Walking Stick

This is a replica walking stick of the British Troops in WWII. It can easily be carried in a backpack and then screwed together when used. I got this in Thailand.

The tag says: 

Sir Jeffery 

British 

1941 

East Asia

Hillpig-Smyth 

Blue Mug

Got this mug from a potter in Kandern, Germany.

Cuppa

Enjoying a mug of hot chocolate made from "100% Pure Chocolate" with cinnamon from Guatemala. The real thing. 

Swiss Army Knife

I bought this Victorinox knife in one of my favorite tourist destinations: Mürren, Switzerland. All the other ones I've owned over the years have been the smaller versions and I seem to lose them. This one is a keeper.

Soup's On

With winter coming it's time to use my spices from Romania. 

Bors Magic Soup Seasoning & Dry Lovage Leaves ( Leustean Frunze ) 

Utinsels

Souvenirs I got a couple years back while attending a conference in Hungary.

Roof tile

A decorative tile I got in Mexico City about 5 years ago.

Toys

A couple of hacky-sack balls from Guatemala.

Dinner

Tonight our "learning activity" was to make and eat a Chadian style meal. Everything was made from raw and fresh ingredients. We served it on a common platter, we sat on the floor and we ate without utensils. The meal was rice with a beef & vegetable stew and steamed broccoli. Very delicious (and messy.) 

Barber Shop

I found the Angelo from Italy Barber Shop at the Riverside, IL train station so I stepped inside and asked if I could take a picture. The barber said, "This is an old fashioned barber shop." I love the step-back-in-time it offered.

Friends

Today I spent most of the afternoon with my friends Neil & Jeanie Rendall. We first met 30 yrs. ago at the Instituto de Lengua Española in Costa Rica. 

What a year we had studying together, going on excursions together and becoming lifelong friends. They returned to the US and I went on to Venezuela. That year of studying Spanish was part of their training as they moved into Multi-Ethnic Ministry with InterVarsity. Neil & Jeanie retire from IV next month and are here in IL for the 9th annual on 
Indigenous Mission and Theology sponsored by the North American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) symposium.

Crepes

Tonight's dining location was Suzette's Creperie. The three of us shared our crepes.

 Spinach Crepe

Spinach soufflé at its finest wrapped in a Suzette’s Crepe with Swiss Cheese.

 Spicy Coconut Shrimp Crepe

Shrimp sautéed in butter with red, yellow and poblano peppers topped with coconut and lime.

 Chicken Crepe

Chicken in creamed sherry sauce and mushrooms.

 Dessert was a Fresh Fruit Crepe with whipped cream

Cow Bell

Souvenir bell from Switzerland.

HK$

Here's an interesting coin I got in change recently at the Hong Kong airport.

At today's exchange rate this HK$ 2 coin, which is about the size of a quarter, is worth US$.26.

Mirror

I picked up this mirror in Venezuela. I was intrigued by the bird design. I think I found it in an outdoor market.

Coffee

I love coffee and coffee makers. A quick count around my kitchen uncovered at least eight. Only three are electric. The coffee pot pictured here is a traditional one from Venezuela. Currently I also have coffee from some of the countries that I have visited; France, Guatemala, Philippines, and Argentina.

Weaving

This table runner is from Guatemala and features the Quetzal, the national bird. 

Here's the weaver who made it.

Global Street

I saw this ad on my way to Asia at the beginning of the month and liked the meshing of Europe and Asia. Today I saw it again on the way home in the Hong Kong airport.

Options

Transportation options in Manila are numerous.

Motorized tricycle: a motorcycle with s sidecar.

I rode in a tricycle like this yesterday.

4 passenger family bike

                                     
School bus

Transportation

The Jeepney is everywhere in Manila.They are painted and decorated to the hilt.