Still playing catch-up...
Last week, Krista, Sandile and I returned from a trip to Seattle where we met with PATH, an important potential partner for the manufacture and production of HIV self-test kits, and Microsoft Research to discuss the use of their 2D barcode technology (Tag) as a means to track kits and tester follow-through and create better linkage to care. There was quite a bit of drama leading up to the two meetings – would Sandile get a visa, would he get it in time; who's coming, who's not; how do we tell PATH what we're doing without telling them what we're doing – but in the end, it all worked out. Okay, that is an understatement. Both meetings could not have gone better, and afterward, we did not attempt to suppress our excitement – there was no shortage of spontaneous rejoicing.
In addition to two very successful meetings, we got loads of other work done (thanks in part to our very quiet, comfortable rented home) and had time enough to make sure Sandile got a complete Pacific Northwest experience – Pike Place Market, Starbucks, ferry, mountains, trees, seafood and even gluttonous feast in Chinatown with Krista's childhood friend, Jim Kuo.
Once the hard work was through, it was time for some fun. On our first free day, we jumped into the car with a bag full of snacks and headed out for the Olympic Mountains. We opted for the shorter, more enjoyable route across Puget Sound and took a ferry. Sandile had never been on a boat before, let alone in a car on a boat. It was a very exciting start to the trip.
Once across the sound we continued on to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, where went for a walk, popped a few mountaintop yoga asanas and generally just stood in awe of our surroundings. It was perfect, with the exception of the lack of bears.
After taking one day to run errands and purchase much-needed supplies, like bristol board and pink duct tape, we head back out to the mountains – this time, to the Northern Cascades. It was our last day, and we wanted to make the most of it. By this time, Sandile had traded his usual breakfast of sausage and fried eggs for granola with soy milk. Actually, I'm not sure if he chose to eat that – or if we had just run out of eggs... But the point is, he ate it, and he may have even liked it. I thought that took more guts than trying clams for the first time.
It took nearly three hours to get to Lake Diablo, but it was well worth it. The crystal blue lake set within the snow-capped Cascade Mountains was one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and we had it all to ourselves. If Lake Diablo were anywhere near NY, it would be packed full of people and food trucks and it would cost $20 just to get close. But our only company was a older couple and their dog, who looked like they sat by that lake every weekend. And it only cost us a tank of gas and a pit stop chip-which on the way home. Pretty good deal.
A friend asked me if this trip made me miss the US or if I was anxious to return to South Africa. My answer was, "A little of both." The US will always be my home and I totally stocked up on all of my favorite American things – Sharpies, Post-its, Trader Joe's pumpking bread mix – but I was very glad to be back in South Africa. When Sandile and I pulled up to the Annex, fresh off the plane, Mam T came out to greet us. It was a sincerely joyous reunion. I am often reminded of lucky I am to be here – seeing Mam T's face when we got out of the car was no exception.
Last week, Krista, Sandile and I returned from a trip to Seattle where we met with PATH, an important potential partner for the manufacture and production of HIV self-test kits, and Microsoft Research to discuss the use of their 2D barcode technology (Tag) as a means to track kits and tester follow-through and create better linkage to care. There was quite a bit of drama leading up to the two meetings – would Sandile get a visa, would he get it in time; who's coming, who's not; how do we tell PATH what we're doing without telling them what we're doing – but in the end, it all worked out. Okay, that is an understatement. Both meetings could not have gone better, and afterward, we did not attempt to suppress our excitement – there was no shortage of spontaneous rejoicing.
 |
| No big deal |
In addition to two very successful meetings, we got loads of other work done (thanks in part to our very quiet, comfortable rented home) and had time enough to make sure Sandile got a complete Pacific Northwest experience – Pike Place Market, Starbucks, ferry, mountains, trees, seafood and even gluttonous feast in Chinatown with Krista's childhood friend, Jim Kuo.
 |
| Early morning, quiet kitchen |
 |
| Skyping with the team back in SA – the most relaxed call we've ever had |
Once the hard work was through, it was time for some fun. On our first free day, we jumped into the car with a bag full of snacks and headed out for the Olympic Mountains. We opted for the shorter, more enjoyable route across Puget Sound and took a ferry. Sandile had never been on a boat before, let alone in a car on a boat. It was a very exciting start to the trip.
Once across the sound we continued on to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, where went for a walk, popped a few mountaintop yoga asanas and generally just stood in awe of our surroundings. It was perfect, with the exception of the lack of bears.
 |
| On the ferry |
 |
| Puget Sound |
 |
| The Olympics |
After taking one day to run errands and purchase much-needed supplies, like bristol board and pink duct tape, we head back out to the mountains – this time, to the Northern Cascades. It was our last day, and we wanted to make the most of it. By this time, Sandile had traded his usual breakfast of sausage and fried eggs for granola with soy milk. Actually, I'm not sure if he chose to eat that – or if we had just run out of eggs... But the point is, he ate it, and he may have even liked it. I thought that took more guts than trying clams for the first time.
It took nearly three hours to get to Lake Diablo, but it was well worth it. The crystal blue lake set within the snow-capped Cascade Mountains was one of the most beautiful places I had ever been, and we had it all to ourselves. If Lake Diablo were anywhere near NY, it would be packed full of people and food trucks and it would cost $20 just to get close. But our only company was a older couple and their dog, who looked like they sat by that lake every weekend. And it only cost us a tank of gas and a pit stop chip-which on the way home. Pretty good deal.
A friend asked me if this trip made me miss the US or if I was anxious to return to South Africa. My answer was, "A little of both." The US will always be my home and I totally stocked up on all of my favorite American things – Sharpies, Post-its, Trader Joe's pumpking bread mix – but I was very glad to be back in South Africa. When Sandile and I pulled up to the Annex, fresh off the plane, Mam T came out to greet us. It was a sincerely joyous reunion. I am often reminded of lucky I am to be here – seeing Mam T's face when we got out of the car was no exception.
Sounds like you guys had an amazing trip! The view from the mountains is beautiful. I can only imagine what it must have felt like in person.
ReplyDeleteGlad the meeting went well, and good call on the pink duct tape ;)
Love you.
J