The Philippines

As I sit and stare out of the Fordham Library window at this...

....I can’t help but think about the stark contrast from where I was just a few days ago.

Sarah was kind enough to agree to allow me to take advantage of a great opportunity to attend a 2 week Project Assessment course in the Philippines. My first time in Southeast Asia was a wonderful experience.

The trip began auspiciously enough when I was delayed for a whole day. Now the reader may be thinking that this sounds terrible and it would indeed have been if I had been delayed someplace like O’Hare or JFK. Fortunately for me I was delayed here….

…In Guam. I eventually did make it to Manila.

We were hosted for the first week of classes by Ateneo de Manila. Outside of our classroom time we did get to go on some cultural trips and see the city. These included trips to the old city center known as Intramuros as well as Corregidor. This is the island where the Americans and Philippinos fought the last battle before being defeated (initially) by the Japanese in WWII. It was from here that McCarther’s “I shall return” comes.

While in Manila I also got to taste a local delicacy that I heard a lot about called balot. I thought I had eaten some challenging things while abroad in my past, but this one may take the cake. It is a duck egg that has been allowed to fertilize and so it has a nearly developed embryo inside. You break a hole in the top, drink the juice (which tastes a lot like chicken soup) and then proceed to eat the insides; hoping all the while that you don't taste feather or beak which is a sign that the egg has been allowed to fertilize for too long. Here's a photo of my particular egg.

It was rough getting it down, but it actually tasted pretty good.

For the second week of class we traveled to a rural fishing village in the south of Luzon island and spent time living with the local fishing folk. While learning about a local livelihood project (which we were there to assess) we got a chance to go fishing with them. Here we are traveling by boat out to a fishing site.

This was a highlight of the trip. The fishermen spread out these nets that then sink down in the water a few feet in a circular pattern.

They then use these tools which are kind of like large toilet plungers to smack the water. This hopefully startles the fish so that they scramble and get caught up in the net. The video below is of me taking part in the smacking. Our catch was pretty minuscule so perhaps my form can use some work.

After catching our fish we went to a white sandy beach, started a fire and ate our catch. It was a pretty darn neat experience.

The villagers in Baranguay Uno, Batangas were so friendly. It had been a while since I had stayed with a host family and I forgot how enjoyable and worthwhile it is to stay with locals while traveling; even if only for a few days, as was the case on this trip. here's a picture of the village:

I, as so many others before me, was very enamored of the artistry of the most common mode of public transportation in the Philippines: the Jeepney.

This particular Jeepney caught our eye. Not sure why Mike Tyson is associated with the Bronx? But nonetheless it's pretty sweet.

All in all it was a great trip and a worthwhile class. Hopefully Sarah and I will be able to visit Southeast Asia sometime in the future.

AeroGarden Part 2

I planted my AeroGarden one week ago today. There couldn't be an easier process. The machine knows when to turn on the lights and when they should go off. Sixteen hours of light, eight hours of dark. The AeroGarden can stay on a healthier schedule than most Americans! Here's what it looks like when I put in my seed pods:

The great thing about the garden is that I know when to expect my plants to sprout. Each plant is labeled with the number of days I should wait before the leaves appear under the little 'greenhouse covers'. I'm proud to say that Genovese Basil (expected in 6-12 days) appeared on Saturday:
I can also see my thyme (7-12 days), lemon basil (4-7 days) and globe basil (4-7 days) today! We can not wait to try these herbs. This garden has been a pleasure to watch.

Crafty Christmas

I spent time over Christmas and New Years with two of the best, most talented women in the world: My Mom and my Mother-in-law. Fortunately for me, they are both willing to share their gifts with others.

A few years ago my mom joined the Prayer Shawl Ministry at church. She's been knitting up a storm ever since. Her newest project is knitting hats for babies in the hospital. She got several different sized looms for Christmas and she offered to teach me how to knit while I was home. As it turns out, knitting hats is really quite easy (and quick) to learn. I finished the hat on the right in just a few days. It's a good thing since the temperatures haven't been over 30 degrees since I returned to NY. Although tight, this hat does the trick in protecting my ears from the overwhelming wind.

For some lucky baby's bald head.

My Mother-in-law is a gifted seamstress who shares her gifts wherever she goes. When she visited Seattle in 2009 she brought a sewing machine in her trunk. I was ashamed to admit that one of the quilts we started together way back then had sat in my closet unfinished until this winter. She graciously agreed to help me complete it.

I sent this bunny-patterned baby quilt to my host sister's daughter in Armenia. Although I'm not sure when I'll be able to return to meet her, I hope this quilt will keep her warm through the winter.

Thank you both for the things you have taught me--crafts and life lessons.

AeroGardening Part 1

An AeroGarden is the ideal garden for a NY apartment. An AeroGarden is the best gift a husband can give. Thank you for my Christmas present Dom!

We had a small Christmas exchange before leaving for Sacramento. Dominic surprised me with this thoughtful gift for our tiny place. I got the herb garden seek kit with the actual growing machine itself.

The great thing about an AeroGarden is that it grows with water and nutrient packets - no dirt, therefore no bugs! A water pump circulates water up and over through the 'growing sponges' (or seed pods) and on the roots of the plants.

Here's Dom reading the growing instructions:

There aren't many parts, the large frame on the top right is what holds the seed sponges. I can grow seven different plants at a time.

This is the base. To get started you choose what you're growing: herbs, tomatoes/peppers, flowers, etc... and it knows just what to do.

I planted my herb garden on Tuesday, January 11. For the first round I'm growing globe, genovese and lemon basil, tall dill, oregano, mint and thyme.

I'll keep you posted as the AeroGarden works it's magic...

An Ode to Rachel

Rachel o Rachel what can I say?

She's lovely and kind and always makes our day.

She'll love you and call you and never go away,

Even when you move she's willing to pay-

For a ticket, a Metro card a trip to the city,

She'll surprise you at home and make you feel pretty...

Special.

She's a professional, responsible and cooks just the best,

Quesadillas, guacamole and dessert better than the rest.

Rachel cares about family and never forgets friends,

Which is why I hope we'll be together until the very end.

Love,

Sarah

A Day in the Life

Back to the BX*.

I will admit, I am feeling overwhelmed by all there is to say about the past three weeks. I've decided to work backwards starting with my day - well a portion of my day - today.

Before leaving town we did our best to clean out the refrigerator. I have been gearing up for a grocery run for a few days now (trust me, it is necessary to do so) fully anticipating my desire to avoid the neighborhood grocery store in the new year as long as possible. Something I've learned about myself since living here is that I'm willing to travel great lengths and endure great frustrations to shop at a good grocery store. Lucky for us, one exists in Manhattan. I know, I know, there are probably tons in Manhattan and probably tons within the Bronx that I'm not giving a chance, but I have one store where I know I can find what I want, feel good about the quality, and enjoy the customer service. Think customer service doesn't make a difference with all the high-tech self-checkouts these days? I bet if you come shop at our local store you'll change your mind.

I pulled out my GNAUSA cart, grabbed a veggie slice, and caught the train about a half a mile from my house at 12:35 p.m. For whatever reason, however, I forgot to turn on my brain or pay attention to what was happening and I ended up in Brooklyn. For those of you not familiar with the city, this is a very long trip from the Bronx. Long. And yet, just before we crossed the river (after there was anything I could do to remedy the situation) I realized I had gone straight through and out the base of the island. What a delay. At the first stop I got out and headed right back where I had come. I had always looked forward to visiting Brooklyn, but today I was on a mission and couldn't be distracted from the groceries... or so I thought.

I asked a kind gentleman next to me where the next stop was. This is critical for me as I have been known to get on a train thinking I'm heading uptown when it's going the opposite direction. Somehow we struck up conversation and he told me that his name was Arsen and he was in America studying English. Arsen is an Armenian name so I asked him about it. He told me that he is a mechanical engineer but his family owns a florist shop in Istanbul. He's looking for American roommates so he can practice his English. Amazingly, I think he would have moved in with Dom and I today if I would have offered. He was eager to practice English and very chatty, but got off to go shopping with his friend. That's the thing about NY, I think if you're willing to ask people are willing to help. You can't isolate yourself.

I got to 14th and stopped by the farmer's market to see if anything looked good. It is a rough time a year for the market, and even harder for those who have to stand outside in 30 degree weather, so I bought a couple apples and pears. They looked pitiful, but since they're harvested naturally I'm sure they'll taste fine.

I was so close to the store when I got stopped by another guy my age trying to get me to try out a new salon. At first I listened because I thought I could get a free haircut (which I desperately need) but then I realized he wanted me to buy a salon package. I don't know what was wrong with me today - perhaps I was trying to support the poor souls who have to work outdoors in the winter- but after he discounted the haircut to a deal I couldn't pass up I bought the darn package. Shampoo, deep conditioning, cut, blow dry, style, skin analysis, mini European facial, eyebrow wax, lip wax (which I do not want), 20 minute neck and shoulder Shiatsu massage, all for $50. I think the UN should hire me for my negotiation skills. I asked the guy about his work, his lifestyle in midtown, and how he stays warm outside all day. I also found out that he grew up in Cincinnati. When I asked him if he was ripping me off he said "I'm too cute for jail." I should have walked away then, but then I had to think that Ohioans take care of each other. We'll see how the salon is...

The store was packed. It's always packed. When you picture busy you have to shrink the size of whatever establishment you're imagining and double the people inside. I've shopped here a lot since we arrived and every single time the checkout line wraps around the perimeter of the store. My salon marketer friend gave me a good tip to shop the interior first and then just pick up what you want from the exterior as you wait in line. It would have worked today if there were not two lines side-by-side wrapped around the store. No cutting in for eggs when there could be line confusion.

I was trying to shop for more than a month's worth of groceries so I filled my cart completely. I brought four reusable grocery bags and all were filled to the brim.

As 3:30 approached I boarded the train back to the Bronx. This was easier said than done. I took the elevator downstairs and knew I wouldn't be able to fit my full cart through the entrance turnstiles. I waved to the attendant in his booth and asked him to kindly unlock the door from me. He yelled for me to swipe my metro card then push the turnstile. I was flustered (it was crowded) and I started to walk through. Realizing I was getting stuck on the other side - apart from my beloved cart - I panicked and only let one leg through. There I was, holding up traffic and straddling the stupid gate. The man was screaming: "I told you to push, not walk through!" Annoyed and embarrassed I jumped over the darn thing, got my cart and went through the now open emergency exit doorway. I looked at him in his glass office and said, "You don't have to be mean." What a sight I must have been.

Now although there is an elevator from street level into the subway there isn't an elevator to all of the tracks. Once I got through the door I was stranded at the top of the mezzanine trying to figure out how to get my groceries downstairs. Thank goodness a kind man offered to help me carry the cart in its entirety. Lucky me! It was so heavy another guy helped us make it all the way down.

Accessibility is a greater issue, perhaps deserving of an entire post itself, but if this massive grocery run is difficult for me (and I brought it on myself) what do people with strollers do? Who helps people in wheelchairs? What year is it anyway? New Yorkers are nice, but doesn't ADA have a code for public transportation?

Fortunately I had plenty of time on the ride home to make a plan for getting off this train I had so cleverly gotten onto. I knew there were four flights of stairs I would have to make it back down to get to the street to walk to my apartment. There's a different generosity in the Bronx, so realizing I probably wouldn't be able to get someone to carry my burdensome transportation system I decided to unload in a rotation.

Sure enough, the track cleared by the time I made it to the first stairway. I unloaded three of the four bags to the first landing, went back up for the cart, carried the cart to the second landing, reloaded the cart, charged the emergency exit, unloaded three bags to the third landing, carried the card and then reloaded all the bags for the walk home. It was exhausting, but I was proud of my independence.

If it weren't for a sidewalk crack that crashed my cart four blocks from home it would have been a successful trip. I lost a jar of peanut satay sauce and a jar of marinara sauce to that crooked corner. One could blame all that lifting and carrying, or the fact that I bought glass jars, but again I ask you, ADA...

I walked in the door at 4:52 p.m. Here's what I learned from my day:

• Stay positive. New Yorkers always have somewhere else they need to be that they're in a hurry to get to no matter where you are. It's better to just stay calm and not worry about how fast people are moving around you.
• Use a buddy system. A.) I would not have spent so extravagantly and B.) Cart carrying is a two-person project.
• Living takes a little more effort here. Get used to it.

Dom got a scale for Christmas. To add credibility to my story, my bags weighed: 24, 10, 18 and 31 pounds for a total of 83 pounds. Guess I won't need to hit the gym tonight.

*Apparently snow affects an already delicate trash-pickup process. Not for the better as this pile is taller than me.

A very merry Christmas

Dominic and I spent a very special Christmas in Yolo County, CA this year. My first Christmas with the in-laws and my first visit to downtown Sacramento. I was delighted to be a part of the annual caroling party, the very social happy hours, the family dinners and midnight mass on Christmas day. Thank you for hosting us!

The events started a week before Christmas with the neighborhood, family and friends caroling party. We gathered talented artists to play guitar, banjo, cello and bongo.

My only regret was that I didn't have my trumpet in California!

The kids danced, adults sang, and a good time was had by all. My dear friend and teacher from Armenia was able to join us for this holiday.

Thank you so much for the memories. From the blessing cake to the Cross Court pass, the family creche to the white elephant exchange. We loved spending time with you!

Tis the season

Christmas in the Bronx is in full swing in the our household. It's always an adventure finding our Christmas tree. Our first year in Seattle we had a Christmas bush, last year we cut down our own sad-looking Charlie Brown Christmas tree. This year we went with a Christmas fern!


Pretty impressive I realize. Unfortunately the fern branch is not as rigid as one might hope and so we were pretty limited in the number and type of ornaments we could hang. Nonetheless it finally feels like Christmas in our little corner of the Bronx.

Landmark Quiz

Dear West Coast Readers,

Please take a look at the photo below and leave us a yes/no comment to the following question:

Do you know the name of the cultural landmark where this photo was taken?

I am certain that by answering honestly you can end a marital debate and earn me a Chipotle burrito.

Learning to Cook

Disclaimer: This is not a cooking blog. I don't know how to cook, but I was so surprised with my progress since August 1, 2009 I couldn't help but share. Experiential Learning at it's finest.

There are several reasons why I don't enjoy cooking. I'll admit, my recipes are not organized and I can never remember what our favorite meals are. I'll say that I don't enjoy grocery shopping, and I'll confess that I have an aversion to touching uncooked meat. It's all a recipe for disaster in the kitchen.

My fridge on Sunday (most days for that matter) wasn't very inspiring either:

For some reason, Sunday dinner became the road less traveled. I decided to 'wing it'. Usually this ends in cereal for dinner, but last night cauliflower was our centerpiece. I managed to pull this off:

Does it look like a crab cake? Fooled ya. I think I once tried a similar recipe from a Rachael Ray magazine, but (see aforementioned disorganization) without the recipe I decided to see what I could do with what I had on hand. Here's what I used:

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 2 eggs
• 2 handfuls of whole wheat flower
• 2 pinches of special herbs de province my friend gave me
• dried basil (I'd season everything with basil if I could. I'm crazy about this herb)
• some oil
• lots of spinach
• a handful of cherry tomatoes
• a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette
• shredded parmesan cheese

How that for measurements? I don't measure when I don't have a recipe.

I boiled the cauliflower, but I can't tell you how long because I got it started then had to turn it off while I delivered some cookies to our super. Maybe it took 15 minutes. I just waited until I could smash it down with a fork. After draining and smashing all the cauliflower I added my herbs and eggs then picked out the shells... I didn't mention I can't crack an egg... and my handfuls of flour.

I began heating some extra-virgin olive oil (I thought this would be 'lighter' than frying in butter) in a large skillet and dropped in the cauliflower globs in four-at-a-time to fry. I think there could be other ways to heat them - perhaps by broiling - but I wanted Dom to eat something for dinner and I knew if it was fried he would give it a try.

Once all my little patties were set out on paper towels I rinsed off the spinach, picked off the stems and drizzled in my balsamic vinegar. I made little beds for the patties and shredded some fresh parmesan cheese on top. Not bad at all.

The picture above is the reheats I had with a whole wheat tortilla for lunch. I ran out of balsamic vinaigrette last night so this is Greek feta dressing. Just as I sat down to enjoy the leftovers my dear friend Jill called from Columbus. She said she found my blog and plans to read every post, welcome Jill. I'm happy you're here.

It was very appropriate that she called just as I was thinking about sharing my makeshift cauliflower recipe because it also gives me a platform to shout my hoorays for her chocolate pumpkin cookies I mentioned delivering above. I make these cookies constantly (when I have access to pumpkin) and they're a big hit.

I don't like to share this recipe because it's so easy people might not think of the cookies as a gift. We'll see if Jill really reads and if she gives away my cookie secret.

My mom will tell you, and my college roommates will confirm, that I've come a long way in the past year and a half. Marriage brought out the Julia Child in me. While there's still progress to be made - Julia made tasty food after all - I feel like breaking free from the cookbook to create something edible is a step in the right direction.

Doesn't This Look A Lot Like Christmas

I am going to write an ode to my Gnausa* shopping cart. I love it. I push it everywhere. It even transported our Christmas pine home from Little Italy yesterday evening.

Life this year is much different from life last year. We're the the big city, so we get a smaller Christmas tree. To be fair, this was our "love fern" two years ago (Sarah and Dom spend within their means):

Anyway, we're thrilled with this year's Norfolk pine. We've learned a lot since 2008 and chose a plant from my new friend at the Italian market that is meant to be kept indoors. In fact, despite it's pine-like look, my friend told me that it's a tropical plant. If it is, surely it will love my climate. TheGardenHelper.com writes that this plant could live inside and would grow straight if I turn it every once in awhile. Wikipedia says it must be planted outdoors after the holidays. We'll see who wins... maybe I'll ask John what he thinks.

We haven't had time to decorate it yet, but I'll get another post up to spread the holiday cheer in a few days.

*Side note: gna means go in Armenian. I like to call this my Go USA cart.

Thanksgiving in Columbus

We're celebrating Thanksgiving with the Zaengers this year. A week in Worthington fills my heart with gratitude and appreciation for my parents, family and friends and what they have done for me over the years.

My parents always roll out the red carpet when we come home. It doesn't have to be a holiday to get some TLC and genuine hospitality. Not only do they cook up delicious meals, but they entertain with the best of them (with a hat tip to the Wii, Bananagrams, the Columbus Zoo and Elf the movie). Mom cares about comfort; always setting out travel-sized toiletries, picking up our favorite foods, and providing fresh towels in the bedroom. Dad will make sure you know exactly what Ohio teams are playing, on what channel and when. Go Bucks!

This year was particularly special because Seda, my Peace Corps Armenia teacher, friend, and mentor also came to our feast from California where she is getting her master's degree. My cup runeth over!

Not ones to miss an opportunity to put Ohio's best face forward, today my dad, Dominic and I took Seda on a tour of some of the Columbus wintertime sights (it was way, way too cold to visit any of our outdoor favorites like Highbanks, the park of roses, or Inniswood). We headed down to Capital (that's me with my brick above), visited German village's Book Loft, drove past Dad's charitable pharmacy and stopped by the Santa Maria.

The brick I placed at Capital reads: "Direct our footsteps Lord, Psalm 121". Psalm 121 was the last thing my grandfather said to me before I left for Armenia in 2006. It's the first thing I think of when I remember him today. I am grateful for Frank Zaenger. For his faith, his guidance, and the family he raised. May we always remember as we walk that the Lord will watch over our coming and going both now and forevermore.

Getting Noticed in our New Neighborhood

Yesterday I went to campus for a jog by myself. On the way home I crossed the street to our apartment and a friendly gentleman struck a running pose and commented: "What, no partner today?". I had no idea who this guy was and his question caught me off guard. I quickly replied "not today" and headed home.

What? People recognize me?

Then I realized, I've lived here for nearly three months! We do stand out a bit because of our race, but we're particularly hard to miss in the morning because a) we're running and b) I'm wearing a neon yellow reflector jacket.

Neighborhood, you recognize me? Well, I've started to recognize a few things about you:

• I like to watch you, Speedy Scooter Man, fly down the middle of the road in your motorized chair at 20 miles per hour. Where are you going in such a hurry? Why don't you use the sidewalks or at least wear a helmet?
• I'm grateful for you, Talented Opera Singer. Maybe you don't live in our building, we are so close you might live in a different building all together, but when the windows are open I feel like I'm at my own private concert.
• I tolerate you, Cat Lady Across The Street. Why you've decided to invest in cat food for the 20 stray black cats in our neighborhood is beyond me, but I'm sure they appreciate your effort.

• You terrify me, Pigeon Flock On The Corner. Why must you get all riled up every time I walk by? Don't you migrate? Isn't there a park you could hang out in?

Thank you, Man Downstairs, for your understanding when I bribe you with a bar of Lindt dark chocolate to turn your music down. Of course I'll always oblige your requests to stop 'dragging across the floor' when I'm vacuuming at 11 a.m. on a Saturday.

• I feel for you, Bodega Owner, as you sit at the check stand for hours, days, weeks on end. You remind me of Usnavi and I wish we were friends. Thank you for the free matchbook.
• I wonder about you, Next Door Neighbor Front-Porch-Sitter, and appreciate your willingness to bring back the use of the front of the house. I bet you get a kick out of me running up and down the street on my lunch breaks. What can I say? An hour's not enough time to get to Family Dollar and back.
• You're wonderful, Jeff, and I must say you're the most hard-working super we've ever had. Thank you for keeping our sidewalks leaf-blown, our apartment building warm and our trash cans empty. Now about that pet policy...

More recognition to come. We'll be here for awhile.

Summer Must Be Over

Because today I had to say farewell to our local farmer's market. It was bittersweet because I also learned that this season NYC food stamp users received more than $200,000 in special coupons for fresh produce from the markets. Why do all good things have to come to an end?

There's a hopeful program here called Health Bucks. Since 2006, the number of farmer's markets receiving these coupons has increased from 29 to 60 throughout the city. According to this NYC Health Press Release, it seems that the expense of fresh produce can be offset with the coupon program:

"The Health Bucks increase the value of food stamp benefits by 40 percent when redeemed at participating farmers' markets in New York City. Whenever a customer spends $5 in food stamp benefits at a participating market, the customer receives a $2 Health Bucks redeemable for fresh fruit and vegetables.

There are more than 1.7 million people in NYC who participate in the food stamp program. Sometimes I complain about not having access to food I want in the Bronx (e.g. canned pumpkin), but honestly we have everything we need here. The choices are just difficult. What do you say to your husband who can be perfectly satisfied with a slice of pizza for $2.50 every night? Although it would add up over time, the immediate decision of convenience and low cost surely keep the corner bodegas and street stands open year round.

I stood in line behind a woman in La Super Tienda Del Bronx today as she had the cashier subtract groceries one-by-one until the total cost equaled the stack of one and ten dollar bills she had in her hand. I've been in her shoes, but not because I was budgeting.

Exposure to a different way of eating and shopping has been both frustrating and delightful the past few months. The grocery store closest to our house surprises me with advertisements like: "Spend $150 and get a free pork shoulder" or "plantains $.25 if you buy 20". If I'm shocked and I'm only shopping for two, how much more rich does that deal become when shopping for six? How much more valuable is that entire pork shoulder compared to $2 of carrot sicks?

Small side note: If I'm willing to make grocery shopping a two-hour trip, I can walk about 25 minutes to Little Italy for fresh bakeries, cheese shops and an indoor Italian market. I feel great about shopping there. Although things are more expensive the people are friendly, the shops are clean and the music is played at a reasonable volume, the food is fresh and the selection (on cheese, pasta and olives of course) is expansive. I often make this trip. I know I'm fortunate to be able to do so.

Things will have to change in December. Either my grocery commute will increase (there are several yearlong markets in Manhattan) or I'll have to learn to appreciate imported fruits and frozen vegetables. Regardless, I will thank God I have the choice.

We've Got Worms

In our new compost container that is!

That's right, situated here in the middle of the Bronx I've started my own container compost. All it took was a friendly environmentalist, a yogurt container full of dirty squirmies, and the raw produce leftovers I seem to constantly accumulate from my farmer's market fare. Watch out, this little investment is preparing us for some springtime container gardening (with cleaner and with 'nutrient'-rich soil)!

The dream started with our new friend John (pictured below with Dominic on Halloween).

John is an excellent resource and told me about keeping the container dark, poking air holes for ventilation, lining the bottom with paper and the importance of avoiding citrus fruits and coffee grounds for the acidity. Worms don't like acid.

He also passed along some online sites I can use to learn more. So, of course this evening I spent time perusing www.wormpoop.com where I discovered vermicompost happens naturally. Who knew?

Because I know you're just dying for more detail, John got his worms from Craigslist.com. You can get anything on that website! He told me that they're actually a hot commodity. You can see why below:

There are my worms, happily nibbling on some kale, figs and pear core. Yum!

Call me when you need some "black gold".

Good Morning America

This weekend IPED sponsored a career trip to the nation's capitol. Dominic has been pretty consumed with school so I'm going to provide an introduction here and hope that you'll ask him what his experience was like. This was his first time to DC!

Dominic's first few days were jam-packed with tours, meetings and networking events. The alumni and program director really show the grad students a good time. They put us up in a hotel right behind the capitol building! My biggest regret was not packing my running shoes.

We extended the trip to be tourists for a few days over the weekend. Heather, our dear friend from Peace Corps Armenia, hosted us in her beautiful apartment. Talk about generosity! She spent time with us the night before leaving for an international trip and left us with her keys to hang out for the weekend. We were so thankful for her hospitality.

The metro system in DC is comfortable: clean, organized, color-coded and rat-free. The bus routes are easy to understand. We woke up on Saturday morning and headed to the Mall in style to see our other RPCV friends Bob and Peggy. Peggy and I had been interested in visiting the Holocaust museum so we planned to meet up there, but first we stopped by to say hi to Bo (the Obamas were in India).
If I might make a recommendation, don't start with the Holocaust museum. It makes for a long, difficult day. It's unique because, more than a typical museum, it's a memorial as well. I won't even begin to describe the experience, except to say that I appreciated the efforts made to refocus visitors' attention on the 'what now?' question. I picked up a brochure on the way out called "A Changed World: The Continuing Impact of the Holocaust". It covers topics like protection of human rights, protections for refugees and reconciliation between Christians and Jews during and after the Nazi era. What about the ongoing impact? I never knew, for example, that after the Holocaust the Roman Catholic Church and ELCA renounced their anti-Jewish teachings and promoted interfaith dialogue. Martin Luther, what were you thinking?

We left the museum and walked for a bit. Catching up, processing, looking for lunch. Despite the Incredible phone, we couldn't find an open sandwich shop! We ended up at this fish market where we fought off the birds to defend our crab cakes and chowder on the waterfront.

We had about three hours and more than 300 years of history to cover, so we rented these bright red bikes right off a sidewalk rack and pedaled around to all of the major monuments:

And some not-so-major ones too (Poor Mason)...

Washington DC is a special place. It gives me a similar feeling to when we see the Statue of Liberty or even when we walk through Times Square believe it or not. It is that realization that we have the blessing right now to live among some of the world's most iconic places. DC, we can't wait to come back!

Big Bambu

We're new here, but we know a good view when we see one:

Last month two artists named Doug and Mike Starn built an enormous bamboo fort on top of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's art, so of course at 100 feet long, 50 feet wide and 50 feet high the structure could be described as: "the complexity and energy of an ever-changing living organism". Ultimately, I think some cool guys just wanted to hang out on top of the world:

Sunny, 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, your favorite music playing and an uninterrupted view of Central Park? I'd build some art for that hangout too.

It was definitely an exhibit worth seeing twice (which I did). I took Dominic the first time and then when a special surprise visitor showed up at my house the following weekend I took her too. Any excuse to relax in the sunshine.

The Big Bambu was really all I wanted to see at the Met, but on the way back down to the ground we stumbled across some modern sculpture art and couldn't help but stay and play for a few more minutes. This is what we would look like if you were a fly:

And this contraption would start and stop at the push of a foot pedal. It didn't start for Dom, but two minutes later a 6-year-old girl went up and got it to work.

To all those who may question my appreciation for the tremendous artwork in the Met, I will add that during my second trip I did spend some time admiring Monet and Baldessari's view of Pure Beauty. This town can overwhelm the senses if not taken in little by little.

October whereabouts

Here we are. November. Oh goodness!

Since I spent most of the beginning of October out of the state on business travel, I'm going to summarize briefly with three photos. We'll start with the most adorable and work our way back:

Seattle, WA

1. I just couldn't stay away from that happy face (or from my client responsibilities). So just about a month after I left I flew back to Seattle for a four-day visit. Happy Halloween from one of the cutest kids I've ever met. Our little pumpkin was getting ready to go out to a bagel breakfast this day when I arrived. Of course I got salmon lox.

St. Paul, MN

2. What can I say, we had a late dinner at the Mall of America while I visited the home office. No roller coaster for me, but Dominic made out well on this trip because apparently Minnesota doesn't have a sales tax on clothing.

Decherd, TN

3. Thank you, Nissan, for building your car engines in Decherd. I went all out and tried the most authentic southern cookin' I could find: fried green tomatoes, southern white beans, BBQ pulled pork sandwich on hoecakes. What is a hoecake? Fried corn bread of course (aka heart attack waiting to happen). Good thing the motel had a workout room.

Just when I thought I was going to try my hand at makin' it in New York I left. Fortunately the end of the month brought me back to the Bronx. More on that to come...