Odds and ends...
I'm writing this post just before the Ghana vs. Australia match. Though I've spent most of the time chatting about the USA's chances. They play against Algeria Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. local time here. I'm hoping to be at a good spot to watch. Basically if the USA wins, we're in the next round. If we lose, we are screwed, unless everyone else loses in our group from here on out. If we tie, we need England to lose to Slovenia when they play. Oh the intricacies!
My afternoon was very relaxed. I went for a walk along the beach and met an English couple, Hannah and Gordon, who are traveling for three months total, one of those months in Sri Lanka. we'll meet up tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. on the beach to try and cross the nearby river, which hits the ocean water, and get up to a nearby temple.
I continued walking along the beach. It was absolutely beautiful out. Within a few minutes of walking alone, I turned around and saw a Sri Lankan man walking behind me quickly as if to catch up with me. Sure enough, within minutes he was walking next to me, asking me where I'm from. I told him.
"Are you married?" he asked.
"Yes." (I believe it's the first time I've lied in response to that question, but I've had enough.)
"Where's your husband?"
"The U.S. Work."
"Ah, work. What work?"
"Uh, computers."
"Oh, computer engineer! Very good."
"Yup." It was a career path familiar to Sri Lankans.
After another minute of walking with me, (my left hand was strategically holding my sandals so he couldn't see my fingers) he said goodbye.
And that, was that! I need to pack a ring when I travel, clearly.
Afterward, when I was in my room, I realized with horror that I had very little cash on me, and certainly not enough to pay for my room when I leave here Monday. I looked at my guidebook: "Uppuveli has no banks." Great.
I'd have to go into town to the bank, 6 km away. As luck would have it, I realized Alfonso and Olivier were leaving soon for the train station. So I decided to hitch a ride with them. That way I'd only have to pay for the way back. The only thing was Olivier is a big man (he sings opera, to give you an idea), and his backpack was equally large. Plus, Alfonso had his backpack (normal sized) and himself (also normal sized, if not of slightly smaller stature). They crammed into the back of the tuktuk and fit perfectly. I had no clue where I would sit. So I ended up riding into town crouched inside on Olivier's left leg, with his hand around me to keep me from falling out. I found the metal bar under the top of the tuktuk roof, and held onto that for extra safety. We looked like we were a circus act.
Going to the bank makes me especially apprehensive because I never know if my card will be blocked. I sent an email to all my bank and credit cards prior to traveling to let them knwo where I would be going, etc. But, Bank of America, for some reason wants a phone call. I sent them an unhappy email response and said it was not possible for me to call them, way back when. They then said to call them, but would put a notation on my account. Anyway, my ATM card has worked so far, but I often worry that each time will be the last time.
Right now I'm eating diner (pizza with fish on it) and listening to the Australia vs. Ghana game. I don't what it is, but no matter how much bug repellent I put on, the bugs find me. Even if the guy next to me is half naked! A huge HUGE grasshopper like bug JUST landed on my left hand and was nearly the size of my left hand. I yelped and jumped out of my seat. Ughhhhh. It came back a minute later and Egenia caught it in a napkin and put it outside. "It's like a butterly," she said. Man, I dunno, it was freaky. Earlier today I was sitting down and looking at my arm, and I saw a mosquito land on me and like a precise surgeon situation it's blood sucking instrument into my arm! I was so stunned by watching it all unfold that I forgot to swat it until a half-second later (a half-second too long) and I was left with a few small irritated bumps and redness. Maybe it missed the first time?
Okay, well, going to finish eating dinner and watching the game. Thought I'd post a shorter, less ominous blog this time. Goodnight!
IJW
My afternoon was very relaxed. I went for a walk along the beach and met an English couple, Hannah and Gordon, who are traveling for three months total, one of those months in Sri Lanka. we'll meet up tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. on the beach to try and cross the nearby river, which hits the ocean water, and get up to a nearby temple.
I continued walking along the beach. It was absolutely beautiful out. Within a few minutes of walking alone, I turned around and saw a Sri Lankan man walking behind me quickly as if to catch up with me. Sure enough, within minutes he was walking next to me, asking me where I'm from. I told him.
"Are you married?" he asked.
"Yes." (I believe it's the first time I've lied in response to that question, but I've had enough.)
"Where's your husband?"
"The U.S. Work."
"Ah, work. What work?"
"Uh, computers."
"Oh, computer engineer! Very good."
"Yup." It was a career path familiar to Sri Lankans.
After another minute of walking with me, (my left hand was strategically holding my sandals so he couldn't see my fingers) he said goodbye.
And that, was that! I need to pack a ring when I travel, clearly.
Afterward, when I was in my room, I realized with horror that I had very little cash on me, and certainly not enough to pay for my room when I leave here Monday. I looked at my guidebook: "Uppuveli has no banks." Great.
I'd have to go into town to the bank, 6 km away. As luck would have it, I realized Alfonso and Olivier were leaving soon for the train station. So I decided to hitch a ride with them. That way I'd only have to pay for the way back. The only thing was Olivier is a big man (he sings opera, to give you an idea), and his backpack was equally large. Plus, Alfonso had his backpack (normal sized) and himself (also normal sized, if not of slightly smaller stature). They crammed into the back of the tuktuk and fit perfectly. I had no clue where I would sit. So I ended up riding into town crouched inside on Olivier's left leg, with his hand around me to keep me from falling out. I found the metal bar under the top of the tuktuk roof, and held onto that for extra safety. We looked like we were a circus act.
Going to the bank makes me especially apprehensive because I never know if my card will be blocked. I sent an email to all my bank and credit cards prior to traveling to let them knwo where I would be going, etc. But, Bank of America, for some reason wants a phone call. I sent them an unhappy email response and said it was not possible for me to call them, way back when. They then said to call them, but would put a notation on my account. Anyway, my ATM card has worked so far, but I often worry that each time will be the last time.
Right now I'm eating diner (pizza with fish on it) and listening to the Australia vs. Ghana game. I don't what it is, but no matter how much bug repellent I put on, the bugs find me. Even if the guy next to me is half naked! A huge HUGE grasshopper like bug JUST landed on my left hand and was nearly the size of my left hand. I yelped and jumped out of my seat. Ughhhhh. It came back a minute later and Egenia caught it in a napkin and put it outside. "It's like a butterly," she said. Man, I dunno, it was freaky. Earlier today I was sitting down and looking at my arm, and I saw a mosquito land on me and like a precise surgeon situation it's blood sucking instrument into my arm! I was so stunned by watching it all unfold that I forgot to swat it until a half-second later (a half-second too long) and I was left with a few small irritated bumps and redness. Maybe it missed the first time?
Okay, well, going to finish eating dinner and watching the game. Thought I'd post a shorter, less ominous blog this time. Goodnight!
IJW
posted by IJW at 7:45 PM
1 Comments:
I am glad that you finally had some time to relax. Btw, I think the wedding ring idea is excellent. You should buy yourself a cheap ring next time in town.
Take care of yourself.
Love, Mom
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