Birthdays and Visitors

This past week was Nikki's 22nd Birthday so both her parents, Cynthia and Gary, and her boyfriend Ian came out to visit us here in Texas! We did SO much stuff this weekend with our guests.

Wednesday: We went to the famous Blues on the Green over at Zilker Park. Every other Wednesday in Summer Zilker Park hosts a free music concert on the grass. We walked over to the park (a mile away) and spread our makeshift blanket (an old sheet) out to enjoy the music. Hundreds of people were there with picnic dinners, their dogs, and their kids. It was such a great friendly ambiance




Friday: We went boating on Lake Travis! Cynthia and Gary had rented a beautiful house for the weekend. The house even came with a menagerie of animals. Zeus and Hera, the two shepard dogs, a handful of cats, goats, horses, peacocks, and chickens. Boating was tons of fun. It started out a little cloudy (and even began to rain at one point) but as soon as the sun poked its head back out it was blazing hot. We swam and had a delicious lunch (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, baguette, and fruit). In the afternoon we got a little braver and went tubing and wakeboarding. Tubing is exhilarating-- there is a fine line between fun and frightening. I wasn't able to stand up wakeboarding but Ian was amazing and even pulled off a few jumps and tricks. That evening we were joined by Nikki's Aunt and Uncle (Dana and Rodney) who live in Austin, some random friend Linda that was with them (though we don't know why exactly), and Gary's college roommate Sandy and his girlfriend Becky (who live on Lake Travis as well) for a birthday dinner celebration. Again the food was delicious. Thank you Cynthia!





Saturday: We took the gang down to South Congress which is the street full of second hand clothes/antique/boutique/coolest things to look at. We browsed the Texan items and Nikki even bought herself a pair of second-hand cowboy boots. We went into Allens Boot shop to look at the boots there. They are serious works of art and range from 200-a couple thousand bucks. But if you try them on they are unbelievably comfortable. The smell of cow/alligator/cobra hide was a quite overpowering. That night we let our real Texan selves out and went to the Broken Spoke, a famous honky tonk dance hall. We got there at 8pm to take advantage of the dance lessons. After an hour Nikki, Ian, and I were doing the Texas Two Step like pros. We also learned the Cotton Eyed Joe. I particularly liked this one because you would dance it in groups of three and four so I wasn't dancing with some random Texan.



Sunday: We went kayaking on Town Lake. It was so much fun. We saw tons of turtles and even a water snake (Ian freaked out, but Nikki and I were fascinated). The weather was great but quickly turned that evening into the heaviest rainstorm ever. Of course we had to play in the rain a little. That
evening we went to the Alamo Drafthouse to watch Inception. The Alamo Drafthouse is a famous cinema in Austin where you can order food and drinks while you are watching the movie. We got some beer and popcorn and had our minds blown away by the movie.

Austin, Texas

Temperature 97º. Humidity 58%.
and the place I am calling home for the summer.

My apartment: Located in Downtown Austin a few meters from Town Lake, across the street from the largest Whole Foods you can imagine, and walking distance to just about everything, except maybe my work. Its the largest apartment I have ever lived in and having my own bathroom and bedroom (with a full bed) is unreal. Granite countertops and a stove that has more than one heat setting
Austin, Texas. is also a miracle. But just to make sure I feel back at home in my LA apartment the dishwasher doesn't work so well. And the girls we are subletting from were not much of decorators so everything is rather sparse.

But the complex as a shallow pool and a mini gym (which as boring as it is put to use since its sweltering outside). We live right next to some railroad tracks and trains come barreling cacophonously at every hour of the day.



Town Lake: Not to be mistaken as a 'River' this portion of the Colorado River is the liveliest place in town. People jog, walk their dogs, bike, and socialize all day. I wake up to run here at 7:30am and already it is too hot for me. I don't understand how people can run midday. On the lake itself kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are popular. Barton Springs is a natural swimming hole and a great place to swim. The water is freezing but after the initial shock its a great





The City: Austin is a vivacious city. People are out and about walking, jogging, socializing all day and night. There are no accents nor cowboy hats but Nikki and I plan on checking out a Honky Tonk soon. I explored Zilker Botanical Gardens this afternoon. My bus driver (I ride free with my UT id!) told me that it was in the morning news that 4 Coy fish were stolen from Zilker Botanical Gardens. I thought it was crazy but I was obsessed with the fish too. They were HUGE!!!! Last week I visited the capital and went to the Texas History Museum. Its fascinating to see
their take on events as well as their reverence for the countries of their heritage (Mexico, France, USA, Confederate States etc).





Work: I am working in the Environment and Water Resources Engineering Department at UT Austin. There are two projects I am working on. I am helping Erin, a grad student, conduct her experiments American Clay, a natural clay plaster that seems to
reduce ozone and air pollution levels indoors. We started running tests in the 'Test House' this week. I am also doing an independent project on the effect the Gulf Coast Oil Spill has on indoor air quality. People around the coast have been complaining of gas smell in their houses. The EPA is looking for answers so I am researching air purifiers and how effective they will be at doing the job.




Nightlife: There is always something going on at night. Whether its bats or live music Austin has a LOT to do. 1.5 million bats
live under Congress Bridge and they fly out every night to go feast at dusk. Unfortuantely this year has been very rainy and there are lots of bugs so the bats don't fly out until after 9:30 and by that time it is too dark to see them. Last year, due to drought the bats would swarm out at around 6pm and travel up to 50 miles to get their fill. Another highlight of Austin nightlife is a bar that we found that has the worlds largest Jenga set cut from 2x4s. We played an epic game and had a crowd of bystanders watching after the tower surpassed us in height.



Soccer: And of course we watched the world cup. We decorated tshirts to show our support for Spain. We got to the sports bar over an hour early but inside was already packed so we had to watch in the patio. We stood in the sun for nearly four hours. I drank about 120 ounces of water (thats about 15 glasses) and peed only once. We were so exhausted after the game we slept until Monday morning.

Accidental New York

So my final world travels concluded with a week-long cruise in Greece and Turkey with my extended family. I had to cut the trip short because I had to return to LA for three intense summer classes and 'boot camp' for Spirit Squad.

Greece lived up to every dream I wanted it to be. I have wanted to go there forever. Santorini was so picturesque with the white buildings clinging to the steep cliffs towering over the turquoise sea. Athens was also great, and I was overflowing with Art History facts. Turkey was simply awesome. I really had no expectations for what Turkey would be like, but I loved it. The vibe, the people, the history...I can't wait to go back.

Unfortunately I dropped my camera within the first hour of being in Greece (and that hour was spent on a bus getting to town from the airport) and the screen has turned completely blank. The camera can still take photos, just blindly...so I let my mom do the photography and have no photos to post.

My flight back was pretty awful. It was supposed to be a 10.5 hour flight from Athens to NYC. Usually I just sleep on planes but I couldn't fall asleep. There were no even remotely interesting movies playing and I didn't like my book. So I just sat there listening to the cacophony of crying infants who put to sound how miserable I felt. About an hour away from New York, we get word from Air Traffic Control that we need to wait our turn and begin circling over the ocean for AN HOUR. Awful. Not only does circling make you feel ill, I was not emotionally prepared to sit a minute longer in my chair. The map with the airplane looked like a child had scribbled in circles on it over the atlantic ocean. Anyway, after 12 hours we finally land. But it takes another 45 minutes to get off the plane because we have to get taxied by a people mover and they won't let people off the plane...

I had about 45 minutes to make my connection to CA so I begin sprinting through the airport, and had my first experience with rude and inconsiderate New Yorkers. I got yelled at for running by some man because he didn't want me to cut him in line. By the time I get through passport control (JFK airport is probably the least efficient airport ever) I had about 20 minutes till my flight left. Delta wouldn't let me through security because they said it was too late, I would miss my flight.

I had to rebook, and the only flight they could put me on was one for the NEXT DAY, through Atlanta. Oh and NO, they wouldn't compensate for the hotel for the night because it 'wasn't their fault.' Between exhaustion, frustration, and loneliness, I just started crying. Then my cell phone didn't even work since we were underground so I couldn't call my father. Finally I get through to him and gave me the strength to pull myself together and find a hotel. I stayed at the Ramada by the airport which was expensive but crappy. I was starving and could not stand staying a moment longer in the hotel room with peeling paint and chipped wood dressers. So with a little help from my NYC saavy friends, I hopped on the Metro into Manhattan.


I'm glad I did because it totally changed my opinion of NY (which up to this point could be described in three words that were repeating in my head 'I hate NY, I hate NY'). I got off at 5th avenue to the hustle and bustle of the city-- The gorgeous skyscrapers in the evening light.And the energy and excitement of city life. It was classy and clean, and I recognized so many things from movies and tv shows. I explored a small corner of Central Park before the sun set. Then I walked down to Times Square and gaped at the deep city lights, and the flashing show signs. I loved it. The temperature was perfect and everyone was enjoying their Saturday night out. I ate a DELICOUS sandwich at a cute NY Deli and was going to top it off with a Hunkin slice of cheese cake (but ended up with a brownie since the cheese cake was just too big).

I can't wait to go back!

Here is my blind photography from NY. I didn't crop any of the shots, this was the way I blindly took them.

Relaxation in Hamburg

Hamburg has welcomed us with the most beautiful weather, the most gracious hospitality of Nils and Judith, and best of all, the loving arms of my sister Alexis. Despite how much fun I was having in Spain, I feel like I get to relax in Germany. The purpose of the visit is to see Lex, not cram in every memorable sight, church, moorish architecture, art museum, and plaza around. Time spent doing nothing is still time well spent.

But of course, we haven't been doing nothing...


We walked around the Alster to downtown Hamburg and checked out the ruins of a church bombed by the Allied forces in WWII. We walked around Blankanese, the wealthy 'beach' (on the river) area. We visited the Beatles Platz where the Beatles first became famous way back in the day and sang every Beatles song that was engraved on the street. We went out to Lex's traditional Karaoke on Monday night. We ran along the river in the morning. We did calisthenics in Inno Park (and are ridiculously sore from it all). We rowed down the canals (Hamburg claims to be a watery-er city than Venice) in a classic row boat. And of course I have indulged in deliciously hearty german bread, much-needed German chocolate, a plethora of fresh organic fruit, and a tasty assortment of gourmet cheeses.


The boys Alexis takes care of are also great. Piet (10 months) is the happiest child I have seen and is quick to giggle and laugh, and rarely cries. He has mastered the art of crawling, doing baby yoga (in which his legs twist into the most contorted positions), and babbling in baby talk. Oh and he just learned to 'wink' aka wave which is the cutest thing ever.

Finn is quite a mature five year old and loves making lists of the things he has planned for every day of the week. He is a bottomless pit of hunger when it comes to eating...and they eat the healthiest food in this house.

Jo (2 years), or der grosse junge (the big young man), has yet to warm up to me. And, unfortunately, my presence usually triggers him into unnecessary misbehavior. I did, almost, break through to him by making him a paper crane yesterday, but today he has resumed burying his face in Mommy's lap when he sees me.

Pilgrimage to Rosio

For our last full day here before we head to Hamburg to visit Lex, we got to witness Pilgrams taking a week long trip to Rosio, a small town on the boarder of Portugal. Why? It has something to do with Catholiscim; devotion here is really big. But as the masses paraded around the streets today, it seemed like a huge festival I was jealous I was not a part of. Everyone was wearing their flamenco dresses and the rainbow ruffles filled the streets. They clapped while they walked singing flamenco songs as traditionally dressed men played the guitar and drums. In the front there were men on horse back and women side saddle. In there rear were 26 white ox carts decorated with whimsical patterned curtains and lavish floral arrangements. The two wheeled carts were, of course, pulled by a team of oxen (also decked out in festive attire). They also have a silver float with a holy image of the virgin. Old women filled with passion hold on to the edge of the float, as a promise to fill in this pilgramage.

The journey on foot takes a couple of days to this little town that blossoms from a population of 1000 to a population of 10,000 for the festival. At night they have bonfires and music as they all camp out under the stars. Too bad we cant witness this part.

Picutres to come...when I´m not at an internet cafe

The Rock of Gibraltar

The Rock of Gibraltar towers with its near vertical rock face over the ocean. It is known in legend as one of the Pillars of Hercules. The other pillar stands in Morocco, a mere image reflected south, to stand guard as the gate between the Mediterranean Sea and the beginning of the end of the earth, the vast Atlantic.

They hardly even glanced at our passports (they didn't even open them up), as we crossed the boarder from Spain to Great Brittan. We walked across Gibraltar's personal air strip to get into a town. English menu's advertised Fish 'n' Chips, there were old-fashioned red telephone booths, the policemen had funny hats, prices were quoted in pounds and pence, and some cars even had steering wheels on the wrong side. Children passing by whined in English accents, 'But mum...' as mother's scolded them back for being so 'cheeky.'I kept feeling like I was in a movie or something and people were putting on the accent as an act.

We rode a cable car up to the top of mountain. It was windy and the ridge of the limestone monolith rather narrow. As soon as we got off, the famed Barbary Apes of Gibraltar abounded. (They are the only wild primates left in Europe.) They had absolutely no fear of humans, though they were sneaky little buggers and I feared that they would come attack my back pack at any moment. Though there were signs all over warning about ape bites and fines for touching the wild animals, tourist-toting-taxi drivers would play with the creatures and even set them on your shoulder. The one on Dana's head decided to do some preening of her hair.




We walked down from the top of the mountain zigzagging our way from the south and north tip and back again. The 360 views of the Europe, Africa, Atlantic, and Mediterranean were breathtaking, as were the steep climbs.

We also climbed into St. Michael's Cave. This grotto of moist stalactites and stalagmites was legend to be the gates to Hades. As I looked down into the black abyss in the corner of the cave, it wouldn't take much to convince me that it truly was bottomless. Another legend said that it was the portal to an underground tunnel to Africa and that's how the monkey's came to live on the rock. (What those two legends say about their views of Africa...I shiver to think). They turned part of the cave into a concert hall and hold shows here. (How cool is that?)

On the other side of the mountain were 30 miles of siege tunnels blasted into the rock so that the British could fire cannons at the attacking French and Spanish who held them under siege for a couple years in the 18th century. (Gibraltar, I read, is still a sore spot for Spain...). These tunnels also came to play in WWII, but I forget how. The rock is clearly just a military stronghold. At one time it could have controlled who entered and exited the Mediterranean Sea, but these days it seems to be left over stubborn pride in the British Empire and perhaps a place for some soldiers to train (we saw some camo-clad men trudging up the hill with machine guns and the works).

The weekend was a whirlwind of travel. Between countries, and bus rides, boat trips and boarder crossing, and a time schedule that was always too rushed and involved running to your destination. We went to Morocco for a half day on Sunday...but that's another whole box of Pandoras.

Playing Dress Up

Mom, Dana and I sheepishly walked into one of the thousands of Flamenco dress shops in our neighborhood. The multi-colored dresses like a rainbow hang heavy on the walls. The ladies inside immediately begin to ask us what we are looking for, the style of Flamenco dance we do... etc. To be honest, mom meekly admits, the girls just wanted to try them on, just to feel Spanish. (We would want to buy them too, but the dresses range between 250-500 Euros...a titch out of my price range). Instead of glaring down with a scolding look these two ladies perk up and begin pulling dresses of the rack, handing them to me and push me towards the curtained dressing room. They tell me to step into the dress and come in to help zip me up. In her excitement the lady breaks the zipper of the first dress I tried. I felt awful. No worries, she grabs another dress and zips it with a little less zeal to make sure it goes up right. They reach into their basket of flowers and begin pinning them in me and Dana's hair. They tell me to take of my earrings so she can put her huge dangly ones in. A necklace and a shawl get draped over me, and a mother-of-pearl comb is slid into my hair. In no time I am a proper Spanish lady.