Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is working on designs for DIA’s south terminal makeover, including a FasTracks train station, a Westin hotel and a rail bridge over Pena Boulevard.
This is why I love living in Denver. I can’t wait to arrive at the airport. See more pictures here on the Denver Post.
Today is the first day of July, which means the Denver Art Museum is free to the local public! I never get tired of looking at works of art from ages past, indulging in people watching, and a sweet treat from the museum cafe. However, I did not purchase a ticket the new exhibit, King Tut, featuring treasures from his tomb, including his gold sandals (are they like these?) worn by the mummy. I think I’ll hold off until the end of summer, when the crowds have all disappeared.
My favorite dark corner of the museum is the European floor. There was a time, due to lack of education, when I detested Renaissance art, but since college and teaching, I’ve fallen completely in love with centuries of European artwork and the juicy gossip accompanying various artists. I enjoy the rare portraits we carry at the DAM, for example the earliest known portrait of Henry VIII is hanging simply and very understated on the wall next to other beautifully detailed portraits of royalty* see above.
What is your favorite type of art? Favorite museum? Artist?
I love Denver in the summertime. Even though it doesn’t have a beach, I still love all the things happening around town. Joseph and I live in the thick of it all, so we can take a stroll at any moment and find fun things to do (for free)!
The Biennial of the Americas is here in Denver the entire month of July. You can help Denver celebrate anything and everything art related (that means dance and music too) by visiting events throughout the city. You can click on the above link to check out scheduled events.
Joseph and I took these photos of the Biennial opening day location of the recently renovated McNichols building. I think everything in Denver should be covered in pink! It was amazing and oh-so summery!
It’s official (almost)!
I am joining the ranks of brilliant brew crewzers, Emily and Heather for the event of the year – The Great American Beer Fest 2010! I signed up for the Brew Crew volunteers yesterday evening and I am currently awaiting the response email, which according to my sources, takes a while – maybe months. I signed up Joseph too, because I know there is nothing in the world he’d rather be doing. So get your pretzel necklaces made and watch Beerfest – no worries, the GABF is nothing like Beerfest. I promise. You have until Sept. so you’ve got some time to prepare.
Learn something about your German beers (and have a proper drink) from BBC Languages
“Lass uns einen trinken gehen!”
I had a lovely time walked around the chalk art Saturday evening. Sure, the clouds were rolling in, but that didn’t stop the artists from making their marks on the Square and folks like me taking loads of photographs. I rode my bike down with just enough light left in the day to take some shots. Back on my bike, I avoided the People’s Fair traffic and got back home just as it started POURING down rain! You can see more photographs on Flickr.
The Lost Lake has many attributes, one being that it plays Village Green by The Kinks, another being so uncrowded that you can have the place to yourself. But possibly my favorite aspect of Lost Lake is the iconographic Photo Booth. A few seconds of silly faces in a tiny space and waiting a minute or two for poorly developed photos is a wonderful time honored activity.
My dear friend, Erin, is moving to Africa at the end of the month. We’ve been seeing her as much as our busy schedules will allow, but it’s sad to know she’ll be out of the picture for a while. We each have a little strip of photos we’ll keep with us – one in Denver, one in Africa. What a good way to remember a crazy night and a good friend.
To round out the year, Karen & I are taught our students about chalk art! We only had one day left with some of our rotations, so we celebrated – chalk style!
The Denver Chalk Art Festival is held annually on Larimer Square. I love walking around the Square with a cool gelato in hand, checking out the amazing local talent of not only professional artists, but high school and little kid art too. *There is also a photo contest, so charge your camera batteries!
Our students are enjoying the sun by trying their hand at chalk art. Do you remember drawing with chalk?
My hubby is turning 29! This means we need to make a toast, Downtown Denver style, at the Great Divide Brewery!
Sunday was a day of birthday surprises for Joseph. Mom and dad started off his birthday with clues to his surprise – Bella beer mug and Pimm’s Solano pitcher from Pottery Barn! Thank you! For breakfast we had Joe’s favorites including fresh coffee and blueberry muffins. Next surprise and favorite? Lunch at Tarasco’s! Tarasco’s is tiny family-run Mexican restaurant with sunny yellow walls covered in Mexican kitsch and the classic fork, knife and spoon trio. Telemundo is always tuned into the latest soccer match, and real sugar Mexican Coke is stocked in the fridge. I love their cactus salad and just about everything I’ve had on the menus is delicious. It’s a little foodie secret, given to us by our food adventurous friends, Jaren and Patrick.
After a quick, satisfying lunch, we were off to pick up friends Marc & Erin. Once we arrived at our secret destination, not only were there smiles around the table, but rounds of the freshest beer from the Great Divide Brewery. I wish I could tell you the beer tasted fantastic, but I was driving everyone around, so you’ll have to ask Joseph for a full critique. I was busy taking pictures and chatting it up with friends.
Our day of leisure didn’t end there. Just a stones throw away, we headed over to The Lobby for more celebratory cocktails and a rootbeer float for yours truly. You could feel the joy and relaxation from everyone as we sat under the canopy of trees while the sun poured through. I would like to bottle up that afternoon!
To end the night, Marc & Erin grilled out while we snarfed down Sweet Action salted butterscotch ice cream and tried our hand at Wii Resort archery and sword fighting.
Thank you so much to all our friends and Joseph, for celebrating with style! Happy Birthday!
I am looking forward to the weekend. Saturday I hope to dance in beautiful weather with all my dancing friends in our downtown parade! It is quite the event! I hope to have a drink or two after the parade – if you are in Denver, join me! I’ll give you more details tomorrow!
Have a fun Friday!
XOXO, V&N
photo via Flickr - Turn to Clear Vision.
Joseph, thanks for the interesting maps of Netflix rental patterns. A very unique observation of demographics. What are people (and you) renting in your neighborhood? Sorry, The Life Aquatic and Science of Sleep didn’t make the top 100 rented films – go figure.
You’ve done it again, NY Times.
Get your popcorn buttered.
XOXO, V&N
