Another day in the city...we were up and out this morning for some chores. It was breakfast at Times Cafe (NY themed cafe close to the hotel), (a double expresso and almond croissant for Justin, and a cafe latte and plain omelet pour moi) which we have grown a liking to, then off to the grocery (called Casino) to get some snacks and water for the room.
Things are quite expensive here, so its nice to have some quick bites in the room in between meals. However, even going to the grocery is economical, yet expensive! We picked up some crackers, cheese, tuna, quart of milk, yogurt, coffee, sweetener, pastries and water...31,000 cfa which is equivalent to about $60! No wonder everyone is broke around here! Also, the food tax is 18%! There isn't income, property or other taxes here, so its about the only way to collect for government.
Then hung out by the pool to get some planning and studying done. The staff is very nice and accommodating...they even put up with my very broken French!! HA!
On the other hand, we had out first pick-pocketing attempt on us yesterday. There are many types, and this one was "The pant tug". We were heading back from a very tasty lunch when two guys selling t-shirts were passing by...one grabbed Justin's pant leg and began to tug and shake (the distraction), while the other tried to reach into his opposite pocket. Luckily, Justin's quick thinking was to cover his pockets right away. It was very quick and unsuccessful, but a bit unsettling. I was right behind Justin when it happened and just sternly said, "Excuse me?!!" with the thought of kicking the guy, but unsure of how many could become involved. Again, the attempt was very short-lived, and no one was hurt in any way. We ARE in the city, and it could have happened anywhere in the US just as well. Just keeps things in perspective. Justin even commented, "can't be mad at them, they are just trying to feed their families". We have learned to walk with a purpose, and unfortunately, to just ignore the offers.
I did get to go to one of the local gyms the other day! One of the ladies that works at the Embassy invited me to tag along with her to do a "Body Pump" class - sure I'm up for it!! There were 2 very fit and jovial male trainers leading the class. We assembled our stations with a mat, a step, a bar, and some barbell weights. The instructors would go over the moves we were about to do, then turn on the music...and away we went! They would sing along with Kelly Clarkson's 'I do not hook up', (the whole class was American Pop music) while counting the many reps (encore = again). We worked every major muscle group...and I am sore in a great way! We then attempted to do the "Step" class following "Body Pump". The first 15 minutes (The warm up) was great...then the very fit female instructor got very coordinated, and lost me! My inability to put my feet where they were supposed to go in some sort of pattern...got the best of me! Oh well, I put in the effort anyway.
We are going to try a yoga class tonight...lets hope I am better at that than "Step"!!! :)
Well, I was hoping to add some more pictures, but the computer isn't allowing it...next time I guess...
Au revoir pour maintenant...(Goodbye for now)...
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