construction update

Been a while since I posted a construction update. Looks like they've walled in the lower floors, and continue to build upwards. Notice that the construction guys have gone through a technological revolution, and now have a pulley system in place to get things up (and down) the building -- the guy in blue coveralls standing in the middle floors is using it. Based on the lack of scaffolding, I'm guessing that they're starting to use the internal stairs to get up and down the floors.

Wonder why I keep posting these construction pictures? It's so one can do this - it's like one of those flip book type things - only in reverse

Back in Quito

Nothing much to report on the flight back "home". It was good seeing everyone that I was able to see.
Major news about Lonesome George. It looks like he's learned how to not be so lonesome no more. I guess it's more interesting for those of us who have been to see him in the Galapagos.

In Denver for the Week

I'm in Denver for the week. A's home, enjoying herself.
I'm not really here by choice, but I'm going to make the most of the situation. I look forward to figuring out how this city engendered a personality like Neal Cassidy, and what it's all about.
I'm staying at the Brown Palace hotel while I'm here, a place with enough character to make the trip a little interesting. It reminds me of the Drake in Chicago. Character that is in no way similar to the image that the name might project in some people's minds. As far as I can tell, there's no chinese food here.

The One Rule

As you may know, I've been traveling a lot more than usual. Figures that work would have me going places as soon as we decide to move to an exotic locale where I want to spend more time.
One of the secondary results of traveling is that I spend way too much time in public bathrooms, which is a disturbing enough prospect, in and of itself. This experience has led me to one overriding thought, or demand, regarding my fellow travelers, and the first, and hopefully only, rule that I want everyone that I know to follow. I'm not a demanding person, in general, but this is imperative:
Under no circumstances should anyone, ever, use their phone in a public restroom. There are no conditions or situations or factors in the world that warrant or excuse people from taking or making cell phone calls while they are in a public toilet. Period.
It's disgusting.
If I were a better man, I would confront the miscreants and sinners who engage in these acts directly, rather than telling people who know better what to do.
I pity the people on the receiving ends of those calls.

Galapagos - Pictures of Wildlife and Landscapes

The Galapagos was amazing - a highly recommended trip for anyone into experiencing nature up close, playing in the water and relaxing (oh, and swiming with sharks if you are into that). Truly a once in a lifetime experience. The diversity of animals, terrains and views from island to island was astounding. Living aboard a boat where you don't have to captain, cook or clean was also a bit of a treat, but the lack of hard work while aboard did make us feel a little guilty.

Here are a few shots of the wildlife and landscapes:

Galapagos - Pictures of Jay, Amanda and Ethan

Here is the first of two slideshows from Galapagos. This one is specificially dedicated to family - especially parents and grandparents - that want to see pictures of us (especially of Ethan).

We're back from Galapagos, which was an amazing trip on all fronts. There's much to report on Galapagos, but before I do, wanted to get our Machu Pichu pictures up online: