Beyond Samarkand

Riding Day One Originally uploaded by mercutio2k A friend just sent me this picture, from my first day of horseback riding. The Sudanese man who had been leading my horse around generously stepped out so I could give the illusion I knew what I was doing. The lessons have been fun. I've advanced to the point where the Captain wants me to wear a helmet, the first few times he ignored I didn't have one. I suppose if I fell from horses as docile as those were, I got what I deserved. It's been a few weeks now of once or twice a week. Another friend observed to me, "The world looks different from horseback." It certainly does. Between motorcycles and horses, my free time here has become very nice.

Motorcycle and Mosque Originally uploaded by mercutio2k Friday morning was good. Slept late, read a book, then went for a ride. I skipped going to Hada to watch the baboons and went straight to Shafa instead, well, not straight. I took a side road that cuts through a small town and then a national park. The town was interesting because it has a couple of older, ruined buildings in it. Wandering through the first was interesting. A series of one story buildings. A sheep skull and a pool ball were among the interesting finds. I pocketed the pool ball, and took pictures of the skull. The second building was two story and on hard rock. Clearly it had been a fort in times past. Now it's a broken down ruin. The was a dead dog in front of the doorway, maybe two days past. Maybe more. I didn't get too close, but worked around the outside for a few shots. Fewer good shots to take there, either because I was tired of shooting or I couldn't get to places for a good angle. A...

Captain of Stables Originally uploaded by mercutio2k I made it to the stables again this past weekend. I was to meet Al Jauhara and family and take a riding lesson. While I waited, the Captain of the stables and the stable owner's son were putting some very handsome horses through their paces. Riding at a gallop, jumping barriers and just doing laps around the arena. I put the time to use photographing the horses and just watching, trying to get a sense for posture and foot position. After a time Naif, the owner's son, came over and introduced himself. We talked in general about life in Taif. He had recently moved to Taif after finishing university in Riyadh. Taif is dull to him, and if I was in my early twenties it would be boring to me as well, I suppose. But, there are horses. After a short time talking he invited me to get dressed and get on a horse. Before heading to Germany I had bought jodhpurs, chaps and shoes. I put these on with a long sleeve shirt, it may l...

Imperial Cathedral Originally uploaded by mercutio2k Inside the Imperial Cathedral in Aachen. Despite being just off the main square, and there being other people around doing tours and such, this place still has a powerful pull. The extent of the restoration work gives a good idea of what this place must have felt like to the medieval people first going in to it. The feeling of imminence and transportation, with the entire modern city just a few steps away, was powerful. I've not been in many cathedrals, and it was very nice to be in one so well maintained.

Imperial Cathedral Originally uploaded by mercutio2k I didn't take a lot of great photos in Germany. Too distracted by the fun of good company and just seeing the place. Two years of high school German, a year and a half in college, and finally a use for all that German. Of course, I spoke English everywhere I went. I was able to follow the explanation given by a lady in a shop when a credit card wouldn't work. That was kind of nice. Also, going in shops and having people assume I could speak German was a new experience. The last few years most people assume (correctly) I can't speak their language and so try English on me. I found Germany lovely. Aachen is in the west, and has been alternately French, German and Dutch in the past. The town has a lovely relaxed feeling which, after Saudi, was a complete God-send.

Cafe de Bulldog Originally uploaded by mercutio2k Last week was my first trip to Western Europe. Yes, I've been to Prague and you can argue if it's the "Gateway to the East" or the "Last Part of the West". Certainly at its height it was Europe, but with the time under Communism it will be a few years before it is a "center" again. But, where was I? Oh, I was in Germany, with a quick bus trip over to Maastricht in Holland one day. There, in the main square walking along, I saw a sign for a cafe. The cute bulldog graphic and green framed window caught my eye. Then, looking closer, I saw the Harley sign. Looks like Harley lovers are everywhere. I didn't think to ask where the nearest Harley shop was. Ah well. Next time.