Camels and Tacos

Thai Food, Beverages, Job Fair, Art, and Punk Jackets

2012-02-13T22:17:00.000+02:00

Chiang Mai and Bangkok followed Hong Kong. Our main purpose in traveling to the far east was for a job fair. We made it known to a handful of friends that we were planning on leaving Egypt at the end of the school year. The Bangkok Fair was a rough one; competitive, congested with type A personalities, and overrun by top tier Asian Schools. Ana and I realized how quickly the American curriculum is a dinosaur in a global perspective. The question is how do we make ourselves more marketable from here on out.

I made it two rounds with the top school in Shanghai. I was approved by the superintendent and wife, the second in command (HR), but the principal insisted the school needed someone with IB experience or else the parents would riot! That is where our story ended. The number two guy told me to take a two-year gig with a second tier IB school that would train me then I would be golden. Perhaps China is in our future.

We also interviewed with a school in Korea. The school is new and the recruiters were a bit green and not very professional. We ran into the pair several times while we were out and about; they didn't seem too concerned tending to their task of hiring people.

In the end it looks like we'll be spending a fourth year in Egypt. We aren't exactly heart broken being that school really takes good care of us in every way possible. All the bad luck the folks here wished us in finding a new home, worked. When the day comes it will be hard to leave.

Now it's time to get down to the business of food, beer, and painted leather punker jackets.

Yes, I have no idea what I'm eating, but it tasted like crispy sweet olives.

Khao Soi and Chang beer is the breakfast of champions.

Just outside town you'll find the 1000-person capacity Chiang Mai German Micro-Brewery complete with a rock band playing in front of a giant screen TV. We tasted all six of their brews including the Oktoberfest.

I met the brewmaster who was more than happy to offer me a tour of the facilities.

A pretty salad.

Craving a snack from an upcycled cooking oil bin, no problem.

Need an organic salad with tofu, try Salad Concept in the yuppie part of the city.

Heads will roll-specifically have rolled!

Various meats on a stick.

Fish family.

Cinnamon rolls impostors.

If you feels chips has too many fat, calories, and carbs, try a packet of grubs...

...or you can just stick to pork skins!

When in doubt on how to make Thai food, take a class. We did.

Ana conjuring up Thai food demons.

One of the results.

Eating with these.

We passed.

Painted leather punk jackets can be found at the weekend market (Chatuchak) in Bangkok.

Ready for the pit bro.

In the artist quarter of the weekend market we found our new favorite Thai artist.

It was a tough choice between the two, but we decided on this piece. Stay tuned for The Chiang Mai post.

Hong Kong part 2

2012-01-25T17:00:00.000+02:00

The nice part of Hong Kong is if you want the insanity of a big city, its there for the taking. On the other hand, if you need seclusion you'll find it. We wanted both and it was time for us to explore beyond Repulse Bay.

We took a cab over the hill to Chai Wan, a more local part on the edge of the city. We climbed Cape Collinson Cemetery. The cemeteries we encounter had stadium-like aesthetics.

Chai Wan below.

At the top of the cemetery sits the walking path towards Big Wave Bay. One might think that a path through nature would entail mixing with the elements. Not exactly, the path was paved with gold. True a python could fall from a tree and squeeze out your last breath or you could take a bad step and slide into the Pacific; that would be the worst that could happen.

Big Wave Bay just below. MJ and I peeked over the edge and spotted a school or a training facility. Regardless, the compound was nested in a prime and secluded location next to the sea. Later we found out it was a prison. Note to self: Hong Kong is the place to commit a crime.

Surfers catching mush.

"May be" is the key phrase here. This was the first drug driving sign we saw, however there were no shortages of drunk driving signs lining the roads.

Snacks

Party time!

How to gut a fish.

Dinner

Veggies

Fruit

Kowloon's hot spot.

Sure

Not really enforced, there were pockets of reeking piss and clusters of older men playing a "friendly" hand of cards.

The streets of Kowloon have the highest population density and why not with all the shopping bargains available. Sadly we didn't join in on the consuming of knockoff goods.

Turtle soup for the soul.

The lovely Hong Kong Park.

Obligatory visit to Victoria Peak.

Dim Sum is not the same unless you have stranger dining at your table.

We had to leave the hustle and bustle of the big island for something less hectic and Cheung Chau sounded like the right fit. The smaller island is car free and shaped like a dumbbell.

Cheung Chau's claim to fame is the weeklong annual Bun Festival. On the ferry we watched a video of the event, which included climbing mountains of packaged buns. We were sold on this idea. The history of the festival is traced back to chasing away evil spirits and pirates. To learn more click here.

Saltine crackers on a stick...why are all the good ideas taken!

The Chinese love their cameras. They'll go to the beach, avoid touching the water, but take rolls of film (ok, fill up a memory card) in front of it.

Baby El toured the playgrounds on Cheung Chau.

We opted for the side with the Mini Great Wall. The walk entailed scenic views of the water...

...fire beaters (hey, DIY)...

...and rocks named after animals they resemble. Perhaps we didn't stand in the correct position to see the likeness, even for my imagination it was a bit of a stretch. What do you see? Chinese doped up on opium?

Secret location where underage Olympic gymnasts train.

A sign that has fallen off the boat. At least now we know which country Trader Joe's have their signs made. Sorry Charlie, no Two Buck Chuck.

Yum-E

While we were on a hunt for dim sum, Jill spotted her favorite fruit-mangostein. We bought a couple for later in the day. Delicious. Word of caution, eat only the white wedges.

New Year's Eve in Hong Kong is a lot different than Chinese New Year; at least that is what we gathered after some research. We attended the less of the two...The Eve version. It wasn't crazy and the fireworks were "meh," not exciting as the ones next to our apartment back in Egypt.

Hong Kong part 1

2012-01-24T08:56:00.003+02:00

Call it China Lite but whatever you do don't call someone from Hong Kong Chinese, at least that is what I've been told. Our friends MJ, Jill, and baby El have moved out of the dust and debris excitement of Egypt into a more subdued (and affluent) side of Hong Kong Island; Repulse Bay.

The quiet community of Repulse Bay was once a hideout for pirates. During the Second World War it was a stronghold for the allied forces.

Hong Kong's Boyz in the Hood.

MJ calls it Deep Throat Bay (lit. Deep Water Bay).

Kwun Yam Shrine is the pride and the cause of street lined tour buses of Repulse Bay.

MJ and Jill called the attraction Tin Hau, which is a Taoists goddess of the sea who protects fishermen and sailors, at least that is what I gathered from reading the plaques.

It was a definite destination as hordes of tourist prayed, touched, gave money to, lit incense, and tied bows around the icons, deities, and figures.

This woman must have spent 5-minutes trying to toss a coin into the mouth of the fish. I eventually got mine in only to find out it's for fertility.

Not pictured is the longevity bridge and by crossing it will add extra days to your life.

MJ hiding behind Buddha (there were many different shapes and styles to choose from).

Stanley Kubrick comes to mind.

At the end of my Kwun Yam Shrine adventure, I would describe it as a marriage between a Buddhist temple and a Chinese Zodiac amusement park.

Although MJ and Jill don't own a car, their neighbors do.

Our hosts.

I wonder if Campbell's makes this flavor?

The likes of Shepard Fairey has infected the big island.

My favorite new painting.

Are you a little short of Communist Chinese porcelain figures, fret no more.

Have a craving for snake and/or turtle?

We were fans of sausage, but Cantonese style? As far as culinary goes, the Chinese leave no stone unturned.
Stay tuned for part 2.

Prague

2011-12-22T11:44:00.000+02:00

Since we were in the neighborhood we thought it might be nice to stop in Prague for a couple of days. Our friend Paul lived here for 10 years and recently moved to Porto declaring Prague "was over." True. We rented an apartment below the castle and near Strahov Monastic Brewery (talk about happy accidents). Below is our story.

Thank to the monks The Strahov Monastic Brewery brewed a nice English style IPA and served up some mouthwatering chow. This would be our mess hall while in town.

Tower at Staro Mesto at the end of the Charles Bridge.

Saint Vitus Cathedral

Space Invader street art

The machine that will change your life forever.

The view outside our apartment.

Tower at the Mala Strana end of Charles Bridge (opposite end). Below is information regarding the bridge.
A famous historical bridge crossing the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. It's construction started in 1357 under the auspices of King Charles IV, and finished on the beginning of 15th century. As the only means of crossing the river in Prague, Charles Bridge used to be the most important connection between the Old Town, Prague Castle and adjacent areas till 1841. The bridge is 516 metres long and nearly 10m wide, resting on 16 arches shielded by ice guards. It is protected by three bridge towers, two of them on the Lesser Quarter side and the third one on the Old Town side. The bridge is decorated by a continuous alley of 30 statues and statuaries, most of them baroque-style, erected around 1700.

Several tourists kissed and prayed to the religious statues.

Prague Castle

Pre-bacon outing.

Medieval Astronomical clock (circa 1410)

Old town square with Goltz-Kinsky Palace and Tyn Cathedral.

More old town.

You might have seen our image from Ossuary in Kutna Hora.

Plate of kangaroo

Old Jewish Cemetery...it was costly to enter so we found a hole in the door large enough to snap a photo.

St. Vitus close up.

The owner of our apartment told us to visit the castle area in the evening as it would be empty.

Image on St. Vitus

I didn't find the hots spots for street art during our visit, but here you go.

Human wookie

View of Prague form the Castle

XXL says it all

Baby sculpture by David Cherny outside the Kampa Museum

???

Strelecky Island

Bomb slippers

Nacho failure Prague style.

Cold

Budapest

2011-12-20T17:43:00.002+02:00

I had uploaded these and other photos almost a month ago with the intentions of posting them. This time I won't blame my absence from Camels and Taco on laziness. Ana and I have been preparing for our trip to Bangkok, more specifically for a job-recruiting fair. This translates to spending any and all free time dedicated to researching schools all over the globe and establishing correspondence with headmasters where there are potential openings.

During the Eid break in early November we had a chance to visit Budapest and Prague with our friend Carrie. It was cold, we saw some interesting bands, ate various versions of pork fat, sampled beer, drank chunky wine, walked-a lot, took in new sights, had history lessons and everything else in-between. This is our evidence.

Your favorite new metal band. You're never too old to rock and roll.

A view from Buda

The object that looks like a partial cartwheel is concentrated bacon-each little sliver is a package of bacon exploding in your mouth.

Night view of the Danube from the Margaret Bridge

Morning view of the above.

Your favorite new coffee stand.

I like signs, what can I say.

Ana wondering how many more stairs to climb to the Buda Castle

Fisherman's Bastion

Matthias Church

We rented an apartment in the city and the owner not only told us the sights to see but also places to eat. The cherry tart had me doing stage dives off the table.

Hungarian National Archives building.

Is it a mailbox or a droid?

Ana's first real experience with fall and leaves. She collected quite a few. The colors and variety were pretty amazing.

The troll awaits.

Not the chain bridge.

At the bottom of Gellert Hill

The Central Market is a haven for everything good and bad-produce, meats, cheese, paprika, handicrafts, food, and beverages.

We met up with one of Carrie's friend and went to a rock concert. ZZ Top played in this room.

The band, the guitarist on the left is wearing WWI aviation goggles because he can.

There are many walls of fame in the club.

House of Terror. First run by the Nazi's then by the Communist.

A stroll down Andrassy Street

Outside the House of Terror.

The museum is a memorial to the victims of the Nazi and Communists.

The next couple of photos are a bit sloppy due to the no camera policy-they wanted you to buy the book, which we did. Photos of the victims profiles stretching three stories.

Torture chambers.

The basement is where the suspected members of the political opposition were beaten, tortured and murdered.

Frida delivers tacos y mas.

Statement of the year.

Spanish guide for Hungarians.

Every rock band needs a megaphone and a stuffed pigeon.

Does your favorite rock club have a Jurassic park room? Didn't think so.

The guy holding the beer became my instant friend when I walked into the club. We started chatting away about music. His voice reminded me of Barney from the Simpson. My job was to buy him beers as he was out of money. He did ask me to go "pick up chicks" with him, I told him I was already married. I ran into him later trying to pick up another guy's girlfriend (see photo above)

A band dressed in drag from France also played making the headlining band (from the USA) a bit mad.

Carrie enjoying a bowl of goulash.

If you're a fan of meat and potatoes, Budapest is your calling. What's better than a meat dish? Additional meat with it.

Punk rock!

I bet you want a job at the airport climbing on the glass ceiling.

Gellert-Pricy, fancy, not unisex,
Kiraly-had live festive music and dancing, a maze, inexpensive, unisex, got massage aka beatdown
Rudas (pictured above)-Our favorite, inexpensive, unisex (weekends), hot-hot water, cold-cold water, very local, and some PDA (public display of affection).

Finally there was the tram and the police. A great scam if I don't say so myself. The key ingredient is to find a place to purchase a ticket. We are stupid Americans and didn't know we couldn't buy tickets on the tram. There was a group of 10 controllers and police waiting to board next to us. We got on and they asked for our tickets as we were trying to buy some as the doors closed. You see where this is going. We get kicked off at the next stop followed by a group of uniformed officers and asked to each pay a 60 EURO fine (180 total) or we would go to jail. They made us read the confession card that said we were in violation of the law etc. I told the controller to call the police because we didn't have that sort of money on us. One of them said that they were the police. Then I asked call the US Embassy (I was pulling all the stops). I opened my wallet (as my money was hidden on my body) and produced about what amounted to a EURO. After 10 minutes of this routine they yelled at us to go home. Talk about dodging a bullet.

Kutna Hora Ossuary

2011-12-20T16:03:00.000+02:00

If Prague doesn't hold your interests then perhaps the Ossuary in Kutna Hora (about an hour train ride from Prague) might. The Roman Catholic chapel is the home to 40,000 to 60,000 human skeletons. What do you do with so many bones? Make art project of course. To read learn more, go to the official website by clicking here.

Train station sign sets the tone.

Cemetery Church of All Saints.

All you need are some bones...

...and a plague.

Better hope a tooth doesn't fall on you.

I set off the alarm by sticking my hand near the skulls.

A building across from the church was just a sinister looking.

Colorful Sponge Bob?

No comment

Happy Election Day Egypt

2011-11-29T12:33:00.003+02:00

Egypt has been in the news lately with Revolution-The Sequel in the makings. Yes, we are safe as the action is far enough away from our school. There has been more noise outside our compound in regards to cars driving with loudspeakers telling people how to vote and the sounds of fireworks. The fireworks we hear are more like a junior versions of dynamite and no one is quite sure what the celebrations are for-maybe a crate of them fell off the boat. There was quite an event the other evening with the stuff 4th of July is made of minus the safety buffer zone (meaning it was next to our apartment). Alex-the land where every night (multiple times) is the 4th of July!

Many forests have vanished to supply the political parties with posters that literally cover anything standing (cars, statues, sidewalks). Visually it is amazing. Below is a selection form the streets of Alex.

Looks like a nice enough man.

Vote for me!

The Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party. I know it brings Agnostic Front's song Blind Justice to mind...Just in case you forgot the lyrics..."There's no justice, there's just us, blind justice screws all of us."

Classic

The holes in the sign allows the wind to pass

He's got my vote!

The dream team.

You know you can trust this party, all hands on the Koran.

Pick me!

Not really a political poster but I couldn't pass it up.

The epicenter of Alex demonstrations...on the calm before the storm

Just cover your competition's posters.

Save some room for my political party's poster.

We need ladders for the hard to reach places.

Why is there a camera on the poster? Since a portion of the population is illiterate voters match the symbol (in this case a camera) to they person they wish to vote for on the ballot. Some symbols include: tractor, ruler, smoking pipe, bike, lightbulb, cassette tape, etc.

In another country this might be your favorite musical group.

I'm not sure if it was this candidate or not, but one group during a debate refused to shake hands with a female candidate because he had just washed for prayer. Women=unclean

The lightbulb team.

The animals know who they like.

Saudi symbol?

I wonder if during the debate the question was asked how they would include the 10% Christian population into the government.

You can still add another 2-3 posters.

What are the chances that the candidates and/or parties will clean up their propaganda post election?

On the sidewalks you have to dodge wooden makeshift sign poles (not pedestrian or biker friendly).

I'm going to guess these guys aren't well liked by some.

Really didn't want you to see the message.

Vote telephone.

Party Dedication.

Google Potato Chips

2011-11-06T15:36:00.001+02:00

While we sit at the airport in Budapest on the way to Prague we can't help but to reflect on the Google brand cheese flavored potato chips available down the street from our school in Egypt.

The real deal

Egyptian Halloween

2011-11-01T20:10:00.001+02:00

Fall Festival 2011 has come and gone. It was a blast and yours truly ended up with a pie in his face once again. The joint was packed and happening, truly the best event in Alex this Halloween season.

Snow White getting ready.

The haunted house isn't soo scary with the lights on.

The other 99 are at the vet getting fixed.

The witches making their brew.

Trick or treat?

Egyptian dunking tank-this was modified by one of the advisors by applying baby oil to the wooden plank.

Taking slasher films to the next level.

The Puerto Rican finds a new puppy.

Climb the twisty ladder to the tree and ring the bell for a piece of candy. Watch out for the falling bodies!

The sign says it all.

The new wave of Egyptian explorers.

Invading witches.

Sense a theme of water, climb the fire escape and drop a water balloon on a loved one.

Balloons away!

Nailed it!

Huh?

Ride Like An Egyptian

2011-11-01T09:36:00.000+02:00

Two weekends ago Pickell and I did two back to back four hour bike rides throughout Alex and this is what we saw on one of the days.

A bike trip isn't complete without a stop at the mico bus version of the Santa swing.

I saw a see-saw and the see-saw saw me and he saw I saw the see-saw.

Santa also protects the individual swingers.

Funky house on the edge of Montazah Gardens and Mamoura.

I might have mentioned this before, but people are quite dedicated to the act of fishing. Some will swim out to rock with their poles and all.

Inside Montazah.

About a 20 foot drop.

This guy caught a five-inch fish.

In the back by the building there was a man blowing his whistle at us waving for us to get off the bridge.

The bridge we weren't suppose to be on.

The palace.

Backside of Montazah Palace.

Montazah and Mamoura are a slice of heaven here, and this is the rest of Alex.

Gotta take it down to build it up.

Making the bread.

Site of the church that was bombed before the uprising. Several muslims from the mosque across the street helped the victims.

Airing out the dirty laundry.

Not going anywhere.

Changing a flat.

In action.

I've got your number, or had your number.

2011-10-26T20:30:00.003+02:00

On October 6th all mobile phone users were given an extra digit as to accommodate the 60 million cell phones in use...if you were to play the numbers game that leaves about 20 million Egyptians phone-less. Rumor has it that new government regulations will require all newborns to be given a Nokia.

One of our beloved workers, Ayat, showing off her hands-free device.

North Coast Egypt and Alamein

2011-10-18T08:54:00.003+02:00

The extra-curricular duties at our school are out of control, a couple of weeks ago they made us spend our entire weekend at resort on a beach. We were more or less forced to swim in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, play volleyball and horseshoes, relax, hang out with friends, eat from a buffet, and worst of all attend a late night dance party. It was far too much to endure. I sure hope we don't get punished like this again ;-)

This is where we stayed

Paradise isn't it?

The two above billboard images are the vision for the compound where we stayed and this photo is the reality check. It never hurts to dream big!

Spent two days here, what torture.

Outside our room.

It was a bloody battle and with heavy casualties on both sides. The cork put up a good fight but inevitably lost.

El Alamein-the Italian memorial.

In 1942 El Alamein was the site of two major battles in North Africa. The Axis troops were eventually pushed back to Tunisia in November of 1942. Between 40,000- 50,000 German and Italian troops died, wounded, or captured.

Outside the Italian memorial with Omneya.

Stairs

Plaques with the names of the Italian soldiers.

Gazing out to the sea.

After the war Winston Churchill wrote: "Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein, we never had a defeat."

The side museum had several artifacts from the battle, including props from Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thief. Not really, I couldn't stand to pass up that comment.

The English solider who wore that helmet died.

The sign on the bottom left is just a little bit upside down.

Axis and Allies.

Then there was the German memorial site a few kilometers away.

Up close and personal.

In the center of the memorial. There were a few co-workers taking "Facebook friend" pictures in front on the center statue, it was just a little tacky and disrespectful.

A little earthier than the Italian site.

Only if I could read German

Plaque with names of the German soldiers.

At the entrance.

Stairs leading to the top.

Ribbons and wreaths for the commanders.

Al Altereen and the Freedom and Justice party

2011-10-16T17:58:00.000+02:00

Al Altereen is the antique area in Alex. It is the place where Josh and I were walking around last May and saw an Osama Bin Laden poster up on someone's wall-that was the moment Josh became a Canadian and I became Mexican. Here we are in October and the poster is still up. Josh was on a hunt for an antique corkscrew and bottle openers. Mission accomplished.

It's about time my student examples saw the light of day...though not as popular as the Freedom and Justice candidate posters that seem to line just about every street. FYI The Freedom and Justice Party was spun from the Muslim Brotherhood this past April. Part of their party platform indicates freedom, justice and equality is granted by God to man, so they are inherent rights of every citizen without distinction of religion, gender, and race with the bonus of free-market capitalism (focus on tourism). Hope they know that tourists like beer and don't want the pyramids or the great Sphinx of Giza to go by the way side under strict Islamic law. All of it sounds good minus the religious element and the glass ceiling for Christians and women as they can only go as far as a cabinet appointment in government. The military just passed a law today (in response to last week's sectarian violence) to outlaw discrimination; the upcoming elections should be a blast.

After posting this in front of the college, several students were taking a picture with it.

Not quite sure what this is, but it was selling for 1000 EGP (167 USD)

The expression of the man is pretty great, "Thank you God for vanilla and coco naked women."

Tonight's dinner.

Chamonix and the Mont-Blancs (you new band's name)

2011-10-03T18:09:00.000+02:00

We just couldn't keep ourselves out of France. This time Ji, Ana, and I made Knut take a sick day so we could go play hooky in the French Alps but more importantly find a barbecue grill with the accompanying meats.

Out of Switzerland and into France. If only the border crossing between Tijuana and San Ysidro was this simple.

We encountered farm country.

See, you could live here.

Mont-Blanc sighting and I'm not talking about the pens.

Chamonix might as well be a larger Vail or any other popular ski resort town. Sure you can buy excellent chocolates, have lunch at an outdoor cafe and indulge in local aged salami. The advantage Chamonix has over the competition is the plethora of year-around outdoor activities...trekking, biking, skiing, climbing, and sightseeing just to name a few.

I freely admit that I'm a chicken when it comes to heights and enclosed spaces. Knut and Ji bought us all tickets to ride the cable car to Aiguille Du Midi (3842 meters/12,600 feet). The ride is in two segments, the first stopping Plan De L'Aiguille to grab a snack and switch cars.

The view from Plan De L'Aiguille at 2317 meters (6.700 feet) looking up 1525 meters (5,000 feet) to the summit. I barely overcame the first ride, could our team go on further?

Don't worry, the mountains are only a cardboard cut-out.

A glance of our surroundings

Chamonix looks small from up here.

Looking for lac Bleu.

Knut and Ji weighing the options of taking the next ride up to the top. Will they do it?

Knut and I thought we should send Ji and Ana to the top on our behalf, that sounds better than saying we were trembling with fear. I suppose I could have made the journey with the girls had a loaded gun been pointed at my head, but since there wasn't....Ana captured this image of two climbers on the way up.

My hero at the top gasping for air.

The summit of Aiguille Du Midi. There was an added option of riding a gondola above glaciers between France and Italy after reaching the top. Just dart me with a tranquilizer gun.

After a panoramic view of the world and a successful mission of locating ribs, duck, sausages, and a vacuum we headed back over to Nyon for grill fest 2011. Wait, we still didn't have a grill. No problem, we found one down the street from Knut and Ji's place. The end.

Antsy for Annecy France

2011-10-02T18:36:00.000+02:00

It is true, Geneva was sort of a bore and we needed something with a little more kick. A bus ride over into Annecy, France was just what the doctor ordered. Not to sound like a Judas, but my friends in the past have heard me say some not so nice things regarding France. This was during the dark ages when I once knew everything. I have since changed my tune during the age of enlightenment and now embrace the land of croissants and berets.

No doubt that Switzerland was pricy. In fact when I was chatting with my dad and he asked if it was still expensive considering the last time he was there was over 50 years ago. It's good to know that you can still count on Switzerland to empty your wallet. Here's one for the books, a quotable quote: "I was excited to be paying in EUROS!" When have you ever heard an American utter those words?

The Venice of France has several buildings along the Thiou canal feeding into Lake Annecy.

A stroll through the town's center.

It was a little hike up to Château d'Annecy (Castle) but the view was worth it.

Lake Annecy from the castle.

Do a google image search on Annecy and you'll more-than-likely run across The Palais de l'Isle. The structure sits on the Thiou canal and once housed the Lord of Annecy, later it was converted into a jail, and now acts as a local history museum.

Tourists. They thought Ana was a local because she was wearing a shirt with French fries.

Ana had a galette (non-sweet crêpe) with goat cheese, honey and rosemary it was fab. I got stuck with the intestine and artery clogger favorite plate of cheese, bread, and ham.

The lake was packed. The town had vacation written all over it. The Garden of Europe sits alongs the lake's shore and offers a relaxing stroll.

Sure, why not.

I would live here for the sole reason of joining the bocce club. If you ever need to douse yourself in bocce memorabilia visit the clubhouse.

Pont des Amours (Lover's bridge) sits in the background.

Boats for hire.

The panting pig carousel ride.

Du Pain & des Epices is your new favorite Tex Mex/Indian restaurant.

The official logo, the runner-up was the sombrero wearing Speedy Gonzales racing around the Taj Mahal.

Lightbulbs and packaged cheap hard liquor hanging off the walls of Carrefour Express (France's answer to Walmart).

Protecting the ones you love.

Washing of the dates

2011-09-28T19:33:00.000+02:00

There was a rainstorm this past Saturday, we thought it was much too soon. Resident Egyptian expert Massimo explained this event is called" the washing of the dates." The rain commemorates the changing of the season by washing off the summer dust on the near ripe dates.

The red dates behind the wall

Geneva...at least there was a good art show.

2011-09-26T17:06:00.002+02:00

I was talking with my friend Sonny the other night and I thought his description of Geneva summed it up quite well-"Geneva is a place for rich old people."

Jet d'Eau (water jet) on Lake Geneva shoots about 1800 gallons of water into the air at 125 mph reaching close to 500 feet. No water shortage here.

Typical narrow street.

"Old Arsenal with magnificent grand old cannons laid out against lively paintings by Gustave de Beaumont, summarizing the history of Geneva. Above, the building is decorated with mosaic frescoes depicting Julius Caesar's arrival in 58 BC, the fairs of the Middle Ages, and the welcoming of Huguenot refugees during the Reformation."

Summing up the excitement Geneva has to offer on a Sunday afternoon.

Bâtiment des Forces Motrices-old power station converted into a theatre.

Building on the way to La Servette neighborhood.

A skate park on the edge of Plaine de Plainpalais-an open space used for weekend markets and currently the circus.

A stop land mines mural with graffiti lettering.

The poster says it all.

Our favorite part of Geneva was MAMCO Geneva (Musée d'art moderne et contemporain, Genève). Above and below are partial views of Nina Childress'-The Effect Sissi

Green nudes and white swans are a little exotic.

The next three images are partial views of Mai-Thu Perret's-Spectra installation project.

German artist Cosima von Bonin-Cosima von Bonin’s Zermatt ! Zermatt ! Z...ermattet ! For Mamco's Sloth Section, Loop # 03 of the Lazy Susan Series, a Rotating Exhibition 2010-2011 Four, One, Two, Three. How about that for a long title.

Cosima von Bonin

The main reason why we waited a couple of hours for the museum to open was for the The Visual Culture of Punk in Europe, 1976-1980 exhibit.

The exhibit was filled with album covers, fliers, posters, fanzines, and clothing.

I was happy that Crass was included in the exhibit, the band and the label is often overlooked since they actually practiced what they preached. The Sex Pistols may have sung about anarchy, Crass lived it. Love or hate them, they put money where their mouth is. Worth checking out is the Crass documentary: There Is No Authority But Yourself for free (of course) on google video by clicking here.

From 1976 Vivienne Westwood/Malcolm McLaren "Personal Collection Seditionaries" label Destroy Muslin.

From 1977 Vivienne Westwood/Malcolm McLaren "Personal Collection Seditionaries"

From 1977 Vivienne Westwood/Malcolm McLaren "Personal Collection Seditionaries" label 'Cowboys' t shirt

From 1977 Vivienne Westwood/Malcolm McLaren "Personal Collection Seditionaries"

Sex Pistols-Chalet Du lac Paris 1976 gig poster.

Couldn't find information on this drawing, I might have made it and placed it in the exhibition. There was a ton of Jamie Reid images (think: ransom note looking Sex Pistols graphics) but they didn't end up on my camera. See example below.

An last but not least was a Markus Raetz exhibit Croisement

The artist uses shapes, angles, and movement in his sculptures.

Same objects as above.

The sculpture is looking into a mirror.

From the people who brought you soap on a rope comes soap on a wall mount. Happy washing.

Hello Nyon and Lausanne Switzerland

2011-09-25T17:14:00.000+02:00

Sometimes it's just impossible to say no. For example, our friend Knut recently accepted a job in Geneva, Switzerland (while his partner is finishing up her teaching gig with us in Egypt) invited us for a visit. Our other choice was to stay back in the heat and humidity of Alexandria and partake in the Ramadan festivities. It was a tough decision.

This would be Knut's and Ji's new digs. You wouldn't know it by this photo but the lawn hadn't been cut in quite awhile; add a daily rain to the mix and you have the start of a mini forest. In my quest to see how much yard work I could get myself involved with this summer I quickly jumped at the opportunity. A little note on the laws and regulations regarding yard work-No grass cutting or noise making on Sundays or holidays. All grass clippings must be disposed by loading it into a car and driven to a recycling center. Our major stumbling block was the lack of a car since Ji and Knut don't own one. All the clippings were secretly stashed on the side of the house AND there was plenty-I emptied the mower bag no less than 15 times!

I should mention that Ji and Knut live outside of Geneva in the quaint little village of Nyon. The most direct route to and from Geneva is by train, the scenic ride passes through vineyards and farms overlooking Lake Geneva. Pictured above is Nyon Castle dating back to the 1200's.

Opposite of the castle.

Below the castle appears to be a community garden.

Gazing over to France.

The castle provides many views of sailboats on the lake.

A park.

Colonia Iulia Equestris/Noviodunun-a former Roman colony from 45 B.C.

Roman Museum

Julius Caesar statue outside the Roman Museum.

Typical house in Nyon's center.

Reformed Church of Notre Dame

At McClean your personal hygiene is their top priority, conveniently located in Lausanne's train station. Ana and I thought a 35 minute train trip up to Lausanne would be a good way to spend the afternoon.

At the foot of Port d'Ouchy. It was an easy walk down the hill to the lakeside from the train station. We picked-up a free tourist map and went from there.

Beau Rivage Palace-an overnight stay will set you back about $1000 USD.

Nag Arnoldi's sculpture L'Elan sits in front of Olympic Museum Park.

We weren't quite sure what the Olympic Museum would entail, we got as far as the sculpture garden and gift shop.

Non-Violence sculpture by Carl Fredrik Reutersward.

Olympia by Gabor Mihaly uses the bicycle tires to create the Olympic rings if you look at it from the correct angle.

Keeping the flame alive.

Musée de l'Elysée (Photography museum) near The Olympic Museum was closed. We were hoping to catch the Man Ray exhibit.

Xenophobic ads anyone?

Gardens and historic buildings lead the way to the town's historic center.

This could be your new flat.

Lausanne Cathedral. Click here to read more.

The construction on the Cathedral begun in the mid 1100's and ended a little more than 100 years after.

Below the Cathedral sits a garden. There are only a few paved roads for cars but most of the historic center is surrounded with walking paths.

Fountain of Justice on place Palud
"The work of Laurent Perroud and his son Jacques, who took it over after the death of his father, this monument to renaissance workmanship was built between 1584 and 1585 and sports the symbols of justice with a young woman with bandaged eyes holding a sword and scales, perched on a column overhanging a pool."

Lausanne Tower on Rue de la Tour.

A tourist look at San Francisco

2011-09-24T21:03:00.000+02:00

In our recent visit to Stockton to see our friends Chris and Lori we picked up the movie Vacation at Big Lots. We watched it a week later and I thought about the time my dad drove the family from Colorado to California in our Thunderbird motorhome during the mid-70's. In the eyes of an 8 year-old, the golden state lived up to its' hype; Shamu at Sea World, Mickey Mouse at Disneyland, King Kong at Universal Studios, a boat ride in Long Beach, the beach, and meeting my cool skateboarding cousin who was the same age. It was the best of times. An evening that stood out the most was my mom and Aunt Flora dancing, it was one of the few times I really saw my mom let go. That would be one vacation that I would go back to over and over if life would allow it.

Ana's dad once won the lottery, nothing too big, but enough to take his family on vacation to Puerto Vallarta. That may have been the only family trips they ever went on. Ana's mom had always wanted to go to San Francisco to ride the cable cars, you can thank Rice-A-Roni -"The San Francisco Treat" for that permanent imprint on the American psyche. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you might not have watched The Price Is Right and avoided television commericals for a several decades if not all your life. If you're still at a loss or need a nostalgic fix click here for a youtube video. Blame the allure of the street cable cars or the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco sounded like a much needed vacation for Ana's parents and sister and we were happy to oblige.

We arrived too early to check-in to our guest house so we wandered a couple of blocks up to Fisherman's Wharf for some touristic action. Musee Mecanique offers a collection of antique arcade games. I would suggest a visit in the evening to get the full creepy effect. I've must've been to the Bay Area more than a couple a dozen of times and somehow managed to avoid the Wharf area being that it isn't one of my favorite areas of the city.

If edgy Americana artifacts peek your curiousity then Musee Mecanique is a must.

I'm not sure what happens in this shady puppet bar scene once your quarters are inserted.

San Remo Guest House is the place we would call home. Centrally located between Fisherman's Wharf and North Beach and a block from Trader Joe's (one of the perks of staying here). Most of the guests were European and probably accustomed to staying at pensions. Recommended.

Yup, we unapologetically played tourists with cameras strapped around our necks riding on a red open top double decker bus. The pass was good for 48 hours and was a good way to show Ana's parent's different parts of the city.

Painted Ladies got the cameras rolling...One passenger made a Full House comment. It is true, the late 80's television program shows the family having a picnic on the lawn of Alamo Square with the historic victorian homes in the TV show's intro.

Alamo Square sits directly across the from the Painted Ladies and had the skyline view of downtown.

Ana's sister said she felt like a dog sticking her head out the window riding across the Golden Gate bridge.

A windy family portrait.

A view of the Bay Bridge from Coit Tower.

A view of Alcatraz and beyond...guess how many places we saw in China Town selling Alcatraz Psycho Ward and Swim Team t-shirts?

The skyline from Telegraph Hill.

In the back of your mind you're hearing the theme song to The Streets of San Francisco, if you need a gentle reminder of what it sounds like click here.

Living la Vida Rice-A-Roni

Ana's parents freshening up their chopstick skills.

Grant Street, China Town

Panda Ana and Esther causing trouble.

Lombard is not only "the most crooked street" but is also home to fake gardeners who dress in pink velour suits trolling around the bushes snipping one leaf at a time. As a bonus this is where all the Russian and Italian tourist gather to take photos of their kids lying on asphalt.

Tickets for Alcatraz were sold out, but we did a drive-by on the way to Sausalito.

This Sausalito sensation likes herb (as indicated by his button), but I think the dog likes it more. Sausalito is good for a picnic and stroll and by then you're finished. Poor Ana searched and searched for Sausalito cookies only to find out that it is brand name by Pepperidge Farm. What a gyp.

A view of the Golden Gate Bridge from a boat.

Saints Peter and Paul Church is located at 666 Filbert Street across from Washington Square. The Park in the morning is filled with middle-age to older Chinese practicing Tai Chi.

The Sentinel Building is owned by Francis Ford Coppola who bought it for $500,000 in 1973. Our tour guide said that Apocalypse Now was written there, maybe he meant that Coppola read Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness there.

Radio Habana Social Club in the Mission District has a nice collection of objects attached to the outside.

Spencer doing some tricks at Needles and Pins, a cool little gallery and zine shop.

Nothing says amen like a green church.

Noal is always up for a beer and German food and tonight was no exception. We returned back to Schmidt's for our yearly meal.

Noal says these food trailers or as I would like to call them "roach coaches" can set you back $75 for a French meal. We experienced much more that was posted. For one reason or another we didn't pull out the camera to document our visits with Chris, Lori, and Sam in Stockton, Christine in Oakland, and Teff, Rita, and Nelson in Alameda. We are always thankful that our friends made time to visit with us. See you next year.