Ruminations on what´s important

Above is a photo taken today at a really nice Sunday afternoon family gathering here in Rio. Pictured left to right include Renardo, Leonardo, Cleaine, Antonio, Carla, little Manuela, and me (Please excuse any mispellings). Today´s gathering was ostensibly to watch the world cup game, but yesterday there was a similar gathering, and I get the feeling these are very frequent events as the whole family lives within a few blocks of each other.

Relaxing after the family had left yesterday, Antonio (the father) and I were talking about where my family lives. `How long does it take to get to see them´he asked; well, five hours by plane for my brother,12 hours by car for my parents and in-laws and so on. ´Caramba!´he said. We had a very interesting discussion about cultural differences between Brazilians and Americans, and why for Americans it seems somewhat natural to move to be where you want to be (whether that´s for a job, environment, friends, or family). Antonio thought this was all very strange and wondered why we move so far away from each other....

I wonder as well.

(of course living a few hours apart is one thing we can probably attribute to national culture, our conversation didn´t touch on why we´d each be crazy enough to live in Delhi or Brazil for a year...)

Top of the world!

In reality, it´s probably only several thousand feet up, but when one visit the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado it seems like you really are at the top of the world. Seeing the statue was neat (upclose, as one can see the statue from throughout Rio, including from the terrace of this apartment). However, for me it was the sweeping view of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean that was truly aweinspiring.

Bemvindo a Rio de Janeiro

Rio is an incredibly beautiful city, surrounded by mountains and incredible beaches. No wonder the cariocas are so proud of their locale! I´m having a wonderful time with Antonio, and Cleiane, whom are friends of my Uncle George and Aunt Jean from their time living in Rio. Ok, back to futebol! It its the world cup after all.....

It's official!

The Meek men are all hitched! We had an absolutely phenomenal time in NV!
Many thanks to Jon & Gita as well as the Gelfers for hosting the beautiful wedding, Rachel for her unbelievable efforts in organizing, my parents for a wonderful rehearsal evening, Marina and Isaac for local hospitality, all of Jon and Gita's friends and relatives for their well-wishes and support. It was not only a great day and a perfect wedding, but a great week leading up to the wedding. Here are a few photos from Las Vegas (sorry, as per custom, no photos of the bachelor/ette parties, or of "Judy"-you'll have to ask me on that latter one!) Many thanks to Gail Weaver and George Meek for the beautiful photos!





Dave learns to quilt (!) at the hands of the onlooking master, Gail Weaver.




Gita's gaggle of girlies were out in numbers and put us men to shame!





Dave and Dave enjoy a breather on a rigorous hike the day of the wedding.



The beautiful couple




Gita brought tears to many people's eyes (including my own) as her parents, Alex and Frida, made their entrance

 

The handsome proud parents dressed up in post-RV finery

 

One sweet kiss!

 

Gita dances the hora as supported by many, including Josh Kaplan.

 

Banjo playing at Bryce!

Arches!

Here's a few photos from a spectacular two days in Arches!

 

 

 

 

Exploring the Rockies at Rocky Mountain NP

Below are some photos from a hike Jo and I took in Rocky Mountain National Park. As you can see it was gorgeous, albeit very snowy! Let's just say we weren't quite so prepared in our sneakers, but oh well, we had a great time getting high up above the crowds. The photo that doesn't look like it has anything in it, is actually a photo of Jo as a small dot across the valley, the photo of her with her arms flailing is her running (glissading) down the mountain...more photos to come!