After what was probably the best layover of our lives in Dallas with Leslie’s parents, including two great meals, Cameron and Matt, and Murphy, we left on Sunday for Belize. We got extra early to the airport, which was deserted, ended up all seated together in an exit row, and watched Pride and Prejudice for the three hour flight. Then we had a painless run through immigration and customs, and quick taxi ride to Belize City where we caught a water taxi to Caye Caulker. The ride took maybe 30 minutes, with nice, dramatic clouds everywhere. We were greeted on the island by Amanda, whose house we’re staying in. The island is so beautiful, laid back, perfect. The motto: Go Slow.

Check out the gallery for all the pics from the first day. Today we’re heading out for our first day of diving, the camera is all prepped and ready to go. We’ll probably upload those pics tonight while we sleep.

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Comments

lisa the ant — 2006-03-29 16:27:03

fyi, Belize is the cover story in April’s “Divers Training” mag. :o) Pink canoes are certainly memorable vehicles. So happy!!!!!!!!!!!!! e

bryan — 2006-04-02 10:03:28

the canoe, maybe. but look at that water :)

After a 40 minute speed-boat ride from the mainland, in our own private floor of a house, on an island 1000 feet wide and 2 miles tall with no cars, lots of bars, and wireless internet (somehow).

A friend from Apple invited us out to spend the weekend in Bear Valley, in the Sierra Nevadas between Yosemite and lake tahoe. Day one was skiing (I actually did ski, instead of snowboarding, to see if I could remember how). The snow was amazing! Feet of soft powder everywhere:

I had never been in anything like it, looking down and seeing my knees disappear into the snow as I went along. Day two was sledding and snow-shoeing and general playing in the snow.

It was awesome. Check out all the pictures in the usual place.

Back from a great time in NYC. Leslie’s blog has a short run down of most of the trip, and I should be putting up the pictures as soon as I have a few minutes at home not spent showering or asleep. WE LOVE SIGGRAPH WOO.

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Comments

Susan — 2006-01-05 06:50:46

Hook ’em, Horns! Should we send you a T-shirt?

bryan — 2006-01-05 10:54:50

luckily i stocked up on UT gear when i was in austin for thanksgiving! Unfortunately I’m not sure I can wear my colors with pride since I can’t actually name any of our football players…

It’s amazing after having been away from Austin for 1.5 years until this thanksgiving that I should be back only a month later. We only had a day down there, leaving yesterday morning from Dallas and turning right back around today to head back. Still, the trip was worth it. We saw some of the development that’s been going on downtown (including a visit to the huge new Whole Foods on lamar, it’s like the IKEA of hippie food or something). We also had the chance to spend some quality time with my parents, who had us over for dinner on Friday (ham, yum). We also exchanged gifts, although Jeff wasn’t there (he’s in SoCal with Sophie and her family) it was still nice to get to sit around and talk a bit.

The most amazing thing happened last night–an old friend of mine got a bunch of other old friends from high school together in some random bar east of 35. It was quite a crowd… something that hadn’t coalesced at least since ‘99 (6 years ago? Really?). It was great to talk to people I hadn’t seen for so long, and I really hope that lines of communication that were reopened last night will survive.

Now it’s 24 Dec, and I’ve still got quite a bit of time (8 days!) away from SIGGRAPH to look forward to, including 4 bopping around NYC, which should be a blast. We’ve been using the new fancy camera we bought, so expect some pics on gallery soonish.

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Comments

Matt Owen — 2005-12-26 22:16:56

It was nice seeing you again, hope you have a Happy New Year. If you want to go grab a few drinks next time you’re in Austin let me know, I should be around until June or July.

Matt Owen — 2005-12-31 16:12:28

Last Message was for George Chamales, sorry.

bryan — 2006-01-04 19:41:10

I was a little confused :)