Brazilian Christmas

Thiago, Me, and Uli

Simply stated, the weather was against me. What was supposed to be a few pleasant days at the beach over Christmas ended up being a blah, 'this just wasn't meant to be' experience. My friend Thiago, who I met in Brazil through Alex, had invited me here from Buenos Aires to relax after the long journey. Neither of us could foresee the weather how it was, but we made the best of our time together. 

A Week in Provence

While spending the summer of 2004 in France, my godfather, Uncle Rick, came to visit. Mentor, motivator, creator, role model - if there is anyone I owe (or can blame) for inspiring me to get out and see the world, it's him. A fellow francophile and my benefactor, it was no surprise he wanted to come check in on me. We decided to rendezvous in Nice.

Obviously this is not my photo. Promenade d'Anglais. 

Alsace, France - The Summer That Changed My Life

Garden in Thanvillé

When I was 13, I started working as a busboy at a small French restaurant called La Petite France. The owners, Chef Paul Elbling and his wife Marie-Antoinette, were good friends of my parents and my godfather (who had taken me there for dinner the night I was offered a job). After some time working at the restaurant, Chef Paul told me that since I was learning French in school and had straight A's that if I wanted I could go live with his family in Alsace for the summer. 

When my father came to the restaurant to pick me up one evening (but not before socializing with the last remaining patrons), Chef Paul strategically made the offer again, this time in front of my father. As I turned to my dad with that look on my face saying, "Father, may I?," he quickly added, "If Mack Brown (head coach of U Texas football) has a summer camp in France then you can go." Honestly, my heart sank a bit, only to float back to the surface with a wonderful inflatable I call determination. 

Colombian Countryside

We left at 5:30 Thursday morning for the Colombian countryside. Diego's car isn't permitted inside Bogota after 6:00am so we had to rush out of the city.  It was a long drive through beautiful mountains and valleys until we finally reached our destination of Villa de Levya. Isolated even by today's standards, it was built some 400 years ago as a monastic retreat as well as a quiet place where soldiers retired. Back in those days most people did not survive the journey for any number of reasons - bandits, natives, disease, and fatigue. 

Main Plaza with Church, Villa de Leyva

Cartagena - Jewel of the Caribbean

A jewel in the Caribbean crown steeped in history dating back nearly five centuries, remnant of the once vast Spanish colonial empire. Cartagena is alive today as much as it was in its heyday as a thriving port city and center of trade in the New World. For Alex and I, it was the perfect place to commence our adventures in Latin America. 

Cartagena contrasts between old and new: Bocagrande with its high rises and seaside hotels is reminiscent of Miami beach while the quaint streets of Gestramani are lined with tiny, colorful houses and daring graffiti art. We quickly discovered that the action was in the historic district - the fortified city. These walls were taller, wider, and far longer than Galle Fort in Sri Lanka (previous trip). It evoked all the images and romance of Pirates of the Caribbean, not surprising since it is a favorite hangout of tourists and locals alike. People walk endlessly around the ramparts looking down at the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with buildings painted in vibrant colors. 

Colombian Cuisine

The food in Colombia was absolutely incredible. Having a native friend as our guide was wonderful since he was able to point out all the local, indigenous foods and delicacies to try. Below you will find several of the highlighted dishes. 

Pan de Yoca, Empanada, Arepa, Butifarra

Bogota

Bogota a la funicular 

Our flight to Bogota was delayed 4.5 hours, so it wasn't until 2:30am we arrived. Waiting for our luggage at baggage claim, we noticed a large group of people pressed against the glass wall. All of a sudden, an outburst of clapping and cheers drew our attention to a huge Colombian family - men, women, and children of all ages, more than a dozen people - holding signs welcoming one person. All I could think of was Gloria's Colombian relatives from Modern Family. 

Diego met us at the airport and together we whisked our way through Bogota's clogged highways and streets avoiding maniacal drivers and street performers literally performing in the street. (Take a note US panhandlers: learn to juggle or something entertaining - people will be more likely to give you something.) Thanks to Diego's aggressive driving we avoided rush hour and more importantly the daily monsoon. We parked next to his alma mater, the University of the Andes (most prestigious in Colombia) and walked downtown to lunch. A cool fountain runs down the length of the street. Locals tease that the homeless bathe in it. 

RMS Queen Mary - Long Beach, CA

Long Beach is home to an iconic treasure, a perfect fusion of two of my favorite subjects: maritime vessels and history. Having sailed on her protégé  the time had come to homage to this most tantalizing lady of the seas: The Queen Mary.

I am always on the lookout for educational opportunities for the kids, and hoped that the immense energy given off by this ship would inspire them to continue seeking out cultural diversions wherever they are. Queen Mary did falter.