Learn the Language

At some point in time, I should really take the time to learn the language of my Host country. The problem is, almost Everyone here speaks at least enough English to communicate with me. And Lucky for me, they like to practice their English. I'm an easy target for practice because I know approximately 10 words in Bahasa. Unfortunately, I could have used a few more words on Sunday's day trip.
Big Daddy and I decide to go explore a lake that looks fairly close on the map. We load up the kids and off we trot. We drive literally until the road ends and it's awesome! We are the only white people and the locals swimming in the river seem highly amused by the sight of us.
As we start on the path with high hopes, we hear a motorbike. And look at that, he's selling ice cream. We point to pictures, he holds up fingers for money and we are off. You just never know who you'll run across on a path in the jungle.
So far, no Bahasa, no problem. Here's the sign that "says" Hike to the lake, 1500 meters. In truth, we can only read the numbers but it makes sense. NO, STOP, TURN AROUND. An hour and a half later (yes, we should have turned back but it seemed like we were surely almost to the top), and a Very steep climb, Big Daddy realizes the sign probably said Elevation not length.
Back down we trotted. On the way home we stopped at a Hawker Stand to grab snacks (the ice cream wasn't holding us) and the nine year old girl was very happy to practice her English. Here's to all children that are smarter than their parents! And all those wonderful people who can speak more than one language!

They'll Fit

Shopping in an Asian country is always a challenge for a big girl like me. I have been called "Fat Fat" as in "you no shop here, you fat-fat" to a girl taking a shirt out of my hand and telling me it's too small for big girl. I should hope it was too small, it was for Middle Child. lol But today, I took off shopping with Karate Kid in tow and was very much looking forward to it. After all, I was going to a camping store to buy a tent. Before you get the idea that in any way I am a camping kind of girl, I most certainly am not. But buying the tent means the boys are off to the wilderness for the weekend.
While there, I remember that Navy Seal has outgrown his sandals and since this store happens to have a US 11 (believe me they are hard to come by), I grab them.
Now, let us try to check out. Girl: Did you try on? Me: No, they r for N.S. Girl: Too big (and sets them behind counter) Me: Not for this son, son at home (thinking she must be looking at KK) I want them.. Who at this point is thinking, if I want them and am willing to pay for them, she should let it go? Girl: Big shoe Me: Yes, he is a big child. Girl: Not child size, man (still won't give them back) Me: Yes, he is tall, may I please have the shoes? Girl: No, too big Me: It's OK, I'll buy them. After she consults with the shop owner, another clerk, and the stock boy (all in Chinese), she Finally agrees I may buy them, but No Returns.
Not a problem. They'll fit. :)