NOTE: I will try to post photos at a later date, when I can get to them.
The continuing story of travel from Toronto to London:
I asked the waitress for a "To Go" box for the food which had just arrived. The waitress put a cover on the plate and made a comment about how the airline always does this to to travelers. We hurried off to follow the crowds and not be left behind.
In spite of my dislike of generalities, Brazilian teenagers vacationing in the U.S. continue to ply the norm of the very first group I met. This time, the group came barreling down the wide hallway from the opposite direction. In a great hurry, happily chattering, and oblivious to the rest of the world. They remind me of the flocks of birds I frequently see that swoop and move as one large body, without apparent direction, not led by any particular leader, but so in tune with one another that they function as a single unit.
The group of teens in the hallway pressed on by, oblivious to anyone in the area, including Em and I who were directly in their path. They swooped and served as they headed toward some unseen goal. One nice-looking young man suddenly decided to bounce his basketball around the group in an an attempt to reach the front. He ran right into Em and our cherished plate of food, The cover came off the dish, the dish flew out of the bag and landed on the floor. Fortunately, the dish was face up and our overpriced dinner was mostly saved. As one, the group came to a sudden halt, silently observing the situation. One person laughed, the others had the kindness to remain quiet. The shocked lad looked at us for a minute, apologized, picked up the plate and handed it to me. Then they were all off again, just like the flock of birds, swooping, swerving, and chattering.
Em wiped up the floor and we hurried on.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Travels with Em - Days 1&2, cont'd
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Travels with Em - Days 1&2
We flew Air Canada to Toronto, were delayed by a heavy thunderstorm, and finally made our way on to London Heathrow Airport. It was a good trip, the first time I have flown this airline. I am sure they have tightened our belts to help keep profits up and not have to raise prices too much. Fortunately, both our bags were under 50 pounds and we did not have to pay the surcharge, an extra $25-50. We each had only one bag and a backpack which saved the 2nd checked bag fee. I had ordered lactose-free meals, which turned out to be VILE. I will try to change to regular meals and take my chances.
There was nothing to eat, not even a snack or peanuts, on the Austin / Toronto leg of the trip, so we arrived in Toronto very hungry. After clearing immigration (even though we were only staying a couple of hours), we found our gate and eventually found the agent who wandered over from one of the airport shops.
"Yes," he told us, "you have time to eat because your departure has been delayed."
It had been 8 hours since our last meal and Em likes to graze every 2 hours.The late hour did not offer much choice other than junk food, which would have delighted Em but I refused. We finally found a small place, ordered some chicken strips, and I positioned myself in a spot where our departure gate was visible. Just as the meal was delivered, I saw everyone who had been waiting at our gate, get up, and head down the hallway. The agent was pushing someone's wheelchair and we were still trying to calm our rumbling stomachs.
To be continued.......
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
We're off!
Just in case you are one of the ones who check in here occasionally, please note that I will return.
Em and I are off to Oxford and London, England for the next 3 weeks. Since I don't know when I will have time, or access, for blogging, I am posting a note now. I expect there will be plenty to share so check back frequently and share your comments. You are always welcome.
Monday, July 7, 2008
A Sunday Lesson
I kept Em and Abs Saturday night and took them to church on Sunday morning. They are well known at my church, often providing comic relief, but accepted for the children they are.
Em looked great, even though at 10 years she thinks she is going on 16. Abs is Abs, has her own way of looking at the world, and generally manages to take everyone on the journey with her.
Em was born in Germany and I made this dress for her when she needed it for a school play. Abs thinks it is wonderful. They both have their Aunt B's sense of glitz, though not always her style. Abs chose to wear her German dress with pink cowboy boots and, though they do not show here, shorts and a purple petticoat with loose silk flowers encased between the layers. They look happy here but that was just a pose for the camera. You can tell by Em's posturing that she did not want to stand next to Abs.
I give the girls a couple of rules when we go to church. The rules are mainly to remind them of proper behavior when they are out of my reach. The most critical time they are out of my reach is when they go to the front of the church for the Children's Moment. The congregation loves this time and is very open and affirming. When Em and Abs are not there, I field a load of inquiries.
The lesson this Sunday was on yoked oxen and how we work together. A young ox is yoked to an older, more experienced ox, until s/he learns the task. To demonstrate this, the children were paired and one hand from each of the pair loosely linked. With their other hands behind their backs, they were supposed to use their linked hands to , cooperatively, pick up a snack bag of crackers. Food is usually enough incentive to effect cooperation.
Unfortunately, Abs and Em were sitting close enough to each other that they would likely be paired for this exercise. I prayed and held my breath, but God had other plans. The leader asked them to put their hands out to be linked. Abs waved a pipe cleaner person she had fashioned and announced it would be her partner while Em stood resolutely straight, her arms crossed in front of her, and her mouth clamped tightly into a determined line. Em said nothing. Abs happily told all.
"My sister won't touch me," Abs announced to the congregation while joyfully dancing around with her pipe cleaner person. "She says I have cooties."
Abs doesn't depend on others to make her happy, she revels in her own views of the world and reaches out to include everyone. The congregation was laughing and I was embarrassed, but now I wonder ......who taught the real lesson.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
PhotoHunt - "Pointed"
Not exactly pointED , but pointING to an "Osteria" (restaurant) down below.
Italy 2007
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