It's been how long since we've done what??? Three days until departure...A museum visit a year ago,,

The prices on these jewelry items were not posted but, were up for negotiations.

Last night during Madame Zahra's delicious homemade dinner we talked and giggled over things we hadn't done in a long time as we've continued to travel the world, living in other people's houses.

The earrings at MAD 20, were only US $2.45.

As we continued into our discussion, we laughed over the many items that we had taken for granted in our old lives, some of which include:

16.5 months since we've used a dishwasher
2.5 months since we've cooked a meal, grocery shopped for meals
13 months since we've watched US TV programming
8.5 months since we've done our own laundry
2.5 months since we've made the bed
24 months since we've been to a movie theatre
19.5 months since we've seen most of our family, 17 months since we've seen others in our family
11 months since we've been on a cruise
17.5 months since either of us have been to a doctor
17.5 months since either of us have been to a dentist (continued below)

Many of the items were very appealing, again priced at whatever a shopper may be
willing to pay.

(Formatting issues due to slow Internet)

In the past 16.5 months, we've only had a car for 3.5 months
11 months since we've had access to American type meals
2.5 months since we've raided the refrigerator at night to look for a snack
8.5 months since we've been able to drink and brush our teeth using tap water
2.5 months since we've had an ongoing relationship with English speaking people. (We did have one short conversation six weeks ago at Le Jardin restaurant with a couple at the next table )
2.5 months since Tom had a beer or cocktail at home (only twice in restaurants)
2.5 months since eating: our favorite coleslaw, LC homemade pizza, our bread-less sandwich wraps, a veggies stuffed omelet, ketchup with Tom's fries, lettuce, a slice of raw onion, a steak cooked properly, a pork chop, Italian sausage and most of all, bacon (No pork is available in Islamic countries)
1.5 months since I've been able to wear a tee shirt and shorts (once the sand flies arrived as the temperature warmed, now in the 100F's)

This shop had all types of souvenirs and trinkets.

What do we miss the most (obviously, besides family and friends)? Tom misses knowing that there's a car in the driveway giving us the freedom to come and go as we please. I suppose I miss doing laundry the most. The feel, the smell and the sense of accomplishment of washing, drying and folding our clothes is a ritual that I've always found pleasing. For both of us, we miss eating our favorite foods.

Photo taken while walking when I noticed the vendor was not inside his tiny shop.

The thought that in only three day, we'll arrive at a new home where will be able to begin some of the above, is exciting. Long ago, I would never have given a second thought to any of the above items. How freely we adapt, ultimately changing our expectations and subsequently, changing our needs.

A well fed cat at ease living in the souk.

The plans are set for the 2:00 pm pickup on Thursday here at Dar Aicha. The man with the little cart will arrive with Adil or Samir to wheel our luggage to Mohamed's awaiting SUV. Tomorrow, the final loads of our laundry will be handled by Madame Zahra and Oumainma, neatly folded, ready to pack. Wednesday morning we'll pack, sucking the air out of the Space Bags as always.

Without a doubt, we'll be ready for the next leg of our many year's long journey.
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Photo from one year ago today, May 12, 2013:
Today is the last day we're catching up from my posting error resulting in photos being posted from the incorrect dates one year ago. I apologize for the inconvenience. But, here is one more photo from May 12, 2013 and once again, the link for our readers who many have missed it over the past few days. Some of our most exciting year ago photos are coming up in the remaining days in May. Please stay tuned.

At the Cairo Museum, on May 12, 2013 we saw this statue of King Ramses II that was lying down inside a specially constructed building. Apparently, it was too heavy to stand. For detail of that date, please click here.