A Gem in the Middle of Nowhere
It's harder to get to Marfa, Texas than Paris, France from New York City. Tucked away in the middle of West Texas desert this little gem has kept it's charm. A mélange of Americana with the cool, hip groove of modern art. It's been over 30 years since Donald Judd placed this sleepy town on the international art map, yet somehow it's managed to keep up with its own beat. The pace of the town lags our techno world pulse. Locals manage without cell phone and patience is required for a slice of pizza-a two hour stamina. Within the couple of blocks, a well known New York chef caters to the sophisticated palettes at the trendy restaurant while local restaurateur fire up unique Tex-Mex wraps and middle eastern bites at the famous Food Shark truck. Neither one can be considered a quick option. The great Texas vistas present an unusual backdrop for modern art. Whether it's this unexpected combination of landscape and art or the caliber of contemporary artists represented, Chianti foundation and the Judd Foundation are instrumental for any art lover as a travel destination.
Marfa, Texas, 30°18′43″N 104°1′29″W
Frozen Beauty
Who would have thought a six hour drift between the icebergs could have been so entertaining. A spectacle of nature without the boundaries of a stage. We patiently waited for the next episode of crackling, breaking and crashing of the glacier, followed by the sequence of waves, rocking and laughter. Alaska
Once Upon a Time There Was...
The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy 2012. Staten Island & Rockaways, New York
Memory Lane
It's good to know that there are still places in the world where people rely on good ole technology, the ones our kids don't value. For example, the record player where you had to adjust the speed dial to 35 or 45 or you would hear ABBA singing in Chinese. How about those tapes that got all tangled. And what about the correction tape on the typewriters? Was it just me, or did the machines never back up to the exact same space? Thanks Cartagena, Columbia for bringing good memories back.
A Family in Need? Maybe Not.
A life lesson from a family who embodies happiness without the burden of money. Lhasa, Tibet
Cuba Close Up (Real Close)
Over 50 years of texture covers every corner, every building, inside and out. The layers of color accumulated with years of wear and tear from rain, wind and graffiti create a canvas of beauty. Some resemble those selling for millions at various well-known auction houses. Yet these formations of beauty haunt us and the locals of past memories and current struggles. The walls have become more than the cover of a building, and more than a reminder of history. They have attributed to our senses to look deeper and understand more than one perspective.
Heaven on Earth
There is heaven on earth and no man lives there. Only the divine - the animals. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania, & Masai Mara Kenya
Gross National Happiness
You've got to love this small nation who's success is measured by its gross national happiness as opposed the western philosophy of GDP. Here in Bhutan, the rules are strict. There's limited access to western media, restricted number of tourist per year and a mandatory attire for both women and men. Interestingly, shoes are not part of the dress code. This has provoked the younger generation with some means to proudly fashion their Nikes and Timberland boots. I wonder how with such control and limited visibility to the western markets these kids manage to learn and desire the big American brands. Apparently there are some changes taking place with more internet access. Will the exposure create more desire for other brands? And how will that effect the GNH?
