Category Archives: Being Active

More physical than mental, more active than sedentary, but generally done for the fun of it.

Manas National Park – Manas, India – Day 1


Today starts off bright and early! 6:00 AM and the sun is just starting to rise. As asked – we gather at the reception area of the resort, are greeted by Abi, and load up our personal 4×4 Jeep.

The lovely driver will be with us for the next 3 days – so today is a ‘getting used to the tourists’ day for him and ‘getting comfy with our cameras’ for us.e

Our transport is an open air jeep with three rows of 2 seats each. First row is for the driver on the right side, and there is a passenger seat on the left.

Helmut opts for the middle seat – behind the driver on the right – Andrea wants to sit in the back next to Abi, and the passenger seat is reserved for the park employee who is tasked with keeping us safe.

He is carrying a rifle. I’d feel a lot safer if the rifle weren’t rusted, and looks like it dates back to the days of British control of India. But Abi explains that the guard is just there to fire the gun if an animal attacks – not to actually hit the animal. The noise will scare them off.

We’re talking tigers and leopards and Rhinosaurs here.. and Elephants. There is no roof to our 4×4 jeep – and as our driver says – it’s seen better days. Lots better. Maybe better years. Maybe 30 years…

But we are not here to worry about the luxury of our travel – we’re here to see animals.

As with Safari’s I’ve taken in Africa – you get up early, return for breakfast/brunch, rest for a few hours, then go out again in the evening – and that’s the plan here as well.

Our ‘retreat’ is just around the corner from the entrance to the Park, and at 6:00 there’s no traffic. So we zip out, and are quickly at the entrance.

Our fees have been pre-paid, so we are simply waved in – and Abi directs the driver as to which path to take. The roads in the park (and you aren’t allowed to drive off road like we did in Kenya) are poorly maintained and very rutted – so I have to brace my knee against the metal door frame. It’s actually not uncomfortable. But to take photos – I generally need to stand on the seat – which means taking off my shoes!

Today we spent quite some time taking pictures of monkeys – they aren’t spoiled brats like the ones in Bali who will attack you – these guys are simply adorable. Doing their things in a monkey way. I got some great shots.

We also passed a very touristy Elephant Ride activity – but in the morning haze – the pictures looks awesome.

Abi is a bird fiend – and we stop time and time again for him to identify and get us to see (trust me – the latter was the hard part) – bird after bird after bird.

We wind up actually in Butan. There is a National Park in Butan that shares a long border but only one entrance with the Manas National Park. We pose for pictures at the border, but can’t cross – there’s a lot of paper work involved for non- Indians.

Eventually it’s home for lunch and a break – then back on the road again. This time we score an Elephant family (Mom, Dad, Junior) who pose for pictures for at least an hour. We also take a photo of a lovely butterfly, some other birds, and then end up at sunset in a grassland area with a stunning sky and wonderful trees. I go snap happy!

Then we spot a guard tower (these are all over the park – and free to climb) – and see a herd of Guar headed our way. Yup – they have two kinds of buffalo here in the Manas Park. These giants have white socks on all 4 legs, and smaller horns then the true buffalo of India. Their horns curl out and up and they are generally found in herds.

They move closer and closer until they are just maybe 30 feet away. Our guard is not happy that they are this close – but clearly we have parked the Jeep where they think they should be walking. We take pictures – say good bye to the guard house and the Guar – and head home.

The rutted roads of the Park taken at speed feel like those exercise machines that jiggled you to take off wait – and it’s about 40 minutes in the dark to the park gate. My watch asks if I want to record my outdoor walk!

An early night. Can you believe it.

I’m so happy I can’t stand it.

For dinner I order Onion Pakora – and a Ginger Soup. Abi thinks I’m starving myself – so under pressure I add Butter Chicken and Rice.

We have WAY too much food. The Butter Chicken goes back to the kitchen to keep for dinner the next night – and I gleefully scarf down the best onion Pakoras I’ve ever eaten.

It’s bed time – I’m done. I transfer my pictures to my ipad, plug in my batteries to charge.. and drop.

Signing off – The Soup Lady

Emirates First Class KICKS ASS!


I have clearly been double blessed – when I booked this trip – I knew I would need to have a lay flat bed in order to sleep. 36 hours of travel is no joke.

But I was clearly unaware of what Emirates First Class is really, really like.

I left you at the Emirates First Class Lounge – Sushi Bar, tons of pastry options – service upon service. I just glazed in wonder, enjoyed the feel of luxury (and those that know me know that I do enjoy the feel of over the top luxury.. ) and gathered my stuff to find my friends.

Helmut and Andrea were to meet me at Gate B12 – where the flight for Kolkata would be departing, and I knew they’d wonder if I was delayed. In hindsight – taking some ‘take-out’ for them would have been the best plan – but nope – I didn’t think about that. Next time, more smarter!

I got just a bit lost trying to get out of the lounge, past the insanely huge Business class Emirates lounge, and managed to end up in a dead end. This is a HUGE airport. Ok – no problem. I’ll backtrack – return to the First Class lounge and start again. This time I do better – and find the escalator down before walking the length of that HUGE Business Lounge. I finally get to Gate B12 and it’s packed – wall to wall, ceiling to floor – people. Every chair is taken – and the folks waiting are now flooding past the boundaries of the gate and flowing to both side gates.

Ok – I’ll just go slowly. I walk past the mobs – noting the huge group of folks – men and women, mostly older – dressed in white and wearing Name tags. Clearly a group of some kind.. I did ask – and they are pilgrims returning from Mecca. Right – this is the flight to India!

I round a corner – and there’s Helmut – engrossed in his cell phone – I cough gently in my absolutely horrid German – say – do you speak German? He looks up curiously – recognizes me and Smiles broadly! Since he is still recovering from breaking his hip and left leg in multiple places – I insist he stay down and give him a big hug.

We chat a bit longer, they had just arrived (whew – timing perfect) – and then Andrea shows up. I realize that the crowd is getting thinner – and we mossy over to Gate B12. As First Class – I have a private check-in counter – but then everyone regroups downstairs in a larger waiting area. I save seats for Helmut and Andrea, they arrive – we chat – and then they start boarding the flight. I say goodbye – see you in Kolkata!

There are two jet-ways – one for First and Business Class passengers – one for the great unwashed. As per the gal in the Exotic Marigold Hotel, I get to turn left.

I wait while the folks in front of me in line get seated, and present myself at the entrance to the plane – and hand my ticket to the host on duty. He smiles broadly at me – welcomes me – and then leaves his post to walk me to my Suite.

Suite? Are you kidding me? I have a Suite? With a double doors and everything!

OMG

I’m repeating that – OMG.

This is so over the top even I’m amazed. It’s like that scene in Crazy Rich Asians when they are brought to their suite on the plane – and the gal jokes – these PJs are better than the ones I own at home.

And dutifully Michael – my new best friend and the host – asks my size and presents me with PJ’s.

The seat is a leather wonder with buttons and gizmos aplenty – there is a pop=up personal bar with water selections, there is a vanity space with what is described to me as lavender spray to make sure I sleep well among other delights. There is a goodie basket with snacks including 75% Dark Chocolate bars. There are a selection of seasoned nuts in little glass jars, there is a pillow – a MATTRESS – and of course a duvet.

Michael presents me with the menu – takes my order for breakfast – and then we discuss my alcohol options. I’m going for the Sauterne. Then I explains that I’m beyond exhausted and really just want to sleep. Can I delay breakfast until we are close to arriving in Kolkata. Of course my wish is his command – but he insists on showing off his skill at pouring Arabic coffee – which I politely taste and then get ready for take-off.

Once off the ground – I ask to have the bed made – and am blown away – again! The bed is a narrow strip of non-soft material barely wide enough for my hips – it’s a full sized twin – with a cozy mattress – that lovely duvet, a soft pillow – and slippers! And an eye mask of course.

I nestle down for the best sleep I’ve ever had on an airplane – and am woken by a gentle nap on the door. My suite has a door! Right. I remember that!

They serve me a lovely breakfast – shower me with more gifts – will this never stop – and then tell me to prep for landing.

To leave the plane with all my gifts – they give me a shopping bag to put stuff in, explaining that it’s really great quality and worth keeping. Gifts include a full size bottle of Bvlgari Perfume, too numerous to spell out other signature gifts, a lovely gold tote to hold all of them, neatly sized to fit into my carry bag – plus gifts of more sweets in honor of Duvali – the Hindu Festival of lights. My shopping bag is so heavy – I’m worried about getting stopped when I board the next flight!

I have been seriously spoiled. It will be horrid to have to tolerate the garbage that Air Canada calls First Class.

Heading off to find Helmut and Andrea – our real adventure is just beginning!

Signing off – The over-the top, that’s amazing – incredibly spoiled – Soup Lady!

*** Stop the Presses ***


OMG – there’s an even MORE beautiful first class lounge!

The Dubai airport is divided into three interconnected buildings – reasonably called A, B, And C. Very creative, right?

Anyway – I was in C – stayed and ate in the first class lounge there. Then following the directions of the lovely host of the lounge – made my slow way to B concourse – and the B version of the first class Emirates Lounge.

It’s about 10 times the size of the one I was in – has a Pizza oven section, a SPA! (You have to be kidding me), Showers, and – this really stopped me – A Sushi Bar with Sushi Chefs. Plus a standard for the Emirates huge buffet with various dishes, and yet again another dessert selection.

All the folks cooking sport tall, tall, tall Toque Blanche – or white hats. And one section of the lounge actually lets you walk past the kitchens – all stainless, all spotless clean at almost midnight – and with the staff cheerfully saying good night to each other.

The lounge also has fountains at the entrance. Huge fountains. Check out my picture – clearly it’s the Soup Lady on the Prowl!

The Soup Lady after 30 hours of travel – in the First Class Lounge Dubai

And here’s something I didn’t mention earlier – there are at least 2 five star hotels IN the airport. I mean the front desks are right off Concourse C and B – and the hotel rooms overlook the Concourse. I’m reminded of those huge 5,000+ passenger cruise ships where some folks pick the rooms looking over the center part of the ship. Who wants to see water when on a cruise ship anyway?

The hotels are designed to look different from the concourse architecture – one featuring Moroccan influenced arches, the other a unique facade. Beautiful. And my walk from C to B was filled with more neon flashing. And another two Duty Free Shops.

You have GOT to be kidding me.

And the ladies bathroom have sections for folks to wash their feet before services. That is definitely not something I’ve ever seen in North America.

This time – I’m really signing off.

Next stop Kalkata, India – which if all goes to plan will consist of us being picked up at the airport and driven to another airport to fly to another city to drive to our first Safari Park!

Yes – I’m exhausted just typing all that.

The Soup Lady

Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai


I have died and gone to heaven! This place is insanely beautiful – not just the lounge which puts many of the fancy restaurants I’ve enjoyed over the years to shame – but the airport here in Dubai itself is worth seeing to believe!

I’m reminded of the line from the Movie “Crazy Rich Aliens” when they arrive in Singapore and the heroine quips – all JFK has is Salmonella and Despair.

This airport definitely rivals the one in Bali for sheer beauty. There are huge – like 60’ high – Palm trees growing inside the atrium of the Airport Walkways.

And there is the largest Duty-free shop I’ve ever seen. Plus more neon than in some areas of Tokyo. (Those of you who have been to Tokyo know what area I’m talking about…)

So how did a 76 year old traveling grannie – who admittedly tends to travel on the cheap side – end up sitting in this lovely lounge enjoying – get this – a Wagu Burger and fresh French fries?

Let’s start at the beginning – Many years ago we did a ‘cheap’ safari in Africa which emphasized camping outdoors in the game parks. I didn’t see nearly as many animals as I’d have liked – but we made good friends with a couple from Bavaria! And we’ve stayed friends over the years.

Our Bavarian Mates come from Munich – and over the years have teased us with their enthusiasm for wild and crazy travel. They are also very good friends!

So in May 2024 – when they told us they had planned a trip to India (a Safari to see Tigers, Red Pandas, and Rhinoceros) – I asked if I could tag along. Victor wasn’t the least bit interested – but I was totally determined to take on this unique challenge. Consider – at 76 – how many more times will I be willing/able to take on a 36 hr air flight – do homestays in a country that requires a lot of vaccines – and is often described as noisy and crowded and smelly.

And if your next thought is why would I want to – you are in the same mind as my husband! Even the Intrepid Traveler has no interest.

So here I am – part way thru my 36 hour flight to Kolkata. My Bavarian friends are also flying into Dubai from Munich – so we will meet at the gate to the Emirates flight to Kolkata.

Now you know why I’m sitting and waiting – but not why I’m doing it first class.

I have only flown first class once before in my life – and it was under similar circumstances. Neither Victor nor The Intrepid Traveler was coming along, I was joining friends in Bali – and the flight was in the 36 hr range. I figured the difference in price between economy and first class was just $20 an hour – and I was so WORTH it!

The same is true this time. The differential wasn’t that great – not when you thought of it per hour – and because I was going to have 2 long waits in airports (Toronto and Dubai) – Going first class sounded more than reasonable. It sounded like a deal!

The flight from Toronto to Dubai was on Air Canada – and while I enjoyed the service and the lay flat beds – I wouldn’t rate the experience as 5 star. The ‘Maple Leaf Lounge’ in the Toronto airport had mediocre food at best – my ‘dinner’ was Nachos with Pico de Gallo and shredded cold cheddar. It was food. And I ate it. The only desert options were cookies – chocolate chocolate chip and white chocolate with Macadamia nuts. They were my favorite part of the meal.

Food even in first class wasn’t that good either, I’m sorry to report. Waste of calories to be honest. I ate what I had to be sure my stomach wasn’t growling, but it was hardly memorable. Or maybe it was truly memorable in how deplorable it was.

Highlights – the fresh oranges in the fruit basket available near the service area. Those were indeed yummy. And the big TV to watch movies was quite a nice touch. But storage was non-existent, and because I’m so short – reaching the Touch Screen TV to change movies wasn’t easy. At least the headphones they gave us were noise cancelling. That was a nice touch.

On the other hand – the Emirates Lounges here in the Dubai Airport – and I visited two – were awesomely beautiful. The first one was the business class version – described by the hostess as smaller than the similar one in the B terminal. I think I need to check out that one – I thought the one I was in was huge. There was a vast display of food options – cold, hot, room temperature, an ice cream trolley with 8 different flavours and 4 types of cones, an entire desert display, and around a corner – another section with Indian specialities like Samosas.

A full pour it yourself Bar – plus bottles of several different wines were available.

I was just settled into the Business class Lounge when the hostess came up to tell me I was in the wrong place. I should be in the much much nicer First class lounge. And she helped me gather my things and walked me across the concourse.

Wow – This lounge is truly special – and I don’t blame her for saying – it was much nicer. It’s smaller, with a specific dining area – with get this – service! And the food is prepared to order! Wow. In an airport lounge. And the menu goes on and on for several pages. So many choices.

I opted for the Wagu Burger because I know I won’t seeing Beef for the next two weeks. Get it while I can I figure! And it was delicious. A huge portion I couldn’t finish – although I gave it my best effort. Easily the tastiest food I’ve had since leaving home!

Time for desert – there’s a lovely desert selection – and of course Ice cream. I’m having macaroons – and Pistachio Ice Cream.

Then it’s on to my gate, my friends (I hope), and my flight to Kolkata!

Signing off to gather and walk on – The Soup Lady

Days 8 and 9 – the journey Home


Sunday morning we must all say good-bye – take our last pictures of the Ranch – and start the drive back to Albuquerque and from there home.

All goes well. We return my rental car, (an incredible bargain of $107 US for 7 days rental) and jump into Carrie’s car and drive into Old Albuquerque- it’s a large area around a beautiful square that features restaurants and art shops and junk emporiums. Something for everyone.

We grab lunch at “The Old Time Cafe” – best bear claw ever – then wander from shop to shop. Eventually the heat gets to us and we decide to head back to the hotel for a nap before dinner.

Dinner at Applebee’s is as expected – but I enjoyed my rib steak (oh meat, how much I’ve missed you) and ate every dribble.

Back to the hotel – I say good night to my new friends and head off to bed.

My flight is at 6:00 AM and that means up at 3:00 AM to catch the 3:30 shuttle to the airport. I know – probably a bit of overkill – but I hate having to rush thru these things.

Needless to say – I don’t sleep.

Finally it’s 3:00 – I’m up, I’m dressed, I’m downstairs. The shuttle arrives – no issues – next stop the airport.

Check in, pass security – boring wait for the plane to Dallas to board – fly to Dallas, another long drag to the next gate. Just FYI – Dallas is a huge airport. Again nothing exciting to report – until I get a call from my husband.

He’s got a cold and doesn’t feel great – should he meet me at the airport, or do I take a taxi home?

I ask – did you get a COVID test. He says – not yet – on it.

He has COVID. I’m Not going home. I can’t risk getting sick. He has maybe a tough day – I get a tough month! So NO WAY am I going home.

Bummer.

What to do, what to do. A hotel say is so pricy – but I do have friends. I call the Intrepid traveler – and she immediately invites me to stay with her until Victor tests Negative.

Thank goodness for FRIENDS!

So I arrive in Montreal, I take a taxi to our house, my husband wears a mask, we stay 10’ apart and chat a bit – then I grab the car and drive to my friends home.

Crazy ending to a crazy adventure right?

It’s now 3 days later – Victor is feeling fine and testing negative and I’m home. Finally.

I’m so glad I’m home – I could kiss the floors but I think I’m just going to hug my husband and my bed!

End of an exciting adventure.. I’m not ready today for any more travel. I need at least 2 days off!

Signing off until my next adventure (how does a safari in India sound?)

The Soup Lady

Day 1 at an Artist Retreat


I’m at a ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico with a group of 7 other women on an art retreat.

For me – That is one truly wierd sentence. For starters – I can’t remember ever being with a group of only women before in my life. I’ve been just 2 or 3 with just women – when my sisters and I travel together without our sig others – and when I travel with the Intrepid Traveler – but 8 women. Just Women. First time.

Point 2 – It’s a ‘Art Retreat’. I knew I wanted to do a yoga retreat, and I’ve definitely done Bridge regionals and nationals – which I suppose are rather ‘retreat like’ in that you focus on one activity – but Art. Really? Nothing but Art? I mean – I love doing Art – but just Art… maybe that’s why I’m blogging – a retreat from an Art Retreat.

Am I over thinking this?

Yesterday was my travel day. I woke at 3:00 AM in a hotel near the Toronto Airport having eaten a lovely dinner the night before with my husband. We said our good-byes before bed – knowing that I had to be at the airport so very early it wasn’t a good plan to wake him up.

So – I’m up, I didn’t do my Yoga – hard to do that without disturbing my husband, and got dressed in the dark. I had mostly prepared the night before – so it went quickly – and I’m pretty sure I didn’t forget anything.

The trip to the airport in the shuttle was painless – but surprisingly crowded. Lots of airline crew starting their days – and a few other travellers. My fellow voyagers are clearly Japanese heading home. Neatly dressed, with their suitcases carefully over-wrapped in flashy cover-ups to make them easy to spot on the carrousels. Organized travellers. In comparison I feel like a flake – a very senior hippy heading out to see the world.

My ‘Safari bag’ suitcase is a hold-over from our first trip to Africa. Soft sided, but with wheels, it’s easy to over fill, and has no structure. So I’ve put in all my paints and art supplies – including the 10 canvases I’m hoping will be filled with art on my way back home. Right now they are white and unprepared – Full of potential – but very empty.

The airports were airports – large, packed with people with very specific destinations – and busy. The trip itself, while long, was uneventful. Not Adventure travel, unless you count arriving at my connecting flight just as they called my group # to board! I think that’s just great timing. I will admit I wondered if my big suitcase packed with the art supplies would make the connection – just 50 minutes, and Dallas is a huge airport – but yup – it was safely riding around in Baggage Claim in Albuquerque.

Getting the rental car was super easy. There are clear signs to ‘Rental Cars’ near Baggage Claim – and they have just one bus that takes all folks picking up Rental Cars to an off the airport Rental Car Building. Go right for one group of agencies, go left for the other. Hard to get lost – easy to find your agency!

Got my car – a small SUV – that to my eyes looks like a huge truck. And drives like one too! The agent proudly explained that it was a 2024 model – one of the newest they had on the lot. Hmmm.

I’ll grant you it was huge – although when Char (76) and Carol (58) and I put all out luggage in – we had to use the 4th seat for extra storage. I think the issue is all the art supplies. We all were told to come prepare to paint not shop – and it’s hard to judge what you’ll need. Just picking the colors is a challenge – what works in Montreal might not be appealing to paint with in Santa Fe. The light is different, the air is different – and I think the colors will be very different. We shall see.

We meet up with Carrie (1/4 Cherokee and 79) and Dee (my age, 4’11” and super nice) – and agree to follow them as we head out to the Turquoise Road – a scenic bypass between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Painless trip – broken up by stopping for lunch at a decrepit looking old Coal Mining town that has been turned into a terribly cutesy Western themed Art community.

We all agree that the wide-open spaces around us are both lovely, and conducive to folks doing big sculpture. We pass several ‘art studios’ that feature old car frames that have been repurposed into ‘art’. Some painted, some left to continue rusting. There’s even an Origami Garden with the largest Metal Origami structures I’ve ever seen. They tower over the landscape looking like huge folding paper Birds and Horses. Unfortunately – it’s closed, and we can only peak in from the entrance.

We chat over lunch – I learn that Carol is Gluten Free – and suffers badly if she even eats the tiniest bit of Gluten, and Dee has a dairy free diet that it turns out to include all Cheese made with goat, sheep or cow milk. Well – I knew that – but the folks at the ranch did not – and they had carefully added cheese to both the salad and the ‘Gratin’ dish at dinner time. I know – dealing with ‘food issues’ isn’t fun – but hey, at least we are all getting better at saying ‘No’ – rather then eating and suffering, or not eating and just pushing the food around the plate to make it look like we ate.

The Ranch is a 10 acre field with a large low adobe building forming the main ranch house, and a heavily renovated ‘barn’ acting as the home of the hosts. We have the entire run of the place – all rooms are huge – all the furniture is huge and well worn – and there are tons of ‘spaces’ where folks can gather or be alone. I like it.

My room is a small suite. Huge bedroom with lots of storage spots but not much furniture and a mini-kitchen/desk area. Bathroom too. I have windows on 2 sides – one with a lovely view of the sunrise – that I admired greatly while writing this post, and one leading to a ‘private’ porch with a hammock I shall never use.

After getting our gear into our rooms – I help move the suitcases of several of the other guests – who thought that at 76 I’d be the strongest… (Thank you Mona) – then we gather for a quick chat and orientation.

We play a name game – which clearly didn’t help me because I’ve forgotten names already – but I’m going to write them down over breakfast so I get them right in the blog.

We spend time introducing our selves, and describing where we are ‘art’ wise. Outside of Tabatha (58) – our leader – Cat (68) and Xan (54 and the youngest) are the only ones actually making a living from doing ‘art’. Char explains that she is a newbie – but learning constantly, Xan is a friend of Tabatha – and has been doing art for a long time – although I don’t think she makes a living painting – it’s creating jewelry that she sells on line that provides some income.

Some of the women are married – although for all of us – while our husbands support our desire to do ‘art’ – they didn’t come on the retreat. Most of the women are single and unattached. Two never had kids, One has only one daughter who at 24 is still living at home and has health issues.

After dinner there is more chatting until I excuse myself. I’m way past my expiry date… I need to wind down, straighten my room and go to bed.

Signing off to do Yoga – eat Breakfast – record names – and start painting…

The Soup Lady

Shaw Festival 2025 – 2 Don’t Miss Plays


“Snow in Midsummer” and “The Orphan of Chao” are two short but quite stunning offerings at the Shaw in Niagara on the Lake this summer.

And we have Season Tickets! So of course we went to see both – and good news – saw them both in 2 days – not quite back to back, but close enough to both compare and contrast them.

All 6 of the Actors in The Orphan of Chao also appear in Snow in Midsummer (12 Cast in total) – not a surprise perhaps for a repertoire theatre company like Shaw – and even less of a surprise given that both plays are taken from Chinese Stories that date back hundreds (thousands?) of years. So while not all of the surprisingly excellent cast is clearly Asian – there is a decidedly Asian bent! Logical I suppose – and it must have made casting easier to have two plays for these actors to perform!

But cast excellence aside – it’s the stories and the dramatic nature of the setting and staging that made these plays so stunning. Thank you Directors!

Both stories are tales of revenge and redemption. Both Plays feature minimal staging to maximum effect, and both Plays have women cast members playing the strongest roles.

“The Orphan of Chao” tells the story of the rise, fall and rise again of a family in China during the Jin Dynasty – c.145 – 86 BCE. Given that history has a way of repeating itself – the play relates the not so unique story of a corrupt High Official at court who decides his safest strategy is just to get rid of his major opponent – and since this is China – that means killing off every person related in to him. 300 people get murdered quickly – leaving only one infant – saved from death by the suicide of his mother, a guard who knows too much, and the extreme sacrifice of a doctor of his only child. It’s not easy to hide an infant, let alone raise the infant, under the watchful eyes of a malevolent man with a great deal of power.

The staging was truly remarkable. There is a high movable fence that serves as the entrance to a palace, the entrance to a hovel, the barrier against attack, and the background. The players use paper hats, paper costumes, and some effective props including a medicine chest that the Doctor uses to hide the infant to convey the impression of soldiers, court officials, scared parents, Evil Dictators, and young challengers.

I was never lost in the story – every set change was done with clear explanations as to where we were now, and what was happening. There wasn’t actually much text – most of the story gets told by people dramatically interpreting what is happening. My clear favorite – the mother of the Orphan giving birth! A second favorite – the Doctor trying to escape with the infant – and doing a very bad job of it.

I was left with an emotional high – perhaps there is hope for the future, that the ‘good’ guys can actually end up ahead.

“Snow in MidSummer” was a modern re-writing of another old Chinese Story. In the program notes it explains that you can’t risk re-telling these stories in today’s China – so the author is based in the US – along with all her family. Unlike “The Orphan of Chao”, the author takes great liberties with the story – revising the love interest, making it more of a murder mystery than the simple retelling of a convoluted, but clear good vs bad story.

And the changes make the story much more ‘acceptable’ to our modern ideas. It isn’t clear who is right and who is wrong, who is good and who is bad in “Snow in MidSummer” – although the sprit crying out for redemption/revenge has a solid plan.

Again – the minimum set – a partially ruined brick wall becomes a bar, a court room, a torture chamber, and an execution ground. Waving flags and minimal props generate mood, and move the story along. The steps leading up thru the audience are the stairways to heaven, at least the Buddhist version of it, and rapid changes of small bits of clothing (including gas masks and full animal head puppetry) allow the audience to quickly understand who is who.

I particularly was intrigued by the wordless funeral held for one of the main characters – showing how things thrown into the fire become a part of the spirt world – an orange, some money, a flower – all go from the hands of the funeral party thru the burning fire into the hands of the spirts. Stunningly beautiful and completely wordless.

Without spoiling the play for those who have yet to see it – again we have a tale where the name of the game is Redemption/Revenge, Forgiveness, Moving Forward, and having hope for the future – of a person, of a town, of a tree.

I loved both. I would gleefully see both again.

Signing off to go see My Fair Lady for the 2nd time… Shaw does it all!

The Soup Lady

Dr. Google and Leg Cramps


So – I just crossed the Pond – aka the Atlantic Ocean – and I’m in Paris for a quick overnight before flying on to Turin for a weekend Regency Party! The problem – I’m having Leg Cramps

And they hurt. Really really hurt.

I did everything right (I thought). I got up relatively often during the flight, I drank a LOT of water and I drank no alcohol, and I moved around. But after I got off the Plane in Paris – my legs let me know that they were not happy campers.

The pain was specific and it hurt! So of course I used Dr. Google

Possible cures for leg pain after flying include:

Rub the spot (did that)

Heat the area (no heating pad)

Drink water (Did that – didn’t help)

Keep feet raised above your head – now that sounds reasonable and do able. So when the leg cramps woke me that night – I grabbed pillows and piled them on the bed, under the covers and then rested my feet on them.

Surprise, Surprise – It worked! Yeah team.

Off to explore Turin – with no leg cramps – The Soup Lady signing off.

Kefalonia vs St. Croix – Which Island reigns Supreme?


I’m currently on Kefalonia – one of the larger Greek Islands – smaller than Crete, bigger than Rhodes – and having a blast.

We have German friends, their daughter is having Greek Destination Wedding – and we’re here to celebrate! There are just 20 of us total – a small intimate gathering – and a wonderful opportunity to discover an island I’d never even heard of until the wedding invite arrived!

Kefalonia – I looked it up – is 304 sq miles, with a population density of 55 people per sq mile and a total population (2023) of about 35,000.

In comparison – St. Croix is just 81 sq miles with a population density of 604 people per sq mile and a total population (2023) of about 50,000.

So for practical purposes – Kefalonia should feel a lot less crowded. But that’s not the case. The towns – and I’ve really only explored Argostoli – are small in footprint, but very crowded. Cars everywhere, lots of restaurants, lots of cafes, lots of stores, lots of hotels – the feeling is ‘mobbed’ – and not in a good way. I was just trying to back out of a parking spot – and no one would let me pull out. In fact, I was 1/2 way out and a taxi actually swerved around me to avoid having to stop.

And this is not yet high season. I can’t imagine what it must be like here when the tourists are here in significant numbers.

On St. Croix folk are amazingly polite. They will pause to let you turn right (on St. Croix, we drive on the left – so it’s the right turn that’s a challenge), and if you don’t immediately move when a light turns green – you might get a gentle beep, although most folks will just patiently wait until you notice the light has changed. Not so here in Kefalonia. You Pause – They lean on the horn! On St. Croix – a honk is a hello to a friend, a beep is a reminder to check the light, and waves are common.

Folks on St. Croix smile at you – even if just walking past. Here on Kefalonia – it’s a head down – I’m on a mission walk. That is a very different feeling let me tell you. But I can understand why the women tend to have that ‘I’m ignoring you, please ignore me’ attitude. I like to walk head up and smiling – and I have lost track of the number of men here in Kefalonia who have called out to me. “Looking Good”, “Nice”, “Hey Babe”. For a 75 year old Grand-mother – It’s kinda flattering – but not the general warmth of greetings on St. Croix where folks call out Morning, Morning to everyone that passes by! Here it’s clearly a form of marketing – not just a way to say hello.

I find myself reflecting the surroundings. Here on Kefalonia, I’m more ‘in a rush’, less likely to let folks in when they are stopped waiting, more likely to drive quickly, less likely to admire my surroundings. Interesting, eh?

Another big difference relates to Shade. On St. Croix – beaches have trees – mostly Palm trees, but also Mangroves and soft woods – and there’s shade a plenty. Here on the Beaches of Kefalonia – which I will admit have a lot more sand than the beaches of St. Croix – there is no shade. None. If you need shade, you are going to pay for it – Major Beaches here have ‘Beach Chair and Umbrella Stands’. On St. Croix – the norm is for folks to carry their own chairs – and put them under a Palm Tree for shade. On Kefalonia – Shade costs! 30 Euros for two Beach lounge chairs and a permanent wooden umbrella like structure.

Like St. Croix, Kefalonia has only short buildings – I don’t think there’s a law on building height here, but just as in St. Croix, I have yet to see anything that towers over the church steeples. That’s nice.

But Kefalonia is much much much hillier. In town the houses stack up upon each other, with narrow roads with no sidewalks dividing the living spaces. And you are either going up or down – I’ve seen very little level ground! And it’s steep. You aren’t casually strolling here – you are hiking up or down.

Strikingly, the one level section I’ve seen is the Harbor in Argostoli – and it has a concrete boardwalk – at least 30’ wide – that bend and turns following the contours of the shoreline for several Kilometres. And it has NO SHADE. Given the heat and humidity here – it’s a challenge to enjoy a stroll without getting sunstroke.

Beaches in Kefalonia seem to be surrounded by Rock Walls – conveniently pierced with stone staircases that you can use to access the beach. This creates very dramatic scenery. I have spotted some beaches with easier access points – but they are less dramatic. I admit to loving the towering boulders – but some of the staircases do feel very treacherous. I’ve been grasping hand rails – when they exist – with a feeling of relief and gratitude to the builders.

The weather in Kefalonia is quite different from that on the island of St. Croix. Currently we are getting Sand/Dust from the Sahara Desert, so there is a haze in the sky and the air feels heavy. In comparison, St. Croix has a fairly (8 months of the year) constant breeze from the East across the Atlantic Ocean. Lovely, fresh, and a Blue Blue Sky is the norm. Here in Kefalonia, the breeze is far less consistent. And right now – there’s no breeze to speak of at all. So there are a great deal more insects of the flying small variety (yes – Mosquitos – but also no-see-em and flys). I do long for my lazy meals outdoors on my balcony.. Here we can eat outside – no problem – but fly nets are ubiquitous.

And Kefalonia can be cold. It was quite cool here when we arrived, and I know Greece does experience winter. That’s a big difference from the 85 degrees year round in St. Croix.

Shopping – despite the lower population here on Kefalonia – there are a lot more shops – particularly for home goods, clothing, and ‘beach junk’. This is a tourist destination – so you’d expect shops to cater to tourists – and the number of blown up huge floaties I’ve spotted is considerable. On St. Croix – I have never seen a shop selling only huge floaties – although you can find them – and the gas stations have air pumps to blow them up. There is clearly a different mentality at play.

On the other hand – in Argostoli I spotted a yarn shop – on St. Croix there are places to get yarn – but no designated store. That actually sums up the differences in shopping on the two islands. Despite the smaller population, shops on Kefalonia can and do offer huge inventories often extremely focused. On St. Croix – there are shops with lots of inventory – but it’s all hidden. You need to know where to go – window displays are considered a waste of time and resources.

Because neither my husband nor I speak or read Greek, we’re sensitive to the language on signs. In St. Croix of course – it’s all English. Here it’s first Greek, then perhaps English. This makes navigation a bit challenging if you don’t know where you are going. I ended up having to make several loops to get onto the right road this morning because I didn’t have a co-pilot and our rental car doesn’t link up to my cell phone.

Other differences – generally the coffee is better here in Kefalonia, and I’ve had some very yummy cakes and great tasting bread. Both cakes and bread are hard to find on St. Croix – the lack of AC makes laminating dough a challenge, so shortbread pasty the go-to option. But I’ve also had great meals on St. Croix – so I’d rate the food as very similar. With the edge to Kefalonia for fruits… The fruit salads made fresh daily here have been outstanding.

Bottom line – I’m rather live on St. Croix with is slow, slow pace, relaxed locals, friendly smiles, and casual approach to living, then here on Kefalonia with it’s stifling humidity and more ‘driven’ approach to life. But Kefalonia is well worth a visit… so do drop in!

Signing off to go the wedding… The Soup Lady

Crazy Month – July 2023


In the planning – the summer of 2023 started out boring!

We had a blank slate – no plans, nothing doing. So we decided it might be a really good idea to spend a month in Niagara on the Lake. That’s a small town near Niagara Falls – known for it’s summer Shaw Festival, and lots of period correct (for us) re-enactments at Fort George.

So It made a lot of sense – we’d get a change to see what it would be like to live in Ontario – and we could check out that part of Ontario. Win-Win. And my sister and my brother-in-law would gleefully join us for a Shaw Festival/Stratford Play-a-ton!

And our friend Sonia could join us. This would be awesome.

Then we thought – gee – maybe it would be great to spend some time on the beach in Wells. And then a friend asked me to join him at the Chicago Bridge National. So I said Yes and Yes.

Then my grand-daughter and aspiring Actress/Singer Sophie decided she would love to go to the 2 week long Stratford Shakespeare Camp. And – Grannie and Grandpa – how about I join you in Maine…

Great stuff Sophie – always take advantage of any time older grand-kids are willing to spend time – and at 16 going on 17 – how many more summers will she want to spend with us? It’s the countdown that all Grannies face.

So our boring summer turned into anything but boring! We’d start in late June on the Beach in Wells with Sophie, then Victor and Sophie would drive to Cape Vincent for a Napoleonic Re-enactment while I hang out in Maine, Then the Sophie Shuffle. Her partners would drive to Cape Vincent and pick up Sophie, and Victor would drive back to Maine.

When our Maine holiday ended – Victor would drop me off in Boston at Logan to fly to Chicago for the Bridge tourney – and drive back to Montreal. Then on the next day, Victor would fly to Chicago – eat dinner with our buddy Todd – then fly home. I’d play bridge for the week, then fly to Toronto to meet Victor on our way to Stratford to pick up Sophie and drive back to Montreal.

Whew – you tired yet? I am just thinking about all this planning. And we haven’t even gotten to Niagara Yet.

Then we layer on a layer – a weekend re-enactment/Theatre experience in Montreal – some time to chat with friends – then the trip back to Ontario and Niagara;

Well – we’ve now done part 1. And it was – well interesting. Very weather dependant.

Maine had a lousy first two weeks. Rainy and Cold until it wasn’t. And we were 3 adults camping out in a hotel room. Great view of the beach- but it was raining so hard you couldn’t do any outdoor activities. Sheesh

So we ate. And ate. Fisherman’s Catch, Wells Lobster Pound (more than once), and even the Steakhouse. Good meals I tell you!

Meanwhile we have our first sunny day in Maine – and Sophie tries to get a tan – and since she missed the first 3 days due to rain – does the 16 year old trick of just spending the day toasting – and somehow not applying sun tan lotion.

Result – burned to a crisp. But completely evenly! It actually looked like she’d painted on a white bikini. A perfect burn everywhere!

I smear her with Aloe, dose her with Motrin (looked it up on Dr. Google – highly recommended) and pack her off to her summer camp in Stratford.

Two lovely days on my own in Maine – mostly spending painting – my newest passion. I’ll have you know that I’m up to painting #4! Take that stinky art teacher when I was 15 who told my mother to stop wasting money giving me painting lessons!

Victor returns from a very successful parade in Cape Vincent – and we make plans to meet up with friends from STX who have a ‘camp’’ in Maine. They join us for lunch one day (3 hrs over fried fish – what’s wrong with that) and then a full day at their camp.

In between I have art class – and I know it’s just flattery – but one of the other students (all of whom have reams of more experience than I) comments that she can’t believe this is just my 4th painting – it’s stunning.

I admit it – I like it too. I’m going to get it framed. Maybe hang it in STX….?

The camp is lovely – truly lovely. 2 bedrooms, nice kitchen/living space – and a quick walk to the ‘beach’ where they keep their Boston Whaler. They feed us lunch (yum) and take us to see the ‘rustic camp’ they are selling. It is truly rustic. No – seriously – rustic. Outhouse and everything. Cute camp area with lots of other homes – some rustic, some rebuilt – very cool. Then we go back to their ‘camp’ and spend several hours just burning gas and circling their lake and chatting about this that and the other. Kisses – and see you guys in STX – and we head for dinner.

Ok = it has been said that Eiser’s plan dinner while eating lunch – and unfortunately – it’s mostly true. The next meal is very important to us. And this one is going to be at one of our most favorite restaurants – The White Barn.

Yes – it’s a multi-course tasting menu – Yes Victor gets the Wine Pairing – and Yes – it’s delicious! My 3 favorite courses are a Tomato Tartar, a Shortbread sandwich filled with truffles, and a Wagu Beef in a completely yummy sauce. Got to give it to the White Barn – they don’t have a Michelin Star – but that’s Michelin’s problem!

Now we pack and leave Wells Beach. Originally our thought was that Victor would drive me to Logan – but it turns out that there’s a bus that goes from Portsmouth, NH direct to Logan – for $27. So instead of taking Victor miles and miles out of his way – he drops me off at the bus depot and I take a surprisingly nice bus ride into Boston.

Naturally – the plane is delayed. I’m grinding to suspect that an on-time plane doesn’t happen – but eventually I get to Chicago – navigate my way to the Bridge Tournament – and play bridge. Earn Master Points – Yeah me.

Then I fly to Toronto – relatively on time I’ll have you know – get to Stratford, Cheer like crazy for my grand-daughter – and then head back to Montreal.

Whew – That’s some July – right?

Wondering how August turns out? Me too! Stay tuned.

The Souplady signing off.