You know you're in Bangkok when...

I was going through my photos from my brief time in Bangkok with Spencer and I came across this gem:

The little figures on the sign cracked me up when I realized what they were for!!  

MickeyDees In India

Personally, I think McDonalds is McDonalds no matter where you are in the world. One difference I have noticed though is that the beef might taste a little different and from country to country there are usually items more appealing to the locals.

 

The atmosphere inside is always the same...families, teens, couples, and individuals. 

 

Here in India a major difference is seen in the kitchen.  Because there are vegetarian items on the menu the kitchen is divided into two sections.  Vegetarianism is a part of the culture here and the menu at McDonalds is a reflection of that.  There were no beef burgers available.  Tom and I each chose chicken.  Tom had a chicken masala sandwich and I choose the Spicy Chicken nuggets.  

We don't have McDonalds in Belize or any other typical fast food place found in the states.  So whenever we travel it's always fun to stop in and get a small taste of home.  French fries are always on the menu and they rarely disappoint...I'm loving it!

the crack of a whip...

THU-WHACK!!  I cannot fully replicate the dreadful sound brought about by this young Hindu man cracking that whip across his flesh.  Each time a passerby gave him money he hit himself for that person's sin.  With each formidable blow my startle reflex kicked in and my body flinched.  

When I saw the amount of money he had in his pockets it caused me to think about the price paid for my sins.  My Redeemer endured a beating, being mocked, hanging on the cross, and ultimately death for my sin. 

And though it cost Him a great deal...my salvation was free.

He paid the price.

  He took the pain.  

My heart was impacted by the thought of how many are still looking in the wrong places for redemption. Pray with me for those who need to know the One True Savior.  And give Him thanks for all that He has already done for you...and all that He continues to do in your life. 

Saree Style...

As we've been out and about here in the city I am noticing all of the women wearing sarees.  I've seen many different colors, patterns, and types and am totally captivated by the unique style of each woman who chooses to wear one. 

This polka dot one immediately captured my attention as we whizzed by in the rickshaw on Thursday.

The bright colors are so vibrant...

No matter what the style, each saree has it's own appeal to the wearer...

I went with Meesha and Spencer to a small saree shop and was overwhelmed with choices.  It may take me a while to determine my own personal style...but I'm sure I'll end up with more than one of these treasures to take back to Belize with me!

Impressions of Pune...

Yesterday was our first full day in India.  We are so very thrilled to be here.  And so grateful for the gifts and prayers that made this trip possible.  If you follow me on Facebook check out my album, First Impressions of India (just click on the title to go directly there) to see all of the photos of our first day!

I should be asleep but for some reason, probably jet lag, I am struggling to turn off my brain.  So I decided maybe it would be better to just jot down a few words about our day.


Spencer and Meesha took us out to eat and run a few errands.  Here's a bit of a recap with photos...

We ate paper dosas for the first time:

Lucky for me they are naturally gluten free!

 there were several different fillings that we tried...

You just tear off a piece of the dosa, put in your filling, and eat!!

We went for our first rickshaw ride:

 Rickshaws are a fast and easy way to get around the city...

Meesha told the driver we wanted to pay by the meter so that we would get a fair price...

We got up close and personal with a few cows as we rode along checking out the sites:

We even shopped a bit at the mall.  Tom and I picked up a few books, a puzzle for him to work on, and a few Indian outfits for me.

And we ended our first day relaxing and laughing with the Soares family.  What a blessing it has been to meet them in real life and get to know them in person!

I wonder what other treasured experiences our time here will hold!?!

Sunset...

 

This is our last Belizean sunset for a while!

We leave for our mini vacation in London and Paris tomorrow.  And then on to India for a few months to spend time with Spencer and Meesha before the wedding.  We are very excited to be able to be a part of this phase of their lives!

the 30th anniversary party has to end...

Today we will leave Maya Beach, head back to Belmopan, and real life.  

We were blessed with the gift of five wonderful days of serenity and calm.  We didn't plan or do a lot of site seeing.  The only goal for each day was to try and count the waves.  Celebrating our 30th anniversary here on the shores of the Caribbean Sea has been one of the best vacations we have had in a long time.  We stumbled upon this place back in February when Tom's parents came for a visit.  All we really knew was that the food was excellent and the view from our table was divine.  We decided that day that this would be the spot we would come back to and it didn't disappoint.  And we are ever so grateful!  

So it's goodbye for now to the hotel...

and we will miss sitting on the beach...

and walking along the shore...

and hearing the sound of the waves...

and watching the sunset.

And just so you know...It is only an hour and 45 minute drive from Belmopan to Maya Beach and that includes a stop at a Mennonite bakery for cinnamon rolls and banana bread along the way!

you know you're in a beach city when...

the convenience store owner's cat, Snowy, is allowed to rest wherever she pleases...

and someone's dog comes over and lays down to take his nap in the shade of your beach lounger.

monuments along the way...

Here is another photo from our time in Anapa last week. We didn't see many people wearing cowboy hats until we came across this guy stretched out in the sand!

boats, boats, boats

The little row boat is for the lifeguard!

Fun in Anapa

Tom and I were met by these guys from Nigeria as soon as we walked to the beach. The guy on the right is an anesthesiologist who cannot get work in Russia. He is in the process of applying for an American visa so he can finally put his education to use.

We saw several groups of African students posing for photos or braiding hair to raise money for the coming school year. Their determination is inspiring!

just relaxin!

We are here in Anapa having a great time, eating lots of food and taking in all the sights... pictures will have to wait until we get back home!!

on our way...

here is a preview of some of the sights in Anapa!! We should be there by 10am. Tom says he packed my bikini and his speedo!!

vacation time...

Today we are cleaning, doing laundry and packing to leave for the Black Sea... we truly need this vacation!

We are here!

Monday, January 7, 2008

We had a two hour flight to Cyprus. There are 12 of us here from Krasnodar. And our other team mates from East West will join us before the end of the week.

Our hotel is right on the beach and from the balcony in our room we have a lovely view of the Mediteranean Sea!

Last night for dinner we went out to a little place called Mama's across the street. Most of us had pizza, Tom and Brennen had the kebobs in pita bread and Stephanie had a cheeseburger. The food was good and not too expensive.

We have not decided what today's activities will be... today is Orthodox Christmas so many attractions are closed. There are many museums and archeological sites we hope to see.

Tom and I walked the beach yesterday and it was very relaxing. When we left Krasnodar it was minus 15C degrees... here it is 61F degrees! Such a contrast but a welcome one!