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After two years of living in the Middle East and traveling through many parts of the world, I have returned home. Well, at least for a little over a week until I take my new teaching job in Taiwan. With such conflicting schedules and so many trips over the summer, my time home with family and friends was very brief, though quite enjoyable. It didn't take long at all once home to realize how good a life can be in Denver. Over this week, I was able to have a small bar-b-que, go on a hiking trip with family, work on my master's, and spend some quality time with friends. All in all, there wasn't too many times for taking pictures, so this will of course be a short and sweet entry.
As I type in this entry and realize I'm only a couple of months from returning home for another summer (making me realize I've been behind in this blog), I'm already excited about seeing everyone again. At times, I get asked by many people how Denver is, in which this entry makes a great opportunity to finally give my point of view.
Having traveled the world some,
Igor on a good day
Note: edited due to adult content and outright lewd behavior from an adult. I feel somewhat more credible in providing this point of view. Denver city was established in 1858, based upon mining prospects, and then the state of Colorado was later established in 1861. Colorado was officially recognized by the Union in 1876. Colorado has a history of being a frontier area, with much of its trade and commerce being focused not only on mining, but providing the support and necessities of mining towns, such as saloons and gambling halls. Thus, Colorado does posses a sense of the cowboy legacy.
This cowboy history can easily be misleading though, for Denver is in the top 20 for most populated cities within the US. Pretty much every major sporting event can be watched in Denver, from the Rockies, Nuggets, Mammoth, Broncos, Avalanche and so on, this city is certainly on the national map for games. Besides just professional sports, Denver and Colorado is certainly in the top for its outdoor recreation. With the Rocky Mountains and fantastic weather, Colorado is basically a playground all year around, assuming you've dressed for the occasion. Perhaps one of my favorite and most missed activities is skiing. Being in the clean and clear mountains on a sunny
day and being able to speed through mountain passes is by far one of the best ways to spend a weekend.
Going beyond physical activities, Denver is beginning to offer more and more culture as time goes on. While the Apollo hall entertained its citizens since back in 1859, the current Denver Performing Arts Complex is constantly bringing a good offering of shows and events. The recently completed Denver Art Museum, by Daniel Libeskind is proving to be a solid showcase for art lovers. There is also an ever evolving local art and music scene, evident by constant fairs and celebrations throughout the state and year. This last point perhaps hits on one of the best features of the state. While Denver does offer some of the international city attributes, such as offering a wide range of diversity in entertainment, dining and so on, it's really the people that makes Denver unique. I noticed that while I've been in major cities like New York or Paris, a very strong and powerful energy seems to pump through and animate the city. In Denver, this energy does exist, but it seems to be at a pace that doesn't challenge one's composure
or calm. In short, while Denver offers much, it is also quite a laid back city. The hustle and bustle doesn't really exist, even though major business and commerce does. This, besides the vast and impressive array of locally brewed beers, is what makes Colorado enjoyable. It's like the best of both worlds, a chance to enjoy the latest of the modern world while being able to maintain a stress-free lifestyle.
Wow, as I type this I begin to realize how good I had it in Denver. Not to mention a great family and many friends I miss, it now makes sense why I look forward so much to summer vacation (of course, the paycheck with time off doesn't hurt either). In many ways I'm glad Denver is not in the spotlight. I find it is a great city and I would change nothing about it, well, now that it comes to mind, better public transportation would be good, but to be fair, the Lightrail is growing. Further, perhaps everyone I've met has just been nice to me, but everyone whom I've talked to that has been to Denver did find the place quite pleasant.
While at this
time I feel bad that I have so much to say about a place I have so little pictures of, I realize now that this issue should be remedied. Therefore, when I return to Denver in a couple of months, I will plan on getting pictures and info of all these great attributes. It seems only fair I should provide a more deserving review of the city that sheltered me. Don't worry though Denver, I feel as though a part of me will probably never leave.
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Rita Bryant Boerner
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Family
Nathan, what wondeful pictures! They make me miss Colorado and the people I love. I know my big brother is so proud of you!