Day of the Condor

For the new year, we took Maya and baby Evan to the zoo to visit with the zoo animals. Among the many animals was an Andean Condor of whom we got a picture next to Melissa (below). That bird has been on my mind lately.

Melissa later recalled a Peruvian Inca song, “el Condor Pasa” whose melody is well known in English. We found several examples of this haunting melody with images and video of this stoic, majestic and somewhat mysterious bird.



Andean condors are one of the largest flying birds. Adults can weigh over 30 pounds, stand over four feet tall and possess wingspans of up to 12 feet. The Andean Condor is a national symbol of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and plays an important role in the folklores and mythologies of many of South and Central American indigenous cultures.




The condor is also a vulture and member of the raptor family. It is speculated by crypto-zoologists as the mythological “Thunderbird”. The vulture family feeds exclusively on carrion and performs the function in nature of monitoring and disposing of potential sources of disease.



Various Indian cultures saw the vulture as a purification sign. The Greeks considered this bird symbolic of transformation. As old decayed flesh is removed, new life emerges. Condors are vital for the well being of other life forms. Their trust in the creative force to provide for them is unshakeable. In various Latin American indigenous cultures, the vulture is symbolic of death and rebirth, a mother symbol which also represents purification.



Condors ride chaotic winds and easily master the Andes wild mountainous gusts. King vultures were also popular in the Mayan codices and are regularly drawn and mentioned just as frequently as the eagle would be in North America. Mayan astronomical calendars also make mention of a meeting period of the the North's Eagle with the South's majestic and mysterious Andean Condor.

Playing at the Park With Baba and Didi

Don't push so hard, baba! I'm supposed to be enjoying this!

One rung at at time Maya, one hand forward and then one rung at a time!

Baba goes up the slide with Maya on a beautiful sunny day at the park!

Baba safely catches Maya on the way down!

No driving until your at least 16 Maya and definitely no keys to daddy's car! We can already see the type of driver you'll be!

First put your feet into the yellow rocking horse stirrups, smile and quit checking out that other two year old boy!

Plaza De Luna, January 2009

Marital bliss regained or couple with sleeping baby!

This definitely beats cruising in those boats!

Four perspectives on three pigeons.

Prairie sailors and babies! Those floating docks look solid but what happens during those hurricanes again?

This has been the Spanish district for the past five hundred years, you have a Latino wife and you dont' even know the meaning of Calle Hermosa!

At least someone's taking advantage of the sunny weather. Who was supposed to be watching Evan again?

Can I drive those boats daddy! Plaza De Luna yacht launch.

Shallow pool high diving possibility or Ray and Maya and the giant fountain sprayer.






We are all sunburnt and tired so this Thai buffet better be good!

Wacky Animal Photos or a Zoo on the Gulf of Mexico

Only in Florida! The zebras are positively enthralled with the simulated Gulf of Mexico savannah. Click the picture for the larger view of background antelope herd and upper left passing lioness.

Sittin' on the dock of the bay or a philosophical gorilla reflecting on tricks of fate on the Gulf of Mexico. A fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time, Ollie! (Picture taken from Miniature train expedition ride!)

Uzwyshyns on the Gulf Coast, I presume? Daddy and Maya in yet another Tigrish misadventure!

Female Otter pausing a moment from a rigorous tourist diving routine.

Difficult to determine which baby is more nervous about this meeting. Maya Sophia, I'd like to introduce you to a baby Hedgehog.

Melissa and Maya in a more lighthearted but intimate mother and child bonding moment.


Hopping Kangaroo. Note parallel with previous Melissa photo.

Is truth stranger than fiction? Caged exotic giant-taloned Andean Condor (S. American) and my wife Melissa in the winter season!

Is my head far enough yet? Maya and her grandmother with blue fur baseball cap, red woolen Santa tuque and giant wooden racoon, respectively.

The University of West Florida, January 2009

Melissa and family smiles while the baby and Maya prepares for the upcoming moonwalk.

Believe or not, Melissa is the lab manager! Professor, please ready your lab notes at least five minutes before the lab begins!

Geometric Modernism or a family photo of daddy's workplace!

Three half latte frapuccinos and 500 children's books please!

Yes, Maya that freshman is cute but first start with daycare and then the university boys.

Impressionist Landscape or Family Portrait? UWF's mysterious nature trails in early January

Nutcrackers and Holidays 2008, Happy 2009!

Maya modeling her new Spanish Ballerina dress with new Dora shoes while her mother engages the neighbors in a serious conversation!


True happiness or just a very good baby chimp impersonation. (Maya had gone the previous day to the Pensacola zoo!)

Still life with Maya, baba and baby palm trees. Pensacola 2009. Happy New Year!



Little girl with white dog and two bags in foreground with Picasso's background lovers weighing future repercussions!

Maya and her mother dolled up for the Nutcracker ballet.


Are you sure that kimono is appropriate for the childrens' matinee?

Evan Alexander awed by the overwhelming nature of his birth! It'll be alright Evan, baba will hold you at least for the next week!

Fire up the boosters Scotty, both babies appear ready for take-off!


Attention has never been reciprocated so well



Hail the conquering heroes! Baba in pole position with new blue fur racing cap and double barrel stroller (two babies included!)

Bellingrath Gardens with Baby Evan Alexander and Big Sister Maya Sophia

Baby Evan enjoying Bellingraths Holiday Lights!

The secret mysteries of two unicorns and a masonic citadel symbol will be revealed!

Everyone knows Maya likes to walk herself! Maya, Didi, daddy, mommy and Evan (unseen in babycart) at Belligrath.

The expression a toddler and her baba make after throwing a penny and knocking out a passing goldfish.

Can we throw her in the lake now or after the picture? Maya, Daddy and Mommy with Bonzai and toddler at Bellingrath!

Four perspectives on a giant man eating bright red gulfcoast fern!

Where's the party at again?