12/2/08

Rome is for Lovers, Not Runners




Rome is not a city for runners. There were no runners, just walkers, as I breezed along Via Nazionale, an old Roman boulevard that pierces through the heart of the government center at 0730 Mon morn.

Perhaps folks in business suits to working suits were just diving back to the work week after a weekend of rest and mass.

But for whatever reason, on this cool, crisp eve of December morning, there were no runners, no, not even joggers out to celebrate the dawn of a new workweek or for me to work off the drunk of a long weekend.

So, I took in early Monday morning Rome all to myself--the Piazza (Venizia) in all its Monday morning grandeur, the Colisseum, which over the last 20 immortal centuries has seen many, perhaps millions of chariot racers, but maybe not nearly as many runners, the Roman Forum where not even my brand new, sparkling running shoes could kick start the Imperial winged-god of Nike to inspire 21st century Romans to participate in man's most primitive sport.

Rome may not be a city for runners, but it is indeed a city to run in. Well, why not for the scores of foothills that teases my legs to shove through, for the bascilica-studded boulevards that pumps a vibrant heartbeat to my heartstream, for the cafe-coddeled cobblestone streets that feels light, moist, and dense--enticing me to further whip off my shoes and run barefoot under the arch of Constantine, just like the ancient Romans did during their spectator-thronged games--do I need to add more?

And the answer did not come freely as I trounced through historic hills laced with ancient clay. But it did flow more freely along with the double-sized mug of frosty draft that unfailably made my stromboli taste like real Italian, the zesty peppers and spicy sausages as if Michelangelo had painted them himself on the ceiling of my mind.

As I took another slice of pizza, loaded with portabellas and zuchini; and as I washed that morsel down with just one more overflowing mug of beer, I looked out my window and screened a mass of pedestrians--all Italian and my guess all authentic lovers of Italian food. They were young, old, my age, guy and girl--diverse in sex and soul but not really in shape and size. And as I took, really my last bite of anchovy and kissed my last pluck of brown olive wrapped in artichoke heart, I digested the sheer fact that these individuals--all more than likely strangers--shared something completely in common.

There were no buckles busting from the seams of gentlemen's waistline like Vesuvius erupting at Pompei.


Instead, I gandered at studded shapes adorned on symmetrical frames chiseled with Italian chins and Mediterranean brows -- that was the common consensus whether young, medium, or old.

This wholesome look did not discriminate either--old, medium or young--it was the look of fresh tomatoes alongside a healthy serving of creamy cottage cheese, baked fresh on a thin slice of flatbread, then sprinkled freely with arregano and mozarella.

Then as I savored my very last gulp of overchilled Italian fresca it exuded warmth like the realization that I finally found the distant truth that indeed Italians and particularly the Romans simply did not have to run. The god of Janus or the goddess of Minerva had somehow blessed them with the flannel and physique of a Roman warrior, or perhaps it was the fact that they were descendants of Romus and Remus, the founding brothers of Rome: who were abandoned by the Tigres River and raised on the milk of wild wolves.

So here you have it -- the answer to life's puzzle--Romans don't run because they don't have to. And the view is just as lovely, and in fact more spectacular if you just go slow.

Boarding plane now to Germany--and yes there's lots of runners there.

12/1/08

Romus Magnificus







Only one word can describe what I laid eyes on today -- no, not incredible: "Magnificus"

Rome has shaped up to be by far the most beautiful European city I've visited this year--and this is my 4th trip to Europe since last Dec.

And the Colosseum is just breathlessly amazing in it's astronomical feat of engineering and even more amazing that it's still around and in great shape after over 2000 years.

Couldn't believe what laid in front and all around me -- the ancient city of Rome in all it's grandeur and imagined in my minds eye Julius Caesar or King Augustus addressing the crowds in the Roman forum.

Indeed my visit to ancient Rome and my run around the ruins of Palatino has been the highlight of my European vacation and has definitely been the most inspiring and uplifting.

What is the lesson -- that remains to be seem -- but I know I can take what Rome has taught me (that if we dont learn from our mistakes, we are destined to repeat iit) for a very long time, if not a lifetime.

During my tour, I was amazed and saddened to hear about how the Christians were persecuted  in the hands of the authorities of the Roman Empire.  In fact thousands of Christians were martyred by Emperor Nero who blamed Christianity for the great fire of Rome.  Refusal to worship the Roman emperor was considered treasonous and punishable by execution.  Christians were tortured, burned, starved and even forced to gladiatorial contests to amuse spectators.  

That was until Emperor Constantine was exposed to Christianity by his mother, Helena.  Constantine followed Christianity after experiencing a dramatic event at a battle when he looked up to the sun and saw a cross of light.  He would eventually claim the emperorship in the West.

Off to Germany tomorrow after an inspiring morning run.

11/30/08

Running La Vida Loca





My first full day at Rome. Spent half the day at the Vatican enjoying the museums and the glorious Sistine Chapel in all its glory.

Awe struck by the vivid colors of Michelangelo's paintings!!

Then in the evening had the great luck to catch a Sat night mass at St Peters Basilica with all the pomp from the papal priests and well adorned Swiss guards.

What an inspirational experience--now I was ready to be motivated by a brisk run around the Roman Riverfront.

From St Peters to the River then cross the foot bridge by the little island in the center, then proceed toward Rome's main street, via del Corso.

Via del Corso is typical Roman -- from narrow and cobblestone flanked by Corinthian columns to bustling and vibrant.

On the way, ran across a lot of old ruins and chapels that must have been over a thousand years old. what an amazing juxtaposition of old and young life. This gave me energy.

After the run, I was famished, so I sampled some of the tastiest pizzas I've ever had -- I had 3 portions -- with portapollo mushrooms, chunky tomatoes and zuchini.

Wow, it truly was the best pizza I've ever eaten bar none and now I'm so stuffed, im ready to sleep. Goodnite All.

Heading to the Colisseum 'morrow.  Must need rest to face those gladiators!
zzzz

11/28/08

Thanksgiving in Atlanta



Today, I flew to Atlanta on the way to Rome and ran the very last part of the Atlanta Thanksgiving Marathon with Jeff through the heart and scenic Atlanta -- one of my favorite cities -- and the one that I have loved since I was a child.

Yes we bandit the run, but considering my flight did not leave DC until 0700, and the Marathon started at 0800, this wasn't bad.

The weather was absolutely superb and the people who ran just as wholesome as hospitable as you might expect.

Then after the run and a cool down, Jeff took me to see the house for the first time and had a very sumptuous and ceremonial Thanksgiving dinner with Liz and family.  

Jeff and I have known each other for a few years since we served in GTMO together.  Shared stories of running in Cuba from the lighthouse to East Caravella and all those wonderful, salty sea stories from back in the day.

Meeting the entire family was a true delight.  It was nice meeting Liz for the very first time (after speaking on the phone for the last 2 plus years) and the children were all very well behaved and impressive.

Liz even asked me to say grace for the entire family which was a deep and true honor.

One of the best Thanksgiving dinners I've had probably since 2001 OEF cruise aboard USS John C. Stennis.

All this and the earlier run and made it to my flight on time to Stuttgart -- wow what a precursor to a joyful and productive trip.

Lucky Angel aboard Flight 1127 to Germany


You won't believe this wonderful, surprising story happening on such a momentous journey thus far. Well, I met Anastasia back at the end of July when she was flying from Germany to SF. 

This was her first flight to the States and she was coming as an exchange student for 4 months. We sat together from the flight to Stuttgart to Atlanta.  Essentially, I was the first American that she met on this trip, and it was quite an honor to hold that title.

Well now it's Thanksgiving day, 2008, and guess who is aboard the same plane with me.  I was completely floored when I saw her walk down the aisle, smiling.

Yes, Anastasia was flying back and the wonderful, divine coincidence was that we were again on the same flight together.  She remembered me -- even told me that for some strange reason she was thinking of me earlier today before she boarded her first flight from California.

She must be my lucky angel.  She shared with me stories and pictures of her wonderful time with her new friends in SF.  I was so happy to see and hear them -- this was truly my lucky day.

11/24/08

American History Museum Grand Opening


Today we went to the National Museum of American History Grand Opening weekend.  

Lots of people and lots of great acts and remembrances.  Displays the historic flag that inspired the national anthem.  Costumed characters wander the halls and great Presidents and Leaders that served and sacrificed to make our Nation the great it is today.

It was about time -- been waiting for over 2 years for the museum to reopen.  Ran by it almost everyday, hoping and waiting for the doors to open soon.

And American History is my favorite museum.  We ran into friends there -- which was a nice, pleasant surprise.  We were supposed to go biking instead, but it was too windy and cold, so the museum was the right warm, cozy place to go.

I'm excited -- now another great museum for me to explore while I run the Mall and a chance to venture into the annals of our ancestors of this Great Country and City.  God Bless DC.

11/17/08

Two Marathons in Three Weeks (Barely)


Just completed the Richmond Marathon. Richmond -- why Richmond?
Because it is America's Friendliest Marathon -- that's why.

But just barely three weeks from the Marine Corps? Was I fully recovered. Not at all and I paid the price from Mile 10 onwards. The fact is, my leg muscles were not fully oxygenated -- capillaries were not able to free oxygen-rich blood to my muscles.

So was this inadvisable to do 2 marathons within 3 weeks -- not at all and I strongly recommend against this.

And needless to say, I didn't get a Personal Record (PR)

But did I enjoy it? Yes, absolutely. Here's why:

1) Did not rain despite the fact that it rained the last 48 hours prior up to an hour before the race (Also thunderstorms were forecasted) But it was very windy.

2) They let you wear an IPOD. So glad I decided to wear it. Almost didn't b/c of the rain forecast, though, but really glad I took a chance.

3) Everyone (even the runners) were extremely friendly and talked w/ you (although all you could say was "Man, I'm really struggling and suffering."

4) The crowds were awesome and provided great cheer -- Yes, especially the fraternity buddies.

5) The route was flat with several downhills (So where were the uphills? Is Richmond all downhill?)

6) The route was also very scenic and took us through the cities and to people's front yards. Especially liked the beginning on E Broad Street

7) There was junk food during the course -- although I didn't partake but it sure was nice to look at.

8) Only 4500 runners -- had plenty of room to hit my stride (Because anyone who was even fast, had already passed me by Mile 2).

9) The Post Race party was awesome (So was the Omni Hotel for both pre and post race)

10) Outstanding massage at the end (even though it was a masseur, but he was a great conversationalist)

Also, IF you're going to do an out of town marathon -- Richmond is the closest to DC.

Finally, the best part of the run -- It's only a 25 mile marathon. The last mile is most downhill that I set a PR on that mile alone. And I was so pumped for the final .2 mile that I just ran like a Banshee -- about a 5 minute mile!!!

So long Richmond, Hope to be back some year.

Two Marathons in Three Weeks (Barely)


Just completed the Richmond Marathon. Richmond -- why Richmond?
Because it is America's Friendliest Marathon -- that's why.

But just barely three weeks from the Marine Corps? Was I fully recovered. Not at all and I paid the price from Mile 10 onwards. The fact is, my leg muscles were not fully oxygenated -- capillaries were not able to free oxygen-rich blood to my muscles.

So was this inadvisable to do 2 marathons within 3 weeks -- not at all and I strongly recommend against this.

And needless to say, I didn't get a Personal Record (PR)

But did I enjoy it? Yes, absolutely. Here's why:

1) Did not rain despite the fact that it rained the last 48 hours prior up to an hour before the race (Also thunderstorms were forecasted) But it was very windy.

2) They let you wear an IPOD. So glad I decided to wear it. Almost didn't b/c of the rain forecast, though, but really glad I took a chance.

3) Everyone (even the runners) were extremely friendly and talked w/ you (although all you could say was "Man, I'm really struggling and suffering."

4) The crowds were awesome and provided great cheer -- Yes, especially the fraternity buddies.

5) The route was flat with several downhills (So where were the uphills? Is Richmond all downhill?)

6) The route was also very scenic and took us through the cities and to people's front yards. Especially liked the beginning on E Broad Street

7) There was junk food during the course -- although I didn't partake but it sure was nice to look at.

8) Only 4500 runners -- had plenty of room to hit my stride (Because anyone who was even fast, had already passed me by Mile 2).

9) The Post Race party was awesome (So was the Omni Hotel for both pre and post race)

10) Outstanding massage at the end (even though it was a masseur, but he was a great conversationalist)

Also, IF you're going to do an out of town marathon -- Richmond is the closest to DC.

Finally, the best part of the run -- It's only a 25 mile marathon. The last mile is most downhill that I set a PR on that mile alone. And I was so pumped for the final .2 mile that I just ran like a Banshee -- about a 5 minute mile!!!

So long Richmond, Hope to be back some year.

10/28/08

MCM -- PR



Well, I set a personal record for the Marine Corps Marathon Sunday.

But it didn't look that way, the first 8 miles -- it looked pretty bleak, in fact.

The race was packed, bumper to bumper with racers every feet in every direction and you couldn't get past them, even if you went around.

Luckily after mile 8, things started to thin out and I could finally hit my stride.  But was it too late?

I ran so fast, that I actually averaged about 8:30 for the remainder 18.2 miles which I've never done before or knew that I had it in me to do.

And I barely made it sub-Four. Came in at 3:55 (and change) -- a personal record -- Huge drop from last year at 4:19 and an even larger drop from 2 years ago at 5:38.

Also the weather was just lovely in the mid 60s and no rain (but there was wind especially going over the 14th St Bridge). 

I ran with my racing shoes (flats) despite developing humongous blisters in the soles of my feet. My feet were so sore w/ every step but I tried to put that behind me and not think about it.

What did I learn -- next year, get there early so I can be further up front of the starting corral.
And, wear better shoes.

9/15/08

My First Olympic Triathlon -- Will it be my Last?






Today is a day that will live in agony.

I rose lethargically from my sleep number mattress at 0430 wondering what I was doing up so early on a Sunday morning and why I had put myself through this regimen over the last few weeks. I even contemplated blowing it off and staying in bed. "What if I chocked water, what if I cramped," I thought. "What if I made a splashing fool out of myself because I was too chicken to do something I had already committed to do." I certainly had not trained sufficiently, but it didn't matter now.


And today, Sept 14, was the big day and there was no looking back now. I headed to the kitchen to prepare myself a huge breakfast: cereal, pasta, peach, coffee. Goodness knows, I needed this nutrition today, every stinking ounce of it.

Then with a full gut and sleepy head, I headed downtown on an almost-empty tank of gas to the Nation's Capital for the fourth annual, and emergingly-popular Nation's Triathlon. http://www.thenationstriathlon.com/index.html

Lots to do to prep my bike, my running gear and my swimming gear. A lot on mind--it had the ingredients of a complex military exercise and I was both the General and the foot soldier about to get shot.

Arriving at the Race area was no small feat. Getting my body marked, my chip, even waiting for the porta potties took almost forever. I could pee in the water, but I had to take care of number two, and Number two couldn't wait.

And when my wave finally meandered on deck, I plunged into the brackish Potomac River, wondering if I would end up regretting this whole experience. Wow, the water temperature was nice and warm in the mid-70's but trying to stay afloat while waiting for the start was a challenge and now I was wishing that I had worn a wetsuit to keep me bouyant.




The 1500 meter swim was off and the greatest thing about this race was that you get to swim about 700 meters all the way under the historic Memorial Bridge, hearing the eerie echo sound of waves splashing against the steel beams. Almost immediately, I started cramping in my stomach, probably due to all the hard food I ate just a couple hours earlier. Shouldn't have eaten that spaghetti --but I pressed on. The next challenge was that the visibility was poor and I kept on running into people and got kicked hard a few times. It was literally chaos in the Potomac.

Under the bridge, passerbys cheered and that made me feel good, until I started tasting the diesel from the Police vessels nearby and that tasted quite bad.




(Photo courtesy of the Washington Post)


On the down leg, the current was on my side and the swim improved dramatically and I could go 20 strokes without stopping to take a look.

As soon as I got out of the water and sprinted to transition to the cheering crowds ashore, my legs locked up. I was kicking way too much and now had to hop on the bike for a 40Km ride. What a delight.




Yes, past the White House, to the Capitol, up Rock Creek Park and all the way along the Whitehurst Freeway and along the scenic Potomac River Freeway, all the way to Maryland and
Glen Echo and then back down. I had never rode this length non-stop, let alone having to swim and run, too.

The bike ride wasn't so bad but it was only on the return route, did I realize that I should shift up on my front gears instead of just using my rear gears. This made me go much faster and I was finally passing a good number of the women who passed me on the way up. Yeah! But no shame.

I also used my aerobars a great deal. Didn't really make me that much faster, but it rested my upper body for the ensuing run. Part of the strategy of a triathlon, you have to conserve your muscles for the next sport -- this was important if you wanted to survive.

So, I was ecstatic--I did not fall, I did not hurt anyone and I had a good ride--not bad since I just bought the bike just barely a week ago and I had never used aerobars in my life, didn't even know how to spell it.

Then the transition, which took me over 8 mins -- way too long. And finally the run -- which should have been the easiest for me since this is my sport, but this time, it was a Bear. My legs locked up and the temps were already a blazing 95 degrees in monotonous Haines Point. I was so glad that I brought my sun visor with me -- this was a life saver.

This turned out to be my slowest run ever, and I stopped and walked at every water stop, all 5 of them. I was completely out of breath and that was probably the worst feeling I've ever felt since boot camp.

Then finally down Penn Avenue for the Finish Festival -- what a delight. Ate lots of pizza, got a massage and dipped my feet in ice. Oh so, good.

Only after the run, did I realize how hot it actually was and that today was one of the hottest days of the year. If I had known that, I probably would have just walked the entire route.

And oh yeah (how can I forget), my final time: 3 hours, 21 mins, about halfway of all the 3800 finishers. Nothing to write home about, but not bad for a benchmark for my very first Triathlon -- something to strive to beat for my next right? Right :)

I took the rest of the day off and likely won't work out on Mon. Even ate ice cream and drank a beer. But will be back at it on Tues. Marine Corps Marathon is next in 5 weeks. Yes, the fun never stops.

9/2/08

Memories from Munich




This weekend I visited two enormously significant places that I will remember for a
very long time, if not a lifetime.

I visited the beautiful Bavarian city of Munich. This city had its
origin in the Middle Ages and by the 1500's had become the arts and
crafts capital of Southern Germany.

But arts and architecture was not the main reason why I made the 200
plus KM drive into Munich. It was the history -- no, not the 72
Olympics, but WW II.

In 1919, Adolf Hitler came to Munich from Austria with nothing more
than a suitcase with everything he owned. He was a painter and
watercolored some postcards which he sold to tourists for pennies.


The story is very sad, how a nobody with no background, an evil spirit
and virtually no leadership skills could rise to power with no checks and balances ensuring that he would not get out of hand.

So in Munich, I took a tour called the Third Reich Tour which took us
to sites spread out throughout the city where Hitler the Nazi party
and the SS Army came to power.

I didn't want to go and felt bad about the whole thing, but I knew that I needed to know -- I was seeking the truth and the truth would definitely and invariably set me free.

Among a doze sites, we visited the Odeonsplatz which served as a parade field for the SS, who often staged nighttime rallies there.


We visited the actual beer hall which was the scene of several Nazi meetings and some of Hitler's most memorable speeches.

The saddest part of the entire tour was that of the dozen sites we visited, there was only one memorial for the Jewish people -- and this memorial is hidden behind a very large oak tree. Can't even see it from the street. It's a shame but the people of Munich are deeply ashamed of the past and prefer not to talk about it.

But if we don't talk, how can we learn the lessons of the past.

Today was a day, I'll never forget and I hope I learned something that I can take with me and would impact me for an entire lifetime.

Dachau -- Death Camp










After visiting beautiful and historic Munich, I had the sacred pleasure to visit one of the most notorious and infamous concentration
camps in Germany -- 
Dachau

Like most places in Munich, 
Dachau most not very well marked.  Why should it be, it was a place where tens of thousands of innocent people were tortured and tens of thousands more died or were subject to cruel and inhumane medical experiments.

I had visited the Holocaust Museum in DC over a dozen times.  Each time, it has moved me to pieces for the night or week, but I knew right away, that this experience would move me for an entire lifetime. 

When you first walk in through the gate, there is a sentence: Arbeit Macht Frei, a German phrase that means: "Work brings Freedom".  What a cruel and conniving lie made up by the unscrupulous Nazi guards.

I had the opportunity to walk through the main building and see the conditions which were so horrible and inhumane. The images were gripping and touched my heart with such pain that during parts of it, I had to pause and reflect on the topic of humanity and what this means to me as a whole.

When I left, I was so glad, I seized the opportunity to visit -- It would be the most memorable and impactful part of my trip, and I knew it would stay with me for the rest of my life

8/28/08

Paris with Kim and Rintaro









Two days after Afghanistan and a day after Amsterdam, I found unbound energy in my bones to drive down to Paris to see Kim and Rintaro.  Guess what:
The tour de France is happening today downtown and the spectators are everywhere even without Lance Armstrong.  It's like being in Times Square for New Year's Eve -- Lucky, Lucky!


As wonderful and memorable as the trip was it didn't start out too hot.

First the drive from Mons -- it took me forever to pack and check out of the hotel.

Second, I drove all around Paris looking for Kim and underestimated everything.

Kim sent me an email this morning and asked me to meet her and Rintaro at the Paris Marriott by 1:00 pm.

Well gues what, at 1:00 pm I had just driven into the city and was utterly driving in circles around this sacred city.

I stopped to call her cell phone but couldn't get through. Her cell phone was from HK -- Oh no, this wasn't good.  It was not like being lost in DC or in an American city where you knew people or you could call, text or email.  I had none of the above and didn't have an Iphone (since it was stolen from me a month ago).

No matter how many times I stopped to ask for directions, the nice people I met either couldn't or wouldn't speak any English.

Then I remembered that as a general rule, I should be prepared to speak just a little French when in Paris, but after being in Belgium yesterday, Amsterdam the day before, and Afghanistan just two days ago, it all started becoming a blur.

Finally, I was able to decipher some sketchy directions written on a napkin from some poor soul I nabbed at a restaurant and a las made it to the famous Marriott but there was no Kim -- Well, what did you expect, I was over 2 hours late.



While at the Marriott, I got a chance to see the setup for the 95th Tour de France, covering 21 stages and 3,500 km.  Today, the champion bikers would be racing down the Champs-Elysees.






After calling and calling again, I finally reached her and we agreed to meet by the metro station near the museums at 4:30 pm.  I rushed to get there because I knew it would take every waking second.

When I finally got there by 4:15 pm, I tried calling again.  This time couldn't get through.  I called and called and even tried several different pay phones.

No luck, No joy, No Kim.

As luck would have it, as I was exiting my 6th and final phone booth, I heard a sound: "Chito". It was lil Rintaro running towards me, scolding me for being late. 

I've never been happier being scolded.




Needless, to say, we had a great time, visiting around the Eifel Tower, running around like we were in DC, and all throughout this wonderful city that has turned out to be my favorite so far in this European Excursion.


Paris is an amazing city of so much FASCINATING history.  From the Royal Monarchs of King Louis and the Sun Gods to the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and the French Revolution that started at the Bastille -- there is so much to learn and know and to apply to current events.



The Cathedral of Notre Dame is so gothic, so old.  It houses the skull of John the Baptist enclosed in gold.






Unfortunately for me, I had to drive back at midnight.  I had a plane to catch from Brussels the next morning -- would have to pull an all nighter driving the freeway in France and Belgium -- but hey, it was all worth it and more.

As they say in France: "Laissez les bons temps roulez"-- let the good times roll!


The story of the Eiffel Tower is really amazing.  It was built for the 1889 World's Fair and was at that time the tallest structure in the world.   Believe it or not, Parisians really hated the thing and called it a huge eyesore.  But the architect Eiffel was able to get the city to agree to keep it for 20 long years.  But soon enough, the tower became valuable for telecommunications purposes and Parisians as well as the rest of the world got to appreciate its true beauty.

8/25/08

Work, Run and a little town called OBERAMMERGAU





Greetings from Deutschland. Serving my country here during a crucial time in history and an eerie throwback to the Cold War.

Lots going on and the weather has been quite chilly with high in the 60s the last couple of days. Don't miss the DC humidity about now.

I finally got a day off yesterday after working 12 hr shifts and went on a trip to the Bavarian Alps to an medieval German village.

The roadway meanders through some of the most scenic parts of Germany, with many vineyards and farmland along the route along the Rhine River up to this Castle of the old Bavarian king. King Ludwig.

I have done some of the most amazing and scenic running of my lifetime
here. I have to say, its been quite thrilling and the air is so cool and refreshing that it feels good to just breathe it.

Just minutes away from where I'm staying, I ran out to the Black Forest where there is a historic Panzer Tank Trail where the German Army moved their tanks from one base to the other. Trail running is DC is great, but this the BOMB

The scenic town I visited yesterday is called Oberammergau--say that 10 times.



Every 10 years the entire town puts together a play called the Passion Play
based on the life of Christ, dates from the 17th Century.

It was first performed in 1634, following a vow taken by the people of
Oberammergau during an outbreak of bubonic plague, which killed 15,000
nearby Munich residents in 1634 – 1635 alone.

The frightened population of Oberammergau prayed to be spared, taking
a vow to be fulfilled not by a few but by the whole community. They
vowed to do something in which everyone, rich and poor alike, would
have a part: a Passion Play, the most sacred of all stories. They
would present the story of Christ to the world every 10 years forevermore if the Lord would remove the plague from their people. The town was spared, and a tradition was born.

The play is now performed at the start of each decade. Since 1860 the German text has remained virtually unchanged. The production is done in native German, but an English translation is available.

Though the cast is huge — 1,700 parts — performers must be Oberammergau natives, or have lived there for 10 years, or been married to a native and lived there for at least 10 years.

Performers consider it an honor to participate and leave their businesses to do so. The men even start growing full beards a year out to look authentic. The play is performed in the Passion Play Theatre on an open stage, which incorporates the natural setting into the backdrop and seating for 4,780 spectators.

Wow, Almost want to move to Germany, well maybe not quite, but anyhow,
wonder what running in the dead of winter is like.... Well, better get back and serve my country and can't wait to wakeup for another run tomorrow.  SMILE...

7/21/08

London Tales and Travails

Fish and Chips and Fosters and Family in a British Pub
I Just returned from a wonderful weekend in London.  It was a happy reunion. I had not seen Kae for nearly 20 years. She was just a little baby girl the last time i saw her when Kim and the girls visited in Georgia. Together we went to Florida and Disneyworld.  I was in school, back then.





I saw Rio last summer in NYC when she was visiting Kim but had missed Kae.  So it was  especially sweet to see them both again.
Me and the Girls

I was extremely lucky that Monday just happened to be a Belgium National holiday. That allowed me to puchase a Eurorail ticket to London and spend 30 hours there.  The train ride only took about 2 1/2 hours and the ride was very smooth.

The city was splendidly beautiful -- unlike any place I've ever visited.  If I had to make a comparison, London has the cosmopolitan of NYC, the museums of DC, and the old Europe look of Paris

6/27/08

Amsterdam





















In Amsterdam -- After returning from the front lines, I took a tour bus to
Amsterdam yesterday. It was very interesting. Quite different than
Kabul, and a lot more relaxing.

I was really impressed with the canals and architecture, but for me the easiest way to get around was by bike.

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and is a centre of bicycle culture with good facilities for cyclists such as bike paths and bike racks.In the city centre, driving a car is discouraged. Parking fees are expensive, and many streets are closed to cars or are one-way.

The most important museums of Amsterdam are located on het Museumplein (Museum Square), located at the southern side of the Rijksmuseum.