New York City

One year ago today I whisked my sweetheart away on a chariot to be enthralled in the scenic countryside of Manhattan. When I say chariot I of course am referring to the china town bus that goes from DC to NYC for about an Andrew Jackson ($20 dollar bill people!). It was an amazing surprise and a wonderful anniversary present. We got down from the bus and went immediately to our hotel right in the heart of time square. We stayed at the luxurious Marriott marquis with an amazing view of the square. We got the room absolutely free because we had saved up our hotels.com reward points! We just got rewarded another free night, where will we go? Back on point...We through our bags on the bed, boarded the subway and sped off to the Bronx to catch the Bronx bombers in action. The new Yankee Stadium is iconic! I was in awe at the splendor of this gigantic sports arena. We scored $40 tickets from a scalper for $10 each. It was a great game filled with home runs, hot dogs, and pin-stripes!

Mander really wanted to see a play while we were there, she absolutely loves Broadway! We went to the lottery for the wicked tickets everyday, but never were so lucky! However, on the Sunday before we left, we went over to the Lion King theater to see if anyone might have some extra tickets...we were in luck! one guy, two tickets, fourth row! What a find. We got them for half price. It was an amazing weekend. You can always find some killer deals, even in the most expensive city in the United States.

San Clemente, California

Birthplace of Surf, sorry Hawaii! San Clemente is a gorgeous little beach town nestled on the Orange County southern border with San Diego County. This little town is picturesque, filled with surfers from all ages. Stroll down to T-Street when there is a large swell and you will be greeted by 7 foot waves and a plethora of talent. Professional surf boarders will line the coast at this popular surf spot. T-Street is home base for greats such as Kelly Slater! San Clemente is known for its surfing, the mountain biking and hiking here is pretty amazing as well. It is amazing that someone could go snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing all in one day. If this sounds like something you would like to pursue, San Clemente is you're kind of place.

Traveling Honduras

Honduras? That's right, Honduras! I spent two straight years in Honduras and came to love the culture, the adventure, and most of all the people. Squished like a little brother in the back seat between Guatemala and Nicaragua, Honduras is located right in the middle of Central America. The caribbean sea borders it on the north, and the pacific on the south. If you are looking for high paced, party all night, high rolling vacation time...Skip Honduras! However, if you are looking for adventure for a price fit for the derelict, you found your home. My advice to someone seeking solitude in the beautiful Republic of Honduras would be to slow down, and see it at your own pace. Tegucigalpa is a big dirty city without much to offer, skip it all together and get up to the caribbean side. The beaches in the caribbean of Honduras are fun, beautiful, and isolated. If I had $50 to spend, I would go to Honduras! You can hitchhike anywhere you want, I would suggest the beach town of Tela. When you arrive, ask around and see if anyone is renting out a clean room. I found a nice studio apartment fully furnished for $5 per night. It slept 4 people. Walk along the beach to one of the many restaurants offering fresh crab for $3. You can get a drink for $0.25 to quench your thirst from the 80 degree sun. If you are looking for a little more than relaxing on the beach, go get a full body massage for $5 per one hour session. Hitch hike to the mountains to hike, or run the rapids for $20. Take a free tour of the pineapple fields, or of the hundreds of acres of palm tree fincas. As the sun begins to set, head out to the only dance club in town and sing some karaoke. It is cheap, it is fun, and it will be one of the most memorable vacations you have ever taken.

Mediterranean Excitement

Tomorrow I shall embark on a journey of epic proportions...well, that was a little intense, nevertheless I am going on a vacation that could very well be a fantasy come true. Mander (my beautiful wife Amanda) & I will board a plane that takes us to Salt Lake City, UT then on to New York, New York and finally Venice, Italy. When in Venice we will board the Ruby Princess cruise ship which will be our guide over the next 12 exquisite days as we journey across the sun kissed Mediterranean sea. How magical, hopeful, and exciting is that one word...Mediterranean? I believe just hearing it could and should give a man chills! Do you realize what the root of that word is? No, not "med" the root of that word is Greek, and I am not referring to the language! I am referring to the islands that steal the hearts of the children of men that wonder them. The word refers to the Italian coast, the Turkish tradition, and the Spanish zeta! It refers to the place not where dreams are made, rather where dreams are fulfilled.

Travel

Why am I obsessed with venturing out into the world, far from home? Why do I skip breakfast and take extra shifts? People would think I am insane to spend all my money just to see an unusual structure in Central America, or a piece of art in France. I can’t tell them that I am sane, or argue that I am completely normal. However, when I visit these far off places, a story comes to life. To see a piece of art again and again in books and on TV, fails to satisfy me. When you walk through the halls of the Louvre and discover the Mona Lisa, or walk the sacred ground beneath the beautiful Sistine chapel, that's when it all makes sense. At that moment, your heart slows down, the beating is almost hypnotic. Your soul begins to swell up like a balloon, and life begins. Only when one travels, can they feel like they are living.