I am headed back to Manila this summer! In an earlier post, I mentioned being overwhelmed about my upcoming travel schedule, and Manila plays a part in that. So far, my summer/fall travel is as follows:
May 31st - June 2nd - Road trip*
July 9th - August 17th - Manila, Philippines
August 26th - September 7th - Augusta, Georgia
September 23rd - 27th - Augusta, Georgia
September 28th - 30th - Las Vegas, Nevada*
September 30th - October 10th - Augusta, Georgia
(*personal trips)
I am beyond thrilled to get the chance to go back to Manila, especially to see all of my friends there; but it is difficult to stomach the reality of being away from home for so long. This trip (6 weeks) will be a little over half of my first visit (10 weeks), but I think it is more overwhelming because I now have a better understanding what I'm in for; working long hours, staying up late to enjoy the weekends, and missing friends and family.
When I first heard about the Manila project, I was eager to go and had very few reservations about being gone for so long. I had been in a casual dating relationship that ended months before I left so when I left the states I was single and eager for an adventure.
My personal life has changed greatly since then; I'm now in a relationship with my best friend and my personal goals have evolved as well. I've always prided myself on my independence and I've felt kinda guilty for missing people; I viewed it as being co-dependent and needy. In the last year or so, I've had the realization that missing someone or wanting to be with them isn't co-dependence, it is simply preferring to be with them than not. So I realize that I'm not co-dependent, but I'm afraid six weeks will seem longer than ten weeks did before.
My personal life has changed greatly since then; I'm now in a relationship with my best friend and my personal goals have evolved as well. I've always prided myself on my independence and I've felt kinda guilty for missing people; I viewed it as being co-dependent and needy. In the last year or so, I've had the realization that missing someone or wanting to be with them isn't co-dependence, it is simply preferring to be with them than not. So I realize that I'm not co-dependent, but I'm afraid six weeks will seem longer than ten weeks did before.
Professionally, I'm now working in a consultative role to support the department where I started at my employer. It is such a joy to work with a group who values my role and contributions as an expert on their business. I know that these trips are of huge value to the organization and this somewhat hectic schedule is based both on business needs and their trust in me.
I mean it when I say I feel lucky getting to travel for work; we all know I've had my share of run-ins with the TSA, but overall, I really do enjoy traveling. I feel incredibly lucky to be headed back to Manila. While there, I'll once again get the opportunity to work with an amazing, high performing team with a zest and energy for our employer that is unmatched.
I also feel very lucky to be traveling internationally in 2011/2012 - communication technology has increased rapidly while the cost is next to nothing. Between VOIP calls and video chatting, it really didn't feel like I was far from home. My mom even joked that when I called from work it was a 770 (Atlanta) area code on her caller ID, so she would just pretend I was in Atlanta instead of halfway around the world. Ten years ago, I would have been limited to email and probably only phone calls on Sunday because international calls are so cost prohibitive. Heck - my first trip to Manila, I could BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) any friend stateside and it was like I was just around the corner.
On a positive note, this schedule will give me lots of stuff to write about! I am determined to do a better job documenting this trip than the last!
Headed back to Manila!
Monday, May 28, 2012
I am headed back to Manila this summer! In an earlier post, I mentioned being overwhelmed about my upcoming travel schedule, and Manila plays a part in that. So far, my summer/fall travel is as follows:
May 31st - June 2nd - Road trip*
July 9th - August 17th - Manila, Philippines
August 26th - September 7th - Augusta, Georgia
September 23rd - 27th - Augusta, Georgia
September 28th - 30th - Las Vegas, Nevada*
September 30th - October 10th - Augusta, Georgia
(*personal trips)
I am beyond thrilled to get the chance to go back to Manila, especially to see all of my friends there; but it is difficult to stomach the reality of being away from home for so long. This trip (6 weeks) will be a little over half of my first visit (10 weeks), but I think it is more overwhelming because I now have a better understanding what I'm in for; working long hours, staying up late to enjoy the weekends, and missing friends and family.
When I first heard about the Manila project, I was eager to go and had very few reservations about being gone for so long. I had been in a casual dating relationship that ended months before I left so when I left the states I was single and eager for an adventure.
My personal life has changed greatly since then; I'm now in a relationship with my best friend and my personal goals have evolved as well. I've always prided myself on my independence and I've felt kinda guilty for missing people; I viewed it as being co-dependent and needy. In the last year or so, I've had the realization that missing someone or wanting to be with them isn't co-dependence, it is simply preferring to be with them than not. So I realize that I'm not co-dependent, but I'm afraid six weeks will seem longer than ten weeks did before.
My personal life has changed greatly since then; I'm now in a relationship with my best friend and my personal goals have evolved as well. I've always prided myself on my independence and I've felt kinda guilty for missing people; I viewed it as being co-dependent and needy. In the last year or so, I've had the realization that missing someone or wanting to be with them isn't co-dependence, it is simply preferring to be with them than not. So I realize that I'm not co-dependent, but I'm afraid six weeks will seem longer than ten weeks did before.
Professionally, I'm now working in a consultative role to support the department where I started at my employer. It is such a joy to work with a group who values my role and contributions as an expert on their business. I know that these trips are of huge value to the organization and this somewhat hectic schedule is based both on business needs and their trust in me.
I mean it when I say I feel lucky getting to travel for work; we all know I've had my share of run-ins with the TSA, but overall, I really do enjoy traveling. I feel incredibly lucky to be headed back to Manila. While there, I'll once again get the opportunity to work with an amazing, high performing team with a zest and energy for our employer that is unmatched.
I also feel very lucky to be traveling internationally in 2011/2012 - communication technology has increased rapidly while the cost is next to nothing. Between VOIP calls and video chatting, it really didn't feel like I was far from home. My mom even joked that when I called from work it was a 770 (Atlanta) area code on her caller ID, so she would just pretend I was in Atlanta instead of halfway around the world. Ten years ago, I would have been limited to email and probably only phone calls on Sunday because international calls are so cost prohibitive. Heck - my first trip to Manila, I could BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) any friend stateside and it was like I was just around the corner.
On a positive note, this schedule will give me lots of stuff to write about! I am determined to do a better job documenting this trip than the last!
Writing my blog, I've vowed to keep it real. A career traveling is not always rainbows and unicorns; but the awesome experiences offset the personal sacrifices.
This time of year is usually my down time when it comes to work travel; my busy time really picks up in August and September. This means that every evening and weekend is mine to plan, whether it is here in Des Moines or a fun trip somewhere else. This year, my busy travel season will start a month early and likely take me through the end of the calendar year.
When I'm on conference calls discussing travel dates, I've been getting nervous and a little anxious. Will I be able to balance my personal and professional commitments? How will my personal relationships be effected? How exhausted will I feel?
I'm thankful for my parents and sister; without their support and caring for my dogs, I couldn't afford to travel - literally. Do you know how much it costs to board dogs? I couldn't stomach the cost, let alone doing that to my poor pups. Knowing that my dogs are loved and cared for is a huge weight off my shoulders.
I'm thankful for my boyfriend; it takes quite a bit of patience to put up with my schedule and even more understanding for someone to appreciate my idea of a date. Picking me up at the airport and dinner 11pm counts as a date, right? How about watching a movie together... by phone because I'm 1200 miles away?
I'm thankful for my friends that keep in touch via email and facebook and my blog. Today I received the sweetest message from a friend and former coworker that seriously made my day.
I'm kind of laughing to myself right now, this post started out about how anxious and nervous I've felt but in writing out my concerns and all that I'm grateful for... I feel at ease; I know my friends and family have got my back.
More Ugly
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Writing my blog, I've vowed to keep it real. A career traveling is not always rainbows and unicorns; but the awesome experiences offset the personal sacrifices.
This time of year is usually my down time when it comes to work travel; my busy time really picks up in August and September. This means that every evening and weekend is mine to plan, whether it is here in Des Moines or a fun trip somewhere else. This year, my busy travel season will start a month early and likely take me through the end of the calendar year.
When I'm on conference calls discussing travel dates, I've been getting nervous and a little anxious. Will I be able to balance my personal and professional commitments? How will my personal relationships be effected? How exhausted will I feel?
I'm thankful for my parents and sister; without their support and caring for my dogs, I couldn't afford to travel - literally. Do you know how much it costs to board dogs? I couldn't stomach the cost, let alone doing that to my poor pups. Knowing that my dogs are loved and cared for is a huge weight off my shoulders.
I'm thankful for my boyfriend; it takes quite a bit of patience to put up with my schedule and even more understanding for someone to appreciate my idea of a date. Picking me up at the airport and dinner 11pm counts as a date, right? How about watching a movie together... by phone because I'm 1200 miles away?
I'm thankful for my friends that keep in touch via email and facebook and my blog. Today I received the sweetest message from a friend and former coworker that seriously made my day.
I'm kind of laughing to myself right now, this post started out about how anxious and nervous I've felt but in writing out my concerns and all that I'm grateful for... I feel at ease; I know my friends and family have got my back.
I've shared travel etiquette before that focused on waiting at your gate. Here is a good read from travelinsurance.org called "9 Things You Should Absolutely Never Do on a Plane" Some of it seems like no-brainers, but I cringe when imaging sitting near someone breaking these rules!
Flying Etiquette
Monday, May 21, 2012
I've shared travel etiquette before that focused on waiting at your gate. Here is a good read from travelinsurance.org called "9 Things You Should Absolutely Never Do on a Plane" Some of it seems like no-brainers, but I cringe when imaging sitting near someone breaking these rules!
...earn new status on Delta.
...earn my promotion.
...reconnect with old friends.
...race between Augusta and Des Moines to catch a flight to Vegas, and then turn around and get back to Augusta.
...pack and re-pack my bags a dozen times.
...cash in some hotel points for a weekend getaway.
...make (at least) three quick trips to Target to buy stuff I forgot to pack.
...photograph four weddings.
...drive ten hours to western Nebraska to visit my Grandma.
...spend hours waiting at an airport.
...remember why I love it all; I wouldn't have it any other way.
In the next six months I will...
Friday, May 18, 2012
...earn new status on Delta.
...earn my promotion.
...reconnect with old friends.
...race between Augusta and Des Moines to catch a flight to Vegas, and then turn around and get back to Augusta.
...pack and re-pack my bags a dozen times.
...cash in some hotel points for a weekend getaway.
...make (at least) three quick trips to Target to buy stuff I forgot to pack.
...photograph four weddings.
...drive ten hours to western Nebraska to visit my Grandma.
...spend hours waiting at an airport.
...remember why I love it all; I wouldn't have it any other way.
How did this three day adventure turn into a 5 part post? It reminds me of those period dramas on BBC America that are a 4 part mini-series. Somewhere after part 2, I want to shout "get to the damn ending already!" Turns out I'm a stereotypical American with a short attention span. So I'll try to wrap up the rest of the trip in this post. :)
After an emotional trip to the El Paso Holocaust Museum, we decided to up our vitamin D intake with a drive to the west side of the city. I wanted to show the boyfriend my old stopping ground; where I used to stay on previous trips, where I lived when I relocated there - kind of a glimpse into my life in El Paso. We drove up Thunderbird Mountain into the hills filled with high-end homes from the 70s to present day. We drove up to my old apartment which sits at the top of the developed area, but still a long way from the summit.
We continued on our quest for an El Paso Diablos (the minor league baseball team in town) hat but after three stops we still came up empty handed. We decided to return to the hotel for a little R&R before dinner.
Dinner was at The Garden, an upscale restaurant in the Plaza entertainment district - an older warehouse-type area that is now home to four restaurants and clubs. It was prom night so seating was scarce but we gladly accepted seats at the bar and dined on Mexican appetizers and Italian main courses. The boyfriend's chicken marsala was the best I've ever had; one bite made me second guess my wood-oven pizza. At least until I tried it :)
Sunday brunch was at Crave, a trendy restaurant on Cincinnati street. The peppered bacon was thick and perfect. Now remember, I'm from Iowa; I know good bacon when I see it. This, my friends, was perfect.
Next, it was time to head out to Santa Teresa, New Mexico to the War Eagles Air Museum, recommended to us by one of my students, Mary. War Eagles is home to over two dozen planes from WWII to present, plus 25+ cool or rare cars. They also have an entire wall of the hanger covered in WWII newspaper clippings and maps. Did you know that the US made special packs of playing cards that when pieced together created a map for POWs to escape? At only $5/person and twenty minute drive from downtown, this museum is an awesome attraction for any visitor. I'd rate this place a solid A.
After the Air Museum we headed back to El Paso, stopping at an antique store on Mesa Drive. I'm not a fan of antique stores (they always smell funny and are super crowded - either with stuff or people or both) but the boyfriend digs them so I was a good sport and followed him inside. Twenty minutes later we exited empty handed but with directions to a whole bunch of antique stores.
We followed Doniphan drive out to some red morton buildings that housed over a dozen antique stores. As we parked, I suggested that I hang out in the car with my iPad while he spent as long as he wanted in the shops - that way he didn't feel rushed because I was bored and I didn't have to smell old junk. It was a win-win. About an hour later, he returned to the car with a few small purchases and we headed back downtown.
He had also researched local attractions and was interested in visiting the El Paso Museum of History, just across the street from our hotel. With only an hour left until closing, we started on the main floor. I was really excited to see the Asarco display; the copper smelter had been in business over 100 years until they were shut down in 1999 due to air and water pollution. The company hoped to restart operations in the 2000s but decided to shut down and tear down the facility in 2009. The three minute video in the theater room was a disappointment and seemed to be an advertisement to buy the full length video in the gift shop and the photos, diagrams and displays were poorly labeled and looked more like an art gallery than a museum exhibit. The accompanying exhibit was on traditional medicine and customs from Mexico. Once again the poorly curated display made it difficult to follow and very little tied it together. After completing the tour of the first floor we were a bit disappointed.
After exploring the gift shop and sneaking a peak at an upcoming exhibit which included a NASA jet plane, learned that the main floor was their temporary exhibits, and upstairs housed their permanent collection. Upstairs was completely different - well documented photos and displays documented El Paso history from the early settlers to the rail expansion to El Paso all the way to present day. Sadly, we wasted too much time on the first floor and had to rush through the good stuff. Overall, I'd give the place a C grade, but a solid B if you only visited the 2nd floor. And with free admission, you aren't short-changing yourself by only seeing half the place.
Dinner Sunday was at State Line BBQ where we enjoyed ribs and brisket and homemade bread. As the name implies, the restaurant sits on the state line; your car is parked in Texas and most of the restaurant is in New Mexico. Full to the max, we retreated to the hotel and went to bed. We made it an early night as I had to work the following morning.
As I worked Monday, the boyfriend did a little more sightseeing, driving across Transmountin Drive. When I drove from Des Moines to El Paso, I spent Saturday night in Amarillo, Texas and drove the last seven and a half hours from Amarillo to El Paso Sunday. My average miles per gallon from Amarillo to the edge of El Paso was about 18mpg (if I remember right) but the crazy steep drive up Transmountain lowered my daily average to 11mpg. That means the roughly 5 mile trek to the peak ruined my mileage for the other 428 miles I drove that day.
Monday night we enjoyed a late dinner with Monika and her daughter Abby at Carlos & Mickey's - a locally famous, authentic Mexican restaurant. Dinner was great and the company was even better. I am in awe of Abby, her maturity and intellect are well beyond her 8 years; total credit goes to her awesome mama.
We enjoyed a quick lunch downtown before he had to head off to the airport on Tuesday. Thinking back on our long weekend together, I feel really lucky that we get to travel together as much as we do and grateful to have such a warm, friendly city to explore.
So that's it - my five part mini-series for our long weekend in El Paso. Hopefully I've inspired at least one person to explore El Paso or their own city - if not, you don't know what you're missing.
El Paso Weekend - Part 5: Saturday Night & Sunday
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
How did this three day adventure turn into a 5 part post? It reminds me of those period dramas on BBC America that are a 4 part mini-series. Somewhere after part 2, I want to shout "get to the damn ending already!" Turns out I'm a stereotypical American with a short attention span. So I'll try to wrap up the rest of the trip in this post. :)
After an emotional trip to the El Paso Holocaust Museum, we decided to up our vitamin D intake with a drive to the west side of the city. I wanted to show the boyfriend my old stopping ground; where I used to stay on previous trips, where I lived when I relocated there - kind of a glimpse into my life in El Paso. We drove up Thunderbird Mountain into the hills filled with high-end homes from the 70s to present day. We drove up to my old apartment which sits at the top of the developed area, but still a long way from the summit.
We continued on our quest for an El Paso Diablos (the minor league baseball team in town) hat but after three stops we still came up empty handed. We decided to return to the hotel for a little R&R before dinner.
Dinner was at The Garden, an upscale restaurant in the Plaza entertainment district - an older warehouse-type area that is now home to four restaurants and clubs. It was prom night so seating was scarce but we gladly accepted seats at the bar and dined on Mexican appetizers and Italian main courses. The boyfriend's chicken marsala was the best I've ever had; one bite made me second guess my wood-oven pizza. At least until I tried it :)
Sunday brunch was at Crave, a trendy restaurant on Cincinnati street. The peppered bacon was thick and perfect. Now remember, I'm from Iowa; I know good bacon when I see it. This, my friends, was perfect.
Next, it was time to head out to Santa Teresa, New Mexico to the War Eagles Air Museum, recommended to us by one of my students, Mary. War Eagles is home to over two dozen planes from WWII to present, plus 25+ cool or rare cars. They also have an entire wall of the hanger covered in WWII newspaper clippings and maps. Did you know that the US made special packs of playing cards that when pieced together created a map for POWs to escape? At only $5/person and twenty minute drive from downtown, this museum is an awesome attraction for any visitor. I'd rate this place a solid A.
After the Air Museum we headed back to El Paso, stopping at an antique store on Mesa Drive. I'm not a fan of antique stores (they always smell funny and are super crowded - either with stuff or people or both) but the boyfriend digs them so I was a good sport and followed him inside. Twenty minutes later we exited empty handed but with directions to a whole bunch of antique stores.
We followed Doniphan drive out to some red morton buildings that housed over a dozen antique stores. As we parked, I suggested that I hang out in the car with my iPad while he spent as long as he wanted in the shops - that way he didn't feel rushed because I was bored and I didn't have to smell old junk. It was a win-win. About an hour later, he returned to the car with a few small purchases and we headed back downtown.
He had also researched local attractions and was interested in visiting the El Paso Museum of History, just across the street from our hotel. With only an hour left until closing, we started on the main floor. I was really excited to see the Asarco display; the copper smelter had been in business over 100 years until they were shut down in 1999 due to air and water pollution. The company hoped to restart operations in the 2000s but decided to shut down and tear down the facility in 2009. The three minute video in the theater room was a disappointment and seemed to be an advertisement to buy the full length video in the gift shop and the photos, diagrams and displays were poorly labeled and looked more like an art gallery than a museum exhibit. The accompanying exhibit was on traditional medicine and customs from Mexico. Once again the poorly curated display made it difficult to follow and very little tied it together. After completing the tour of the first floor we were a bit disappointed.
After exploring the gift shop and sneaking a peak at an upcoming exhibit which included a NASA jet plane, learned that the main floor was their temporary exhibits, and upstairs housed their permanent collection. Upstairs was completely different - well documented photos and displays documented El Paso history from the early settlers to the rail expansion to El Paso all the way to present day. Sadly, we wasted too much time on the first floor and had to rush through the good stuff. Overall, I'd give the place a C grade, but a solid B if you only visited the 2nd floor. And with free admission, you aren't short-changing yourself by only seeing half the place.
Dinner Sunday was at State Line BBQ where we enjoyed ribs and brisket and homemade bread. As the name implies, the restaurant sits on the state line; your car is parked in Texas and most of the restaurant is in New Mexico. Full to the max, we retreated to the hotel and went to bed. We made it an early night as I had to work the following morning.
As I worked Monday, the boyfriend did a little more sightseeing, driving across Transmountin Drive. When I drove from Des Moines to El Paso, I spent Saturday night in Amarillo, Texas and drove the last seven and a half hours from Amarillo to El Paso Sunday. My average miles per gallon from Amarillo to the edge of El Paso was about 18mpg (if I remember right) but the crazy steep drive up Transmountain lowered my daily average to 11mpg. That means the roughly 5 mile trek to the peak ruined my mileage for the other 428 miles I drove that day.
Monday night we enjoyed a late dinner with Monika and her daughter Abby at Carlos & Mickey's - a locally famous, authentic Mexican restaurant. Dinner was great and the company was even better. I am in awe of Abby, her maturity and intellect are well beyond her 8 years; total credit goes to her awesome mama.
We enjoyed a quick lunch downtown before he had to head off to the airport on Tuesday. Thinking back on our long weekend together, I feel really lucky that we get to travel together as much as we do and grateful to have such a warm, friendly city to explore.
So that's it - my five part mini-series for our long weekend in El Paso. Hopefully I've inspired at least one person to explore El Paso or their own city - if not, you don't know what you're missing.
I initially included this with my previous post that included lunch at Whataburger and a drive through the UTEP campus, but before publishing, I thought it deserved it's own post.
After lunch and driving through the UTEP campus, we headed to our next destination, The El Paso Holocaust Museum. I'll be the first to admit that I had pretty low expectations of this museum; maybe it was the idea of a Holocaust museum in the area of the predominately Catholic and Christian Hispanic culture let alone in the middle of the desert seemed... unusual to me.
WWII and the Holocaust has always been my favorite era to study in school. Something about modern history and how recent the events were blew my mind, even at a young age. At thirteen, I visited Washington D.C. on a class trip and visited the The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The only exhibit I remember is famous pile of shoes and in hindsight I wish I was a bit older and had appreciated it even more.
I have driven by The El Paso Holocaust Museum on every single trip; the museum sits on Yandell Drive, the road that leads to I-10 on my commute back to my hotel or apartment, but I had never gone in. The small, brick building appeared to be about the size of a basketball court and has bars over the few windows. Many times I thought, "I should check that out." but never made it a priority to visit. This weekend adventure created the perfect opportunity to explore.
We arrived at the museum shortly after it opened at 1pm and were greeted by an armed security guard. At first, I didn't think much of it, but I read in a newspaper clipping on display that the previous museum burned down. It didn't mention the cause, but I couldn't help to wonder if it was an example of the anti-semitic attitude the museum hoped to prevent.
I don't know where to begin to describe the museum. It was laid out with smaller, connected rooms and followed a timeline from the end of WWI to the liberation of the camps in 1945. Each room contained a timeline of events, a short video played and very well curated displays of priceless artifacts from daily life pre-war, Hitler's rise to power and the exile of Jews across Europe. Movie posters from Nazi propaganda followed by a fake storefront and the back story of kristallnacht led into a replica rail car used transport millions of Jews to Concentration Camps across Europe.
I can't get over how well done this museum was; the layout and lighting allowed visitors to focus on the exhibits which created such a somber and moving experience. Most visitors stood in silence as they read the placards identifying each piece. One of the last rooms had personal items recovered from a Concentration Camp; glasses, clothing, a non-functioning shower head (used to trick people into the gas chamber under the guise of showering after their long trip to the camp) and the photos of prisoners in their striped camp uniform and an actual uniform were especially moving to me.
The museum was so well done, it was emotionally exhausting to experience. Thoughtfully, the last room was all white (in contrast to the dark walls throughout the rest of the museum), with quotes from survivors and photos with mini-biographies of Holocaust survivors that later lived in or near El Paso. We stayed in there for a few minutes, the room was clearly designed to provide visitors with peace and comfort after an emotionally draining journey.
We spent about an hour at the museum free of charge, and made a donation to their non-profit organization. As we left, we were greeted by the warm but blinding sun and slowly emerged from our somber moods. I cannot recommend this museum enough; no matter your level of interest in this era of history or your current knowledge of events, you will walk away from the experience having learned an immeasurable amount and with a deeper understanding of the events in Europe between the mid 1930s to 1945 and beyond.
I would absolutely give The El Paso Holocaust Museum an A+ grade.
El Paso Weekend - Part 4: The El Paso Holocaust Museum
Friday, May 11, 2012
I initially included this with my previous post that included lunch at Whataburger and a drive through the UTEP campus, but before publishing, I thought it deserved it's own post.
After lunch and driving through the UTEP campus, we headed to our next destination, The El Paso Holocaust Museum. I'll be the first to admit that I had pretty low expectations of this museum; maybe it was the idea of a Holocaust museum in the area of the predominately Catholic and Christian Hispanic culture let alone in the middle of the desert seemed... unusual to me.
WWII and the Holocaust has always been my favorite era to study in school. Something about modern history and how recent the events were blew my mind, even at a young age. At thirteen, I visited Washington D.C. on a class trip and visited the The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The only exhibit I remember is famous pile of shoes and in hindsight I wish I was a bit older and had appreciated it even more.
I have driven by The El Paso Holocaust Museum on every single trip; the museum sits on Yandell Drive, the road that leads to I-10 on my commute back to my hotel or apartment, but I had never gone in. The small, brick building appeared to be about the size of a basketball court and has bars over the few windows. Many times I thought, "I should check that out." but never made it a priority to visit. This weekend adventure created the perfect opportunity to explore.
We arrived at the museum shortly after it opened at 1pm and were greeted by an armed security guard. At first, I didn't think much of it, but I read in a newspaper clipping on display that the previous museum burned down. It didn't mention the cause, but I couldn't help to wonder if it was an example of the anti-semitic attitude the museum hoped to prevent.
I don't know where to begin to describe the museum. It was laid out with smaller, connected rooms and followed a timeline from the end of WWI to the liberation of the camps in 1945. Each room contained a timeline of events, a short video played and very well curated displays of priceless artifacts from daily life pre-war, Hitler's rise to power and the exile of Jews across Europe. Movie posters from Nazi propaganda followed by a fake storefront and the back story of kristallnacht led into a replica rail car used transport millions of Jews to Concentration Camps across Europe.
I can't get over how well done this museum was; the layout and lighting allowed visitors to focus on the exhibits which created such a somber and moving experience. Most visitors stood in silence as they read the placards identifying each piece. One of the last rooms had personal items recovered from a Concentration Camp; glasses, clothing, a non-functioning shower head (used to trick people into the gas chamber under the guise of showering after their long trip to the camp) and the photos of prisoners in their striped camp uniform and an actual uniform were especially moving to me.
The museum was so well done, it was emotionally exhausting to experience. Thoughtfully, the last room was all white (in contrast to the dark walls throughout the rest of the museum), with quotes from survivors and photos with mini-biographies of Holocaust survivors that later lived in or near El Paso. We stayed in there for a few minutes, the room was clearly designed to provide visitors with peace and comfort after an emotionally draining journey.
We spent about an hour at the museum free of charge, and made a donation to their non-profit organization. As we left, we were greeted by the warm but blinding sun and slowly emerged from our somber moods. I cannot recommend this museum enough; no matter your level of interest in this era of history or your current knowledge of events, you will walk away from the experience having learned an immeasurable amount and with a deeper understanding of the events in Europe between the mid 1930s to 1945 and beyond.
I would absolutely give The El Paso Holocaust Museum an A+ grade.
During my regular web crawl, I came across this story about American canceling life-long, unlimited first class tickets that customers had paid between $250,000-$600,000 for! I'd be pretty pissed if it were me!
American Airlines turns their back on customers?
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
During my regular web crawl, I came across this story about American canceling life-long, unlimited first class tickets that customers had paid between $250,000-$600,000 for! I'd be pretty pissed if it were me!
This may sound shocking, but my agenda had a "TBD" on it. That's right, I let someone else make a decision for a change. I told the boyfriend that lunch was his choice and he chose Whataburger, a Texas-based fast food restaurant that he last visited 20+ years ago on a family vacation to San Antonio, Texas.
After eating, we decided to drive around the UTEP campus, which is significantly easier on the weekend than during the week - no students mindlessly crossing the road while walking to class.
University of Texas at El Paso was formerly Texas Western, the team featured in the movie Glory Road, which was the first school to integrate its sports programs. The campus architecture is unique for the area; instead of following the Spanish/Southwest design, the buildings are actually modeled after Dzong monasteries in the Himalayan country of Bhutan.
We drove up Glory Road to the Sun Bowl Stadium and stopped at a lookout point along I-10, the rail line and Paisano Drive that follows the border along Mexico and New Mexico. From the picture below (click to enlarge), you're looking into Juarez, Mexico.
We left the lookout area and headed back to downtown towards the El Paso Holocaust Museum.
El Paso Weekend - Part 3: Lunch and Driving through UTEP
This may sound shocking, but my agenda had a "TBD" on it. That's right, I let someone else make a decision for a change. I told the boyfriend that lunch was his choice and he chose Whataburger, a Texas-based fast food restaurant that he last visited 20+ years ago on a family vacation to San Antonio, Texas.
After eating, we decided to drive around the UTEP campus, which is significantly easier on the weekend than during the week - no students mindlessly crossing the road while walking to class.
University of Texas at El Paso was formerly Texas Western, the team featured in the movie Glory Road, which was the first school to integrate its sports programs. The campus architecture is unique for the area; instead of following the Spanish/Southwest design, the buildings are actually modeled after Dzong monasteries in the Himalayan country of Bhutan.
We drove up Glory Road to the Sun Bowl Stadium and stopped at a lookout point along I-10, the rail line and Paisano Drive that follows the border along Mexico and New Mexico. From the picture below (click to enlarge), you're looking into Juarez, Mexico.
We left the lookout area and headed back to downtown towards the El Paso Holocaust Museum.
I've mentioned before that I'm a bit of a planner, so it should come to no surprise that this weekend adventure had an agenda; filled with recommendations from locals and places I found after combing through Yelp reviews. When I sent the boyfriend a copy of our agenda, his work buddies got a kick out of our scheduled "Scenic Drive" after Cattleman's Friday night, assuming it was code for making out. Well, sorta. Except that it is a real thing.
Full from our delicious dinner and a bit tired from his day of travel and the long drive back to downtown, we decided to stick to the agenda and we started the gradual climb up Rim road. The drive begins just outside of University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and curves up the front of the Franklin Mountains, past some beautiful homes with breathtaking views of El Paso and Juarez. Here is a link to a map of the drive.
At the front of the mountain, there is a small park and an even smaller parking lot. As we got out of the rental Jeep, we walked towards the steps of the park and sat on the stone ledge. I pointed out downtown, our hotel, and the border that was clearly visible by the bright lights along the fence. The lights twinkled and seemed to go on forever, deep into the city of Juarez. The benches around the park were ignored by the mostly young crowd, all of whom probably still have a curfew. As the car five feet behind us left, another car pulled in and treated us to the bass from his sound system. Neither of us could identify the song, and it made me feel kinda old.
We sat close together, a bit chilled from the wind; a huge contrast from the 90 degree heat that greeted him when he landed in El Paso. We sat in silence for a few minutes, probably a combination of feeling happy and content mixed with exhaustion. When disrupted by tourists taking flash photos in the dark (seriously?) we left after the 15th (or so) flash left us temporarily blinded. We began the winding drive down the mountain to our hotel downtown.
Saturday morning, we started out with breakfast at the Good Luck Cafe, just east of downtown and had a typical diner breakfast, but with a Mexican twist. We were given the option of toast or tortillas and chorizo (Mexican sausage, like spicy ground peperoni) instead of bacon or breakfast sausage. I was very grateful to Mo for the recommendation - it was great!
Then it was time to start our museum tour. I was bummed out when I asked a few locals about the museums and no one had been to them. Setting our expectations nice and low, we (eventually) found our way to the Border Patrol Museum off Transmountain Drive. This privately funded museum sits in a morton-style building and is essentially one room divided in half by the gift shop.
The self-guided tour talked about the history of border patrol; patrolling the southern border began in an effort to stop Asian and European immigrants who were denied entry (due to health or criminal history) from entering the United States through Mexico. In addition to photos, maps, and badges they had a homemade boat that was used by a group of Cubans trying to escape to the US and two homemade motorcycles that were captured in Arizona. It reminded me of how much people are willing to risk to enter the US.
The museum also has a WWII-era Jeep, 80s Pontiac TransAm and a M*A*S*H-looking helicopter that were all used by Border Patrol. They also had on display a Model-A Ford that was used to transport drugs into the US. The sign stated that it is not uncommon for drug smugglers to pack drugs into antique goods and attempt to ship the antiques to the US. Unsurprisingly, the much more valuable Duesenburg that was seized at the same time was not donated to the museum.
All together, I'd give the Museum a B- grade; a good deal for the price (FREE!) and would recommend it to others, but probably won't visit again.
El Paso Weekend - Part 2: Scenic Drive & Border Patrol Museum
Sunday, May 6, 2012
I've mentioned before that I'm a bit of a planner, so it should come to no surprise that this weekend adventure had an agenda; filled with recommendations from locals and places I found after combing through Yelp reviews. When I sent the boyfriend a copy of our agenda, his work buddies got a kick out of our scheduled "Scenic Drive" after Cattleman's Friday night, assuming it was code for making out. Well, sorta. Except that it is a real thing.
Full from our delicious dinner and a bit tired from his day of travel and the long drive back to downtown, we decided to stick to the agenda and we started the gradual climb up Rim road. The drive begins just outside of University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and curves up the front of the Franklin Mountains, past some beautiful homes with breathtaking views of El Paso and Juarez. Here is a link to a map of the drive.
At the front of the mountain, there is a small park and an even smaller parking lot. As we got out of the rental Jeep, we walked towards the steps of the park and sat on the stone ledge. I pointed out downtown, our hotel, and the border that was clearly visible by the bright lights along the fence. The lights twinkled and seemed to go on forever, deep into the city of Juarez. The benches around the park were ignored by the mostly young crowd, all of whom probably still have a curfew. As the car five feet behind us left, another car pulled in and treated us to the bass from his sound system. Neither of us could identify the song, and it made me feel kinda old.
We sat close together, a bit chilled from the wind; a huge contrast from the 90 degree heat that greeted him when he landed in El Paso. We sat in silence for a few minutes, probably a combination of feeling happy and content mixed with exhaustion. When disrupted by tourists taking flash photos in the dark (seriously?) we left after the 15th (or so) flash left us temporarily blinded. We began the winding drive down the mountain to our hotel downtown.
Saturday morning, we started out with breakfast at the Good Luck Cafe, just east of downtown and had a typical diner breakfast, but with a Mexican twist. We were given the option of toast or tortillas and chorizo (Mexican sausage, like spicy ground peperoni) instead of bacon or breakfast sausage. I was very grateful to Mo for the recommendation - it was great!
Then it was time to start our museum tour. I was bummed out when I asked a few locals about the museums and no one had been to them. Setting our expectations nice and low, we (eventually) found our way to the Border Patrol Museum off Transmountain Drive. This privately funded museum sits in a morton-style building and is essentially one room divided in half by the gift shop.
The self-guided tour talked about the history of border patrol; patrolling the southern border began in an effort to stop Asian and European immigrants who were denied entry (due to health or criminal history) from entering the United States through Mexico. In addition to photos, maps, and badges they had a homemade boat that was used by a group of Cubans trying to escape to the US and two homemade motorcycles that were captured in Arizona. It reminded me of how much people are willing to risk to enter the US.
The museum also has a WWII-era Jeep, 80s Pontiac TransAm and a M*A*S*H-looking helicopter that were all used by Border Patrol. They also had on display a Model-A Ford that was used to transport drugs into the US. The sign stated that it is not uncommon for drug smugglers to pack drugs into antique goods and attempt to ship the antiques to the US. Unsurprisingly, the much more valuable Duesenburg that was seized at the same time was not donated to the museum.
All together, I'd give the Museum a B- grade; a good deal for the price (FREE!) and would recommend it to others, but probably won't visit again.
The boyfriend and I spent our weekend in El Paso taking in as many sights as possible. Taking advantage of his flexible work schedule, he flew into the Sun City Friday at 7pm and we immediately headed east towards Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch in Fabens, Texas. Anytime I told a local that I had never been there, I was treated to a look of shock and then urged to go check it out; yet the 35 minute drive kept the restaurant on my 'to do' list.
Holy cow, talk about an awesome dinner. But before I talk food, I've got to tell you about Cattleman's ranch. On the drive from I-10 to the ranch provided a beautiful view of west Texas' desert and the beginning of sunset, yet our starving stomachs left us wondering what was in store behind the property walls. As we turned in we could see the petting zoo before catching a glimpse of a wild coyote maybe thirty feet from the driveway.
We climbed the drive, following the signs to the restaurant at the top of the hill. As we exited my rental Jeep Liberty, we are greeted by the sounds of peacock and peahen calls. Well, more like screams, but whatever. We made our way towards the entrance but I stopped to pet the dog hanging out in the parking lot. The dog clearly didn't have a care in the world and barely raised his head for a pat from me. After our dog stop, we paused to admire the historic cannons and war display just before the entrance.
The long hallway that doubled as a waiting room gave a glimpse into just how long people are willing to wait for a meal here. We skipped the hostess stand to freshen up and then checked out the hall of fame, featuring movies filmed at Indian Cliffs Ranch.
We shared an appetizer and then ordered our favorite steaks which were grilled to perfection. I'm not a big coleslaw fan, but it was sweet and crunchy and delicious. What steak dinner is served without a baked potato? Dinner was also served with a side of beans (we are in the south, after all) that sat mostly untouched.
After our dinner and a stop to the gift shop, we made our way back outdoors. My neurotic fear of snakes kept us in the middle of the parking lot, away from any landscaping. After I was safely in the car, we began the forty-minute trek back to El Paso.
If you ever find yourself near El Paso, make sure you stop in Fabens for one of the best steak dinners you'll ever have.
El Paso Weekend - Part 1: Cattleman's Steakhouse
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The boyfriend and I spent our weekend in El Paso taking in as many sights as possible. Taking advantage of his flexible work schedule, he flew into the Sun City Friday at 7pm and we immediately headed east towards Cattleman's Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch in Fabens, Texas. Anytime I told a local that I had never been there, I was treated to a look of shock and then urged to go check it out; yet the 35 minute drive kept the restaurant on my 'to do' list.
Holy cow, talk about an awesome dinner. But before I talk food, I've got to tell you about Cattleman's ranch. On the drive from I-10 to the ranch provided a beautiful view of west Texas' desert and the beginning of sunset, yet our starving stomachs left us wondering what was in store behind the property walls. As we turned in we could see the petting zoo before catching a glimpse of a wild coyote maybe thirty feet from the driveway.
We climbed the drive, following the signs to the restaurant at the top of the hill. As we exited my rental Jeep Liberty, we are greeted by the sounds of peacock and peahen calls. Well, more like screams, but whatever. We made our way towards the entrance but I stopped to pet the dog hanging out in the parking lot. The dog clearly didn't have a care in the world and barely raised his head for a pat from me. After our dog stop, we paused to admire the historic cannons and war display just before the entrance.
The long hallway that doubled as a waiting room gave a glimpse into just how long people are willing to wait for a meal here. We skipped the hostess stand to freshen up and then checked out the hall of fame, featuring movies filmed at Indian Cliffs Ranch.
We shared an appetizer and then ordered our favorite steaks which were grilled to perfection. I'm not a big coleslaw fan, but it was sweet and crunchy and delicious. What steak dinner is served without a baked potato? Dinner was also served with a side of beans (we are in the south, after all) that sat mostly untouched.
After our dinner and a stop to the gift shop, we made our way back outdoors. My neurotic fear of snakes kept us in the middle of the parking lot, away from any landscaping. After I was safely in the car, we began the forty-minute trek back to El Paso.
If you ever find yourself near El Paso, make sure you stop in Fabens for one of the best steak dinners you'll ever have.
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