North America

Oaxaca Textile Workshop

My Unforgettable Oaxaca Textile Experience

Wow, it’s already almost the end of August, and I am finally finding the time to share one of the more unique experiences I had in Oaxaca, Mexico way back near the beginning of the year on January 24th.

This experience wasn’t like the normal ones some may have in Mexico that involve taking a party boat on the water or indulging in all the delicious food. Instead, I took the time to get away from all the tacos and tequila and experienced something that has been happening for many centuries and continues today. I got to spend the day with one of the local families still practicing the sacred art of creating Oaxaca textiles to learn about the rich culture and history of the state, and to experience the beauty of its textiles firsthand.

It is an unforgettable experience that I know I will cherish for years to come. The goal of this post is to tell you about the state of Oaxaca and walk you through my experience so that when you find yourself in Oaxaca looking to know more about what goes on behind the scenes of some of the amazing art you find, you too can get your hands busy and take this epic Oaxaca textile tour yourself.

Oaxaca Textile Workshop
La’xha’s Loom and Workshop
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By Jason, ago
Streets of Lisbon, Portugal, Europe

Off to Europe Again: Portugal, Czechia, Hungary, and Ireland!

Another #jasongetsaroundwithjackie European adventure is taking flight! From Portland to New York to Lisbon to Prague, with more of Europe to come.

Streets of Lisbon, Portugal, Europe
This picture was taken on my first trip to Lisbon for my birthday in April 2013.

This afternoon, Jackie and I are heading over to New York for a couple of long days before we depart on another adventure together in Europe. We’re both super excited about making this trip that I had planted the seed for way back on January 9th when I bought two tickets from New York to Lisbon, Portugal in Europe. It’s now grown to include a few days in Lisbon, attending a wedding in Prague, exploring other villages in Czechia, and if all goes well, some time in Ireland or Greece before we head back to Portland. We’ve left the end of the trip open to allow us some flexibility, but things are beginning to fall into place as the trip unfolds.

There’s a lot to consider when traveling during this time outside of just booking flights and hotels. COVID is still very real and though we’re both fully vaccinated, we are still being cautious and following local guidelines around COVID as we all have learned that vaccinations aren’t always enough.

I will continue to update this post as the days go on over the trip, so please bookmark this page and stay tuned!

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By Jason, ago

Going Back to Oahu

I’m going back to Oahu tomorrow! The last time I went to Oahu — or Hawaii for that matter — was right at the end of 2017 to visit my housemate David and his lovely girlfriend, Lynn. This time Jackie and I will be visiting them together, but this time David’s no longer our housemate and they’re married (we were supposed to be there last June, but couldn’t due to COVID)! Jackie and I are also super excited to go on another adventure to a place we’ve never been together. We’re not sure of all we’re going to get up to, though we know we’ll be in good hands with our friends making us feel at home. COVID is still happening at large, so we’ve had to do a number of things to prepare for the journey of going back to Oahu.

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By Jason, ago

Time For Festivals

Giant Disco BallSince my trip to Iceland, I haven’t done much international travel.  In fact, I haven’t done much travel at all except for a trip to Georgia early in June.  The last couple months, I’ve spent my time working my day job, spending time with family and friends, going through the pain of buying an airplane, biking all over the place during Pedalpalooza, and going to a number of festivals.

Since the end of May, I’ve attended SOAK, What The Festival?! and this last weekend was Oregon Country Fair.  All three festivals are quite different, but are each quite amazing – and all located in Oregon! (more…)

By Jason, ago

First Time At SXSW

sxsw-2016-platinumlogo

This last week I went to Austin, Texas for work, seeing friends, and SXSW (South by South West). The trip didn’t last as long as I would have liked (like most), but in the time I was there, I had a blast. I’m actually quite exhausted from a week of getting up early to get work done, and stopping in the early afternoon to go out and enjoy what SXSW had to offer until late into the night.

I spent the majority of my time with my friends and hosts, Jake and Maria, whom I met in Puerto Rico last New Year (2014-15). Along with them, I made new friends along the way and caught up with old ones.

I’ll be back in Portland for this weekend before heading out again to San Ramon (3/21-25). You never know about San Ramon, but it should be a decent enough time.

If you want some more details about SXSW or my time in Austin, then keep on reading! (more…)

By Jason, ago

Headed To Austin for SXSW

Austin-SXSW

I’m sitting in the Seattle Alaska Airlines lounge complimentary of my Lounge Club card.  I’m waiting here for my flight to Austin which I’ll be in for the next week to partake in SXSW.  I’ve heard great things about the conference/festival/party and decided I finally needed to go check it out.  I have been to Austin a number of times for work, and this one will be a lot like those, except in the evenings, I’ll be enjoying the life of SXSW.  One of the biggest perks to Austin though is seeing and catching up with awesome friends I have in the area.  Can’t wait to get back into Austin! (more…)

By Jason, ago