Aspen and Denver
(07-12-2004)

ASPEN

Colorado has over 1,100 mountains at least 10,000 feet high, covering more than six times the area of Switzerland. And, amid all these wondrous peaks, if Telluride is Mecca, then Aspen must be Heaven.

It’s where Park Avenue subtlely blends with America’s most photographed slopes, but any smugness is smartly masked by faded denim (except by the small print on the window of a chic woman’s store that reads, “Stylish relaxed hip clothing”. At least they’re honest).

It’s an engaging little resort town, with sublime non-neon restaurants and stores, choreographed with just the right amount of stone, brick and gabled roofs. While it’s possible to take a tour of the houses owned by the rich and famous (or stroll along the John Denver Sanctuary), I found the people to be quite friendly and genuine. The Aspen arts calendar is as full and varied as one can wish, and I’m thinking of revisiting next summer for a full month. We’ll see.

DENVER

Denver is an inviting city, with a revitalized downtown and a strong country spirit. It might be second only to Washington D.C. in the number of employed government workers, but who can argue with a city where the first permanent structure was a saloon?

But the highlight of this leg was the 3 day stay in the toney town of Lone Tree at the fabulous Casa di Toscano, hosted by the very gracious John and Linda (and with entertainment provided by the dynamic duo of Ranger and Shep). Linda is everyman’s dream, and it was great reminiscing with John about growing up on the nort (sic) side of Syracuse. Thanks again, guys, and you’re always welcome in Marin County. (See pix)

A VERY MILD RANT

I drove up to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Saturday and strolled among the various exhibits: space, animals, insects, gems, Indian culture, birds, dinosaurs and Egyptian mummies. The place is huge and Denver has done it well.

But, in my travels of the past few years, it seems that every major and medium-sized city has a science museum with essentially the same topics, the presentations being slightly different. So, it got me to musing that perhaps it’s time for a city (any city) to start thinking outside the test tube. Why not a museum to exhibit stuff you wouldn’t see anywhere else, but would prove more captivating than the normal routine? A few ideas to start with:

The Hall of Presidents’ Mistresses

Interactive exhibits on teaching a chimp how to communicate (a la Coco), versus teaching a human how to do the same

Each year, a people’s time capsule. Anyone can contribute throughout the year, and their name and item appears on a large tote board.

Interactive exhibits which explore what makes us laugh.

Genocides throughout history.

Tool use among animals, from bower birds to beavers.

An exhibit exploring why some idiot drivers don’t turn right on a red light

(Your suggestions are welcome).

On my way to the farm belt; actually, through the farm belt.

John and Linda

The hosts, with John's BBQ

Italian ambience at Casa di Toscano

John trying to defeat a New York deli sandwich