Lucky Sevens: Platinum Populations

We're going to take a look at populations this month. The United States has nine cities with a population greater than one million. Your Lucky Sevens question for July: How many does Australia have, and can you name them?

Agra

The Taj Mahal is, without question, the most impressive structure I have ever seen. The combination of size and craftsmanship are astounding, especially considering it was built nearly four hundred years ago.

In this picture you can get a bit of an idea about the craftsmanship. This inlay work is quite impressive, especially when viewed up close. Although the Taj appears completely white from a distance, in reality a fair bit of it is covered with detailed work like this.

This was a popular spot to take a picture--it is a bit elevated from the surrounding area and is front and centre of the Taj Mahal, plus you get a nice reflection in the pool. Because it is so popular, there is quite a line to get the picture, so we had to wait our turn. But the end result was worth it.

Everyone was taking pictures as if they were holding up the Taj. When we first got there, Heather and I laughed at the silly tourists. Before we left, however, Heather decided she wanted to dangle the Taj, too. Hey, it's not like everyone couldn't tell we were tourists anyway.

Lucky Sevens (a day late)

Hey, cut me some slack--I'm a bit busy with school at the moment. Besides, as I write this, it's probably still the seventh for you.

Because I missed last month, I've got two questions for you.

Belated May Lucky Sevens question: I made a CD for a class a few weeks ago. Here are some of the titles (others were omitted because they were too revealing. I'll include them in the comments after someone answers correctly).

1. Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival
   
2. The Call Up - The Clash
3. The Edge of Darkness - Iron Maiden
4. Rooster - Alice in Chains
5. Orange Crush - R.E.M.
6. Inoculated City - The Clash
7. Eve of Destruction - Barry McGuire
8. Drive On - Johnny Cash
9. Old Hippie - The Bellamy Brothers
   

Can you tell me what I was teaching?

Nothing yet? Try googling " lyrics".

June Lucky Sevens question: Today (that being June 7) is an important one. What is the occasion?

Jaipur

Our first stop outside of Delhi was Jaipur, the Pink City. Even though there are over three million in the city, it still felt much smaller compared to Delhi, which has about seventeen million. The air is cleaner and the pace seems slower. It was a nice change of pace after all our "adventure" in Delhi.

One of our first stops in Jaipur was the Jantar Mantar, or observatory, the largest of five in India. Above is picture of a sundial showing the shadow falling on the arc, allowing a view to tell the time. All of the instruments on the site were very interesting because of the precision that went into their construction. For example, the angle of the sundial must be the same as the geographical latitude that is is located on, which in this case is 27 degrees. Below is another sundial on the site, the tallest in the world. Because of its size, greater precision is possible. This giant sundial is accurate to within two seconds.

We also visited the Red Fort, another popular stop in Jaipur. We apparently were there while some tourism advertising was being filmed. Below are some colourfully dressed ladies posing at an entrance to the Fort. What you don't see are the cameras, giant reflecting screens and all the directors, although you can see two of their assistants in the photo below.

And then the band showed up and performed, while the cameras filmed them with a nice backdrop of the hills. The kid in this picture danced and played the tambourine to everyone's enjoyment. We had a nice time at the Fort just sitting and soaking it all in.

Of course, Heather had another photo request.

I'll leave you with another picture of the ladies performing for the cameras.

Terror in Jaipur

Things have been busy around here lately. I've had a string of deadlines at school, but I'm past that now and am clear for about the next month. So I think I should get this Around the World trip wrapped up.

First though, some bad news. Earlier this week, Jaipur was hit by seven bombs which detonated nearly simultaneously. This was one of our stops in India, and will be the next one I cover, so it was particularly sad to see a place I visited so recently scarred in this manner. The TV coverage showed some familiar sites--nothing touristy, just the day to day things, like a damaged train just like the ones we rode.

I'll probably post again tomorrow with good things from our time in Jaipur. But for now, they are hurting there.

Delhi

After our travel plans were finally settled, we had a couple days in Delhi to see some sights before heading out to Jaipur and Agra. Above, Heather is pictured at Humayun's Tomb. It's earned its place on the World Heritage List because it is India's first garden-tomb and was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. In addition to the building itself, the grounds are also quite impressive. Next to and behind Heather, you can get a sense of the watercourses that form a grid over the entire garden.

The tomb was also one of our first experiences with the dual pricing system in India: foreigners are charged significantly higher prices than locals. Given that most things still only cost us the equivalent of about five dollars to get in, I'm not really complaining. In fact, I think it is great that locals are able to see these wonderful sites for very affordable prices. It is their heritage, and I think it is important that they are able to experience it, and not be priced out of it by tourists.

We returned to Delhi for one day after our trip to Jaipur and Agra and visited this mosque, the largest in Delhi. Like many other times, we were asked to share a picture. While at the Taj Mahal, we saw two very blond brothers with a line of people waiting to take pictures with them. Their parents said that it happened everywhere.

We also saw the Bahá'í House of Worship, better known as the Lotus Temple, completed in 1986. Bahá'í is an open religion that accepts most others in the world, so the Lotus Temple is a site where people of all faiths can come together and worship in their own way. Personally, I would disagree with the theology, but I certainly applaud the acceptance represented here. I suppose if more of us were as accepting of other people and our differences we could probably solve a lot of our problems. At the very least, it is a beautiful building that, since its opening, has been visited by more people than the Eiffel Tower.

We knew that sites such as these would be impressive, but one of the best things we experienced in India was the National Gandhi Museum, located in the home where Gandhi lived at the time of his assassination. They have all of his personal items in a single display case, and it doesn't amount to much more than his glasses and walking stick. But the most important part of the museum is the grounds behind the home, where Gandhi was shot.

As you can see in the picture, stone footprints trace his final steps, culminating in the sheltered stone marker where he fell. Visitors are required to remove their shoes, but are allowed to walk around the path, contemplating it all at their leisure. While we were there, I experienced true peace. Outside the gates, everything is loud, car horns are endless and people constantly ask you for money or offer taxi rides or other services. But inside, it is quiet and meditative. Gardeners meticulously care for plants. The men near the marker invite you to look around (Please! Please! You are welcome!) Most touching of all was watching the Indian visitors and their wide-eyed respect for the man and the site. As I walked around the path, it was clear what an impact Gandhi has on the Indian people, and on me. He was steadfast as he stood for what was right, no matter the cost. Maybe there is hope for this planet yet.

Welcome to India

India.

India was different than any other holiday I have ever been on. The first three days we were there, I left the hotel actually looking forward to coming back in the evening. Until you get used to it, it can be quite stressful because everywhere you look, there is poverty. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Our introduction to the Indian way came months earlier when we were applying for visas. Hundreds of people were at the consulate and when it got too crowded, they would take the number machine down. Of course, this didn't stop anyone from coming in, but did heighten the confusion. Behind the counter, there were bundles of papers everywhere--it made me very apprehensive to see it, especially when it was my turn to hand my application--and passport--over.

This continued upon arrival at the airport in Delhi. There were barriers set up to form a queue, but it didn't do much good. Heather and I spread out to block others from passing us in line. Once we got through that, it was time to get a cab, and that is when the real trouble began.

We told the driver where our hotel was and he took off. On the way, he asked us what our travel plans were, and we told him we wanted to go to Agra and Jaipur. He asked if we had that travel booked; we said no. Then he said that we needed to book that soon because travel options book quickly and he would be happy to take us to an agent. We asked if it was a government agent--that's what you are supposed to use, and what the driver was--and he said yes. So we agreed.

At the agency, we were sold a three day package with a private driver from Delhi to Jaipur to Agra and back to Delhi. We wanted to take the train but were told that there were no seats available. The package also included hotel stops along the way. Heather again asked if he was a government agent and we were shown a certification. So we paid.

When we finally arrived at our hotel, we were approached by another agent, Ahmed, who was based out of the hotel and associated with RBS Tour & Travel. He asked if we had any travel needs and we told him we were all set. He asked what we had booked and how much we were paid. When we told him, he said we had been cheated. Let the panic begin.

First, he told us that there are always seats available on the train. And he told us that we were charged too much for the hotels. We called the agent and told him we wanted our money back. He declined. We said we would see him in the morning.

In the morning, we told him that we needed our money back or we would go to the American embassy. He told us we could go. When we got up and walked outside, he said he could give us the money back minus a handling fee. How much? Twenty-five percent. Take us to the embassy, please.

Unfortunately, they didn't do much there other than tell us to be more careful.

Back at the hotel, we booked travel with Ahmed and planned on disputing the charge to the other agent. Ahmed booked hotels and travel for us, including our preferred train rides. He even set us up with a great driver for the day named Kamal. If you are ever traveling to Delhi, give Ahmed a call--he will take care of you. I don't know how many times he described a hotel as 'small, neat and clean'--he will get you what you want, not what makes him the most money.

So after a bit of a mishap, we finally got the trip we wanted. Lesson learned.

Ahmed

Kamal

Detention Hall

If you were watching ESPN earlier this week you might have seen some Australian Rules Football news. In last week's match between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles, Barry Hall sucker punched Brent Staker, giving him a mild concussion in the single punch to the jaw.

On Tuesday, the tribunal handed down a seven game suspension for the hit, nearly a third of the season schedule. But the suspension is really irrelevant since Hall injured his wrist on another play. The injury will keep him out for the next eight weeks. Conspiracy theorists across the AFL are raising their eyebrows at the timing of that. It's hard to see in this video, but he slammed his head into the iron bar on the same play.

It's not a very popular opinion in Sydney, but I think Hall is overrated. He always seems to have trouble finishing a play, and very often complains about other players yet pulls stunts like this all too often.

Of course, no one cares what I think, but his coach seems a little put out with it now, too. When I read this article, I couldn't help thinking that Roos is getting a bit tired of Barry's act. And perhaps Barry himself is finally admitting there is a problem: according to the news today, he is seeing a psychiatrist to help him figure out why snapped.

With the 107-45 win, the Swans are 3-1 for the season. Hopefully by the time Hall returns at midseason, they will still be near the top of the ladder.

Lucky Sevens: Kevin Rudd

Last week, leaders from the NATO countries met in Bucharest. On the table, among other things, was Afghanistan and a discussion about the NATO missile defense system. Russia's outgoing president Vladimir Putin even made a visit to discuss the system and NATO's expansion into eastern Europe.

Among the attendees was Kevin Rudd, Australia's Prime Minister, participating in his first NATO summit. However, things were not smooth as; Rudd was taken to task last week by the Australian media. You're Lucky Sevens question for April: What did he do to make the media back home mad as a cut snake?

Check out the video below to see the offense.

Other things to do in London

Well, I've let this one get away, haven't I? This post should wrap up London, but I won't guarantee that I'll complete the trip too soon because I'll be pretty busy with school for the next two weeks. I started my second semester a month ago, and they aren't exactly easing us in this year. I will try to be better, though. As for London, I've told you about the Abbey, the Tower and the museums. But these things are London musts as well.

Be sure to take a walk with Donald Rumbelow, noted Jack the Ripper expert and author of The Complete Jack the Ripper. He provides tours as part of London Walks, the original and best walking tour company in London. Rumbelow will take you to several important scenes of the Ripper mystery and give you a two hour brief on the series of events that have captivated the world for 120 years. He is gracious and patient, answering each question, which he has no doubt been asked thousands of times. For six pounds, it's a great deal. We also went on a Shakespeare walk that is also recommended. Many others are available, and they all begin and end at major Underground stations, so they are very convenient; check their website for more information.

Speaking of the Underground: take it. It's easy, convenient and reliable. Not to mention that it is probably the most famous public transportation system in the world. Did you know that the London Underground map, based on a circuitry diagram, is the model for every other rail map used today? This design presents the rail system not as it is in reality, but rather as we picture it in our minds. You can thank Harry Beck for that one.

Next on the to do list is the ubiquitous red telephone booth. Despite the prevalence of mobile phones, and the disappearance of public phones in many other places, you are just about guaranteed to be able to see one of these anywhere in London. We chose this one because Big Ben is in the background, and had another unexpected benefit: this was about the only ten seconds of no rain that we had the entire week we were there.

And speaking of Big Ben: never let it be said that Look Right doesn't bring the experience to you. If you play the video below, you will hear the chimes of the Big Ben. You will also hear a lot of wind and rain, but as I mentioned above, that was a bit hard to miss. As cultured, civilised people, I'm sure you already know that Big Ben is technically the name of the bell, not the tower housing it. So in this video you are looking at the Clock Tower, but hearing Big Ben. Whatever you call it, it's a London institution. Enjoy.

Lucky Sevens: Tropfest

A few weeks ago I told you about Tropfest 2008. The films, which you can see here, were pretty good this year--very creative, and for the most part, very smart. One of the rules of Tropfest is that the film has to include the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI) in order to insure that the film was made especially for Tropfest. One of the best parts of Tropfest is looking for TSI in each film, and it's not as easy as it sounds. This year's TSI was 'eight'. Your Lucky Sevens Question for March: What is the TSI for 2009?

The Tower of London

One of London's most popular attractions, and yet another World Heritage Site, is the Tower of London. Heather and I spent an entire day here and saw quite a variety of relics and artifacts. The Tower of London is commonly thought of as a prison and execution site, but it's original and primary purpose was as a stronghold and royal castle. The construction was begun by William the Conqueror, who was also the first to have his coronation at Westminster Abbey. The Tower continued to serve as the home of the monarchy for centuries.

When you visit the Tower of London today you will see many yeomen warders, more commonly referred to as beefeaters. They are the guardians of the Tower and even live on the Tower grounds. The are largely responsible for conducting guided tours for visitors and looking after the Tower. Our tour guide is pictured here.

The centerpiece of the Tower of London is the White Tower. This was the primary residence of William the Conqueror and the subsequent monarchs. You will notice in the picture below that one of the towers is round, while the others are square. This round tower originally housed the royal observatory. Which brings us to the ravens.

There are at least six ravens at the Tower of London at all times because according to legend, if the ravens should ever leave, the Tower, the monarchy and the kingdom would fall. So when John Flamsteed, the royal astronomer under Charles II, complained about them, the king moved the observatory to Greenwich rather than disturb the ravens. By the way, the yeomen warders don't take any chances today: the ravens' wings are clipped.

Another interesting site at the Tower of London is the Crown Jewels. There are crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, rings and a massive punch bowl and ladle that I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind adding to her collection. Sorry, no pictures. Cameras not allowed when viewing the Jewels, but you can try this. And all of this is behind mere glass. And of course armed guards and state-of-the-art security systems.

There was a lot to see and do at the Tower of London and I learned a lot in our day there. But lest you forget that were are only tourists, we got a typical tourist photo: a pic in an unoccupied guard stall.

Sony Tropfest 2008

Sony Tropfest 2008 was tonight, but the threat of rain kept Heather and I away. Fortunately, they ran a live stream on the internet, so I still got to watch to event for this year, and it did not disappoint.

I wrote about this last year, but if you don't remember what it is all about, look here. Basically, there are three rules: one, the film must be seven minutes or less; two, it must debut at Tropfest; and three, it must contain the Tropfest Signature Item (TSI). This year's TSI was Eight.

Overall, I thought this year's movies were a notch above last year's. My two personal favourites were 'Scab' and 'Marry Me', which won first prize, as well as best actress for the ten year old girl in the lead role. As soon as videos are available, I'll point you to them.

Speaking of videos, NineMSN finally has last year's sixteen finalist up. This is 'An Imaginary Life', last year's first prize winner. The TSI was Sneeze--see if you can spot it.

My favourite last year was 'Between the Flags', based on the Cronulla Race Riots of December 2005. It was hard to imagine a humourous take on that, but the filmmakers pulled off a winner with this one.

The rest of the sixteen finalists from 2007 can be found here. I recommend 'The Von', 'Mere Oblivion' and 'Road Rage'. Remember to look for the sneeze.

I shared this one last year, too, but no mention of Tropfest is complete without the 2006 winner, 'CARMICHAEL and shane'.

British Museum

Heather was looking forward to the Victoria & Albert Museum, but we were both rather disappointed. She had planned on the textiles exhibit, but it wasn't what she expected, and I was just along for the ride. But when we spent less than an hour there, we suddenly had extra time on our hands. On a whim, we went to the British Museum.

One thing I was looking forward to was the Sutton Hoo exhibit, and have ever since I was teaching twelfth grade English and the Sutton Hoo mask was on the cover of the textbook. These pieces were found in an Anglo-Saxon ship burial and are in quite good condition given their age--about 1400 years. I just think it looks cool.

Another familiar sight was the chess pieces--we saw the Lewis Chessmen in Sydney two years ago. Our favourite is the berserker who's chewing on his shield. Only a few made the trip to Sydney, but the British Museum has a bunch of them. A replica Lewis chess set is available for purchase for about $200, but if that's too much, the Harry Potter set is also based on the Lewis Chessmen for half the price, if you don't mind red and white pieces.

Of course one of Heather's favourite exhibits was the cat. This particular piece was in a private collection for years and it's owner did a little touch up work, which I think was quite daring for such a rare and valuable piece that is about 2600 years old. His work included a paint job and a bit of minor surgery to insert a metal pin in it.

I particularly enjoy Egyptian art, especially sculpture. This is Ramesses II, and he is over six and a half feet across at the shoulders, so he's a big dude. I think Egyptian art is so clean and elegant. Other pieces included hawks, sphinxes, griffons and a giant scarab beetle.

One of the British Museum's prizes is the famous Rosetta Stone: a true piece of history. I was surprised at its size--I was expecting your average tablet, but it's almost four feet tall. You can get an idea of scale in the picture below, and the last picture is a close-up of the hieroglyphics engraved on it. Truly a remarkable exhibit.

As Heather and I were discussing the museum, she asked what I thought about it. I have mixed feelings. The exhibits were amazing, and we only saw a portion of them. But I also said that it is a monument to British imperialism. There are works from Egypt, Greece, Rome, South America, China. . . And much of it was simply taken. Shouldn't most of this be returned to its home country? So I don't know what to think.

But as we left the museum, we observed an interesting piece of irony. Right across the street from the Monument to British Imperialism is the Symbol of American Imperialism.

A Starbucks cafe.

A long-awaited apology

Beginning in 1869, many of the children of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders were taken from their families to be raised in internment camps, orphanages or foster homes. This action against the stolen generation was taken under the authorisation of Australian law, and it continued for the next one hundred years. There were various reasons for the policy, but the common thread was a belief that the Anglo population was superior to the indigenous people. Additionally, authorities often failed to take proper records of parentage, permanently severing contact between parent and child.

Since 1998, Australia has observed Sorry Day, in which the Australian people acknowledge the wrongdoing of the past. But while there has been a push among the people for reconciliation, the Howard government continuously refused to issue an official apology.

In today's opening of Parliament, new prime minister Kevin Rudd rectified that when he made an apology to the indigenous people of Australia on behalf of Parliament. It was a brief speech, but it was sincere and made no excuses for the actions taken, and it was well received, both in the indigenous community and the wider Australian community, as thousands of people gathered in the major cities to watch the apology. He not only apologised for the past, but looked toward the future, focusing on equal opportunity for all Australians. He targeted specific goals, such as narrowing the gap in life expectancy, which is currently twenty years shorter for indigenous Australians. In doing this, Rudd not only apologised for the past, but opened the door for a better future.

The three and a half minute apology can be seen here. After it's conclusion, he immediately continued the speech, discussing the damage done and the need for official recognition. A YouTube search yields additional videos of this elaboration.

Unfortunately, Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson followed up these words with a speech of his own. While he acknowledged the wrongdoing, he repeatedly stressed the 'good intentions' of the offenders. Not surprisingly, his speech has been soundly criticised and reveals a complete lack of empathy for the people and understanding of the spirit of the apology. People present at Parliament literally turned their backs on him, while viewers in the cities clapped over him to drown out his words.

Nelson notwithstanding, today was an exciting day of hope in Australia. We live in a world where many, like Nelson, make excuses for wrongs. It was refreshing to see someone, particularly a representative of government, apologise without reservation. Maybe there is hope for the world yet.

Westminster Abbey

I think the one thing that I was most looking forward to in London was Westminster Abbey, and it did not disappoint. Poet's Corner has long been a draw for me; I have wanted to visit since I was studying literature in college. As a church that is nearly a thousand years old, religion is prominently featured. And as the site of every coronation since 1066, the Abbey is also a very important site for royal history.

Westminster Abbey as seen today was a long time in the making. The first structure went up in 1055, with additions in 1350, 1500, and finally the towers in 1745. The difference in the stonework is visible in the picture below. Differences in the treatments of arches, columns and stone facings are also noticeable inside. Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed in the Abbey.

As an American, it is unusual to see one site that has both religious and political significance. However, we would probably not have Westminster Abbey today if it were not for its political importance. When Henry VIII created the Anglican church, he purged the country of its Catholic heritage, often destroying the churches. But because Westminster was the site of coronations, and in fact the burial site of many ancient royals, he allowed it to remain, although he did destroy many Catholic sculptures and paintings.

A list of royals buried at Westminster Abbey includes Edward the Confessor, Richard II, Charles II and William and Mary. Perhaps the most notable burials are those of Elizabeth I and Mary I. These half sisters, both daughters of Henry VIII, were on opposing sides of the religious conflict at the time. Mary returned Catholicism to the country, which was later reversed by Elizabeth when she took the throne. Despite their differences in life, the half sisters were buried together in death at the Abbey.

Poet's Corner is the burial site of many of England's great writers, starting with Geoffrey Chaucer, and including Alfred Lord Tennyson, Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens. Many others are honored with a memorial, including John Keats, Percy Bysshe Shelley, William Blake, Jane Austin and the great William Shakespeare. Everywhere you look, from the walls to the stained glass to the floor is like flipping through the table of contents of a Brit lit anthology text.

But the Abbey has one more surprise as you exit: the 2oth century Christian martyrs, found looking over the western doors. This addition was unveiled in 1998. From left to right you will find: St. Maximilian Kolbe, Manche Masemola, Janani Luwum, St Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia, Martin Luther King, Jr., Óscar Romero, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Esther John, Lucian Tapiedi and Wang Zhiming. The Abbey's documentation of history continues to today.

Lucky Sevens: The Ramayana

Lucky Sevens has always been related to Australia, but in light of our recent trip, February's entry relates to India.

The Ramayana is an epic story that is very important in Indian culture and it's influence is also prominent in Southeast Asia. The story is popular entertainment for children, yet contains a deeper significance: it doubles as an allegory of ancient Hindu philosophy. All over India, pictures, statues and monuments can be seen of the various Hindu gods, most of which are featured in the Ramayana.

Your Lucky Sevens question: Who are the main hero and villain of the Ramayana?

I shot a 79 at Pebble Beach

While in Texas, I played a couple rounds of golf with my dad and father-in-law. Nothing unusual about that. What made these rounds special was the courses--we played Torrey Pines, followed a week later with Pebble Beach.

OK, we had a little help with that. Enter Texas Indoor Golf, which is appropriately named, since it is an indoor golf facility. We spent most of our round at Torrey Pines trying to figure out how much of this was like real golf and how much was like a video game, but all three of us improved for our round at Pebble, highlighted with my 79. Not too shabby, given that I usually struggle to break 100. (The secret? Ten foot gimmes.)

Is it as good as playing on a real course? Well, no, but it's a great way to get a round in even when it's cold outside. And while I think the regular price of $40 is a bit high, their $15 special on NFL Sundays is a great deal. So next time your in Grapevine, Texas and it's cold/rainy out, drop on by, and tell them Chris sent you. They won't have a clue who you are talking about.

How to get a free upgrade to business class

1. Achieve Premier Status. It is only necessary for one traveler to do this, ideally on flights largely paid for by your employer.
2. Book a flight that has been canceled on the previous day. It is possible to do this six months in advance.
3. When you arrive at the airport, you will be informed that the flight is overbooked because of the passengers who missed the previous flight. Due to your Premier Status, you will then receive the free business class upgrade to free up seats in cattle class.

Benefits:

1. Good food. Go for the salmon!
2. Personal video station. So, what would you like to watch now?
3. Legroom and a real reclining chair. Turns out, it is possible to sleep on a plane.

Drawbacks:

1. Too many perks to enjoy, even on a thirteen hour flight. You are going to have to choose.
2. Have to wait for the 'poor' people in the back to board. Why can't 'they' hurry up?
3. You are now spoilt forever. When you are a 'poor' person again on the rest of your flights, you know what you are missing.
   

Where to begin?

Last Sunday, Heather and I returned from our trip around the world. Since then, I have been thinking about where to begin. I haven't come up with a plan yet, so I'll just ramble about it until everything is covered. Good? Good.

Our trip began with two weeks back in Dallas for Christmas and New Years. We stayed at Heather's parents, and my parents and my sister's family came down, too, including the three munchkins. I've got a funny picture of the three of them, but it's not too flattering, so I'll withhold it (unless their mother would give her approval*). We also spent some time with some of Heather's extended family. Highlights include her cousin throwing a dart into the ceiling during a game of 301. We also got to see lots of friends from back home. We met for breakfast one day with six other married couples, and only one other beside us didn't have kids. Did it make me start to think about it? Not a chance. Our time in Dallas also included a Mavs game (they won) and a Stars game (they lost). It's hard to believe that it has been three years since I have been to the AAC. And of course, there was the traditional game of racquetball, although attendance was a little low this year.

We stayed very busy, but it was very good to see everyone again, especially for me, since it has been a year and a half. But the difference between life there and here stood out for me, even moreso than my last trip back. The lack of cultural diversity also stood out. And I heard virtually nothing about world news the whole time we were there. But perhaps the most noticeable difference was the brand consciousness, particularly when driving down the highway and every business is a chain. I missed the locally owned restaurants and stores that we frequent here. It was also weird to have to take a car everywhere, too, but I quickly got used to it. Then again, I wasn't paying the gas bill.

*See comments: approval granted. Here you go:Mollie is in mid-chew, Cole is avoiding having something shoved in his mouth while also avoiding the camera (his specialty), and Macy has some wide red eyes that just won't reduce.