What an incredible night! K, the server I befriended at the Crêpes’n Crêpes, while having supper solo last Friday night, called and invited me to have dinner with her and her boyfriend tonight!
It’s interesting the friends we meet at the most unexpected corners. Who would have thought even just a month ago in cold and dreary San Francisco that I’d make it out this way to the azure skies of Colorado, to train for a new job, to be set up in a furnished condo and have all of my expenses paid for!
And here K was, just around the corner, popping into my life to become yet another one of my greatest friends!
K and her boyfriend took me to Lola, a Mexican fusion restaurant on the outskirts of downtown Denver.
At first, I was under the impression that it was outside of Denver, in the suburbs, so I agreed to take the light rail out to another neighborhood to meet them. Downtown Denver is chaotic. What traffic havoc since streets are closed due to the DNC.
I had to work overtime again, so I rushed to catch the light rail to a neighborhood out in the suburbs this evening. Since I already rode it just this weekend, I was familiar with how the ticketing works. Boarding passes have to be purchased at virtual kiosks prior to boarding a train (similar to SF’s Muni). There were soooo many out-of-towners in line. After realizing that our line was held up by two older women up front, grimacing at the kiosk screen, I asked someone to save my place in line as I approached the front to help these two women. I showed them how to buy a ticket by selecting all the options they wanted, how to pay and then retrieve their tickets and I subsequently helped the rest of the people in line. I felt like such a local!
My new friends, K and her boyfriend picked me up in a Land Rover at the train stop and we started conversing about everything, about Denver real estate, skiing, camping, fishing, California, Paris, even Mali in Africa, where K went and visited. It was delightful. We did not stop talking even when we reached the restaurant. We continued our banter over our margaritas and tortillas and let K’s boyfriend order our dinners. I learned that K is only 20 and has already finished college. She does not appear young at all. She is currently working on her prerequisites to get into med school. Her boyfriend, older than her, was a pilot, a ski instructor and now works in the banking industry. They are so happy and full of life and laughter. I felt so connected to them and felt such gratitude for finding them suddenly crossing my life path.
We promised to stay in touch. They have already extended an invitation to me and Bubba to come over this winter for skiing. I have invited them out to California for dining and sightseeing. I foresee remaining in contact with these new found friends.
Recently, I have started paying more attention to my life’s circumstances and I feel so blessed. Many good things have been manifesting in my life, this job, the gift to explore new places and meet new friends.
I am starting to get that philosophy of the 'power of now.' It is also a book authored by Eckhart Tolle. I have been waking up happy, staying happy throughout the day and not letting minor incidents disappoint me or affect my disposition. I am living one of the lives that I have envisioned briefly. I am working for an visionary boss and a great team of colleagues. And though I know all work will involve stress and problems, this job is however, also very flexible and allows us to work and think outside the box.
I am reminding myself daily to hold on to my happiness and to enjoy each moment, in the now. By practicing this, I am opening my spirit up to the universe. And the universe has responded, and so soon by rewarding me with this new, inspirational friend, K!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Desirable Developing Denver
A warm, sunny Sunday at 81 degrees, I went out to explore that bike/jogging trail that my boss had pointed out to me earlier this week. I found my way down to the Cherry Creek Trail from my condo, with the help of a local.
(Media people, delegates, politicians and proud Democrats are swarming the city...protestors, too!)
The trail snakes and winds and moves from paved concrete to gravel and sand and back to concrete again. The trail runs along the South Platte River and stretches a distance of 24-miles and arrives at foothills of the Rockies.
The river and the trail is a thriving place filled with people sunning on the rocky banks, picnicking, playing in the rapids with their kids and the bicyclists, runners, walkers and rollerbladers moving along the trail. There is even a gondola ride called Venice on the Creek (though I didn’t see it, but I did see a booth selling tickets for $75).
There are entrance points along various areas to this trail and it runs through neighboring cities. The trail takes on different names along the way.
I found myself feeling the effects of the heat and the high elevation after 2-miles. I tired quickly and breathing was a labor but I had no other transportation choice but to keep moving on foot. I completed about a 5-mile trip.
I stayed on the trail, avoiding the city streets as they are getting packed with traffic and people. Security is being pulled by various agencies. I even saw a Blackhawk helicopter circling in the sky.
Denver is developing rapidly and I can see how it can be a desirable place to live. Construction is booming on every corner in Denver. Condo and lofts are the bulk of it. Behind the condo building I am residing in, a Four Seasons is going up as well. Though not yet built, the penthouse has reportedly already been sold to the tune of $20 million.
I have been asking my Denverite colleagues what drives the economy here. The real estate prices are relatively high, but not quite as high as the usual places: Manhattan, Boston, San Francisco, etc. However, it will still require quite a bit of funding in order to secure a pied-a-terre. Albeit spacious, a roughly 2000 square feet condo in downtown Denver carries a half-million and above price tag. Some lofts are priced at the million mark.
Curious, I researched the demographics and economics and found that Denver has an educated workforce and some solid industries: Telecommunications, Information Technology (software), Aerospace (includes military), Aviation, Bioscience, Energy Research and Financial Services (to include construction and real estate.)
The majority of the staff, at my new job, has also uprooted and migrated here from other parts of the country, hailing from places such as Louisiana, Massachusetts and Minnesota and they all claim to love it here. I am feeling the attraction but it could be that I am spellbound by the warm, sunshiny days, the walk-able nature of the city and the beguiling Rocky Mountains off in the distance.
I am also feeling the external energy bubbling inside this Denver cauldron.
There is a mounting commotion being stirred up by the arrival of overzealous crowds (mostly Democrats, undoubtedly) packing into Denver, hoping to make their voices heard across the nation and the entire world. Some have already started protesting today along the 16th Street Mall. A pack of them were roving down the corridor with picket signs: FUNK THE WAR, MAKE OUT NOT WAR and THE WAR IS OVER.
All eyes are on Denver, now that the Olympics are over. It will be a busy week!
(Media people, delegates, politicians and proud Democrats are swarming the city...protestors, too!)
The trail snakes and winds and moves from paved concrete to gravel and sand and back to concrete again. The trail runs along the South Platte River and stretches a distance of 24-miles and arrives at foothills of the Rockies.
The river and the trail is a thriving place filled with people sunning on the rocky banks, picnicking, playing in the rapids with their kids and the bicyclists, runners, walkers and rollerbladers moving along the trail. There is even a gondola ride called Venice on the Creek (though I didn’t see it, but I did see a booth selling tickets for $75).
There are entrance points along various areas to this trail and it runs through neighboring cities. The trail takes on different names along the way.
I found myself feeling the effects of the heat and the high elevation after 2-miles. I tired quickly and breathing was a labor but I had no other transportation choice but to keep moving on foot. I completed about a 5-mile trip.
I stayed on the trail, avoiding the city streets as they are getting packed with traffic and people. Security is being pulled by various agencies. I even saw a Blackhawk helicopter circling in the sky.
Denver is developing rapidly and I can see how it can be a desirable place to live. Construction is booming on every corner in Denver. Condo and lofts are the bulk of it. Behind the condo building I am residing in, a Four Seasons is going up as well. Though not yet built, the penthouse has reportedly already been sold to the tune of $20 million.
I have been asking my Denverite colleagues what drives the economy here. The real estate prices are relatively high, but not quite as high as the usual places: Manhattan, Boston, San Francisco, etc. However, it will still require quite a bit of funding in order to secure a pied-a-terre. Albeit spacious, a roughly 2000 square feet condo in downtown Denver carries a half-million and above price tag. Some lofts are priced at the million mark.
Curious, I researched the demographics and economics and found that Denver has an educated workforce and some solid industries: Telecommunications, Information Technology (software), Aerospace (includes military), Aviation, Bioscience, Energy Research and Financial Services (to include construction and real estate.)
The majority of the staff, at my new job, has also uprooted and migrated here from other parts of the country, hailing from places such as Louisiana, Massachusetts and Minnesota and they all claim to love it here. I am feeling the attraction but it could be that I am spellbound by the warm, sunshiny days, the walk-able nature of the city and the beguiling Rocky Mountains off in the distance.
I am also feeling the external energy bubbling inside this Denver cauldron.
There is a mounting commotion being stirred up by the arrival of overzealous crowds (mostly Democrats, undoubtedly) packing into Denver, hoping to make their voices heard across the nation and the entire world. Some have already started protesting today along the 16th Street Mall. A pack of them were roving down the corridor with picket signs: FUNK THE WAR, MAKE OUT NOT WAR and THE WAR IS OVER.
All eyes are on Denver, now that the Olympics are over. It will be a busy week!
Spending Saturday in Denver
They’re here. DNC delegates from all over the country are descending upon Denver and it is getting crowded. Denver’s neighboring counties have all sent half of their police force to help with patrolling and pulling security. Uniformed bodies can be seen on every street corner and even on rooftops in the downtown area.
I scratched my plan to go the Cherry Creek Mall today. This mall is supposedly one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Burberry.
I learned about Antique Row, a neighborhood that stretches for 17-blocks filled with antique shops. I decided that it would be far more interesting than going to a mall. I put on my comfortable Born shoes and opted for a full day of walking and browsing. Antique Row is located in SOBO (for South of Broadway) and Internet instructions named the #0 bus to take (public transportation costs $1.75 per trip).
The temps were in the low 70s and the sky stayed gray all day. It even sprinkled some throughout the day. Dressed in slacks and a light jacket, I made my way to the Denver Visitor’s Center first for exact directions to the #0 bus stop. The information desk recommended taking the light rail train to Broadway instead, so I did. When I exited the train on my stop, I did not see a commercial strip. Instead I saw more train tracks, a commuter parking lot and a highway adjacent to us. It did not look like a shopping district.
I fumed as I pondered why some people would purposely choose to omit such important details!
The ‘information-lady’ did NOT tell me the walking distance that was required to get to the strip of shops or that my best option was to jump on a connecting bus at the same light rail station to get to my desired neighborhood. It took a few moments of researching my own map in seclusion and feigning a local air before I approached someone to ask. I found a bus driver on his break near the parking lot and he pointed out the bus to get on.
Finally, I made it to Antique Row. I envisioned a neighborhood akin to that of our Haight Street or a boutique-ish neighborhood such as that of Union Street in the Marina or Church Street in Noe Valley.
It did not resemble my vision. Parts of Broadway Boulevard has cracked and undulating sidewalks with weeds growing out of every crevice. The boulevard’s road is split between four 2-directional lanes for traffic and not too pedestrian friendly. It looked more like a big thoroughfare to me. Relieved at the sighting of an antique shop, Hooked On Glass, I went right in and found a huge collection of retro-styled glass products and prices ranging from $45 to $75 and up. The exorbitant prices led me to believe I was looking at crystal. Ready to leave, I stumbled upon one very unusual piece, that I could afford. It was a porcelain hand-painted cat, shaped with a long body. It had green crystals encrusted on its back. It was very old. After examining it, I discovered it was a salt and pepper shaker (salt comes out of the neck and pepper out of its derrière and can be refilled at the bottom of both sets of paws.) The price was reasonable (under $10) so I decided to buy it for 15-year old Kat as a gift.
I also picked up a few books and found a thrift shop as I continued on. I ended up browsing in the thrift shop for a few hours and found some little treasures.
The #0 bus stop was easy to locate on Broadway Boulevard to return to downtown. Though, it wasn’t as quick as the train, it was a lot less confusing and a lot more convenient!
My new co-workers came out to town and invited me for a merry night of eating and drinking and we even took a horse and carriage ride!
I scratched my plan to go the Cherry Creek Mall today. This mall is supposedly one of the most beautiful in the nation and is home to luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Burberry.
I learned about Antique Row, a neighborhood that stretches for 17-blocks filled with antique shops. I decided that it would be far more interesting than going to a mall. I put on my comfortable Born shoes and opted for a full day of walking and browsing. Antique Row is located in SOBO (for South of Broadway) and Internet instructions named the #0 bus to take (public transportation costs $1.75 per trip).
The temps were in the low 70s and the sky stayed gray all day. It even sprinkled some throughout the day. Dressed in slacks and a light jacket, I made my way to the Denver Visitor’s Center first for exact directions to the #0 bus stop. The information desk recommended taking the light rail train to Broadway instead, so I did. When I exited the train on my stop, I did not see a commercial strip. Instead I saw more train tracks, a commuter parking lot and a highway adjacent to us. It did not look like a shopping district.
I fumed as I pondered why some people would purposely choose to omit such important details!
The ‘information-lady’ did NOT tell me the walking distance that was required to get to the strip of shops or that my best option was to jump on a connecting bus at the same light rail station to get to my desired neighborhood. It took a few moments of researching my own map in seclusion and feigning a local air before I approached someone to ask. I found a bus driver on his break near the parking lot and he pointed out the bus to get on.
Finally, I made it to Antique Row. I envisioned a neighborhood akin to that of our Haight Street or a boutique-ish neighborhood such as that of Union Street in the Marina or Church Street in Noe Valley.
It did not resemble my vision. Parts of Broadway Boulevard has cracked and undulating sidewalks with weeds growing out of every crevice. The boulevard’s road is split between four 2-directional lanes for traffic and not too pedestrian friendly. It looked more like a big thoroughfare to me. Relieved at the sighting of an antique shop, Hooked On Glass, I went right in and found a huge collection of retro-styled glass products and prices ranging from $45 to $75 and up. The exorbitant prices led me to believe I was looking at crystal. Ready to leave, I stumbled upon one very unusual piece, that I could afford. It was a porcelain hand-painted cat, shaped with a long body. It had green crystals encrusted on its back. It was very old. After examining it, I discovered it was a salt and pepper shaker (salt comes out of the neck and pepper out of its derrière and can be refilled at the bottom of both sets of paws.) The price was reasonable (under $10) so I decided to buy it for 15-year old Kat as a gift.
I also picked up a few books and found a thrift shop as I continued on. I ended up browsing in the thrift shop for a few hours and found some little treasures.
The #0 bus stop was easy to locate on Broadway Boulevard to return to downtown. Though, it wasn’t as quick as the train, it was a lot less confusing and a lot more convenient!
My new co-workers came out to town and invited me for a merry night of eating and drinking and we even took a horse and carriage ride!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Enchantée Over Crêpe and Wine
I'm ecstatic. My social experiment continues...and I made a new friend tonight!
This evening, after work, I decided to enjoy my prelude to the weekend by shopping along 16th Street Mall. I found my way to Cook's Fresh Market, after reading about it in a shopping guide. Owned by the same folks who founded Dean and Deluca, I figured this was the only place I can get some real groceries, since there are no markets in my neighborhood. But upon entering Cook's, whoa, I was reminded again of why I don't typically shop at such stores, a place equivalent to say Whole Foods back at home.
A baguette loaf is nearly $4 bucks (but upon consumption, its ingredients and taste probably makes it absolutely worthwhile!) I roamed around the store looking for fresh produce. The store also contains a bakery and deli.
I found the limited selection of fruits and veggies in the back. I selected an apple and an orange and that already exceeded $1.00. I eyed the cherry tomatoes and salivated but the container was priced at $6! A stalk of celery was more than $3.
Oddly, I did not see the label 'organic' on anything. I was ready to leave the store when I found pre-packed peanut butter pretzels and zen oriental mix at reasonable prices. I bought two containers. I looked over the exotic salame and considered bringing home a chub for Bubba when I noticed the manufacturers were in Fresno, California. As I made my way to the check out, there was a bar with free samples of salsa and chips. I tried the chips. "YUM-O!" as Rachel Ray would say. I had never tasted tortilla chips this good. I had walked right past it earlier, sticker shocked at $4 a bag. But alas, this food bill was on my company so I decided to splurge a little. Its called Plocky's Louisiana Peppa Red Beans'n Rice Tortilla chips.
I decided it was time to pick up some souvenirs. I browsed two "Only in Colorado" gift shops on 16th Street, amused to find both shops owned by Korean-Americans. I debated whether I wanted to spend $15 to bring Bubba a Rocky Mountain t-shirt...that we may someday sell off as clutter in a garage sale for a quarter! I ended up buying a few knick-knacks. I bought Bubba a cap with a witty remark: 'Got Oxygen? Colorado - Rocky Mountains' because we are at an elevation of 5280 feet, which is why Denver is also aptly referred to as the Mile High City.
At half past 8, I decided it was time for a sit-down dinner before heading home. I thought about sushi and udon noodles, but I had been eating Asian themed meals these last few days, so I decided I'd go for the French crêperie restaurant I had passed by many times on foot. Crêpes'n Crêpes has an authentic southern French ambiance. It has outdoor parasol'd table seating and yellow, flowery table cloths. I seated myself at one of the outdoor tables and quietly lamented how I hadn't made any acquaintances tonight. I saw another woman dining solo and sat at a table near her. I tried to make eye contact but she was occupied with her i-Phone.
My server was a nice looking young woman who repeated my order with a French accent! Seafood Provençal crêpe (seafood praw-vahn-sal crayp) with a glass of beaujolais (boh-zjo-lay). Incidentally, she asked for my ID! It's been so long since I've been carded! Hallelujah!
When she arrived with my wine, I took the opportunity to compliment her on her authentic accent and inquired whether she spoke the tongue. She excitedly affirmed in French that she did, as she had studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris. She took this restaurant job with the hopes of continuing her exposure to the language. Throughout my dinner, she happily approached my table periodically to converse in French and we learned more about each other. She was studying to become a doctor. I told her I was a writer who'd like to someday chronicle my adventures in France and beyond and to build a travel website for first-time travelers, but for now, as a starving artist, I must work! She understood. She also works part-time in a hospital as a therapist for severely injured patients. She emphasized the emotional nature of such work and cited a recent experience of witnessing a paralyzed (from the shoulders down) teenage girl, who was able to slightly move her legs while in a swimming pool during a rehab therapy session.
On the receiving end of such an inspirational story, I was instantly reminded again of the pure enjoyment I gain from meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Hoping to preserve contact, I suggested an exchange of personal information and maybe even a weekend outing. But with her packed work schedule, she suggested a late week night dinner before I leave town come next Friday.
Like old friends, we bade adieu in the French tradition, by kissing each others' cheeks.
This was the acquaintance I was waiting to meet tonight. In French, we say, "Enchantée" when we meet someone for the first time, which when translated into English becomes a trite and banal: "Nice to meet you."
It is the tri-syllabic, latin-rooted, single-standing word instead that produces such a profound and meaningful sensation when spoken.
My latest haphazard meeting with this new friend, K, was definitely enchanting.
This evening, after work, I decided to enjoy my prelude to the weekend by shopping along 16th Street Mall. I found my way to Cook's Fresh Market, after reading about it in a shopping guide. Owned by the same folks who founded Dean and Deluca, I figured this was the only place I can get some real groceries, since there are no markets in my neighborhood. But upon entering Cook's, whoa, I was reminded again of why I don't typically shop at such stores, a place equivalent to say Whole Foods back at home.
A baguette loaf is nearly $4 bucks (but upon consumption, its ingredients and taste probably makes it absolutely worthwhile!) I roamed around the store looking for fresh produce. The store also contains a bakery and deli.
I found the limited selection of fruits and veggies in the back. I selected an apple and an orange and that already exceeded $1.00. I eyed the cherry tomatoes and salivated but the container was priced at $6! A stalk of celery was more than $3.
Oddly, I did not see the label 'organic' on anything. I was ready to leave the store when I found pre-packed peanut butter pretzels and zen oriental mix at reasonable prices. I bought two containers. I looked over the exotic salame and considered bringing home a chub for Bubba when I noticed the manufacturers were in Fresno, California. As I made my way to the check out, there was a bar with free samples of salsa and chips. I tried the chips. "YUM-O!" as Rachel Ray would say. I had never tasted tortilla chips this good. I had walked right past it earlier, sticker shocked at $4 a bag. But alas, this food bill was on my company so I decided to splurge a little. Its called Plocky's Louisiana Peppa Red Beans'n Rice Tortilla chips.
I decided it was time to pick up some souvenirs. I browsed two "Only in Colorado" gift shops on 16th Street, amused to find both shops owned by Korean-Americans. I debated whether I wanted to spend $15 to bring Bubba a Rocky Mountain t-shirt...that we may someday sell off as clutter in a garage sale for a quarter! I ended up buying a few knick-knacks. I bought Bubba a cap with a witty remark: 'Got Oxygen? Colorado - Rocky Mountains' because we are at an elevation of 5280 feet, which is why Denver is also aptly referred to as the Mile High City.
At half past 8, I decided it was time for a sit-down dinner before heading home. I thought about sushi and udon noodles, but I had been eating Asian themed meals these last few days, so I decided I'd go for the French crêperie restaurant I had passed by many times on foot. Crêpes'n Crêpes has an authentic southern French ambiance. It has outdoor parasol'd table seating and yellow, flowery table cloths. I seated myself at one of the outdoor tables and quietly lamented how I hadn't made any acquaintances tonight. I saw another woman dining solo and sat at a table near her. I tried to make eye contact but she was occupied with her i-Phone.
My server was a nice looking young woman who repeated my order with a French accent! Seafood Provençal crêpe (seafood praw-vahn-sal crayp) with a glass of beaujolais (boh-zjo-lay). Incidentally, she asked for my ID! It's been so long since I've been carded! Hallelujah!
When she arrived with my wine, I took the opportunity to compliment her on her authentic accent and inquired whether she spoke the tongue. She excitedly affirmed in French that she did, as she had studied abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris. She took this restaurant job with the hopes of continuing her exposure to the language. Throughout my dinner, she happily approached my table periodically to converse in French and we learned more about each other. She was studying to become a doctor. I told her I was a writer who'd like to someday chronicle my adventures in France and beyond and to build a travel website for first-time travelers, but for now, as a starving artist, I must work! She understood. She also works part-time in a hospital as a therapist for severely injured patients. She emphasized the emotional nature of such work and cited a recent experience of witnessing a paralyzed (from the shoulders down) teenage girl, who was able to slightly move her legs while in a swimming pool during a rehab therapy session.
On the receiving end of such an inspirational story, I was instantly reminded again of the pure enjoyment I gain from meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Hoping to preserve contact, I suggested an exchange of personal information and maybe even a weekend outing. But with her packed work schedule, she suggested a late week night dinner before I leave town come next Friday.
Like old friends, we bade adieu in the French tradition, by kissing each others' cheeks.
This was the acquaintance I was waiting to meet tonight. In French, we say, "Enchantée" when we meet someone for the first time, which when translated into English becomes a trite and banal: "Nice to meet you."
It is the tri-syllabic, latin-rooted, single-standing word instead that produces such a profound and meaningful sensation when spoken.
My latest haphazard meeting with this new friend, K, was definitely enchanting.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A Very Walkable Town
Denver is a very walkable city.
I continued my urban exploration today but already had to put in some overtime at work and its only day two, but it was an easy gig.
I was also looking forward to my next social experiment...seeing who I'd come into contact with next. I discovered that there is a free shuttle bus that runs along the 16th Street Mall, a corridor of commercial shops and restaurants stretching for 16 blocks and designed for the pedestrian. The length of the corridor consists of an extensive median island lined with trees-wrapped with strands of clear mini lights, cement seat pillars, benches, colorful garbage bins and water fountains. The corridor however, runs perpendicular to city streets and therefore is broken up at every cross street intersection with street lights. The free bus runs in both directions and goes round and round till late into the night.
At 7 pm, I ventured out in skirt, t-shirt and sandals. It is so warm here. The major downside to this trendy neighborhood of LODO, is that there are NO grocery stores. I made a pot of coffee this morning and wished I had some hazelnut creamer. I found out there was a Rite Aid and Walgreens somewhere along the 16th Street Mall so I rode the shuttle in one direction until I found them and they were across the street from each other. I stopped into Rite Aid and grabbed a bag of Dunkin Donuts Coffee for the rest of my week and found hazelnut creamer across the street at Walgreens. Even though my food stipend will allow me the luxury of a visit to Starbuck's daily, I actually prefer to brew my own cup to enjoy early in the morning.
After this errand, I took the shuttle going the other direction to see what foodie place will jump out at me. The bus stops at every corner. There is a Hard Rock Cafe, Chiles, a cineplex, small fast-food shops, Subways ($5 footlong specials going on now), Starbucks and an array of other bar and grills. I stayed on the bus without disembarking as it made its U loop at the end of the line. On the bus, I observed three young college-aged women loudly discussing their trip here to Denver for the upcoming DNC. I overheard the words: college, internship and an interview with some Democratic bigwig. They were projecting such delight at this opportunity, almost to the point of delirium. Ahh, such wide-eyed, naive optimism--these were the thoughts that came to mind...as I listened to them. I, myself hate to discuss politics. It is such a volatile topic. I have learned to opine in soliliquys.
My work, however, has tickets to the DNC. Ironically, our office team is split right down the middle in regards to party affiliations, but we have all agreed to attend, if only for the historic nature of the event.
On my way to the 16th Street mall tonight, I crossed Curtis Street. It is definitely worth the stroll. The night before, after the consumption of wine, I thought I heard a lovely woman yodeling, horses trotting about, cows mooing and a whole other cacophony of melodious sounds. I tried to examine the origin of the sounds and found them to be emanating from the open grills on the sidewalk beneath my feet. I consulted with people at work, Denver-ites, mind you, who said I probably heard the bouncing echo of an actual horse carriage being drawn on 16th Street Mall, but the yodeling and the mooing?
I approached some officers on a foot patrol today who told me it was a marketing idea of underground speakers intended to entertain that has been in place for more than a decade. I thanked them in advance for the overtime hours they'll be working to maintain the security of the city during the DNC. They cautioned me to be alert and extra careful that day...hinting that they have prepared for the worst-case scenario, subtlely mentioning canisters of tear gas.
I can just see it now, canisters of smoke billowing to quell a mounting riot.
"The best reaction is to remain calm, stay alert and cup the mouth and continue breathing one's own carbon dioxide rather than the burning tear gas," advised one of the cops.
--Hmmm...I'll put on my running shoes that day, may have to push my way through a mob or would I rather watch all this from the comfort of my high rise balcony?
Well, I'll certainly have a moving, tearjerking report to post here the day after!
I continued my urban exploration today but already had to put in some overtime at work and its only day two, but it was an easy gig.
I was also looking forward to my next social experiment...seeing who I'd come into contact with next. I discovered that there is a free shuttle bus that runs along the 16th Street Mall, a corridor of commercial shops and restaurants stretching for 16 blocks and designed for the pedestrian. The length of the corridor consists of an extensive median island lined with trees-wrapped with strands of clear mini lights, cement seat pillars, benches, colorful garbage bins and water fountains. The corridor however, runs perpendicular to city streets and therefore is broken up at every cross street intersection with street lights. The free bus runs in both directions and goes round and round till late into the night.
At 7 pm, I ventured out in skirt, t-shirt and sandals. It is so warm here. The major downside to this trendy neighborhood of LODO, is that there are NO grocery stores. I made a pot of coffee this morning and wished I had some hazelnut creamer. I found out there was a Rite Aid and Walgreens somewhere along the 16th Street Mall so I rode the shuttle in one direction until I found them and they were across the street from each other. I stopped into Rite Aid and grabbed a bag of Dunkin Donuts Coffee for the rest of my week and found hazelnut creamer across the street at Walgreens. Even though my food stipend will allow me the luxury of a visit to Starbuck's daily, I actually prefer to brew my own cup to enjoy early in the morning.
After this errand, I took the shuttle going the other direction to see what foodie place will jump out at me. The bus stops at every corner. There is a Hard Rock Cafe, Chiles, a cineplex, small fast-food shops, Subways ($5 footlong specials going on now), Starbucks and an array of other bar and grills. I stayed on the bus without disembarking as it made its U loop at the end of the line. On the bus, I observed three young college-aged women loudly discussing their trip here to Denver for the upcoming DNC. I overheard the words: college, internship and an interview with some Democratic bigwig. They were projecting such delight at this opportunity, almost to the point of delirium. Ahh, such wide-eyed, naive optimism--these were the thoughts that came to mind...as I listened to them. I, myself hate to discuss politics. It is such a volatile topic. I have learned to opine in soliliquys.
My work, however, has tickets to the DNC. Ironically, our office team is split right down the middle in regards to party affiliations, but we have all agreed to attend, if only for the historic nature of the event.
On my way to the 16th Street mall tonight, I crossed Curtis Street. It is definitely worth the stroll. The night before, after the consumption of wine, I thought I heard a lovely woman yodeling, horses trotting about, cows mooing and a whole other cacophony of melodious sounds. I tried to examine the origin of the sounds and found them to be emanating from the open grills on the sidewalk beneath my feet. I consulted with people at work, Denver-ites, mind you, who said I probably heard the bouncing echo of an actual horse carriage being drawn on 16th Street Mall, but the yodeling and the mooing?
I approached some officers on a foot patrol today who told me it was a marketing idea of underground speakers intended to entertain that has been in place for more than a decade. I thanked them in advance for the overtime hours they'll be working to maintain the security of the city during the DNC. They cautioned me to be alert and extra careful that day...hinting that they have prepared for the worst-case scenario, subtlely mentioning canisters of tear gas.
I can just see it now, canisters of smoke billowing to quell a mounting riot.
"The best reaction is to remain calm, stay alert and cup the mouth and continue breathing one's own carbon dioxide rather than the burning tear gas," advised one of the cops.
--Hmmm...I'll put on my running shoes that day, may have to push my way through a mob or would I rather watch all this from the comfort of my high rise balcony?
Well, I'll certainly have a moving, tearjerking report to post here the day after!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Rocky Mountain Travelogue
I'm in rocky mountain country.
It has been quite a journey to here.
After a half-hearted and intermittent, though sometimes laborious and hopeless search for what I would deem an 'acceptable and appealing' job...I am now reporting from Denver, Colorado. No, I'm not here as a delegate in the upcoming DNC. And, no, I haven't been relocated, though this is not such a bad place to be. It is 9PM and in the high 60s, as we speak. Bubba isn't in tow, despite my absolute insistence, so we will be apart for a little more than a week.
So, the new company, hence the new job, flew me out here to their headquarters to train.
I'm being housed in a condo with a view of the rocky mountains in lower downtown, aka LODO, a hip, trendy and emerging neighborhood.
I haven't seen much yet. Got on a dawn flight and went straight into work, spent a day learning how to navigate their database systems and to toggle screens back and forth. It's all digestable, I just don't know how big the workload will be once I get back to run their SF office.
I like the boss, a visionary man who, along with his wife, built this business and several websites. They are a good team and they have a serious, hard-working daughter who hits the ground running and one can tell that she runs the show.
All of my expenses are paid for. So, this is what it's like in the corporate world. My brother dubbed this my first corporate out-of-towner. I guess all those Army orders aren't exactly comparable, what with bunk-beds and footlockers for lodgings and mess-halls for dining.
After work, I spent an hour unpacking and thinking of taking a nap. I visited the fitness room and to my chagrin! no treadmills but a room full of step-machines and weights. The boss showed me a nice running route next to a winding river but I think I'll save it for the weekend and rest up these next few days.
Finally, at 7pm (we're in central time), I decided to venture out for my solo-supper. Since work catered a big lunch for my arrival, I figured something light.
16th Street Mall was recommended to me. I thought about a seared albacore entree at the Cheesecake Factory but on my way there, stumbled upon a sushi restaurant. The wine list on their menu sent me right over their threshold. Partially full of patrons, I thought about sittting solo at a 4-seat, square table, off to a corner curled with the local paper but, alas, the outgoing half dominated and chose to sit at the sushi bar counter.
I situated myself next to a neighbor dining over his a-la carte fish, solo. In between bites of sushi, he was texting a convo on his i-Phone. I asked what choice of platter he selected and in the process, learned that he was from Minnesota. I veered right into my line of questioning, asking if he was here for the DNC, coming up next week and avoiding the other GOP convention that happens to be back in his home turf. Neither, he was here on business, real-estate development. Then, I confessed that where I'm from, sushi can be had for breakfast, but hey, since all of my meals are covered for the next few weeks, why not just succumb to the craving, any craving for that matter. (I saw a homemade Colorado ice-cream sign on my way home. That will be on the following days' menu list.)
So, the solo outing ended up being a nice exercise in rapport-building. I learned that my dining neighbor is well-traveled--within our nation, he's left-handed like me and he is an aspiring writer. However, he does enjoy his profession, even though it limits his time with creative writing. He was definitely a good listener because I recall doing most of the talking, and even more when the wine was downed. He may have been slightly enraptured and offered his two cents; for me to keep writing and to follow my heart and to go back to visit Europe soon, one day. I suppose it's so obvious, how my continuous vignettes of Europe have a way of making me beam.
We walked out together and showed me this Cuban bar known for their mojitos and recommended that I not leave town without trying one. Well, the bar will only serve a limit of 2 mojitos because they are simply THAT BIG!
Since this bar is only a block away from the condo, I think I'll go for happy-hour tomorrow. My haphazard dining companion -R- and I split at the intersection. He will be homeward bound tomorrow on an early morning flight, back to the sticky heat. He does have more travel worked into his weekend schedule and said he likes New York for its energy, Sonoma for its unpretentiousness and Denver, because it's up-and-coming.
Me, well, I'm liking it here, too.
It has been quite a journey to here.
After a half-hearted and intermittent, though sometimes laborious and hopeless search for what I would deem an 'acceptable and appealing' job...I am now reporting from Denver, Colorado. No, I'm not here as a delegate in the upcoming DNC. And, no, I haven't been relocated, though this is not such a bad place to be. It is 9PM and in the high 60s, as we speak. Bubba isn't in tow, despite my absolute insistence, so we will be apart for a little more than a week.
So, the new company, hence the new job, flew me out here to their headquarters to train.
I'm being housed in a condo with a view of the rocky mountains in lower downtown, aka LODO, a hip, trendy and emerging neighborhood.
I haven't seen much yet. Got on a dawn flight and went straight into work, spent a day learning how to navigate their database systems and to toggle screens back and forth. It's all digestable, I just don't know how big the workload will be once I get back to run their SF office.
I like the boss, a visionary man who, along with his wife, built this business and several websites. They are a good team and they have a serious, hard-working daughter who hits the ground running and one can tell that she runs the show.
All of my expenses are paid for. So, this is what it's like in the corporate world. My brother dubbed this my first corporate out-of-towner. I guess all those Army orders aren't exactly comparable, what with bunk-beds and footlockers for lodgings and mess-halls for dining.
After work, I spent an hour unpacking and thinking of taking a nap. I visited the fitness room and to my chagrin! no treadmills but a room full of step-machines and weights. The boss showed me a nice running route next to a winding river but I think I'll save it for the weekend and rest up these next few days.
Finally, at 7pm (we're in central time), I decided to venture out for my solo-supper. Since work catered a big lunch for my arrival, I figured something light.
16th Street Mall was recommended to me. I thought about a seared albacore entree at the Cheesecake Factory but on my way there, stumbled upon a sushi restaurant. The wine list on their menu sent me right over their threshold. Partially full of patrons, I thought about sittting solo at a 4-seat, square table, off to a corner curled with the local paper but, alas, the outgoing half dominated and chose to sit at the sushi bar counter.
I situated myself next to a neighbor dining over his a-la carte fish, solo. In between bites of sushi, he was texting a convo on his i-Phone. I asked what choice of platter he selected and in the process, learned that he was from Minnesota. I veered right into my line of questioning, asking if he was here for the DNC, coming up next week and avoiding the other GOP convention that happens to be back in his home turf. Neither, he was here on business, real-estate development. Then, I confessed that where I'm from, sushi can be had for breakfast, but hey, since all of my meals are covered for the next few weeks, why not just succumb to the craving, any craving for that matter. (I saw a homemade Colorado ice-cream sign on my way home. That will be on the following days' menu list.)
So, the solo outing ended up being a nice exercise in rapport-building. I learned that my dining neighbor is well-traveled--within our nation, he's left-handed like me and he is an aspiring writer. However, he does enjoy his profession, even though it limits his time with creative writing. He was definitely a good listener because I recall doing most of the talking, and even more when the wine was downed. He may have been slightly enraptured and offered his two cents; for me to keep writing and to follow my heart and to go back to visit Europe soon, one day. I suppose it's so obvious, how my continuous vignettes of Europe have a way of making me beam.
We walked out together and showed me this Cuban bar known for their mojitos and recommended that I not leave town without trying one. Well, the bar will only serve a limit of 2 mojitos because they are simply THAT BIG!
Since this bar is only a block away from the condo, I think I'll go for happy-hour tomorrow. My haphazard dining companion -R- and I split at the intersection. He will be homeward bound tomorrow on an early morning flight, back to the sticky heat. He does have more travel worked into his weekend schedule and said he likes New York for its energy, Sonoma for its unpretentiousness and Denver, because it's up-and-coming.
Me, well, I'm liking it here, too.
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