Valentia: Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

My bottle had a misprinted date. I did contact them,
and everything was worked out.

I have been using Valentia products for some time. This review is for their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer ($25.00/4oz here). Normally my reviews are done after 30 days, but there has been a lot going on, which I will address in a different post. Therefore, this has been about two months in the making. After my typical day and night cleansing routine I apply this combined with their Night Revive Retinol Serum. The pump controls the amount of product dispensed. Typically I use two to three pumps. Texturally, this lightweight moisturizer feels similar to a light lotion, and has a slightly citrusy-floral scent. I don’t find that it makes my skin oily after it is applied, but every skin type is different. This moisturizer absorbs fast, and I have noticed that my face looks more even, but I don’t really feel a difference. Ingredients like kojic acid, Vitamin E, shea butter, and green tea work together to help brighten, moisturize, and protect all skin types. If you would like to read the full ingredients list, click here. You can also stay in touch with Valentia by visiting their Instagram and Facebook page.

The amount from one pump.

Since the weather has been changing, my skin is starting to become more dry along my hairline and at the start of my eyebrows. I hate it because it looks like I’m peeling. How do I combat it? Well, most use Clarisonic a couple or few times per week. I use it daily, as it does most of the work. If I don’t use Clarisonic for a couple of days, my skin gets worse. That being said, I also need a stronger moisturizer. I couple Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Dry/Very Dry Skin. They keep my skin hydrated and the dryness lasts for about a week. Prior to this regimen, it would last for at least a month.

What are your weather-changing skincare go-tos?

Stay beautiful!

**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Powered by BrandBacker**

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RevivHair Placode Booster Serum Review

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

Thanks to RevivSerums and BrandBacker, I was able to try out RevivHair Placode Booster Serum. My hair is thin, but I have a lot of it. Due to medications, my hair has been falling out, and I have issues with my scalp. Whenever the weather changes, my scalp goes crazy, and it takes a medicated shampoo to help things. This serum is supposed to encourage new hair growth, strengthen hair against breakage, and help problem scalps. The serum contains various peptides and act ingredients that are meant to revitalize, strengthen, etc. You can read more about the product here. The box includes enough for 30 days and a syringe, and you have to use it daily for best results.

Day 1: My hair is a bit frizzy (thanks to the weather).
The pictures were taken with an iPhone 7 Plus w/flash.

I used the product at night, after I showered. After drawing 1mL into the syringe I applied it to my scalp. The serum was cooling, but only for a few minutes. I worked the serum in with my fingertips, giving my scalp a nice massage. I washed my hands, rinsed out the applicator, put the lid back on the vial, and went to sleep. In the morning, on days I wouldn’t shower after waking up (sometimes I shower at night and then in the morning) I would style my hair as usual. Because of the texture of the serum, I expected my roots to be oily, but they weren’t.

End of Week 4: Instead of having
my hair up, I put it down. It looks like
there was no change, but it definitely feels fuller.

After the end of Week 2: My hair looks
lighter than it is. I can’t see a difference
at all, but my hair did start to feel different.

While my hair didn’t (and doesn’t) look different, I do think that it feels thicker. The change in thickness was something I noticed about a week in. Don’t expect results overnight. It has not affected the hair loss, and I didn’t really expect it to seeing as the loss is due to medication. If you are sensitive to smells, the serum has that slightly sweet, generic haircare scent. You will also want to read the ingredient list and ask any questions in case your scalp is sensitive. I wonder how my hair will be since I have stopped using the product. My assumption is that my hair will return back to the way ti was since the treatment isn’t being maintained. The site recommends maintaining treatment three times per week after the first 30 days. Overall, the product did most of what it said it would, though I don’t really see any difference. On the plus side, my hair does feel fuller.

The serum system is currently on sale for $44.00 (normally $79.00). Have you tried this? Let me know your thoughts on hair revitalizing serums.

Stay beautiful!

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Minimal (Zero) Waste Swaps & Repurposing

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

I am currently writing an opinion piece on the Zero Waste Movement and minimalism. Until then, I thought I would post up some of the things I have purchased that help control the chaos in my tiny space. While I have some issues with zero (I prefer minimal) waste, there are some things to be said for it. Here are some products you may be interested in:

1. Facekins

Image courtesy of Connie @ Facekins.

I really love these, and have purchased a few packs (7/pack). Yes, they come packaged in plastic, but that’s okay. Each pad is cut, hand-sewn, and packaged by hand in the USA by founder Connie and her team–no factory involved at all. These reusable, washable face pads are ultra-soft and virtually stain-resistant. They are perfect for travel, and will last ages. Facekins will save you from having to buy cotton balls, and can be used twice before washing. Use one side in the morning, the other at night, wash it, and let it dry. You can also toss them in with your washing.

2. Reusable Bags

image courtesy of badpickletees.com

We have been lucky to have received several reusable bags/totes from various events. I have used them for shopping, as a purse, and while we travel. I love how compact they are, and most are relatively durable. When they get dirty, just pop them in the wash with your next load of clothes!

3. Jars

I just love this jar from Mini Monster at the Anaheim Packing District!
It holds about the same amount of liquid as a Trenta at Starbucks.

Before hipsters popularized jars, we would keep and reuse the glass kind, especially if they had a metal cap. We still do, but over time I have had to buy some to replace those that have broken. I use them for drinks, picnics, and travel (except on airlines since some won’t allow them). It’s a spill-proof way to take what you need. They also take up less space, and they can be washed & reused after.

4. Feminine Hygiene Products

Hopefully this helps to
show the capacity differences.

Large (green) and Small (clear).

Yes, I periodically purchase liners (I don’t like the feeling of reusable pads/liners. They remind me of those huge bricks that we had before ultra thin pads came out), and I have tampons in case someone needs them since I no longer use them at all. That being said, I prefer to use a period cup. Years ago I had tried them (read more about that, here) and it was the worst experience ever. I also dislike tampons in general– a plug that absorbs blood seems more gross to me than a cup that will hold it, plus, I was more prone to leaks with tampons. For years I only used pads. I figured I would just let it flow out, since that’s what nature intended anyway, but it’s not always easy to get to a restroom every 30 minutes or so. The first 2-3 days are extremely heavy for me, so I am always in need of a restroom. My favorite cup is Anytime (yes, they are manufactured in China, and have the testing reports if you want them). I have four (4) total: 2 small and 2 large– it’s better to have a couple of extras in case of travel or they get lost. The large cup holds more than the Lena, which I also have, and is the most comfortable for my body. Menstrual cups will stain over time (it happens), but that doesn’t mean they need to be thrown out.

5. BeautyBlender & Blotterazzi

Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com

Since BeautyBlender was introduced, I have been using them. I love that they are reusable, washable, and perfect for personal. you can use them in a professional setting, but for sanitary purposes, I recommend only using disposable. If you have the extra disposable income, you can give the used one to your clients, which I have done in the past. Depending on the set, it may be easier to use disposable sponges, but I’ve found that these little beauties last for ages, and provide a flawless finish. They also work well in place of oil blotting papers. They’ve recently launched Blotterazzi, which I like, but could have just used a sponge since they are essentially the same thing.

6. Miscellaneous/Re-purposing

I also purchase drinks that come in packaging where I can get the CRV back. The packaging is recycled, and we get some money back in return. I use LUSH knot-wraps as handbags, lunch sacks, and hair accessories. Empty medication bottles are perfect for storing toothpaste tablets, Q-tips, and more when you travel. They are also great for storing screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware in your toolbox. Just don’t forget to label them. It’s not a swap, but a repurposed item, which saves money. I have also repurposed my letter trays for makeup and skincare, which stacks easily on the bathroom counter.

—–

What are your favorite zero-waste swaps? Do you re-purpose? Let me know in the comments.

Stay beautiful!

Mini Haul: Ursa Major VT

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

I love, love, love Ursa Major VT. They have amazing skincare (read my first review here) that reminds me of being in the woods. Many of their products have a pine-y note. Even if woodsy scents aren’t your thing, you will love their face wash, body wash, and my personal favorite– face wipes. The face wipes are cooling, hydrating, exfoliating, and make perfect travel buddies. I used them while I was away, and they were the best. If you need to freshen up, no matter where you are, the little wipe will meet your needs.

Anyway, I had a promo code and knew that I wanted to get some things. This mini haul, I purchased a shirt, citrus body wash, and a bag of wipes. Since you can choose samples at checkout, I picked: A wipe, sticker, and bob of matches. They also had an awesome promo for a free travel deodorant, so I got that as well. I am really excited to try the deodorant as it smells so fresh! The shirt (American Apparel) is VERY soft and will probably be a new favorite. They do run a bit big, so if you like more form-fitting shirts, I suggest going down a size. In case you were wondering, they are unisex.

Have you tried Ursa Major VT? If you have a favorite (or any questions), let me know!

It’s Almost Fall!

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over, and it’s already September. Where did the summer go? Where I am, it still feels like summer, which means we can still hit the beach. At some point I will have a “What’s in My Beach Bag” post, and depending on where you are, you can prepare for the upcoming beach (or lake) weather.

I love the fall (or autumn). While the trees don’t really change much (where I am) until around November/December, the weather cools off, and fun fall decor is in stock. Recently, I went to Disneyland, and they had several Halloween-themed items.

Once the weather beings to cool down, we can break out the warmer clothes. I also love the colors. There are also fun color palettes that are released, and while I think that pretty much anything can be worn regardless of the season, there is something about a plum lip that looks extra special during the season. Neutrals, oranges, greens, plums, etc. takes the place of the lighter summer colors. Everything has a real warmth to it that persists through winter. For me, fall sets the tone for the holiday season– like a kick-start to the rest of the year.

I will be having a giveaway soon, reviews, food finds, and some other fun things coming up.

Stay beautiful!

Foodie Finds: Anaheim Packing District

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

So, I’m a little late discussing the Anaheim Packing District. I went for the first time last night, and it was something. I was expecting it to be a bit more open in terms of space. Every inch of space has either a food/drink/merchandise stand or is covered with tables, chairs, and swings (yes, SWINGS!). It’s a foodie paradise in a way because there are so many options. Unfortunately I only tried two places because I arrived about an hour before closing. I will have more pictures of the interior next time I go, since there aren’t any of downstairs, except for where I ate.

Giant chickens were on either side of the doors!

Upstairs, right.

Upstairs, left.

Strawberry lemonade w/boba
& cotton candy, in a jar.

A sticky mess that ended up on me sweater.

First stop: Mini Monster. They were running out of jars, and had run out of vegan Thai Tea. That was the one thing I wanted to try. Instead I had the strawberry lemonade. The same given tasted better than what I got, perhaps because it was more concentrated. Anyway, since it was my first time, I got my drink in a jar ($2.00 extra) & added the cloud, which is just some cotton candy (also extra). There were also options to add Fruity Pebbles or Tajin. The novelty of the cotton candy quickly wore off, as it became a sticky mess after it was gone. The residue mixed with the condensation. You can imagine what that was like. Fun for one’s first time, but I wouldn’t get it again. Since my drink wasn’t really sweet–it was actually a bit watered down, I added the cotton candy to it. There wasn’t much boba either. On the plus-side, there were a lot of strawberries. Their cotton candy was okay. Not as melt-in-your-mouth as the stuff from theme parks. I want to say the whole drink was around $10.00. Yes, that is insanely expensive, but considering the jar is take-home, it was worth it. I heard they give a discount if you come back and use it. They also had split cups. I was tempted to get one with two different drinks in order to try everything that they had, but I didn’t. There is quite a gap between the halves (it’s not a cup with a divider inside), and you don’t get a whole lot of liquid. Plus, I’m not sure if the cup is reusable.

Hot pot!

Next it was time for dinner. There were so many places to choose from. I wanted to try the poutine because it’s one of my favorite dishes. One place had all kinds of poutine: chicken pot pie, katsu curry, and others. There was also a pho place, a bar, ramen, and many more options. Decided on hot pot at Rolling Boil. It’s good quality, but for the price I expected a lot more. I was satisfied at the end, but could have had a little bit more to eat. My broth combo was sukiyaki & miso (I mixed 2 broths together). The sukiyaki definitely overpowered the miso. Just by looking at it, I could tell there wasn’t enough miso, but it was still tasty. Sukiyaki is sweet, so I figured the miso would balance that out because it’s saltier. You get to pick two sauces, and I chose the goma (sesame) and ponzu. For protein, I picked the 4pcs each/2 types: New York steak and Gulf Shrimp. The proteins were very good. I was a bit iffy getting seafood because you never know, but it was very fresh– definitely recommend trying it. According to the server, everything is made from scratch. Yes, I would go back…even though the prices are ridiculous ($17/my order). Next time I will try a noodle soup and the s’mores mochi balls (s’mocha).

The insert. Sorry about the liquid on it.
Happens when it’s tilted w/the cap on.

The bottle w/iced chai latte.

There was also a smoothie/shave ice place. They had these really cute bottles. I’m a sucker for reusable bottles, and at $3.00, I figured it’d be worth the purchase. They had a few of them. This one says, “i am Awesome”. It also has a neat little insert to keep ice from hitting you in the face.

*Parking is definitely at a premium. The lot fills up fast, but there is street parking if you’re lucky enough to find a space. When you go, give time for parking, especially if you get there later at night.

Have you been? What’s your favorite place to go?

LUSH Kitchen Mini Haul

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

This little box o’ happiness
came sooner than I expected.

A look inside the box.

I recently made a purchase through the Lush UK site. Even with shipping the products can be cheaper. Things have changed, so the difference isn’t as good as it used to be, but I digress. About a week ago I bought a few things, and the parcel arrived exactly 7 days after it was dispatched. I’m not sure if every product is unwrapped when it ships, but everything was this time (except for the soap). When I have placed orders in the past, products were usually wrapped in a cellulose film with an ingredient list sticker. I digress… What’s in the box? Well, let’s take a look!

The products, unboxed!

1. Mouthwash Tabs

Two of the three they offered.

More fun little Polaroid cards…
not sure what to do with them.

Both of these mouthwash tabs have menthol in them. If you aren’t a fan, then I suggest skipping them the next time they are available. Personally, I love menthol– it opens up my sinuses. To use them, pop one in your mouth sip some water. Next, chew it up, just as you would with a toothy tab. Swish, spit, and you’re ready to go! These are are less compressed than the toothy tabs, and break up quite fast. You can also feel them fizz because of the combination of ingredients. Each bottle contains approximately 75 tabs. The were a Kitchen item, and I don’t think they’re available anymore. But, they may bring it back.

Creme de Menthe

Green, shimmery, and minty!

These little tabs really pack a punch. They are very minty because they contain peppermint powder AND peppermint oil. My mouth was first hit by the saltiness of the baking soda. Next came the menthol, followed by mint and a hint of sweet. The cooling effect lasted for about 30 minutes. I think that is mostly because I didn’t have anything to eat or drink in that time.

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

Light, shimmery yellow tabs!

This product smells like a lemon & menthol cough drop. They have a real Asian herbalist quality to them. Because of the sweetener, there is a definite diet-taste to them. Initially I was hit by sour/salty flavor, followed by a stinging sensation and that sweet, diet flavor. It, literally, tastes like a super strong Ricola (save for the diet part). My mouth felt refreshed thanks to the menthol, but there was a little bit of grit, simply because of the formula. This tab didn’t foam as much as I expected it to, but I could feel it breaking apart, due to the acids and baking soda reacting with the liquid. There was also an aftertaste of diet-y sweetness, lemon, and menthol, but it didn’t last more than about 10 minutes for me.

2. Hairy McClairy Solid Shampoo

I think this looks like a light green, melting Rice Krispy bar.

During Valentine’s there was a product that smelled remarkably similar to this shampoo, mixed with something else that I can’t pinpoint. Maybe Prince Charming? Ugh, I can’t remember. This solid shampoo is supposed to help with testy scalps, and because of the weather, my scalp is really off. I have been using it every other day. It does do a thorough job of cleaning my hair, and leaves it conditioned and shiny. I have noticed that my hair doesn’t get greasy as fast (thanks to an oily scalp), but no other noticeable changes. Maybe it takes more than a few washes to see the change.

3. Soap

Hippy Cold-Pressed Soap

I think that’s supposed to be a lion in the center…

This is probably one of my least favorite products, scent-wise. It’s very strong of patchouli, and reminds me of the lumber department at Home Depot. I have not used it because I actually bought it for a friend. I’m sure you’re wondering why I would say something negative that I bought for someone else. Well, she loves patchouli, so I figured it would be the perfect for her. Sadly, the center doesn’t look like anything recognizable…

Quinquireme of Nineveh

Sam made the soap!

The smell of this milky, white soap reminds me of Trichomania. It contains coconut, orange and vanilla oils, as well as other nourishing ingredients. I really want to try this on my hair to see how it works out. I liked the little Polaroid card with the photo of who made the soap (Sam).

4. Solid Conditioners

I have tried the U.S versions of these two solid conditioners, and wanted to see if the formula was any different. I have purchased Ocean Salt from the U.S. and U.K. stores, and both were different. The U.K. version had more salt and was a different color. One thing I have noticed with the solid conditioners is that I really only notice its effectiveness after my hair is completely dry. The same hold for the Avocado Co-Wash (read more about that here).

Sugar Daddy-O

Goes great with the Daddy-O shampoo.

This bar matches the shampoo in color (minus the shimmer) and fragrance. It is supposed to be more for blondes as it helps to rid tame brassy tones. The shampoo was great for my hair (brown w/gold & red tones) as it kept it shiny and beautiful. I have yet to try this conditioner, but I hope it works as well as the U.S. one.

The Plumps

Got about ½ as much as the Daddy-O . *sad*

I have been using this for the past three days, and I have not noticed a difference (yet). The scent is really indescribable; earthy/herbal with a sweet finish is the best I can describe it. The scent does not linger in my hair. While my hair feels conditioned, it is NOT more voluminous. Also, if you’re thinking that the bar will look like the picture, it doesn’t as far as the color is concerned. It is a much deeper pink. Do you remember the Easter LifeSavers? The pink one was cotton candy, and that’s what the photo reminded me of.

5. Samples

Thank you so much to
whoever provided all of these!

In the comments box, I asked to sample the new toothy tabs, since we don’t have them in the U.S. yet. They were kind enough to send me samples of ALL of the tooth products! Obviously I have not tried them yet, but as I do, I will provide updates. I think it’s interesting that they have left the Toothy Tabs in their pre-pressed, powder form, and have pressed nearly all of the new flavors.

Limelight

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

BOOM!

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

Oral Pleasure

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

Atomic (powder)

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

Ultrablast (powder)

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

BLING!

BLING! tabs are covered in a light gold shimmer powder.

Between the old tabs and this one, I have to say this is one of my least favorites. I was excited because I love orange, well anything citrusy really. I should have realized, though, that the guarana powder and frankincense oil would overpower the flavor. I do like the tab easily broke apart when I chewed it, unlike the old ones. The old tabs would leave me spitting out big chunks of product no matter how much I chewed them.

Miles of Smiles

Image courtesy of lush.co.uk

Tooth Fairy (powder)

Not the best photo. You can’t see the sparkles, but they’re there.

Have you used any of the new LUSH products? Let me know if you have a new favorite, or what you’d like to try.

Stay beautiful!

Razer Blade Stealth

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

In case you didn’t know, I L-O-V-E Razer. They make wonderful, efficient gaming gear among other products. I have pretty much everything Chroma. Is it necessary? No, but it’s aesthetically pleasing; plus, there are millions of color options. Who doesn’t love customization? When the Razer Blade Stealth was unveiled at CES, it won a “Best of CES; Best PC” award. They then made history, as Razer won their sixth consecutive “Best of CES” award. I am so proud to know the people behind the brand.

Image courtesy of razerzone.com

The Stealth currently on sale, which varies in price (i.e. $1,599.99 reduced to $1,449.99 for 512GB, UHD). Side note: If you have the student discount, save it. The current sale price is a better option. You also get FL Studio 12 included with your purchase. I was fortunate enough to get one, and all I can say is, “WOW!” The picture clarity is amazing– minute details I never knew were there are visible. It weighs in at 2.75 pounds compared to the MacBook Air, which weighs 2.38 pounds. Currently there is no hardshell case for it, but some companies offer skins. The one brand with the highest reviews is dbrand. They have some fun customization options, and can be re-adjusted. I wish it had come with a sleeve or something to protect it, even though most laptops/ultrabooks do not.

This ultrabook is incredible! The touchscreen is very receptive. I need to get a screen protector; don’t know about you, but fingerprints on the screen drives me nuts. The backlighting on the keys can be adjusted, and there are millions of combinations to make it your own. You can customize profiles to fit your wants. I have a profile for WoW, which only lights up keys used for MMORPGs (there are various gaming settings). I also have one for daily use, which is spectrum cycling, that cycles through all different colors. There is also a breathing option, where the colors pulsate. Options that I haven’t listed are noted here. My desktop setup has the colors sync together (keyboard, mouse, headphones, mousepad).

The downside to the Stealth is that it does heat up quite fast. If you have it on your lap, it might burn your legs. I always use a stand (it came with a fan), so it’s not an issue for me. I highly recommend getting one if you decide to purchase this. I also read that the battery life is not the greatest (unplugged), but I generally always have my laptops plugged in. Fingerprints definitely show on the outer parts of the ultrabook, which isn’t pretty, but that’s why they have skins. Should you decide to purchase the Stealth (especially if you’re a gamer), I recommend getting the 512GB, since space is limited already, and the last thing you want is a computer without space. The first thing I installed was WoW, and it actually plays even without the Razer Core. In case you were wondering, I did not purchase the Core simply because of the price. As much as I love Razer, it seems as though they are starting to price themselves out.

Pros:

Visual quality/clarity
Gaming capabilities
Chroma (not necessary, but it’s beautiful!)
Speaker quality/clarity
Small power brick (fabric-covered cord)
Lightweight
Travel-friendly
HDMI port
2 USB ports

Cons:

Can overheat fast
Battery life is low
Generally does not play high-end games without the Core

I’m sure there are more cons, but overall this has been one of my favorite products. I have only had it for a couple of days, so after more use I will update this post.

Do you have the Stealth or a Razer system? What are your thoughts?

Did Someone Say, "DEMON HUNTER"?!

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

It seems like just yesterday Legion was announced at BlizzCon, and now we can finally create Demon Hunters. I am a couple of days late on this, but I am still super excited about Demon Hunters in WoW. I haven’t created a character yet, but I will in the next couple of days. Currently, Demon Hunters can only be Blood Elves or Night Elves, but I’m hoping that changes. How awesome would it be to have a Gnome Demon Hunter?! I think s/he would be simply adorable…and deadly. If you would like to learn more about Demon Hunters, wowhead.com has a breakdown that you can read here.

Image courtesy of wowhead.com

There are also new cinematics, and the loss of prominent figures for both Horde and Alliance. If you would like to see the Broken Shore cinematic, courtesy of Robor, click below.

Once I have a character, I will post its progress as well as my opinions. What are you looking forward to most with Legion? Have you created your Demon Hunter?

#GamersUnite

Italy, Day 7b: Lake Maggiore

00.0000.00 / darphynia / Leave a comment

Day 7b: Lake Maggiore

**I wrote this when I got to the hotel, hence the tense.**

Our patio.

The room. Yes, there are 2 beds.

A view of the lake from the patio.

After quite a lengthy drive from our last hotel near Venice, we arrived at Hotel Simplon, which overlooks Lake Maggiore. The ceiling was made of stained glass, and the dining hall reminded me of a fancy hall from a 1940’s movie: chandeliers, white tablecloths, and a view of the yard and mountains. Did I mention that it has been raining all day with few breaks? It is currently pouring outside the room. Unfortunately, due to the rain, we were not able to utilize the outdoor patio area. It’s so lovely, and even has AstroTurf! A small fence separates the patios from the rest of the yard. It is located in the mountains, but (if you haven’t been here) it’s not quite what you think. They aren’t mountains like we know them in California. The roads were not as steep and windy as I had anticipated. The air feels like that mountains, similar to Big Bear– crisp and clean. The trees are reminiscent of the mountains, but it doesn’t seem to be high altitude. I actually don’t know enough about the region to say. Regardless, it is a beautiful place, and I wish we could be here more than two nights. Dinner is being provided tonight. More on that after it happens. My friends and I are about to go to the market.

We are back from the market. I bought some chips (a Roasted Chicken and a Ketchup flavored), Fanta (it tastes like Orangina! Why don’t we have this kind of Fanta?!), and some mints. If I could have, I would have bought my cat some food, mostly because the packaging– it the shape of a cat’s head. I will post a photo of that below. It’s time to get ready for dinner. I really hope it’s good. Every provided meal has been hit-and-miss.

Such cute packaging!

So dinner was mediocre. I started out with the vegetable soup, which was very bland. I don’t remember the other option, but it was better than the soup. For our main course we had a choice between veal and fish. I don’t eat either, but I tried the fish since it was supposed to not be fishy. It wasn’t, but there were so many bones. I think that deboning a fish fillet should be mandatory worldwide. Anyway, after spending about 10 minutes picking out the bones I was able to eat it. The fish was served with green beans and potatoes. Dessert was canned fruit cocktail with some fresh fruit thrown in, and topped with ice cream. I shouldn’t complain about the food because there are plenty of starving people in the world. My gripe is, when you are paying for quality (it’s not free, but included in the price you pay for the tour, making it sound “free”), you should get quality. And while that definition isn’t “black and white”, the food should have been seasoned at least.