Last week I had a semi-planned work trip to Singapore get approved. This left me scrambling to book flights and hotels. I lucked out with my flight planning and was able to take a day long layover in Japan. Last year at this time I was able to get in a little cherry blossom viewing. I’ve still not seen it at it’s peak bloom, but am getting closer. My hope...
I recently spent a week in Cleveland to work at a training conference. This is me working… As I am preparing for my next race in May, I needed to get in a nice long run. Ohio weather is unpredictable, but gave me a chance to hit up one of my favorite trails for a nice 7 mile jog. About 10 years ago I was really into mountain biking and used to finish off 25-40...
The day started with a mixology tour at the Bacardi distillery. I have enjoyed many adult beverage tours in Ireland and Scotland, but have never done one in the USA. High on my list has been the Bourbon trail in Kentucky. Second on that list is this place. Next we had a traditional Puerto Rican lunch. I had to explain to my friend the old 96er joke from The Great...
I like muscle cars. I have my father to thank for that. When I was younger we would often go to car shows (such as the annual Atwood Lake Fall Fest). He would tell me of his glory days in the 60’s and 70’s and share all kinds of stories about the various cars we would see. For the longest time he had a dream to own a 1969 Dodge RT Charger. However, the...
Continuing my strategy for making travel to SA easier, I spent a long weekend in London recovering from the first 10 hour flight home. I recently applied for and received a registered traveler pass so I can get into the UK much faster. I visited my favorite cheese sandwich place in Borough Market. I know what you are thinking, it is just a grilled cheese that Eric...
Two weeks ago I decided on a whim to visit a new (to me) city, Takayama. For the life of me I could not find a hotel or hostel. I finally got something on Monday. It turns out that we caught the tail end of one of the biggest fall festivals in Japan. The city is actually has 3 big festivals throughout the year. The train ride up to the mountains from Nagoya took...
An Early Morning Run I’ve said it before: a life of constant travel is one of the most unhealthiest. It’s hard to plan exercise and there are lots of meals eaten at restaurants and fast food places. I try my best to keep up with my running. Last week I took the plunge and signed up for the 2017 Surf City and Orange County Half Marathons. This means I need...
Every photo and movie I’ve seen over the years of this city always seem to include a flyover of Cristo Redentor or Christ the Redeemer statue. Here is a nice Youtube video to give you an idea; moreover, it’s better than my photo skills. It was only natural that I would want to visit this place located at the top of Corcovado Mountain. In terms of...
There are so many things to do in Rio that one post would not do the place justice. Continuing my tour day my next stop (and most important to me) was a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain (Portugese: Pão de Açúcar). This tour involves 4 cable car rides to the top and back. Arriving at the base of the mountains I was thrilled to notice all the mountain climbers...
I am finishing up a second week of work in good ol’ Deutschland. Once again I am really starting to miss my home in sunny California. My co-workers in the Irvine office make fun of me. “Why did you move to CA if all you do is travel for work”. I guess in the end, when work slows down or I choose to travel less, CA is where I want to be. I am trying...