Crowe’s SCA1 Blog

Friday–Off Day

July 11th, 2008

Today Jeff had an off day so we slept in a little then headed for the city. We had a driver take us to the antique market. It was a lot like a flea market or a garage sale. It was enjoyable to look around and talk to people on the streets. We found a man who made a special gift for the girls, I can’t say what it is because Hannah reads these blogs–sorry Hannah

We then went to a place called the Justco mart. It is a lot like our department stores. We went to McDonald’s–a much needed taste from home. Jeff ended up eating 3–yes 3 Big Macs. He could not get enough. Hopefully the stem cells will also help unclog his arteries. This time it was better for me too. Actually, I don’t know if it was better or if I am just that hungry–either way it was great. We then looked around and found some other neat stuff for the kids–we really miss them. Everything reminds me of them. I keep telling myself 10 more days–almost single digit.

Finally, we went back to the Jimo Mart–home of the knock-offs. All of the Olympic athletes and families have arrived, because there were a lot more foreign faces. We talked to the Turkey sailing team, that was kinda neat. We mainly walked around and looked at everything–we did not “need” much, just a break from the hospital. We did go into a store that sells DVDs–it was very unique. Since we are American, they knew we did not want Chinese DVDs and I am guessing that they are not supposed to sell American DVDs, so we were led to the back of the store. In the back, they lightly knocked on a wall and the wall opened up to reveal a hidden room. Once inside the door closed behind us. It was a little scary. I would not have gone, but everyone in the hospital had already been –some several times, so I took my chances. All the movies were CHEAP–so it was hard to resist!

This place is home of the bickering. Everything you look at and ask”How Much” they get their calculator and put in a ridiculously high number. You then laugh and say “no, too much–lower, cheaper” then they ask you to put in a number. You put in a number that is about a third of their number—sometimes less than that.  Then you come to some sort of middle ground.  You have to keep smiling and they keeping telling you that you are killing them and that they are giving you the “friend” price.  I say “friend price” and put in the low number. This can go on forever. Finally, you either make a deal or say never mind and leave.   99% of the time they will call you back and give you the price you offered. All of us in the hospital talk about prices and that helps us know how cheap to go. I am getting better–Jeff is a pro!! Today Dave and I would decide what we wanted and send in the negotiator–Jeff . He came through every time.

Our driver that we had today was the scariest of all. He drove like he was in NASCAR. He would weave in and out of cars—often times on the wrong side of the yellow lines. Now I don’t mean, just a little over the line—I mean the full car across the yellow lines, with cars coming at us!!!! I knew we would die today. Many times we were 4 wide on a 3 lane road. Sometimes it would be 5 wide! It is amazing how bad these people drive. I can not believe that there are not more wrecks and cars hitting people.

I am going to get Dave to sit in the front next time and video tape the drive. I don’t think you can fully grasp how bad they are–you need to see it. We are going to the beach Sunday, if it does not rain. I will make Jeff put up the video after that.

I will hopefully have some pictures of the beach that are algae free. I will upload and post Sunday night.

10 more days, but who’s counting?

Entry Filed under: sca,Uncategorized