Dude, the waves were *epic*

The best part about this rotation is my four weekends off. The first was the first weekend I arrived, a rainy book-reading, movie-watching kind of weekend (read Kafka on the Shore and watched Juno - highly recommend both). This past weekend was absolutely beautiful. On Friday, later in the day, I walked to Dog Beach and watched the dogs play.

There is something about watching dogs play with each other and their owners that is meditative and peaceful. It's such unconditional love and joy it's hard not to have it touch you. I never seem to tire of watching the dogs. One dug a hole and was standing in it barking at his owner and digging some more. Another pair, dog and human, were rolling around in the sand together. One time I saw a man and a dog on the towel, stretched out on their sides, facing each other. The man was stroking the dog, lovingly. The man's wife or girlfriend was standing to the side smiling, not at all perturbed the dog had taken her place. I think I realized the most special part about dogs is that, instead of belonging to you, they belong with you. They are part of your pack and I honestly feel it means something to them to be with their owner.

There was a festival on Saturday call the Tet festival (follow the link for more info). It was a Vietnamese festival for the lunar new year and spring. The sun was pounding hot and we explored the festival (which was really a carnival with a stage and some sponsors) and watched the opening ceremonies. The lion dance was by far the best event of the day, in my opinion. (photo above from Tet Festival -- courtesy of Jeanne, all others on this post are courtesy of Jeanne as well).

That evening we went for an art walk on Ray Street. Local artists, student artists, gallery after gallery until we collapsed. One artist in particular seemed blog-worthy, Adan Chinchilla. He does modern/abstract interpretations of pet photos. Instead of the usual immortalized-on-canvas realistic, dusty, old, oil paintings he paints bright interpretations. I mention it mostly because I know many of my readers (hi!) are pet-lovers and may actually consider one day immortalizing their pet on canvas. Much better than stuffing, that's for sure.

Sunday was restful. We went for a long walk late in the morning and watched huge waves crash along the bottom of the OB Pier. It was remarkable. They must have been at least 20 feet high. Surfers were little dots on the waves and surfboards were flying in the air as the riders were pounded into the water. I had visions of tsunami the waves were so impressive. Then, just like that, the ocean calmed.

I definitely had a great weekend. I was sorry to have to go back to work but the pace at work isn't too overwhelming and while the patients are complicated they are mostly very nice people. The faculty is also very kind and do a lot of teaching. It's not a stretch to see myself working in this city... small house, big dog, sunny weekends... but we'll see what the future has in store. I have another couple-few years in gloomy Tacoma to figure it out.