Orientations and Fantastic Views

This morning I got up for my first full day at the Grand Canyon. I was tired. And a bit sore. And cold, believe it or not. No one ever came in after I went to bed, so I guess I have no roommate for now. Which is weird, since there's trash all over the place and none of it is mine. And a coffee maker. Anyways... I got up, got on the bus and on the way, we stopped at the visitor center. There were some deer there, and the driver let me get out and take a picture of them! Then, orientation. We started with a short tour out to Yaki Point, which is a bit west of the village. Then we spent about a million hours listening to people talk about very important safety and work related type things, during which I learned all about forest fires and evacuation and environmental consciousness and lightning in the canyon (which is dangerous!) and squirrels (which are also apparently dangerous) and all that good stuff. Upon leaving, we got water bottles (pink?! ugh...) and were sent off to eat and hang out or have more orientations depending on our job. I opted to walk the rim trail and I've got to say, this place is crazy beautiful. I do think I need better shoes though... these flip flops just aren't going to cut it for walking the trails.

First Impressions and such

Well, I am here. I am at the Grand Canyon. I did see the Canyon finally, though sadly I didn't have my camera with me when I saw it. Soon enough.... anyways, the trip up went fine, kinda quiet but when we were checking in we all got to know each other a little. I'm living in this dinky little place they claim is an apartment but it's nice enough and it's right by the general store. Started out my stay here with a drug test, which I passed, big surprise there, and loads of paperwork. After that they took me out to my little tiny place and I got settled in and then went to the general store, since I was stupid/exhausted enough to pack all my toiletries in my carry on. Let me tell you, that place is a total rip off. I've never paid so much for such basic stuff! I miss walmart... after picking up all my essentials, I went to check out the camping gear to see if I could find some sandals. Naturally, the guy working there asked me for my number after 5 minutes of conversation. I hope he's not a huge creeper... I think I'll make sure he knows that we're just gonna be friends. Anyways, I'm all settled in and I have to say, there are things I didn't expect. Like the fact that shrubs in a desert are labeled "national forest" or that it's not just hard to adjust to the 8000 feet altitude, it's ridiculous! You walk 5 feet and you're exhausted, asthmatic and dehydrated all at the same time! But regardless of all that, the view is still pretty amazing. :)

Daylight Savings

So I forgot that Arizona doesn't do Daylight Savings Time. That means, even though they are on Mountain Time, during the spring and summer they are on Pacific time. Which means that since I forgot this, I woke up, checked out, and waited around an hour early. I am an idiot. 

Flying (blah)

I don't care how much you like flying, 3 flights in a day with only an hour between, that's very tiring. I'm in Flagstaff for the night and I head up to the canyon tomorrow. On the bright side, the views from the plane were very nice. The strangest parts of this whole experience were #1, traveling alone and #2, riding in a cab and seeing signs for places like the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles. It's very different to be alone here, traveling and not knowing anyone or talking to anyone and having to carry around 3 bags by myself has been tricky. Either way, I've managed. I don't know when the next time will be that I will have internet, so the next post could be a while, but here are some pictures from the flight! :)

Graduations and that sort of thing

I am graduated. On Tuesday I am flying into Flagstaff and on Wednesday I will be up at the Grand Canyon for the summer. I will be keeping this updated so people know what is going on. I will also be sure to post pictures every time. Pay attention.

The beauty in Ross Bleckner paintings (and other things)

If you have never seen a Ross Bleckner painting, you have been deprived. The softness and repetitive themes practically scream at you, if that is possible. He uses soft colors and soft forms with an emphasis on light. His lines have a dreamlike quality. True, some of his have a bit of a sci-fi feel, but even then you find yourself swimming in just... quietness. It's difficult for me to describe these paintings in words, but if they had a sound it would be high and soft and smooth. Just look at George Baselitz paintings first and you'll understand what I mean.

If you want a more upbeat sound ringing in your ears, take a look at some of Robert Longo's lithographs. The movement in these black and white figures is enough to start the Clash playing in your head (or someone equally loud and amazing).

Screaming and Thumping: the unexpected power of The Hives

The Hives are quite the most unexpectedly successful band I think I've ever heard. The first time you encounter their music, your reaction will probably be "I suppose that's catchy, but the vocals are awful and the music sounds a bit messy". Upon hearing them next, you might think to yourself "Alright, I can see how this might be popular, but I still can't get past the off key screaming". The next occurrence might get you tapping your toes and even get the song stuck in your head and you might even think "well, this is at least bearable, if not enjoyable!" and the fourth time you are sure to find yourself singing along and appreciating every bit, from the sloppy guitar to the perfect tempo kept by the drums, and yes, even the slightly pitchy yelps from the singer. Then you start learning their names and buying all their records, and by the time you purchase a ticket to a show, you're madly in love with their brand of pop/punk/rock (it's just that hard to define!). Once you've seen the show, your love goes from infatuation to pure appreciative friendship, as if you knew them and owe them your allegiance because they did something like save you from drowning in an abyss of mellow tunes. Ridiculous as it may sound, it is nothing but the truth. If you haven't found yourself addicted yet, have a listen, see what happens.