Having fun in Qingdao!
Yes, I am in here in Seattle and have been here over a week. Yes I am slow. Been dealing with a little issue called Immersion feet/trench foot and been seeing some great old friends, ex-students and life has been crazy. For those not familiar with trench foot, it became popular in WWI in the army with soldiers always in wet boots, wet socks and cold weather. So yes I have been in wet boots, wet socks and definitely cold weather the past several weeks. It is very painful and I was REALLY glad we finished the race and got to Seattle when we did as I was in the Painful stage and not able to sleep at all due to pain. However, once good friend Nancy Rumbel got me to her house and then to medical clinic I got the proper instructions and medication to get better. Life is much better but several days of barely being able to walk and at one point crawling to bathroom was not fun. All is good now! So here we go.
In Qingdao I also had the privilege of going to a farm area where they raised strawberries. But first a visit to oldest temple.
Tree outside the oldest temple in Qingdao
Interesting way to donate at the Temple
Our tour guide (in the robe) answering questions
Just giving you some views.
I am thinking this animal figure must be important.
Then on to the Strawberry farm (actually a total farm setting where they grow many varieties of fresh produce) where we were once again provided a ceremonial entrance.
Flags and our favorite drum and cymbal corps!
Cool!
A little art work happening at the farm.
Judith picking strawberries grown vertically on boards
Me doing it the back breaking way
Yep, they were good!
Hard work pays off and the strawberries made it all the way to the boat. Well, most of them did!
They had a little barnyard with goats, rabbits, chickens, etc. and this amazing peacock. Sorry you cannot see in person.
Our fun drummers were wanting a few lessons while I was there
Cymbals a bit strange for me.
Along with others, Judith was my student.
And then they took us to lunch!
The food just kept coming.
I am going to take a bit of a break and will return later to get out of Qingdao and on to the race to Seattle. See you in a bit.
Journey of a Lifetime 
I wish you a speedy recovery! Love the pictures and love that you were able to share with them your percussion skills!!
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Way to go! Not that Seattle is necessarily the go to destination for drying out your feet.
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What an adventure! I’m so sorry for you sad feet.
Nancy Rumbel probably doesn’t remember me, but I believe we were Girl Scouts together at Camp La Jita! I love to listen to her music, and have followed her through the years.
LInda (you know I really want to use that other name!) your trip has been something that I have been sharing with my dad. He loves to hear what is happening and is amazed at the trials and tribulations, and the wonders of nature that you are experiencing. We (the Bottenberg clan) are wishing you good and safe sailing!
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Yes Nancy remembers you and having a picture of the two of you in a mouse costume taken. Yes you were in camp together!
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Besides camp it must have been ballet with Miss Matlock!
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Now you’re in our “neck of the woods”…however, we’re on the east side of the Cascades. Your friend, John, mentioned that Seattle would not be the place to dry out your feet. From what I’ve seen on the news, Seattle is experiencing some early in the year higher temperatures currently. We have been breaking records on the east side as well. Take care of yourself, Linda! Without a healthy pair of feet, your sailing “sole” will also suffer and need to “heel”… march on!!
Sharon and John
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Linda, I’m glad you are getting your feet taken care of. I cannot imagine having to function with so much pain in your feet. Living here in the desert I have no idea about wet socks, wet shoes or cold, and I don’t want to learn in person the lessons that come with those factors.
You looked like you were having fun with the drummers.
Texas is just finishing up concert contest season. That should tell you what many of your friends have been doing for the past month. Your voyage sounds like lots more fun, even with trench foot, or maybe not. We think of you often. Be of good cheer, and have fun this last three months of your voyage of a lifetime.
Love, Barbara and Rick
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Linda, we are so sorry to hear about your foot problems. It sounds really painful. It is good to hear that you are getting appropriate medical treatment. I hope that you will be healthy enough that you are able to continue the race.We will keep rooting for you.
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All better and definitely continuing the race! Looking forward to hearing about your upcoming adventure.
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