where I've been

Earlier in the month I spent 7 days on a Cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. It was an interesting experience. I'd never been to that part of the world before. Were I to do it again, I would not do it as part of a Cruise experience, teaching or otherwise. I like to spend some time in a place rather than being there for just a couple of hours. And to be absolutely honest, I had a lot of trouble with the contrast between the excesses of a large Cruise ship and the realities of life for the people who work on the ship and in the communities where the ship docked.
Still, it was beautiful and a warm break from early March in Montana. I did enjoy the students, the people watching and being in a tropical climate.
Here are a few photos from the trip.



Playa del Carmen was the point where we took the the ferry from Cozumel to the Yucatan. A colorful place, also proof positive that McDonald's is everywhere.







































The beach at Tulun, on the Yucatan Peninsula. If you look carefully, you will see evidence of what the hurricanes left behind. Towns were wiped out; harbors filled with sand. Here, just extra sand deposited inland.
It was a hot and brilliant day. we arrived in the early afternoon and had less than three hours. I'll post more photos later (have to process them.)




























Just one of the photos taken at the ruins of Tulun. More on that later, I hope. This was the high point of the trip for me. I studied Pre-Columbian Art History in Grad School (with a focus on the Maya) and remain fascinated by the people, the culture and what remains.











































Earlier in the week we were on Ochos Rios, Jamaica. It was lush and wet. About 15 minutes after we got there, the skies opened. I have never been so wet. The texture of leaves and bark was awesome. These leaves were/are bigger than I am.

My return was an adventure: 6 hours in an airport, 9 hours in flight, home at midnight. Two days later I was back in the routine of tending to the legal and financial issues for my brother-in-law and playing catch-up.

I do have new work to show you though! watch for the next post. [what, two in one day???]