Fig adventure in Europe

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lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453650111 · Edited

Reply with quote #1

An interesting fig adventure, I hope, is on its way ....

Yesterday I was in Oregon, today I am back to Texas .
Weather in Portland , Oregon by the time I left was 52 degree F but wet . Arrived at 3:00 pm Saturday ---> DFW , 32 degree F but dry/cold/sunny ,

One day, just enough time to fill a backpack full of fig scions and some trees , get ready for Europe .

A fig adventure will begin Wednesday Jan 28, heading London first. Does anyone here suggest me to go first ?
Look for fig trees in Regent Park ? Well, it is quite large there . Any specific location in Regent Park ?
A Chelsea tree 5' high is already waiting for me in London, but I still want to visit the famous big one at a hotel, near the Thames river

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Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453650408 · Edited	Reply with quote #2

Good luck, Mai! Stay warm and HAVE FUN!!! Do post pictures :-) __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453651195 · Edited

Reply with quote #3

I will , Smyfigs

Grant,
Thank you for the picture that you just posted

I will look for an old fig tree in Europe and sit under its branches ( no foliage at this time of the year) to pray . Yes, the truth will set me free ... and NOTHING can make me tremble

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rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1453663191	Reply with quote #4

Congratulations, have a great time and Good luck! __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453677543 · Edited	Reply with quote #5

Yes, do sit under a fig tree, Mai...what a wonderful time u will have. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Jodi

Registered:1443230258
Posts: 343

Posted 1453678963	Reply with quote #6

Oh how fun. No problems taking Figs or fig cuttings with you? Can't wait to hear of your adventures. Safe journeys. __________________ In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda. Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy! Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453681129 · Edited

Reply with quote #7

Jodi,
hopefully everything will be fine . I think the US law is tougher than any other countries in the world .
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lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453687226

Reply with quote #8

London, UK
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brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1453689182	Reply with quote #9

Nice scare tactic lol __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1453690221	Reply with quote #10

Yea who knows. Might be suspicious with trees in hand lol __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453690992

Reply with quote #11

Tomorrow I will ship the trees to an address in London, UK . Hopefully I will get them 3,4 days after my arrival . I was in London last year with 2 suitcases full of ... foods and cuttings. Nothing happened . But this time I do not want to take another chance .
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rafaelissimmo

Registered:1335639347
Posts: 1,473

Posted 1453691428	Reply with quote #12

There is a fig tree at the entrance to Nottingham castle. Also fig trees in the lost gardens of Heligan. __________________ Zone 7b, Queens, New York

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453696038	Reply with quote #13

The question is...can you bring cuttings BACK into the U.S? Is this allowed? __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453701512

Reply with quote #14

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmercieca
Make sure that they are mailed without dirt, bare root. If you are to take the risk of mailing them then there is less trouble to get in to if they are bare root.

alanmercieca,

yes I already removed all the dirt and 90 % of the roots

Smyfigs,
The US does not care if you bring trees out of the country, but it is illegal to bring cuttings/trees back into the US . They will confiscate if they find cuttings in your baggage
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Jsacadura

Registered:1419781955
Posts: 346

Posted 1453734487	Reply with quote #15

Good luck with your fig adventure, Mai. Are visiting only the UK or other European countries? __________________ Jaime - Zone 9b - near Caldas da Rainha - Portugal Wish List: São Luís, Valamandil, Sofeno Tradicional, Cótio, Cavaleiro, Belmandil, Coll de Dame de Ciutat, Strawberry Verte, Marabout, Sihagi.

figpig_66

Registered:1416870358
Posts: 2,678

Posted 1453737875	Reply with quote #16

Safer in luggage. Mail is monitored. Luggage is scanned for money, drugs & explosions. Cutting have no red flags. They dont open luggage unless scanner or drug dogs show interest. My opinion. I been caught by mail. __________________ RICHIE BONI HICKORY LOUISIANA ZONE 8B WARM HUMID WINRERS ARE VERY MILD LOW 20'S BUT WARMS RIGHT UP DURING THE DAY. SUMMER IS EXTREMELY HOT & HUMID 100 degrees 100% humidity fig tree grow like crazy but some split from rain & humidity Wish list. Col de dame blanc Col de rimada Lsu numbered figs

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453750860	Reply with quote #17

Yes, I thought so, Mai. I guess there are other means... __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

grant441

Registered:1358456015
Posts: 173

Posted 1453765827	Reply with quote #18

Mai, You could make a nice crucifix out of 2 cuttings, a fig cutting picture frame or the best one is to make coat hangers and use a fig cutting as the bar wrapped in cloth, be creative!! I am cheering for you.Have fun. __________________ South Carolina zone 7b

Figgysid1

Registered:1413859653
Posts: 389

Posted 1453767702	Reply with quote #19

Or you could make a cute little bridge for a fairy garden, out of Ponte tresa cuttings of course. ;) Call it an art project. Just joking :) Attached Images 2016-01-25_14.08.25.jpg (55.61 KB, 56 views) __________________ (Zone 12a) Big Island, Hawaii, 2,400 ft elevation, Fern Forest. Avg. July High 77,Avg.Jan.Low 56 Precipitation days 290, annual rainfall 201.80 inches.

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453771898	Reply with quote #20

Hehehehe....Figgysid __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

grant441

Registered:1358456015
Posts: 173

Posted 1453773223	Reply with quote #21

Slip a few cuttings in a bundle of cinnamon sticks! __________________ South Carolina zone 7b

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453794440

Reply with quote #22

Thank you for all the tricks, guys !
Hope that I can find some good ones . Wish me luck !
One more day, then GO !
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Jodi

Registered:1443230258
Posts: 343

Posted 1453828840 · Edited	Reply with quote #23

Yes a member in the UK asked me to label his cuttings for shipping as "craft wood". I was thinking of doing god's eye with yarn out of cuttings. So this brings up the question how did the Ponte Tresa, etc. cuttings get back here? I can't wait to hear of your adventures Mai. I am hoping to hop the pond for an adventure on 4-1 maybe Spain or Italy. Protection around you and the figs. Enjoy. __________________ In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda. Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy! Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453841631	Reply with quote #24

Jodi, the God's eye is a good one! Lol.... __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453841692	Reply with quote #25

Grant, maybe if Mai sprayed some cinnamon on the cuttings they MIGHT pass...the operative word is MIGHT. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

FigWhisperer

Registered:1390447672
Posts: 106

Posted 1453880689	Reply with quote #26

Hello Mai, In London, Buckingham palace garden, on the street side there is supposed to be a very historic rare breed fig tree given to them by some Pop from Vatican...I don't know much details about it but you could find a way to get cuttings. The tree is for sure dormant. Please be discrete and wear your black Ninja Suit. Good luck :) __________________ Frank Q. Figs: Food from paradise Wish-list:A good harvest :) Now you can follow http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesFigForest

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453902925 · Edited

Reply with quote #27

Thank you so much for all tricks and whispers . Look like people here are encouraging me to break the law !!!! I will restraint myself to do such a thing the lesser the better . Will enjoy the trip and the Nature discovery more than anything ...

On my way from DFW to Heathrow, UK today . Will arrive London early tomorrow

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smatthew

Registered:1423266323
Posts: 180

Posted 1453903054	Reply with quote #28

I'm not sure a whole thread dedicated to breaking the law is a great idea..... __________________ Blackberry & Fig Farmer in East Bay San Francisco - Sunol. Wanted (4): Emalyn's Purple, IT-258, Pastiliere and Milco Caprifig.

Jerry_M

Registered:1427223807
Posts: 344

Posted 1453903448	Reply with quote #29

Mai, Have a safe and enjoyable flight and trip. __________________ Jerry Canyon Lake, TX 8b Wanted: Cajun Gold, Louisiana Honey, Schar Israel-114 grams

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1453904176 · Edited

Reply with quote #30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jodi
Oh how fun. No problems taking Figs or fig cuttings with you? Can't wait to hear of your adventures. Safe journeys.

Taking figs out of the States is Okay with our USDA .
Bringing bare root trees into UK ? I do not know the law there . If it illegal they will confiscate, that is the worst scenario . If they say nothing, I guess ---> no problem .
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Brooklynmatty

Registered:1434844871
Posts: 279

Posted 1453905769	Reply with quote #31

Mai - have a safe trip. Look forward to seeing your adventures documented in text and pictures. You will have a blast whether you find fig trees or not, enjoy yourself!!! __________________ Matt - Long Island - Zone 7B Wishlist: CDD Roja, Planera, CDD Rimada Please use the following thread if your growing my "unknown Sheepshead" to track your progress. http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/saved-brooklyn-tree-unknown-sheepshead-community-growlog-7808733?pid=1290171384

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1453924817	Reply with quote #32

Mai, I always ask permission for cuttings. In your case, at Buckingham palace, who would you ask? Okay, so maybe you won't get cuttings from THAT tree... __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454155803 · Edited

Reply with quote #33

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmercieca
there is a five fig cutting limit in luggage to the UK, trees are not allowed there unless there is a certificate.

Mine do not have a phyto certificate but all the roots have to be removed to be qualified as CUTTING even though the trunk is a 3-year-old tree itself and about 2' long !

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lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454156336 · Edited

Reply with quote #34

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianm
Yea who knows. Might be suspicious with trees in hand lol

I carried my trees in hand. Some ladies thought that I carried a vase ! When I arrived Heathrow airport, nobody suspected me anything , but if I tried to hide something then they would know by the way you walked with lack of confidence.

My philosophy : I have nothing to hide . Or you accept it or you take it away ---> both ways are fine with me .
So when they asked me to open the package , I cooperated . They saw the trees . They said trees are not allowed for entry , but cuttings are okay . So I cut off all the roots, except some fine hair. I smiled and the guy said that he did not see the hair (! Thank you, Sir !) .
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Jodi

Registered:1443230258
Posts: 343

Posted 1454173082 · Edited	Reply with quote #35

Wow what an adventure Mai. I can see the "Fig Discovery" books and movies coming out soon to a theater near you. Keep us updated on the rest of the adventure. ;-) __________________ In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda. Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy! Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,363

Posted 1454206653	Reply with quote #36

Mai, most of the good stuff is already here! Enjoy your trip. __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454213163 · Edited

Reply with quote #37

My 13 year old granddaughter will be my tour guide during my stay in London UK

Greetings from London !
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Jodi

Registered:1443230258
Posts: 343

Posted 1454267956	Reply with quote #38

Oh she is a beauty Mai. And smart too. Look at those fingers playing the piano. It sounds like such a lovely time. Enjoy. __________________ In the book the "The Meaning of Trees" it is said the fig regulates the heart and that the true essence of Figs is...food for the soul. Daisy's IBT cuttings will be available in January/February along with a few Lampeira Parda. Wishes for Martinenca Rimada, Black Ischia, I258, CddRoja, Jolly Tiger, Your favorite Figgy! Zone 8a Camp Verde AZ

GregMartin

Registered:1370378358
Posts: 550

Posted 1454269840 · Edited	Reply with quote #39

You must be very proud to have such a wonderful grandchild Mai. The only thing missing in the video was the applause at the end! I clapped from here in the USA :) __________________ zone 5 Maine Seeking: Saint Martin, Naples White, Black Tuscan, Bécane, French Alps, Abruzzi, Tenica, Wild Mountain Figs from the coldest corners (Iranian, Turkish or other...would love seeds too)

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1454277362	Reply with quote #40

Adreanna is very pretty. And, shes talented also!! Beethoven!!! One of my favorite composers!! Do enjoy your touring and keep posting!! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 178

Posted 1454277996	Reply with quote #41

Another way to ship your cuttings. __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,363

Posted 1454280598	Reply with quote #42

This us wonderful music! Congrats... __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454292605

Reply with quote #43

I am having some problems with my phone . It is a Galaxy S6 (Samsung) by Sprint ;
1) I went to a Phone store in Central London to buy a sim but they refuse to do it , telling me that I have to unlock the phone first . I do not know how to do it . Can someone here help ?
2) I am frustrated with my phone ! it is useless now except for taking pictures . It is automatically switched to roaming that I am very afraid to use
3) how to do the GPS coordinates ?
Thanks
Mai
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Cheekyjen

Registered:1450578332
Posts: 30

Posted 1454298518	Reply with quote #44

Quote: Originally Posted by lolita1234 I am having some problems with my phone . It is a Galaxy S6 (Samsung) by Sprint ; 1) I went to a Phone store in Central London to buy a sim but they refuse to do it , telling me that I have to unlock the phone first . I do not know how to do it . Can someone here help ? 2) I am frustrated with my phone ! it is useless now except for taking pictures . It is automatically switched to roaming that I am very afraid to use 3) how to do the GPS coordinates ? Thanks Mai You have to pay to get it programmed if you want it unlocked. You can turn off the international roaming if you don't want to use it under settings. What you can do is load the map area you need for the day then gps works. Most areas can use the function of "make it available offline" If you have this function, you can pin locations. __________________ NE Los Angeles -Sunset 21/ Zone 10a Wants: RdB, malta black, atreano, alma, gris de st jean, hollier, LSU Gold, verdal longue, unk Pastiliere, black greek, coll de dama roja, martineca rimada, abebereia, barnisotte black, Emalyn's Purple

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454299045 · Edited

Reply with quote #45

Quote:

Originally Posted by alanmercieca
If your phone is unlocked then you'd have a major problem with Sprint, unlocked means it can be used by any carrier, normally a sprint phone can only use sprint, if it's unlocked then your phone would not be able to use sprint unless sprint goes to the trouble of locking it again. In some ways unlocking the phone is illegal unless your phone service is disconnected, the place that would not unlock it for you could get in serious trouble if they did for you, it's not the phone it's sprint why they will no do that. If I were you I'd use a calling ap that uses your phone trough wifi, We have vonage, with our service we can use their ap to make calls around the world from anywhere in the world through wifi at no extra charge.

You should be able to find an unlocked cell phone in London yet I have no idea how much they cost there.

No wonder they (Vonage) refused to unlock !
Yes, my daughter did use a calling ap for my phone but today I got lost in the middle of a road (no stores around) ---> no wifi ---> cannot do a thing !

Cheekyjen,
No wifi, cannot load the map ! no Internet, nothing !
I turned off the roaming but it comes back . The vonage guy says roaming turns on automatically, cannot turn it off
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lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454299803 · Edited

Reply with quote #46

The four musketeers ---> ready for fig hunting at Regent Park

These 3 little guys live 1 block away from Regent Park . They have been playing tennis at RP every Saturday, so they sure know every corner of this Park .

For short cut, we entered a private garden reserved for local residents

[3226b56d-dd7e-4c9a-a536-84a3170b0354_zpskfp9qrri]

[3226b56d-dd7e-4c9a-a536-84a3170b0354_zpskfp9qrri]

The garden is quite big, with many tulips and winter flowers . Some cherry trees start to bloom . After 1 hour searching we found no fig tree !

In order to go to RP, the young man told his grandma that we have to go through a tunnel

It is called The Nurse's Maid Tunnel

[57f45508-b292-43fa-bd70-0c832b3c35fd_zpshcczz97z]

[57f45508-b292-43fa-bd70-0c832b3c35fd_zpshcczz97z]

[a89cca0a-b40a-4a17-8d20-e378b9f9af77_zpsad3cj5ck]

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Cheekyjen

Registered:1450578332
Posts: 30

Posted 1454300354	Reply with quote #47

Quote: Originally Posted by lolita1234 Cheekyjen, No wifi, cannot load the map ! no Internet, nothing ! I turned off the roaming but it comes back . The vonage guy says roaming turns on automatically, cannot turn it off You have to load the map before you leave the hotel. It will work with GPS so at least you know where you are and which way you need to travel. You will not be able to use it for searching on the run since you have no data. With a little bit of pre-planning and pinning of reataurants, landmarks, it allows for navigational wanderlust. At the end of the day, you are on vacation. Enjoy it.. allow yourself to get lost a bit... and perhaps, shut down and allow your senses to take you places! I usually turn my phone to airplane mode when I am international to conserve battery __________________ NE Los Angeles -Sunset 21/ Zone 10a Wants: RdB, malta black, atreano, alma, gris de st jean, hollier, LSU Gold, verdal longue, unk Pastiliere, black greek, coll de dama roja, martineca rimada, abebereia, barnisotte black, Emalyn's Purple

lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454319864

Reply with quote #48

alan,
Thank you so much for the info . I wish I can drive in London !I will try my best to go to those places
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lolita1234

Registered:1443208094
Posts: 199

Posted 1454454059

Reply with quote #49

Please identify this fig :

A family friend in London gave me 2 cuttings of this fig without a name, just a picture of it

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rcantor

Registered:1309799312
Posts: 5,724

Posted 1454541972	Reply with quote #50

Nice! Did you get your phone problem solved? Many people rent a cellphone in Europe. __________________ Zone 6, MO Wish list: Galicia Negra, De La Reina - Pons, Genovese Nero - Rafed's, Sbayi, Souadi, Acciano, Any Rimada, Sodus Sicilian, any Bass, Pons or Axier fig, any great tasting fig.

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