August 14, 2004
Traveling Scotland!
Well I have arrived in Scotland, and I am so thrilled to be here. This country contimues to amaze me with its brilliant scenic views, friendly people, and beautiful cities. It took about 15 hours to get here (24 hours later), 3 flights total from San Antonio to Chicago, Chicago to Manchester, Manchester to Edinburgh. I arrived in Edinburgh just as the Yearly festival has been in full swing. There are so many people from all over here, and the city is vibrant with a wide variety of life. I also had an interesting time trying to get from the airport to the city centre. Currently I am on 5 day tour of the Scottish Highlands, and writing from a hostel in Pitlochry, Scotland. The people on the tour are so great. This afternoon we did some white water rafting down the Tummel River, and had an incredible time. Before that we were in the birthplace of Golf, St. Andrews, Scotland. A town you would see in a postcard, with an abundant supply of Golf shops around every corner. We even spent some time on the beach, and got to see the 18th hole of St. Andrews course where they film the Open each year. It feels weird seeing it after seeing it on TV. This has to be one of the most beautiful country sides I have ever seen. Tommorrow we head to Skye, to take a dip in ole Loch Ness. The big lake the had the mysterious Loch Ness monster. More later when I get a chance, and pictures soon when I get back.
August 11, 2004
Cactus Flowers 2 - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
These two flowers photos right here, made all the cactus I got in my arms worth it. Definately my favorite of the bunch.
Emily and I - Climbing the Canyon
I normally don't put pictures of myself on the site, cause my focus is the art in my photography, but after a few requests from friends, here is us coming back up the trail. I think we are 3-4 miles in already. Doesn't it look like we need a big glass of cold water. :)
Bottom of the Canyon - Sunrise
Sacred Datura - used by the Indians in the area to bring about violent and vivid hallucinogens from the poison parts of the plant in an effort to communicate with the Gods. Most often they would die (from the poison) trying to reach and understand the meaning and intent of the Gods. Not a nice plant.
Grand Canyon - South Kaibab Trail - July 29, 2004
South Kaibab Trail - 6.5 Miles to the Colorado River
Ok these pictures are nothing spectacular, but they do kinda show you what we say on the way down to the bottom of the canyon.
August 10, 2004
August 08, 2004
Colors of the Green Chile
Colors of green chilis from red, green, to purple. The dark the color of the chile the riper the fruit is. So those chiles that are red or purple have been allowed to age a bit longer on the plant. The long strings of chile peppers are called ristras, and were traditionally used to supply the kitchen with spice year round and still do.
What a fresh roasted green chili peppers looks like, ready for cooking and served with a cold beer.
Hatch, New Mexico - Land of the Green Chile
They say there are more flavors of chili peppers than there are types. With that in mind, if you are ever cruising down the highway in New Mexico, and see a sign for Hatch, New Mexico. Stop! and head right in the green chili/chile capital of the world - Hatch, New Mexico. Also known as the Anaheim pepper, or Cayenne even sometimes. The chiles must be roasted to bring out the full fiery flavor that is savored. Known in the south for its unique and pungent flavor, Green Chili is a new mexican staple as part of the culture and the food. Here in Texas, we even celebrate, this great pepper with a festival and local restuarants who get it directly shipped in for the many chili fans. As a recent convert to the chile movement, I have to say I haven't had any better than a fresh roasted chile directly from a road side stand. Its not to terribly spicey if you avoid the seeds, and makes a great attention to camp meals. Your don't have to tell my friend Emily that twice, as the one that got my into chilis, she would walk a mile for a good green chili if she could, granted you got a cold beer at the end.
If you in the area around August 30-31st, be sure to chech out the Hatch New Mexico Chile Festival
August 07, 2004
House of Joy - Jerome, Arizona
If there is one place in Jerome, that really stood out, it would have to be the House of Joy. A fasinating and unique brothel inspired shop with so many whimisical and old time items and novelties that would almost take a half a day to fully experience. The lady that owned the shop said it had been open for about 4 years, and since its beginning in the late 19th century first served as a brothel to serve the growing mining towns needs, after so it was dormant, and over the years was a home, restaurant, general store, and a variety of things. Interesting how it returned (somewhat) to its original purpose. The shop was very tasteful, and had a good collection of items from the last century ranging from old russian military recruitment posters to watches, old labels and buttons, and of course any type of sex oriented novelty from your grandparents years. Its a definate must see in this town for a fun trip back in history.
Jerome, Arizona - August 1, 2004
In our week long road trip across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, we came across one of the coolest and artsy little towns in Arizona, very near Prescott and Sedona. If it wasn't such a ghost town I could see myself working if not living in the town. It was so much fun we spent the day there!
They also have an excellent winery in the town, called Jerome Winery, with some very superb wines. My favorite was the Alicante Bouschet and the Tempranillo wines. Which if you don't know whats those are, you will have to one day take the $4 course they offer for newbies (wine included).
-the expert wine guy we talked to said this view was "what made the job, a dream job".
-from the local church up the street
-one of the local residents
Malibu Beach, California (Corral Beach)
Spent the weekend in Los Angeles on the 23-25th of July. Had a great time for such a short trip, and got to see a lot of the area down there driving around during the day on the coast. Beaches are wonderful in California, I can kinda see why so many people want to live right on top of each other just to enjoy the weather and the scenery. But they can keep their real estate and gas prices, its about triple the rest of the country. Ekk!
I also got to check out the operations of my friends who own a very interesting harry potter wands shop. I love small business and learning about how people run their businesses, so it was neat to check out such a niche area. I also give them some free SEO and internet business consulting, to get things moving in the right direction.
Eyes of Joy
Definately one of the best shots of the day in my opinion. I have another version that I took, and while good I like the above a bit better.
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