Incense burner still rockin!!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
Looking up at the Potala from the entrance gate. The Potala sits atop a large hill in the middle of Lhasa valley called Marpo Ri. It is quite a climb to meerly reach the entrance of the building itself, and once you are actually inside, the climbing continues as you wind your way through the labyrinthine bowels of this enormous building. The structure itself is a wonder of the world. As a whole it is massive, being one structure, divided into many segments, designed for different purposes. There are enormous chapels containing two and three story burial chortens of previous incarnations of the Dalai Lama. There are smaller more intimate chapels dedicated to different dieties. And, of course, there are the residential quarters of the Dalai Lamas.
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
On the way up the hill.... nice views over the Lhasa Valley, featuring "Red Square", located directly across the street. There are squares like this in every city we visited in Tibet, each containing a stark, rather phallic monument to communist China. At the bottom of the photo you can see the main entrance gate to the Potala, and the lower, inner administrative buildings of the Potala complex.
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
Walking up the front steps to the entrance. It is quite a climb from the bottom of the hill to the base of the building itself!
Sunday, June 03, 2007
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
On a tour of the Potala you walk up dozens of narrow, steep stairways to access all the inner temples and rooms. It was a workout for the two of us at our age, and it was blowing me away to see all the elderly people completing this same circuit! Here, we are about half way through the building, and on a particularly long stretch of stairs. One of the more elderly pilgrims was hitching a ride from a grandson up THESE steps. You can see me at the top of those stairs, in the top photo. It was a great day to tour the Potala, because it was one of the days when Pilgrims are allowed in for free. So we were surrounded, literally pushed through the dozens of rooms and chambers by a wave of Tibetan Pilgrims! Experiencing a tour this way means you ARE hurried a bit, just based on sheer numbers of people trying to see the same things, but for me it becomes more authentic and significant to visit a place with people on a holy mission. This being the traditional home of all the Dalai Lamas, and the last home in Tibet of the current Dalai Lama, it is a VERY sacred site to Tibetans, and a place that people wish to visit for their whole lives. Myself included....
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
Some inner details. Photos were EXPRESSLY forbidden inside the Potala. They were serious too... there were cameras and security monks stationed inside each of the main rooms, and anywhere there were pieces of art or historical relics. We managed to sneak in a very few clandestine shots where no one was looking. This was a random hallway, but the whole place was painted up like this. Tibetans have a real talent for making spaces as colorful as possible.
Friday, June 01, 2007
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
As you come out the back of the Potala, you come to a spot with a very expansive view over the West side of Lhasa, which happens to be the Chinese and newest section of the city. A classic spot for photos, and as we stopped here to take our self-portrait we were approached by a group of Chinese tourists. We thought they wanted us to take their photo, but, it turns out, they wanted us to pose IN their photo WITH them! Not only that, they wanted US to pose for them while they took OUR photo with THEIR camera... it turned into quite a photo shoot! And it made for a hilarious moment for us! Making new friends... one of the joys of travel!
The Potala Lhasa, Tibet
The back side of the Potala itself, framed by prayer flags, sacred rocks, and yak butter... lots and lots of yak butter!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Mount Ashland April 10, 2007
One last ride up before the end of the season! This shot is pre-broken rib, which I managed to do the NEXT week down at Squaw Valley in Tahoe. Check out youtube for a video of my first ever attempt at a big jump. Just do a search with the word kettlepuss, and my video will come up, along with some other videos of ours...... it is OK to laugh, as long as you leave a comment!
Tuesday morning blues...
Here are some photos of my home for the weekend, The Canal Street Guesthouse. It was perfect for my needs and taste. Room eleven hooked me up... I had no problem keeping a supply of quarters on hand for the pay-by-the-hour air conditioning... I got an hour of A/C per quarter! It was simple, but beautifully decorated, and extremely clean. The bed was one of the most comfortable I have ever slept on, with a handmade quilt and down pillows to top it off! The porch wrapped around the outside of the building and was a nice spot for relaxing. The view off of my side of the porch was great... notice the incredible leaning building behind the field with the FEMA trailer in it. I really enjoyed staying here! GOODBYE ,UNTIL NEXT TIME ,NEW ORLEANS!!!
New Orleans... Monday night
I headed home after Kermit's second set... my Jazz Fest was officially over for this year! After a night moving from gin and tonics to gin fizzs to hurricanes and back to gin and tonics I was ready to put my head down and rest for awhile!! I didn't want the party to be over, but, like all good things, it had to come to an end.
New Orleans... Monday night
Dancing In The Streets!!On set break from Kermit Ruffins I went for a walk down Frenchmen Street to see what else was going on. I ran into this impromptu party in the street. A brass band echoing through the streets is a quinteseential sound of New Orleans! Fun!! Big Sam of Big Sam's Funky Nation was hanging out on Frenchmen Street and stopped by to give these guys some props!!
New Orleans... Monday night
Caught a cab from Bourbon Street over to Frenchmen Street. I had heard that Paul Shaeffer was hosting a jam session at a new club called Ray's Boom Boom Room, so I was curious to check that out. That rumor turned out to be false, and in place of Paul I found Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers about to take the stage. I decided to grab a gin and tonic and hang out for a set. There was about 25 people in this club, a new place, which was very cool. Deep and narrow with upstairs balcony seating and a big dance floor. Kermit was quality trumpet as usual!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
New Orleans... Monday night
At the Maison Bourbon they are dedicated to the preservation of Jazz. I am SO down with the cause! I enjoyed the musical stylings of Jamil Sharif (on trumpet) as well as the rest of the band. The drummer I have seen around town over the years, and he is quite a percussion artist. The clarinette player was sweet , and the piano player had some classic, sharp jazz sounds he was laying down. Not a bad way to spend a few hours on Bourbon Street... one of the few authentic New Orleans experiences you can have on Bourbon Street. And I just happened to stumble in on my search for a clean bathroom!! You never know what you will discover on a night out in New Orleans!! But chances are, you're gonna have a funky good time!
New Orleans... Monday night
Street performer on Bourbon Street. He had quite a stride. You can't tell from this photo, but he was holding the leash on a little toy dog wearing an Uncle Sam top hat and smoking a fat cigar.
Friday, May 25, 2007
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
A Ramos' gin fizz from the Desire oyster bar on Bourbon Street. Gin is my liquor of choice, and usually a gin and tonic with Bombay Sapphire will make me a happy girl. But I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy my Bombay, and tonight I tried this yummy drink. It was gin, a little tonic water, cream and orange blossom water on the rocks. Not only was it totally delicious, but check out the size of my glass!! Also had some scrumptious crawfish tails here, as an appetizer, of course....
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
New Orleans has so much soul it just leaks out into the streets! I was aimlessly strolling the Quarter, exploring, waiting for dinner time... when I heard the sweet tones of a trumpet rolling through the street from a distance. I could tell it was moving toward me, and before I knew it, I had been overtaken by a spontaneous jazz parade! I grooved appreciatevly as they marched past, and even got a few strands of beads thrown my way!!
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
There are still a very few old steam boats left, and this is one of the largest and most used. A tourist novelty at this point, but a beautiful and amazing machine none the less. A few nights a week during Jazz Fest there are shows on a smaller version of a steamboat. The boat pulls away from the dock here in the Quarter, the band plays their 2-3 hour show, as the boat cruises up river and then back down. A variety of acts play these cruise-shows, from more well-known jazz musicians like Karl Denson to jam band favorites like Keller Williams. Anyway, the steamboat has been a classic sight of New Orleans for hundreds of years and seems to belong here as much as the River itself.
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
One of the streetcars I became familiar with this year. You can get on a streetcar along the River down in the Quarter, and ride it all the way up Canal to the end of the line at City Park/ Bayou St. John/ The Fairgrounds or get off anywhere in between, for $1.25. Such a deal, and a really fun way to get around. There was a stop directly in front of my guesthouse, which was very convenient! I love the streetcars in New Orleans... even though the streetcar drivers went on strike my first 3 days in the city...power to the people... I hope they got that contract they were hoping for!
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
The world famous steeple of the St. Louis Cathedral at the head of Jackson Square, just off the River in the French Quarter.
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
Looking down river from the Quarter. Algiers is directly across the river in this shot. M I doubleS I doubleS I doubleP I
New Orleans... Monday... sights from the streets
The Mississippi River... a classic New Orleans view. Looking up river from the French Quarter.
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
Dumpstaphunk closing Jazz Fest at Tipitina's the 2nd Sunday.... fast becoming a Jazz Fest tradition! Long live Professor Longhair!!!
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
George Porter JR. takes the stage.... now we're groovin with THREE funky bass masters!!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
Dumpstaphunk with the legendary Tipitina's sign!! This stage has seen some of the ultimate performers of our time!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
Leo Nocentelli, original lead guitar for The Meters. Another legend on the stage tonight!! Still shredding minds after ALL these years!
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
Ivan switched over to rhythm guitar while Art sat in on keys! These guys can play anything!! So rocking!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
PAPA FUNK himself, the inventor and keeper of New Orleans-style funk, ART NEVILLE. Founding father and legendary keyboard player for The Meters! He is also Ivan's uncle, and guitarist Ian's Father! So, he is a natural to sit in with Dumpsta!!! He never fails to remind me just why he is considered THE MASTER of the funky keys!! Yay Art!!!
New Orleans... Sunday night, Tipitina's
DUMPSTAPHUNK!!!!! Tony Hall (bass) and Ivan Neville getting the funk warmed up!
New Orleans... Sunday night... I'm Steppin Out!!
Headed off to Dumpstaphunk until late night, and then Zigaboo's Funk Review until...... well, AT LEAST sunrise!
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