Amman’s Other Christmas Souk
I have just finished my work in Jordan. I have completed my interviews and typed up my notes. I will put off writing my report until after Christmas. So now I am sitting in a hotel waiting for a taxi … Continue reading Amman’s Other Christmas Souk
Brexit Or Not, London Gets European Christmas Markets
Christmas Markets came late to the UK. It’s not that the UK didn’t celebrate Christmas. Since Victoria’s Albert brought the Christmas tree to England the Brits have done it up in grand style. Before Christmas markets, in the European fashion, … Continue reading Brexit Or Not, London Gets European Christmas Markets
A Christmas Souk in Amman
I was all set to post today about my trip to Madaba and Nt. Nebo to look at the wonderful mosaics and take in the view of the Holy Land from the mount where Moses stood. But after I got … Continue reading A Christmas Souk in Amman
It’s beginning to look a lot like…ALASKA!
Last night I popped my Jeep into 4 wheel drive for the first time in 33 months. I had begun to wonder if Sitka would ever see winter again. When you live in a rain forest the snow is a … Continue reading It’s beginning to look a lot like…ALASKA!
Reflections On Turning 70
This is supposed to be one of those “milestone” birthdays. Even the Bible mentions it, ominously. “Three Score and Ten” is the measure of man’s life. But I’m not feeling like I’ve passed a milestone. Other birthdays were different. When … Continue reading Reflections On Turning 70
Whales and Broken Clouds
Sitka Whalefest has two wildlife cruises each year. This year we took both of them. According to Jan Straley there are 100 whales in Sitka Sound right now, bulking up for their 30 day swim to Hawaii and their mating … Continue reading Whales and Broken Clouds
20th Sitka Whalefest.
For 20 years Sitka’s Whalefest has occupied our town during the first week on November. The festival is centered on a science symposium but integrates the performing arts, visual arts, education and outdoor adventure into a package that engages the … Continue reading 20th Sitka Whalefest.
Stardust Ball, 2016, Photo Tranche 2
Here is the second batch of photos from the 2016 Stardust Ball. It was a great event with Sitka putting on the Ritz and whimsy. Enjoy. Continue reading Stardust Ball, 2016, Photo Tranche 2
Stardust Ball, 2016, Tranche 1
This year Raven Radio’s Stardust Ball returned to the newly renovated Centennial Building. This is the first batch of photos from he ball. Enjoy Continue reading Stardust Ball, 2016, Tranche 1
Cuba 2016
October 2, 2016 Post 0, Milepost 0. This is a series of blog posts on our trip to Cuba on the cruise ship Adonia run by Fathom Cruises. It is the first cruise ship licensed to travel directly from … Continue reading Cuba 2016
C.U. in CUBA
October 3, 2016 As a kid I used to read Scholastic Magazines as part of my social studies program. They were a mix of history and current affairs laced with a lot of 50s Americanism. These magazines first interested me … Continue reading C.U. in CUBA
Havana Vieja
October 3, 2016 I normally do not like organized tours, and our Old Havana (Havana Vieja) walking tour reminds me why. While the guide is good, it is largely a standing tour, listening while the guide explains some aspect of … Continue reading Havana Vieja
Crusin’ the Malecon
We got back to the ship, showered and went out into the cool of the evening. Our p2p obligations discharged for the day, we were ready to strike out on our own. I found a 1955 Chevy Bel Air convertible, … Continue reading Crusin’ the Malecon
Cuban Eye Candy (Classic Cars)
I’ll take a break here and just sit back and enjoy the eye candy of old cars cruising through Cuba. After the revolution the state allowed people who owned cars before the revolution to keep them and even sell them. … Continue reading Cuban Eye Candy (Classic Cars)
Havana Night
We stopped back at the ship for a quick run to the buffet before heading out for the 9:30 show at the Café Taberna. The Café serves dinner but Lonely Planet warned us off the food there. But the mojitos … Continue reading Havana Night
Sustainable Propaganda (But Nice Pictures)
October 4, 2016 Much of our trip to Cuba is defined by conditions set by the late Senator Jesse Helms in the Helms-Burton act. The act limits the conditions under which Americans can travel to Cuba. We are here on … Continue reading Sustainable Propaganda (But Nice Pictures)
Sailing into a Havana Sunset.
Our bus tour took us through different neighborhoods of Havana, through the Miramar and Vedado neighborhoods and we arrived at the pier in time to do a little shopping. At each place we stopped the seller said “See you Saturday.” … Continue reading Sailing into a Havana Sunset.
First Sea Interlude
October 5, This is my first Sea Interlude, a sea day between Havana and Cienfuegos. I like to use Sea Interludes to process what I’ve seen but that isn’t happening today. There’s too much going on. The Cuban band is … Continue reading First Sea Interlude
Cooperative Farm, Cowboys and Cheese
October 6 In many ways Cuba is not the type of Communist country I am used to. I have traveled in the Soviet Union before the collapse and have visited various parts of the old Soviet empire both before and … Continue reading Cooperative Farm, Cowboys and Cheese
Waiting for Lunch in Cienfuegos, Communist Problem Solving
After the cooperative farm we are supposed to have lunch at a restaurant between the farm and town, about 20 km out of town. When we get there two other buses from our ship are at the restaurant. There is … Continue reading Waiting for Lunch in Cienfuegos, Communist Problem Solving
Cienfuegos Art Nouveau
We had about 15 minutes in the Cienfuegos main square, time for a peak into the Thomas Terry Theatre lobby and a walk around Jose Marti Square. I had a good view of the Art Nouveau skyline from the deck … Continue reading Cienfuegos Art Nouveau
Cienfuegos Sail Out
The sail out took us past a number of villages and past the old Spanish fortifications guarding the harbor. Normally the ship sails out of the harbor just after noon. Today it was at supper time and people in the … Continue reading Cienfuegos Sail Out
The Second Sea Interlude — Revolutionary Graphics
October 7 This is our second sea day, but I have more time to write and process today, there will be three Sea Interludes today. So all told we will have 4 Sea Interludes, just like Peter Grimes. Today’s first, … Continue reading The Second Sea Interlude — Revolutionary Graphics
Our Third and Fourth Sea Interludes
My third Sea Interlude is about music. There is live music wherever we go in Cuba. There is Cuban music on the ship, at every restaurant where we ate, on the streets, in cafes and music to welcome us to … Continue reading Our Third and Fourth Sea Interludes