Tricks, No Treats

Someone must have told the begger women that today was Halloween, because they took their abilities to a whole new level. There are now 4 adults and 3 kids - a girl around 12 or 13, the 6/7 year old who Suzannah wants to play with, and a toddler who was sleeping in her mother's arms. Plus, of course, the mysteriously still and silent bundle that's supposed to be a baby. I would like to do something for the little girl, like maybe give her a doll or some candy on my last day, but the adults are so obnoxious that it becomes difficult to consider. Today they were very loud and insistent, approaching people in the parking lot as soon as they got out of cars, blocking paths, poking arms, etc. I think some police officers finally got after them: after we finally got away I saw 2 or 3 police headed in their direction, followed by some raised voices that I recognized, and I haven't seen them since. But I have no doubt they'll be back tomorrow.

There were jack-o-lanterns on the breakfast buffet today! Okay, the pumpkins were small and green, and the faces were all cookie-cutter identical, but it was such an unexpected treat that I got all ferklempt as soon as I saw them. Suzannah stared at the glowing faces, but Mommy thought they were the best thing she'd seen in days.

We went for another long walk this morning. There's not much else to do, really. We spent about an hour dodging the beggers, wandering the sidewalks, getting yelled at by guards when I let her slide down the highly polished ramp at the oil company building. After an hour her legs were tired (mine too!), so we came back to the hotel, buckled Suzannah into the Demon Stroller, and set out for part 2. My arms got the workout then, as I steered the stroller around holes, lowered her down the cut-less curbs & then dragged her back up the next side, lifted the stroller over rain gutters, hauled it over piles of bricks & sticks, etc. I would hate to be in a wheelchair in this town. It would be almost impossible to be independent. I asked Vala about that this afternoon and she said it's very very difficult for folks with mobility issues.

You know how you can go all day with nothing happening, and then everything happens at once? It was like that here from 2:40 to 3:00. Larry & Miriam called to discuss Halloween costumes - then Lena the interpreter called with some paperwork questions - then Suzannah decided it was time to poop - then she peed all over her tights as I was changing her. meanwhile, we were getting picked up at 3, and all I could do was wonder why this excitement couldn't have been spread out a bit more evenly!

We made our ride on time (it helped that they were late) and went for visa pics. I was sure Suzannah would scamper down off the stool the minute the photog let go, but no! She sat very intently and tried her best to do everything he asked. Of course, we ended up with pictures in which she looks like she's about to spit food onto the floor, but the visa folks don't care about that. I hope.

While we waited for the pics to be ready we strolled over to a nearby park which was full of wedding parties. Oh, what an attraction that was! Suzannah couldn't stop staring at all these people dressed in their fancy clothes. One group noticed her and stopped popping champagne bottles to giggle and wave. Then either the groom or one of his attendants came over and knelt before her - thanked her for something - and gave her a chocolate. Oh, was she enthralled! Vala and I, however, were quite jealous, as it was a very fancy chocolate. We considered sending her back for more, and maybe some champagne, but decided that would probably be tacky.

After a quick trip to a different grocery store (one where they don't all know how pathetic I am at counting out the right money), we came back to the hotel. It was still a bit light out so I took her down to the riverwalk. She wasn't interested in walking, but we did have fun sitting on a bench, eating goldfish and singing songs. She's singing a lot these days. I think they placed her with the right family :-)

After dinner (translation: peanut butter sandwiches)and bath we watched an episode of Australian Animal Rescue on Animal Planet. (I don't know how to tell Suzannah that we don;t have cable at home. However will she survive without her daily dose of dog shoes?) She was SOOOO into the show tonight, pointing at all the animals and chattering to the TV non-stop. Of course, the minute I grabbed the camera, she stopped. I managed to get a couple of words out of her, but it was nothing like the way she'd been talking before.



We had a long and laugh-filled tickle fest on the bed, which ended only when someone went from tickling to jumping. Oops. Then we went exploring in the halls and lobby, hoping to see people dressed in costumes (there was some kind of Halloween event taking place here). but someone who shall remain nameless took off into the emergency exit three times in a row. Back to the room for us!

She's started crying when I put her down for naps or bed. It's quite pitiful to hear her wailing as she throws herself back and forth in her crib. Tonight I tucked her in as always, gave her a kiss, and then couldn't stand the howls. I ended up picking her up for another hug & kiss, then handing over her favorite toy cell phone to hold while she fell asleep. It stopped the tears, though not the rocking. That's okay. We'll get there.

Tomorrow's plan: make it through another day with no appointments.

And let me just say that you've never experienced Halloween until you've spent it listening to Russin Elvis karaoke from the bar across the street.