It started before sunrise, spanned 14 miles, took 8 hours up to an elevation of 14,000 feet. This trek was a timely reminder to focus on the journey not the destination.
There are many more mountains to climb...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
HOLY CROSS: A CO 14'er
It started before sunrise, spanned 14 miles, took 8 hours up to an elevation of 14,000 feet. This trek was a timely reminder to focus on the journey not the destination.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Make It Happen: Buenos Aires Bound
One snowy December evening in a Denver, Colorado Bar, my cousin Chris and I were discussing our travel interests. We both shared a desire to explore Argentina. I remember him saying “it would be great to go but I doubt it will ever happen…”That night when we returned home I decided I would “walk the talk” and booked us tickets to Buenos Aires for July. I realize now that it is July, how fast time ticks and if we hadn’t locked in the dates and booked the travel then, Chris would have been right and it would have never happened. However here we are about to board our second flight ever together and the 1st we had separate landings (which is another story…).
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
The Alarm
Daily alarm goes off
4:30am…
Sledge hammer chipping away rock
Foundation being formed
Chiseling rock outside my window
Chiseling My body, My mind, My Spirit
I am awake
4:30am…
Sledge hammer chipping away rock
Foundation being formed
Chiseling rock outside my window
Chiseling My body, My mind, My Spirit
I am awake
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Life and Death
It can be challenging to express my attraction to India. After reading what I have shared below more clarity came to me as to why. What I garnered from this powerful piece is part of being truly alive is being in touch with death...
For twenty-two years we have listened to the drum and bugle band of the girl’s high school next door practice their marching; boom, boom,boom, over and over again. My mind is drawn back to the drum of the Daily Office; Life and Death and Life and Death.…. It is the constant song of the streets here. Memories rush in. The pretty woman up the street who lived on the stoop of the Bata Shoe store with her two kids. Every year for the next four another baby would appear, and she grew older and weaker. Then one day there was only the father and the six kids. Soon they had left. Life and Death,Life and Death….. Every few days we can watch as a Muslim coffin is born up the streets from the community just down the street from us.There is such a feeling of brotherhood as the deceased is carried by the men, alternately sharing the burden as they go to the cemetery not far from here. What an honoring to be born by your brothers!Life and Death, Life and Death…. For years different families have camped on our sidewalk, just beyond the fence with their meager possessions and plastic sheets for shelter. They are not much help with the torrents of rain in the monsoon. They come and then they go, to be replaced by fresh arrivals from some distant village. Life and Death, Life and Death…. The riots came to our street a number of years ago. Angry mobs swarm up the street only to be rushed by police and then later by patrolling soldiers menacingly motioning us off the balcony, and shots ring out in the night. A body is dumpedon the street right in front of the church. A burned-out taxi, a Hindu driver who mistakenly made a wrong turn stays in the middle of the street for over a week. Life and Death, Life and Death…. Al eper sits for years at our gate, cheerfully greeting us with a wave of his stub. He becomes a talisman for all the earth’s suffering.He never asks us for money. One day Charlie, as we called him, lies motionless on the sidewalk, on his mat and someone has put a cup out as he is near his end. A rupee of thanks goes in and a prayer of gratitude is said for Life and Death and Life and Death. We have been blessed to live before life as it is, reality everyday,sometimes in its rawest forms. For twenty-two years we rehearsed the Daily Office every time we walked out the door. Effulgence is there,to fill us, and to remind us of Life and Death and Life and Death.We will miss that.
Jack & Judy Gilles are leaving India after 22 years and are taking up their new assignment in our Litibu community in Mexico.
For twenty-two years we have listened to the drum and bugle band of the girl’s high school next door practice their marching; boom, boom,boom, over and over again. My mind is drawn back to the drum of the Daily Office; Life and Death and Life and Death.…. It is the constant song of the streets here. Memories rush in. The pretty woman up the street who lived on the stoop of the Bata Shoe store with her two kids. Every year for the next four another baby would appear, and she grew older and weaker. Then one day there was only the father and the six kids. Soon they had left. Life and Death,Life and Death….. Every few days we can watch as a Muslim coffin is born up the streets from the community just down the street from us.There is such a feeling of brotherhood as the deceased is carried by the men, alternately sharing the burden as they go to the cemetery not far from here. What an honoring to be born by your brothers!Life and Death, Life and Death…. For years different families have camped on our sidewalk, just beyond the fence with their meager possessions and plastic sheets for shelter. They are not much help with the torrents of rain in the monsoon. They come and then they go, to be replaced by fresh arrivals from some distant village. Life and Death, Life and Death…. The riots came to our street a number of years ago. Angry mobs swarm up the street only to be rushed by police and then later by patrolling soldiers menacingly motioning us off the balcony, and shots ring out in the night. A body is dumpedon the street right in front of the church. A burned-out taxi, a Hindu driver who mistakenly made a wrong turn stays in the middle of the street for over a week. Life and Death, Life and Death…. Al eper sits for years at our gate, cheerfully greeting us with a wave of his stub. He becomes a talisman for all the earth’s suffering.He never asks us for money. One day Charlie, as we called him, lies motionless on the sidewalk, on his mat and someone has put a cup out as he is near his end. A rupee of thanks goes in and a prayer of gratitude is said for Life and Death and Life and Death. We have been blessed to live before life as it is, reality everyday,sometimes in its rawest forms. For twenty-two years we rehearsed the Daily Office every time we walked out the door. Effulgence is there,to fill us, and to remind us of Life and Death and Life and Death.We will miss that.
Jack & Judy Gilles are leaving India after 22 years and are taking up their new assignment in our Litibu community in Mexico.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Dubai
Home to 25% of the world’s construction equipment, the worlds only 7 star hotel, an indoor ski slope, man made islands, the tallest building on the planet and more luxury cars (which are more affordable due to the fact there are NO TAXES!) then I have ever seen in one concentrated area are all manifestations of this the economic powerhouse. The rate and type of development that has occurred over the past 15 years is phenomenal. This link illustrates what an architectural and development marvel Dubai is: http://www.dubai-architecture.info/DUB-GAL1.htmWhile there for business I also had the opportunity to connect with Aline, a friend from High School who I had not seen in over 14 years. She lives in Dubai and was kind enough to show me around and schooled me on the Arab culture which I find fascinating.
After my trip to Dubai it is clear that the dream of an oasis in the desert has become a reality.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Land of OZ
With not even enough time to get over my jetlag from travel between the US and India I was on the road again…This time to the land down under and I must say it left a favorable impression. Its outgoing and humorous people, visually stunning landscape and ease of navigation made is a spectacular place to explore.My 1st stop was Melbourne, a city that offers a vast menu of options that can satisfy any traveler’s appetite. Home of the Yarra Valley which produces excellent wine, neighborhoods oozing character like St Kilda a bohemian coastal area where the hip hang out, inviting restaurants and pulsating live music scene. Melbourne is a fine blend of Victorian roots and diverse blooms of new world culture that can rival any major city in the world. I happened to be in Melbourne for the Super Bowl which started at 10am and was happy just to get the opportunity to watch it as the two years prior I missed it. Watching the Super Bowl in a foreign country is like eating Indian food in American. It tastes good but it is not an authentic experience.
After a few days in Melbourne I flew up to Cairns in Queensland. Cairns is a Mecca for scuba divers, backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides access to lush rainforests, the incredible Great Barrier Reef and numerous other treats.During this my 1st trip to Australia I scratched the surface of such a rich, diverse and intriguing country. I am looking forward to future visits.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
R&R: Recharged and Ready
I have been fortunate to spend the last month and a half in the U.S. (4 weeks in Colorado and 1 in both DC & NYC). The time was well spent recharging and connecting with loved ones before heading back to India for more exhilarating experiences.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Consumption
Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11
Germany: The Melander family of BargteheideFood expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07
United States: The Revis family of North Carolina. Food expenditure for one week $341.98
Mexico: The Casales family of Cuerna vaca Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09
Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27
Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53
Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo Food exp enditure for one week: $31.55
Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village. Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23
Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The year in review - Oddball Style
This link will take you on a silly ride through humerous media clips of 2007: http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=66e01328-b3eb-4831-8c3e-e313b7cffbe2
Friday, December 21, 2007
Shuffling of the Deck
Goodness Gracious It Is Almost 2008!
Father Time has kept things spinning once again.While Mother Moon silently soothes...
I offered these questions to be answered for anyone who was game last year and thought I would follow suit before another shuffle.
Completing This Year -2007
What was my biggest triumph?
What was the smartest decision I made?
What one word best sums up the year?
What was the greatest lesson I learned?
What was the most loving service I performed?
What is my biggest piece of unfinished business?
What am I most happy about completing?
Who were the 3 people that had the greatest impact on me this year?
What was the biggest risk I took?
What was my biggest surprise?
What important relationship improved the most?
What compliment would I have liked to receive?
What do I need to say or do to be complete about the year?
CREATING THE NEXT YEAR - 2008
What would I like my biggest triumph to be in the coming year?
What advice would I like to give myself?
What are my financial aims to the year to come?
What am I most committed to completing?
What major indulgence am I willing to experience?
What would I most like to transform within myself?
What am I looking forward to learning?
What risks will I be willing to take?
What is an undeveloped talent I am willing to explore?
What brings me the most joy?
How will I experience that in the coming year?
Who or what am I committed to loving and serving?
What word will I have as my theme in the upcoming year?
I wish all of you a delightful 2008!
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