Mexican Botany

NEW BLOG!

2006-04-30T22:17:00.000-05:00

Hey folks. Now that I am no longer in Mexico, it is time for a new blog.

New Blog

So update bookmarks, links, all of that.
http://jamieg.blogsome.com

Flowers of Housatonic

2006-04-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

(Me and) Spring in Connecticut

2006-04-28T16:18:00.000-05:00

Used the lens trick Marshall showed me. Thanks!
I'm wearing a scarf and long sleeves. Everyone else is wearing t-shirts.
The flight was smooth. The sun set over New Jersey last night as I stopped at the Vince Lombardi rest area by the George Washington Bridge. Spanish was the first thing I heard as I walked in to buy some french fries. It made me very happy. I have to admit my first thought as I approached the passport control was, "okay, I get it, USA and all that. I'm ready to go back to Mexico now." But this morning, as cold as it was, it was nice to see flowers that didn't look like they were holding on for dear life, tiny leaves on tall trees and fresh green happy grass. It will be great to have dinner with my parents tonight, to be back at 32 Hart Street tomorrow and have dinner with my sister on Sunday. I talked to Britt for an hour or so today, and it looks like I'll be visiting Providence pretty soon too.
I miss you all in San Miguel already.
HoUSAtonic-ers (and greater Great Barringtonites): Steven is picking me up at Wassaic at 6pm Saturday. See you all very soon!

Asleep and Awake

2006-04-26T14:02:00.000-05:00

The plan

2006-04-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

Leaving San Miguel de Allende at 4am Thursday morning (that is, tomorrow really early).
Flight out of Leon: 8:35 am
Arriving Newark International Airport 7:29 pm
Ridgefield, CT 9:30 (mas o menus)
Friday dinner with ma and pa.
Saturday Great Barrington.
See you all soon,
or
miss you all soon.

Catherine's Garden

2006-04-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

Escena 1: Opening Night

2006-04-19T00:46:00.000-05:00

(I think I may get used to this press pass business)

Burn Judas Burn

2006-04-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

Semana Santa is over. I am totally exhausted. I have never taken so many pictures in my life. I'm glad the week ended with a real bang.

Holy Saturday Vigil ISO1600

2006-04-16T02:10:00.000-05:00

Good Friday Procession

2006-04-15T00:08:00.000-05:00

Jesus on Trial

2006-04-14T15:26:00.000-05:00

Watching the Procession

2006-04-14T15:24:00.000-05:00

Clown in the Jardin

2006-04-13T23:27:00.000-05:00

More Stations of the Cross

2006-04-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

Stations of the Cross

2006-04-12T20:15:00.000-05:00

Paul's Balcony

2006-04-12T01:57:00.000-05:00

Right:

Left:

Down:

Up:

At Gigante

2006-04-12T01:49:00.000-05:00

Waving Palm Sunday

2006-04-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

Palm Sunday: Nothing to do With

2006-04-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

Palm Sunday: Palms

2006-04-09T15:49:00.000-05:00

Palm Sunday: Procession

2006-04-09T15:25:00.000-05:00

A bunch more photos on the Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiegoldenberg/

Our Lady of Sorrows: Nightfall and the Altars

2006-04-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Our Lady of Sorrows: Part one

2006-04-07T22:37:00.000-05:00

Paul

2006-04-06T18:12:00.000-05:00

Mexican Botany

2006-04-06T18:10:00.000-05:00

A long walk downhill

2006-04-06T00:58:00.000-05:00

New Format

2006-04-05T02:38:00.000-05:00

Yipee!
I finally screwed up the old template enough.
Links and archives are at the bottom of the page.

Flight change

2006-04-03T15:39:00.000-05:00

Changed my flight. Will be leaving at the last possible minute. Flying into Newark on the 27th of April (Visa expires April 28th). I blame Bill for getting me all-access passes to the street performance festival. I have to make up for the terrible pictures I took two days ago.
Back in GB by the end of April.
(Return flight to Mexico changed for the end of August...)

ISO 1600

2006-04-02T23:55:00.000-05:00

I need to learn how to take better pictures at night. Sorry about the "noise" (and generally bad photography) in these photos.

And as the sun rose:

Before sunrise

2006-04-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

(more coming after I take a nap)

Very Excited

2006-04-02T05:06:00.000-05:00

Five a.m. (daylight savings)
The fireworks haven't stopped for over an hour.
(Nor have the barking dogs).
Its time to go out and take pictures.
This is the definition of a love/hate relationship.

Drum beats 'round the corner

2006-03-31T23:42:00.000-06:00

Here is why I love being alone;
Because that way I don't get nervous when I try to speak Spanish. Because sometimes people think I am French when I speak Spanish. Because I fell back in love with San Miguel tonight. Because I ate three tacos and watched people dance. Because I don't have to explain how funny everything is. And because I can run home and get my camera and go to church then wander around being glad that "confuse" is in my Spanish vocabulary.

Lots of pictures from my trip

2006-03-31T11:32:00.000-06:00

Now that I have a free internet connection and plenty of time to sort through the thousands of photos I took in Oaxaca and Chiapas...
I just added a whole bunch of new photos to my flickr site
get there one of two ways:
click Jamie's Flickr
or click a photo
Here is a one of the newly added:

(Have I mentioned I love Pelicans?)
There are some there you have already seen (down down down on the blog) but they weren't loaded to flickr before. So just wade through, or click on "sets" and pick a category.

Guanajuato

2006-03-29T22:27:00.000-06:00

"I went to Guanajuato...

2006-03-29T21:38:00.000-06:00

And spent three hours in a tropical fish shop"

By the Hot Springs

2006-03-28T17:32:00.000-06:00

For lack of pelicans

2006-03-26T21:10:00.000-06:00

Very Very Centro

2006-03-25T21:42:00.000-06:00

Tonight, from the roof of the place I'll be staying for the next three weeks:

A day of desert rain

2006-03-25T21:38:00.000-06:00

(Raindrops like spitballs)

Sticking to Promises

2006-03-23T21:53:00.000-06:00

I had to promise not to put this picture up:

(But they leave in the morning and by the time they find out they'll be far far away)

Atotonilco

2006-03-22T17:15:00.000-06:00

Funny how things get easier to pronounce.

I gave the coolpix to my dad. This is a good thing, because he is a very good photographer waiting to happen.

I seem to have really messed up the blog template, my apologies to anyone who might be offended (anyone who thinks code is cool, i.e. Patrick). At least nothing overlaps anymore (I just found out that was going on). It might me time for a new layout anyway.

First Day of Spring

2006-03-22T10:12:00.000-06:00

I successfully avoided winter, but glad its spring anyway.
Back in GB in about a month.

Fabrica Aurora

2006-03-20T23:16:00.000-06:00

Ditching the Pelicans for Parades

2006-03-18T17:45:00.000-06:00

Mayan Ruins, Palenque Chiapas

2006-03-16T13:51:00.000-06:00

Aguazul, Chiapas

2006-03-16T13:45:00.000-06:00

(look carefully at the color of the river in the valley)

Outside Ocosingo

2006-03-14T12:14:00.000-06:00

Zoológico Chiapas Tuxtla

2006-03-11T15:51:00.000-06:00

Salina Cruz

2006-03-11T15:36:00.000-06:00

¡Pulpo, Mother of Pearl!

2006-03-08T16:37:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take pictures of Octopuses before I left town. Fortunately there was a, como se dice, "pulpodor" at Estahuila beach today. I'm leaving Puerto Angel tomorrow.

no birds today

2006-03-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

olas

2006-03-05T21:16:00.000-06:00

(cheating, took the picture yesterday at San Augustinillo, didn't have any good pictures today, but I promised I'd put something up today)
Its a strange thing, traveling alone. The people one meets, the conversations one has. And then we all wander off in different directions. And whatever was said disappears like it was never said at all, not frozen where it came from, but carried off along our routes, passed on a bit here or there, somethings forgotten, where did I hear that, did I read it, this guy once told me, this girl liked public radio, what were their names, that Dutch couple? Laura, I met someone who hiked the AT, I meant to tell you that, in the back of a pick up truck between the highway and Mazunte two weeks ago. He was from West Virginia, I can't remember his trail name. I've always been excited by these quick friendships, what would you call them? But now I'm a little tired. I'm excited for a trip to Chiapas, for not traveling alone for just a little while. I'm thankful for the family at Villa Florencia who have taken me in, let me eat dinner with them, been patient with my Spanish. It has been good staying in this port town for a month. I'm excited about the people I have met, the ones I'll stay in touch with and those I won't, those with whom I shared the path for only a short time, one lunch, a short conversation in a library, on a dock, in a boat, the back of a camionetta, buying eggs or bananas on a regular basis, a concert. Reading stories, hearing stories, telling stories. Learning so much every day. I read some really good books too. Including El Capitán Calzoncillos y El Ataque de los Inodoros Parlantes. Thats it, no more writing. This is, after all, supposed to be a photo blog. More pictures soon. Thanks for reading in the meantime.

Pelicans and what they leave behind

2006-03-04T21:38:00.000-06:00

I took a picture of a dead pelican, I'll spare you, and it made me kind of sad. I guess I have to be more careful about what I photograph. It was a good photograph anyway. I haven't deleted it.
Anyway, I figured a rock covered in pelican poop might be a good substitute for the photo today.
Sorry I've been slacking. Its because I'm studying too much (hear that mom and dad). More tomorrow, I promise. And just you wait til next week! Chiapas!

Home for now

2006-02-28T18:15:00.000-06:00

Back in Puerto Angel.

I may just change my dream profession from parade photographer to pelican photographer. They remind me of muppets.

Now that you've seen the port, I feel I can explain exactly(ish) what I do here (sometimes) (okay, today).
Today I woke up again before dawn to join Maurcial on his boat. No fish today. Return to port approximately 08:30. Washed my laundry. I don't have much clothing with me, so it didn't take very long. Hung clothing to dry. Desayuno-ed with Jero. Very very strong coffee. Studied a bit. Placticé con Beci. A trip to Pochutla. And back. Ate a torta: beans, chicken, salsa, avacado, plus more unidentifiable/un-recuerdo-able goodness too. A boat trip with Roberto. Placticé más. Dinner/lunch (whatever its called). I took a lot of photos too, all day. And now I am involved in a long and semifrustrating (I say semi because it doesn't really bug me, its just costing a bucket) process of copying my (full) 1GIG and 192MB memory cards from camera to disc(s).
Yesterday I pretty much just studied all day. And took photos. No boats, dirty clothes, dinner/lunch, nutella.
As the parenthases and incomplete sentances may indicate, my english is getting worse. Spanish getting better. Spanglish at an all time high.

Chacahau

2006-02-26T16:11:00.000-06:00

Sorry its been a while since I posted any photos. Its not due to laziness. Or a lack of photo-taking. Its becuase I've been on an island.

Chacahau: A beautiful sunset, a clear and starry night on the beach, an incredible sunrise and a long quiet boat trip through the lagoons. Flamingoes. Chacahau is the most beautiful place I have ever been.

Here are just a few of the photos. There are buckets more. They may find their way up here sometime soon when I have a less expensive internet connection in a slightly cooler place where I may sit and upload them. Also, to the guy who asked for photos as I was leaving: just email me (over on the right under links) and I'll send you some more.

Also, thanks for the spelling correction. Its a hard one.

(excuse me)

2006-02-24T14:04:00.000-06:00

Zicatela, Puerto Escondito

2006-02-21T19:44:00.000-06:00

From the famous Playa Zicatela.
Some pretty amazing waves there.
Unfortunately this is the only picture of them that I took.

Puerto Escondito

2006-02-20T13:09:00.000-06:00

achem, fuzzy.

2006-02-19T09:10:00.000-06:00

Fish

2006-02-16T13:59:00.000-06:00

Another 6am launch from the beach in Lancha Arena. Yesterday there were no fish, and 90 days before: the same. But today, fish, lots of them.
Here´s another cheesy dawn picture. Its hard to resist.

La Ventanilla

2006-02-14T16:58:00.000-06:00

Named for a small window in a big rock beside the beach, La Ventanilla is a tiny village just past the town of Mazunte dedicated to the preservation of the surrounding wetlands. The town receives no government funding, and relies solely on eco-tourism and locals to protect the highly coveted turtle eggs which are laid on the beach every year. There are over 500 crocodiles, many different birds and fresh water turtles who also receive the dedicated locals´ care and protection. We paddled into the laguna in a small boat, stopped on an island for a (whole) coconut snack, and returned to the beach for fresh locally grown coffee.

Also, here is a photo from the last week that now, upon reflection, I think is better than the one I chose:

Mas Temprano

2006-02-11T11:57:00.000-06:00

I walked along the beach before sunrise to meet the boat. We rode out to sea as the sun rose. Fresh fish for lunch on the beach. Now, at noon, I´ve had a full day and a full stomach.

Mazunte, Puerto Angel

2006-02-10T15:36:00.000-06:00

The sunrise in Mazunte yesterday:

Today next to Puerto Angel:

I found a place to live for the next month, here in Puerto Angel. It is across the street from the beach, and there are coconut trees beside my balcony.

Oaxaca: the first 24 hours

2006-02-07T20:44:00.000-06:00

Its an unbelievably beautiful city. Wide streets, bright colors, palm trees, dried grasshoppers and checker-domed cathedrals. Tomorrow I go to the beach, maybe.

Comments

2006-02-04T12:56:00.000-06:00

I fixed the settings: anyone can comment now. You yourself do not have to be a blogger in order to comment. You can even do it Spanish. C'mon, practice your Spanish. Or English, practice that too. Or French. But I won't understand it. But thats okay. I don't mind. German is good too. And Italian, thats fine.

Time to go to the beach

2006-02-02T23:10:00.000-06:00

Oaxaca+Me=Domingo

More Orchids

2006-02-02T23:05:00.000-06:00

Back at the flower festival. It is meant to celebrate the beginning of spring.

You'd think I'm in Spain

2006-02-01T23:45:00.000-06:00

Flamenco shoot take two. Have I mentioned I love this camera. My flamenco lesson is Friday at noon.

Flores

2006-01-30T20:27:00.000-06:00

Flower Festival in Parque Juarez!
I love flowers.
I love my new camera.
I love festivals.
I love Mexico.
Spreading the love:

Eating Peanuts in the Middle of Mexico

2006-01-29T21:32:00.000-06:00

Guanajuato. The only thing square about the city are its trees.

Ghosts

2006-01-28T14:14:00.000-06:00

How to explain? Atotonilco the other night. Empty streets. Across the street from the church. There was nothing but a light hanging over the door. Mysterious hat showing up in photographs. Chi, Alida and I could see nothing in the doorway. Spooky.

cool day, hot springs

2006-01-28T13:40:00.000-06:00

Que extrano

2006-01-25T21:45:00.000-06:00

This morning Alida and I awoke to a strange sound coming from outside. I pulled back the curtains, it couldn't be. Rain. Que extrano. Its the first time I've seen rain in three months. (there was a five minute drizzle once in November, but really, real, heavy, wet, puddle-making rain. First time in months here in San Miguel de Allende.)

Chi's, Atotonilco, Salsa

2006-01-25T21:25:00.000-06:00

On the way to Chi's ranch:

At the ranch:

Atotonilco at night:

Later at Mechicanos:

Italianos Inglatero Americanas Mexicano

2006-01-24T15:34:00.000-06:00

The last photo by Alida.

The Olympus E-500

2006-01-22T23:03:00.000-06:00

My new camera has arrived!
Its got a BIG manual.
For you, mom:

derecho

2006-01-21T21:52:00.000-06:00

izquierda izquierda izquierda

2006-01-21T21:48:00.000-06:00

Sr. Allende's Birthday

Flamenco shoot

2006-01-19T22:46:00.000-06:00

Took pictures for a flemenco group. Exchange of dinner and an hour and a half flamenco dance lesson. Woo hoo!

My mom just after her 22nd birthday

2006-01-16T14:49:00.000-06:00

Best Birthday Card Ever

2006-01-16T14:40:00.000-06:00

From Rachel

Julieta

2006-01-16T14:31:00.000-06:00

Waking up from a nap.

Flamenco

2006-01-14T10:35:00.000-06:00

Ayer en la tarde. Flamenco.
Last night Happy Birthday in four languages, Spanish, Italian, Norwiegen, English,then dancing to reggaeton in a kitchen with new friends.

Standing in a watch shop, wondering what time it is

2006-01-12T21:25:00.000-06:00

So, slacking on the pictures.
Gearing up for my brand new camera,
yes that's right,
Brand new Olympus E-500.
dos lenses.
Good bye Cool Pix.
Sorry about the slacking though.
Also its my dad's birthday.
Happy birthday dad.
(sabado es mi cumpleanos)
(Yipee)

Making brownies with Julieta

2006-01-09T17:46:00.000-06:00

baaaa, three kings

2006-01-08T17:48:00.000-06:00

Feliz 2006

2006-01-01T23:15:00.000-06:00

At the Botanical Garden (Horizontal)

2005-12-29T17:16:00.000-06:00

This morning at the Botanical Garden with Skidmore and his son Dunkin.
(Click to enlarge)
So happy to have internet radio, so very happy that I am listening to the WBEZ fund drive.

At the Botanical Garden (Vertical)

2005-12-29T16:45:00.000-06:00

In Norma's garden

2005-12-25T18:07:00.000-06:00

Fountain, Cactus, Lee.

Navidad eve

2005-12-25T02:49:00.000-06:00

In order:
Mariana painting with me at work, Rebecca the chef, Christmas eve dinner part 1 and 1.5, Midnight christmas eve dinner table at Rebecca's (dinner part 2), Joseph (I think) in the Jardin

Navidadsicles

2005-12-20T21:37:00.000-06:00

Dancers in the Jardin

2005-12-19T00:09:00.000-06:00

Guadalupe squares

2005-12-18T23:41:00.000-06:00

Pepsi-claus

2005-12-14T21:55:00.000-06:00

La Carpa

2005-12-12T01:31:00.000-06:00

At Chi's Ranch

2005-12-11T10:13:00.000-06:00

Red and Green

2005-12-09T20:27:00.000-06:00

Its (another) Parade! Its (another) Parade!

2005-12-09T20:24:00.000-06:00

A Vertical Day

2005-12-06T17:23:00.000-06:00