Some Times, Some Places, Some Things

When I realized that this was going to be posted on a Friday the 13^th, I considered writing about something frightening and appropriate for the date.  Then, as I was dusting my collection of carnival chalk figurines from the 1920s and 1930s (yeah, that’s pretty frightening - not the chalk figures, but the fact that I was dusting) I was reminded of how frighteningly quickly time passes.  Some of these figures are nearly a century old.

 

That brings us to today’s fun-but-not-frightening topic:  Some times, some places, some things.

 

As you can see in the sidebar of this blog, I buy “stuff.”  Each item is important in its own right because it captures a significant moment or special time.  Some of these treasures are not monetarily expensive but rich in memories.  Here are some of those special moments.

 

In the summer of 1987 I was in Egypt with my parents.  Mike had elected not to come on this trip.  (I’ve learned that he is not a fan of travel when the temperature will be extremely hot or when the journey involves interaction with reptiles.)  On this trip, the temperature was consistently above 100 degrees.  Though hot and stifling, it was a fascinating trip.  At that time, one could still visit many of the Pharaohs’ tombs that are now closed to the public.  One day, Mom and I were looking at the hawkers’ goods in the stalls just outside the entrance to the Valley of the Queens.  I became enamored with a necklace, but neither Mom nor I had any currency with us...why or how that happened, I can’t recall.  As I bemoaned the loss of this “treasure” Mom commented “you aren’t giving up that easily, are you?”  She proceeded to work out a “deal” – despite the language barrier between her and the seller – which everyone was happy with.  The cost?  One “steelie.”   Sometimes, a person just needs to be a little flexible and creative.   

 

(Editor’s Note:  A “steelie” is a pen.  The term comes from England and originally referred to a writing instrument with a metal or steel nib [tip] as opposed to a quill pen.  It is now used to refer to any pen, including ball point pens.)
 

 

The necklace Mom "negotiated" for me in Egypt

 

Yvonne on a camel in front of the Great Pyramid in Egypt

I’ve previously mentioned our amazing trip to Kenya during the winter of 2008.  We were two in a group of ten travelers.  Two others in the group, Rob and Jackie, from Boston, turned out to be some of the best traveling companions we have ever had the good fortune to spend time with.  Fun and funny, always in good spirits, inquisitive yet respectful of others’ culture and customs.  To put this in greater perspective, the airlines had lost Rob and Jackie’s baggage – ALL of it.  A photo safari in the Kenyan bush is not exactly an easy place to replace one’s wardrobe.  With a few borrowed items and some souvenir t-shirts, carried in Zip-Lock bags, they remained positive and absolutely delightful.  One afternoon, while roaming through a market with Rob and Jackie outside one of the safari lodges, I bought a beaded bracelet.  Mike, meanwhile, was “bargaining” on a set of four carved wooden bracelets.  These simple souvenirs remind me of the spontaneous fun these two intrepid travelers created, and remind me of the type of traveler I want to be.

 

Maasai villagers selling native crafts (photo taken with permission)

 

Beaded bracelet purchased in Kenya.  The word JAMBO
worked into the beads means "hello" or "good day" in Swahili

 

Carved wooden bracelet set that Mike "bargained for" in Kenya

There are many vistas of ancient temples and reminders of political upheaval in Siem Reap, Cambodia.  There is also a very real commercial city that supports a vibrant local population.  Mike and I got a glimpse of both sides when we visited the country early in 2011.  We were awed by the magnificence of the Angkor Wat Temple complex.  The temples were an amazing reflection of an ancient civilization.  In one of the temples, a Buddhist monk was praying and imparting blessings upon visitors.  In exchange for a small monetary contribution to his monastery, he would braid a “bracelet” onto the wrist of the visitor.  I thought the tiny threads would break or disintegrate quickly.  I’m still wearing it today, two-and-a-half years later.  (When hospitalized in Texas last year, I refused to let the ER staff cut it off my wrist.)  Something that appears to be fragile can be enduring…whether it is a wrist band woven by a monk in a temple, or the human spirit.

 

The Old French Quarter of Siem Reap presents the other side of the picture – people living ordinary, everyday lives.  The market stalls are a teeming outpost of commercial activity.  Brilliant colors form a background to the lively dealings of those selling their goods.  Wandering through the stalls is a sensory rush.  The sounds…the scents…the glimmer of jewelry…ah, yes!  I find a bracelet of dancing elephants that needs a home on my wrist.  Mike appears as I start discussing price with the vendor.  He loves to bargain, to dicker, to haggle.  To him, it is a game to be played.  I’m tugging at his sleeve, ready to agree to her price when a strident voice declares “You!  Go over there.  Husband and I are negotiating.  You go away.”  Hey, doesn’t she realize I’m on her side?  Apparently, the two of them understand the rules of this game.  I’m merely a spectator. 

 

Angkor Wat Temple complex near Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

Bracelet woven by a Buddhist monk, still in place after 2 1/2 years

  

Vibrant colors in a fruit market in the Old French Quarter, Siem Reap, Cambodia

 

Bracelet with "good luck" elephants from Siem Reap, Cambodia.
After 30 minutes of "give and take", both Mike and the woman
vendor felt satisfied with the outcome of the "game."

 

Often, it is not WHAT you buy, but the memories that are associated with the purchase that are the most meaningful.  Some times, some places, some things are so special, and they help shape your Road Stories.