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A very quiet weekend, but a wet one with much of yesterday without power again, however, today has been ok and once the rain stopped rather pleasant, but hot and sticky.
Lindy, we ate eggs and baguettes in the market yesterday and the guy was really pleased to see us, but now instead of whole baguette you get 4 slices, so I'll have to work on him. Saw the baby and seems to be doing well but did not manage to ascertain gender!
Had the first wander around around the old market, nothing had changed and the same refrain from every stall, "Buy something from me lady. Do you a good price." in their best winey voice, fortunately once past you are left alone except for the next one starting. The fruit/veg, meat and fish sections are doing well with the ladies sitting amid their produce sometimes sleeping, sometimes plucking, shelling prawns, cleaning fish or anything else you can imagine - some savory, some unsavory! All the detritus is thrown on the floor so every step needs great care. The walk around the town was exhausting due to the heat and the constant refrain of "I've got a bike so don't need a tuk tuk, but again the rejection is taken graciously but very tiresome. We were shocked to get back at 6 and still find no power, but as darkness descended it returned. Again, the storm clouds quickly gathered and torrential rain started and lasted until 11 am with a few short gaps, but the lightning display was short lived.
Rain dictated a lazy start today too, but then Antonia and went to Rosy's for brunch and then cycled out to Wat Athwea and around the rural lanes before going to Grace House to help with the Sunday afternoon games. Due to the rain many less children than last week arrived but it was good to play ping pong with them.
The roads are now in a dreadful state and with each new storm more surface is washed away and everyone is fighting for the same bit of paved road - hairy, scary! They cannot be doing the underneath of the posh vehicles much good, so hopefully they will take them off the road!
The people were busy in their paddy fields pulling up something, but not sure what, as here it is not time for the crop to be harvested. The water buffalo were really enjoying the deep water, wallowing in it and then coming up with weeds hanging from everywhere. As soon as we stopped to talk to one, its lady keeper appeared to ensure that we did not walk away with it. Everywhere looks a luxuriant green after so much rain and contrasts well with the red earth and mud.
As we cycled along a boy appeared on his bike, who I taught last year, but knew he had left because he needed to look after his families cow. The smile onhis face was amazing as I called out his name Cheek and then in his bit of English we managed to chat and he remembered my name. It was lovely.
Jack, my nephew is in New York, but his experience of heavy rain will be different to mine.
I expected to be able to watch some of the World Cup athletics from Korea, but they don't appear to be shown on TV - football, golf and tennis dominate. I can even watch Football Focus live on BBC World at 23:30 on a Sat night, but other than that it is pot luck what you find on the 86 channels - no papers ot TV programme lists anywhere.
Have met some very interesting people this week, it's great to hear their stories, and how they are helping so many local and national children in ways we take for granted.
I think I'm waffling now so goodnight to all, even though it is only 7:30 pm as we cannot use wifi in our rooms and have to stay and sit on this very uncomfortable furniture.
Take care, love to all, J x
Keep the comments and messages rolling in.
- comments
Claire Carey Glad you are ok x x x x. Take care on your bike x x love Claire
Lindy Bring back the baguettes! :(
Meryl Great blog Jenny, brings it all back especially the floods. Give our regards to Lindy and I remember the cafe as the first place you two took Jon and I . Take care