walking on the roof of hell: Explanation on My Lack of Photos and Photos of The Most Awesome Places

You might be asking, is she going to take pictures when she is in Dubai and Oman? Or is that just another of her unfulfilled promises?

Yes, I will take photos. I have James' point and shoot digital camera. Just needs Batteries, said James. Well, the reason I didn't take photos of Lisbon (although Ken and Natasha did and I will definately post them when they send them to me), Brussels, Paris, Denver is because I bought used and dead AA's from the Swindler at the Newsstand at Newark Penn Station.I was in a hurry so didnt look too closely but Ken says they are not even in Duracel packaging! Dead batteries = No camera use.

I finally bought some at JP's hotel in Denver (whom I visited on my way back to Utah from work). Where are the photos of Denver you ask? ER, um, I forgot to take some. . .I PROMISE it won't happen again. This WILL be a blog of PHOTOS when I go to the Most Awesome Places.

And speaking of fulfilling promises, Here are some photos of The Most Awesome Places

As you may remember, I went to Israel over Christmas. Above is me in my hotel room at the David Intercontinental Tel Aviv taking my very first photo with my camera phone.

Here is the view from my hotel room.

Walking to the Beach.

We have arrived.

This last photo (above--sorry, I haven't figured out how to rotate photos from my camera phone yet) is of one of my favorite English translations from a non-native English speaker: "Alcohol on the Beach."

This just the beginning of one street in a maze of streets lined with over-loaded stalls at the large outdoor market or "suk" by my hotel. I didn't take very many photos inside because many Muslims are sensitive to getting their photos taken. . .and, er, I guess I am still a little sensitive about taking photos. Some things that I bought:

Those pastries appear to be average American pastries but, of course, they are not; they are paradise in disguise. They are made with a paste of ground poppyseeds and honey. As you see, Joon M is enjoying some freshly squeezed pomegranite juice. Last, an example of one of the sandwiches I have described with tomatoes, cucumber, hummus and Bulgarit cheese; all in a fresh (its still warm when I buy it) whole grain pita. That's pretty much what I lived off of when I went to Hebrew U. in Jerusalem.

Listen, I could go on about the food forever and ever and you still wouldn't get it. Suffice it to say, those pastries don't taste like American pastries, that produce does not taste like American produce, and that cheese and pita do not taste like American cheese and pita. They are acoustic guitars but Plugged in, amped up, and from another planet.

End Israel.

Begin. . . . . .Brazil?

Ah. . . .Pure summer enjoyment in December! I was only there for 11 hours but somehow managed to thoroughly enjoy myself. I had a day off in-between Tel Aviv and Copenhagen and by the pure miracle of God, I was able to squeeze in this little working trip to Sao Paolo. It was 85 degrees.

I have more photos of me in a bathing suit but I'll spare you since this is a family blog but that's pretty much what I did in Sao Paolo; I hung out by the pool. I did walk to the street to take these photos of street signs, proving I was in Brazil rather than Mexico or somewhere else not as cool.

As you see; retarded camera phone in action. The sign says "To Rio de Jeneiro/ Sao Paolo". We stay at a hotel near the airport since the lay over is so short. I ended up with 3 hours of sleep. . . It was worth it.

I arrived back in Newark and that same night (December 29th) I was off to Copenhagen, Denmark ; but this time for 6 days.

First, a few photos of Copenhagen :

And then . . . ..

As I wrote in The Most Awesome Places, "Copenhagen for new years was one continuous 6-hour make-out session of fireworks. Our view couldn't have been any better. New Years couldn't have been more fun." 'Nuff said.

Finally, here are some photos of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christ (or Christus) and Twelve Apostles housed in this simplisticly beautiful former Catholic (and now Lutheran) Church:

And, why not? . . .a couple of bonus photos of Stockholm when I went Jan. 7-11th. Too bad I didn't take photos of Mattias in his tiger coat. . . .So many photo opportunities lost. . . sigh.