Shades of the Past

I've loved architecture for a long time now, so I enjoy combining it with photography. Sometimes I then do additional editing or manipulation of the photo. This is a shot I took of an old theater in the historic downtown of Fort Myers. A retro look 'they' wisely decided to keep! This building is no longer a theater but they kept the marquee, thankfully. The theater was originally named after Thomas Edison who had his winter home here. I did 'edit' a bit - the graphic on the building I did and then digitally added it to the photo. :)

This post, with a little more information, I also posted on Tsu. I find this social network to be a great place for me to show some travel photos, shots around my garden, posted recipes; and I've have learned gardening tips, enjoyed banter with others and been inspired in my photography. If you are interested in joining the community, you need an invitation. Here is mine: https://www.tsu.co/TimeForCoffee 
This link can be used to take you to the page to join and is the "referrer short code." Please feel free to ask any questions by commenting. 

Thank you for respecting copyright laws. © Carol Lloyd 2015 all rights reserved worldwide.

What Happens in Vegas...

...stays in Vegas. Is that true?
Well, yes and no! If a wedding ring suddenly is being worn after the trip, people are bound to have some clue about what happened!! :-)

Yes, Brian and I recently returned from the destination wedding of our daughter! Of course it was a wonderful time and a beautiful wedding. She did excellent planning and it all seemed to go off without a hitch. She only got nervous those last few minutes before walking down the aisle. During the ceremony, the smallest of "missteps" was when Brian's cell phone went off! Oops! To give him a break, he was out of the room with the Bride when we were all reminded to turn phones off.
On a side, personal note, I wondered about the potential awkwardness with Brian's ex-in-laws attending. Of course they would be there, that's a given. But this would be the first time I'd have any significant interaction with them. I had no reason to be concerned. I didn't feel any tension; they were easy to talk to and all seemed fine. I think everyone appreciated that (me, not the least of them!).

I had never been to Vegas before. We arrived 5 days prior to the wedding and stayed 2 days after. Wow! I'm glad we got there early, not only so we could spend a couple of days hanging out with the bridal couple,

but also to get over culture shock! I was not ignorant of the stereotypes of Vegas. Some were well deserved, others not so much. For me, two things stood out and required some adjusting. The sheer number of people was the first! Our trip did occur during spring break season so that accounts for a significant population increase. The great number of options to do, so many buildings and their expansive interiors helped. Because of this, I only felt like a cow being herded when on the streets or exterior walkways. At the end of the day, after so much walking, I felt my irritation rise when someone would just stop in the middle of the sidewalk to check a text or something. With that many people moving en masse it's hard to avoid a crash! More than likely, I was also on the way to my hotel and didn't want my way impeded!! 
Secondly, the Disneyland feel on an even larger scale was surprising - very cool! Each hotel/casino had a different theme and architecture which was modeled after various international destinations. I have to say I was impressed with the money and attention to detail each one put into their buildings.

As a former architect I expected to feel like it was cheesy or just too fakey, but the opposite was true. Maybe I just miss Europe so the reminders were fun, although I liked New York, New York as well.

Anyway, the trip was fun albeit exhausting! I'm glad to have had the experience of Las Vegas and of course I wouldn't have missed the wedding for anything!

Old Haunts!

Writing has been on my list to do! With warm affection and relief I received a friend's comment today that she is glad I don't post too often. She can get overwhelmed when her inbox is inundated with update notifications from the blogs she follows. So when I finally do post, she looks forward to it and clicks immediately on the link. OK, she didn't say "immediately" but I'm sure that's what she meant!

So, I did return from Seattle and environs. We went in summer so I packed for the summer - a BIG mistake for Grays Harbor County which is out on the coast, about 2 hours from Seattle. That's where Brian's family is from so it's always a part of our itinerary. No matter the time of year I will never make that mistake again - bringing layers from this point forward. Westport, WA is making itself more of a destination location (for the summer months!). They already have a winery, where my my favorite is the Mermaid Merlot. We've been several times and for those of you who like sweeter wines their Duckleberry Grunt and Bog Berry Blush are dangerously drinkable! New additions have been added to the repertoire in this coastal town. This time we we went to a local brewery (out of someone's barn) with our daughter and her fiancé, Jeremy. Both Jeremy and Brian are into beer so there was much anticipation and enthusiasm about this outing. This was my first beer tasting event, and a very positive one!
I do have to say that after some tooling around town we then stopped at a coffee place - more my cup of "tea"! The Tinderbox was inviting, well appointed and had some killer caramel brownies!! Not to mention the necessary and invigorating espresso I relished. All in all, good family time and the younger generation also showed us new tips and tricks for our technology productivity! Always appreciated. :)

After a week, we were onto Seattle. Surprisingly, we were able to take a couple sightseeing opportunities! I had really hoped that this trip would allow for sometime downtown and it did on 2 occasions!! Naturally, we went to one of my favorite places - Pike's Place Market. There is a relatively recent addition to the area. Yes, it's the Gum Wall - absolutely disgusting! How the idea got started I have no idea. Unfortunately it, the idea, was well embraced and expanded beyond one wall. Much to the chagrin of many businesses I'm sure. Thankfully, this wall is not part of the main flow where people walk. The picturesque produce and colorful blooms are still in place, along with the creative eats and tasteful souvenirs, albeit a bit pricey.
We also made it down to the waterfront. An old haunt for both of us since we worked downtown is Ivar's Pier 54 fish bar, where the feeding of seagulls is encouraged! It was a must for lunch that day. Seattle has added a huge ferris wheel as one of the waterfront attractions. The area is still an awesome place for people watching, wandering the shops on the piers and great vistas of Puget Sound and the Olympics.

We had a wonderful time catching up with family and friends. However, whether or not you have family in this area, I hope you take a trip to Seattle at some point in your life. It's laid back, breathtaking, and has a ton of activities both inside and out. For the best weather go in May, August or September.

Seattle, Where Coffee is King!

In one of my more recent posts, East vs. West, I mentioned I was from Washington State originally - where coffee is king. Actually to be more specific, the castle and, therefore, throne room for this king is in Seattle. I was born and raised in Seattle - I love Seattle. With that being said, I'd like to also say Seattle is the best place to be from! It will always be one of my "homes."

Granted each city is unique; although being a coffee enthusiast, I so appreciate the coffee culture there. In this regard, Seattle is like no other. I found a blog post/article about this wonderful city that I'd thought I'd share in part.

Seattle, The Caffeine City of Gourmet Coffee.
For a lack of better description, Seattle is indeed Caffeine City. Hence it is no wonder that as an avid gourmet coffee drinker, I could not believe my good fortune on my first business trip to Seattle a couple of years ago. The impression is still so vivid, it is like just yesterday. I got up early morning and took a walk near the hotel. The moment I stepped out of the front entrance, a tantalizing, wispy, coffee aroma enveloped and welcomed me. The entire city seemed to permeate a strong coffee culture, perhaps due to the fact it is the birth origin of a certain large international coffee chain.

It does continue and you can read more as the author, Sarah Osborne, wafts her way through the aromas of my beloved Seattle.

In case you might take a trip to Seattle in the future, here are a few of my favorites around town. Pike Place Market is probably my top pick, but you have to be ready for lots of people. Nonetheless, the sites, sounds and smells are amazing! Maybe you'll see a flying fish, and that's no fish story! An added benefit to this area is the oldest location of that "certain large international coffee chain" - Starbucks and another great one nearby. Not far from Pike's Place is the waterfront area with all manner of shops, restaurants, an arcade pier, ferry docks, Ferris wheel, harbor tours and great people watching opportunities. If you want to get out on the water I'd choose a ferry ride to one of the islands and then explore the little town at the other end, getting ice cream to cap off the excursion. The Space Needle is a classic and not to be overlooked, like that's really possible! ;-) For the museum goers, my top three are the Seattle Art Museum, The EMP (music) Museum and the Museum of Flight.

Well, those are a few ideas. Enjoy your time! I'll be there in a couple of days, maybe I'll see you there?!

Emerging...On the Other Side

The other side of the country that is! Well, it's been a month! When last I wrote, it's true - I was stressed out and in the midst of packing up all our household goods. My stressed out phase didn't last too long actually, but times were busy. Then, we were homeless and on the road.

After we left the keys locked in the house for the new owners to retrieve, we set off on our 11 day trek across the country. We stayed with family and friends part of the time but once we hit Texas it was hotels from then on. Along the way we encountered temperatures up to 113 degrees F, red dust storms that as we approached just looked like an imposing wall, sudden rain storms that would almost instantaneously cut your visibility to 40 feet and loooong dry patches without any decent coffee!

We got a rental 3 days before we arrived and put an offer on a house 4 days after we arrived! Life has been busy and quite an adventure. Only now, as a week has passed, do I stand on the fringes of becoming aware that this isn't a vacation. (Although I have learned that road trips are not my ideal vacation style.) It's all been a little surreal.

At this point we start the long, intangible process of settling in. I'm beginning to find my way around to the necessities like grocery stores, coffee shops and Target, although I can still get turned around. I have to say, it's a good thing I like Brian! I don't know anyone else here except one gal who is in the process of moving away, our real estate agent, our landlord (we met once) and we've had one lengthy conversation with a coffee shop owner. These things take time. There is no formula or checklist. Oh right, it's an adventure! :-)

I hope to keep you posted a little more regularly as life might be returning to some semblance of normalcy. Our rental is on a lagoon so I'll let you know if I see the elusive alligator. I have seen two armadillos - both flat as pancakes. But I hope to get a lot more connected to people rather than the wildlife!

Through the Tunnel? Oh, Yeah!!

I've left you hanging a bit since my last post, or perhaps you thought I was hit by that light (which was followed by a train) as it came racing to meet me when I was only half way though the tunnel? No matter what you thought, it's been a while since I wrote and at this moment I'm coming to you from sunny Florida!!

Brian snagged us a couple of great ticket deals and we left for Florida on the 8th of May. He got the tickets about 3 weeks prior to our departure so we had plenty of time to finish working on and staging the house before then...not! Well we thought there was plenty of time but we finished all the little details the day before we left. The house looks amazing if I do say so myself! :-) Not very lived in but amazing and very spacious! Of course, that's the idea - for people to imagine themselves living there and see there is room to spread out. We've done our part of the process. Tomorrow it will be officially listed and able to be viewed online. 

Now we are in Florida relaxing and doing a bit of scouting. The trip was supposed to be all about scouting out the possible new land, but we are so beat from the prior six weeks that it's just as much about relaxing and recuperating. Hanging out by the pool has been tough. Actually, we feel that's an integral part of Florida living, so naturally that part of the trip is really about scouting! After all, the question is - do we like that part of the Florida lifestyle? Hmmmm. So far so good!

No hard and fast decisions at this time. It's a big move so it's not to be taken lightly. I'm rather enjoying the process at the moment! :-)

Coffee and the Expat (?) Process

As is my usual procedure, I discuss the locale's coffee situation wherever I travel. However, I have been unable to complete my sampling -- until I got home! Merida, in the end, did rise to suitable standards, despite the disparaging beginning of Nescafe instant. :( There was a very nice specialty coffee place, selling hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks, along with sandwiches and treats -- La Boheme. Some of the coffee drinks were too high in other flavors and over the top in calories, but I didn't have to order them! :) At a couple of other restaurants I received very good espresso, and as you know, learned how to order it with just a little milk -- "cortado."

Although, I had to wait until home before I could make some specialty coffee that I bought there. It is called De Olla and it is particular to the Yucatan, as I understand it. It comes ground with cinnamon and sugar. While chatting, I shared some with a friend. I have to say it was suspect even upon opening the bag -- the mixture was not remotely dark and rich as I like my coffee beans. Sure there is cinnamon added but... Neither one of us would really call it a coffee drink, even though there was a hint of coffee. There was a very pleasant sweet and spicy flavor that was really more tea like, in my opinion. So not objectionable but definitely not coffee!

We are so glad we finally made it to Merida after all the research we'd done. Even before going though, we had pretty much decided it would be too hot for us. Assumption confirmed! We loved the city and the people, so warm and welcoming. Unfortunately Brian did not feel well most of the time we were there. :( It's virtually impossible to know why, exactly. However, the experience alone spoke volumes to both of us. When this happens, and it will from time to time, do we want to be in a foreign country struggling to communicate, or just without our little conveniences that make life easier?

We really thought Panama was next on the list. Now we are looking within the boundaries of "home." Although, nothing is settled until we are settled. We are still in no rush to make a decision, but we hope the house is ready to go up for sale by the end of April. It's still an adventure even within the States. We just don't have to do it in another language.

Parting Shots!

The trip has come to an end. So often I have mixed feelings as I'm heading home. I absolutely love traveling but the bed is never as comfortable as my own, restaurant food can get tiring (and expensive); plus, the familiar is settling. On the other hand, I love adventure, trying new things, and new surroundings are stimulating - both creatively and by challenging my perspective. I guess I can appreciate the combination of it all.

Here are some parting shots - just a random collection that caught my eye.

Built In Flash Cards

We walked in to the downtown area this afternoon to get a little something to eat and a coffee for me. (Remember, Brian hates the stuff so it was quite magnanimous of me :) to marry him anyway.) All of the waitstaff we have encountered have been very kind, patient and helpful in regard to our seriously lacking Spanish. I learned the word for olives (aceitunas) and the way to order my espresso. I like espresso but with a bit of milk. To say, "espresso con leche" is possibly incorrect, not colloquial or just plain lame. It's hard to tell which category it falls in, as the subtleties of the language are WAY beyond me. Anyway, I should say, "espresso cortado" or at least that's how it sounded to me. I repeated it back and he nodded so I'm going with it, a very valuable phrase to learn in my book.

Even our walk around the central district in Merida gives us a Spanish lesson. As I understand, the story goes that pictographs were used to mark intersections. This was useful for both citizens and visitors, in days gone by, who could not read. In this way, they could know where they were and could arrange to meet at a certain intersection, like the intersection of "La Palma." Then, they didn't have to know the street numbers or have to read them.

Our Spanish "lesson" as we walk ranges from the basic to a bit more advanced. For example, the basics:

The Tortoise

The Lemon

The Palm

The Lion

The Ball

These are pictures and concepts that any age can recognize and understand. Then there are the ones that could challenge a bit more. For the intermediate level we have:

The Theater

The People (says Google)
I would say - The Village

The Hawk

The Vineyard

For the following ones, it's a good thing we have a camera so we can check google translator when we get back to our B&B. These are for the advanced. One of these, perhaps two, I think verge on the obscure. Can you pick which one(s)?

Prosperity

The Muscovites or
The Residents of Moscow

The Cane (says Google)
I presume - The Sugar Cane

The Duchess

In my opinion, the Muscovites is a bit obscure. Although they did a great job showing the typical cold weather clothing for Moscow. The Duchess is also a bit difficult to get from the picture. However, in those days it might very well have been extremely easy to understand. At any rate, my Spanish is improving! Of course it's at such a level it could only get better.

WOMEN ON THEIR WAY -Destinations of Discovery!

As promised, I'm letting you know that it's time to vote for the contest I entered. It's an opportunity to do some traveling and write about it in Women on their Way - Travel Blog! If you'd like to see my original post about the contest click here. The link below will show you the essay I wrote and give you the chance to vote. While you're voting you can also "like" it so it goes on Facebook, too. :)

If you've already voted for me - a BIG thanks! You can do it again! It appears you can vote daily. :) All votes are appreciated!!

WOMEN ON THEIR WAY -Destinations of Discovery!

Along the Way - Doors of Merida

Although Merida has almost a million people, it doesn't seem like such a big city. Each neighborhood has it's own little or bigger park with an accompanying church and a flavor of it's own. We've stayed in three different B&B's to get a feel for some of the various areas of the city. We are in the third place now and this part of Merida is quite different than what we've been in previously. It's closer to the central square or Zocalo, busier streets and a greater mixture of building functions, like hotels, auto shops, police station, ruins and houses.

Along the way, we walk by so many glorious facades. Some of them have definitely seen better days, and some are wonderfully restored. I find I'm surprised by nearly every turn of the corner. I don't always have my camera with me so ... not everything is captured for others to see. Below is a small representation of just the doors we pass as we explore this amazing city.

 

 

These doors help in part to convey the variety of the city. It's fascinating and all kinds of worlds lie beyond these doors. I'm intrigued. There is no doubt this city can pull at one's heart. It does mine.

Only Two Seasons in Merida

As described by one of our guides, "Those two seasons are - hot and hotter."

Brian, who loves the heat, actually finds himself a little over-toasted here at times. Please bear in mind, this is only the "hot season." I wish I could have found an equivalent clip art picture of a girl, but this was the best free one so Brian takes the limelight! :) I'm definitely melting right along with him. We try to avoid walking anywhere around noon because there is no shade on either side of the street when walking north or south. The shade is a must. We knew it would be warm but the experience of it took us to another level of realization. Why I brought anything with long sleeves is beyond me! "You know, it might be cooler at night." HA! Well, it is cooler but still no need for anything like that.

One of our afternoon excursions was to the anthropology museum. As I've mentioned before I'm not big on typical tourism, which includes museums. In this case, it was in a beautiful old home/mansion. (In Europe you might think it was a consulate building or something.) Part of the draw for me on a hot afternoon was the coolness of the building - in both the literal and figurative meanings of that word! It was our guide at this museum who so succinctly described the seasons here.

"Tony" was his name and he was 5" 2' and a hair...maybe. His English was outstanding and I'd guess his age to be somewhere between 70 and 120. His almost toothless smile was engaging and compelled me to smile right back! Tony made that place fascinating. He was so knowledgeable, fun and funny. I learned a lot and it was enjoyable doing so. That's how learning should be. :) It was well worth the little extra we paid for a guide.

Home and Garden Tour

A realtor in conjunction with the Merida English Language Library (at least that's where we met) does a tour of three renovated homes once a week, during the tourist season. I realize it's an opportunity to try and sell houses but I still wanted to go inside some of these homes! So Brian and I along with 50 to 60 others (tourists!! ;-o ) heard a bit of Merida's history, and then, did a brief walking tour. I know the houses chosen can change but I was hoping to walk the interior of La Calle Escondida - the house which sucked me into Merida's real estate, Spanish colonial architecture, and was a big part of The Process. That was the first house!

Much of this house in not colonial at all, in contrast, parts are whimsical, others thoroughly modern. I'd seen the video, perused the pictures and imagined what the spaces must be like in actuality. The photographer definitely shot the home with a wider wide-angle lens then I have. The spaces seemed even grander and larger in the photos. However, I would never say the rooms were cramped!

1st Courtyard Looking towards the Street

The idea of The Hidden Street or in other words - La Calle Escondida, is a fun one. You first walk into an entry room and then immediately into a courtyard. It is this part which is the "hidden street." The architect used the sides of the courtyard to mimic a Merida street. On one side, the side shown here to the left, are bedrooms, upper and lower. However, they look like actual building facades with balconies. The other side, below, is the wall dividing the homes which he has superimposed different types of facades, some with deterioration and all.

1st Courtyard Looking towards the House and the Rest of the Property

Following are some interior shots. The second courtyard with the pool and outdoor living spaces is probably my favorite area. Although, the master suite isn't bad either!

Interior Sunken Living Room

Pool Coutyard & Master Suite Balcony 

Looking across to Master Suite
from Rooftop Area 

Outdoor Living Area below Master Suite

Last but Not Least - the Master Suite

OK, this is probably enough for one post. Trust me, I have more pictures, but I'm sparing you the full rendition. I'll show you more of the other houses at another time, and maybe some pics of where we are staying. Can you tell I used to be an architect?! Enjoying the architectural/cultural differences.

Carnaval de Merida and Around Town

We are here in Merida for Carnaval or as it is called in New Orleans - Mardi Gras! We didn't come particularly for this celebration but our winter getaway to revive Brian happens to coincide. I can't say that we've gone to all of the parades, since there are six in all! Nor did I take any pictures - just wanted to enjoy the time. However, one of my fellow bloggers did take pictures so I refer you to him. The Children's Parade you can find here. I understand it is often thought of as the best. Kids are always cute and they are certainly done up. One of the other evening parades can be found here. We don't even consider going to any of the daytime parades as it is WAY too hot!! I don't know how the people in the parade do it - survive even.

Brian and I did do some wondering of the town with cameras in hand. We ended up in one of the neighborhood parks called Santiago. Naturally ice cream was in order! Here are some images from the park and along the way.