All Greek To Me/ May 2008 Update
γειά σου οι φίλοι μου
Yazaz (an informal hello to my friends around the globe),
So far as languages go I think Greek sounds a bit like Spanish but to look at the alphabet I’m much better off learning Dutch probably.
Why is it so difficult to learn another language now? Is it because I just don’t put an effort into it? I don’t! I think it’s more about my own
rebellion against anything that takes effort…some sort of mental block maybe, impatience (yeah yeah yeah, I’ll admit patience
sometimes isn’t my greater quality)? Perhaps this is why I feel I should just be able to pick up a guitar and play without learning the
chords first?
It’d be nice if the words would just simply flow out of my mouth in every language. So honestly, I hardly attempt and shake my head yes
a lot (in hopes I’m not agreeing to anything that might get me into trouble…the same way I mimic the guitar).
Maybe I understand more than I speak with body language! It’s funny really…I’ve traveled many places amongst many languages and
have somehow managed just fine…well, mainly because I’ve been fortunate enough to come across others who bow down to “a lost
American” and speak my language. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky then (so far)…even though I have had my “scary lost little boy”
moments! Just don’t ask me to play the guitar ok.
So…here again on my 4th trip back to Greece (my second to hop the Saronic Islands by sailboat) arriving Athens from Cologne on the
morning of May 2 to meet up with our fellow crew mate Ali flying in from the U.S. at the same time (delayed 1 hour).
Another update and yet more pictures of Greece . Peter took most of the pictures of the sail trip while Scott, joining me for the Santorini
leg of my holiday (also from Austin ) joins in on the picture taking. Thru their eyes, as well as my own I think we give a nice new
perspective to my already familiar places and some new ones. I think the pictures better tell the story than my words but I suggest a little
of both or you might miss something. And if you are able…read between the lines both captured here and the pictures. I’ll bet you’ll find
some very interesting twists and aspects on your own but if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Anticipating our next day sail departure we had managed to fill the boat with the desired familiar faces of friends, Peter, Marij and
Marcel (friends from Netherlands), Ali (from Austin and myself) and our skipper H.J. (go figure…also Dutch)…seems you can’t really go
to Greece to get away from The Dutch as I found myself once again surrounded).
Last year’s trip had blindly turned out successful with our crew of 6: Kelli, Estella, Irena, Henri and myself (all quickly becoming friends)
including our skipper Remco (who fortunately for us was well versed of the area having sailed it many times before). Sorry you couldn’t
have made it back this year but I did invite you to join and instead of getting ya’ll a t-shirt thought I’d rub it in instead. Seriously, with
each place I went back to, your spirit and energy were sorely missed and still very much felt. I’m kinda sentimental that way (I
remembered every blackmail picture and where it was taken I threatened you with if you didn’t come back this year)!
Familiar with my surroundings but still after 4 trips to Greece you’d think I’d know my way back to the Adam s Hotel in the Plaka and other
familiar places! Ha! We didn’t get too lost, I think my nature to be a bit disoriented and with everyone expecting me to lead the way the
pressure was just too much (I can manage better getting lost all on my own).
We settled in with our Acropolis view for our one day and night in Athens and toasted our arrival with a proper Greek meal and the
beginnings of many Mythos beers and Ouzo sunsets, walking amongst the ruins and other sites in the area taking it all in. Yamos!
The boat was all ours, no strangers to contend with except for the lost gentleman who happened to be on the wrong boat (ours) when
we 1st arrived (and the skipper who was a bit of a strange bird (a pink flamingo I think) who had never sailed these waters before. No,
he wasn’t Remco and good thing both Peter and Marcel took o sailing the boat (participation encouraged) and my familiarity and desire
to repeat and share from the previous year managed us to laugh off and enjoy our trip despite a few differences of our “pink flamingo”.
I mean…what are you gonna do? The Greek already have a system that’s very lax and seemingly unorganized but somehow it works
and knowing this system and how it worked from last year, simply applied it (that and the fact I was already spoiled b y Remco’s know
how and ways of dealing with boat and crew)!
Our skipper, H.J. seemed uninformed and unfamiliar as the bottom line and our differences mostly overlooked during the trip and
recognized over last ouzos on our last night together. I guess pink flamingos and other various bird types can all manage to get along
just fine. Besides, it was nicer to walk away from the holiday having cleared any bad MOJO! Karma Karma!!!
One thing missing from our sail trip last year was any kind of actual sailing for any long periods (it had been pretty calm and we had to
use the motor for a lot of our trip). This time with favorable sailing conditions we were able to sail the Aegean Sea as it was intended.
As you can see by our GPS map pic of our trip you’ll see we took near the same route as last year…thank you Remco! Your navigation
and recommendations of the previous year helped guide us thru this year’s trip as well…who knows where we would have ended up
without your guidance. China ?
And we left Alimos Marina for Aegina Sunday morning 4 of May after a quiet relaxed evening and our 1st night on the boat…
Aegina island with the worlds best pistachios…mmmm and the 1st time I tried fried feta with honey covered in sesame seeds. Aegina is
known for their small ouzeries and fish mezedes and there are a number of these places on the waterfront and on the back streets,
easily recognizable by the small grills and the octopus cooking on them. Athenians come here to escape the city, drink ouzo, eat
seafood and watch the fishing boats.
On our way to Vathi we stopped for our first swim….ahhhhh, at last I’m one with Greece in the clear blue Aegean Sea ….Brrr a little but
the salt water soothing to the warmth of the sun this day!
Vathi (on the Island of Methana ) Approaching Vathi from the sea is truly memorable. Hidden from passing ships it has one of the most
spectacular harbor approaches in the world - through a large outer bay to a smaller bay then an inner bay where the town sits at the
crux - its a splendid place with a taverna at its port (and some great shots taken here) became Ali’s favorite island of all (you’ll have to
inquire from her what made this stop extra special w/ cause for all to partake in an ouzo celebration) my personal gelukkig go to Ali for all
her efforts. Good thing the boat was literally a hop skip and a jump from our table (as well as the τουαλέτα/tualeta).
Hydra is a personal favorite of mine. I very much like the fact that it doesn’t allow vehicles on the island and it’s a good size for
consideration to live on (population 3000). Quaint but yet, with hot spots such as the completely white Omilos, a white-tablecloth
restaurant with creative Mediterranean cuisine an d breathtaking views of the Gulf of Hydra which both Ali and I both had the honor of
being showed their kitchen by proprietors Kostos and Lisa (need a dishwasher???). Here, on the weekends after the last of the dinner
guests leave it becomes a night club. We indulged our one night there with the complimentary drinks of both skipper and our hosts of
Omilos (was it just 1 tequila shot after ouzo, metaxa and beers?)…Ali and I left long before H.J. and Marcel and the next morning the
skipper’s clothes were scattered about the boat hanging to dry…apparently he had a few too many and fell off the plank (sorry I missed
that one) and SPLASH into the water.
I felt fine that morning except for a chill that persisted after a very cold shower and soon after hitting the rougher than usual waters felt
the accompanied nausea I’d heard about. I’ve never experienced any kind of motion sickness in my life…It was a bit too late and good
thing I’d taken some benadryl that passed me out col d because when I woke some hours later to an empty boat at the port of Poros I
discovered we had actually gone thru a storm. I’m pretty sure the way I was feeling before I passed out I probably wouldn’t have faired
that storm too calmly. We lived!
Poros is a small, volcanic little island separated from the Peloponnese and the picturesque town of Galatas by a 370 meters canal. We
had planned to stay at a secluded bay I recommended near Poros and Wedding Island we anchored at last year but because of the rain
decided to stay at this port for the night. I do remember docking at the main town area and seeing some nice parts of Poros last year
having arrived there early afternoon. The weather really had played a factor in the outcome of this day so no exploring this time. Best
keep my memories and made some new ones while I was at it!
We cooked a spaghetti dinner aboard! Ali and I were more than happy to pay for the hot showers the next morning at one of the many
café’s offering them for a couple EUROS and a good coffee too (our boat had some electrical problems therefore NO HOT WATER (not
even WARM )…can we say FREEZING COLD our whole trip)!
Perdika is a beautiful small fishing village, with traditional scenery, 9 km south of the town of Aegina . Another favorite spot of mine built
on a hill; with fantastic views towards the blue waters of sea, and the small island Moni. M M M M M M and great crepes Friday morning!
We spent our last morning and afternoon at a nearby seclude d b ay I remembered from last year and it was one of those days you just
didn’t want to end. Good people, good beer, snacks, the Aegean sea and sunshine. Everything was perfect but then we ran out of
beers. How’d that happen? As with everything good and great it must all come to an end and the reality of our having to be back at
Alimos Marina around suppertime.
One last night on the boat there and a wonderful pasta salad Ali had made for our dinner it was time to finish up most of whatever
alcohol we had aboard so we wouldn’t have to carry it back with us into Athens the next day. Here we squared away any
misunderstandings as to not leave any bad karma with our skipper (and tipped him with a bottle of our least favorite wine).
And later… Mr. Vangelis Kavas, proprietor of Kavas yachting personally invited Ali and me back to his home to meet his beautiful wife
and proudly show off and brag about his 2 sons Theofanis and Georgos. Theofanis Kavas is the first Greek ever on the highest step of
the European Optimist Championship at Workum, Holland (IODA) from 21st to 28th of June 2006. At the age of 13, Theofanis is both,
European and Balkan champion, following the naval tradition of Kavas family. On July 2007 -in Cagliari , Italy- Theofanis and Georgos
Kavas won the 1st Award in Team Racing World.
At the end we had been rewarded with a little personal history of his life and family, saw the many cups and ribbons awarded his sons
and received another bottle of complimentary Kavas wine (I think to more than make up for any problems we had on the boat I consider
to have been minimal). Efharisto! I’ll be back and certainly recommend Kavas to anyone wanting to do Greece on a sailboat. Next time
another set of islands!
Ali and I decided to surprise Scott at the airport joining us for 1 last day together in Athens and the beginning of his holiday and part 2 of
mine. He and I would be off to Santorini by fast ferry Sunday afternoon.
This last day was pretty low keyed and I think we had eaten ourselves silly most of the trip that it seems we actually had plenty of
leftovers that even Marcel couldn’t finish off for us. We decided to drink the last of our wine on our balcony w/ Acropolis view and barely
made it till dark where as usual I was up at the crack of dawn and the others soon followed to catch their flights while Scott and I took our
time before catching our ferry.
I was certainly excited about going back to my favorite island and sharing it with Scott but the boat ride there (4 ½ hours) and the off and
on rain allowed me to feel the sadness too of the absence of those friends I had just experienced a significant week with in close
quarters on a sailboat hopping the Greek Isles…to be savored in a special place for always!
I had my own agenda for Santorini! Headstrong! Sometimes forgetting that the person I was sharing the experience with also had his
own to share.
I was reminded the fact that I hardly sway from what’s familiar to me. Although there’s a lot of truth to this fact: I am most definitely very
happy with familiar and comfortable because it’s familiar and comfortable. I am not completely reluctant to the unknown. With the right
persistence I can be easily swayed (ok sometimes, fighting tooth and nail as I am known to be head strong and stubborn but at the end,
if you’re assertive enough and patient with me, I’ll usually end up trying almost anything at least once (maybe twice).
Everything I go back to often (like Greece) that are familiar to me are done so each time with a different perspective both in the way its
perceived upon arrival and the way its perceived in the various ways the same place or thing has been experienced differently. I’m in my
familiar surroundings but this trip to Santorini brought me greater insightfulness simply by being with the person I was with (but honestly I
wasn’t so aware of this insight until I had some processing time).
As the “Queen Mother” Ditha advised me some time ago…the only way to get the full Monty of anything you enjoy is to go back and
revisit those things worth while in your life. I think I can apply this to other aspects and especially my relationships and feel fortunate to
have revisited a dear friend in a beautiful place. Thanks for certainly adding to and making this trip yet another unique memory Scott!
Santorini…4 days, not really long enough! Revisiting everything I’ve come to know from my 1st time ( May 2001 w/ Kat and Danny) and
every time since. Each time taking away with me something new!
And trying to fit it all in with the new experiences and people I’ve come to know on my 4th time back…well, it’s just not enough time is it? I’
ll have to extend my holiday there next time, no doubt. Or just get it over with and offer me a job there…any openings?
There’s my warm welcome always at the family owned Porto Carra on the caldera in Old Town Fira with hugs from Laura and Maria; the
best damn dirty martini on the island by Tropical Bar’s own American Greek Goddess and mentor, Jeanne (I haven’t forgotten about the
Wasabi Martini recipe); such hospitality and great recommendations from Hellen and George of Pegasus Art http://www.
pegasusartsantorini.com/ and always fun to join for a night at Tropical (so many familiar faces from the last time and a few new ones to
add to my list including a nice British couple in Santorini for their 1st time Scott had picked up hitchhiking).
I managed to get in a visit to most of my favorite haunts and beaches and a few new places and things including a trip to and some
history on the famous volcano, a swim in the warm sulfurous springs and of course the famous sunsets (all in part that make Santorini
the special place it is…and managed to do it all, relaxed! I think Santorini does that no matter how much time you have there. Though,
it’s always difficult to leave.
Thursday came all too soon and there we were returning our rental that got us around the island during our short stay, saying our
goodbyes to Laura and Maria, and waiting on the fast ferry back into Athens, a metro ride back into the Plaka (somehow missing our
stop and had to go back) and a few hours for roaming the streets and 1 last Greek Salad the way it was intended.
And here I sit one last final night in Athens on my familiar balcony at the simple Adam s Hotel facing the Acropolis and I enjoy some quiet
moments alone to gather my thoughts (while Scott goes out to explore a little nightlife). I reflect my time there in Greece and I know an
ending has come to something very beautiful and I say my silent goodbyes for now…hope to share you again sometime!
Friday morning Scott and I share the metro ride to the airport saying our goodbyes to one another and a couple hours later I’m back in
Cologne where I am hosted by my friend Vasilly for the night before Peter will pick me up on Saturday and then…I’m back to another
reality.
Eindhoven …home for now!
Transition is about to take place in November…some final details being worked out for Berlin (more on that later).
Summer days back in Texas are on the frontline now (7 of July-18 of August) I hear it’s already hot. No surprise but last years rains
were welcomed bringing most of my summer back unexpected cooler weather. I wonder if it’ll be too hot for me. Doesn’t matter!
Looking forward to revisiting familiar places and friends and those things you do when you leave Austin a spell and you come back. I
know a lot of you know what I mean.
May I recommend one of the best movies I have seen in a while…”Into the Wild” (based on a true story) Ali told us about it in Greece and
it just happened to be playing here at the Plaza Futura Saturday so Mark, Jody, Marij, Peter and I made a nice afternoon of it.
Go…check it out!
Hit me at my personal email for details on my Texas trip. Still haven’t finalized my arrangements there (a couple of ya mentioned house-
sitting so hit me back) and most of you I believe still have my U.S. number (still the same) which will be on the minute I land on U.S. soil!
Enjoy the new perspectives on Greece captured quite nicely with choice music for your listening pleasure and remember to expect the
unexpected always.
Much love and peace
Andioandio and Yamos,
Jes
γειά σου οι φίλοι μου
Yazaz (an informal hello to my friends around the globe),
So far as languages go I think Greek sounds a bit like Spanish but to look at the alphabet I’m much better off learning Dutch probably.
Why is it so difficult to learn another language now? Is it because I just don’t put an effort into it? I don’t! I think it’s more about my own
rebellion against anything that takes effort…some sort of mental block maybe, impatience (yeah yeah yeah, I’ll admit patience
sometimes isn’t my greater quality)? Perhaps this is why I feel I should just be able to pick up a guitar and play without learning the
chords first?
It’d be nice if the words would just simply flow out of my mouth in every language. So honestly, I hardly attempt and shake my head yes
a lot (in hopes I’m not agreeing to anything that might get me into trouble…the same way I mimic the guitar).
Maybe I understand more than I speak with body language! It’s funny really…I’ve traveled many places amongst many languages and
have somehow managed just fine…well, mainly because I’ve been fortunate enough to come across others who bow down to “a lost
American” and speak my language. I guess I’ve been pretty lucky then (so far)…even though I have had my “scary lost little boy”
moments! Just don’t ask me to play the guitar ok.
So…here again on my 4th trip back to Greece (my second to hop the Saronic Islands by sailboat) arriving Athens from Cologne on the
morning of May 2 to meet up with our fellow crew mate Ali flying in from the U.S. at the same time (delayed 1 hour).
Another update and yet more pictures of Greece . Peter took most of the pictures of the sail trip while Scott, joining me for the Santorini
leg of my holiday (also from Austin ) joins in on the picture taking. Thru their eyes, as well as my own I think we give a nice new
perspective to my already familiar places and some new ones. I think the pictures better tell the story than my words but I suggest a little
of both or you might miss something. And if you are able…read between the lines both captured here and the pictures. I’ll bet you’ll find
some very interesting twists and aspects on your own but if you have any questions feel free to ask.
Anticipating our next day sail departure we had managed to fill the boat with the desired familiar faces of friends, Peter, Marij and
Marcel (friends from Netherlands), Ali (from Austin and myself) and our skipper H.J. (go figure…also Dutch)…seems you can’t really go
to Greece to get away from The Dutch as I found myself once again surrounded).
Last year’s trip had blindly turned out successful with our crew of 6: Kelli, Estella, Irena, Henri and myself (all quickly becoming friends)
including our skipper Remco (who fortunately for us was well versed of the area having sailed it many times before). Sorry you couldn’t
have made it back this year but I did invite you to join and instead of getting ya’ll a t-shirt thought I’d rub it in instead. Seriously, with
each place I went back to, your spirit and energy were sorely missed and still very much felt. I’m kinda sentimental that way (I
remembered every blackmail picture and where it was taken I threatened you with if you didn’t come back this year)!
Familiar with my surroundings but still after 4 trips to Greece you’d think I’d know my way back to the Adam s Hotel in the Plaka and other
familiar places! Ha! We didn’t get too lost, I think my nature to be a bit disoriented and with everyone expecting me to lead the way the
pressure was just too much (I can manage better getting lost all on my own).
We settled in with our Acropolis view for our one day and night in Athens and toasted our arrival with a proper Greek meal and the
beginnings of many Mythos beers and Ouzo sunsets, walking amongst the ruins and other sites in the area taking it all in. Yamos!
The boat was all ours, no strangers to contend with except for the lost gentleman who happened to be on the wrong boat (ours) when
we 1st arrived (and the skipper who was a bit of a strange bird (a pink flamingo I think) who had never sailed these waters before. No,
he wasn’t Remco and good thing both Peter and Marcel took o sailing the boat (participation encouraged) and my familiarity and desire
to repeat and share from the previous year managed us to laugh off and enjoy our trip despite a few differences of our “pink flamingo”.
I mean…what are you gonna do? The Greek already have a system that’s very lax and seemingly unorganized but somehow it works
and knowing this system and how it worked from last year, simply applied it (that and the fact I was already spoiled b y Remco’s know
how and ways of dealing with boat and crew)!
Our skipper, H.J. seemed uninformed and unfamiliar as the bottom line and our differences mostly overlooked during the trip and
recognized over last ouzos on our last night together. I guess pink flamingos and other various bird types can all manage to get along
just fine. Besides, it was nicer to walk away from the holiday having cleared any bad MOJO! Karma Karma!!!
One thing missing from our sail trip last year was any kind of actual sailing for any long periods (it had been pretty calm and we had to
use the motor for a lot of our trip). This time with favorable sailing conditions we were able to sail the Aegean Sea as it was intended.
As you can see by our GPS map pic of our trip you’ll see we took near the same route as last year…thank you Remco! Your navigation
and recommendations of the previous year helped guide us thru this year’s trip as well…who knows where we would have ended up
without your guidance. China ?
And we left Alimos Marina for Aegina Sunday morning 4 of May after a quiet relaxed evening and our 1st night on the boat…
Aegina island with the worlds best pistachios…mmmm and the 1st time I tried fried feta with honey covered in sesame seeds. Aegina is
known for their small ouzeries and fish mezedes and there are a number of these places on the waterfront and on the back streets,
easily recognizable by the small grills and the octopus cooking on them. Athenians come here to escape the city, drink ouzo, eat
seafood and watch the fishing boats.
On our way to Vathi we stopped for our first swim….ahhhhh, at last I’m one with Greece in the clear blue Aegean Sea ….Brrr a little but
the salt water soothing to the warmth of the sun this day!
Vathi (on the Island of Methana ) Approaching Vathi from the sea is truly memorable. Hidden from passing ships it has one of the most
spectacular harbor approaches in the world - through a large outer bay to a smaller bay then an inner bay where the town sits at the
crux - its a splendid place with a taverna at its port (and some great shots taken here) became Ali’s favorite island of all (you’ll have to
inquire from her what made this stop extra special w/ cause for all to partake in an ouzo celebration) my personal gelukkig go to Ali for all
her efforts. Good thing the boat was literally a hop skip and a jump from our table (as well as the τουαλέτα/tualeta).
Hydra is a personal favorite of mine. I very much like the fact that it doesn’t allow vehicles on the island and it’s a good size for
consideration to live on (population 3000). Quaint but yet, with hot spots such as the completely white Omilos, a white-tablecloth
restaurant with creative Mediterranean cuisine an d breathtaking views of the Gulf of Hydra which both Ali and I both had the honor of
being showed their kitchen by proprietors Kostos and Lisa (need a dishwasher???). Here, on the weekends after the last of the dinner
guests leave it becomes a night club. We indulged our one night there with the complimentary drinks of both skipper and our hosts of
Omilos (was it just 1 tequila shot after ouzo, metaxa and beers?)…Ali and I left long before H.J. and Marcel and the next morning the
skipper’s clothes were scattered about the boat hanging to dry…apparently he had a few too many and fell off the plank (sorry I missed
that one) and SPLASH into the water.
I felt fine that morning except for a chill that persisted after a very cold shower and soon after hitting the rougher than usual waters felt
the accompanied nausea I’d heard about. I’ve never experienced any kind of motion sickness in my life…It was a bit too late and good
thing I’d taken some benadryl that passed me out col d because when I woke some hours later to an empty boat at the port of Poros I
discovered we had actually gone thru a storm. I’m pretty sure the way I was feeling before I passed out I probably wouldn’t have faired
that storm too calmly. We lived!
Poros is a small, volcanic little island separated from the Peloponnese and the picturesque town of Galatas by a 370 meters canal. We
had planned to stay at a secluded bay I recommended near Poros and Wedding Island we anchored at last year but because of the rain
decided to stay at this port for the night. I do remember docking at the main town area and seeing some nice parts of Poros last year
having arrived there early afternoon. The weather really had played a factor in the outcome of this day so no exploring this time. Best
keep my memories and made some new ones while I was at it!
We cooked a spaghetti dinner aboard! Ali and I were more than happy to pay for the hot showers the next morning at one of the many
café’s offering them for a couple EUROS and a good coffee too (our boat had some electrical problems therefore NO HOT WATER (not
even WARM )…can we say FREEZING COLD our whole trip)!
Perdika is a beautiful small fishing village, with traditional scenery, 9 km south of the town of Aegina . Another favorite spot of mine built
on a hill; with fantastic views towards the blue waters of sea, and the small island Moni. M M M M M M and great crepes Friday morning!
We spent our last morning and afternoon at a nearby seclude d b ay I remembered from last year and it was one of those days you just
didn’t want to end. Good people, good beer, snacks, the Aegean sea and sunshine. Everything was perfect but then we ran out of
beers. How’d that happen? As with everything good and great it must all come to an end and the reality of our having to be back at
Alimos Marina around suppertime.
One last night on the boat there and a wonderful pasta salad Ali had made for our dinner it was time to finish up most of whatever
alcohol we had aboard so we wouldn’t have to carry it back with us into Athens the next day. Here we squared away any
misunderstandings as to not leave any bad karma with our skipper (and tipped him with a bottle of our least favorite wine).
And later… Mr. Vangelis Kavas, proprietor of Kavas yachting personally invited Ali and me back to his home to meet his beautiful wife
and proudly show off and brag about his 2 sons Theofanis and Georgos. Theofanis Kavas is the first Greek ever on the highest step of
the European Optimist Championship at Workum, Holland (IODA) from 21st to 28th of June 2006. At the age of 13, Theofanis is both,
European and Balkan champion, following the naval tradition of Kavas family. On July 2007 -in Cagliari , Italy- Theofanis and Georgos
Kavas won the 1st Award in Team Racing World.
At the end we had been rewarded with a little personal history of his life and family, saw the many cups and ribbons awarded his sons
and received another bottle of complimentary Kavas wine (I think to more than make up for any problems we had on the boat I consider
to have been minimal). Efharisto! I’ll be back and certainly recommend Kavas to anyone wanting to do Greece on a sailboat. Next time
another set of islands!
Ali and I decided to surprise Scott at the airport joining us for 1 last day together in Athens and the beginning of his holiday and part 2 of
mine. He and I would be off to Santorini by fast ferry Sunday afternoon.
This last day was pretty low keyed and I think we had eaten ourselves silly most of the trip that it seems we actually had plenty of
leftovers that even Marcel couldn’t finish off for us. We decided to drink the last of our wine on our balcony w/ Acropolis view and barely
made it till dark where as usual I was up at the crack of dawn and the others soon followed to catch their flights while Scott and I took our
time before catching our ferry.
I was certainly excited about going back to my favorite island and sharing it with Scott but the boat ride there (4 ½ hours) and the off and
on rain allowed me to feel the sadness too of the absence of those friends I had just experienced a significant week with in close
quarters on a sailboat hopping the Greek Isles…to be savored in a special place for always!
I had my own agenda for Santorini! Headstrong! Sometimes forgetting that the person I was sharing the experience with also had his
own to share.
I was reminded the fact that I hardly sway from what’s familiar to me. Although there’s a lot of truth to this fact: I am most definitely very
happy with familiar and comfortable because it’s familiar and comfortable. I am not completely reluctant to the unknown. With the right
persistence I can be easily swayed (ok sometimes, fighting tooth and nail as I am known to be head strong and stubborn but at the end,
if you’re assertive enough and patient with me, I’ll usually end up trying almost anything at least once (maybe twice).
Everything I go back to often (like Greece) that are familiar to me are done so each time with a different perspective both in the way its
perceived upon arrival and the way its perceived in the various ways the same place or thing has been experienced differently. I’m in my
familiar surroundings but this trip to Santorini brought me greater insightfulness simply by being with the person I was with (but honestly I
wasn’t so aware of this insight until I had some processing time).
As the “Queen Mother” Ditha advised me some time ago…the only way to get the full Monty of anything you enjoy is to go back and
revisit those things worth while in your life. I think I can apply this to other aspects and especially my relationships and feel fortunate to
have revisited a dear friend in a beautiful place. Thanks for certainly adding to and making this trip yet another unique memory Scott!
Santorini…4 days, not really long enough! Revisiting everything I’ve come to know from my 1st time ( May 2001 w/ Kat and Danny) and
every time since. Each time taking away with me something new!
And trying to fit it all in with the new experiences and people I’ve come to know on my 4th time back…well, it’s just not enough time is it? I’
ll have to extend my holiday there next time, no doubt. Or just get it over with and offer me a job there…any openings?
There’s my warm welcome always at the family owned Porto Carra on the caldera in Old Town Fira with hugs from Laura and Maria; the
best damn dirty martini on the island by Tropical Bar’s own American Greek Goddess and mentor, Jeanne (I haven’t forgotten about the
Wasabi Martini recipe); such hospitality and great recommendations from Hellen and George of Pegasus Art http://www.
pegasusartsantorini.com/ and always fun to join for a night at Tropical (so many familiar faces from the last time and a few new ones to
add to my list including a nice British couple in Santorini for their 1st time Scott had picked up hitchhiking).
I managed to get in a visit to most of my favorite haunts and beaches and a few new places and things including a trip to and some
history on the famous volcano, a swim in the warm sulfurous springs and of course the famous sunsets (all in part that make Santorini
the special place it is…and managed to do it all, relaxed! I think Santorini does that no matter how much time you have there. Though,
it’s always difficult to leave.
Thursday came all too soon and there we were returning our rental that got us around the island during our short stay, saying our
goodbyes to Laura and Maria, and waiting on the fast ferry back into Athens, a metro ride back into the Plaka (somehow missing our
stop and had to go back) and a few hours for roaming the streets and 1 last Greek Salad the way it was intended.
And here I sit one last final night in Athens on my familiar balcony at the simple Adam s Hotel facing the Acropolis and I enjoy some quiet
moments alone to gather my thoughts (while Scott goes out to explore a little nightlife). I reflect my time there in Greece and I know an
ending has come to something very beautiful and I say my silent goodbyes for now…hope to share you again sometime!
Friday morning Scott and I share the metro ride to the airport saying our goodbyes to one another and a couple hours later I’m back in
Cologne where I am hosted by my friend Vasilly for the night before Peter will pick me up on Saturday and then…I’m back to another
reality.
Eindhoven …home for now!
Transition is about to take place in November…some final details being worked out for Berlin (more on that later).
Summer days back in Texas are on the frontline now (7 of July-18 of August) I hear it’s already hot. No surprise but last years rains
were welcomed bringing most of my summer back unexpected cooler weather. I wonder if it’ll be too hot for me. Doesn’t matter!
Looking forward to revisiting familiar places and friends and those things you do when you leave Austin a spell and you come back. I
know a lot of you know what I mean.
May I recommend one of the best movies I have seen in a while…”Into the Wild” (based on a true story) Ali told us about it in Greece and
it just happened to be playing here at the Plaza Futura Saturday so Mark, Jody, Marij, Peter and I made a nice afternoon of it.
Go…check it out!
Hit me at my personal email for details on my Texas trip. Still haven’t finalized my arrangements there (a couple of ya mentioned house-
sitting so hit me back) and most of you I believe still have my U.S. number (still the same) which will be on the minute I land on U.S. soil!
Enjoy the new perspectives on Greece captured quite nicely with choice music for your listening pleasure and remember to expect the
unexpected always.
Much love and peace
Andioandio and Yamos,
Jes
Happy Holidays,
So another year comes to a close I sit here and wonder where all the time has gone. Looking over the year I see all the many wonderful
experiences I have had and am truely amazed by the multitude of this adventure called "life".
I've been able to maintain my long term relationships from a distance (and abroad) and have made new ones along the way. In just a
year's time I have traveled to far away places and have seen some very beautiful things. It doesn't cease to astonish me at the many
doors that keep opening from the energy I know I must be putting out. I'm doing those things now I've only in the past dreamt of doing.
I'm living the life I want to be living. At the end of my life...I will have lived!
Take a look at Eva's updated webpages www.paris-apartment-rent.com/ under the community link. Our website is now connected to
our sister city of Paris. There's a lot more there to the eye and I believe you'll see just what makes the link to this city so special. Thank
you Eva!
At the moment I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus (actually, I consider myself one of his helpers)! That inner child comes
out in tenfold this time of year and I take the opportunity when I can to put a smile on someone's face (it's nice to have a real kid around
too). Makes me smile inside and out!
Today I will bake my ass off! Snickerdoodles and other assorted bake goods help put me in the holiday spirit (thanks to Ramon's real
oven). So...luckey him, his house will be smelling of holidays but we all get to benifit from Santa's helper (While Visions of
Snickerdoodles Danced in Their Heads)!
Just 2 days more and J.R. will arrive on his 1st trip across the pond (also my mom's Birthday...Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mom Ever
"Betty Boop")! I'm looking forward to his visit a great deal. He and I will have a relaxed Christmas here before heading to Berlin for 5
days to bring in the New Year with friends there. We'll have a few days with Heather, Alex and Zix to have a little Christmas cheer before
they head off to Austin for their holiday.
But of course I had to make all kinds of requests for those hard to get items here (yay...real fresh tortillas and hot sauce)! We'll be
stocked up with his extra suitcase full and then the list that will go back with Heather (just as I ran out of Mrs. Butterworth's Pancake
syrup and we can't have enough good hot sauce)!
I'll keep this update short and focus more on the next one sometime in the New Year wth lots of great new pics and stories to tell. I am
well in both good health and spirits.
Enjoy the holiday classic music selection I've chosen for your listening pleasure and until next year...
Have yourself a safe and wonderful holiday season! Eat, drink and be merry with family and friends!
Much love and peace from across the pond,
Jes
So another year comes to a close I sit here and wonder where all the time has gone. Looking over the year I see all the many wonderful
experiences I have had and am truely amazed by the multitude of this adventure called "life".
I've been able to maintain my long term relationships from a distance (and abroad) and have made new ones along the way. In just a
year's time I have traveled to far away places and have seen some very beautiful things. It doesn't cease to astonish me at the many
doors that keep opening from the energy I know I must be putting out. I'm doing those things now I've only in the past dreamt of doing.
I'm living the life I want to be living. At the end of my life...I will have lived!
Take a look at Eva's updated webpages www.paris-apartment-rent.com/ under the community link. Our website is now connected to
our sister city of Paris. There's a lot more there to the eye and I believe you'll see just what makes the link to this city so special. Thank
you Eva!
At the moment I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus (actually, I consider myself one of his helpers)! That inner child comes
out in tenfold this time of year and I take the opportunity when I can to put a smile on someone's face (it's nice to have a real kid around
too). Makes me smile inside and out!
Today I will bake my ass off! Snickerdoodles and other assorted bake goods help put me in the holiday spirit (thanks to Ramon's real
oven). So...luckey him, his house will be smelling of holidays but we all get to benifit from Santa's helper (While Visions of
Snickerdoodles Danced in Their Heads)!
Just 2 days more and J.R. will arrive on his 1st trip across the pond (also my mom's Birthday...Happy Birthday to the Greatest Mom Ever
"Betty Boop")! I'm looking forward to his visit a great deal. He and I will have a relaxed Christmas here before heading to Berlin for 5
days to bring in the New Year with friends there. We'll have a few days with Heather, Alex and Zix to have a little Christmas cheer before
they head off to Austin for their holiday.
But of course I had to make all kinds of requests for those hard to get items here (yay...real fresh tortillas and hot sauce)! We'll be
stocked up with his extra suitcase full and then the list that will go back with Heather (just as I ran out of Mrs. Butterworth's Pancake
syrup and we can't have enough good hot sauce)!
I'll keep this update short and focus more on the next one sometime in the New Year wth lots of great new pics and stories to tell. I am
well in both good health and spirits.
Enjoy the holiday classic music selection I've chosen for your listening pleasure and until next year...
Have yourself a safe and wonderful holiday season! Eat, drink and be merry with family and friends!
Much love and peace from across the pond,
Jes
Bonjour from Eindhoven ,
I have (since my recent holiday in Paris ) been enjoying the sound of the French daytime greeting, “Bonjour” so much that I began using
it in my daily journal entries. It’s just a more pleasant way to begin my day (after 6 p.m. it’s “Bonsoir”)!
Already this morning has seen a range of all the seasons (all except for the temperature which remains at about 45 F.). It just seems
warmer while the sun is out! At this very moment…it’s out (but I’ll bet it won’t be for long)!
While my day began with blue skies it quickly changed to dark cloud cover, a bit of rain turn to sleet and then sun again…typical
Netherlands weather!
Well already I’ve been back from my Texas holiday well into my 3rd month and have enjoyed countless events and a recent weeklong
holiday to Paris . Aaaaaahhhh, Paris…but I’ll get back to that in a bit. Looking out my window it’s all clouded up again and dark…I’m
sure…here comes the rain again!!!
Let’s see…what have I been doing the last 3 months? Austin ’s own Asylum Street Spankers played some gigs here in Europe and I was
lucky to catch my old friend Scott Marcus (drummer) at one of those gigs in a sleepy little village called Roggel , Netherlands . I’d never
seen them in my own hometown. Wow!!!
It’s one of the best shows I’d been to in a while “live” (besides Abra Moore and Hoot Happening). I think it made all more for exciting
being that it was in a “blink your eye you’ll miss this village” small cozy venue. I had no idea their fan base here was so big.
There were people who drove a couple or more hours just to make this one Netherlands gig wearing their t-shirts of European tours past
and with knowledge of all the lyrics. Needless to say I was impressed with the whole evening which where I was fortunate to enjoy my
Dutch friend Ramon’s reaction to this great band and seeing both Scott and his girlfriend backstage for a nice reunion.
There’s been the occasional party here and there (the best one was the birthday/going away combo for Sara and Sven held in a private
rented venue w/ personal DJ’s and an open bar), new movies that have been seen (check out Control if you’re into Joy Division) and the
weekend trip to Antwerp where you do as the Belgians do.
You simply walk around from one terrace bar to the next and have a beer or 2 no matter what other intent you might have otherwise
(especially when you’re lucky enough to have a sunny afternoon for it). MMMMMM…good Belgian beers!
My most spontaneous friend here, Johan and I managed to do that all afternoon while roaming the medieval streets of Antwerp and still
making it thru a night of dancing till the wee hours. Okay yeah, I did pay for it the next day. But…it was so much fun while we were doing
it.
And then came planning a week while Alex was on school holiday to somewhere. Originally I was to go to Barcelona with my friend Mitch
and while that fell thru at the last moment I was determined to use my time and bonus (thanks Heather) to good use and remembered
that my friend Shell was in Paris a few months for school. Hhmmmm…
I came across the most affordable accommodations I could find for Paris (a very expensive city) and it turned out I found the greatest
little studio apartment that I believe was no accident.
With Ramon’s help I managed the affordable train fare (I often times need his help in translating Dutch to English) and headed for my
final destination… Paris on Saturday 27 of October! Shell greeted moi at the Nord Station upon my early afternoon arrival (from
Eindhoven with 3 connections…under 5 hours).
After a bit of confusion we found the address, met Eva (property manager) and 19 Vintimille became my home the next 7 days. It usually
takes me a couple of days to get into the groove of my surroundings and as that rings true for every other aspect of my holiday the
studio itself was cozy and I instantly felt comfortable in it’s setting (not to mention the compliments of a nice bottle of wine from Eva). I
consider that a very nice touch!
I especially liked the setup of my new space. The ground floor with its entry and kitchen and the 2nd level mezzanine both worked as
sitting room and bedroom w/ its very comfortable foldout loveseat (it took Eva and I both to open it correctly the 1st time I decided to use
it) and bathroom/shower. I was completely set up with cable/DVD/flat screen TV; wireless internet and a landline on both levels. I could
so totally live in this space…well, forever I believe.
Ever since I downsized my life I don’t really need supersizing now do I? Sure a few comfort things are nice but I could live without a
dishwasher and if I was staying longer than the 7 days of clothes I packed for…there’s a place just down the road to wash em.
If Jeremy and his wife Charlie could manage just fine at this address until after conceiving and moving on to something bigger than 200
sq. ft. then certainly I could be very comfortable in the same space (there’s a story about them and an energy that makes 19 Vintimille a
happy place to be because it’s former residents have given it a happy life…and that gives it the inspiration and energy for those of us
who want to experience true Parisian living).
So…maybe this place isn’t for everyone (the bathroom door handle fell off if you pulled too hard, the DVD player made loud noises like it
was going to eat you etc. etc.). But…the home I lived in for nearly 8 years had its imperfections and they simply become endearing as
looking at our own imperfections we learn to love about ourselves when we look in a mirror.
Here I began each morning with my coffee (had to purchase an American size mug) and my journal looking out from the 2nd story
window (and one night nearly a whole bottle of wine while people watching out of that same window and catching some of the most
interesting situations…the wine making it more comical of course).
I was situated near Moulin Rouge in an area known as So-Pi (south of Pigalle in Montmartre )! Sounds like So-Co and I kind of like the
idea if they called the area of Burleson Rd where I used to own E-Co for East of Congress don’t you think???
Anyway, what a great area to be! I had everything I needed right outside my door (or if I chose to stay in)! I did a little of both. I even
managed to become a member of a video rental place in which you’re supposed to be a resident to join. And I had a full kitchen to cook
most of my own meals (usually simple cheese omelets with something nice from the corner bakery to accompany it).
Everything is an easy metro ride away (even if I did wander around the metro station lost several times heading in the wrong direction).
There was always a friendly Parisian to help guide me out of the maze. I wonder where the French get this reputation of not being
friendly?
I’ve personally not had that experience other than the sometimes frustration that comes from both ends where language is a barrier.
This I’ve experienced in every country I’ve been to and I do constantly make a joke of the fact that I know just the one language and in
the same breath thank whomever I’m speaking with for all their efforts.
I always have to laugh at this because they’re always saying to me in their broken English that they don’t speak it so well and I am
responding with “well, it’s more than I can speak in your language”. I’ve got down Bonjour, Merci, Pardon and Au revoir (about all I had
practice with and sounding to myself like a bit of a Texas drawl to it).
I think maybe it’s just an attitude of the individual making the judgment in the 1st place. I mean…I look at it like this, if a loud obnoxious
“anyone” is demanding me to give them attention I’m not going to be so friendly to them probably. Doesn’t really matter if you’re French,
or Dutch or American does it?
So…some quality time spent with Shell and some nice photo opts while strolling about the streets of Paris (best described in visual form
and my best to label those places that I sometimes have no idea where and what I’m taking a picture of…because I just see something
that looks visually stimulating to my eye).
By day we did some of the less tourist things. I didn’t spend a Euro on anything other than expensive small café noir/crème (to be
savored while people watching at a nice outdoor café), the occasional Parisian meal w/ wine (mostly stuck to the bakeries and true, I
could live off bread and cheese…and wine). I’d treat myself to and a special gift for mom (had to have something very Parisian). I’d
purchased a metro week pass which I’d highly recommend to anyone that plans to be in Paris a few days. Even though I’m a big time
walker I got my monies worth out of it.
We went out dancing one night at Follies Discotheque! (I danced…Shell mostly watched)!
Really…I could sit here and go on and on about all the great things I saw and did but I’ll allow the pictures to tell their story. Any
questions…you know how to contact me. Read between the lines if you will…there’s always a lot between the lines.
I’m proud of myself for being able to make a budget work for me when need be. I am once again, living proof that if I want to do
something bad enough all I have to do is put my mind to it and then just do it. I already knew this city would be more expensive than
some other places I’ve been.
Ask me how I did it and I’ll tell ya…its simple willpower really! And trust…I fully enjoyed it and treated myself well and most important…I
felt sort of Parisian (about the best I could feel in such a short time) and I don’t even speak the language! And get this…I can go back
any time and rent a DVD…how kewl is that!
And if you must know…it sometimes takes me all day with many breaks along the way to get one of these journal entries out (today I’ve
seen it rain, get sunny, sleet and rain again at least 6 times)…maybe I’ll take Eva up one day on taking some time there (or somewhere)
to write that book I’ve been meaning to write (I’m sure that’ll take a few real season weather changes)!
Things to look forward to in the upcoming weeks: Chemical Brothers opening at the STRP Festival, a late Thanksgiving celebration with
our Scottish friends in Glasgow, and a 2 week visit with J.R. (recently an Austinite formally of Houston) for Christmas (Eindhoven) and
New Years (w/ good friends in Berlin). Not to mention the best damn Trance party I can find for his wish to experience one of the best
during his visit.
Plus I’m still being very lazy these days on making my own smokes even though it’s simple enough and I can use American Spirit tobacco
(I got out of that habit after going back to the U.S. that 1st year). I’ve been purchasing by the carton for about the same price as in the U.
S. based on my last visit and could save a whole lot of monies by making my own again (especially after spending all my money in Paris)!
Paix et Amour
Au revoir, Jes
I have (since my recent holiday in Paris ) been enjoying the sound of the French daytime greeting, “Bonjour” so much that I began using
it in my daily journal entries. It’s just a more pleasant way to begin my day (after 6 p.m. it’s “Bonsoir”)!
Already this morning has seen a range of all the seasons (all except for the temperature which remains at about 45 F.). It just seems
warmer while the sun is out! At this very moment…it’s out (but I’ll bet it won’t be for long)!
While my day began with blue skies it quickly changed to dark cloud cover, a bit of rain turn to sleet and then sun again…typical
Netherlands weather!
Well already I’ve been back from my Texas holiday well into my 3rd month and have enjoyed countless events and a recent weeklong
holiday to Paris . Aaaaaahhhh, Paris…but I’ll get back to that in a bit. Looking out my window it’s all clouded up again and dark…I’m
sure…here comes the rain again!!!
Let’s see…what have I been doing the last 3 months? Austin ’s own Asylum Street Spankers played some gigs here in Europe and I was
lucky to catch my old friend Scott Marcus (drummer) at one of those gigs in a sleepy little village called Roggel , Netherlands . I’d never
seen them in my own hometown. Wow!!!
It’s one of the best shows I’d been to in a while “live” (besides Abra Moore and Hoot Happening). I think it made all more for exciting
being that it was in a “blink your eye you’ll miss this village” small cozy venue. I had no idea their fan base here was so big.
There were people who drove a couple or more hours just to make this one Netherlands gig wearing their t-shirts of European tours past
and with knowledge of all the lyrics. Needless to say I was impressed with the whole evening which where I was fortunate to enjoy my
Dutch friend Ramon’s reaction to this great band and seeing both Scott and his girlfriend backstage for a nice reunion.
There’s been the occasional party here and there (the best one was the birthday/going away combo for Sara and Sven held in a private
rented venue w/ personal DJ’s and an open bar), new movies that have been seen (check out Control if you’re into Joy Division) and the
weekend trip to Antwerp where you do as the Belgians do.
You simply walk around from one terrace bar to the next and have a beer or 2 no matter what other intent you might have otherwise
(especially when you’re lucky enough to have a sunny afternoon for it). MMMMMM…good Belgian beers!
My most spontaneous friend here, Johan and I managed to do that all afternoon while roaming the medieval streets of Antwerp and still
making it thru a night of dancing till the wee hours. Okay yeah, I did pay for it the next day. But…it was so much fun while we were doing
it.
And then came planning a week while Alex was on school holiday to somewhere. Originally I was to go to Barcelona with my friend Mitch
and while that fell thru at the last moment I was determined to use my time and bonus (thanks Heather) to good use and remembered
that my friend Shell was in Paris a few months for school. Hhmmmm…
I came across the most affordable accommodations I could find for Paris (a very expensive city) and it turned out I found the greatest
little studio apartment that I believe was no accident.
With Ramon’s help I managed the affordable train fare (I often times need his help in translating Dutch to English) and headed for my
final destination… Paris on Saturday 27 of October! Shell greeted moi at the Nord Station upon my early afternoon arrival (from
Eindhoven with 3 connections…under 5 hours).
After a bit of confusion we found the address, met Eva (property manager) and 19 Vintimille became my home the next 7 days. It usually
takes me a couple of days to get into the groove of my surroundings and as that rings true for every other aspect of my holiday the
studio itself was cozy and I instantly felt comfortable in it’s setting (not to mention the compliments of a nice bottle of wine from Eva). I
consider that a very nice touch!
I especially liked the setup of my new space. The ground floor with its entry and kitchen and the 2nd level mezzanine both worked as
sitting room and bedroom w/ its very comfortable foldout loveseat (it took Eva and I both to open it correctly the 1st time I decided to use
it) and bathroom/shower. I was completely set up with cable/DVD/flat screen TV; wireless internet and a landline on both levels. I could
so totally live in this space…well, forever I believe.
Ever since I downsized my life I don’t really need supersizing now do I? Sure a few comfort things are nice but I could live without a
dishwasher and if I was staying longer than the 7 days of clothes I packed for…there’s a place just down the road to wash em.
If Jeremy and his wife Charlie could manage just fine at this address until after conceiving and moving on to something bigger than 200
sq. ft. then certainly I could be very comfortable in the same space (there’s a story about them and an energy that makes 19 Vintimille a
happy place to be because it’s former residents have given it a happy life…and that gives it the inspiration and energy for those of us
who want to experience true Parisian living).
So…maybe this place isn’t for everyone (the bathroom door handle fell off if you pulled too hard, the DVD player made loud noises like it
was going to eat you etc. etc.). But…the home I lived in for nearly 8 years had its imperfections and they simply become endearing as
looking at our own imperfections we learn to love about ourselves when we look in a mirror.
Here I began each morning with my coffee (had to purchase an American size mug) and my journal looking out from the 2nd story
window (and one night nearly a whole bottle of wine while people watching out of that same window and catching some of the most
interesting situations…the wine making it more comical of course).
I was situated near Moulin Rouge in an area known as So-Pi (south of Pigalle in Montmartre )! Sounds like So-Co and I kind of like the
idea if they called the area of Burleson Rd where I used to own E-Co for East of Congress don’t you think???
Anyway, what a great area to be! I had everything I needed right outside my door (or if I chose to stay in)! I did a little of both. I even
managed to become a member of a video rental place in which you’re supposed to be a resident to join. And I had a full kitchen to cook
most of my own meals (usually simple cheese omelets with something nice from the corner bakery to accompany it).
Everything is an easy metro ride away (even if I did wander around the metro station lost several times heading in the wrong direction).
There was always a friendly Parisian to help guide me out of the maze. I wonder where the French get this reputation of not being
friendly?
I’ve personally not had that experience other than the sometimes frustration that comes from both ends where language is a barrier.
This I’ve experienced in every country I’ve been to and I do constantly make a joke of the fact that I know just the one language and in
the same breath thank whomever I’m speaking with for all their efforts.
I always have to laugh at this because they’re always saying to me in their broken English that they don’t speak it so well and I am
responding with “well, it’s more than I can speak in your language”. I’ve got down Bonjour, Merci, Pardon and Au revoir (about all I had
practice with and sounding to myself like a bit of a Texas drawl to it).
I think maybe it’s just an attitude of the individual making the judgment in the 1st place. I mean…I look at it like this, if a loud obnoxious
“anyone” is demanding me to give them attention I’m not going to be so friendly to them probably. Doesn’t really matter if you’re French,
or Dutch or American does it?
So…some quality time spent with Shell and some nice photo opts while strolling about the streets of Paris (best described in visual form
and my best to label those places that I sometimes have no idea where and what I’m taking a picture of…because I just see something
that looks visually stimulating to my eye).
By day we did some of the less tourist things. I didn’t spend a Euro on anything other than expensive small café noir/crème (to be
savored while people watching at a nice outdoor café), the occasional Parisian meal w/ wine (mostly stuck to the bakeries and true, I
could live off bread and cheese…and wine). I’d treat myself to and a special gift for mom (had to have something very Parisian). I’d
purchased a metro week pass which I’d highly recommend to anyone that plans to be in Paris a few days. Even though I’m a big time
walker I got my monies worth out of it.
We went out dancing one night at Follies Discotheque! (I danced…Shell mostly watched)!
Really…I could sit here and go on and on about all the great things I saw and did but I’ll allow the pictures to tell their story. Any
questions…you know how to contact me. Read between the lines if you will…there’s always a lot between the lines.
I’m proud of myself for being able to make a budget work for me when need be. I am once again, living proof that if I want to do
something bad enough all I have to do is put my mind to it and then just do it. I already knew this city would be more expensive than
some other places I’ve been.
Ask me how I did it and I’ll tell ya…its simple willpower really! And trust…I fully enjoyed it and treated myself well and most important…I
felt sort of Parisian (about the best I could feel in such a short time) and I don’t even speak the language! And get this…I can go back
any time and rent a DVD…how kewl is that!
And if you must know…it sometimes takes me all day with many breaks along the way to get one of these journal entries out (today I’ve
seen it rain, get sunny, sleet and rain again at least 6 times)…maybe I’ll take Eva up one day on taking some time there (or somewhere)
to write that book I’ve been meaning to write (I’m sure that’ll take a few real season weather changes)!
Things to look forward to in the upcoming weeks: Chemical Brothers opening at the STRP Festival, a late Thanksgiving celebration with
our Scottish friends in Glasgow, and a 2 week visit with J.R. (recently an Austinite formally of Houston) for Christmas (Eindhoven) and
New Years (w/ good friends in Berlin). Not to mention the best damn Trance party I can find for his wish to experience one of the best
during his visit.
Plus I’m still being very lazy these days on making my own smokes even though it’s simple enough and I can use American Spirit tobacco
(I got out of that habit after going back to the U.S. that 1st year). I’ve been purchasing by the carton for about the same price as in the U.
S. based on my last visit and could save a whole lot of monies by making my own again (especially after spending all my money in Paris)!
Paix et Amour
Au revoir, Jes
Back Across the Pond
Update/Saturday/Sept. 15, 2007
Main Page and Video Music Selections:
I Do / Abra Moore
Sugarite / Abra Moore
3/18/07-7/11/07 Summer Days Movie John Prine/Illegal Days
10/14/06-2/01/07 Straight On / Heart (For Sara)
6/16/05-7/17/05 Day One / Blackalicious (dedicated to G.H. / JES CHILL'N)
7/18/05-10/18/05 Trip Hop Acid Jazz&Trance /Aphex Twin/Outside Kick Ass Violin
8/14/05-10/29/05 JUST A MOMENT / Sunny and The Sunliners featuring JESSE GARCIA (my dad)
10/29/05-2/20/06 ABRA MOORE / Taking Chances
3/11/06-5/29/06 Eva Cassidy / American Tune
4/1/06-5/19/06 Frank Sinatra / Young At Heart
6/16/06-8/25/06 The Different Story (World of Lust and Crime) / Peter Schilling
Howdy Friends,
I’m back across the pond here in Eindhoven and settling into a familiar and also somewhat new routine (the joys of sleeping in my own
bed). I often times wish I could combine the best of both worlds… Austin vs. Europe ! Oooops, I think I just did that! I must say in my
experience generally speaking, the quality of life here is so much better than the U.S.
Of course, this is why I am choosing to be here and not there! It’s just my experience of course, but living on both East and West Coasts
for a significant amount of time Austin is by far the closest I have found to be a “better quality of life” I was in search of (that and the
abundance of good Tex-Mex I am not going to get anywhere else in the U.S. or abroad…PERIOD).
If I am to compare it to The Netherlands I’d have to say it’s just a step ahead here for my liking. But the balance of both worlds is what
works for me at the moment. I’ve simply added to my enriching experience of life and good friends and family in places I can both visit
and live!
Aaaahh…But my time in Texas ( Austin and Ft. Worth ) will be savored. That time was good! I saw most everyone I wanted to see in
that part of the country, missed a few in other parts and added some new ones to my friends and family list during my near 2 months I
was there.
I discovered my life is full of Virgo’s with one very special new one in my life bringing on this sudden awareness (A Very Special Happy
Birthday and Welcome to Austin Greeting goes out to J.R.). My friend Twila has a new rule for transplants moving into the Austin area if
you’re not already there and considering it… you must be liberal and ya have to kick out 2 republicans. Good plan Twila (J.R. gets in on
the grandfather clause…replacing a long time resident…ME)! Happy Birthday to at least 5 other Virgo’s I know all in one week! The
planets must be trying to tell me something?
Did I mention I did karaoke with my brother Rich (an unexpected thing you do when you’ve had just the right amount of beers and sitting
in a sort of Ft. Worth dive bar…that and the fact there were under10 people in the whole joint making it easier to perform if you have a
little stage fright). I didn’t realize my bro has a pretty good voice for his choice of mostly country western (we did agree on some Elton
John and C.C.R. for our sets). Wish I brought my camera that night (that was a once in a lifetime shot) J
So yeah…good times in Texas (check out the VIDEO above to give you a better idea of a few of those good times)! I guess I got my tex-
mex fix (though still craving it like crazy); My Elysium 80’s retro (at least 3 times); an unexpected Abra Moore gig at The Saxon Pub (an
awesome live recording on KGSR radio; A reunion of some blasts from the past I hadn’t seen in hhmmmm 20 plus years (yeah Bethers
and Lisa); Can’t forget the allergic reaction to the salve I was using for my tattoo healing (experienced an unusual and quite maddening
itch and burn rash for about 3 days non-stop until I put the cortizone on it and took some benadryl…Aaaahh…the wonders of modern
over the counter U.S. pharmacy and the itch was gone within 24 hours…worth it all for the results of the great new artwork but I’m done
with the back ink); and Jen’s awesomely put together Hoot Happening at Ruta Maya (a real back in time 40 year anniversary of Monterey
Pop Festival).
To all my friends and family in Texas …I thank for your hospitality and good times! Please allow me to return the favor if ever you find
yourself on this side of the pond (looking forward to your visit during the x-mas holidays J.R…. promise ya a great time in Rotterdam and
my return visit planned for another New Year’s in Berlin).
Last night I was at the live venue/dance club Effenar with “one of those Virgo’s” I mentioned, Dickie and friends…out celebrating his
birthday listening and dancing to a group from Belgium called Vive La Fete (reminded me of several 80’s bands I’m familiar with) http:
//www.myspace.com/vivelafete1
I thought to myself…who would have ever thought I’d be watching this live performance from Belgium here in The Netherlands jumping
around with a bunch of crazy fun Dutch people J
It’s good to be back!
Peace, Love and to Your Health, Jes
Update/Saturday/Sept. 15, 2007
Main Page and Video Music Selections:
I Do / Abra Moore
Sugarite / Abra Moore
3/18/07-7/11/07 Summer Days Movie John Prine/Illegal Days
10/14/06-2/01/07 Straight On / Heart (For Sara)
6/16/05-7/17/05 Day One / Blackalicious (dedicated to G.H. / JES CHILL'N)
7/18/05-10/18/05 Trip Hop Acid Jazz&Trance /Aphex Twin/Outside Kick Ass Violin
8/14/05-10/29/05 JUST A MOMENT / Sunny and The Sunliners featuring JESSE GARCIA (my dad)
10/29/05-2/20/06 ABRA MOORE / Taking Chances
3/11/06-5/29/06 Eva Cassidy / American Tune
4/1/06-5/19/06 Frank Sinatra / Young At Heart
6/16/06-8/25/06 The Different Story (World of Lust and Crime) / Peter Schilling
Howdy Friends,
I’m back across the pond here in Eindhoven and settling into a familiar and also somewhat new routine (the joys of sleeping in my own
bed). I often times wish I could combine the best of both worlds… Austin vs. Europe ! Oooops, I think I just did that! I must say in my
experience generally speaking, the quality of life here is so much better than the U.S.
Of course, this is why I am choosing to be here and not there! It’s just my experience of course, but living on both East and West Coasts
for a significant amount of time Austin is by far the closest I have found to be a “better quality of life” I was in search of (that and the
abundance of good Tex-Mex I am not going to get anywhere else in the U.S. or abroad…PERIOD).
If I am to compare it to The Netherlands I’d have to say it’s just a step ahead here for my liking. But the balance of both worlds is what
works for me at the moment. I’ve simply added to my enriching experience of life and good friends and family in places I can both visit
and live!
Aaaahh…But my time in Texas ( Austin and Ft. Worth ) will be savored. That time was good! I saw most everyone I wanted to see in
that part of the country, missed a few in other parts and added some new ones to my friends and family list during my near 2 months I
was there.
I discovered my life is full of Virgo’s with one very special new one in my life bringing on this sudden awareness (A Very Special Happy
Birthday and Welcome to Austin Greeting goes out to J.R.). My friend Twila has a new rule for transplants moving into the Austin area if
you’re not already there and considering it… you must be liberal and ya have to kick out 2 republicans. Good plan Twila (J.R. gets in on
the grandfather clause…replacing a long time resident…ME)! Happy Birthday to at least 5 other Virgo’s I know all in one week! The
planets must be trying to tell me something?
Did I mention I did karaoke with my brother Rich (an unexpected thing you do when you’ve had just the right amount of beers and sitting
in a sort of Ft. Worth dive bar…that and the fact there were under10 people in the whole joint making it easier to perform if you have a
little stage fright). I didn’t realize my bro has a pretty good voice for his choice of mostly country western (we did agree on some Elton
John and C.C.R. for our sets). Wish I brought my camera that night (that was a once in a lifetime shot) J
So yeah…good times in Texas (check out the VIDEO above to give you a better idea of a few of those good times)! I guess I got my tex-
mex fix (though still craving it like crazy); My Elysium 80’s retro (at least 3 times); an unexpected Abra Moore gig at The Saxon Pub (an
awesome live recording on KGSR radio; A reunion of some blasts from the past I hadn’t seen in hhmmmm 20 plus years (yeah Bethers
and Lisa); Can’t forget the allergic reaction to the salve I was using for my tattoo healing (experienced an unusual and quite maddening
itch and burn rash for about 3 days non-stop until I put the cortizone on it and took some benadryl…Aaaahh…the wonders of modern
over the counter U.S. pharmacy and the itch was gone within 24 hours…worth it all for the results of the great new artwork but I’m done
with the back ink); and Jen’s awesomely put together Hoot Happening at Ruta Maya (a real back in time 40 year anniversary of Monterey
Pop Festival).
To all my friends and family in Texas …I thank for your hospitality and good times! Please allow me to return the favor if ever you find
yourself on this side of the pond (looking forward to your visit during the x-mas holidays J.R…. promise ya a great time in Rotterdam and
my return visit planned for another New Year’s in Berlin).
Last night I was at the live venue/dance club Effenar with “one of those Virgo’s” I mentioned, Dickie and friends…out celebrating his
birthday listening and dancing to a group from Belgium called Vive La Fete (reminded me of several 80’s bands I’m familiar with) http:
//www.myspace.com/vivelafete1
I thought to myself…who would have ever thought I’d be watching this live performance from Belgium here in The Netherlands jumping
around with a bunch of crazy fun Dutch people J
It’s good to be back!
Peace, Love and to Your Health, Jes
| Click the photo of Jes to view his adventure! Title: A Magical Place - Austin, Texas |
Click the photo of Jes to view his
latest adventures Across the Pond!
latest adventures Across the Pond!
“Allow the Journey to take you One Step Further…Another Dimension across the Pond…Expect the Unexpected beyond the
Limits”
You’re traveling thru another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind, a journey into a wondrous land
whose boundaries are that of imagination.
That’s the sign post up ahead. Your next stop… Paris
www.paris-apartment-rent.com/
Limits”
You’re traveling thru another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind, a journey into a wondrous land
whose boundaries are that of imagination.
That’s the sign post up ahead. Your next stop… Paris
www.paris-apartment-rent.com/
| It's a Winter Wonderland...Happy Holidays ( " |
Greetings and Happy New Year,
Already near halfway thru the month I figure I should get this update out while the past few weeks are still somewhat fresh in my mind.
Funny how many words that come to me when there’s not a pen and paper nearby for me to write em all down when I’m thinking
them…thinking those words sound great to share and I’ll remember them somehow. That rarely happens! If I don’t write it down then it’s
sure to get lost in the cobwebs of my brain. But that’s alright…you get whatever happens to be floating around in there as I am currently
remembering it (and whatever else happens to pop up).
Hope everyone had a nice holiday! I’m still thinking the year 2008 sounds very futuristic. But then again…I’m a bit nostalgic these
days! I watched one of my favorite all time movies last night (The Rose) before meeting up with friends for a couple beers (funny how it’
s easy to loose the time here when there’s no last call and the bar is open and serving until 4 a.m.).
Hey Cyndi …has it really been near 20 years ago that we 1st saw that movie in the theater? Damn that’s kind of funny don’t you think?
It doesn’t feel like that long ago! 1979 we were introduced to a very young Bette M idler and a soundtrack we learned all the words to
(hell, I still own it on vinyl). How old is she now? Well…last time I saw her she looked damn good (as a matter of fact the last time I saw
you I was thinking you looked exactly the same as the when we 1st met). I guess some of us just get better with age. Yeah yeah
yeah…Whatever!
No resolutions for the New Year but a bit of a change of my appearance. I began having one too many bad hair days with the chin thing
and cut off about an inch (looks pretty damn good if I do say so myself).
That along with the beginnings of a M ohawk! Yeah, you heard right! I was inspired recently by my visitor for the holidays that had
recently started his again. I have no idea how far I’ll let it go or when I might tire of it. I don’t do resolutions but always seem to make
some kind of appearance change marking new beginnings! Found out I can still grow hair on top of my head (been shaving it clean for
so long now I wasn’t sure). I don’t think hair loss runs in my family (just insanity)!
The highlight of my holidays was a visit from J.R. (no, not Ewing from Dallas but he is from Texas ). During the 2 plus years I’ve been out
here I’ve only had one other visitor and that was only for a couple of days). J.R.’s 1st visit to Europe was for 2 weeks (The Netherlands
is a pretty good 1st trip to Europe I think). It was just enough time to get a good idea how this side of the world lives. I think he got a
pretty good dose of it…just enough of a taste making it difficult to go back to the U.S. I’m sure of it.
There he’s still 2 light years away from being able to purchase a beer (or to even be inside most bars and clubs). And then there is
other accessible items The Netherlands is well known for (for those of you that like to indulge) where you’re able to purchase and or
smoke in many venues without anyone balking at it’s presence. I like the fact that it’s not even a big deal!
So yeah…I’m absolutely sure his visit here was something he will most definitely savor as one of his life’s most memorable experiences. I
know it was for me. I was happy to have a visitor! It was nice to be able to share it with somebody beyond vicariously thru my updates.
He knows what the hell I’m talking about when I say stroopwaffle (and can determine the differences of the many different brands of
them).
He also got to see it snow a couple times during his visit….once here in Eindhoven the day after he arrived and again New Year’s
morning in Berlin. His visit brought in some of the coldest days yet on record for the winter (so far it’s been pretty mild). He leaves and it’
s unseasonably warmer with temp. highs near 10 C. I’m wondering if it’s just a tease or if we’ll have an early spring again this year
Someone mentioned last night having just viewed old Dutch paintings that implies that the Dutch often times ice skate here (myth or did
it really happen?). Hmmmmm…global warming maybe?
We had Christmas twice. The Saturday before Heather, Ziggy and Alex headed off on their holiday to the U.S. and then actual
Christmas day. I enjoye d b oth in giving and receiving! While Alex no longer believes in Santa…I can’t help but want to still believe
myself. He did pay me a visit in the form of a new microwave/combo from Heather that was big enough to make an entire X-mas dinner .
No it’s not an American oven but it’s the next best thing. I could get used to it! As long as I’m able to able to bake every now and again I’
m quite a happy camper (everyone benefits).
I made sure there was plenty to do and see while still getting enough chill time in with J.R. during his time here...utilizing our time wisely
(which sometimes was difficult being all I need is 5 hours to sleep while J.R. needs more! We made an overnight trip to close-by
Amsterdam doing those things that tourists do here while they visit (thank you M itch for giving us the tour and your generous hospitality
for the night).
All my friends here in Eindhoven welcomed my visitor as well with several visits to the centre here to various waterholes (and a
coffeehouse called The Bakkery….hhhmmmmm interesting name) including Christmas Eve’s Glitter Ball dance party at Effenar. There’s
too many of you to mention by name but I appreciate your helping me show J.R. a good time here the Dutch way. I’m sure he’s not going
to forget those experiences or the people I’ve come to know as my friends here. It allowed me to take a reflective look at my own
experience here from a different perspective. M y new favorite words are and describe what I feel at this point in my life so perfectly:
We shall not cease exploration...
And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started…
And know the place for the first time (T.S. Elliot)
After a total day of chill (recovery from the late night activities of The Glitter Ball) and a nice Christmas feast for 2 we left for Berlin the
26th to bring in the New Year! Aaaahh… Berlin !!! Such a sweet city and yes it’s nicer to experience in warmer months but well worth
the endurance of the winter’s harshness. We spent a lot of time outdoors touring all over the city as most of the pictures show in this
update.
We took up camp at the home of Andreas and Linda while they were away on their own holiday. It was nice to have our own space in
which we could make home during our visit and quite accessible to all parts of the city by a great public transit system at pretty much any
hour of the day or night (easy to discover getting onto the wrong tram or subway and going off in the opposite direction of your
destination also…but not really getting too lost once discovering our mistake…not to mention the time we got locked on one of those at
the end of the line when J.R. noticed the driver get out and walk away…luckily that was for maybe 10 minutes before it went back to
where we got on…but there was a moment of near panic discovering the doors were all locked and he and I the only
passengers…amazing what runs thru ones mind in an unexpected moment such as this).
Most of our great shots of Berlin were taken during a highly recommended Alternative Tour. We met up with friends M aikel and Roos
from Utrecht ( Netherlands ) and Robert and Kris ( Berlin ) for the tour Sunday before New Years and were taken to some pretty
interesting places by our tour guide Helen from Sweden . Rather than go into a long explanation of what they’re all about go check out
the site and see for yourselves.
http://www.alternativeberlin.com/
I highly recommend this tour and others they do (I especially want to go back and do the Twilight Tour in which you have to be
personally invited on after meeting and seeing if you’re faint of heart or not. The day tour consisted of quite a lot of kewl stops including
1 or 2 they might take you to on the Twilight Tour (ours was an abandoned prison…a little spooky).
I think the pictures speak clearly themselves so be sure to take the time to check them out. At the end you pay what you think the tour is
worth. I like this system quite a lot (we were told of a great vegetarian restaurant that also uses this system so Bruce if you’re ever in the
area you’ll have to check that one out).
Our New Years Eve began with a nice steak dinner before joining more than 1000000 near the Brandenburg Gate at Europe ’s largest
New Year celebration. Near everyone was shooting off some kind of fireworks (not including the big fireworks display at midnight).
Wow…World War 3! Crazy, exciting and Viola…total chaos but what a way to bring it in and again, with good friends Robert and Kris
and the addition of J.R.
From there we (Robert, Kris, J.R. and I) went to an old East German power station transformed into 2 clubs Panorama Bar and Berghain
(rated 6 best clubs in the world). Like the days of New York ’s Studio 54 they pretty much allow in those they handpick from the crowd.
You can easily stand in line to the possibility of being turned away after standing in line for 2 plus hours.
We lucked out in both cases...our wait was under an hour and I guess we looked the part. Unfortunately J.R. was gyped 30 Euros at the
door. It was 18 to get in and the doorperson gave him change back for 20 while J.R. had given him 50. The dark cloud over that loss
lasted all of maybe 30 minutes (about the time everything else was kicking in to the steady beat of good dance music) before J.R.
decided that it was well worth 50 Euros. We might have paid that or more had we gone to one of Berlin ’s many other parties.
We stumbled out L.O.L. at about 10 a.m. to catch our train back to Eindhoven (a light snow begins to fall and getting heavier by time we
ended up at the wrong station and missed our reserved seats and had to take a later train with no seats at all…that was a long 4 plus
hours to stand…J.R. passed out on his suitcase with no problem. I stood reading the entire time!
Ramon came to the rescue on the other end and was there to pick us up at the station! Needless to say we took the following day to
recover and do some last minute things (shopping for an assortment of stroopwaffles) he wanted to do here before flying out on the
3rd
Oh yes, and a request for a final trip to “The Bakkery later that night…he just had to do it legal one last time…but of course!
We took the train together the next morning to Schiphol to take his long flight back to Houston …a moment of disbelief and denial as he
went thru security and the realization that he was leaving. I’d grown quite attached in those 2 weeks of his being around (how can you
not have a wonderful adventure(s) with someone, share an intimacy of some damn memorable experiences and not feel the loss when it’
s ended). I stood there not exactly wanting that moment to end. Thinking that if I walked away the spell was broken forever. There’s
that…what I call a normal period of grief.
Coming home to an empty house, eating the remainders of the leftovers of a shared meal, having someone around to do things with and
talk with consistently. But pretty soon you learn to accept its ok in the first place to miss it (first you have to reach the point of missing
it…that’s after the denial). It’s then you go back and recollect the time together and learn to savor it. Something I’ve learned to do in
this choice I make to live abroad and travel. I’m in constant acceptance of grieving! I find it to be healthy an d b elieve it all to be a
natural process of my living.
There are certain people that simply remain a constant in my life! It is in this consistency my belief that I will see those I want to see
again at some point…that and the effort of staying in contact and the desire to do it. Besides…J.R. has only scratched the surface
here. He’ll be back!!! I’ll be glad to be his guide anytime he’d like to jump aboard my train and take a ride any one of my adventures.
That welcome is extended to all my friends and family! Speaking of…my mom and stepdad are considering a trip out here around my
birthday in M arch (it’s be really great if we can make that one happen)I’d love to share Italy with mom. And M ay…it’s going to have to
be Greece on a sailboat again…who known’s what else the New Year will bring. I just continue to be alive and plan to see and do all I
possibly can before I’m not able to do that anymore (wise words from Ditha…do it…NOW)! That’s exactly what I’m doing.
Everyone here is back from their holidays and settling back into a routine…hahaha that’ll all change again soon enough…that’s one
thing I like around here for sure. You really don’t know what to expect. Just as you settle into a comfortable pattern of every day living
something shakes it up a bit unexpectedly. Keeps life interesting that way. If it doesn’t happen on its own…I’ll have to do the honors
and shake it up myself.
Almost finished this update by 4:20…just missed the deadline by 10 minutes!!!
Hope you enjoy the music and pics I’ve selected!
Much love and peace from “the other side of the pond”,
Jes (The Adventurer
Already near halfway thru the month I figure I should get this update out while the past few weeks are still somewhat fresh in my mind.
Funny how many words that come to me when there’s not a pen and paper nearby for me to write em all down when I’m thinking
them…thinking those words sound great to share and I’ll remember them somehow. That rarely happens! If I don’t write it down then it’s
sure to get lost in the cobwebs of my brain. But that’s alright…you get whatever happens to be floating around in there as I am currently
remembering it (and whatever else happens to pop up).
Hope everyone had a nice holiday! I’m still thinking the year 2008 sounds very futuristic. But then again…I’m a bit nostalgic these
days! I watched one of my favorite all time movies last night (The Rose) before meeting up with friends for a couple beers (funny how it’
s easy to loose the time here when there’s no last call and the bar is open and serving until 4 a.m.).
Hey Cyndi …has it really been near 20 years ago that we 1st saw that movie in the theater? Damn that’s kind of funny don’t you think?
It doesn’t feel like that long ago! 1979 we were introduced to a very young Bette M idler and a soundtrack we learned all the words to
(hell, I still own it on vinyl). How old is she now? Well…last time I saw her she looked damn good (as a matter of fact the last time I saw
you I was thinking you looked exactly the same as the when we 1st met). I guess some of us just get better with age. Yeah yeah
yeah…Whatever!
No resolutions for the New Year but a bit of a change of my appearance. I began having one too many bad hair days with the chin thing
and cut off about an inch (looks pretty damn good if I do say so myself).
That along with the beginnings of a M ohawk! Yeah, you heard right! I was inspired recently by my visitor for the holidays that had
recently started his again. I have no idea how far I’ll let it go or when I might tire of it. I don’t do resolutions but always seem to make
some kind of appearance change marking new beginnings! Found out I can still grow hair on top of my head (been shaving it clean for
so long now I wasn’t sure). I don’t think hair loss runs in my family (just insanity)!
The highlight of my holidays was a visit from J.R. (no, not Ewing from Dallas but he is from Texas ). During the 2 plus years I’ve been out
here I’ve only had one other visitor and that was only for a couple of days). J.R.’s 1st visit to Europe was for 2 weeks (The Netherlands
is a pretty good 1st trip to Europe I think). It was just enough time to get a good idea how this side of the world lives. I think he got a
pretty good dose of it…just enough of a taste making it difficult to go back to the U.S. I’m sure of it.
There he’s still 2 light years away from being able to purchase a beer (or to even be inside most bars and clubs). And then there is
other accessible items The Netherlands is well known for (for those of you that like to indulge) where you’re able to purchase and or
smoke in many venues without anyone balking at it’s presence. I like the fact that it’s not even a big deal!
So yeah…I’m absolutely sure his visit here was something he will most definitely savor as one of his life’s most memorable experiences. I
know it was for me. I was happy to have a visitor! It was nice to be able to share it with somebody beyond vicariously thru my updates.
He knows what the hell I’m talking about when I say stroopwaffle (and can determine the differences of the many different brands of
them).
He also got to see it snow a couple times during his visit….once here in Eindhoven the day after he arrived and again New Year’s
morning in Berlin. His visit brought in some of the coldest days yet on record for the winter (so far it’s been pretty mild). He leaves and it’
s unseasonably warmer with temp. highs near 10 C. I’m wondering if it’s just a tease or if we’ll have an early spring again this year
Someone mentioned last night having just viewed old Dutch paintings that implies that the Dutch often times ice skate here (myth or did
it really happen?). Hmmmmm…global warming maybe?
We had Christmas twice. The Saturday before Heather, Ziggy and Alex headed off on their holiday to the U.S. and then actual
Christmas day. I enjoye d b oth in giving and receiving! While Alex no longer believes in Santa…I can’t help but want to still believe
myself. He did pay me a visit in the form of a new microwave/combo from Heather that was big enough to make an entire X-mas dinner .
No it’s not an American oven but it’s the next best thing. I could get used to it! As long as I’m able to able to bake every now and again I’
m quite a happy camper (everyone benefits).
I made sure there was plenty to do and see while still getting enough chill time in with J.R. during his time here...utilizing our time wisely
(which sometimes was difficult being all I need is 5 hours to sleep while J.R. needs more! We made an overnight trip to close-by
Amsterdam doing those things that tourists do here while they visit (thank you M itch for giving us the tour and your generous hospitality
for the night).
All my friends here in Eindhoven welcomed my visitor as well with several visits to the centre here to various waterholes (and a
coffeehouse called The Bakkery….hhhmmmmm interesting name) including Christmas Eve’s Glitter Ball dance party at Effenar. There’s
too many of you to mention by name but I appreciate your helping me show J.R. a good time here the Dutch way. I’m sure he’s not going
to forget those experiences or the people I’ve come to know as my friends here. It allowed me to take a reflective look at my own
experience here from a different perspective. M y new favorite words are and describe what I feel at this point in my life so perfectly:
We shall not cease exploration...
And at the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started…
And know the place for the first time (T.S. Elliot)
After a total day of chill (recovery from the late night activities of The Glitter Ball) and a nice Christmas feast for 2 we left for Berlin the
26th to bring in the New Year! Aaaahh… Berlin !!! Such a sweet city and yes it’s nicer to experience in warmer months but well worth
the endurance of the winter’s harshness. We spent a lot of time outdoors touring all over the city as most of the pictures show in this
update.
We took up camp at the home of Andreas and Linda while they were away on their own holiday. It was nice to have our own space in
which we could make home during our visit and quite accessible to all parts of the city by a great public transit system at pretty much any
hour of the day or night (easy to discover getting onto the wrong tram or subway and going off in the opposite direction of your
destination also…but not really getting too lost once discovering our mistake…not to mention the time we got locked on one of those at
the end of the line when J.R. noticed the driver get out and walk away…luckily that was for maybe 10 minutes before it went back to
where we got on…but there was a moment of near panic discovering the doors were all locked and he and I the only
passengers…amazing what runs thru ones mind in an unexpected moment such as this).
Most of our great shots of Berlin were taken during a highly recommended Alternative Tour. We met up with friends M aikel and Roos
from Utrecht ( Netherlands ) and Robert and Kris ( Berlin ) for the tour Sunday before New Years and were taken to some pretty
interesting places by our tour guide Helen from Sweden . Rather than go into a long explanation of what they’re all about go check out
the site and see for yourselves.
http://www.alternativeberlin.com/
I highly recommend this tour and others they do (I especially want to go back and do the Twilight Tour in which you have to be
personally invited on after meeting and seeing if you’re faint of heart or not. The day tour consisted of quite a lot of kewl stops including
1 or 2 they might take you to on the Twilight Tour (ours was an abandoned prison…a little spooky).
I think the pictures speak clearly themselves so be sure to take the time to check them out. At the end you pay what you think the tour is
worth. I like this system quite a lot (we were told of a great vegetarian restaurant that also uses this system so Bruce if you’re ever in the
area you’ll have to check that one out).
Our New Years Eve began with a nice steak dinner before joining more than 1000000 near the Brandenburg Gate at Europe ’s largest
New Year celebration. Near everyone was shooting off some kind of fireworks (not including the big fireworks display at midnight).
Wow…World War 3! Crazy, exciting and Viola…total chaos but what a way to bring it in and again, with good friends Robert and Kris
and the addition of J.R.
From there we (Robert, Kris, J.R. and I) went to an old East German power station transformed into 2 clubs Panorama Bar and Berghain
(rated 6 best clubs in the world). Like the days of New York ’s Studio 54 they pretty much allow in those they handpick from the crowd.
You can easily stand in line to the possibility of being turned away after standing in line for 2 plus hours.
We lucked out in both cases...our wait was under an hour and I guess we looked the part. Unfortunately J.R. was gyped 30 Euros at the
door. It was 18 to get in and the doorperson gave him change back for 20 while J.R. had given him 50. The dark cloud over that loss
lasted all of maybe 30 minutes (about the time everything else was kicking in to the steady beat of good dance music) before J.R.
decided that it was well worth 50 Euros. We might have paid that or more had we gone to one of Berlin ’s many other parties.
We stumbled out L.O.L. at about 10 a.m. to catch our train back to Eindhoven (a light snow begins to fall and getting heavier by time we
ended up at the wrong station and missed our reserved seats and had to take a later train with no seats at all…that was a long 4 plus
hours to stand…J.R. passed out on his suitcase with no problem. I stood reading the entire time!
Ramon came to the rescue on the other end and was there to pick us up at the station! Needless to say we took the following day to
recover and do some last minute things (shopping for an assortment of stroopwaffles) he wanted to do here before flying out on the
3rd
Oh yes, and a request for a final trip to “The Bakkery later that night…he just had to do it legal one last time…but of course!
We took the train together the next morning to Schiphol to take his long flight back to Houston …a moment of disbelief and denial as he
went thru security and the realization that he was leaving. I’d grown quite attached in those 2 weeks of his being around (how can you
not have a wonderful adventure(s) with someone, share an intimacy of some damn memorable experiences and not feel the loss when it’
s ended). I stood there not exactly wanting that moment to end. Thinking that if I walked away the spell was broken forever. There’s
that…what I call a normal period of grief.
Coming home to an empty house, eating the remainders of the leftovers of a shared meal, having someone around to do things with and
talk with consistently. But pretty soon you learn to accept its ok in the first place to miss it (first you have to reach the point of missing
it…that’s after the denial). It’s then you go back and recollect the time together and learn to savor it. Something I’ve learned to do in
this choice I make to live abroad and travel. I’m in constant acceptance of grieving! I find it to be healthy an d b elieve it all to be a
natural process of my living.
There are certain people that simply remain a constant in my life! It is in this consistency my belief that I will see those I want to see
again at some point…that and the effort of staying in contact and the desire to do it. Besides…J.R. has only scratched the surface
here. He’ll be back!!! I’ll be glad to be his guide anytime he’d like to jump aboard my train and take a ride any one of my adventures.
That welcome is extended to all my friends and family! Speaking of…my mom and stepdad are considering a trip out here around my
birthday in M arch (it’s be really great if we can make that one happen)I’d love to share Italy with mom. And M ay…it’s going to have to
be Greece on a sailboat again…who known’s what else the New Year will bring. I just continue to be alive and plan to see and do all I
possibly can before I’m not able to do that anymore (wise words from Ditha…do it…NOW)! That’s exactly what I’m doing.
Everyone here is back from their holidays and settling back into a routine…hahaha that’ll all change again soon enough…that’s one
thing I like around here for sure. You really don’t know what to expect. Just as you settle into a comfortable pattern of every day living
something shakes it up a bit unexpectedly. Keeps life interesting that way. If it doesn’t happen on its own…I’ll have to do the honors
and shake it up myself.
Almost finished this update by 4:20…just missed the deadline by 10 minutes!!!
Hope you enjoy the music and pics I’ve selected!
Much love and peace from “the other side of the pond”,
Jes (The Adventurer
February 15, 2008
Greetings Friends,
Funny…sometimes I’ll spend a good amount of time here in my thoughts with something as simple as a greeting. It all has to feel right
on for the moment I am writing! It can take me near all day just to get a few words down. And it always must arrive to you fresh as
possible so it’s coordinated with Wesley (the webmaster and creator of autinithinkyoushine) so that we get out a published product
together that’s of interest to our readers.
It’s gone far beyond what I ever imagined. It’s become more than just a way to keep in touch with friends and far more than just a life
adventure or 2. I’m really very fortunate to have this also as an outlet of some kind of creativity. If I’m ever going to get around to writing
a book I think this is very good practice. There’s so much I have discovered in my own writings here as well as more picture taking than I
have ever done in my entire life.
Then there is the consistent communication I have developed with Wesley in piecing the pictures to music choices and video. All this
happens across the pond and with a 7 hour time zone difference. Wesley does the hard part. You can go explore some of his pages
and see where some of his talents lie. I just write my words for the most part, take some pictures and feel some music. But together we
do create Jes the Adventurer and while it is a piece of work…it’s also something I enjoy doing. So yeah, here well into year 3 (wow has it
really been that long?) we’ve together gained an audience that is now international. And…you keep coming back!
Did I say thank you for keeping up? I’ve got to especially thank those that keep right on inspiring me…those of you who have added our
link into your own pages here and abroad.
The whole idea here is to see and share the arts in its various forms. Always watchful eyes wherever I happen to go and who I happen
to meet along the way. I am very fortunate to have such opportunity to experience that in another country and share it with you. This
update brings you a glimpse of a very talented artist right under your noses there in Austin as well as LOL my attempts of a Mohawk. I
think you needed to see a bit of both here. Hope you enjoy all the beauty in its various forms.
Me? I’m pretty much still riding high from my extraordinary holidays spent with my special visitor J.R. and other very good friends
scattered about. Those were some damn good times and I plan to savor them a while longer. And though it’s easy to get caught up and
allow other realities to cloud my sight…I’m hanging on to this one as long as I can…it’s real enough also!
So…I just keep on feeling the love and giving it because it’s what gives me the hope needed to continue living as I do! It’s the
empowerment I need to survive! Oh wow for empowerment.
Another birthday is around the corner…don’t ask…I won’t tell…hahahahaha! It’s good living people!!! My mom and step dad will be
here to celebrate that with. They’ll arrive here on 21 of March and stay till 3 of April. Mom has never been across the pond before.
Yes, to my Dutch friends…I have a mother, you’ll meet her for real, and she’s not just someone I’ve made up.
Already I have one 3 day weekend planned in Belgium getting in a little of Ghent , Brugge and Antwerp . Ok…so we have many pics of
these places already (except Brugge…I haven’t been here yet) but none with my mom and stepdad in them…so we’ll be seeing things in
a new perspective ok. Ever wonder the reason I have a Betty Boop tattoo (for those lucky enough to see it)? My mom is Betty…and she
very much deserves the nick name of Betty Boop (my step dad, Warren gets called Mr. Betty Boop often enough)!
There’s still Greece in May in development. Those interested in joining Ali (from Austin ’s Ruta Maya), Peter and Marij (from our little city
of Eindhoven ) and I (here and there) are more than welcome to rethink your plans and join us. There’s still plenty of room aboard the
sailboat hopping The Saronic Islands (swimming secluded bays, eating Greek, drinking ouzo to beautiful sunsets)…you get the picture.
Let me know and I’ll forward you (again) the info!
The recent pics in Antwerp were taken just last Saturday as we couldn’t pass up a near perfect (it’s a tease I’m sure 15 C) Spring like
day with blue skies to drink some Belgian beers in the sun…Aaaahh, but that is a good enough excuse to amuse ourselves here as we
wait for hopeful warmer weather (see how blue the sky is).
My music choice is always a reflection of what I’m feeling and this one goes out to J.R.
Much love and peace,
Jes
Greetings Friends,
Funny…sometimes I’ll spend a good amount of time here in my thoughts with something as simple as a greeting. It all has to feel right
on for the moment I am writing! It can take me near all day just to get a few words down. And it always must arrive to you fresh as
possible so it’s coordinated with Wesley (the webmaster and creator of autinithinkyoushine) so that we get out a published product
together that’s of interest to our readers.
It’s gone far beyond what I ever imagined. It’s become more than just a way to keep in touch with friends and far more than just a life
adventure or 2. I’m really very fortunate to have this also as an outlet of some kind of creativity. If I’m ever going to get around to writing
a book I think this is very good practice. There’s so much I have discovered in my own writings here as well as more picture taking than I
have ever done in my entire life.
Then there is the consistent communication I have developed with Wesley in piecing the pictures to music choices and video. All this
happens across the pond and with a 7 hour time zone difference. Wesley does the hard part. You can go explore some of his pages
and see where some of his talents lie. I just write my words for the most part, take some pictures and feel some music. But together we
do create Jes the Adventurer and while it is a piece of work…it’s also something I enjoy doing. So yeah, here well into year 3 (wow has it
really been that long?) we’ve together gained an audience that is now international. And…you keep coming back!
Did I say thank you for keeping up? I’ve got to especially thank those that keep right on inspiring me…those of you who have added our
link into your own pages here and abroad.
The whole idea here is to see and share the arts in its various forms. Always watchful eyes wherever I happen to go and who I happen
to meet along the way. I am very fortunate to have such opportunity to experience that in another country and share it with you. This
update brings you a glimpse of a very talented artist right under your noses there in Austin as well as LOL my attempts of a Mohawk. I
think you needed to see a bit of both here. Hope you enjoy all the beauty in its various forms.
Me? I’m pretty much still riding high from my extraordinary holidays spent with my special visitor J.R. and other very good friends
scattered about. Those were some damn good times and I plan to savor them a while longer. And though it’s easy to get caught up and
allow other realities to cloud my sight…I’m hanging on to this one as long as I can…it’s real enough also!
So…I just keep on feeling the love and giving it because it’s what gives me the hope needed to continue living as I do! It’s the
empowerment I need to survive! Oh wow for empowerment.
Another birthday is around the corner…don’t ask…I won’t tell…hahahahaha! It’s good living people!!! My mom and step dad will be
here to celebrate that with. They’ll arrive here on 21 of March and stay till 3 of April. Mom has never been across the pond before.
Yes, to my Dutch friends…I have a mother, you’ll meet her for real, and she’s not just someone I’ve made up.
Already I have one 3 day weekend planned in Belgium getting in a little of Ghent , Brugge and Antwerp . Ok…so we have many pics of
these places already (except Brugge…I haven’t been here yet) but none with my mom and stepdad in them…so we’ll be seeing things in
a new perspective ok. Ever wonder the reason I have a Betty Boop tattoo (for those lucky enough to see it)? My mom is Betty…and she
very much deserves the nick name of Betty Boop (my step dad, Warren gets called Mr. Betty Boop often enough)!
There’s still Greece in May in development. Those interested in joining Ali (from Austin ’s Ruta Maya), Peter and Marij (from our little city
of Eindhoven ) and I (here and there) are more than welcome to rethink your plans and join us. There’s still plenty of room aboard the
sailboat hopping The Saronic Islands (swimming secluded bays, eating Greek, drinking ouzo to beautiful sunsets)…you get the picture.
Let me know and I’ll forward you (again) the info!
The recent pics in Antwerp were taken just last Saturday as we couldn’t pass up a near perfect (it’s a tease I’m sure 15 C) Spring like
day with blue skies to drink some Belgian beers in the sun…Aaaahh, but that is a good enough excuse to amuse ourselves here as we
wait for hopeful warmer weather (see how blue the sky is).
My music choice is always a reflection of what I’m feeling and this one goes out to J.R.
Much love and peace,
Jes
| Random Tablet Painting |
| And his Art |
| Inspired Baby Mohawk with Art by J.R. |
| The Man: J. R. |
| Sunny Afternoon Belgian Beers-Antwerp |
| Inspired Baby Mohawk with Art by J.R. |
| Full Sized |
| Random Tablet Painting |
| Gucci or $6.00 Look-a-Like |
| Sunny Afternoon in Feb-Antwerp |
| Sunday in Antwerp partner in crime... |
Greeting Fellow Adventurers,
Day late and a Euro short…I had intended to get this update out yesterday sometime but it looks like its going to be late due to my
internet being down! I was up at the crack of the crack of dawn yesterday to discover the problem. Being it not unusual to go down
sometimes several times in a day it’s usually a matter of unplugging the main source a few moments and its up and running again. To
no avail, it appears U.P.C. has a major outage and this time we’re not the ONLY customers being affected. No, it seems more than half
of The Netherlands has been affected by this outage! Time for a new provider I think…YES!
Since I like getting this update out fresh with my thoughts I am enthusiastic that U.P.C. will resolve this problem today. I guess it was just
a little too much to ask for first thing this morning (6 hours ahead of ya’ll in Texas until the 30th when we have our time change here)!
I’m busy preparing for Betty and Warren ’s visit (mom and step dad aka. M r. and M rs. Betty Boop). They arrive tomorrow morning on a
very early flight in Amsterdam . Being the early arrival time of 5:55 a.m. I will spend the night w/ my friend M itch in Ams. so I will be able
to greet them. Thank you M itch!
I’ll keep this update short and focus on the next one after their visit with promises of some really great pics of our adventures. I’m still in
a bit of shock that we even got my mom to fly over here and won’t believe it until I see them at the airport tomorrow. I’m looking forward
to this!
It is also the weekend Ziggy (and his 2 cats) move in to our house (the boyfriend of my friend and employer Heather) so…”one big
happy family” and nothing of the typical! For several months now it’s been like he already lives here spending the weekends and “most
every “hump day” here so we’re all pretty well adjusted already. The cats…hhmmmm??? That’ll be another story. I think Jimmy
(Heather and Alex’s cat) will have a bit more problem adjusting (I’ll try and get a picture of that)!
And a big Happy Birthday to you fellow Aries…mine happens a day after Easter this year and nice my family is here to celebrate it with. I’
ve got a nice relaxe d b ut action packed holiday planned for their time here mixing up both a bit Netherlands and Belgium .
Let the good times roll!
The short video is that of “The Birthday Boy” taken by my good friend and neighbor (the yet unknown great photographer), Peter Klomp
for a tattoo calendar contest in Austin . These are the ones we submitted. Do you think any are calendar worthy?
Check out some of his other stuff here: http://www.columbusmagazine.nl/reisreporter/Peter_Klomp/fotos.html
Well, I’ll close for now (still with lots to do in my day to finish getting ready for our guests…please send warmer weather with my mom and
Warren as ironically we’re expecting snow upon their arrival) with a poem I wrote some time ago and revised recently inspire d b y J.R.’s
love of caffeine… Stay tuned…for the next set of adventures and enjoy this one!
Caffeine Junkie
Pour me a cup.
It’s the only way.
Start the pot a brewin.
And I’ll make it through the day.
One cup…
Then Two!
You better make me another pot.
This one is almost through.
Another one for the road
And then finally when I get to work
A fresh pot waiting just for me.
They call me “Caffeine Junkie”
You can be one too
Make another pot
I’ll share this one with you.
Will you light me a cigarette too, please?
(Written w/ myself as the inspiration circa 1983/revised 2008 inspiration ‘fellow Caffeine Junkie”)
Much peace and love,
Jes
Day late and a Euro short…I had intended to get this update out yesterday sometime but it looks like its going to be late due to my
internet being down! I was up at the crack of the crack of dawn yesterday to discover the problem. Being it not unusual to go down
sometimes several times in a day it’s usually a matter of unplugging the main source a few moments and its up and running again. To
no avail, it appears U.P.C. has a major outage and this time we’re not the ONLY customers being affected. No, it seems more than half
of The Netherlands has been affected by this outage! Time for a new provider I think…YES!
Since I like getting this update out fresh with my thoughts I am enthusiastic that U.P.C. will resolve this problem today. I guess it was just
a little too much to ask for first thing this morning (6 hours ahead of ya’ll in Texas until the 30th when we have our time change here)!
I’m busy preparing for Betty and Warren ’s visit (mom and step dad aka. M r. and M rs. Betty Boop). They arrive tomorrow morning on a
very early flight in Amsterdam . Being the early arrival time of 5:55 a.m. I will spend the night w/ my friend M itch in Ams. so I will be able
to greet them. Thank you M itch!
I’ll keep this update short and focus on the next one after their visit with promises of some really great pics of our adventures. I’m still in
a bit of shock that we even got my mom to fly over here and won’t believe it until I see them at the airport tomorrow. I’m looking forward
to this!
It is also the weekend Ziggy (and his 2 cats) move in to our house (the boyfriend of my friend and employer Heather) so…”one big
happy family” and nothing of the typical! For several months now it’s been like he already lives here spending the weekends and “most
every “hump day” here so we’re all pretty well adjusted already. The cats…hhmmmm??? That’ll be another story. I think Jimmy
(Heather and Alex’s cat) will have a bit more problem adjusting (I’ll try and get a picture of that)!
And a big Happy Birthday to you fellow Aries…mine happens a day after Easter this year and nice my family is here to celebrate it with. I’
ve got a nice relaxe d b ut action packed holiday planned for their time here mixing up both a bit Netherlands and Belgium .
Let the good times roll!
The short video is that of “The Birthday Boy” taken by my good friend and neighbor (the yet unknown great photographer), Peter Klomp
for a tattoo calendar contest in Austin . These are the ones we submitted. Do you think any are calendar worthy?
Check out some of his other stuff here: http://www.columbusmagazine.nl/reisreporter/Peter_Klomp/fotos.html
Well, I’ll close for now (still with lots to do in my day to finish getting ready for our guests…please send warmer weather with my mom and
Warren as ironically we’re expecting snow upon their arrival) with a poem I wrote some time ago and revised recently inspire d b y J.R.’s
love of caffeine… Stay tuned…for the next set of adventures and enjoy this one!
Caffeine Junkie
Pour me a cup.
It’s the only way.
Start the pot a brewin.
And I’ll make it through the day.
One cup…
Then Two!
You better make me another pot.
This one is almost through.
Another one for the road
And then finally when I get to work
A fresh pot waiting just for me.
They call me “Caffeine Junkie”
You can be one too
Make another pot
I’ll share this one with you.
Will you light me a cigarette too, please?
(Written w/ myself as the inspiration circa 1983/revised 2008 inspiration ‘fellow Caffeine Junkie”)
Much peace and love,
Jes
| Click the Banner and "Enjoy the Show!" |
| "Enjoy the Show!" |
Hii Hii,
Greetings from across the pond!
Spring has finally sprung. Well, at least a glimpse of it. Go figure the first day of spring here brought both my mom and step dad (The
Betty Boop’s) across the pond and some of the coldest weather we had all year during most of their visit (including a bit of snow). Go
figure they forgot to pack the sunshine and warmer weather I had requested. It was warmer in Dec. /Jan. during J.R.’s visit!
They certainly weren’t prepared for it and fortunately we have plenty of extra jackets, hats, scarves and gloves to go around. As Murphy’
s Law would have it the warmer weather came immediately the day they left (I guess they just failed to unpack that one requested item
until the very last).
We did manage to work around the weather and get out and about a bit here and there…experiencing all 4 seasons in one day! But I
really don’t think they were prepared for such kind of weather or being out in the elements. And while being more fit than most
Americans not prepared for so much walking…I think they probably did more walking in the 2 weeks they were here than they have in
the last year. It’s certainly The Netherlands for more walking and cycling than across the pond…but all things considering, 2 thumbs up
as they faired far much better than I expected.
I’m used to it! When it comes to being a pedestrian I was already ahead of the game long before I ever came over to the other side.
Two steps ahead (no pun intended) in fact, since I never owned a car. I like it that way. Do we really need another vehicle on the roads
(and can you honestly imagine me driving)? Hey, it keeps me somewhat fit I think.
The pictures should tell a story in themselves here (you can sometimes see the anguish of cold on their faces…look for yourselves) and
every time I thought to take some pictures of the fresh fallen snow I didn’t have my camera on me. Some pics may be deceiving as they
appear to look like its warmer times (the ones w/out chattering teeth in em). We all tried to convince ourselves. I mean, it was in fact
already spring wasn’t it?
The very weekend they arrived was also the weekend Heather’s boyfriend Ziggy moved in (along with his 2 cats). Needless to say we
had a houseful all at one time to get used to! I opted for the opportunity for my own space to get away to at the neighbors house 2
doors over (thank you Peter and Marij) sort of house sitting for them while they were away some of that time. It did allow me a refuge as
well as making it simpler around here as to where I could escape and have a little space to myself (I still have yet to sign their guest book
something witty I guess) …and but of course I gladly gave up my room to mom and Warren (and very much enjoying the preparations
beforehand to make their stay here comfortable…fresh tulips, etc.).
Our household continues its adjustment and acclimation to the changes that have taken place and minus my visitors and one cat later
settling into a bit more of a normal routine. But…what’s normal around here?
I’d like to have shown mom and Warren perhaps a bit more of The Netherlands. We did spend some of the best weather days in 3 cities
of Belgium ! There we took in the cities of Ghent , Brugge and Antwerp at our own slow pace (my moms’ favorite being Brugge). I’ll
have to say I think Ghent is still my favorite but all 3 cities are well worth the visit and never for the lack of good beers and chocolates.
While my mom hardly drinks she actually enjoyed Kriek beer (with cherry)…Good Stuff and a couple of sips later she had the same look
on her face as we had from our beers! Nice of you to join us!
Warren opted for the darker and favorite being Hertog Jan!
Hertog Jan ("Duke Jan") is a brewery in the Netherlands . Originally Hertog Jan was a brand only, owned by distributor De Kikvorsch in
Deest. Under this brand several types of beer were released, of which the top-fermenting beers were all made at the Arcense
Stoombierbrouwerij in Arcen. In the early 1980's this brewery had played a major role in the revival of beer culture in The Netherlands. In
1995 it became part of the international Interbrew (nowInBev) group and in 1998 was renamed to Hertog Jan Brouwerij. The brewery is
named after John 1 Duke of Brabant. The main brand name is Hertog Jan. The brewery produces several styles of beer under this
name. The brand name Arcener is also used.
I’ve never much fancied beers until coming out this way myself. So many great choices here and good ones at that! No chance I’ll get a
beer belly with all the walking I do.
So…during their visit I celebrated another birthday with close friends and family sharing in a few beers and a cake I made myself (thanks
for the extra bottles I requested 1 for you and 2 for me). LOL, I guess when you’re the baker in the family you’re expected to make your
own cake. Since I had just made a carrot cake for Heather’s day the previous month I decided instead on a spice cake with a butter
pecan cream cheese frosting. I’m sure everyone approved as there was only a chunk left by the end of the evening and I hoarded that
one away with no guilt feelings all for myself. I did end up making another smaller cake April 1st for Warren ’s B-day (that one went
pretty quick also…vanilla cake with hazelnut/orange frosting).
Power to all the Aries during this astrological time and to all the other especially compatible signs who continue to humor us along!
Mom and Warren ’s last 2 days were spent enjoying a bit of The Netherlands with an afternoon lunch in nearby Den Bosch for Warren ’s
B-day, a visit for drinks at Peter and Marij’s that evening (far from typical Dutch folk) and their final day deciding to stay in Amsterdam .
Their last night I put them up at a very nice gay owned bed and breakfast (hey, if you want extra clean w/ a special touch it’s a very good
choice usually)! Thanks to Win, Godfrey and Ron for making their final hours on this side comfortable as well as remembered. Before
allowing them to retire early afternoon for a nap we had an early lunch together and one of those tourist canal boat trips before saying
our goodbyes (so much better than seeing them off at the airport I think) and after their perspective naps mustered up some last bursts
of European energy and able to enjoy some alone time out and about in the area.
http://www.barangay.nl/
Amsterdam had been planned for early in their arrival but those first few days there was some jetlag to contend to and some getting
used to everything else that suddenly isn’t Texas anymore…I remember the surreal shock most of my 1st year here and sometimes
forget it can be overwhelming until you realize…it’s just The Netherlands! No wooden shoes and most speaking pretty good English.
I want to thank those who all made my mom and step dads visit here a pleasant one to be remembered; Mitch, for putting up with me a
night in Ams. so that I could be at the airport bright and early, Ramon for cooking one of his fab dinners (complete with Dutch dessert
Vla), Johan’s driving and company for the Belgium trip, Certainly Ralph aka. Russell Crowe for giving us the proper tour of Brugge,
Those close friends that welcomed and congratulated each my mom and step dad for my birthday (it’s the Dutch way to congratulate
them), and Peter and Marij’s untypical Dutch hospitality (if they were serving cookies they’d have offered more than 1…but we had cake
instead…the one I made)
Lastly but not least I have to thank Heather and household for all their hospitality in spite of a houseful for 2 weeks! I’m so fortunate to
have such great family and friends and that for a short period we were able to celebrate this together…rock n roll…Good Times!
Next on my agenda… Greece ! That’s just a few short weeks away. Are you ready Ali? Scott? Peter and Marij? Aaaahh, I can’t wait to
experience it all over again. How exciting is that? This will be my 4th time back and each has been with someone different to share the
adventure with. I can hardly wait!
And then there’s summer in Austin to look forward to (8 of July-18 of August). Berlin is a developing new and interesting prospect I’ll
share with ya more later on as it develops further. Guess you’ll just have to stay tuned until the next time…meanwhile expect the
unexpected!
Much peace and love from across the pond, Jes
Greetings from across the pond!
Spring has finally sprung. Well, at least a glimpse of it. Go figure the first day of spring here brought both my mom and step dad (The
Betty Boop’s) across the pond and some of the coldest weather we had all year during most of their visit (including a bit of snow). Go
figure they forgot to pack the sunshine and warmer weather I had requested. It was warmer in Dec. /Jan. during J.R.’s visit!
They certainly weren’t prepared for it and fortunately we have plenty of extra jackets, hats, scarves and gloves to go around. As Murphy’
s Law would have it the warmer weather came immediately the day they left (I guess they just failed to unpack that one requested item
until the very last).
We did manage to work around the weather and get out and about a bit here and there…experiencing all 4 seasons in one day! But I
really don’t think they were prepared for such kind of weather or being out in the elements. And while being more fit than most
Americans not prepared for so much walking…I think they probably did more walking in the 2 weeks they were here than they have in
the last year. It’s certainly The Netherlands for more walking and cycling than across the pond…but all things considering, 2 thumbs up
as they faired far much better than I expected.
I’m used to it! When it comes to being a pedestrian I was already ahead of the game long before I ever came over to the other side.
Two steps ahead (no pun intended) in fact, since I never owned a car. I like it that way. Do we really need another vehicle on the roads
(and can you honestly imagine me driving)? Hey, it keeps me somewhat fit I think.
The pictures should tell a story in themselves here (you can sometimes see the anguish of cold on their faces…look for yourselves) and
every time I thought to take some pictures of the fresh fallen snow I didn’t have my camera on me. Some pics may be deceiving as they
appear to look like its warmer times (the ones w/out chattering teeth in em). We all tried to convince ourselves. I mean, it was in fact
already spring wasn’t it?
The very weekend they arrived was also the weekend Heather’s boyfriend Ziggy moved in (along with his 2 cats). Needless to say we
had a houseful all at one time to get used to! I opted for the opportunity for my own space to get away to at the neighbors house 2
doors over (thank you Peter and Marij) sort of house sitting for them while they were away some of that time. It did allow me a refuge as
well as making it simpler around here as to where I could escape and have a little space to myself (I still have yet to sign their guest book
something witty I guess) …and but of course I gladly gave up my room to mom and Warren (and very much enjoying the preparations
beforehand to make their stay here comfortable…fresh tulips, etc.).
Our household continues its adjustment and acclimation to the changes that have taken place and minus my visitors and one cat later
settling into a bit more of a normal routine. But…what’s normal around here?
I’d like to have shown mom and Warren perhaps a bit more of The Netherlands. We did spend some of the best weather days in 3 cities
of Belgium ! There we took in the cities of Ghent , Brugge and Antwerp at our own slow pace (my moms’ favorite being Brugge). I’ll
have to say I think Ghent is still my favorite but all 3 cities are well worth the visit and never for the lack of good beers and chocolates.
While my mom hardly drinks she actually enjoyed Kriek beer (with cherry)…Good Stuff and a couple of sips later she had the same look
on her face as we had from our beers! Nice of you to join us!
Warren opted for the darker and favorite being Hertog Jan!
Hertog Jan ("Duke Jan") is a brewery in the Netherlands . Originally Hertog Jan was a brand only, owned by distributor De Kikvorsch in
Deest. Under this brand several types of beer were released, of which the top-fermenting beers were all made at the Arcense
Stoombierbrouwerij in Arcen. In the early 1980's this brewery had played a major role in the revival of beer culture in The Netherlands. In
1995 it became part of the international Interbrew (nowInBev) group and in 1998 was renamed to Hertog Jan Brouwerij. The brewery is
named after John 1 Duke of Brabant. The main brand name is Hertog Jan. The brewery produces several styles of beer under this
name. The brand name Arcener is also used.
I’ve never much fancied beers until coming out this way myself. So many great choices here and good ones at that! No chance I’ll get a
beer belly with all the walking I do.
So…during their visit I celebrated another birthday with close friends and family sharing in a few beers and a cake I made myself (thanks
for the extra bottles I requested 1 for you and 2 for me). LOL, I guess when you’re the baker in the family you’re expected to make your
own cake. Since I had just made a carrot cake for Heather’s day the previous month I decided instead on a spice cake with a butter
pecan cream cheese frosting. I’m sure everyone approved as there was only a chunk left by the end of the evening and I hoarded that
one away with no guilt feelings all for myself. I did end up making another smaller cake April 1st for Warren ’s B-day (that one went
pretty quick also…vanilla cake with hazelnut/orange frosting).
Power to all the Aries during this astrological time and to all the other especially compatible signs who continue to humor us along!
Mom and Warren ’s last 2 days were spent enjoying a bit of The Netherlands with an afternoon lunch in nearby Den Bosch for Warren ’s
B-day, a visit for drinks at Peter and Marij’s that evening (far from typical Dutch folk) and their final day deciding to stay in Amsterdam .
Their last night I put them up at a very nice gay owned bed and breakfast (hey, if you want extra clean w/ a special touch it’s a very good
choice usually)! Thanks to Win, Godfrey and Ron for making their final hours on this side comfortable as well as remembered. Before
allowing them to retire early afternoon for a nap we had an early lunch together and one of those tourist canal boat trips before saying
our goodbyes (so much better than seeing them off at the airport I think) and after their perspective naps mustered up some last bursts
of European energy and able to enjoy some alone time out and about in the area.
http://www.barangay.nl/
Amsterdam had been planned for early in their arrival but those first few days there was some jetlag to contend to and some getting
used to everything else that suddenly isn’t Texas anymore…I remember the surreal shock most of my 1st year here and sometimes
forget it can be overwhelming until you realize…it’s just The Netherlands! No wooden shoes and most speaking pretty good English.
I want to thank those who all made my mom and step dads visit here a pleasant one to be remembered; Mitch, for putting up with me a
night in Ams. so that I could be at the airport bright and early, Ramon for cooking one of his fab dinners (complete with Dutch dessert
Vla), Johan’s driving and company for the Belgium trip, Certainly Ralph aka. Russell Crowe for giving us the proper tour of Brugge,
Those close friends that welcomed and congratulated each my mom and step dad for my birthday (it’s the Dutch way to congratulate
them), and Peter and Marij’s untypical Dutch hospitality (if they were serving cookies they’d have offered more than 1…but we had cake
instead…the one I made)
Lastly but not least I have to thank Heather and household for all their hospitality in spite of a houseful for 2 weeks! I’m so fortunate to
have such great family and friends and that for a short period we were able to celebrate this together…rock n roll…Good Times!
Next on my agenda… Greece ! That’s just a few short weeks away. Are you ready Ali? Scott? Peter and Marij? Aaaahh, I can’t wait to
experience it all over again. How exciting is that? This will be my 4th time back and each has been with someone different to share the
adventure with. I can hardly wait!
And then there’s summer in Austin to look forward to (8 of July-18 of August). Berlin is a developing new and interesting prospect I’ll
share with ya more later on as it develops further. Guess you’ll just have to stay tuned until the next time…meanwhile expect the
unexpected!
Much peace and love from across the pond, Jes
| "Enjoy the Show!" |
| Greece 2008: A different Perspective Through the Eyes of 3 "Click the Banner to enjoy the Flick's!" |
| Artist - Jan is Joplin Album - Various Songs Lyrics - Brand New Key (Rollerskate Song) "Follow the imaginary bouncing ball " I rode my bicycle past your window last night I roller skated to your door at daylight It almost seems like you're avoiding me I'm okay alone, but you got something I need Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates You got a brand new key I think that we should get together and try them out you see I been looking around awhile You got something for me Oh! I got a brand new pair of roller skates You got a brand new key I ride my bike, I roller skate, don't drive no car Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far For somebody who don't drive I been all around the world Some people say, I done all right for a girl I asked your mother if you were at home She said, yes .. but you weren't alone Oh, sometimes I think that you're avoiding me I'm okay alone, but you've got something I need Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates You got a brand new key I think that we should get together and try them out to see La la la la la la la la, la la la la la la Oh! I got a brand new pair of roller skates You got a brand new key |
| Google Earth GPS route of our adventure! |
Hump Day 7/2/08 Update
Where is he now and where is he going???
Here I am!!!
Howdy (thought I’d practice my Texan),
Hope this finds ya’ll in good health and spirits. Just a quick update here to let everyone know what’s up in brief (actually boxers…no
briefs unless you count the boxer briefs I’ll every once in a blue moon wear and from what I’ve heard about those record breaking
temperatures Texas is having this year it could be nothing at all…hahaha, too much information?).
So…mark your calendars! I’m back 7 of July (that’s already next week) for 6 weeks. I plan to completely go with the flow without a real
plan other than getting my Tex-Mex fix and Margaritas! Well, of course some quality time in with friends and family (and a visitor or 2
from afar), Barton Springs and Lake Travis (and but of course some Elysium Sunday 80’s retro)…those things that you do besides sit in
air conditioning when its too hot to do anything else.
The only thing I have to do is some dental work in Ft.Worth and probably should get my ears checked for an existing problem I’ve had
since childhood (seems there’s been some damage done to my eardrums according to a Dutch doctor and who’s been in my ears
poking and prodding most of my life???)!
H M M M M M …I kinda doubt very much I did the damage. I’ll have to say some home remedies (olive oil/garlic/and hydrogen peroxide
combination) seem to have taken care of the immediate problem (extreme pressure on the eardrums and loss of hearing). Amazing
stuff…it works. I’m a testimonial and well, should have been doing it all along having then avoided doctors who (I won’t describe the
poker thing they use) have been poking around all my life. And ya wonder why I don’t trust doctors in general.
So yeah, let’s chill! I’m at the same mobile number I’ve had for years (works when I’m in the U.S. ). My time there is limited and it’d be
nice not to have to track down everyone myself by phone (that’s a lot of calls for me). Please be in touch. I’ll be checking emails often
as well so just drop me a line if you wanna hang. I’m open to suggestion…and dinner if you feel like cooking (I may feel up to cooking for
you and if you’re lucky…some Snickerdoodles)!
I fly out of Austin 18 of August! We’ll have plenty of time but the time will fly!
Here, I’ve just been hanging out! Spending time with some friends (a few new American friends have all of sudden surfaced). I especially
have enjoyed Mark and Jody, both having moved here from Austin recently (we can compare notes to “The UnDutchables”.
The weather here has been like the Spring Austin didn’t get! It’ll be hard to adjust…back to no boxers!!!
Alex has already been on his school holiday for the last week. Freaky how much he’s grown up this past year (he’ll be 13 in Sept.). He
hardly needs me around anymore…which brings me to my next gig… BERLIN ! I’ll be hanging out there a few days when I get back from
the U.S. to further check out transition! More on that later…you’ll just have to stay tuned to my adventures here to get the low down (or
get me drunk)!
Sorry folks…no new pics! I’ll take some for the next update live from Austin for you folks across the pond. In the mean time check out
Wesley at austinithinkyoushine and enjoy his Old Settlers Music Festival Flick.
Take it sleazy (happy 4th) and see ya’ll soon J
Much Love and Peace,
Jes
Where is he now and where is he going???
Here I am!!!
Howdy (thought I’d practice my Texan),
Hope this finds ya’ll in good health and spirits. Just a quick update here to let everyone know what’s up in brief (actually boxers…no
briefs unless you count the boxer briefs I’ll every once in a blue moon wear and from what I’ve heard about those record breaking
temperatures Texas is having this year it could be nothing at all…hahaha, too much information?).
So…mark your calendars! I’m back 7 of July (that’s already next week) for 6 weeks. I plan to completely go with the flow without a real
plan other than getting my Tex-Mex fix and Margaritas! Well, of course some quality time in with friends and family (and a visitor or 2
from afar), Barton Springs and Lake Travis (and but of course some Elysium Sunday 80’s retro)…those things that you do besides sit in
air conditioning when its too hot to do anything else.
The only thing I have to do is some dental work in Ft.Worth and probably should get my ears checked for an existing problem I’ve had
since childhood (seems there’s been some damage done to my eardrums according to a Dutch doctor and who’s been in my ears
poking and prodding most of my life???)!
H M M M M M …I kinda doubt very much I did the damage. I’ll have to say some home remedies (olive oil/garlic/and hydrogen peroxide
combination) seem to have taken care of the immediate problem (extreme pressure on the eardrums and loss of hearing). Amazing
stuff…it works. I’m a testimonial and well, should have been doing it all along having then avoided doctors who (I won’t describe the
poker thing they use) have been poking around all my life. And ya wonder why I don’t trust doctors in general.
So yeah, let’s chill! I’m at the same mobile number I’ve had for years (works when I’m in the U.S. ). My time there is limited and it’d be
nice not to have to track down everyone myself by phone (that’s a lot of calls for me). Please be in touch. I’ll be checking emails often
as well so just drop me a line if you wanna hang. I’m open to suggestion…and dinner if you feel like cooking (I may feel up to cooking for
you and if you’re lucky…some Snickerdoodles)!
I fly out of Austin 18 of August! We’ll have plenty of time but the time will fly!
Here, I’ve just been hanging out! Spending time with some friends (a few new American friends have all of sudden surfaced). I especially
have enjoyed Mark and Jody, both having moved here from Austin recently (we can compare notes to “The UnDutchables”.
The weather here has been like the Spring Austin didn’t get! It’ll be hard to adjust…back to no boxers!!!
Alex has already been on his school holiday for the last week. Freaky how much he’s grown up this past year (he’ll be 13 in Sept.). He
hardly needs me around anymore…which brings me to my next gig… BERLIN ! I’ll be hanging out there a few days when I get back from
the U.S. to further check out transition! More on that later…you’ll just have to stay tuned to my adventures here to get the low down (or
get me drunk)!
Sorry folks…no new pics! I’ll take some for the next update live from Austin for you folks across the pond. In the mean time check out
Wesley at austinithinkyoushine and enjoy his Old Settlers Music Festival Flick.
Take it sleazy (happy 4th) and see ya’ll soon J
Much Love and Peace,
Jes
