February 8, 2009
February 5, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I've been tagged twice, so here are some random tidbits about me:
1. I am an island girl. Was born on an island, hope to die on an island - ideally one in the tropics. It's one of my life goals to to step foot on all the islands on the planet - yup, I dream big.
2. I think Kenyan AA is the best coffee in the world. I love coffee smells in the morning, but find it tastes disgusting. I like my coffee late at night after a good meal. And none of that decaf crap for me.
3. I find it strange that while I was in school in Kenya (KG to High - which translates to junior college in the States), I was popular with both teachers and students. I was always elected Prefect and was Head Girl, and never lost any friends over it.
4. I cannot play a musical instrument of any sort, but think the sax is ever so sexy.
5. I cannot imagine my life without books - to read, to write in, to simply smell.
6. Photography is one of my passions.
7. I believe that it's never too late to have a happy childhood.
8. I am a cat person, though dogs of all shapes and sizes seem to love me.
9. I believe that people come into my life for a reason. The trick is learning what they are trying to teach me.
10. I love children, but have never had the urge to biologically have one of my own.
11. I think of myself as spiritual but not religious.
12. I always thought that I would be a doctor (a dream my Mom had for me), and was in a pre-med program before coming to the states.
13. I love to travel.
14. I used to have many pen pals when I was a kid. There was nothing quite like the thrill of connecting with all those people in far away places on my atlas.
15. I love getting letters and postcards in the mail. Snail mail.
16. I really do have quite a fetish for paper. I collect (really horde) paper of all kinds.
17. After I moved to using fountain pens in the third grade, I cannot write with a pencil. Just seems strange to me.
18. As much as I enjoy virtual time with people (email/phone, etc), nothing beats the pleasure of face to face contact.
19. Chocolate. (Need I say more?)
20. I wear turtlenecks almost year around. Ditto for socks. They just feel like a hug.
21. My favorite subjects in school were biology, history and religious studies (go figure!).
22. There are days when I simply do not get out of my PJs - actually more days that you might think.
23. I love eating delicious meals, but not enough to learn how to cook them. Am much more of a baker.
24. I live by the "one cup rule" every chance I get. This is where you get out of bed in the morning, then promptly jump back in to read for while.
25. Every time, and I mean every time, I do anything physical (hike, bike, etc), my body screams bloody murder for the first 20 minutes. After that I'm good.
1. I am an island girl. Was born on an island, hope to die on an island - ideally one in the tropics. It's one of my life goals to to step foot on all the islands on the planet - yup, I dream big.
2. I think Kenyan AA is the best coffee in the world. I love coffee smells in the morning, but find it tastes disgusting. I like my coffee late at night after a good meal. And none of that decaf crap for me.
3. I find it strange that while I was in school in Kenya (KG to High - which translates to junior college in the States), I was popular with both teachers and students. I was always elected Prefect and was Head Girl, and never lost any friends over it.
4. I cannot play a musical instrument of any sort, but think the sax is ever so sexy.
5. I cannot imagine my life without books - to read, to write in, to simply smell.
6. Photography is one of my passions.
7. I believe that it's never too late to have a happy childhood.
8. I am a cat person, though dogs of all shapes and sizes seem to love me.
9. I believe that people come into my life for a reason. The trick is learning what they are trying to teach me.
10. I love children, but have never had the urge to biologically have one of my own.
11. I think of myself as spiritual but not religious.
12. I always thought that I would be a doctor (a dream my Mom had for me), and was in a pre-med program before coming to the states.
13. I love to travel.
14. I used to have many pen pals when I was a kid. There was nothing quite like the thrill of connecting with all those people in far away places on my atlas.
15. I love getting letters and postcards in the mail. Snail mail.
16. I really do have quite a fetish for paper. I collect (really horde) paper of all kinds.
17. After I moved to using fountain pens in the third grade, I cannot write with a pencil. Just seems strange to me.
18. As much as I enjoy virtual time with people (email/phone, etc), nothing beats the pleasure of face to face contact.
19. Chocolate. (Need I say more?)
20. I wear turtlenecks almost year around. Ditto for socks. They just feel like a hug.
21. My favorite subjects in school were biology, history and religious studies (go figure!).
22. There are days when I simply do not get out of my PJs - actually more days that you might think.
23. I love eating delicious meals, but not enough to learn how to cook them. Am much more of a baker.
24. I live by the "one cup rule" every chance I get. This is where you get out of bed in the morning, then promptly jump back in to read for while.
25. Every time, and I mean every time, I do anything physical (hike, bike, etc), my body screams bloody murder for the first 20 minutes. After that I'm good.
February 4, 2009
Recent Reads
1. A Million Little Pieces
Yes, I know there is much controversy surrounding this book, but it is a gripping read none-the-less. Really hard to read at times, but the guy is quite a compelling story teller.
2. Disgrace
One of my Jan book club selections. First book I've read by the author, who has been on my list to read for a while. He writes beautifully. He is able to convey large themes with very few words. This was a really hard book to read - I felt like I needed emotional downtime afterwards, but it was worth it.
3. The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality
Another of my book club reads in Jan. Do you have to believe in God to live a moral life? What purpose does religion serve? If this is the first time you've read anything on the topic, this is a good read - though I do prefer Dawkins. There to seem to be alot of exclamation marks! :-)
4. In the Convent of Little Flowers
I do not usually read short stories - just as I get into the characters, the story is over. These stories are really crisp and well written. Very disturbing subject matter in all but one of the stories that deal with arranged marriages, abuse of aging parents, etc.
Yes, I know there is much controversy surrounding this book, but it is a gripping read none-the-less. Really hard to read at times, but the guy is quite a compelling story teller.
2. Disgrace
One of my Jan book club selections. First book I've read by the author, who has been on my list to read for a while. He writes beautifully. He is able to convey large themes with very few words. This was a really hard book to read - I felt like I needed emotional downtime afterwards, but it was worth it.
3. The Little Book of Atheist Spirituality
Another of my book club reads in Jan. Do you have to believe in God to live a moral life? What purpose does religion serve? If this is the first time you've read anything on the topic, this is a good read - though I do prefer Dawkins. There to seem to be alot of exclamation marks! :-)
4. In the Convent of Little Flowers
I do not usually read short stories - just as I get into the characters, the story is over. These stories are really crisp and well written. Very disturbing subject matter in all but one of the stories that deal with arranged marriages, abuse of aging parents, etc.
February 3, 2009
2009 Book Club Selections
My book club has finalized our list for the year - cannot wait to dive in.
January: 1-Disgrace, J.M. Coetzee, 2003 Nobel Prize, 2-The Little Book of Atheist Sprituality, Andre Comet-Sponville
January: 1-Disgrace, J.M. Coetzee, 2003 Nobel Prize, 2-The Little Book of Atheist Sprituality, Andre Comet-Sponville
February: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz, the winner of 2007 National Book Critics Circle, and 2008 Pulitzer Prize
March: Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell
April: White Tiger, Aravind Adiga, the winner of 2008 Man Booker Prize
May: A Mercy, Tony Morrison
June: The Queen's Fool, Philippa Gregory
July: The Outcast, Sadie Jones, the winner of 2008 UK's Costa First Novel Award, and shortlisted for the UK's female writers' Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction
August: When You Are Engulfed in Flames, David Sedaris
September: The Elegance of the Hedgehog, Muriel Barbery(French), translated by Alison Anderson
October: Proust Was a Neuroscientist, Jonah Lehrer. We'll read the sections about: Walt Whitman, George Eliot, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein, and Virginia Woolf. Reading the remaining chapeters is optional.
November: The Secret Scripture, Sebastian Barry, the winner of 2008 UK's Costa Novel Prize, and shortlisted for 2008 ManBooker Prize
December: The Great Man, Kate Christensen, the winner of 2008 Pen/Faulkner Award for Fiction
February 2, 2009
Only in Vegas
The Miss America contest was taking place during my visit to Vegas. We had stopped to take photos of the Vegas sign, and ran into Ms. Nevada, Washington and Idaho - quite fun. Tried to get a pic of my nieces with them, but they suddenly got shy (my nieces, not the women). You can see more pics here.
Happy Groundhog Day
Phil Says "Six More Weeks of Winter!"
Phil's official forecast as read February 2nd, 2009 at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob:
Hear Ye Hear YeOn Gobbler's Knob this glorious Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2009
Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Prognosticator of all Prognosticators
Awoke to the call of President Bill Cooper
And greeted his handlers, Ben Hughes and John Griffiths
After casting a joyful eye towards thousands of his faithful followers,
Phil proclaimed that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers were World Champions one more time
And a bright sky above me
Showed my shadow beside me.
So 6 more weeks of winter it will be.
January 31, 2009
January 28, 2009
Home Again
Back home, and back to the cold and snow - 8 inches of snow/sleet/rain today. Not looking forward to shoveling tomorrow. Already miss the warm Vegas days.
I love JetBlue - my absolute fave domestic airlines. I lucked out with 3 empty seats each way - and it really was wonderful on the red-eye back. Actually got some sleep, though every time we hit turbulence, I woke clutching the arm rest - does not make for good dreams.
Am catching up on my sleep. My nieces wake up at 5:30am - inhumane time for little kids. The alarm goes off, and Bella (the oldest) starts yelling, "WAKE UP! WAKE UP!". And just in case I did not hear her, the 3 mouseketeers come into my room and make sure I'm up :-) Had a wonderful time.
I love JetBlue - my absolute fave domestic airlines. I lucked out with 3 empty seats each way - and it really was wonderful on the red-eye back. Actually got some sleep, though every time we hit turbulence, I woke clutching the arm rest - does not make for good dreams.
Am catching up on my sleep. My nieces wake up at 5:30am - inhumane time for little kids. The alarm goes off, and Bella (the oldest) starts yelling, "WAKE UP! WAKE UP!". And just in case I did not hear her, the 3 mouseketeers come into my room and make sure I'm up :-) Had a wonderful time.
January 25, 2009
Le Reve @ Wynn
The shows in Vegas are enough to keep one coming back. Last night went to see the show at the Wynn - Le Reve. The theater is smallish for a fixed show, and there are really no bad seats in the house. It's an aqua show - so if you are in the first row and on the aisles near the 3 entrance ramps, expect to get wet. Our discount tickets were 4 rows up - perfect. The show is simply stunning, though not as good as Cirque du Soliel - it is the creation of their former creative director. Towering waterfalls, angels, demons - essentially the stuff of dreams.
The skill, strength, flexibility and artistry of the cast is breathtaking. And there was absolutely zero body fat on any of them - am green with envy - though not enough to work at it as hard as they do.
The skill, strength, flexibility and artistry of the cast is breathtaking. And there was absolutely zero body fat on any of them - am green with envy - though not enough to work at it as hard as they do.
January 24, 2009
January 22, 2009
Vegas delight
Got in late last night, and what a delight it has been so far. Here are some of the highlights:
- I love JetBlue - a direct not full flight, so I had the row to myself
- It's shorts weather out here - simply wonderful after the bitter cold at home
- My nieces are the cutest - been on school patrol - the girls are in first grade and kindergarten
- Did homework this evening - they can all read! When did that happen?!! Such adventures await them - cannot remember a time I did not read
- A nice change to catch up with my brother and sis-in-law
January 20, 2009
President Obama is in the house!
Not sure that I have ever actually watched the inauguration proceedings on TV all day. This has been an emotional day. What a moment in history this is for our country. We have come a long way, and still have much further to go. Yet, today I feel hopeful that together we can create a better world.
Check out this video for more inspiration.
Check out this video for more inspiration.
January 19, 2009
January 17, 2009
Play Dates
It's a common misconception that only kids have play dates. Not true. As a matter of fact, I think adults need them more than kids do. Yesterday was one such day. Babes and I explored the MFA (ah.. Japanese woodblocks, love the new Herb Ritts gallery) , had lunch at Betty's (not as good as the last time), and took in a concert at the BSO (Mozart, Haydn and Handel - wow). We lucked into rush tickets, sat in the 2nd row and got a close up view of the guys who played the base cellos.
It was a frigid day out here - temps barely made it up to 15 degrees (F), but I came home all aglow. If you cannot remember your last play date, make one for next week.
Additional pics from the BSO can be seen here.
It was a frigid day out here - temps barely made it up to 15 degrees (F), but I came home all aglow. If you cannot remember your last play date, make one for next week.
Additional pics from the BSO can be seen here.
BRR!
We are having frigid weather - yes that decimal is in the right place.
Updated: 3 min 6 sec ago
Updated: 3 min 6 sec ago
 | 1.5 °F Clear |
| Windchill: | 1 °F |
| Humidity: | |
| Dew Point: | -7 °F |
| Wind: | Calm |
January 15, 2009
Trackers
When Luke and Jonah spent the day last weekend, we went into the back yard to see what animal tracks were left behind in the snow. Deer, coyote, and rabbit tracks were some of the ones we found. The trackers then decided to use the recycling bins as sleds. Great fun. More pics of the expedition can be seen here.
Recent Reads
1. The Gingerbread Cowboy
This is a book that Luke picked at the library for our Saturday together. He loved it. You had the feeling as you were reading that things were not going to end well :-)
2. The Loop
This is the first book I've read by the author and I liked it. Not particularly a gripping tale, but kept my interest.
3. The Zen of Seeing
Loved this book. Here is a quote from page 13:
"It is no accident that Zen is being discovered in the West at a time of realization that we are fast becoming strangers to our inner life, and that we are all too easily confused about what is real and authentic and what is phoney, about what we truly like and what we think we must like because it happens to be required."
This is a book that Luke picked at the library for our Saturday together. He loved it. You had the feeling as you were reading that things were not going to end well :-)
2. The Loop
This is the first book I've read by the author and I liked it. Not particularly a gripping tale, but kept my interest.
3. The Zen of Seeing
Loved this book. Here is a quote from page 13:
"It is no accident that Zen is being discovered in the West at a time of realization that we are fast becoming strangers to our inner life, and that we are all too easily confused about what is real and authentic and what is phoney, about what we truly like and what we think we must like because it happens to be required."
Malbecs
I sure do like the Malbecs from Argentina. They have cool labels too - though the labels are real tough to remove without ripping.
January 14, 2009
Quote of the Day
Fish quake at the mention of my name.
- bumper sticker.
When I'm near the end of a book, I need to sleep in the same room with it.
- Joan Didion
- bumper sticker.
When I'm near the end of a book, I need to sleep in the same room with it.
- Joan Didion
January 12, 2009
Winter light
Love the color of winter light. In my study it changes from a bright white in the morning to a warm rust in the late afternoon. Beautiful.
January 10, 2009
Recent Reads
1. Mexico
This is a book that I dragged out as long as I could - think I read 5 other books in between - just to keep it from ending. Finished it this evening, and loved it. One of those grand epics that got me in its grip and would not let go. Simply delicious. There are really tough topics - inquisition, human sacrifice, bull fighting, slavery, etc - but these are an essential part of the story so add to the drama.
2. An Illustrated Life
I love looking at people's sketchbooks - it's like getting a private view of what goes on in their heads, and this book does just that. Loved it - if you keep a sketch book, you've got to check it out - really inspirational. I've had several dreams of wonderful colors and drawings after reading this one.
3. The Art of Travel with a Sketchbook
Another delight that I read this past week. Simple tips on how to keep a sketch book while traveling with examples from student pages.
This is a book that I dragged out as long as I could - think I read 5 other books in between - just to keep it from ending. Finished it this evening, and loved it. One of those grand epics that got me in its grip and would not let go. Simply delicious. There are really tough topics - inquisition, human sacrifice, bull fighting, slavery, etc - but these are an essential part of the story so add to the drama.
2. An Illustrated Life
I love looking at people's sketchbooks - it's like getting a private view of what goes on in their heads, and this book does just that. Loved it - if you keep a sketch book, you've got to check it out - really inspirational. I've had several dreams of wonderful colors and drawings after reading this one.
3. The Art of Travel with a Sketchbook
Another delight that I read this past week. Simple tips on how to keep a sketch book while traveling with examples from student pages.
January 8, 2009
January 7, 2009
January 6, 2009
Visual Journal
Here are some of the final entries from the 2008 journal - well at least one of them.
January 4, 2009
Quote of The Day
Tolerance is far too precious a possession to be confused with indifference or laxity.
- Andre Comte-Sponville
- Andre Comte-Sponville
January 3, 2009
Night at the movies
I continue to be disappointed by movies that Hollywood puts out. In the last month saw 2 that I was really looking forward to and found both disappointing.
The new Indiana Jones movie - how could that team create such a woofer? I heard from my inside man in Hollywood that they had gone through various scripts before they picked this one. Huh? That was the best one? I'm sure that there are loads of very talented writers out there who could have created a much better story - oh right, I am rather old school in that I like a movie to have an actual plot. So very glad that I did not spent my $10.50 at a theatre.
Then there was the new Pacino movie - I sit here shaking my head as I write this - I think even I could have come up with a better script for that movie. I do believe we are seeing the demise of Hollywood. All the talent seems to be on the indie circuit.
Needless to say, I pooled the money that I saved and bought me a couple of books - but that is a story for another day. In the meanwhile if you run across a movie you love, please, please, do pass it along.
The new Indiana Jones movie - how could that team create such a woofer? I heard from my inside man in Hollywood that they had gone through various scripts before they picked this one. Huh? That was the best one? I'm sure that there are loads of very talented writers out there who could have created a much better story - oh right, I am rather old school in that I like a movie to have an actual plot. So very glad that I did not spent my $10.50 at a theatre.
Then there was the new Pacino movie - I sit here shaking my head as I write this - I think even I could have come up with a better script for that movie. I do believe we are seeing the demise of Hollywood. All the talent seems to be on the indie circuit.
Needless to say, I pooled the money that I saved and bought me a couple of books - but that is a story for another day. In the meanwhile if you run across a movie you love, please, please, do pass it along.
January 2, 2009
Hello 2009
A new beginning, a new start - not different than any other day of the year really - but for some reason, it's a nice clean demarcation that is easy to plan around - saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new.
I stopped making resolutions a couple of years ago - in some ways they seemed too limiting to me, and how many times was I really going to have "loose some weight" on that list? Boring. So instead of resolutions I choose a word as my touchstone for the new year. Last year was actually 2 words - Health & Wealth. Here's what happened - almost all decisions were made based on my theme for the year. And so I ended the year both healthier and wealthier (in all the ways these words would apply). Very simple, yet incredibly powerful.
This year my word is Passion.
I stopped making resolutions a couple of years ago - in some ways they seemed too limiting to me, and how many times was I really going to have "loose some weight" on that list? Boring. So instead of resolutions I choose a word as my touchstone for the new year. Last year was actually 2 words - Health & Wealth. Here's what happened - almost all decisions were made based on my theme for the year. And so I ended the year both healthier and wealthier (in all the ways these words would apply). Very simple, yet incredibly powerful.
This year my word is Passion.
December 31, 2008
December 28, 2008
Circle of Life
Have seen herds of deer while here in A2 - don't see them so much in our yard anymore. On my walk this morning saw this sad sight - poor deer must have been hit by a car, and the scavengers have already started with the cleanup.
December 27, 2008
Random Thoughts
- I spent some time in an indie bookstore this afternoon. As much as I love Amazon, there is nothing quite like spending time in a little indie store. Too bad that they are endangered.
- There seem to be many people out returning xmas presents - would really hate to be doing that.
- People watching can be such fun. Many families already seem tired of spending time together.
- It's an incredibly warm day here in A2 - in the 60s - all the ice has melted and the fog is lovely.
- Have played several games of Cranium - a game that is such fun. If you have never played, give a try and see if your brain does not tingle.
- Got in some reading and sketching today - nice to take a little me time in the midst of company.
- Am still a little stunned that 2008 is almost over - where the heck did the year go?!!
December 26, 2008
Heaven
It should not be a surprise that my idea of heaven is a large library with wood paneled walls, huge fireplaces, comfy chairs, teapots and several lounging cats. Well, I do hope that a place like Hollander's is next door.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved paper - in all forms - sheets, rolls, stacks, bound in journals, books, etc. I love the feel, the smell, the texture, the colors .... oh I could go on and on. Spent a wonderful couple of hours this afternoon at Hollander's in Ann Arbor. I do think that I was in a trance for most of that time. I could use one of everything they carry. And I did actually carry out bookbinding supplies - boards, thread, book cloth, etc. A soul nourishing experience.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved paper - in all forms - sheets, rolls, stacks, bound in journals, books, etc. I love the feel, the smell, the texture, the colors .... oh I could go on and on. Spent a wonderful couple of hours this afternoon at Hollander's in Ann Arbor. I do think that I was in a trance for most of that time. I could use one of everything they carry. And I did actually carry out bookbinding supplies - boards, thread, book cloth, etc. A soul nourishing experience.
December 25, 2008
Discarded
Photo theme of the month is "discarded". Below are a couple of photos that show my interpretation of the theme.
Traditions
I am always interested in learning about how different families celebrate holidays and the traditions that have lasted over the years. One of our traditions is that we collect ornaments from places visited. These do not have to look like traditional ornaments - they can be key chains converted to an ornament, coins no longer in circulation, etc. Every year when the tree goes up, it is a great way to revisit trip memories as we trim the tree. Since the plan was to be in Thailand for the holidays, did not get a tree this year, so am really enjoying the tree here in Ann Arbor. Here are some of the ornaments on the tree.
Blondes
Here is the new blonde in my life - Cody. He's got bells attached to his collar, so it sounds like Santa's sleigh is around - lovely.
December 24, 2008
2009 Book Club Reading List
Selections for the first half of the new year.
January:
1-Disgrace, J.M. Coetzee(2003 Nobel Prize)
2-The Little Book of Atheist Sprituality, Andre Comet-Sponville
January:
1-Disgrace, J.M. Coetzee(2003 Nobel Prize)
2-The Little Book of Atheist Sprituality, Andre Comet-Sponville
February: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz (2008 Politzer Prize)
March: Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell
April: White Tiger, Aravind Adiga (2008 Man Booker Prize)
May:
1-A Mercy, Tony Morrison
2-From the book "Proust Was a Neuroscientist" sections about: Walt Whitman, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein, and Virginia Woolf
1-A Mercy, Tony Morrison
2-From the book "Proust Was a Neuroscientist" sections about: Walt Whitman, Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein, and Virginia Woolf
June: Queen's Fool, Philippa Gregory
Santa Claus is coming ....
In Ann Arbor, Michigan for the holidays. Drove out yesterday - the only day with a good weather window - but ran into snow and it was a messy drive for the last 5 hours. Saw lots of cars spun out and am glad to have made it safe and sound. Am a little bummed out that it's raining here today - I love long walks in the snow.
Happy holidays. Hope you are surrounded by loved ones and are well.
Happy holidays. Hope you are surrounded by loved ones and are well.
December 22, 2008
Updated layout
In between shoveling and snacking, decided to update my blog this morning. I like the new layout - let me know what you think.
December 21, 2008
Let is snow
As a kid who grew up on the equator, sledding is just not something that I did - making up for lost time. What fun. You can see more pics from the afternoon here.
December 19, 2008
Snow Day
Hunkered inside watching the snow fall. We are expecting around 8 to 12 inches, and it's really quite beautiful. And there is another equally strong storm expected on Sunday - am looking forward to playing in it - hope it stays light and fluffy. Meanwhile am sipping hot tea, listening to carols and I say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
December 18, 2008
Recent Reads
1. Mistress of the Vatican
Loved this non-fiction book. Olimpia decides that she wants a different life than the one her father wants for her and makes it happen in such an incredible way using her intelligence and talents. An interesting read that describes the social/political/religious norms of life in Rome and the Vatican in her day. A marvelous read.
2. Skinny Dip
One of the books I took with me to Mexico, and the first book I've read by the author. Guess it's not a bad beach read, but unless you love his style, would not recommend the book. It's simply way too trite and junior high-ish for my tastes. If I had not been on an island with not a book store in sight, I would have ditched this after the first couple of chapters. Donated it to the book exchange at one of the hotels.
3. Mexico
Now, this is more like it. Am currently about a third through this one (love other books by the author) and am loving it. Have started to slow down my reading so as not to get through it too quickly (don't you simply love books like that?)
Loved this non-fiction book. Olimpia decides that she wants a different life than the one her father wants for her and makes it happen in such an incredible way using her intelligence and talents. An interesting read that describes the social/political/religious norms of life in Rome and the Vatican in her day. A marvelous read.
2. Skinny Dip
One of the books I took with me to Mexico, and the first book I've read by the author. Guess it's not a bad beach read, but unless you love his style, would not recommend the book. It's simply way too trite and junior high-ish for my tastes. If I had not been on an island with not a book store in sight, I would have ditched this after the first couple of chapters. Donated it to the book exchange at one of the hotels.
3. Mexico
Now, this is more like it. Am currently about a third through this one (love other books by the author) and am loving it. Have started to slow down my reading so as not to get through it too quickly (don't you simply love books like that?)
December 17, 2008
Calling home
After escaping to the sunny beaches of Cancun and several margaritas later, the bad elf is sorry and calls Santa collect from the airport.
December 14, 2008
Last night in Tulum
Hard to believe that my time in Mexico is almost at a close. Lots seems to be happening in Tulum tonight - am going to have to go check it out. Highlights - incredible beaches (seems like I say that everywhere I go - but these are really the best on the trip so far); excellent homemade ice-cream; I´ve been on friendly terms with lime daiquiris - where have these been all my life?
December 9, 2008
Siesta Time
Last night got my first glimpse of the large pyramid in Chichen Itza - simply takes ones breath away in the moonlight. It gets a little cooler at night here and took advantage of the moon to explore. The bungalow has mosquito nets - think it,s rather more for effect than need - there have been none that I can see. And I could write an ode to the water pressure in the shower - what a treat.
This morning explored Chichen Itza - able to get in at 8am when they first open - cooler and no tourists. I am blown away - the complex is way larger than I expected and in really good shape considering it dates back from as early at 700AD. Does the idea of a plummed snake not sparkle the imagination - sure it was not fun for those sacrified - but what imagery. My only disappointment is that people can no longer climb to the top of the structures - somebody slipped and died in 2005, so no climbing. And I can see why - many of the tourists who get dropped off in large groups are wearing flip flops! Still, have seen photos of the views and carvings at the top of most of the structures and would have loved to have seen them for myself.
Back in the hotel for siesta - after all only Englishmen and mad dogs stay out in the noon-day sun. Am enjoying my Mayan martini and watching the resident peacocks strut their stuff. Life is good.
This morning explored Chichen Itza - able to get in at 8am when they first open - cooler and no tourists. I am blown away - the complex is way larger than I expected and in really good shape considering it dates back from as early at 700AD. Does the idea of a plummed snake not sparkle the imagination - sure it was not fun for those sacrified - but what imagery. My only disappointment is that people can no longer climb to the top of the structures - somebody slipped and died in 2005, so no climbing. And I can see why - many of the tourists who get dropped off in large groups are wearing flip flops! Still, have seen photos of the views and carvings at the top of most of the structures and would have loved to have seen them for myself.
Back in the hotel for siesta - after all only Englishmen and mad dogs stay out in the noon-day sun. Am enjoying my Mayan martini and watching the resident peacocks strut their stuff. Life is good.
December 8, 2008
Chichen Itza
Spent 3 nights in wonderful Isla Mujeres. Highlights include beautiful beaches, snorkeling, lovely sunsets and sunrises. Pace is much calmer than Cancun - could see living here - or at least visiting for a longer duration. Got onto island time - nothing better.
Today´s travel involved a ferry, bus and taxi. I highly recommend bus travel - especially first class buses run by ADO. They are comfy, fast and cheap. The next 3 nights will be at Mayaland Hotel in Chichen Itza - a world heritage site (yes, this is another list I´m working my way through). Am so excited to explore the Mayan world. And if you ever feel like a splurge, you gotta stay here at Mayaland. We got upgraded to a bungalow - beautiful grounds, very private pools, next door to the ruins - actually have their own entrance, peacocks roaming about ... oh I could go on and on - but then would be missing out on this soft tropical night - so adios!
Today´s travel involved a ferry, bus and taxi. I highly recommend bus travel - especially first class buses run by ADO. They are comfy, fast and cheap. The next 3 nights will be at Mayaland Hotel in Chichen Itza - a world heritage site (yes, this is another list I´m working my way through). Am so excited to explore the Mayan world. And if you ever feel like a splurge, you gotta stay here at Mayaland. We got upgraded to a bungalow - beautiful grounds, very private pools, next door to the ruins - actually have their own entrance, peacocks roaming about ... oh I could go on and on - but then would be missing out on this soft tropical night - so adios!
December 5, 2008
Day 4 in the Yucatan
Leaving Cancun today - headed to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) - with a name like that how could I not visit. Also, this gets me one island closer to my life goal of visting all the islands on the planet - yup it´s a big dream, but if you're gonna dream, why not dream big?
Weather continues to be fantastic. Spent the day yesterday in a Beach Cabana, lazing about and being waited on. I could get used to this life. Now, off to catch a bus, to catch a ferry to the isla.
Adios.
Weather continues to be fantastic. Spent the day yesterday in a Beach Cabana, lazing about and being waited on. I could get used to this life. Now, off to catch a bus, to catch a ferry to the isla.
Adios.
December 4, 2008
Hola from Cancun
Not a bad rebound trip. It´s sunny, not too warm and simply delightful. My first time in Cancun, and once you get away from the Hotel Zone, into downtown, it´s quite charming. Public transport is easy and cheap. After realizing that it would cost almost $75/day to rent a car (there are taxes on insurance!), opted to simply take public transport around. It´s green, and a nice way to rub elbows with locals. I´ve got the basic phrases in Spanish down and have even had entire conversations - granted these were not more than 5 sentences, but a cause for celebration none-the-less.
December 1, 2008
Books to Read
There is something really fun and daring about selecting just a couple of books to take along on a trip. What if you hate the books? And are stranded on a desert island with no book store in sight? I used to travel with about 4 books at all times - I read fast, and can get through a book in a day or two. I'm tempted by the Kindle - just thinking of all those books always on hand is enough to make me swoon - but have yet to break down and buy it.
So on this 2 week trip I have selected 2 books to take along (gulp). This one I went out and bought yesterday. I have enjoyed other books by the author and hope this one does not disappoint. This one I picked up at the local library book sale. Have yet to read a book by this author - mainly because the covers are so goofy. And this is the guide book I've bought to take along for the trip. Yup that does make 3 books, but a guide book does not count.
Yes I'm aware that there are book stores on the Yucatan - but I've heard that English books (and I am limited to those) can run about $30 each! To quote my sister: "I need fat books".
So on this 2 week trip I have selected 2 books to take along (gulp). This one I went out and bought yesterday. I have enjoyed other books by the author and hope this one does not disappoint. This one I picked up at the local library book sale. Have yet to read a book by this author - mainly because the covers are so goofy. And this is the guide book I've bought to take along for the trip. Yup that does make 3 books, but a guide book does not count.
Yes I'm aware that there are book stores on the Yucatan - but I've heard that English books (and I am limited to those) can run about $30 each! To quote my sister: "I need fat books".
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