Ryland...
We cannot wait to go to the Croc park where you can hold baby crocodiles.
Its pretty good so far...we get to climb lots of trees, go swimming every day.
Kaelyn...
It is hot here. It is nighttime in Alaska.
Johanna...
They have flies and bugs here.
Carolyn...
Hawaii with a twist and no big resorts. And crocodiles. And poisionous box jellyfish.
Its amazing how many things are opposite. If you walk in a room here and flip a light switch UP you will turn OFF the light. Of course the driving is on the opposite side of the road. The steering wheel is on the opposite side of the car. And the lever for the signal light is on the right; lever for the wipers is on the left. So Paul and I are having a competition...at the end of a day running around...how many times did I approach the car on the driver's side instead of the passenger side...and how many times did he put on the wipers when trying to signal a turn.
The driving requires a lot of concentration. I haven't even tried it yet...it takes both Paul and I to keep from having an accident. Driving straight is easy of course, provided you are not under the influence. The problem comes when you go to make a turn. You have to look the opposite way for traffic and have to make sure you don't end up on the wrong side of the road you are turning on. We've had a few near misses, especially when the kids are making a fuss.
Even running on the trail system requires a little more concentration...I've already confused several people by running on the wrong side.
Escalators are opposite too, of course...you will have trouble getting anywhere if you attempt to jump on the one on the right.
Other observations...a beautiful mix of people, from all sorts of backgrounds. In the bank yesterday, there were even people who walked in barefoot. They might be on to something. Who need sandals in such heat, anyway?
There are beautiful parks, play areas, lots of green space. And there is HEAT. My little run this morning was a little late - 7 am. On the way back the previously shaded trail was in full sun. My brain had to do some convincing to keep my out-of-shape legs moving toward home.
Johanna wasn't sure of all the little teeny ants here. Took her awhile to not want to wear sandals everywhere she went. We started a "stomp on the ants" game, which helped a lot.
The grocery store is different in some ways...prices are quite high - probably double Alaska prices. And everything is sold in small quantities (probably because no one could afford large containers of anything!). Grocery bags are sold and are intended to be reused. Of course you can bring other bags to use and the clerk will pack your groceries in your bags. Nice!!
Of course, most everything tastes a little different. We are really enjoying the brown sugar over here...could it be possible that brown sugar could get even better?!?!? Yes, it is indeed more "brown" tasting over here. Kids have a new love of cooked oatmeal.
People seem to be friendly. While running on the trails, though, I seem to have to be the first person to say "Hello" or "Good morning". That could be typical, or it could be just because I look like I am ready to pass out and they are not interested in having to interupt their nice peaceful morning exercise to perform CPR.
So, all in all, we are happy with our first impressions. Kids are still singing, running around. We are heading back out to the pool for the second time today. Kids have improved greatly even since we arrived a few days ago. They will be fish in a few months.
Love to you all. Wish you were here to enjoy this with us.
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