Sedona, AZ: Aug, 2010

While I was in China, my brother-in-law came out to care for Marko. A couple of days before he went home we had to take him on a trail run. What better trail for a first timer than Broken Arrow in Sedona? What made this even better was that it was raining. We had never run the trails in Sedona during the rain, and while Broken Arrow is scenic, but not challenging, the rain and wet rocks added a whole new level. The slick rock became very slick and traction could at times be a challenge. Coming down from Submarine Rock and going down the Staircase was a lot of fun, as I had never slid down those obstacles before. It was a lot of fun and a great day. We knew Ali had a good time as often times we got comments like, "this is scandelous", and, "I have never had so much fun going so slow before". Anytime you want to hit the trails again, Ali, just let us know. We are always up for a run.





The rain and the clouds gave a new perspective on one of the most scenic areas in Arizona.


Usually slow and steady is the mantra for going down the Staircase. When it's wet, slow and steady still holds true, just be ready to slide down.


Off of the Staircase, the major challenges are over. What a rush, this was the first time we had to slide down the slick rock, and not by choice.

After Sedona, we took Ali into Jerome for a quick look. He had a lot of fun and comandiered the camera a few times. It is always nice to show family from out of town what Arizona has to offer.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron

Macau, China: Aug. 2010

When it was time to pack up and head out of Guangzhou, there were still a couple of days left before heading back to Hong Kong to go home. We decided that Macau would be an interesting stop over. Like Hong Kong, Macau only recently came back under Chinese rule, though it still has sovereign rule over the people that live there, at least for the next 50 years. For hundreds of years, Macau had been under Portuguese rule, and the European style architecture and a now decrepit Catholic cathedral as well as an old Portuguese fort show the very strong European influence. Now, Macau has been taken over by Las Vegas style casino hotels, luxurious rooms, and food that is recognizable to any foreign travelers. While I did not gamble while I was there (I see no point in gambling) I did take a peek into one of the casinos. On the outside it looks like any casino you would see on the Vegas strip, and you can walk into them in wearing shorts and a t-shirt, yet inside they remind me of a casino in Europe, very quiet and subdued. There is some very rich history in this part on the world, and unless you like to gamble, Macau can be seen in a day. I still found it very interesting and I always enjoy walking the side streets and back ways to see what is out there. There the real Macau showed up, and it was very similar to Guangzhou and the culture there.



In the center of downtown it is easy to get the feeling you could be in Europe. The European feel is all around in the older parts of Macau.


Street signs in both Chinese and Portuguese.



What remains of the cathedral, now a tourist hot spot. A look at a couple of the old canons atop the Portuguese fortress.


The "real" Macau. The back streets. Small shops selling everyday staples to the people that live in the area.


Dried sardines?


Duck, chicken, sausage? All that anyone could need to survive are found on these little side streets.

I am not sure I would travel back to Macau. It's not that I didn't enjoy it; I loved it there for the day that I went exploring. But after a day, I had seen everything. Now, if you like gambling and casinos, then Macau might just be for you. I would have rather spent another day or two in Hong Kong; or traveled to Singapore or Taiwan for new and interesting adventures.

Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace.

Aaron