Tag: ZeroHedge Marfa

In June 2017, I found myself with a couple days off after finishing a big project at work, so I took a chance and drove ten hours to Marfa, Texas, for the first ever ZeroHedge Symposium. I brought along enough camping gear to sleep comfortably at El Cosmico, a funky campground just outside town. I met countless interesting and like-minded folks, learned a ton from some excellent speakers, enjoyed some great food and beverages, and just had a lot of fun in general.

In 2018, if all goes according to plan, I’ll be making the trip again. This time, Kathryn will be joining me.

Three weeks ago, everything went sideways

Three weeks ago, on Tuesday around 10 am, my mobile phone rang. It was Kathryn. She was crying. She could barely talk. Kathryn had been suffering with lower back pain for some time. Recently, the usual quick fixes — chiropractics, steroid injections, etc. — weren’t bringing her much relief. She’d already been out of work … Continue reading Three weeks ago, everything went sideways

El Cosmico: Three nights of almost glamping in Marfa, Texas

During my recent trip to Marfa, Texas, I spent three nights at El Cosmico. To call El Cosmico a campground would hardly be accurate, as it’s clear the bulk of its revenue doesn’t come from cheapskate self-campers like me. In fact, the property is often listed as a hotel in tourist publications. It’s better known … Continue reading El Cosmico: Three nights of almost glamping in Marfa, Texas

Prada Marfa is not a Prada and not in Marfa

One of the objects most photographed by visitors to Marfa, Texas, is Prada Marfa. Intriguingly, Prada Marfa is not a Prada store, nor is it anywhere near Marfa. Erected in 2005, Prada Marfa is a modern art installation along U.S. Route 90 a few miles northwest of Valentine, Texas, making it about 40 miles away … Continue reading Prada Marfa is not a Prada and not in Marfa

Yes, I was at the ZeroHedge symposium in Marfa, Texas

I figure it’s about time to admit where I was three weekends ago. Long story short, I drove to Marfa, Texas for a gathering of ZeroHedge readers. I’ve been reading ZeroHedge regularly for over five years. Honestly, I still have trouble describing the site, but maybe the following example will help: Every month, when new … Continue reading Yes, I was at the ZeroHedge symposium in Marfa, Texas

Alone in a strange place, wondering if I’m crazy

Thursday morning last week, I woke up alone in a two-star hotel by the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere. The hotel was at least superficially aspiring to a third star, but a fresh carpet, a thin coat of paint, and a waffle iron can only hide so much. Its two-star standing … Continue reading Alone in a strange place, wondering if I’m crazy

Brief update from wherever I am

As a brief update to my friends and family, so far this undisclosed event I’m attending has exceeded my expectations. I’ve heard from four speakers today who expressed some rather non-conventional ideas, and I’ve learned a ton. Then, by chance, I ended up sharing drinks with two of the speakers and their spouses at a … Continue reading Brief update from wherever I am

Rise and shine, a gorgeous Friday morning

It’s a gorgeous Friday morning where I am. I slept rather well. It’s at least 30 degrees cooler — by the way, that’s degrees Fahrenheit for those of you who aren’t ‘Murican — than when I set up camp yesterday afternoon. Much like Tom Brady’s balls, scientific laws explain why my air mattress felt somewhat … Continue reading Rise and shine, a gorgeous Friday morning

Leaving the comfort zone for a mystery road trip

For the next several days, I’m stepping way, way out of my comfort zone. I’ve left on a solo road trip that I’m being deliberately vague about. Back in January, a frequent commenter on a blog I’ve been reading for over five years suggested a get-together for the community. I’ve seen such suggestions before, but … Continue reading Leaving the comfort zone for a mystery road trip