Not that anyone who has been or wants to go thinks bad stuff about Iran, but here’s a video that makes me want to go even worse than before.
http://www.lucasgray.com/video/peacetrain.html
Warning: Not a travel video. It has a political message against potential American attack (and I’m shamed to be an American after seeing this video—that our government could even think attack such a place) on Iran that shows many scenes from Iran.
It’s been really tricky with baby. We work different hours now. She goes in earlier, and I work once she gets home. I’ve also been on the road for work too, with an added surprise trip to Phoenix next month.
It all adds up to not seeing her very often.
My parents are coming by this weekend, so I think we’ll be going on a date then.
But then I guess that’s how 43things is for me. Just part of my life now.
Which is weird to say about a website. If facebook were to disappear, I don’t know that I’d be too bothered. I’d think, “That’s a bummer,” and be on with my life. 43things is different. I guess it’s because it does help me focus on what I want to do with my life. Even if it’s silly stuff like eating a burrito for each meal of the day.
I initially signed up on a lark, but it became valuable when my wife was pregnant. I used the site as a way to focus on what I needed to do to help her.
So let’s hear it for 43things.
This is a really good movie. I’d say it’s Gilliam’s most mature work to date. Possibly (dare I say it?) better than Brazil, a movie I love. I even half paid attention to the commentary, which I usually don’t do. Gilliam and his co-writer make snide remarks about the critical reception of the film. It’s pretty funny.
Anyway, do take everyone’s warning about this. If you’ve got a thin skin or think you aren’t easily offended, this isn’t for you. You need to be unoffendable (is that a word?). By anything. Or you really need to be in tune with what Gilliam is trying to do. Or be a fan of the book that this is based on.
Yes, there is drug use shown on screen. Death is dealt with in a non-conventional way. Some of the sexuality dealt with made me squirm a bit.
So count yourself warned.
Like usual, I was working without a map. For those of you who don’t know, San Diego can be tricky to navigate. Well, tricky to navigate if you aren’t going to Sea World. Or if you’re from the midwest where everything is flat and stuff. So on my second try, I managed to find it. It took an hour, but was well worth it. The views are amazing. The tide pools are pretty cool, even at something approaching high tide. And, in case I hadn’t mentioned it, the views are amazing.
Ok, so my wife told me that I’d be grossed out by Tijuana. When I told my cousin I had gone, he couldn’t believe I had wasted my time like that.
They were mostly wrong. Yes, Avenedia Revolucion is loaded with lots of people trying to get you to check out their stuff. Cuban cigars for a buck? Come on, I wasn’t born yesterday. No, I didn’t care for Av. Revolucion.
The rest of the city that I saw from my pedestrian jaunt was really enjoyable. No, scratch that, better than San Diego in some ways. Sure, there’s obvious, grinding poverty here. But here’s what no one tells you about Tijuana: it’s pleasant to walk around. You don’t need a car. There’s shade under the trees lining the Paseo de los Heroes, a pleasant boulevard. Street vendors are conveniently located to sell you water and treats when you need a break. In short, this isn’t the USA. You can have a totally foreign experience within a long walk of the border.
The CECUT museum is worth checking out for 20 pesos (as of June 2008). The city was filled with decorated cow sculptures. The food was amazing in flavor and price (just make sure you stop at a place that smells like food and not anything bad—look for locals eating there). The Federal Police, seemingly stationed everywhere, were helpful when I asked basic questions. One of them, whom I asked for directions to CECUT, saw me later and asked how I enjoyed the museum.
Truly a fun place, if you bring a bit of Spanish, a sense of adventure and a dose of common sense.
My wife and I went here with my cousin and his wife. We had heard tell that there was a crystal skull here (cue spooky music). There was one alright, but it was much smaller than anyone had expected.
