Lost in transition...

Sadly there was no adventure to be found in Morocco since we weren't allowed to leave the airport...instead we sat on our keisters in the airport all day and tried to read up on any adventures we may find in Rome! As it turns out, we didn't have to look very hard as adventure was waiting for us on arrival at the airport. Seems Rome's airport baggage handling has made national news headlines. Yep...one week later, we're still missing 2 pieces of luggage. In a moment of brilliance, we decided to pack everything we could possibly need while in Europe in one piece of luggage...which of course never made it! It has meant repurchasing a few needed items (where's a Walmart when you need one) and lots of handwashing. Funny thing is that it'll look like we only spent a day in Rome and a day in Paris since we'll be wearing the same things. The other was gifts and a few of our more valuable items. Big big bummer! On the plus side, it's alot easier getting around with less luggage :)
Never-the-less, we've had a ball in Rome. The weather has been incredible - although we hear everyone complaining about how hot it is...they obviously haven't been to Africa! The city is clean and uncongested which has made getting around to see the sites a breeze! (I understand locals all leave the city in August for their summer holidays.) Most fun has been taking on the challenge of determining the tastiest flavour of Gelato...a burdensome task indeed but someone has to do it :)

• JP's favorite...stracciatella (boring!)
• My favorite...pistaccio!

Now, it's off to Paris in a couple of minutes... We're a touch worried we'll lose the last of our luggage but this time we at least have all of our remaining clothing (and toothbrushes) in our carry on!

On the move again...

Just saw Fanta off for the 2nd time! We're able to share a few 'firsts' with her during her stay in 'the big city' and had a ball doing it!

At the top of the list was having the pleasure of bringing her to her first amusement park! While she really enjoyed the ferris wheel and the kiddie roller coaster, I think the bumper cars were the biggest hit...especially after she realized she was supposed to hit the other cars!

Having rarely been a passenger in car let alone the driver,
I had to help copilot on occasion

She even chose to try the bungee/trampoline in harness (no idea what it's called)...in her pagne!

Other firsts included Mexican, Indian, Vietnamese and Italian cuisines. Wasn't sure if she was going to be able to handle a week without rice and fish but she was a great sport. The winner? A North American favorite...PIZZA! I couldn't believe she didn't like the strawberry milkshake we had with it though! But then I realized, she didn't even know what a strawberry was - maybe strawberries are an acquired taste?

What probably blew her mind the most? The world wide web!

Fanta Skyping her family back in Niaguis!

On one of our quieter mornings Fanta tried braiding my hair. During the 1/2 hr trial run, I heard many times how 'mes cheveux son pas bon' (my hair is not good) - because it was so 'slippery'. Eventually she refused to continue unless I promised to always wear a 'fullar' (fabric worn by married Senegalese women to cover their heads) on my head whenever I left the house...because my scalp was 'too white' and therefore unattractive...sniff.... I tried not to take it personal :)

Now, we pack. Somehow we've accumulated almost as much stuff to bring home as we brought here so it looks like we won't be travelling light through Europe! It's 7:30 pm here right now and JP tells me we leave for the airport at 3:30am! Just the thought of such an early start turns my stomach :) The itinerary as I understand it, is a 5 hour layover in Casablanca before continuing on to Rome...who knows what adventures await us in Morocco? We arrive in Rome at 8pm. Our travel plans as yet, are 'unplanned' so it will be as much as a surprise to all of you as it will be for us, but we'll try to update you sometime along the way - if for no other reason than to let you know we're alive and well :)

BTW- Got the call last night that our babies finally made it to Toronto in one piece. Apparently they're a little shell-shocked from the trip but otherwise unscathed!

Littlest globe trotters...

Today was a quieter day. After yesterday's rain, the streets are covered in mud so taking a walking tour of Dakar wasn't the least bit appealing. We did go out and about long enough to visit one of the larger markets in Dakar to find Fanta a pair of weatherproof shoes (aka flip flops). In Senegal, it's all about the sharp looking clothing so she arrived with only a pair of leather high healed shoes! Once in hand, we headed back to the house for an afternoon of 'cause'-ing (chatting) and kitten prep.

Yes our babies are on their way back to Canada...seemed a bit much to tour Europe with them in tow :) Guess they're going to be limited to having traveled to 'only' two continents!

Problem #1 - plastic cat carriers/dog crates are hard to come by in Dakar
Problem #2 - BIG plastic cat carriers/dog crates are impossible to come by in Dakar
Problem #3 - it's going take them 46 hours to get to memere's and pepere's!

We were able to buy a carrier from the Air France counter at the airport...but it was going to be a tight squeeze.

Trying to make their living quarters a little more spacious...


The dry run...it just might work...


Looking a little more intense...I think they know somethings up!


France cargo staff carrying my babies to the plane...

The next picture of course would be of me sobbing...but I'll save you the drama. We'll be counting down the hours to JP's parents call letting us know they've made it ok...