Bom dia de Manaus.

I felt a little silly but also ´com sorte´that the movie of choice for the TAM airlines flight to Manaus was, that´s right, Nacho Libre (see previous post). So, after paying an exorbitant amount to have it channeled directly to my hotel room the previous night and sleeping blissfully through it, I was awarded a second chance. Hilariously funny---though I´m slightly regretful that I have not yet seen ´snakes on a plane´which I promised my brother I would screen before leaving the states. Sorry Jordan, please forgive me for failing you as a sister.

The Brazilian/American/(affect of New Jersian) -- (sorry, Aurora) woman in front of me chattered incessantly to her French Canadian row companion throughout the flight. He dealt with the ´why do you have an accent? is english not your first language?´quite graciously. I suppose even multicultural people can make a faux pas ;)

My two AM contemplations from the internet cafe mainly consist of how one goes about checking oneself into a hotel room for a block of time in the daytime. I do/will appreciate a bed and a shower.

Moving to Brazil--take two.

After a very restful night in the Radisson in......Alexandria, I am again preparing to head to the airport. I'm sure there is a valid psychological phenomenon that describes the aftermath of building excitement to an event which does not occur....in my case, this can be attributed to the concern of American Airlines for the 'safety' of their pilots, namely, for keeping their pilot's seats fully operational and comfortable. We wouldn't want faulty springs in a pilot's seat to cause him to flip over backwards while landing an aircraft, now would we? Visualize it. Yes...yes...."pilot falling out of his seat botches aircraft landing." Maria breathes sigh of relief. That could have been me on that plane. Thank you, American Airlines, for your concern for my saftey. Thank you.

On a serious note, I did enjoy a bath, a couple of lovely phone calls and some mediocre food. And, the first 15 minutes of 'nacho libre' which was delightful....until my exhaustion got the better of me.

For those of you who don't have piercings, they are second-best only to being a smoker for conversation starting purposes. Take note. When I decided to get a piercing, I did not anticipate this rather useful and unanticipated benefit.

Everybody likes dogs (otherwise entitled Dinner on Friday September 22nd)

Bekah and Paul, Jeremy, and Susan came to my house for dinner on Friday evening. Below you see some delightful photos of our inter-special fellowshipping, courtesy of Jeremy.

Did someone say "BIScuit?"

What stogie is not letting you in on is that he had to ask Jeremy to pick him up in order to be included in this photo.

Classic.

I did not ask to be an airplane. Put me down Maria, before I succumb to the laws of gravity.

the blended family bids adieu

My Aunts Lori and Anne threw me a delightful reception in honor of my impending departure for Brazil. That makes it sound like it's a demise or something ominous. I really just mean to say that it is the eve of my departure. It is about to happen.

Below: my cousin beth and I discuss the potential shortcomings of Christa's wedding photos. Despite this, she and Brandon both manage to look simply stunning and deliriously happy.

Part of the Bittinger contingent--from left to right: Grandad Emmert, Aunt Lori, my mother, (me), Grandma Esther

For a wiry man he gives good strong hugs.

Grandad Bowman and his only blonde-haired, blue-eyed granddaughter. It's ok, they love me even if I might have been dropped off by a stork.

Things I will miss about living in Blacksburg.

1) the cascades. and the people who sometimes come with me

2) VT football games.

3) dinner parties at 608 Preston Ave (pictured below: a halloween, pumpkin-themed dinner party; pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin carving....)

4) folks from the forestry department. And being in the VA woods

5) Occasionally (only occasionally, of course) looking like a complete fool and having friends around that do, too.

Daring and adventurous woman mars wilderness with cell conversation....

to her only daughter while in the Cascades. No wonder she sounded out of breath.

camping pictures from Camp Bethel

box turtles.

This weekend I camped on Sat. night with my dear friends Rebekah and Paul. Not only did we find some snake eggs (I believe they were snake eggs...they were oblong and rubbery and partially buried) but on Sunday morning, I spotted a box turtle in the field. I picked him up and took him to show Rebekah and Paul--which was, quite possibly, the most exciting thing to happen to him in decades. He was a brave one, however, and interspersed with tightly closing his shell, he would paddle furiously to escape my grasp around his middle. He had small beady red eyes which eventually conveyed the subliminal message: "let me go, crazy mammal!" I eventually let him go. After I had selfishly entertained myself for ten minutes or so.
(possible picture to follow if Bekah and Paul send it to me)