Keene continued....

Hey All,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I posted the pictures of Keene on my FlickR website:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jensweeklyshow/

Enjoy and PLEASE let me know what you think!!!  I'm really dying for some feedback!!

signing off...

jennylo

how "keene" it is....

Today I visited lovely Keene, NH.  It was a mere 45 degrees with cloudy skies and a slight wind.  I took rt. 119 to get there and drove through Townsend, Ashby, Ashburnham, and the like.  There were several good photo opps along the way and I found myself veering off the road (almost getting killed mind you) to capture a scene.  My only wish was that things would be a little less morose looking outside, and I LIKE morose.

Arriving in Keene was a bit hectic.  I had no idea where I was going, there was a ridiculously dangerous rotary with no signs toward Keene and once I arrived in Keene there were no signs for downtown.  So I just followed cars and my own inherent sense of direction (not to brag) and arrived there.  

Arriving in downtown Keene, you are immediately thrown back by beautiful churches and old industrial buildings which house shops down below.  There are several clothing boutiques, used record stores (really good ones at that), and places to eat.

After walking around and taking some pictures (and getting looks from the locals) I decided to settle on a meal.  I was hungry and it was cold.  I had looked around for something tempting and eventually decided on one of the Mexican establishments in main downtown, Pedranza's.

Pedranza's was not too much different than your typical Mexican chain restaurant from its appeal, but it was better than several other alternatives of similar cuisine on the main front.

I sat down and was given chips and salsa, both of which were delicious, and a glass of water.  The waitress was very timely and courteous and when I ordered my selection (chicken mole), it arrived within 5 minutes and was absolutely decadent.  I would recommend Pedranza's for the food, but the atmosphere is a bit generic....what can I say...?

After eating, I decided I wasn't quite finished capturing downtown Keene so I took another trip around the mid-size block of the main streets and continued to capture..but I was getting sleepy from the "food coma" of the mole, so I ducked into Brewbakers Cafe to get an expresso.  I had my camera in hand and was told by what seemed to be the owner, after I ordered my drink, that "no pictures were allowed".  Did he really think he or the place was that interesting?  I wasn't impressed so I left, without giving a tip, which I always do at coffee shops...(gotta show some love, right?)

My only regret, leaving Keene, was that I didn't duck into a local barber shop and ask if I could take some pictures.  It was great, straight from the 1950's.  I wasn't feeling especially "bold".

The expresso didn't help with my energy level or lack of audacity, so I was headed home, praying that I would be able to navigate through the generic part of town with all of the chain stores and restaurants and the "dreaded" rotary.   I made it through though and was on my way home....making the choice to play some Gangsta Rap on my iPod.  I thought it would wake me up...it did little but annoy me...yet I listened!

Now as I sit, browsing through the pictures, I am pleased with my hour and 15 minute car ride to Keene.  I got some pretty decent shots, that once cropped and fooled around with a bit, may make it onto FlickR.

Here's a shot that captures the day...enjoy!

jennylo