San Blas Islands | Travel Back to Panama Past

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
San-Blas-Islands-Panama
San Blas Islands, Panama

Juxtaposition can be quite humbling. I was slightly surprised by our half day stop in the San Blas Islands, located just a few miles off of the Caribbean cost of Panama, since it wasn’t on my radar originally. The day started a bit slow, and I was resting in the room when my new ship friends, Steve and Traci, called to tell me to take a look out my window. When I did, I saw two wooden canoes with little boys in each one, begging for money then diving into the water after coins that fellow shipmates tossed overboard. It was a sight unlike any I have ever seen before.

Kuna Indians Diving for Dollars

Kuna Indians Diving for Dollars

We went to the top of the ship to see more of the surrounding scenery and found the number of native boats multiplied and the families that were in them were all calling out “mOney, mOney” from below us. The backdrop had pieces of land sprouting up from the water, most of which could not have been more than a mile long. From afar I would not have guessed that people lived on these small islands, but I soon found out that they were in fact the home of the Kuna Indians.

The tenures took us to one of the small floating masses and as we approached I realized that there were small huts with walls made from sticks and roofs of brown palms. Some were covered by scrap metal and others had simple cloth material for walls. We stepped off of the boat and instantly walked through an isle of children and families calling out the familiar “dOllar, dOllar” in hopes to sell various hand crafted goods. Everything they could offer was presented, from hand carved toy boats, to coloring pages held by toddlers, and most prominently, an array of brightly sewn tapestries called Molas, which the tribe is famed for.

Young Kuna Indian Girl

Young Kuna Indian Girl

The entire island was a marketplace offering variations of the same products. Children held tropical birds on their heads asking for “dOllar for picture,” and an old women held a monkey for the same sell (which of course I caved to). Steve, Traci and I walked up and down each hut crevice in the village and found a native man who was happy to take us on a tour of his home. I did not see a single bed, only hammocks hanging from walls, and what he called the kitchen was nothing more than a three walled cabin filled with sticks and hanging laundry. The women wore bright colored wraps and some withered faces were ornamented with piercings and paint.

Our Local Tour Guide

Our Local Tour Guide

The floors were either covered in dirt or simply made of it, both inside and outside the homes. “Ocean front” property became a whole new concept, shorelines littered with trash and debris. The only signs of modern technology were the oddly placed bright red satellite dishes that were mounted between huts. You almost wonder if it is more of a spectacle than a way of living, but I know that is not the case, just a few minor luxuries in an otherwise primitive world. The Kuna Indians have survived in these islands for hundreds of years and have had only glimpses of our comparatively wealthy lifestyle through often ignorant tourists. It is a blessing to be welcomed into their wold, for as strange as it may be, these seemingly far off tribes are in fact our not so distant worldly neighbors.

Reroute & Adapt | Santa Marta Colombia

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Santa-Marta-Colombia
Santa Marta, Colombia

One of my favorite parts of traveling abroad is simply taking in the culture of the land. My trip to Colombia was an adventure that revolved around the country’s people. I have experienced various standards of living on a fair spectrum, from the shanties of the third world to the wealth and prosperity of some of the top nations, including my own. Santa Marta falls in the mid to low range, but has a unique beauty that any traveler can appreciate.

Colombia-Homes

Homes and Train Tracks

We set off in the morning with the intent on visiting Tayrona National Park. Excitement brewed for a day of hiking and exploring in hopes to capture snapshots of the famed wildlife and scenic views. We drove past a substantial cluster of impoverished homes, some made of scrap metal and sheets, while others had worn down concrete walls. There were piles of trash along the road and men riding in carts pulled by donkeys for transit. A young man in a soccer shirt casually stood in the window of a home with a bicycle  a few feet over resting against the colorful deteriorating walls of a neighboring house. Some may feel sorrow looking at this sight but for me there was an odd beauty to it. Although this may be seemingly unlivable to most, I admire these people that continue to build their lives and raise their families among what some may call rubble.

We drove through the city to reach the highway to take us to the park, yet were halted and were refused to advance any further. The guide informed us that there was a protest in the city and that the road was blocked with people and police force brought in to manage the crowd. I never was able to uncover the reason for the conflict, but gathered a minimal explanation that the people living in the Colombian hills outside of the main city called upon the mayor for not addressing expressed concerns. The politics are much different, just as the lifestyle is from my own, but the experience and perspective is valued.

Colombian Dancer Performing

Colombian Dancer Performing

Reroute and adapt. We took an immersion lesson by driving into the heart of the city where out our windows we saw a somewhat familiar view of vendors of all kinds selling their goods on the streets. In a general sense of comparison it reminded me slightly of the border town of Tijuana, Mexico, mixed with the familiar Los Angeles fashion district. We passed by a soccer stadium with a large commemorative statue that clearly showed the passion that lives in the hearts of fans that follow the popular sport. We were able to make a quick stop in a commercial square where the Basilica Santa Marta stood proudly with its bright white facade nearly shining against the colors of the surrounding buildings. The interior was very traditional with white marble and carved statues standing tall which gave me a comfortable, peaceful feeling. Outside the architecture of a few structures seemed to be influenced by its European roots which gave the city a blended personality that nearly transported my memories back to my time in Spain.

We traveled on through the hills, down to a resort area that served as our consolation for missing the original excursion destination. The mountains seemed to be made of emeralds for as far as you could see and I found it particularly fascinating to see cacti spurting up from the ground. I never imagined I would find a plant that I have only seen in arid climates nestled in such a tropical setting. They covered the slopes for as far as the vista reached.

We spent the remainder of our time at the Irotama Hotel where we watched a folkloric show featuring traditional dancers and musicians.Whether it was fabricated or true to the country’s culture, the women’s costumes were bright and full, and the steps themselves were smooth and elegant. There were a few startled faces among the older onlookers when the women did hand stands as they straddled the guys who drummed on their buts, but of course I just sat back, laughed and enjoyed the show. Walking around the grounds, mom enjoyed the pool while I sat on a lounge chair noticing how unreal the experience turned out to be. I felt like I was being sheltered by a popular time share in our local Hawaiian Islands, not in an exotic land that I would most likely never return to again.

Colombia-Shore

Walking in Colombian Waters

We took moments to walk along the beach and dipped our feet into the warm murky water of the coast. I was surprised by the zero percent clarity, with the small waves that crashed on the shore resembling thick mud crashing to the ground, and the freight ships that littered the horizon gave it a very serious demeanor. We weren’t permitted to explore past the hotel boundaries, but of course the rebel that I am, I had to try. I casually walked toward town, hoping that I could sneak past without any guards stopping me. It soon became clear that there was no passing the invisible line when I came face-to-face with a fully armed man equipped with what looked to be a pretty heavy duty gun that I would only know to compare to an AK-47. You didn’t need to know the native language to get the hint.

Driving back to the ship, the guide pointed out a few significant landmarks and spoke of the strong military presence that seemed to be a constant in the port city. Although it was a scenic drive through the hillsides, I couldn’t help but feel constricted in some way during the experience. Colombia has its own charm that is unique to its strong willed residents. This particular portion of the trip reminds me that plans may change, roads may be detoured by when you open your eyes, the benefits of adapting can serve as a powerful point of view.

Half Moon Cay | Touring The Private Getaway In The Bahamas

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Half-Moon-Cay-Bahamas
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Photo Cred: Stephen Brown)

A true vacation is a retreat. A period of sustained isolation from the madness of life. It is my first time in almost two years that I have ventured beyond national borders, far too long to be separated from my love of world exploration.

We departed Fort Lauderdale’s Everglades Port on the Rotterdam Ship of Holland America Cruise lines in the evening. I could not help but think of my father who grew up in the Dutch down that the vessel commemorates. Bad wife and daughter! We left him not only for the all-American holiday of Thanksgiving as well as his birthday. We will miss him greatly, and I know he shares my dream of visiting Machu Picchu in the mountains of Peru, a destination that will serve as our grand finale.

Our first stop was Half Moon Cay, although the familiarized seem to pronounce it “key,” which is a private resort owned by the cruise line on Little San Salvador Island. It is located less than 100 miles southeast of the popular city of Nassau, between Cat Island and Eleuthera. I found that it looked almost exactly like the hundreds of pictures of the Bahamas. It was as if I landed in the middle of a Corona commercial when I saw the powder white sands and turquoise blue water, our country’s staple image of paradise. The island itself was tiny, yet ideal for our one day excursion ashore. Small enough to feel secluded, while not giving off the sometimes overwhelming feeling of rushing to see everything possible in a limited time frame.

Horseback Riding in Half Moon Cay

Horseback Riding in Half Moon Cay

One of my goals for the trip was fulfilled early when I visited the stables to go horseback riding by land and sea. My land horse was named Mutt, he was a beautifully gentle, dark brown steed that seemed to like his hooves in the water as we rode along the shore. We trotted to the highest point on the island, which could not have been more than 50 feet or so, that gave us a nice view of the resort. After changing our horses for a water adventure, we galloped through the crystal ocean so that only the arch of their back and heads were above water. I was immersed from the waist down as we splashed along in unison, with the lush tropics of palms on one side and the ocean as far as you could see on the other.

We had two land events booked but unfortunately the second, snorkeling by boat, was cancelled because the tide was a bit rough to manage. You could not tell by the weather though, it was everything you would imagine for a trip to the isles, around 75 degrees, clear blue skies with the fluffy accent of a few scattered clouds on the horizon. Our ship was a perfect backdrop to the scenery, sitting like an ornament on the sea. Although it would have been great to explore beneath the surface, I was not all that upset since I got my ride in, rested on the beach, swam in the gorgeous water and truly spent my time exactly as I had imagined it, retreating from the world.

Colbie Caillat Concert | House of Blues

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Colbie-Caillat
Colbie Caillat (Photo Cred Darren Lee)

“I don’t care what they say, Cause I have seen when we run we make it rain, there’s nothing better than this, I’ll keep wanting you for just one more kiss.” Colbie Caillat drew the curtain beautifully with the song “Make it Rain” from her new album All of You, which was released only five days after her performance at the House of Blues in Anaheim on August 7th, 2011. It was an elegant and impressionable opening to the show.

Colbie has one of the most pure voices in the acoustic genre. Her beach-inspired, casual style, which every Southern California girl can relate to, compliments her tropical vibes. Simply hearing her words and chords draws you to a vacation fantasy of fine sand, palm trees and an endless blue sea horizon. She can call out to the king of reggae with natural ease and sing to hundreds of fans as if the stage is nothing more than an intimate camp fire serenade among friends.

The lineup was a balanced list of songs pulled from each of her three main albums released over the past five years. She floated through “The Little Things,” and “Realize” off of 2007’s Coco, then invited us to softly sing along to such songs as “Begin Again,” “I Never Told You,” and Oxygen” from her Breakthrough collection.

As usual I started this blog entry soon after the concert, and finished it months later. The challenges of life can consume you, making time accelerate and stop in a series of violent motions. My adoration for most of Colbie’s sweet melodies hit the recently fortified walls of my broken heart with a thud. A feeling, which at the time I was unaware, that I would return to a fifth and sixth time over in the time to come. The raw lyrics and notes echoed in my racing mind and my best friend was by my side singing and swaying trying to get me to sing along. I did my best to refuse to avoid feeling, but leave it to Colbie’s cover of Jason Mraz’s “Lucky” to make me shed a single tear wishing that one day I would find the best friend to fall in love with.

After those melodramatic, possibly pathetic, yet true moments, the irony continued during the encore with a hybrid song: part “Breakeven” by The Script and part “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman. It was the perfect storm at the time for an emotional breakdown but I held my ground, relying on pride to carry me through. What I loved most about this part of the show was the creative expression and tribute to her fellow musicians. It proves that no matter how big a star, the appreciation for music continues to develop and inspire true talent.

Colbie finished her final set with a taste of the new and the old, illustrating just how far she has come since she came to the scene. “Brighter Than The Sun” pulls her further into the pop realm, but she remembers her foundation as the sun kissed acoustic guitarist with one of her first hits “Bubbly.” The lyrics speak to my connection and love for music, “it starts in my soul”, and always take this wherever I go.

Gin Blossoms Concert | The Coach House

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Gin-Blossoms
Gin Blossoms (Photo Cred: Mike Pont/Getty Images)

“I know we’re headed somewhere I can see how far we’ve come.” The simple phrase from the opening song, “Follow You Down” takes another meaning once you surpass the two-decade mark of making music. I’ve mentioned before the impact a single song can have on one’s memory in my post about Something Corporate, but what about a single band? The Gin Blossoms represent nostalgia for my innocence, discovery of music, and looking up to my brother who introduced me to early favorite artists.

As an 80’s child growing up in the 90’s, I lived when music experienced so many revolutions. From the explosion of polar opposites – pop sensation boy bands and the gritty sounds of grunge – to iconic rap artists that spoke for an entire sociopolitical culture. Among the merging identity of the era’s sound played the Gin Blossoms who comfortably fit in the alternative rock category aside some of my favorite bands: Tonic, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Oasis and the Goo Goo Dolls. Some of these bands reached their peak during the time but continue to make music not for fame but for pure pleasure. Some have faded, while others continue to penetrate mainstream top lists single after single. I’d suggest the Gin Blossoms fall somewhere in between, with loyal followers like myself, and I greatly appreciate their persistent presence in the scene, no matter the scale.

Robin-Wilson

Robin Wilson (Photo Cred: Soundpress.net)

One of my favorite elements to the band’s artistry is the subtle incorporation of the under-appreciated tambourine. The tiny brass symbols of the handheld instrument keep a catchy back beat while harmonizing with the smooth vocals of lead singer Robin Wilson. His stage presence connected him intimately with the adoring audience and he pleased them in return by passing on a number of the musical gadgets. I can’t even tell you how jealous I was for those that received this small token of the band’s legacy. Come on Robin! Pass one to me!

I sang along to every song sitting left of the stage while watching current guitarist Jesse Valenzuela casually strumming along. He seemed to enjoy the cool upstage position out of the main spotlight while in communion with this other band members. You would never guess by just a glance that this chilled out musician was the original vocalist of the band when it was founded in 1987 and the primary writer of many of its hits singles. As with many bands that have survived over 20 years, there have been a few changes in membership, but one indicator of a great group is the ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining the core melodic feeling of its brand. In addition to veterans Jesse and Robin, the current players include original co-founder Bill Leen on bass, guitarist Scott Johnson, and John Richardson on drums.

The set list hit tunes from every album released in their history, with a heavy influence of their latest No Chocolate Cake, released in 2010. I am ashamed to say that I was a year late in discovering the latest tracks from this band that is so embedded in my foundation, but I was completely stoked on the revelation. The song “Don’t Change For Me” beautifully illustrates the class and positivity that the Gin Blossoms have stood for throughout their story. It’s an anthem for personal fulfillment and a representation of the standards that we should all hold to each of our loved ones. Continue on and “Wave Bye Bye” speaks to letting go of that deeply cherished, yet clearly unhealthy relationship that we all have tried to hold onto at one point or another. Pain, development and perseverance are part of the process of coping, while realizing the future can be more powerful than their constraints.

“Lost Horizons, “Found Out About You” and the encore’s finale song “Hey Jealousy” honored the group’s early years. All three songs originally released on its 1989 album Dusted were revived on the breakthrough record New Miserable Experience in 1992. Gin Blossoms’ 2006 record, Major Lodge Victory, made a single song appearance with “Long Time Gone” midway through the performance. They even threw in a cover of Eddie Money’s “Think I’m In Love” as a novelty piece. I couldn’t have expected or even begged for a better set list than was played that night.

HollowellNot many concert reviews are ever complete without calling out to the show’s aspiring opening bands. Runner up to my beloved headliner was an Orange County local group called Hollowell. I began to dig their sound almost instantly when lead singer Joseph Denges began to project his strong vocals and reflective lyrics. References to angels hinted to their Christian roots, while provocative phrases forced you to contemplate the number of familiar feelings that we all have faced in our past.

Hollowell certainly settled easily into the Gin Blossoms’ genre, comparable to well known artists such as REM, Tonic and Live. Their website HollowellMusic.com describes the scene the experience the best saying, “the listener sways in the rhythm and groove as the music becomes tangible.” They have been described as being honest, which was confirmed when I introduced myself to their down to earth vocalist and gladly bought their 2011 Pre-Release EP on site. I look forward to hearing of their future success.

The Gin Blossoms concert at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano was one for my personal record books. My dad stood as my company for the night and I’m sure he can attest to my love for the show when the smile never left my face in its entire duration. In parting and sincere gratitude I promise the lyrics right back to the band, “Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you down.”

Yellowcard Concert | Club Nokia

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Yellowcard-Concert
Yellowcard

“Stop, turn, take a look around, At all the lights and sounds, let ’em bring you in. Slow, burn, let it all fade out, and pull the curtain down…” Lights and Sounds is the perfect song by Yellowcard to open their concert set. It embodies the sentiments of all of those who continue to gather to enjoy live music of any kind.

After enduring the opening bands in anticipation of Yellowcard, then walking out on the headliner’s performance for the first time in my music memory, I have to say I wish the line up was organized differently. The opening band, The Summer Set, was a younger bunch with a complete pop-punk sound and an early New Found Glory-esque vocalist. They were followed by Hey Monday, most comparable to Paramore, led by a strong female singer. Unfortunately my personal taste eliminates them from my queues due to my preference for deeper vocals, yet the group seemed to be a crowd pleaser. Although these bands serve their place in the music industry, providing hope for up-and-coming artists, they were simply ornaments that were trying to cling to the true centerpiece of the event.

I was there for Yellowcard, the real headliner in my eyes. They broke into alternative popular culture early when I was in high school. My favorite CD released during this era, in 2001, was One for the Kids, their third release in the bands beginning years. Although they avoided yielding reference to this particular album, they played on to performing a few tunes from their most popular including Lights and Sounds, Ocean Avenue and their most recent, When you’re through with thinking, Say Yes.

I have heard about the incredible stage presence that Yellowcard has when they perform live, but only now do I fully understand. The separating element that the band brings to the music world is the introduction of a violinist into alternative rock. All musicians to me are artists, no matter the instrument. Those who play the more classical forms may think they are limited to performing in grand symphonies in order to gain respect and recognition. Yellowcard shatters that perception and opens the doors to expression, proving that these talents can gain respect as being a part of a music group in the more non-traditional realm.

The band has such lyrical and distinguished ability. The single “Believe” displays all of this and tells us that everything is going to be all right, to “Be Strong, Believe.” I love this because it is such a positive message that was formed in the face of fear. It was a poem to melodies that expressed what it was like for the youth of my generation to live through the attacks of 9/11. It is our responsibility to remember our history and to help those who follow to know the importance of freedom.

As the show continued, Yellowcard introduced tracks from their new album. First up was an acoustic number that was quite catchy called “Hang You Up.” Although I found myself enjoying its raw sound of the song, I can see how during the concert debrief with my fellow fans, some expressed disappointment in its similarity to the commercialized “Hey there Delilah,” by The Plain White T’s. After so much time in the spotlight, there sometimes is a natural progression in a band’s later years to evolve into a more standardized sound. This tendency aside, Yellowcard will always resonate as a musically innovative band that is not afraid of crossing musical boundaries.

Although Yellowcard has replaced a few of their original members from when I first began listening to them nearly a decade ago, what I really admire about the group is that they never lost what they represented since the beginning — expression of self and exuberant class. I am proud to have them as role models to those who are being introduced to this genre of music that has represented so much of me during certain times in my life.

Destination Reflection: New Mexico

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
New Mexico, National Parks (Photos By Lindsay Amanda)

Symbols of the Southwest are draped all around the state of New Mexico. To me, it was a frontier, barely explored in my worldly explorations. We landed in Albuquerque, a city that did not leave any lasting impressions. It was a basic driving day with the big event of passing through Roswell, giving me the opportunity to visit the famed International UFO Museum and Research Center. As much as I adored the TV show in junior high, I never imagined I would ever see it live! It was definitely a novelty to check mark off the list.

The next two days fulfilled a few destination dreams of mine. We stayed the night in Carlsbad in anticipation of a long day underground at daybreak. I had always wanted to see the caverns to pay tribute to my grandpa who helped build the roads for visitors like me to walk in the crevices and spacious rooms. He created the pathways when he was very young as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps. They are the same foot trails that I walk on nearly a century later.

Because I love history and knowing that I am a legacy of a great worker, I want to take a break from this story to mention a little about the CCC. It was introduced by President Teddy Roosevelt and was one of the most popular programs of his New Deal in attempts to revive America from the Great Depression. The Corps enlisted single men, ages 17-25, and paid them a mere $30 a month, $25 of which would go to ensuring their parents survival during the difficult time. I am proud to know that my grandpa’s contributions to the world, both in his natural efforts as well as in his national services in WWII.

The Carlsbad Caverns was a new territory that I ventured into with open eyes and an open heart. We decided the large natural entrance was the way to go as we ventured into the depths of the cave. There were large fixtures scattered throughout the early steps that were grandiose, but not particularly extravagant. It was not until we reached the bottom that the ornaments blanketed the ceiling, floors and walls. From the finest soda straws and detailed fields of popcorn rock to the pure clarity of the mineral pools and the towering columns they stream from, it was a blessing to experience the raw, constant evolution in it all. It is a special thought to know that my lineage was represented in its presence and rugged beauty.

When I was in college, I took a class on National Parks and Monuments that showed me how “Magnificent” the world can be. Here is where I learned about a place of fantasy where bright white sand stretched for miles, restlessly sitting in the foothills of the San Andres Mountains. When I learned of the gypsum dunes, White Sands National Monument became such a romantic scene in my mind that I just had to find a way there one day. I finally did on my trip to New Mexico and I can say that it was spectacular. It looked like freshly fallen snow but was as dry as the desert where it lay. The day we arrived, there were wispy clouds on the horizon of a blue sky and it was hard to see where the textured landscape ended and the sky began. There were sporadically placed plants springing up and thriving in the desolate terrain, standing like beacons in the continuously transforming landscape.

Back on the road again, we sketched our map as we trucked on. In a quick decision we landed in a small antique town called Silver City, which was as close as we could get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings. We rested in a charming historic hotel before rising with the mission of reaching the ruins. We started to climb through the Gila Forest, but were stopped shortly up the narrow highway and were advise to turn back after a light snow gained momentum. I could not remember the last time I was caught in a comparable flurry of powdery dust.

That day continued on with further road trip challenges. We set forth to Santa Fe, our final tourist destination on the trip, and found ourselves again in a light blizzard as we drove up and over a different portion of the forest. Slowly but surely, and with the help of a few friendly snowplows, we made it through the danger. As frightening as it was at times to see the ice on the frozen pavement ahead and a sheer cliff to the side of us, it was a road less traveled and more rewarding than the longer, more mundane option of winding around the mountain. It was a memory made.

After the rocky road terrain, we finally made it to the icy, yet iconic, Santa Fe, New Mexico. I was told it was an artsy town and I found it to have an old American feeling that epitomized the southwest region. In almost every storefront bushels of chili peppers were found hanging from simple adobe facades. The colors of sand and crisp blue sky were both contrasting and complementing in the day, transforming in the night into a golden glow with fiery illuminations lighting up the darkness. The layers of white snow that sat on the ledges only enhanced city’s canvas by adding a touch of elegance.

Historic churches built the culture as they stood tall throughout the city. Their spirit flowed into Santa Fe’s inspirational air. It was the perfect place to ring in the New Year. We walked just a few blocks, what seemed to me a mile in -1 degree weather, from our quaint B&B to an American Indian owned restaurant that had a special meal bursting with flavors. We passed a few other withered towns that seemed to be out of an old cowboy movie on our way back to Albuquerque to close out the trip. After hundreds of miles of driving, the flight home was short and sweet, and I was quickly reminded me how diverse and simply pleasant the world outside of the OC can really be.

Destination Relfection: New Orleans

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
New Orleans (Photos by Lindsay Amanda)

New Orleans is one of the most culture-rich cities I have been to in a most unique way. The first thought that comes to mind of course is Mardi Gras, a lively, colorful, and to be quite honest, intoxicated scenes that many of us wish we could experience just once out of pure novelty. Despite only visiting this city on what some may call its “off season,” it definitely proved its spirit nonetheless.

My visit was a jet setter weekend trip of just three days. After a very long travel day I arrived at my hotel in the heart of the city in the wee hours of the morning the next day. As the financially conscious traveler that I am, of course I took the best route, a shuttle shared with the high tech college pack of our day, arriving for the same reason that I was privileged to be there, the 2010 Super Computing Conference. My dad’s company, Cenic, helped build the infrastructure for the event.

As my mom and I took advantage of the opportunity to visit this iconic destination, our first stop was a classic Louisiana swamp tour. It sure was far from anything I have ever seen before. Our guide was born and bred “No’lands” and lived in the swamp all of his life, “huntin gators,” and dually holding an endearing love for all of the animals that called the habitat “home.” We saw an array of its natural inhabitants, including alligators, one of the largest breeds of rodents in the world, raccoons and birds. The Spanish moss hung from the trees where the deepest corners of the swamp were lush with bright green duckweed coating the surface of the water. It was a peaceful and flourishing spectacle.

The following day I set off on my own, as I love to do when I travel, for a brief expedition before our next scheduled tour. No matter where I am in the world, I absolutely love to visit churches, and on my short three-day trip, I had the privilege of attending mass the Saint Louis Cathedral at the oldest Catholic cathedral in North America, overlooking Jackson Square. It was beautiful.

The homily had a funny start. I remember the priest welcome the church’s common visitors, then comment on how lovely it was to see such a great attendance, appreciated by the fact that the defending Super Bowl champs had a bye week that Sunday. As a devoted football fan, I had to take humor in the opening line. Although I was far from home, I found comfort knowing that I was part of a bigger family in my religious community. I must say it was a plus to have so many parts of my heart in one place, as it was also emblematic of the land’s previous Spanish rulers.

After thanking God for the opportunity to visit this enchanted city, I ran off to catch my next tour – the plantation homes of the Deep South. It was a day trip that took us an hour or so outside the city. Our first stop was the Laura Creole Plantation. It was quaint and spacious at the same time, holding an incredible amount of history that you could feel as you walked its grounds. It held centuries old artifacts that endured the most severe conditions. The house endured “hell and high water,” quite literally, after being renovated from a destructive fire some items lasted even through the harsh reality of hurricane Katrina. We saw the slave quarters, and the bell that beckoned their families from as far out as three miles away from the main home for simple daily meals. The fact that surprised me the most was that the shacks held families as recent as the 1970’s, far past the time when their freedom was given. It was truly incredible.

Our next plantation home was Oak Alley. Its main attraction for visitors was the majestic tunnel of live oak trees that framed the estate’s main entrance. In the past, the original owners could see the Mississippi river from their dining room in the forefront of their home. Since then, a levy has been built to block the rising water. Although less impressive for the amount of original pieces from its heyday that are still present, its charm is undeniable.

I am not your average tourist, who lives for the standardized itinerary, but I can say that I enjoyed the cliche historical routes on such fly-by trips. I did not neglect one of the main must-dos of New Orleans, I did walk the infamous Bourbon Street. I even had the famous hurricane at its origin, Pat O’Brein’s, it’s good thing I love whiskey! I strolled through the French Quarter both full nights of my trip, and can officially say that I have seen one of the most famed party capitals of the world. And yes, although I declined, I was asked to show my goodies for a string of cheap beads. I can officially check that one of my list.

The last day of my short adventure was spent cruising the Garden District and relishing in the Antebellum homes that lined the streets. We visited an old cemetery that was reminiscent of La Recoleta from my travels in Argentina. The crypts were less ornate and weathered more severely than those neighboring Evita’s grave, which made it was eerie yet peaceful in a strange way.

New Orleans has a spirit unlike many other cities that I’ve ventured into. Louisiana is the Deep South at its best, and the culture caries its heritage proudly. I am blessed to have experienced its mysticism and bright personality even for a short while.

Something Corporate Concert | City National Grove

Posted on by Lindsay Racen
Something-Corporate
Something Corporate

Something-Corporate-CNGThere are tastes that bring you back to a place, smells that bring you back to a season, and songs that bring you back to an era. For me, white wine brings me back to Rome, pumpkin brings me back to fall, and the voice of Andrew McMahon brings me back to high school.

The Something Corporate 10 Year Anniversary tour was one of the most memorable events of my concert loving life. The four piece band opened with the song “21 and Invincible,” singing along with the youthful audience. It was a proclamation of a time of freedom we all have experienced in our lives.

One of the most unique attributes of the performance at the City National Grove of Anaheim was that the band was not accompanied by a single opening act. The attention and hearts of all settled completely on Something Corporate as they ran through a list of 20 songs, most of which found their high life in the early 2000’s. Infamous tunes like “If You C Jordan” and “Punk Rock Princess” blared from the speakers with overwhelming support of the fans that sang along to every word.

My personal favorite was the second in queue, which brought me back to a vivid recollection of one particular moment during my time at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Back then asking girls to dances was a monumental production, and oftentimes could be seen as a competition to win the heart of not only the girl, but the whole school as well. This time it was in the form of a shortened live concert of a boy and his band playing a set of Something Corporate tunes. The last song was “Hurricane” from the band’s biggest hit CD Leaving Through the Window, released in 2002. The cover was a perfect tribute to one of my favorite bands, and to this day, hearing the lyrics instantly brings me back to that moment in time.

Flashback to the present, standing in the pit of the Grove, the concert continued. The set list proceeded through “Cavanaugh Park,” “I Want to Save You,” and “Drunk Girl,” I felt the energy escalate with each familiar phrase. The crowd adored the band and its talented leader as he jammed on the piano, singing with complete passion in his homecoming to Orange County, California.

Aside from the highlighted famous hits of their decade, Something Corporate sprinkled the performance with a few surprises. Selected songs that were scarcely heard were showcased and pulled from hidden tracks, previously unreleased melodies and a single new recording that was featured on their Play in Space: Best Of CD, released earlier this year. These songs included “Wait,” “Watch the Sky,” and finally, the opening of the show’s encore, and favorite among the most devoted fans – “Konstantine.”

Andrew-McMahon-SCI can say personally that there was much anticipation waiting to hear if this song would even make the lineup. It was rumored that Andrew McMahon vowed to never sing it again because he is now happily married and it was originally written for a high school sweetheart who had long since past. Honorable yes, but we are definitely glad he broke his rule just this once since the song was so incredible that every note pulled at our heartstrings. It was the perfect beginning of a magnificent end.

The 10 Year Anniversary Tour of Something Corporate surpassed all expectations. The final two songs, “Ruthless” and “I Woke Up in a Car,” made the audience erupt in praise. As I will soon turn 25, this concert framed a decade of growth in my personal life. I will always take this talented group of artists with me as I continue forth to the next chapter in my life, whatever it may read. I truly thank them for all for the times their music has supported me and played as the soundtrack to my days.

Something Corporate Band Members: Andrew McMahon, vocals/piano; Josh Partington, guitar; Kevin Page, bassist; and Brian Ireland, drummer.