Bob Dylan Is 70

Dylan Portrait in Apartment

An unexpected highlight of my recent trip to London occurred when I noticed a sign outside an art gallery in Bath. Bob Dylan's art was in that gallery and being from the United States where Mr. Dylan does not show or sell his art, I had never seen one of his works in person.
Even now, I wonder if I should have just broken the bank and purchased a picture that was there on that wall but I did not and given my current status of employ that was the best decision. I did however stand before the wall that displayed his work and stare. I was awestuck. I was choked up and welled up. And, I knew that for a moment I was very lucky. How did I happen by this place? I got lost looking for a Jane Austen store and to get lost in such a small city, one must either be filled with the wanderlust that only being in a fantastic location with a camera to the eye most of the time or from being a bit capricious in navigating the town via road sign rather than map. I assure any reader that either may have been true that day. Regardless, I felt incredibly lucky because there were so many circumstances that led to me arriving there at that specific time.
The person at the gallery (owner) and I spoke about Dylan for nearly 20 minutes and it was one of the liveliest conversations I had on the trip. 
As mentioned, I did not buy a Dylan work that day. I did however buy his entire collection! I bought a book. Though it weighs less pounds than it cost, it could not travel in my luggage as it pushed me past the 23kg limit but I was happy to carry it with me from Bath to New York. I can look at these drawings and paintings any time now. Though a trip to London should have satisfied me, and a magnet or shot glass is the typical souvenir from a trip abroad, my bookshelf now holds evidence of a wonderful holiday and my Dylan collection as robust in sight as it is in sound. One day, maybe a Dylan will hang on my wall (not just a portrait of the man himself). To see some, go to the website.

Today is Bob Dylan's 70th birthday. He will be celebrating with concerts later this week in NYC, one of which I will attend. His recent album, Together Through Life, is one of the best I purchased in 2009 and one song, "Feel a Change Comin' On" has been vital to me. It is right now. Having released his first album in 1962, it would seem reasonable that Dylan would have stopped producing relevant, influential music and lyrics long ago but he has not. I want to hear what is next and to continue to discover so much I have not already heard.

This is a simple post to thank Bob Dylan on his 70th birthday, for his art, his music and his words. And, maybe one of a few more about my trip to London.

Bath, for those interested is a fantastic and easy day trip to make out of London and I highly recommend touring the Roman Baths. If you do, take the time to go on the free guided tour that is conducted hourly near the main bath. And, stop by Castle Gallery too. It will be worth the time.

Bahamas, Day 1

I was mostly on my own on Paradise Island my first day in the Bahamas and actually relaxed. The view from my room is amazing or what one may call breath-taking. I went to the pool and read a book which I'm dreading finishing because it is so good. In the afternoon I took a free casino gaming class which turned out to be really fun. Blackjack and Craps were on the agenda. I'm ready to hit the tables in Vegas now! All I need is some money to hit them with. :)

There was a huge storm and an accompanying power outage. Where would you NOT want to be during a power outage? The survey says...Elevator! That's right, my brother-in-law and I had just gotten into the elevator when the power outage occurred and believe me, I was a little worried for the few seconds that the lights were out. Luckily we were out of there within 2 minutes. It was one of those, "I hope I don't end up like that guy in the you tube video" moments. Ever see the guy who was stuck for 46 hours? I think I'd lose it eventually, if only for a few minutes.

We indulged and at at Nobu but I wasn't too impressed. The NYC location is better according to my bro-in-law and I'd have to think so. They were even out of kelp for the Kelp Salad. I offered to run out to the beach and get some but the waiter didn't think that would work. It was worth the laugh it got though.

It is a bit strange being at a resort because it's like living in a little microcosm of the entire place. There is a Market Village area but it is all owned or affiliated with the resort. We're looking forward to going over to Nassau and other places to check things out. Everything is geared at tourism though.

So far the Bahamas are pretty cool and give great opportunity for photos which is even better.

What I Did this Summer...

It seems like I'm always on the road and for the past two months that would be a difficult statement to argue with. I never thought I was a person who would like so much to be away form home but I guess we begin to learn these things about ourselves as we go out into the world, huh?

So far this year (for work and fun): Ontario (California), Fresno, Memphis, Chicago, NYC and now the Bahamas. I'm in the middle of a 2-hour layover in fact. Next up: San Fransicso and Puerto Vallarta for weddings. I think I'll be beside myself in July unless I find a way out of town again! I'm excited about seeing some new places as other than the Bay Area my upcoming travel is taking me to places I haven't been.

Got any summer travel plans?

FAT to SAN via LAX, GMAB!

A funny thing happened on the way to San Diego...not really funny or even important but I love starting off sentences that way. This is a rant. I am at LAX waiting over an hour to board a plane to San Diego. I have travelled many places lately and this has been the most annoyed I have been.

Why? Well, I had this layover in a horrible terminal. It is the American Eagle terminal to be precise. I decided to take a shuttle to a different terminal to go get food or coffee or something. I was told that was permissible.

I get my Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte (that's my signature drink) and a Cinnamon Scone (I like them but hate scones generally) and go back to the shuttle.

"Um, you can't take that on the shuttle."
"What?"
"Um, you can't take that. Your drink. That has to go."
"Ugggh. Really?"
"Yeah. You can sit here and enjoy it though."
"I have a flight to catch."
"Oh, let me see your boarding pass...yeah, you better get that shuttle."
"That shuttle," I point.
"Yes."

I had to toss the full coffee before taking one sip. It was a sacrifice greater than you may imagine. The latte that is normally $3.85 at an outside store is $5 at the airport.

I grudgingly walk towards the shuttle. When I arrive at the terminal, it is the wrong terminal. That little twerp told me to get on the wrong shuttle!!!

Now I am back at the right terminal waiting to board a flight that will get me home in just 30 minutes less time than it would have taken me to make the drive at this point. At least I'd allow a beverage in my vehicle!

Happy Easter to everyone!

Palm Springs in the Winter

I'm going to go and check out the Palm Springs Int'l Film Festival one day next week. A cheap hotel room and a little time and I'm all set to check it out! I'm excited about seeing some festival films and just spending the day with a friend so I thought I'd share.

If there is any place I should check out while I'm there, let me know and I'll try to fit it in!