Writers Inspiration

Virtual Continent Hopping- Halong Bay, Vietnam

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

30 day
Halong Bay, Vietnam

We’re doing a 2 day/2night cruise Day 11 and Day 12 will be in Halong Bay.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293924-d20211050-Halong_bay…

Kayaking, swimming on the beach. learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing.

Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you’ve experienced.

It’s a good thing they allowed us to buy the vacancies so our cruise didn’t get cancelled. That would have been heartbreaking. It’s sad we had 18 responses of yes but only 8 participants regularly respond. I guess it is what it is. I remember the first year I did this virtual traveling we had 17 regular participants in Maine and then we went back-packing across Europe and we had 34 participants. South America had 20 participants. It’s sad to me that blogging seems to be falling out of favor. Anyway, that’s my thoughts on the matter.

In our cabin was posted this list of do’s and don’t’s in Vietnam. I’ll definitely have to rein Vic in, he’s always showing public displays of affection. Apparently, their frowned upon here among other things.

https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/southeast-asia/vietnam/dos-and-donts-when-tr…

It’s hard to believe its been ten days since I was last in a kayak. It’s one of my ultimate favorite things to do on the water. So once I drained the coffee pot, and emptied my bladder for yet another time I hit the water racing initially just to stretch my arms out. My legs got quite a work out yesterday climbing around the falls and the day before pedaling my butt off on the bike.

I can’t help but wonder if my eyes are playing tricks on me but the guide assures Hạ Long Bay, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rain forests.  He suggested I check out the islands Stone Dog and Teapot islets. He said, I would know by their shapes.
I navigated my kayak around to both islands.They’re indeed beautiful, but I was disappointed when I was told out that I cannot swim in the water. But once I learned why, I was glad I passed. The party boats and cruise ships dump their waste in the bay.

I learned later there are beaches that offer swimming that don’t have the same issues and are tested regularly for swimming safety. Carly raved about how nice the water was. Dang, I wish I had known. Oh well, maybe tomorrow since we’re here for two days.

I don’t know about you ladies but my tummy is growling, those rice cakes didn’t hold me after all the paddling. I’m hungry.

Lunch was  banh xeo, it’s origin was from a French dish, the iconic crepe. The name banh xeo translated to English literally means “sizzling cake”. Banh xeo is made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric which creates the yellow color. Inside, the crepe is packed with slices of boiled pork, shell-on prawns, bean sprouts and sprinkled with a handful of mung bean.

To fully experience banh xeo, you’ve got to be a vegetables lover and ready to “get down and dirty”. The reason is because you will be wrapping these slices with some fresh herbs and of course use your hands to eat. After wrapping, you will be dipping it in watered down fish sauce. Unlike cha ca or bun cha, banh xeo is widely popular in Southern Vietnam.

Since we’re all gathered in the kitchen we went onto our afternoon lesson of creating spring rolls. Yummy. more veggies for me.

The afternoon slipped away and it was time for our squid fishing. Yup, we’re fishing for part of our dinner. I did ask what happens if we don’t catch any the guide laughed said you eat veggies. I’m good with that. I do like batter fried squid occasionally but actually catching and killing it… not my cup of tea. Maybe after it’s cooked I’ll change my mind, I do tend to be fickle.

BCoF:
Prompt: Pick out one of the five legends/myths in this article: The Legend of Halong Bay: Discover Myths Behind The Names https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html and write a story or poem based on the legend/myth.

I was fascinated with learning more about The legend of Trinh Nu (Virgin) Cave. It’s a tragic love story. The cave is located on Bo Hon Island which is also where Sung Sot (surprise) Cave is located.

“The story goes as follows: once upon a time there was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter. She came from a poor family but one day a rich man, upon seeing her beauty, proposed to marry her. The girl was already engaged to another fisherman whom she loved dearly, so she declined the rich man’s proposal. Outraged by her dismissal, he banned her and her entire family to a desert island.

The girl’s fiance scoured the bay trying to find his long lost love but all to no avail, and on a rainy and stormy night, starving and exhausted, the girl turned to stone.

The fiance, who was still searching for her, got caught in the storm and his boat capsized. He washed ashore on the same deserted island and in a glimpse, he saw her. He tried reaching out to her, to talk to her , but it was no use: the wind swept away his words. He tried to get her attention by slamming rocks into a cliff, all to no effect. The boy tried and tried until he was too exhausted and he himself turned to stone as well.

The place where the girl turned to stone was Trinh Nu Cave. Nowadays there is a natural statue of her in front of the cave. The statue of the petrified man facing the Trinh Nu cave is also still there to this day. Since the two lovers never had a chance to marry, locals decided to call the cave ‘Trinh Nu’ or ‘Virgin’. ”

https://www.visithalongbay.com/insight-guides/the-legend-of-halong-bay.html

I can’t wait until tomorrow, we’ll be seeing it up close and personal. I’m going to take lots of pictures.

Two stones monuments immortalized
like the mythical gods of old
their glorified struggles for love
refused to die but instead
stood as a reminder
love cannot be destroyed if true
it will find a way to exist
inspiring each of us to dare
to love and to be loved.©

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” ― Lao Tzu

letter c day 79

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

We did the early run to Cherry Hill to get the covid swab. I was told it was going to be a nasal swab but when I got there it was a throat swab instead. So when I got back home I decided to look up the CDC recommendations for the swabs. The most accurate is the nasal but throat swabs are acceptable but do have a higher margin of error. So do we know what we need to know or don’t we.

The process was like going to a drive up except you didn’t go to a window. Cars were directed into a curved driveway a nurse came out wearing a hazmat suit and a container with my name and two swabs. She verified the information, asked me to raise my mask to uncover my mouth slightly and to lean back a little. The swab inspired a gag reaction that was close to a vomit moment. I coughed and choked into my mask. I wished I had brought water with me to get that dry sensation off the back of my throat.

Bonus, dunkin donuts was .4 tenths of a mile away so I got a cup of coffee and a vanilla creme donut. So my day definitely improved but now the waiting game. Wednesday, I will get the call whether I’m clear for the procedures on Thursday.

Crocheting and Short Story Critiquing:

I’m taking a brief break from my rose sweater to crochet one of the writers in our group a baby blanket. She’s having a boy. I worked on it last night while we discussed Division by Zero” (5600 words) by Ted Chiang, whose novella “Story of Your Life” was the basis for the movie Arrival.   Our protagonist fell out of love with math at the same time her husband realized he didn’t love her anymore. It was an unusual approach to relationships and how one can be oblivious to the signs because we’re so wrapped in our worlds. Our protagonist is so involved in mathematics that she has lost sight of the importance of balance professionally and personally. Her husband had a lot in common with her but had discovered what he was lacking in his life and that she wasn’t the one to fulfill that need.

It’s fun to dissect a story together because it gives us practice in critiquing without hurting anyone’s feelings because the author isn’t there. I had to read and re-read this story to really understand it. I found the math references a bit over the top and distracting though I do realize the math messages helped identify him and her. Each time I read it I discovered different levels of the character’s personalities.

Cancer toolkit:

I’ve been slack in sharing the last few days. My humblest apologies.

Rosemary is a digestive aid as well as being anti-inflammatory. Bet you didn’t know it increases blood flow to the brain.

Saffron is also a digestive and anti-inflammatory.

Sage, there’s more to this herb than burning it to cleanse one’s space. It’s anti-tumor. It’s part of the mint family and mimics rosemary in its medicinal purposes. There’s a study going on with its oil for skin cancer lesions. So for me personally, I have a lot drying right now so I can cleanse our next home before moving in.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133115/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3996758/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/

This song has been playing over and over in my head as I go through things in our home. So many questions, so many unanswered ones yet.   “Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)” is a song written by Michael Masser and Gerry Goffin. It was initially recorded by American singer Thelma Houston in 1973, and then by Diana Ross as the theme to the 1975 Motown/Paramount film Mahogany.”- wikipeida.  It’s funny, I remember when I first heard this song forty-seven years I had a ton of questions then too!

 

Do You Know
Where you’re going to?
Do you like the things?
That life is showing you
Where are you going to?
Do you know?
Do you get?
What you’re hoping for?
When you look behind you
There’s no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?
Once we were standing still, in time
Chasing the fantasies and feeling all nice
You knew how I loved you, but my-spirit was free
Laughing at the questions
That you once asked of me
Now looking back at all we’ve had
We let so many dreams just slip through our hands
Why must we wait so long, before we see?
How sad the answers to those questions can be
Do you get?
What you’re hoping for
When you look behind you
There’s no open doors
What are you hoping for?
Do you know?
Fade Out
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Gerry Goffin / Michael Masser
Do You Know Where You’re Going To (Theme from “Mahogany”) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing

Virtual Continent Hopping Day 10 — Pak Chong, Thailand

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

30 day prompt: Hard to believe, we’ve been traveling ten days already.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g641719-d2622335-Reviews-Kensington_Eng…

This is the hotel we’re staying at in Pak Chong, Thailand

The Bonanza Exotic Zoo (BEZ), Opened in December 2013, Set in a green hill environment offers the opportunity to attraction experience and wilderness is sure to delight you.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g641719-d7082897-Reviews-The_Bonan…

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g641719-d6669408-Reviews-Haew_Suwa…

We’re going to have a picnic by the falls this afternoon. And spend some quality time together. Give a
brief summation of the last ten days including today’s sights.in your entry today.

My response: I felt the need for some quiet time so instead of wandering around I went directly to the Haew Suwat Waterfall so I could meditate. Reflection is good for the soul. I was surprised to see the field of sunflowers. I decided to look for a path to them. Not such a good idea, a dang snake decided to charge at me. Thankfully, one of the locals kicked it aside. Geez it was a huge Copperhead Rat Snake, apparently they’re found throughout Thailand. The local said these snakes hang out in wooded areas, as well as cultivated land, villages and towns and live at ground level. They are active mostly during the day and sometimes at twilight and at night. Usually,this fast snake flees if it sense danger. If they are cornered, they show typical defensive behavior in that they shape their body into a double S and snap at their opponent. I didn’t think I was threatening but apparently with my walking stick he disagreed. Thank goodness it’s not a venomous snake.

I think I’ll go back to the falls, and check out the caves. Hopefully, there won’t be anymore snakes hanging around. I took lots of pictures of the falls, the mushrooms, and some interesting looking birds. I should have paid more attention to their squawking because a macaques stole my water bottle that was stuffed in my back pocket. GRRR. Now, I’ll have to wait to the group gathers at noon when the guide delivers our picnic lunch. Well, at least I got lots of pictures.

BCoF: Prompt: Pick one of these fun places and write about it. Experience Thailand With These 10 Things To Do In Pak Chong! – Updated 2020 https://trip101.com/article/things-to-do-pak-chong

My response: I didn’t realize we were that close to the Sunflower farm, now I know the name of the place where the Copperhead Rat Snake was. Apparently, the Saraburi Sunflower Field remains yellow during November to January, in the season of sunflowers.

Once we all gather I’m going to suggest the Night Market. The guy who rescued me from the snake highly recommended it. Apparently, this city was originally known for its markets. The night market of Pak Chong showcases mouthwatering street food along with the desserts, delicious BBQ dishes. He assured me each of the markets of this town have a separate flavor that cannot be expressed in words. I don’t know about you but I’m always into sampling food.

I chuckled reading the different blog entries especially Carly’s and Sandra’s concern about my feet. I’m still glad I tried it because my feet feel amazing and look so nice. No dead skin, or calluses visible anywhere. I guess, I should have told them about going to the lake and sitting on the bridge abutment while the sunflower fish nibbled away on my feet. I already knew how good fish make your feet feel.. But I understood their concern because there had been some negative reviews but there had also been some awesome ones. Some risks pay off, some don’t.  I’m glad mine did.
It makes me feel good to read the difference responses. We’ve learned a lot together on the three continents thus far. Personally, I’m relieved we didn’t get hung up with the whole opal heist adventure. I want to thank Blue, Judy, Anne, Carly, Nina, Sandy, Willy, and Karry for engaging in each other’s blogs to make this virtual experience more engaging. I really wish Nick and Chuckles had more free time to join us. I totally get Ellie not wanting to leave New Zealand, looks like they’ve won the safest place in the world when it comes to covid. Though, I will admit I”ve been impressed reading the precautions the different hotels and restaurants have posted for traveler awareness.

 

“…food is almost certainly the best way to learn about Thailand. I was both overwhelmed by and obsessed with Thailand’s cuisine, but I also found food a way to improve my language skills, meet people, and learn about the culture.”- Austin Bush, The Food of Northern Thailand: A cookbook

Limerick fun with Esther Chilton

/ lyncrain / 1 Comment

The prompt was spell, I decided to play it with some more since the original post.

https://esthernewtonblog.wordpress.com/2020/08/10/laughing-along-with-a-limerick-20/

 

Hocus pocus, that’s hardly a spell

At least, not one a good witch could sell

Did you come to tumble

Ditch the mumble jumble

The way he’s shaking it’s hard to tell.

************************************************

Hocus pocus, that’s hardly a spell

At least, not one a good witch could tell

Ditch the mumble jumble

Or we’re gonna rumble

For a hefty price I’ve got some to sell

*************************************************

did I tell you about that last man

he really messed with my  game plan

I perfected a spell

and I sent him to hell

cos he wanted me to join his clan

************************************************ 

Marie and I leaned back in our rocking chairs, cackling  like two old crones with a secret.  Marie started humming another man done gone. Guess, he should have asked the right question.

 

letter c day 78

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

A lot has been on my mind all the things, coming in every direction and it dawned on me.  Feelings are supposed to be tender because once they’ve become hard, they aren’t feeling anymore. I thought it was simply indifference driving me but it’s not.  I’ve shut myself down, again. Self preservation has value.  The week ahead is going to take all of my energy.

I’m choosing to focus on what’s important right now to keep my head in the right place. Then, I’ll begin the next steps of our journey. I ‘m actually emotionally ready for the move. There’s so many things for out there for Vic and I to enjoy.  I miss seeing him laugh. He’s stressed all the time. Reality is this house is sucking the life out of us. But trying to be the iron woman right now I can’t do, I know it’s gotten me through every other time but this time I’ve chosen a slightly different approach.

I’ve gone in every room and made a list of what’s going on Craig’s list and what will be included in the move. Organization I believe will make it easier in the bigger picture for us while we handle the letter-c.

It’s sad how many places are not accepting donations because of Covid 19.  Clothing doesn’t hold germs as long as hard surfaces so I don’t get why there refusing. Just when I was resigned to tossing good clothing into the trash, a card arrived in the mail from the Veteran’s. The clothing now has a new destination.

I was thinking about my song and I’m going back to my first song since I started documenting this letter-c. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd. There’s a distant ship on our horizon,one I believe with all my heart is the right thing even though I know there are aspects that aren’t perfect.  But then what is perfect?

 

If life was perfect than Johnny, Logan and Sammy would be here and not in heaven. Grandchildren aren’t supposed to die before their grandparents. There is nothing more devastating for a parent or a grandparent than losing a child. The pain and grief are indescribable, often leaving families shattered, in shock, and unable to process all the emotions that come with such a tragic event.

I remember when I lost my own baby a good friend said to me. She didn’t remember who said it. I looked it online and google said unknown. It doesn’t matter what matters is those precious babies aren’t here.

“An angel in the book of life wrote down my baby’s birth. Then whispered as she closed the book ‘too beautiful for earth”.    ~ unknown

There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world.   ~ unknown

 

Virtual Continent Hopping

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

30DBC+Aug+2020

 Hello Cambodia, We’re staying at the Viroth Hotel

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297390-d9514361-Reviews-Viroth_s_Hotel…

Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village.

Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious.

https://inspitrip.com/blog/8949/things-to-do-in-angkor-wat-and-siem-reap

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g297390-d11466657-

Private_Full_Day_Angkor_Temple_and_Sunset_Viewing-Siem_Reap_Siem_Reap_Province.html

Our guide was insistent that the temples were unlike any other in the world. Well, he’s right about one thing no other temple have we explored cover 390 miles. The artwork is beautiful. We didn’t land in time to get the best photographs at sunrise but I’m happy with the ones I did get. Neva, Judy, and Sand seemedy very happy inside the temple whereas I needed to be outside more. Fresh air is good for the soul.

But I’m ready to check out the landmine museum. I don’t know much about Cambodian history so this is fascinating to me. I try to focus but my tummy is rumbling. The guide recommended the bugs at the market but I think I’ll stay with the vegetarian options. Yup, I’m whizzing out. I did take him up on the fish massage. I couldn’t stop giggling. Guess, I’m more ticklish than I knew.Wow, my feet look a newborn babies now. I feel surprising engerized going to take in a little of the pub scene before hitting the hotel.
I decided a quick dip in the pool before sleeping.
That bed looks so inviting but knowing our blog guide Lyn, (me) we’re off to another country tomorrow.


BCoF:Educate us about famous musicians from Cambodia. I’ve given you one resource, feel free to expand with more information for us. Make us want to see one of the artists.

I didn’t have any trouble opening the link but I did see Willie did.  There’s some interesting songs performed by Cambodian artists which are lovely. I liked Sinn Sisamouth because he experimented with his sounds. Melissa said, “Sinn paved the way for a modern wave of music, Sinn traded in the traditional wind instruments that accompanied Cambodian music, experimenting instead with blending Western sounds with Khmer music.” Though I don’t agree with the author of the blog link, Melissa about Sinn’s voice being equal to Nat KIng Cole. I can’t help but wonder what his musical career would have been if he hadn’t been killed under the Klmer Rouge. Artists were part of their genocidal regime. Wikipedia said Sinn’s stage presence was similar to Frank Sinatra. According to Wiki,”Many of Sinn Sisamouth’s master recordings were either destroyed by the Khmer Rouge regime in its efforts to eliminate foreign influences from Cambodian society,] or were lost due to decay. However, collectors and entrepreneurs located and reproduced copies of some of his recordings after the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=19&v=qVyewnYdKtc&feature=emb_logo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=DpVQBn6bsW8&feature=emb_logo

or discuss a shopping experience

Shopping Siem Reap can be as rewarding as exploring Angkor Archaeological Park’s exquisite temples—and there’s no need to wake at the crack of dawn. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisan workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They’re open well into the night for those who made it to Angkor Wat at sunrise.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g297390-Activities-c26-Siem_Reap_Siem_Re…

I did enjoy exploring the craft shops with Helen, I took lots of pictures much to the disappoint of the vendors. I decided to get a necklace, out of recycled trash in shades of blue and green.  I don’t wear as much as jewelry as I used to do. The style of necklace is similar to what my friend, Char makes. I wonder if she saw these markets when she was in Cambodia. The people are so energetic in their pursuit to get tourists to shop. I’m a tough sell which she soon discovered and moved onto another tourist.

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, why did God invent captions?”
― David Mellonie,

#FDDA 8 day 77

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

Fandango’s Dog Days of August #8

Today’s theme is “something or someone you admire.” What or who is it? Why do you admire that thing or person? Do you admire that thing or person from a distance, or is that thing in your possession or that person close to you? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to about something or someone you admire.

Someone I admire is my husband very much. He’s my rock. He’s also my best friend. He encourages me to try even when I don’t feel I can do it.

I remember 20 years how discouraged I was about writing. My husband at the time was constantly diminishing everything that mattered to me. He wrote his name on my writing, my books, it didn’t matter what it was if he could put his name on it he did. So when I started writing on the internet in writing groups it wasn’t accessible to him. That’s how I met Vic, he encouraged my writing. He offered to help me without criticizing me or making me feel stupid.  He offered suggestions for refresher grammar classes and books that would help. Our love of writing led to a great friendship and eventually our marriage twelve years ago.

I admire all the writers, poet, musicians that make words magical on the page so we’re inspired to create our own magic.

Some things I admire are gardens, trees, streams, lakes, waterfalls, the ocean. I love how each of them give us a haven when we need.

What I don’t admire are yellow jackets. Although I will give them credit for tenacity. I went out to water my roses this evening and was surprised to see yellow jackets still buzzing around. I waited until dark and went back to spray again with Ortho but one of the yellow jackets decided to sting me and to fall inside my shirt. The burning sensation on my neck was tolerable but the creepy feel of little legs on my skin made me squirm which led to more stings before I killed it. Tomorrow I will send Vic out for more Ortho from Home Depot. I am determined to get my front flower bed back from the yellow jackets. War is declared.

Vic suggested I get out of the house today but I didn’t want to. I need to be safe more than ever right now so nothing hinders the tests next week. So I compromised, I took Macavity with me down in the lower garden. Except Macavity had other things in mind. He showed me what he thought of the new harness we got him. He slipped his body right out of it. I swear that cat has the body of a mouse. He made getting out of the harness look so easy. Then he ambled up on the fence and my heart skipped.

I called his name and he looked down to the ground outside the yard. I thought for sure he was going to bolt for an adventure but instead he jumped down into the yard and walked up the steps on the deck and sat in front of the door. Phew.

The last time he went for an adventure, he ended up in a tree and of course couldn’t or wouldn’t get down until I rescued him. I sighed in relief we didn’t have a repeat performance.  My adorable feline hopped up on the counter and waited patiently for me to give him a treat. Yup, I’m trained. I did. He then laid down for his afternoon nap. I admire his spunk. He walks his own path. Both of my cats do.

Anyway, who needs to go out for stimulation when you have fur babies.

My song choice for today is for all the things in life worth admiring.

 

Virtual Continent Hopping

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment

https://www.mapsofworld.com/asia/ so you have an idea where we are Perth, Australia and where we are landing next in Angkor, Cambodia.

30 day, Perth experience before we fly to Cambodia Cycling is the locals’ favourite way to get​ around. So hop on, blend in, and discover the sights of Perth on this 3 hours experience.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255103-d20197509-Perth_by_B…

The tour guide is so excited to have such a large group. And there’s a lot of interesting places along our ride. The tour was perfect because we’re going to on a plane later tonight for eight hours. I’m glad to get the exercise now because I don’t like to move around at all on a plane. I’ll fly from point a to point b but do I like to fly, hell no. It’s a necessary evil.

Wow, I can’t get over how diverse Perth is.  It was great to discover Kings Park it’s one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It’s breathtaking.  I’m really glad the guide is flex about how long we stay at each location.  (Probably has more to do with the size of our group, he doesn’t have to scramble to get a second one in today.)  Oh wow, the Bell Tower is breathtaking. The guide, Tom says “the Bell Tower is one of the most unique things to see in Perth. The Bell Tower gave us a fascinating insight into the one of the most unique facilities in the world! We learned the history of the bells and the Tower, and the ancient art of bell ringing. It so was cool ringing the famous bell. Bonus we got a souvenir certificate acknowledging our ring.

I can’t believe we discovered this tour by accident. They asked if we job could write a review.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255103-d8748022-Reviews-Eat_The_S…

I’m walking for the next three hours, not sure who’s joining me. Some are gathering souvenirs and mailing them home. Other’s are scrambling to get more pictures. Five different eateries, yummy. It’s a good thing we’re walking because I’m sure these are more caloric than I need. It was kinda cool getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes as we meet the restaurant and bar owners, managers and chefs. This was a fun and tasty experience. Who knew that Perth would have such great food and drinks.

My review: Absolutely the best deal for the money. The owners made us feel like we were part of their family, instead of guests looking at them with a microscope. This experience was incredible … great snacks and cocktails and great company. I highly recommend you take advantage of the opportunity.

I’ve enjoyed seeing Australia up close. It’s given our group a chance to bond, with an unusual twist that once we’re on another continent we’ll probably laugh about. I’m still nervous about the opal heist mix-up.

Neva’s Prompt: Perth – As a tourist, which would you rather come home with: lots of souvenirs or lost of pictures. Why?

Me, I’m all about the photographs. I don’t need more clutter .

Our flight is at 11:00 Pm from Perth to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. I’m excited about our next location but not about being on the plane all night.

#FDDA 7 letter-c day 76

/ lyncrain / 2 Comments

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

Today’s theme is “something you found.” What did you find? Where did you find it? What did you (or are you going to) do with it? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to about something you found.

“Life is a long preparation for something that never happens.” ― W.B. Yeats

I’m thinking this isn’t what you had in mind with the prompt but it is something I found. Cancer is an intimidating disease and often with that diagnosis you discover more than you bargain for with all the chaos. People you really thought were your friends kinda disappear or suddenly have less availability to talk or worse blow you off completely. If you haven’t had cancer this probably doesn’t make a lot of sense so I’ll try to explain. It’s so important to have an inner circle, people who will be supportive whether it be emotionally or physically. Its not a daily obligation just knowing they’re there.

What I found out people are quick to respond but than over time disappear. It hurts but its not the end of the world because interestingly people you didn’t expect step up. It is, what it is.

“Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.”
― Alexander Pope

What am I going to do with this new knowledge, I don’t know if its new knowledge or just the nature of people but it’s so important to live in the moment and not take things for granted nor expect things of people. Some have the maturity to handle it and some don’t. I learned that lesson too recently, a person who I really thought wasn’t mature enough to be helpful actually has surprised me.

The most important thing I found was that I need to be true to myself, all the other parts will fall where they may. With that I mind I remembered a poem I wrote about what makes me, me.  That’s something else I found… I like me.

A-Z of Lyn Poem

Appetite always enjoy good food and life itself
Brilliant at times, usually in the kitchen
Creative frequently, my inner artist appears
Deliberate who me, I’m an angel
Energetic daily, life is to short not to be
Fiber oh please, I am not that old
Grains a bowl of cheerios, how can you go wrong
Habitual why yes I am, guilty of loving routines
Involved in too many things at one time
Jovial usually, negativity does not suit me
Kinky I have my moments ask my spouse
Liberal indeed I am, I am very open minded.
Mom, to four wonderful children and seven awesome grandchildren
Nice that’s been said a time or two
Optimistic more often than not that would be the Irish in me
Pessimistic seldom, and If I am a good Irish whiskey will cure it
Quilter with a serious fabric stash
Reads avidly particularly history and biographies
Silent type not hardly, I am definitely opinionated
Typical never, I’m an Irish lass
Unique very so I am told
Vindictive no, in the long run it is not worth it
Wicked yes I am a Mainer
Xi fourteenth letter in Greek alphabet
Yes I play scrabble, actually very lucky at it
Zealous, I am indeed devoted to my family and friends.©

But I can get what I need….

By being my best advocate. I can do this. I am a fierce warrior woman … soon Cancer will be the one finding out.

 

 

Virtual Continent Hopping

/ lyncrain / Leave a comment


It’s a good thing we’re virtual travelers because in real time no international travelers are allowed in Darwin because of COVID-19.

Our hotel is Vibe Hotel on the Darwin Waterfront.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g255066-d1218857-Reviews-Vibe_Hotel_Dar…

https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g255066-d11450386-Darwin_Hop…

Have fun exploring and share with us what appealed and what didn’t. Don’t overdo because the BCoF members are going to cover the night life…

I don’t know about you but I’m happy to have lots of hot water in a shower that I can extend my arms outward and a queen size bed. The Ghan train was a lot of fun but did have its shortcomings like unlimited hot water and a large bed but everything else about it was cool and did give us some amazing views.

I can’t get over the pools they’re amazing. I know I should have gone to bed after my long shower but I just had to go try one of the pools. I chose the narrow pool because it was right next to the hot tub which had my name all over it too!

Once I did hit the sack I slept into 8am which is late for me. Breakfast overlooking the pool and ocean in the distance was phenomenal. I opted for the Darwin walking tour to get the insiders perspective to the city and to stretch my legs, we’ll be flying soon. The views from Bicentennial Park were amazing. I took lots of pictures. I did take a sharp intake when I saw some of the rock colors, guess I’ll stop being nervous once we get to the next continent. Phew, crime isn’t my cup of tea. It’s too stressful. Willie and Sandy  are right I am worried. I need my tour guide income, these are difficult times to be working in the travel industry.

Crocosaurus Cove was quite interesting, that’s the closest I’ve ever been to a crocodile. I hung around for moral support for Willie she went into the cage to get a closer view. I passed,  I’m definitely not comfortable with being that close.  Sandy, Annie, Carly, Nita, and Jill joined me in watching but then Carly decided to join Willie in the water. I decided that I would just dangle my toes in the baby croc area and relax. I can’t wait to see what adventures BCoF is going to take us on tonight.

I glanced at my watch and decided a dip in the bigger pool had my name on it before dressing for the night out.

BCoF you’re writing about the night life options, make it entertaining because the 30 day people are seeking your opinion on how to spend their night exploring Darwin.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d13954237-Reviews-Stone_Ho…

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d4154617-Reviews-Darwin_En…

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g255066-d8099369-Reviews-Throb_Nig…

The food at the Stone House Wine and Bar was amazing. I really enjoyed their take on antipasto with the bread sampler and I followed that with a seafood chowder. I could easily gone back to the hotel after that because I felt sated but I knew the ladies worked hard putting the evening’s entertainment together.

So we’re off to the  Darwin Entertainment Ctr. Oh my goodness talk about scoring big time, Keith Urban was playing there. So we got a bit of country Aussie style. He plays different than he does when he’s state side.

The Throb Nightclub lived up to its hype. It was fun especially with open-minded people letting their hair down. The entertainment acts were really good. I never saw myself as a karaoke girl but when I was asked to join in I shrugged but then changed my mind. Why the hell not?  So I looked at one face and sang along to Tracy Chapman’s Give Me One Good Reason. That one face to face made it easier and before long I was doing it a lone. I got the girls to join in a couple of songs. When we did Shania Twain’s I Feel Like A Woman a lot of the cross-dressers that frequent this club joined us. Wicked cool.

I’m so glad I went with the evening’s plan, I enjoyed myself so much. Lying in bed, I wrote it all down in my journal. I put five stars at the top of the page.