What a dream I had...pressed in organdy, clothed in crinoline of smoky burgundy softer than the rain.
I wandered empty streets down past the shop displays. I heard cathedral bells dripping down the alleyways as I walked on.
And when you ran to me your cheeks flushed with the night. We walked on frosted fields of juniper and lamplight- I held your hand.
And when I awoke and felt you warm and near I kissed your honey hair with my grateful tears. I love you girl. I love you.
--Paul Simon
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
REBA
My work at the World Health Organization has ended, and the pace of life is a bit different around here now. The WHO is a necessary, quirky, amazing, frustrating and enlightening entity. There are some fabulous people working there (many of whom I was lucky enough to see daily), and there are some oddballs. I am legally obliged to not get too into it, but suffice it to say that I am very grateful for the time I have spent there.
On new fronts...
-We now have a PIANO (read: nice keyboard) in our apartment, and we will soon play host to recitals, lessons, hymnsings, chorales and perhaps the composition of a few pieces.
-I've taken a number of fabulous day trips into Geneva and out to Avenches and Annecy.
-Tyler has come and gone back to the homeland, and I am INCREDIBLY thankful and joyous anytime I get to see his face.
-I am cooking much more now. Since yesterday I've made a tasty cilantro salsa, a pomegranate salad wrap and some delicious Moo-Shu Pork. Yummm. I'm looking for good recipes if anybody's good any ideas...
But I must say...without a doubt in my mind...the most important and exciting thing going on in my life right now is the planning of my Reallybig European Backpacking Adventure (REBA). Two days ago, I ordered my Eurail ticket online, previously being prompted to expect 4 weeks for delivery. So when I got a call earlier today from a Frenchmen saying things I couldn't quite pick out, I assumed he had a wrong number, apologized and hung up. Faith & I were just on the way out to the store and we didn't have time for misinformed callers. We went out, got into the car and were backing out as Carlos--the lovable concierge who manages to shovel the walkways better than anyone in France despite seemingly constant toxic blood alcohol levels-- made a strange gesture to me to stop the car. After a few confused moments, I signed for a package from the Eurail office in the Netherlands and thanked the delivery man for his patience- 48 hours from online confirmation to doorstep.
Since then I have cleared EVERYTHING off the dining room table except maps, pens, a lamp and this computer. Though the large table is relatively clear, my head is FILLED with big thoughts and plans, potential routes and housing accommodations, museums and landmarks. I want to do it all though I don't have the time. It feels strange to write off a city or even a country from the itinerary with the flick of my pen; it feels weird to think of all the places that I WON'T be able to see in my month on the road. But as I scan the docket of incredible places I will get to experience, I can't help but smile.
I wish I could videotape my dreams tonight- from romantic walks along the Mediterranean to dancing ballerinas with drunk Carlos' head on them to a broken wall in Berlin, in a matter of minutes. But I need to sit here and prepare myself because the journey will pass by just as quickly and I've got to be prepared to move fast and cherish every minute.
It all seems so far away as I sit here in front of funny-colored maps and timetables with nothing but time at my fingertips, but this ticket's arrival has set in motion a visceral excitement in me- a tingling in my core I set out to address when I left for this adventure months ago.
I'm ready.
On new fronts...
-We now have a PIANO (read: nice keyboard) in our apartment, and we will soon play host to recitals, lessons, hymnsings, chorales and perhaps the composition of a few pieces.
-I've taken a number of fabulous day trips into Geneva and out to Avenches and Annecy.
-Tyler has come and gone back to the homeland, and I am INCREDIBLY thankful and joyous anytime I get to see his face.
-I am cooking much more now. Since yesterday I've made a tasty cilantro salsa, a pomegranate salad wrap and some delicious Moo-Shu Pork. Yummm. I'm looking for good recipes if anybody's good any ideas...
But I must say...without a doubt in my mind...the most important and exciting thing going on in my life right now is the planning of my Reallybig European Backpacking Adventure (REBA). Two days ago, I ordered my Eurail ticket online, previously being prompted to expect 4 weeks for delivery. So when I got a call earlier today from a Frenchmen saying things I couldn't quite pick out, I assumed he had a wrong number, apologized and hung up. Faith & I were just on the way out to the store and we didn't have time for misinformed callers. We went out, got into the car and were backing out as Carlos--the lovable concierge who manages to shovel the walkways better than anyone in France despite seemingly constant toxic blood alcohol levels-- made a strange gesture to me to stop the car. After a few confused moments, I signed for a package from the Eurail office in the Netherlands and thanked the delivery man for his patience- 48 hours from online confirmation to doorstep.
Since then I have cleared EVERYTHING off the dining room table except maps, pens, a lamp and this computer. Though the large table is relatively clear, my head is FILLED with big thoughts and plans, potential routes and housing accommodations, museums and landmarks. I want to do it all though I don't have the time. It feels strange to write off a city or even a country from the itinerary with the flick of my pen; it feels weird to think of all the places that I WON'T be able to see in my month on the road. But as I scan the docket of incredible places I will get to experience, I can't help but smile.
I wish I could videotape my dreams tonight- from romantic walks along the Mediterranean to dancing ballerinas with drunk Carlos' head on them to a broken wall in Berlin, in a matter of minutes. But I need to sit here and prepare myself because the journey will pass by just as quickly and I've got to be prepared to move fast and cherish every minute.
It all seems so far away as I sit here in front of funny-colored maps and timetables with nothing but time at my fingertips, but this ticket's arrival has set in motion a visceral excitement in me- a tingling in my core I set out to address when I left for this adventure months ago.
I'm ready.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Lease on Life.
Friends, I've turned over a new life, found a new lease on life. I have figured out how to play the game. And here it is...
I am in charge of everything.
Everything is under control.
There it is. Those two statements now govern my life, and it's great!
In other VERY important news, TYLER IS COMING TODAY!!! If you are anywhere near Geneva reading this and have not yet had the opportunity to meet this true man among men, contact me immediately! It will be worth it. Freakin' Awesome.
I am in charge of everything.
Everything is under control.
There it is. Those two statements now govern my life, and it's great!
In other VERY important news, TYLER IS COMING TODAY!!! If you are anywhere near Geneva reading this and have not yet had the opportunity to meet this true man among men, contact me immediately! It will be worth it. Freakin' Awesome.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Enquire Airline
To Judy Chan and her beautiful girls, and Gemma, Suzy & Ann- the best queuemates in all of London.
A few excerpts from the journal of Carl...
The boards here at Heathrow tell me it's 8 Jan, 07:35 GMT, and I am forced to take it on faith as neither my mind nor my body have the bearing to inform me otherwise. I've now been in London for 48 hours- forty of which in Terminal 5, ten of those waiting in a single queue in an attempt to re-book a flight; fifteen in the best thing to happen to me in London- the red couches outside Gate A15. I've probably spent eighteen total hours in queues and three hours staring at flight boards, waiting in vain for a gate number to pop up, only to see my two most-hated words in the English language. The boarding pass inside my passport and tucked in my left breast pocket is the fourth I've had in the last two days- each with the same departure and arrival cities, and each thus far with the same result: Enquire Airline.
It has been a trying few days, but it's been a very insightful experience. I've seen combatant Italian women; fun, pushy and inconsiderate Greeks; thick Americans; fun-loving Brits, and hundreds of other people in frustrating circumstances showing their true colors. I've wanted to kiss a British Airways employee, punch multiple British Airways passengers, yell, laugh, sleep, clap, lie on the ground , jump in the air, and most recently, cry- all because of a few white words of text on the black background of a flight board: Go to Gate A20.
I've done things here in which I take incredible pride, and I've struggled with what to do in difficult situations. I've been stunned by people on many accounts: the patience and leadership of an airport manager, as well as the ignorance and neuroticism of an underprepared and overwhelmed airline representative. The selfish egotism of many infantile passengers, as well as the ability of a crowd to laugh and cheer as one in the midst of a seemingly endless queue. I have learned that, while some greatly deserve it and others clearly do not, it's best to just give everyone a little credit.
Throughout the whole ordeal, I noticed that problems often occurred when people lost track of one key thing: perspective. YES- it is ok to laugh when a situation bullies you to scream, cry or fight. NO- you are not the only person in the world (or the room) who is unhappy, stressed or upset. And MAYBE, just maybe, we can step out of ourselves from time to time to help someone else. Not for a thank you or to feel better about yourself, but because they just might need a helping hand.
As I write now, I am on my plane and taxiing on the black tarmac, elated to be in a cramped airplane seat and hesitant to assume we will successfully take off or land at our planned destination. And I've figured out that sometimes that is exactly how life is.
You are how you act in the hard situations, and what makes it all worth it are the people around you.
A few excerpts from the journal of Carl...
The boards here at Heathrow tell me it's 8 Jan, 07:35 GMT, and I am forced to take it on faith as neither my mind nor my body have the bearing to inform me otherwise. I've now been in London for 48 hours- forty of which in Terminal 5, ten of those waiting in a single queue in an attempt to re-book a flight; fifteen in the best thing to happen to me in London- the red couches outside Gate A15. I've probably spent eighteen total hours in queues and three hours staring at flight boards, waiting in vain for a gate number to pop up, only to see my two most-hated words in the English language. The boarding pass inside my passport and tucked in my left breast pocket is the fourth I've had in the last two days- each with the same departure and arrival cities, and each thus far with the same result: Enquire Airline.
It has been a trying few days, but it's been a very insightful experience. I've seen combatant Italian women; fun, pushy and inconsiderate Greeks; thick Americans; fun-loving Brits, and hundreds of other people in frustrating circumstances showing their true colors. I've wanted to kiss a British Airways employee, punch multiple British Airways passengers, yell, laugh, sleep, clap, lie on the ground , jump in the air, and most recently, cry- all because of a few white words of text on the black background of a flight board: Go to Gate A20.
I've done things here in which I take incredible pride, and I've struggled with what to do in difficult situations. I've been stunned by people on many accounts: the patience and leadership of an airport manager, as well as the ignorance and neuroticism of an underprepared and overwhelmed airline representative. The selfish egotism of many infantile passengers, as well as the ability of a crowd to laugh and cheer as one in the midst of a seemingly endless queue. I have learned that, while some greatly deserve it and others clearly do not, it's best to just give everyone a little credit.
Throughout the whole ordeal, I noticed that problems often occurred when people lost track of one key thing: perspective. YES- it is ok to laugh when a situation bullies you to scream, cry or fight. NO- you are not the only person in the world (or the room) who is unhappy, stressed or upset. And MAYBE, just maybe, we can step out of ourselves from time to time to help someone else. Not for a thank you or to feel better about yourself, but because they just might need a helping hand.
As I write now, I am on my plane and taxiing on the black tarmac, elated to be in a cramped airplane seat and hesitant to assume we will successfully take off or land at our planned destination. And I've figured out that sometimes that is exactly how life is.
You are how you act in the hard situations, and what makes it all worth it are the people around you.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Long time, and all that crap...
Hello friends. I know it's been quite a while since you've seen me. And I am deeply sorry for the long delay. I could talk about it for hours and bore you with details, but hey!- it's a new year and I don't dwell on the past.
I'm currently in Heathrow Airport and will be for nine more hours after a few flight cancellations. I will be back in Geneva hopefully by the end of the night, where Geneva Adventures 2010 will begin!
I'm currently in Heathrow Airport and will be for nine more hours after a few flight cancellations. I will be back in Geneva hopefully by the end of the night, where Geneva Adventures 2010 will begin!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Control.
I have had an experience already today with the issue of control- control of your body, control of your environment, and the perception of your own control of the world around you. I'll spare you the nitty-gritty details and skip to the good stuff...
Having too much control over your life can be dangerous thing. But even worse is the feeling of no control at all.
In a foreign land, doing your best to speak a foreign language, eating new foods, sleeping on a new bed in someone else's apartment, spending different currencies- it can be difficult to feel in control of one's self. I was aware of that. What I didn't know was how valuable some of the small things can be when you feel adrift in your own skin: an office, a cafe vendor, a jacket, a familiar voice, and yes, even a pen. Sometimes all you need is a tiny object to grab hold of, to give you comfort, to remind you that an adventure is not linear and predictable.
To the little unexpected gems that hold great power, perspective, and comfort. Thank you.
Having too much control over your life can be dangerous thing. But even worse is the feeling of no control at all.
In a foreign land, doing your best to speak a foreign language, eating new foods, sleeping on a new bed in someone else's apartment, spending different currencies- it can be difficult to feel in control of one's self. I was aware of that. What I didn't know was how valuable some of the small things can be when you feel adrift in your own skin: an office, a cafe vendor, a jacket, a familiar voice, and yes, even a pen. Sometimes all you need is a tiny object to grab hold of, to give you comfort, to remind you that an adventure is not linear and predictable.
To the little unexpected gems that hold great power, perspective, and comfort. Thank you.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The BIG EUROPEAN DESTINATION INVESTIGATION
Family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, interweb wayfarers...if you just engage with ONE blog posting here for the rest of history, let it be this one.
I open up a challenge to you for the benefit of all, and in the spirit of world leader and oft-perceived demi-God Barack Obama, we all must strive together to accomplish this great feat. We will need to dig deep, get creative and put forth an end result that will rock the world. I say to you this: Yes We Can.
The BIG EUROPEAN DESTINATION INVESTIGATION:
As many of you know, I will be based here in Geneva for the next seven months, and during that time I plan to do an immense amount of traveling throughout Europe. In my quest to explore the land, I aim to take advantage of your unique experiences, compile them and create an incredible database of destinations for my upcoming travels. So here's what I am looking for...
-ONE destination city/town/village
-ONE specific destination building/landmark/activity/festival in the destination city.
It's that simple. One city. One activity.
A few guidelines, rules, and tips...
-Please leave your entry as a comment on this posting.
-Please leave your name after your entry.
-Please limit yourself to ONE city. I want there only to be the best of the best.
-A focus of this compilation is frugality... think backpackers on a budget.
-Keep in mind the season. A nude beach in Trondheim, Norway will not be as spectacular in January as it is in July.
-If you absolutely can't limit yourself to a single entry, please email me directly at -mrcarlnelson@gmail.com- with additional suggestions.
And here's the best part...
For each viable entry*: I will make arrangements, visit your city, accomplish your activity, and write a blog entry about the experience! >>>Let's make sure this hits home, people- all you do is comment on this blog; then I GO there to experience and participate in some spectacular endeavor, and you find out about it afterwards right here. Fantastic, huh?
*I cannot guarantee destinations with a specific date parameters (for instance, a grape festival over a specific weekend in April) as I may have other plans. Until I get my HarperCollins book deal for this project, my bank account is finite. As such, some trips may be prioritized over others. I may not be able to reach every destination before I run out of money.
There it is. The gauntlet has been thrown. The challenge has begun. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this, as anyone is welcome to participate. If you wish to contribute to the BEDI fund, please contact me at -mrcarlnelson@gmail.com-.
I'm Carl Nelson, and I approve this message. Enjoy!
I open up a challenge to you for the benefit of all, and in the spirit of world leader and oft-perceived demi-God Barack Obama, we all must strive together to accomplish this great feat. We will need to dig deep, get creative and put forth an end result that will rock the world. I say to you this: Yes We Can.
The BIG EUROPEAN DESTINATION INVESTIGATION:
As many of you know, I will be based here in Geneva for the next seven months, and during that time I plan to do an immense amount of traveling throughout Europe. In my quest to explore the land, I aim to take advantage of your unique experiences, compile them and create an incredible database of destinations for my upcoming travels. So here's what I am looking for...
-ONE destination city/town/village
-ONE specific destination building/landmark/activity/festival in the destination city.
It's that simple. One city. One activity.
A few guidelines, rules, and tips...
-Please leave your entry as a comment on this posting.
-Please leave your name after your entry.
-Please limit yourself to ONE city. I want there only to be the best of the best.
-A focus of this compilation is frugality... think backpackers on a budget.
-Keep in mind the season. A nude beach in Trondheim, Norway will not be as spectacular in January as it is in July.
-If you absolutely can't limit yourself to a single entry, please email me directly at -mrcarlnelson@gmail.com- with additional suggestions.
And here's the best part...
For each viable entry*: I will make arrangements, visit your city, accomplish your activity, and write a blog entry about the experience! >>>Let's make sure this hits home, people- all you do is comment on this blog; then I GO there to experience and participate in some spectacular endeavor, and you find out about it afterwards right here. Fantastic, huh?
*I cannot guarantee destinations with a specific date parameters (for instance, a grape festival over a specific weekend in April) as I may have other plans. Until I get my HarperCollins book deal for this project, my bank account is finite. As such, some trips may be prioritized over others. I may not be able to reach every destination before I run out of money.
There it is. The gauntlet has been thrown. The challenge has begun. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this, as anyone is welcome to participate. If you wish to contribute to the BEDI fund, please contact me at -mrcarlnelson@gmail.com-.
I'm Carl Nelson, and I approve this message. Enjoy!
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