It has been a very trying time in my life. The death of my boss and mentor has jolted me to the core. I thought, as with all of his trials, he would triumph. How do I let go, how do I say good-bye to someone who has impacted me so greatly?
On top of this, my grandmother, whom I love so dearly, is starting her first major battle with sickness at the age of 96 (she had to have a pace-maker put in a few years back). If we could all be so lucky. The doctors have said there is nothing they can do and slowly my grandmother's heart and body are degenerating. Her mind is sharp and she is able to move about of which the family is very fortunate and grateful to still have and enjoy.
Additionally I just found out my 42 year old best friend had to have two lymph-nodes removed from her neck after having an abscess in her tooth that then caused her lymph-nodes to swell to an extraordinary size. All tests have come back negative, cancer and sexually transmitted diseases, but the oncologist is very concerned and the lymph-nodes have been shipped to Maryland for further tests.
This is a lot for anyone to manage, singularly, on their own; one battle at a time please, but to have to grieve and worry through all three is a new challenge.
Not to say I have any difficulties compared to my mentor's family or what my grandmother is personally going through, wondering when the next phase will begin and what that will be. Imagine hearing from the doctors there is nothing they can do. And my friend, my dear friend, having to wait for the results of the further tests, wondering if she will begin the battle with a form of cancer or some other unknown-at-the-moment condition.
With my boss's death, people are saying, 'I was meaning to visit him' or 'I wished I had called'. With my grandmother, the family wonders if there is more we could have done or can do now. And with my friend, we all hope the results come back negative and that we have many more years to spend with her.
I have found through other losses in my life, there really isn't enough time. My family is very close and they have spent thousands of hours with Grammie and I saw Grammie at least weekly, but, of course, we wonder 'could we have spent more time, could we have experienced that time with more love and attention?' 'Could we have brought her more joy by doing more things?'
Only one person can answer that question and we seldom dare to ask. A common phrase is "life gets in the way". I'm sure each of these people have said those exact words about another person in their life who is no longer living. Why do we question our connections at the time of possible departure or after the death of someone? Wouldn't it be better to evaluate and re-evaluate all of our relationships? Maybe I should put in my calendar, monthly, an examination of one friend or a few friends or family; what have I done with them this past year, what can I do to let them know I love them?
I know, it won't happen and I don't think it's practical, really. Family is family, we are stuck with the good, with the difficult and with the continued drama that close-knit loving people endure. Would you really want it any other way? Friends are people we choose to spend our time with. We get something in turn from our interactions. They know us on a level that family doesn't, and they continue to choose to be with us as we continue to be with them.
My boss and mentor taught me to experience life to its fullest. I have heard that all throughout my life from those who regret decisions they have made in their past and from others who wished their lives were different. I am fortunate. Though my life is not perfect, I am pleased with my choices and where I am in my life. Yes, I would make a lot of changes along the way, if I had the chance, mostly to avoid the pain and heart-ache of past mistakes and choices that did not lead to a great conclusion. But we don't have that ability, and neither do the 3 wonderful individuals I talk about here.
What we can do is remind our family, our friends, our loved ones that they are important, that they matter, that you love them and you wish and hope for nothing but joy and happiness in their lives and a painless and long-way-away death surrounded by family and friends with the knowledge you did everything you wanted to do and you told everyone you wanted to tell that you love them... and I DO love them oh so much.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
My Heart Aches
Today I grieve for the loss of an amazing life.
Read his blog: http://radiowalker.wordpress.com/
If you have not met Jeffrey, you truly missed out. Each of us who knew him and were enveloped in his passion for life were really, really fortunate. The ride, at times, might not have been smooth sailing, but damn it was a hell of a lot of fun!
I could say more but, frankly, I'll let the man speak for himself.
Read his blog, experience his life. He truly is an amazing life.
Read his blog: http://radiowalker.wordpress.com/
If you have not met Jeffrey, you truly missed out. Each of us who knew him and were enveloped in his passion for life were really, really fortunate. The ride, at times, might not have been smooth sailing, but damn it was a hell of a lot of fun!
I could say more but, frankly, I'll let the man speak for himself.
Read his blog, experience his life. He truly is an amazing life.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Present is past
Talking to friends on the Vineyard and listening to James Taylor makes me think about years past; growing up in Maine where family was always around.
Growing up in Maine, I had a very large, extended family. My mother was one of 6 and each of her siblings had children and even some of their children were having children.
I must have had 20 or more cousins (at least it seemed that way) and I was the youngest or one of the youngest of the gang so I learned a lot from them that maybe I wouldn't have learned about until later in life if they weren't around; things about family gossip, sex, smoking, dirty language and all the other things that move us from the clutches of innocence to the realm of reality.
Innocence may be nothing more than ignorance but I do think of my childhood fondly. I was so fortunate to be brought up in the bosom of love and care. I felt it with every smile, every wrinkling of the nose from my mom, every warm hug from Nana, every laugh from a cousin, every night I went to bed, knowing when I got up in the morning there was a family, oh so eccentric, unbelievably funny, all too often annoying, just a little bit crazy, and more loving than anyone could ever imagine; there to say to me, with the warmest of hearts, "good morning".
More to come.
* * * * * *
We glide along the night darkened country roads warmed from the hot summer day. We are returning from a day of swimming at the lake and being with family and friends. The caressing breeze cools my face and neck and I hear, in the distance as we ride by, frogs and crickets and see the familiar and welcoming flickers of the fire-flies in the fields passing by. I look up into the pitch-black night sky and I can millions of far-a-way stars and planets flickering, like the fire-flies in the fields below.
There are no street or porch lights to shine our way, just the limited focus of the car's headlights, which are no match for the darkness of these impenetrable ancient woods. No words are spoken, no music is heard other than that from the night creatures of rural Maine.
This is a familiar scene for me, growing up in rural Maine. Summers are about being with family and friends, swimming in sun-warmed lakes, sand in our feet, bug bites on our arms and legs and no worries in our souls. Just thoughts of what we would be doing tomorrow during another long summer day and night.
* * * * * *
Crickets creek, frogs shreek, fire-flies blink and I am looking up at the warm summer night sky wondering who, so far away, is looking back.
* * * * * *
Growing up in Maine, I had a very large, extended family. My mother was one of 6 and each of her siblings had children and even some of their children were having children.
I must have had 20 or more cousins (at least it seemed that way) and I was the youngest or one of the youngest of the gang so I learned a lot from them that maybe I wouldn't have learned about until later in life if they weren't around; things about family gossip, sex, smoking, dirty language and all the other things that move us from the clutches of innocence to the realm of reality.
Innocence may be nothing more than ignorance but I do think of my childhood fondly. I was so fortunate to be brought up in the bosom of love and care. I felt it with every smile, every wrinkling of the nose from my mom, every warm hug from Nana, every laugh from a cousin, every night I went to bed, knowing when I got up in the morning there was a family, oh so eccentric, unbelievably funny, all too often annoying, just a little bit crazy, and more loving than anyone could ever imagine; there to say to me, with the warmest of hearts, "good morning".
More to come.
* * * * * *
We glide along the night darkened country roads warmed from the hot summer day. We are returning from a day of swimming at the lake and being with family and friends. The caressing breeze cools my face and neck and I hear, in the distance as we ride by, frogs and crickets and see the familiar and welcoming flickers of the fire-flies in the fields passing by. I look up into the pitch-black night sky and I can millions of far-a-way stars and planets flickering, like the fire-flies in the fields below.
There are no street or porch lights to shine our way, just the limited focus of the car's headlights, which are no match for the darkness of these impenetrable ancient woods. No words are spoken, no music is heard other than that from the night creatures of rural Maine.
This is a familiar scene for me, growing up in rural Maine. Summers are about being with family and friends, swimming in sun-warmed lakes, sand in our feet, bug bites on our arms and legs and no worries in our souls. Just thoughts of what we would be doing tomorrow during another long summer day and night.
* * * * * *
Crickets creek, frogs shreek, fire-flies blink and I am looking up at the warm summer night sky wondering who, so far away, is looking back.
* * * * * *
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Amsterdam
"The verdure of the trees reflecting strongly upon large windows which are kept bright and free of dust, add infinitely to their luster and magnificence." wrote a visiting American back in the 1700's.
This succinctly explains Amsterdam to the modern traveler as it did during the revolutionary years of Europe and America.
The brick and stone buildings shine with spotless oversized windows that reflect the branches and leaves of the tree-lined canals.
Amsterdam is a place you must experience, rather than just explore. My first visit in 2000 was about exploring, visiting the sites, going to the Keukenhof and the cheese auctions in Alkmaar. My time was spent mainly in the center between Centraal Station and Dam Square, very bustling and busy and hosts to the travelers and locals who like the adult night life. Because of this, Amsterdam did not enthrall me as Paris, Egypt or Bruges did and still do.
This time I came to work and I've done more than just explore, I've experienced Amsterdam, and now I have a very different perspective of this place of 700,000+ people. There are the frustrations of running a business in this aged and lovely city, but there are also the triumphs and joys of spending one's precious time here.
Let's start with the basics.
Amsterdam began to emerge from a sleepy fishing village in the late 1200's at the mouth of the Amstel river. Lords van Amstel feuded with counts and bishops that lasted for another century.
By the late 1300's, controlled by the Dukes of Burgundy, the little city perfected the method of curing herring (in 1385) and started to become a truly rich port as it also became the stopping ground to export beer and other wares from its mutli-purpose built homes that were also warehouses.
In 1452, the second major fire caused legislation that outlawed any buildings being constructed of wood. A few years earlier the marriage of Philip the Good of Burgundy to Isabella of Portugal put the Low Countries (as Netherlands was known at the time) in control by the all powerful Habsburg dynasty. FYI: Philip's son, Charles the V became, in later years, the King of Spain.
In 1568, the Dutch Revolt under William of Orange (a Protestant) arose and the power of the Catholics eroded quickly and within 10 years the Alteration occurs, where the Catholics are expelled from Amsterdam. William of Orange was assassinated in 1584, when he was shot on the staircase of his quarters in Delft (not sure if any of his porcelain broke from the shot).
In 1634 tulip mania begins in Amsterdam and Rembrandt becomes a Dutch sensation and in 1648, after many decades of war with Spain (80 years), the Treaty of Munster ends the fighting and the Netherlands is born.
For the pilgrims of the new world, later these United States of America, prior to sailing across the Atlantic, they went to Leiden to escape persecution from the British and stayed for 11 years before setting sail in 1620. There is a museum in Leiden describing their time in the Netherlands.
The 17th and 18th centuries were of great expansion and creation of wealth for the people of Amsterdam, including the creation of the East India Company as well as it's expansion around the world, including New Amsterdam, later to be called New York City.
In the 1960's, as in other parts of the world, strife and riots shook Amsterdam and droves fled the city and not until the late 1980's was the city once again a place of tranquility.
For those who are use to loud noises from city life, Amsterdam has to be one of the most silent cities in the world due to the few cars, relatively speaking, that travel throughout its streets. But when you are at street level, the site is anything but tranquil. There are throngs of people, bicycles, trams and mopeds and each one is plying their way through the narrow streets of Amsterdam. But, thankfully, most go about without any incidents of crashing into one another, it's actually quite remarkable!
When you visit this city, and please spend at least a week, rent a bicycle, it is the only real way to get around. Their bikes are single speed and many do not have hand breaks, just use your pedals to break. It takes getting use to. Many of the bikes are Chinese made and they sound it... the clanking of cheap metal can be constantly heard along bike paths all over the city. New and shiny just is not seen in the bikes of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a city that loves the arts and they have many museums, some are famous, like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum whereas others are unique, like the Torture Museum, Hashish and Marijuana museum as well as distinct as the Bag and Purse Museum.
The most famous is the Rijksmuseum which holds some of the cities best and most valuable works of art.
There is a lot of construction going on at the Museumplein at the moment, with renovations happening at the Rijksmuseum and with the just-begun new construction at the Stedelik Museum, which will be a white box made of what looks like fiberglass (but one can only guess - possibly cement) with a very large overhang. This is the upscale part of Amsterdam with extremely large homes and expensive international shops all within walking distance of the 1860's built Vondelpark with its English inspired landscape covering 110 acres.
The I AMsterdam is a campaign to advertise this fascinating city. Art can be found all over Amsterdam, from the classical to the modern, from the religious to the outrageous, as you can see below.
Art can be VERY subjective.
Of course the Netherlands is known for it's tulips and a trip cannot be complete in the Spring without visiting one of its flower attractions. The Bloemenmarkt is the last remaining floating flower market in Amsterdam and it is very touristy, selling bulbs that are shipped all over the world.
Bloemenmarkt is one canal long and not anything special. For the truly outstanding, go outside of Amsterdam where the real flower gardens are to be found.
One of the charms of any city is to find a place that makes you feel welcomed. Mine was this little watering hole next to a more famous pub Cafe Belgique. But I like this one much more.
This great little watering hole is called Bols Proeflokaal De Drie Fleschjes and is located at Gravenstraat 18 and is owned by a man who lives the good life. He opens it up when he feels like it and he hangs out with the patrons while a bartender tends to their needs. They rent out the barrels to businesses and when the barrel runs out, you either buy another fill or another name goes on it. A great little spot that is not too well known but well worth a walk-by to see if it is open. They sell great beers (some from Belgium) and some Dutch gin (genever or jenever) and their phone number is: 020-6248443.
Of course one of the greatest draws are the canals. Amsterdam first started with the Amstel river and as time went on, the fishermen and farmers diverted some of its water into canals and over time, more and more fortified canals were built to make Amsterdam the water-laden city it is today. It is actually below sea-level, with only the heart of the center of Amsterdam being about 7 feet above sea water.
Boathouses on one of the many canals in Amsterdam. At a time, not too long ago, it was cheaper to own a houseboat than it was to buy a house or flat, but the city felt too many houseboats were congesting the city's canals, so increased taxes have now made living on a houseboat a luxury or a privilege rather than a convenience of euros. Many of them are floating gardens and hold a romantic voice in peoples' hearts and minds, even from those people who are just floating by.
One way to see the sites from the canals is to take one of many canal boat rides that are available to all, for the right price. But if you are lucky, as I was, ride with a local, the time spent can be quite wonderful.
The Atlassian Amsterdam office crew had the good fortune of doing just that. Valerie, who is part of our partner program and who is responsible for the European partners, invited us on her boyfriend's (Nicholas) 21 foot boat to cruise the canals in what was definitely the nicest weather Amsterdam has had in 2009. It is late in the evening and I still didn't need a jacket.
Atlassian crew enjoying the ride along the canals in Amsterdam.
You see many of amazing buildings - grachtenhuizen (canal houses) - all along the route. Many buildings built in the 1600 and 1700's with some later in the 1800's and even the 1900's.
This row of canal houses are on the Herengracht many of which were built in the 1600 and 1700's. Some of them may be leaning a little to the left or the right, but they still show their true majesty after 350 years.
Amsterdam has many styles of buildings which most were built after 1521 (since they are of stone) and the 1600 and 1700's are the majority of the buildings.
This row of canal houses is unique since all of them have shudders
I also love this row of canal houses with their lovely red shudders
One of my favorite buildings is currently the Theatermuseum. I am hoping to go inside later this week. The Theatermuseum was built in 1617 and was known as the Bartolotti House and was built in the Dutch Renaissance style of Hendrick de Keyser. This building is located at Herengracht 168.
Another of my favorite buildings is the Concertgebouw or Concert Hall in the Museumplein.
Concertgebouw is a Neo-Renaissance building that was open to a public architectural competition and the architect AL van Gendt won. There are two music halls and the Grote Zaal (main concert hall) has almost perfect acoustics even though the architect had no musical knowledge. It's first concert was on April 11, 1888 with 160 musicians and a 600 person choir. In 1983 the foundation was having subsidence issues and the entire building had to be lifted to remove the old original supporting piles, which were 43 feet deep, and pour in concrete pilings that are now 59 feet deep.
And here we have reflections on a canal.
Canal houses reflected on a canal
One of the more famous areas is that of the 7 bridges. Since we were boating through it, I only got photos of half of the bridges, but it is still amazing to see.
Part of the seven (7) bridges, which is one of the most photographed in all of Amsterdam.
As we were boating along, we heard this music and found this.
A Rock and Roll band were standing in and on an American car while playing and singing to the crowd.
On the eastern side of Amsterdam, we found this pizzaria.
Boats motor up and give their order and in a few moments, pizza is handed through the window at this pizzaria.
One great event during our evening of boating was Sherali's daughter got to be captain.
Our new captain Jasmine drove under 5 or more bridges and did a spectacular job... we were all so proud of her!
For three times now, I have run into this canal performer and sure enough, during our boating, I saw him again!
This canal performer blows his horn while cranking his organ and maneuvering his boat... and he actually sounds really good.
One of the more famous sections of Amsterdam, also on the east side, is the Red Light district.
The Red Light district is famous and infamous for the women in the windows and the legal prostitution. People in the business are treated with respect and have public and business clout. Just another example of the tolerance that is Amsterdam.
As stated before, Amsterdam is a very quiet city, especially outside of the center, you just don't have those constant city humming noises that you do in most others and in the early nights it is even quieter, quite serene actually.
This is one example of a canal at night with lights reflecting off a calm, benevolent canal.
So why the three XXX's on flags, posts and elsewhere?
For many people, it represents pornography and debauchery, which Amsterdam is well known for, but in fact the flag of Amsterdam depicts three Saint Andrew's Crosses and is based on the escutcheon in the coat of arms of Amsterdam. The flag was adopted on February 5, 1975... so there!
One of the most interesting and peaceful places in Amsterdam is just four blocks from the frenetic Dam Square is the Begijnhof.
Begijnhof from the outside.
Begijnhof - English Reformed Church was built in 1419 for the Catholic sisterhood sanctuary known as the Bengijntjes for single women who did not take monastic vows but educated the poor and took care of the sick. The church was turned to a Protestant denomination following the Alteration in 1578.
the green past the church.
Begijnhof Chapel, across from the church, still holds symbols of its Catholic past.
People continued to practice their Catholic beliefs, in secret, at the Begijnhof Chapel until 1795 when tolerance returned, including religious freedoms.
Begijnhof - Het Houten Huis - No. 34 - is the oldest building in Amsterdam from around 1420 and one of the two remaining all wooden structures/buildings in Amsterdam since the city banned wooden buildings in 1521 due to devastating fires and also since most of the buildings in the Begijnhof were not built until after the 1500's.
Begijnhof - Palm Sunday celebrations, surprisingly, no palms, but some other branch was used as the reverend spread holy water over his congregation. Plaques that came from some of the buildings at the Begijnhof can be seen on the far wall.
These are close-ups of the various plaques that came from the buildings inside the Begijnhof. Of course they have a religious note about them. If you can guess what they say or are about, good for you. I'm still guessing.
A truly magnificent spot just north of Vondelpark is Hollandsche Mangege, or the Netherlands Horse School. This building opened in 1882 and was designed after the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In the early 1980's the building, and school, were threatened with demolition but due to a major outcry from its neighbors, funds were raised and the school continues today.
Hollandsche Mangege's beautiful entrance.
Hollandsche Manege - a sweet horse who just wanted to say hello.
One of the two large corrals where students can learn how to ride as well as how to train their horses. Each of the students, on top of getting lessons, must perform duties at the Hollandsche Manege, like feeding the horses, cleaning the stalls and taking care of their gear.
The cafe overlooks one of the corrals. Barring the smell of horse manure, it is quite lovely.
These are the horses in the Hollandsche in 2007... oh so cute.
This succinctly explains Amsterdam to the modern traveler as it did during the revolutionary years of Europe and America.
The brick and stone buildings shine with spotless oversized windows that reflect the branches and leaves of the tree-lined canals.
Amsterdam is a place you must experience, rather than just explore. My first visit in 2000 was about exploring, visiting the sites, going to the Keukenhof and the cheese auctions in Alkmaar. My time was spent mainly in the center between Centraal Station and Dam Square, very bustling and busy and hosts to the travelers and locals who like the adult night life. Because of this, Amsterdam did not enthrall me as Paris, Egypt or Bruges did and still do.
This time I came to work and I've done more than just explore, I've experienced Amsterdam, and now I have a very different perspective of this place of 700,000+ people. There are the frustrations of running a business in this aged and lovely city, but there are also the triumphs and joys of spending one's precious time here.
Let's start with the basics.
Amsterdam began to emerge from a sleepy fishing village in the late 1200's at the mouth of the Amstel river. Lords van Amstel feuded with counts and bishops that lasted for another century.
By the late 1300's, controlled by the Dukes of Burgundy, the little city perfected the method of curing herring (in 1385) and started to become a truly rich port as it also became the stopping ground to export beer and other wares from its mutli-purpose built homes that were also warehouses.
In 1452, the second major fire caused legislation that outlawed any buildings being constructed of wood. A few years earlier the marriage of Philip the Good of Burgundy to Isabella of Portugal put the Low Countries (as Netherlands was known at the time) in control by the all powerful Habsburg dynasty. FYI: Philip's son, Charles the V became, in later years, the King of Spain.
In 1568, the Dutch Revolt under William of Orange (a Protestant) arose and the power of the Catholics eroded quickly and within 10 years the Alteration occurs, where the Catholics are expelled from Amsterdam. William of Orange was assassinated in 1584, when he was shot on the staircase of his quarters in Delft (not sure if any of his porcelain broke from the shot).
In 1634 tulip mania begins in Amsterdam and Rembrandt becomes a Dutch sensation and in 1648, after many decades of war with Spain (80 years), the Treaty of Munster ends the fighting and the Netherlands is born.
For the pilgrims of the new world, later these United States of America, prior to sailing across the Atlantic, they went to Leiden to escape persecution from the British and stayed for 11 years before setting sail in 1620. There is a museum in Leiden describing their time in the Netherlands.
The 17th and 18th centuries were of great expansion and creation of wealth for the people of Amsterdam, including the creation of the East India Company as well as it's expansion around the world, including New Amsterdam, later to be called New York City.
In the 1960's, as in other parts of the world, strife and riots shook Amsterdam and droves fled the city and not until the late 1980's was the city once again a place of tranquility.
For those who are use to loud noises from city life, Amsterdam has to be one of the most silent cities in the world due to the few cars, relatively speaking, that travel throughout its streets. But when you are at street level, the site is anything but tranquil. There are throngs of people, bicycles, trams and mopeds and each one is plying their way through the narrow streets of Amsterdam. But, thankfully, most go about without any incidents of crashing into one another, it's actually quite remarkable!
When you visit this city, and please spend at least a week, rent a bicycle, it is the only real way to get around. Their bikes are single speed and many do not have hand breaks, just use your pedals to break. It takes getting use to. Many of the bikes are Chinese made and they sound it... the clanking of cheap metal can be constantly heard along bike paths all over the city. New and shiny just is not seen in the bikes of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is a city that loves the arts and they have many museums, some are famous, like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum whereas others are unique, like the Torture Museum, Hashish and Marijuana museum as well as distinct as the Bag and Purse Museum.
The most famous is the Rijksmuseum which holds some of the cities best and most valuable works of art. There is a lot of construction going on at the Museumplein at the moment, with renovations happening at the Rijksmuseum and with the just-begun new construction at the Stedelik Museum, which will be a white box made of what looks like fiberglass (but one can only guess - possibly cement) with a very large overhang. This is the upscale part of Amsterdam with extremely large homes and expensive international shops all within walking distance of the 1860's built Vondelpark with its English inspired landscape covering 110 acres.
The I AMsterdam is a campaign to advertise this fascinating city. Art can be found all over Amsterdam, from the classical to the modern, from the religious to the outrageous, as you can see below.
Art can be VERY subjective.Of course the Netherlands is known for it's tulips and a trip cannot be complete in the Spring without visiting one of its flower attractions. The Bloemenmarkt is the last remaining floating flower market in Amsterdam and it is very touristy, selling bulbs that are shipped all over the world.
Bloemenmarkt is one canal long and not anything special. For the truly outstanding, go outside of Amsterdam where the real flower gardens are to be found.One of the charms of any city is to find a place that makes you feel welcomed. Mine was this little watering hole next to a more famous pub Cafe Belgique. But I like this one much more.
This great little watering hole is called Bols Proeflokaal De Drie Fleschjes and is located at Gravenstraat 18 and is owned by a man who lives the good life. He opens it up when he feels like it and he hangs out with the patrons while a bartender tends to their needs. They rent out the barrels to businesses and when the barrel runs out, you either buy another fill or another name goes on it. A great little spot that is not too well known but well worth a walk-by to see if it is open. They sell great beers (some from Belgium) and some Dutch gin (genever or jenever) and their phone number is: 020-6248443.Of course one of the greatest draws are the canals. Amsterdam first started with the Amstel river and as time went on, the fishermen and farmers diverted some of its water into canals and over time, more and more fortified canals were built to make Amsterdam the water-laden city it is today. It is actually below sea-level, with only the heart of the center of Amsterdam being about 7 feet above sea water.
Boathouses on one of the many canals in Amsterdam. At a time, not too long ago, it was cheaper to own a houseboat than it was to buy a house or flat, but the city felt too many houseboats were congesting the city's canals, so increased taxes have now made living on a houseboat a luxury or a privilege rather than a convenience of euros. Many of them are floating gardens and hold a romantic voice in peoples' hearts and minds, even from those people who are just floating by.One way to see the sites from the canals is to take one of many canal boat rides that are available to all, for the right price. But if you are lucky, as I was, ride with a local, the time spent can be quite wonderful.
The Atlassian Amsterdam office crew had the good fortune of doing just that. Valerie, who is part of our partner program and who is responsible for the European partners, invited us on her boyfriend's (Nicholas) 21 foot boat to cruise the canals in what was definitely the nicest weather Amsterdam has had in 2009. It is late in the evening and I still didn't need a jacket.
Atlassian crew enjoying the ride along the canals in Amsterdam.You see many of amazing buildings - grachtenhuizen (canal houses) - all along the route. Many buildings built in the 1600 and 1700's with some later in the 1800's and even the 1900's.
This row of canal houses are on the Herengracht many of which were built in the 1600 and 1700's. Some of them may be leaning a little to the left or the right, but they still show their true majesty after 350 years.Amsterdam has many styles of buildings which most were built after 1521 (since they are of stone) and the 1600 and 1700's are the majority of the buildings.
This row of canal houses is unique since all of them have shudders
I also love this row of canal houses with their lovely red shudders
One of my favorite buildings is currently the Theatermuseum. I am hoping to go inside later this week. The Theatermuseum was built in 1617 and was known as the Bartolotti House and was built in the Dutch Renaissance style of Hendrick de Keyser. This building is located at Herengracht 168.Another of my favorite buildings is the Concertgebouw or Concert Hall in the Museumplein.
Concertgebouw is a Neo-Renaissance building that was open to a public architectural competition and the architect AL van Gendt won. There are two music halls and the Grote Zaal (main concert hall) has almost perfect acoustics even though the architect had no musical knowledge. It's first concert was on April 11, 1888 with 160 musicians and a 600 person choir. In 1983 the foundation was having subsidence issues and the entire building had to be lifted to remove the old original supporting piles, which were 43 feet deep, and pour in concrete pilings that are now 59 feet deep. And here we have reflections on a canal.
Canal houses reflected on a canalOne of the more famous areas is that of the 7 bridges. Since we were boating through it, I only got photos of half of the bridges, but it is still amazing to see.
Part of the seven (7) bridges, which is one of the most photographed in all of Amsterdam.As we were boating along, we heard this music and found this.
A Rock and Roll band were standing in and on an American car while playing and singing to the crowd.On the eastern side of Amsterdam, we found this pizzaria.
Boats motor up and give their order and in a few moments, pizza is handed through the window at this pizzaria.One great event during our evening of boating was Sherali's daughter got to be captain.
Our new captain Jasmine drove under 5 or more bridges and did a spectacular job... we were all so proud of her!For three times now, I have run into this canal performer and sure enough, during our boating, I saw him again!
This canal performer blows his horn while cranking his organ and maneuvering his boat... and he actually sounds really good.One of the more famous sections of Amsterdam, also on the east side, is the Red Light district.
The Red Light district is famous and infamous for the women in the windows and the legal prostitution. People in the business are treated with respect and have public and business clout. Just another example of the tolerance that is Amsterdam. As stated before, Amsterdam is a very quiet city, especially outside of the center, you just don't have those constant city humming noises that you do in most others and in the early nights it is even quieter, quite serene actually.
This is one example of a canal at night with lights reflecting off a calm, benevolent canal.So why the three XXX's on flags, posts and elsewhere?
For many people, it represents pornography and debauchery, which Amsterdam is well known for, but in fact the flag of Amsterdam depicts three Saint Andrew's Crosses and is based on the escutcheon in the coat of arms of Amsterdam. The flag was adopted on February 5, 1975... so there!One of the most interesting and peaceful places in Amsterdam is just four blocks from the frenetic Dam Square is the Begijnhof.
Begijnhof from the outside.
Begijnhof - English Reformed Church was built in 1419 for the Catholic sisterhood sanctuary known as the Bengijntjes for single women who did not take monastic vows but educated the poor and took care of the sick. The church was turned to a Protestant denomination following the Alteration in 1578. 
the green past the church.
Begijnhof Chapel, across from the church, still holds symbols of its Catholic past.
People continued to practice their Catholic beliefs, in secret, at the Begijnhof Chapel until 1795 when tolerance returned, including religious freedoms.
Begijnhof - Het Houten Huis - No. 34 - is the oldest building in Amsterdam from around 1420 and one of the two remaining all wooden structures/buildings in Amsterdam since the city banned wooden buildings in 1521 due to devastating fires and also since most of the buildings in the Begijnhof were not built until after the 1500's. 
Begijnhof - Palm Sunday celebrations, surprisingly, no palms, but some other branch was used as the reverend spread holy water over his congregation. Plaques that came from some of the buildings at the Begijnhof can be seen on the far wall.These are close-ups of the various plaques that came from the buildings inside the Begijnhof. Of course they have a religious note about them. If you can guess what they say or are about, good for you. I'm still guessing.
A truly magnificent spot just north of Vondelpark is Hollandsche Mangege, or the Netherlands Horse School. This building opened in 1882 and was designed after the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. In the early 1980's the building, and school, were threatened with demolition but due to a major outcry from its neighbors, funds were raised and the school continues today.
Hollandsche Mangege's beautiful entrance.
Hollandsche Manege - a sweet horse who just wanted to say hello.
One of the two large corrals where students can learn how to ride as well as how to train their horses. Each of the students, on top of getting lessons, must perform duties at the Hollandsche Manege, like feeding the horses, cleaning the stalls and taking care of their gear.
The cafe overlooks one of the corrals. Barring the smell of horse manure, it is quite lovely.
These are the horses in the Hollandsche in 2007... oh so cute.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Adaptation
What makes an otherwise intelligent human being make the choices we make when we fly?
For instance; sitting in a seat that is too high for one’s legs to comfortably be parallel to the floor for, oh, say, 10 hours and to do it happily?
What otherwise intelligent human being would take the idea of eating food that is at best, bird feed, and at worst, 100 year-old landfill?
I receive a meal known to the airline industry as breakfast. It consisted of a quite tasty strawberry banana yogurt and some kind of breakfast sandwich that when opened revealed a meat with puss-like white edges and a cheese that probably looked its best when it was still in the cow’s utter as milk. Upon further investigation, the bread was completely devoid of any resemblance of actually having yeast used in its baking, if that’s what you can call it, baking. Actually formation would be a better word.
You would be right in suggesting other airlines may have better foods, say Air France would have decent cheeses and breads, and wine, but let’s face it, it’s still cheese, bread and wine that you would never eat and drink in a French cafe, or a French home.
But we do it, we do it once, twice, maybe even three times a year or more because we are, if anything, adaptable creatures. If it means I must eat a block of bread and a cheese so colored that one wonders if it was dipped in Cheez Whiz prior to being boarded, then one does so to end up at their final destination, whether it be Paris, San Francisco or Sheboygan. Sometimes it is the destination and not the journey.
For instance; sitting in a seat that is too high for one’s legs to comfortably be parallel to the floor for, oh, say, 10 hours and to do it happily?
What otherwise intelligent human being would take the idea of eating food that is at best, bird feed, and at worst, 100 year-old landfill?
I receive a meal known to the airline industry as breakfast. It consisted of a quite tasty strawberry banana yogurt and some kind of breakfast sandwich that when opened revealed a meat with puss-like white edges and a cheese that probably looked its best when it was still in the cow’s utter as milk. Upon further investigation, the bread was completely devoid of any resemblance of actually having yeast used in its baking, if that’s what you can call it, baking. Actually formation would be a better word.
You would be right in suggesting other airlines may have better foods, say Air France would have decent cheeses and breads, and wine, but let’s face it, it’s still cheese, bread and wine that you would never eat and drink in a French cafe, or a French home.
But we do it, we do it once, twice, maybe even three times a year or more because we are, if anything, adaptable creatures. If it means I must eat a block of bread and a cheese so colored that one wonders if it was dipped in Cheez Whiz prior to being boarded, then one does so to end up at their final destination, whether it be Paris, San Francisco or Sheboygan. Sometimes it is the destination and not the journey.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Paris!
Sunset over the SeineI was in Paris from Monday, July 7 to Monday July 21... which means I was there for Bastille Day. Every visit I make to Paris just confirms my love affair with the most wonderful city in the world... well at least for me.
At the bottom of this post I will list what helped me, what suggestions I would give and my do's and don'ts of Paris.
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A little history about Paris.
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Its earliest inhabitants are from around 4200 BC and mostly on the Ile de la Cite. A sub-tribe of the Celtic Senones called the Parisii lived here. The Romans came and conquered Paris in 55 BC due to the river Seine, which had deep waters that could carry very heavy loads, not too swift currents and stable banks supported by hard turf or stone. This made Paris an ideal place for fishing and for armies since the only way to get to it was via the river Seine.
The Romans loved their Lutetia (as they called Paris) and wanted to make it the Rome of the west. But in the 5th century AD the Franks showed up and kicked out the Romans and named it Paris after the early tribes known as the Parisii, then Atilla the Hun arrived and was purported to have murdered 11,000 virgins on their way to Paris, but by a change of plans, Atilla went to Orleans to deal with the Visigoths and spared Paris. This was envisioned by a young girl name Genevieve, who later became the patroness of Paris, St. Genevieve.
In 1,100 AD the first King Dynasty was created by King Philippe Auguste and his families reign lasted until 1314.
2nd Age arrived with Henri IV and his families dynasty lasted until 1643.
3d Age arrived with Louis XIV and his families reign lasted until the 1789 revolution and returned until 1795
4th Age arrived with Napolean from 1795 to 1815 with his banishment to Elba. He returned only to be banished once more... this time beyond his life.
The 5th Age was the Paris Commune, a powerful group of men who ran the city/country from 1815 to 1871. With the 3rd revolution they were gone and followed was a more democratically elected group of governors and leaders.
6th Age was the Treaty of Versailles after WWI, which, as we know, catapulted the world into WWII and in 1940, the de Gualle years began, albeit as a General, and then he disappeared until one falling government after the other (dozens in less years) and until the people called for his service to his beloved country. de Gualle was in power until the 1969 student riots from the Sarbonne (as student riots around the world proved to be a potent change in national/international politics). de Gualle just didn't want to do it anymore, and the new age came with Mitterand and others.
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Les Marais
Les Marais is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris and was for the Aristocracy for many years until the move west left Les Marais less than ideal. It became a home for the less fortunate and even Place des Vosges, the quintessential Parisian square was slated for destruction at one time.
Since the 1970's les Marais has had a kind of renaissance of its own and it has become the place to live again. It is away from the throngs of tourists that you find in other parts of Paris and you are so close to the river, to public transit, great parks, wonderful museums and little pockets of lovely neighborhoods that it is surprising it ever became an undesirable place to live. Rue de Rosiers is a wonderful Jewish community that is quiet on Saturdays but thriving on Sundays. Les Marais is also the unofficial gay neighborhood of Paris with many clubs, shops and restaurants catering to the gay clientele.
Les Marais was perfect for us, we loved every minute of it. I would stay in Les Marais when I return... and I WILL return.
Our Life in Paris
Our apartment in Les Marais was wonderful with 2 bedrooms, a shower/bath, washer and dryer and wonderful windows that opened into the garden courtyard.
We spent many an evening in the living room talking about our day and/or planning for tomorrow. I would usually sit by the window and download my photos on my laptop on the small table between the two lovely windows. We had great breakfasts of delicious fresh fruit, baguettes and brie (Brillet Savarin). I miss it so much!
Fromager - ask for the Comte (18 months) and Brie called Brillet Savarin (like butter only better)
On our way to the Cafe Musee in Les Marais we saw this cat sitting on a scooter 
Cafe in les Marais
Cycling in Paris
Interior of the Metro
Interior of the Metro
Interior of the MetroBuildings in Les Marais
Some of the rarest buildings in paris from Medieval time, 1400's. Most of these buildings were torn down to make way for wide streets and to prevent the ever-present fires
Old city wall in Les Marais, built in the 1200's
Buildings in Les Marais
Buildings in Les Marais. I liked this building near our apartment for two reasons. One: the unique idea for hanging planter boxes by putting a rod across their courtyard. The other is you can trace the track of the chimney's to their ultimate destination, the smoke stack
Buildings in Les Marais
Buildings in Les Marais. This is a great example of Haussmann's grand renovation of Paris in the mid to late 1800's (1852 to 1870). Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann worked for Napolean III, Napolean I's nephew.Place des Vosges
Place des Vosges has existed for more than 400 years. It has a symmetry that is unmatched almost anywhere in the world. Its 36 house (9 on each side) has a beautiful garden in the middle surrounded by stately homes all with the same style roof, stone and brick, but each has its own wrought iron style and may have different decorations on the outside of their windows and archways. It was built from 1605 to 1612 by Henri IV and was the first royal city planning of its kind. Henri II was killed during a tournament at the Tournelles (jousting) and through their grief families tore down their stately homes and moved to what is now the Louvre. At its inaugural it was named Place Royale and was used to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII to Anne of Austria. The Arcades are used for shops and eating. Even though it was called the Place Royale, no royal ever lived at Place des Vosges.
This is a lovely restaurant where we often ate breakfast, Ma Bagnogne. Their petit dejeuner is scrumptious with their buttery-good croissants and hot chocolate.
People eat their lunch here and bring their children to play (there are seesaws and dirt boxes). We noticed during the week it is mothers who tend to the children, but on the week-ends it is a veritable father's park... as well as many tourists walking through
One of four Cortot's fountains, from 1825Hotel de Sens
Hotel de Sens has a storied past. It is a Medieval structure, meaning built in the 1400-1500's (1475-1507 to be exact) and it is a private residence (Hotel refers more to a private mansion than a place to crash after a long trip), originally for the Archbishop of Sens (Paris was a part of Sens at this time) and then through its history Nostradamus lived here, as did one of Henry IV's wives, Marguerite de Navarre (known as Margot and she looked into the courtyard, in amusement, as her new younger lover slayed her older lover - not the King). During the 1830 revolution a cannonball was shot at the Hotel and you can still see it in the wall (see photo below). There are interesting protective barriers, including chutes that allowed for scalding hot water to be poured down on intruders and there is a dungeon to hold prisoners.
See the cannonball, it is over 170 years old and still embedded into the Hotel.
Balcony in the courtyard of the Hotel de Sens
The gardens to the back of the Hotel de Sens
A tiny dragon above the back door of the Hotel de Sens, that opens onto the lovely gardensSt Paul St Louis Church
This church is from 1627 with a 180 foot dome. Delacroix's Christ in the Garden of Olives can still be found in this Jesuit Church. It is on St. Antoine in Les Marais.
Izrael - spice shop
A wonderful spice shop in the Marais called Izrael at 30 Rue Francois Miron +33 1 42 72 66 23. They also sell great meat/cheese/spinach pockets and seasoned artichokes for a nice appetizer.
Inside Izrael, an awesome spice shop, and more! Located at 30 Rue Francois Miron +33 1 42 72 66 23 in the MaraisSt. Gervais - St. Protais
This lovely church, located in Les Marais is from the 6th century! It is named after two Roman martyrs (killed by Nero),
St Gervais St Protais stained glassMusee Carnavalet
Musee Carnavalet is one of the state run museums, which means it is free admission. What is unique about this museum is in encompasses two beautiful buildings that were stately homes and they have recreated many of the rooms as well as other unique rooms/stores from various periods of Paris' past.
The museum occupies two adjoining mansions (the Hotel Le Peletier de St-Fargeau and the Hotel Carnavalet). The main building, The Hôtel Carnavalet, was built as a town house in 1548 by Nicolas Dupuis. The Hotel Carnavalet is a Renaissance jewel that in the mid-1600s became the home of writer Madame de Sevigne. The 17th century Hotel le Peletier was added to the museum in 1989 to contain the larger part of the museum's 20th century interiors.
Elegant staircase
Louis XV room contains art from the Bouvier collection and paneling from the Hotel de Broglie
Detail of the wall panelling in a music room
Musee Carnavalet window overlooking garden
Ballroom of the Hotel de Wendel
Ballroom of the Hotel de Wendel
Signs used by shops through various centuries
Musee Carnavalet Fouquet Jewelry Boutique from 1900 is an Art Nouveau decor from Rue Royale and is by A. Moucha
Musee Carnavalet Fouquet Jewelry Boutique from 1900 is an Art Nouveau decor from Rue Royale and is by A. Moucha
Musee Carnavalet Fouquet Jewelry Boutique from 1900 is an Art Nouveau decor from Rue Royale and is by A. MouchaSeine at Dusk on a River Cruise
Grand Palais at dusk
Notre Dame at dusk
Seine at dusk
Eiffel at dusk
Seine at dusk14th of July - Bastille
Bastille 14 July - part of the military procession
Bastille at Place des Vosges - military fighter jets in procession flying overhead
Bastille 14 July - waiting at the Place de la Concorde for fireworks
Bastille 14 July - waiting at the Place de la Concorde for fireworks14th of July Fireworks!
Bastile 14 July - fireworks!lle St. Louis
Waterspout found on Ile St. Louis
Marionette store in Ile St. Louis
Passerelle des Arts is near Ile St. Louis and people hang out on this bridge to play music, have picnics and meet friends, family and people anewPalais Royal
Palais Royal, next to the Louvre, has an interesting courtyard with modern art.
Jardin du Palais RoyalLouvre
The Louvre started as a Medieval Palace back in 1165 AD and over time buildings have been added, edifices have been stripped and resurfaced with more current design qualities, with the end result culminating in the current structure we see today, begun by Napolean III and ending in 1873 with the fire of the Palais des Tuileries.
Louvre with glass pyramid designed by I. M Pei and is the new entrance and opened in 1989. I. M. Pei also was the architect for the Boston skyscraper, Hancock Tower as well as the JFK Library in South Boston.
Louvre with glass pyramid and horse statue
Louvre glass pyramid with fountain
Louvre glass pyramid with fountain
Louvre pyramid within a pyramid
Inside the Louvre under the glass pyramid. This is the entrance.
Louvre - Spiral staircase with a tube used as a lift
Louvre - Spiral staircase with a tube used as a lift - people coming off
Louvre Cour Marly French sculpture
Louvre Apollo Gallery
Louvre - Winged Victory
Louvre glass pyramid at dusk
Louvre glass pyramid at dusk
Louvre glass pyramid at dusk
Louvre glass pyramid at night
Louvre glass pyramid at night
Louvre glass pyramid at nightJardin des Tuileries
Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel was built from the orders of Napolean I from 1806-1808 as an entrance to the former Palais des Tuileries, which burned during the third revolution of 1871 by the Paris Commune (some call it an uprising) and their is now talk of rebuilding it at a cost of $380 million dollars! It was originally built in 1564 for Catherine de Medici (yes THAT Medici family from Italy) and it linked the North and South wings of the Louvre. The gardens beyond this Arc run parallel to the Seine and run straight through the Place de la Concorde and are in even line with the great Arc de Triomphe celebrating Napolean's conquests, which you can see them both within the arch of the Arc
Jardin des Tuileries with their statuary amongst their shrubbery with the southern section of the Louvre with its western most outer reaches ending. This is where the Palais des Tuileries would have begun and connected to the northern section of the Louvre.
Jardin des Tuileries were constructed originally in the 1600s as part of the grand Palais des Tuileries
Jardin des Tuileries provides wooden sailboats for children to push around the pond. It is around 1 euro per 1/2 hour or so.
Here they are with the sticks and their wooden sailboats
Jardin des Tuileries - A funny sign that was found in translation
Jardin des Tuileries statue and the ferris wheel 
This statue is Riviere by Aristide Maillol done in 1943 and is part of the statuary in the Jardin des Tuileries. I thought it looked a lot like the statue of the lady (representing oppression) being run over by the carriage of Freedom above the Grand Palais
I just thought the reaction of this statue said it all when it came to the fact that he had a pigeon on his head and poop running down his arm... but the more I think about it... maybe it's a reaction to the size of his family jewels... hmmm.
Ferris Wheel at the funfair in the Jardin des Tuileries. I am petrified of heights and I will NEVER get up in that thing... the pin holding the seat could easily fall out and you tip over and fall out. What? That's rationale thinking!
Another view of this 10 story ferris wheel.
OK, remember when I said NEVER?
Get me off this thing!
Trampoline at the funfair in the Jardin des Tuileries. Notice what the kids are jumping next to, right in the trampoline itself... a priceless statue... only in Paris!
Looking at the Louvre from the ferris wheel. Notice the pattern of the cut shrubbery that has the statuary strewn throughout
Right Bank from the Jardin des Tuileries on the ferris wheel
On the left with the green dome is the Opera National des Paris Garnier built from 1862 to 1875 (in the baroque and classical styles) and part of the 2nd Empires' opulent times, Napolean III - Napolean's nephew. Funny enough Ballet is now performed here, whereas opera is mostly performed at the new Opera Nationale de Paris Bastille (which is voted as the 2nd ugliest building in Paris after the Pompidou). On the right upon the hill is Sacre-Coeur basilica (Sacred Heart - specifically Christ's) began in 1875 but was not completed until 1914 but even then its consecration did not happen until 1919, obviously due to the first world war. The Bell Tower is 252 feet high with a bell weighing 18 1/2 tons and the clanger itself weighing 1,900 pounds!
Check out the little kid climbing up this rock-climbing wall
He reaches the top!
A proud poppa as his sun talks to the rock-climbing attendant
One of the crazy rides at the funfair
Jardin des Tuileries funfair funhouse. It kind of looks like the Pompidou in a strange way. As you might have heard, Parisians believe that if they had a choice as to which building gets torn down first it would be the Pompidou. The Opera house in the Bastille would be their second choice... you decide.
The Pompidou... kind of looks like the funhouse, no?Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay from the river Seine on an evening cruise
The Musee d'Orsay, in 1986, was converted from a railroad station (closed in 1939 - see photo below) into the museum it is today. As a railroad station it officially opened on the 14th of April 1900 (Bastille) and was part of the Great Exhibition that includes the Petit Palais, Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III. Its collection covers the artistic period of 1848 to 1914, which includes Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Naturalism, Symbolism, Neo-Impressionism, Sculptures from that time period as well as furniture
Musee d"Orsay when it was Gare d"Orsay from 1900 to 1939
Musee d'Orsay's great clock in the great hall, which they call the center aisle.
Musee d'Orsay - some of the inner construction of this previous railroad station
Musee d'Orsay - some of the inner construction of this previous railroad station
This is looking from the wall of the Musee d'Orsay towards the curving ceiling above
Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay
A close-up to all the tile work on the walls and ceiling of the Musee d'Orsay
Musee d'Orsay
I loved this room in the d'Orsay. I actually gasped when I turned into the door and saw this room for the first time. It is just an amazing space with amazing statuary
Musee d'Orsay's great room for statuary
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Jean-Joseph Perraud - Le Despesoir 1861 to 1869
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Ernest Christophe - Le Comedie Humaine ou Le Masque 1857 to 1859
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux - Woman Bitten by a Snake 1847
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Edgar Degas - Little Dancer Aged Fourteen 1879 to 1881 - being at Boston Ballet for 4 years, I can truly appreciate the position of the feet, her stature and the expression on her face... over 100 years later and it is completely recognizable for me
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux The 4 Parts of the World Holding up a Celestial Sphere 1867 to 1872
Musee d'Orsay sculpture by Emile Antoine Bourdelle - Hercules the Archer 1909 to 1923 
Musee d'Orsay's Rodin's Gates of Hell
Musee d'Orsay's Rodin's Gates of HellPantheon
Pantheon (All Gods) was built as a dedication to the one and only patron St. Genevieve by King Louis XV after he survived from a very serious illness. Due to money issues, it was not completed until 1789. It is in the shape of a Greek cross and was a return to the Neoclassical style
Pantheon columns at its outer entrance
Pantheon ceiling in the outside entrance
This massive structure is 110 meters long, 84 meters wide and 83 meters high (360 feet by 275 feet by 273 feet), giving it a very balanced feel since the width and height are almost identical.
Pantheon Ceiling with the great dome
Pantheon with its huge frescoes, beautifully done
More of the Pantheon's huge frescoes
Pantheon's major dome, which is iron-framed and is 272 feet high and weighs 10,000 tons, was modeled after St. Paul's of London
Known as the Foucault pendulum, physicist Leon Faucault, in 1851, demonstrated the rotation of the Early with his pendulum, which is 67 meters high (almost 220 feet high)
Pantheon Crypte to hold France's great men per the French Revolution of 1789. These include: Voltaire, Rousseau, Marat, Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Louis BrailleSt. Etienne du Mont
This is the church that the Parisian's have flocked to during times of war, especially when it was knocking on the Parisian's fortified walls. This is St. Etienne du Mont, but really should be called St. Genevieve, who is the patron saint of Paris. Inside is the shrine to St. Genevieve, and many years past her remains were held here. She is the patron saint due to the fact the city was ready to be invaded in 451 by Attila the Hun and his army but Genevieve had a premonition this would not happen, and it did not (they went to Orleans instead). In 464 during a siege by Childeric, Genevieve snuck past the line of defense and smuggled in grain for the starving city.
The rood screen is the walk above from the two spiraling staircases, very rare in Parisian churches
The church was begun in 1492 (yes, sailed the ocean blue) and was completed in 1626. The wooden pulpit is held up by Samson, clutching a bone in one hand and a slain lion at his feet. 
Kneeling/prayer chairs at St. Etienne du MontSt. Chapelle
St. Chapelle is inside the Palais de Justice which is the seat of the French judicial system. St. Chapelle was built in 1248, by King Louis IX to house Christ's crown of thorns (now at the Louvre) and its architecture allows for blazing light to enter through its large stained glass windows which depict over 1,000 religious scenes. It has a two-tier structure, one for royalty, the lower for commoners. The spire rises 245 feet above and was erected, for a 5th time (previous ones burned) in 1853St. Sulpice
St. Sulpice and Fontaine des Quatre Points Cardinaux - St. Sulpice is near the Jardin du Luxembourg, which is one of the loveliest spots in all of Paris. The church was begun in 1646 and took more than 100 years to complete. Latin Quarter
Old Wall in the Latin Quarter, built in the 1200's
Latin Quarter ShopEiffel
Built by architect Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, it was meant to be a temporary exhibit but remained and was the tallest structure until the Empire State Building in NYC in 1931. It is 1,063 feet high and has 3 levels. The first is 187 feet high, the second is 376 feet high and the third is 905 feet up. You can either take the double decker elevators or you can actually walk up Eiffel, all 1,665 steps. It is 10,100 tons of weight and it takes 60 tons of paint to paint it every 7 years.
Some people love it, others, like myself, are less enthralled by it. I found the paint color makes it look like an elongated rusted bird cage, but I can appreciate the design and the artistry involved.
That's Eiffel in all its brown glory
See the double decker elevator in the leg on the right?
You can see people climbing the stairs in the leg of the best
l'Ecoute
l'Ecoute is located in Les Halles area and it just outside the grand church of St EustacheAlexandre III and Petit and Grand Palais with Invalides in View
Probably one of my favorite spots in all of Paris is the Pont Alexandre III with the Grand Palais and Petit Palais on the Right Bank and Invalides and the Dome Church on the Left Bank. It is one of the most beautiful spots in all of the world's cities. The bridge and two Palais were built for the Universal Exhibition of 1900. The bridge was named after Tsar Alexander III (father of the ill-fated Nicholas II) who laid the first stone in 1896.
Signage on the Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III and the Dome Church, part of Invalides. The bridge is in the style of Art Nouveau and was designed not to obscure various views from around the city.
Pont Alexandre III with Grand Palais.
There were wedding photos being taken on the Pont Alexandre III
Pont Alexandre III with the Grand Palais
One of my favorite views over the bridge looking into the river and seeing Eiffel (looks better from afar).
Grand Palais is also in the Art Nouveau style and the enormous glass roof (with beautiful ironwork) is 160,000 square feet! The structure weighs 8,500 tons, actually 500 tons more than Eiffel Tower.
Petit Palais was built at the same time as Pont Alexandre III and the Grand Palais and currently houses the Musee de Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.
Close-up of the sculpture work on the Petit Palais
The grand door of the Petit PalaisInvalides and the Dome Church
Invalides is for military refuge, those who need medical attention or those in declining years. The Dome Church was completed in 1676 with the request from the Sun King, Louis XIV (who commissioned so much building in his time). The Church was to house the Royal Family, but hat was abandoned. In 1840 King Louis_Philippe installed Napolean's remains. It has now become a French military memorial with other important military figures entombed here.
Dome Church which was first gilded in 1715
Dome Church statue
The Dome Church Altar
Looking down at the tomb from the Church's altar area.
The tomb and its lovely sculptures
Napolean's tomb is surrounded by exquisite sculptures.
Dome Church - Napolean's TombMusee Rodin
Auguste Rodin
Gates of Hell
Musee Rodin
The Thinker
Musee Rodin is the only museum where I have seen this happen. Don't know how or who started it, but everyone who comes out of the museum takes their sticker pass (that you wear on your clothes) and puts them on the railing and street lights along the street just outside the entrance of the Rodin Museum.Jardin du Luxembourg
OK, if anyone wonders what makes you feel like you are truly in Paris, I would say, go to the Seine, go to Eiffel (although I would not) and eat at cafes and daily have bread, cheese and wine. But also, I would suggest anyone who is in Paris during the warmer months to visit this unbelievably beautiful, 60 acre park. It has it all. It has fountains, sculpture, wooden sail boats, carrousel, pony rides, comfy chairs to sit and enjoy as well as concerts, a Marionette theater and next door a really delicious luncheon place. Just to the north of the jardin is St. Sulpice.
Many of the sculptures within the park were erected in the 1800's and are of many of France's queens. There is even a bee-keeper school in this park.
Wooden sail boats for rent
This girl was the most stylish of the bunch and seemed to have fun pushing the boats around the pool
These guys came over and started singing various songs, some in English, others in Spanish but then security came over and told them to leave.
They were filming in Jardin du Luxembourg
Can you see the people they are filming or the guy with the microphone?
Carousels are at almost every large park in Paris. We even had one just outside our Metro stop at St. Paul in Les Marais
Each child had a stick and tried to place the stick on the next available ring to try to capture the most rings per ride
This was an American band from New Hampshire. They were traveling to France, Germany, Italy, Austria and England
Pantheon is in the backgroundFlower and Bird Market on Ile de la Cite - Sundays only
Take the Metro to the Cite stop (Ile de la Cite) and come up the stairs to a unique flower and bird market, one of the last in all of Paris. Once you have had your fill of birds and flowers, take a quick walk over to Notre Dame.
Metro stop Cite
Fish
Dove and parakeets
Chipmunks... yes, chipmunks.
Parakeets
Fancy hens
Bunnies!
Parakeet
Beautiful birdsNotre Dame
Notre Dame's first stone was laid in 1163 and was completed 170 years later in 1330. The Church is so associated with Paris' history that it is hard to associate one without the other. Its gargoyles are famous as are the North and South Rose Windows.
Notre Dame massive Nave
Side of Notre Dame's Nave
Notre Dames Altar
Notre Dame stained glass windows
South Rose Window is 43 feet wide and retains some of the 13th century stained glass work.
Notre Dame back of altar- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Books that I found helpful and/or interesting
* The Rough Guide Phrasebook - French - This little book is English to French, French to English, a menu section as well as a section on cursing.
* DK Eyewitness Travel - Paris - This book breaks Paris down by neighborhoods and gives wonderful historical significance to all that you see. This book also gives wonderfully visual street maps, building cut-outs as well as great self-guided walking tours throughout the city. By far the best travel books out there.
* City Walks 50 Cards for Paris called Adventures on Foot by Chronicle Books. Great walks in various places all around the city and each one gives you information on what you are walking by and why it is significant.
* Seven Ages of Paris by Alistair Horne - published by Viking Books. This book travels through the history of Paris from a small fishing village to the world-class powerhouse city that it is today. Reading this book while in Paris made me enjoy this lovely city on an entirely new level.
French or no French?
I survive quite well with knowing almost no French, but you may be able to enjoy Paris on a different level by knowing the following:
* Menu/restaurant items
* Numbers for pricing when buying gifts/souvenir
* Military time
* Days of the week
* Torresse for outside (to eat outside the restaurant on their outside tables)
Meals
* Cheeses: comte, brie brillat savarin
* Find a neighborhood Brasserie and Patisserie and Fromager (cheese shop). Also go to local grocery stores for great wines. The wine shops will have unique wines but a cheap way to try new wines is to: 1) get the house wine at the restaurants you visit and 2) go to Monoprix and other grocery stores to try other wines. We found an 8 euro bottle of wine that we just loved.
* In Paris the concern for the French culture has dragged the idea of culinary experimentation buried into the ground miles thick. In other words, most French restaurants have the same menus with only a slight variation. Tradition has prevented culinary wonder, but, truly, Paris menus and restaurants and food, in general, are better than anywhere else in the world. Let's hope their love for food will propel them into the 21st century and they can start to experiment again and grow like those in California, New York and London.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
San Francisco Flora
Here are some San Francisco flora I have photographed throughout the past few months.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Twins on an Epic Journey
Yup, that's right, an epic journey starring identical twins Gleep and Gloop.
They began in the depths of my kidney and after months of residing in darkness, their weeks of planning have come to fruition and their epic journey has begun!
Monday morning was like any other morning, get up, take a shower, water the plants in the garden, feed the neighbors cats and take a bike ride to work. And this particular Monday was even more exciting because we had two new employees starting with two more starting later in the week.
I arrive at work, with what was a lovely ride on a sunny, warm day, and one day after Daylight Savings just began, to boot.
I arrive at work and introduce the new staff to the office, go over some initial informational stuff and start planning my day, which included getting ready for the additional two new employees later in the week... then something just didn't feel right.
My stomach was upset, which it was since breakfast with Laura and friends on Sunday morning. I thought little about it and had some lunch, sandwich, and soon my upset stomach was beyond upset... it was down right angry!
I try to walk it off, so I walk around the office, go down the hall, but nothing made it feel better. Then I realize things are really feeling worse, not just in my stomach, but my side and my angry stomach was throwing a hissy-fit... uh oh, this is it... once I thought about it, I knew... (whisper) kidney stones.
OK, I lock my cabinet, gather my things and walk into Giancarlo's office and ask him if he wouldn't mind taking me to the closest emergency room... he looks at me and says, "Are you kidding or are you serious?"
I was serious.
Giancarlo grabs his things and we are off to the elevator and down to the front entrance of the building, then it hit me, I couldn't even walk to his car, so I pick up my iPhone (thank you Atlassian) and call 911 (emergency). I tell Giancarlo, "Are you sure?" was his response, "the car is right here". This is after I noticed he drove the car on to the sidewalk, right next to me. In less than 1 minute the ambulance sirens are heard... thank gosh!
In less than another minute the ambulance is in front of us and I somehow walk into the ambulance and they shut the doors... but wait... we are not leaving. They ask me all these questions as the pain increases to the point that I can't open eyes, because if I do, they will eject out of my head!
They want to take my blood pressure but I am flinging my arms around like a kid trying to catch a firefly and he can't grab it. "Please hold still" says the EMT. Hold Still? Are you kidding me, I'm having a freaken' baby and in case you haven't noticed, I am a guy!
They check my heart and other vitals... vitals are good. At this point I am screaming, not moaning, but screaming like a banchy (whatever that is).
They rated my pain as 10 out of 10... gee, do you think? They even ask me if I want morphine (I said no - didn't trust them). Reason I said no to the morphine is the guy tried to tap a vain and well, his attempt was more painful then the two twins (you know, Gloop and Gleep) playing Gladiator with my insides.
Still we sit there as they ask me inane questions (Name, Age, Birthday, History, Modern Architecture, the Cosmos).
Finally after I screamed, "What are we doing... h o s p i t a l!" they decide they should go.
Finally, we'll be at St. Mary's in no time... the engine starts and the EMT with me is telling me to hang on (yeah I have nothing better to think about) and down the street we go, yet wait, we stop. What? Why are we stopping? (I am thinking this as I am literally kicking and screaming!) We stopped because they are not using the sirens... that's right, my agony will be prolonged because my vitals are good, no reason to bother the traffic, I'm just a man having TWINS!
We go down steep San Francisco hills, my feet practically dangling over my head from the gravity. "Hang on" the EMT says to me. "THANKS" I respond in between the F and S words!
Finally after 15 minutes, should have been 3 with the sirens, but whatever, we arrive at St. Mary's... by the way, I'm still kicking and screaming, slamming my feet onto the gurney and writhing in painful agony (kind of redundant.. but again, TWINS!). I'm in St. Mary's and the doctors who are manning the ER are busy, so I stay in the gurney, screaming, writhing, kicking, swearing, swearing and swearing while others walk by, I hear people talking, some even laughing (better not be at me!) and no one, I mean no one stops by to see how I'm feeling. But then again, I think they knew how I was feeling and I probably didn't send out a vibe of 'friendly person'.
Finally a nurse comes over with an Irish brogue and starts asking me the same questions as the EMT's, when we started debating Carl Sagan's Cosmo's theories, that's when I lost it. "Where is the F'ing doctor!". He'll be here very shortly, then she disappeared.
I am wheeled into a room, or so I think since my eyes are still closed... you know, popping-out-of-my-head-from-the-pain-fear, and finally, after at least an hour, I hear, "Did you take any medication?" Take any medication, what, do you think I have a bottle of morphine attached to my bike? OK, we'll give you some morphine and after I complained of feeling sick to my stomach, they said they would give me something to soothe that feeling... or at least that's what I heard, but who knows.
10 minutes passes and I feel no effects from the medication, another 10 minutes passes and I finally notice my legs were no longer attacking the gurney. Painful, but at least I wasn't literally climbing and grabbing onto the walls.
Then I must have passed out (or someone knocked me out, wouldn't put it pass them from all my screaming) because the next thing I knew I heard Laura's voice, "Ernie, Ernie, are you ok" By that time I was. The morphine had kicked in and the pain had subsided. That is when I hear I do have twins, two 3 millimeter stones, on, as I had stated, an epic journey.
Laura was so wonderful to stay with me, gently and calmly and even went to the pharmacy to pick up my medication... how wonderful is that!
So, how was your week?
They began in the depths of my kidney and after months of residing in darkness, their weeks of planning have come to fruition and their epic journey has begun!
Monday morning was like any other morning, get up, take a shower, water the plants in the garden, feed the neighbors cats and take a bike ride to work. And this particular Monday was even more exciting because we had two new employees starting with two more starting later in the week.
I arrive at work, with what was a lovely ride on a sunny, warm day, and one day after Daylight Savings just began, to boot.
I arrive at work and introduce the new staff to the office, go over some initial informational stuff and start planning my day, which included getting ready for the additional two new employees later in the week... then something just didn't feel right.
My stomach was upset, which it was since breakfast with Laura and friends on Sunday morning. I thought little about it and had some lunch, sandwich, and soon my upset stomach was beyond upset... it was down right angry!
I try to walk it off, so I walk around the office, go down the hall, but nothing made it feel better. Then I realize things are really feeling worse, not just in my stomach, but my side and my angry stomach was throwing a hissy-fit... uh oh, this is it... once I thought about it, I knew... (whisper) kidney stones.
OK, I lock my cabinet, gather my things and walk into Giancarlo's office and ask him if he wouldn't mind taking me to the closest emergency room... he looks at me and says, "Are you kidding or are you serious?"
I was serious.
Giancarlo grabs his things and we are off to the elevator and down to the front entrance of the building, then it hit me, I couldn't even walk to his car, so I pick up my iPhone (thank you Atlassian) and call 911 (emergency). I tell Giancarlo, "Are you sure?" was his response, "the car is right here". This is after I noticed he drove the car on to the sidewalk, right next to me. In less than 1 minute the ambulance sirens are heard... thank gosh!
In less than another minute the ambulance is in front of us and I somehow walk into the ambulance and they shut the doors... but wait... we are not leaving. They ask me all these questions as the pain increases to the point that I can't open eyes, because if I do, they will eject out of my head!
They want to take my blood pressure but I am flinging my arms around like a kid trying to catch a firefly and he can't grab it. "Please hold still" says the EMT. Hold Still? Are you kidding me, I'm having a freaken' baby and in case you haven't noticed, I am a guy!
They check my heart and other vitals... vitals are good. At this point I am screaming, not moaning, but screaming like a banchy (whatever that is).
They rated my pain as 10 out of 10... gee, do you think? They even ask me if I want morphine (I said no - didn't trust them). Reason I said no to the morphine is the guy tried to tap a vain and well, his attempt was more painful then the two twins (you know, Gloop and Gleep) playing Gladiator with my insides.
Still we sit there as they ask me inane questions (Name, Age, Birthday, History, Modern Architecture, the Cosmos).
Finally after I screamed, "What are we doing... h o s p i t a l!" they decide they should go.
Finally, we'll be at St. Mary's in no time... the engine starts and the EMT with me is telling me to hang on (yeah I have nothing better to think about) and down the street we go, yet wait, we stop. What? Why are we stopping? (I am thinking this as I am literally kicking and screaming!) We stopped because they are not using the sirens... that's right, my agony will be prolonged because my vitals are good, no reason to bother the traffic, I'm just a man having TWINS!
We go down steep San Francisco hills, my feet practically dangling over my head from the gravity. "Hang on" the EMT says to me. "THANKS" I respond in between the F and S words!
Finally after 15 minutes, should have been 3 with the sirens, but whatever, we arrive at St. Mary's... by the way, I'm still kicking and screaming, slamming my feet onto the gurney and writhing in painful agony (kind of redundant.. but again, TWINS!). I'm in St. Mary's and the doctors who are manning the ER are busy, so I stay in the gurney, screaming, writhing, kicking, swearing, swearing and swearing while others walk by, I hear people talking, some even laughing (better not be at me!) and no one, I mean no one stops by to see how I'm feeling. But then again, I think they knew how I was feeling and I probably didn't send out a vibe of 'friendly person'.
Finally a nurse comes over with an Irish brogue and starts asking me the same questions as the EMT's, when we started debating Carl Sagan's Cosmo's theories, that's when I lost it. "Where is the F'ing doctor!". He'll be here very shortly, then she disappeared.
I am wheeled into a room, or so I think since my eyes are still closed... you know, popping-out-of-my-head-from-the-pain-fear, and finally, after at least an hour, I hear, "Did you take any medication?" Take any medication, what, do you think I have a bottle of morphine attached to my bike? OK, we'll give you some morphine and after I complained of feeling sick to my stomach, they said they would give me something to soothe that feeling... or at least that's what I heard, but who knows.
10 minutes passes and I feel no effects from the medication, another 10 minutes passes and I finally notice my legs were no longer attacking the gurney. Painful, but at least I wasn't literally climbing and grabbing onto the walls.
Then I must have passed out (or someone knocked me out, wouldn't put it pass them from all my screaming) because the next thing I knew I heard Laura's voice, "Ernie, Ernie, are you ok" By that time I was. The morphine had kicked in and the pain had subsided. That is when I hear I do have twins, two 3 millimeter stones, on, as I had stated, an epic journey.
Laura was so wonderful to stay with me, gently and calmly and even went to the pharmacy to pick up my medication... how wonderful is that!
So, how was your week?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
To Almost Die Is To Live! My story at SF Pillow Fight 2008
This is my 3rd year of doing the pillow fight, and I never get tired of it... although this time I almost died!
I'm one to climb into the thick of things when an event happens; Time Square on New Year's Eve, Amsterdam for Queen's Day and down into the depths of Herman Plaza during the annual Valentine's Day Pillow Fight.
We all meet up at Herman Plaza shortly before 6 PM and strategize... where to begin, where to meet after, etc.
Five minutes until six and the tension mounts, with many poised with their weapon of choice, whether down, polly fill or memory foam. Some have costumes, others just a desire to bash the person standing next to them.
Many people come in groups or teams while others come alone, with the hopes of meeting that special someone, whether it be the Kmart special or the Ralph Lauren Summer Series.
Four minutes to six and we head towards the edge of the pillow pit... I, being of sound mind and body, gently move into the center of the pit, wondering what happened to the rest of the crew. I suddenly realize I am abandoned and alone, having to win my victory with my own two arms and a Cuddle Down pillow wrapped in a Ralph Lauren soft yellow King case.
One minute to six and I bow my head, not to pray, but to save the chance from a powerful left or right hook that could bring stars floating above my head.
Clang, clang, clang, it is 6 PM and without hesitation I swing with abandon, feeling the contact of soft feathers with hard head... boy that felt good. Bop, someone got me... I must return with a comparable response, so I swing in the direction whence it came, nothing.
My eyes are closed through this time, all of four minutes and suddenly, from gasps of laughter I suck up a feather and it blocks my wind pipe!
I try to quickly move outside the pillow pit but, as one would guess, I am pummeled and pounded by the army of softness. This would be funny if it wasn't me! So this is how I am going to die, at a pillow fight. I see the headlines, "Man Dies Amidst Feathers and Revelers". A make-shift memorial is set up at the plaza, piles of pillows and candles commemorating the first casualty of the San Francisco pillow fight. Will I be responsible for the end of this campy wonderment?
I move forward, still gasping for a breath of life, boff, hit again. I raise my arms to move soldiers out of the way, hoping the next step will result in a dislodged feather, also fearing another will follow its lead and enter my wind pipe. Will I become the pillow in which I swung only moments ago?
One more cough, one more chance to save my own life, it's not pretty or stylish gasping among the glowing lights, flinging pillows, and the sounds of human laughter, but death isn't pretty either. One more cough ought to dislodge this light and inconsequentially sized death tool. Feathers don't kill people, people kill people!
Finally, after another cough, I feel the soft edges of a feather pass my lips... is this what chicken foreplay feels like? Ahhh, beautiful, wonderful, gentle air fills my lungs and I can once again stand up straight and hold my pillow without shaking.
I slowly walk around the plaza, stopping on occasion to take in that elixir of life, air. Things begin to return to color, including my cheeks... feel the rush of my blood carrying oxygen to my brain... ahh.
Here are photos from friends who attended... you know, the one's who abandoned me!
http://picasaweb.google.com/tarkasteve/SFPillowFight2008
http://www.flickr.com/photos/superoni/sets/72157603914274803
I'm one to climb into the thick of things when an event happens; Time Square on New Year's Eve, Amsterdam for Queen's Day and down into the depths of Herman Plaza during the annual Valentine's Day Pillow Fight.
We all meet up at Herman Plaza shortly before 6 PM and strategize... where to begin, where to meet after, etc.
Five minutes until six and the tension mounts, with many poised with their weapon of choice, whether down, polly fill or memory foam. Some have costumes, others just a desire to bash the person standing next to them.
Many people come in groups or teams while others come alone, with the hopes of meeting that special someone, whether it be the Kmart special or the Ralph Lauren Summer Series.
Four minutes to six and we head towards the edge of the pillow pit... I, being of sound mind and body, gently move into the center of the pit, wondering what happened to the rest of the crew. I suddenly realize I am abandoned and alone, having to win my victory with my own two arms and a Cuddle Down pillow wrapped in a Ralph Lauren soft yellow King case.
One minute to six and I bow my head, not to pray, but to save the chance from a powerful left or right hook that could bring stars floating above my head.
Clang, clang, clang, it is 6 PM and without hesitation I swing with abandon, feeling the contact of soft feathers with hard head... boy that felt good. Bop, someone got me... I must return with a comparable response, so I swing in the direction whence it came, nothing.
My eyes are closed through this time, all of four minutes and suddenly, from gasps of laughter I suck up a feather and it blocks my wind pipe!
I try to quickly move outside the pillow pit but, as one would guess, I am pummeled and pounded by the army of softness. This would be funny if it wasn't me! So this is how I am going to die, at a pillow fight. I see the headlines, "Man Dies Amidst Feathers and Revelers". A make-shift memorial is set up at the plaza, piles of pillows and candles commemorating the first casualty of the San Francisco pillow fight. Will I be responsible for the end of this campy wonderment?
I move forward, still gasping for a breath of life, boff, hit again. I raise my arms to move soldiers out of the way, hoping the next step will result in a dislodged feather, also fearing another will follow its lead and enter my wind pipe. Will I become the pillow in which I swung only moments ago?
One more cough, one more chance to save my own life, it's not pretty or stylish gasping among the glowing lights, flinging pillows, and the sounds of human laughter, but death isn't pretty either. One more cough ought to dislodge this light and inconsequentially sized death tool. Feathers don't kill people, people kill people!
Finally, after another cough, I feel the soft edges of a feather pass my lips... is this what chicken foreplay feels like? Ahhh, beautiful, wonderful, gentle air fills my lungs and I can once again stand up straight and hold my pillow without shaking.
I slowly walk around the plaza, stopping on occasion to take in that elixir of life, air. Things begin to return to color, including my cheeks... feel the rush of my blood carrying oxygen to my brain... ahh.
Here are photos from friends who attended... you know, the one's who abandoned me!
http://picasaweb.google.com/tarkasteve/SFPillowFight2008
http://www.flickr.com/photos/superoni/sets/72157603914274803
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Biking in the rain... yeah, right!
If you ever wanted to know what a non-violent rant is... this is it!
First, if ever there was a time someone could talk me into throwing away the green-way and start using the highway, this is the time.
I had to go to the doctors today for a pre-op exam. It was raining just a bit as I left the office at around 12:15 pm and headed towards 21st and Noriega to see my doctor. As I am riding down 17th street through the mission, I encounter a steady stream of rain that gradually, but ultimately, moved into the torrent category.
Do you know what it is like to ride a bike with water running UP your nose? Think of drowning while participating in the geriatric tour-de-france... lovely. Who needs to breathe while riding up hills and dodging cars?
After 30 minutes of riding in a vertical flood, I finally make it to my doctors, with every last inch of my head, arms, hands, legs and feet drenched and freezing from the cool temperatures. I would have been dryer coming out of a pool!
The woman at the counter asked me if I was all right, looking up at me with big, frightened eyes. Then again, she always looks at me with big, frightened eyes.
After an hour or so at the doctors office, I turn around to head home so I could then go to the hospital for tests (x-rays and blood work). Once again as I am heading back, on 21st towards Golden Gate Park, the rain decides I have not had enough pounding for one day, so it starts to pick up tempo. As I am riding down a long gradual hill, with the wet rode and splashing cars behind me and before me, through my blinded, wet eyes, I realize that the Judah line subway train is at the bottom. Will it move out of the way before my wet break pads and drenched tire rims slow me down to the point of looking like Wyle E. Coyote on the dessert floor? Splat! It moved.
I get home and quickly focus my attentions on the hospital, with my soaked clothes, head and shoes. I reach the hospital, walk along its well-waxed floors and get onto the elevator to go to reception to check in, only to be told I will have to come back tomorrow, there is a backlog.
I thanked them kindly, after crying like a little school boy who just lost his favorite toy, and carried my sorry looking, wet, lame, pathetic body back to the elevator, back through the lobby and out into that wonderful place we call home... wet, miserable, tired, annoyed and yes, finished.
You have won today mother nature. You have beaten my good-natured, hug-a-tree attitude. But I will return, refreshed, renewed and ready to pedal again.
So send me your rain, send me your wind, drop those temperatures... bring it on!
Just not today.
I say adieu. I am tired, I am cold, I have no energy left; as Kramer once said on Seinfeld, "stick a fork in me Jerry, I'm done."
Ernie
First, if ever there was a time someone could talk me into throwing away the green-way and start using the highway, this is the time.
I had to go to the doctors today for a pre-op exam. It was raining just a bit as I left the office at around 12:15 pm and headed towards 21st and Noriega to see my doctor. As I am riding down 17th street through the mission, I encounter a steady stream of rain that gradually, but ultimately, moved into the torrent category.
Do you know what it is like to ride a bike with water running UP your nose? Think of drowning while participating in the geriatric tour-de-france... lovely. Who needs to breathe while riding up hills and dodging cars?
After 30 minutes of riding in a vertical flood, I finally make it to my doctors, with every last inch of my head, arms, hands, legs and feet drenched and freezing from the cool temperatures. I would have been dryer coming out of a pool!
The woman at the counter asked me if I was all right, looking up at me with big, frightened eyes. Then again, she always looks at me with big, frightened eyes.
After an hour or so at the doctors office, I turn around to head home so I could then go to the hospital for tests (x-rays and blood work). Once again as I am heading back, on 21st towards Golden Gate Park, the rain decides I have not had enough pounding for one day, so it starts to pick up tempo. As I am riding down a long gradual hill, with the wet rode and splashing cars behind me and before me, through my blinded, wet eyes, I realize that the Judah line subway train is at the bottom. Will it move out of the way before my wet break pads and drenched tire rims slow me down to the point of looking like Wyle E. Coyote on the dessert floor? Splat! It moved.
I get home and quickly focus my attentions on the hospital, with my soaked clothes, head and shoes. I reach the hospital, walk along its well-waxed floors and get onto the elevator to go to reception to check in, only to be told I will have to come back tomorrow, there is a backlog.
I thanked them kindly, after crying like a little school boy who just lost his favorite toy, and carried my sorry looking, wet, lame, pathetic body back to the elevator, back through the lobby and out into that wonderful place we call home... wet, miserable, tired, annoyed and yes, finished.
You have won today mother nature. You have beaten my good-natured, hug-a-tree attitude. But I will return, refreshed, renewed and ready to pedal again.
So send me your rain, send me your wind, drop those temperatures... bring it on!
Just not today.
I say adieu. I am tired, I am cold, I have no energy left; as Kramer once said on Seinfeld, "stick a fork in me Jerry, I'm done."
Ernie
Saturday, January 05, 2008
The Day After
On Friday, January 4, 2008 San Francisco was hammered with a very severe winter storm that was basically a hurricane without the name. Winds of over 75 mph, rain of 2 inches or more with 1 million people without power. Further east, the Sierra Mountains got 4 feet of snow with 4 more on the way and Reno had some flooding that affected thousands.
In Golden Gate Park many massive trees fell from the weight of the storm and more are still vulnerable from the compromised soil and the continued wind and rain.
Below are a few photos from this rough and tough day.
This is right next to the Chaplain William D. McKinnon statue - you can see the statue in the upper right.
This was a massive eucalyptus tree. It took out another tree on its way down.
This is a large tree that fell into Stow Lake. The ducks could not get through. See the duck on the left side... can't get through. The trunk of this tree is above.
Some of the ducks of Stow Lake.
This is a utility shed at the start of Golden Gate Park at Stanyon and Page streets.
Pretty strong structure.
Another tree that succumbed to the storm.
See the wave on the left coming up to Seal Rock!
As of today tens of thousands are still without power and more rain is expected for the next week. Mudslides will cause poorly or foolishly built homes, on high cliffs, to fall and most of us still love living here!
In Golden Gate Park many massive trees fell from the weight of the storm and more are still vulnerable from the compromised soil and the continued wind and rain.
Below are a few photos from this rough and tough day.
This is right next to the Chaplain William D. McKinnon statue - you can see the statue in the upper right.
This was a massive eucalyptus tree. It took out another tree on its way down.
This is a large tree that fell into Stow Lake. The ducks could not get through. See the duck on the left side... can't get through. The trunk of this tree is above.
Some of the ducks of Stow Lake.
This is a utility shed at the start of Golden Gate Park at Stanyon and Page streets.
Pretty strong structure.
Another tree that succumbed to the storm.
See the wave on the left coming up to Seal Rock!As of today tens of thousands are still without power and more rain is expected for the next week. Mudslides will cause poorly or foolishly built homes, on high cliffs, to fall and most of us still love living here!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
A True Act of Kindness
I was on the bus the other day, Saturday to be exact, and I was heading over to Union Street because a friend of mine was to be, soon, closing her store, Tate & Kennedy, to move to Boston and I wanted to say my goodbyes.
Before I got there this older woman, wonderfully dressed with a wrap around her head, got onto the bus and a younger woman stood up and offered this lovely woman her seat. Without skipping a beat the lovely, older woman handed the younger woman, who gave up her seat for her, a lovely bouquet of flowers. The younger woman smiled so wide and strong that the entire bus felt the joy in her smile and heart.
As the younger woman was getting off of the bus, she turned around and said to the older woman, "You have made my day".
Before I got there this older woman, wonderfully dressed with a wrap around her head, got onto the bus and a younger woman stood up and offered this lovely woman her seat. Without skipping a beat the lovely, older woman handed the younger woman, who gave up her seat for her, a lovely bouquet of flowers. The younger woman smiled so wide and strong that the entire bus felt the joy in her smile and heart.
As the younger woman was getting off of the bus, she turned around and said to the older woman, "You have made my day".
Friday, November 16, 2007
30 Days of No TV - 24 days and counting
I think someone or something is testing me. During these 19 days I have been tested by various events happening in San Francisco and with myself.
On day two of my personal restrictions to television, we have the strongest earthquake in over 18 years, 5.6, then 1 1/2 weeks ago a horrible tragedy has happened to our beloved Bay, an oil spill of over 58,000 gallons.
As most understand, during tragedies, whether man-made or natural, most people turn on the television to get the latest up-dates on the event. It was hard for me not to turn on the television, but with the help of the internet, I was able to read articles put up by local t.v. stations (no, I did not watch their program via the web) and I would ask people in my office, the following day, questions about the events at hand.
Then just a few days ago I became suddenly ill and was finding myself stressed from heart palpitations and feeling weak and lightheaded. I don't know about you, but whenever I am ill, I curl up on the sofa or bed, wrap myself up in a nice warm comforter and rest my head on a nice fluffy pile of pillows and watch a nice, heartwarming movie on the tv.
And finally I was just diagnosed with having kidney stones!
But so far, with all of these events, I have kept that blasted television off! And as time goes on, it has become easier and easier. I have gone out with friends, or I've picked up a book or better still, picked up the phone and talked to people I haven't spoken to in months, whereas before I would have just plopped down in my chair and left the world alone.
And I guess that was the whole point, I was tired of leaving the world alone. So now, I leave the television alone and, frankly, we are both happier for it.
On day two of my personal restrictions to television, we have the strongest earthquake in over 18 years, 5.6, then 1 1/2 weeks ago a horrible tragedy has happened to our beloved Bay, an oil spill of over 58,000 gallons.
As most understand, during tragedies, whether man-made or natural, most people turn on the television to get the latest up-dates on the event. It was hard for me not to turn on the television, but with the help of the internet, I was able to read articles put up by local t.v. stations (no, I did not watch their program via the web) and I would ask people in my office, the following day, questions about the events at hand.
Then just a few days ago I became suddenly ill and was finding myself stressed from heart palpitations and feeling weak and lightheaded. I don't know about you, but whenever I am ill, I curl up on the sofa or bed, wrap myself up in a nice warm comforter and rest my head on a nice fluffy pile of pillows and watch a nice, heartwarming movie on the tv.
And finally I was just diagnosed with having kidney stones!
But so far, with all of these events, I have kept that blasted television off! And as time goes on, it has become easier and easier. I have gone out with friends, or I've picked up a book or better still, picked up the phone and talked to people I haven't spoken to in months, whereas before I would have just plopped down in my chair and left the world alone.
And I guess that was the whole point, I was tired of leaving the world alone. So now, I leave the television alone and, frankly, we are both happier for it.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
No Television for 30 Days
Starting on Monday, October 29th I decided to not watch television for 30 days. I'm not a huge television fan but I do like to watch PBS programs as well as the usual programs (Seinfeld, Frasier, Simpsons, etc.). I noticed that I have been watching a LOT of television in the last month, sometimes falling asleep in a chair after resting in front of the t.v. for a few hours... that's right, a few hours.
I'm not sure what I will get out of this test to myself, but I hope it is something more than what I was getting out of watching television.
Funny enough, the time when television is important is during a regional or national/international crisis and on the 2nd day, Tuesday, we had a 5.6 earthquake, the strongest shake in almost 18 years! I really wanted to turn on the television, but thankfully I could find out what was going on using the internet, so I was fine. I also called a few friends just to get their feed on it as well.
I posted a blog at the office and we had a discussion on the fact that everyone only watches the high-brow programs (except for a few brave souls who told the truth). It's funny how everyone says they watch PBS and yet it is the reality programs that continually rate the highest week after week... of course, I am the exception :)
One week later, I have to say, I have been getting more done than I thought, but it is harder to break the habit of television than I thought it would be as well, especially during my normal week-end viewing, when I usually watch a movie on Saturday and cooking/gardening shows on Sunday... and Sunday night, so far, is the worst. This is the night I settle down after enjoying my week-end to relax in front of the t.v. before going to bed to start my workweek. Luckily I love going to work, so it's not about destressing to go to a place I don't want to go, but this habit of Sunday evening television goes back further than a month ago, Sunday night television stems from my childhood... that is a long tradition that is very difficult to break.
I decided to look at the numbers, because I like numbers and they have a way of clarifying things. Say you watch 4 hours of television a day, which by today's standards is not bad. One hour for your morning news and three hours for your nightly watching, 8 - 11 pm. Four hours Monday through Friday and then 10 hours on the week-end for a total of 30 hours a week. That relates to 1,560 hours per year, or more importantly, 65 days or almost 18% of your entire year. Now if you factor in a 7 hour night of sleep, that equates to 25% of your wake time sitting in front of the t.v. instead of engaging with other people, including your spouse, your children, your friends.
Imagine spending 25% of your life being passive but awake. If you live to be 80 years old, that is 20 years sitting in front of the television... I don't know about you, but that makes me feel sick to my stomach.
So far I have listened to a lot of podcast programs, including "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", "Says You", "Real Time, with Bill Mahr" and the WGBH Classical Program among some other podcasts while cooking dinner, cleaning the house or working in the garden (pots on a deck).
Another thing I have done is I am writing again... that is a wonderful surprise.
But the most remarkable thing is I find myself wanting to go out. I want to get out of the house and start being with people, which was the entire point of this test, to be an active part of life instead of being a passive participant in my own life. And this has happened in just 7 days.
What will happen after 30 days, will I go back to watching four hours a night? I hope not. But I'll probably take a few hours during my Sunday evenings to watch a program or two or maybe a movie, just for the heck of it. Best of all, I won't have any reason to feel guilty about it, because I was able to make something of my week before taking a well deserved Sunday rest.
Now, what about you? Will you be a passive participant or active participant in your life? Watch t.v., just don't watch it night after night, there really are better things to be doing.
I'm not sure what I will get out of this test to myself, but I hope it is something more than what I was getting out of watching television.
Funny enough, the time when television is important is during a regional or national/international crisis and on the 2nd day, Tuesday, we had a 5.6 earthquake, the strongest shake in almost 18 years! I really wanted to turn on the television, but thankfully I could find out what was going on using the internet, so I was fine. I also called a few friends just to get their feed on it as well.
I posted a blog at the office and we had a discussion on the fact that everyone only watches the high-brow programs (except for a few brave souls who told the truth). It's funny how everyone says they watch PBS and yet it is the reality programs that continually rate the highest week after week... of course, I am the exception :)
One week later, I have to say, I have been getting more done than I thought, but it is harder to break the habit of television than I thought it would be as well, especially during my normal week-end viewing, when I usually watch a movie on Saturday and cooking/gardening shows on Sunday... and Sunday night, so far, is the worst. This is the night I settle down after enjoying my week-end to relax in front of the t.v. before going to bed to start my workweek. Luckily I love going to work, so it's not about destressing to go to a place I don't want to go, but this habit of Sunday evening television goes back further than a month ago, Sunday night television stems from my childhood... that is a long tradition that is very difficult to break.
I decided to look at the numbers, because I like numbers and they have a way of clarifying things. Say you watch 4 hours of television a day, which by today's standards is not bad. One hour for your morning news and three hours for your nightly watching, 8 - 11 pm. Four hours Monday through Friday and then 10 hours on the week-end for a total of 30 hours a week. That relates to 1,560 hours per year, or more importantly, 65 days or almost 18% of your entire year. Now if you factor in a 7 hour night of sleep, that equates to 25% of your wake time sitting in front of the t.v. instead of engaging with other people, including your spouse, your children, your friends.
Imagine spending 25% of your life being passive but awake. If you live to be 80 years old, that is 20 years sitting in front of the television... I don't know about you, but that makes me feel sick to my stomach.
So far I have listened to a lot of podcast programs, including "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", "Says You", "Real Time, with Bill Mahr" and the WGBH Classical Program among some other podcasts while cooking dinner, cleaning the house or working in the garden (pots on a deck).
Another thing I have done is I am writing again... that is a wonderful surprise.
But the most remarkable thing is I find myself wanting to go out. I want to get out of the house and start being with people, which was the entire point of this test, to be an active part of life instead of being a passive participant in my own life. And this has happened in just 7 days.
What will happen after 30 days, will I go back to watching four hours a night? I hope not. But I'll probably take a few hours during my Sunday evenings to watch a program or two or maybe a movie, just for the heck of it. Best of all, I won't have any reason to feel guilty about it, because I was able to make something of my week before taking a well deserved Sunday rest.
Now, what about you? Will you be a passive participant or active participant in your life? Watch t.v., just don't watch it night after night, there really are better things to be doing.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
An Evening at the SF Tea Garden
I often go to the Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and during the morning hours and beyond their evening hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm between Nov - Apr and after 6 pm from May - Oct) it is free.
In the Spring the Azaleas and trees are in bloom. In the fall trees start to change their leave's colors and the sun rising and setting has a softer glow on the garden.
I have taken a few photos for your enjoyment.
In the Spring the Azaleas and trees are in bloom. In the fall trees start to change their leave's colors and the sun rising and setting has a softer glow on the garden.
I have taken a few photos for your enjoyment.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Photos from the garden
These are some photos from the garden. Don't you just love gardening!
Anemone
Daisy
Geranium
Cymbidiums
Ranunculus
Zinnia
Anemone
Daisy
Geranium
Cymbidiums
Ranunculus
Zinnia
Thursday, September 06, 2007
The End of an Era - Pavarotti dies today
The news of Pavarotti's death brings back many wonderful memories for me, as I'm sure it does for many opera fans. I don't quite remember how or when I began to listen to opera, but I do know who was the first singer to peak my interest, Pavarotti. His charisma and love of the art of opera is apparent the moment who hear him sing... Nessun Dorma is probably his signature performance and I have never heard a better rendition.
I remember the night I went to hear and see Pavarotti perform. It was a night in Boston at the old Boston Garden with my two great friends, Tim and Michele. They took me out to dinner and I bought them two tickets for the concert. It was important for me to bring friends who appreciated Pavarotti, and opera for that matter, as much as I did.
Later when Michele and Tim separated and Michele moved to London, we were taking the train to Paris from London and as we passed beautifully blooming lavendar fields, we listened to Pavarotti on the disc player while drinking wine and looking forward to Paris. What a beautiful moment in time for me, a moment I will never forget.
Pavarotti had his critics. For some strange reason it was seen as "selling out" to perform in a way that attracted "the masses", but who cares how people are introduced to opera, as long as they have the opportunity to listen to it and to learn to appreciate it. Pavarotti broke so many barriers and introduced a beautiful art form to millions upon millions who did not have the opportunity or desire prior to him.
Pavarotti will be missed by so many, especially his family and friends, but we are fortunate that his music, his talent and his love of opera will be with us for all time.
Bravo Pavarotti, Bravo.
I remember the night I went to hear and see Pavarotti perform. It was a night in Boston at the old Boston Garden with my two great friends, Tim and Michele. They took me out to dinner and I bought them two tickets for the concert. It was important for me to bring friends who appreciated Pavarotti, and opera for that matter, as much as I did.
Later when Michele and Tim separated and Michele moved to London, we were taking the train to Paris from London and as we passed beautifully blooming lavendar fields, we listened to Pavarotti on the disc player while drinking wine and looking forward to Paris. What a beautiful moment in time for me, a moment I will never forget.
Pavarotti had his critics. For some strange reason it was seen as "selling out" to perform in a way that attracted "the masses", but who cares how people are introduced to opera, as long as they have the opportunity to listen to it and to learn to appreciate it. Pavarotti broke so many barriers and introduced a beautiful art form to millions upon millions who did not have the opportunity or desire prior to him.
Pavarotti will be missed by so many, especially his family and friends, but we are fortunate that his music, his talent and his love of opera will be with us for all time.
Bravo Pavarotti, Bravo.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Martha's Vineyard
Another beautiful week on Martha's Vineyard with my friends, who are now like my family. Here are some wonderful photos of the island we call home, if only occasionally.
Our house on the Vineyard
Some of my MV friends - Carolyn, Wendy, Bridget, Wendy and Janet
The lovely gingerbread cottages in the Tabernacle - which we can walk to... the community sing on Wednesdays is a hoot!
A working barn on the Vineyard
An Alpaca Farm on the island... so cute.
Janet and Wendy model alpaca hats
The Granary Gallery - sister to the Field's Gallery - the best.
A statue at the gallery.
Edgartown Harbor
Edgartown lighthouse
East Chop lighthouse.
My friend's peacock at her Down Island Farm.
Edgartown - by the Chappy ferry.
Some wonderful Vinny things to do:
Beach baby! The beaches are great and the water is lovely. State Beach is calm and lovely which is between OB and Edgartown. If you want surf, head south to South Beach... but just be careful of the undertow... it really can drag you under.
Community Sing at the Tabernacle - every Wednesday during July and August.
Kayaking... many companies will meet you at your choice of kayaking location.
Gallery hopping... the Vineyard has some wonderful galleries, including the Fields Gallery and Granary Gallery. We also like the galleries in Edgartown and OB.
Shopping - Vinny Haven is a great shopping location, as is OB and Edgartown. And get the two local papers, the Times and Gazette. They list yard sales and estate sales. They are worth attending... remember this is a resort island, so some of the items people are trying to get rid of when they move off-island can be quite spectacular. Also any church bazaar can offer a find for the week... go to them.
Menemsha - just go and you'll see why. The sunset dinners on the beach (get your lobster at Larsen's) are an added treat.
Chilmark Fleamarket - Wednesdays and Saturdays - a great market for all that is the Vineyard and please, stop by the Chilmark Chocolates just south of Beatlebung corner... great cause and really delicious island chocolate.
Chicama Vineyards - a little vineyard that sells pretty good wines. Their mustards are also a speciality that people love.
Events/plays/entertainment - the island has some wonderful events, including concerts at the Tabernacle, outdoor Shakespeare plays, bar hopping in Oak Bluffs (OB) as well as great auctions to help raise money for local causes. These include library expansions, land bank purchases and other wonderful organizations.
Sailing - if you have your own boat, you know what sailing around the Vineyard is like, if not, you can take a day or sunset tour around the island on the many sailing vessels located in Menemsha and Edgartown. James Taylor's brother has a catamaran that he rents tours on... fun, fun, fun!
Sightseeing - the entire island is a photographer's dream. The marshes all over, cliffs in Aquinnah, farms in Chilmark, and all the harbors at dusk and dawn can give you photos that you treasure for a very long time.
Wendy Davis took this photo.
Wendy Davis took this lovely sunset photo... beautiful.
Local Artists - they can be found all over the island and you can meet them at the Chilmark Fleamarket and at the Old Agricultural hall (locals call it the Aggie Hall) and other local events, including church bazaars. Jewelry, paintings, sculptures, clothing, pottery (try to find the Mad Potter - really unique work) and other wonderful wares... worth the investment of time and money - truly talented artists who love what they do.
Humphrey's - best sandwiches on island. The old store going to Menemsha/Aquinnah is sadly gone, but OB center and Edgartown continue to sell those wonderful sandwiches. They stop serving at 3:30, so go early!
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks - see the men and women create some of the best blown glass on island. They'll even ship if you are worried about getting it home in one piece.
Scottish Bakehouse and Eileen's pies - great pastries and pies. I even have friends who when they get on-island go to Eileen's before unloading their suitcases at the house... that's how good they are!
And the best Apple Fritta's anywhere can be found at the Old Stone Bakery in OB center... but go early, they sell out really fast!
Breakfast to wake up for - Linda Jean's has the best breakfast on island. Prepare to wait... but you can always shop OB center while you wait.
Bicycling - some of the nicest biking on the east coast. To go from East Chop to West Chop is a lovely route (about 10 - 12 miles total) as are the routes around the State Forest in the center of the island. Another great route is the eastern side from OB to Edgartown... just lovely early in the morning before all the cars are out headed for the beach or work. That is when you see all the lovely birds that call the island home or are stopping for a rest before continuing their migrations. If you are lucky, you might even see a deer or two.
There is so much more to do, including an arcarde (in OB) for the kids as well as a miniature golf in Vinny Haven - these are just two additional things to do that add to the fun that is Martha's Vineyard.
Our house on the Vineyard
Some of my MV friends - Carolyn, Wendy, Bridget, Wendy and Janet
The lovely gingerbread cottages in the Tabernacle - which we can walk to... the community sing on Wednesdays is a hoot!
A working barn on the Vineyard
An Alpaca Farm on the island... so cute.
Janet and Wendy model alpaca hats
The Granary Gallery - sister to the Field's Gallery - the best.
A statue at the gallery.
Edgartown Harbor
Edgartown lighthouse
East Chop lighthouse.
My friend's peacock at her Down Island Farm.
Edgartown - by the Chappy ferry.Some wonderful Vinny things to do:
Beach baby! The beaches are great and the water is lovely. State Beach is calm and lovely which is between OB and Edgartown. If you want surf, head south to South Beach... but just be careful of the undertow... it really can drag you under.
Community Sing at the Tabernacle - every Wednesday during July and August.
Kayaking... many companies will meet you at your choice of kayaking location.
Gallery hopping... the Vineyard has some wonderful galleries, including the Fields Gallery and Granary Gallery. We also like the galleries in Edgartown and OB.
Shopping - Vinny Haven is a great shopping location, as is OB and Edgartown. And get the two local papers, the Times and Gazette. They list yard sales and estate sales. They are worth attending... remember this is a resort island, so some of the items people are trying to get rid of when they move off-island can be quite spectacular. Also any church bazaar can offer a find for the week... go to them.
Menemsha - just go and you'll see why. The sunset dinners on the beach (get your lobster at Larsen's) are an added treat.
Chilmark Fleamarket - Wednesdays and Saturdays - a great market for all that is the Vineyard and please, stop by the Chilmark Chocolates just south of Beatlebung corner... great cause and really delicious island chocolate.
Chicama Vineyards - a little vineyard that sells pretty good wines. Their mustards are also a speciality that people love.
Events/plays/entertainment - the island has some wonderful events, including concerts at the Tabernacle, outdoor Shakespeare plays, bar hopping in Oak Bluffs (OB) as well as great auctions to help raise money for local causes. These include library expansions, land bank purchases and other wonderful organizations.
Sailing - if you have your own boat, you know what sailing around the Vineyard is like, if not, you can take a day or sunset tour around the island on the many sailing vessels located in Menemsha and Edgartown. James Taylor's brother has a catamaran that he rents tours on... fun, fun, fun!
Sightseeing - the entire island is a photographer's dream. The marshes all over, cliffs in Aquinnah, farms in Chilmark, and all the harbors at dusk and dawn can give you photos that you treasure for a very long time.
Wendy Davis took this photo.
Wendy Davis took this lovely sunset photo... beautiful.Local Artists - they can be found all over the island and you can meet them at the Chilmark Fleamarket and at the Old Agricultural hall (locals call it the Aggie Hall) and other local events, including church bazaars. Jewelry, paintings, sculptures, clothing, pottery (try to find the Mad Potter - really unique work) and other wonderful wares... worth the investment of time and money - truly talented artists who love what they do.
Humphrey's - best sandwiches on island. The old store going to Menemsha/Aquinnah is sadly gone, but OB center and Edgartown continue to sell those wonderful sandwiches. They stop serving at 3:30, so go early!
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks - see the men and women create some of the best blown glass on island. They'll even ship if you are worried about getting it home in one piece.
Scottish Bakehouse and Eileen's pies - great pastries and pies. I even have friends who when they get on-island go to Eileen's before unloading their suitcases at the house... that's how good they are!
And the best Apple Fritta's anywhere can be found at the Old Stone Bakery in OB center... but go early, they sell out really fast!
Breakfast to wake up for - Linda Jean's has the best breakfast on island. Prepare to wait... but you can always shop OB center while you wait.
Bicycling - some of the nicest biking on the east coast. To go from East Chop to West Chop is a lovely route (about 10 - 12 miles total) as are the routes around the State Forest in the center of the island. Another great route is the eastern side from OB to Edgartown... just lovely early in the morning before all the cars are out headed for the beach or work. That is when you see all the lovely birds that call the island home or are stopping for a rest before continuing their migrations. If you are lucky, you might even see a deer or two.
There is so much more to do, including an arcarde (in OB) for the kids as well as a miniature golf in Vinny Haven - these are just two additional things to do that add to the fun that is Martha's Vineyard.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
2007 San Francisco Fireworks!!
Here are 3 photos of the SF fireworks 4th of July display in 2007, shot from my balcony in the Haight.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Virginia Tech and South Korea's Response
The tragedy at Virginia Tech has really shaken me and I think many people around the world, as well. What could be in a person's heart to commit such an act?
I am equally incensed by the reaction from the South Korean government. They send their condolences but insult this country by stating "concern about a possible racial backlash". How dare they assume American's, a country of immigrants, would react in a mob mentality.
This country has its problems, but I will not accept this blatant, insulting remark from the South Korean government and we, as a nation, should demand an unequivocal apology.
I am equally incensed by the reaction from the South Korean government. They send their condolences but insult this country by stating "concern about a possible racial backlash". How dare they assume American's, a country of immigrants, would react in a mob mentality.
This country has its problems, but I will not accept this blatant, insulting remark from the South Korean government and we, as a nation, should demand an unequivocal apology.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Valentine's Day and 3,000 Pillows
Ever wonder what 3,000 people and a bunch of pillows
looks like... well I never did. But when I heard I
could whack some strangers with an old pillow, I
thought "I must be there!"
You know how people say part of the fun is the
journey, not the destination, well riding your bicycle
with a pillow in front of you might seem a bit odd and
it creates a few looks - just think of a poor-man's
air bag - but after a few jokes with fellow bike
commuters, I make it to my destination.
I got there at the strike of 6:00 pm and there was a
huge circle of people with cameras and cell phones
taking pictures and movies of the insanity. When you
are in it, it is a world all unto itself.
This is an embeded YouTube video:
First, you don't look up, because if you do, BOP!
right in the face.
Second, you are constantly turning and moving because
people are swinging their arms and moving their
bodies, so you feel like those ping-pong balls in a
Bingo machine (B6... B6!).
Third, you start laughing so hard that you can barely
shoulder the strength to swing a light, feather filled
pillow... but somehow you summons the muscles to
rejoin the battle and fight on.
Occasionally a pillow will break open and feathers fly
through the air, buoyed by a new weather system
created from 3,000 swinging pillows.
Bonk, someone just got me in the gut.
"Doh!" spleen attacked.
But retaliation, sweet revenge is only a swing away.
As you start to figure out where you are, you edge
your body towards the side, where the throngs of
on-lookers are wondering if they should have brought a
pillow - until they see someone removing a feather
from their nostril while exiting the fluffy-fly-by
event, and suddenly three pillows hit you at once and
the melee drags you back in.
Eventually the battalion of cotton-clad pillow cased
warriors disband to once again lay their heads down
and dream of a world unto itself.
looks like... well I never did. But when I heard I
could whack some strangers with an old pillow, I
thought "I must be there!"
You know how people say part of the fun is the
journey, not the destination, well riding your bicycle
with a pillow in front of you might seem a bit odd and
it creates a few looks - just think of a poor-man's
air bag - but after a few jokes with fellow bike
commuters, I make it to my destination.
I got there at the strike of 6:00 pm and there was a
huge circle of people with cameras and cell phones
taking pictures and movies of the insanity. When you
are in it, it is a world all unto itself.
This is an embeded YouTube video:
First, you don't look up, because if you do, BOP!
right in the face.
Second, you are constantly turning and moving because
people are swinging their arms and moving their
bodies, so you feel like those ping-pong balls in a
Bingo machine (B6... B6!).
Third, you start laughing so hard that you can barely
shoulder the strength to swing a light, feather filled
pillow... but somehow you summons the muscles to
rejoin the battle and fight on.
Occasionally a pillow will break open and feathers fly
through the air, buoyed by a new weather system
created from 3,000 swinging pillows.
Bonk, someone just got me in the gut.
"Doh!" spleen attacked.
But retaliation, sweet revenge is only a swing away.
As you start to figure out where you are, you edge
your body towards the side, where the throngs of
on-lookers are wondering if they should have brought a
pillow - until they see someone removing a feather
from their nostril while exiting the fluffy-fly-by
event, and suddenly three pillows hit you at once and
the melee drags you back in.
Eventually the battalion of cotton-clad pillow cased
warriors disband to once again lay their heads down
and dream of a world unto itself.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Friends and the New Year
My two best friends in the entire universe visited right after Christmas and stayed for the New Year. We have known each other for almost 10 years now (they have known each other for more than 20) and we just click and mesh. I can't imagine my life without them.
Wendy is in ethics, writing content for websites intended for employee instructions on company policies. Ruth runs the Office for the Arts at Memorial Hall at Harvard University.
Wendy is a writer and has some amazing scripts, mostly plays, but some manuscripts as well. Ruth is a poet (soon to be published) and has just found her amazing gift only a little over a year ago. I could not be more proud and more in love with these two amazing people. Too bad they're women and I like men.
They arrived Thursday night, after a long journey from the East Coast. I waited by my bedroom window, looking, hoping the next set up headlights would be theirs... and finally it was!
Richard, a long time friend of Ruth's and Wendy's from the old theater days at the New Ehrlich in Boston picked them up at the airport. Some of the best stories come from those days, let me tell you. What people do for art, it is truly a work of love to work at the theater. Being an actor is one thing, being a theater manager is something completely, all together different. It takes your body, and the breadth and depth of your soul to run a theater. They say actors give a little piece of themselves for each performance, but I assure you, you can see, over there - stage left, the body parts of the stage manager, costume designer, and lighting director.
They arrive and I run down, missing a few steps along the way and we give each other hugs and kisses. It felt like I just saw them the day before, even though it has been almost a year! Oh how I miss them.
Richard, after saying his goodbyes, headed home (it was almost midnight) and planned on coming back the next morning to give the famous, and infamous, Richard Freeman tour of San Francisco.
Ruth, Wendy and I drag the suitcases up four flights of pressure treated decking stairs (outside) to plop the suitcases in the livingroom and sit outside on the deck, enjoying the nice nighttime air, and we talked and talked and talked about all that is frivolous and all that is important.
Ruth talks about her work and poetry, Wendy also tells us her latest work and relationship hurdles and I discuss my new life in San Francisco and what it has meant to me. Then at 12:05 am we retired... actually more like 1:30 am because I remember commenting it was like 4:00 am for them!
Friday morning arrives and we have our toast, yogurt, fruit and orange juice and Richard arrives for the first leg of our journey. First stop, twin peaks. I look at them from my office every day, but have actually never gone up to take a view from above. It is spectacular, as you can see from the photo. It is a great way to see how the city is laid out and where each neighborhood is, truly great first stop.
View of San Francisco from Twin Peaks, looking east.
We then head over to Ocean Beach (the same name of the Martha's Vineyard Beach that we go to every year together!) and let Wendy touch the Pacific Ocean. We walk a little and then hop back into the car to stop at an overlook of Golden Gate Bridge. It was a fabulously sunny day, just perfect to enjoy the sites.
Wendy in front of Golden Gate Bridge. To the right is the Marin Headlands.
Oh yeah, Wendy has a video camera and she is great at narration while filming, so while we are driving across "the bridge", we give our facts about the bridge. Surprisingly the truth was not that far off. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937 for a cost of under $35 million! It is still the 3rd longest single-span bridge in the world, 4,200 feet. The two main steel towers rise 746 feet from the ocean surface, and their piers sink more than 100 feet below the surface. The bridge carries more than 40 miilion cars a year and the piers (which the towers stand on) have to withstand a tidal flow of more than 60 mph twice a day. Now that is a bridge.
We drive past the Marin Headlands and head over to Tennessee Beach, a lovely and secluded area just beyond Sausalito. But before we reach the beach, we pick up another friend from the theater days, Gaila. Everyone says their hellos and gives their hugs and kisses and then we head over to the beach.
Wendy, Richard, Ruth and Gaila
The pond above the beach was overflowing from recent rains and it has created a stream that eventually succumbs to the ocean, cutting off access to the beach. But the spirit and desires of the people have created little rock bridges to get over to the beach. The cliffs are spectacular, eroded by the elements to a point of looking like great buttresses of a gothic church, beautiful.
Tennessee Beach
After debating about what was flying above (hawk or turkey vulture - Gaila was right, it was a turkey vulture) we walked back to our car and had a nice lunch at a place that looks like a dive but ended being delicious food, but don't ask me the name, I have forgotten.
We say our goodbyes to lovely Gaila (who I forgot to mention has also started writing poetry of her own - lovely) and head back to San Francisco, with full stomachs and even fuller souls.
Richard continues our tour, including a drive down Lombard Street and a drive up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, wonderful as always.
Saturday we decide Wendy should take a ride on the cable cars (Ruth has been to SF many times), so we head over to Powell Street to catch the cable car to North Beach, to the deliciously chocolatey place known as Ghiardelli Square, or as Wendy calls it, Mecca! We walk around the neighborhood and have our soup in a bread bowl and then off to Mecca... can't you just smell the chocolate?
Saturday night we go to Paul K near the Civic Center of SF. Richard works there and is famous for his explanation of what they have for dessert. You almost want a cigarette after those descriptions. Each of us had a different plate of entrees and we were all wowed by it. The duck was the most delectable I have ever had in this world, it is the chef's signature dish and it shows. Speaking of signature dish, the chef is hot... I asked to have him for dessert, but he was too busy to oblige.
Sunday we went to the new de Young Museum. It is in my favorite part of the city, Golden Gate Park and it was, yet again, a perfectly blue-sky day. This time Richard's husband Sean came along. It was nice to spend time with him, as well. We had fun looking around the museum, seeing all the art, young and old.
One of the exhibits at the de Young. The shadows are Richard, Sean, Ruth and Wendy
My particular favorite is their Polynesian and East Indies galleries. I think they have done such a spectacular job at designing the space and displaying the artifacts... it almost envelopes you in the warm wood tones... go and see and feel for yourself.
The de Young Museum. Opened in October 2005.
Yes, you are right, Sunday is New Year's Eve, so shouldn't we have some wonderfully embarrassing stories about drunken debauchery... ok, here it is, we saw the glow of the fireworks behind the buildings and trees in front of us and we ate chocolate out of the box, how's that for ringing in the new year!
Monday, Ruthie spent the day at Richard's studio (did I mention Richard is a famous painter, his artwork is showcased at Paul K's) and Wendy and I went to Chinatown. Just as an FYI, the best place to go anywhere in the world on New Year's Day is Chinatown. It was the only place in San Francisco that was happening on New Year's Day. We went to the fortune cookie factory (not all it's hyped up to be) and walked all around Chinatown and went in and out of every shop on Stockton and Grant Streets, including my favorite, the Wok Store on Grant. If you are looking for beautiful fabrics, go to Chinatown.
Wendy and I get back and meet up with Ruth and we eat at a nice place on Market... think I can remember?
And before I knew it, it was Tuesday morning and time to say goodbye. I braved a smile and gave long hugs, turned around, went upstairs and cried, no, whaled from the emptiness of my home. Only minutes ago my living room was alive with joy and comfort, alive with laughter and warmth, alive with care and love.
Ciao my friends, I count the days to when I am able to be with you again.
Wendy is in ethics, writing content for websites intended for employee instructions on company policies. Ruth runs the Office for the Arts at Memorial Hall at Harvard University.
Wendy is a writer and has some amazing scripts, mostly plays, but some manuscripts as well. Ruth is a poet (soon to be published) and has just found her amazing gift only a little over a year ago. I could not be more proud and more in love with these two amazing people. Too bad they're women and I like men.
They arrived Thursday night, after a long journey from the East Coast. I waited by my bedroom window, looking, hoping the next set up headlights would be theirs... and finally it was!
Richard, a long time friend of Ruth's and Wendy's from the old theater days at the New Ehrlich in Boston picked them up at the airport. Some of the best stories come from those days, let me tell you. What people do for art, it is truly a work of love to work at the theater. Being an actor is one thing, being a theater manager is something completely, all together different. It takes your body, and the breadth and depth of your soul to run a theater. They say actors give a little piece of themselves for each performance, but I assure you, you can see, over there - stage left, the body parts of the stage manager, costume designer, and lighting director.
They arrive and I run down, missing a few steps along the way and we give each other hugs and kisses. It felt like I just saw them the day before, even though it has been almost a year! Oh how I miss them.
Richard, after saying his goodbyes, headed home (it was almost midnight) and planned on coming back the next morning to give the famous, and infamous, Richard Freeman tour of San Francisco.
Ruth, Wendy and I drag the suitcases up four flights of pressure treated decking stairs (outside) to plop the suitcases in the livingroom and sit outside on the deck, enjoying the nice nighttime air, and we talked and talked and talked about all that is frivolous and all that is important.
Ruth talks about her work and poetry, Wendy also tells us her latest work and relationship hurdles and I discuss my new life in San Francisco and what it has meant to me. Then at 12:05 am we retired... actually more like 1:30 am because I remember commenting it was like 4:00 am for them!
Friday morning arrives and we have our toast, yogurt, fruit and orange juice and Richard arrives for the first leg of our journey. First stop, twin peaks. I look at them from my office every day, but have actually never gone up to take a view from above. It is spectacular, as you can see from the photo. It is a great way to see how the city is laid out and where each neighborhood is, truly great first stop.
View of San Francisco from Twin Peaks, looking east.We then head over to Ocean Beach (the same name of the Martha's Vineyard Beach that we go to every year together!) and let Wendy touch the Pacific Ocean. We walk a little and then hop back into the car to stop at an overlook of Golden Gate Bridge. It was a fabulously sunny day, just perfect to enjoy the sites.
Wendy in front of Golden Gate Bridge. To the right is the Marin Headlands.Oh yeah, Wendy has a video camera and she is great at narration while filming, so while we are driving across "the bridge", we give our facts about the bridge. Surprisingly the truth was not that far off. Construction began in 1933 and was completed in 1937 for a cost of under $35 million! It is still the 3rd longest single-span bridge in the world, 4,200 feet. The two main steel towers rise 746 feet from the ocean surface, and their piers sink more than 100 feet below the surface. The bridge carries more than 40 miilion cars a year and the piers (which the towers stand on) have to withstand a tidal flow of more than 60 mph twice a day. Now that is a bridge.
We drive past the Marin Headlands and head over to Tennessee Beach, a lovely and secluded area just beyond Sausalito. But before we reach the beach, we pick up another friend from the theater days, Gaila. Everyone says their hellos and gives their hugs and kisses and then we head over to the beach.
Wendy, Richard, Ruth and GailaThe pond above the beach was overflowing from recent rains and it has created a stream that eventually succumbs to the ocean, cutting off access to the beach. But the spirit and desires of the people have created little rock bridges to get over to the beach. The cliffs are spectacular, eroded by the elements to a point of looking like great buttresses of a gothic church, beautiful.
Tennessee BeachAfter debating about what was flying above (hawk or turkey vulture - Gaila was right, it was a turkey vulture) we walked back to our car and had a nice lunch at a place that looks like a dive but ended being delicious food, but don't ask me the name, I have forgotten.
We say our goodbyes to lovely Gaila (who I forgot to mention has also started writing poetry of her own - lovely) and head back to San Francisco, with full stomachs and even fuller souls.
Richard continues our tour, including a drive down Lombard Street and a drive up Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower, wonderful as always.
Saturday we decide Wendy should take a ride on the cable cars (Ruth has been to SF many times), so we head over to Powell Street to catch the cable car to North Beach, to the deliciously chocolatey place known as Ghiardelli Square, or as Wendy calls it, Mecca! We walk around the neighborhood and have our soup in a bread bowl and then off to Mecca... can't you just smell the chocolate?
Saturday night we go to Paul K near the Civic Center of SF. Richard works there and is famous for his explanation of what they have for dessert. You almost want a cigarette after those descriptions. Each of us had a different plate of entrees and we were all wowed by it. The duck was the most delectable I have ever had in this world, it is the chef's signature dish and it shows. Speaking of signature dish, the chef is hot... I asked to have him for dessert, but he was too busy to oblige.
Sunday we went to the new de Young Museum. It is in my favorite part of the city, Golden Gate Park and it was, yet again, a perfectly blue-sky day. This time Richard's husband Sean came along. It was nice to spend time with him, as well. We had fun looking around the museum, seeing all the art, young and old.
One of the exhibits at the de Young. The shadows are Richard, Sean, Ruth and WendyMy particular favorite is their Polynesian and East Indies galleries. I think they have done such a spectacular job at designing the space and displaying the artifacts... it almost envelopes you in the warm wood tones... go and see and feel for yourself.
The de Young Museum. Opened in October 2005.Yes, you are right, Sunday is New Year's Eve, so shouldn't we have some wonderfully embarrassing stories about drunken debauchery... ok, here it is, we saw the glow of the fireworks behind the buildings and trees in front of us and we ate chocolate out of the box, how's that for ringing in the new year!
Monday, Ruthie spent the day at Richard's studio (did I mention Richard is a famous painter, his artwork is showcased at Paul K's) and Wendy and I went to Chinatown. Just as an FYI, the best place to go anywhere in the world on New Year's Day is Chinatown. It was the only place in San Francisco that was happening on New Year's Day. We went to the fortune cookie factory (not all it's hyped up to be) and walked all around Chinatown and went in and out of every shop on Stockton and Grant Streets, including my favorite, the Wok Store on Grant. If you are looking for beautiful fabrics, go to Chinatown.
Wendy and I get back and meet up with Ruth and we eat at a nice place on Market... think I can remember?
And before I knew it, it was Tuesday morning and time to say goodbye. I braved a smile and gave long hugs, turned around, went upstairs and cried, no, whaled from the emptiness of my home. Only minutes ago my living room was alive with joy and comfort, alive with laughter and warmth, alive with care and love.
Ciao my friends, I count the days to when I am able to be with you again.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
SF Air Race Show and Fleet Week 2006!
Once a year San Francisco has what is called Fleet Week! The Navy brings in ships and vessels, including air craft carriers and destroyers. It is sometimes hard to listen to the propaganda about joining the armed forces, but they are still amazing to look at.
This aircraft carrier from San Diego had jets flying off and landing on it as it was moving in the bay.
After the fleet comes in (all those sailors in San Francisco... nice), the air race begins. The air race is a year-long race of single engine planes flying through huge pillars (air-filled).
They start where they finish, flying through the checkered pillars then they head towards their next pillars, sometimes they have to fly straight up into the air and do some other tricks before coming back down and heading towards their next pillars.
Currently the US flyer, Kirby Chambliss, is in the lead... but there is one more race to determine the ulitimate leader.
It is hard to explain the exhiliration of watching these single-engined planes twisting and turning and lifting and swooping through their paces, all in the hopes of being number one. Each pilot has two runs and there were two pilots who didn't finish their first run, but they had their second run to try to beat the current leader.
Each plane must pass between the pillars at the blue or red line, if they are above a certain level or below, they are deducted 3 seconds, well actually, they have 3 seconds added to their time. So it is hard to know who wins just by watching, but their website says Chambliss wins again!
Check out this website to get a better idea of what the flying is like and to see who is in the lead: http://www.redbullairrace.com/
After the race the Blue Angel's did their air acrobatics, which were truly amazing. They actually get, when in form, only 18 inches from each other! Can you imagine moving that fast and only 18 inches from the next one, yikes!
Are they copying the bird or is the bird copying them?
What do you think they are saying to each other? "Do I look fat in this jumpsuit?"
This is how close these planes get to the crowd, the sound of them flying directly overhead is deafening!
This aircraft carrier from San Diego had jets flying off and landing on it as it was moving in the bay.After the fleet comes in (all those sailors in San Francisco... nice), the air race begins. The air race is a year-long race of single engine planes flying through huge pillars (air-filled).
They start where they finish, flying through the checkered pillars then they head towards their next pillars, sometimes they have to fly straight up into the air and do some other tricks before coming back down and heading towards their next pillars.
Currently the US flyer, Kirby Chambliss, is in the lead... but there is one more race to determine the ulitimate leader.
It is hard to explain the exhiliration of watching these single-engined planes twisting and turning and lifting and swooping through their paces, all in the hopes of being number one. Each pilot has two runs and there were two pilots who didn't finish their first run, but they had their second run to try to beat the current leader.
Each plane must pass between the pillars at the blue or red line, if they are above a certain level or below, they are deducted 3 seconds, well actually, they have 3 seconds added to their time. So it is hard to know who wins just by watching, but their website says Chambliss wins again! 
Check out this website to get a better idea of what the flying is like and to see who is in the lead: http://www.redbullairrace.com/After the race the Blue Angel's did their air acrobatics, which were truly amazing. They actually get, when in form, only 18 inches from each other! Can you imagine moving that fast and only 18 inches from the next one, yikes!
Are they copying the bird or is the bird copying them?
What do you think they are saying to each other? "Do I look fat in this jumpsuit?"This is how close these planes get to the crowd, the sound of them flying directly overhead is deafening!
Monday, September 25, 2006
2006 Folsom Street Fair
*** Caution, photos may be offensive to some ***
How does one explain the Folsom Street Fair? It is touted as the largest leather festival in the world, and my guess is they are probably right. But it is probably the largest S & M fair, the largest nudist fair and the largest public sex fair in the world, all rolled up in one.
It is the last Sunday of every September and runs on Folsom Street from 7th to 12th or so. It can be free to get in or just a few donation dollars for local charities... as one booth said, "Torture for Charity!" There is a bicycle parking (run by the San Francisco Bike Coalition) area that is monitored and keeps the bikes safe and there is even a place to hold bag check place (you'll understand why in a moment) that costs $5 for the day.
This was the only person I saw wearing a diaper, but it wasn't the most unusual item. It is this that makes me wonder how people get down to the festival. I'm sure they didn't ride public transport looking like that. I now understand why there is a bag check station.
There is a lot of bondage and S&M at the festival, but it is not what you would expect. I was surprised at how respectful people were of each other and of each person's boundaries. Everyone was laughing and no one was going through anything that they didn't want to.
This man was a lot of fun, just having a great time.
"Turn your head and cough"
These are clothes pins that are pinned onto the person. You will notice a circular pull on each line of pins. When he has had enough, they yank the pull and all the pins rip off the man's body. They call this a zipper and it is very painful. After they were done he collapsed for a few seconds, then stood up and looked quite happy. So, how was your day?
As you can see, there were some very lovely ladies at the fair. There were many people without a stitch of clothing... one wonders, where do they put the cell phones?
This is just one of many people who were getting spanked, paddled, cropped and whipped. This guy with a really cute end was enjoying the spanking and the attention very much.
This quite lovely Asian lady was whipping a guy who had some kind of hooded contraption (like a gas mask - seen below) covered in vinyl and tied to another person. He seemed to enjoy it.
Can you explain this one to me?
This lady, who looked so much like one of my high-school teachers, kind of disturbing, just decided she was a bad, bad girl.
Other things that happened were men, completely naked, who had weights attached to their "tea bags" and were swinging the weights back and forth. There were others who were enjoying themselves in front of all, and many having groups of fellow citizens enjoying themselves in a nicely organized circle... anyone welcomed.
I could say more, but I think that is for an in person discussion.
So again, how was your day?
How does one explain the Folsom Street Fair? It is touted as the largest leather festival in the world, and my guess is they are probably right. But it is probably the largest S & M fair, the largest nudist fair and the largest public sex fair in the world, all rolled up in one.
It is the last Sunday of every September and runs on Folsom Street from 7th to 12th or so. It can be free to get in or just a few donation dollars for local charities... as one booth said, "Torture for Charity!" There is a bicycle parking (run by the San Francisco Bike Coalition) area that is monitored and keeps the bikes safe and there is even a place to hold bag check place (you'll understand why in a moment) that costs $5 for the day.
This was the only person I saw wearing a diaper, but it wasn't the most unusual item. It is this that makes me wonder how people get down to the festival. I'm sure they didn't ride public transport looking like that. I now understand why there is a bag check station.
There is a lot of bondage and S&M at the festival, but it is not what you would expect. I was surprised at how respectful people were of each other and of each person's boundaries. Everyone was laughing and no one was going through anything that they didn't want to.
This man was a lot of fun, just having a great time.
"Turn your head and cough"
These are clothes pins that are pinned onto the person. You will notice a circular pull on each line of pins. When he has had enough, they yank the pull and all the pins rip off the man's body. They call this a zipper and it is very painful. After they were done he collapsed for a few seconds, then stood up and looked quite happy. So, how was your day? 
As you can see, there were some very lovely ladies at the fair. There were many people without a stitch of clothing... one wonders, where do they put the cell phones?
This is just one of many people who were getting spanked, paddled, cropped and whipped. This guy with a really cute end was enjoying the spanking and the attention very much.
This quite lovely Asian lady was whipping a guy who had some kind of hooded contraption (like a gas mask - seen below) covered in vinyl and tied to another person. He seemed to enjoy it.
Can you explain this one to me?
This lady, who looked so much like one of my high-school teachers, kind of disturbing, just decided she was a bad, bad girl.Other things that happened were men, completely naked, who had weights attached to their "tea bags" and were swinging the weights back and forth. There were others who were enjoying themselves in front of all, and many having groups of fellow citizens enjoying themselves in a nicely organized circle... anyone welcomed.
I could say more, but I think that is for an in person discussion.
So again, how was your day?
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Garden photos... more to come
Passion flower (Passiflora - "Lavender Lady") with a delectable strawberry (Fragaria) in the background... mmm.
Salvia Leucantha "Mexican Bush Sage"
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park, about the size of Rhode Island (1,169 square miles) with peaks higher than 12,000 feet above sea level, is situated east of San Francisco and is in the center of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a 400 mile long mountain range that borders California and Nevada .
The park is visited by millions of people, and the number one destination is the 7 square mile Yosemite Valley, with its camp grounds, hotels and more importantly, breathtaking waterfalls and majestic granite formations, including Half Dome and El Capitan.
The Valley floor is still over 3,500 feet above sea level, and the drive up is on a long and very steep and twisting roads, which creates a dramatic and theatrical entrance into this seismic powerhouse.
The first thing you see is Half Dome.
Half Dome is one of the most visible and represented images of Yosemite National Park. It is over 8,000 feet high and is one of the last sunlit spots each evening.
Wendy and I stayed at the most populous lodging, Curry Village, with furnished tents.
Above our heads is Glacier Point, many thousands of feet above with staircase falls gently cascading down. There is a swimming pool and when you float in the pool you can look at Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point... I have never floated and dreamed in a more beautiful spot in my life.
The size and majesty of everything is hard to believe, even when you are among it.
Here is Wendy standing in the trees along the walking path to the mighty sequoias in the much less visited Tuolumne Grove, whereas the Mariposa Grove has over 500 sequoias, the Tuolumne Grove has only 25, but the peace and quiet are well worth the walk. Tuolumne Grove can be found near the western entrance to Yosemite on route 120.
Route 140 closed a few days prior to our visit in early June due to a rockslide that is many hundreds of feet high and wide and is expected to take months and months to clear away. The seismic changes continue.
One of the fun events to do is to take a full moon ride. Our first night there we hopped onto the night ride and were able to see climbers' lamps high above on El Capitan, hanging out for the night. It can take a person 5 to 8 days to climb El Capitan... that's right, 5 to 8 days!
This is not El Capitan, it is near Yosemite Falls and the second photo, below is a pull back, a greater view of the towering cliffs.
Can you see the climber in this photo? From the center of the photo, along the bottom of the photo, go up until you are a couple of centimeters above the last leaf of the tree on the right side of the photo, that's how small a person is compared to these monoliths!
As we returned from our night ride, which included a lovely stop at Inspiration Point to have a cup of hot cocoa and to hear the howling of the wolves, Curry Village was awash in a soft glow of lit tents and a full moon.
Surrounding Curry Village are the mountains pronounced by the light of the full moon with the constant sound of smashing waterfalls in the distance.
Yosemite Falls is probably the most photographed falls in Yosemite and runs year-round. In late May and early June, the falls are at their majestic best.
Yosemite Falls actually falls in three parts. Upper Yosemite falls is greater than 1,400 feet long, with the middle being 675 feet long and the Lower Yosemite Falls is another 320 feet, making Yosemite Falls over 2,400 feet long.
Across the street from Curry Village is a grassy field full of deer in the evenings. They seem quite content being surrounded by such beauty.
The deer are used to seeing people and we were even able to drive right up to one having a meal on a young tree, right near the Curry Village entrance. These two were with other deer one late evening, seeming to get ready for a night's sleep in the soft grass.
One of the loveliest spots is Inspiration Point. As you can see, the views are stunning. This is where we went during the full moon night ride.
The park and its grounds are left to grow naturally. There is no landscaping or human design, it is all left as nature intended.
This lovely tree trunk was right near the Ansel Adams Gallery and I thought the light and color of the bark were just a lovely combination.
One of the nicest and most interesting rides, which is worth it, is to Glacier Point, as you can see in the photo below.
The two falls on the right are Nevada and Vernal Falls. There is a hike to these two amazing falls. The climb is amazing and somewhat thrilling, especially for those like me who are afraid of heights. Also you MUST, MUST, MUST wear a rain jacket. It was in the 90's in the valley and I was shaking and hyperventillating from the cold sprays from the falls. The climb is very steep and the trail can be tricky on the feet and the fall will be your last, so be hydrated and eat your salts (bring chips or sunflower seeds and nuts to keep you alert and strong). It is worth the trek and you will not be disappointed, just take your time and enjoy the sights all along the hike, truly amazing!
What I tell anyone is if you come to San Francisco, the 3 1/2 hour drive to Yosemite is a necessity. It should be put at the top of all travelers' lists.
I can't wait to go back!
The park is visited by millions of people, and the number one destination is the 7 square mile Yosemite Valley, with its camp grounds, hotels and more importantly, breathtaking waterfalls and majestic granite formations, including Half Dome and El Capitan.
The Valley floor is still over 3,500 feet above sea level, and the drive up is on a long and very steep and twisting roads, which creates a dramatic and theatrical entrance into this seismic powerhouse.
The first thing you see is Half Dome.
Half Dome is one of the most visible and represented images of Yosemite National Park. It is over 8,000 feet high and is one of the last sunlit spots each evening.Wendy and I stayed at the most populous lodging, Curry Village, with furnished tents.
Above our heads is Glacier Point, many thousands of feet above with staircase falls gently cascading down. There is a swimming pool and when you float in the pool you can look at Half Dome, Yosemite Falls and Glacier Point... I have never floated and dreamed in a more beautiful spot in my life.The size and majesty of everything is hard to believe, even when you are among it.
Here is Wendy standing in the trees along the walking path to the mighty sequoias in the much less visited Tuolumne Grove, whereas the Mariposa Grove has over 500 sequoias, the Tuolumne Grove has only 25, but the peace and quiet are well worth the walk. Tuolumne Grove can be found near the western entrance to Yosemite on route 120.Route 140 closed a few days prior to our visit in early June due to a rockslide that is many hundreds of feet high and wide and is expected to take months and months to clear away. The seismic changes continue.
One of the fun events to do is to take a full moon ride. Our first night there we hopped onto the night ride and were able to see climbers' lamps high above on El Capitan, hanging out for the night. It can take a person 5 to 8 days to climb El Capitan... that's right, 5 to 8 days!
This is not El Capitan, it is near Yosemite Falls and the second photo, below is a pull back, a greater view of the towering cliffs. 
Can you see the climber in this photo? From the center of the photo, along the bottom of the photo, go up until you are a couple of centimeters above the last leaf of the tree on the right side of the photo, that's how small a person is compared to these monoliths!As we returned from our night ride, which included a lovely stop at Inspiration Point to have a cup of hot cocoa and to hear the howling of the wolves, Curry Village was awash in a soft glow of lit tents and a full moon.
Surrounding Curry Village are the mountains pronounced by the light of the full moon with the constant sound of smashing waterfalls in the distance.Yosemite Falls is probably the most photographed falls in Yosemite and runs year-round. In late May and early June, the falls are at their majestic best.
Yosemite Falls actually falls in three parts. Upper Yosemite falls is greater than 1,400 feet long, with the middle being 675 feet long and the Lower Yosemite Falls is another 320 feet, making Yosemite Falls over 2,400 feet long.Across the street from Curry Village is a grassy field full of deer in the evenings. They seem quite content being surrounded by such beauty.
The deer are used to seeing people and we were even able to drive right up to one having a meal on a young tree, right near the Curry Village entrance. These two were with other deer one late evening, seeming to get ready for a night's sleep in the soft grass.
One of the loveliest spots is Inspiration Point. As you can see, the views are stunning. This is where we went during the full moon night ride.The park and its grounds are left to grow naturally. There is no landscaping or human design, it is all left as nature intended.
This lovely tree trunk was right near the Ansel Adams Gallery and I thought the light and color of the bark were just a lovely combination.One of the nicest and most interesting rides, which is worth it, is to Glacier Point, as you can see in the photo below.
The two falls on the right are Nevada and Vernal Falls. There is a hike to these two amazing falls. The climb is amazing and somewhat thrilling, especially for those like me who are afraid of heights. Also you MUST, MUST, MUST wear a rain jacket. It was in the 90's in the valley and I was shaking and hyperventillating from the cold sprays from the falls. The climb is very steep and the trail can be tricky on the feet and the fall will be your last, so be hydrated and eat your salts (bring chips or sunflower seeds and nuts to keep you alert and strong). It is worth the trek and you will not be disappointed, just take your time and enjoy the sights all along the hike, truly amazing!What I tell anyone is if you come to San Francisco, the 3 1/2 hour drive to Yosemite is a necessity. It should be put at the top of all travelers' lists.
I can't wait to go back!
Monday, May 01, 2006
Is This Our Legacy?
What the hell is going on here?
Concerned because people are singing the National Anthem in Hispanic? Who cares what languages our national anthem is being sung in? How does someone singing our anthem in another language lessen Your love for your country or their love for this country?
What is also extremely troublesome is the idea of criminalizing undocumented immigrants. Just how will it help this country to put 12 million + people in prison, at a cost of over $40,000 per individual? And what about all of their children, who are legal citizens of the United States? Are we going to orphan many more millions? Are YOU going to take care of them? Are you kidding me!?
Why are so many Americans afraid of their freedom? At what cost are you willing to take away or forbid from other human beings, freedom? What makes you more important than another human being?
Enough is enough.
It is time to look at the lives of others in the eyes of others. You try giving up your home, your family, your culture for the sake of helping those same things to survive. Try coming to a place you know little about, and a language you know even less... just try it.
Understand the majority of those 12 million people are here for survival, and not theirs, but their families. Many have come here in dangerous and monstrous ways, fearful of their chances and ability to become another American. Every day they live in fear of being caught. They live in fear of being fired, because they understand they have no rights whatsoever. But they do it, day in and day out, they do it for their ailing parents, starving siblings and growing children.
When are we going to rise up and finally say people, all people, deserve as we do. Do not look at others without looking at yourself first. You have so much to be thankful for, and believe it or not, those 12 million people becoming legal, active, participating citizens will not change anything but increase tax revenues, raise neighborhood involvement and increase voter turn out in local and national elections. Oh how terrible that would be.
Really... enough is truly enough!
Concerned because people are singing the National Anthem in Hispanic? Who cares what languages our national anthem is being sung in? How does someone singing our anthem in another language lessen Your love for your country or their love for this country?
What is also extremely troublesome is the idea of criminalizing undocumented immigrants. Just how will it help this country to put 12 million + people in prison, at a cost of over $40,000 per individual? And what about all of their children, who are legal citizens of the United States? Are we going to orphan many more millions? Are YOU going to take care of them? Are you kidding me!?
Why are so many Americans afraid of their freedom? At what cost are you willing to take away or forbid from other human beings, freedom? What makes you more important than another human being?
Enough is enough.
It is time to look at the lives of others in the eyes of others. You try giving up your home, your family, your culture for the sake of helping those same things to survive. Try coming to a place you know little about, and a language you know even less... just try it.
Understand the majority of those 12 million people are here for survival, and not theirs, but their families. Many have come here in dangerous and monstrous ways, fearful of their chances and ability to become another American. Every day they live in fear of being caught. They live in fear of being fired, because they understand they have no rights whatsoever. But they do it, day in and day out, they do it for their ailing parents, starving siblings and growing children.
When are we going to rise up and finally say people, all people, deserve as we do. Do not look at others without looking at yourself first. You have so much to be thankful for, and believe it or not, those 12 million people becoming legal, active, participating citizens will not change anything but increase tax revenues, raise neighborhood involvement and increase voter turn out in local and national elections. Oh how terrible that would be.
Really... enough is truly enough!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Weekend Wildflower Bike Tour
From Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23 a group of us were biking up Mt. Hamilton to look at the annual wild flowers in the San Antonio Valley with our first overnight stay in San Jose (taking the Caltrain from San Francisco to San Jose), then on Saturday morning we would ride over 4,000 foot Mt. Hamilton, through San Antonio Valley and sleep in Patterson. Then on Sunday we would head back to the San Antonio Valley and bike to Livermore and end up in Pleasanton where we catch the Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit) back to San Francisco. The trip takes about 10 hours the first day and maybe a little less the following day.
Day 1: 4:56 pm, Friday, April 21, 2006:
Some of us meet in San Francisco and others catch the Caltrain at other stops. I new it would be a great trip when, as I got on the train, one of the riders handed me a beer. We were all excited about our trip ahead and seeing the spring wildflowers.
After we reached San Jose we all got off the train and I noticed my rack, which holds my luggage on my bike, was coming loose. So I borrowed a tool and tightened it, but when we got to the taqueria, I noticed the same screw had fallen off. Luckily there was a Walgreen’s next door and I bought a small lock that was the same width as the screw and when I got to the hotel I tried it out and voila, it worked! Just call me Magiver.
Day 2: 6:30 am, Saturday, April 22, 2006
The morning was cloudy, a good day for bike riding and we steadily head towards Mount Hamilton. That’s right I’m biking up a freakin’ mountain with 20 pounds of supplies… it’s fun.
Once we get out of San Jose, we begin our ascent up the mountain, or so I thought. We see beautiful, green rolling hills and we are climbing gently up the hills and the roads are somewhat gradual because they were created during the horse-n-buggy era. We are still in a neighborhood and as we were climbing I hear a rooster waking up, which means I got up before a rooster just to look at some flowers. I am a flower whore, so if you say flowers, I’ll bike 70 miles a day to look at them.
We continue to climb up lovely winding hills that are lush green from all of the rain we have been having. Not many flowers yet, but still beautiful. We could have been in Switzerland or Austria because the hills were so steep and green.
Soon we are above the hills, in the mountains, and there are more trees and shrubs. We continue to climb, some points steeper than others, but we are making good distance, then it happens... we begin to descend. Now you would think I should be happy because I just coast as I am descending, but I am not near the summit where the Lick Observatory is, so if I am descending, this means I need to ascend again to reach the summit of Mount Hamilton. If you were riding in front of me you would know my displeasure about this, but what can one do, you just keep peddling. We are now probably 1 ½ hours into the ride.
'Dodecatheon' Shooting Star flower
Then the second climb comes, oy! What am I doing? Am I crazy, it's just flowers. Each climb becomes more of a struggle, I start to feel my knees and legs more. Each bump feels like a mountain, yet I continue and actually enjoy the wonderful surroundings. It is now about 10:00 am or 3 ½ hours since we began.
Then believe it or not, I start descending again…. “No, bloody buggery hell!” (I’ve been watching too many British comedies lately). This means I have a third climb, ugh! Also, remember, we are or will be about 4,000 feet above sea level once we reach the summit, which is currently shrouded in fog.
By the third climb I am noticing my lungs are not capturing enough air, my ass has melded into my bike seat and my hands are numb. At some points I have to walk, but I need a human size shoehorn to get my ass off my bike and I am gasping for a complete breath of air and the last five miles to the top were the toughest.
This is an example of the roads we climbed and climbed up to the top of Mount Hamilton.
Another member of the group and I were tag-teaming back and forth and arrived together at the top, meeting our other group members at 11:50 am.
This is the wonderful group of people I was riding with. The Observatory is in the background.
Surprisingly my legs, hips, etc. feel fine, but I have a slight stomach cramp and I am not very hungry.
After almost an hour we begin our descent down the mountain. We have done 25 miles and have 48 miles to go. This descent is really steep, long and hard; the turns are sharp, the wind hits your face and body, the speeds are fast and soon your hands are spasming and sending sharp painful pulses up your arms, think carpel tunnel, and your hands are vice-gripped like, well, you know… and you are only ½ way down the mountain.
We finally reach the bottom and start a long somewhat flat ride through the San Antonio Valley with cows, steer, horses, sheep and if you are lucky, you may see a mountain lion or an elk… I was not lucky. The place was beautiful, almost surreal. During this entire trip I have seen, maybe, 6 cars.
We stop at “The Junction” which is a biker/red neck (in the most loving way) haunt in the middle of the valley that serves mostly alcohol and some basic bar food. We stay for about an hour, for a much needed rest and refueling.
The tallest peak in the back is Mount Hamilton, that's how far we have come.
We then head towards Patterson and the Best Western, but we need to make one more climb. Of course I had no idea how I was going to do it, but once we got started and actually made that climb, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined and the final descent into the rolling green hills that lead us to Patterson is strikingly beautiful.
As we have seen throughout most of this trip, we continue to pass cow pastures, babbling brooks, old farmhouses and towering green hills (we would call them mountains on the east coast).
It is a gentle descent with only a few little hills (20 foot climbs) and even though it has been almost 10 hours, I had the strength to continue.
The last 5 miles seemed to stretch on forever, since every steep, green hill that I passed revealed more steep green hills, which means we still have not reached civilization and our hotel.
I see the freeway between two hills but only more green hills in front of me, where the road continues. I peddle along, cursing each hill that lay before me. Then I see the freeway again, between two more hills, then I turn another hill and there it is, the freeway and the hotel… lovely!
Everyone arrives by 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm, 10 ½ hours or so since we started out that morning. We all checked in to our hotel rooms, took showers and went to Denny’s for dinner… believe it or not, that was the cream of the crop in Patterson.
By 8:30 – 9:00 pm, everyone was fast asleep in their beds.
Day 3: 7:30 am, Sunday, April 23, 2006
After breakfast we all get going, heading back whence we came, well at least part way. We are going to climb up the last steep descent from the day before, eat an early lunch at “The Junction” and head over to Livermore and Pleasanton and then catch the Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit) back to San Francisco.
This ascent will be the steepest and the hardest, and some of us have achy bottoms, but surprisingly the stretch towards our climb that seemed so long and painful yesterday was relatively easy and comfortable.
Another farm in the beautiful rolling hills.
About 13 miles into the ride I stop to take a photo and noticed a spoke in the rear tire had broken… shit! shit! shit!
Two riders, Manish and Shirley stop and they ride down the road to a farmhouse (one of the only ones for many, many miles), and say the guy was very friendly and will let me use his phone.
I walk down to the farm and Shirley stayed with me to make sure I was all set. I try to use the man’s phone but it is restricted to most long-distance phone numbers and most places I needed to call were long distance, including the Best Western which is only 13 miles back!
So I tell Shirley I will walk back to the hotel and the guy says, “I would offer to drive you back but I just drove into town this morning, but flag someone down, people here are very friendly and helpful”, ya, o.k… just drove into town.
It is now about 10:30 am and I decided to try and ride my bike instead of walk and it ended up being fine. My rear tire was wobbling (I would look down as I rode) but I didn’t feel it and believe it or not, I made it back to the hotel by 12:00 noon.
The hotel tells me there is no kind of taxi service in Patterson, I’m loving this town more and more by the minute, but this teenager person hands me the yellow pages and I quickly find services under limousines (she’s a kid). The first guy I contact has a stretch limousine but couldn’t pick me up for a few hours but he gave me another number and I called and they could pick me up at 1:00 pm. So I went over to Denny's for a lunch (I had breakfast) and then waited for my ride.
They pick me up in a cargo van so I can just put my bike in and sit up front with the driver, who ended up being a very nice guy, around 25, who had a difficult childhood but was working hard and planning on buying a home and marrying his sweetheart in the next few years. We talked and debated about life and the power of one’s own will and before I knew it, I was home, which was around 3:00 pm.
So I didn’t do the entire 137 miles, but I did the first day, about 69 miles, and 26 miles the next day, so I did almost 100 miles in two days and I am a little saddle sore, but overall, not worse for the ware. And I experienced an amazingly beautiful part of California and I did something I had never done before and I met 9 very interesting and gentle-hearted individuals.
A very BIG thank you to Tim and Duncan, Shirley, Manish, David, Mike, Kurt, and Brad and Megan.
Day 1: 4:56 pm, Friday, April 21, 2006:
Some of us meet in San Francisco and others catch the Caltrain at other stops. I new it would be a great trip when, as I got on the train, one of the riders handed me a beer. We were all excited about our trip ahead and seeing the spring wildflowers.
After we reached San Jose we all got off the train and I noticed my rack, which holds my luggage on my bike, was coming loose. So I borrowed a tool and tightened it, but when we got to the taqueria, I noticed the same screw had fallen off. Luckily there was a Walgreen’s next door and I bought a small lock that was the same width as the screw and when I got to the hotel I tried it out and voila, it worked! Just call me Magiver.
Day 2: 6:30 am, Saturday, April 22, 2006
The morning was cloudy, a good day for bike riding and we steadily head towards Mount Hamilton. That’s right I’m biking up a freakin’ mountain with 20 pounds of supplies… it’s fun.
Once we get out of San Jose, we begin our ascent up the mountain, or so I thought. We see beautiful, green rolling hills and we are climbing gently up the hills and the roads are somewhat gradual because they were created during the horse-n-buggy era. We are still in a neighborhood and as we were climbing I hear a rooster waking up, which means I got up before a rooster just to look at some flowers. I am a flower whore, so if you say flowers, I’ll bike 70 miles a day to look at them.We continue to climb up lovely winding hills that are lush green from all of the rain we have been having. Not many flowers yet, but still beautiful. We could have been in Switzerland or Austria because the hills were so steep and green.
Soon we are above the hills, in the mountains, and there are more trees and shrubs. We continue to climb, some points steeper than others, but we are making good distance, then it happens... we begin to descend. Now you would think I should be happy because I just coast as I am descending, but I am not near the summit where the Lick Observatory is, so if I am descending, this means I need to ascend again to reach the summit of Mount Hamilton. If you were riding in front of me you would know my displeasure about this, but what can one do, you just keep peddling. We are now probably 1 ½ hours into the ride.
'Dodecatheon' Shooting Star flowerThen the second climb comes, oy! What am I doing? Am I crazy, it's just flowers. Each climb becomes more of a struggle, I start to feel my knees and legs more. Each bump feels like a mountain, yet I continue and actually enjoy the wonderful surroundings. It is now about 10:00 am or 3 ½ hours since we began.
Then believe it or not, I start descending again…. “No, bloody buggery hell!” (I’ve been watching too many British comedies lately). This means I have a third climb, ugh! Also, remember, we are or will be about 4,000 feet above sea level once we reach the summit, which is currently shrouded in fog.
By the third climb I am noticing my lungs are not capturing enough air, my ass has melded into my bike seat and my hands are numb. At some points I have to walk, but I need a human size shoehorn to get my ass off my bike and I am gasping for a complete breath of air and the last five miles to the top were the toughest.
This is an example of the roads we climbed and climbed up to the top of Mount Hamilton.Another member of the group and I were tag-teaming back and forth and arrived together at the top, meeting our other group members at 11:50 am.
This is the wonderful group of people I was riding with. The Observatory is in the background.Surprisingly my legs, hips, etc. feel fine, but I have a slight stomach cramp and I am not very hungry.
After almost an hour we begin our descent down the mountain. We have done 25 miles and have 48 miles to go. This descent is really steep, long and hard; the turns are sharp, the wind hits your face and body, the speeds are fast and soon your hands are spasming and sending sharp painful pulses up your arms, think carpel tunnel, and your hands are vice-gripped like, well, you know… and you are only ½ way down the mountain.
We finally reach the bottom and start a long somewhat flat ride through the San Antonio Valley with cows, steer, horses, sheep and if you are lucky, you may see a mountain lion or an elk… I was not lucky. The place was beautiful, almost surreal. During this entire trip I have seen, maybe, 6 cars.We stop at “The Junction” which is a biker/red neck (in the most loving way) haunt in the middle of the valley that serves mostly alcohol and some basic bar food. We stay for about an hour, for a much needed rest and refueling.
The tallest peak in the back is Mount Hamilton, that's how far we have come.We then head towards Patterson and the Best Western, but we need to make one more climb. Of course I had no idea how I was going to do it, but once we got started and actually made that climb, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined and the final descent into the rolling green hills that lead us to Patterson is strikingly beautiful.
As we have seen throughout most of this trip, we continue to pass cow pastures, babbling brooks, old farmhouses and towering green hills (we would call them mountains on the east coast).
It is a gentle descent with only a few little hills (20 foot climbs) and even though it has been almost 10 hours, I had the strength to continue.
The last 5 miles seemed to stretch on forever, since every steep, green hill that I passed revealed more steep green hills, which means we still have not reached civilization and our hotel.
I see the freeway between two hills but only more green hills in front of me, where the road continues. I peddle along, cursing each hill that lay before me. Then I see the freeway again, between two more hills, then I turn another hill and there it is, the freeway and the hotel… lovely!
Everyone arrives by 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm, 10 ½ hours or so since we started out that morning. We all checked in to our hotel rooms, took showers and went to Denny’s for dinner… believe it or not, that was the cream of the crop in Patterson.
By 8:30 – 9:00 pm, everyone was fast asleep in their beds.
Day 3: 7:30 am, Sunday, April 23, 2006
After breakfast we all get going, heading back whence we came, well at least part way. We are going to climb up the last steep descent from the day before, eat an early lunch at “The Junction” and head over to Livermore and Pleasanton and then catch the Bart (Bay Area Rapid Transit) back to San Francisco.
This ascent will be the steepest and the hardest, and some of us have achy bottoms, but surprisingly the stretch towards our climb that seemed so long and painful yesterday was relatively easy and comfortable.
Another farm in the beautiful rolling hills.About 13 miles into the ride I stop to take a photo and noticed a spoke in the rear tire had broken… shit! shit! shit!
Two riders, Manish and Shirley stop and they ride down the road to a farmhouse (one of the only ones for many, many miles), and say the guy was very friendly and will let me use his phone.
I walk down to the farm and Shirley stayed with me to make sure I was all set. I try to use the man’s phone but it is restricted to most long-distance phone numbers and most places I needed to call were long distance, including the Best Western which is only 13 miles back!
So I tell Shirley I will walk back to the hotel and the guy says, “I would offer to drive you back but I just drove into town this morning, but flag someone down, people here are very friendly and helpful”, ya, o.k… just drove into town.
It is now about 10:30 am and I decided to try and ride my bike instead of walk and it ended up being fine. My rear tire was wobbling (I would look down as I rode) but I didn’t feel it and believe it or not, I made it back to the hotel by 12:00 noon.
The hotel tells me there is no kind of taxi service in Patterson, I’m loving this town more and more by the minute, but this teenager person hands me the yellow pages and I quickly find services under limousines (she’s a kid). The first guy I contact has a stretch limousine but couldn’t pick me up for a few hours but he gave me another number and I called and they could pick me up at 1:00 pm. So I went over to Denny's for a lunch (I had breakfast) and then waited for my ride.
They pick me up in a cargo van so I can just put my bike in and sit up front with the driver, who ended up being a very nice guy, around 25, who had a difficult childhood but was working hard and planning on buying a home and marrying his sweetheart in the next few years. We talked and debated about life and the power of one’s own will and before I knew it, I was home, which was around 3:00 pm.
So I didn’t do the entire 137 miles, but I did the first day, about 69 miles, and 26 miles the next day, so I did almost 100 miles in two days and I am a little saddle sore, but overall, not worse for the ware. And I experienced an amazingly beautiful part of California and I did something I had never done before and I met 9 very interesting and gentle-hearted individuals.
A very BIG thank you to Tim and Duncan, Shirley, Manish, David, Mike, Kurt, and Brad and Megan.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Rain! Rain! Rain!
O.K., I know San Francisco's winters are about rain, but really. It has now rained 27 out of 33 days and we are expecting this to continue for the next two weeks, yes two more weeks of RAIN! RAIN! RAIN!Maybe I should revert to my childhood, when I didn't care if it was raining or not. My brother, sister and I used to play in the rain all the time. Now, what I am about to tell you will only support peoples' ideas about living in the country, but we used to take coffee cans (usually the blue Maxwell house cans) and other cans and place them under the water that was running off of our house and barn, yes you heard me, we would collect rain water in cans. Why? I can't go back that far into my psychie to figure out why, but we used to love to do it when we were kids.
During the summer we would go swimming in the lake, even if it was raining. Why not, we were all ready going to get wet!
I never grabbed an umbrella or a rain coat, why bother. It was much more fun dodging the rain running from one place to the other, under a tree or overhang. We would also run around in the field getting soaked from the tall grass and wildflowers. And who can forget about running and jumping in puddles?
Another thing I used to do was to find where water had gathered and create a path for the water to flow by using a stick and making the ditch deeper as I went along. I would make turns and little dams and I would watch the current patterns in the mini-streams I made. I would even play with my Matchbox cars in the dirt pile my dad made for us, in the rain.
Hey, it's better than sitting at home pacing the apartment and trying to figure out what to do next. I've all ready organized my closets and pantry, washed my floors, vacuumed the rugs, cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as all of my baking for the month, filed my photos, alphabetized my books, CD's and DVD's, researched both family histories, called friends and family, trimmed the hair off my face, clipped my toenails and fingernails, completed all three weekly newspapers' crossword puzzles, built a perpetual motion machine, wrote an opera (five acts) and counted 212 shingles in my bathroom... remember, it has been 27 days of rain!
So I'll see you later, my nieghbor Jason just knocked on my door and we're going out to play in the rain, coffee can in hand!
Cheers.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Strybing Arboretum
Throughout the year I will be taking photos of plants and their flowers that are thriving in the Strybing Arboretum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate that is only found (outside of the Mediterranean Sea) in pockets of Northern California, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Chile. Dates have been given, but some of these plants may flower for many months or more than once a year. The San Francisco Flower Show (at the County Fair Building in the Strybing Arboretum) is held each July.
Aloe arborescens (March 2006)
Camellia (March 2006)
Bark from a palm tree (March 2006)
Echium Candicans "Pride of Madeira" (March 2006)
Anna's hummingbird taking a 10 second rest before looking for more food (March 2006)
Rhododendrons (March 2006)
Gunnera "Giant Rhubarb" (March 2006)
Unknown (March 2006)
Brugmansia Sanguinea "Angel Trumpet" (March 2006)
Aloe arborescens (March 2006)
Camellia (March 2006)
Bark from a palm tree (March 2006)
Echium Candicans "Pride of Madeira" (March 2006)
Anna's hummingbird taking a 10 second rest before looking for more food (March 2006)
Rhododendrons (March 2006)
Gunnera "Giant Rhubarb" (March 2006)
Unknown (March 2006)
Brugmansia Sanguinea "Angel Trumpet" (March 2006)
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
My Building Souvenir Collection
I have a collection of souvenir buildings and I thought it would be fun to photograph them.
Boston in the throws of winter. Bunker Hill Monument is in the left front, with the Old North Church to the right, the Provincetown Monument behind with the SS Constitution sailing by and finally in the back left is Faneuil Hall
Washington D.C. - Jefferson Memorial (yes that's Jackson, I always thought Jackson and Jefferson looked alike), front left; behind it is the White House; to the right is the Washington Monument; and in the front on the right is the Lincoln Memorial; and the Capital Building is in the center
San Francisco - In the center are three models of Golden Gate Bridge, back left is the Sun Tower (which is not standing anymore) which was built for the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915, next is the famous Cliff House, and to the right is the Transamerica building, and the Cable Car is climbing the hills (this time a croissant) and in front is the Coit Tower
New York City - In the front is the NY Worlds Fair; behind left is the Empire State Building, center is the United Nations, to the left is the Rockefeller Center building, directly behind (in gold) is the Sony Plaza tower (also known as AT&T) building, behind to the left is the Empire State Building, to the right is the Statue of Liberty, to the right is the Chrysler building (in gold) and to the right is the Flat Iron building (the first building to peak my interest in architecture and the first in my collection), towards the front (in silver) is the Chrysler building and to the left is St. Patrick's Cathedral
Various places around the country - Front left is the Tabernacle Hall (looks like half a football) and behind it the Church (same tarnished brass color); front and center is Jefferson's Monticello; front right is a horse and buggy for the Amish in Pennsylvania Dutch country; behind it with the spikes is the Air Force's Cadet Chapel in Colorado; to the right is Philadelphia's Independence Hall; behind is Chicago's Sears Tower; and to the left, center, is the St. Louis Arch, behind is Mount Rushmore; left is Chicago's Hancock Tower; and left is Seattle's Space Needle and the back left is Montreal's St. Josepth's Oratory
London - The round item is called the London Eye built for the 2000 Millenium; to the left is the Tower Bridge, behind is Big Ben and to the right is all of Parliament, including Big Ben and finally the large item on the left is the White Tower, the original building that began the Tower of London
Paris - In the center is the Arc de Triomphe, on the croissant is Sacre Coeur - Sacred Heart in English (which is high on a hill in Paris), and to the right is the Pompidou, which features modern art and left of the croissant is Notre Dame and in the back is the unmistakable Eiffel Tower - times four
The two golden castles in the back are the Nurnberg (Nuremberg) Castle and the Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle both of Germany; to the right, in the back the white pole is an example of the sidewalk poles all over Amsterdam as well as the windmill in front of it, which can be seen all over the Netherlands (Holland); in front of the windmill and a little to the left is an example of the gable houses in Amsterdam, and the little silver shoe is an example of the wooden shoes worn many years ago; to the left of the shoe is a church in Amsterdam; In Brussells we have the statue in the middle which is the famous Manneken Pis, small church in the front is the Cathedrale St Michel et Gudule and the two atom looking structures are just outside of Brussells and it is called the Atomium and in the back, the large structure is the Hotel de Ville or Town Hall for Brussells; finally the golden item in the front right is the Belfort or Belfry in beautiful Bruges, Belgium
In the front left is the Sydney Opera House (in Australia) as is the gold one to the left and back a little; behind that is the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy; to the right, in the back is the Wailing Wall in Jeruselum and in front of that is the Sphinx in Giza, Egypt and in the front right, is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Boston in the throws of winter. Bunker Hill Monument is in the left front, with the Old North Church to the right, the Provincetown Monument behind with the SS Constitution sailing by and finally in the back left is Faneuil Hall
Washington D.C. - Jefferson Memorial (yes that's Jackson, I always thought Jackson and Jefferson looked alike), front left; behind it is the White House; to the right is the Washington Monument; and in the front on the right is the Lincoln Memorial; and the Capital Building is in the center
San Francisco - In the center are three models of Golden Gate Bridge, back left is the Sun Tower (which is not standing anymore) which was built for the Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915, next is the famous Cliff House, and to the right is the Transamerica building, and the Cable Car is climbing the hills (this time a croissant) and in front is the Coit Tower
New York City - In the front is the NY Worlds Fair; behind left is the Empire State Building, center is the United Nations, to the left is the Rockefeller Center building, directly behind (in gold) is the Sony Plaza tower (also known as AT&T) building, behind to the left is the Empire State Building, to the right is the Statue of Liberty, to the right is the Chrysler building (in gold) and to the right is the Flat Iron building (the first building to peak my interest in architecture and the first in my collection), towards the front (in silver) is the Chrysler building and to the left is St. Patrick's Cathedral
Various places around the country - Front left is the Tabernacle Hall (looks like half a football) and behind it the Church (same tarnished brass color); front and center is Jefferson's Monticello; front right is a horse and buggy for the Amish in Pennsylvania Dutch country; behind it with the spikes is the Air Force's Cadet Chapel in Colorado; to the right is Philadelphia's Independence Hall; behind is Chicago's Sears Tower; and to the left, center, is the St. Louis Arch, behind is Mount Rushmore; left is Chicago's Hancock Tower; and left is Seattle's Space Needle and the back left is Montreal's St. Josepth's Oratory
London - The round item is called the London Eye built for the 2000 Millenium; to the left is the Tower Bridge, behind is Big Ben and to the right is all of Parliament, including Big Ben and finally the large item on the left is the White Tower, the original building that began the Tower of London
Paris - In the center is the Arc de Triomphe, on the croissant is Sacre Coeur - Sacred Heart in English (which is high on a hill in Paris), and to the right is the Pompidou, which features modern art and left of the croissant is Notre Dame and in the back is the unmistakable Eiffel Tower - times four
The two golden castles in the back are the Nurnberg (Nuremberg) Castle and the Schloss Neuschwanstein Castle both of Germany; to the right, in the back the white pole is an example of the sidewalk poles all over Amsterdam as well as the windmill in front of it, which can be seen all over the Netherlands (Holland); in front of the windmill and a little to the left is an example of the gable houses in Amsterdam, and the little silver shoe is an example of the wooden shoes worn many years ago; to the left of the shoe is a church in Amsterdam; In Brussells we have the statue in the middle which is the famous Manneken Pis, small church in the front is the Cathedrale St Michel et Gudule and the two atom looking structures are just outside of Brussells and it is called the Atomium and in the back, the large structure is the Hotel de Ville or Town Hall for Brussells; finally the golden item in the front right is the Belfort or Belfry in beautiful Bruges, Belgium
In the front left is the Sydney Opera House (in Australia) as is the gold one to the left and back a little; behind that is the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy; to the right, in the back is the Wailing Wall in Jeruselum and in front of that is the Sphinx in Giza, Egypt and in the front right, is the Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Interesting photos
Interesting photos I've done throughout the years.
Echiverea in Golden Gate Park
Foot of Ramses II in Egypt
Monteray Acquarium
Seagull in Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park
Ali Mosque in Cairo
Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park
Spices in Egypt
Mushroom in Martha's Vineyard's woods
Cairo Market
Statue at a museum
Alexandre Bridge in Paris
Charles River Basis, Boston, Massachusetts
John Hancock Tower, Boston, Massachusetts
Peony from my old garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Echiverea in Golden Gate Park
Foot of Ramses II in Egypt
Monteray Acquarium
Seagull in Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park
Ali Mosque in Cairo
Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park
Spices in Egypt
Mushroom in Martha's Vineyard's woods
Cairo Market
Statue at a museum
Alexandre Bridge in Paris
Charles River Basis, Boston, Massachusetts
John Hancock Tower, Boston, Massachusetts
Peony from my old garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Monday, February 27, 2006
San Francisco's Public Art and Other Treasures
San Francisco is a beautiful city with lovely open spaces and great public art. Golden Gate Park (GGP) has to be one of the most beautiful parks in the world (and one of the largest urban parks) and all of the renovations currently going on will only make it more spectacular.
Of course the most obvious change is the recently built de Young Museum located at the northern part of the park close to 10th avenue. The previous de Young Museum was completely torn down due to earthquake safety concerns.
The new de Young houses one of the most extensive African and Polynesian arts in the U.S. and has actually given a few acres of public space back to GGP while increasing their own display space. It costs $10.00 per visit and is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
The de Young also has a sculpture garden, with the "Corridor Pin, Blue" as its centerpiece. This pin was made in 1999 by a married couple, Claes Oldenburg (Swedish) and Coosje Van Bruggen (Dutch). They married in 1977 and have been collabortaing on their work since.
Next to the new de Young is the 110 year old Japanese Tea Garden. It is truly a gem and the story behind it is heartbreaking to say the least.
For the 1894 event, California Midwinter Fair, the first acre of the Japanese Garden was created. It was initially called the Japanese Village Exhibit. After the event, Makoto Hagiwara, who designed and built the exhibit, requested to make it a permanent garden and he was able to expand it to five acres from one and the name was changed to the Japanese Tea Garden. Mr. Hagiwara and his family lived on the property in a 17-room house in the sunken garden. Mr. Hagiwara was a landscape designer and made lots of money, but all of it was spent on this garden and he and his family were never reimbursed for their expenses and work.
Makoto Hagiwara died in 1925 and his son died 12 years later. Mrs. Makoto Hagiwara and her children worked hard to keep the garden's plans moving forward, which included planting 1,000 cherry blossom trees (which they accomplished). In 1942, the family was evicted from the garden and placed in internment camps, never to return to the property to live on again. But today the family is still working on the garden and trying to fullfill their great-grandfather's wishes. Admission is $3.50 per person and from 8:30 am to 9:00 am, it is free to enter.
The Buddhist Pagoda or "Treasure Tower" was also built in 1894 and has been moved 60 feet from its original site. The garden is spectacular in March (azaleas are in bloom) and April when the cherry blossoms, well, blossom.
The Moon Bridge looks great in the small river, forming a perfect circle.
Mr. Makoto Hagiwara was the person to bring the fortune cookie to America. He included it as part of the Midwinter Fair but local Chinese restaurants copied the idea and took credit for it. It was only years later that Mr. Hagiwara was credited with starting the foturne cookie... it is a Japanese tradition, not Chinese.
Backtrack past the de Young and you will run into the Conservatory of Flowers building. It was built in 1878 and opened in 1879.
In 1883 the boiler exploded and completely destroyed the dome. In the 1950's the wooden frames were rotted and needed to be replaced and in 1995 a severe storm with hurricane-force winds destroyed the structure which took over $25 million and 8 years to restore. It reopened in 2003. The cost is $5.00 per adult and the first Tuesday of every month is free.
These were just two of the many plants found in Golden Gate Park. Take the time to go off the beaten path, you will be amazed at the sights and sounds and smells. They even have bison in the park, as well as more local flora and fauna.
Go as far west as you can and you will run into Ocean Beach (photo below). To the north is the Cliff House (also in the photo below) and beyond that is the sister home to the de Young, the Legion of Honours, with its European and American art. Beyond that is the Presidio.
The Presidio, which started as a Spanish military outpost in 1776, has become a national park. After the U.S. took over California from Mexico (Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821), it became an army base, but in 1994 it became a national park with historical buildings and newer barracks (1950's) that are now rented out (at pretty high rent) to help support the park. It is hoped that by 2010 the park will be completely self-sufficient.
The Presidio is an oasis for plants and animals and they tightly control its residents from planting invasive plants that may compete with its unique mix of introduced plants. The woods are covered in pine and eucalyptus, which tower for 100's of feet above you. Above, beyond the woods, is a military cemetery of 15,000 soldiers from many wars.
The views of the city are great from the Presidio, including the northbay. You can see the rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts (there is no art here by the way), which was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and is the only structure still standing from the exposition. It was originally built as a temporary building and was only saved after public outcry demanded it not be torn down. Beyond this is Alcatraz, the famous prison which started out as a military outpost (in 1859), then in 1907 became a military prison (and the current prison was built by military prisoners from 1909 to 1912) and from 1934 to 1963, it was a maximum security federal penitentiary
One of the most western parts of the Presidio include the Golden Gate Bridge and Baker Beach. Baker Beach has great sand and is very secluded and houses the city's only accepted nude beach, in the most northern sections of the beach.
If you head south from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach (you can even walk along the beach to it), you will run into Fort Funston.
Fort Funston has become a dog owners paradise with well over 100 dogs visiting the park at any one time. The views of the ocean and the Marin Headlands are stunning. Roads that were once used are now allowed to slide down into the beach area and be reclaimed by the ocean.
I call this little beach area the mini Planet of the Apes, with the feeling that civilization has ended and the natural world is once again taking over.
All of these places can easily be visited on bicycle, just take your time and don't worry if you need to walk your bike up some of the steep hills in the Presidio and at Fort Funston.
If you still have the energy or maybe the next day, go to the Ferry building at the opposite end of the city, at its most eastern end.
The ferry building, which was built from 1896 to 1903, is still a vital part of the city. It was saved during the 1906 earthquake and fires from fireboats pumping water from the bay. Today it houses a great multitude of specialty shops that sell gourmet meats, cheeses and olive oils. In its hayday, before the bridges were built (Bay Bridge built in 1936), 100,000 people passed through this building on a daily basis. You can still go through this building to take a ride to Sausalito and other nearby neighbors.
Across the street is the Embarcadero, a huge area of shops and plazas, which include the Vaillancourt Fountain (left on the above photo) which is part of the Justin "Pee Wee" Herman Plaza. The locals call it "Pee Wee", but the two people have no real connection. It was built in 1971 by Canadian artist Armand Vaillancourt. What is interesting about this structure is you are actually allowed to climb on it and through it.
In the nearby Rincon Park (just to the right of the Ferry Building) is a public art structure that people either love or hate. It is called "Cupid's Span" and was designed to resemble the cable and towers of the nearby Bay Bridge as well as a visual reminder of the Spanish fleets' hulls, masts and riggings from centuries past. And the artists? You guessed it, the same two who made the "Corridor Pin, Blue" at the de Young.
And then on a strictly personal note, this is the view I have from my bed, every night and morning. It is St. Ignatius Church, which was completed in 1914. It is part of the University of San Francisco.
Of course the most obvious change is the recently built de Young Museum located at the northern part of the park close to 10th avenue. The previous de Young Museum was completely torn down due to earthquake safety concerns.
The new de Young houses one of the most extensive African and Polynesian arts in the U.S. and has actually given a few acres of public space back to GGP while increasing their own display space. It costs $10.00 per visit and is free on the first Tuesday of every month.
The de Young also has a sculpture garden, with the "Corridor Pin, Blue" as its centerpiece. This pin was made in 1999 by a married couple, Claes Oldenburg (Swedish) and Coosje Van Bruggen (Dutch). They married in 1977 and have been collabortaing on their work since.
Next to the new de Young is the 110 year old Japanese Tea Garden. It is truly a gem and the story behind it is heartbreaking to say the least.
For the 1894 event, California Midwinter Fair, the first acre of the Japanese Garden was created. It was initially called the Japanese Village Exhibit. After the event, Makoto Hagiwara, who designed and built the exhibit, requested to make it a permanent garden and he was able to expand it to five acres from one and the name was changed to the Japanese Tea Garden. Mr. Hagiwara and his family lived on the property in a 17-room house in the sunken garden. Mr. Hagiwara was a landscape designer and made lots of money, but all of it was spent on this garden and he and his family were never reimbursed for their expenses and work.
Makoto Hagiwara died in 1925 and his son died 12 years later. Mrs. Makoto Hagiwara and her children worked hard to keep the garden's plans moving forward, which included planting 1,000 cherry blossom trees (which they accomplished). In 1942, the family was evicted from the garden and placed in internment camps, never to return to the property to live on again. But today the family is still working on the garden and trying to fullfill their great-grandfather's wishes. Admission is $3.50 per person and from 8:30 am to 9:00 am, it is free to enter.
The Buddhist Pagoda or "Treasure Tower" was also built in 1894 and has been moved 60 feet from its original site. The garden is spectacular in March (azaleas are in bloom) and April when the cherry blossoms, well, blossom.
The Moon Bridge looks great in the small river, forming a perfect circle.
Mr. Makoto Hagiwara was the person to bring the fortune cookie to America. He included it as part of the Midwinter Fair but local Chinese restaurants copied the idea and took credit for it. It was only years later that Mr. Hagiwara was credited with starting the foturne cookie... it is a Japanese tradition, not Chinese.
Backtrack past the de Young and you will run into the Conservatory of Flowers building. It was built in 1878 and opened in 1879.
In 1883 the boiler exploded and completely destroyed the dome. In the 1950's the wooden frames were rotted and needed to be replaced and in 1995 a severe storm with hurricane-force winds destroyed the structure which took over $25 million and 8 years to restore. It reopened in 2003. The cost is $5.00 per adult and the first Tuesday of every month is free.
These were just two of the many plants found in Golden Gate Park. Take the time to go off the beaten path, you will be amazed at the sights and sounds and smells. They even have bison in the park, as well as more local flora and fauna.
Go as far west as you can and you will run into Ocean Beach (photo below). To the north is the Cliff House (also in the photo below) and beyond that is the sister home to the de Young, the Legion of Honours, with its European and American art. Beyond that is the Presidio.
The Presidio, which started as a Spanish military outpost in 1776, has become a national park. After the U.S. took over California from Mexico (Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821), it became an army base, but in 1994 it became a national park with historical buildings and newer barracks (1950's) that are now rented out (at pretty high rent) to help support the park. It is hoped that by 2010 the park will be completely self-sufficient.
The Presidio is an oasis for plants and animals and they tightly control its residents from planting invasive plants that may compete with its unique mix of introduced plants. The woods are covered in pine and eucalyptus, which tower for 100's of feet above you. Above, beyond the woods, is a military cemetery of 15,000 soldiers from many wars.
The views of the city are great from the Presidio, including the northbay. You can see the rotunda of the Palace of Fine Arts (there is no art here by the way), which was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition and is the only structure still standing from the exposition. It was originally built as a temporary building and was only saved after public outcry demanded it not be torn down. Beyond this is Alcatraz, the famous prison which started out as a military outpost (in 1859), then in 1907 became a military prison (and the current prison was built by military prisoners from 1909 to 1912) and from 1934 to 1963, it was a maximum security federal penitentiary
One of the most western parts of the Presidio include the Golden Gate Bridge and Baker Beach. Baker Beach has great sand and is very secluded and houses the city's only accepted nude beach, in the most northern sections of the beach.
If you head south from Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach (you can even walk along the beach to it), you will run into Fort Funston.
Fort Funston has become a dog owners paradise with well over 100 dogs visiting the park at any one time. The views of the ocean and the Marin Headlands are stunning. Roads that were once used are now allowed to slide down into the beach area and be reclaimed by the ocean.
I call this little beach area the mini Planet of the Apes, with the feeling that civilization has ended and the natural world is once again taking over.
All of these places can easily be visited on bicycle, just take your time and don't worry if you need to walk your bike up some of the steep hills in the Presidio and at Fort Funston.
If you still have the energy or maybe the next day, go to the Ferry building at the opposite end of the city, at its most eastern end.
The ferry building, which was built from 1896 to 1903, is still a vital part of the city. It was saved during the 1906 earthquake and fires from fireboats pumping water from the bay. Today it houses a great multitude of specialty shops that sell gourmet meats, cheeses and olive oils. In its hayday, before the bridges were built (Bay Bridge built in 1936), 100,000 people passed through this building on a daily basis. You can still go through this building to take a ride to Sausalito and other nearby neighbors.
Across the street is the Embarcadero, a huge area of shops and plazas, which include the Vaillancourt Fountain (left on the above photo) which is part of the Justin "Pee Wee" Herman Plaza. The locals call it "Pee Wee", but the two people have no real connection. It was built in 1971 by Canadian artist Armand Vaillancourt. What is interesting about this structure is you are actually allowed to climb on it and through it.
In the nearby Rincon Park (just to the right of the Ferry Building) is a public art structure that people either love or hate. It is called "Cupid's Span" and was designed to resemble the cable and towers of the nearby Bay Bridge as well as a visual reminder of the Spanish fleets' hulls, masts and riggings from centuries past. And the artists? You guessed it, the same two who made the "Corridor Pin, Blue" at the de Young.
And then on a strictly personal note, this is the view I have from my bed, every night and morning. It is St. Ignatius Church, which was completed in 1914. It is part of the University of San Francisco.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
54th Pacific Orchid Exposition at Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
I went to the 54th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition this past weekend, Feb. 16-19 2006, which is run by the San Francisco Orchid Society, and man is it amazing! You cannot believe the colors and shapes that nature can make. Many of them look like something out of Dr. Seuss.
As you can see from the photos below, wow is the only way to describe them.
The title of this year's exposition was: "Hot House Hotties & Their Cool Friends" since some thrive in the hot, sticky equatorial climate where as others can grow in the Nepalese mountains or places as cold as Maine.
Some of the names I have found, and I have placed them below their photos.
Enjoy.
Vanda possibly Rothschildiana hybrid
Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid) not to be confused with Cypripedium (Lady's Slipper), which is cold growing from the Northeast and Europe
Masdevallia, not sure of the hybrid name
Slc (Sophrolaeliocattleya) Angels Dream "Cherry Canary"
Dracula Raven
Masdevallia species, not sure of the hybrid name
Probably another Dracula species
Cymbidium species, which can be grown outside in San Francisco
Possibly Miltoniopsis or "Pansy Orchid"
As you can see from the photos below, wow is the only way to describe them.
The title of this year's exposition was: "Hot House Hotties & Their Cool Friends" since some thrive in the hot, sticky equatorial climate where as others can grow in the Nepalese mountains or places as cold as Maine.
Some of the names I have found, and I have placed them below their photos.
Enjoy.
Vanda possibly Rothschildiana hybrid
Paphiopedilum (Slipper Orchid) not to be confused with Cypripedium (Lady's Slipper), which is cold growing from the Northeast and Europe
Masdevallia, not sure of the hybrid name
Slc (Sophrolaeliocattleya) Angels Dream "Cherry Canary"
Dracula Raven
Masdevallia species, not sure of the hybrid name
Probably another Dracula species
Cymbidium species, which can be grown outside in San Francisco
Possibly Miltoniopsis or "Pansy Orchid"
Monday, February 13, 2006
San Francisco Chinese New Year of the Dog
I braved the most visited event (probably tied to the Gay and Lesbian Parade in June) and claimed my spot to see the Chinese New Year's Parade on Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 5:30 PM.
The parade is extensive with many floats, bands, schools, businesses and politicians. Even though it was colorful, I have to admit that I was very disappointed. I felt as though I was watching one long commercial and not a true 4,000+ year-old event from the Chinese culture.
These two exhibits were done by airlines, I believe.
I was hoping for traditional costumes with firecrackers and banners and dragons, which it had, but that was a small part of the parade. As the gentleman said next to me, it was just too many cars. Cars for politicians; cars, trucks and trolleys for businesses with people in them, waving. I understand needing some vehicles to haul the floats, but I really don't care to look at people I don't know who are only in it for their own benefit and not that of the spectators and of the event itself. I will not go back to this event next year.
But what I will do is go to Chinatown the following day. The day after in Chinatown is the hidden gem in all of this. It is a day for the Chinatown neighborhood to come out and have fun.
One block past the Chinese gateway (Grant and California) to Grant and Pacific and reaching on both sides to Stockton and Kearny were booths from local businesses to large corporations and neighborhood associations that are part of the Chinatown neighborhood. Some businesses were giving away free gifts, others were playing games that gave people a chance to win prizes, there were booths for health care issues and many selling Chinese New Year trinkets to lucky bamboo and I was able to buy beautiful orchid plants (not cut flowers) for $12.00 each.
These are trinkets that were for sale at the Chinese New Year's Day event.
What was so nice was the festive atmosphere and you felt as though the entire Chinatown neighborhood was out to celebrate, because you know what, it was!
The parade is extensive with many floats, bands, schools, businesses and politicians. Even though it was colorful, I have to admit that I was very disappointed. I felt as though I was watching one long commercial and not a true 4,000+ year-old event from the Chinese culture.
These two exhibits were done by airlines, I believe.
I was hoping for traditional costumes with firecrackers and banners and dragons, which it had, but that was a small part of the parade. As the gentleman said next to me, it was just too many cars. Cars for politicians; cars, trucks and trolleys for businesses with people in them, waving. I understand needing some vehicles to haul the floats, but I really don't care to look at people I don't know who are only in it for their own benefit and not that of the spectators and of the event itself. I will not go back to this event next year.
But what I will do is go to Chinatown the following day. The day after in Chinatown is the hidden gem in all of this. It is a day for the Chinatown neighborhood to come out and have fun.
One block past the Chinese gateway (Grant and California) to Grant and Pacific and reaching on both sides to Stockton and Kearny were booths from local businesses to large corporations and neighborhood associations that are part of the Chinatown neighborhood. Some businesses were giving away free gifts, others were playing games that gave people a chance to win prizes, there were booths for health care issues and many selling Chinese New Year trinkets to lucky bamboo and I was able to buy beautiful orchid plants (not cut flowers) for $12.00 each.
These are trinkets that were for sale at the Chinese New Year's Day event.
What was so nice was the festive atmosphere and you felt as though the entire Chinatown neighborhood was out to celebrate, because you know what, it was!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
A Self-Guided Walking Tour in San Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city and the best way to see it is on foot. Of course this means plenty of hills and stairs, but just take your time and rest at yummy cafes or take a seat inside one of the many beautiful churches all over the city.
Start at Japantown, which you can get to by taking the 22 bus on Fillmore or the 38 bus on Geary Boulevard.
Once you are in Japantown you can take a walk inside and shop at the lovely Japanese stores then walk one block north onto Sutter street. Between Fillmore and Webster Streets is a place called Cottage Row.
Cottage Row is one of the last original working-class Victorian homes, these built in 1882. They are unadorned and they all share walls, which is unusual for San Francisco. They are also built in an alley way, which suggests the less than important status of the original owners. Back in the 1960's they were destined to be destroyed to make way for newer buildings, but with the help from Justin Herman, who awarded grants to owners to restore them, they were saved. The little walkway and the small gardens and the lovely entryways are wonderful to see.
When you pass through, turn left onto Pine and right onto Steiner, this is St. Dominic's. St. Dominic's Catholic Church was established in 1873 and is quite lovely inside, as you can see from the photo.
Continue north on Steiner and you will run into Alta Plaza. Alta Plaza is up high and be prepared to climb stairs, 100 of them to be exact. These stairs have been used in movies, including "What's Up Doc" where Barbra Streisand drives her car down them. When you stand on them you cannot understand how a car was driven down them, but alas, it was.
Go back onto Clay street and head east for four blocks. Do not be surprised when you run into a hospital. Just go up the sidewalk that says lobby and turn left at the smoker's area and walk towards the cross street and you will see the park across the street. It is a lovely park with palm and eucalyptus trees and convenient public restrooms. There are lovely homes and buildings surrounding this park as well as some stunning views of the upper bay.
On the north side you will see a Beaux Arts building, which is called Spreckels Mansion, built in 1912 by the daughter of Claus Spreckels, the sugar cane king. I believe the current owner is Danielle Steele... it's amazing the amount of money crap- writing can earn someone. Anyway...
The Spreckels architect, George Applegarth, also designed and built the Palace of the Legion of Honor, which was donated to the city in 1924. It was turned into a museum and is located between the Presidio and the Cliff House.
Lafayette Park, Alta Plaza and Alamo Square all had troubled pasts. In 1855 the city granted them as public spaces to the citizens of San Francisco, but squatters laid claim to them and even built on them, the largest being built on top of Lafayette Park, which was not torn down until 1936, but only after the city gave this person a parcel of land off of Gough Street... imagine!
From Lafayette Park, walk north on Gough Street for six blocks until you see the Octagon House, which is a lovely blue Victorian house that happens to have eight sides. They were built in order to allow in more light than your typically shaped home, whether Victorian or other styles. This particular home was built in 1861 and is open to the public, but only a day or two per week, so call ahead. Inside are nice collections of decorative arts and documents from the Colonial and Federal periods.
Now take the 41 or 45 bus (the bus stop is right at the end of Gough and Union) to Washington Square (Union and Powell). When you get off the bus you should see St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church as well as Coit Tower. If you walk around the block you will see the theater where Beach Blanket Babylon plays nightly.
Walk across the park to go into the beautiful church, which is at the center of San Francisco's Little Italy. Locals call it the "Italian Cathedral". It opened in 1924 and they have a wonderul choral group that just sounds lovely. They rehearse almost every Saturday and you are welcome to go into the church and listen while they do.
Can you guess who was photographed here after their wedding (which was days earlier, elsewhere)? Joe Di Maggio and Marilyn Monroe, in 1957. Another Hollywood connection, Cecil B. DeMille filmed the early construction on the foundation for his film "The Ten Commandments", depicting the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. The film was made in 1923. Because of its proximity to Chinatown, the services are in English, Italian or Chinese, depending on when you go.
The church is also known as the "Fishermen's Church" and every October they have the Blessing of the Fleet mass to celebrate their fishing heritage and wish the fleets a safe year.
When you leave the church, turn left as you come down the stairs and walk straight ahead, and walk and walk and climb and climb, this is Telegraph Hill and the structure is Coit Tower. Of course if you need a break, there are wonderful cafes and restaurants in Little Italy where you can have a coffee, beer or a great lunch.
Coit Tower was built in 1933 and is 210 feet high. Add the height of Telegraph Hill (284 feet high) and you have one high structure. The views from the hill and from the top of the tower cannot be beat and let's not forget those lovely Parrot's of Telegraph Hill, and trust me, they won't let you forget them. They like to talk and fly in groups.
Go inside the tower, the murals are just amazing to behold, as you can see below.
Many of the murals depicted people in the news at the time as well as life during the depression era. If you look closely, one depicts a robbery in progress in the Financial District, the other is the activity at the Oakland Ferry terminal area. In its day the murals raised some eyebrows because of the commentary on life and politics in America at the time, but now we can appreciate the truth to these spectacular murals.
Take the ride up the elevator to the top of the tower. Some days it can be windy, but the views are spectacular. There are also bathrooms in the tower and they are usually very clean, so take a bathroom break in the lobby of the tower.
Don't just leave this hill because the houses facing the bay are really amazing to look at. There are steep stairs and tightly turning roads, but it is worth it. Take the Filbert Street stairs, which will lead you to Napier Lane. It is the last boardwalked streets in San Francisco (they call them "wooden plank streets"). This area has a truly unique feel to it. I can't explain it other than to just call it a true neighborhood feel. The multi-level homes are adorable with cute gardens and the parrots of Telegraph Hill are many times found around this area, as well.
I have to tell you I am afraid of heights and to walk down these very steep stairs, especially going below Napier Lane, was quite a challenge for me. The stairs are open and steep and at least as high as a 6 or 7 story building, but I did it for you.
When I sat down to eat my lunch I looked down and saw this!
That is a quarter next to the slug!
At the bottom of the stairs, go straight and turn right onto Sansome Street. As you walk along Sansome you will see the Transamerica Building. Completed in 1972, it is 48 stories and 853 feet high, the tallest building in the city of San Francisco. Unfortunately tours are no longer done in the building, but it is still interesting to look at from the outside. The building has 3,678 windows and it takes the window cleaners an entire month to wash all the windows. The outside of the building is covered with quartz aggregate with reinforced rods on each floor. Space between the panels allows the building to move laterally during an earthquake. It's shape was designed to cast the smallest shadow onto the city of San Francisco. Now continue south on Sansome Street until you reach Pine Street.
Now turn right onto Pine Street. This is the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, or I should say the Old Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, because now it is an exercise gym. The huge granite statues on either side of the building were designed by Ralph Stackpole.
Turn back onto Sansome Street and when you reach Bush Street, turn right and look at One Bush Plaza. This lobby is open and reminds me of the Arts and Crafts style with its sweeping natural designs. The sculpture looks very different dependent upon where you are standing.
Then turn around and look at one of the skinniest buildings in all of San Francisco... there is a sushi restaurant on the first floor.
Now continue to walk until you hit Market Street, about half a block from Bush Street. Cross over to the other side of Market Street and walk west (your right) four blocks to New Montgomery Street and enter the Palace Hotel (Sheraton) and walk straight ahead and this is what you will find. It is probably the most beautiful setting for breakfast and lunch anywhere in the city that does not have a view. You can also have tea on Saturday afternoons.
This entire walking tour should take about 4 or 5 hours depending on many things. Just take your time, take it all in and enjoy yourselves!
Start at Japantown, which you can get to by taking the 22 bus on Fillmore or the 38 bus on Geary Boulevard.
Once you are in Japantown you can take a walk inside and shop at the lovely Japanese stores then walk one block north onto Sutter street. Between Fillmore and Webster Streets is a place called Cottage Row.
Cottage Row is one of the last original working-class Victorian homes, these built in 1882. They are unadorned and they all share walls, which is unusual for San Francisco. They are also built in an alley way, which suggests the less than important status of the original owners. Back in the 1960's they were destined to be destroyed to make way for newer buildings, but with the help from Justin Herman, who awarded grants to owners to restore them, they were saved. The little walkway and the small gardens and the lovely entryways are wonderful to see.
When you pass through, turn left onto Pine and right onto Steiner, this is St. Dominic's. St. Dominic's Catholic Church was established in 1873 and is quite lovely inside, as you can see from the photo.
Continue north on Steiner and you will run into Alta Plaza. Alta Plaza is up high and be prepared to climb stairs, 100 of them to be exact. These stairs have been used in movies, including "What's Up Doc" where Barbra Streisand drives her car down them. When you stand on them you cannot understand how a car was driven down them, but alas, it was.
Go back onto Clay street and head east for four blocks. Do not be surprised when you run into a hospital. Just go up the sidewalk that says lobby and turn left at the smoker's area and walk towards the cross street and you will see the park across the street. It is a lovely park with palm and eucalyptus trees and convenient public restrooms. There are lovely homes and buildings surrounding this park as well as some stunning views of the upper bay.
On the north side you will see a Beaux Arts building, which is called Spreckels Mansion, built in 1912 by the daughter of Claus Spreckels, the sugar cane king. I believe the current owner is Danielle Steele... it's amazing the amount of money crap- writing can earn someone. Anyway...
The Spreckels architect, George Applegarth, also designed and built the Palace of the Legion of Honor, which was donated to the city in 1924. It was turned into a museum and is located between the Presidio and the Cliff House.
Lafayette Park, Alta Plaza and Alamo Square all had troubled pasts. In 1855 the city granted them as public spaces to the citizens of San Francisco, but squatters laid claim to them and even built on them, the largest being built on top of Lafayette Park, which was not torn down until 1936, but only after the city gave this person a parcel of land off of Gough Street... imagine!
From Lafayette Park, walk north on Gough Street for six blocks until you see the Octagon House, which is a lovely blue Victorian house that happens to have eight sides. They were built in order to allow in more light than your typically shaped home, whether Victorian or other styles. This particular home was built in 1861 and is open to the public, but only a day or two per week, so call ahead. Inside are nice collections of decorative arts and documents from the Colonial and Federal periods.
Now take the 41 or 45 bus (the bus stop is right at the end of Gough and Union) to Washington Square (Union and Powell). When you get off the bus you should see St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church as well as Coit Tower. If you walk around the block you will see the theater where Beach Blanket Babylon plays nightly.
Walk across the park to go into the beautiful church, which is at the center of San Francisco's Little Italy. Locals call it the "Italian Cathedral". It opened in 1924 and they have a wonderul choral group that just sounds lovely. They rehearse almost every Saturday and you are welcome to go into the church and listen while they do.
Can you guess who was photographed here after their wedding (which was days earlier, elsewhere)? Joe Di Maggio and Marilyn Monroe, in 1957. Another Hollywood connection, Cecil B. DeMille filmed the early construction on the foundation for his film "The Ten Commandments", depicting the building of the Temple of Jerusalem. The film was made in 1923. Because of its proximity to Chinatown, the services are in English, Italian or Chinese, depending on when you go.
The church is also known as the "Fishermen's Church" and every October they have the Blessing of the Fleet mass to celebrate their fishing heritage and wish the fleets a safe year.
When you leave the church, turn left as you come down the stairs and walk straight ahead, and walk and walk and climb and climb, this is Telegraph Hill and the structure is Coit Tower. Of course if you need a break, there are wonderful cafes and restaurants in Little Italy where you can have a coffee, beer or a great lunch.
Coit Tower was built in 1933 and is 210 feet high. Add the height of Telegraph Hill (284 feet high) and you have one high structure. The views from the hill and from the top of the tower cannot be beat and let's not forget those lovely Parrot's of Telegraph Hill, and trust me, they won't let you forget them. They like to talk and fly in groups.
Go inside the tower, the murals are just amazing to behold, as you can see below.
Many of the murals depicted people in the news at the time as well as life during the depression era. If you look closely, one depicts a robbery in progress in the Financial District, the other is the activity at the Oakland Ferry terminal area. In its day the murals raised some eyebrows because of the commentary on life and politics in America at the time, but now we can appreciate the truth to these spectacular murals.Take the ride up the elevator to the top of the tower. Some days it can be windy, but the views are spectacular. There are also bathrooms in the tower and they are usually very clean, so take a bathroom break in the lobby of the tower.
Don't just leave this hill because the houses facing the bay are really amazing to look at. There are steep stairs and tightly turning roads, but it is worth it. Take the Filbert Street stairs, which will lead you to Napier Lane. It is the last boardwalked streets in San Francisco (they call them "wooden plank streets"). This area has a truly unique feel to it. I can't explain it other than to just call it a true neighborhood feel. The multi-level homes are adorable with cute gardens and the parrots of Telegraph Hill are many times found around this area, as well.I have to tell you I am afraid of heights and to walk down these very steep stairs, especially going below Napier Lane, was quite a challenge for me. The stairs are open and steep and at least as high as a 6 or 7 story building, but I did it for you.
When I sat down to eat my lunch I looked down and saw this!
That is a quarter next to the slug!
At the bottom of the stairs, go straight and turn right onto Sansome Street. As you walk along Sansome you will see the Transamerica Building. Completed in 1972, it is 48 stories and 853 feet high, the tallest building in the city of San Francisco. Unfortunately tours are no longer done in the building, but it is still interesting to look at from the outside. The building has 3,678 windows and it takes the window cleaners an entire month to wash all the windows. The outside of the building is covered with quartz aggregate with reinforced rods on each floor. Space between the panels allows the building to move laterally during an earthquake. It's shape was designed to cast the smallest shadow onto the city of San Francisco. Now continue south on Sansome Street until you reach Pine Street.
Now turn right onto Pine Street. This is the Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, or I should say the Old Pacific Coast Stock Exchange, because now it is an exercise gym. The huge granite statues on either side of the building were designed by Ralph Stackpole.
Turn back onto Sansome Street and when you reach Bush Street, turn right and look at One Bush Plaza. This lobby is open and reminds me of the Arts and Crafts style with its sweeping natural designs. The sculpture looks very different dependent upon where you are standing.
Then turn around and look at one of the skinniest buildings in all of San Francisco... there is a sushi restaurant on the first floor.
Now continue to walk until you hit Market Street, about half a block from Bush Street. Cross over to the other side of Market Street and walk west (your right) four blocks to New Montgomery Street and enter the Palace Hotel (Sheraton) and walk straight ahead and this is what you will find. It is probably the most beautiful setting for breakfast and lunch anywhere in the city that does not have a view. You can also have tea on Saturday afternoons.
This entire walking tour should take about 4 or 5 hours depending on many things. Just take your time, take it all in and enjoy yourselves!
Friday, February 03, 2006
The Three Pyramids of Giza
The three pyramids were built within a 100 year period with the Great Pyramid of Khufu built around 2589-2566 BC, the Pyramid of Khafre (Khephren) built around 2558-2532 BC and the smallest of the three, Pyramid of Menkaure, built around 2532-2503 BC.
The Great Pyramid of Khufu is 481 feet high and the sides are roughly 756 feet wide. Believe it or not, this structure was the tallest man-made structure until the 1800's!
This camel was in front of the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
The Pyramid of Khafre (Khephren), the son of Khufu, is only 10 feet shorter, 471 feet high but its sides are 706 feet wide. It looks larger now because it is on higher ground and portions of its top still has the limestone casing that all three originally had. Most of the limestone was taken by medieval rulers building their own monuments.
The Pyramid of Menkaure, the smallest, on the left, is 240 feet high and 357 feet wide.
The Sphinx is 66 feet high and 150 feet long and was built around 2500 BC.
Here I am in front of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Khufu and Pyramid of Khafre.This is how close the city of Cairo, population 16,000,000, is to Giza and the Pyramids. Since the Pyramids sit atop a plateau, there is a natural buffer eliminating the possibility of construction at the Pyramids. The government has been destroying structures in areas of the city that were farmlands only 10 years ago.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
The Step Pyramid of Djoser (2667 - 2648 BC) at Saqqara. King Djoser is from the 3rd dynasty. The architect Imhotep, created this structure, which led to all other true pyramids, including those at Giza.
Imhotep decided to use stone instead of mudbrick and didn't just build one mastaba (or flat roof building), but he built six levels, making each layer smaller than the last. There was a large, high wall built around the pyramid that was 34 feet high.
Various Nile scenes
When the group was taking a boat ride around the Nile and to a Nubian Village, these very young kids would come in little wooden boats with small wooden paddles (like ping-pong paddles without the handles) and they would grab on to the tires (used as bumpers) on the side of the boat and sing a song looking for tips. We were told not to tip them because they were supposed to be in school. It was dangerous to say the least.
Felucca jam!
A Nile crocodile, which are now very rare in Egypt, was spotted by our Nubian guide. Many animals that are still common in Africa have been extinct in Egypt for a very long time, including the hippo.
Egyptians washing their laundry in the Nile.
A man praying, facing toward Mecca, in his fields.
Camel at Nubian Village.
Sunset on the Nile.
Valley of the Kings
Built on the opposite side of the Theban Hills from where the Hatshepsut Temple was built (facing the Nile River) are the necropolis of the New Kingdom (1500 - 1000 BC) starting with Tuthmosis I and ending with the Ramses III-XI pharoahs.When they were discovered most had all ready been robbed centuries ago. As a matter of fact, most of the mummifications of the pharoahs were discovered in one tomb (Tuthmosis III, which was 98 feet straight down from the top of the Theban Hills), an attempt, by the priests, to protect them from robbers (it succeeded for the most part). Surprisingly the painted ceilings and walls are still in tact in many of the tombs. Many of the tombs have graffiti from the likes of the first explorers in the 1800's.
There are currently 62 tombs plus another one, labeled KV5, and only a few are open at one time. When you go down them it is very low and you have to crouch down to fit. They are also very deep and humid because of all the people visiting them. I had to breath a lot and just relax, but it was worth it once you got into the tombs and saw the ancient art work and relief carvings.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir al-Bahri
These are the Theban Hills and the Temple of Hatshepsut is on one side (the side facing the Nile River) and the other side is where the Valley of the Kings lies.
The Hatshepsut Temple, built during her co-reign (1473-1458 BC) with Tuthmosis II (her half brother and husband), who took over after his death, is magnificent to look at today. It has a modern look to it, even today.
Tuthmosis III removed Hatsheptsut's face off of many statues after her death, not from anger but to make him the sole pharoah. Hatshepsut gained her power because her husband (Tuthmosis II) died and she was the first female pharoah. Another FYI, most pharoahs married their sisters and half-sisters and Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis II were no exception. Later in Hatshepsut's reign she started to have herself depicted as a male, since pharoahs were depicted as males. She did not present herself as a male, in person, just as a male figure to symbolize her power.
To the right of the ramp, 2nd level, is the Chapel of Anubis. This photo shows Tuthmosis III (Hatshepsut's heir apparent) making offerings to the sun god Ra-Harakhty. There are many colorful murals in this chapel depicting food, breads, animals and other gifts to the gods.
By the way, it is called the Hatshepsut Temple at Deir al-Bahri, which means "Northern Monastery". Monastery? Yes, after the reign of the pharoahs, Christians turned it into a monastery. This temple, which is undergoing extensive reconstructions, was destroyed not only by Christians, but by pharoahs following Hatshepsut's reign.
Luxor Temple
Luxor Temple, right on the banks of the Nile (in ancient Thebes), also dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khonsu (as is the Karnak: Temple of Amun) was completed around the 18th dynasty (the dynasty prior to Ramses II) which includes Hatshepsut (the first female pharoah)(1473-1458 BC) and Tutankhamun (1336-1327 BC) to name two.
This temple, like many others, was also buried under sand for many thousands of years. As a matter of fact, there is a mosque that is still used and it is built on top of the temple, and the original entrance is almost as high as the head of the Ramses II statue at the entrance! The temple was discovered in 1881, but before it could be excavated, the village that was built on top of it had to be removed (except the mosque). The mosque is called the Abu al-Haggag Mosque, built in the 1200's. Read the Temple of Karnak to find out why this name is important or at least interesting.
FYI, the row of sphinxes from Karnak to Luxor Temple is about 1.2 miles. The road is slowly being excavated and who knows, maybe the "avenue of sphinxes" will return.
The obelisk, which is pinkish, is 82 feet high. There used to be a pair, but the other one was given by Mohammed Ali (visit my Mohammed Ali Mosque photos) to the French government and is now in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
Across the river from here is the Theban hills, where Hatshepsut's temple is built. See my posting for photos of that temple.
This particular relief is either Amenhotep III or of Amun and it depicts them as being fertile (no Viagra back then).
Karnak: Temple of Amun
Karnak: Temple of Amun was built in ancient Thebes, now known as Luxor. The entrance has two rows of sphinxes which lead to the Nile river. At another part of the temple there is another row of sphinxes that were on either side of the street from the Karnak Temple to the Temple of Luxor.
Check out the Luxor Temple photos to see the row of sphinxes there. There were processions that would go from one temple to the other.
When you first enter you see a large column and yet another Colossus of Ramses II. If you look closely there is a smaller statue at the feet and knees of Ramses II, it is one of his daughters, unfortunately I do not have her name.
Once you pass this section you reach the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is truly magnificent with all of those large columns. It is this temple that has the great columns that you see in photos and in movies (yes that's Wendy in there) and as Wendy and I found out, when one speaks you can NOT figure out where in the hall they are, sounds bounce off that much! There are 134 columns, in all, in the Great Hypostyle Hall, each one with high relief carvings of gods, cartouches, and stories of the gods. The center 12 columns are a little under 69 feet high and the other 122 columns are 49 feet tall. It took many pharoahs to complete this temple, starting in the 11th dynasty (2055 - 1985 BC) by Montuhotep II-IV and culminating in its grandest expansion during Ramses II reign in 1279-1213 BC.
The other photos are some of the reliefs depicting offerings to their pharoahs or their gods and then some hieroglyphs.
One interesting story, and proof that all of our rituals and symbols in today's religions stem from historical events, that has come out of learning about Egyptian history is there was an event called the Festival of Opet at Karnak. Even though Karnak Temple was principally for the god Amun, the god of Thebes, the temple also worshiped Mut (his wife) and their son Khonsu. Once a year during the flood season of the Nile, the Festival of Opet celebrated the king's rebirth as the son of Amun (whomever the pharoah was at the time). Priests (actually those working for the priests) would carry images of the three gods (Amun, Mut and Khonsu) onto boats called barques (decorated) and they would sail to Luxor Temple. Parts of the Opet Festival are still used today during the Islamic Moulid of Abu al-Haggag, a five-day festival preceding Ramaden. Interesting, isn't it.
The Temple of Horus at Edfu
The facade of the Temple of Horus at Edfu. It is one of the most intact entrances to all of the temples in Egypt. Horus is the falcon god. This particular temple was buried for over 2,000 years.
The temple began construction in 237 BC and took about 25 years for the main temple and the rest was finished around 51 BC. This was the last reign of Egypt by a Pharoah, the last three being Ptolemy XIII, XIV and XV, which ended in 30 BC. Many believe Cleopatra VII (THE Cleopatra) also reigned and was the last Pharoah of Egypt along with Ptolemy XV.
This is a photo of one of the granite statues of the falcon god Horus. Every New Years each temple, all throughout Egypt, would have a procession of priests carrying the statue (smaller than this one, of course) of that particular temple's god, to the roof where it would get energy from the sun for the new year.
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel was built in 1300 BC and is known as The Great Temple of Abu Simbel and even though it was dedicated to Amun of Thebes, Ptah of Memphis and Ra-Harakhty of Heliopolis, it was really to honor Ramses II.
Abu Simbel's Temple Facade was buried for centuries but was found in 1813. The large statue on the left is Ramses II (they call these huge statues Colossi) and he was depicting himself as a god. The broken statue next to Ramses II happened during an earthquake in 27 BC (when they moved it they put the pieces in the same place they were originally found). The smaller statue in the wall, right above the entrance is of Ra-Harakhty, the god for Heliopolis.
Ramses II was interesting in that he lived to be 92 and the one wife he loved more than any other was Nefertari, who died when Ramses II was only in his 40's. The 2nd photo is of her temple (known as the Temple of Hathor, of which he made Queen Nefertari's image as if she was the Goddess Hathor). The Colossi alternate between Ramses II (also depicting himself as a god) and Nefertari as the Goddess Hathor.
The temple was actually relocated because of the High Dam that was built in the 1960's and quickly what became known as Lake Nasser (after the first President of Egypt 1956-1970) was puting the original site in danger of going under water. Lake Nasser is the largest man-made lake at 310 miles long. About 800,000 Nubians who had lived in this region since the Pharoahs' time, moved just ouside the lakes reach and near Aswan. When we flew to Abu Simbel from Aswan, it took about an hour and it was mostly flying over this great lake.
The last photo is a shot of the two temples with Lake Nasser in the center left.
The Mohammed Ali Mosque
The Mohammed Ali Mosque sits inside the Citadel, which was built from 1171-1191 and the home of Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years.
The mosque, which is in the Turkish style, was built between 1830-1848 and is named after the reformist ruler (king), who died in 1849.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Concerned Women of America: Robbing American Women of Respect
Concerned Women for America: Robbing American Women of Respect
Have you heard of this group, Concerned Women for America (CWA)? You should. It is run by Beverly LaHaye, yes Tim LaHaye’s wife; the same Tim LaHaye who came to the aid of that ever so sane Rev. Sun Myung Moon who thinks Christ failed where he (Moon) is succeeding.
The LaHayes have written many books including the end of our existence and the rise to righteousness (Left Behind) and Tim LaHaye has even called the Pope (any of them) as “Antichrists”. Now I may agree, but aren’t they all supposed to be on the same side?
I don’t try to understand these “God-fearing” people, because once I do, bacon will fly over the skies, Detroit will freeze over and the Rev. Moon will return (since he believes he is God).
The CWA has six agendas: Definition of Marriage (i.e. no gay marriages, but it’s o.k. if your 16 year old daughter gets married), Sanctity of Human Life (as long as it’s in the womb, once it’s out, it’s fair game), Education in which they state “…returning authority to parents.” (but no sex education, because why leave ignorance only to the parents?) Pornography “all pornography and obscenity” (I’m sure this includes Sesame Street since Ernie and Bert sleep in the same room) Religious Liberty (I guess all those police raids, in the heartland, during Sunday mass have angered them) National Sovereignty which includes no influence from the UN and even economic influence (I wonder how many of their 500,000 members buy their polyester suits from China making Wal-Mart stores) and my favorite; Miscellaneous which states “other issues that don’t … fit into a category” (because you never know when something new comes along, like compassion and love).
I’m making light of this, and it would be very funny if what has happened wasn’t so deadly.
You see, CWA has some powerful members, including former and current Heritage Foundation members as well as ties to both Bushes and most of the top republicans and all of the evangelical leaders (Fallwell and Tim LaHaye started the Moral Majority) and have board members who represented the U.S. at the U.N. Commission on status of women in 2003 (Janice Crousey, PH.D. who is the Senior Fellow at the Beverly LaHaye Institute). Which seems to contradict one of their six agendas (national sovereignty), but hypocrisy seems to go hand in hand with the likes of these people.
The CWA also has a group of women who volunteer to come to Washington D.C. and bombard congressional offices on their ideas on national policies. It is called Project 535 and CWA states [we] “… are able to tackle from between 40 and 70 congressional offices in a day!” It’s interesting to look at the words people and groups use. Why do you think they used the word tackle instead of say meet? Almost biblical in the use of the word tackle, wouldn’t you say? David tackling Goliath, only this David is supported by the leaders of this country.
The LaHaye’s and their entities believe in returning to the Bible to understand how to live. Of course that would mean Bev would have to return to the kitchen, lock herself in her room when she is menstruating (or better meanstruating with the hate that is the LaHaye’s) and kill her child for talking back to her.
The CWA’s ideals include a strong defense from the government. That’s right, they believe we (humans) need to protect what is in the woman’s womb, but it’s o.k. to go to Iraq and kill thousands of women and children, as long as the U.S. is safe.
The CWA is concerned about AIDS, so what do they want to happen? Stop sex education, stop the availability and use of condoms and best of all, end this ridiculous notion of compassion and understanding for the homosexual, since we are all going to die and live in hell anyway.
Of course the CWA uses studies to back their beliefs, including organizations like the Heritage Foundation. Why is it organizations like these create statistics based on their “facts” instead of finding facts based on statistics? It is a form of lying and undermines any credibility with what they say and do.
The amalgam of groups that support each other through “research” and getting their same agendas across is astounding. All of these people; including the LaHayes, the evangelical leaders, the President of the U.S. and various national publications all working together to tell you and I that through study and research from well-respected institutions by invaluable and highly regarded individuals and published by recognized mediums (of course they don’t tell you they are working in tandem) must be right in saying that we, the human race, must return to God (their God). And forget about the idea of compassion, understanding and acceptance of others unlike “us”, they should be changed or condemned to a life of misery and despair. It is truly a frightening thing.
The lines between independent, reliable, substantiated news reporting and self-interested institutions have been stripped away to the point that when your president tells you we, the American people, need to go to war to protect our interests and ourselves, we, as the American people, need to ask why.
Why have so many people died? Why have so many people been humiliated, subjugated and kept in severe poverty? And how can women, women who have lived the life of humiliation, subjugation and extreme poverty support views and ideas that contradict themselves to the point of weeping absurdity and invest their own time, money and lives to these types of organizations? I am still in shock over what I read.
Go to http://CWFA.org and understand how frightening all of this truly is. These are the type of people who have the ears and eyes of our leaders and certainly help shape the ideas and the policies of our government. It would all be just so funny if only it wasn’t true.
Have you heard of this group, Concerned Women for America (CWA)? You should. It is run by Beverly LaHaye, yes Tim LaHaye’s wife; the same Tim LaHaye who came to the aid of that ever so sane Rev. Sun Myung Moon who thinks Christ failed where he (Moon) is succeeding.
The LaHayes have written many books including the end of our existence and the rise to righteousness (Left Behind) and Tim LaHaye has even called the Pope (any of them) as “Antichrists”. Now I may agree, but aren’t they all supposed to be on the same side?
I don’t try to understand these “God-fearing” people, because once I do, bacon will fly over the skies, Detroit will freeze over and the Rev. Moon will return (since he believes he is God).
The CWA has six agendas: Definition of Marriage (i.e. no gay marriages, but it’s o.k. if your 16 year old daughter gets married), Sanctity of Human Life (as long as it’s in the womb, once it’s out, it’s fair game), Education in which they state “…returning authority to parents.” (but no sex education, because why leave ignorance only to the parents?) Pornography “all pornography and obscenity” (I’m sure this includes Sesame Street since Ernie and Bert sleep in the same room) Religious Liberty (I guess all those police raids, in the heartland, during Sunday mass have angered them) National Sovereignty which includes no influence from the UN and even economic influence (I wonder how many of their 500,000 members buy their polyester suits from China making Wal-Mart stores) and my favorite; Miscellaneous which states “other issues that don’t … fit into a category” (because you never know when something new comes along, like compassion and love).
I’m making light of this, and it would be very funny if what has happened wasn’t so deadly.
You see, CWA has some powerful members, including former and current Heritage Foundation members as well as ties to both Bushes and most of the top republicans and all of the evangelical leaders (Fallwell and Tim LaHaye started the Moral Majority) and have board members who represented the U.S. at the U.N. Commission on status of women in 2003 (Janice Crousey, PH.D. who is the Senior Fellow at the Beverly LaHaye Institute). Which seems to contradict one of their six agendas (national sovereignty), but hypocrisy seems to go hand in hand with the likes of these people.
The CWA also has a group of women who volunteer to come to Washington D.C. and bombard congressional offices on their ideas on national policies. It is called Project 535 and CWA states [we] “… are able to tackle from between 40 and 70 congressional offices in a day!” It’s interesting to look at the words people and groups use. Why do you think they used the word tackle instead of say meet? Almost biblical in the use of the word tackle, wouldn’t you say? David tackling Goliath, only this David is supported by the leaders of this country.
The LaHaye’s and their entities believe in returning to the Bible to understand how to live. Of course that would mean Bev would have to return to the kitchen, lock herself in her room when she is menstruating (or better meanstruating with the hate that is the LaHaye’s) and kill her child for talking back to her.
The CWA’s ideals include a strong defense from the government. That’s right, they believe we (humans) need to protect what is in the woman’s womb, but it’s o.k. to go to Iraq and kill thousands of women and children, as long as the U.S. is safe.
The CWA is concerned about AIDS, so what do they want to happen? Stop sex education, stop the availability and use of condoms and best of all, end this ridiculous notion of compassion and understanding for the homosexual, since we are all going to die and live in hell anyway.
Of course the CWA uses studies to back their beliefs, including organizations like the Heritage Foundation. Why is it organizations like these create statistics based on their “facts” instead of finding facts based on statistics? It is a form of lying and undermines any credibility with what they say and do.
The amalgam of groups that support each other through “research” and getting their same agendas across is astounding. All of these people; including the LaHayes, the evangelical leaders, the President of the U.S. and various national publications all working together to tell you and I that through study and research from well-respected institutions by invaluable and highly regarded individuals and published by recognized mediums (of course they don’t tell you they are working in tandem) must be right in saying that we, the human race, must return to God (their God). And forget about the idea of compassion, understanding and acceptance of others unlike “us”, they should be changed or condemned to a life of misery and despair. It is truly a frightening thing.
The lines between independent, reliable, substantiated news reporting and self-interested institutions have been stripped away to the point that when your president tells you we, the American people, need to go to war to protect our interests and ourselves, we, as the American people, need to ask why.
Why have so many people died? Why have so many people been humiliated, subjugated and kept in severe poverty? And how can women, women who have lived the life of humiliation, subjugation and extreme poverty support views and ideas that contradict themselves to the point of weeping absurdity and invest their own time, money and lives to these types of organizations? I am still in shock over what I read.
Go to http://CWFA.org and understand how frightening all of this truly is. These are the type of people who have the ears and eyes of our leaders and certainly help shape the ideas and the policies of our government. It would all be just so funny if only it wasn’t true.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Why the Vatican's stand on same-sex marriage is immoral
Researched and written in 2003
The Catholic Church, currently under the Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II, has made various statements explaining the stance of the Catholic Church on recognition of unions between homosexual persons. The statements quoted in this paper are from The Pilot published August 8, 2003.
“The nature of marriage and its inalienable characteristics” (The Pilot I, 8/8/2003), as stated by the Catholic Church is based solely on the belief “…they mutually perfect each other (man and a woman), in order to cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of new human lives.”
This leads one to believe the church feels the only purpose of marriage is for procreation and those who are unable, by the “natural moral law”, to procreate should be barred from marriage because homosexual unions “close the sexual act to the gift of life.” Does the church also feel that heterosexual couples who cannot procreate should not be allowed to be married by the church because nature has chosen them also to “close the sexual act to the gift of life.”? Does the Catholic Church strip loving heterosexual couples whose marriage received the sanctity of the church and of God only because they cannot have a child after they were married? Would they not have been married by the Catholic Church if the Church knew they could not procreate? According to this definition prescribed by the Catholic Church, it must be so.
What about the miracles of modern day medicine? According to the Cf. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction Donum vitae (February 22, 1987), II. A. 1-3 (quoted in The Pilot), “The possibility of using recently discovered methods of artificial reproduction, beyond involving a grave lack of respect for human dignity, does nothing to alter this inadequacy.”
Infertility rates have increased decade after decade across the globe and heterosexual couples, many married by the Catholic Church, have had to use “artificial reproduction” in order to have a family of their own. Have all of these families gone against the “natural moral law” and are they now viewed as unworthy for marriage? What about those heterosexual couples who decide to adopt a child in the world, a child who needs a loving home? Does the church also believe these couples should not be married because they were not able to procreate?
“Positions on the problem of homosexual unions” (The Pilot II, 8/8/2003) states “Those who would move the tolerance to the legitimization of specific rights for cohabiting homosexual persons need to be reminded that the approval or legalization of evil is something far different from the toleration of evil.’”.
This statement brings to question why the Catholic Church considers homosexual persons as evil. The church often uses sacred scriptures (Romans) quoting “as a serious depravity…” (cf. Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:10; 1 Tim 1:10) (The Pilot). It does not call it a “sin or morally wrong, but rather unusual or shameful and socially (dishonorable)…” (The Expository Times 115.4, page 595, 2004). But the Catholic Church uses this chapter and verse and then follows with their statement, “…however, “objectively disordered” and homosexual practices are “sins gravely contrary to chastity.”” (The Pilot). Why is the word sin included when referring to Romans when the bible does not make that statement?
“Arguments from reason against legal recognition of homosexual union” (The Pilot III, 8/8/2003) “Every humanly-created law is legitimate insofar as it is consistent with the natural moral law, recognized by right reason, and insofar as it respects the inalienable right of every person.” (The Pilot) Yet it follows with this statement, “Laws in favor of homosexual unions are contrary to right reason because they confer legal guarantees… given the values at stake in this question, the state could not grant legal standing to such unions without failing in its duty to promote and defend marriage as an institution essential to the common good.” According to these statements from the Catholic Church with the Pope’s blessings, a law is legitimate if it respects the inalienable right of every person but homosexual unions should not be granted because it would grant them legal guarantees afforded to heterosexual couples. In other words, it is wrong to grant them legal status because it would, yes, grant them legal status. Where is the respect and right of every person and where is the common good in allowing one loving couple this legal standing but not another?
“From the biological and anthropological order” (The Pilot III, 7, 8/8/2003) finds “They (children being raised by homosexual couples) would be deprived of the experience of either fatherhood or motherhood. Allowing children to be adopted by persons living in such unions would actually mean doing violence to these children, in the sense that their condition of dependency would be used to place them in an environment that is not conducive to their full human development.” What about all of the children in this world who lost a mother or father because of war, disease or bad parenting? Are we to believe the Catholic Church does not want this child to be raised by their only surviving parent or grandparent or other guardian? Where is the scientific proof of this statement (The Catholic Church states “As experience has shown”)? Hundreds of thousands of children are parentless in Africa due to the ravages of AIDS. Should these children not be raised by a nurse or an orphanage because all of the adults are women? What about the Catholic nuns who do this work, should they be excluded because a father is not present and thus the Church is “doing violence to these children”?
“From the Social Order” (The Pilot III, 8, 8/8/2003) “Not even in a remote analogous sense do homosexual unions fulfill the purpose for which marriage and family deserve specific categorical recognition. On the contrary, there are good reasons for holding that such unions are harmful to the proper development of human society, especially if their impact on society were to increase.”
Again, the Catholic Church does not explain why they should not have “specific categorical recognition” nor does it say how these unions would be “harmful to the proper development of human society”. It is a statement that is based on being fact because it was stated as being so.
“From the legal order” (The Pilot III, 9, 8/8/2003) quips “Because married couples ensure the succession of generations and are therefore eminently within the public interest, civil law grants them institutional recognition. Homosexual unions, on the other hand, do not need specific attention from the legal standpoint since they do not exercise this function for the common good.”
As stated before, if the only reason for marriage is procreation, then this statement is also true for infertile heterosexual couples and even those that used medical procedures to have children. How is it that homosexual unions do not need “specific attention from the legal standpoint” when hundreds of thousands of gay couples have children and do need the legal standpoint to protect their families? If the Catholic Church feels the gauge is whether legal necessity to protect one’s family is what constitutes the need for granting marriage, then the Church has basically contradicted itself and has made all other points mute because these gay couples do have children and do need the protection of marriage to raise their families, as do infertile heterosexual couples.
Finally, the Bible has many interpretations and has many statements that today we know, because of sound mind and moral reason, not to be truths. “Down the centuries, in fact, Christians have made moral decisions, which have not followed literally the texts as they stand in this Code, and, therefore, the question arises: why at the point of these two verses (texts to homosexual orientation) is scripture applied literally with regard to the prohibition of homosexuality?” (The Expository Times 115.4, 2004)
The use and definition of homosexuality is in question, as well. First, the term homosexuality “originated a little more than one hundred years ago” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204) as was heterosexual. Most references to the term of “homosexuality” is based more on being “exploitative acts involving minors and slaves as practiced by Tiberius, Caligula and others…” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204), as well as related to “pleasure boys” and “economic exploitation… by sexual means” which refers to pimping and prostitution. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 “explicitly forbid male-male sexual intercourse. However, they make no comment on lesbian, or any other kind of homosexual, sexual activity.” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204) Also the male-male sexual intercourse condemns men who treat men sexually as women and men who allow themselves to be so treated “and it does this not because such (behavior) is homosexual, but because it degrades men to the status of women. (The Expository Times 115.4, 204)
The statements and doctrines of the Catholic Church, in relation to homosexuality and homosexual rights, are contradictory, stated as fact only because the Church has stated as such, and is fixed on a belief that is based on writings that bring into question interpretations and understanding of said writings. In the end, if the Catholic Church wanted to be morally sound, then they would need to support their doctrines on a more solid foundation, other than it is so because they say it is so.
The Catholic Church, currently under the Sovereign Pontiff John Paul II, has made various statements explaining the stance of the Catholic Church on recognition of unions between homosexual persons. The statements quoted in this paper are from The Pilot published August 8, 2003.
“The nature of marriage and its inalienable characteristics” (The Pilot I, 8/8/2003), as stated by the Catholic Church is based solely on the belief “…they mutually perfect each other (man and a woman), in order to cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of new human lives.”
This leads one to believe the church feels the only purpose of marriage is for procreation and those who are unable, by the “natural moral law”, to procreate should be barred from marriage because homosexual unions “close the sexual act to the gift of life.” Does the church also feel that heterosexual couples who cannot procreate should not be allowed to be married by the church because nature has chosen them also to “close the sexual act to the gift of life.”? Does the Catholic Church strip loving heterosexual couples whose marriage received the sanctity of the church and of God only because they cannot have a child after they were married? Would they not have been married by the Catholic Church if the Church knew they could not procreate? According to this definition prescribed by the Catholic Church, it must be so.
What about the miracles of modern day medicine? According to the Cf. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction Donum vitae (February 22, 1987), II. A. 1-3 (quoted in The Pilot), “The possibility of using recently discovered methods of artificial reproduction, beyond involving a grave lack of respect for human dignity, does nothing to alter this inadequacy.”
Infertility rates have increased decade after decade across the globe and heterosexual couples, many married by the Catholic Church, have had to use “artificial reproduction” in order to have a family of their own. Have all of these families gone against the “natural moral law” and are they now viewed as unworthy for marriage? What about those heterosexual couples who decide to adopt a child in the world, a child who needs a loving home? Does the church also believe these couples should not be married because they were not able to procreate?
“Positions on the problem of homosexual unions” (The Pilot II, 8/8/2003) states “Those who would move the tolerance to the legitimization of specific rights for cohabiting homosexual persons need to be reminded that the approval or legalization of evil is something far different from the toleration of evil.’”.
This statement brings to question why the Catholic Church considers homosexual persons as evil. The church often uses sacred scriptures (Romans) quoting “as a serious depravity…” (cf. Rom 1:24-27; 1 Cor 6:10; 1 Tim 1:10) (The Pilot). It does not call it a “sin or morally wrong, but rather unusual or shameful and socially (dishonorable)…” (The Expository Times 115.4, page 595, 2004). But the Catholic Church uses this chapter and verse and then follows with their statement, “…however, “objectively disordered” and homosexual practices are “sins gravely contrary to chastity.”” (The Pilot). Why is the word sin included when referring to Romans when the bible does not make that statement?
“Arguments from reason against legal recognition of homosexual union” (The Pilot III, 8/8/2003) “Every humanly-created law is legitimate insofar as it is consistent with the natural moral law, recognized by right reason, and insofar as it respects the inalienable right of every person.” (The Pilot) Yet it follows with this statement, “Laws in favor of homosexual unions are contrary to right reason because they confer legal guarantees… given the values at stake in this question, the state could not grant legal standing to such unions without failing in its duty to promote and defend marriage as an institution essential to the common good.” According to these statements from the Catholic Church with the Pope’s blessings, a law is legitimate if it respects the inalienable right of every person but homosexual unions should not be granted because it would grant them legal guarantees afforded to heterosexual couples. In other words, it is wrong to grant them legal status because it would, yes, grant them legal status. Where is the respect and right of every person and where is the common good in allowing one loving couple this legal standing but not another?
“From the biological and anthropological order” (The Pilot III, 7, 8/8/2003) finds “They (children being raised by homosexual couples) would be deprived of the experience of either fatherhood or motherhood. Allowing children to be adopted by persons living in such unions would actually mean doing violence to these children, in the sense that their condition of dependency would be used to place them in an environment that is not conducive to their full human development.” What about all of the children in this world who lost a mother or father because of war, disease or bad parenting? Are we to believe the Catholic Church does not want this child to be raised by their only surviving parent or grandparent or other guardian? Where is the scientific proof of this statement (The Catholic Church states “As experience has shown”)? Hundreds of thousands of children are parentless in Africa due to the ravages of AIDS. Should these children not be raised by a nurse or an orphanage because all of the adults are women? What about the Catholic nuns who do this work, should they be excluded because a father is not present and thus the Church is “doing violence to these children”?
“From the Social Order” (The Pilot III, 8, 8/8/2003) “Not even in a remote analogous sense do homosexual unions fulfill the purpose for which marriage and family deserve specific categorical recognition. On the contrary, there are good reasons for holding that such unions are harmful to the proper development of human society, especially if their impact on society were to increase.”
Again, the Catholic Church does not explain why they should not have “specific categorical recognition” nor does it say how these unions would be “harmful to the proper development of human society”. It is a statement that is based on being fact because it was stated as being so.
“From the legal order” (The Pilot III, 9, 8/8/2003) quips “Because married couples ensure the succession of generations and are therefore eminently within the public interest, civil law grants them institutional recognition. Homosexual unions, on the other hand, do not need specific attention from the legal standpoint since they do not exercise this function for the common good.”
As stated before, if the only reason for marriage is procreation, then this statement is also true for infertile heterosexual couples and even those that used medical procedures to have children. How is it that homosexual unions do not need “specific attention from the legal standpoint” when hundreds of thousands of gay couples have children and do need the legal standpoint to protect their families? If the Catholic Church feels the gauge is whether legal necessity to protect one’s family is what constitutes the need for granting marriage, then the Church has basically contradicted itself and has made all other points mute because these gay couples do have children and do need the protection of marriage to raise their families, as do infertile heterosexual couples.
Finally, the Bible has many interpretations and has many statements that today we know, because of sound mind and moral reason, not to be truths. “Down the centuries, in fact, Christians have made moral decisions, which have not followed literally the texts as they stand in this Code, and, therefore, the question arises: why at the point of these two verses (texts to homosexual orientation) is scripture applied literally with regard to the prohibition of homosexuality?” (The Expository Times 115.4, 2004)
The use and definition of homosexuality is in question, as well. First, the term homosexuality “originated a little more than one hundred years ago” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204) as was heterosexual. Most references to the term of “homosexuality” is based more on being “exploitative acts involving minors and slaves as practiced by Tiberius, Caligula and others…” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204), as well as related to “pleasure boys” and “economic exploitation… by sexual means” which refers to pimping and prostitution. Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 “explicitly forbid male-male sexual intercourse. However, they make no comment on lesbian, or any other kind of homosexual, sexual activity.” (The Expository Times 115.4, 204) Also the male-male sexual intercourse condemns men who treat men sexually as women and men who allow themselves to be so treated “and it does this not because such (behavior) is homosexual, but because it degrades men to the status of women. (The Expository Times 115.4, 204)
The statements and doctrines of the Catholic Church, in relation to homosexuality and homosexual rights, are contradictory, stated as fact only because the Church has stated as such, and is fixed on a belief that is based on writings that bring into question interpretations and understanding of said writings. In the end, if the Catholic Church wanted to be morally sound, then they would need to support their doctrines on a more solid foundation, other than it is so because they say it is so.
My air travel experience
Air Travel
O.K., part of this is going to sound embellished, but it’s not. Sometimes things just never go right no matter how much you wish and try to ensure things go as planned.
I was planning on visiting Egypt on a tour that includes 7 days and nights on a Nile cruise and two days in Cairo at the start of the tour and at the end of the tour (four days total in Cairo).
I happened to be flying El Al because I had a credit from an unused purchased ticket. Mistake number one: never, ever fly El Al to an Arab country. It raises suspicions like Richard Simmons at a Republican convention.
I arrived at Boston’s Logan International Airport three hours before my flight only to find out shortly before boarding time that the flight was postponed and eventually cancelled, as were all flights in and out of Toronto due to a winter storm (my flight was Boston-Toronto-Tel Aviv-Cairo). I quickly rushed to the check-in counter at American Eagle and they got me booked on a flight going to New York’s JFK, only it was now boarding, which meant I had to go back through security before I could reach my gate, and, of course, security wanted to do extra security checks with me. FYI, this was the first of many.
Oh by the way, the man behind the counter and American Eagle said my checked-in luggage would be forwarded with no problems.
I rush to the gate, heart pounding, gasping for air and the man behind the counter said he just took me off the list because I did not show in time. I must have given him a look that he read very clearly, because he got me on the flight.
I get to New York’s JFK and I have a five hour lay over, who knew I would need every last minute of that time.
I go to El Al’s check-in counter and stand in line with Hasidic Jews all around with enough luggage to supply an entire family of four for a two year around the world excursion. I reach the security check and the man asks me many questions, including, “Why did you choose El Al to go to Egypt?”, I had a very bad feeling from that question and it was pretty much substantiated for the rest of my air transportation excursions.
This man walks with me to the El Al counter and the woman says my flight is not until the evening; this check in is for the 6:00 PM flight. So I need to wait for the evening check-in.
I return two hours later and proceed to the check-in line again. This time they put me quickly to the check-in counter and then lead me to the security check area. I am told I have been chosen to go through a special check processing and they wanted to hold my luggage until 30 minutes before the flight leaves. What choice did I have?
I return two hours later only to be groped, have air blown up my ass and wait even longer for them to go through my luggage like a nervous mother making sure her son has packed enough underwear..
A few other people are also being searched, like me, and are asked to wait before we all head to the proper gate, escorted by an El Al employee. One person is leaving and has three friends saying goodbye. As we are beginning to finally head to the gate, she says her goodbyes, one at a time, with words and hugs. She finally says goodbye to her boyfriend and takes a very long time while the rest of us are just standing around trying to be gracious and allowing her the time needed. The El Al employee begins to ask for this passenger to please hurry it along, at which time the woman snaps back and continues to say her goodbyes. I begin to walk and finally the El Al employee tells her she must join us or she will not be aloud on the flight.
We are rushed to the gate and are let in front of all those boarding the plane.
O.K., just El Al’s way of protecting the passengers, I get it. I arrive in Tel Aviv nine and half hours later and meet a nice El Al representative who escorts me to the transfer center (she had been waiting for me) and once processed, escorts me to the gate for my Cairo flight.
I arrive in Cairo an hour and a half later and proceed to go through immigration and passport center. Once through, I wait for my luggage. I wait, I wait, I wait and yes, I wait. It is obvious by about an hour or so later that my luggage was not diverted as the American Eagle person told me. Unfortunately my Insight Tour’s person and another person who booked the tour had to wait for me through all of this. We meet the El Al representative and file a missing luggage report.
I now head to the hotel in Cairo, Cairo Marriott with no clothes, no razors, no electric beard trimmer, no fresh underwear and no sandals for the trips in the dessert. I take it in stride and purchase some needed supplies at the hotel after meeting Wendy, who arrived a few hours earlier.
My luggage doesn’t arrive the next day and I am now heading to Luxor, via Petroleum Air Services (no joking) and embark on a seven day and night cruise along the Nile. I know this means that my luggage, if it arrives, will not be sent down to the Nile River Valley, hence, no clothes or other necessities for the bulk of my trip.
Sure enough, when we arrive on our return flight from Luxor seven days later, my luggage is in Cairo. I have to go with an Insight guide and a Cairo Airport representative through hallways, alleys and stairs to reach the office for the airport. It is in a dingy place that looks like it gets very hot in the summer. The office is crowded and the computers and printers are from the early nineties. After the Insight person talks with the airport person, we finally walk back through the airport and go out of the building and over to where Egyptians are returning from Mecca. There are hordes of people waiting to receive their families, many bringing back many things from their pilgrimage. I felt honored to be able to witness this event, which will happen for many days to come. Families wave and cry and kiss and hug each other. Some in Galabiyya, others in western clothes, continue to stream out of the airport. I continue to view this while the two guys go to retrieve my luggage. I even hear people making that “lalalalalala” sound.
Finally the men return and I am told I should tip the Cairo Airport guy, which I did (twenty Egyptian pounds). This means I only have my luggage for one full day before returning home after what has turned out to be a very lovely trip in Egypt, even though I had no clothes and other necessities, except for what I was able to purchase.
On Sunday night I return to the Cairo airport to go home. I am once again in an El Al check-in and go through my story once more. I have an El Al credit because I was going to visit Israel, but my friend cancelled and so I decided to go to Egypt instead. I had to show proof of this tour and I am once again chosen for special search. I am led to a room surrounded by cloth walls and many machines to check baggage, etc. After over an hour of waiting, I am asked to open my luggage and bags and I am then brought to another area where I am scanned from head to toe by a gentleman. The contents of my luggage and bags are emptied into bins, separated by electronics, toiletries and clothes. The bins are put in an X-ray machine and eventually returned to me, allowing ME to repack everything. A woman comes in and hands me a paper saying they have to withhold something. She shows me and it is the cord to my electric beard trimmer. I ask why until they tell me they were not able to test it since it is a US plug and not a 220 plug. I tell them I have an adapter and they test it and return it to me, allowing me to pack it into my check-in bag. Once I am done I am led to the gate where they have all ready boarded people on.
I arrive in Tel Aviv and I have a ten-hour lay over. That’s right, ten hours. There are two flights before mine but they are full and they cannot put in on standby. I go to the center of the Tel Aviv airport and try to get some sleep, but basically it is impossible. It is now past midnight and I have not slept in over 17 hours, or taken a shower either. I try to amuse myself by reviewing my photos of the trip on my laptop as well as walking around, buying an orange juice and people watching. Occasionally I fall asleep only to wake myself from snoring, attractive. Oh I forgot, I have been sick since the Nile river portion of my trip, so I have to run to the men’s room very regularly as well as dealing with stomach pains.
My flight is finally put up and the gate is listed, so I proceed to that area, which is cold and I begin to shiver. I try to take a nap, but to no avail. It is now around 9:00 AM and I have not slept for more than 27 hours, short of a 10 minute nap hear or there.
Finally it is time to board the plane and I am asked to step aside, there seems to be a problem with my boarding pass. After a few moments they give me my pass and state there is something wrong with my luggage, but refuse to tell me more… I am so tired I barely register it until halfway on the flight.
I have a window seat, which means I cannot get up very easily to stretch my legs or go to the bathroom, of which I have to do quite regularly. To top it off, it is a plane full of college kids who decide my row is the best area to congregate in, which means I not only have two people to ask to move, but another 8 who are standing in the aisle. I am feeling very claustrophobic but try to avoid it by walking about the plane. But every time I go into the bathroom, the seat belt sign comes on because we hit turbulence.
I also try to sleep, but inevitably wake myself up from snoring, or being awoken by the flight attendant or someone laughing loudly or hitting my seat. I probably get less than one hour’s sleep from an 11-hour flight.
My connecting flight leaves in two and half hours upon landing, more than enough time to catch my flight home.
I reach New York City and find that my luggage is not on the plane, again. It takes over an hour and a half to realize this because the flight was so large it took the airline a very long time to unload all of the luggage. I ask the El Al employees and they tell me to fill out a missing luggage report (which of course they do not have). I go to the arrivals counter and ask them about my connecting flight and my missing luggage. The woman said I needed to talk to American Airlines about my missing luggage but that I also had plenty of time to catch my connecting flight. They tell me to go upstairs to file a report and meet my connecting flight.
I go upstairs and there is nothing in relation to missing luggage and no one or nothing to indicate what to do or where to go for my connecting flight. I finally realize I need to go to the American Airlines counter for my flight, which is in a completely different terminal, the problem is none of the projectors indicating departures list my flight, but the flights that are listed are leaving at 5:30 PM, so I thought I had time.
I finally talk with someone who tells me American Airlines are in terminal 8/9. I ride the Airtrain until I reach terminal 8/9 and I proceed to the American Airlines counter. After standing in line for 15 minutes I am told this is the electronics check-in, I need to go around the corner for regular check-ins. There was nothing anywhere to indicate it was electronic check-in only or that there were even other booking agents for American Airlines. All other electronic check-in areas I have seen have computers and printers, not people handling the ticketing.
I proceed to the other side and stand in line with over 10 people in front of me and only three agents working. Of course it is slow, people are buying tickets, getting their boarding passes and everyone seems to have issues while at the counters. I finally ask an American Airlines person who is walking around about my flight and she states, “It is too late for the 6:00 PM flight” and continues on without offering any kind of help or assistance. I ask another person and she is just as helpful. No one seems to be willing to help me or give me some answers. The answer I hear all night is it is this person or that carrier who needs to do this and that.
I have to go back on the Airtrain, back to Terminal 4 where El Al is and tell them about my missing the connecting flight. It has now been well over 40 hours since I have slept in a bed and had a shower. I proceed to a ticket counter at El Al and the man tells me I need to talk with the arrivals person downstairs. I told him I did and that is why I missed my connecting flight; this person gave me incorrect information.
I go back downstairs and wait for over 20 minutes for a person who never shows. I go back up stairs and talk to the same ticket agent and ask him if I can talk to the manager. The manager comes over and begins to tell me the only last flight that night is with Alaska Air and it will be leaving in 10 minutes, not enough time for me to catch it. At this point I hear about every other word because I am so tired and am close to being in a coma. I look at the woman and man in such a desperate way and ask “what am I to do?” that they make some phone calls.
I am given a room at the Holiday Inn (cheapest in town) at the airport and offer to pay my dinner and breakfast. I need to take the Airtrain to Terminal C, go to the call box for airport hotels and request the van to pick me up. I get on the Airtrain and start riding it. The announcement says it stops at EVERY terminal, so I just wait until I hear Terminal C. We are at terminal 4; I then hear 5/6, 8/9, then 4 again. I had somehow not heard the other terminals, maybe I fell asleep, so I stay on the train and listen to the terminals. It goes from 8/9 to 7, then 6/5, then 4, then 3/2, then 1, then back to 8/9. I read the map and realize I have to get off at terminal 8/9 and then catch another train to terminal C. Of course no one tells me this from the get go.
I finally reach the Terminal C and proceed out to the area where the buses from the hotels pick up and drop off. I am only wearing a light spring jack with a short-sleeved shirt, I was not expecting to have to be out in 20 degree weather. I walk through an Avis rental space and head out to the buses, yet I can’t get to them because there is a 15-foot fence blocking me from going any further. I turn around, remember in a very comatose state and freezing, and go back through the Avis rental place and take a left to where the buses are. There was no sign to indicate that was the direction I should have gone, but why should there be? I am now exhausted, freezing and I can barely read the words on the buses because my eyes are so wet and tired. Even the slap of the cold on my face does not wake me up. There are four buses, none for Holiday Inn, so I go back into the building where I find the phones and I make the call.
A woman answers at Holiday Inn and I tell her I need a shuttle and she responds, you need a shuttle? Of which I say yes, but she doesn’t hear me and hangs up. I call back and this time she hears me and I wait for my bus. The bus arrives about 10 minutes later, but I only caught it because I guy walking by asked me which bus I was waiting for and he points to the bus with a different name on it, not Holiday Inn and I have to open the door myself, get in and close it myself. The driver says something, but I can’t understand him so I just collapse and ignore him. A woman comes and he quickly jumps out of the van and opens the back door to put her luggage in (he puts it in the van, not her) and helps her into the van and closes the door behind her.
We arrive at the hotel and I hand them the voucher El Al gave me and find out the free breakfast that I was given is no good because Holiday Inn does not start breakfast until 6:00 AM and I need to be at the airport by 5:30 AM to catch my 7:15 AM flight to San Francisco. I grab a newspaper and head upstairs to get settled. Once I see what is available to eat (no room service) I go downstairs to eat some dinner.
I go to an Italian restaurant where the host actually speaks Italian, or has a nice fake accent anyway. It is a nicely appointed restaurant with candles at each table and a view of the Japanese garden outside (i.e. Japanese garden consists of small rhododendrons and a couple of miniature maple trees and some white rocks). I order the pasta and get the salad bar. I start to read the newspaper and open it up on my table and decide to get my salad after I gave my order to the waiter. As I am getting my salad, a man says something and I turn around and my newspaper is on fire. I just turn back and continue to get my salad.
I eat my dinner and return to my room to finally get some sleep. It is now around 11:00 PM and I haven’t slept or had a shower in over 45 hours.
It is 1:00 AM and I awaken with a Charlie horse in my right leg that is so painful that I scream out so loudly that someone calls security and they knock on my door to make sure everything is all right. I go back to sleep and awake with a very sore leg that I can only use with a severe limp.
I take my shower, get packed and catch the 5:30 AM shuttle to Terminal 8/9. Of course I enter one end of the terminal and the ticket agents are at the other end. I am carrying my backpack (20 pounds) and another bag and I am moving very slowly because of the Charlie horse in my right leg (I got one the day before in Cairo in my left leg). I have to enter those cattle aisles and I hobble along and wait for my turn. Once I get in line the woman tells me to go to the furthest ticket agent possible to check-in.
I reach the check-in person and ask for an aisle seat; once processed, she tells me my flight is in terminal 9, I am currently in terminal 8. I begin my long trek to terminal 9, with my 20 pound backpack, bag in hand and limping (just call me gumpy) along at a pace that a 90 year old in a wheel chair passed me, self propelled by one of her dragging feet.
After four hallways and two stairs, I reach security and I have to walk way down to the other side of the room and go through another cattle line only to be told to go the other end because I have been chosen for a special security check, I am not kidding. I gimp along and reach the line for special processing. I stand and wait, wait and wait to finally be, once more, groped and felt up without so much as a drink or a ‘how do you do’.
I reach my terminal and notice there were a few little sparrows flying around the terminal, they must have somehow gotten in. I choose an area away from the counter in order to continue to walk to try and stretch my leg and hopefully reduce the pain in the leg from the Charlie horse earlier that morning. An adorable Asian boy runs after the sparrows to keep himself entertained and I occasionally get up to stretch my leg. I look down at one point and notice a white spot on my shirt. I touch it to brush it off and it sticks to my fingers; yup, you guessed it, it is bird poop and it hit my shirt, or so I thought. After I went to the men’s room to clean my shirt. I wash my hand and proceed to run my fingers through my hair as a quick brush and feel a wetness that didn’t feel right. The bird had pooped on my head and the stuff on my shirt was just a small bit that fell from my head. I wash my hair and hands with the gel soap and finally get presentable to take a flight home.
I get on the plane and on the up-side it is an all-male flight attendant crew but I have to pay for any food, the guy sitting next to me is watching a portable movie of the Wedding Crashers and laughing all the time, constantly opening and closing the window and the flight is expected to be all turbulence for the entire flight.
I’ll let you know once I get home if anything else happens. At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if something else happens, not one bit.
O.K., part of this is going to sound embellished, but it’s not. Sometimes things just never go right no matter how much you wish and try to ensure things go as planned.
I was planning on visiting Egypt on a tour that includes 7 days and nights on a Nile cruise and two days in Cairo at the start of the tour and at the end of the tour (four days total in Cairo).
I happened to be flying El Al because I had a credit from an unused purchased ticket. Mistake number one: never, ever fly El Al to an Arab country. It raises suspicions like Richard Simmons at a Republican convention.
I arrived at Boston’s Logan International Airport three hours before my flight only to find out shortly before boarding time that the flight was postponed and eventually cancelled, as were all flights in and out of Toronto due to a winter storm (my flight was Boston-Toronto-Tel Aviv-Cairo). I quickly rushed to the check-in counter at American Eagle and they got me booked on a flight going to New York’s JFK, only it was now boarding, which meant I had to go back through security before I could reach my gate, and, of course, security wanted to do extra security checks with me. FYI, this was the first of many.
Oh by the way, the man behind the counter and American Eagle said my checked-in luggage would be forwarded with no problems.
I rush to the gate, heart pounding, gasping for air and the man behind the counter said he just took me off the list because I did not show in time. I must have given him a look that he read very clearly, because he got me on the flight.
I get to New York’s JFK and I have a five hour lay over, who knew I would need every last minute of that time.
I go to El Al’s check-in counter and stand in line with Hasidic Jews all around with enough luggage to supply an entire family of four for a two year around the world excursion. I reach the security check and the man asks me many questions, including, “Why did you choose El Al to go to Egypt?”, I had a very bad feeling from that question and it was pretty much substantiated for the rest of my air transportation excursions.
This man walks with me to the El Al counter and the woman says my flight is not until the evening; this check in is for the 6:00 PM flight. So I need to wait for the evening check-in.
I return two hours later and proceed to the check-in line again. This time they put me quickly to the check-in counter and then lead me to the security check area. I am told I have been chosen to go through a special check processing and they wanted to hold my luggage until 30 minutes before the flight leaves. What choice did I have?
I return two hours later only to be groped, have air blown up my ass and wait even longer for them to go through my luggage like a nervous mother making sure her son has packed enough underwear..
A few other people are also being searched, like me, and are asked to wait before we all head to the proper gate, escorted by an El Al employee. One person is leaving and has three friends saying goodbye. As we are beginning to finally head to the gate, she says her goodbyes, one at a time, with words and hugs. She finally says goodbye to her boyfriend and takes a very long time while the rest of us are just standing around trying to be gracious and allowing her the time needed. The El Al employee begins to ask for this passenger to please hurry it along, at which time the woman snaps back and continues to say her goodbyes. I begin to walk and finally the El Al employee tells her she must join us or she will not be aloud on the flight.
We are rushed to the gate and are let in front of all those boarding the plane.
O.K., just El Al’s way of protecting the passengers, I get it. I arrive in Tel Aviv nine and half hours later and meet a nice El Al representative who escorts me to the transfer center (she had been waiting for me) and once processed, escorts me to the gate for my Cairo flight.
I arrive in Cairo an hour and a half later and proceed to go through immigration and passport center. Once through, I wait for my luggage. I wait, I wait, I wait and yes, I wait. It is obvious by about an hour or so later that my luggage was not diverted as the American Eagle person told me. Unfortunately my Insight Tour’s person and another person who booked the tour had to wait for me through all of this. We meet the El Al representative and file a missing luggage report.
I now head to the hotel in Cairo, Cairo Marriott with no clothes, no razors, no electric beard trimmer, no fresh underwear and no sandals for the trips in the dessert. I take it in stride and purchase some needed supplies at the hotel after meeting Wendy, who arrived a few hours earlier.
My luggage doesn’t arrive the next day and I am now heading to Luxor, via Petroleum Air Services (no joking) and embark on a seven day and night cruise along the Nile. I know this means that my luggage, if it arrives, will not be sent down to the Nile River Valley, hence, no clothes or other necessities for the bulk of my trip.
Sure enough, when we arrive on our return flight from Luxor seven days later, my luggage is in Cairo. I have to go with an Insight guide and a Cairo Airport representative through hallways, alleys and stairs to reach the office for the airport. It is in a dingy place that looks like it gets very hot in the summer. The office is crowded and the computers and printers are from the early nineties. After the Insight person talks with the airport person, we finally walk back through the airport and go out of the building and over to where Egyptians are returning from Mecca. There are hordes of people waiting to receive their families, many bringing back many things from their pilgrimage. I felt honored to be able to witness this event, which will happen for many days to come. Families wave and cry and kiss and hug each other. Some in Galabiyya, others in western clothes, continue to stream out of the airport. I continue to view this while the two guys go to retrieve my luggage. I even hear people making that “lalalalalala” sound.
Finally the men return and I am told I should tip the Cairo Airport guy, which I did (twenty Egyptian pounds). This means I only have my luggage for one full day before returning home after what has turned out to be a very lovely trip in Egypt, even though I had no clothes and other necessities, except for what I was able to purchase.
On Sunday night I return to the Cairo airport to go home. I am once again in an El Al check-in and go through my story once more. I have an El Al credit because I was going to visit Israel, but my friend cancelled and so I decided to go to Egypt instead. I had to show proof of this tour and I am once again chosen for special search. I am led to a room surrounded by cloth walls and many machines to check baggage, etc. After over an hour of waiting, I am asked to open my luggage and bags and I am then brought to another area where I am scanned from head to toe by a gentleman. The contents of my luggage and bags are emptied into bins, separated by electronics, toiletries and clothes. The bins are put in an X-ray machine and eventually returned to me, allowing ME to repack everything. A woman comes in and hands me a paper saying they have to withhold something. She shows me and it is the cord to my electric beard trimmer. I ask why until they tell me they were not able to test it since it is a US plug and not a 220 plug. I tell them I have an adapter and they test it and return it to me, allowing me to pack it into my check-in bag. Once I am done I am led to the gate where they have all ready boarded people on.
I arrive in Tel Aviv and I have a ten-hour lay over. That’s right, ten hours. There are two flights before mine but they are full and they cannot put in on standby. I go to the center of the Tel Aviv airport and try to get some sleep, but basically it is impossible. It is now past midnight and I have not slept in over 17 hours, or taken a shower either. I try to amuse myself by reviewing my photos of the trip on my laptop as well as walking around, buying an orange juice and people watching. Occasionally I fall asleep only to wake myself from snoring, attractive. Oh I forgot, I have been sick since the Nile river portion of my trip, so I have to run to the men’s room very regularly as well as dealing with stomach pains.
My flight is finally put up and the gate is listed, so I proceed to that area, which is cold and I begin to shiver. I try to take a nap, but to no avail. It is now around 9:00 AM and I have not slept for more than 27 hours, short of a 10 minute nap hear or there.
Finally it is time to board the plane and I am asked to step aside, there seems to be a problem with my boarding pass. After a few moments they give me my pass and state there is something wrong with my luggage, but refuse to tell me more… I am so tired I barely register it until halfway on the flight.
I have a window seat, which means I cannot get up very easily to stretch my legs or go to the bathroom, of which I have to do quite regularly. To top it off, it is a plane full of college kids who decide my row is the best area to congregate in, which means I not only have two people to ask to move, but another 8 who are standing in the aisle. I am feeling very claustrophobic but try to avoid it by walking about the plane. But every time I go into the bathroom, the seat belt sign comes on because we hit turbulence.
I also try to sleep, but inevitably wake myself up from snoring, or being awoken by the flight attendant or someone laughing loudly or hitting my seat. I probably get less than one hour’s sleep from an 11-hour flight.
My connecting flight leaves in two and half hours upon landing, more than enough time to catch my flight home.
I reach New York City and find that my luggage is not on the plane, again. It takes over an hour and a half to realize this because the flight was so large it took the airline a very long time to unload all of the luggage. I ask the El Al employees and they tell me to fill out a missing luggage report (which of course they do not have). I go to the arrivals counter and ask them about my connecting flight and my missing luggage. The woman said I needed to talk to American Airlines about my missing luggage but that I also had plenty of time to catch my connecting flight. They tell me to go upstairs to file a report and meet my connecting flight.
I go upstairs and there is nothing in relation to missing luggage and no one or nothing to indicate what to do or where to go for my connecting flight. I finally realize I need to go to the American Airlines counter for my flight, which is in a completely different terminal, the problem is none of the projectors indicating departures list my flight, but the flights that are listed are leaving at 5:30 PM, so I thought I had time.
I finally talk with someone who tells me American Airlines are in terminal 8/9. I ride the Airtrain until I reach terminal 8/9 and I proceed to the American Airlines counter. After standing in line for 15 minutes I am told this is the electronics check-in, I need to go around the corner for regular check-ins. There was nothing anywhere to indicate it was electronic check-in only or that there were even other booking agents for American Airlines. All other electronic check-in areas I have seen have computers and printers, not people handling the ticketing.
I proceed to the other side and stand in line with over 10 people in front of me and only three agents working. Of course it is slow, people are buying tickets, getting their boarding passes and everyone seems to have issues while at the counters. I finally ask an American Airlines person who is walking around about my flight and she states, “It is too late for the 6:00 PM flight” and continues on without offering any kind of help or assistance. I ask another person and she is just as helpful. No one seems to be willing to help me or give me some answers. The answer I hear all night is it is this person or that carrier who needs to do this and that.
I have to go back on the Airtrain, back to Terminal 4 where El Al is and tell them about my missing the connecting flight. It has now been well over 40 hours since I have slept in a bed and had a shower. I proceed to a ticket counter at El Al and the man tells me I need to talk with the arrivals person downstairs. I told him I did and that is why I missed my connecting flight; this person gave me incorrect information.
I go back downstairs and wait for over 20 minutes for a person who never shows. I go back up stairs and talk to the same ticket agent and ask him if I can talk to the manager. The manager comes over and begins to tell me the only last flight that night is with Alaska Air and it will be leaving in 10 minutes, not enough time for me to catch it. At this point I hear about every other word because I am so tired and am close to being in a coma. I look at the woman and man in such a desperate way and ask “what am I to do?” that they make some phone calls.
I am given a room at the Holiday Inn (cheapest in town) at the airport and offer to pay my dinner and breakfast. I need to take the Airtrain to Terminal C, go to the call box for airport hotels and request the van to pick me up. I get on the Airtrain and start riding it. The announcement says it stops at EVERY terminal, so I just wait until I hear Terminal C. We are at terminal 4; I then hear 5/6, 8/9, then 4 again. I had somehow not heard the other terminals, maybe I fell asleep, so I stay on the train and listen to the terminals. It goes from 8/9 to 7, then 6/5, then 4, then 3/2, then 1, then back to 8/9. I read the map and realize I have to get off at terminal 8/9 and then catch another train to terminal C. Of course no one tells me this from the get go.
I finally reach the Terminal C and proceed out to the area where the buses from the hotels pick up and drop off. I am only wearing a light spring jack with a short-sleeved shirt, I was not expecting to have to be out in 20 degree weather. I walk through an Avis rental space and head out to the buses, yet I can’t get to them because there is a 15-foot fence blocking me from going any further. I turn around, remember in a very comatose state and freezing, and go back through the Avis rental place and take a left to where the buses are. There was no sign to indicate that was the direction I should have gone, but why should there be? I am now exhausted, freezing and I can barely read the words on the buses because my eyes are so wet and tired. Even the slap of the cold on my face does not wake me up. There are four buses, none for Holiday Inn, so I go back into the building where I find the phones and I make the call.
A woman answers at Holiday Inn and I tell her I need a shuttle and she responds, you need a shuttle? Of which I say yes, but she doesn’t hear me and hangs up. I call back and this time she hears me and I wait for my bus. The bus arrives about 10 minutes later, but I only caught it because I guy walking by asked me which bus I was waiting for and he points to the bus with a different name on it, not Holiday Inn and I have to open the door myself, get in and close it myself. The driver says something, but I can’t understand him so I just collapse and ignore him. A woman comes and he quickly jumps out of the van and opens the back door to put her luggage in (he puts it in the van, not her) and helps her into the van and closes the door behind her.
We arrive at the hotel and I hand them the voucher El Al gave me and find out the free breakfast that I was given is no good because Holiday Inn does not start breakfast until 6:00 AM and I need to be at the airport by 5:30 AM to catch my 7:15 AM flight to San Francisco. I grab a newspaper and head upstairs to get settled. Once I see what is available to eat (no room service) I go downstairs to eat some dinner.
I go to an Italian restaurant where the host actually speaks Italian, or has a nice fake accent anyway. It is a nicely appointed restaurant with candles at each table and a view of the Japanese garden outside (i.e. Japanese garden consists of small rhododendrons and a couple of miniature maple trees and some white rocks). I order the pasta and get the salad bar. I start to read the newspaper and open it up on my table and decide to get my salad after I gave my order to the waiter. As I am getting my salad, a man says something and I turn around and my newspaper is on fire. I just turn back and continue to get my salad.
I eat my dinner and return to my room to finally get some sleep. It is now around 11:00 PM and I haven’t slept or had a shower in over 45 hours.
It is 1:00 AM and I awaken with a Charlie horse in my right leg that is so painful that I scream out so loudly that someone calls security and they knock on my door to make sure everything is all right. I go back to sleep and awake with a very sore leg that I can only use with a severe limp.
I take my shower, get packed and catch the 5:30 AM shuttle to Terminal 8/9. Of course I enter one end of the terminal and the ticket agents are at the other end. I am carrying my backpack (20 pounds) and another bag and I am moving very slowly because of the Charlie horse in my right leg (I got one the day before in Cairo in my left leg). I have to enter those cattle aisles and I hobble along and wait for my turn. Once I get in line the woman tells me to go to the furthest ticket agent possible to check-in.
I reach the check-in person and ask for an aisle seat; once processed, she tells me my flight is in terminal 9, I am currently in terminal 8. I begin my long trek to terminal 9, with my 20 pound backpack, bag in hand and limping (just call me gumpy) along at a pace that a 90 year old in a wheel chair passed me, self propelled by one of her dragging feet.
After four hallways and two stairs, I reach security and I have to walk way down to the other side of the room and go through another cattle line only to be told to go the other end because I have been chosen for a special security check, I am not kidding. I gimp along and reach the line for special processing. I stand and wait, wait and wait to finally be, once more, groped and felt up without so much as a drink or a ‘how do you do’.
I reach my terminal and notice there were a few little sparrows flying around the terminal, they must have somehow gotten in. I choose an area away from the counter in order to continue to walk to try and stretch my leg and hopefully reduce the pain in the leg from the Charlie horse earlier that morning. An adorable Asian boy runs after the sparrows to keep himself entertained and I occasionally get up to stretch my leg. I look down at one point and notice a white spot on my shirt. I touch it to brush it off and it sticks to my fingers; yup, you guessed it, it is bird poop and it hit my shirt, or so I thought. After I went to the men’s room to clean my shirt. I wash my hand and proceed to run my fingers through my hair as a quick brush and feel a wetness that didn’t feel right. The bird had pooped on my head and the stuff on my shirt was just a small bit that fell from my head. I wash my hair and hands with the gel soap and finally get presentable to take a flight home.
I get on the plane and on the up-side it is an all-male flight attendant crew but I have to pay for any food, the guy sitting next to me is watching a portable movie of the Wedding Crashers and laughing all the time, constantly opening and closing the window and the flight is expected to be all turbulence for the entire flight.
I’ll let you know once I get home if anything else happens. At this point I wouldn’t be surprised if something else happens, not one bit.
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