Let me begin by saying that I am *this* close to having my own computer. I got the new operating system installed on the laptop, but one of the drivers failed to install...naturally, it was the internet driver. I'm on it, though, so with any luck, in a couple days I'll have personal internet and the ability to transmit pictures. I think that's what this blog needs.
I set up my tent last night. It was bliss!!! All I could hear were peepers and the low hum of someone farming in the distance. I did it at dusk, and couldn't find the nifty spot I'd picked out last week, so eventually I will have to move the tent, and get a more sustainable setup (a tarp over it, an air mattress--maybe with sheets!--inside, flatter ground, etc), but for now, it will do. It has a few logistical issues, the lack of plumbing and electricity, and a walk through the mud to the nearest civilization among them, but I'm quite happy with it. And happier today than I've been in a while. Talking to the folks at home didn't hurt, either.
Got my contract for Korea printed, signed, and faxed. 2 Apostilles and some passport photos (and a frightening FedEx bill) to go and I'll be set! The contract mentioned the apartment they will provide for me, but also mentioned the option of a homestay. Hmmmm. The homestay was what MADE my time in London, but I got very lucky that time--luckier than I can count on being again. Staying with a family can give you a warmer and more in-depth experience, and be almost like having a personal concierge--someone to point you in the right direction, answer questions, offer guidance. It can also be Big Brother, Real World hell. An apartment of my own is sounding SO nice, but I do have the rest of my life to live in one, and only 1 year to live in Korea.
I did mention Arizona in this post's title. I hiked into another canyon and looked at another cliff dwelling. This time with a real Navajo guide. It's getting pretty run-of-the-mill, but it's still impressive. The canyon was quite fetching, with a real river with real water in it (a little bit, anyway). Once again, the drive was the most amazing part. It's crazy how often the landscape changes, and how many different ways rocks can express themselves. At one point, I had a canyon in my rearview, mountains in front, neverending flatness to the right, and abrupt CGI-looking massive rock protrusions on my left. It truly never stopped impressing me. Four Corners did, though. Last time I was there, in 1998, we arrived late at night when it was closed, walked around the gate and back to the platform, and had the place to ourselves to take pictures and do whatever else we could conjure up in 4 states at once. This time, it was crowded, campy (though I was not feeling as charmed by this as I otherwise might), and uninspiring. I couldn't take Lumphy's picture because the wind would have taken him away instantly. I was hesitant to have my picture taken because nobody looked like someone I'd want to hand my camera to. I'd planned to scope out the Navajo jewelry, but my heart wasn't in it. Some places really beg companions. The license plates were interesting--as varied as the landscape. I don't know if I've ever even see Yukon before!
I have this Wednesday off. I think I'm going to have a quiet day in Cortez. The Chinese food is tasteless, but I love the "urbanness" of it. (Anyone who's seen Cortez might be amused by this) I think I'm going to see a movie and go to the grocery store! I went to City Market on Thursday, and found being there strangely comforting. They accepted my college-era Soopercard. Sometimes it's nice to anonymously go about one's daily business. There's a satisfaction to it. One can also ponder why Wegmans doesn't have the self-checkout. They really should.
I set up my tent last night. It was bliss!!! All I could hear were peepers and the low hum of someone farming in the distance. I did it at dusk, and couldn't find the nifty spot I'd picked out last week, so eventually I will have to move the tent, and get a more sustainable setup (a tarp over it, an air mattress--maybe with sheets!--inside, flatter ground, etc), but for now, it will do. It has a few logistical issues, the lack of plumbing and electricity, and a walk through the mud to the nearest civilization among them, but I'm quite happy with it. And happier today than I've been in a while. Talking to the folks at home didn't hurt, either.
Got my contract for Korea printed, signed, and faxed. 2 Apostilles and some passport photos (and a frightening FedEx bill) to go and I'll be set! The contract mentioned the apartment they will provide for me, but also mentioned the option of a homestay. Hmmmm. The homestay was what MADE my time in London, but I got very lucky that time--luckier than I can count on being again. Staying with a family can give you a warmer and more in-depth experience, and be almost like having a personal concierge--someone to point you in the right direction, answer questions, offer guidance. It can also be Big Brother, Real World hell. An apartment of my own is sounding SO nice, but I do have the rest of my life to live in one, and only 1 year to live in Korea.
I did mention Arizona in this post's title. I hiked into another canyon and looked at another cliff dwelling. This time with a real Navajo guide. It's getting pretty run-of-the-mill, but it's still impressive. The canyon was quite fetching, with a real river with real water in it (a little bit, anyway). Once again, the drive was the most amazing part. It's crazy how often the landscape changes, and how many different ways rocks can express themselves. At one point, I had a canyon in my rearview, mountains in front, neverending flatness to the right, and abrupt CGI-looking massive rock protrusions on my left. It truly never stopped impressing me. Four Corners did, though. Last time I was there, in 1998, we arrived late at night when it was closed, walked around the gate and back to the platform, and had the place to ourselves to take pictures and do whatever else we could conjure up in 4 states at once. This time, it was crowded, campy (though I was not feeling as charmed by this as I otherwise might), and uninspiring. I couldn't take Lumphy's picture because the wind would have taken him away instantly. I was hesitant to have my picture taken because nobody looked like someone I'd want to hand my camera to. I'd planned to scope out the Navajo jewelry, but my heart wasn't in it. Some places really beg companions. The license plates were interesting--as varied as the landscape. I don't know if I've ever even see Yukon before!
I have this Wednesday off. I think I'm going to have a quiet day in Cortez. The Chinese food is tasteless, but I love the "urbanness" of it. (Anyone who's seen Cortez might be amused by this) I think I'm going to see a movie and go to the grocery store! I went to City Market on Thursday, and found being there strangely comforting. They accepted my college-era Soopercard. Sometimes it's nice to anonymously go about one's daily business. There's a satisfaction to it. One can also ponder why Wegmans doesn't have the self-checkout. They really should.
You mean Wemans doesn't have self-checkout??? Oh, that's right, I don't shop, so how would I know/not-know???
ReplyDeleteSend me email if you need help with the NIC driver. Meantime I'll see if I have it lying around anywhere.
Homestay might be really cool! Isn't there a Buddhist serious respect for teachers? You might be Queen Melissa if you found a family. Plus, might save some money.