Dawn at the Anchor

There are those places that make you think. For some people it may be a church, for others a cemetery. Maybe it’s in your car, parked in a quiet spot with a view. Perhaps sitting on a bench along a quiet street.

For me, it is this place on the southern tip of Aruba. There is the anchor standing there as a memorial. But there’s also the infinity of the sea beyond. The breeze can be brisk at this spot. The white noise hushes away distractions. For the half hour before and after dawn, I have the place to myself. Here I reflect on what I’ve been doing, on the people in my life, as well as a little about the past, present, and future. I’m a firm believer in quiet reflection, just letting the mind wander through it’s own convoluted passages. It doesn’t take long for a sense of peace to settle in. The perspective gained from this exercise refreshes the soul.

Published in: on August 21, 2008 at 10:38 am  Comments (1)  
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Dawn, Aruba

Not a morning person? That’s a shame. However, if you are, you already know that sunrise can be as spectacular as sunset. Here’s one from the southern tip of Aruba.

Before dawn, the rest of the world has yet to have their morning coffee, to pick up the phone, and start interrupting whatever we early-birds are doing. That’s okay. To each his own.

I’ve always been a morning person, getting more writing done between five and noon than I do the rest of the day. Some of my friends work over night shifts. They’re eating supper when the rest of us are having breakfast. When we meet up, it’s an usual table setting.

Anyway, don’t forget that life isn’t so short as it is precious. Whatever your habits, make the most of every day.

Published in: on August 15, 2008 at 10:40 am  Leave a Comment  
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Sunset from Santa Cruz

 I took this sunset photo looking west, northwest from Santa Cruz, Aruba. The church on the left is one that showed up in an earlier post.

Published in: on August 7, 2008 at 12:47 am  Leave a Comment  
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Italica, Spain

Not far from Sevilla, Spain, are the ruins of the Roman city Italica. The site remains under excavation as there is plenty more to discover. It is an amazing place to visit, especially when you consider that this place was a long journey from Rome during the days of the Empire. In this first photo, you’ll see a piece of the amphitheater.

One thing I enjoyed about this site was the freedom to walk about the ruins. It is possible to get very close and thereby see the workmanship and wear of the structures. We walked along the main boulevard of the town, which like all things Roman was laid out in a grid. Villas were set back from this thoroughfare and divided into various neighborhoods. Here’s a view of some standing columns that were part of an important home featuring a central fountain.

I should also mention that this town had a properly functioning water supply and sewer system, two things that would be lost to history for centuries before being restored. Of course, the residents decorated everything, including the floors, like this:

To think that mosaic was hidden beneath the dirt for a thousand years! Amazing. But it survived, as did many more like it. I highly recommend a visit to Italica. It’s only a short distance from Sevilla. There’s plenty of parking, clean bathroom facilities, and plenty to see and learn. It would also be a good idea to do some reading on the subject to get the most out of it. The map/brochure that is given to you as you enter is in multiple languages and very well done.

Finally, there is a little gas station a few hundred yards up the road from the entrance. There ICE-COLD Coca-Cola can be had. Refreshing, delicious, satisfying.

Published in: on August 3, 2008 at 1:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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