Gothnic (Denver, Colorado)

Gothnic 2006; Photo by © 2006 Technogypsie.com Fire show Photo ©2006 Simulana

Gothnic is the annual Picnic in the Park for the Colorado Goth community. Occurs once a year in a selected park in Denver, its a great place to mingle, chat, and hang out with those of like minds and music. A great potluck spread contributed by the whole community, games of badmitton, volleyball, and frisbee can be found as activities. 2006 was blessed with an incredible bagpipe performance and fire spinner enchanting us as darkness falls. I had a blast and I want to thank the organizers and community for a splendid event. Rating 5 stars out of 5. 2006 Gothnic.  Gothnic 2006; Photo by © 2006 Technogypsie.com

Old Colorado City, Colorado

Old Colorado City is one of the oldest cities in Colorado, and is the oldest city in the Pikes Peak Region. The city was established in 1859 and became the capitol of the Colorado Territory in 1861. Annexed in 1917 to Colorado Springs and in 1977 became the Springs’ only historic distric. Brought into being by the gold rush, oil boom, destructive fires, wars with the Native Americans, high society balls, parlor houses, and saloons are but a few remaining mementos of Old Colorado. To the south side of Colorado Avenue one would find saloons, brothels, and on the North, more respectable businesses. Connecting the two sides were roughly 12 miles of underground tunnels that allowed the upstanding gentlement to frequent the seedier side without being seen. Besides its history, the historic district boasts its brick sidewalks, 100 year old buildings, that hold an assortment of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and shops. Conveniently located next to Manitou Springs and the Garden of the Gods, its bustling with tourism. Lots of festivities during holiday seasons. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jake & Telly’s Greek Cuisine
2616 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
719.633.0406 * jake@jakeandtellys.com * jakeandtellys.com

Jake and Telly’s

A pleasant dining experience overlooking the historic downtown of Old Colorado City. Outside or inside, friendly staff, and excellent food … the finest of Greek Cuisine and a fancy wine bar. The food is as good as the service. Delicious menu choices, though higher than normal cost. Rating: 4 stars out of 5. Visited 6/24/06.

10 Best Beaches To Visit

 

If your going on vacation why go to just any beach. Yahoo has a list of the top ten most beautiful beaches around. If your close, stop by and take a dip, you won’t regret it. Unless of course you meet an old friend Mr. Shark. Well there are pros and cons for everything.

1. Kaanapali, Hawaii
2. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Miami, Florida
5. Panama City, Florida
6. Montego Bay, Jamaica
7. Phuket, Thailand
8. Santa Barbara, California
9. Mikonos, Greece
10. Virginia Beach, Virginia

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Saturday, 24 June 2006
Colorado Springs - Manitou Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Garden of the Gods, 1805 N 30th Street (at Gateway Rd.), Colorado Springs, CO 80904 * 719.634.6666
http://www.gardenofgods.com/

Garden of the Gods, is a unique natural geological park that is located in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs … and is a Registered National Natural Landmark. It’s open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the summer and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the winter. The original family that donated the land to the public required that it would always remain free, and that is what it remains today. A great park for hiking, walking, bicycling, rock climbing, picnicking, special events, and weddings … Garden of the Gods has it all … and a unique tourist / information center, with a theater and gift shop.

Garden of the Gods Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

With 15 miles of trails ranging in various levels of difficulty from beginner to advanced, its a great place for hiking and exercise. A historical video greets you at the welcome center and tells the tale that began in the 1870’s when the railroads carved westward, when General William Jackson Palmer founded the city of Colorado Springs and upon discovering this natural beauty, urged his friend Charles Elliott Perkins, the head of Burlington Railroad, to make his home in the Garden of the Gods and finish his railway from Chicago to Colorado Springs. Even though he didn’t succeed with his rails to the Springs, he did make a summer home in 1879 by purchasing 480 acres, though he never built on it, leaving the land in its natural state and for the public. When he died in 1907, he made arrangements for the land to be a public park, and this was enacted by his children in 1909 forever as the Garden of the Gods “where it shall remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.” That is exactly what they’ve done …. and its a beautiful place to be. Rating 5 stars out of 5.

Hostels

I’ve never been to a Hostel and after seeing the moving I’m a little turned off by the idea. However hostels in the US are hoping to recieve a European style buzz since those are the most popular hostels.

There are only 350 hostels in the US and the idea has not caught on like it has abroad and they are hoping to change that. Some big problems with US hostels is that they are mostly old and run down hotels which don’t look like the college dormatory styles people are used to and it’s not private like many prefer.

Another problem is money. Transportation is hard when cities are so far apart and it is not easy backpacking through the US. I don’t know who would want to. It’s a place to get in the car with the family and drive to different vacation spots. Not really strap on a backpack and start walking.

Plaza Del Arte Festival (Denver, Colorado)

 

Plaza del Arte Festival (Downtown Denver, Colorado) Annually the downtown Denver streets are held siege with an invasion of colored chalk and multi-inspirational artisans reminescent of Europe’s famous plaza artists … A plethera of artwork covers a couple streets blocked off for viewing over the weekend … shoppes, food, concessions, and vendors also add to the bustle making this street fair spectacular. As me and Christina wandered down the streets peering at the talents of many-a-artist …. I couldn’t bear not to take pictures of these masterpieces deserving to be captured for posterity … as they’ll fade come monday and tuesday …. even the kid’s area where anyone could take to the streets and create their own art was impressive in its own array as a sea of powdered chalk concrete loomed before us. Not to miss …. Review Rating of a 4.5 out of 5. (visited 6/18/2006).

Yes New Yorkers Are Polite (Maybe)

Readers Digest has sent a few reporters undercover to find out the truth once and for all. Are New Yorkers notoriously impolite and rude as many claim that they are?

The reporters came back and said no. An answer which probably shocked most New Yorker’s. They test 2,000 people to see if they would hold the doors open for them, if store clerks would say thank and if strangers would help them if their papers were suddenly caught by the wind and thrown around everywhere.

New Yorkers passed the test. Not with a 100% but then who’s perfect.

However I disagree. Having lived in New York for a long time, I must say that many are definitely rude. A test they failed to give is for a report to try getting shot and see exactly how many run to their aide.

I love New York but too many people are much to “busy” or feel that they should mind their own business to even turn around to stop and help someone in serious trouble and that is very sad indeed.

Cherry Blossom Festival (Denver, Colorado)

Cherry Blossom Festival (Annually, Denver, Colorado) Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple, 1947 Lawrence Street, Denver, Colorado 80202 * 303.295.1844 A free annual festival that is put on by the Tri-State Denver Buddhist Temple downtown Denver each June to celebrate the cultural heritage of Japanese Americans. Lots to do and eat - the Festival greets the attendees with an assortment of Japanese cuisine ranging from teriyaki chicken and beef, noodles, sushi, green tea, and a beer garden. Entertainment throughout the day from skits, music, dance, folk customs, and singing. This years entertainment focused on Taiko with Toni; Denver Taiko; and Mirai Daiko; Koto with Shofu Kai; Odori Dance with the Denver Buddhist Temple Dancers, DBT Minyo, Ayame Minyo Kai, and Shirakaba No Kai; Shigin with Kokusei Kai, Tohoku Shamisen Houzan-Kai; Karoake; Ikebana; Aikido; Judo; Kendo; Iaido; Jojutsu; Naginata; and much more. Shopping with the local vendors will award you with treasures to take home from handmade jewelry, ceramics, vintage kimono, anime, and handicrafts. Demonstrations on bonsai, shodo (calligraphy), ikebana (flower arrangement), and chanoyu (the tea ceremony) and free lectures on Buddhism. Review Rating of a 3 out of 5. (visited 6/17-18/2006).

16th Street Mall (Denver, Colorado)

16th Street Market (16th Street, Downtown Denver, Colorado) A pedestrian based downtown open-aired street mall with shoppes, cafes, theaters, markets, restaurants, and stores … downtown Ambassadors stroll down the street and are easy to locate for guidance as is the central hub of Denver tourism with an information center in the middle of the market. Street performers are easily found and the free shuttle bus stops frequently to give you lifts up and down the mall even to the museum strip. Free wifi radiates along the blocks for anyone looking for a cyber-hookup. Bustling during the summer, many markets and festivals can be found in the area. Reminescent feelings of Denver’s stab at Vancouver’s Granville and Santa Monica’s promenade. Review Rating of a 3 out of 5. (visited 6/17-18/2006).

Food & Wifi at Netherworld Cafe (Denver, CO)

Cafe @ Netherworld
http://ra.ntw.net/netherworld.com/
1278 Pennsylvania St., Denver, CO 80203
Denver’s only full service Cyber Cafes … an incredible hotspot of local activity from dancing, art gallery, poetry readings, a full bar, a full service restaurant, poolhall, the best jukebox in Denver, free wireless, and a venue for many events. Definitely a must-visit and must-hangout place to go in Denver’s downtown. Conveniently located and home to a friendly and great staff, you won’t be disappointed with this great place. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

A recent visit I tried out the internet service and the food …. Several wifi networks to choose from, there home based network is the fastest in the joint - just get the username and password from the barista. The food - absolutely delicious …. I had the club with cajun fries … it was enormous! and delicious …. hit the spot. Iced chai with a shot of Baileys Irish Cream … makes the afternoon go by so nicely … not everyday you get a bar and a cafe and a restaurant all condensed into one … fabulous! Friendly staff and great service. A must …. (visited 6/16/06).

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