Princess Flower (Tibouchina urvilleana), native to Brazil.

Ah but the branches are central to the interesting composition.

You are so good, Bill! This sure looks like it. It even has ‘china’ as part of its name, which looks conclusive to me.

I think it is some species of glory bush, native to South America, but that is as close as I have been able to find searching on line.

https://www.thespruce.com/grow-tibouchina-plants-indoors-1902496

Cardamon is a spice mainly used in cooking. There is green cardamon and black cardamon. To me, it has a flavor / aroma similar to juniper berries.

I’ve been imagining you and Bruce sitting around the fireplace, saying ‘Go to the night market, ya big dummy!’ For the past few weeks. I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the journal in spite of all my whining, and thanks for all your encouragement. See you soon!

So the good news is that it doesn’t eat much or take up much space, and is quite well behaved. You obviously brought it up well. We’ll Add it to the optional items section on the packing list and see what happens in the spring.

Yes. I thought of you almost immediately when I saw mosquitoes hovering around, Em.

I love the pics of the night market. Can you get noodle bowls or soups? I think I would be good with those. I don't really do anything fried very well - I think chicken feet would probably be a no go on top of that. I will miss your journals while you are refreshing, but I do look forward to catching up on the past few months. Safe travels home - best of luck avoiding plane flu.

Good idea to get out of there. I can definitely say that flaviviruses can be brutal.

Just got a message from the GBO (we communicate telepathically) and he said he definitely wants to go to Sicily.

So, if you don't mind keeping him on your packing list for another tour, we'll keep using our hands and teeth to open bottles.

We always love seeing photos of our adventurous little guy!

Thanks for teaching him about how beautiful our world is when experienced on a bicycle!

Just binged my way through your journal! Food on sticks at markets one of my fond memories of Taiwan. As long as you avoid the 'stinky tofu' seller (Rachael in particular I guess...) it's all good. Thanks for the journal, and enjoy your break off the touring circuit. Look forward to hearing your mystery next destination.

I'm late to the game! :-)

I’m sure glad it happened after I took the videos of the group bike tour. Thanks for your comments.

It did seem like it should get to see a bit more than the trashy ground, alright. If you send us your address at Centennial we could ship the little guy home. Otherwise, I’m afraid it will be stuck going to Sicily with us this spring.