Playing at the Tate!

Some people go to Tate Modern to gain culture...others see an interactive art exhibit as something that involves plywood shaped playthings! Eric, Ellen and I probably missed the artistic message, but we had a hell of a lot of fun. It was amazing how so many adults were able to let their guard down and look like idiots in front of everybody....and have a great time :)

Sadly, there was no videos of Elle sabotaging the rope walking or Ellen and me trying to work together maintaining balance on a super large square platform resting on a ball. There was one more video of Eric doing the chimney climb, but I turned the camera and now am unable to rotate it...making it look like Eric's scooching back and forth while laying down. It definitely loses it's effect rotated.

If you see just kids in these clips, please note that adults were busily doing the same thing we were, just not at the same time. We're not stealing the kid games or anything!

Prepare for the shortest rope walk ever by Eric!

Ellen successfully gets across the balance beam...
(ignoring false start!)

Marian and Ellen make it up Pike's Peak! Let's pretend.
(Disclaimer: PG13 for very last second of clip...
that's what happens when Eric gets to run the video...)

Der Ring des Nibelungen and The Lord of the Rings

I know Tolkien denies inspiration from Der Ring des Nibelungen, but I disagree with the premise that the only connection is that a ring of ultimate power was found. In Das Rheingold alone there are several correlating features to The Lord of the Rings. Wagner's four operas representing the ring is one of my favourite series, and I finally got the opportunity to see the first one live last night (Das Rheingold). There were some issues with the performance, such as the supporting computer graphics screwing up in the very beginning, and a trumpet player from the ISO completely destroying a crucial note. Granted, the music is really intense and we were nearing the end of the three hour saga that highlights trumpets, so I can see why the lips may give way, but still...they are professionals and I was disappointed to hear it. The initial computer graphic issues were unforgiveable though.

I digress. I really enjoyed the production, but the whole time I couldn't help but think that even if Tolkien wasn't inspired by Wagner's works, then they are both indebted to the Norse epic poems. After all, there is nothing new under the sun. All I have to say is thank you to story weavers of centuries gone by who planted the seeds for development into the eventual Der Ring des Nibelungen and The Lord of the Rings, both of which is obviously seeded from these ancient sagas.

Next Stop: London!

It is with great joy that I can finally report solid DATES for our London visit.

Departing May 25, 2009
Returning June 24, 2009

For those who may find returning on a Wednesday weird, return tickets skyrocket for any date after that, so Elle and I are coming home a week early.

We'll be staying in a flat just off High Street in Egham (Surrey) about 10 miles west of London. As usual, England's stellar public transportation system gives us easy access to London proper while we can enjoy being in a village atmosphere. My first quest will be the local pub.

Even more fun will be the visiting friends! Schedules are already being made...here's how I expect it to go down...

Ellen: shopping
Howie: anything related to Shakespeare and beer
Parents: museums

Meanwhile, I'll be heading out to the country at some point to say hello to my family in Devon and Bristol. I'm hoping to take Elle to Windemere for the whole Peter Rabbit experience and/or to the 100 Acre Wood just south of London - although the 100 Acre Wood is actually a 100 acres (who knew!) and might be a bit much for Elle. Quite frankly, it's been three years and I'm just anxious to walk the streets again and enjoy the city! Anything beyond that will simply be a bonus.

Automated Wine Tasting!

This can be recorded as a most excellent find in Miami. Yes, there are awesome beaches and martinis, but for those of you who get tired of being limited a specific wine flight? Check it out! I'll let the photos tell the story of the self-directed wine tasting.

There were 20 of these machines!

Miami...even warmer!

While my typical connections to Miami are limited to clubbing and CSI: Miami, there is something to be said for insanely warm pools. This resort has an abundant supply of warm happy pools with little fake waterfalls to sit under and pretend you're roughing it. You'd be surprised how people fall for that delusion, including me. My post about the first week was right - each week got better! River, ocean, then even warmer pools. The ocean requires a drive, but I'm not bitching. Everglade pictures to come later this week!