Friday, August 22, 2008

Denver

The first thing I noticed about Denver was the air. It's thin, like my lungs are trying to grasp at the small amount of oxygen. I'm so used to breathing the thick, marshy Seattle air, full of oxygen and sea salt. Here the air speaks of desert, it's hot and dry. I went on a walk yesterday and noticed my body laboring harder at each step. A 15 minute walk felt like 5 miles.

The second thing I noticed about Denver is the media frenzy. The excitement in the air is palpable, I can feel energy like its static electricity. We walked near the Pepsi Center, and there is more media than I've ever seen in my life. Entire news operations set up shop under giant white circus tents. The Washington Post, Cnn, Fox News, international media. Everyone has big blue and red credentials, "Democratic National Convention." I am so jealous of them, to be a part of one of the biggest events of the year. I want to wear a press pass and interview Senators and Governors. Oh, I wish how my boss would have let me cover the convention!! Oh well, I can enjoy it for now as a spectator.
David and I spend four hours walking around Denver last night, and ate at the outdoor Paramount Cafe at the 16th street mall. This city is so conducive to walking. The entire mall district is for pedestrians only, and a couple of free transit buses. There is no congestion downtown and no homeless people, but I think the city is in tip top shape due to the convention here.
We poked our heads in a free jazz club, dimly lit with candles on tables, and watched an awesome band for a little while. They even played a Radiohead song, for my friend Andrea :)


The night ended with the most amazing alcohol beverage I've had in my ENTIRE LIFE. Imagine the most succulent gelato, mixed with booze. I had what's called "Death by Chocolate," which is rich, creamy gelato with vodka and kahlua. Absolute heaven on earth.

I am having a great time. The weather is perfect: sunny and in the 80's, the people here are wonderful, and later today we are going out to the Rocky Mountains to spend the night in Breckenridge. I'll try to post more pictures soon!

6 comments:

andrea said...

They played Radiohead?! Haa haa! Do you know which song? Man, I bet that was so cool!
Great pics, can't wait to see more!

Dan-Eric Slocum said...

Thanks for taking us along. I love to go on trips with my fellow bloggers.

Lisa said...

I'm salivating over that drink! But what a wonderful time. Thanks so much for the vicarious vacation!

Lisa said...

Me again...NICE job on the radio today!!!

Contact Travis said...

thanks for reporting for us ANYWAY ;) have a wonderful time...take lots of pictures. I love Denver :)

Colleen said...

I've never been to Denver, but I hear it's fab. You're so good a describing scenery I feel like I'm there with you!! And anything with chocolate and booze is amazing in my dictionary.