I lived in Seattle for over four years - the longest I had lived in any one place since I was a child, at least until now. At the time I assumed Seattle would be the place that I would "grow old" in. I had a decent job, it's a pretty nice city and I had a really strong network of friends.
Then, after getting laid off I heard "change" calling my name and I found myself moving to NYC, finding a job, living and thriving here. I was surprised at how much I loved New York to be honest as I'm very much someone who loves the outdoors. But I honestly can't imagine living anywhere else at this point in my life.
I do miss the network of friends that I had in the rainy city though, even if some of themselves have moved on and even though the ones who are still there don't all hang out together that much.
My two friends pictured here, Doug and Andy, are probably the two I stay in touch with the most. Doug still lives in Seattle with his partner while Andy (aka Bravehound) has moved throughout N. America with his (currently they are in Ottawa).
The three of us actually did a trip to Alaska together many moons ago. Doug's fears now include bears, whistlers (you'd have to be an Alaskan) and well used airplane magazine (germaphobe).
In any case, even though I don't see either of them or any of my other friends in Seattle very often they are all missed and loved. We had great times together and I have fond memories of those days that will last me a lifetime.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
MLK Weekend in Mexico City
Kevin and I ended up spending a nice, long weekend in Mexico City over Martin Luther King weekend, the first time either of us had visited. We had a great time - the weather was great (72 by day, much cooler at night) the city was exciting and engaging and we scored an amazing hotel, Camino Real, for only $100 a night.
In this shot we were descending the Temple of the Sun, the third largest pyramid in the world, located in Teotihuacan, a historic area 50km outside the city with a number of temples and historic relics.
While we went to some good restaurants (and one incredibly bad one - never eat at 12:30 in the Zona Rosa. A Mexican diner that was serving what was easily one of the worst meals I have ever encountered) we both agreed the best Mexican food was found at the multitude of street cart vendors that dot the street throughout much of the city and, I suspect, the country.
Admittedly we probably tried to do too much in such a short period of time - the flight out of Laguardia took us through Dallas both ways and ended up taking over 8 hours both ways. As a result we only got to spend 2.5 days in Mexico total, which was definitely a day short of what probably would have made sense. Additionally, because of Kevin's job, we need to get back as early on Monday as we could, which required a 3:45am wake up call that morning.
It was an exhausting trip and admittedly I picked up a stomach bug on the way back, but it overall it was great fun.
In this shot we were descending the Temple of the Sun, the third largest pyramid in the world, located in Teotihuacan, a historic area 50km outside the city with a number of temples and historic relics.
While we went to some good restaurants (and one incredibly bad one - never eat at 12:30 in the Zona Rosa. A Mexican diner that was serving what was easily one of the worst meals I have ever encountered) we both agreed the best Mexican food was found at the multitude of street cart vendors that dot the street throughout much of the city and, I suspect, the country.
Admittedly we probably tried to do too much in such a short period of time - the flight out of Laguardia took us through Dallas both ways and ended up taking over 8 hours both ways. As a result we only got to spend 2.5 days in Mexico total, which was definitely a day short of what probably would have made sense. Additionally, because of Kevin's job, we need to get back as early on Monday as we could, which required a 3:45am wake up call that morning.
It was an exhausting trip and admittedly I picked up a stomach bug on the way back, but it overall it was great fun.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
New Orleans for New Years!
My roomie TJ and I got to spend an amazing 6 days in sunny New Orleans over our holiday break, including New Years Eve. It was my first time to the city, so I am unable to compare it to it's pre-Katrina state. However I can say that is was one of the most beautiful cities in the United States that I have ever visited. The famous and historic French Quarter, while overrun by tourists, is an amazing place to wander and absorb the unique culture that defines New Orleans. The weather was consistently warm during the day (mid-70's) yet cool in the evenings (50's) making it an ideal break from the freezing weather in the Northeast.
It's easy to see how a young someone can get distracted by the constant energy and excitement that defines the city's most infamous street, Bourbon Street. Many bars and clubs are open 24 hours and while you can carry your drinks anywhere with you throughout the city, the practice is most prevalent on Bourbon. Still, there is much to see and experience off the strip, and I encourage visitors to explore some of the lesser known venues.
The Garden District, with it's beautiful and extravagant mansions, is also well worth the trek.
Our primary guide was the Lonely Planet's New Orleans book (http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Orleans-City-Guide/dp/1740599128/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231874224&sr=1-5), which is well worth picking up. The food suggestions were amazing - I don't think I have ever eaten so well in my life. And despite what would think, there are plenty of healthy options available. While there is plenty of fried food available, most items are also grilled and/or served Cajun style.
It's easy to see how a young someone can get distracted by the constant energy and excitement that defines the city's most infamous street, Bourbon Street. Many bars and clubs are open 24 hours and while you can carry your drinks anywhere with you throughout the city, the practice is most prevalent on Bourbon. Still, there is much to see and experience off the strip, and I encourage visitors to explore some of the lesser known venues.
The Garden District, with it's beautiful and extravagant mansions, is also well worth the trek.
Our primary guide was the Lonely Planet's New Orleans book (http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Orleans-City-Guide/dp/1740599128/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231874224&sr=1-5), which is well worth picking up. The food suggestions were amazing - I don't think I have ever eaten so well in my life. And despite what would think, there are plenty of healthy options available. While there is plenty of fried food available, most items are also grilled and/or served Cajun style.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Candis Cayne is POPular!!!
For whatever reason, this photo of Candis Cayne is the most popular shot in my album. Between this picture, and another less popular picture of her, it accounts for nearly a fifth of all the individual pictures on my flickr site (http://www.flickr.com/photos/darylsela/).
During my brother and his wife's visit last spring we were lucky enough to catch the lovely Miss Cayne performing, which is when this pic was taken. My drunk brother apparently misunderstood me prior to the show and didn't realize the performer was transgendered until after the show was complete.
The frequent guest star of recently deceased dramedy "Dirty Sexy Money" is definitely and entertaining performer - often times, she will literally her take her act from stage to street, stopping traffic while she dances amongst stunned drivers and passersby. Unfortunately, between this and her and Firestarter look (holds head above a strong fan so that her blonde locks blow back in a fashion similar to Drew Barrymore's character from the film), Candis frequently struggles to come up with any other original ideas. Still, it's an act that you should try to catch once or twice in your lifetime....
During my brother and his wife's visit last spring we were lucky enough to catch the lovely Miss Cayne performing, which is when this pic was taken. My drunk brother apparently misunderstood me prior to the show and didn't realize the performer was transgendered until after the show was complete.
The frequent guest star of recently deceased dramedy "Dirty Sexy Money" is definitely and entertaining performer - often times, she will literally her take her act from stage to street, stopping traffic while she dances amongst stunned drivers and passersby. Unfortunately, between this and her and Firestarter look (holds head above a strong fan so that her blonde locks blow back in a fashion similar to Drew Barrymore's character from the film), Candis frequently struggles to come up with any other original ideas. Still, it's an act that you should try to catch once or twice in your lifetime....
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