tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190173.post1818728875390987357..comments2023-08-14T05:37:53.728-07:00Comments on Malaika in Africa: 12 June: Jordanian slushies and other storiesJamilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17721708901089977542noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190173.post-42182818624410010782012-06-18T20:17:20.814-07:002012-06-18T20:17:20.814-07:00Hilary, you are doing an AMAZING job!! I definitel...Hilary, you are doing an AMAZING job!! I definitely understand what it is like to go against what you ever thought you'd possibly do in a situation, but do it because it makes things easier. I know what it is like to be out and about and have that anxiety where you know, at any moment, there may be a melt-down. Only, I have one child; you have 3!! Keep hanging in there. <br /><br />You may have to make more concessions. That doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you a parent! I think that your idea for having one meal in the hotel room might be a good idea, especially with Yumi's anxiety with people touching her. It is certainly difficult to prepare a decent meal with only a microwave and a refrigerator. Is it possible for you to acquire a toaster oven and/or a hot plate? Will the hotel allow you to use these items? <br /><br />Would it be more cost-effective to have shoes and clothes sent to you from home for the girls? Is there a small "comfort" item that you could allow each of the girls to bring for your outings to keep them occupied (for hailing taxis) that you could easily tuck into a backpack? Is it possible to pack a light snack (sliced fruit, etc) to also tuck away.. just in case? <br /><br />I know you are a mom and that you know to do these things. You are doing a great job. The things that have worked so well for me traveling with Bella so often is to explain to her what we are going to do and then go through the list throughout the day, so she always knows what to expect; I always carry juice or water with me and snacks for her; I bring at least one change of clothes for her and a toy; I give her two options that both benefit me; I put her in time-out A LOT. I do not have experience with traveling with 3 children, so I would have to elicit your advice for that. Hmm.. do I know anyone else who travels to foreign countries with children? No, I do not. <br /><br />You are brave and strong and wonderful and amazing. You are AMAZING at making friends. It's funny that you say that you haven't been successful in 1.5 weeks. It takes some of us (me) months to make friends using our native language in the United States with or without children. You should give yourself a break and a pat on the back. You are doing an excellent job.Chelsea Russellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08806625288523534130noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190173.post-38062736966756976622012-06-15T09:42:00.058-07:002012-06-15T09:42:00.058-07:00I am screaming with laughter about the 'toilet...I am screaming with laughter about the 'toilet microphone'....I recall the picture we took when I was in Egypt with Hilary was it 2004? We found a rectangular toilet!!! No 'microphone' attached as I recall!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08167858996124095939noreply@blogger.com