I am too, SozoZoso. I hope you're feeling okay.

That's awesome, Walter.

True

I believe so.

Yes, it's a long story.

I've read that the U.S. government sent Spam to the Russians during WW2 (as part of our aid program) and the Russians mostly hated it. I don't know if this is true.

Lol

The French do seem superior in many respects...in cooking, fashion, cinema, and...well...they did produce Bardot, Deneuve and many others...

Agreed. Many nurses are kind, dedicated, attractive and professional. Likewise, I once knew a pediatric oncology nurse who worked with children dying of cancer. I once spotted a bumper sticker that said, "My son was inmate of the month at County Jail." Lol.

I'm sorry to hear this too, lipslikecherries. Also, I hope your headache situation improves.

I've always heard "gentle" -- still do -- but I think "different" is a (very) slim possibility.

You're right, it was an insensitive comment -- I do apologize

That was an extremely rare case, Whoopie Cat.

I do think when women travel, especially solo, they need to be extra cautious and careful, particularly in the third world.

An awesome moment indeed, BecZep

Pleasant temperature/humidity here now -- should continue for the next few days.

You live in Mississippi? Great state, but it gets SO hot and humid down there during summer heat waves. I've never experienced anything quite like it.

That's hard -- I really hope she enjoys the States.

Love Shack -- Bananarama (I believe)

STH from TSRTS

I don't mean to intrude on a "woman's only" thread, but as lipslikecherries and SozoZoso pointed out, it's interesting how the perception of tanned skin and social class has changed over the centuries. ("Ladies" once prided themselves on their pale skin, etc.) I would suggest the women here be careful not to over-expose themselves to the sun. Skin cancer is a real threat to all of us, and skin damage due to sun overexposure is too: It's not attractive to see a 30 or 40-something year old woman with the tough, leathery, lined skin of an old, veteran sailor.

Geekfreak, it sounds like you have good taste in opera and ballet.

As usual, an excellent description and analysis, Strider. I've visited Bayreuth and am a passionate admirer of Tannhauser and Lohengrin. (btw, I once heard The Flying Dutchman in the famous Sydney Opera house)

Ebk, it sounds delicious. I'm looking forward to hearing how the rest of your trip goes.

The Invisible Man