tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66683378107461038182024-03-13T13:25:29.422-04:00A More Gentlemanlike MannerJJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.comBlogger810125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-86894032693566465632017-06-02T02:24:00.003-04:002017-06-02T12:36:31.693-04:00Changing homes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Dear readers, after seven great years on Blogger, I've decided to give Wordpress a try. Check me out <a href="https://amoregentlemanlikemanner.com/">over there</a>.</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-82094596155093834082017-02-05T10:47:00.003-05:002017-02-05T10:47:58.548-05:00Chicago Saturday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Our Saturday in Chicago was simple: </div>
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We started with brunch at the Cherry Circle Room with Vanessa and Steven. The restaurant was in a building that had formerly been an old-school gentlemen's athletic club (think dark wood paneling, leather chesterfield sofas, and cigars--not Gold's Gym).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">apparently gentlemen like dueling<br />bunnies on their plates</td></tr>
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Brunch was delicious and not photographed, and it was fun to catch up with Vanessa and Steven and their adorable two-year-old. When we had finished, they took us to see the rooftop lounge overlooking Millennium Park. It was lovely but freezing cold!</div>
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Amanda and I whiled away the afternoon, first with a conversation on a bench in the Chicago Art Institute's entrance hall, and then by chasing down a handful of artsy-hipster shops that all sold versions of roughly the same set of succulents, whimsical jewelry, cute (but probably useless) hand-thrown ceramics, and designer clothing items that were presented more as curated "pieces" than a stack of jeans.<br />
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Then we took a nap. Because that's what happens when you go to sleep at 4am and then have to get up for brunch at the crack of dawn. (Here "crack of dawn" means 11am.)<br />
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After napping, we headed out for dinner at Sunda, a lively pan-Asian restaurant with delicious potstickers and sushi rolls before landing at the watertower for the main event: theatre!<br />
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It was a new play called Mr & Mrs Pennyworth. The basic concept was a pair of married storytellers who go in search of a giant monster who killed the Big Bad Wolf (of fairy tale fame). The story was told delightfully with only the two actors and lots of gorgeous shadow animation and puppetry. The simple tale wove together themes of storytelling, love, and what it means to be real. I loved it. <br />
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Fortunately there was a great late-night dessert cafe just down the street. So we settled in with a slice of caramel pie and a glass of milk to discuss the play (and everything else) until bedtime.<br />
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-30409702821619786942017-02-04T03:57:00.001-05:002017-02-04T03:57:42.238-05:00Getting to Chicago<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Because Chicago is such a wonderful mid-winter destination, Amanda and I planned a quick theatre weekend. As if the universe knew we'd need good blog fodder, travel drama ensued:<br />
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(I'm the blue bubbles, Amanda's the grey)<br />
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Fortunately, it all worked out in the end. I got to the hotel around midnight and went out to get some deep dish Chicago pizza, which was ready just in time for Amanda to arrive around 2am (much better than spending the night in the St. Louis airport!). With any luck, we'll be snug in bed (though surely not asleep) by 3am.<br />
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Fortunately brunch isn't until 11am... </div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-62251215250602954962017-01-17T18:43:00.001-05:002017-01-17T18:47:07.671-05:00House Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What better reason to interrupt a long blogging hiatus than to talk about how my house became more famous than I am?<br />
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It all started at my housewarming party in 2015. I got a ton of compliments on how I'd put the house together, and one guy suggested submitting it to be featured on the <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">Apartment Therapy</a> website. I sat on that idea for a while and finally this year, during the week between Christmas and New Years, I got around to taking some photos and sending them in.<br />
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And they liked it! The feature ran last Friday, and I thought it turned out really nice. You can check it out <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/a-calm-pacific-northwest-inspired-seattle-home-240311">here</a>.<br />
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Since they only showed five photos, I thought you might be interested in seeing a few more photos of the rest of the house.<br />
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LIVING ROOM<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31504615943/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission"><img alt="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission" height="383" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/489/31504615943_eeb8760ff1.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Raleigh sofa, Noguchi coffee table, Eames lounge custom-upholstered in navy leather.<br />
I found the side-table at the Chelsea Flea Market in NY and refinished it myself.<br />
The vases are from Spin Ceramics in Shanghai. The pillows are carpet remnants from Istanbul.<br />
The rug is Afghan. Wall color: Vancouver Day by C2.</td></tr>
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KITCHEN<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31504616763/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission"><img alt="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission" height="415" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/301/31504616763_8151456f56.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Mapp table in walnut and marble. Eames plastic molded chairs in Sparrow.<br />
The runner is an indigo print from Beijing. The dish over the stove is from Fez, Morocco.<br />
Wall color: Vault by C2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31482946914/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Kitchen"><img alt="Chez moi - Kitchen" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/405/31482946914_ba15d2a7ee.jpg" width="309" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">We missed our ferry from Tangiers to Gibraltar<br />
because the customs guy insisted on inspecting<br />
this plate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32335692946/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Kitchen"><img alt="Chez moi - Kitchen" height="318" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/599/32335692946_153c876e49.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I negotiated the price for this runner with the old woman in the market<br />
by writing my bids on her hand with a ballpoint pen</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32165766382/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Kitchen"><img alt="Chez moi - Kitchen" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/509/32165766382_46ac1c1491.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The view out the back is very "Pacific Northwest"<br />
Hummingbirds play in the little fountain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32195934471/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - backyard"><img alt="Chez moi - backyard" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/438/32195934471_015fed7e2e.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The backyard in summer.</td></tr>
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SECOND FLOOR LANDING<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31504617183/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission"><img alt="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/277/31504617183_51d703d994.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Bookshelves from Boconcept<br />
Artwork from Belgium and France<br />
Wedding blanket from Morocco<br />
Wall color: Vancouver Day by C2</td></tr>
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UPSTAIRS LIVING<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32276412196/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Second Living Room"><img alt="Chez moi - Second Living Room" height="384" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/601/32276412196_f5b6f5270f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I found the Cashmiri rug in New Delhi.<br />
The side table is a garage sale find that I refinished.<br />
Artwork of Angkor Wat from a local photographer in Siem Reap.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32276410096/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Second Living Room"><img alt="Chez moi - Second Living Room" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/393/32276410096_ccd5973ded.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The bookcase is from a Seattle antique store, probably originally<br />
English with Art Nouveau detailing.<br />
The blue ceramics are from Morocco and Vietnam,<br />
except for the rabbit, which was a gift from a little old lady who<br />
wanted me to save for my mission when I was in Kindergarten.</td></tr>
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GUEST BED<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32315258495/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom"><img alt="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/446/32315258495_4a3fea97a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Custom bed from a shop in Seattle. The rug is from Morocco.<br />
Artwork from Japan. Wall color is Portland by C2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32165742092/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom"><img alt="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom" height="361" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/435/32165742092_0b3b59dbab.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I created the sconces by mixing a wooden base from West Elm, the cords from<br />
The Color Cord Company, and garlands by Tord Boontje.<br />
The drawings are from Belgium. I got the side-tables to the right height by<br />
cutting off their legs with a hacksaw.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32165744332/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom"><img alt="Chez moi - Guest Bedroom" height="367" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/671/32165744332_9cb0e65f28.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The dresser is vintage from a Seattle antique store. I designed and made the wooden music<br />
stand in my 8th grade wood shop class. The brass figurines are from my childhood:<br />
a squirrel from Uncle Brad, a camel from Dad's trip to Niger, Aunt Sheri's fox.</td></tr>
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LANDING 2<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32315299715/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Landings"><img alt="Chez moi - Landings" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/462/32315299715_07c5e6fbc2.jpg" width="447" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The sideboard is from a Seattle antique shop.<br />
The photo is by a local photographer in Portland.</td></tr>
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MASTER BED<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31504617793/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission"><img alt="Chez moi - Apartment Therapy Submission" height="481" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/616/31504617793_67c9deb351.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Bertoia diamond chair. Blanket and pillows from Morocco. Rug from Turkey.<br />
The photographs are mine (hard to see, but it's the Alhambra on the left,<br />
and the view from the summit of Mt Fuji on the right). <br />
Wall color is Espionage by C2 paints.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31473527244/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Master Bedroom"><img alt="Chez moi - Master Bedroom" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/259/31473527244_ac7e2cd1db.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">No fear of the Evil Eye with all the sequins!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31504635403/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Master Bedroom"><img alt="Chez moi - Master Bedroom" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/457/31504635403_f92d8441bf.jpg" width="373" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I took the photograph at the Alhambra in Spain.<br />
The plant is from a cutting I got during my summer<br />
working at the Screen Actors Guild during law school.<br />
The lamp is from Schoolhouse Electric and is made of<br />
school science lab equipment.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The masks are from Guatemala<br />
The drawing was a gift from Amanda upon graduation from law school -- it depicts the<br />
(probably apocryphal) tale of the man who introduced starlings to North America by releasing<br />
them in Central Park so that Americans could have all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare's<br />
plays. </td></tr>
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MASTER BATH<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/31473493524/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Master Bath"><img alt="Chez moi - Master Bath" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/542/31473493524_468a84fd4c.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Yes, that's a wall of frosted glass window. It's lovely.<br />
Rug is from Morocco. Wall color is Seraph by C2.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork from Turkey</td></tr>
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TOP OF STAIRS<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The Oregon Trail sign was left-over from my<br />
Eagle Scout project. The cactus was purchased from<br />
hipsters in Portland. The orchids are from cuttings<br />
from a friend and have never bloomed...</td></tr>
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ROOFTOP GARDEN<br />
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<tr><td><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jackjasondavis/32276423106/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Chez moi - Roof"><img alt="Chez moi - Roof" height="472" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/466/32276423106_2dcec84689.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Japanese maple with water garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Little Gem Magnolia with lavender and rosemary</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The view of downtown and Mount Rainier.</td></tr>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-17892314763385274312016-08-19T15:30:00.000-04:002016-08-19T15:34:50.864-04:00Horses and creeks and rocks and sticks and cousins!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is the stuff Huntsville memories are made of.
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0Huntsville, UT 84317, USA41.2607744 -111.769937941.2369014 -111.8102784 41.284647400000004 -111.7295974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-49682093018002355532016-08-19T15:23:00.001-04:002016-08-19T15:23:19.399-04:00Huntsville<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've <a href="http://amoregentlemanlikemanner.blogspot.com/2012/12/utah-roots.html">written about Huntsville before</a> -- this place of childhood and grandparents so dear to the Davis-McKay family heart. I hadn't been here in summer for years, and I took some time after the funeral to wander around the property, exploring the ways it had changed and hadn't changed at all. It's not home, but it is homeland.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ALs_z-Iw754Y0Uw2svVhl2EM-pHbdlXyQCAqrubWy5eH8XdthsDEmQanBmB-WN0sQ26zM6jsyC0e7SakBq6hwyD2ySxrng5mmATOvP9_eAoWQyOoMohQpVM6O5OGJBkSdv5NZCZDqSc0/s640/blogger-image-735624905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ALs_z-Iw754Y0Uw2svVhl2EM-pHbdlXyQCAqrubWy5eH8XdthsDEmQanBmB-WN0sQ26zM6jsyC0e7SakBq6hwyD2ySxrng5mmATOvP9_eAoWQyOoMohQpVM6O5OGJBkSdv5NZCZDqSc0/s640/blogger-image-735624905.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the East House (Granny and Grandpa's house) and West House (where I lived when I was in 4th grade).,</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhadmnKFQqtvXmpXPlVf2IbQsFw-iDdtU1b4pOp7K-KebOvr0cnKfHKXG2FLw8bvEwWIddpzRSKhHzrEyZ8Xb_NsjOBF3fxQb7xF8UhY4gutTqL-xW1Fjcsuj0dVFKtiG1RX4q5mlI8i_Vn/s640/blogger-image-1295552550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The houses sit at the edge of 10 acres of farm-land in the midst of a beautiful mountain valley. <br />The first enclosure is used for alfalfa cultivation.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxe2ylBzj9NsqKYsag-OmzGLuNxwg9tfXfSw4NYe9jvf5PChVox2nq9GVnZVglqeZkhzddkGCcQwVqCujSsz03zWA57nI47GjsJ0FF790V30KwliIKQWH2dA5O01FJORjS6AKe1ZTtPtqG/s640/blogger-image--524134135.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The central field is used to pasture horses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMiVOMHBmqiIPoXxFis2_T_OqEqDmyld5kLYNGOz3LMCBWGvy1txwjBCCfv7c5whdOczdG0cCyW1hFu2FqpzG_q4IZcodEt26n4h4leGH2DrkUV35Os10mu2vcapxW81Tf9iiQhPWtEfN/s640/blogger-image--1501607433.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Creek runs through. So many memories as a kid playing in this creek, catching <br />tadpoles and finding shells of freshwater shellfish.</td></tr>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-31494920497185563952016-08-19T15:00:00.000-04:002016-08-19T15:09:19.172-04:00Grandpa Davis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One week ago today Jack J Davis, my grandfather and namesake -- the original JJD -- passed away. He was 93.<br />
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<img alt="Jack J. Davis M.D." height="400" itemprop="image" src="http://img01.funeralnet.com/obit_photo.php?type=obit&fullsize=1&id=1645777&clientid=myers-mortuary&rand=1471546638" width="310" /><br />
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His <a href="http://www.myers-mortuary.com/obituary/Jack-J.-Davis-M.D./Huntsville-UT/1645777">obituary</a>, which I have copied below, highlights much of what he will be remembered for: His military service, his remarkable medical career, his even more remarkable dedication to caring for my grandmother during her long disability.</div>
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The short paragraphs of the obituary are like candles at dusk, bright points of biography around which the countless moths of memory flutter. I remember so much. </div>
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The early memories are impressionistic snapshots: The delightful antics of dibbee-dee on his knee in the living room. The dark quiet of his crimson-carpeted Dallin Street study; that palomino horse figurine on the filing cabinet so alluring. A sleepy nighttime ride in the back of his old Suburban on the way home from Huntsville, watching the play of the streetlamps as we went round the cloverleaf freeway exit. The flash of blue and red on the bedroom walls the night of Granny's stroke.</div>
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Sometime in my late grade-school years (maybe fourth or fifth grade?) I spent a week with Grandpa at the Huntsville house, which he had recently taken (unconvincingly) to calling "Spring Creek Ranch". It was a week of grandparental bonding -- and by "bonding" I mean "intensive instruction in the metric system and grammar." We bought a metric converter calculator, which I used each morning to make "metric mush" (Cream of Wheat prepared using metric measurements instead of the imperial measurements). We tromped through the pastures marking out first an acre, then a hectare, and then calculating how many hectares were enclosed by the property. Between crunching numbers, we quizzed each other on vocabulary (what is the difference between "odiferous" and "odoriferous"?) and grammar (a "gerund" has the form of a verb but is used as a noun). We may also have pulled some weeds or inspected some sprinklers along the way -- I honestly can't remember; what stuck with me was our shared, deep delight in words, numbers, ideas, learning.</div>
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Kinship is a funny thing. Family names are given at birth -- my parents chose my name so that I would have the same initials as Grandpa. Children are taught family traditions and values through countless daily practices of their parents, grandparents and extended family. But kinship is a connection that goes deeper than one's name or how one learns to observe the Sabbath. I felt that with Grandpa more than almost anyone else. </div>
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The week of metric "ranching" was probably the longest time I spent with Grandpa. We lived in different states most of my life, and even for the few years we lived in the same state, the busy-ness of life meant that I didn't see him all that much more frequently. And yet when I look at so many of my own qualities (and yes, faults) -- my instinctive love of words and grammar, the intensity of my academic drive, my ability to focus single-mindedly and protractedly on the objects of my interest, my susceptibility to the allure of prestige -- these to are many of the same qualities (and yes, faults) that defined Grandpa. I honestly can't say that I learned them from him; our contact has been too brief and intermittent for that. But the commonality is there nonetheless. I am who I am because of the man whose grandson I am.</div>
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This feeling of kinship was deepened as I listened to Uncle Julian, Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Dan, and my Dad speak about Grandpa at the funeral. Many of the stories I knew already from family lore; others were new to me but still charming in the familiar portrait they painted. Two things, however, stood out to me in a way that caught me by surprise.</div>
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The first was a set of remarks by Uncle Julian and Aunt Jennifer. Julian spoke of Grandpa's care for Granny during the 27 years of disability following her aneurysm and stroke. He said that Grandpa was motivated by love, certainly, but also by loyalty and a commitment to "the promises he made." Jennifer also spoke of the lessons she learned from Grandpa about the importance of commitment and keeping promises. I hadn't thought of Grandpa in those terms before -- but it made sense, and as I reflected on his lift I could see this a fundamental quality of his. As I've grown older and learned more about myself, I've realized that one of the things I value most in others, and which I strive most to embody myself, is these same traits of loyalty, commitment and dependability. All of the people I consider closest in my life share these traits, and the idea that they represent a family heritage shared across generations adds a layer of richness that I hadn't felt before.</div>
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The second thing that stood out was in Dan's talk -- he spoke of Grandpa's incredible motivation and drive to accomplish things. He said that in recent years, Grandpa had confided in him, saying "I have a motivation problem -- I'm too motivated!" Dan related the story to humorous effect, and everyone chuckled with recognition at the punchline. For me, though, all I could hear was my own voice -- How many times have I said that to myself, or had others say that to me! In good times, it's exhilarating; in bad times, it's a burden -- why can't I stop caring, stop wanting to achieve? For all the lightness of Dan's story, I could well imagine Grandpa, his health and strength waning, aware of his shortening time, looking at his lists of personal goals and ambitions -- all of the things he was so motivated to do -- and thinking, "I'm too motivated!" </div>
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The effect of these reflections over the past week as I've mourned Grandpa's passing has been to bring him closer than ever. I see in myself deep similarities to this father of my father, an influence on my life more profound and personal than perhaps I ever realized. I'm more intimately aware of his legacy than I ever have been before -- each time I sign my initials and give unsolicited grammar lessons and feel the power of kept promises, I think of him and am grateful.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyrgMBafB0uNL0Nz4ohQM41eoExg9YmUvUnNd2OgNKYi_YGWPKSL9sqr5LIg6Ks9Tj4Dw5VAQfgMsHEBvwndINvBuDZHCeNshg1pr8GG3kAU5I12q_dzeQnroJWMNcYQd0eeAOZEdBd_j/s640/blogger-image-545213499.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family plot in the Huntsville cemetary.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dX5dLc2mbZz-K4zoCjvLX537Dyb9pwbN6r2GvkC1Dzj9T7HHJFzpiaprRjRlT1Gn7nx1ofLUZvP1IAcLaWFftSK9jJqF4IWy4VTkp1997QgygODX5L2wZEB_5WsgPq4JmdN2jQVdySy7/s640/blogger-image-1820314800.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the pallbearers placed their boutinieres on the casket, each of the great-grandchildren placed a flag there too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHl956mtHoNO7dskdy-0XV4XinfwXIHX_A8FVsdT0tYEDyZ8LHIVy4kQQ1HwUScIS2m_UPUuEVussCZYNGn0zAWf4LneYUMDVo_LjdFPsL5wcRNzfj4XhMAl9K29jxL09NnRT5jzvgTnb/s640/blogger-image--720441484.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The military Honor Guard presented military honors, and my cousin Ryan brought the riderless horse. Bagpipers played.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTz2HCIiSTA1cMCws0fCjyqTmeGJOvq6OYWGF5_lPuxuv5Oj46YTwspqBjY5bpCzZ30Q7lxtHAwJ3cOLu9ILckJ-ZSRGa3WhMFIT_tAK1sItZj5F3TOuefgNFu5Z-Hre8IEyF8LncT_7J/s640/blogger-image-80240022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad, Laurel, Jennifer, Dan</td></tr>
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Jack J. Davis, M.D.<br />
1923 – 2016<br />
<br />
Dr. Jack J. Davis, beloved father, brother, grandfather,
great-grandfather, colleague, and friend, passed away peacefully in
Ogden on August 12, 2016, after a brief illness. <br />
<br />
Dr. Davis was born January 20, 1923, in Ogden, to Monida Emily
Hunsaker and John Ira Davis. The oldest of four children (two brothers
and one sister), he spent a busy, joyous youth in the distinctive and
beautiful house on Marilyn Drive. From there, it was easy to walk the
as-yet undeveloped foothills and to hike and ski the canyons and Mount
Ogden. Jack attended Ogden City Schools and graduated from Ogden High.
He excelled academically, was active in the LDS Church and Boy Scouts,
and was a classically trained pianist. He attended Weber State College
and then the University of Utah, where he earned a Bachelor of Science
degree.<br />
<br />
After ROTC at the University of Utah, Jack joined the Navy in World War
II, destined for a PT Boat. Instead, the Navy sent him to medical
school at Northwestern University in Chicago, where he earned a second
Bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Medicine. He served an internship at
Wesley Memorial Hospital in Chicago, followed by a residency in
Radiology at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, eventually becoming board
certified in Radiology. He returned to active military duty during the
Korean War as a Captain in the Medical Corps, serving at Camp Chaffee,
Arkansas.<br />
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Dr. Davis' civilian professional career spanned 40 years as a
radiologist with the Salt Lake Clinic, as well as service to the 75th
Medical Group's Department of Radiology at Hill Air Force Base. During
this time, he was active in several medical research and professional
boards and organizations.<br />
<br />
Jack met his future wife, Janice McKay of Huntsville, in 1948, while
she was teaching at South Junior High in Weber County. They were
married on June 13, 1949, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple, with David O.
McKay performing the ceremony. They settled in Salt Lake City to raise
their four children, with frequent trips to Ogden and Huntsville to
visit family. Their homes on Roosevelt Avenue and Dallin Street were
busy and full of neighbor kids and cousins. Treasured times were the
family's regular road trips, with mandatory stops at every historical
marker and the occasional "roadside chat" to explain acceptable behavior
for children in a car.<br />
<br />
Jack served many positions in his LDS Wards in Salt Lake City and was a
strong supporter and leader in Scouting. Along with his own Eagle
Scout rank earned in his youth, he received the Wood Badge and was
honored with the Silver Beaver Award. He served as Scoutmaster for 13
years in Troops 243 and 71 in Salt Lake City.<br />
<br />
Jack and Janice had a wide circle of friends in Salt Lake, as well as a
closer circle who formed their decades-long study group, meeting once a
month at one of their homes for dinner and discussion. He supported
the arts and for decades was a season ticket holder for himself, Janice
and two other lucky friends or relatives at Pioneer Memorial Theater.
Jack always loved the outdoors, and in adulthood became an avid
horseman. Trail rides with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law and
later with his children were special activities. In his later years,
Jack became a fun and witty grandpa and great-grandpa, known for his
clever conversation and gentle teasing. Perhaps his greatest
achievement was his devoted and tender care of Janice for the 27 years
after she suffered an aneurysm and stroke, until her death in 2009.
Surely, theirs has been a joyous reunion.<br />
<br />
Dr. Jack J. Davis' 93 years have truly been a life well lived, with
many accomplishments and service to family, country, church, profession,
and community. He has touched countless lives in so many ways and will
be greatly missed. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Ben H.
Davis, sister Carol Lynne Davis Paul, wife Janice, infant son Mark and a
grandson Nicholas D. Lamborn. Survived by his brother Julian Ira
Davis (Becki); his children Jennifer Sorensen (Cliff), Dr. Jack M. Davis
(Cindy), Laurel Lamborn, and Daniel M. Davis; 9 grandchildren and their
spouses; and 15 great-grandchildren.<br />
<br />
Friends and family may pay their respects at Myers Mortuary, 845
Washington Boulevard, Ogden, UT, on Tuesday evening, August 16, 2016,
from 6 until 8. Services at Huntsville 1st Ward Chapel, 277 S. 7400 E,
Huntsville, UT, at 12 noon, with visitation from 10:30 until 11:45.
Interment at the Huntsville Cemetery, with military honors.
</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-50376193565076620142016-07-05T21:20:00.000-04:002016-07-10T21:22:51.960-04:00Seattle for the Fourth - Legos!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we went to bed after the fireworks on the 4th of July, I told my parents that we didn't have any fixed itinerary for the next day, so they were free to take all the time they wanted in the morning and we'd figure out what to do with the rest of the day before they needed to be at the train station.
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They took me at my word!</div>
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We left for breakfast at noon. Or, rather, we skipped breakfast altogether and went straight to lunch. We opted for a quick pizza from MOD Pizza at the Seattle Center Armory, because that put us only a few steps away from the Pacific Science Center and their very cool <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/the-art-of-the-brick/">exhibition of Lego art</a>.</div>
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Apparently this guy went to NYU Law School, practiced corporate law for a few years in a big New York law firm, and then decided one day that he could make a living playing with Legos instead. Not just playing, making legit art!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlFDzrnsKAnunuAUOt-R1zw8fc08hZLEE2PRGLxnDE9M-_sxr6L_Z4gkfq8-fQQwsplGelREGRvTSlypNlULo3Zov_QRtsfDmfMI8VMD20VdIWa-zeWI58tvjRu6DFJIi-05cEG4NP7nu/s640/blogger-image-1844820679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd2ywyjr-SL-rUMAOFcPYzm4Drf2PVYq1ruVFGupgT-d27GB7u3T6nwe-XGC_M9N1-lHcEn0phCy78YbQgC9Ua87VuETU0UShWmqiBvQKj9KedzTA7jpU-pbUKcEfz_gV8iwA60gttKPj/s640/blogger-image-37852450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizd2ywyjr-SL-rUMAOFcPYzm4Drf2PVYq1ruVFGupgT-d27GB7u3T6nwe-XGC_M9N1-lHcEn0phCy78YbQgC9Ua87VuETU0UShWmqiBvQKj9KedzTA7jpU-pbUKcEfz_gV8iwA60gttKPj/s640/blogger-image-37852450.jpg" /></a></div>
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The exhibition began with a passage through art history. Here legos were used two-dimensionally to recreate other two-dimensional works of art.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlFDzrnsKAnunuAUOt-R1zw8fc08hZLEE2PRGLxnDE9M-_sxr6L_Z4gkfq8-fQQwsplGelREGRvTSlypNlULo3Zov_QRtsfDmfMI8VMD20VdIWa-zeWI58tvjRu6DFJIi-05cEG4NP7nu/s640/blogger-image-1844820679.jpg" /><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyBSL4dw8XZp1SwwX5UsBX716qSRJTbfhDAYRHQAB_QV-agtWXVjOjReXZ5zrFUB7j0o-6pCdpXlTwePGbVXc0zqRnqFqrpEdiLgnHBFp67PTCTUm70SVNq4rAPjgEjyrzmD1NlSMDT7O/s640/blogger-image-1532873495.jpg" /><br />
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The lego blocks gave a strangely pixellated effect to the artworks, evoking both the original subject as well as other art-historical movements such as impressionism, pointillism and whatever you call <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Close">Chuck Close'</a>s technique.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKV6eH2bEoWgOPDqqeXN2-XQo2q44fFIjsDn7YIELeym3mhDXslT9kAo_1tfVPy-ubxF9lE2tDGmGAnLHgadRc9JOSAqy-isUjt-o1MD4j3kZr9RIucYyBWMv5KKR1nX2lC9vpCIwauLG/s640/blogger-image-1858940420.jpg" /><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTmw0wsNpAITZgAbpW5oBjJoL9Qfx-gSwMcAyC2Qt9Ol8WTUJq0u3L5Gy5mxVpjo_x7tHyaZ7ir15YJKXJwgcKg8ADrSLxW_fy9erFZRjqZ5qaFMOD3yOlsuQ6mOqpB97hoj0Yhgb39Pv/s640/blogger-image--1222369468.jpg" /><br />
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By the time we got to the actual impressionists, we had moved beyond 2D into 3D. Which is interesting because part of what made Van Gogh's works so exciting was the feeling of movement that came from the 3D effect of all those heavy brush strokes on the canvas. Oddly, though, this rendering in legos was less effective for me, as it started to feel like cross-stitch.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdInM74MpgwqPAjUtjnwHwQOggq4xq0E4pleaC3jEASgkZDBvmtyn5sNyHzSrVeHAm16K4H5ahDv5e4rzoasXFyPGs5mX3ZK4CZ39P_yDXQlzJRSXe4ixk8vPqbiBb_OhmFwZpQJ_tzpI/s640/blogger-image--2115614329.jpg" /><br />
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Progressing onward, we started blowing out the famous paintings into fully formed vignettes. Whistler's Mother is a little terrifying in this format.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gU-hEzBhuZ9S0CkaT0tyFp_FklAzTxM9EyvMtZZVsA6XxoL6lFZLEfp8BdzIswQ3AG2DMcbEi3ZkXk924_wqjIld2MhQGMrXpaWRIxFsjDNvkFOKkGqhKaphkWsDH3871IxtjkuFLggV/s640/blogger-image--207501387.jpg" /><br />
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And if you had any doubts about the ability of Lego to take on actual 3D sculpture, you shouldn't: The "marbles" were super impressive. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rnPYDehXL0v2vE6hdTXJMuxLS-UFGksKLBgPFozQHbwJEEYJY9llUqGJI4ULeKoM4upp0zG9bFjlAmvDyguK6YkLbuQuYpcBMbsucX22NsXnbRseLgEztT345qvYYYiFjWh6F9CG-w3E/s640/blogger-image--1191550423.jpg" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4ruG0NOFBIeONooBvnX-p4kJpyJffuPT3h2w59Y_2lf-ASruxEBn3Z0XwB-0PCRIwzwLE7okMeCyC9Eu31-b-qmA-WsZIIv-Y0lpuwo-0sibgrxAxbzmB1lzAM4oT4pLV9d-hur7EmlE/s640/blogger-image-586704654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4ruG0NOFBIeONooBvnX-p4kJpyJffuPT3h2w59Y_2lf-ASruxEBn3Z0XwB-0PCRIwzwLE7okMeCyC9Eu31-b-qmA-WsZIIv-Y0lpuwo-0sibgrxAxbzmB1lzAM4oT4pLV9d-hur7EmlE/s640/blogger-image-586704654.jpg" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMlXdUiVhRzote0u7C3ZxW5brW8EXJwhxNJbvC6pVy20_S-UCPLwxsQrhM0snPZaHLBubKDsPfQphjbbnxwYbhVXnbdLNmw3iI5XG3BMgPW3mfT76U0Cb037Yl8IMdO4olcwPzvw8ly7x/s640/blogger-image-1831374379.jpg" /></div>
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The terra cotta warriors made into the show, too. (And the enthusiastic docent informed us that the real things would be coming to Seattle later in the year.)</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoN3z7gitekAXdEm-hRwHYjfjR0ltLbyB9UIAfcrlJsVaCxEc0jD0z88VxvUL0BUnD0Sp5gE4zYnmU8K55WxDrwAIQ6t_h_IqQlwthFQ5ekfFzfSMUgWQ9uXWz5972yz3nFyMrUOFHilGH/s640/blogger-image-1218308989.jpg" /><br />
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Once our tour of art history was complete, we moved into the artist's own contemporary world. He was clearly fascinated with the human form, and with the ability that legos have to build and unbuild the world.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4_78yK7gai9iG72341WLmrsrqi9Ye039guGmrkgttVqfq32Im0LhBlvz3aLotluCY2nYNoU6znXArRD2jI5-f3SPeWOmrpz9C5dVScr8L9-6BXRV78mIIIinmv6QEaSPxPRqcyG1O0Vnl/s640/blogger-image--2104961618.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad's favorite</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIz1w0t-DSWjSWCoG2U-uffx0_VnJN_4nD-gx7YcuRIVZc9rKbt8WrX0EJHZirm-5EpIy-5-vl-zdJg2rBrnzFyLJHWF5idyqp6u20T5Ljg4tKbxTHfleMe_MgxOy4NNaEoK8tRCuR2Won/s640/blogger-image--637255417.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusEX7WZQ8jO7BCGwp2icYlNSw_RpC54dP8JF4wtMsSq5dylDFoGrGbijM_jsEqBUJBvxAC8JoZixolIJKbkV3ciT79yvliqyLdeuZZIBcjep8PevwDNwhglCPT1oemE7Wkhwh_8f4WgoB/s640/blogger-image-1460174134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The international art scene's favorite</td></tr>
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We even got to take our picture with this "Green Guy" on our way out.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesnvvcTJ79FmIRDgf7Z_f7lOePZa_xh6-gRxLxuzdtbMGkFuX4_DKpLi95mSB2rfHzBdeU3Qi9crVfaVK3HZ-6NNE3zZNDmQlty7p8yIDckM1ItjC4ztGfosfl6_x2MEyzHVMvp9OcdfK/s640/blogger-image-853966470.jpg" /><br />
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By the time we were done with the Lego exhibit, we had just enough time to walk down to the Olympic Sculpture Park for a quick walk along the water before heading to the train station.<br />
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It was a fun visit, and I hope we'll be able to do it again soon!
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-1884376470581605862016-07-04T23:14:00.000-04:002016-07-10T21:24:27.007-04:00Seattle for the Fourth - Independence Day
The Fourth of July last year was blazing hot. This year? Not so much: Chilly and grey, with patches of rain. Apparently this is how the Pacific Northwest "does summer." But being the good Americans we are, we celebrated our independence -- weather be damned!</div>
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We caught a late-morning ferry to Bainbridge Island, where Justin's parents had saved curb-side seats to watch the Bainbridge village parade. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoEPJQJ6CL6OzROajv6xmus3s0inH-gQjGT9PXulXz_88tUi3bwBKO27pRyds_-wBPC3VdhDXbv1f8OCs820wV-SV7fqHnOnU0tu33SBI1jOBgootJRKmrFYmUTFRgRrtjcTz7FDf1m-k/s640/blogger-image-764732529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_GHVh35KU04DD_t0OS5xnuIwQ3HACghAgs_hl3o0E0qZpiNmh4BhCQcUP-4miiXnDywNE6bv62iBOzimBcC0w2A-7MJAhm3Lu9XMiP349c0zoTpg9594JLeJU7btxbQ-oZBLLk1ftxTU/s640/blogger-image--931506631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_GHVh35KU04DD_t0OS5xnuIwQ3HACghAgs_hl3o0E0qZpiNmh4BhCQcUP-4miiXnDywNE6bv62iBOzimBcC0w2A-7MJAhm3Lu9XMiP349c0zoTpg9594JLeJU7btxbQ-oZBLLk1ftxTU/s640/blogger-image--931506631.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was a classic small-town parade with old cars, a couple of marching bands, and a smattering of local celebrities.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoEPJQJ6CL6OzROajv6xmus3s0inH-gQjGT9PXulXz_88tUi3bwBKO27pRyds_-wBPC3VdhDXbv1f8OCs820wV-SV7fqHnOnU0tu33SBI1jOBgootJRKmrFYmUTFRgRrtjcTz7FDf1m-k/s640/blogger-image-764732529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every parade needs a good drumlins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ75SXZshYlX7X6Q8Pw_p4tc_1ex9HdcCREVCjOt2TBlO7m3TJpSBfNHCMZrDhmo1K6MyY1_I5bDdJ-eZgdL4wt985woNaaPPa-HwXI7IC6uAREIaAuIwXwdP1KSfz3bff2xlStryBjyn8/s640/blogger-image--298778932.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I missed the point of this group -- pies on bikes?</td></tr>
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Partway through the parade we became famished and took advantage of the sidewalk grilling operation at the pub behind us. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMuy6g-G0afWSKVGaA6xO9Wf8UxDHuUvky8EzS4P5FeSlEBFeNOJ_I47xX-mA-bdrFdc3TqGegsghTOLDkjCPBwZf4IVD2K5WuokmOKNyDenlJzMyu9htCJtjnfDFye750uPeYlJUeXsS/s640/blogger-image--628644817.jpg" /><br />
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The hearty burger helped me last through the rest of the parade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0mwxanOB17Cihapm_0XIAyOoxJkPIaZSx8ucjdc4FUt7S_D1EQWc1swNLgX3GpuFmk05tAy1XtyQ8mrWZVI9e79-IJo7Gad4e8gcIRsM2zLd7CYQtMvViSlrrdCELeAiWrsZN_Jh0UW9/s640/blogger-image-1859856127.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so intense after all</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KU1UJgb83Hz_6HV6zIaU3EBpNFOiXynI7XHB87sAIptctiHgazpinIFHohdgtftz2VKNxa7jDCVLp93r4wCgBDbBw9tfWUrv9i6_u5ivwCyAvevwaDLZg0fWupq9kqw7FUQw4C4_hrq7/s640/blogger-image-1902624289.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They left the political marchers to the end. Probably the right call, since not every candidate got a good reception.</td></tr>
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Once the parade had ended, we walked around to the parking lots where all the old cars were on display. The dads loved it. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2xwKn54EyEhF5O3q91e1QnAGinGd0vaVhuNOrbSvCsXmbU2Z9i6wRQif7M5niVDmHNP6Apre75KZ0QDKf_SypLNL_kdBkyaP_VwIvrBdq5aUq569Vlv0UrYRjTc82mKCbRpG0s_yMqVC/s640/blogger-image-1138546173.jpg" /><br />
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From old cars to tasty food -- no trip to Bainbridge is complete without a stop at Mora's ice cream shop.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBo9CZGBNLmgLAMXPDtwuUJils2huC86136p6aLMoptAXuT5jW8dK2EbcXUFVCv1opN7t8M6HEWSdLmOg-yqEn_zTxI42uO6M19NfB9OrHeoB6lEFpuH4HOucVo7p7D8JTTpgE_WZRj3iW/s640/blogger-image--1160363055.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mora" means blackberry in Spanish</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2ds2DfSPjAx9VPF4ve1I2ddejRdLDTGA7fJ2qzXem1qy2r0-O3U_LK0LCpq3u_uWUQ82qCZ1dWJiGkEUY8dXwj048cnkp4sZIKiV1JsRFMiNK7OGPdLS2RH6eS-V_LvckMQsanJ-JLiP/s640/blogger-image--1376583082.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a coconut milk shake. Dad got something chocolate, and Greg got the classic mora (blackberry)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFnfZEG7JKmx9HF7b8k6gKosbY291-azEciHXSUyc76NMzJm3Dqpz-4nCtnI5ElPyzjY7ZLcVyZts2KojUwCTvq-xVYnyvpi85N6Qm0My3FzRN_M5iwYjRJwT6K9eYHwfqbSisB3_zrqf/s640/blogger-image--1045459260.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady and Pam were entrapped by the siren song of Nutella-filled crepes</td></tr>
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We got back to the mainland in a shower of rain and headed upstairs to the roof for dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEEKP1g6Kfba1UEhwfs6YY8vbNQWizmXqHuClyVkPoK4Vca9K91d8UQcZDj1k1pbgHVO4RKvhW52b8MgqWQICFgeo6zTj92oVaLgfHT3uiJ7-tsIJYQMHv2gGZJaRHCmRiQraoKJog1bp/s640/blogger-image--431366147.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boats already were gathering on the lake for the fireworks show</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3Ooqd_PWiD75K0LVBcVl6jeyLkigE6fq6L0LdUz6X9-fL5cAhLOMLkmKOjW3kBf37yzbhbOYATkFhrWhYLMq9zSvxOYDwEIMZ7EMfZxAzu4crUMli7Omib_zzjB7yhaLqsSu-sz9K1BR/s640/blogger-image-369307580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilling! Pretending it's summer!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1Je7Q5N37V1Qx0Xw5wIjjXqFqT3ounSX7tcwTJZfrSBuA92I2X_p16cfxaB7xIrYfwGzYnEgMdlsaz5PWXOZW1ujJvRGK3lPhr-cPS3sR5nSXVAomrt5VI_FFxsaTyDpLxKYQ_HXIKH0/s640/blogger-image--1422126219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything was delicious: pork chops, asparagus, salad, local cherries, local potato chips<br />
and a handful of local sodas <br />
(ack, I can't believe I just wrote "local" so many times -- I'm turning into a Seattle-ite!)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r1Sl1sQg1jlxCjgUQh7ooUBpiGC0nu1Z3mwpOuY8Rj_917w4sZQvuMDngSrCCepLMESl0wGkMf0af0picjq2_8QDl5eESmbubIADD3-hYKqo08MFTkZQtXWvdY07fJXVfvR5XvC1o6kz/s640/blogger-image-1425980682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting darker!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvqR054iaRh_La7_2hT-7WDW96zQ7ClsjMCGUNiLSWyPlT7YXwc2FfOTE4SVtbzHJBeevwh-eu16y2SdSZ4AA945qfCsY5XKNezoggQfs__OPifwadV0B-cVVe_r_yXRdixllbRS90L99/s640/blogger-image-994077828.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now the piece de resistance: grilled peaches with honey and ice cream</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoC0muNV0tPvec97pDDfRaIr2UGMk5g5HYzOwiEsOzhPZk1J8e8QiaEKHpw7J-LDsdf9vGmfbOkIIqk1C4YvyWDXHD2rZ0-3JoNLw2auZu6sS9sOPf1XVGm0A_oD9eMb5Gc8do8KcJ-Ty/s640/blogger-image-2493702.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Few things are better than this</td></tr>
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Shortly after finishing our peaches, the fireworks spectacle began: A helicopter swung by trailing an enormous American flag; we heard the national anthem blaring through the speakers at the lakeside park. Then the fireworks . . . .<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N7JL-J6axmeU93yBqpuH4VwDif8lW0kUGIkgo7WLglL7pYaOxwe1b_TN6u_LVYcEWmgvWJQkFS4bv8HnzMnPwX9ChD87N7chEIN3uolVF34kuP0Ww-bwfBCU2pC9NhjMlYplWYBvd76w/s640/blogger-image-1645541885.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitXsMbqvPj4S2RqFsPQUMpy6jGyfNf2MSlv_L-YzJpN2gwGOxryb2Yv2NRyh7sN4hh1XkJKfx1UO33MQt7eJWiy8YKYkwNBEn1Y4Il4fUvVTj4TTJiW_A_u-yIbMZyK5FfY7vk4kqgSdT3/s640/blogger-image-1968727623.jpg" /><br />
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Happy Fourth of July!<br />
<br /></div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-84675934266040008532016-07-03T22:57:00.000-04:002016-07-10T21:23:33.466-04:00Seattle for the Fourth - Lunch in Victoria<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Victoria, BC, is normally a quick boat ride from Seattle -- in under 3 hours you can go from downtown Seattle to the Inner Harbor in the most British of Canadian cities. Three hours on a good day, that is. Shortly after boarding our captain announced that we'd be taking a "weather route" due to high winds, and as a result would be arriving "a couple hours late".
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When you've already planned a tight day trip with only 4 hours between arrival and departure, a two-hour delay is unfortunate news. We had barely enough time to get off the boat, find a place for lunch, and get back to the boat! But travel without crosswinds does not interesting stories make -- and now we officially belong to that glamorous set who flits up to Victoria for a quick lunch and back in time for dinner on the roof... </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xnb8DdBVDxSgUnhMMdc-GlqJ-GKiW5MeziimmMtXxqjm6ch_h9QoRWsP8K5s4NT35sECQDg0uHyaJFcRDLSD1sAQ4KrbyOU4NbV9ddRHZqEL_1I_zX2Kc-YMRp45lAvnZktLAPvSRFnT/s640/blogger-image-502322952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xnb8DdBVDxSgUnhMMdc-GlqJ-GKiW5MeziimmMtXxqjm6ch_h9QoRWsP8K5s4NT35sECQDg0uHyaJFcRDLSD1sAQ4KrbyOU4NbV9ddRHZqEL_1I_zX2Kc-YMRp45lAvnZktLAPvSRFnT/s640/blogger-image-502322952.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagerly planning our afternoon (pre-weather route announcement)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqihL9x500nGuOONSDHLOENzSnBRs2cr_g6q5aJ5JBbP4gL_MatI8AckKKqLRnPMUYRi_EdYJInrLP6a6CZ9apCsWKYqgpBS4vexKpKnse13DlZJ_0KtyiDsv9snNIKfETQ8NwBdJVbl0y/s640/blogger-image--2091263940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqihL9x500nGuOONSDHLOENzSnBRs2cr_g6q5aJ5JBbP4gL_MatI8AckKKqLRnPMUYRi_EdYJInrLP6a6CZ9apCsWKYqgpBS4vexKpKnse13DlZJ_0KtyiDsv9snNIKfETQ8NwBdJVbl0y/s640/blogger-image--2091263940.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time! I think we were about 30 minutes into the ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3S8V4zBJmVapIsg58oRUB3bn1AP-IPZaJYPAmX3XJ7f0g2WIoPk4qC4WCXDdiMD4qwj3n7X8tR6elyIsvj4BkNkVPnHqDTvqtWqrUZs5gcVBXeCoGVvBxTInbnxVIgKEvMzM83fJwI4p/s640/blogger-image-112649350.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upside of all that wind was a gorgeous sunny day -- no dreary clouds here!</td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkX_g6bFJP-2UtKVgxrLYRYWytsDiFpLkwxwaH3CBlV8Pk7bwx29pbjCycU_NmhR7-qxFkfpGOlBtRY2WRQtor4IVwWSAVOmog3vzpGxXvjlZPgSf6h5uivzISED7gQKK7dGTTL5fb_SY/s640/blogger-image-1070791126.jpg" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRHaA1NY0Vxxw8xRD809DmdUqDyrpw5GRpM16h7xmHstCTjBo6B8uXIk2eP8Zv7Kt8fqBhLjDu_DaZaCypQ7xQ-buBWrJrwuYD38bEih3MFZz0BlNpLatnGUBQjeI9rcaKW5MhhxYajCH/s640/blogger-image--972542334.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White caps...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu49aAcSRqKL3_tHSN42PgR1WB4oheXDxxUVwo5xM-0BDoKhwzz3tXrZoOcwAGTGpoH-SPI9pWx7VBK2tFj3BQVIxyOShnXxz8rttHLXtWAfF4jkgnNea1vz0ZOkLfCbhQYm2-pao0jjlS/s640/blogger-image-597120398.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Empress Hotel, the iconic anchor to the entire inner harbor of Victoria</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S1UvCujD2gJzxKfztcq9glIyksADwWGXq9vNw52CsrCNDTFRw9XlSHsM4kzJ14EVZP4AQlAOq87bLgdXxKS85h8l4JLV97GzbqsB_WUTbG1ezFfHX7TEJjKb-U2Lx5ojNkkxUSub00Cp/s640/blogger-image--103278692.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament building</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uzwYFgQro53GEW7MGu6lcgKNXw2ZAWVXf2tBNvlqFrlXlJpv_jD8OA3mbXLYbFFr2yxOzDRIVbu3VyL3ZrLFskn5Da6iGuW4AfPnBhqVyV4r1DYFbHLD6-xBag7OwMdvKQleibLSx_7D/s640/blogger-image-1621651520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uzwYFgQro53GEW7MGu6lcgKNXw2ZAWVXf2tBNvlqFrlXlJpv_jD8OA3mbXLYbFFr2yxOzDRIVbu3VyL3ZrLFskn5Da6iGuW4AfPnBhqVyV4r1DYFbHLD6-xBag7OwMdvKQleibLSx_7D/s640/blogger-image-1621651520.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun, flowers and food -- all the things we needed for lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9yQhTS5L9PFXFaPUjvA-2-2m6Qe7WI1v_yZ0PH62-WB3HovPkk0LhX9QJ7l9eQ3lRgNE1eeWtmJ0LjBXZJ8VIekPFgfEHRhOUwaxHoRSAtF1psW4zvmfbAIJQ4jnhrgQg3A2x_U7tb3u/s640/blogger-image-1117973988.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly delicious fish and chips -- the cod was flaky and fresh</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZD7EjP9sZYgB_mz-_yIfbU6EK82WrfoTwqXcwI1-bkUh0mdxND8s1b-FLzxFhmZVywKKLv5xWZ02gZlUYdzhviXgYpPvv84XSFji9JtC71_sUFcUFrRhDh67dEuh2qVb7kV_DLr0Pe5Du/s640/blogger-image--828889025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fortunately Lady remembered her nautical stripes for the outing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbI_NMjx8RGheqKI084lW9_cMiZ8r3Sb_NZYLkbwlyS6IJ0TxIpSq6lt83i0GU-nPLGNTH_QzNTJvAe6t-48y5tNZo5GjISQtwCaZbgAZW0i1MVuYWfQkFEqejPJknnXoCYFYkDVkKsW_8/s640/blogger-image--1036631438.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rogers Chocolates was the logical next step</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jHkV-RJRpOohw8Dbyuc8FeaiOzmUwAwyQHykyl4vvjyTlKK2D3W-iDazaRTpc8eFgF9SZupoB1GRLKA4apckpAXFSB7TzmHb3RNswhjU3QF1cNCfFMq3b_Hxv8ZeqCpCf1bcLcRgvb63/s640/blogger-image--872856691.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orca topiaries (well, topiary isn't the right word, I think -- maybe living sculpture?)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk0NkeeaWaf5X2st38R73uwOQi7Hqs__o5wa629ldX1RxFgugzprkq_Z6-MY6ibJsHMqk5BdKKIvF5rJD_sKcUEz2b69uvCfDusr1mMNzR1x-44Axgn-WGhxQy6HYIA6HqZV-RRIzX6uz/s640/blogger-image--1379719265.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China shop inside the Empress Hotel. Lady and I debated the merits of the blue background versus the pink<br />
Either way, that's a lot of floral...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibZ48UyClJcvjn9DAw-nWML_qGUf0AZb2V5IkfvIIswFLZUGryv48Vwa8Guhso_578wWF5jrYD7CdQvvRfn9D1RUBbv541JQPLQKPdU9pVEwMxjruGdFWDq5jM1KxaZ6sr1prSujBoqfwC/s640/blogger-image-2143543671.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot less frilly and hoity-toity -- the totem poles of Thunderbird Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgF1VtDYT9Rl5uPPNmqggvitWLelE2rkSKlUXSRF27VXaN4mtPtag-lnyiw3DfvMESlujBJvuR4aNU2LlhP73IsIufd8ECyFuJ-VhRVU7XCtg2aBR15-FvVaWAkO5YKcxLwQ9OvN0-LtXw/s640/blogger-image--58123173.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last time I was here was in high school - strange how the park was at<br />
once familiar and yet totally not how I remembered it</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINv43Cvou3CC1KSrvCjU5bfRaPs1LooYiAs0tKpSU_UeFIgT8PiGc9kGbgp3MLlLLwhyphenhyphenVAUQ5MzO09Mw5oZTbjxlfnKyn__AWjzJgIjQZzqJRmmVYmrjieIHoxBgmwUOQm7pDb6IzvO81/s640/blogger-image-493357801.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parliament building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1o171wDX7LNO8V-ZSp5DnrTuB4cIloq2Eym_IIinSTUmqFbIzYQZfWQSPNEsHp1tlN0qNeUXClMUFfBT-UO5skTl-nifXW01RNkrSF8Ebc4Vis100dmnQK1GnHqw3tE8lsnHC8867qu7K/s640/blogger-image--85081413.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The style is grand but the scale approachable, and at night it's all lit up with white christmas lights</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWU8IAJ5HtbjtxD1ZbaDOhinKw3VIOLOd9KUov-ZJYiYzmzN92cLVuN6WUYYoGAAkgzSi-Tzh9mz-CFtkmXMEW81F4p2G8I-6s1DI1PwD-q1gv9LeTrFk6Gl6phys7Jl8bIfwnyjf_7QK4/s640/blogger-image-1934412016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deception Pass, linking Whidby Island to the mainland.<br />
By this time the winds had died down, so they let us out on the deck to take in the beautiful view,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-27970361401213589452016-07-02T02:52:00.000-04:002016-07-10T21:23:48.550-04:00Seattle for the Fourth - Waterfalls and Musical Theatre<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The parental units are in Seattle to celebrate America!<br />
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Highlights from day one: </div>
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- Brunch!</div>
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- Naps! </div>
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(No photos out of respect for the sleeping)</div>
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- Snoqualmie Falls!<br />
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- Dancing minors! (also, miners!)</div>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-8408740684987077632016-05-30T21:52:00.002-04:002016-05-30T21:53:03.742-04:00Opera and people-watching and dinner in East London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Had I known how much I would like Kew Gardens, I might have planned to spend most of the day there. But I hadn't known and had already made plans to see a matinee performance of Madama Butterfly at the English National Opera. I headed back into town in search of the opera house and some lunch.<br />
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Lunch came first in the form of a Five Guys hamburger. Not the most British of lunches, I admit, but refreshingly familiar with endearingly American traits such as public restrooms and beverages larger than two swallows (seriously, sometimes I wonder if Europeans have a different sense of thirst than me).<br />
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Having fortified myself with a burger, fries and Diet Coke, I set out for the opera house . . . only to realize that I needed a waffle, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necessary sustenance for opera endurance.</td></tr>
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The English National Opera performs in the London Coliseum, an ornate affair that looks nothing like the Roman Coliseum you might have expected. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jdbbTdyIxw5fU2rKakxoSlZSw1XvzYqldK266QyrZb2cROtMAxUy1S2NhPYFCTJ6Qc2nd0rx1yCkwAHcEggDKoETjUA2TBae52nF2mK6Zuc4nvQcstHyAtpJO3f6G61A-0U3g0inI6dV/s640/blogger-image--899143786.jpg" style="text-align: center;" /><br />
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Interestingly, I attended a performance in the Coliseum when I was in London in 2003. At the time, it was undergoing significant renovations with scaffolding everywhere, so this was the first time I'd seen what it actually looked like. I remember it being kind of horrible, but this hall was lovely and quite comfortable. (It probably helped that this time around I was in posh orchestra seats, rather than the extreme nosebleeds...)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypBE0ymyWnmVEvWNuOGlGQhnx6o6VnTZ8ddpZb1o5yKCoqitLKETATwHqhv6NrfPxWcYhDFdc06lMXwACdspCxmNT9T3Ygv8KxIDum6vDBRayG8f86cRvSbmTduUDJ3_muzqN7RoCWHww/s640/blogger-image-683793975.jpg" /><br />
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The opera was also a revisitation of prior experience: The ENO was doing Anthony Minghella's production of Madam Butterfly, which, I hadn't realized, had originated with the ENO, and which I had seen in New York shortly after it debuted in 2005. I had loved the production at the time and had remembered it as one of the most beautiful theatrical experiences I had ever seen. I was curious to see it again in its original setting -- would it be as good?<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyCUk_wQ_Yfbpl6BkefcYl-c-TP0DQxcJqTZCicJI6QUvcFzKyEmecvb1QPsXMdM48cCVxRly4nyuFvAq3MPYX3tKkagjUiUpEpRsuFsDqd_osh1quN0NiA8kNNfBWh4niqs0SDEeJyTC/s640/blogger-image--602658091.jpg" /><br />
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Turns out yes, the production was as good, though the overall performance wasn't, if that makes sense. The basic appeal of the design, the tragic story, and the heartrending melodies was as effective as ever. I missed some of the wonder that seeing it for the first time had inspired, but I also noticed some details that I either had missed the first time around or had forgotten. One reason for this was its being sung in English rather than the original Italian. Overall I didn't like understanding the words; I've become accustomed to thinking of the voices almost like another instrument -- focus on the melodic line and dramatic quality of the voice, without worrying about what it's saying (there are supertitles for that). But the English lyrics did make the opera more immediately accessible, with some poignant moments that I hadn't expected -- such as when Butterfly asks early on about the American practice of pinning butterflies to preserve them (foreshadowing her own fate).<br />
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The opera ended around 6pm, and I wandered out into the touristy din of Trafalgar Square.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMSL14_BlgqB4N6ZjzG0wB0zm_u6M4vNh8Kod-BQijxn-YHaVvg901NkUmRS5Jgyyxr76uQZNOsDOWoS4ugbeGpsUyjfkAqNUGp52LYIlNbB0H5nc7KqZ6raBq8SV3WDTYnOe0AUt-Jtu/s640/blogger-image--909061924.jpg" /><br />
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I found a spot and just hung out for a while, soaking up the afternoon sun and the energy of the place. Although the view included a few iconic London sites . . .<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8l114YZVLuec-rGrFRY80zYo_KIKLOpE_YlLA6yuIXvnNg5A_N3GLVIsQ4yTYcpIZDZW-GGUVig5SMpVUsm9E_v88Yj97nicmnppB1jwnT2MM2c0hUxI3yiX6A9x0WI3VF570DXDFocT6/s640/blogger-image--2012277254.jpg" /><br />
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. . . I was more interested in watching the people.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxRxgfMhKHH7t3_WS86WP0YL6ZM-Fl5YLTJ49dMa5B6iEh-PTFjmVFqTkwIKtSlqJeILT_bXQ4woYEAiIylKk-mrvm995sZ6Xj1Xx5ZixQSMZHi991_lf4bFIzdB2BL0IlzhVXvPKcisF/s640/blogger-image--58002604.jpg" /><br />
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My favorite grouping was the little family sitting just below my perch. I loved seeing them sitting together, so quietly engaged in their individual pursuits. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHycVJDWbjPcnuBXUZjaFVymjd0sxFeeW2gJWz0EjFmjprM91IGnzymLaOiv1qwc-Rq7mdGpcCGuHI_OIDOfCHTHlSotPqBj9uK8cCcy2cNcp3xMnXiMgxcDbOLlv1UgPO6dvq76CQFxF/s640/blogger-image--1149534745.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd like to think that if I ever had a family, we would do things like this.</td></tr>
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After a while my tummy started to growl, so I checked in with Matt and Dorothea to see if they wanted to meet for dinner. They suggested meeting in East London for a more alternative vibe to what we had seen before. I made my way to Camden Town stop and stood on the street for about 40 minutes before they joined. In that time, I saw that the neighborhood was, indeed much different from the tourist-friendly neighborhoods downtown. This neighborhood was much grittier, with hippies dancing capoeira, drug addicts having medical attacks and/or leering aggressively at passersby, and punks with their leather and piercings and tattoos (sadly, these things all felt very close to home, as so much of Seattle's downtown is filled with similar characters).<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP16mLnzaSq-wgx36hkVYb2oV9RctXbqBRsaPYfDhV_97dOqrWkp_ec8372c63LRR-AQfDFaHMu5bc-lgKWQc-OlLZuf441KdXAFIBjnr_G4nRNG_4i9AOz__2V3mxeTJOX4lJzEwgWMHm/s640/blogger-image-1302450004.jpg" /><br />
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I waited on the sidewalk for a while but felt very conspicuous, being the only person in opera attire in a sea of punks and street people. I eventually ducked into a Starbucks for a more low-profile way to wait.<br />
<br />
Eventually Matt and Dorothea emerged from the subway and we strolled through the neighborhood. At its heart was a giant warren of former industrial stables that had been converted into bars, nightclubs, food stands, and flea-market style shops. It would never be my favorite neighborhood, but it had its charm, and I was glad to experience the contrast.<br />
<br />
After exploring the stables, we found one of Dorothea's favorite Vegan restaurants and stopped for a dinner of falafel, soup, and coconut smoothies. It was tasty enough and about as satisfying as Vegan food ever is.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8z1Ex2zoB7BKDZ-7kjmkskCMN90j0V-h0v87GbXVokwlP18FaP7pIhKBnEGcOkjJbrh49oWlyHSr-sEOgO48nYwA341PfdJdyIJU3nAFqJbMn263psJ27TMCrdI9-E5zfTt5jJ3dqtBI/s640/blogger-image-2041823849.jpg" /><br />
<br />
The sun was setting by the time we finished dinner, and Matt proposed that we walk over to Primrose Hill. In a flat city like London, Primrose Hill was reputed to be the highest prominence in the city. It was basically a hill in the middle of a park, with hippie drum circles at the top and views of the city. It was peaceful and pretty and breezy. We soaked up the atmosphere for a while and then, when Dorothea got cold, walked back down and found a bus back to our neighborhood and bed.
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-23461746853872863142016-05-29T20:21:00.000-04:002016-05-30T21:53:45.100-04:00Kew Gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Inspired by my run through Kensington Gardens, I decided to take the train out to Kew Gardens. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kew Gardens are considered one of the best gardens in the world. They cover hundreds of acres, and I could have spent all day there -- as it was, I only had time to just scratch the surface. Seeing these gardens makes me want to plan a garden-hopping trip to England to see all the best gardens in the palaces and country houses.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAdB4lP0rdDiiKHPeD_MLJaGpwoVP_ZX6uE5BLuMOO825OEe8up31B7InGmgJUr0XvbNonDKVv_R8PkRR9srte7qyE_ohOIPUH1x9sFGPOPAQm5P3sCGGmHx67orzrq1SESFez-Quua9O/s640/blogger-image-1043207081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAdB4lP0rdDiiKHPeD_MLJaGpwoVP_ZX6uE5BLuMOO825OEe8up31B7InGmgJUr0XvbNonDKVv_R8PkRR9srte7qyE_ohOIPUH1x9sFGPOPAQm5P3sCGGmHx67orzrq1SESFez-Quua9O/s640/blogger-image-1043207081.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The line was way longer than I expected</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPNx4PkkyYDHWlpD4Xo6-TNv5ha3CowCxRpH5Xols2IZv1aD1Pd_LZuxHDKLSa4KYYetR9C74m1hnIHvAm8ZUu6NnGphFmpdThLpPFUxFTyWTrXScmyqGDSSj5iZNZPSete-UijzO6LFM/s640/blogger-image--996398782.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gardens have a series of giant glass houses dedicated to different types of plants.<br />
This was the Palm House.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin36RX5WetRB2DwGwlaZAB7BrP91Cl2S4oxIPBc3z3g8FtP_E1w0bLOSvTBR3tLGmvO3L-bDmjvPbh5AQMDIh4nteyQ3F8n5yTLmvWFfDd272ToV96Q5Ilmv_Kga_Nv8oLhPandPA7b6iu/s640/blogger-image-1582939976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin36RX5WetRB2DwGwlaZAB7BrP91Cl2S4oxIPBc3z3g8FtP_E1w0bLOSvTBR3tLGmvO3L-bDmjvPbh5AQMDIh4nteyQ3F8n5yTLmvWFfDd272ToV96Q5Ilmv_Kga_Nv8oLhPandPA7b6iu/s640/blogger-image-1582939976.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First thing you see in the palm house? A palm that is older than the US and the French Revolution.<br />
The plant was added to the Kew Gardens in 1775.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Hw9BwGoELeAnYRSFyoPMA0TZEGFxYxdCMI9i2x3YFD46w2tZSxJ9zan5vagC2x6rfETwFDk7OjzjSoDEZeMt0uXjEWVugBMXoctQKa22rr_lf6QIrd7Bnt8UQtFQqU89AMHnJiQaUm_5/s640/blogger-image-699595598.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throughout the gardens, I tried to soak up the richness and variety of the plantings.<br />
I really love the plantings en masse with such different textures, colors and shapes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqk3PyAOTsIERYDinvXZtDSqd9I4OsDlAenFPDasqNU7cIUEIcvCDVtba6UuE8ItYhp3WSBiEF6HuusG8hyphenhyphenfIciwQ9b3zDrZ_VBJRWykA3njNspQeYVQcp47Wnzu-swICYP3r5xp7pLNB2/s640/blogger-image-1918666471.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A waterfall in the Rock Garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA-mJTBODtzTKy5Py5mnOImtYnEK2MBAIi22RwXxSPgCAHEmQ5pmOkxOjR8-GNzMeze6lBiQZWyK4xXNRGe2ZBiDeq3p66hCuTIhq4bYD5DESNAEAMcoPndVCdRddsZEQJYv7603NrB21/s640/blogger-image-1377677729.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Water Lily House was the highlight for me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw5yAEiY8-Ada5e38Vhrth3w6ywjkMMpC5xPq8ydnd2jq7SwBgO4FNQKcFQrxjW2BAG-9zN2iF0VNuH9BEuLK3dfMlIkCBEYgACfqiTZTvNnRDnodag-5yO6FFD4qfbsIz8-oTWrKgo-Q/s640/blogger-image-1622430676.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to get a sense of scale, but if you're in any doubt, those things are HUGE! Probably a good 3-4 feet diameter.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFo9QBoGErNruRY6B6pDn0nU79sxDkz8vwOao5AzpyTboSX9OLYccroqgZDAHC10dAJv0e4kps0rKqhziLl_WW7Buai-LLF21p4iH_oyDUuEC-TBsej_9EBCCVQ4ZyqZwnVqzFqfH5oHcp/s640/blogger-image--1713817757.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're a type of giant water lily from the Brazilian Amazon. Discovered and first brought back<br />
during Victoria's reign. This one is actually a hybrid bred onsite with another lily from <br />
Peru -- otherwise the pads would be so large they'd overwhelm the pool.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O0XaQzaQOmCxYFCDKbMSp-bPZ3iDqgWjyDwyUpKvxpNufYhrb98QSDdfK0IbpAr-tJ3NZnOI6GZK0j7KJOuF-g6oyFQJLXefXZwpCcXa_McBP3dARfcTDUDZShCXEQDVm4u5BUdQ9zfV/s640/blogger-image--1106058724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The variegation and star-shaped petals made these super interesting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dr1f5eLOL1K-NV83mH7-DW8YX3p9OU4bS_vxLAyGAvikIsrk3L9RBYS86cD-W6oPl5t3evD5pQymatuzEsyAETTwBmEEbMtC347MKS2Xe_GssTWiHWEWdL_UH3xijeJChRJIY7_SLCsa/s640/blogger-image-1541452653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the plant-family section -- each bed had a bunch of varieties of plants all in the same family.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyey-4Nr4YuvZPSJMODeEsvHOdbhaNpM72wHbQlRYUvGW4F1oNuNA4l0K89kVnbvlr_9WgICLEdL9KNiyuQ0UjLwBTUt0m34qlDRB-GhEKI3_-KMWv_vHCWPa21TLy50vQYQ7XyDpHyAYf/s640/blogger-image-1232420230.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peonies! The plants themselves aren't interesting without the flowers, but look at the framework<br />
of branches -- the plants grow up through the basket-like supports, which give structure to keep the plants<br />
upright once they get tall and are laden with heavy blooms.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGpeb0fphcQE0rnXCajM3s9ftIvb8PgJOLXDf7LrsjnjgoOV9b2HvAuKz0JdeIOzYPw9Y82oVnJn0jyc6FA9mQyeh-BLGDMjEmYfH_gXqt72v6yC7Pj453oH_lnB-g2SEum9IZWwu-92K/s640/blogger-image--460520861.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything lovelier than a calla?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8IGmm3qvdk_6ghf2m_fGHaD3VmSnFY4KN-VpKVACGo7pzwY30tRSKJyfqejWsxIQv8f_Bg_YFZ2Mp_ajxQNnXLBEbhyphenhyphenSkowCNU3GZM8hDEOZi8-Ws2TKmCeeyuYifl45vTbJnM9WC_GsW/s640/blogger-image--1770308200.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bees!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuGix1EB03DtRMRO-ZLbkIexCemJbJeUq9V2pGRN4o8hXwv2frJ10tc4wzwMSpsW2U571Ak62llh5wYs1LASppTj4AOH1kr_l5QNCF1Uq4xc_FHisEFIDUqjnHa4-fXjaiwdJ4xCuYwQS/s640/blogger-image--2130313248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fair warning</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlc9jZOQodlRjX1JCtsQtIRHxZu5YO2mV6b3EDO47sPltB0VgsHbzU7bMefOV0Fjv_0h14bao5ZSsyYEhnW6VyKKt8PY8efGrGJ4V-97kHEOJrFhj7E8jBILgyozH7w_VbU7AemCjkEy9Z/s640/blogger-image--1882538965.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carnivorous plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTru1IFUlY5q8SVUUiDn7O_4Nx8nMsgMFl740Erk-v6A6pBxh7OXBEhIDjpY5OC55jkBH0UUgt9B1k1xhtQ09kdLsD9j8CZI0LH5_MmUDWCFyb_Y7UxU0MBG8k89Px7ZaIyfImoxtJf7L/s640/blogger-image--431348987.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cacti in one of the greenhouses</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7_wXnU8vShAbjf9A_uWVHOXGq4BCOy20A7KfIuiKyxTDOCrjITUxRpuhicr_BNSFV78T_fijSnADJN5-kjjNxb6hIqZ2jrDyuU-k9vtCFU2juFXYWjt5zCEw1cYqniJFYyMF-yATCJown/s640/blogger-image-1053955398.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kew Palace is clearly a side-note here. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DXTYpvgIpSRSMiDByKEtD-9ew9_eGWifeTxutHRxRKzt2nQo9YPkXd3g-BrwFejVmJKKsZjRi3LcBaSF9ijz-2Icr_7VYQXcYQOFxY3KnxyfoQEuSSu9BLAfll1H3x9oCL9D7vAry5e9/s640/blogger-image-443038986.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, the garden map promised a greenhouse full of "climbers and creepers", which I assumed meant vines.<br />
Not so -- it was the playground. Boo.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuUURAv2x3wUCvGNOUGSk3YxCWFrFOnGojIt54QV0UiLHm2H2g2Hun2S06QGvKpbsh5w38arFJbtSThiRv1eVzAhHTyThHKtOz8ZTy5uaZgsqzTtFEOhBsC1edGeQyCqnJOR13xix7aH-/s640/blogger-image--1624604632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFuUURAv2x3wUCvGNOUGSk3YxCWFrFOnGojIt54QV0UiLHm2H2g2Hun2S06QGvKpbsh5w38arFJbtSThiRv1eVzAhHTyThHKtOz8ZTy5uaZgsqzTtFEOhBsC1edGeQyCqnJOR13xix7aH-/s640/blogger-image--1624604632.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The giant trees, and the tall uncut grass, had a lovely, almost wild feeling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJgPRU7bZD6djuFIaTV_5kbs6xWk2dg7Ek7cgaoTMwZ5MgP2vHyTibWIEMzhjobTkBJ46pkQMjZV8HyJxIF5uLzITx_4v2GTVbL7o3WhOPyRtNBwNa205Dw8aMeSxQMbMMLvhT05BVPFo/s640/blogger-image-357141545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJgPRU7bZD6djuFIaTV_5kbs6xWk2dg7Ek7cgaoTMwZ5MgP2vHyTibWIEMzhjobTkBJ46pkQMjZV8HyJxIF5uLzITx_4v2GTVbL7o3WhOPyRtNBwNa205Dw8aMeSxQMbMMLvhT05BVPFo/s640/blogger-image-357141545.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vast expanses of parkland to offset the formality of the planted gardens.</td></tr>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK51.4787438 -0.2955729999999903251.4546703 -0.33591349999999032 51.5028173 -0.25523249999999031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-81081491662024384992016-05-29T20:04:00.000-04:002016-05-29T20:04:25.991-04:00Kensington Gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I went for a run this morning through Hyde Park and took a detour to visit the gardens of Kensington Palace. I may have spent more time looking at plants than I spent actually running...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbY6pCkY4WeK5JzdE1gNe4gZT2DIbFdIiy8-m8s8BVlQbxe-ASCD7O7cdJjyov9E6q_COhKBdphXCqGLs7u_mhGpiDRgpjcnHJ5ivR20lO-XRAaA-BspQklREM3weAzfAmA-MlQ0cIIZB/s640/blogger-image-903010284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbY6pCkY4WeK5JzdE1gNe4gZT2DIbFdIiy8-m8s8BVlQbxe-ASCD7O7cdJjyov9E6q_COhKBdphXCqGLs7u_mhGpiDRgpjcnHJ5ivR20lO-XRAaA-BspQklREM3weAzfAmA-MlQ0cIIZB/s640/blogger-image-903010284.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite, the sunken garden.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQErg3yhXyNY6u4Dm4PC71RS3MVhILYoHc4gpArqnr5Wpek4Z9NEt3ZpgbuN90M4ubrixXV6R2tKnPgjKr2ysAV4Iecq0zPWeenbQxsWCqvPrifTtSd_7N-JJxfGJlchTaoCm5AlmWJgR/s640/blogger-image-992734474.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kensington Palace. Not super impressive from the outside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd2Unml-oZxWe3_btcmLvIYMQuciy45Xpk2bMIUQYMFWk0PLqe2-XkOVlDxZjWsmFiGPNQjs5n6EZ3bjhFIuuSDn4mryo4KdqM1K5jBtJ2Mvul8LBuppfFovyHkQWARr2LSX_qhDW0eMzW/s640/blogger-image-838139493.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Italian Fountains. Built by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfIx9EzF39f-J-yoLKopCVffE1lxn-uEdkJfi0uKBTcJscJQxLMwn_GzgTEb_FcC8O-dMf2yzd4LvY0lI_eneyCrWz_qdKgN8Ag9o0PTIz3rvGJZ-YCA9NWPcz_6TtH3R-CRkZToyEUdl/s640/blogger-image-1770225739.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these massive banks of flowers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqWHtdGzWZwOwXUY4Y7X29amxxIYzZ5uhOpUybqUr-7gUMTturBnLCMVlZebSynGAYliKM-Kg34quN2xnuBvB3OY9MoG3_9itcMhEHdxIR7g3dAJk2d9Go1myEdqP8iLXHwK8HKswnp5MK/s640/blogger-image-1085463345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The planting strikes me as so English -- obviously highly planned, but in a way that gives the<br />
impression of nature (so different from the uber-formality of the French style).</td></tr>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0Kensington Gardens, London W2 2UH, UK51.506987 -0.1791650000000117931.0759225 -41.487759000000011 71.9380515 41.129428999999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-34421679316381471502016-05-29T19:58:00.001-04:002016-05-29T19:58:52.671-04:00Saturday in London<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Compared to the difficulties I had trying to get to Brussels, it was a cinch getting to London. The small commuter plane left the tiny Luxembourg airport bright and early, touching down in the London City airport an hour later (though with the time zone change, we only lost about 10 minutes). </div>
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I checked into the hotel, went into the office for the rest of the day, and then met up with Matt and Dorothea (Justin's brother and sister-in-law, who live in London) for a tasty Mediterranean dinner followed by a screening of a new documentary about the Met's Fashion Institute back at their flat. </div>
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The next morning, Saturday, was my first real non-working day of this whole trip -- like a mini-vacation! I spent the morning running through performance listings and ticket-sales websites to ensure that I didn't spend two days in London without seeing something good. It was a dangerous exercise, though -- while I was happy with the tickets I got, I came away with the same "why don't I live here?" feeling that I always have in New York and Paris (biggest regret: not being here in two weeks, when Isabelle Huppert <a href="http://www.barbican.org.uk/theatre/event-detail.asp?ID=18715">will be performing</a> Phaedra, in French, at the Barbican).</div>
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As soon as the e-tickets hit my inbox, I headed out to find Matt and Dorothea for a day of exploring London. We started with the Portobello Road Market, which is a delightful progression of charming shops selling everything from vintage Louis Vuitton luggage and Uzbekistani textiles (temptation, thy name is ikat) to cheap antiques of dubious quality and artsy street fashion. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6QInh4NAOU9hrgUdSZQLN3uOe4v52Ehyphenhyphenn2tEXFxrUk3NADUTzyeHCYVPEUrV31nUtu1x3SHQRIEGuEIG2NPUP1iE_q69bNEiGS4N9uZbAdBJvduS4juhJX3b2ztNH_Wc9fKmQKu6rRbl/s640/blogger-image-1206380801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6QInh4NAOU9hrgUdSZQLN3uOe4v52Ehyphenhyphenn2tEXFxrUk3NADUTzyeHCYVPEUrV31nUtu1x3SHQRIEGuEIG2NPUP1iE_q69bNEiGS4N9uZbAdBJvduS4juhJX3b2ztNH_Wc9fKmQKu6rRbl/s640/blogger-image-1206380801.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hadn't expected it to be so touristy. It was body-to-body pretty much the whole way.<br />
Fun enough, but not my ideal for browsing. Plus, the shopkeepers wouldn't bargain <br />
with me the way they do in the Asian bazaars I've become accustomed to.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ATjYfLxPsrsfGfV3Kko8PjXTOCTqHlAHq521liSFqsZHdJ2lja4cSOmSQsiSzp5CMmJWCXzXVF_ZX6tzQX7sf_WNxoLRDMuVLRWP82R8F2h1zNqnA6nEhNHEYMOIm2Yc_0o5Js4tYUaq/s640/blogger-image-253190183.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing says "I'm in London!" like a fresh pineapple-banana-berry smoothie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcZ_Q0nd8IG98pdw_b0MDh40KBcGs37QaKi0EcfhYBMRDiQNq4WFNTgd-C43f5Sh2XT3zKxjxlrTH2pOTDAl5iQQ21ucdpRk1GmHLo9CyDe8SmplC19GU7eE_hri-QYf7Om2wFBg8ZGM4/s640/blogger-image-664294357.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came to a section of the market with all the food stalls and paused for a quick lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rnMJaxV-oFBbvDTe4Sxz7NIJNHxWB7EcP2H0siuK6cIRHl3JL8g3PFmbLFDPGW3kpFDcaBd7TI1N1cnGk0Az2LMQPXum-pfRQ5HZOmad7i47Ro-FCW07OiUq2jKIFbuyaY2btOJMoOuO/s640/blogger-image--775317490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got a Vietnamese noodle bowl that was very good and almost as good as what I had in Vietnam.</td></tr>
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After lunch we left the market and went over the Victoria & Albert museum, one of the major art museums in London. We had hoped to see two exhibitions, one about the history of underwear, and one about Boticelli. Turns out we were late enough in the day that we couldn't do both, so we opted for the underwear exhibition. I was hoping for something on par with the Met's Fashion Institute exhibitions -- on the whole it wasn't, but there were some interesting elements that made me glad to have seen it.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiY9WJoPPqbOChK5xP3nXILQS-F3jwEHzYeA6KY7nigyj1Hl7wZuAxira3mvSl1SRzF417Vi2aJ5ZeFvbI3LlgXk0gaBT1w93DsC0pRs1hAiFYsghvDK7vlFu1JmASgv5hHIBwjlyQpon3/s640/blogger-image-1486869063.jpg" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4usBX_3vLb_ttJcb4SrtTwmtj9p4fHdlGp22E7BIUOYwartBBp86oDbS6jL9DjGSWaYUDApFfwO3zIdvBpYrb8QyP5-P7L3gGvX7Z-MQKXqedv3ELgoRD4bXmL-i6wr9kfVlJ-QLH8QUT/s640/blogger-image-1773870396.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seattle-based Chihuly front and center in the museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBzS8GASOfu2xG2lweEhMvaQ-wF9EVMDXBzFaOqit8SCf7gJp_wCyBUMmYCIBaRet0_5sRe83e7DfvlhpuP4aU-fFdpGQtJM1i7zp4ahBJKvYarkpHL4v6cb6MkynpFSTh_7m6AXvhh9Nf/s640/blogger-image--761515371.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They wouldn't let me take photos in the exhibition itself, so this is the best I could do.</td></tr>
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By the time we left the museum, the hours of market- and museum-walking had caught up with us -- we needed a break and some food! After a 15 minute power-nap, I went down to a neighboring French restaurant to meet up with Matt, as well as Paul and Rachel, two friends from church in Seattle who happened to have just arrived in London. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWwe4oY6Sg8quDzgCFwyH9knuk0EKn-DX-98f7wD_6D2Qxn9zkO4mUuo9ypTghw93XrXSpFQf8xURMN3UDdtAxNgwpmNE-NfHr5ZM__9UmwHWtPnMVdD8mEz61Hv8BlGM0J5LcJ2prevW/s640/blogger-image-169208720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love meeting people from home in other countries!</td></tr>
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I ended up needing to leave dinner early to get to the Royal Opera House in time for the ballet performance I was seeing. I was excited to finally be seeing something in the famous hall -- among other reasons to know this building, it's in the Covent Garden flower market right outside this building that Henry Higgins finds Eliza Doolittle in <em>My Fair Lady</em>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWz18SW0c9WWmOJp1C-TE21yH-lp5gyFbuOSpMJVa8HvIwl2TCC7sHUP7Z1WnOEaVTA58vCLiyetDHK_tZ7iJ8ZJHsSaJpIbZ7AVzqLkWdl39GRjzi5BypHDwtezU8-GlYJb_x841r2OY/s640/blogger-image--537242219.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'd think this was the entrance. Nope! Will call was on the complete other side of the <br />
block. The building is kind of a nightmare to navigate.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKs1nJ9L3-AZzc8N1iLDxT1nLe9Tahc1aIjizgLKGrgq97foaeDPKDYqa133JKRBkIkkHNXennRV3oSuN9haMhMAHUwd_Xk7r3MxqvnP3LyIrSgq98lFZuZeX1n3pQ7Sv0xx-Ypy5tuEz/s640/blogger-image-1672216997.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But the interior is gorgeous. And I had an excellent seat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6-yeUThFG8HpmlVuXhZhNP6gcbUfBK9DUWac6DInKox370qMcCsh5nnwPY6RmYWSC0kkdqP_RDBoscYAJdY3sppP3nmrBvDtERjdyxASR9w-T47iduLrClc_WT69f1C7n1XgQapBhbbR/s640/blogger-image--1920056239.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these old concert halls, with their gold and red velvet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2moIFOzNqsKbuOveFXdvPkLpCNryX2HZIoivSWutaz2Dib99iLV56pv6dOMqpk9phTqjJzc-59YF1FGs6BLxVS7uE3A4oYDJ9bHcZhzW2WweMM9X1lY8Uf0WLn3vmkjBj8zisOvb23mRF/s640/blogger-image-858896457.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I saw the Royal Ballet do a mixed program. The first was a world premiere of a work<br />
that I didn't quite understand. The second was a disturbing tale of sexual violence. And the <br />
last was a delightful, abstract piece by Christopher Wheeldon (one of my <br />
favorite contemporary ballet choreographers).</td></tr>
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Leaving the opera house, I was reluctant to go right back to the hotel -- the evening was fine, and I wanted to soak up more of London. So I wandered down through Leicester Square and the West End theatre district, over to Picadilly Circus, and up to Oxford Circus. The walk reminded me of when I was here in 2003. I had no money to go into any performances or to pay for buses or even the subway, so I just walked all around town, looking at buildings and watching people, soaking up the atmosphere. My budget is more generous now, and I've seen a lot of things in the intervening years, but I still feel that same wonderful energy wandering through the grand streets of this awesome city.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAds0VIcDRdRCpm7pWVEjJ2XQv5Wh_qkKjDLCBWnBHLXHyKw8MaDqgxy27RyP0cb97bc7rElgtVeL_ticd3zGzWDwIHwxSmS51cgsv9QWoFzYrIpbjjTEJnwpe4DG4PBNVBXQbMNsjHMU/s640/blogger-image--1091801962.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the curving facades of the buildings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUTBU1CcvbzOoNltaK6KFImx6Xw-_qiFRXsXQl6QpQsPwG1ugPPKf1OiuaRn1-oolHaB3oB6t1oxyY_vN6DSM_7yLKAEtVawPU238z-_85CWu7lIRQdvHk5gXyc1gUwds7-Q6qr18EAWx/s640/blogger-image--1880067244.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midnight donut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkaqX9qIqhSroEXmdinOEbfpxUjbjsGt3m3_OA2yKCW8keQFrL0pRBpuygGp7wsBwvb9YBMm0BVR8frJDXIFE74FRy7lAqaXJvFi5sshVGLJZ6iZm6oipDjNqnxweC1xHFtiZ3vUI95o3/s640/blogger-image--375151101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The British flags only hung over this one street -- I'm not sure if they're permanent.</td></tr>
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</div>
</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.1277582999999822351.1912379 -0.77320529999998222 51.8234639 0.51768870000001777tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-62568799989327278882016-05-27T04:27:00.002-04:002016-05-27T04:27:53.443-04:00The Belgians strike again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The past four days have been a blur of all-day business meetings followed by dinners among colleagues and hours of midnight work to catch up on all my normal work that has been displaced by these meetings. Needless to say, I've seen nothing more of Luxembourg beyond what I saw on the first day.<br />
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But the meetings are done now, and my schedule much more flexible! My plan was to leave last night for Brussels, where I would spend the night eating frites and waffles before continuing on to London via the Chunnel. Alas, the Belgians had another idea -- when I got to the Luxembourg train station, this is what I found:<br />
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General strike. All trains to and through Belgium canceled for who knows how long. </div>
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I went into travel adventure mode -- surely I could figure this out! First step was to purchase a pain au chocolat and sparkling water from the train station café -- because when are those things <u>not</u> the first step?</div>
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Next step was to test out all my travel options: Do the train people forsee a same-day resolution to the strike? No. What about car rentals? All cars in all agencies at both the train station and airport had already been booked -- clearly I wasn't the only person trying to get around the strikers. What about flights? No flights between Lux and Brux. Would my taxi driver take me? Yes, for $500 -- too much. Horse cart? None to be found. Grrr.</div>
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But what about London? The British capitol was my ultimate destination, so even if I couldn't get to Brussels, maybe I could still get to London? Nope. By the time I had pivoted to this question, I had already missed the boarding call for the last flight to London. The earliest I could leave was the next morning first thing. </div>
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I finally admitted defeat to the strikers. I purchased my ticket to London for the following morning and made my way back to the hotel I had left earlier in the day. Fortunately the hotel still had room, and my colleagues were celebrating a post-conference dinner at a French-Swiss restaurant downtown. I dropped my bags and joined them for a dinner of melted cheese, charcuterie, and cornichons.</div>
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Cheese, cornichons and cured meats have a wonderfully restorative effect on one's spirits, especially when one can at the same time regale the group with tales of my travel misadventures. Not what I had planned, but a fun night all the same.<br />
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And now, off to London!</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-64300802523210413412016-05-23T13:34:00.001-04:002016-05-23T13:34:14.657-04:00LuxembourgIt's not the worst thing to work for a company with offices in Europe! This week I've got a series of meetings in Luxembourg, and then I'll spend a couple days in London meeting with colleagues (and then playing for Memorial Day weekend).<div><br></div><div>I flew out on Sunday from Seattle to Amsterdam (9 hours) and then on to Lux (1 hour). The 9 hour flight felt like almost nothing compared to the 14.5 hour flights we had going to and from India. The main downside was the plane was full of a group of senior tourists going on a river cruise. They were super social the entire trip, making slightly racist small talk with the flight attendants ("Which Asian lady are you - the Chinese one or the Japanese one? I can never tell the difference between you people!") and chatting at length about the Ed Sullivan show and how young people don't listen to old people anymore.</div><div><br></div><div>After checking into the hotel, I walked into town to clear my head of the jet lag and see the pretty little city center before I could legitimately go to bed.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW2D5Euczn-G_qrY8-NFDfVbLdpzoVmibvCqU4KXrUV1A8Rhi-xLVSazwhWYFuZkBRpo_tkYQYzh8vW8z3zpuJoRSZWf-tUYyurEqPcjvdmNtO0B6xJcYh6FLROcqTcwpIA-d0S67F7Mp/s640/blogger-image-1141755850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW2D5Euczn-G_qrY8-NFDfVbLdpzoVmibvCqU4KXrUV1A8Rhi-xLVSazwhWYFuZkBRpo_tkYQYzh8vW8z3zpuJoRSZWf-tUYyurEqPcjvdmNtO0B6xJcYh6FLROcqTcwpIA-d0S67F7Mp/s640/blogger-image-1141755850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0G-FNDlWfeGHfoqwm4ICfAH1TWpt2AsUG_axZNVCzwt_H3E-mwJUcvgczEPPsx46sS4Z-xdLmoa167XQVIKrSQlrWHrAHxbWiusK9vR8oIuvEo3SQwnn_cXzOKtrF22_GnbTBP8F_Id2/s640/blogger-image-1098443316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0G-FNDlWfeGHfoqwm4ICfAH1TWpt2AsUG_axZNVCzwt_H3E-mwJUcvgczEPPsx46sS4Z-xdLmoa167XQVIKrSQlrWHrAHxbWiusK9vR8oIuvEo3SQwnn_cXzOKtrF22_GnbTBP8F_Id2/s640/blogger-image-1098443316.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinseSkJUUUSms8YoUZi4kX6n2huCRy2NUkOvh_zPOlh5Q4IXREEw0XpK3w5oEirYN-fB_zLm4TtvQJB62vGHH6BAljbmJwwLzVaq3wfB9AnfX4Jv34ZgXZ9ECrN3LHT6w-kHf4-IRNBvhz/s640/blogger-image-2013565339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinseSkJUUUSms8YoUZi4kX6n2huCRy2NUkOvh_zPOlh5Q4IXREEw0XpK3w5oEirYN-fB_zLm4TtvQJB62vGHH6BAljbmJwwLzVaq3wfB9AnfX4Jv34ZgXZ9ECrN3LHT6w-kHf4-IRNBvhz/s640/blogger-image-2013565339.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrljhAzY2k9A5l5LUxHxyCGekp_xzZbhsiwd0Zce8ThILcYJbQmlJmYOGK8sXGHeOGuG7WqFTYxM_Wh3XYJ1qqHFtIzwbs9rjJIfYeH3qqEg8rmqaXwv6NIeoWxzmiwxMKEPMxWfVilczc/s640/blogger-image-1157709358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrljhAzY2k9A5l5LUxHxyCGekp_xzZbhsiwd0Zce8ThILcYJbQmlJmYOGK8sXGHeOGuG7WqFTYxM_Wh3XYJ1qqHFtIzwbs9rjJIfYeH3qqEg8rmqaXwv6NIeoWxzmiwxMKEPMxWfVilczc/s640/blogger-image-1157709358.jpg"></a></div><br></div>JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-78191369087897066562016-03-29T00:09:00.001-04:002016-03-29T00:09:29.273-04:00Back alreadyWell, we're back. Took off from Delhi at 9:50pm on Sunday and landed in Seattle at 6:55am on Monday. That's only about 9 hours by the clock, but about 20 hours of real-time travel. <div><br></div><div>We had a great time, and I wish we could have stayed longer. I also wish we'd had more reliable internet so I could have blogged as we went. As it is, I'll just work on catching up as I go back through pictures over the next several days. </div><div><br></div><div>For now, I'm calling it a night. More soon!</div>JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-23067940034216689572016-03-20T11:52:00.001-04:002016-03-20T11:52:14.361-04:00Old Delhi<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Terrific first day in India! We spent the day exploring Old Delhi, which pretty much embodies the term "sensory overload". It was crowded and noisy and dirty and hot -- and so very fascinating to experience. There's more to say, but jet lag and an early flight to Udaipur weigh in favor of sleep. So here's a placeholder for now:</span></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MheGPi6exT4C0cmOKMwC9XYqkXt61yfgV9yT-Bt_wvIZhfI0UzecELb7uZV4U-y8FfARVjG_FxhbTyiSPOLDxYhvk4Wv5397Imok66aSBidTFSNa16H-WDD8SWdqekQg2wwzw-bHFFVT/s640/blogger-image--996428037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MheGPi6exT4C0cmOKMwC9XYqkXt61yfgV9yT-Bt_wvIZhfI0UzecELb7uZV4U-y8FfARVjG_FxhbTyiSPOLDxYhvk4Wv5397Imok66aSBidTFSNa16H-WDD8SWdqekQg2wwzw-bHFFVT/s640/blogger-image--996428037.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWIr9h7XMVsVY96bAUXj0RpUjjL6VKMfVTPBFseOACrjyBuZy9oYA2fSUmmgdGVOWA0QYFtFtLDIans0gppEN_QMr3eT-gvwO8kKzfEvUaWV53G161kvUMj0OkBi4rKfVwXCtqf2d7Y1e/s640/blogger-image--1998843565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"></font></a><font color="#000000"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWIr9h7XMVsVY96bAUXj0RpUjjL6VKMfVTPBFseOACrjyBuZy9oYA2fSUmmgdGVOWA0QYFtFtLDIans0gppEN_QMr3eT-gvwO8kKzfEvUaWV53G161kvUMj0OkBi4rKfVwXCtqf2d7Y1e/s640/blogger-image--1998843565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXlEVBr-L05Cr1oUvdnxpxgP40Iig3tgPNNTG9cw8HETY6okig7xOaNWfzGRdUq-lFJRA35GMEcs2cP0jimiExy3SRzkXRcPIt09ReGccBuEZBgkCvrIHrsbWdX9kBEKnngbkYa3yBIpb/s640/blogger-image-32151030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxXlEVBr-L05Cr1oUvdnxpxgP40Iig3tgPNNTG9cw8HETY6okig7xOaNWfzGRdUq-lFJRA35GMEcs2cP0jimiExy3SRzkXRcPIt09ReGccBuEZBgkCvrIHrsbWdX9kBEKnngbkYa3yBIpb/s640/blogger-image-32151030.jpg"></a></div><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWIr9h7XMVsVY96bAUXj0RpUjjL6VKMfVTPBFseOACrjyBuZy9oYA2fSUmmgdGVOWA0QYFtFtLDIans0gppEN_QMr3eT-gvwO8kKzfEvUaWV53G161kvUMj0OkBi4rKfVwXCtqf2d7Y1e/s640/blogger-image--1998843565.jpg"></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqr2JeklOJ51f0C8tU7i33UoP6m9v4zytpCKvp3VlF4BuMAniLhnkbEzwMv13Cypb0rvlTPPkFGUCIkqy7_E2N1ob7ok9vKAvPIDnByPgsE7HQtAIpe5OL_nusJEHyKzwcxT2A6Pfl7Pv/s640/blogger-image--547989283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqr2JeklOJ51f0C8tU7i33UoP6m9v4zytpCKvp3VlF4BuMAniLhnkbEzwMv13Cypb0rvlTPPkFGUCIkqy7_E2N1ob7ok9vKAvPIDnByPgsE7HQtAIpe5OL_nusJEHyKzwcxT2A6Pfl7Pv/s640/blogger-image--547989283.jpg"></a></div><br></div>JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-83048862820592234942016-03-19T15:09:00.001-04:002016-03-19T15:09:09.296-04:00We made it!Twenty-two hours of travel is all it takes to go from Seattle to New Delhi. We stepped off the plane into warm, muggy air full of smoke and were greeted by an exuberant welcome from giant "namaste" hands on the wall.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqptRSm8MMxfNQUN-0EW08I3VvixUXX0JW_Ad7phZPlom_c-PZtUKKU3f1Zk95MrGOxKEqoiQYM1RtjVGlEso81xjcXp_HVXBZD72Q1TwvxXSd08qzPsdfnKdMdZl-SbgezL-f7HeJ3lSw/s640/blogger-image--1714738107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqptRSm8MMxfNQUN-0EW08I3VvixUXX0JW_Ad7phZPlom_c-PZtUKKU3f1Zk95MrGOxKEqoiQYM1RtjVGlEso81xjcXp_HVXBZD72Q1TwvxXSd08qzPsdfnKdMdZl-SbgezL-f7HeJ3lSw/s640/blogger-image--1714738107.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Customs was a breeze (we did the legwork for visas online ahead of time) and then found our luggage. A driver that Amada found through her cousin met us at the exit and drove us to our hotel -- o, the glory that is Marriott after a long trip! (Though in this case that glory was momentarily questioned when we saw the awkward open format bathtub... fortunately there are sliding doors that allow for privacy). <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ72GsPEbvHv9mg7FyGZB7ls2WhxH_u4eq0VHFp1UHbH_nWZWrAass3QqBnyOA5LSBYPm727ip5o1JeX6WBIwdLTWG1F6caYs9ONFq-cH_lZS7nDoYGrICCZuA1fLgyZXUQrulhjksOOk/s640/blogger-image-1062306328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQ72GsPEbvHv9mg7FyGZB7ls2WhxH_u4eq0VHFp1UHbH_nWZWrAass3QqBnyOA5LSBYPm727ip5o1JeX6WBIwdLTWG1F6caYs9ONFq-cH_lZS7nDoYGrICCZuA1fLgyZXUQrulhjksOOk/s640/blogger-image-1062306328.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>We dropped out bags and quickly ran through our most pressing questions: How/when do we buy train tickets? (From the concierge, tomorrow!) What do we want to do in the morning? (See all the things and eat all the food!) Is the hotel restaurant still serving dinner? (Yes, but only for five more minutes!)</div><div><br></div><div>We rushed to the dining room and had our first Indian dining experience, in which we all learned valuable lessons: Amanda learned that that she may not have a choice in whether she gets to dish up her own food from the serving bowl (she turned the first waiter down, only to have another rush over to do the serving in his place). Justin learned that just because something has raisins and cashews in it doesn't mean it's not super spicy. And i learned that Infian food really does taste better in India. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDd-xJDB3-thFWBuMWLj97LmBHXhQCBJDgcui9k9kMjflXbeDhOCaOp5L7exRcpcGFuUbDE_rtgjPzN95e_zyaLzMMIZhd4PANDEtOf9WsHAqufg7VE235SqB5n3XI4tqKTKP_GrbExlG/s640/blogger-image--1633871687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDd-xJDB3-thFWBuMWLj97LmBHXhQCBJDgcui9k9kMjflXbeDhOCaOp5L7exRcpcGFuUbDE_rtgjPzN95e_zyaLzMMIZhd4PANDEtOf9WsHAqufg7VE235SqB5n3XI4tqKTKP_GrbExlG/s640/blogger-image--1633871687.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Can't wait for more!</div>JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-15766543661389019932016-03-19T05:05:00.001-04:002016-03-19T05:05:06.296-04:00Off to India!Holy cow, this year's big trip is here already -- we're off to explore the Subcontinent!<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyE9BcVwmCAspwjHajHkWVH2bErg7P87TgpLcxL1KIiXl1N-VJT-ysqdOE4UmeVuI84PvaD9dFbntknOU9PgCTrVeMTo_nWNHr6mHbX4-vgfmt9XNUzHMmJBgKTltgzZG1jRUpIK_pTU1/s640/blogger-image-826722241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyE9BcVwmCAspwjHajHkWVH2bErg7P87TgpLcxL1KIiXl1N-VJT-ysqdOE4UmeVuI84PvaD9dFbntknOU9PgCTrVeMTo_nWNHr6mHbX4-vgfmt9XNUzHMmJBgKTltgzZG1jRUpIK_pTU1/s640/blogger-image-826722241.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Getting there is part of the adventure. We left Friday morning and after 14.5 hours in the air, we touched down in Dubai. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqwDx8YD7LqvUswQZ3WuIrhfutFU_iJR_ONbFm9oOiQaluUZ7aQ6xOFaavNTQNbnUMyRjBjmM0pwZwWNIJZaddYmPXKpWeZXExCE7LTsajsoPIcgvQXHulBB5awpQQgx_f3Uhe93Nwiuq/s640/blogger-image-1566678414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqwDx8YD7LqvUswQZ3WuIrhfutFU_iJR_ONbFm9oOiQaluUZ7aQ6xOFaavNTQNbnUMyRjBjmM0pwZwWNIJZaddYmPXKpWeZXExCE7LTsajsoPIcgvQXHulBB5awpQQgx_f3Uhe93Nwiuq/s640/blogger-image-1566678414.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's super impressive to see this city that has basically been built from scratch in only a relatively few years. The buildings are all new (at least, everything that i could see from the plane was new). And the Burj Khalifa - the worlds tallest building - is stunningly tall. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz3naddtfqXntUGPCYES34VX3T7Qt9K9RDeB5jEImv4gqZax4VQz6D-NXYxNhpJaspQmG_3KpdPgR5wPFf_C0E22FtwCe26Ajfu7zCZXm9kQqdTVrs7Jk8-WibI_rX2Lg6C1HdTKeEwxA/s640/blogger-image-2074086799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz3naddtfqXntUGPCYES34VX3T7Qt9K9RDeB5jEImv4gqZax4VQz6D-NXYxNhpJaspQmG_3KpdPgR5wPFf_C0E22FtwCe26Ajfu7zCZXm9kQqdTVrs7Jk8-WibI_rX2Lg6C1HdTKeEwxA/s640/blogger-image-2074086799.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div>Our layover, alas, wasn't long enough to risk leaving the airport for a quick spin through the city, but it did leave plenty of time for a leisurely lunch. Naturally we ate French: </div><div><br></div><div>Quiche and salad at Le Pain Quotidien...</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hTsX4km6FFyDHtsPHs2Zjxk_7G5Oqf3sfshHPm8-Z_-3Msd1L7NmLQwSTrJwNy1rLtRCE72CVMx7W6WndetNBoBq8KighzRsv7YxzlRtdqhwoxVUHsIyud2mNsRLg_TNCVH6F2JW2Pz5/s640/blogger-image-634343457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hTsX4km6FFyDHtsPHs2Zjxk_7G5Oqf3sfshHPm8-Z_-3Msd1L7NmLQwSTrJwNy1rLtRCE72CVMx7W6WndetNBoBq8KighzRsv7YxzlRtdqhwoxVUHsIyud2mNsRLg_TNCVH6F2JW2Pz5/s640/blogger-image-634343457.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>... followed by pastries at Paul. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sF_cBC-io3vP6kjyOxsxJB_1huJEQk0vym2LjLEfeC_mfmsHqxEFilKaOTU4kl4xsTCxuZY8VoRG6xGV4JKHOjlfbOdTSaLER7N9FHiKeN0wI7yOG1K6xNDObdmKXZhV9AHT8YGgqQs6/s640/blogger-image--1766769813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sF_cBC-io3vP6kjyOxsxJB_1huJEQk0vym2LjLEfeC_mfmsHqxEFilKaOTU4kl4xsTCxuZY8VoRG6xGV4JKHOjlfbOdTSaLER7N9FHiKeN0wI7yOG1K6xNDObdmKXZhV9AHT8YGgqQs6/s640/blogger-image--1766769813.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We skipped the M&M shop but enjoyed niticing that Arabic M&Ms wear headdresses.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kdVyMGJaFl6XZTP3ha1uVYsOu0sT2E4WHzdFsA_jCHhaE8jsLya1rzilcoLKCcWlOGcfahlD4NbQ4SnpzefDkBQHE1Fnn0St072oCuL7cMpSQ522gyrdp5p6Td0UpLq9LrPyTu0pQwqd/s640/blogger-image-1221771729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kdVyMGJaFl6XZTP3ha1uVYsOu0sT2E4WHzdFsA_jCHhaE8jsLya1rzilcoLKCcWlOGcfahlD4NbQ4SnpzefDkBQHE1Fnn0St072oCuL7cMpSQ522gyrdp5p6Td0UpLq9LrPyTu0pQwqd/s640/blogger-image-1221771729.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Now we wait and read and enjoy the view before our next flight to Delhi. It's only 3.5 hours away!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7tKctnmDWI7KDxkQhqm7ePAvNSHkVMbS0UhrW8gn0cmaVzS9t7Rf-IpuyaVayz8yejJtqhOFG2neU6LXegtybPOR30wvcV7F9uZDwwRRx6tGw4vr7Uo-wTJEjUrRAIrNGTKtUjHMcRT/s640/blogger-image--110095116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-7tKctnmDWI7KDxkQhqm7ePAvNSHkVMbS0UhrW8gn0cmaVzS9t7Rf-IpuyaVayz8yejJtqhOFG2neU6LXegtybPOR30wvcV7F9uZDwwRRx6tGw4vr7Uo-wTJEjUrRAIrNGTKtUjHMcRT/s640/blogger-image--110095116.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-87945865686333231222016-01-18T01:13:00.002-05:002016-01-18T01:14:21.412-05:00Old table new<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last summer I stopped at a garage sale down the street and bought a couple of chairs and a little wooden table to use on my roof deck. I spent $20 for the three items, and I figured that I'd sell them myself or take them to Goodwill once I'd replaced them with "real" furniture.
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I now have "real" furniture for the roof and the old chairs are long gone. But I held on to the table. Turns out, it's an unusual little table with interesting lines -- and the size is perfect for my second-floor living area. </div>
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Which means I regret having abandoned it to the elements for the past year...</div>
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But rather than throw it out and find some new replacement (which will likely be expensive or soulless, possibly both), I decided to refinish it. I mean, I refinished the end tables that I got at the Chelsea Flea Market -- surely I could do this!</div>
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And so I did.</div>
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I walked down to my neighborhood paint store and got them to identify the wood (mahogany) and suggest a few stain colors (I went with "pecan").</div>
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The downside of testing colors right on the surface is that you then have to wash as much of them off as you can using paint thinner, and then sand down the surface until the remaining color is gone. But given how weatherworn the table was, it needed a good sanding anyway to prepare it to receive the color.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having learned from experience that sanding tables in the living room is not a smart idea,<br />
I took my project to the back deck and hoped the rain would hold off long enough for me to finish. <br />
It didn't.</td></tr>
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The sanding, by itself, did wonders for the little table. Already the wood looked warmer and more even. Then I broke out the stain and started rubbing it on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPZdb5i7XuDniBz9C9IrZz394cUhbsXaULJcsREf6EWKP67O1rEdpUSMkmmf-f8P4mk9fIOon1jaHzIpFi86-Hv9slPgYJ17FOnGw-Pn48UFFMTZe5_MFuFTuLun2ESDGeo_2nMAQ81J_/s640/blogger-image--541854321.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stain is so much easier to apply than paint! Just rub it on. Let it soak in for a minute, then rub off the excess.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tada! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJln4p7bltEL6V9tV0KWcWEr6LBopuafXco4kWyJb0DvF1Hstx8fAdBkc3923UTV6uhcAz0sPWc1yKp9AQDb5_z3OU-MroNmIvuyfxGbFGd8-O4oA0Pi7q6fK4vIiPBYXLMyHkMYdj9lip/s640/blogger-image-1295055797.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grate was a perfect solution for holding the legs -- I just stuck the screws at the top<br />
into the cracks and let them support themselves in the air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But freshly-stained, not-yet-sealed mahogany is not something you want to leave on your porch in Seattle in January. The pouring rain threatened to undo my handiwork, so I brought it all inside for the night.<br />
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Next morning, the stain had dried and it was time to apply the tung oil finish. This treatment would seal the wood and make it more-or-less waterproof (depending on how many coats I had the patience to apply; answer: two).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxvZRYcISxnkmqba8HXHn_7rVhnv2_r9SOo4ktfOWvwjZBOsgmrdjXoTbs032Q2D8PYA_GiPtACcR9u2T7Hw0ate3WMBoFd7qTLhDKZhFxxlaijY2oh7JooTaBWbP9ohiOLb5OB3Y-oYl/s640/blogger-image--523714180.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I pretended that the ventilator in the range hood would prevent me from losing too many brain cells while breathing the fumes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After two coats of tung oil and a few more hours to dry, I reassembled my table and stepped back: voila!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1CFE3g2cZ2OM2mHnxxR3WapwqbmiKfDyQ9RPwi-PaZaglk4hJxLx7SDUrDauIbmGoUhiifUUyaBe-22eDhKGxo8c13wx_8vOIhc4v79FiGSgxbWUz0aF89-WLqOuu2yBIC_t3KY9Gkd4/s640/blogger-image--2007309700.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Looked good to me! The little table still had its flaws and character, but the new stain and finish brought out the richness of the wood, and nicely emphasized the detailing on the leg joints. Now it looks better than ever in my little reading corner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAtgf_C4M4TP1_WjVQNDH73FbPzzqKI4JextZjg8QtBnB3lTyC3aq0J9boE4xYXMPeTRVo8H4JbBxk2v2_Mq65LknaNwLrZyeKP-wtfK725yqbPDTdVhdYkt_HFhrNfvCkzC0xy0CbOm6/s640/blogger-image--1213370659.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hadn't bothered getting a nice pot for that plant because I was convinced I would kill it. <br />
Seems to be tougher than I thought, so maybe it's time to look for a pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-82322736643084223052016-01-12T16:54:00.002-05:002016-01-12T16:54:40.087-05:00Booked!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Can you guess where we're going in March?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxmAW-AIYEREyAlzJRv0MoAbeWFxvCsdMK9kORDz19o1G7E3TF1Hi3RxsATeyUbZpiJVxd7IQ_-GfOqR1EiFpgGDfeHwBrsdFNsABWuTkbcgc-9ooBBuea3Kpfw13CzES2Usv26FKKXuy/s1600/Photo+-+Festival-Holi-patrimoniosdelmundo-17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinxmAW-AIYEREyAlzJRv0MoAbeWFxvCsdMK9kORDz19o1G7E3TF1Hi3RxsATeyUbZpiJVxd7IQ_-GfOqR1EiFpgGDfeHwBrsdFNsABWuTkbcgc-9ooBBuea3Kpfw13CzES2Usv26FKKXuy/s400/Photo+-+Festival-Holi-patrimoniosdelmundo-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_yJmwgjwwZh7tt0ZekLMCQv1TNVNkCgzgLA31l0guwu2feI1BglYHxCt3pHkpoeIxjOm9Apkp8S-oukTnpV2xPNVR-JOe963V7Kt7iRqembinlwaBtvS8VA_4W1s8Kbjw3LjkzN3lrhx/s1600/Photo+Ganges+Varanasi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_yJmwgjwwZh7tt0ZekLMCQv1TNVNkCgzgLA31l0guwu2feI1BglYHxCt3pHkpoeIxjOm9Apkp8S-oukTnpV2xPNVR-JOe963V7Kt7iRqembinlwaBtvS8VA_4W1s8Kbjw3LjkzN3lrhx/s400/Photo+Ganges+Varanasi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPfeZUbgpi8HUMNQ3fJhH2grsw0x4P9qe_UzmlVSpFW67eaRRGjfqUb_ItJ9PJbbB_-MaOaXrQzLPodhEW1CvvvDJ2QZowYgyVY4biYUElZSlgBkTbJd7LszcNdGUHqDIXKtQAW4KJYAJ/s1600/Photo+Taj+Mahal+moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPfeZUbgpi8HUMNQ3fJhH2grsw0x4P9qe_UzmlVSpFW67eaRRGjfqUb_ItJ9PJbbB_-MaOaXrQzLPodhEW1CvvvDJ2QZowYgyVY4biYUElZSlgBkTbJd7LszcNdGUHqDIXKtQAW4KJYAJ/s400/Photo+Taj+Mahal+moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, I can hardly wait.</div>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-3314255960667378882016-01-02T14:16:00.000-05:002016-01-09T15:04:02.850-05:00New York - A three-star last day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Like all good things, our trip came to a close on Saturday. But our flights were late enough that we still had the bulk of the day to play -- and play we did!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWAMfnZ4oe3AYJVuRmAQwkfkNZJzBy3s1MqfgCjJgERpcGZevpwT1jzVhzriFuxuLfvYGVCnQecpe5JEnqcBCdGUMFQUKIXNsWYoo2TCaoeTuT-phNqNYrHxt0QDYnXBhkZQ89Z2vYeRY/s640/blogger-image--244677464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>
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Nicole, a good friend of mine from Kennedy Center days, recently moved from DC to New York, so we began our day by meeting up with Nicole and her boyfriend, Bruce, for breakfast in the Rubinstein Atrium at Lincoln Center. It was good to catch up and learn about what they're doing: Nicole is head of development at the Park Avenue Armory, which sounds like a super interesting performance venue (she told us of a show that involves <a href="http://www.armoryonpark.org/programs_events/detail/de_materie">sheep and blimps</a> that may warrant a trip later in the spring). Bruce is an economist at the World Bank and the UN, currently working in Geneva.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHanj4D-HYx533zVnZ_oo6_RN0YBGdqeeGBJS2NzKRAntdjJMfH67JIa42-K3djgI8pzRmCN5jOpTVSyxzPStP8-54rGxQGYBn-FlLTA6SZxqPoT85d1UCz3VnxrW-h_NAncF2vGz5kt9K/s640/blogger-image--397025453.jpg" /><br />
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We parted ways -- Nicole and Bruce to make some returns at West Elm; the three of us to find Trump Hotel at Columbus Circle. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB1en1KPG5OY4qwncEB7TLAeZ1aZk_7L60YOZ-S097X4UwacKDJXsRTBpoM-UB7KzyoWjZiLRtFeguev1djgh1C1OGDhjtlN-fPmd_X7Q-boIjBJnDGYME6BPi9ooi5mtqF_J208eCQAf/s640/blogger-image--483028418.jpg" /><br />
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The appeal wasn't the Trump brand, but rather <a href="http://www.jean-georgesrestaurant.com/jean-georges/">Jean-Georges</a>, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant nestled at the base: We had a reservation for lunch!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIAqxbLVZodacC5tmAX1giYpiYb1YlOXeTVoTsNlYDmZ13zMkVmO8GdlPKu1_7YVDohmXdR5yyu631GImOL5oh6qJxz3u8YPpK9L250ZnwfSdsCup0aVrmPF70OJ6Otrlbp8_PjQb2jnQ/s640/blogger-image-797343136.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've always been puzzled why Michelin's "stars" look more like flowers.</td></tr>
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This was our first three-star experience, and we were very excited. The dining room was elegant and minimal, all white and gold, with the only color coming from a stand of deep red amaryllis in the middle. Dress code forbad jeans and sneakers; jackets were optional before 6pm. <br />
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Our server handed us menus and invited us to construct our own tasting menus from the options listed. We each chose three items and a dessert. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhXlprpeLKw7p2dlhkdC6M4G3HNoXGEC1GEIliNB7ijQiteL3hjtz10oMSKnxASvA4a1iWFnbBScCNoSH3gfG5D4KOEZCwV8TMAKLytRBUEKvuDKPUbmlQIF7tY3JHUfoMrC6Pgz_5vi7/s640/blogger-image-1681897872.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three amuse bouches: a ceviche, shredded brussels sprouts, and spicy miso soup</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2REy1El1ulCx54UDL2WZ3bDUvJ-kTjx06TvMi-mBZa35qMfkR4TIotRicaqYT5wNRgtPvURQn5DMoG6VlViE74W-moX-nd00flntdZXST6JVjwlf7d9pYrVgy9nc_CJ5mRNlEneV6Rmy/s640/blogger-image--665131372.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea urchin with yuzu and jalapeño on black toast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qLf4U-Yo4SI7v5cyFxv5IQDrZd2HNP0no37QS6pWeJ6uQBVi7aoR-woQZECVQjF9hzuydMzMrMTNK6bwbUZcquCUpJiWwhKIf_D-JyAJ6YDkwrdWuq1-I18E5TNle2nc5RuMTTm33n5S/s640/blogger-image-1226949536.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foie gras brûlée with dried sour cherries, candied pistachios and white port gelee</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xZLYsjkhqpb7WrihReEIrUdfArlI-HXRXjulxoKCoijDtp9RV2WCAcK1ih1izwJY3OeREVKaCKruBui4x5Aapond6Emk9KvdMDogseoDfEsKOlT_nAgV2MduV-5pO6Ml3Cx3Swi0N4Qx/s640/blogger-image--1740342746.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy confit of suckling pig with rutabaga pudding and smoked bacon marmalade</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSQZCwMAyrRA_tF_uzunJN82pKma-khg0d6_dWGYnZSJZN9yX3gxHlO-fOAywBRYrOkS1dZh10941to8Y9yMYsZOuS2A-uF4vfVXxpJ7pq25lDfWI1gRiuk_CNOFSJaxrxIBbVi8rezh_/s640/blogger-image--472885716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left to right: (1) hazelnut milk chocolate millefeuille, (2) warm chocolate cake vanilla bean ice cream, and <br />
(3) white chocolate ice cream yuzu sorbet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CTO3Yr_u8soTSVRVlhWRkqhgqxlfxC47jabaHaXjINMkFBCLnuT-FhTYjQ4xXp9XDXeA6WJuXoWYsqls-SsnhKEhLBn924M0wBTJIFWCXVgc0Ee5XoyCBJhDrvyTc9xRvrXX2tXyavjA/s640/blogger-image--783913783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CTO3Yr_u8soTSVRVlhWRkqhgqxlfxC47jabaHaXjINMkFBCLnuT-FhTYjQ4xXp9XDXeA6WJuXoWYsqls-SsnhKEhLBn924M0wBTJIFWCXVgc0Ee5XoyCBJhDrvyTc9xRvrXX2tXyavjA/s640/blogger-image--783913783.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closing treats: passionfruit jellies, hazelnut macarons, assorted dark chocolate cremes</td></tr>
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Restaurants win stars based on a number of different factors, including the taste of the food, the comfort of the experience, and the quality of the service. In this case, it was clear the emphasis was on comfort and taste. </div>
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The room was lofty and felt spacious (there was none of the crowding we had felt at other places) and oh, so quiet! Even at capacity, the sound level in the room never rose above a low murmur, which meant that I could speak in my inside voice the entire time and never once needed to strain to hear what Justin or Amanda were saying. </div>
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As for the food, it was incredible. The portions sizes were just right, the plating gorgeous, and the textures and tastes beautifully combined. It was a reflection on the philosophy of the restaurant that the servers, when they checked on us, never once asked "How is your meal" but always "How are you enjoying the flavors?" It was the flavors that mattered most. </div>
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(And of course the service was excellent; I guess I've been spoiled by restaurants that greet me by name and manage to avoid traffic jams at reception even during the peak dining hours.)</div>
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We left the restaurant with full tummies and happy hearts (as the Puerto Ricans would say) and decided to give the Met Museum another try. Fortunately it was open and the lines weren't too long. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGp3TDTZPlVowMGcPZqQ92SgmQZ0cRownpViKHi8w2v95FADNh484NLjNxQJkcApNNfI9g0PWfoy-hNKIM0jxVRsGsCjLj__DyuZN5nTUruRB8_PF1z4Ng36S1TDcfi1BZtVpquoHwyRlR/s640/blogger-image-1101371815.jpg" /><br />
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We decided to prioritize two exhibits: First, the Costume Institute's temporary exhibition showcasing the fashion of Countess <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions/listings/2015/jacqueline-de-ribes">Jacqueline de Ribes</a>. There were some exquisite pieces, and a sense that the fabulously rich and glamorous live in a different world than I.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgxd0FtbYPshk_NvdoseHdH7A27HDEzGyKTwinraf-gdfaXP2LJ9LLXBhKB2yKTmuu1-aiB8h9UYnDO1JJ5yeo10QRxDHiibBc4caN9Q9Z7ciQCVxQz_UmKTdtpl1X25TAjqYPDXZszdh/s640/blogger-image--109122813.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the simplicity of this dress, and the detail of the train tied up at the shoulders</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmTbsNLUvO2PIU1PNdKVH3GpkhW0wssE16oX1x1wOh-47_vV89JTJeYtiXOruGDcgBTaEThtf4Z34BGhcrJw6Sn2Z85t5ROxb0Jj9SlRYdDoWO4av034pFs44OCW3LW3_ABFy8e8yRkLv/s640/blogger-image--715031445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If I were a woman, I </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur6hAt3fujtYjUqRFWXwGk_UFFjTc_VG_DcWdPAIZyx2uEpuwA5TpQ_iZjlpUiTZezILLoC-r2oGyvYYsZF_D7ml-pJjsfqwXnJFBXP19OVFI6EHQZFlR9pmAEJo_rYaH37QFj-d000mD/s640/blogger-image-384865608.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">de Ribes threw insane costume parties. This one was for an Arabian Nights themed party.<br />
She said she expected lots of bare tummies and arms, so she went with fur to stand out.</td></tr>
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The next focus was the modern wing. Justin, in particular, wanted to see that section, so we made our way across the museum to soak up the Jasper Johns, Giacometti, and Chuck Close.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqlnDgr8qXWvGtQOHlSpgHYMsdug6dGreDDZvoq1n49Hb2YtZwrUkXFrhyphenhyphenLF1SnBX9yG31nguc0GCTrRr8SpJZYQKpDFa-FPuVZMJDZf9r2nLmGHIhJKn5lXMqRAFNMw3ZPpWXvoD7czk/s1600/blogger-image--1512380510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIqlnDgr8qXWvGtQOHlSpgHYMsdug6dGreDDZvoq1n49Hb2YtZwrUkXFrhyphenhyphenLF1SnBX9yG31nguc0GCTrRr8SpJZYQKpDFa-FPuVZMJDZf9r2nLmGHIhJKn5lXMqRAFNMw3ZPpWXvoD7czk/s640/blogger-image--1512380510.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck Close does giant portraits in a sort of impressionist/pointillist style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWAMfnZ4oe3AYJVuRmAQwkfkNZJzBy3s1MqfgCjJgERpcGZevpwT1jzVhzriFuxuLfvYGVCnQecpe5JEnqcBCdGUMFQUKIXNsWYoo2TCaoeTuT-phNqNYrHxt0QDYnXBhkZQ89Z2vYeRY/s1600/blogger-image--244677464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWAMfnZ4oe3AYJVuRmAQwkfkNZJzBy3s1MqfgCjJgERpcGZevpwT1jzVhzriFuxuLfvYGVCnQecpe5JEnqcBCdGUMFQUKIXNsWYoo2TCaoeTuT-phNqNYrHxt0QDYnXBhkZQ89Z2vYeRY/s640/blogger-image--244677464.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When viewed up close, it's a wonder he's able to get the image to emerge so clearly!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The metaphorical clock began to strike midnight, and it was time for us to leave the ball. We hailed a cab, collected our luggage from the hotel, and hopped on the subway to the airport. We bid Amanda farewell at the Delta terminal, and Justin and I made our way to the American gates. <br />
<br />
As we rose into the night sky, we had a glorious view of Manhattan below. So strange to think that such a giant, exciting world could fit on such a small island.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK9ecksoEZ5OwKnfkCuLsxYw8MmsfuhgvigOM-RqM0VEcd_YvYwGuVVnUlqz7SjRkL3Gxy74snnGJV66w-n6h42y5LPBmT8p3I1G5RF_XjbR7yys99OROBrumAEBguXS2dQQWYdMpPVCw/s640/blogger-image--2107149384.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're looking down from the north -- that rectangle in the middle is Central Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Good night, Manhattan! Until next time . . . .
</div>
JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6668337810746103818.post-48006266009583272322016-01-01T16:32:00.000-05:002016-01-08T16:33:23.899-05:00New York - Towers and windows and sign language on New Year's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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New Year's Day is typically pretty dull. The parties from the night before are over, and although it's technically a holiday, it's one that you celebrate while knowing that you've still got a long, greyish stretch of winter before the distant summer. </div>
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That said, if you're willing to get up early(ish), New Year's Day is a great day to go places that might otherwise be intolerably crowded. Such as the observation deck at the new Liberty Tower, built on the site of the old World Trade Center. </div>
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None of us had been there before, so we bought tickets for an 11am admission. We emerged from the subway and were greeted by the imposing 1776-foot high tower.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeuLLVnbw_xC-hBEXu172A47HBYHMeR-QtBlN3OlWce361_tY1DEpY7Ja26wCjBPvmVn-EKF4gPOlFDNrpE-iPausYNAX_Nypv70QIan454g264EAmHmwtpO5MR9X5POgwMgASnCCBUVs/s640/blogger-image-2096379482.jpg" /><br />
<br />
We went inside and were directed downstairs to queue for admission to the One World Observatory.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU84SHH7cydgY4qYvbhmYM48VzrvP6WU_19HCof9tRP9K5vRXu5j4S3axGaiSvy43dC6Cqw5qvyWk-7tdMavBDxPjPOqJ4NRPWm94ktf8C4BPo9NOEnMrA9Rd86WBEZel2iosDn5pqxyF/s640/blogger-image-702614338.jpg" /><br />
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The lines weren't bad, but the vibe was strange. The main entry hall felt very much like the lobby of a corporate office tower (which is accurate). But then we were ushered into a winding corridor made to look like a fake tunnel of bedrock. It was surely meant to educate us about how skyscrapers are built, and to symbolize the "bedrock" of the American spirit -- but mostly it just felt like a cheesy Disney ride.<br />
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Fortunately, when the elevators brought us to the top of the building, there was nothing cheesy or fake about the views. They were stunning.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnogKXWO_je66V-kKnxs1UAXogki0-tkhC4ecyDdZed_fxEiAIn1s6MCtx8MJcD3PwMbXsUFeHErquG4z2uMhzDSDDYWWDtXPncI2r1Oxdb25wDoLYV6aguihqU3RSUYAUOKgEPGrCucGK/s640/blogger-image--2022223106.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West-ish to New Jersey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjyh1YS6Bmmzaoq1BnzzDDGR7_NOzsRtbkZwj7eQKTlsf2YMaU9KKMmdTzC37Ak-PeU6XIoo0FB2NSzNutZDce4_HroBAhHdbx1OaNbG0S_uPHQVMqVro6rEPd07dQjnTEacpnp133Av5/s640/blogger-image--458001648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North-ish over Manhattan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh62UdFwVk18Se6nqteXlSKtz4voaQ3hn4_7FuLLlGhgnT9KRMr3ZAieZ7VwX_9Wg9cwU1GG-MkAuH7Z_plTUPD1la0yFY1lxR0PfCST0hVCPc6-UheDFQdAEYKFYsSxDdSykMO83OX4SLN/s640/blogger-image--1657175957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East-ish towards Brooklyn and Queens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEtlrCvj6vf0sORuAJk9NETjfa51So8HzGkzixqHuoNkNv3D2FIBZ9S_WUe3Api6jEFKfWXG3BrmE1IHN476fR9rs_Kxb2dAUisdNIqj55bNJwRXh5gmi6T0rM62xWRJCNhLCFr5AdDv3/s640/blogger-image--371566078.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South-ish towards the harbor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrXVCHZbqait4ljcR5UowAM3MCptBfPR7vQlYwFGC3RGanEqOLCGtNurlUSN0QI6ugfAWPboEWQv-a_2Z4_gn5Gdwla5EAPCTAnInbMkTQevZrun9GhAOGU5DE8B5bCvKz-apP2fTBcfb/s640/blogger-image--1778218544.jpg" /><br />
<br />
We also could see down into the World Trade Center Memorial, where the towers once stood.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZsbo0QgwMBm4YKIA8bzgAmY93_YYTLzXQ4wFvsQsY2QLU1hJgodGmRUyjor2G_DAHYPbakGrmwtAgmlXMBpgAE1wWDLGWPIfKz4-71D8gBiAptLDZL4SSq3En1LVxLyjCvqmsKE2puAlJ/s640/blogger-image--939366444.jpg" /><br />
<br />
After we had made our way around the observation deck, we went down to have a closer look at the memorial. It was somber and impressive. And it was emotionally affecting for me in a way that no other memorial has been. Its the first memorial I've visited that commemorates something major that I remember happening. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSvSOH3eXhRI9f0SObz1uS_KDJJ612w9SS_pWocqiPiD9XNOMb6vQj_UHiMDxHxuJM4B34ATerv3eJN-CL7zSgsr7p0iOJY_gKpPqTqEckMsffCRNbsnWj17WxfIyi16i8AzOAcMI4fub/s640/blogger-image-2112506381.jpg" /><br />
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The transit station, designed by Italian architect Calatrava, is a lovely and surprisingly large structure that is kind of birdlike, but also surprisingly skeletal. I liked it a lot.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5ci7ueiuAELUn8rYMkzW_W2PyZI06xkKBVwH3WstWayvQDOgi9_f8UPYX8lbFs12jjpndMHf_kJq3oPo3Q9OBblsVI8vVT9ftXGUUXrAqkNSjm90zhkDvftBeNvioZkxQ0TT8I3J-NF5/s640/blogger-image--312292211.jpg" /><br />
<br />
After paying our respects, we took the train up to Chelsea, where we met a friend of Justin's for lunch. We then tried getting into the Met Museum, but discovered that it was closed on New Year's Day, and so had to settle with window shopping on Fifth Avenue -- which at this time of year is tremendous fun.<br />
<br />
We started at Bergdorf Goodman, where we saw a sensible spelunking outfit covered in jewels . . . <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9ZwSwkPF4cyZngFtwZF6gC45pD4K_kFNO3ibq4marZCrtajdCZ5HvCaoJis9ckafnc2Tei3cqaEw5S2ovVzH04hNF14O6ScoFSmTzrjsNuTbyKc-Sravj9arJYE1tuCw2yhDthPvbNyL/s640/blogger-image--124195503.jpg" /><br />
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. . . it appeared to come with its own be-jeweled bat.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvjUFZR26xqqF_UiTxBUj46PCHvQVZDlhRlSnjxTc_q1thVpkAY9fprVJXGfPTDvsA7vvI3piWT0y0VfdgLGoyKNZRl0jROD9FscakCr1YQ5ldkRfH5zxObPqZUBgzcdiwS1skmi3Ow4mS/s640/blogger-image-68485848.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Inspired by the jewels, we walked to Tiffany and were charmed by their miniature doll-house displays.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-SSqkauf4ePHC6o8sOuhjfnLYpR_CyhyphenhyphenIGPE-bQeiZMVuXPo1FUQoO7smBql32DEmBYzcoGDWpF5xRs1KSF8WAxpstRJiN2Rm17xaKBmZPVUnGq8V6kLqhrUtxRieJEz9vWRO6Gln3f_l/s640/blogger-image-1160255207.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCPtm_ihSWgrykkeSvE6Sv1CH7XCoiva8DsqsCB0Pl8GhxIA-jNTjC8qEKqgBV6xOKl3gaNxcLvEsk2vQD44QwoG59U9kOAk7cABhjcmG8hUGqHuEtLu2IqjG3FmSGfbtbQjaE_Z42z78/s640/blogger-image--221787092.jpg" /><br />
<br />
By this time Justin was getting cold and losing interest, but then we spied Saks Fifth Avenue and knew that we couldn't turn in quite just yet. <br />
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These windows started with some lovely winter gowns . . . <br />
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. . . that were worn by mannequins in progressively wild situations. </div>
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When we had taken in all of the fabulous windows, we went back to hotel for a snack and a nap. Then we met up with a couple more of Justin's friends (Todd and Jon, who I had met on our trip to Mexico back in March) for dinner at a swanky Thai restaurant in Hell's Kitchen.<br />
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And of course, after dinner came the play of the day:<br />
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Spring Awakening is based on a late 19th Century German book that makes a very critical statement about the harm that repressive social mores and parenting styles can have on children. I saw the original production of Spring Awakening on Broadway in 2007. It got a lot of attention but was too much of a sensational, angsty rock-opera for my taste. This version, however, had a softer, more acoustic feel, and the characters were less angsty and more innocent -- they were more convincing as innocent kids who were hurt by a repressive society and bumbling adults. </div>
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This version also was performed by deaf actors. Not an obvious choice -- to have a deaf troupe perform a musical -- but a good one nonetheless. The deaf actors signed throughout the musical, and most had hearing actors shadowing them to sing and speak the lines for those of us who couldn't read sign. Some of the actors both signed and spoke. The whole effect was beautiful, and I found that the expressive qualities of sign language enhanced the meaning of the spoken word and other body language. I'd love to see more of that theatre group's work.</div>
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JJDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11153414049426124483noreply@blogger.com2