ubermunkey

I was feeling the need for a new city between Lyon and Paris. Decent tickets and some scenes from an old old movie led me to Marseille.

Just as soon as I exited the train station this was the view. Phone snaps don’t do it justice!

Ah France. So easily you bring me to my senses.

Like one of those images you’ve seen everywhere except for in person.

Another fountain surrounded by beautiful buildings. The perfect spot to catch my breath and reset my attitude.

One off experience at a restaurant and I was ready to take a train back to Spain or Portugal or any non French border town. 😂 Truth is I’ve made little effort to truly learn French and this is France. On one hand I get the expectation that folks at least make an effort. Which o do, yet on the other a little tolerance for poor accent would go a long way. Yet overall it was about being laughed at, which is different than when someone laughs with you.

Porto! Street art. Obidos old tile with a bit of age showing. Gnarled trees moving into spring With the thick stone wall of old city Obidos showing in the back ground.

An artist with an environmental bent is doing these in and around Portugal. I’ve seen his stuff here and in Lisbon. A small image doesn’t do the work justice. Rhonda Spain is one of those places I read about as a child via National Geographic and have loved for years tho I’d not been there till this year. Last two images are of the Alhambra in Spain. Really beautiful old place with amazing touches everywhere.

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An island I’d never heard of just became one of my favorite spots on the planet so far.

The following images are taken on Procida off the coast of Naples.

My travels continue tho a family illness is calling me home. Probably prior to my being absolutely ready, yet I have enough sense to be grateful for what I have and the times and travels I’ve enjoyed thus far.

They have allowed me to do some work on myself and clear some of my demons. The next bit will be putting some of said learnings into play on a practical scale. A day to day scale.

A new love of mine. I had no idea treat fresh lemons tasted so different. I’ve taken to hot lemon water in the morning and these lemons are so fresh I found myself eating the pith. And looking forward to it daily.

Turns out soul searching is an ongoing scene.

A Monday in January finds me back in Denver for about a week. Then off to Spain.

The weekend has been spent with friends who are really chosen family.

Awkward continues to be my super power and I’m working with that. Rolling with it and allowing it all to unfold as it will.

The image below Is a still life from Saturday night. Dinner with loved ones involved 5 humans one four legged family member, four bottles of bubbles, and 4 bottles of red wine.

A lovely evening even if the day after was a little slow starting out.

Younger brother cousin, same father and out mothers are sisters.

Dom does his thing on a gorgeous relatively jet lag minor day.

Random image of a window I saw this morning. Walking with the Beast in Phoenix AZ.

The days are full. She and I are having some time to ourselves. Moment by moment she’s change. One minute an old soul with wisdom in her eyes, the next a child full of wonder or insecurity. The two emotions jockey for position.

Now in the early hours something’s woken me and I think about the days past and those yet to come. The rain is falling gently outside. Making me grateful for shelter and the simple things.

Tomorrow we pack up the Tacoma and head north towards Nevada. We’ll take out time getting there.

You know those authors that use time as a tool to keep you guessing?

Sometimes it feels like nothing ever changes. Then in a flash it’s a decade later.

I’m a Contemplative navel gazing bastard at the best of times. At times like these even more so!

Getting a feel for this after so much time away. Thanks for the folks who said hello yesterday.

Visiting a friend in San Diego and struggling with this humidity. Wow.

Also planning a trip to Australia. This will be a first for me.

Flying into Sydney then New Zealand possibly? Pointers welcome.

The beast and the bear. A study in plaid.