Raindrops keep falling on our heads

Forward?...to Africa...(We hope)

Deft Florist

January 31st

After 4 out of 5 days of rain, we started to get the message—it rains frequently in Singapore. We may not be smart but we eventually get it. We did not allow the weather to get to us especially because our first period in Australia conditioned us. However, the warm weather combined with the ‘soft raindrops’ made it an enjoyable experience. Nevertheless, it is inclined to place a dampener on some activities.

Next stop: Johannesburg. To get there, we flew to Hong Kong in order to catch the connection, which flew back across Singapore en route. We could have done without the 7 hours of additional flying and extra time in airports. But such is our lack of influence. The flights were terrific and one cannot help but marvel at the concept of flight. Each and every time, we wonder how these massive birds of steel, laden under their own weight, passengers and cargo, take to the air, remain airborne and then land at a ‘pin-pointed’ destination. Incredible! We used to wonder how such intelligent beings could develop these technological marvels but also, be so cruel and inhuman. We eventually began to understand that one should not confuse intelligence with values and morals. It took us a long time to understand that idea. As we mentioned before, we eventually get it.

Rabbits...rabbits, a year of Chinese rab...

The flights were near perfect. However, we got our come-uppance from the ‘Diet Pepsi Angel’ or perhaps because of gluttony. We ordered another Diet Coke on the plane and the server neatly spilled a full cup of the brown liquid onto our lap. Just for a scream, the ice found its way to the right spot as well. We like to learn from these experiences if nothing else. We think when Diet Coke is entering and exiting from multi-orifices on our body, perhaps it’s time to ease up on consumption.

Singapore--a little water
As we enter the final phase of our current hike-a-bout, we realize that we shall have traversed the world although only visited a handful of countries. We began in San Diego/Los Angeles flying west and G-d willing, will return to the same cities arriving from the east. Not exactly Magellan but quite an interesting thought nevertheless.

Someone asked us recently what was the most challenging or difficult part of the various trips thus far. It’s not an easy question to answer but after some deliberation, it became obvious. We think that to enter a toilet on an airplane, complete one’s bodily functions, stand and manage to hitch one’s trousers, bend over the basin to wash, all without incurring any bumps, bruises or strained muscles, is probably a great accomplishment. Then again, what about opening a kosher meal? The wrapping may as well be made of steel—same difference.

We’ll see you in Africa.

Jenni and Jeffrey