The capitol of Colorado. This city is also known as the Mile High City for it's being exactly 1 mile above sea level.
I made Denver home back in 1990. Just 6 months after I left home, I left my hometown on Oakland, California in search of something new. I thought of Boston at first because I have visted there, but it's very expensive. I thought of Seattle but they hate Californians (wish I would known that so do Deverites!), I thought of Portland but it's rainy over 50% of the year.
Perhaps it was the images of being in the mountains and the snow that made me decide on Denver, or the fact that they are not known for Earthquakes!!!! Maybe it was the skyline, or the fact that though it snows, winters have a great share of sunny days. I really do not remember what was the deciding factor anymore. I won't say it was a bad move on my part, not at all, I have enjoyed my 15 years here. Yes, I have had my bad days, and yes I miss my home state, but I cannot say that I would not miss Denver if I went back. No, Denver does not have the same atmosphere as the Bay Area, but I do not expect it to. I did not leave California for California. Yes there are things about the Bay Area that are better...But there are things about Denver that are better than the Bay Area too. I left for a new experience in my life, I left behind an established but mundane life as a metal shop worker to start all over again. Here are some pictures of different parts of Denver. Some may be well known nationally but mainly, they are of my neighborhood and everyday places for us who call Denver, home.

Elitches
Elitch Gardens, Elitches for short. Newly relocated right downtown from it's former location out near Wheat Ridge, a northwest suburb. I liked the original location better as it was more "neighborly", like a backyard party. Now it's so commercial. Pepsi Center
The Pepsi Center Located right downtown near Elitch Gardens. The area it occupies was nothing but rundown warehouses when I first came to Denver. Since "Pepsi" opened, I have seen Tina Turner, Britney Spears, the most beautiful boy on Earth, Clay Aiken with Kelly Clarkson; and Sarah Mclachlan! Now as of April 21, 2005, I add U2 to the list. In the foreground, that is my bicycle, a replica make of the old Beach Cruisers of the 50's.

The Denver Perk & Pub. (Go to website here) Also known as Kimmie's store to me and the few who work at Diedrich at 9th and Downing, the coffee shop where I work. Kimmie used to be the manager there until she quit and opened her own shop. She had hoped to serve wine here as well - thus the "Pub" in the name - but alas, was not able to get an alcohol license. The shop is located south of Capitol Hill and downtown Denver in a residential area.

Meet Penny. Formerly from Diedrich at 9th and Downing, she decided to take up work at Kimmie's store once it opened. She didn't like the corporate aspect of Diedrich. She has a point, just like I think the new location of Elitches is too commerical and lacking in warmth and personability, this is the same issue Penny had with Diedrich. Kimmie's store is definetly more personable, homely and neighborly. This darling little store, probally seats about 10 people at most and is only about 15 x 7 feet. It has a living room quality to it.

This is Kimmie. She is part owner of the Perk And Pub. She used to manage 9th & Downing before taking on her own venture.

9th & Downing: Here is my place of work, Diedrich Coffee. This location is known as the "Gay Store" because the clientile and most of the workers are...well... gay. It's also known as Pride Central during Gay Pride.

This pisses me off! This is the Judicial library. It is located just kiddie-corner, southwest from the capitol and just across the street from the Denver Central Library and is directly behind the Denver Museum of Natural History. What is with the barriers. Don't hand me any bullshit about September 11th either. Surely this is not going to stop a plane from hitting it. I think these barriers were in place before 9/11 anyway. This is a major eyesore in the heart of Denver, where some of it's most prestigous buildings stand. Perhaps it has to do with kids skateboarding on the property. This is not a solution, as they still skateboard around the area. This is shit!

Another Annoyance: Here we are in the Denver Civic Center Park. This park extended north and south between the Denver Central Library and Colfax. This eyesore is on the north end. They put this crap up on a permanant basis to keep people from skating in the pool when it was empty. I suppose because the recent drought, the fountains have not been operational and the pool has been empty. I do not find this a doable solution as it looks like shit!

LoDo(Lower Downtown Denver): . Looking up 17th Street from Union Station. This used to be a very rundown area consisting of old vacant warehouse buildings. Now this area is one of downtown Denver's prime area. The buildings have taken on new lives as residential lofts or for retail.

More photos here

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