHE1X6Je62e1zowgKyWuGgBXx7mxiArnScEgZV00RMPC9GOwOLEaLYw83kQBI4UlUT87qvVsT8iEWWyQlp3zDXUC0MWjAqx_6uMHUVr-in1ihQ/s320/IMG_0204.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Well, it's official. We're in the City of Lights. By the time Mom and I arrived, it was 2pm Paris time which means it was 8am Indy time, and 7am Chicago time, and 3pm Helsinki time. But really that meant it was TOURIST TIME!<br />
<a name='more'></a> Once we got settled into the hotel, Hotel Terminus at the end of the 4 metro, we started walking. And walking. And walking. Past the Galleries Lafayette, through the Gardens of Luxembourg, past the Army Museum and Napoleon's Tomb and the Italian Embassy, peeking in the Rodin Museum, and finally ending by the Eiffel Tower. For those keeping track...that's a good chunk of the left bank. Sadly, I'm not so great at taking photos and walking, so all I have to share are a few photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VtM8-ai_-Hew8ymqfipdZ4_tAt8SAgMc39xCEHVSXNfCAZIvP3igsdVOyPeivwHdghAtg9uUl3X8t9ARkofRagmwEsQyjA_9JgXymlCtz_Dg0KP1tjxnLAdUC_YkniToJSp0GqN6QTI/s1600/IMG_0200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VtM8-ai_-Hew8ymqfipdZ4_tAt8SAgMc39xCEHVSXNfCAZIvP3igsdVOyPeivwHdghAtg9uUl3X8t9ARkofRagmwEsQyjA_9JgXymlCtz_Dg0KP1tjxnLAdUC_YkniToJSp0GqN6QTI/s320/IMG_0200.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mom and I in the Luxembourg Gardens. The colors and varieties of flowers were amazing!</div>
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The Palace in the Luxembourg Gardens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRpzurEBKviobCLZVZgAW7DKknCyqrOME_-UasL-MpWN5snJAre4eTpKtpxvsiTyPptzLrKJGhZF_gfucnzWPmb6v6V612F_aSciPZsb8UvEreIU4KP8NY7oD-lZxaxwl0azbekvFsp0/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRpzurEBKviobCLZVZgAW7DKknCyqrOME_-UasL-MpWN5snJAre4eTpKtpxvsiTyPptzLrKJGhZF_gfucnzWPmb6v6V612F_aSciPZsb8UvEreIU4KP8NY7oD-lZxaxwl0azbekvFsp0/s320/IMG_0203.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Les Invalides. Apparently the first veteran hospital in Europe. Napoleon is buried here.</div>
bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-26742991933332116052012-08-23T12:30:00.001-07:002012-08-23T12:30:30.761-07:00Part deux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEu_X7LyswgVnLTCQFhrdUhzinPAVC11rBVhpE-cY4tL8RlORqrXy4uMMSEnBGhEwU2fugVAlgDSJBx6js866UyqR5X9PmnYaANegFeqG7V4taVOL4a_uZJnhoa5vCSGFn1riBbEWJ_g/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEu_X7LyswgVnLTCQFhrdUhzinPAVC11rBVhpE-cY4tL8RlORqrXy4uMMSEnBGhEwU2fugVAlgDSJBx6js866UyqR5X9PmnYaANegFeqG7V4taVOL4a_uZJnhoa5vCSGFn1riBbEWJ_g/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Side note, apparently Michigan landscape looks like Finland according to our flight attendant. Who knew?bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4507481181237593960.post-16546959517944564752012-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:002012-08-23T14:03:52.979-07:00Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoF5MAjaIpBLrITUWj7BCwyZ1PoxtSQDBHfVLE8ZYXfW3ELuLRPP-1MzGGAMM-R_P6nvcpJ_BP0n0YpwZlAOuXa0KWNX3j9HP_erK90xaYZxkME1MqyOn9vEUXk2758nMCm_6ouwmXh8/s1600/IMG_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoF5MAjaIpBLrITUWj7BCwyZ1PoxtSQDBHfVLE8ZYXfW3ELuLRPP-1MzGGAMM-R_P6nvcpJ_BP0n0YpwZlAOuXa0KWNX3j9HP_erK90xaYZxkME1MqyOn9vEUXk2758nMCm_6ouwmXh8/s320/IMG_0197.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Helsinki here we come!bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594117391332268461noreply@blogger.com0