10-31-05
Happy Halloween! We managed to get our hinnies down to the gym this weekend and work out on the treadmills both days. Ron didn’t sleep well last night so he slept in then headed off to work. I went to the gym and used the treadmill then started lifting weights. Oh my, it’s been awhile!

I spent several hours walking (slowly with an umbrella in this heat and humidity) and pricing various household items. Once we sign papers on the rental, we can store things there until we move in so I am doing ‘research’ now on what’s available and what things cost as a means to anticipate our expenditures. I will quote some prices but keep in mind some of these things are not the same quality we are used to in the states. I found a mahogany bed frame (sort of craftsman style) for $199. Keep in mind they don’t use box springs here so this baby is low to the ground. Same store, same material sleigh bed $350. A sofa with two arm chairs –these are wood frames with cushions-not upholstered-$950. Cotton sheets-the set comes with one sheet and two pillow cases $18.95 for a queen. The biggest shock is stainless steel kitchen utensils like cooking spoons or whisks. The spoons are $1.75 (I pay about $12 in the US) and a large whisk was $2.15. Stainless tea kettle was $9.45. Nice heavy weight drinking glasses were $1.35-$1.70 depending on size. A gorgeous teak table that seats six was $760. The chairs depending on style were $39-$45. I can’t believe the chair prices. Since they don’t carry small tables at the store that had teak, we won’t be getting teak.

Ron came home from work feeling crummy so headed off to bed. I had dinner using room service. My meal was vegetable biriyani with black chicken curry and tomato and onion salad, all for a whopping $4.00! The curry here is not like Indian curry. I don’t think I’ve seen a yellow curry yet. The black curry is delicious and quite spicy. I can’t wait to learn how to make it. That’s about it for the day.