Maruchan and Cambio!

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Harry Brake

Yes.  I finally did it.  My VERY first cup of Maruchan Instant Lunch,  Screen Shot 2014-07-15 at 8.49.36 AM I mean yes!!!

I overdid the Ramen noodles in college while at Edinboro University, but I ventured to try what I never had and oh yeaaaaaah – Delicious!  🙂  So there are always “firsts” no matter what stage you are in life  🙂

I forgot to mention the best part about this past weekend!  While I was bopping around on Saturday, and walking the dogs, I found a 20 peso bill on the sidewalk!   (Seriously, this is like the fourth time I have found money lying on the sidewalk!) and I was thinking – I need to write the dates DOWN that I find money! So knowing that 20 pesos would come and go, I remembered a  guy who was really afflicted with a condition the made him shake alot, and he was always on the street asking for money.  I ventured around and did not see him (figures) so as I passed Sobrino’s, I spied a man playing the cello and he was looking like he was not making out so well, the whole, wiping face, tired, and it had been kind of a rain just recently, so not sure he was getting much luck – and there were a whole 3-4 people there so I thought, “Why not?!”

I stopped dropped the 20 pesos to him as I walked by with the dogs, and he looked grateful to say the least.  I hope the people that WERE in the restaurant that WERE listing to him started a chain reaction and gave him more, lol.  I thought that was a better use that I would eventually find  🙂

It’s funny finding money so frequently on the sidewalks, as I did when I desperately needed it in the states (once or twice) and alot more people here need it then, I, and I have found money on the sidewalk ALOT – weird…

 

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So, after 130 restaurants, WHAT is it that makes a Restaurant a Second Home??

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Harry Brake

Heart.  There are a thousand restaurants, new ideas, and new spaces every day,  Yet, few go the extra mile and treat customers like you are the only one even when you are surrounded.  Also, when you leave a restaurant, you should carry a piece of that restaurant away with you as well, (I am actually not talking food here for once!)

The most unexpected aspect of visiting so many eateries is learning a piece of the culture of the country you are in, as well as the conversation that you can become involved in, if you are lucky to be in such an establishment.  So the makes the choice of best restaurants actually rather easy!

In the states, hands down, The Over Grinder.  I remember the personal touch, the attention to me as a customer, and I waited 2 hours to get in, and still, this was an amazing amazing experience due to the people, the food the climate, the conversation, the attention to you, and if you can do that after 2 1/2 hours – absolutely no contest.  See my writeup below:

#76 Oven Grinder 2121 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 773-248-2570

GET HERE EARLY, like 3:00- 4:00 if possible! I arrived, 7:00 PM – Okay, I did get here a little before 5:00 PM and I waited and came in at 6:45 PM, with a long wait visible but I know this was worth the wait based on the recommendation Sharon gave me. I mentioned Geno’s was the place to eat and she took me by surprise and said, “Harry! Ohmygosh, you need to try OvenGrinder!” I laughed at the sound but then decided that okay, I am game! Finally, on a Saturday where none of my conference workshops worked out, I tried OvenGrinders – and as I am sitting here, I ordered the Pot Pie pizza, as well as the Mediterranean Brad and Chef’s salad. I was told to mix the Poppyseed and Garlic dressings, and the waiter, Brandon, WAAAY cool waiter, friendly and just very welcoming. Although that my feet, even with the new insoles I bought (lol) are exhausted and worn, with the awesome the smell when I walked in, I immediately knew THIS was worth the wait. When I sat down in the wooded interior, I almost felt like I was within a small pub in Baltimore, it had the same feel. Then a super cool waiter came and I began to tell him where I was from, and we struck up how I knew to get the type of dressing mixed, the bread and the pot pie pizza lol.

The Mediterranean bread came, ohmy GOSH! The smell filled the whole table, covered the whole plate, well look! The ripping off and adding seasoning only exemplified this meal, oh my gosh. But when the salad came, this towering inferno, with the garlic and the Poppyseed,  it was a party in my mouth, MAJOR. Brandon, my waiter, was EXCELLENT. I honestly could not consider him my ‘waiter’, he was an instant friend and amazing with his recommendations and info about the area as well as the tradition behind all of this. But no, the main feature, the main meal, came and the Pizza Pot pie, well look first and then with the mixing of the smells of Pot Pie, the Mediterranean Bread, and the Poppyseed and Garlic dressing, I know I had died and gone to heaven, seriously…

The atmosphere, the AMAZING Italian-style portions, the AMAZING experience, hands down, I have to say this might be, no, it was my BEST dining experience in the states and in Mexico I can ever remember, ever. My stomach was bulging, and the portions I took with me, back, were enough for two more meals, and for $30.00 – this as a MAJOR steal, MAJOR. Add to it the amazing friendliness and awesome service of Brandon, and this is a priceless experience.

My Chicago experience was already a success after this experience, and so will yours after coming here. The parting advice of places to visit involved Rick Bayless – famous – Mexican food, Frontera Fresca at Ohare. I am looking forward to see what these experiences will have, but I know they will not hold a light against the Oven grinder. Sharon – you are a genius!

~

In Mexico – I have to be on the same category – and overall I remember walking into Delirio and Monica Petino’s daughter, behind the counter, without asking, called me forward and told me she’d explain all I was seeing in front of me, the precedes they like to follow to serve me as the customer and overall, was AMAZING.  All without being asked.  A second restaurant was Gringo Pinche, (also here) and Wok This Way.  Both did the same, they welcomed me while heartedly and that also added believe it or not, to the taste of the food itself.  At Gringo Pinche, the BBQ made me instantly remember the taste and experiences of selling and eating BBQ homestyle, along the roadside with that delicious amazing filling flavor.  Wok This way always welcomes me like I am family, so these three certainly top my list and I found I could pay 500 pesos as the fanciest, well to do restaurant as a status symbol, and still not walk away feeling the way I do from these locations.  🙂  Excited to break 200 restaurants visited by the end of the year – and I learn so much from it aside form discovering new friends.

#104 Gringo Pinche BBQ and here! Cumbres de Maltrata No. 360, Benito Juárez, Narvarte, 03020 Ciudad de México, D.F. 01 55 6389 1129

I can dream of the days and flavors I experienced in Delaware with BBQ pulled pork and BBQ chicken – then there is the unique and welcoming demeanor as well. Overall, this is a place you will literally crawl way from from being so full. Add the service, the ability to see the World Cup and other events, and overall, just turning the corner and seeing this open, unexpected eatery – it is awesome, delicious, and you will become addicted. I think this is the best BBQ in Mexico, and with good reason. Time Out agrees as well.

#57 Wok This Way   Cordoba y Alavaro Obregon

(I love the possible play you can have with WOK, this is one of many!)
Being 4 buildings away from this restaurant, I honestly didn’t know what I was missing! With Julienne hungry for Asian food, and as a guest at my place, we were in search of good Asian food, and yes, we found it. With outside seating, as well as accommodating roughly 8 people inside, the comfy interior and simple arrangement works perfectly with the deliciousness, yet filling nature of the noodles, vegetables, of whatever you would like to choose.

There is a nice display of natural grass along the front, which seems to go with the nature of this restaurant, everything does taste all natural, watching the staff prepare and cook your selection, and the taste fills that empty spot perfectly. Every day I walk past the staff is always friendly and welcoming.  Definitely a great place to get your fill! 🙂

I can’t emphasize enough, they way I feel as a person when I walk in, and walk out, makes the difference.  These restaurants above do an excellent and amazing job at making sure, your  money is not the only defining factor in your experience!

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Revelations that become inspirational…

Posted on July 14, 2014 by Harry Brake

“Things always happen for a reason”, “This was in the cards”, “It was fate”. We have heard these phrases all along the way, and it is like getting used to something you forget to pay attention to the first moment, of what made it so special, we all do that and often take very valuable things for granted, yet, it is so important to allow room in our lives to go back and remember what was so important and value those beginnings.

Saturday, what a beautiful day.  I mean, in the middle of Mexico’s rainy season and I am having a difficult time remembering a day as beautiful as Saturday was and – no rain – loved.  Being able to walk the dogs early, and taking in the freshness of the morning amid beautiful sunshine – it was amazing.  I was able to make it to a fabulous restaurant Crepes & Waffles, to see off a legendary friend in Mexico City heading back to the states.  The waffles with Fresa – superb.IMG_6712

The morning was just superb with being able to see such a good friend and share this last morning, and having such a day be as amazing in its weather.  It’s so strange saying goodbye, because again, you get so used to individuals always being there, that the really early good friends, when they leave, it doesn’t feel they have gone anywhere, that’s how good of friends you can tell they were.  After saying goodbye to Dean and his easy-to-get-attached-to canines, I headed bad to take MY canines to one more walk before striking out to see – well just anything I wanted!

In going to Parque Rio, I realized how well-behaved the dog have become and them being able to be taken off the leash, and being able to know enough to stay within the confines of the park has become so much better.  But there is one enemy still lurking.

Water.

By and far, they stay way from it as they do not know quite what to make of it, but when they do get in, and Wriggley found out.  Chasing another “friend” he took the leap right into the fountain, and Afghan hair, even though this is not especially to the ground length, let’s say it is “interesting” to maintain when wet.  At this point, Amaya jumped in too with Kinah just shaking her head.  I just made up in my head that yes, grooming time for Wriggley MIGHT be today, while Amaya wasn’t nearly as tangled as Wriggley.  As I was watching this all play out, I walked literally into someone who owns a company called Dangu that takes care of canines.  It was interesting, because we exchanged information, and I feel excited to visit her place next week, and to maybe find a better situation than I did with Happy Dogs,  🙂  However, it was just amazing to see, meet and talk canines and well something quite expected happened..she informed me of a park that I had NO IDEA what she was talking about, and it looked HUGE other map on the iPhone, but I couldn’t believe I had issued a park this size?  IMG_6718 What the heck?

On the way walking down Orizaba, I contemplated how I could have missed a whole area of Mexico City so close to my own home, I, on a hunch, with Wriggley dripping wet, stopped by Dr. Pedro Pablo Soto on Chiapas to see what we could do with Wriggley’s hair.  It looked like not much, between the already existing knots and the now existent wetness, it was going to have to be cut close, and shaved.  I had no idea what this would be like like but knew it had to be done.

I left Wriggley behind to get groomed and Kinah, Amaya, and I headed to the end of Orizaba, and no kidding, this huge looming park – Jardin Ramon Lopez Velarde, I was thinking, WHAT IS THIS?  Beginning on Antonio Anza and Orizaba, I was enveloped in trees, paths and childen in all kinds of play areas – areas being brought back with trees and plants thanks to the Boy Scouts and as I walked the other side of the park, there was Centro Medico stop!  I stopped and was just amazed at how closely connected thing are and yet are totally different lines of the metro, and still telling asI had never KNEW THIS WAS HERE!

I realized as I walked out of the park 30-40 minutes later, how amazing Mexico City is to be able to have these realizations.  I was lucky.  The houses, streets, and awesome pictures I was seeing that I had never seen before on the way back was just – it made my summer.

IMG_6715

I thought this was an awesome side effect of staying here over the summer, making discoveries the I did not know existed, while also meeting new people to send me in those directions, and it did seem this worked out this way for a reason.

Since it was only after 2:00, and Wriggley would not be ready until 4:30, on a spontaneous feeling, I stopped with Kinah and Amaya at the new El Ocho off of Plaza Cabrera. It was advertised as Dog Friendly…

 

Screen Shot 2014-07-14 at 3.21.02 AMIMG_6738and wow, it was and then some!

Wow.

IMG_6739They brought out specific grass carpets for both Kinah and Amaya, as well as specific dog dishes for their water, and thenI ordered from the Perro menu and they brought specific meals made by Cynthia Kaplan’s Lucky Dog for them as well – it was AWESOME!  I realized looking in that the same game table, and alot of games were will in stock, as well as a Wii set up for patrons to play.  The meal was VERY awesome, the dessert blew me off my feet, and I still can’t get over how well treated and catered to the canines were – I left with a smile on my face due to the service, as well as I am sue did Kinah and Amaya.  IMG_6740

Finally getting home after a long day already, I napped a bit and then set out for Wriggley.  I couldn’t believe it!  He was shaved but looked like a totally different canine!  WHOA!  Feeling bad, I took Wriggley on the same rounds Amaya and Kinah took, and then we pit-stopped back at El Ocho and the service was just as great the second time and yes, Wriggley could have eaten what seems like 5 more of what he did thanks to the amazing healthy and good tasting food of Lucky Dog.  While still El Ocho, this certainly was the dog service El Ocho in Condesa was not!

The weather was amazing, and seeing sites that were clear and blue sky are rare in the rainy season of Mexico City, so taking pictures was a must.  The view turned out to be anything but disappointing.

IMG_6763

Just realizing this was the weekend, and seeing everyone around the house realize the same thing helps emphasize how lucky we were to be able to enjoy it in Mexico City.

Finally.  Sunday – World Cup 2014!  Yesssss.  While I went into it knowing very little and even participated in a bracket I never did (26th out of 79th, I’ll take it!) – I have to say many amazing things came out of this.  One, I started and almost finished a Panini football album. 2 – I have a totally new addiction and realization for for the game of futball,  and thanks to John Powell who in the process, within three years, has helped  me learn so much about sports outside of baseball that I truly would have never been emphasized to participate – I have to admit, I see football opposed to football in a total different light!  3) Despite Argentina being second to Germany, I have noticed one thing – Leonel Messi – WHOA.

For one it seems Futball really did save his life, based on that moving to Spain helped provide medicine he could not afford when he desperately needed it.  Desperately.  This makes sense, as when he plays, truly, if you watch enough, (including his 50 best goals), he literally does make this sport an art form, he dances between defenders, he makes the ball do things that I could only think of.  I noticed he bounces over his opponents and distances a shot so it seems destined to make it to the exact spot he has planned way before he arrives there, this is astounding to watch.  Yet, it makes sense.  His heart is in it because this area came through for him, when he desperately needed it.  Despite the hardships he had, and not always pretty on the field, he has his personal and professional air, and conviction, that I believe leads him on to great things.  He often is compared to others, yet he never boasts, he does not take advantage of chances to degrade others, let alone boat about how far he has come.  The difficulty he had to watch Germany receive the World Cup was pretty trying, yet, he did so with a professional air, that many take for cockiness, and not at all.

It is more and more difficult to find true starts to look up to as role models, yet, his straightforwardness about the game of Futball, his dedication, his intensity, his conviction to be true to his origin of Argentina and not sell out to play for Spain but for his home country, and just his all around conviction to be true to a sport that has supported him personally, and the crazy amount he gives back to children’s organizations – I am astounded.  No matter who won the World Cup, he is an amazing winner and athlete that has justified why I have a Barcelona jersey from many many years back.

In examining Germany, whoa. I noticed in their match against Brazil, their preciseness, exactness intensity.  True to Messi-style, during the world cup, Bastian Schweinsteiger kept going the distance, despite blood, desire penalties, despite being roughed up over and over, he kept going the distance needed.  Very impressive to say the least.

In a world of futball where fake dives and feigned injuries border drama, it is refreshing to see heroes like Messi and Schweinsteiger standout from others by playing a straight game, and turning it into an opportunity of using it to teach a lesson – Play hard, be more giving to others whether it being willing to share the glory, of playing, and be gentle with others instead of critical, and finally, do not be afraid to put 100% into something you believe in, despite the criticism and despite the speculation around you, your heart will show your true intentions in the end.

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Check out a new column/page..

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Harry Brake

..and let me know what you think!  It is helpful?  Does it help interest you or know what is between the pages of new magazines? I’d be interested to get your feedback!  Thanks!

Opening the Pages of…

Welcome to a new column/new page many asked for, and I apologize for the delay, but here it is. This page gives you a peek onto what particular magazines are popular for, what they entail, and what is inside. With so many periodicals available (hence, they come out PERIODICALLY, so sometimes referred to as periodicals!) – this will serve as a brief guide about why you should be interested… so without further ado. Let’s take a look at the first onto kick this column off, Opening the pages of…

The New Yorker May 5, 2014

I never actually opened a New Yorker. I have been aware of the cover illustrations and the cartoons being of political and social interest and popularity, but there is much more than I was aware of. In simply looking at this issues’ Table of contents, you see writers from various ethnicities and background just in the names, Stuart, Shattacharjee, Lipsyte, Bersberian contributing the cover, then you also notice many of the advertisements on the first page are guides to the latest Broadway show, sometimes off broadway, as well as the recommended books. It seems you do not have to stray outside of these pages to see what is happening in New York at the time.

Despite being a guide to the heartbeat of the New York streets, you see a bio on the contributing writers, as you delve deeper, information on the electronic version of The New Yorker, containing podcasts, slideshows, videos, infographics, and more.

Also a section titled Goings on About Town, provides a handy text version of the app you can download, this in the magazine in the form of a calendar, letting you know what is happening yes, About the town…

I think the letters to the magazine, a section titled The Mail, are really more interesting than most, the first in this issue actually being from Cesar Chavez’s son and addressing the reality of his life based on an article that have been written previously to the New Yorker. Whoa. I think that is pretty powerful in itself. These can be submitted via

themail@newyorker.com

I like the directories that give you what is happening in New York, from Classical Music, to Art, dance, movies, theatre, food & Drink, Night life, (in this case Nigerian figure/artist William Onyeabor) it is detailed and informative.

The Talk of the Town heads and directs your attention to specific issues of the time, in this case religious freedom, and discussing the controversial topics of same-sex marriage. It’s funny for the next several pages, topics of discussion that stemmed from what the people are looking for in food around town (the latest craze and trends) to films, to style that has been seen and heard around New York.

I have to tell you, this copy sat around for a few weeks, seeing the copy (the word copy in magazines and yearbooks usually refers to the actual print in the magazine) is intimidating because there is so much of it. Yet – once I finally sat down and delved in, WHOA. These are the topics I came across that I honestly never knew, Details on the capture and escapades of El Chapo, (Hey! That relates to the area I am in now!), discovering a musician by the name of Sharon Van Etten, realizing what a revolutionary designer, rebel, and tragic designer artist Charles James was, discovering new biographies of John Quincy Adams and finding out what a oxymoron his life was, and this is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak.

The reviews of more bestsellers coming on, shows, humorous stories that are similar to yes, what you’d see in Reader’s Digest, and even info on new apps are represented.

Eclectic, busy and diverse, sinceI dived in, I realized how involved you feel when you put The New Yorker down, and all this time…I got the feel of high society without ever stepping out into the streets that make up Broadway and more like I have done before. I always said I wanted that feel when I walked into a “good” movie, and you feel this New York spirit between the very pages of The New Yorker.

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Experience experiences…

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Harry Brake

I am sure it is in the genes.  I am not sure how else to explain it, but the aspects of life that mean the most to me, are the dramatic.  Be it the World Cup – (HOLY COW MESSI and Argentina!) a movie that will never leave my memory (Meet Joe Black, The Fault in Our Stars, countless others), or that lasting memory of a friend leaving and boarding a plane until next time you are not sure when, drama is what I seek out to find meaning in life.  So it comes to no surprise when Julio posted this general statement abut reading, it stuck permanent:

“Yesterday I came to the realization that I have quite the love/hate relationship with literature. Those who know me well will realize that I collect books like a hoarder and read almost every day, and yet I’ve slowly found myself hating the experiencing of reading literature. My problem is that I find myself living vicariously through literature. I experience and understand lives and worlds that having to do with my own. And when I examine my life afterwards, I’m left with this somewhat hollow feeling of meaningless as I cannot achieve that which I aspire to.

The actual sensation of reading is wonderful and has me enjoying every second of it. It fulfills the primordial desire of adventure, but when all is said and done it leaves me with something else…the pain that what I want to experience most exists only on words printed on a page. Whether it be a life of a vagabond or the adventures of a demigod, literature teases me with this experiences as I read and then once the book ends so does the vision of that life. Reading has become the best and worst thing to ever happen to me. I know that I will never stop for I love books too much, but it still shocks me how much joy and pain these simple stories can cause me.”

I could not have said it any better.  I live for reading literature younger than my age and level to see what is new out there bunching amount our teens, as well as those younger.  Sorry, I want to stay involved in all aspects, not just one, or two.  When you take anything, be it reading, horse riding, designing, creating, expressing, visiting, viewing, anything and you make it personal, and then make sure you share a little of that with someone else, you changed something in life.  You didn’t reman passive, you didn’t stand by and let lie pass you on by because it is anyway, you attempted to make a bump that other will notice, and sometimes that is all that is needed.

I will end this celebration of summer for today, with the champions of Argentina and Germany meeting this Sunday, with the promise of many books and films for us to discover, and even the promise of an exciting new year, showing you that stories on Google even can have a little touch of personal feeling with their 2014 Valentine stories, that touch aspects of personal to each one.  (I did not even become aware of something called Google Doodles, thank you Veronica!)

Google Doodle stories from February 14, 2014.

 “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have a say in who hurts you.”  – Love this.  Again.  Drama.  I need it in little doses to guide me  🙂

 

 

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3:53 AM? Seriously…

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Harry Brake

That is the beauty of vacation, being able to do what you want, WHEN you want.  I like most of the time working feverishly when I feel inspired and being able to take a nap, go to sleep, and wake up and start again, but WHEN I want.  Most of you know  this is usually weird hours, but it wow well for me and sometimes some creativity, good and bad, comes out of it.

Here are the thoughts I ad as I walked the street with the dogs, when it seemed liked we had the whole city to ourselves.  I still say there are very little places like Mexico City on a rainy, early morning feeling the freshness of an abrupt interrupted rain, amazing.

Hope you like it!

Urban Mexico Explorers

Waking up in the middle of the silence – dark, feeling early, aching of waking – but

The silence prevails and moves you to action knowing, you are going to worship alone.

 A process waits for you – dip a cup of late night dinner, portioning out among three, leaving plenty of agua to share, letting the explorers awaken to the early morning Grab shoes, grab chains, grab last months newspaper, to-be explorers in a “holding area” out into…

…a wet wonderland where they have become used to silently making their way to the outside, aware vaguely others are just getting to the point of setting their heads to rest, for the night or early morning, risk-takers and darers of time and the approaching day.

Excited to see the damp yet lull in the torrent season, out we go, into the recently flooded monsoon urban neighborhood still hearing drip, drip, drip following our lone steps across a different path than taken than the previous nights excursion to add to the beauty of this silent, wet, secret night where few roam except in their bed, in their dreams, we prowl where

Hundreds

Have been before, with and without these thoughts.

 Clack clack clack,,nails on a wet and slick pavement, the poetry of our movements – blends with the tap – tap – tap –  of a water stream using the balcony above me as a trampoline – and we share these secrets together,

Three afghans and I – in the heart of an urban Mexico City – daring others to wake to the beauty they do not know exists around them every waking morning.

 Yet, the city shies away in quietness from the approaching Lunes, with its quietude, we continue to admire the morning walks that remind us, beauty fills our waking and non-waking moments, as along as we take time to…

Smell the roses…

Caress the night…

Invite beauty to enter at any moment,

Even in the dead of the urban Mexican morning.

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The Fourth of Favorites – World Cup-idness, Memorable Moments and Tributes!

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Harry Brake

Germany versus France, can you believe it, the World Cup finals aproacheth! Here I am at my favorite World Cup spot, Lucille’s, a block away and surrounded by people pouring in little by little. And before 10 minutes and you are absorbed in the football game, bam! I am surrounded by 16 people all wearing a variation of France and German jerseys! (Kind of like heading to the beach, early and then waking up after a nap and seeing it populated !)

While this tug of war battle between Germany and France ensues, amazing events noteworthy comments are in order. Yesterday (GREAT SAVE BY GERMANY!) Sorry!   was a lot of Deja vous and a privilege to help someone out, this someone being a little closer to home than expected.

Jason Schell, who I see a little of Pittsburgh in all that he paints, and having several paintings now around Mexico, AND new exciting and amazing new project that will include over 100 painting but wait, I am getting ahead of myself…

Here goes, Jason emailed me the day before and asked if I could help him move several of his wrapped paintings to be shipped to Pittsburgh – BE THERE AUGUST 1st at 5831 Elmsworth Avenue – it will be amazing!)

Screen Shot 2014-07-04 at 1.18.50 PM

I didn’t hesitate, YES was my thought and answer and I loved this project and thought any chance to help heck yeah! I arrived and found tons of traffic (awesome) and found a parking spot but not before I pulled over on Zamora and rang and saw Jason, to what looked like he was a little panicked and covered with sweat and I knew, he was trying to get this “wrapped up” and was feeling some post afternoon stress, so coming back and going up into Jason’s apartment I saw this intimidating package, wrapped already and even though he had a GREAT handle on finishing it, I know he felt he did not because he had been at it all day.

Helping put the final touches on 15 paintings wrapped between wood, plastic wrap and butcher paper, I have to say, I was nervous in seeing these being shipped from Mexico City to Pittsburgh, yes Pittsburgh. After about 30 minutes, of making sure everything was sealed and packaged, we lifted the package down the stairs, down two blocks, and into the back of a smelly truck.   (Um, yeah, my dogs (the pups) have not adjusted to the movement of my truck and well, let’s just say left something behind in the truck despite me cleaning it, so intensive cleaning and defumigation of the truck will need to occur) and off we were through the city to the UPS store . We got there, unloaded, and I forgot, as Jason was putting the address onto the package, on Elmsworth n Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA, I have to say, chills ran up my spine as I recalled Shadyside and the many many amazing memories I have of Pittsburgh in general. It made me exceptionally proud to be a small part of this process.

Funny thing, as we were in the lobby of the UPS store, we heard this annoying high pitched drilling that was so loud it interrupted any conversation and thoughts we might have been having. Over and over, and it almost sounded like it was coming through the…POOF!

Right to the left of my foot, literally, popped the drill bit and pieces of tile with it! I laughed as it seriously was something out of a film, I jumped in unison with the drill bit, it leaving as fast as it appeared, leaving the bits of tile as the only trace it was there. I looked at the UPS clerks, and Jason, and laughed hysterically and tried to see down the hole, but couldn’t. A little humor along the way, not a bad way to spend the lobby time in UPS.   I still had the cool feeling of being so close to Pittsburgh just seeing this package here headed to a city that seemed to be one of its own and a part of me. I missed the Primanti Brother’s experience, the nights along he strip, the views from the Duquesne incline, and so so much more. There is something about being from Pittsburgh.

We set off, picked up Jason’s cool girlfriend, Valeria,  at the metro, headed to my house s I was having leery feelings about the possibility of not shutting the back room door tight and the dogs running amuck in the apartment again. We got to my place, I whistled from the ground floor, the pup’s heads appeared at the window, and I know all was right with the world.

We headed on Eco-bici to maybe the BEST Pozoli in Mexico, La Casa de Tono, and I ordered two Queso Enchiladas and one Papas, and Jason and Valeria,  ordered the classic Pozoli, all of it being DELICIOUS! Gracias Jason!

We left, grabbed the Ecobici, and this made me crack up hysterically. You do see almost on every corner individuals asking for money, yet here was a lady, sitting on the sidewalk, with two ballcaps, hunkered on the corner, with perhaps the largest blunt of marijuana I have ever smelled, and well saw. Yes, the smell was getting me a little crazy just being there on the corner, and we joked about how we would be affected if we stood there much longer. She knew nothing else was going on around her, NADA. Only in Mexico 😉

I like to go into details sometimes, because the overall day, while a lot of back and forth, was amazing as I am lucky to be around so many good friends, as well as talented individuals who I am lucky to see and witness their acts affect those from so many locations, I only could hope our Repentino. will continue to do the same. I simply want others to realize how much talent can be found in amazing young people’s talent, as well as the power of art to reach across the globe, I believe Repentino. can be a tool to show how so many interdisciplinary needs can be met, I believe a true center of all Common Core hopes to achieve a true hand’s on project-based event that is a reality.

Speaking of good friends, there are quite a few hat need to be remembered that have left ASF but never left our memories, as does happen every year in an international setting. A think a tribute to some (and more to follow) is also in order:

Screen Shot 2014-07-05 at 3.22.52 AMJoe Edwards – I have to say if you never witnessed one of the lower school concerts, you have missed something. Joe is amazing to be with in public, but amazing with the students as well. His youthful spirit was just, invigorate, and positive, and his spirit was and is contagious. I think I was honored each time I could be a part of what Joe was promoting, and he did it all from his heart and you could not only see it, you could feel it. Everytime he performed as an Open Mic, you felt like he had been there all along, and that was and is the energy of Joe Edwards. Someone and something like that you can’t ever forget nor miss, which is one of the gifts that Joe leaves behind.

Roy and Shifa Isaacs – Other than relocating the whole ASF school to their apartment for a memorable last party, these two just make you smile and laugh and think about a variety of topics. Despite often having hardships that they had to struggle through and they never stayed there in negativity – they continued to laugh, spread funny and memorable moments among those around them, and always lead and be involved in adventures. Those are the type of people you like being around, and make you feel good inside, other than always being held captive in negative areas they give you hope that there is always something to look forward to. Their children happened to always make you laugh or smile, and again, individuals that always left you with a smile for a variety of reasons, their spirit is something you wished all tried to maintain.

Screen Shot 2014-07-04 at 1.53.42 PMCamila Dever –  firecracker and poster child of Yoga, it was surreal to say goodbye to Camila on Wednesday.  Is is strange, I still standby not wanting to say goodbye because I believe there are no goodbyes thanks to social media.  Through the harassment (Yes Camila, harassment) and good laughs and funny times we had, Camila’s spirit resonates as being able to outdo most young children – and if I believe it right, that is what keeps people alive in spirit and their souls.  Such a spirit and enthusiasm should be directed at everything we do, and for that reason, students, adults, and everyone can feel better with a fresh perspective and not get bogged down in gossip, negative thoughts and focus, as well as always looking to the future ins tea dog looking at our past and other’s pasts.  I believe that her spirit will always be healthy and needed to keep us on the healthy track for ourselves and towards others.  Goodbyes are sad but the energy that is shared and left behind is what keeps us all going together, and that is what many people should never overlook!

(Commerical break)..Anxious at 2:30 for Brazil and Colombia. I have dear friends in both locations, and while I want Colombia to go go go, in my heart I wanted Brazil to go, ages ago all the way…so….we’ll see…..NERVOUS!!!!!!!

Stephanie Brown – Stephanie always has this soft spoken mild mannered approach to the class and all she comes in contact with and those feelings always soaked into the very pyche of all who were around her. Bother her and her partner – amazing to be around – wonderful to be colleagues, from the time they were watching my kitten to the point of where they would always be there for advice, form everything to IB Extended Essays, TOK, to ANYTHING, you always felt you ha d a welcome spot anytime you were around these two Seeing them leave, and knowing they are leaving, is a loss in your heart if you knew these two, and it is kind of an assurance to also know, no one will be able to replace the comraderie one feels with Stephanie in the halls of ASF.

Shay Carlstrom – Shay has the characteristic, blunt and honest to the point of if offending or not, he still will remain blunt and honest. I love that about him and his quality teaching style was felt from all students. You saw in when you walked past the classroom, he would not tolerate being interrupted for the sake of his students, and his students knew he was there for them as well. An AMAZNG geography and trivia player at the Legion, hysterical wearing glasses and known as Shay Charles, being over generous with the treating of friends in dinner and after dinner, as well as being a huge advocate of NANO, supporter of all things literary and Geographical, Shay’s energy, in your face or like it or not, and overall presence was hysterical and present always – Shay – you are missed and remembered equally every day!

Memri Teagle and Tiana – It’s strange some things hit you harder after the fact on right on the cusp of something happening. This happened with Memri and Tiana. I remember moving into the apartment I am in now, and having items for Memri to give from the former tenant. Then I remember Tiana, seeing Tiana in school, not much I knew about her, and then it seems like a flash forward, she was on staff and I wondered why she had not been on staff before she was a senior and already, I was saying goodbye. Not fair. I know for sure that Memri is going to be amazing in the Dominican Republic and that Tiana is going to thrive and THEN SOME in Boston, but I know this, I miss a portion of my feeling of what ASF and Repentino. is without them here.

Sandra Shannon – There are friends you settle in with and often, nothing has to be said when you are with someone, you just enjoy doing things without always having to speak or say anything. Sandra was in the Middle School so not a lot of people might have realized how calming, laid back, and easy going she was. Yet, everyone needs time to decompress, and often, just not saying anything and sharing the stress you contain within a without having to detail it, is well what is needed. Film buff, and accomplice in crime for milkshakes and chili fries at Barracuda Diner, Shannon was someone I could escape the fears I had inside with, and she calmed me just as she did her students and those around her. Despite the problems she had with the various adjustments she had with the air here, she never hesitated to maintain a friendship that gave more than was being asked for, which made the vet fact that a friend did not have to be anything at all except themselves.

Carlos Arriola – It’s funny, his smile I could almost sense across the hall, and yet, despite a somewhat quiet demeanor, his power of putting people at ease and a confidence that just WAS remained with you when you were in his presence and even when you were not. Positive, friendly and this sense that anything you needed could be brought up, left at his feet, and discussed and he would be there to hear and also offer his critique. This quit energy, yet constantly present throughout who the person Carlos Arriola always was, leaves you with an emptiness when he was not around, and such is the emptiness that exists without him here.

Jordan Horner – Few people maybe realized how early Mr. Horner arrived at ASF but in the mornings was the chance I received to calm down, ready for the day, talk about things past present, future, and be able to check out what the day held of me and laugh a little with Jordan.  Aside from the frequent coffee runs to Starbucks, this always settled me in for the day.  I can’t say that his remarks off-handedly were’t simply hysterical, (they were) and his ability to survive skateboarding, extreme bicycling (even against other cars) and come back like Superman – he was and is pretty resilient when it comes to all things, and that is what makes Jordan a good friend.  Amazing knowledge about bicycles and cycling, his conversations can easily go from that hot topic to those about the latest changes for good or worse, in the government.  Someone around that can sympathize, relate and advice, Jordan is the all around friend that in the early mornings, can make the day operate well for you – definitely, Jordan has been someone I expect to see in the morning to know the day will be as usual and without him, definitely not the same.

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Another Day and proud for many, many, many…

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Harry Brake

…you can put alot of words in there, but wow – Let’s talk SIXTEEN saves in a World Cup game, and while the United States was a heartbreak of a game- we can be proud to be represented by an amazing team, and maybe one of the best games  so far…Green and Howard perhaps the best I have seen in the game this series, one for the energy he rallied a whole team, and the other, well the same and a record number of saves – I am in love with this sport I am not afraid to say…

OHMYGOSH! Blended!   I never thought I would laugh so hard, as well as the people around me and yet, if anyone would have told me Adam Sandler could be so amazing, dramatic, and on some moments, astounding, funny I knew but this – OHMYGOSH I WANT THIS movie, but for that film the whole theatre laughed together, LOVED this movie together.  I am proud for Sandler and Barrymore taking the chance on such an amazing movie, while causing everyone to leave “belly sore” after.

There are so many amazing moments that – to be honest, this was the most unexpected good film I saw that was one of the best comedies that mixes itself with so many good aspects too, I got super lucky with being a member in this theatre!

Finally, things are taking shape with a complete makeover at my apartment, and overall, there are so many amazing opportunities that have presented themselves to me in the last few days – so I am lucky tone surrounded by amazing friends that help you get in the spirit of the World Cup, as well as realizing how lucky we all are to have so many memories down the road thanks to amazing events that occur now – 🙂

 

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Life is what you bring to it, and sometimes what you don’t…

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Harry Brake

…Yes, some spectacular moments these past three weeks.  First, finally, my last day was the 20th and t was like a breath given to you and even if I did want to go in the next day, it was an official break and everything seemed easier after June 20th just because it was a break, a major “Brake” and well needed break…:)

Two films I have been lucky enough to see recently have stood out, one, being The Fault in Our Stars as well as Heaven is for Real.  I did see criticisms and critics as well as great reviews and this is my personal feelings on both together.  Some people, just as in life, bring a multitude of optimism, hope, and refreshing air to life, conversations, and other people’s friendships.  Others bring the exact opposite, what seems to resemble a closed bottle, “stuffy rooms” of their experience, gossip, and leaves that for us to wade through and make ourselves to the top to feel that refreshing breath of fresh air, kind lot like when you realize that vacation has started.

I feel the same about films, I know it is Hollywood most often times more than not, yet, I go into the films wanting to escape and feel as part of what I am about to see leaves with me as well, mainly because, I love films and see the amazing art that it takes to make one feel that way.  The Fault in Our Stars didn’t have to be realistic in every comment or thought, and it did not have to be what might really happen in real life.  According to WHO I’d like to ask?  Everyone brings a separate, individual style of responses and reactions to their life, and while I do not think John Green intended to know what every person that deals with the very difficult situations that these young people deal with, he does want to bring a sense of dignity, hope, and beauty to their lives.  He does just this through this film.  I hung on the words, reactions, and situations that present themselves because, well, I truly love the art of filmmaking.  In The Fault in our Stars, I held this reserve of tears just on the lids the whole time through the movie, the whole time.  I am not sure that has ever happened, and I really do not think it counts as a full out cry, it was just that I always had this welling of tears because of the beauty I felt, saw, and loved in so many different forms.  LOVED.  Add an amazing soundtrack to this film and despite many feeling offended by what John Green brings up in his book and his film, I realized he was able to reach down and reach so many young people through his book and film, that he deserves a larger round of Kudos for the attention he is able to bring to his work.

In viewing Heaven is for Real, I have to say, I felt another, but different sense of beauty in the sense that people can be, and often are afraid to truly live, because that would lead to other questions such as if they have been doing something incorrect up to this point and afraid to change, or that they might have had something wrong and to admit it would be worse than changing and living a better life, sounds ironic, but I sense that concept to the realest moment in this film.  I truly love the devotion of parents to their children and this being a true story, it felt even greater knowing this exists.  I realized I am a better person for the time my parents gave to me as well as sacrificed for me, despite what others felt about them or me.  This truly was worth seeing to its fullest moments to and I loved the fact that we get to see the family that this is based on at the end of the film.

Both of these films bring a sense of beauty to life, but only to those willing to accept that, as one of the women in Heaven is for Real pointedly made clear after some full-blown realizations in her life about her own son.  Somewhat related, I was lucky enough to spend some quality time with a great friend on Sunday, where by the way, if you haven’t explored Mercado Roma, WOW.  (See more here– #125).   – but in the process I was able to see the change in her son.  A year or so ago, the worries of how to deal with the struggles he had in reading, comprehension, as well as the basic social skills he seems to shy away from was at the forefront of her days, with valid reasons.  This past weekend, and within a year’s time, I saw a completely different young man, one who was confident, one who was amazingly advanced compared to where he was a far ago, and I could not help but draw the parallel to these films I saw.

I do believe amazing parenting and support does wonders, and in this case, it surely did.  I also see how much optimism and never giving up, even if perceived by others, has an effect.  I know when I am around such people, I have dreams and ideas that truly seem possible, but seem buried when I am around individuals that try to find the conversations that exist under stones and should remain buried.  You can guess which type of people I prefer to be around.

I see the future so bright in the next few months as I make a commitment to see other lands, meet other people and apply many things I have learned about myself inane attempt to grow more as a person.  Which, even though I was HIGHLY upset at the Mexican-Holand game, perhaps, one of the most upsetting moments in sports history for me (I had my heart SET, I mean 100% set on Mexico to make it), and for them to be eliminated not to their lack of talent, but mainly (I say mainly because even with mistakes they made), the disappointing, ignorant, and untimely Holland call was a smack in the face and a door closing, which I can not accept.  Mexico deserves better.  Yet as I am learning to cope with this anger, imagine how individuals that have followed the World Cup and Mexico for years, maybe all their lives have felt each time that have come close? I find myself wanting to be more sympathetic and knowledgable about what makes Mexico better, because this is a country easy to fall in love, head over heels with.

In fact, I took notes during the game, and those that remember, and see these will remember the heartbreak of losing this match…

18:00 – Almost a goal a great shot and wow! Mexico! Mexico!   Mexico!

19:22 – almost a goal again!

 23:19 – Almost a shot in,b locked! SO CLOSE!

38:02- shot attempt andblocked but getting there I can feel it!

42:0 and change, a shot, stomped n, but agh! NO goal yet!

 46:39 – Defended yeah!   #15 hurt

#14 Holland– awesome – Robbin?  He is good and all over the place…

47:49 – GOAL! #10 out of nowhere!

55:01 – Another shot for a goal, but blocked!

 56:46 BLOCKED! GO OCHOA!

 61:24 takes it away out of danger!

73:40 BLOCKD!   YEAH OCHOA!

Javier Hernandez in! 74:33

87:12 GOAL for Holland….? Noooooooo…..Noooooo…

Seriously? A yellow card for no contact? A most HEARTBREAKING loss and win…

 

Don’t get me wrong, I would not be where I am today without the amazing parents, friends, students, and family that I have had in my life.  I miss the aspects of the United States that supported me, pushed, me, and gave me opportunities I might never have had anywhere else.  My main hope is that I can also add the amazing culture and respect in seeing other countries as they really are, not as they are told in newspapers and textbooks worlds away, but always living, experiencing, and realizing what their values are as a country that can’t be defined by another country.

As the United States goes to battle for the World Cup, of course I find myself cheering for my country, and wanting them to excel.  It is just now I have a part of me that also appreciates what Mexico has brought to the World Cup and I want them recognized even more than they have, out of respect and admiration I have for them in a new light.

I look forward to a 2014-2015 far that is full of growth and changes that propel me and those around me to such a level of strength, that this far will be a shining one and leave those that still remain in the basement of their negativity, dead end thoughts, and false assumptions behind.  In this way, everything we do in life, from seeing films, to the way we interact/support each other, and the way we see the mornings, will all hold a totally different light.    Life is amazing I am lucky to find out each and every day, in a different way, and I hope I can do this with so many valuable people around me that do the same.

 

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Gunning it…full throttle and then some…with some fondness.

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Harry Brake

Life is just wow, what can I say, it is hard to always put into a blog to define the highs and lows and yet, it is so amazing sometimes that words and emotions that want to burst out of you simply can’t get you close to the mark to describe it.

Father’s Day was tough, I never thought it would get harder as time passed but yes, it does.  I think of course of all the things I did not see as flaws that I cared to look over in my Dad, as most people see their father’s as being flawless despite them, yet, the amazing sacrifices he made for each for each one of his children and the people he took in as his children that he considered friends always always stuck with me; I can never shake the gifts I didn’t realize he passed on to me that I was not aware of initially.  Each year I include this in honor of my Dad, The Rings Around Us-1,   and even though I keep quiet during Father’s Day this year, it felt appropriate for me to honor my Dad anyway in my own way.

You always read about this kind of thing in small town grab America, and this (I wish I would have had my camera with me!) was worth retelling.  When I took Kinah, Wriggley, and Amaya to Parque Rio, I kept hearing this meow, like a loud one.  Of course my radar was like, “Oh no! – another cat to save?!” and I looked around yet the sound was still around me, but no cat?  This kept up for awhile and then, before long at the edge of a park I saw a ladder being brought out.  THAT MADE SENSE.  The cast was in a tree somewhere and literally, the meow was reaching to me in the middle of the park.  Before I knew it, and watching this all unfold, two Park /Police representatives came, donned hats, gloves, jackets, and climbed the ladder about 25 feet up to rescue a cat, grabbing her/him by the scruff of the neck, bringing her/him down, and returning her/him to the owner, and everyone clapped wildly.  I thought, wow, that is amazing, I had to go to Mexico to see something we read and hear about happening in small town U.S.A.  LOL, loved that rescue!

Speaking of rescue, I am touched by the need of Lexi, a beautiful mannered and brave dog that needs help with surgery, and hoping friends would be willing to donate $5.00 to help her surgery.  Usually a hoax I know, but not this time, and I thought by having floods of people only donate $5.00 it will show how amazingly supportive so many people are for such a brave soul and my friends, in such a brave dog as Lexi!  Her address is here:

http://fundapetmiracle.com/projects/lexi-has-a-tumor1/1275

and if you can help with this as a favor, it will mean everything in the means of supporting another!

The World Cup.  WOW.  I was surprised when I saw what a big deal was in Seaford, DE, when I was there.  Yet, years and years before, when I attended Edinboro University, I never really realized how big soccer camps where until I stayed at Edinboro over the summer one year.  Now I am hooked.  Thoroughly.  I watch the games and nearby locations,  I am in a bracket poll, and even have began collecting jerseys here and there.  I even had an album given to me and am collecting stamps, lol.   (My excuse is it helps me learn the players better). Yet, like what I realized about MUN, it is an amazing way to have conversations about cultures around the world, without even consciously thinking about it.  I like that.  I love learning about the ins and outs of soccer, and walk away with a much more diverse view of other countries, teams, and players.  It also lasts for a few weeks, and the camaraderie you see among so many people, in so many places?  Thereis nothing like to over the prior of those weeks, and you have to see it to really understand it,.  Mexico has provided that gift to me.Who have I picked?  I have picked Argentina and Brazil as the last two standing, but I’d be lying if I would say I am not rooting for the United States!  🙂

Writing.  You know, I spent most of my life studying, going to college, and dabbing in writing when I could, but never reserving the time to put effort into it like I thought I might want to.  Now that I have time, I love, LOVE writing, and love blogging, and am so grateful I found a place in my life to find out what I can do with writing to reach out to others, and use it for so many things.  I find myself wanting to attend a few Creative Writing Workshops this summer and Fall to enhance what I love to do through such amazing projects like NANO and NANOWrimo to name a few.  I realize, although my lifestyle is definitely not used to it, I love the time I used to find I had to be doing something all the time, and now instead turn to writing more and more.  It is like some sort of withdrawal, my body fighting the time I usually do not have to myself and yet, the more I read, the more I want to develop writing more as well.  I feel like I might be starting from ground zero when I could have been writing so much earlier, but, I am grateful for realizing that writing can reach so many people as well.

I feel like the title of the blog, Gunning it, is very appropriate because I have still to this date, realized how many things I held back from doing that I wish I never had and once realizing how much it means to me, I want to move forward full throttle and make the most of these moments to do so.  I think one realized how amazing things can be, how less stressful life can be when you learn to let go a bit and let others do the worrying for you that can never get beyond the stress, the gossip, the criticisms, the “creating a problem just so there is a problem” and let others just do that and let you, as an individual experience how amazing life can be, and how beneficial it can be to bounce back from al the negative that exists in the world.  I have had my share of moments where I wondered, “I am never ever gong to get out of the and see anything better…” and truly moments like that – just like working and learning to appreciate the value of something instead of having everything given to you – allows you to appreciate and taste the richness of life without thing it fro granted.  Much of that lies in how you are raised, but realizing the richness of something and working for it, earning it, and internalizing it for what it is on its own?  PRICELESS.

I am beginning to find ways to create the space inside I need to let the stress come in, but not to overtake me or control my emotions, and let it ill off me and keep on going with what matters the most, laying the stress aside for another and making life a moment after another to look back on and appreciate.  That is something to write about  🙂

 

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