angie's doing something

This summer’s “Been there, done that”

notnowcow — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:36:22 +0000

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That was a close call…

notnowcow — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:11:36 +0000

Due to fear against potential terrorist attacks, I will be forgoing the February trip to India.

I was really looking forward to it too! ;(

Looking ahead to India!

notnowcow — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:31:51 +0000

Looks like I might be headed out to Pune (pronounced Poo-na), India!

I’m very excited and nervous about travelling. each time I’m destined for some far country I get anxious about the transit. hopefully reaching Mumbai will be smooth. surviving the three hour trek to Pune by taxi will prove to be the hardest part.

A look back at Paris 3 months later

notnowcow — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:30:04 +0000

A few days ago, I was reading the Haus Maus blog and she posted a question about what fun things there are to do in Paris besides those that a regular tourist might do. (Long run-on sentences may or may not be edited after a proof read on a real computer.)

I began to reminisce about the trip. It lasted two short days and nights, but it definitely was fun! “Paris for Seniors” I had a blast! Picking through bins of vintage buttons and letter press blocks, having chocolat chaud and a sandwich in a warm bakery after feeling frozen to the bone (at this same pasteserie, there was an American family that mistook me for a Parisian! Haha.. what a good joke! I secretly felt really flattered.) and seeing La Grand (it really is grand). I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

Well, to be honest, it was pretty lonely having dinner on one’s own (is that expression used anymore?). The rush-rush getting to and from places could have been more enjoyable with Ken. now, I think no one would put up with my agenda like he would. Even my sisters would find me irritating for dragging them from one department store to another, and watching me agonize about purchasing pillow shams for 50€ (Don’t judge me, please! I wanted something from Paris for my bedroom!) Ken might find it boring, but he’d let me do it for a little bit. ;D

Food-wise, was I satisfied? Definitely! I had Leon’s mussels dinner combo, a chocolate street crepe, a fresh baguette (after carrying it around town for half the day… mm-mmm! still fresh! ). I even had dinner a touristy French bistro and watched Parisians sit at the patio tables to partake in a flask of wine, cigarettes and animated conversation.

I had enough of a taste of Paris for now, and I have definitely left a lot more to do on my next trip there.

Je suis arrivee (french sp.)

notnowcow — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:01:22 +0000

My first experience of the Airport in Libreville did not prepare me for the experience of having to use that airport for a departure. Imagine all of the country’s international flights leaving out of one airport. Then imagine this airport only has one terminal and one boarding dock. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they have one xray security portal. So no matter how wily you were to check in quickly (6 kiosks), nor how carefully you chose your immigration officer (3 lines), you are stuck in line after everyone else, and they have arrived 3 hours prior to departure. You have idled away your pre boarding time outside at the dirty bar. Oh and the Air Gabon people have no qualms helping their customers cut in line before other airlines. It is very hard to keep your cool.

Did I mention this is a post about Paris? Sorry to rant. The red eye flight to Paris was bad. I sat next to a guy wiG he sniffles and I was really paranoid not to catch his germs. I didn’t sleep the whole night and arrived in Paris very groggy.

But there is no time to waste! First thing was to catch a Rossybus downtown to the Opera. I was relying on my good sense of direction to get me to the hotel. As I had nothing noted down on paper/my phone and dragging my laptop out of my luggage was going to be an ordeal.

I arrived at the Opera without a hitch. I had to walk around the building to gain access o the metro ticket station. (Clutsy moment of the day: trying to pull full sized luggage through the turnstile. A gentleman tried to help me but I had to do all the heavy lifting. Afterwards, he pointed to a swinging door and said, “next time, use those doors. It will be easier.” Oh.)

I am staying at the hotel Bons Enfants by the Louvre. Upon surfacing to the street level the first thing that struck me was that this plaza (outside the Louvre) looked familiar. Of course! I had seen it on my walk around the neighborhood of the hotel using Google maps street view! I just retraced my path using my memory and Voila! arrived at the hotel. I owe much to Google street view. ;D

Paris, paris!

notnowcow — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:33:50 +0000

Tentative Paris itinerary:
Saturday: shop
Sunday: la Louvre and the Eiffel tower and the canal walks

Why am I visiting so few landmarks in Paris? Basically, I want to be able to enjoy it when I come back again (a longer stay the next time, I hope!)

Lucky I looked up some travel tips for the city. Apparently, all retail shops are closed on Sundays. To think I almost spent Saturday sight seeing!

I want to hit up many houseware and decor shops in Paris. I was lucky enough to spot a little decor shopping guidebook for Paris while on my way to Gabon. It has given me really good ideas and shop names. I hope I can carry all I want back to Toronto.

My worst travel fear, next to losing my flight and luggage, is to bring home unwanted criters. I will have to be extra vigilant when I leave Gabon tomorrow.

*yawn* one more sleep!

What to do on my own?

notnowcow — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:01:39 +0000

It was pretty much a given that I would spend the weekend on my own here in Libreville. My RK co-workers had work to do at the office, and although they are very nice people and have offered to show me around, Les Gabonaises have trouble following through. Anyhow, I was more than ok with that since I haven’t had a day to sleep in since last Friday. Wow more than a week now. The first few mornings I was sure I was going to hurl and pass out. I was very tired. So now comes the weekend and plan to take advantage! (Truth is I slept in til eleven an extra five hours!)
I spent the day calling home and watching movies. Difinitely not in the mood to do work.
So, Sunday I expected to throw myself halfheartedly at my tasks, but dang it to jupiter, the Internet is out. Now I really really become desolate. No phone to make calls (skype) no more chances to continue planning the Paris trip, and no email!
The hours dragged on and on. Lucky for me Ken called and drew me out of misery. It was much needed!
The next day while at work I found out that Sunday was a great beach day. How could I have missed that?? The beach is right across the street from the hotel. However, the traffic on this road ressembles that of a highway more than a city street. :S the thought of having to cross it twice makes me shudder. *sigh* I will just have to make it out to the Tropicana restaurant again to enjoy the beachside.

Oh, what was that word again…?

notnowcow — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:09:57 +0000

(Dang, my first time at this entry was blown away. This sucks. It witty too. Ugh! I took such a long time to write it too!
Drat!)

(Anyhoo…)

The short version is that, despite my best efforts, I lost the struggle with the French language. Today, I just made up my own word. “digestif” to mean “digestive” (I was explaining why I like to drink got water. It does improve digestion, though I was incorrect in saying it was digestive.) I Had to mime the digestive property by rubbing my abdominal area. I’m glad the person I was talking to supplied “oh, oui! Digere” (French sp). I was quite embarrased I tried to pretend I knew this word. I kept pretty quiet the rest of the night. ;D

Some good eats in Gabon

notnowcow — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:02:47 +0000

Barring the horrendous food at the Hotel Laico (worst food I have had all year!), there are some good food finds in Libreville, Gabon. Their French pastry is really great! Pain du chocolat, croissants and this other raisin flaky pastry roll are part of my daily routine now (10:30am break).

Then there’s seafood galore! Libreville is a coastal city, so I gather the local fishery industry does pretty well. Every restaurant I frequented had at least four fish dishes besides their seafood dishes. They also like to eat beef. A good chicken dish was hard to find.

I have to admit, though, the chicken I did have was much better than most chicken served in Canada. I think it’s the taste of free range chicken.

I am slowly going crazy. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, switch!

notnowcow — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:13:59 +0000

I hate transiting between places. I love vacationing, don’t get me wrong, but I could do without the hassle of travelling. (When teleporting becomes avilable to the public, you’ll see me signing up!)
Take, for instance, my transit today to Gabon. It’s going to take me 7 hours to get to Paris. There, I’ll transit to Libreville on another 8 hour flight, after a 3 hour stopover. So I realize I’m in for a long haul, and I think I’m pacing myself accordingly.
So imagine my surprise after waking from a nap (I always sleep through take-off), watching a full feature film (Coco avant Chanel), having dinner, going potty (an insignificant amount of time, yes, but remember, I’m pacing myself), to finally check the time and discover only two and a half hours have elapsed! How could it only be 8:15pm?? (the flight departed from YYZ at 5:45pm.
Frack! This day is going to be longer than I thought.