Beautiful butterflies

Here is what they are up to today at the Francofete!

World Cup fever - or not

I have to be in one of the only places on earth where World Cup fever has not raised the overall temperature by a single degree - let alone a raging heat. Television in Northern Pakistan shows cricket, more cricket and yet more cricket - with the odd 10 second clip of tennis.

Even in Doha, they were getting into the spirit!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/pick-a-team-wear-the-colours-and-get-lost-for-a-month/article1599868/ Here's a good read.

On the home front, Sebastian has turned his attention from the finals of the national hockey league (where the team he swapped his allegiance to after the Habs' luck ran out - actually won; he chose them b/c back in January, a classmate had given him a few hockey cards of that team) to the World Cup. Not sure who he is rooting for - might well be Portugal because he is influenced by his older neighbours on such matters. That might prove a bit difficult once we get to France; but hey, they will likely have been knocked out by then. It will interesting to see who he gravitates to at that point.

Sophie is fickle and will cheer for anyone that has a good song and lots of flag-waving.

Whereas we two adults have a strategy (not sure it's good enough that M bet any money in our neighbour Julie's pool):
1 - Root for Ghana (M has the shirt);
2 - once they are knocked out, root for any remaining African team (the continent gave us so much and we love underdogs);
3 - if they get knocked out (I do live in hope every 4 years), then go with the team that plays an exciting game and has a squeaky clean reputation - no goons, no drugs, no WAGs and no rude coach; - this may not be France which may prove prickly with our Issigeac neighbours...
4 - But previous statement aside, just enjoy the virtually global comraderie of the game and the fans!

Kikoi girl

Sophie in Auntie Margaret's kikoi dress this weekend.

We are so lucky to have

uncles who help us see the world from fresh and unusual perspectives

Me? I am doing well

A snap of moi in Doha, Qatar on Saturday. [Notice new "old silver" bracelet.]

It must be a party because...

Sebastian is wearing his natty velvet, braid and mirrors waistcoat.

And its tremendous collection

The stunning Museum of Islamic Art

Old Sana'a beckoned

Here are some of the highlights of my daytime trip to Old Sana'a. The youngest participant in my training and her 16 year old chaperone brother took me through the souk and to the national/military history museum. I bought two lovely old silver bracelets, some peppercorns, and best of all - some coffee! Oh, and the camel was grinding sesame seeds for oil.

So happy together.....