So we left Bwindi and traveled back to Kampala where we were met by a shuttle that drove us to Jinja and the Nile River. Our plan: White Water Rafting on the Nile!
Yikes and away!
Another early start had us arriving in the city of Jinja. There we met at a backpackers’ lodge where the excitement began. After a simple breakfast we were ushered to the lawn for an overview of the day and our “safety and security” talk. We were given our life jackets and helmets and then herded onto trucks that would take us to the starting location. The trip took us through small villages where children waved and shouted as we passed.
Finally we reached the water’s edge. The rafts were unloaded and we began to jump on board. Four rafts of adventurers went out that day along with one “safety” raft which carried supplies, and 4 kayakers who were with us to help “if” any of the rafts should tip. (Let me just say that the kayakers were very busy that day!)
Our first 15 minutes in the water had us practicing: paddling forward and back, ducking down in the raft to prepare for the rapids, tipping – just to practice holding on. Then we were off. In the distance we could hear the roughness of the water. We sat on the edge of the raft, poised and ready to follow our guide’s instructions, “Paddle forward!”
We began to paddle then he shouted, “Down!” The current took us, turned our raft sideways, and flipped the raft. We all went down the river (without the raft). The men in the kayaks were ready and waiting for us at the bottom of the rapids. They scooped us up and plopped us back into our raft. Not a good start to the day.
Rapids: 1 Us: 0
The next rapid was bigger. But we were ready for it. We had already tipped and we knew how to prevent that from happening again. (or so I thought) We paddled to the start of the rapid; we were then instructed to squat down, grab on and enjoy the ride. And we did…. until one of the waves came on board swept me up and threw me over board. (no one else!) Luckily I popped up and found the guide’s oar within my reach. I was pulled on board. Safe and sound! (No more sitting in the front of the boat for me!)
The next set of rapids kept us on our toes. Again the rapids were winning. But we had fun trying to stay in the raft. Our group became very good at holding on when the raft tipped.
We then had a long stretch of calm waters where we ate a light snack of pineapple and biscuits (cookies). Many rafters jumped overboard to enjoy a swim in the Nile. NICE!
Then “the big one”, we were going over a 12 foot waterfall. Again our guide prepped us for the ride and what we should do to prepare for the class 5 rapid. We paddled right, we paddled left then we ducked down and held on. Over the falls we went, crashing at the bottom, but still upright. We made it!!! What a rush!
We still had several more rapids to face before the day was done! In the end we tipped a total of 5 times but had the time of our lives. Another fantastic adventure!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Our travels through Africa….Part 1
We begin our story with travels to Uganda. The adventure takes us to the mountain ranges in the southwest corner of Uganda and deep into the rain forest. There, in Bwindi National Park, we went searching for Silverback Gorillas.
The day started with an early breakfast and a 90 minute drive through the mountain range. The gravel roads were bumpy but the scenery was breathtaking. Dawn was breaking over the peaks of the mountains, bathing all the villages with their banana trees in the light of a new day.
We arrived at the camp and received our briefing for the day’s events. We were informed that several trackers went out earlier that morning to locate the family of gorillas that we would be following. They would radio back to us with the gorillas’ exact location. Then we were off. We began our hike at the top of a mountain following a well worn path. After 100 yards, we turned and moved into the bush. (At this Dan’s only comment was, “Cool, real hiking.”) The guides used their machetes and cleared a path as we went along. The mountainside was steep and the terrain was challenging but we made it to the bottom of the mountain with only 2 of us sliding part of the way. Now we were climbing up the other side. After an hour of hiking, we reached the trackers.
We grabbed our cameras, then slowly and quietly climbed the last of the distance to the plateau where the gorillas were sleeping and eating. It is hard to put into words the experience of being within 3 meters of a family of 10 gorillas. (4 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks–young males, 2 juvenile females, and 2 very young)
We kept low, taking many fantastic pictures of the gorillas as they moved about. It was amazing to see how strong and nimble these gorillas are. This leads to a great story that demonstrates the speed and agility of the gorilla:
We were all huddled on the ground, watching the gorillas around us. One particular gorilla started moving closer, acting very curious. He pulled down a tree’s branch and pretended to eat leaves as he stared us down. Then, quick as a wink, he jumped up and ran towards us. Next thing we knew the gorilla gave Dan’s leg a good WHACK as he ran past. We all stared in shocked disbelief for a few seconds then broke into laughter. The gorilla thought it was great fun. He moved to a nearby tree to turn and watch us.
Shortly thereafter we packed up our things and hiked back to camp. It was a great day and a remarkable experience. The best part being that Dan was slapped by a gorilla and lived to tell about it!!
The day started with an early breakfast and a 90 minute drive through the mountain range. The gravel roads were bumpy but the scenery was breathtaking. Dawn was breaking over the peaks of the mountains, bathing all the villages with their banana trees in the light of a new day.
We arrived at the camp and received our briefing for the day’s events. We were informed that several trackers went out earlier that morning to locate the family of gorillas that we would be following. They would radio back to us with the gorillas’ exact location. Then we were off. We began our hike at the top of a mountain following a well worn path. After 100 yards, we turned and moved into the bush. (At this Dan’s only comment was, “Cool, real hiking.”) The guides used their machetes and cleared a path as we went along. The mountainside was steep and the terrain was challenging but we made it to the bottom of the mountain with only 2 of us sliding part of the way. Now we were climbing up the other side. After an hour of hiking, we reached the trackers.
We grabbed our cameras, then slowly and quietly climbed the last of the distance to the plateau where the gorillas were sleeping and eating. It is hard to put into words the experience of being within 3 meters of a family of 10 gorillas. (4 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks–young males, 2 juvenile females, and 2 very young)
We kept low, taking many fantastic pictures of the gorillas as they moved about. It was amazing to see how strong and nimble these gorillas are. This leads to a great story that demonstrates the speed and agility of the gorilla:
We were all huddled on the ground, watching the gorillas around us. One particular gorilla started moving closer, acting very curious. He pulled down a tree’s branch and pretended to eat leaves as he stared us down. Then, quick as a wink, he jumped up and ran towards us. Next thing we knew the gorilla gave Dan’s leg a good WHACK as he ran past. We all stared in shocked disbelief for a few seconds then broke into laughter. The gorilla thought it was great fun. He moved to a nearby tree to turn and watch us.
Shortly thereafter we packed up our things and hiked back to camp. It was a great day and a remarkable experience. The best part being that Dan was slapped by a gorilla and lived to tell about it!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
HHE
These three letters are very important to many in the Department of State. These three letters stand for HOUSE HOLD EFFECTS ~ a.k.a. ~ our stuff.
Christmas came a little early this year, on the Friday before Thanksgiving our house hold effects arrived. Dan and I were so excited. Shortly after he arrived home from work, the delivery men arrived with 3 large wooden crates filled with our things. There were 6 Nigerian workers. One that “drove the truck”~ he stayed inside the cab of the truck while the work was being done; one who was the “man in charge”, he held the paperwork and found a shady place to sit; then there were the other 4 men who actually worked and carried all the smaller boxes into the house.
Before the men could begin, the crates needed to be opened. Each crate was built out of ply-wood, sealed along the edges, and then a metal band was fastened around the entire crate to ensure its safe travel. So……. picture this, (an accident waiting to happen) these 6 men were standing around the crates, one had a pair of dull wire cutters trying to cut through the metal band, one had a crowbar prying the metal band away from the crate and the other 4 were standing RIGHT there, waiting for the metal band to be cut. I saw this and backed up several feet ~ I was ready for the metal to give way and the band to snap; hitting someone. LUCKILY everyone survived. (no OSHA here in Lagos)
We were ready for them…Dan had the paperwork in hand (our inventory from DC as well as the inventory from the pack-out in Ann Arbor), he was to check off the boxes as they were carried into the house. My job was to: 1.) look at the contents of each box,
2.) call off the packing number to Dan so he could check the item number off the list,
3.) then decide in which room I wanted the box placed.
I made my job easier by writing the numbers 1-3 on Post-Its and placing them on the bedroom doors upstairs. That way, all I needed to do was call out a number to the worker and he knew where to place the box. (I know, my compulsive side came out!!)
When the first set of boxes was carried in I thought the workers to be very conscientious. They came through the garage and (before entering the house) removed their shoes. “How nice,” I thought. “Very thoughtful!” But it ended there….when they went back out for the next load of boxes; the workers did not put their shoes back on to walk outside. So. only their feet tracked dirt into the house, not their shoes. Oh well!
In an hour and a half the boxes were unloaded and Dan and I were left with the FUN task of: opening the boxes, unwrapping our things and finding the best place to put everything.
We had a great time!!!! We took a break for dinner and said we would resume in the morning. But then, we looked at each other and said: “Just one more box.” Before we knew it, it was 2:30 a.m. I had a hard time falling asleep. Knowing that I left boxes still unpacked was VERY difficult for me.
We continued throughout the weekend unpacking our things. Finally on Sunday we came up with a strategy and worked on completing one room at a time. We focused on the kitchen. We washed all our dishes and glassware along with all our pots and pans. The kitchen was done!!! Dan was ready to make dinner for the two of us. We were so excited to be back to a normal Sunday ritual.
I took the remainder of the week to complete the unpacking, washing, straightening and organizing.
Yeah!!! It feels more like home!
Christmas came a little early this year, on the Friday before Thanksgiving our house hold effects arrived. Dan and I were so excited. Shortly after he arrived home from work, the delivery men arrived with 3 large wooden crates filled with our things. There were 6 Nigerian workers. One that “drove the truck”~ he stayed inside the cab of the truck while the work was being done; one who was the “man in charge”, he held the paperwork and found a shady place to sit; then there were the other 4 men who actually worked and carried all the smaller boxes into the house.
Before the men could begin, the crates needed to be opened. Each crate was built out of ply-wood, sealed along the edges, and then a metal band was fastened around the entire crate to ensure its safe travel. So……. picture this, (an accident waiting to happen) these 6 men were standing around the crates, one had a pair of dull wire cutters trying to cut through the metal band, one had a crowbar prying the metal band away from the crate and the other 4 were standing RIGHT there, waiting for the metal band to be cut. I saw this and backed up several feet ~ I was ready for the metal to give way and the band to snap; hitting someone. LUCKILY everyone survived. (no OSHA here in Lagos)
We were ready for them…Dan had the paperwork in hand (our inventory from DC as well as the inventory from the pack-out in Ann Arbor), he was to check off the boxes as they were carried into the house. My job was to: 1.) look at the contents of each box,
2.) call off the packing number to Dan so he could check the item number off the list,
3.) then decide in which room I wanted the box placed.
I made my job easier by writing the numbers 1-3 on Post-Its and placing them on the bedroom doors upstairs. That way, all I needed to do was call out a number to the worker and he knew where to place the box. (I know, my compulsive side came out!!)
When the first set of boxes was carried in I thought the workers to be very conscientious. They came through the garage and (before entering the house) removed their shoes. “How nice,” I thought. “Very thoughtful!” But it ended there….when they went back out for the next load of boxes; the workers did not put their shoes back on to walk outside. So. only their feet tracked dirt into the house, not their shoes. Oh well!
In an hour and a half the boxes were unloaded and Dan and I were left with the FUN task of: opening the boxes, unwrapping our things and finding the best place to put everything.
We had a great time!!!! We took a break for dinner and said we would resume in the morning. But then, we looked at each other and said: “Just one more box.” Before we knew it, it was 2:30 a.m. I had a hard time falling asleep. Knowing that I left boxes still unpacked was VERY difficult for me.
We continued throughout the weekend unpacking our things. Finally on Sunday we came up with a strategy and worked on completing one room at a time. We focused on the kitchen. We washed all our dishes and glassware along with all our pots and pans. The kitchen was done!!! Dan was ready to make dinner for the two of us. We were so excited to be back to a normal Sunday ritual.
I took the remainder of the week to complete the unpacking, washing, straightening and organizing.
Yeah!!! It feels more like home!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Okadas
One of the most interesting and unusual things we have witnessed since moving to Lagos is the use of okadas. An okada is a motorcycle taxi used all around the islands and mainland of Lagos.
The locals stand on a street corner and hail an okada. But not the way one would hail a taxi in New York, instead locals make a noise that is a cross between a hiss and a kissing sound. This alerts the driver of the okada that his services are needed. The okada driver then swings over to the side of the road (even if he needs to make a u-turn) and negotiates a price for the distance that will be traveled. If the price is right, the passenger jumps on the back and away they go. No helmets, no protective jacket, and usually just flip-flops on their feet. Yikes!!!
To add to this, okada drivers make up their own rules of the road (although so does every other local driver!!!!!) There is no such thing as the “right side of the road”. Okadas will share lanes with cars and come up on either side of a car to pass. This is especially challenging when the driver of a car wants to make a turn. Not only does the driver have to look BOTH ways for oncoming traffic, but then has to check side view mirrors to see if an okada is coming up from behind.
Lagos has many traffic issues. This is a city of 15 million people and 1 working traffic light, stop signs have not been introduced to this area, and everyone drives on both sides of the road no matter what direction. Their solution to some traffic problems is to use traffic circles. These do not help. More often that not, they cause greater traffic and we get “go slows”. Lagos’ word for traffic jams.
Here is another amazing practice here in Lagos. While cars sit in a “go slow”, people walk up and down the street, between the cars, selling their wares. It could be bottles of water, mints, gum, plantain chips or our favorite: meat twinkies. (a little to scared to try that!!) If you are not hungry, they also have phone cards, belts, shoes, pirated DVD’s, and sunglasses for sale. Many of these things are carried on the heads of the sellers. (just amazing balance)
So; back to the okadas and the traffic. While all the cars are stopped in the “go slows” the okadas look at it like a slalom run. They move between the cars, not only sharing a lane but also squeezing between the front of one car and the back of another; veering around the merchants selling their wares. Many times I must close my eyes..it is all too close for my comfort.
I will leave you with one more visual to just add to the wonder which is Lagos. Because there are so many okadas, drivers are willing to take more than one passenger to get the fare. But I have also seen okadas with the most unusual kinds of passengers:
Imagine this:
the norm: driver, passenger
the unusual: driver, passenger, passenger
driver, passenger with ladder on his shoulders
driver, lawnmower
driver, lawnmower, passenger
child, driver, child, mother with child strapped to her back
child, driver, child, child, child
and the BEST:
driver, goat, passenger
Needless to say to say, we are not allowed to hop onto an okada.
The locals stand on a street corner and hail an okada. But not the way one would hail a taxi in New York, instead locals make a noise that is a cross between a hiss and a kissing sound. This alerts the driver of the okada that his services are needed. The okada driver then swings over to the side of the road (even if he needs to make a u-turn) and negotiates a price for the distance that will be traveled. If the price is right, the passenger jumps on the back and away they go. No helmets, no protective jacket, and usually just flip-flops on their feet. Yikes!!!
To add to this, okada drivers make up their own rules of the road (although so does every other local driver!!!!!) There is no such thing as the “right side of the road”. Okadas will share lanes with cars and come up on either side of a car to pass. This is especially challenging when the driver of a car wants to make a turn. Not only does the driver have to look BOTH ways for oncoming traffic, but then has to check side view mirrors to see if an okada is coming up from behind.
Lagos has many traffic issues. This is a city of 15 million people and 1 working traffic light, stop signs have not been introduced to this area, and everyone drives on both sides of the road no matter what direction. Their solution to some traffic problems is to use traffic circles. These do not help. More often that not, they cause greater traffic and we get “go slows”. Lagos’ word for traffic jams.
Here is another amazing practice here in Lagos. While cars sit in a “go slow”, people walk up and down the street, between the cars, selling their wares. It could be bottles of water, mints, gum, plantain chips or our favorite: meat twinkies. (a little to scared to try that!!) If you are not hungry, they also have phone cards, belts, shoes, pirated DVD’s, and sunglasses for sale. Many of these things are carried on the heads of the sellers. (just amazing balance)
So; back to the okadas and the traffic. While all the cars are stopped in the “go slows” the okadas look at it like a slalom run. They move between the cars, not only sharing a lane but also squeezing between the front of one car and the back of another; veering around the merchants selling their wares. Many times I must close my eyes..it is all too close for my comfort.
I will leave you with one more visual to just add to the wonder which is Lagos. Because there are so many okadas, drivers are willing to take more than one passenger to get the fare. But I have also seen okadas with the most unusual kinds of passengers:
Imagine this:
the norm: driver, passenger
the unusual: driver, passenger, passenger
driver, passenger with ladder on his shoulders
driver, lawnmower
driver, lawnmower, passenger
child, driver, child, mother with child strapped to her back
child, driver, child, child, child
and the BEST:
driver, goat, passenger
Needless to say to say, we are not allowed to hop onto an okada.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Our Compound
There are several different housing compounds available here in Lagos. We live on Ikoyi Island in the “Bell Units”; 8 Bell to be specific. Our housing compound has 8 condo-style homes. Each has a small front yard, larger back yard and small patio.
We have a large combination living and dining room, a smaller den for TV viewing, roomy kitchen, laundry room and half bath all on the first floor. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The master bedroom with walk-in closet and full bath look out over the backyard. We converted one bedroom into an office and scrap-booking area and the other is a spare for any friends or family who wish to visit.
The house is furnished so we did not need to bring any bulky furniture, but slip covers might help to make it homier and more “our own”. (The furniture patterns chosen by the government leave some room for creativity – all the homes within the Foreign Service have one of three upholstery patterns) One new friend told us that when their family moved to Lagos, their children were all excited that the furniture from the previous post was already in their new home.
The arrival of our personal effects will be great. I am sure that once we have our things (familiar things) sprucing up the house; it will feel more like a home. Dan will also be very excited once our things arrive because I will stop moving the furniture around. I just can't get the "right look". I have moved all I can at least twice and I had to ask for his help a couple times as well. He has made the executive decision to STOP MOVING FURNITURE until our things arrive and we know what we have to put away. Hum bug!
Dan has been able to track our car as well as our house hold effects and they all seem close. We are hoping that by the end of the month we will have something….either the car or our stuff would be great. It will be as if Christmas has come early.
We are looking forward to hosting dinner parties and get-togethers once our things arrive. We love cooking and hosting…it should be fun. And if we are fortunate enough to hire a steward we will have the fun of cooking but not have to do the dishes after. Yeah us!!
We have a large combination living and dining room, a smaller den for TV viewing, roomy kitchen, laundry room and half bath all on the first floor. Upstairs there are 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The master bedroom with walk-in closet and full bath look out over the backyard. We converted one bedroom into an office and scrap-booking area and the other is a spare for any friends or family who wish to visit.
The house is furnished so we did not need to bring any bulky furniture, but slip covers might help to make it homier and more “our own”. (The furniture patterns chosen by the government leave some room for creativity – all the homes within the Foreign Service have one of three upholstery patterns) One new friend told us that when their family moved to Lagos, their children were all excited that the furniture from the previous post was already in their new home.
The arrival of our personal effects will be great. I am sure that once we have our things (familiar things) sprucing up the house; it will feel more like a home. Dan will also be very excited once our things arrive because I will stop moving the furniture around. I just can't get the "right look". I have moved all I can at least twice and I had to ask for his help a couple times as well. He has made the executive decision to STOP MOVING FURNITURE until our things arrive and we know what we have to put away. Hum bug!
Dan has been able to track our car as well as our house hold effects and they all seem close. We are hoping that by the end of the month we will have something….either the car or our stuff would be great. It will be as if Christmas has come early.
We are looking forward to hosting dinner parties and get-togethers once our things arrive. We love cooking and hosting…it should be fun. And if we are fortunate enough to hire a steward we will have the fun of cooking but not have to do the dishes after. Yeah us!!
GQ
We are very fortunate here in Lagos. We have the American Club which we can visit freely. The American Club is referred to as the GQ or Guest Quarters. It houses a small hotel, bar, restaurant, pool, commissary, small gym and tennis court. As Diplomats (and spouses), these amenities are at our disposal.
When Dan and I first arrived, the lack of Internet was quite frustrating. But then we discovered that the bar is open daily and provides free Internet access. We would frequently walk to the GQ and sit in the bar to check email and catch up on news from home. The bar also provides special events each week. We, along with many others from the consulate, enjoy our Friday happy hours most of all. There the margaritas flow freely and there is much relaxing conversation.
The restaurant has special events as well. Every Sunday a brunch buffet is offered. Fresh fruit, cereal, cold cuts, sausage, bacon, grits, and potatoes are offered along with made to order omelet and waffle stations. The big event for the restaurant is Thursday night: Tex-Mex. Again it is buffet style and really quite good. Every month they offer a special dinner. In October they featured traditional Indian cuisine and this month they are offering a Lebanese meal. I have heard they are quite good, but expensive.
The pool is a big draw for so many. We often sit poolside, read a book, and take a dip when it becomes too hot. It is this luxury that makes me forget the time of the year. I am just not used to sunbathing the day before Halloween. (suffer! suffer! suffer!) The pool is also huge draw for families. Parents often throw birthday parties poolside. On those days we try to steer clear…. many more little ones running and splashing.
The commissary is a small grocery store. Sadly, the stock is random. I have learned that it is good idea to buy the items I want when I see them, because they might not be there the next time I walk in the door. We have found comfort foods at the commissary; that is a nice treat.
We are using the gym and tennis court more frequently. Both Dan and I are taking tennis lessons. I am learning the game and Dan is strengthening his skills. The GQ is organizing a doubles tournament for tennis. Dan will probably participate; I am going to wait until I know the game a bit better. But it is great that the GQ provides so many different ways to meet new friends.
When Dan and I first arrived, the lack of Internet was quite frustrating. But then we discovered that the bar is open daily and provides free Internet access. We would frequently walk to the GQ and sit in the bar to check email and catch up on news from home. The bar also provides special events each week. We, along with many others from the consulate, enjoy our Friday happy hours most of all. There the margaritas flow freely and there is much relaxing conversation.
The restaurant has special events as well. Every Sunday a brunch buffet is offered. Fresh fruit, cereal, cold cuts, sausage, bacon, grits, and potatoes are offered along with made to order omelet and waffle stations. The big event for the restaurant is Thursday night: Tex-Mex. Again it is buffet style and really quite good. Every month they offer a special dinner. In October they featured traditional Indian cuisine and this month they are offering a Lebanese meal. I have heard they are quite good, but expensive.
The pool is a big draw for so many. We often sit poolside, read a book, and take a dip when it becomes too hot. It is this luxury that makes me forget the time of the year. I am just not used to sunbathing the day before Halloween. (suffer! suffer! suffer!) The pool is also huge draw for families. Parents often throw birthday parties poolside. On those days we try to steer clear…. many more little ones running and splashing.
The commissary is a small grocery store. Sadly, the stock is random. I have learned that it is good idea to buy the items I want when I see them, because they might not be there the next time I walk in the door. We have found comfort foods at the commissary; that is a nice treat.
We are using the gym and tennis court more frequently. Both Dan and I are taking tennis lessons. I am learning the game and Dan is strengthening his skills. The GQ is organizing a doubles tournament for tennis. Dan will probably participate; I am going to wait until I know the game a bit better. But it is great that the GQ provides so many different ways to meet new friends.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Halloween Party 2008
Hurray for us!!! 3 days before Halloween and our costumes arrive. I can hardly wait to get home and check out our costumes. Dan didn’t want to go as a “couple” so we each picked costumes that best match our personalities…… drum roll please…. Dan chose Indiana Jones and I chose Super Girl!!
Just let me say, the pictures and models that are used on Target’s site are a bit misleading. The costumes were not exactly what I had pictured. Super Girl is cheesy and Dan’s is just ridiculous.
Super Girl has the blue body suit with red cape and skirt and shiny gold belt. And the big “S” on the chest. Good so far. Then I try it on. Most of the dress fits, but the top just gapes open. (Super Girl must have a triple D bust) I guess I will have to wear a tank top and my best push up. And then, you’ll love this, the boots! They aren't really boots; they are more like silky-nylon like socks. BUT they are red and only go from knee to top of my foot. There is a strap (like one would find on stretch pants) on the bottom. The idea is that this fits over Super Girl's red stilettos. And then the sock-book looks like her boots. I think it is to be a little sexy. Sadly, I do not have red shoes. I only have red sandals .It will have to work. (This is how Super Girl dresses for the equator.) It will be corny. Go figure. A silly Halloween costume
Dan's Indiana Jones costume is so cheap. I knew it would not be a real leather jacket, but nonetheless, I was hoping for a little more. He has a felt-like jacket that has a nice insignia on the left breast that says "Indiana Jones" (it will probable help). The hat is the same felt-like material. Because it has been stuffed in its plastic wrapping for the trip to Lagos, the hat is flat. I am not sure we will be able to bring it back to life; but maybe a few staples will help. It surely could not hurt. Here is the best though....are you sitting down??? With the cheap hat and jacket came a pair of stretch pants; very similar to the parachute pants of the 80’s. Dan has chosen to wear his own pants. What a hum-bug!!
The party is Friday night at the American Club. We arrive with Miss New Jersey and Marilyn Monroe. Many friends are already there: Charlie Brown, the corrections officer with her prisoner, Prince Charming and the Wicked Queen from Sleeping Beauty. The party is just starting, but within an hour the music is pumping and everyone is dancing. Everyone had a SPOOK-TACULAR time!!!
Just let me say, the pictures and models that are used on Target’s site are a bit misleading. The costumes were not exactly what I had pictured. Super Girl is cheesy and Dan’s is just ridiculous.
Super Girl has the blue body suit with red cape and skirt and shiny gold belt. And the big “S” on the chest. Good so far. Then I try it on. Most of the dress fits, but the top just gapes open. (Super Girl must have a triple D bust) I guess I will have to wear a tank top and my best push up. And then, you’ll love this, the boots! They aren't really boots; they are more like silky-nylon like socks. BUT they are red and only go from knee to top of my foot. There is a strap (like one would find on stretch pants) on the bottom. The idea is that this fits over Super Girl's red stilettos. And then the sock-book looks like her boots. I think it is to be a little sexy. Sadly, I do not have red shoes. I only have red sandals .It will have to work. (This is how Super Girl dresses for the equator.) It will be corny. Go figure. A silly Halloween costume
Dan's Indiana Jones costume is so cheap. I knew it would not be a real leather jacket, but nonetheless, I was hoping for a little more. He has a felt-like jacket that has a nice insignia on the left breast that says "Indiana Jones" (it will probable help). The hat is the same felt-like material. Because it has been stuffed in its plastic wrapping for the trip to Lagos, the hat is flat. I am not sure we will be able to bring it back to life; but maybe a few staples will help. It surely could not hurt. Here is the best though....are you sitting down??? With the cheap hat and jacket came a pair of stretch pants; very similar to the parachute pants of the 80’s. Dan has chosen to wear his own pants. What a hum-bug!!
The party is Friday night at the American Club. We arrive with Miss New Jersey and Marilyn Monroe. Many friends are already there: Charlie Brown, the corrections officer with her prisoner, Prince Charming and the Wicked Queen from Sleeping Beauty. The party is just starting, but within an hour the music is pumping and everyone is dancing. Everyone had a SPOOK-TACULAR time!!!
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