2008 Blogs

Same, same, but different

02/26/2009

 

After battling a stomach bug for a day or so, I felt well enough to walk to the city center early this morning.  I had no classes today, and decided to treat myself to a leisurely breakfast at the Same Same But Different Cafe, where you can have the special of fried eggs, french fries, baked beans, and bread (but I didn't!).  It is a pleasant place and I enjoyed listening to some Russian tourists as I lingered over my tomato omelet, bread, and tea.

  

If I haven't mentioned it before, "Same same but different" is a popular saying here.  You can buy all kinds of brand-name "knock offs"--Prada, Calvin Klein, Pierre Cardin, and more--and if you ask if they are authentic people will say, "Same, same, but different."

 

It was another beautiful day--sunny, blue skies, and not very humid.  Then again, maybe I am adapting to the humidity--we can hope!  As usual I enjoyed watching the fishermen and fisherwomen hauling in the morning catch, some Vietnamese taking exercise on the beach, and these delightful school children.  Even with my point-and-shoot camera, I think this image captures their energy and spirit.

  

After spending the afternoon working on some projects, I joined a British couple for dinner at a nearby restaurant.  I'm especially interested in the work Marianne has done to establish a support center for children with disabilities.  The social stigma associated with having a child with disabilities means that some families have kept their children hidden away for years while others have abandoned them to orphanages.  Since opening the support center in April last year, more than 100 families have visited.  Many of the children brought to the center are autistic.   I will share more after I visit the Center, but if you'd like to read a little more about Marianne's work and see a few pictures, go to: http://www.cirencester-rotary.org/documents/Microsoft_Word__Dear_Benita.pdf.  It is so inspiring to see people like Marianne and her very supportive husband who truly are making a difference here.