I was thinking the other day, for a change. Of a time not too long ago, when I was deeply absorbed in building a sand-sea lion. I am not much of an artist, especially not with this particular media. After a few minutes, of struggling to form the complicated body structure, I noticed that it did not in any way resemble a sea lion.
It was at that point that something magical happened! Someone walked by and said, "Hey, cool shark." I immediately stopped building a sea lion, and stopped to admire my sand shark.
From this I have taken a few lessons. Firstly, never tell someone what you are making. It could prevent you from lying about what you were trying to make. Secondly, we are all unfinished masterpieces. Somewhere along in your journey, someone may have told you what you were. They might have even told you that you were not good at something, or should quit something. But bear in mind, we are still being molded and shaped. The great artist is at work. You never know how you might end up!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Fourth of July
I love the fourth of July! Every year, I eat hot dogs, wear ridiculous clothes, and spend much needed time with friends, reciting the preamble.
But not this year. Instead, I woke up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. I then went to church, ate a nice lunch, and bsaically did everything that I always do here. As a matter of a fact, I remembered at strange times throughout the day that today was the 4th. It made me miss home a little.
I played in a soccer tournament today. It was excellent, but I could not help thinking about all of the fun that my fellow countrymen must be having. Tonight however, a close friend had planned a small get together. We ate Cheeseburgers and chocolate chip cookies. We played constitution bingo, until I was red, white and blue in the face. Was that funny? Either way, it isn't true. I don't know what constitution bingo is, and it probably isn't fun.
Today, I did spend a few minutes at the mall. Whilst there, my group of gringos was approached by an Ecuadorian woman who quizzed us over and over about a note that she had, that was written in English! I can not begin to understand why someone gave her a message in English. But after translating it for her, and answering all of her questions we finally came to the last challenge. She asked us to repeat and write down for her how to say something very specific. We listened many times before we came to a group conclusion of what she wanted to say. It was a sight to see! Five Americans and one Ecuadorian woman saying over and over again, "I am fine, in the train". If you are confused now, you should be. But do not worry, the lady is fine...and apparently in a train. Perhaps it is a metaphor? The train could signify, the stages of life. Although we may walk from boxcar to boxcar as we age, the great locomotive continues on its path. But sometimes, I feel like I am nearing the caboose.
I am thankful to live in a country that values freedom! I am grateful for the liberty that we have. I am thankful for peanut butter that does not cost $8! I hope that you all enjoyed your fireworks or whatever independence day tradition that you hold. Dream tonight of patriotism, waving American flags, and Uncle Sam. Doesn't he know its rude to point?
But not this year. Instead, I woke up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast. I then went to church, ate a nice lunch, and bsaically did everything that I always do here. As a matter of a fact, I remembered at strange times throughout the day that today was the 4th. It made me miss home a little.
I played in a soccer tournament today. It was excellent, but I could not help thinking about all of the fun that my fellow countrymen must be having. Tonight however, a close friend had planned a small get together. We ate Cheeseburgers and chocolate chip cookies. We played constitution bingo, until I was red, white and blue in the face. Was that funny? Either way, it isn't true. I don't know what constitution bingo is, and it probably isn't fun.
Today, I did spend a few minutes at the mall. Whilst there, my group of gringos was approached by an Ecuadorian woman who quizzed us over and over about a note that she had, that was written in English! I can not begin to understand why someone gave her a message in English. But after translating it for her, and answering all of her questions we finally came to the last challenge. She asked us to repeat and write down for her how to say something very specific. We listened many times before we came to a group conclusion of what she wanted to say. It was a sight to see! Five Americans and one Ecuadorian woman saying over and over again, "I am fine, in the train". If you are confused now, you should be. But do not worry, the lady is fine...and apparently in a train. Perhaps it is a metaphor? The train could signify, the stages of life. Although we may walk from boxcar to boxcar as we age, the great locomotive continues on its path. But sometimes, I feel like I am nearing the caboose.
I am thankful to live in a country that values freedom! I am grateful for the liberty that we have. I am thankful for peanut butter that does not cost $8! I hope that you all enjoyed your fireworks or whatever independence day tradition that you hold. Dream tonight of patriotism, waving American flags, and Uncle Sam. Doesn't he know its rude to point?
Post memories from Galapagos
A few more pics, and a few more memories! One of our favorite activities was bird touching. Although this is pretty self explanatory, it is certainly not easy. the birds keep up with the boat, and occasionally come close enough to reach up and touch. We spent countless hours on the top of the ship reaching for the plumage of our avian friends. Whenever one would come within distance, one simply screams, "Touch that Bird" and lunges dramatically for the tactile contact. I retired from this sport, the only successful participant. I touched that bird!
And please notice the form as I jump off of the boat. That is a wetsuit.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The rest of the Galapaos
Journaling in paradise, is little more than a chore. Therefore, I did not do it very well. I can describe the rest of the Galapagos as a whole.
each day began in similar manner, with our guide waking us up at 6:00 in the morning. He called us each by name, and would often include a special and heart warming message. His repertoire of animal sounds is however extensive! He imitates to perfection the majority of the animals on the islands. He would call upon this most necessary skill to help us get out of bed. On the third day, he encouraged us to "wake up please, and bring the soul and body together to breakfast!" His wake up calls grew to be an excellent part of the trip for all of those involved.
I had only one incidence with sea sickness on the trip. This was a rather humbling incident for me given that I consider myself a sailor. I guess, in reality, I am 95% poser and 5% sailor. Either way, I had not expected to be showing any signs of land lubber, at least until I lost my land lubber lunch! Old man sea was furious and must have been heaving three to four foot seas at us! I mean, 70-80 foot seas. I walked out on the bow to observe the plankton, when all of a sudden, my stomach and I began to argue. "I do not want this dinner", it told me. "Well you wanted it an hour ago", I retorted. That is when I came to a realization. Like a three year old child in a toy store, my own stomach betrayed me and began to throw a tantrum. It also began to throw a little more than that. Without going into to graphic details, I spent just a moment looking closely at the water over the side of the boat before excusing myself to my cabin. Strangely enough, a strange sense of satisfaction came over me, and I heard some weird voice in my head mutter something about giving back to Poseidon.
The next day, I felt ten times better. Which is good because of all the adventure that was had. Primarily with the snorkeling. There were rumors of sharks cropping up amongst those of us who were preparing ourselves to dive to the unknown depths. Mostly because our guide told us there were going to be sharks. I was excited and wondered what my reaction would be when I was in the water with one. I did not have to wait long.
After a few minutes of getting used to the water, we were underway. I was brightly colored starfish, Incredible corals, and more than a few interesting looking fish. Then it happened. I saw a shark! I thought, "cool, I want to get closer" so I did. I dove and followed the guy for a few minutes. He was about six feet long, Galapagos shark. Very manly, very cool.
When we returned to the boat, the captain casually informed me that we could jump off of the top of the boat if we wanted to. I wanted to, so I did. I have always thought that scary things were easier to face, if you did not think about it. So after a few minutes, I stepped up to the edge, peered at the beautiful water more than 30' below, and leaped. I shouted a cheerful "wahoo!" on the way down. Later, all of my fellow students joined me.
The rest of our time was spent observing the incredible creatures that inhabit the Galapagos islands. Including but not limited to the elusive Blue Footed Booby (No laughing), Pink Flamingos, and one of my favorites, the Albatross!
I am not a good gift giver, but thought that I ought try to bring some type of souvenir back to the states for my lovely fiance. The problem is that she seems to want almost nothing...except a picture of the blue footed booby. Proud to say, I made it happen!
One of my favorite experiences in Galapagos was seeing the Albatross take off. This particular bird has a wingspan of 6-7 feet! It is simply to big to just start flying. Instead, it clumsily waddles up to the edge of a cliff, tests the wind, and flings itself over the edge. It uses the updraft of wind to gain its momentum. I got lucky enough to see this in action.
each day we would return to the boat and enjoy the best meals that one can imagine. This was an excellent way to allow the things that we had seen digest. Overall our time in the Galapagos islands was cut too short. We returned back to the mundane world. The world without albatrosses, boat jumping, and sea lions. But then I remembered, the world isn't mundane anyway. Just a different type of cool.
each day began in similar manner, with our guide waking us up at 6:00 in the morning. He called us each by name, and would often include a special and heart warming message. His repertoire of animal sounds is however extensive! He imitates to perfection the majority of the animals on the islands. He would call upon this most necessary skill to help us get out of bed. On the third day, he encouraged us to "wake up please, and bring the soul and body together to breakfast!" His wake up calls grew to be an excellent part of the trip for all of those involved.
I had only one incidence with sea sickness on the trip. This was a rather humbling incident for me given that I consider myself a sailor. I guess, in reality, I am 95% poser and 5% sailor. Either way, I had not expected to be showing any signs of land lubber, at least until I lost my land lubber lunch! Old man sea was furious and must have been heaving three to four foot seas at us! I mean, 70-80 foot seas. I walked out on the bow to observe the plankton, when all of a sudden, my stomach and I began to argue. "I do not want this dinner", it told me. "Well you wanted it an hour ago", I retorted. That is when I came to a realization. Like a three year old child in a toy store, my own stomach betrayed me and began to throw a tantrum. It also began to throw a little more than that. Without going into to graphic details, I spent just a moment looking closely at the water over the side of the boat before excusing myself to my cabin. Strangely enough, a strange sense of satisfaction came over me, and I heard some weird voice in my head mutter something about giving back to Poseidon.
The next day, I felt ten times better. Which is good because of all the adventure that was had. Primarily with the snorkeling. There were rumors of sharks cropping up amongst those of us who were preparing ourselves to dive to the unknown depths. Mostly because our guide told us there were going to be sharks. I was excited and wondered what my reaction would be when I was in the water with one. I did not have to wait long.
After a few minutes of getting used to the water, we were underway. I was brightly colored starfish, Incredible corals, and more than a few interesting looking fish. Then it happened. I saw a shark! I thought, "cool, I want to get closer" so I did. I dove and followed the guy for a few minutes. He was about six feet long, Galapagos shark. Very manly, very cool.
When we returned to the boat, the captain casually informed me that we could jump off of the top of the boat if we wanted to. I wanted to, so I did. I have always thought that scary things were easier to face, if you did not think about it. So after a few minutes, I stepped up to the edge, peered at the beautiful water more than 30' below, and leaped. I shouted a cheerful "wahoo!" on the way down. Later, all of my fellow students joined me.
The rest of our time was spent observing the incredible creatures that inhabit the Galapagos islands. Including but not limited to the elusive Blue Footed Booby (No laughing), Pink Flamingos, and one of my favorites, the Albatross!
I am not a good gift giver, but thought that I ought try to bring some type of souvenir back to the states for my lovely fiance. The problem is that she seems to want almost nothing...except a picture of the blue footed booby. Proud to say, I made it happen!
One of my favorite experiences in Galapagos was seeing the Albatross take off. This particular bird has a wingspan of 6-7 feet! It is simply to big to just start flying. Instead, it clumsily waddles up to the edge of a cliff, tests the wind, and flings itself over the edge. It uses the updraft of wind to gain its momentum. I got lucky enough to see this in action.
each day we would return to the boat and enjoy the best meals that one can imagine. This was an excellent way to allow the things that we had seen digest. Overall our time in the Galapagos islands was cut too short. We returned back to the mundane world. The world without albatrosses, boat jumping, and sea lions. But then I remembered, the world isn't mundane anyway. Just a different type of cool.
Galapagos day 2
The days start early here. Early in the morning, my guide, Washington uses the loud speaker to gently rouse us from our dreams. Allow me to rephrase, at 6:00 A.M. when all living creatures should be soundly sleeping, our guide crows like a rooster, and calls us each by name. "Good Morning please my friends", he quips in broken English.
What followed however was incredible. We ate a few crackers and had a form of hot chocolate, before entering into the dinghys and motored ashore. There are two kinds of landings here. Wet landings, which consist of jumping out of the boat directly into the water, or dry landings, that allow you to step onto a dock of some sort. This morning we had a dry landing onto an outcropping of slippery rocks.
After being mesmerized by some very colorful crabs, we continued our walk on the island. My favorite part was seeing the birds. we met them at a cliff, that was apparently perfect for hunting. They could see things that I could not, because at seemingly random moments, hundreds of them would plunge towards the sea together to reap the rewards (Fish-which they eat).
We returned to the boat and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading off to our next island. Things move quickly here in the Galapagos! During the passage, I dozed and caught a few minutes of the world cup game.
The rest of the day continued in similar fashion. Excellent snorkeling, incredible views and good time spent with friends.
Please note in the pictures, the beautiful catamaran and the rest of the boats anchored behind me. Sweeeet!
What followed however was incredible. We ate a few crackers and had a form of hot chocolate, before entering into the dinghys and motored ashore. There are two kinds of landings here. Wet landings, which consist of jumping out of the boat directly into the water, or dry landings, that allow you to step onto a dock of some sort. This morning we had a dry landing onto an outcropping of slippery rocks.
After being mesmerized by some very colorful crabs, we continued our walk on the island. My favorite part was seeing the birds. we met them at a cliff, that was apparently perfect for hunting. They could see things that I could not, because at seemingly random moments, hundreds of them would plunge towards the sea together to reap the rewards (Fish-which they eat).
We returned to the boat and enjoyed a hearty breakfast before heading off to our next island. Things move quickly here in the Galapagos! During the passage, I dozed and caught a few minutes of the world cup game.
The rest of the day continued in similar fashion. Excellent snorkeling, incredible views and good time spent with friends.
Please note in the pictures, the beautiful catamaran and the rest of the boats anchored behind me. Sweeeet!
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