DCBohemian's Photo(s) Of The Week: June 2010

May came and went. Spring was hanging around for just a few more weeks and everything was in bloom. The streets were lined with vibrant purples, reds, blues, and yellows. Also our allergies were in full swing (yeah). We unfortunately parted ways with our more than special flatmate James. He decided to head back to England. He managed to conveniently leave right before the England USA match, so I did not get an opportunity to rub in the draw. Nonetheless, the month was a fun one with travels, visitors, work, art exhibitions, poetry readings, and glorious beach days. June was right in front of us and more exciting travels were to come. Enjoy, I know we did.

The art space across the street from our house where Melissa volunteered espaço alkantara

Jardim Basilica

Santo Condestável

Largo das Necessidades

A performance by Berlin

On the Rio Tejo

Belem at sunset

A cute big stinky dog

On the road to Parliament

A poetry reading in the Alfama

James on his last night in Lisboa

Church in the Alfama

James and Melissa in the Alfama

The moon in the Praça do Comércio

Kids doing Capoeira on the beach in Cascais

Dance party at Alkantera

Brazilian hip hoppers at Alkantera

Well Mamma and Pappa Mapes took a flight over the entire US and Atlantic Ocean and landed safely after something like 16 hours of travel. Melissa and I landed from England three hours later than their flight . We were very excited and eagerly awaiting our first planned guests (no offense Andy and Melissa). As eager as Mel and I were, we were sure Laurie and Jon were doubly excited. This was to be the christening of Laurie's new passport and her first time off good old USofA soil. We could hear it in their voices, they could barely hold back the enthusiasm. It was awesome to see their faces and get hugs from family. Being away from family and friends for extended periods of time can put a great strain on you. It was refreshing and comforting to see them. They insisted on letting us just lead them around and do what we wanted to do.

During our time here, as many of you have seen and read, we have found places we love and frequent regularly. Places ranging from restaurants, sites, beaches, foods, and shops. Each place they appreciated to the max. It was fun watching them be astonished by the fountain around the corner from our house that was dated from the 16th century and was older than the US itself.

Every time I am around the Mapes I enjoy them more and more and I also appreciate Melissa more and more. I see how wonderful Jon and Laurie are and I know what wonderful clothe she is cut from. The two of the reek from intrigue, insight, and hard work. They are great molds to model oneself after and that is what Melissa is doing. She is a mixture of the determination of Laurie and the outspokenness/unabashedness of Jon. Just the right amount to keep me in check and keep me going.

Their trip was a success and I look forward to more trips with them in the future. Enjoy!