Three Adults & a Toddler – 6/7-13/09 - UPDATED 11/20
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**KMB733** · 05-21-2009, 10:41 AM

I never really knew the Test Track cars had numbers. Thanks for the fact!

**Cam22** · 05-21-2009, 10:47 AM

Glad it happened during testing rather than later!

**Colexis Mom** · 05-21-2009, 01:11 PM

Great fact!

mcc0313 · 05-21-2009, 01:14 PM

Interesting Test Track fact - just glad that car 17 was the only car ever to have to experience the "worst case scenario".

**chezp** · 05-21-2009, 01:25 PM

Wow... I never knew that!

:

poohbr2015 · 05-21-2009, 03:28 PM

I am just anxious to hear what you pack!! ha! I have already started to make notes of things to take in October and some ideas of things to get before then!

did you happen to read on Pirate15mom's P-TR about going to AKL between 8-10 pm and viewing the animals with night vision goggles?? Something to keep in mind, since you are staying right there!

vfair · 05-21-2009, 03:38 PM

Wow, never heard about that! Never even noticed the numbers.

BeckiO5 · 05-21-2009, 04:08 PM

Wow Kelly that is a interesting Fact. At least it was only one car during the test run and nobody was on it

**OhToodles!** · 05-22-2009, 10:24 AM

More info:
The mask is the only Ijele known to exist outside of Africa. It was acquired by Elizabeth Etchepare, who lived in Nigeria with a family of Igbo people while a graduate student with the University of Santa Barbara. During her studies, Etchepare built a relationship with elders of the group and successfully commissioned them to create, build and initiate the mask through tribal rituals.
The Ijele, the largest and one of the most respected masks in sub-Saharan Africa, usually appears every 10 to 25 years among the Igbo people of Nigeria for celebrations and important events. This rarity is regarded as an attribute of greatness.
The mystical aura of the Ijele is derived from its complex construction and its meaning. The Ijele represents all aspects of Igbo life, dealing with the material and spiritual worlds through the various colors, designs, fabrics and figures found on the mask. Construction by a team of commissioned artists can involve four men working eight to 10 hours a day, seven days a week, for at least six weeks. The men work in seclusion before moving to an outside area for the final touches.
The Framework -- A brightly colored cloth completely covers a cone-shaped frame supported on a circular foundation. The cloth creates a kaleidoscopic, rainbow effect. Hundreds of tassels are attached to the arches and the rim of the base.
The Headdress -- Up to 100 stuffed figures fill out the spaces on the headdress, representing three categories:
- man and daily activities such as riding a bicycle or climbing a tree to cut fruit;
- the spirit world, which is represented by various masks;
- plant and animal life shown through various species on the mask such as the giant python encircling the foundation.
About 12 bright panels, nearly six feet in length, hang down from the disc to conceal the mask carrier.
The Performance -- The person wearing the mask, who goes through physical and spiritual preparation for the event, goes under the framework, aided by followers to steady the mask. The Ijele orchestra, which consists of a line of drummers, flutists, dancers and singers, prepares the crowd. The mask is preceded by a male dancer and followed by the orchestra.
It begins its movement slowly, but during the 15-minute ceremonial dance, the Ijele is always majestic, enforcing his image as the king of masks and a figure of supreme mystical authority. The Ijele moves with agility as its large body goes forward, backward, side to side and in semicircular turns from left to right, going back into an enclosure.

A picture of the Igbo Ijele from our 2006 stay:

**OhToodles!** · 05-22-2009, 10:32 AM

I’ve planned a few surprises for this trip and I can’t wait until the recipients get them!

First, I’ve ordered DH (& DS) a gift basket from Memories by Betsy. (Let me just say this was the easiest thing to do and so far I’m thoroughly impressed!) I e-mailed her and said I wanted a Star Wars themed basket and then told her what to include (as the example on the website showed items we already have). Here is the basket:

Then for Becki, the main thing is taking her to the Afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, which she knows nothing about. She will find out the night before when concierge will deliver an invitation to the room. (This is another plus of concierge as far as I’m concerned. I’m sure other resorts may do this to, but with concierge there was no coaxing or talking to numerous people.) I’ve also ordered the dark chocolate slipper for out breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table as a treat for celebrating her birthday too.

That’s what I’ve planned and I’m so excited about everyone getting their surprises!!

16 more days!!

**chezp** · 05-22-2009, 10:35 AM

Wow - I never knew that.

: Love the surprises.

jdawsonrn · 05-22-2009, 11:07 AM

That basket is awesome!! He will love it for sure

I didn't know about the chocolate slipper. How beautiful (and yummy

) I Love your trivia!! I tune in everyday to see what's next. I know you will be happy on day 0 but I will miss the trivia

**OhToodles!** · 05-22-2009, 11:23 AM

Well, I have more trivia for our December trip, so in just a few months you can look forward to that.

Thanks for reading along!

belle0517 · 05-22-2009, 12:00 PM

Great surprises!

Shelley the Pooh · 05-22-2009, 02:30 PM

Hey Kelly - great fact today. When I was reading how to pronounce it, it made me think about the movie "A Christmas Story" when dad gets his "major award" and is reading the crate... "Fra gelaaay." And his wife says - "I think its says fragile, honey." Too funny.

Can't wait to see it in person! 13 days!!

I have some surprises for my DD too. I can't explain them now because she is actually home today. Finals week but she has taken all of hers already.

Love the Star Wars basket!! And Becki will love the slipper, its looks great!