The ABCs of Another Steppe Into Adventure!- Last Africa Ch. + World Showcase Pt. 2

[pooh'smate]

I am here and still reading between school with Lexi and company I have fallen behind and am trying to catch up

 

[Flossbolna]

Finally got to catch up again! I would not have been able to survive those drives, the heat and all the uncertainty. I am in absolute awe as to what you can cope with!

I have read quite a bit about how the Ebola outbreak changed the social structure in the affected areas. So many people missing! Did you hear anything about the struggle of those who survived? I read that they are given a hard time often because they are still viewed as dangerous or so?

 

[Steppesister]

Somehow, I hadn't quite realized how much in the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak you were visiting. Those numbers are quite sobering.

They really are. So tragic and something they will take decades to recover from given the other issues they face.

Also, thank you for the maps!

You're welcome! I thought they might be helpful, and realized I should have posted them a LONG while ago.

And yes, I had been waiting for commentary about the juxtaposition of the rooster and chicken for lunch photos!

LOL!!! I didn't even do that on purpose just thinking it was a fun photo.

For comparison's sake, I'll say that the huts in your photos were similar but not quite the same as the ones I remember from The Gambia. I need to try and remember to take photos of my old photos...

I would absolutely LOVE to see those. I really hope you will post those here for us to see!

 

[Steppesister]

Well in So Cal we don't even own fleece-lined pants and parkas. Unless you ski. It has been unseasonalbly cold. I've been still wearing T-shirts and long pants, usually by no's w I'm back to tank tops and Capris. Next weekend though we might see highs in the 80s. Don't hold your breath, they were promising that last weekend. And it was still cold.

I hope it's warm this coming week! I am so sick and tired of rain and cold. Grrr! I NEEEED some sunshine. I have both kinds of clothes packed just in case things aren't what they're predicted to be. But, ummmmmm 87 on Saturday?! HECK YES!!!

And now it's one week!

No!! It's 3 full days and parts of 2!!!

Yeah Fran is not a hater, in fact she's pretty patient, especially when she has her tablet/kindle to read, but I prefer to leave her in the room napping while I take pictures.

Sounds like a good set up- she's happy/you're happy either way.

That was quick!

And now I"m tragically behind again.

Thats a huge raise! When I was working they calculated our raises in % and I remember my first raise was 3%, which converted to a whopping $.31 per hour.

It was a percent for me as well, which was nice. $.31 an hour isn't enough to buy a cheeseburger with. Boo!!!!

No, no! Its giving me something to look forward to! Now that we got most of the really bad clutter taken care of (and the taxes), we just need to maintain it until you guys get here. But we do need to finish up 1st st. We spent Mon. and Tues. fine cleaning, sealing the granite, washing windows, just a few things left hopefully to do tomorrow. The contractor has to change out the bathroom fixtures, but we're ready to put the sign and brochures out.

Sounds like some very excellent progress was made! Maintenance can be harder than you'd think it to be though. Especially with others contributing to the mess. But like I said, we're just happy to see YOU! Don't worry about the mess that may be there. Sooooo happy you have so little to do before the sign can go up. It's been a few days. Did that happen?

Thet left Monday. It was nice. I was glad that we didnt schedule anything but dinner for Sat and Sun. The King Tut exhibit Friday was extensive. There was a ton of reading, listening, and standing involved, we were all pretty tired Saturday, but we did take an expedition load of stuff out of De Soto.

Sounds like a very nice low key visit. Glad you enjoyed the exhibit even though it was taxing in some ways. And you got even more done on De Soto, so that's nice too.

I'm try8ng to keep up and just when I comment on a TR, another update goes up!

Story of my life, Alison.

 

[Steppesister]

Hello! I'm back from a trip to the World that went by all too fast, of course. We had a great time, but the Spring Beak crowd made us adjust our plans a few times and it was a little less than magical at some moments. All in all, it was awesome to be at Disney and try some new things. The Avatar ride is so AMAZING!!!! I'm heading back to catch up now.

That did go by fast! I remember you had a trip planned and now it's already come and gone!

It IS amazing, isn't it?! I am in LOVE with that ride and am pretty sure it's my new favorite there. I"m sure the crowds made for some very long lines for sure. But you're a pro and I'm sure you navigated the crowds with panache!

Wow! I'm actually there! I read about your trip to the village before I left, but not sure if I commented. I love the reception you got, with the singing and joy. When at AK, I couldn't help but notice how well the buildings in Africa there resembled the pictures you had posted. Disney rocks! That school pic is so humbling.

It was amazing! So much joy and happy vibe. The colors and sounds were exactly as I'd imagined. And yes, minus the trash and sewage everywhere, Disney did a VERY good job at re-creating the best that Africa is.

It is so great to see Abu getting better, I hope his care continues and he can improve more. He is so blessed to have met you.

Yes, it is. Sierra Leone just had an election that threw the country into chaos, so most everything came to a complete stop. So I have not gotten any updates in a few weeks. I saw a FB post from Liz that she was going back into the office tomorrow morning for the first time in a while and I will ask. I wish I had unlimited cash to go back there to visit Abu, but I don't.

I'm sorry you were sick. I hope you didn't get worse. I started with a virus over 3 weeks ago, lost my voice second day into my trip, and came back with bronchitis. I am on meds, but don't seem to be changing much, except less coughing. I think it is allergies at this point. Uggh.

Well, that doesn't sound good at all! UGH! And you may be right. Allergies can be a culprit for sure this time of year.

My pet peeve? I would say people stopping at the end of an escalator or moving sidewalk or exit to a ride. I don't know how many times I almost fell over people who got to the end of the moving floor or stairs and just stopped right there. I did yell at one guy. I mean how dumb are you anyway? I think people walking slow and talking or stopping is probably due to being in a new environment and needing to get your bearings, or doing things as a group and trying to "regroup" I know we were guilty of it a couple of times ourselves, but it is frustrating on the other end for sure.

Okay, yes, I can see that as even worse! That's actually not just annoying, but a bona fide safety issue. Brother... MOVE!!! And you're right, I think Disney has so many places where people can get overwhelmed and need to stop and figure out where they are. Or just take it all in. They probably don't mean to, but the other end folks do get frustrated.

 

[Steppesister]

I also returned from the World about 10 days ago, and even this Canadian was a bit chilled when the temperature dipped below 60.

Yes, but for me it's 70. LOL!

And I am not impressed that there is still snow on the ground at home. Ugh.

I'd be less than amused as well. Seriously, I'm just not a fan of cold OR snow. Just... no.

Pleased that my ankle handled the switch from basically no walking from January to mid March to Disney amounts of walking. Shoulder is still coming along - newest diagnosis that has been suggested by my physiotherapist and my ankle specialist that I am so lucky to have CRPS, a chronic pain condition, which does in fact explain a few things from the past 18 months. Luckily I do have a relatively good pain tolerance and am only taking an anti-inflammatory currently.

That is... impressive!! Cuz, that's a LOT of walking! And yes, I've heard of the CRPS. Not a fun diagnosis. At all. I'm glad the anti-inflammatories are helping for sure. I really don't know about treatments for that, but hopefully they can suggest something to ease the pain and flareups! Keep me posted. My son broke his elbow and wrist a few years back, and now that I read up a bit because of your post, I am starting to wonder... hmm....

I also enjoyed FOP, but only rode it once for my FP reservation. And it likely would have been even more impressive had I actually ever seen the movie...

I am SO glad I did. Not my type of movie, generally, but I KNOW I enjoyed the theming and ride more because I had the backstory there.

And I wasn't willing to wait in a 3 hour line at any other point in the trip. But I had plenty of time and plenty of rest and plenty of food and plenty of fun, and have taken off the weight that I had put on, so wedding plans are back on track.

No. Ain't NO ride worth that. Ever.

And you know what? Disney is all about all of that ^^ too!! Food, fun, rest, just taking it all in. And I am so, so proud of you!! That is such a huge step in the right direction toward better health! YAY!!! for wedding plans!!! Huzzah!!!

Fantastic updates - I still have vacation mush brain, but wonderful pictures as usual, and some very poignant subjects as well. Also glad to hear that Zach is OK.

Thank you, Donna! I know it's not the rainbows and unicorns sort of subject matter, but I like to keep it real too. I'll keep plugging away at things.

Zach's scar on his face is slowly getting better and we're glad he could take care of things.

Good luck on the studying!

Thanks, May 7th is coming up quickly in that department, and I'm trying my best to get through the material and understand it all before then. Last little bit is navigation, and it's NOT coming easily.

 

[Steppesister]

Whoa, that had to be a neat sight to see in person.

Thanks, Alicia! It really was! I saw so many cool, unique things on my trip.

Yikes. Your adrenaline had to be through the roof during all these driving stints.

It pretty much was. I'm sure it didn't help my sickness or getting better from it either.

That looks and sounds absolutely terrifying.

While the trip did afford me opportunities to see a lot of really amazing sights, it was the time I was most stressed out.

I did not know this. Your statistics were heartbreaking.

They really are. I just can't imagine losing so many family members in one short timespan. Just horrible!

I laughed that you included a "before and after" photo - of sorts.

LOL!!! Those chickens were everywhere. Some were very, very pretty.

 

[Poolrat]

Post these answers:

1) Language lessons with Steppe: What does Kwaherini mean?


Go well!

2) What’s your personal favorite photo from this update and why?
498246"]

Hopefully this posts but FOLK .... But I love all your shots.

3) Honest now? Have you ever noticed the balloon ride mural? How about the Africa entrance ‘gates’ on that side?

Yup and Yup.

4) I mentioned two of my pet peeves up there. What is your biggest pet peeve at Disney?

The random stop and not following directions. Move to the end of the row, no cutting, etc. I know I have many more LOL

PM these answers:

5) NOT including the fish or on the tree, how many animals or parts of animals do you clearly see? A list would be helpful.

6) There is at least one letter K in this update in the photos. Where is it/are they?

I will - Hopefully tonight.

Just a quick little tidbit.... in case I can’t get on tomorrow...

If anyone has an inkling to pray, think positive thoughts, or send good vibes, my 19 year old, Zach, is having a procedure done under general anesthesia on Monday afternoon where I work as a recovery nurse. If I’ve learned anything doing this job, it’s: no surgery is “routine”.

Yes, I’m a nurse, but I’m still his Mama.

Thanks!!

Hope all is good with Zach.
[QUOTE="Steppesister, post: 58957905, member: 4982[/QUOTE]

Yup reponses ended up in the quote- I am so rusty here...LOL

I have read the Africa chapters but not set to comment on those yet.


Enjoy your trip!!!! FYI - For us DW in Sept. and DL in Oct!

 

[Steppesister]

I know thatthis is a late to the party comment, but I just had to add this story from our last day at HS last week. You know how the stroller pushers use them as battering rams to push their way through, pretending not to notice they are clipping your shins? Well I was hit in my bad leg, ever so slightly, but enough to have to trip into DDIL and move her over. As I looked sideways, and back a bit I see it is by a small suitcase being pushed ahead to force through the crowd . I said, "really? a suitcase?" To which our spry young suitcase pusher with miles of dreadlocks replied, "I'm okay." Not a magical moment.

For reals?! A suitcase? Are you even kidding me? I can't even really begin to come close to understanding how rude and inconsiderate that is. Astounding and saddening that this is even in our gene pool. Disgusting. Sorry, Tammie. I totally understand your unmagical moment.

I am here and still reading between school with Lexi and company I have fallen behind and am trying to catch up

I'm so, SO glad you're still here reading along.

I know all of us on here have busy lives, including me, so any interaction and reading along are gifts to me. I really appreciate the comments that you are still here as it encourages me to write.

 

[Steppesister]

Finally got to catch up again! I would not have been able to survive those drives, the heat and all the uncertainty. I am in absolute awe as to what you can cope with!

It stretched my patience and my limits. Of course, it was worth it, but I think it was about the max of my ability to cope with. I think we are all far more capable of what we think we are and we can surprise ourselves when put in situations that test our limits.

I have read quite a bit about how the Ebola outbreak changed the social structure in the affected areas. So many people missing! Did you hear anything about the struggle of those who survived? I read that they are given a hard time often because they are still viewed as dangerous or so?

This is 100% true. They (the orphans) are highly stigmatized and outcast even if taken in by relatives. A very, VERY sad reality of the aftermath of the outbreak. As if they didn't have enough survivor's guilt to process.

 

[Steppesister]

I will - Hopefully tonight.


Hope all is good with Zach.
[QUOTE="Steppesister, post: 58957905, member: 4982

Yup reponses ended up in the quote- I am so rusty here...LOL

I have read the Africa chapters but not set to comment on those yet.


Enjoy your trip!!!! FYI - For us DW in Sept. and DL in Oct![/QUOTE]


Got your answers, Lady! Thanks for checking in!

Yes! Super close to leaving now; I could really use some California sunshine!


Looks like we'll just miss each other in FL. Dang it!

 

[krnelson65]

Thanks for the update, Kim! Sounds like things are on a steady improvement path.

She was at one of her grandson's ball games last night, they are starting on therapy between her wrist & elbow because she is unable to lift it. She said therapy for the shoulder is still a ways out. :-( But she is so positive, that it's hard not to be positive around her.

Kim

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I was also pretty excited to come across the 8-foot high termite hill. Yes, even those are a real thing!!!

So...yay?

What I did not enjoy was the total lack of safety of both the driver and the highway infrastructure. I’ve said it before, but this was hands down my least favorite part of this trip. You’d think after years of living with terrible roads and worse drivers, I’d be “used to it”, but that is not the case. I think one never really becomes accustomed to the possibility of dying in a foreign country.

I think my anxiety would increase over time. Statistically speaking, I'd be thinking "my number has to be up on one of these trips!"

I’m not sure why because I didn’t get out of the car until our driver backed into one of her fences and tore off the driver’s side fender;

5 people lost their lives a few months prior when the driver thought he could fit. The wheels slipped off the edge and the folks standing in the back fell out as the truck tumbled over the side. (Buckle up, Kids.) Clearly, no time was wasted in taking every piece of available material that wasn’t part of the frame.

Yikes. This is scary.

I will leave the ponderings about how anything happens at all in this sort of system to yourselves.

I think you answered your own question with the description of the "process".

Speaking of which, let’s talk about Ebola for a bit, shall we? I honestly don’t know if you knew I was headed for the literal "Ebola-Central" on this trip. Ground Zero.

Now defunct of their former uses, they sit as a storage place for equipment no longer used to battle the horrors of this tragic disease. While not proven, it is suspected that its origins are from handling monkey meat. But, we’ll get to that….

Interesting. I had no idea.

We pondered quietly as our hosts told us of its leaking roof which forced the children to squat in mud for their lessons. They hoped that the school would receive a new tin roof in the near future with donations they are advertising on the NGO website. But first, they would like to hire someone to build benches. I cannot even imagine.

This is just quietly heartbreaking.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Even though I'm usually quite "wordy" when I write, I always find myself at a loss for words when I read one of your updates. No matter what I type it seems so trivial and/or meaningless. Quite simply, I don't know what to say other than "oh my gosh!" or "I can't believe the conditions there." and even that doesn't really put into words what I am feeling. I admire you and the team for everything that you had to go through to get to those who needed you the most.

 

[Steppesister]

Hey Friends!

I really had hoped to get back here this week and reply to all of your feedback, comments, news, and general chatter. It was not to be. I worked a long week and was exhausted most of it right up until getting up at 3:30 for my flight to sunny California. #ineedsun.

On a positive note, I did remember underwear, my toothbrush, and deodorant. So I should be set. Right?

Now, while I’m soaking up some much needed sunshine, I have a little job for you...

On my last trip to WDW, I found what I think is a not-yet-recognized hidden Mickey. I submitted it and some images to Steve Barrett’s website and he posted it as a “questionable HM”.

If you go here: http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/

and look on the right side of the page a bit down you can find it. It’s the one at RnRC, in the drinking fountain. Apparently, questionable ones get voted on. Let me (and Steve!) know what you think. I think it’s legit because there is nothing similar in the other drain in the fountain next to this one. I think a maintenance guy had a little fun and added one here.

Yes or no, guys???

 

[pkondz]

Hey Friends!

I really had hoped to get back here this week and reply to all of your feedback, comments, news, and general chatter. It was not to be. I worked a long week and was exhausted most of it right up until getting up at 3:30 for my flight to sunny California. #ineedsun.

On a positive note, I did remember underwear, my toothbrush, and deodorant. So I should be set. Right?

Now, while I’m soaking up some much needed sunshine, I have a little job for you...

On my last trip to WDW, I found what I think is a not-yet-recognized hidden Mickey. I submitted it and some images to Steve Barrett’s website and he posted it as a “questionable HM”.

If you go here: http://www.hiddenmickeysguide.com/

and look on the right side of the page a bit down you can find it. It’s the one at RnRC, in the drinking fountain. Apparently, questionable ones get voted on. Let me (and Steve!) know what you think. I think it’s legit because there is nothing similar in the other drain in the fountain next to this one. I think a maintenance guy had a little fun and added one here.

Yes or no, guys???

Have a great trip! And I think it looks like one.

 

[Steppesister]

Have a great trip! And I think it looks like one.

You too! See you and the others at dinner!

 

[DLHNYC]

I agree, it's a hidden Mickey. Good idea to provide evidence from the other sink. Just voted!

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

.

 

[Flossbolna]

Voted yes for your Hidden Mickey! It definitely is one!

Have a great time in California!