In Celebration of Cheese, Alex and Baseball

Cheese: The word hit the streets of Nouakchott and the halls of the embassy. Supermarché Chinguetti Panda has a new shipment of cheese. But we've never been to The Chinguetti Panda Supermarché. No problem. We know where it is and will check it out.

I ran in one night while everyone stayed in the car. Sure enough, I found the so-called dairy section stocked with different cheeses. Gouda? Not a big deal; Imitation Kraft slices? No way; Boursin? Not taking the risk, only one left and who knows how long it's been there; Emmental? Nothing special there, it's available everywhere; Why? What's this? It looks like parmesan. Hmm. 1980 ouguiya -- about six bucks -- not cheap for seven ounces. We'll try one.

We got home and tried it out. Yum. Grana Padano. Hello, Mr. Wikipedia, tell us what you know: "Grana Padano (IPA: [ˈɡraːna paˈdaːno]) is one of the most popular Denominazione di Origine Controllata cheeses of Italy. The name comes from the noun grana (‘grain’), which refers to the distinctively grainy texture of the cheese, and the adjective Padano, which refers to the valley Pianura Padana." We need more.

Fortunately, I had to run to work. Stores stay open really late here and 11 PM was the perfect time. I was conservative: I only bought five. Plus, we couldn't spend all our cash on cheese.

Alex: Each month, the school has an assembly where all the parents are invited and the kids perform songs, play instruments, read poems or do other fun presentations. Also, the student of the month is named. This student is recognized for good school spirit, respect of teachers, the director and hard work. Alex sat there as the director explained the reasons why "this student" was being recognized. He continued to sit there patiently even after his name was called. The director ended up coming up to Alex and presenting Alex with his certificate. We don't think he really understood what student of the month means.

Baseball: Not so much a celebration but it was an opportunity for us to get out of the house with the three older kids (Natalie was home with a sitter). Julie sat under an umbrella and watched Nick play. Aaron was the first base ump and Olivia and Alex played with friends. We all had a good time and Nick got a home run! His team won. Only two more games left. Nick's team, Les Lions, is running neck and neck with Les Tigres. We'll see who wins the championship on Friday.

Mmmmmmmmmm. Hard cheese.

Alex with his certificate.


Alex's friend Shims came over for a playdate on Saturday.

Nick hitting his homerun.

Alex enjoying the game.

Nick at the far right playing first base. Note the dude walking ON TOP of the wall.

The lineup for the "Les Ours"

Julie enjoyed a little shade under our Little Tikes picnic table umbrella.