in mourning

I'm sure that all avid news readers, and I hesitate to include myself here as I mainly read headlines as a means of procrastination, are aware of the recent penguin calamity off the shores of Brazil. For interested parties not yet in-the-know, I suggest this article if you want the whole story, and this one for those with short attention spans. The basic gist is that hordes of baby penguins are washing up dead on the beaches of Brazil.

My first reaction was deep sadness. For some reason I've always had a soft spot for these silly birds - even before Morgan Freeman narrated their struggles for the silver screen (which, by the way, is worth the $5 Blockbuster rental). It think it's because of their extreme sense of perseverance. I mean, just look at them try to walk! Is that not the perfect manifestation of determination? I suppose that's why the idea of them succumbing to the perils of today's stronger, icier, more polluted ocean inflicts such heartache.

My second reaction was to remember that I haven't blogged about South Africa - at all. This is highly embarrassing. So I'm going to start right now, and with my favourite part of the trip which, coincidently, involves the little, tuxedo-clad creatures.

Very nearly our last stop on our two-week trek across the Western Cape, Boulder's Beach near Simons Town was well worth the visit. This beach is a breeding-ground for the African Penguin and you can walk along a wooden deck that leads you through their nesting area. If you're willing to pay a small admission fee, you can even swim with them (though they seem more interested in sunning themselves on the rocks than swimming). T and I were near the end of our funds, so we skipped the swimming and snuck down to some nearby rocks for a peek instead. It was amazing how close they let us get!

Small-town Africa Here I Come, Ouidah, Ouidah

I'm very excited; I finally get to see some countryside. This afternoon I'll be leaving for a small city about 40 km west of Cotonou called Ouidah. A few American interns I've met here have arranged it. I'll tell you all about the Python Temple and the Gate of No Return tomorrow night, when I get back. And I'll be sure to take my camera :)

*to the tune of Camptown Races

Oh So American

Since returning home I've: been overwhelmed by the monstrosity that is Walmart, stared in the general direction of televised Indycar (apparently Nascar was rained out) while eating pizza and drinking beer, spent a night on a SUNY college campus, listened to country music, spent at least 10 hours in a car, watched two presidential primary debates, and eaten more American junk food than I care to disclose. I'm home.

There's No Place Like Home

I'm back home in Keene, NH for a quick visit before the big move. It's strange how after you've been away for such a long time things always seem just a tiny bit different; the same counter top you've made your sandwiches on for years appears just a little bit lower than you remember, the sunlight leaves a different hue on your bedroom wall, the doorbell sounds an unfamiliar ring. But after a few hours it all comes back together and it's almost like you never left and your life away was just a dream.

I'm so glad that I was able to get back, even if I did bring the foul weather with me. It's wonderful to see everyone and soak up a little bit of American culture again. Coming home makes you realise how much you've forgotten, and how much you'll never forget, making it both a disturbing and comforting experience. They say leaving home broadens your horizons and gives you a different perspective on the world. I say going home can do the very same thing.

Sjælland in a Saturday

After almost a year and a half in Denmark I finally ventured out of the country's capital this past Saturday! Mind you I didn't really make it off the island of Sjælland (where Copenhagen is located), and I had to insult a Dane by saying that I thought Sweden was better than Denmark to acquire a tour-guide!

But I'm glad that I finally got around to it. While much of what I saw was indeed like I expected it to be, I was rather surprised to find trees in quantities that made me think of the word "woods" if not "forest". And I even saw what just might qualify as a hill or two - shocking! Actually for such a notoriously flat country, Denmark has a remarkable number of little rolling hills (even if they are clustered in just a few areas) and even cliffs! Just look to the left for photographic evidence! These would be the cliffs of Møn. To see this beautiful site you have to drive quite a bit south of Copenhagen - and climb a lot of stairs to get back to your car - but it's all worth it once you see that torquoise water washing black rocks up onto the white sand.

Actually, this lovely sight recently made the Danish news as a large portion of the cliff face fell into the sea. Luckily it didn't ruin this view or crumble while I was there... though I did hear stories of tourists buried to death by cliff sand that had decided to go for a swim. Apparently this was the fate of French couple some years ago - ah, what a romantic way to die! A little less romantic for those who had to dig them out though.

To sum up the rest of the trip: Swans have invaded Denmark - there are flocks (or gaggles?) of them everywhere. I wouldn't want to live right next to a windmill or in a house with a thatched roof. Denmark has rich people too. And it's good to know someone who gets corporate rates and upgrades on car hires :-)