Squirrels are America’s meerkat. The locals don’t bat an eye at them, but the visitor finds them fascinating. While living in East Africa, meerkats were boring. Meerkats, meerkats, more meerkats. At the American zoo, they draw crowds. I haven’t seen North American squirrels in a zoo in Africa (embarrassing disclaimer: I haven’t been to a… Read More The boring meerkat, ubiquitous squirrel and chocolate acorn
When we found out we were moving crosscountry, we intended to stop and stay in at least six U.S. National Parks. Travelers come from across the the globe to visit and enjoy some of the greatest (in every sense of the word) national parks in the world. We do not take them, or our tax… Read More American Road Trip (Part III): the National Park Tour that wasn’t
I have more coffee paraphernalia than I need. Six stove top espresso makers (thank you estate sales and thrift stores), French presses, two different types of grinders, a roaster, canisters with various blends and grinds, frothers. . . We like our coffee and we like it good. I guess you can say we’re coffee snobs.… Read More Looking beyond the “best” cup of coffee
It’s all laid out before you, from left to right. The submarine base in Point Loma hundreds of feet below. The bay surrounded by San Diego villages and suburbs. From this height, one can see the mountains in the distant east and follow them south into Mexico. The Coronado Bridge in the foreground, which looks… Read More A statue’s view of San Diego – the best panorama
Come February, northern Hemisphere dwellers start longing for spring and what follows – a warm, sun-soaked summer. In Southern California summer includes obligatory trips to the beach for fun in the sand, but not necessarily a desire to frolick in the water. The Pacific Ocean this far north of the equator is not warm. In… Read More Sand sculpture aspirations
Honestly, at first it was awkward. For several weeks, maybe months, it was awkward. They didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Burmese. I brought my daughters along and committed to visiting them once a week for several months. I’m fairly certain I am their only American friend – at least the kind of friend… Read More We keep going back
Last Thursday when I posted about German Christmas markets I admit I was feeling a bit sorry for myself that I couldn’t be there this year. Traditional food and drink, artisan wares, community gathering. I was pleasantly surprised three days later by a fest that took place not two blocks from our house and supplied… Read More San Diego answers with a community Christmas Market
As my daughter waited for her turn in the cockpit of the helicopter, I chatted lightly with the crew member monitoring the area. “How long does it take you to put all the switches back and get it ready to fly again?” “Quite a few hours. And there were only two things I really didn’t… Read More Taxpayer payback – toddler in the cockpit
