Tuesday, July 29, 2008
First harvest!
This past weekend I pulled the first of what I hope to be *many* pieces of vegetables from our garden. A couple of gorgeous zucchini, a yellow squash, and some yellow pear tomatoes. I didn't realize that we had yellow tomatoes - I was waiting for them to turn red. :) I made a zucchini and garbanzo bean salad to bring to our friend Rosemary's new place over the weekend. Was delicious if I say so myself! Check out the size of this one - it's huuuuuuuuuuge!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Book Club
For the past year or year and a half I've been part of a book club. It's girls only and we meet about once every six weeks or so. I like that it more or less forces me to take some time out of my jam packed schedule to read, I've been introduced some really awesome books, and it's been great getting to know this group of ladies.
To share those books with you, I've added my first 'widget' to my blog - from Shelfari.com. As long as I keep it updated, it will show you the books that I have recently read. It's supposed to also include my rating and comments (if I've added any) but I'm not sure that it's working properly.
To share those books with you, I've added my first 'widget' to my blog - from Shelfari.com. As long as I keep it updated, it will show you the books that I have recently read. It's supposed to also include my rating and comments (if I've added any) but I'm not sure that it's working properly.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Let the good times roll!
This week I am at a training in New Orleans for work. It's the first time in pretty much forever that Deloitte has put this kind of investment in their marketing organization and I will say that it feels good. The best part of course is meeting people face to face for the first time - many of these people I have only known by voice through many many phone conversations since we are from all over the US and India. There are about 110 of the 700 here.Of course the whole time is not spent in session. Last night was a welcome reception and then a few of us from my old role went for drinks on Bourbon Street. This one guy Tom has been to New Orleans plenty (lives in Chicago now, but his wife is from here) so he was more or less our tour guide. Tonight we have a large group dinner and on our way there they have arranged for us to participate in a Second Line - a traditional brass band parade. Looking forward to seeing all my Deloitte colleagues dance!!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Last night in Europe
Our last night in Europe was spent in London, which gave us a chance to see a couple of other friends who we didn't catch on our first night two weeks earlier. I got my old UK mobile phone up and running which made it much easier to try to coordinate. Thursday night we went out for drinks at Occo (Arif & friends local hang out) and late night dinner at Monkey & Me (the only place still open by the time we were ready for dinner, soooo tasty!)...
And Friday morning we went to Roman's flat to visit and meet his son Caspar before heading to the airport to catch out flight. We were sorry to miss Emily as she was at work but Caspar looks just like her!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Home - safe and sound
We made it back to LA this evening... all travels having gone smoothly. Will update the blog with photos and more stories over the weekend. We did arrive home to some fun news - our niece was born! Jason and Amy had Hadley Scout Drews - 6 lbs 3 oz - 19.5 inches. Here's a photo borrowed from their blog - such a sweet pea!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Orphans at camp
This morning was a special morning as we were invited to visit a camp where about 75 orphans spend their summers. For the past two years my dad's organization has been developing a relationship with this particular orphanage and several of the people with us recognized a number of the children from their past visits.
The camp was built in the 1930's and doesn't have many modern amenities but the buildings are in relatively good shape and nicer than what I think many of us expected. Still, the children bring up their water from the well and chop the firewood to keep the cabins heated if needed. The orphanage director explained that she would rather have the orphanage moved out here permanently rather than spending the majority of their year in the city. This was for a couple of reasons: 1) the children seem to behave themselves better while here because they get a lot of exercise and fresh air plus they are further away from the temptations of the city, and 2) this is more relevant to the type of life they will likely live when they 'age out' of the system as they will likely be very poor and not able to afford living in the city.
When we arrived we were greeted with some traditional Latvian snacks and then given a tour of the grounds. The little ones (my guess is ages 2 - 6) were coloring on the porch when we arrived to their cabin. Once they warmed up to us - a process sped up by the offer of American candy that my Aunt Gwen brought - they took us by hand and showed us their toys. Aaron was a massive hit as he let many of them chase him around in the yard!
The older kids (ages 7 - 18) were also enjoying some recreation and we toured their cabin as well. Afterwards they took us to their dining hall and some of the girls performed some Latvian folk songs, the orphanage's anthem, and a popular song. Then the entire group taught us a number of Latvian folk dances - they were simple enough that we could all easily join in the fun.
Aaron and I are the youngest on the tour - by a whole generation - so many were teasing us asking if we were going to adopt 1 or 5(!) of them. Others said that since Aaron was such a hit with the kids that if he wanted to stay behind as one of the directors that I'm sure he would be welcome. :)
It was a bitter sweet experience. Heartbreaking because I of course left thinking about the empty parts of their hearts that only a family can fill. Also a little sweet because they seem to be in good care - the orphanage director certainly sees it as her personal mission to keep these kids well cared for as best possible. Also, the interest and the support that the people from our group are showing to help alter the course of some of these kids lives for the better gives hope. I am certain that there are other children who aren't even as lucky as these to land in such capable and warm hands.
The camp was built in the 1930's and doesn't have many modern amenities but the buildings are in relatively good shape and nicer than what I think many of us expected. Still, the children bring up their water from the well and chop the firewood to keep the cabins heated if needed. The orphanage director explained that she would rather have the orphanage moved out here permanently rather than spending the majority of their year in the city. This was for a couple of reasons: 1) the children seem to behave themselves better while here because they get a lot of exercise and fresh air plus they are further away from the temptations of the city, and 2) this is more relevant to the type of life they will likely live when they 'age out' of the system as they will likely be very poor and not able to afford living in the city.
When we arrived we were greeted with some traditional Latvian snacks and then given a tour of the grounds. The little ones (my guess is ages 2 - 6) were coloring on the porch when we arrived to their cabin. Once they warmed up to us - a process sped up by the offer of American candy that my Aunt Gwen brought - they took us by hand and showed us their toys. Aaron was a massive hit as he let many of them chase him around in the yard!
The older kids (ages 7 - 18) were also enjoying some recreation and we toured their cabin as well. Afterwards they took us to their dining hall and some of the girls performed some Latvian folk songs, the orphanage's anthem, and a popular song. Then the entire group taught us a number of Latvian folk dances - they were simple enough that we could all easily join in the fun.
Aaron and I are the youngest on the tour - by a whole generation - so many were teasing us asking if we were going to adopt 1 or 5(!) of them. Others said that since Aaron was such a hit with the kids that if he wanted to stay behind as one of the directors that I'm sure he would be welcome. :)
It was a bitter sweet experience. Heartbreaking because I of course left thinking about the empty parts of their hearts that only a family can fill. Also a little sweet because they seem to be in good care - the orphanage director certainly sees it as her personal mission to keep these kids well cared for as best possible. Also, the interest and the support that the people from our group are showing to help alter the course of some of these kids lives for the better gives hope. I am certain that there are other children who aren't even as lucky as these to land in such capable and warm hands.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
I guess I am a choir nerd
Today was the opening ceremony to the big Latvian Song and Dance Festival. It happens only once every 5 years and is certainly something that you can experience nowhere else. The day started with a parade through town where all of the groups who are participating in the festival wind their way through the streets in their traditional outfits singing and dancing. We watched the beginning of it, visited for a while in the hotel (some of our group's rooms face the street that they walk down), grabbed lunch, walked through the park/festival craft booths, took a nap, went to city hall to meet with some of the orphans who are connected to my dad's program, and left there for a church service around 5:00 pm it was *still* going on. It started at 11:00 am and likely finished around 6:00 or 6:30 - holy CRAP that is a long parade! And some of the spectators watched the entire thing! After the church service with the orphans we grabbed a quick bite to eat and then went to the opening ceremony.
For the opening ceremony imagine the Hollywood Bowl outdoor amphitheater but way more massive. Sondra, the city official who has been taking us around, told me before the show began that they just finished remodelling the stage about a week ago and that they were all very nervous that it wasn't going to be ready in time for the big event. Aaron and I estimated that for the beginning songs there were about 3,000 people on stage! A few songs later about 2/3 of the people left the stage and thousands (not exaggerating) of kids ran up on stage for several song and dance numbers where they were also joined by a Latvian pop star. The kids left the stage, others joined back in, and about 2,000 people continued with the singing.
All of the songs and introductions to the songs were of course in Latvian but even though we did not understand the language we were able to appreciate the massive coordination and talent it took to put on such a show. My choir nerd side certainly has come out - I was one of the only that wanted to stay when the group decided to leave at about 11:30 pm. At that point it appeared we were only about 1/2 way through the program and not every one was in it for the long haul.
I found the performers to be so talented and the singing amazing. Even with literally thousands of voices on stage, the clarity of their tone and diction and was so on point that you could understand every syllable and hear the beauty of the music as written exactly by the composers as though it were only a few voices. I don't imagine that I will have the opportunity to hear or experience anything like again that anytime soon.
For the opening ceremony imagine the Hollywood Bowl outdoor amphitheater but way more massive. Sondra, the city official who has been taking us around, told me before the show began that they just finished remodelling the stage about a week ago and that they were all very nervous that it wasn't going to be ready in time for the big event. Aaron and I estimated that for the beginning songs there were about 3,000 people on stage! A few songs later about 2/3 of the people left the stage and thousands (not exaggerating) of kids ran up on stage for several song and dance numbers where they were also joined by a Latvian pop star. The kids left the stage, others joined back in, and about 2,000 people continued with the singing.
All of the songs and introductions to the songs were of course in Latvian but even though we did not understand the language we were able to appreciate the massive coordination and talent it took to put on such a show. My choir nerd side certainly has come out - I was one of the only that wanted to stay when the group decided to leave at about 11:30 pm. At that point it appeared we were only about 1/2 way through the program and not every one was in it for the long haul.
I found the performers to be so talented and the singing amazing. Even with literally thousands of voices on stage, the clarity of their tone and diction and was so on point that you could understand every syllable and hear the beauty of the music as written exactly by the composers as though it were only a few voices. I don't imagine that I will have the opportunity to hear or experience anything like again that anytime soon.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Latvia!
We made it to Latvia yesterday and found our way easily into town. Our hotel is *right* in the center of everything. Such a beautiful city! It's pretty much what everyone would think a European town to be - cobble stone streets lined with cafes and shops. I'll need to try to make this one short but in case people were wondering what we've been up to I thought I would write in a couple of highlights.
Since our last post in Berlin we went on another bike tour - this one around Potsdam the Prussian palace from days gone by. Huge, old, and beautiful.
Once in Riga we went straight to meet up with the group for dinner. I was surprised to see the Deloitte office just a few blocks down the street. Dinner was at this Disneyland-like place. Games and rides for the kids. Restaurants and live music everywhere. We were up in the second floor of the windmill for a very civilized meal complete with a string quartet providing ambiance. After dinner we made our way to the beer cellar for some dancing and then walked around the grounds.
This morning we went for a trolley ride in a trolley that has been restored from the turn of the century. Ausma our Latvian/American host says that it was brought out of commission just for us! We then had a tour of the Art Neuveou (sp?) architecture by a Latvian student. She brought us up to speed on the style of architecture we were looking at. Afterward we found ourselves at a bread and honey market and stopped for a drink before making our way back to the Old Town for a very leisurely lunch. There is soooooo much live music in the city right now! All for this song festival that happens only once every 5 years. We are so lucky to have entertainment around every corner!
This evening Ausma was able to get very special tickets to a concert in a church that was originally built in the 13th century. Musicians come from all over the world to play here because of the acoustics. There were nearly as many musicians playing as there were audience members! We left the concert at 11:00 pm and walked out to a sky that was lit like it was dusk. We're so far north I'm not sure that it will ever get completely dark tonight!
Since our last post in Berlin we went on another bike tour - this one around Potsdam the Prussian palace from days gone by. Huge, old, and beautiful.
Once in Riga we went straight to meet up with the group for dinner. I was surprised to see the Deloitte office just a few blocks down the street. Dinner was at this Disneyland-like place. Games and rides for the kids. Restaurants and live music everywhere. We were up in the second floor of the windmill for a very civilized meal complete with a string quartet providing ambiance. After dinner we made our way to the beer cellar for some dancing and then walked around the grounds.
This morning we went for a trolley ride in a trolley that has been restored from the turn of the century. Ausma our Latvian/American host says that it was brought out of commission just for us! We then had a tour of the Art Neuveou (sp?) architecture by a Latvian student. She brought us up to speed on the style of architecture we were looking at. Afterward we found ourselves at a bread and honey market and stopped for a drink before making our way back to the Old Town for a very leisurely lunch. There is soooooo much live music in the city right now! All for this song festival that happens only once every 5 years. We are so lucky to have entertainment around every corner!
This evening Ausma was able to get very special tickets to a concert in a church that was originally built in the 13th century. Musicians come from all over the world to play here because of the acoustics. There were nearly as many musicians playing as there were audience members! We left the concert at 11:00 pm and walked out to a sky that was lit like it was dusk. We're so far north I'm not sure that it will ever get completely dark tonight!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Jewish Museum
This morning, rather than sleeping half of the day away we arranged for a wake up call from the hotel. They phoned at 9:30 as requested, but we still didn't quite manage to get out on the 'road' until about 11:30. But hey, we're on vacation! And besides, the sun hasn't been setting until about 9:30 or 10:00 so we still have loads of daylight to see the sights.
We decided to head towards the Jewish Museum, on the way taking our time to stop for some lunch and window shop. Still not excited about buying too many souvenirs considering the exchange rate but I enjoy browsing and Aaron indulges me. And I indulged Aaron as he sat in some of the new VW's and Mini Coopers at the showrooms.
The Jewish Museum was impressive - large and very educational. The focus was on the Jewish people and
their history in Germany, which of course eventually covered the holocaust, but it started waaaaaaay back in time. Obviously since marrying Aaron I have become more interested in the Jewish story. Also he was able to bring some context as to where his family may have fit into the story the museum was telling.
Another thing that Aaron pointed out to me was the part where the display explained Judaism's influence on
Lutheranism. Turns out that Martin Luther borrowed the idea of education for all from the cornerstones of the Jewish culture of the importance of being able to read the scripture. Just reading slightly different scripture.
After the museum we relaxed in the courtyard - I enjoyed a grapefruit juice/hefeweisen beer and Aaron munched on a turkey pita sandwich.
We decided to head towards the Jewish Museum, on the way taking our time to stop for some lunch and window shop. Still not excited about buying too many souvenirs considering the exchange rate but I enjoy browsing and Aaron indulges me. And I indulged Aaron as he sat in some of the new VW's and Mini Coopers at the showrooms. The Jewish Museum was impressive - large and very educational. The focus was on the Jewish people and
their history in Germany, which of course eventually covered the holocaust, but it started waaaaaaay back in time. Obviously since marrying Aaron I have become more interested in the Jewish story. Also he was able to bring some context as to where his family may have fit into the story the museum was telling. Another thing that Aaron pointed out to me was the part where the display explained Judaism's influence on
Lutheranism. Turns out that Martin Luther borrowed the idea of education for all from the cornerstones of the Jewish culture of the importance of being able to read the scripture. Just reading slightly different scripture. After the museum we relaxed in the courtyard - I enjoyed a grapefruit juice/hefeweisen beer and Aaron munched on a turkey pita sandwich.
Keep on rollin'
Hi everybody, it's me, Aaron.
Yesterday, Julie and I hit the road a little later than we thought, but we did manage to catch the 2nd bike tour of the day since it was right across the street from our internet cafe. We both love doing tours by bike since you get to see so much, and you even get a little exercise. BTW, Fat Tire bike tours is a great company that makes the trip fun and energetic. Good times! (and no, I didn't get anything for that little plug.)
We managed to squeeye in a great deal of the citz. Alexanderplatz, the TV tower, the wall, Brandenburg gate, the chick on a stick, and of course, a biergarten tucked away in a big central park called Tiergarten (plus lots more). We learned tons about how the city is basically bankrupt from all of the rebuilding that started with reunification, and saw firsthand many of the unfinished construction projects. We saw the Bundestag (Germany's government buildings), as well as the German equivalent of the White House.
The bike tours are great because you zoom through the city just like many of its inhabitants. Berlin is FULL of people who ride around, seriously catching Julie's interest. Also, apparently around some areas like Potsdammer Platz and the area where Hitler's underground bunker was, there is a HUGE surplus of apartments. The tour guide mentioned vacancy rates around 80%! I love watching real estate, but we haven't happened to find an open house just yet.
Berlin has definitely been amazing so far. When we came here, I thought I would get to see some the history of the Holocaust and Third Reich first hand, and we definitely have, but I was surprised to find so much more going on. Berlin has been in the center of so much recent history, it's almost overwhelming!
For instance, I'd totally forgotten how Berlin was really at the forefront of the Cold War. We rode past Checkpoint Charlie and got a great history lesson about how the wall sprang up overnight to stop everyone from leaving East Berlin, which was approximately 7000 people per day! I found it fascinating to discuss the separation of the city and the country and how it strongly reflected the views of the allies who split up Germany after WWII. Seeing some parts of the wall that are still there as a memorial and seeing WWII damage on some of the buildings from Russian and German rifles in the battle of Berlin really hammers the points home - Berlin has been a focal point of recent history.
All that history and "heavy stuff" really doesn't stop Berlin from being a beautiful and pleasant city, and I highly recommend a visit if you have the time.
Next time from Berlin,
Aaron
Yesterday, Julie and I hit the road a little later than we thought, but we did manage to catch the 2nd bike tour of the day since it was right across the street from our internet cafe. We both love doing tours by bike since you get to see so much, and you even get a little exercise. BTW, Fat Tire bike tours is a great company that makes the trip fun and energetic. Good times! (and no, I didn't get anything for that little plug.)
| Side note: If zou see the letters z and y mixed up, itäs because this kezboard has them switched. The apostrophe is in the wrong place too. And donät even get me started on the '@' sign. |
We managed to squeeye in a great deal of the citz. Alexanderplatz, the TV tower, the wall, Brandenburg gate, the chick on a stick, and of course, a biergarten tucked away in a big central park called Tiergarten (plus lots more). We learned tons about how the city is basically bankrupt from all of the rebuilding that started with reunification, and saw firsthand many of the unfinished construction projects. We saw the Bundestag (Germany's government buildings), as well as the German equivalent of the White House.
The bike tours are great because you zoom through the city just like many of its inhabitants. Berlin is FULL of people who ride around, seriously catching Julie's interest. Also, apparently around some areas like Potsdammer Platz and the area where Hitler's underground bunker was, there is a HUGE surplus of apartments. The tour guide mentioned vacancy rates around 80%! I love watching real estate, but we haven't happened to find an open house just yet.
Berlin has definitely been amazing so far. When we came here, I thought I would get to see some the history of the Holocaust and Third Reich first hand, and we definitely have, but I was surprised to find so much more going on. Berlin has been in the center of so much recent history, it's almost overwhelming!
For instance, I'd totally forgotten how Berlin was really at the forefront of the Cold War. We rode past Checkpoint Charlie and got a great history lesson about how the wall sprang up overnight to stop everyone from leaving East Berlin, which was approximately 7000 people per day! I found it fascinating to discuss the separation of the city and the country and how it strongly reflected the views of the allies who split up Germany after WWII. Seeing some parts of the wall that are still there as a memorial and seeing WWII damage on some of the buildings from Russian and German rifles in the battle of Berlin really hammers the points home - Berlin has been a focal point of recent history.
All that history and "heavy stuff" really doesn't stop Berlin from being a beautiful and pleasant city, and I highly recommend a visit if you have the time.
Next time from Berlin,
Aaron
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