NB in MG

Vomit Trees

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

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

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

Gazillion Word Blog Post

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

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

interesting
appropriate
legible

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, that was quick

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

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

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

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

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

Ravalomanana to return to Madagascar Saturday

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

(via www.AFP.com)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wedding Bells

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Singing (and running) in the Rain

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here we go again!

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

Job hunting.

Faaaaaaaahhhhhhhbulous.

Some stats:

Number of work weeks left in my contract: 11

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

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

Some good things:

I have transferrable skills.

There’s lots of jobs around the world.

I have a savings account.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas in Madagascar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Swallowed Up

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

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

And try to fit them into this little closet.

Camp life is awesome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crying Airport Batting Average

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

Leaving On a Jet PlanE...

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

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

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

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

Merry Christmas!!!

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

Merry Christmas from Canada!

And back in Madagascar,

In Malagasy, Tratry Ny Krismasy!

In French, Joyeux Noël!

In Filipino, Maligayang Pasko!

In Korean, Sung Tan Ghuk Ha!

In Japanese, Merii Kurisumasu!

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

Disneyland Paris Pictures

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It looks like I had a good time!!!

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

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

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

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

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

How come I didn't see this earlier?

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

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

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

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

Um...29€???

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

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

Redneck Doctor

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

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

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

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

Guide to Expatdom - In stores 2015

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

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

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

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

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

Chapter One: Preparation

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

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

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

Chapter Three: Self-Awareness

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

Chapter Four: Illness

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

Chapter Five: Food

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

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

Chapter Seven: Love

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

Chapter Eight: Travelling

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

Chapter Nine: Languages

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

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

Chapter Eleven: Small Town Living

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

Chapter Twelve: Recreational activities

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

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

Chapter Fourteen: The tough stuff

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

Chapter Fifteen: You're Different!

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

Chapter Sixteen: Electrical Appliances are different in other countries.

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

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

My Canadian Boyfriend

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

..must be my dentist.

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

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

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

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

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

Expensive-landDisneyland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surprise!!!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Birthday

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

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

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

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!!

Moving back to Camp Guantanamo

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

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

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

This week we had to start moving.

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

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

We have two rooms in the same unit.

We're using this one as our room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Season

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

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

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

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

Christmas Shopping

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

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

Louis’ driver

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

Sort of good, but super smiley driver

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

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

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

Our Finace Driver

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trial and Error

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The iTouch Incident

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

So….remember that iTouch? Uhh…yeah..

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ahh, true love is grand.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source

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

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

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

Immaterial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kenya - February 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I live the life of a Rockstar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The new cooler! Appropriately named "Tank".

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then I went to bed.

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

The Secret to Life - by Me.

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

I go through phases. Like everyone, probably.

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

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

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

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

x is?
y is?
z is ?

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

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

Instruction Manual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have to wake up at 5h05

Have to leave the house at 5h50

Have to finish eating by 6h20

Have to be at work by 6h30

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

Have to stay until 18h30

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luckily, today I found some helpful instructions. :)

Boring Pics, Fun Day

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

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

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

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

We were set for the booze component.

I played Martha Stewart and made some simple syrup.

And somehow we I turned our kitchen into this:

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

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

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

Water, water, everywhere....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why the post about the water?

No idea. I'm overtired.

Nature's High

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

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

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

Crappy Week

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

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

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

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

Here it is.

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

Yes, he was very excited.

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

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

Drugs are good

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

...at least in this case.

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

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

Welcome back...

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

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

Ever changing Travel Plans!

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

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

Seriously hoping for a 09h00 flight.

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

Last day of Vacation Ramble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perfection

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

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

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

Kids and Travelling

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

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

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

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

The red arrows signify toddler meltdowns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

24 hours in the UK and my Dirty Little Secret.

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

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

We started REALLY early. Like four am early.

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

Best travelling baby!!!

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

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

It was a quick five minute walk into town.

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

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

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

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

Finally we made our way to the first cathedral.

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

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

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

British smiles!!!

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

Ham?

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

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

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

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

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

Loved spending the day in the UK!!

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

Afternoon Run

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

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

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

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

Flamingo

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

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

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

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

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

My day in Brussels

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

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

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

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

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

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

This one was nice. But not very flavorful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes. We are that sexy.

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

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

And it came with a shot?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Belgian Beer Tour

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

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

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

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

When in Rome Belgium...

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

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

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

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Lesson of the day

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

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

Bienvenue

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

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

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

Officially on Vacation

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

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

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

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

Well.

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

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

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

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

This tour company I used was well recommended and reputable.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

However, my night has gotten a bit tense.

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

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

MOTHER F.

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

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

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

I am not feeling tremendously patient.

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

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

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

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

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

Geography and History Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a Matter Of Fact

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Oil

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remember when there was....

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

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

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

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

Googling

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

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

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

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

These are my favorite of the week:

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

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

Ich mag Deutschen.

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

Three German Contractors that work on the project,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boche (derogatory)

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

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

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

Yours truly,

Miss Bosch.

Twenty-two Pictures that Sum up my Hawaii trip

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

Blue Skies

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

Pictures taken a few weeks ago standing in our driveway.

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

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

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

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

Fate got tempted

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

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

Remember that? Like 24 hours ago?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Love Affair With My iTouch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I still worry about world Malagasy hunger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 1st: Leave Toamasina in the afternoon for Tana

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next stop, Kenya Belgium!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yup. Life is pretty freaking magic.

^%::&++

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

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

So onto today.

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

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

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

And then I had to go through the process of explaining when/where they can use the word.

Yesterday’s post was all “The world here is so sad and I want to contribute but don’t know how to”. Today’s post is all about “My days are good when I’m a bad influence on super nice innocent staff”.

Jetlag jumble

2011-10-03T20:37:00.001+03:00

So.

I’m scared to ~~say~~ write this. I could be tempting fate.

But today marks the 4th day in Madagascar and I have had ZERO. STOMACH. SICKNESS. Could it be? Could my stomach have decided to man up and like NOT get sick the moment I set foot here?

I’m having mega sinus pain but nothing that this liquid that you squirt up your nose won’t fix (um, no, not like liquid cocaine or anything. If there is such a thing).

So. Yeah. I’m back in Madagascar. Annnnnnnddddd I want to give all my money away.

Louis’ driver has to take fifteen days off work for a medical condition. He actually is contracted out through another company – and this company won’t pay for his time off. So…when Louis wasn’t looking I gave him 65 00 MGA ($32.50 CDN = 30% of his monthly salary). I knew that Louis would not appreciate/approve of me giving his driver money… but the driver has a family…and he won’t be paid for nearly half of a month’s salary…
However, handing out money like that tends to create a negative cycle. First, the driver can become dependent on the supplemental income. When I’m gone, so is the extra money. It can also lead to changing the economics of the country. Workers get more money, so staples – like rice - become more expensive. But non-project workers don’t make more money. So they can no longer afford simple things like rice, which leads to an increase of petty theft, and so forth.

I can’t save the world. I can’t give money to everyone. But. Its. So. Hard.

I donate every month to an orphanage down the road. I give the equivalent to $50 CDN…and often I wonder if half of it benefits the children. Then I think…even if 10% gets to the needs of the children….it’s 10% that they didn’t have before. I’ve contacted a few places to see if I can volunteer but no one is looking for volunteers on a Sunday (the only day off we have).

Yesterday Louis and I went into town for a quick grocery run. A little girl, maybe 12 years old and all of 50lbs asked if she could guard for our truck while we grocery shop. Louis obliged and we bought her a pastry and a juice box. I put the straw in the juice box for her and she ran off extremely happy and we watched her share her goodies with her family. I like doing things like that, but I’ve had experiences where I’m nearly mobbed when I hand out any kind of food. So I’m pretty careful about doing that. I try to be nice. To be appreciative. To speak Malagasy as much as I can. I don’t always succeed....

I don’t have a point. I’m just jet-lag-rambling. I have no idea if I’ll ever get used to the difference between incomes. I have no idea how long I’ll be in Madagascar.

A little tidbit of info about moi. When I’ve had a few too many drinks, I am a “I love you guys” kind of person. I will call you or text you and tell you that I like you so much and that I’m happy you’re my friend. I’m having the same kind of feeling today and think it’s a big jet-lag induced. So... I love Madagascar and what it’s done in my life (remind me of this when I'm having a bad day here....) I would so send it a text message right now, like when I'm a little tipsy.... It’s made me think of things in a different perspective. It’s been super hard. But it’s made me question….what I want out of life and how I’m going to live my life. I haven’t quite decided how or what exactly I want….other than to be happy and feel fulfilled with what I have. It’s pretty simplistic but a pretty tall order depending how you look at it.

Ok. ~~Drunk “I love you, man”~~ Mega jet-lag me signing off….

(Oh, and I totally confessed about my donation to Louis’ driver. He was less than impressed….but far from surprised…)

Cave, Waterfall, and Lagoon Trek

2011-10-02T14:22:00.001+03:00

And let the start of the Hawaii vacation posts begin.

I'll start with the first day that I was off the ship because...well...the days I was on the ship weren't exactly my best....

I had signed up for a Cave, Lagoon, and Waterfall Trecking Adventure on Hilo, the big island.

After we got off the ship (and I had my little incident with my wallet), we got on a tour bus. I'm not a huge fan of tour buses... but here we go.

The wallet!! (I took this picture later on that day....not before I re-joined my travel mates :P)

And the tour started. In the pouring rain.

More rain...

Okay, that sort of looks like sun...

That's better.

Some surfers catching the waves

And we stopped by the side of the road to take pictures of the "waterfall". I'm thrilled, as you can see....

Although the scenery was very pretty.

Okay. Wasn't this tour about some....trecking???

Last time I checked, "trecking" didn't include paved pathways with hand rails...

But I can't complain about the scenery. These trees are also found in Madagascar!

So. Here's the "waterfall" we get to. What? You can't see it?

Maybe my big head is blocking it?

Nope. Here it is! Or....water stream. A had a couple from our tour asked me where the waterfall was.

I asked a friendly American to take my picture. Thanks.

But again, the scenery was nice.

Next stop was the caves. These caves are formed by "lava tubes". Years ago, as hot lava hits the ocean, it can make a phenomenon called lava tubes. We were told that you can walk up to ten miles through this one tube!

Except - our tour guide told us we had fifteen minutes to look around.

A bunch of asshats carved their name in the lava (which looked super cool, by the way! (the lava, not the asshat names))

It was dark!

Next stop. The lagoon. Eeek!!! I had to walk through this mess!!!

I did not enjoy the feeling of...."mush" between my toes....

But, yet again, the scenery was beautiful.

This poor couple... the wife did not enjoy walking through the lagoon...and we heard here screams for the entire walk. I could totally relate....but kept my screams to myself....:S

After a disgusting ten minutes or so, we got to the ocean. The crashing waves were awesome!

Except I got a little too camera happy and got yelled at for going too close. Oops.. :(

After a few minutes we were told we had to go. We walked back through the sludge and back to our tour van.

Before I left on my day trip, we asked a local person where the best place to meet up was. They told us Walmart!!! What's a trip without a visit to Walmart?!?!?!! I was in shopping heaven - it's the first real store of any kind I've seen since my last trip to Canada.

Our dinner atire was supposed to be Hawaiian that night. I really, really wanted to buy this shirt and these pants...but they were over $40 combined and my cheapness won out.

After shopping a bit, I found my grandparents and we went back to the ship. Around 20h00 that night, we were hitting the other side of the island, where there is almost always lava flow. But the weather conditions were poor and we didn't see anything. Darn.

All in all, the tour was cool, but just not what I expected. Our local was a native to the area so she told us lots of interesting information and different cultural aspects....I was just expecting like a hard hike....and at least to get wet in the ocean. The tour was a bit misrepresented by the cruise ship. Oh, well. I was on dry land and had a pretty good day! And in Hawaii!!!!!

Proper Eating Pact

2011-10-01T18:53:00.001+03:00

I have a really bad habit of either:
I have a really bad habit of either:

not eating
not eating enough
eating too much
eating too many sweets/junk

Since I'd like to lose a few pounds by Christmas time, I made a pact with myself that I'd eat properly. I run and am active enough but really need to focus on eating proper meals. It's hard sometimes when we work weird hours and get tired. I'm pretty good at staying active (I basically need to for the endorphin/stress relief stuff), but not good at eating properly.

Looks like my pact with myself will have to start on Monday. I just got home from work. I'm fighting off a thirteen hour time difference, so I want to go to bed. I'm too tired to eat. Instead of not eating and waking up in the middle of the night starving, I tried my best for tonight. A package of almond butter (roughly two tablespoons), a protein bar, and a small glass of juice. It's pretty much all that I can stomach. Supper of champions...

Well, the pact is officially in place as of Monday. I'm using a free website to track what I eat, and by the next time I'm back in Canada, I hope to be ten or fifteen pounds lighter. But for tonight, all pacts are off. I just need to get to bed.

Success!

2011-09-29T09:49:00.001+03:00

This rotation is already off to a good start. All of our flights were late HOWEVER, we never missed any connections and ALL of my luggage arrived!!! I don't think I could ask for more than that!

Now....I'm trying to self-hypnotize myself into beleiving that jetlag does not exist.

2 Down, 3 to go

2011-09-28T00:38:00.001+03:00

I love Hawaii!!! I had a great time!!

I'm just on the freaking long process of getting back home. 5 flights. Total air time is 29 hours, not including layovers. We'll be adjusting to a 13 hour time difference (instead of a 9 hour time difference) so jetlag will be wonderful. Actually, it's not too bad because I only have 2.5 days of work until my first day off, which will be spent sleeping.

And, a small wish to the toilet gods, please let my stomach adjust in a more peaceful manner to MG. It seems that too often when I come back that I have some weird stomach thing happen. It's a simple thing that makes ALL the difference.

See ya soon MG!

I heart Hawaii!

2011-09-24T01:35:00.003+03:00

I love it here in ~~Japan~~ Hawaii!!! It's totally touristy but totally awesome!!! And I'm even happier to BE ON DRY LAND!!

Waikiki-bound

2011-09-20T21:11:00.002+03:00

We are docked in Honolulu. I have two more hours to wait until Louis picks me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!So excited. Bring on the 2nd part of the vacation!!! I'm staying in a freaking wicked hotel and I can't wait!!!!!!!

Final Night On the Ship

2011-09-20T11:40:00.002+03:00

Well, it's been an...interesting cruise. The cruise was initially booked for a friend's wedding but was changed to just a grandparent/grandaughter vacation. I don't think that's an often occurence, so I consider myself pretty lucky. I haven't had a ton of time to spend with my family in the last 2+years. We talk on the phone, see each other when I'm visiting Canada, but not like...any significant amount of time. So I'm glad we got to hang out and even better hang out on a ship in Hawaii!

Tonight we were talking how things are different for me. My grandparents observe a quieter, more cautious me. This could be in part due to jetlag and sea sickness, but I notice a difference in myself in these types of situations too. Sometimes I think I've adjusted too much to life in the jungle, and then when I'm out of it, I sit back and observe more and participate less. I'm not saying this is a good or a bad thing. But, I kinda feel like...the clichéd "fish out of water". No, I haven't been to Hawaii before, but I see the same behaviour in myself when I'm in familiar situations in Canada. I observe more and I don't entirely know how to act. It's a hard thing to describe. One can say, just act naturally. Well, my naturally is a lot different than it used to be.

August 2009 to August 2010, my naturally was a weird mix of happy-go-lucky, homesick, and party girl. It was in August that I realized...I'm not at summer camp and my lifestyle of having a couple (or more) glasses of wine nearly every night was not a sustainable (or desirable) way of living. August 2010 to August 2011, I went the complete opposite direction. Less social, less homesick, and FAR less partying. Later in the winter (or North American's summer) I started to make more attemps to forcing myself to be more social and have a life other than work, eat, run, and sleep. But I'm still not quite where I'd like to be. I'm still more in the observing-trying-to-figure-things-out mode. Life was totally different when I knew I'd be away for two years and then come back to "normal" life. Now that I'm in "undetermined amount of time" expat mode, I'm still trying to figure it all out.

So throw me in a scenario with a bunch of North American people, acting like "normal", and I still don't quite know how to fit in at times. When people say, Where are you from? I kind of trip over my words, and I still don't have a good answer. The technical answer is...I'm a Canadian Citizen but my Country of Residence is Madagascar. So sometimes I answer I've come from Madagascar, but other times I just say Canada because I don't feel like having to talk about it and explain what/where is Madagascar and no, we do not have singing zebras or whatever. I have no idea of what I'm saying makes sense. Sometimes I just get confused between both....worlds.

But, in the short term, none of this all matters, because tomorrow I'm getting off the ship in Honolulu and spending seven nights in Waikiki with Louis! Bring on the beach, un-sea sickness, happy hour, Starbucks, and the most kick-ass hotel in Waikiki.

Day 9

2011-09-18T09:47:00.000+03:00

I loved the beach
I had a run-in with a Coach store. The damage was minimal.
Can't wait to upload pictures when I have wi-fi that isn't more expensive than macadamia nuts. My blog posts may even be interesting then.
I tried on every single bathing suit in the entire mall near the beach.
I want to give up eating everything but Yogurtland. Does Canada have these yet? OMG. Ridiculously amazing.
I haven't seen a Starbucks yet. I hope they have them in Waikiki because I need to pick up supplies for back home!
I'm in Maui again tomorrow. Not sure what to do. Just happy that there's no ~~sea sickness~~ sailing for another day.

ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2011-09-17T10:00:00.002+03:00

I'm tired.

Today's shore tour was to see chocolate, coffee, and soap. We saw. It was boring.

We saw some trees. We heard some people talking about some trees. We even saw a man feeding chickens! HOW FREAKING EXCITING.

Lesson of the day: Do not sign up for tours using the cruise.

Tomorrow we're going to shore and winging it. And will have a damn good time.

Because I'm me

2011-09-16T04:43:00.000+03:00

Because I'm me, I pissed around this morning and was running a tiny bit late to meet up for my shore excursion.

Because I'm me, when I had to produce my ticket for the shore excursion, I couldn't find my wallet.

Because I'm me, I had to ask the entire tour to wait for me while I re-cleared security, ran up seven flights of stairs, stormed through my room, sheets, drawers, in search of my wallet.

If you've spent any time with me, you know how this story ends.

Because I'm me, I'm covered in sweat, breathing heavy after running seven flights of stairs, and of course, I find the magical wallet, inside my bag, in the special place where I always put it.

Because I'm me, I ran back down the seven flights of stairs, apologized to my entire tour group, and never told them the real story.

Oops.

Land ho!

2011-09-15T10:07:00.001+03:00

I made it through DAY 6!! Today I was the least sea sick. It was cold/wet most of the afternoon but I still managed to spend most of it outdoors.

AND tonight it was formal night! Finally the dress and shoes that I bought got put to good use. Well, sort of. I got pictures taken in them. And then ate. And then more pictures. And now...I'm going to retire for the evening. Yes, retire. It's called retire when it's not quite 9pm and your grandparents are staying up later than you. What can I say.

I guess I can always use the excuse that I'm jetlagged? From....seven days ago??? Or that I have to get up early?

Anyway, tomorrow we reach our first port of call, Hilo. I've signed up for "Cave and Lagoon Trecking". What the F that is, I have no idea, because I was so freaking excited and gung ho for this cruise that I booked all kinds of things in advance. All I know is I have a ticket for it, and it starts and 09h45. I am kinda scared of the dark. I don't really enjoy hiking. Just add this to another experience of how I make awesome decisions when I have access to the internet and a credit card in my hand.

Day 5

2011-09-14T12:33:00.002+03:00

Get

onto

some

dry

land.

Goodnight Day 4

2011-09-13T08:52:00.001+03:00

I've been sea sick for only parts of the day. I invested in some of these accu-pressure wrist cuffs. Let's see if they work. Tonight my grandpa was sea sick and we have bascially decided that we are not "cruise" people.
Sadly (:P) there was no crafting. Turns up you have to show up at least a half an hour early because the craft ladies mean business and there is a limited supply. If we go tomorrow, I'm going to wear my biggest rings to secure us a spot.
We have a Ben & Jerry's cafe on board. I walk past it every day but haven't been able to eat there yet.
I haven't been playing paparazzi! What is wrong me with!! I've only taken picture of one meal so far!! My cruise pictures are going to suck!
I brought multiple outfits for different days thinking I would get all dressed up and co-ordinate my accesories and everything. Um. Nope. I wore makeup the first time today. I have been basically wearing the same clothes and my bathing suit. So much for looking "cute".
I managed to download iTunes onto my netbook today so I'm just one day away from having music on my iTouch. I am having withdrawals.
I can't wait to upload a video of our swim today. We're just in a regular pool, but because of the rough waters we're flung around and have to hold on for dear life. For some reason, it's really fun!
I still haven't ran yet!! We all slept through our afternoon nap alarm! Tomorrow....for sure.
It's not yet 9pm...and I'm headed back to my room. Um. I need to light a torch under my party shoes. Pronto.

Day 4

2011-09-12T22:04:00.001+03:00

I think?

Last night's sea sickness was at an all time high. I thought I was doing better but spent from 4pm onwards in bed. I guess it's good to rest on vacation, right? I woke up around 3am and had a luxurious meal of green apple and crackers. Ah, this is the life. :S

Today's plans:

Crafting, making a beaded necklast
"Power walk" with my grandpa (while my grandma laps us!)
Pay the nineteen bazillion dollars and download iTunes so that I can feel like a whole person again. I am so addicted to my iTouch!!
Try running....
NOT GET SEA SICK!!!
Shopping! They have a sale on ten dollar watches and my last ten dollar watch just broke.

We booked a few excursions yesterday. Even with the sea sickness, I'm having a good time. But I think I'm ready for land!!

Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes

2011-09-11T22:02:00.000+03:00

I had the weirdest spa treatment today. I signed up for it in advance when I was having one of my "I'm a millionaire" moments. I was basted (with seaweed something), then wrapped in foil, then heated up, then rinsed, then re-wrapped in foil and then massaged. If I was fish I'm sure I'd be tasty.

But - as of this morning I'm feeling less sea sick and have nearly got my sea legs!! Woo hoo!!

Boat: 1; Nicole:0

2011-09-11T05:25:00.000+03:00

Yeah...about those waves...not doing so well with them.

I didn't have to worry about eating a light lunch or supper to make up for the big breakfast I had. Or worry about running....unless it's to find the nearest washroom.

~~Here's hoping~~ Tomorrow my body will adjust to the motion of the boat.

Wave Crasher

2011-09-10T21:05:00.001+03:00

I've been on one cruise before so I am no expert. But these are some mother crazy waves!!! There are little containers on each level full of (empty) sickness bags.

Between jetlag and the boat moving around, I didn't sleep much last night. Oh, and thanks Royal Carribean for stocking the mini-fridge with chocolate. Insomnia + acess to chocolate??? Damnit.

I am dying without my iTouch. This afternoon I'm going to go try to run on the track. Without music, with jetlag, and with the boat rocking back and forth...hm....could be interesting.

My grandparents are having a super time!!!!! I'm having a great time and will be having an even greater time once I get a full night's sleep.

Last night I spent a full hour unpacking. Yes, it is a little over the top to bring eight scarves/wraps and twelve pairs of shoes. But I couldn't decide.

Today's plan:
- Read
- Eat a healthy lunch and supper to make up for my chocolate party and carb rave this morning
- Run (or try to)
- Nap
- Pedicure
- Get decked out for formal night!!

Okay, off to meet my grandparents. My grandpa has been wanting to spend ten dollars in the casino since yesterday. :)

On the boat!

2011-09-10T06:53:00.001+03:00

I am mega jet-lagged and totally out of it, but somehow I made it on the boat. We are having a super awesome time, even if it's only been a few hours. I plan on being extremely ....crap...I can't think of the word. But I plan on taking pictures of what I wear every night for supper because since moving to the jungle I NEVER dress up and it's actually kind of fun.

We've met a few people from the group that we were originally scheduled to go with and they are all super nice.

Bad news: I lost my iTouch. This thing is my lifeline.
Worse news: I bought another one. The 64G one. I thought about the iPad, but couldn't figure out how I would be able to run with it. :P
Triple Worse News: I think it's going to cost me nine billion dollars to download anything to it. I'd settle for 45 minutes of fun music so I can run. I hate these moments where I think I'm a bazillionaire.

Now, Fantastic news: I have a suitcase full of fun clothes, I"m getting a pedicure tomorrow, AND I'M ON VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh, and fruit and vegetables and STARBUCKS.

Veloma!!

2011-09-08T00:22:00.000+03:00

I'm in the Tana airport using a French keyboard which makes typing ridiculously hard!

Leaving for Paris in a few minutes.

I'm not sure any rotation is "normal", but this one feels particularly strange.

Which really doesn't matter at this point because I'm on MY WAY TO HAWAII!!!!!!

5922 Minutes.....

2011-09-05T10:48:00.000+03:00

Lost Weekend

2011-09-05T08:56:00.001+03:00

For...whatever reason, I've been really on edge the last two weeks.

Me "on edge" + a tired Louis = not super fun times.

I had plans for supper and a night on the town. Louis was exhausted, but rallied and said he would come to supper, at minimum.

Saturday's usually grocery day, so when I was out, I thought....hey...I'm going out tonight for supper at this cool hotel, called Calypso. Louis is joining me for supper but he's super exhausted....wouldn't it be nice to book a room at the hotel? (Side note - this is the one and only hotel in Toamasina that I would ever even consider staying at. It is actually a REALLY nice hotel!)

So I stopped in the hotel, and luckily they had a suite!! And it was right next door to one of our friends (the project is currently at over capacity for housing so some staff live in the hotel).

I wanted it to be a surprise, so I packed my gigantic purse along with a beach bag full of clothes, yogurt and granola, Starbucks VIA, bottled water, and all our toiletries and went out for supper, with the premise that I was bringing some clothes and other stuff for a friend living at the hotel.

We got to the hotel and I asked him to help me carry the bags to my friend's room. Louis still wasn't figuring out what was going on. It wasn't until I took his contact case and toothbrush out of my bag and put it in the bathroom that he figured it out. He was super happy.

We ate supper, had a lot of fun, and then around 23h00 he went upstairs and crashed. Best plan ever.

Meanwhile, I stayed since I was going for a night on the town. Except....supper lasted longer than normal....and I kept ordering drinks....and by the time we made it to the bar...I was not well. I am a very cheap drunk. And I got caught up with the excitement of everything, and didn't quite pay attention (or THINK) as to the number of drinks I was having, and I lasted an entire fifteen minutes at the bar.

SO ANNOYING. I was wearing a freaking dress and had on some nice earrings - like I was ready for a night out on the town!!! Some night on the town. I had an awesome time at supper... but did not enjoy paying the price for my lack of INTELLIGENCE in alchohol consumption.

My night ended around midnight. And I woke up NOT WELL. Thanks to my over-enthusiasm in the Dzama department, I was not getting out of bed. We ended up paying the day rate so that I could stay at the hotel until 18h00. Even though I spent the day in bed, Louis had a great day. Lunch with his buddies and a massage and hanging out at the cool hotel. I had....not such a fabulous day, but it was

I had hoped to put pictures of my weekend but a) I didn't have a memory card in my camera, and b) if I had taken any pictures it would be me laying in bed or blurry shots from the night before.

Oh, well. Regardless of the self-induced sickness, I had a pretty great weekend. I think Louis and I are going to stay at the hotel once a rotation, just to feel like we get a mini-vacation in our work rotation.

And speaking of vacations....I'm off in two and half days!! That's super exciting....but also super stressful!!! Two and a half days to get so much done!!! Ahhh!!!!

The Beibs in Action?

2011-09-03T09:36:00.000+03:00

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it again.

It’s all about the little things. My “little” thing this week – was my laptop.

Over the past year, I have gone through…probably four laptops. I sit at my desk, and they just shut off. So I reboot and start working again. But after…a few days of this, it’s frustrating. After a few weeks, it’s even more frustrating.

I go over to IT Helpdesk, pound on the door. (They are the only ones that get to have an office area with a segregated wall that’s locked. I’m not sure if it’s to safeguard computers and stuff, or to make sure that people don’t barge in and start yelling at the staff.)

So, like I was saying, I go over, knock, tell them my problem. They run some kind of diagnostic. It’s fixed. For a few weeks. And then it happens over and over again until finally I get a new computer. But the same model as the one that is broken.
(I’ll save you from the stories of the SERIOUS battles I’ve had to get a software properly implemented. Those were some pretty stressful weeks too...)

Anyway. Back to my laptop problem. I destroy them. And after going through a week of my computer randomly shutting off while I’m in the middle of something, I lost it. I walked over to IT Helpdesk. Pounded on the door. And said, “Here’s my laptop. Call me when it’s fixed.” And then stormed home and worked from my personal computer, which doesn’t have the same access as my work computer.

No one called me until the next morning. But it was fixed!

Except it wasn’t. it shut down four times in the span of a half an hour. I finally broke down and wrote them an email in point form:

Hi.
Monday – [such and such happened]
Tuesday – [such and such happened]
Wednesday – [such and such happened]

This is extremely disruptive to my work. Not even listening to Justin Beiber can get me back on track after so many crashes in one day. Please help.

Fast forward a few hours later – the IT Manager has contacted my Manager requesting him to approve a brand new laptop for me.

Fast forward a few more hours and I have this fancy computer that isn’t made in Madagascar. It’s even a name I recognize.

My question is:
Did they sense that I was about to lose my mind and jump into action to prevent me from throwing myself into the Canal Pangalanes?
Or was it the mention of the Beibs???? Everyone loves the Beib. I’m contemplating using a JB reference in the next companywide memo I issue to test out the theory*.

*not actually. I’m sort of crazy but not ACTUALLY that crazy.

A tale of a sunken ship....

2011-08-29T22:43:00.007+03:00

Remember my kick ass trip to Ile Ste Marie? The two hour bush taxi ride....the hour + long boat ride (with like chickens and stuff in the back)...

Well, we wore lifejackets....or what looked like life jackets....

But after this weekend...I'm not so sure...

Yikes!!!!

Madagascar boat accident - 11 killed

Antananarivo - A boat accident off Madagascar's northeastern coast and an explosion during the subsequent rescue operation killed 11 people on Sunday, including a government minister, an official said.

Nadine Ramaroson, Madagascar's minister for population and social affairs, drowned after "a wave capsized [her] boat near the Soanierana-Ivongo channel," General Richard Ravalomanana, gendarmerie district commander in Antananarivo, said.

"There were 11 people on board, four were killed," he added.

The general said that seven others were killed by an explosion during the rescue operation.

The minister was returning from a cultural festival on the island of Saint Marie, 40km from the Madagascar mainland.

Ramaroson is the niece of Alain Ramaroson, a key figure in Madagascar's current regime.

Madagascar has been in political turmoil since current strongman Andry Rajoelin ousted former president Marc Ravalomanana in a military-backed coup.

The impoverished Indian Ocean island nation has been gripped by political tensions since the ex-president's ousting.

Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs Coffee!!!

2011-08-29T08:48:00.000+03:00

Starbucks VIA is practically a trading currency here. Especially the flavored kinds. I type this while I'm holding back tears (not really) because everyone I know is out of the flavored stuff. I have the plain, which is good. Great even. But on a Monday morning, there's nothing like a flavored VIA.

I've always been an iced coffee fan. In the USA, it seems that every coffee shop or cafe makes iced coffee. But I haven't seen the trend take off (apart from the iced drinks and Frappacinos, etc) until the last time I was in Canada. When I say iced coffee - I mean just that - ice + coffee + a tiny splash of milk. I am crazy for iced coffee.

But living in a country with :
a) crappy coffee
b) little ice
c) UHT milk

does NOT make for a great "iced coffee" environment.

Until yesterday.

Some of the good restaurants carry Lavazza coffee. It's actually pretty good. So good, in fact, that I thought I could make a concoction that would satisfy my longing for the Canada stuff.

It would be a miracle for the staff to understand what an iced coffee is, so I ordered espresso, a glass of ice, a small amount of cold milk, and bottled water. What I got is as good as any iced coffee I've ever had at Starbucks. It was picture worthly in fact. The wait staff all think I'm crazy and don't quite understand what I'm doing, but, I could care less.

Now, some of you may think I'm crazy for writing an entire blog post about a freaking iced coffee. But while you're away from home - it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Biggest little thing for me - COFFEE. I ordered two yesterday. Even more exciting? Another expatriate is coming back today and he's bringing FLAVORED VIA. The anticipation of the flavored VIA is what's going to get me out of bed tomorrow morning....

Mon ami Chauffeur

2011-08-27T17:55:00.001+03:00

Today's a Saturday, so we're all stuck in the office, but it also is a day where we usually get any groceries we need.

I try to go during the week, but the week got ahead of me so I went today. And got to drive with one of my favorite people in Madagascar. Our driver.

Now, I've had some SERIOUS driver issues in the past. For the first year or so, I strugged to find a ride to and from work. I could spend 5 or 25 minutes trying to figure out how I would get to/from the office. After we moved near the compound, things became easier. Also, after the addition of some more rotational staff, we got our very own driver to share. We could come and go as we please and it wasn't some kind of production.

But....the drivers' weren't always so fantastic. Not reliable, attitudes, unsafe drivers.....you name it.

And then, we get the fabulous and wonderful Arsène. Arsène is always waiting for you when you call him. Arsène will work any hour of any day.

Along with being a good driver, he's super cool to talk to. We've had interesting conversations....I love hearing his point of view. We've obviously had extremely different lives and are extremely different people.

His previous....chauffeurees (??) included a very....stern and overdemanding French lady. He was yelled at from time to time and he had strict orders. For us....we ask him to be somewhere, he's there. We ask him to take us somewhere, he does. Pretty simple. None of this opening doors for us, or sitting in the back seat so we can feel important (who wants to sit in the backseat anyway?? It's much more comforable in the front!!).

Our entire team loves him. I struggle to not....spoil him. What's a small amount of money for a little extra work done is a very large sum of money to him. At the very least, I feel that it's not excessive if I buy him a bottle of pop whenever we go into town.

Drivers are a key part of our lives here. We depend on them to get around. They help keep us safe.

Arsène refuses to not call me Madamme. I've told him a million times. Enough with the Madamme. He just can't do it.

Arsène enters my office and takes off his hat and looks at the ground, waiting for direction.

I try to joke around with him by calling him Monsieur...but I don't think I'm going to be able to change his habits. He's a chauffer, I'm an expat...things are just different.

When we do get into good conversations, he always apologizes first for sharing his opinion. I tell him to quit it and just talk. I try to find out about his life, while sharing a bit of mine, and it's always very entertaining. (I recently found out he used to participate in cock fighting and has a rooster that's five times undefeated!!)

I understand things work differently here, and that I do have to be careful to not be taken advantage of. I can't tell Arsène everything about myself and I can't be his best buddy. But I'd like to think that in the right situation, we could share a beer....(or a wine for me) as equals.

Regardless, every day I get to have Arsène as chauffeur is a pretty good day.

Random Update

2011-08-26T19:26:00.001+03:00

I don't have anything much to update. This may not be such a bad thing. This week has been weird like any other week, but more normal.

If I had to provide an update, here's what's been going on that's exciting in my life

I had to explain to Moose the difference between "pop" and "poop" yesterday. Love moments like this.
I try not to obsessively visit the Hawaiian cruise website. I try not to talk about Hawaii, or what I'm going to wear to Hawaii, or what I'm going to eat on the cruise ship, or what my hotel looks like, etc, etc. I think everyone I know is pretty sick of the Hawaii talk.
I sort of got back into yoga this week. Forgot how tough it can be. I need to do it more often.
My coworker/friend put a fridge in her office. This means so many things. I can have milk in my coffee (have been using powdered until now. And the milk is so-so. It's UHT which still creeps me out). It also means that I can bring in a pop or two. Right now the only place we can buy pop is about a five minute walk from the office. By the time I get back, it's usually warm. Bring on the Coke Zero.
I had a Baileys on ice after my massage yesterday and it cost $15CDN. A pack of cigarettes cost $1CDN
Louis and I have a bet - if he doesn't quit smoking by Hawaii, he'll have to wear a pair of the most hideous Oilers swimming trunks the entire trip.
We have been getting some people from Canada/USA visit our office. It's always crazy to see people that you met in Canada when you're living here. I get a little over-excited.
My flight to the capital of Madagascar (in 12 days....) was changed from 16h00 to 11h00. I think that means a little Marché de la Digue shopping.
I am getting increasingly impatient with people that "reply all". A few months ago I sent out an email to our entire staff with some email etiquette tips. I really want to send it out to the entire company (but won't).
Not to talk too much shop – but I work in Compliance/Risk. Which means – we are the bad guys. We are the ones that make work for you and implement controls and are generally a pain in your ass. But the progress over the past six months has been amazing. So I have declared September 2nd – INTERNAL CONTROL DAY. I’m not sure if there will be decorations (come on, who I am kidding), but we’ll bring in croissants. My Malagasy boss will do a little thank you speech, and then he’s going to give me a FULL complete sentence or TWO to say after the speech – all in Malagasy. I’m really good at saying things like, “See you tomorrow”, or “Working late!”, or “Did you have a nice lunch?”, or “Are you tired?”. But nothing like a full complete sentence. I am excited. I am such a dork but these kinds of things totally excite me. I’m already wanting to google “How to Throw an Internal Control Party”.
I'm supposed to go out tomorrow night and I think I owe my friends a "fun Nicole" night not a "I'm usually asleep by 22h00 on a Saturday Nicole" that's been hanging around here lately. Which means that my Sunday will be a write off. Oh, well. At least I'll get some good exercise dancing!!!
There are no longer guards at the bank machine. This means that now little street children come begging for money. I have NO idea why, but they say, "Chop! Chop!!". I had an apple and an orange in my purse. The little girl that took the apple was the size of an 18 month old but was at least 3 years old. She was so adorable and tried to hide her apple by tucking it under her sweater.
My SLR camera is not working. Fabulous since I have a cruise coming up....in 14 days....

That's it. That's the exciting life that I live. Now I'm off to go and try my hand at yoga. I'm not particulary active these days.

Yay Jetlag!!!

2011-08-26T16:59:00.000+03:00

I hate jetlag. I despise jetlag. It makes me (more) crazy. I'm tired, cranky, happy one minute, falling asleep the next minute, can't sleep when I want to, (more) overly sensitive....it just isn't fun.

However - this time going home the jetlag is going to be AWESOME. I will spend six days where all my meals are fresh, prepared, and available when I want. I have fitness classes (yoga, bootcamp, spinning!) or a track to run. There is even a coffee shop. Okay, it's not Starbucks or Second Cup....but it's still a coffee shop. Salad, milk, seedless grapes...ahh.... for six full days I have NOTHING to do. Nothing scheduled or arranged. Okay, I lied - I have a massage, a pedicure, and a manicure scheduled. Soooo tough.

This time, I'm counting down the days until I'm jetlagged. And as far as for when I come back...well...that's another story that I don't want to think about....

Whine.

2011-08-23T20:49:00.000+03:00

Tonight's run was cancelled. Because I needed to sit down, at the camp bar, and talk with like NORMAL people that act NORMAL and think NORMAL. (Now that's saying a lot in the expatriate world...)
But after a few days of dealing with individuals that act unproffesionally, think obscurely, and make rash decisions, it was just what I needed.

One glass of wine. Plus conversation that makes me feel like there's some kind of normalcy in my life. Whatever that means.

I feel a little more normal, but I missed my run. I'd really like it if somehow (and I can't beleive I'm saying this) the Running Room would form a chapter out here. That would be really swell.

Sailing cures all

2011-08-21T19:36:00.003+03:00

After not such a fabulous two weeks....today was just what I needed.

Now off to ~~fall asleep while pretending to~~ watch a movie. Goodnight!

Hypothermic Fun

2011-08-18T22:08:00.001+03:00

I wanted to do two posts in a row so that I don't leave on a sad-oh-woe-is-me note.

There's a post that I never got to do about my recent British Columbia vacation because I lost ALL OF MY PICTURES. So thanks to the internet and Louis' kids that sent me what they had, I wanted to post one of my most favoritest (yes, it's a word) parts of the vacation!!

It was a tour organized through Jamie's Whale Watching. First they gave us these awesome suits that kept us warm. It was a warmish day, maybe +20*C, but we were going on the water and it was overcast, so I loved the suits. They also work as floatation devises.....just in case.

For just over an hour we watched seals, sealions, and whales. It is SO HARD to get a good picture of a whale!!! We saw quite a few and even got close enough to "smell" the spray of the whale. They smell really bad actually!!

We got to a island and started a fourty minute hike.

Most of the hike was paved in wood. A lot of the wood had these cool engravings on it. I couldn't figure out if it was schools, or organizations, or what.

But they were interesting to read.

And then we got to the hot springs (again, these aren't my pictures....:(). We ate lunch and then went in. The thing about these hot springs is they are holy mother.. HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like burning hot practically!!

And everyone becomes pretty friendly pretty quickly because you're close to everyone between these rocks.

And on the other side - it's cold COLD COLD ocean water. I stood on the rocks looking onto the ocean water for a long time. The Nicole of....10 years ago...or maybe....20 years ago would have jumped in ten times or so. And loved it. Yes, it was probably 1*C...but I would have done it. I was a water rat. The 31 year old Nicole...isn't so much into being cold.

But I jumped in. Yowza. That is some cold water. And even though I had sandals on, I slipped and managed to slice my toe pretty badly on the barnacles. Louis and his girls didn't know what barnacles were, and I didn't know how to say it on French, so they just saw me bleeding a lot and weren't quite sure how I managed to cut myself so badly. (Later on in the week we came across some barnacles and I could explain to them what they were.)

And then hiked back - in the rain. It was nice! We got back in our warmsuites and then got back on the boat for another hour or so. Except this time it was raining. And it had gotten COLD. We were going so fast in the boat that the rain HURT your face like MEGA bad. By the time the boat ride was over, I was in a modified version of the fetal position and freezing cold.

I'm not sure if this picture does justice to how cold I really was. The color of my face was an off-white/grey color. My lips were a purple-ish color. Strangers asked me if I was okay. The guides asked me if I was okay. I was cold for a very, very long time.

We got changed, had some hot chocolate, and went back to the hotel. That just happened to have a hot tub on our balcony. Yee haw!! After an hour or so I warmed up. If anyone is ever in the Tofino area - I highly recommend this tour. It was about six or seven hours but it was super cool. We saw all kinds of wildlife, had an awesome guide, and enough time on our own to explore and do what we want. I just wish I hadn't lost all my pictures!!!!

In time....

2011-08-18T19:16:00.003+03:00

I've skirted around the issue. I've written about it a little bit. I talk about it from time to time. I don't have anything more to say about it... other than...it still really bugs me.

Julien.

I don't like...cry myself to sleep or anything... but I just feel like I'm not totally back to my normal self. I have a few memories that pop into my head from time to time and, I'm frustrated, because I don't want to think about them anymore. I don't want to be sad about it. The reality of the situation is - this is Africa. This is a third world country. If I get this upset for every person I meet that dies - I'll never make it.

But Julien was different. I, along with a few others, dedicated all my energy for two days to doing whatever I could to help save his life. And it didn't work.

But when I carried him to the car - a grown man, older than me, maybe five foot six....that feeling isn't great. And the whole scene at the hospital in Tana.... the yelling, the confusion, chasing the doctors, getting kicked out of his room, saying goodbye to him and holding his hand... kinda don't want to remember that part.

I've talked to a few people who have said maybe I should talk to someone about this. Like a counsellar or something. I'm all for talking to a shrink when the situation calls for it... but I don't have anything to say. Talking about it....doesn't make me feel better and I almost feel like it makes me worse because I'm re-living the event.

I talked to a friend today, who was in MG the entire time. And she made a good point. I got a phone call ten minutes after he died. It was all so fast, and then I went to Canada and tried to forget about it, and then I come back to MG, and it's like nothing has happened, but.... it has. But, if I had stayed in MG, I would have been around to experience the wake, the funeral, the closure of the death process. So I guess I'm having a bit of a delayed reaction.

I'm not writing this so for anyone to feel sorry for me...or bad for me... I'm not the one that suffered in pain or lost a husband/father/son/brother. I'm writting about it because I'm just not "me" lately. Occasionally, I have some troubles sleeping... I don't dream of him (I think?) but I do have nightmares from time to time. I don't know what they're about, I just wake up not at ease. (Luckily I have a Frenchy to protect me from the monsters under my bed :P ) And it's not every night or anything. I'm just distracted. And not over it.

I'm trying to not feel stupid and babyish about it. But sometimes I'm frustrated because I just don't want to think about it anymore. Enough already.

I need to accept that I was very involved with someone for a short period of time who died. And that I can't just "get over" it because I want to. Time heals and time will heal. But for a little while longer, I'm gonna be a little sad or out of it....from time to time.

Nothing like some poop to cheer you up

2011-08-17T20:17:00.004+03:00

Because I think I'm the funniest person I know, I brought back this for a staff member, who is affectionatly reffered to as Moose Be (big moose) from time to time.

(not an exact replica...I forgot to take a picture of the actual gift).

To any Canadian that's traveled west of the Rocky Mountains, we have seen these bags of "moose poop" at any and every gift shop. I was pretty excited to give Moose Be his gift. But he was on vacation when I got back!! By Friday - they were all gone. I'm telling you - I have a chocolate addiction!!!

Luckily another coworker was just on her way back from Paris and brought me some chocolates. These ones were even better and more closely resembled moose poop.

I filled up the gift box/bag and left it on his desk today. I saw him eating some chocolate and went and talked to him. He thanked me, and then I asked him if he knew what the words on the container meant. No. He did not. He just saw the "moose" part, and chowed down.

I told him to look up what the word "poop" meant. (I SO hope he asked around before he looked it up on the internet.) He sat at his computer staring for a good thirty minutes, with a perplexed look on his face.

Now, this guy is like Mr. Jokey Jokerson. He is always joking around. I thought FOR SURE he would come all excited into my office. Nope.

Finally - he came to my office. Where he was awkward, and confused, and trying to understand, but I think he thought it was a joke that went too far. I had to explain that IT WAS A JOKE. HE DID NOT EAT CHOCOLATE FLAVORED POO.

He didn't beleive me.

It took a good five minutes of explaining, plus some pictures of what moose poo looks like (Google Images is awesome), to explain the joke. Okay. Ha.ha.

He shook my hand for an awkwardly long time (I think he was just happy with the realization that he didn't eat poop) and then left my office.

I thought he got it.... but after he talked to another expat (who speaks French but not completely) I had both of them in my office - trying to explain to Moose Be that he did not, in fact, eat shit! I think it was when I finally cursed that he got the joke.

So I said..."Poop and chocolate...not a funny joke in Madagascar?"

"No", he says. With a smirk. "But bring me some poop back next time you go to Canada".

When things are rough here....or rough in my mind, anyways, these are truly the things that make me so in love with my life. I'll eventually get around to posting a more...sad...post...I've had an interesting couple of weeks... But for now, I just want to relish in the thought that I had Moose Be thinking that I brought him a gift of poop. And that he ate poop. And that I had to explain - in more detail than I ever could have imagined - that he did not eat poop.

Wear Your Sunscreen

2011-08-14T20:32:00.000+03:00

Since this is my blog…and I get to write about what I wanna, I’m going to do a little Public Service Annoucement about skin cancer and melanoma.

Most of the people reading this blog are from Canada and from what I’ve heard, summer has been pretty brutal, so if there’s any sunshine, you’re probably outside enjoying it. Which is great!! But wear sunscreen. Even on cloudy days. Wear protective clothing. Yes, it’s nice to have the sexy tan….but remember everything in moderation – and that that tan can come with a price.

In the past, I’ve been a bit of a sunscreen Nazi. I don’t burn and tan very easily, so I’ve never had to think much about sunblock. Until I was 25 or so, I don’t think I used much sunblock. But after 25, I'm all over people to wear sunscreen.

Since I moved to Madagascar, I’ve been good at putting sunscreen on my face every day, and while some lounge in the sun, almost all of the time, I try to get in the shade. I’ll admit, I do like that I have a tan. Especially here, it’s a yearlong tan. But I need to be more careful and more diligent about wearing sunblock every day – and not just my face.

I’m not writing this to scare anyone, but I think that skin cancer and melanoma is kind of a “forgotten” cancer. Breast cancer, colon cancer, these are….”high profile” cancers, if that makes any sense? Even though, the incidence of these cancers is falling - the incidence of melanoma continues to rise at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers.

I thought I’d post a couple of facts about skin cancer and melanoma. Again, not to scare anyone. Just to raise awareness.

Until age 39, women are almost twice as likely to develop melanoma as men. Starting at age 40, melanoma incidence in men exceeds incidence in women, and this trend becomes more pronounced with each decade.
Ten minutes in a sunbed matches the cancer-causing effects of 10 minutes in the Mediterranean summer sun.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
The vast majority of mutations found in melanoma are caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer for males and sixth most common for females.
Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.

So what can you do to prevent skin cancer?

Limit sun exposure. Attempt to avoid the sun's intense rays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Okay. So that's not always possible... but, you can also:
Apply sunscreen frequently. Use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 both before and during sun exposure. Select products that block both UVA and UVB light. The label will tell you.
If you are likely to sunburn, wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
DO NOT USE artificial tanning booths.
Conduct periodic skin self-examinations.

What about if you’re worried? When should you seek medical care?

Many people, especially those who have fair coloring or have had extensive sun exposure, should periodically check their entire body for suggestive moles and lesions.
Have your primary health-care provider or a skin specialist (dermatologist) check any moles or spots that concern you.
See your health-care provider to check your skin if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of pigmented areas (such as darker areas of skin or moles).

What about vitamin D? Don’t you need to tan to get your daily supply?
Most experts don't recommend getting your vitamin D from sun exposure. The easiest and safest way of getting vitamin D is through your diet. Fish, fortified milk and cereals, eggs, and cheese are all good sources. If you’re not getting enough in your diet, you can take a supplement – although ensure that you’re not taking too much.

So, that’s all I have to say. I’m not a doctor and I’m not an expert. Just someone that wants to spread the word and remind you to stay healthy. Everyone is concerned with diet and exercise, but your skin is the biggest organ in your body – and needs to be treated right. :)

(see http://www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/ or your doctor for more information.)

Aloha!

2011-08-13T17:33:00.001+03:00

My work rotation is technically supposed to be: Work 6 weeks, Vacation 3 weeks. And repeat. But quarter end and other projects don't exactly follow that calendar, so I've worked a few rotations of 7 or 8 weeks. Which isn't always fun - but worked out well now - because I have a super short rotation this time (although it's causing me moderate stress....just because my rotation is short...doesn't mean my to-do list at work is...). Anyway....

In less than one month....I'll be flying from Madagascar to Vancouver and boarding this ship. Destination: Hawaii!!

(And actually it was just TODAY that I realized I had booked the wrong day to fly back. So I would have arrived in Vancouver just to miss my freaking ship....I have serious issues booking flights!!! Luckily I caught it early enough and changed my flights!!)

My travelling companions are my grandparents. They've been to Hawaii quite a few times, but never taken a cruise. I've taken a cruise, but never been to Hawaii.

So we'll partake in all the ship activities for three or four days and then we're docked on various islands. I have a few excursions pre-booked for myself, but have left plenty of time to do whatever I want after we dock.

And then, twelve days later when the cruise ends in Honolulu, I'll go here:

and spend the next six days with Louis!! He's flying to Honolulu to meet up with me!!! I'm so excited for our beach vacation!!! Which....kind of seems weird since....every Sunday we could, if we wanted to sit on a beautiful beach... but this is different. This is for six days!! Woo hoo!!!

And then, because we weren't exactly thinking all that clearly....we're flying Honolulu-Vancouver-Montreal-Paris-Tana-Tamatave. I'm pretty sure that flying the other way across the world would be a lot quicker....but we'lll...we're just expats, and obviously not travel agents. And who cares!!!

We're going to Hawaii!!!!!!!!!!!

Contaminated Carrots

2011-08-13T14:34:00.001+03:00

Hey! I'm less of a wimp than I thought!! I was all hatin' on my crappy immune system for getting sick this week, but I found out today that there's not ONE, not TWO, not THREE, but FOUR expatriates that have the same stomach thing as me!!

WOO HOO!!! My stomach's not a total wuss!!! It's just a regular wuss that eats food provided for us that regularly comes in with contaminants that the average westerner can't tolerate!!!

That's good news....right???