Posts Tagged With: dancing

THE CAMEL FAIR AT NAGUAR

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We arrived at Naguar in the afternoon. This is our tent, which is roomy, comfortable and has a flush toilet. Hot water is available at certain hours of the day so you can plan your showers.   There are no locked doors  but many privacy shades. Quite an amazing place.

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This couple sit at the entrance to the dining tent and play music while we eat. All tips are paid by OAT, but one day I handed over some rupees and she was very grateful to have them. She may have had a small drum one day.

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He showed me his instrument, but they don’t speak English so I have no idea what it is called.

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The first thing we did when we arrived was eat lunch and then for Theo and I, it was to bed.

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He has a slight temperature and I gave him half of an Ibuprofen, this is the second time, and he hit the sack. I seem to have caught his cold and we both missed the show in the center of the tent hotel that night.

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A couple of times I peeked out and tried to get a decent picture of the dancers. There were women dancing with piles of plates or pillows on their heads swishing their beautiful skirts and shawls. The music was exciting and the entertainers numerous. A normal camera doesn’t have a chance, but it was enjoyable even so. Theo slept through it all.

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In the morning, we both felt well enough to go for a camel ride. Our camel choices were right outside the tent complex.

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I was eyeing this pleasant fellow. He isn’t tied up to anything. I talked to him and especially admired the way he sat, with his feet tucked under him. He was  friendly and used to people.

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This camel was acting up and giving his drover a hard time.

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The drovers control them with a set of double reins from behind. It may be this camel is not fully trained.

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Kathy, Sandy and Diane opted for a cart ride. They agreed to hold my purse for me.

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Ellen, Otto and Pam are ready to go, kind of surrounded by  a  group of the curious kids that always want to see tourists. The size of Otto’s feet might be the attraction. (No offense, Otto.)

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Chuck, Kris and Trish are in a third cart. I love the carpet in this cart and wonder if it is made from camel hair.

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Theo is all smiles as he gets his ride. And, I got the camel I had my eye on, too.

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Once you get comfortable with the gait, it is a comfortable ride. I took this picture because the kid leading this camel on the left, appeared to be about six years old.

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It is quite a sight to see so many camels in one place. Most of them are for sale.

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This struck me as a cruel way to tether an animal. His haircut design is interesting and he has no painted brand yet. I hope he gets a new owner.

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This young boy was indicating that I should let go with both hands, and I did. These people have such pleasant personalities and a great sense of humor.  It would be difficult to fall off a camel. They are quite safe to ride.dsc09964-copy

Well, I may have to take that back. They aren’t running, or on their own. And, Hugo’s pack looks like it is slipping off the camel’s back.

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It’s about a 20 minute ride to the main part of the fair, and we all unload.

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Theo took my picture with my camel. I got to pet him and scratch him behind his ears. He was just a pleasant animal through the whole thing.

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A group of curious girls wanted to look at us. The girl on the left noticed I have gold fillings and she showed me hers, two front teeth with gold.  They want to ask questions, but communicating is kind of hit and miss. Nice. And they love having their pictures taken.

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Ronvir walked us around the fair and I attracted a boy friend.

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It is like our own fairs. You can see the animals, go to a horse race, get a hair cut,  find camp food, watch performances.

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This woman tends the fire while she nurses her child.

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With so many camels around, there is plenty of dung to be hauled away.

I’m having difficulty with pictures, so I’ll finish this blog tomorrow.

 

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MEXICAN TRADITION-DAY OF THE DEAD.

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The Day Of The Dead is on its fourth year as a celebration in Murphys. Here is a staged family out for a ride…

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I don’t know quite how different it would be in Mexico, but this is America, so of course, the dog rides in the back with the kids.

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One of the vacation rentals puts on displays, and this year’s theme was references to Frieda Kahlo. Beautifully done.

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Folklorico representing various states in Mexico with traditional dances and  costuming held in Murphys Park.

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Kids and adults dress up and paint their faces in sync with the celebration. This group was watching the dancers with rapt attention.

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Like a statue, this little girl didn’t move once during the whole set of dancers.

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When this fellow came out with two, long blades, I knew we were in for something special.

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Flashing blades at considerable speed, over head and under and between his legs made for quite a show. But then, a repeat with a blindfold on had me gasping.

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No small feat. And with dire warnings from the MC, “don’t try this at home.”

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Folkorico music always very fast and invigorating, the costuming beautiful. Very enjoyable. Jim attended a Day of the Dead in Mexico and said the music was deafening.

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A tourist attraction, with staged displays made for a nice outing, but for some people, the celebration is very real, about the death of and remembrance of a loved one.

 

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WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL WEDDING?

DSC07092 (Copy)Somewhere, in a lighted, heated, tent, my “baby” brother, Clark,  got married to Theresa Gillick, a second marriage for them.

DSC07104 (Copy)Theresa wore a lovely wedding dress and the best man, my nephew Tom, wore a traditional suit. For Tom, a suit is a mile marker. I joshed that I had to attend this wedding just to see Tom in a suit. He told me he wore a suit to Clark’s first wedding as best man, and that it might be the last time he wore a suit. Uncle Clark is younger than his nephew Tom.

DSC07098 (Copy)Tom’s wife, Maryanna, claimed he didn’t wear a suit when they married. “I like it she said. I hope I can get him to wear it again.” (At his funeral he claims.)

DSC07093 (Copy)My son, Ken became licensed to marry them. A first for him.  By their own vows they pledged their fealty and wed. Writing your own vows has become traditional.

DSC07094 (Copy)Theresa has the cutest little grandchildren. This little angel spread flower petals for them to tred upon. Later, she gathered them up, from her own sense of right, and put them back in the bag.

DSC07101 (Copy)Having children in a wedding is always a joy as we look upon tears, smiles and questioning faces. Lucky Clark inherits a beautiful set of grandchildren as well. One of the good things about second marriages.

DSC07102 (Copy)This little grandson I believe was the ring bearer. He was only interested in his toy unless someone convinced him to look up for that crucial moment. Got it!!

DSC07110 (Copy)I like to tease Clark about being my baby brother but when he reminded me he was 60, I decided maybe I better knock it off. I doted on him when he was a kid and liked to play mother to him and my brother Mark, 13 months older. Of my five brothers, two are deceased.

DSC07112 (Copy)I watched fascinated when the photographer  stopped to arrange Theresa’s flowing veil and actually tied it up so she could walk properly. Gown’s can be shortened on the spot without a needle or thread. Traditional?

DSC07115 (Copy)My daughter Virginia mentioned how easy it is for kids to get acquainted. Abbie, on the right, stepped out on the dance floor and made instant friends with the grandchildren she’d just met.  Life is simple if you’re a kid.

DSC07116 (Copy)My oldest brother, Bill, parodied some movie character:  “Bring on the grub.” Soon enough, we were eating prime rib, chicken in a rich sauce, vegetables and a tossed green salad.

DSC07121 (Copy)A non-traditional chocolate cheesecake.

DSC07124 (Copy)The adults hit the dance floor after dinner and a few drinks.

DSC07127 (Copy)You go girl! Everyone danced with everyone. It mattered not if women danced with women, or children or dads and brothers. My Uncle Veron and Uncle Norman taught me how to dance for my Uncle Roger’s wedding.

Some years back it was tradition to put cameras on the tables and guests took pictures of each other. Clark and Theresa engaged the services of a photo booth.  Zany pictures, fun pictures or prim pictures, mixing people who didn’t know each other; instant results. Clark and Theresa and  guests get a copy. Clark also hired a limousine service that drives anyone home, and a second driver follows with your personal car.  Safety for anyone who may have had a drink too many. It was really fun. To see the rest of the pictures, click the link below:

 

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Chicot State Park, Louisiana – Day 4

The motorhome is parked at Chicot State Park near Ville Platte, Louisiana. We are scheduled to depart here tomorrow.

Yesterday was a delightful sunny, 69 degree, day with a gentle breeze. We had a very leisurely day…doing minor repairs and some regular maintenance on the motorhome and Bronco. We took the Bronco to see other areas of the park. Here are some of the photos that I took…

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

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In other news…some sad news for me…

I received a phone call a few days ago from Ceecee Canvasser telling me that my very good friend Aaron, age 73,  suffered a stroke while dancing…which he loved to do. Yesterday she called again telling me he had passed away. I first met Aaron and CeeCee back in 1997 and over the years developed a very close relationship. Somewhere along the way we got to calling each other…Uncle. Uncle Aaron and I shared many, many hours of interesting conversation together. I shall miss Uncle Aaron greatly. Rest in peace amigo…

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Marys husband George was 73 years old when he passed away in 2000. Mary and I will both become 73 later this year. Hmmmm….

Enjoying beautiful state parks is another joy in the life of a full-time RVer!

The red dot on the below map shows our approximate location in the State of Louisiana. You may double left-click the map to make it larger…

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Enjoying 65-75 degree temperatures most of the year is a primary joy in the RVing lifestyle!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”…Albert Einstein

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If you have not checked out my Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2013
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

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ROTARY SHRIMP FEED

The Angels-Murphys Rotary Club holds an all you can eat Shrimp Feed each year as a fund-raiser. I’ve missed the last four years since I’m usually back on the road by now. It was fun to go to the park, listen to the music, visit with friends, eat lots of shrimp and feel like I’m supporting a good cause at the same time.

My son breezed through this morning and asked me a question. “I see Rotary uses that little gear on their literature, so, what does it stand for, Rotary? I basically knew they were a fraternal, charitable organization. But his question stumped me.  I hadn’t given it much thought. I went to Wikipedia and learned that they stand for Service Above Self.  The cogged wheel symbolizes a rotating wheel  because the original founders rotated their meetings at each others houses. Rotary was so popular,  it grew  rapidly and steady meeting places are used by all Rotarians, now.  If you’d like to check out the link and read more:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_Club



The park is friendly and summer casual. Not many places can you dance bare foot.

Everyone was having a grand time including the band members:

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I have a special spot in my heart for Rotary because they sent my youngest daughter to Egypt on a Scholarship after she graduated High School. Her experience there was life changing, meaningful and rewarding. I am ever thankful to this group,  as is she.

Another highlight for me, is visiting with friends like Ginger La Jeunesse.

Shelly and Gene Cervantes.  You never see this couple without big  smiles.

Cindy, whose daughter I had only met once, yet I’ve known Cindy for twenty years. (I’ve misplaced Cindy’s last name, somehow.)

And Matt, who owns a coffee roasting business, informed me he had given up drinking coffee. He said he doesn’t need a pick-me-up in the morning and he just got bored with drinking it. And, I’ve just started drinking coffee after 38 years without it. I’ve only had four cups of coffee, these past four mornings. I decided to do it after reading in my Medical newsletter how good coffee is for you. In moderation, no more than six cups a day.

And, I chatted for a while with Liz and Steve Milliaire, the winemakers I credit with getting the wine movement really moving in this area. Liz doesn’t make wine but she was chief promoter when they moved here to make wine for Bardon Stevenot in 1979. They produce wonderful wines under their own label as well.  Ahh! Time well spent is its own reward.

 

 

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Good Friends Come To Visit…

We’re still at the Golden Sun RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona where we will remain hanging out and visiting with friends. See my Blog entry for more information about this place…
http://wp.me/pDCku-3wM

Yesterday my good friends Aaron and Cheryl came to visit us. We had an enjoyable three-hour visit during which time we shared a nice breakfast at a local restaurant. They are avid dancers and come to Mesa, Arizona because there’s lot’s of dancing here during the Winter season. They qualify as my “most unusual” friends which means an abundance of laughter.

We last saw them at their home in Oregon last October. Because the RVing lifestyle is a mobile society, based on our current plans, we will not cross paths with them again until 2014. RVers never say “Good-Bye”, instead when we part company we say “See you down the road!”

If you are not familiar with our current travel plans for 2012-2013…you can click this link to find out…
http://wp.me/pDCku-3pp

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

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