Jamaica Mon!

First of all, let me say, I sound ridiculous saying “Ya Mon”, but they throw the phrase around like rum and marriage certificates and expect you to, as well.  It’s one of those cultural colloquialisms like “cheers” in the UK or “prego” in Italy, so we played along with it (and the rum-drinking and the marriage-making). 

This was our first “all-inclusive” resort experience.  We stayed at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites near Montego Bay.  Jamaica itself isn’t exactly a great country.  In fact, it’s a very poor, wealth-unbalanced member of the British commonwealth.  As such, the quality of the resort is critical.   Here’s my review by the basic categories (our of five stars):

• Overall property:  * * * *
• Front Desk staff:  * * *
• Pool and beach facilities:  * * * * *
• Food:  * * 1/2
• Internet speed: * *
• Popcorn at the bar:  * * * * *

We had our choice of rooms, and selected an ocean view suite with the view shown below.  It was pretty darn cool.

The pool (with swim up bar) was beautiful, clean, warm, and lively; but I couldn’t pass the opportunity to take this long exposure shot at night.  Very serene.

The Wedding
The whole reason for our trip was, surprisingly, not to explore all the drinks one can dream up with rum as an ingredient, but to stand up in Rick’s wedding (Aimee’s brother).  Representing his family, we joined friends and other family members to surround Rick and Alex as they took a leap of love into wedded bliss.

The picture below is from the rehearsal dinner at the Japanese restaurant.  We had traditional teppanyaki fare, with a subtle jerk flair.  Quite good actually!  You may ask, “Where’s Rick”?  I guess he heard the sunsets in Nigril are just not to be missed.

Here’s Aimee with Maya, the flower girl.

Rick and Alex seal the deal as they sign their Marriage Certificates (one of Jamaica’s most popular, legal exports), followed by some more pictures after the wedding.

  

Aside from swimming and drinking BBCs, we made good use of the fitness center and also went kayaking and sailing.  That’s right, I took out a catamaran in the Caribbean (for about 10 minutes). With my track record, I’m just happy we didn’t a) end up in Cuba or b) end up capsized.  For the full album, click here!

As the week winds down, we’re looking forward to more time with friends this weekend, massages with Megan, and continuing to get settled in Chicago.  To that, I say “Ya Mon!”

Just a little church block party…

We missed it last year and were really excited to get back in the mix for it this year.  The World's Largest Block Party, while perhaps superlatively named, is a pretty big event for our church.  I’d say it’s a pretty big event for any church….

Covering about three city blocks, we hosted well over 20,000 people at this staple of Chicago music festivals.  On Friday we volunteered at the OSP Grill and got to listen to Plain White T’s and, my favorite, the Chicago Spazmatics, while assembling all manor of grilled meat sandwiches.

    

On Saturday, after Aimee and I led music for a Block Party mass, we were on our own to enjoy the festivities.  Aimee’s sister Katie made the long 40 minute voyage to join us and we also had the unanticipated surprise of spending the entire evening with Scott which was great!  Comfortably situated, as our blog is, above trite and childish humor, I’ll forgo any jokes about the headlining band:  The Barenaked Ladies.  Simply fun music and great performers – we had a great time, and all in the shadow of this beautiful city and majestic church.

       

On Sunday morning, not long after we got home from Dugan’s, Aimee drove with Kristen over to Indiana for some blueberry picking.  After Katie drove home with, um a little extra “air conditioning”, we were off to mass and then Theology on Tap at Dylan’s at South Clinton. 

After all this, there’s just no way we can go to work tomorrow.  Luckily we both have it off to do some home improving and packing for Jamaica!

Home 2.0

As we pulled into Indianapolis on July Fourth, the unspoken question was lingering in our minds:  could we push on all the way back to Chicago tonight?  Well we did, and so commenced the building of what I’ll call “Home 2.0”. 

People who know us will know this starts with re-arranging the furniture.  However it’s more than just moving the TV, installing a door, and putting up some fresh paint; it’s a chance to move home, to return to a familiar place; armed with the experience of year away. 

The first thing we did was move the furniture.  Then a trip to Home Depot.  We spent an evening in Munster catching up with Aimee’s family and then the next day my parents joined us in Chicago for a few days of housework, eating, and visiting. Pictures will come later as we are not quite done with a few “enhancements”. 

On Thursday, the four of us went to Franco’s near “Sox Park”.  I’m continually impressed by their great food and ambience where the warm hospitality is second only to the hot, fresh bread!  My dad and I went to watch the White Sox get pummeled by the Twins but it was fun to have some time to hang out together!  We even ran into Aimee’s brother, the groom-to-be (keep reading).

On Friday we took my parents to Chinatown (to our favorite place there Moon Palace), followed by another trip to Home Depot, and finally dessert at Caffe Gelato in Wicker Park.

Saturday brought more unpacking following a chance to catch up Kristin and Michael from Boston (as well as Sara/Adam, and Kristen).  It was really great to see them, plus Crowley had the happiest day of her young life when she was reunited with Beamer.  That night we met up with Meg, Wes, Michael, Joanna at the Ravinia Festival for some sushi from Sushi Pink, doughnuts from the Doughnut Vault, wine from all over, lots of music from Germany, and a singer from Wheeling (Debra Voigt!). 

Sure as moving furniture, Sunday brought brunch.  Same crew, this time at Orange on Milwaukee.  As always, a very good food experience.  This particular day, the service was just not very good unfortunately.  No matter.  I’m just happy to be with our great friends – and this weather isn’t bad either.

Next week Aimee and I are going to Jamaica to be with her brother Rick and his fiancee Alex for their wedding.  It will be a beautiful experience I’m sure and a great vacation for Aimee and me.  Till then, we’ll be spending the weekend in Chicago for the Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party and more work on Home 2.0 (brought to you by the Home Depot).

Farewell Atlanta. Farewell Atlantans.

It’s not really a synonym for “goodbye”, not even a high brow version of “peace out”.  And it doesn’t connote the ominous, fate-filled element of parting ways that it is often observed.  To us, farewell is a more affectionate term associated with one’s leave taking; an exhortation to simply “be well”.  So over the fourth of July weekend this year, we wished the many people and places of Atlanta a fond farewell.

True to form, the weekend was very busy.  We have a year end picnic with Drs. Newman and Biousse with the current and future fellows.  Aimee is pictured below with Daniela (and Noah) and their new Emory apparel. 

We had brunch at Murphy’s one last time with Daniela, Matt, and Noah.  The crab cake benedict was a great way to go out.

 
Dinner with Jordan and Skyler at Iberian Pig.  You can’t beat a place with the best old fashioned I’ve ever had, amazing pork cheek tacos, and a waiter like Mason who challenges us to ask the questions, “is there such a thing as too big a red [wine]?” and “seriously, how do you feel about pork belly?”

A farewell lunch at D.B.A BBQ with Aimee, Jeff, and the new “SoCal” Patrick.  We couldn’t pass up one last time to have the sweet potato tots, creamed corn, boiled peanuts (first and last in this case), and their “decent” BBQ.  Quoting Aimee, “It’s all about the sides”.

On Sunday, we celebrated Mass with the IHM community for a final time (at least this time around).  Aimee and I provided a post-Communion solo of Lori True’s Magnificat and had the opportunity to speak with several gracious parishioners after mass.  And after that came Felini’s with the choir.  Thanks to all for helping fill a potential void in our lives by being so hospitable at IHM!  We later enjoyed a nice evening with Michael and Jeff, the dogs, and a bottle of Pinot Noir.

  

Packing up… a nearly empty apartment (wasn’t exactly a comforting thing for Crowley):
Below is Aimee in front of the Emory Eye Clinic holding her certificate for completing and excelling through her neuro-ophthalmology fellowship.

And finally one last picture in front of our apartment building before we hit the road for Chicago.

The drive north was relaxing, pensive, a little sad, and hopeful.  We stopped in Broad Ripple in Indy for a lovely chance to dine al fresca with Crowley in tow before finishing the last leg of the journey home.  So farewell Atlanta, and farewell Atlantans. 

To the friends who have made Atlanta a true home for us this past year, be well.