Chazd's (Charles Dowdell's) News Burps

I have decided to take three days off. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. It is carnival weekend and Chinese New Year weekend. It only makes sense. Although it is lunar calendar based, these Christian and Asian traditions don't always align. Sounds Global. We will be there. Refer to the cryptic chart Angel drew up. On top of all that it was Super Bowl Weekend! Who Cares. We watched. It doesn't matter.

Peace is easier than war. Don't let your leaders manipulate you.

I was in Tampa FL last week. It was cold. I thought I could never say that (Florida and cold), but I just did. It was cold in Atlanta as well. I woke up to a dusting of snow/frost in the back yard last weekend. The boat is in the water, but we aren't using it. The hot tub get use though. I have some additional responsibilities at work this year. It has excited me. Challenge is something I need. I am planning trips to Germany, Finland, California and NY. Angie is unexpectedly stranded in Paris this evening. She should be home tomorrow despite strikes, and semi-strikes that are ruining France. I have added a pic of my personal record-sighting number of people on a motorbike in South America. I count 9 people on the bike (trike).

The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself. -- Washington Allston I was in Brazil this past week. It feels so good to have basic communication skills.. so good. My efforts spent with Portuguese language were very worthwhile. It doesn't mean it wasn't awkward and embarrassing at times, but I am not illiterate nor deaf/mute. I had the opportunity to take a side trip to South Brazil and Uruguay (alone--solomente) and do some border penetration testing. These 4-axle double-decker buses in South America are just so cool. Jaguarao Brazil Bus station in Jaguarao Brazil Interesting story... Uruguay Traditional quick breakfast. Coffee with high percentage of hot milk added (Cafe de leite) and a large deep-fried meat dumpling (Pastel). It tastes better than it looks and it looks good. Rio Branco (White River) or Jaguarao river depending on your viewpoint.

We are back from vacation. We took an extended time (for us) in Peru and Bolivia (10 days). It was very thrilling, interesting, intense, reinvigorating and exhausting. All at the same time. After flying to and from Lima, Peru we had 4 air segments (not including time in a 172), 4 bus trips, 2 train rides, 6 different hotels and numerous Uber and taxi rides. We spent time in the following Peru cities: Lima (Miraflores & Center), Nazca, Cuzco, Machu Picchu. Also we spent time in Bolivia in La Paz and Tiwanaku. We hired a Cessna 172 to take us over the Nazca lines, rode the Teleferico (cable cars) in La Paz and spent a lot of time at big-name pre-Inkan archaeological sites in Peru and Bolivia. Of note, we visited Tiwanaku, Puma Punku as well as Saksaywaman and Machu Picchu. The high altitude was a concern in the Andes. We took Diamox as a precaution, but there is a lot of mystery around what causes altitude sickness (besides altitude). So Diamox is no real assurance of protection. Eve...

I am back from England and NY. Busy. Busy. Just like everybody else this time of year. Last year when we went to Hawaii that set a good vibe for us. I can't say I like the insanity of the Christmas season in the US. It is not what it is all about. Some descriptions of the pics. On the way to Europe it appeared we flew right over the farm. I had to hit the brakes when an Alpaca had broken through a neighbor's fence in NY. A nice Sundog. Douglas and I had some original Speidies in Vestal, NY. And some other assorted pics.

I decided to spend some time "under the hood" today. I am wearing the "foggles" in a pic here. Simulates flying through clouds. I can only effectively see the instruments, not outside. Of course, since I am working on the rating, I need a safety pilot with me. The clock is ticking to get my instrument rating. The air was clear and cool.