<<<<<<< iPOSTCARDS OF MY >>>>>>> " VACA(SEAN) / (SABA)TICAL "

My Travel Maps

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Visit TripAdvisor.com

(SABA)Tours' Destina(SEAN)s:

2010-12-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Travel worry-free
of hijackers, terrorists, and/or saboteurs
with Saba Tours.

Please click on the name of the country
to be directed to my TravelBlog/iPostcards
from that specific destina(sean)
or simply scroll down:

* (under construction / coming soon)

U.S.A.

EGYPT *

JORDAN *

PERU *

ECUADOR *

SABA, N. A.

SINT MAARTEN, N. A.

SAINT MARTIN, F. W. I.

GERMANY

AUSTRIA

HUNGARY

SLOVAKIA

POLAND

CZECH REPUBLIC

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM *

SINGAPORE

TAIWAN

KENYA

U.K. - ENGLAND

CANADA

U.K. - SCOTLAND

ITALY

VATICAN CITY

BELIZE

IRELAND

FRANCE *

NETHERLANDS *

NEW ZEALAND

THAILAND *

TURKEY *

GREECE *

MACAU *

HONG KONG *

COSTA RICA *

SPAIN *

AUSTRALIA *

MALAYSIA *

MEXICO *

GUAM *

PHILIPPINES *

iPostcards from San Francisco, CA - 9.22-27.10

2010-09-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon.

iPostcards from Livermore, CA

2010-09-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

The reason why I was in Livermore, CA was to attend a mini 25th high school reunion.
Please click HERE for pics and HERE for videos.

iPostcards from 15th Anniversary Road Trip

2010-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

For our 15th Anniversary (August 11), we decided to celebrate by doing a culinary road trip in the wine country of Northern California (Napa-Sonoma-Russian River Valleys). I thought, since I've been unemployed since March, we better do a local trip to minimize on expenses. Boy was I wrong. In some ways, an international trip may have come out cheaper. This trip was all about enjoying each other's company and the pleasures of eating amazing food along with good wine. Prior to the trip, my honey sensed that I was feeling anxious about the future expense. But being a sweetheart, he informed me that anything that went beyond our vaca-sean fund, would be covered by him. So, I was able to close my eyes, savor every bite & sip and truly enjoy. Hey, what can I say..."I'm worth it!" :-)

For iPostcards of the following vaca-sean, please click on the name of the destina-sean:
San Francisco
Canyon
St. Helena, Napa Valley
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Spring Mountain District AVA, Napa-Sonoma Valley
Sterling, Calistoga
Calistoga, Napa Valley
Napa, Napa Valley
Guerneville/Russian River
Bodega Bay
Bodega

Or you can scroll down the blog to see them from latest to earliest.

iPostcards from Bodega, CA

2010-08-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

Our plan was to find a nice ocean front/view hotel to spend our last night (prior to going back home) in Bodega Bay. By the time we got there, the fog had rolled in and so it didn't make any sense to necessarily stay on the coast. I checked Yelp.com and read from contributors that there was this highly-rated villa that is owned & managed by an Austrian couple a few miles down the road in Bodega. We discovered the Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa. It ended up to be a great find. We went for a nice horseback ride the next morning before we checked-out. We then drove back from Bodega via CA-1 S/US-101 S to San Francisco and flew out of SFO airport.

"Hello ladies. Look at your man. Now back to me. Now back at your man. Now back to me. Sadly, he isn't me. But if he stopped using lady-scented body wash and switched to Old Spice, he could smell like he's me. Look down. Back up. Where are you? You're on a boat with the man your man could smell like. What's in your hand? Back at me. I have it! It's an oyster with two tickets to that thing you love. Look again. The tickets are now diamonds. Anything is possible when your man smells like Old Spice and not a lady. I'm on a horse!"
(If you don't get this, click HERE.)

Have you guys ever seen an Ass-Bra?

It is what you get when you crossbreed a donkey and a zebra.
Came across a Zeedonk for the very first time.

The Zeedonk fell in love with Bill and followed him.

Saying good-bye to my sweet horse, Cody

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Bodega Bay, CA

2010-08-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

From the Russian River, we finally reached the Sonoma Coast and drove down the Pacific Coastline on Hwy 1 from Jenner to Bodega Bay. Bodega Bay is a shallow, rocky inlet of the Pacific Ocean on the coast of northern California. It is approximately 5 mi across and is located approximately 40 mi northwest of San Francisco and 20 mi west of Santa Rosa. The bay straddles the boundary between Sonoma County to the north and Marin County to the south. It was the setting for the 1963 Alfred Hitchcock film, The Birds.

Goat Rock Beach

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Guerneville/Russian River, CA

2010-08-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

On our drive from Napa Valley to the Pacific Coastline, we decided to skip the other wine country valleys and drive via Guerneville, which is located in western Sonoma County, along the Russian River on State Route 116. We stopped by a local farmer's stand and bought some fruits & cheese and found a secluded spot by the riverbank to have a picnic.

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Napa, Napa Valley, CA

2010-08-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

The only time we spent in Napa, was when we first arrived in the valley and got some information from the Napa Valley Visitor Information Center and on our last night, where we had dinner with our host, Lorelei, and her wonderful friends/classmates (graduating Class of 2010) from The Culinary Institute of America California, at Morimoto Napa.

Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto's newly opened restaurant in Napa, Morimoto Napa

An old friend of mine, Kip, who lives in Napa,
dropped by the restaurant before dinner to meet us for a drink.
We had not seen each other in 15 years.

I asked Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto for a picture with the group.
He only agreed as long as we didn't use a flash.
This was the result.

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE .

iPostcards from Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA

2010-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Way before the "day spa" was popular, Calistoga was known far and wide for its healthful environment. Travelers came from all over to "take the cure", relax in the hot springs, and be immersed in hot volcanic ash known as a mud bath. So after getting sh*t-faced at two wineries, Clos Pegase & Sterling Vineyards, we got ourselves "mud-faced", a thermal bath, and ended with a massage. Ahhh, what a happy ending to a great day!

We went to two wineries: The Clos Pegase Vineyards
and the Sterling Vineyards (see other post).

Extreme Home Makeover Disaster or Food Network Challenge?

There I was trying to relax and enjoy my mud bath, when Bill, who was experiencing it for the first time, interrupts my Zen-like moment by asking, "I wonder if previous bathers have pooped in this tub?". From that point on the mud sure looked and smelled differently... LOL

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Sterling, Calistoga, CA

2010-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before going for our spa treatments in Calistoga, we went to Sterling Vineyards, which has an aerial tramway that takes you up to the winery. I really didn't care much for their wines, but liked their self-guided winemaking tour. They also offered one of the best views of the Napa Valley.

For more picture of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Spring Mountain District AVA, Napa-Sonoma Valley, CA

2010-08-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best views of the valley is seen from Spring Mountain, where the appellation sits on steep terraces of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma Valley and the Santa Rosa Plain. It lies in a northwestern portion of the Napa Valley above and behind the town of Saint Helena.

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA

2010-08-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

South of St. Helena, where we stayed, is Rutherford. This is where we had our first great meal, crashed a wedding, and saw one of the best views of the valley.

view from Auberge du Soleil

Finally, some sweet soul offered to take a picture of us together.

The only wineries we got to visit in Rutherford
were ZD Wines & Mumm Napa

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA

2010-08-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

St. Helena served as our base camp, while we went up & down the valley. We visited and stayed at our friend, Lorelei's house, just before she graduated as a pastry chef from the CIA. Why spend on accommodations when you can have more money for food & wine? :-)

one of our several Happy 15th Anniversary dinners

kinky looking dessert

Would I look good as a chef at
The Culinary Institute of America California?

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Canyon, CA

2010-08-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before heading out on our 15th anniversary culinary/wine road trip around Napa/Sonoma/Russian River Valleys, we spent our first night with family at Kaya, Kelley, and Thaylo Westling's lovely home in Canyon, CA.

Swinging Thaylo.
He learned how to say, "Hold on tight!" as I pushed & pulled him. :-)

Lesson learned: Follow their specific directions,
not MapQuest, not GPS. :-)

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from San Francisco, CA - 8.12/17.10

2010-08-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

For our 15th anniversary culinary/wine country road trip, we flew in and out of SFO. We had such a very limited time in one of our favorite cities, but were able to grab some lunch, shop, and have dinner with some friends on our first day before heading out to Napa Valley. On our last day, we drove back from Bodega on CA-1 S/US-101 S to SFO.

We had dinner with some of my closest friends
at our friend, Barry Picazo's gourment Filipino restaurant, The Intramuros.

one of the delicious specials on the menu

rushing to the airport via the Golden Gate Bridge

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

Egyptian Birthday for Jennifer

2009-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

iPostcards from Egypt

2009-11-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

iPostcards from Jordan

2009-11-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Egypt was our main destination this year. But since we were headed to that part of the Middle East, we decided that Jordan would be the perfect destination to pair with Egypt, since we've been wanting to explore Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. While in Jordan, we targeted the main destinations: Amman, Jerash, and Petra.

For iPostcards for the following, please click on the city or scroll down the blog:
Amman
Jerash
Petra - *under construction

iPostcards from Amman, Jordan

2009-11-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Jerash, Jordan

2009-11-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Petra, Jordan

2009-11-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Under Construction. Coming Soon.

iPostcards from New York, NY - Fall 2009

2009-10-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

iPostcards from Eugene, OR

2009-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

We flew to Eugene, Oregon for Carley & Tom's Westling-Cantwell wedding.
For pictures of the trip, please click on the following:
wedding rehearsal dinner, wedding, and the rest of the trip.

iPostcards from Palm Spring, CA

2009-01-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

iPostcards from Peru

2008-11-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Posting is under construction. Please check back again.

iPostcards from Ecuador

2008-11-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Posting is under construction. Please check back again.

iPostcards from San Diego, CA

2008-07-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

or please click HERE for a bigger slideshow of the album.
If you prefer to view the thumbnails, please click on the link below:
a summer afternoon at Balboa Park, San Diego, CA

iPostcards from New York, NY - Summer 2008

2008-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

in front of my office in NYC

view of Central Park from hotel

by Rockefeller Center

in front of my client's office building

iPostcards from San Francisco, CA

2008-06-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

That's one Big "Vajayjay'!

rainbow goddess

Cruising in San Francisco

2008-06-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you happen to find yourself in San Francisco, and want to do something different or unique, you may want to try cruising (no, not that kind of "cruising") the San Francisco Bay. Please check out my friend, Allen's cruise company, Dragonfly Adventures Cruises.
They offer custom charters and scheduled cruises aboard our 58' Sunseeker Express for up to 12 guests and two crew members. Experience an intimate cruise aboard this dramatically styled yacht with a full array of luxury accommodations. Whether it's a one-day Bay Adventure, Sunset Dinner Cruise or a weekend trip to Benicia, Petaluma, Napa or Monterey Bay, your cruise experience will be extraordinary aboard the Dragonfly.
Please click HERE for their website.

iPostcards from Monterey Peninsula, CA

2008-06-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Lone Cypress

iReport from Monterey Peninsula, CA

or please click HERE for a bigger slideshow of the album.
If you prefer to view the thumbnails, please click on the link below:
iPostcards from Monterey Peninsula, CA

Sean and the City

2008-06-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

As far as I can remember, some of my wholesome fantasies involved being (in no particular order) ... a superhero, a Broadway/rock star, a male supermodel, an animal trainer, or a host of some travel show.
So for the past few years, every time I travel, I started filming myself acting as if I was Anderson Cooper or Matt Lauer in some remote exotic location.
When LXTV, a local L.A. TV show, recently announced that they were having a contest searching for a new host,
I saw that 95% of all the contestants who submitted entries already had past or have current professional experience hosting a TV show.
On the last day of the contest, I decided not to be intimidated and still come up with my very own audition video, albeit that it is, admittedly, very amateurish. I managed to submit it 11 minutes to go till the midnight deadline. What I didn't take into account is the time it would take to completely upload. So waahhh ... F+_)(*&^%$#@! ... I missed the cut-off! Even if I didn't have a chance against the pros, it still would have been nice to have been considered.
Since I already came up with a finished product, I might as well share it with you, my family and friends. I hope you like it.

LXTV hosting reel/audition video:
"Why should I be the new host of LXTV? Well, I found myself reporting about various places in this world, but never reported about my hometown. I may not have the professional background and/or back-up of a production crew like the other contestants,
I'm just a local guy who loves everything about Los Angeles!
Well, not exactly everything." ... (see ending of video).

iPostcard from Lake Taupo, New Zealand

2008-05-07T12:00:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it's been 5 years
since the day I thought we were going to die!
LOL

HOME

CNT Passport

2008-04-24T15:12:00.001-07:00

iPostcards from Chicago, IL

2008-03-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

I've connected several times via Chicago's international airports, O'Hare and Midway, but have never been to the "Windy City". Well, I finally made it to Chicago. I met up with my colleagues from New York to spend the weekend in the "Second City" for work. We had to familiarize ourselves with our clients' preferred hotels, which happen to be three of the city's top luxury hotels, The Peninsula Chicago, the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, and The Ritz-Carlton Chicago - A Four Season Hotel. It may have been a business trip, but it was more like a vaca(sean), since we we had fabulous accommodations and were pampered with delicious gourmet meals and luxury gift items.

With my flight from LAX, not surprisingly being delayed,
it was already 1AM by the time I got in ORD.
I could have slept in the 12-passenger stretch limo
that transferred me to my fabulous hotel, The Peninsula Chicago

view of Lake Michigan from the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

***

We only had a couple of hours to spare for free time on our own,
so I decided to use up some X'mas gift cards
at the Men's Store of Saks Fifth Avenue,
then walk the rest of the Magnificent Mile
all the way to Millennium Park and Daley Plaza.

the Old Water Tower and John Hancock Tower behind me

at the start of Magnificent Mile on N Michigan Avenue

The Tribune Tower

view of Chicago River from the Michigan Bridge

iPostcard from Chicago

The Millennium Monument (Peristyle)
in Wrigley Square @ Millennium Park

Cloud Gate, unofficially dubbed "The Bean" behind me

"The Bean"'s reflection of the west facing towards the "Loop"

Cloud Gate on the AT&T Plaza

The Chicago Cultural Center and Smurfit-Stone Building
in the background

Jay Pritzker Pavilion by Frank Gehry
is the centerpiece of Millennium Park.

by the Chicago Picasso,
Pablo Picasso's untitled, unpainted 50-foot Cubist sculpture
is a focal point of this open-air gallery in Daley Plaza

view of Chicago River from the Michigan Bridge

John Hancock Tower behind me by dusk

on my way to the airport,
my driver was kind enough to drive me by the Sears Tower

London Calling - Missed Call/Bad Connection

2007-12-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

My company was sending me to London for 48 hours to experience and review the business class seats of American Airlines's flight from New York (JFK) airport to London Stansted (STN) airport (as an alternative to the super congested London Heathrow (LHR) airport) and stay at the Athenaeum Hotel. Coming from L.A., I knew this would be quite a tiring trip due to the distance. I agreed to go on this business trip only if I could spend some time in New York and have some R&R on some beach in the Caribbean prior to the trip. Well, our trip to the Big Apple and Saint Martin/Sint Maarten went very well without any hitches. Unfortunately, on our last day on the island, our return flight from SXM to NYC was cancelled. We were protected on the next flight out, but it was too late for me to make my connecting flight to London. It was futile to protect me on another flight, since I had to be on that specific flight. F +_)(*&^%$#@! Missed London Call!

Saba - The Unspoiled Queen

2007-12-15T15:00:00.001-08:00

No, silly, "Saba -The Unspoiled Queen" is not my nickname, but what the world calls the Caribbean island of Saba, which is part of the Dutch Windward Islands. I bet most of you didn't know that it existed and/or that my family even owned an island!...LOL. I was aware of its existence even as a child, and I told myself that I would one day get to explore it. When I chose Saint Martin/Sint Maarten of all the Caribbean islands to spend our beach vacation, I suddenly was more excited when I realized that Saba is located only 28 miles south of S. M.. I knew I didn't want to spend the money to fly over there just for a day trip, so I waited until we got to our hotel to arrange the ferry service. During the entire time we were in St. Martin., the waters in between both islands where considered too choppy for the ferry service to operate, thus all boat rides were cancelled. We immediately decided then to fly using Winair. To my dismay, the airline informed me that they could fly me there, but, unfortunately, all return flights had been sold out until Sunday. "Grrr+_)(*&^%$#@! to be so close, yet so far!" When Bill read the disappointment written all over my face, he asked the concierge to see if they could find an alternative way of getting there, even if it meant going all by myself. They came back shortly with, "Well, Mr. Saba, we can get you a private yacht to take you to your island for only 1300.00 Euros". After I picked myself up off the floor, I politely declined. LOL
Oh well, I guess I can now sing with full emotion, "I've been to paradise, but I've never been to me...".

For more information on Saba Island, please click here and here.

iPostcards from La Samanna, Saint Martin, French West Indies

2007-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:00

After our hectic activity-filled 16-day trip to Central/Eastern Europe last October, I promised Bill that our next trip would be a chill/relax/beach-type vacation. Since I had never been to the Caribbean, it was not as easy for me to sell this destination to my high-end clients due to my lack of familiarity. With all the different islands to choose from, my pick was actually made pretty easy. A friend of mine who works as a top executive of one of the top luxury resorts in the region, gave me an offer I couldn't refuse: Stay in one of our premium beachfront suites, which normally go for $1300.00-$2300.00 a night, practically for free. So off with nothing but our swimsuits we went to La Samanna in Saint Martin!

"The island! The island!"

a rainbow welcomes us as we land

view from the breakfast nook

view from the main building

La Samanna's private beach

view from our digs

awww shuckks...sweet scribble from Bill
in front of our crib

heart on the sand

with my surrogate dog

" Sean of a beach" with his surrogate bitch

My iPostcard from La Samanna,
Saint Martin, French West Indies

in the infinity pool

ahhh...cocktail hour

Where is that nude beach?...

...ahh, it's just south of our resort!

Bill on the beach walking off to the sunset

iPostcards from Isle Pinel, French West Indies

2007-12-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Some of our fellow guests at La Samanna highly recommended that we drive up to the northwest side of the island, take a small motor boat, and have lunch at Pinel Island. It is also known as Isle Pinel, a tropical paradise off French Saint Martin.

But as soon as we finished exploring this small island, which only took less than half an hour, we couldn't wait for the next boat ride to take us back to the main island. The food and amenities were a bit overpriced, the beach was overcrowded with a Euro-trash crowd and was nothing great compared to our private beach back at La Samanna. So we were just there long enough for the next boat. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. At least I now know better than to highly recommend this stop.

My iPostcard from Isle Pinel, French West Indies

iPostcards from Marigot, Saint Martin, French West Indies

2007-12-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Marigot is the main town and capital

on the French side of the Caribbean island of

Saint Martin, French West Indies

My iPostcard at the end of our shopping/French dining treat

iPostcards from Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

2007-12-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Philipsburg is the main town and capital

on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of

Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles.

My iPostcard from the end of Front Street

view of the beach and cruise ships

Paparazzo of the Caribbean

2007-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

In L.A, celebrities & the paparazzi that indefatigably hound them are a pretty common sight. I feel bad for "some" celebrities whose privacy is constantly invaded by these detestable paparazzi. Well, during our vacation in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, I constantly kept bumping into American actor, Jason Biggs of "American Pie" fame, who also happened to be a guest at our hotel, La Samanna. Somehow, I found myself falling into the trap of the sordid world of paparazzi, and participated in the shameful act of playing paparazzo.

lounging at the La Samanna swimming pool.

Well, he obviously no longer needs an "American Pie". LOL

zooming in on the lovebirds all goo-goo eyes on each other

walking on Front Street in Philipsburg,

Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

I was in the middle of filming my iPostcard for my travelblog,

when Jason and his unidentified girlfriend

walked to my left

and inadvertently distracted me. LOL

iPostcards from New York, NY - Winter 2007

2007-12-09T20:00:00.000-08:00

Before we headed to the Caribbean,

I thought it would be great to break the trip with a weekend in one of our favorite cities.

So much to do...so little time.

We decided to just chill in my sister's fabulous apartment in Murray Hill, walk around, try some restaurants, and catch some Broadway shows.
We went to see the following musicals:

Legally Blonde, the Musical at the Palace Theater,

Curtains, the Musical at the Al Hirshfeld Theater,

and The 25th Annual Putnma County Spelling Bee, the Musical

at the Circle in the Square Theater.

Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree 2007

iPostcards from Eastern-Central-Western Europe

2007-10-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

We're back!
Had a fabulous time!
It was an eye-opening trip of a lifetime!
This was a wonderful 16-day private tour
taken with my life partner, Bill
and our friends, Tom, Leonard, Bob, and Ian
across-down-around-up-and across
Eastern-Central-Western Europe
on a Fiat Ducato van
with a driver who spoke very little English.
Thank goodness for GPS! ... LOL
Please click on the name of the country
to be directed to the specific post
or simply scroll down:
(appears in reverse chronological order)

CZECH REPUBLIC

POLAND

SLOVAKIA

HUNGARY

AUSTRIA

GERMANY

iPostcards from Frankfurt, Germany

2007-10-14T12:00:00.001-07:00

My first trip to Germany was supposed to be in 1993 when my group, The Library Foundation, was invited to present a prospectus of our HIV/AIDS program in the Philippines at the IX International AIDS Conference in Berlin. Then my only brother decided to get married on the very same week in the U.S.. So I had no choice but to defer being Dr. Sean Saba to be Mr. Best Man. ... LOL.
Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to attach Germany on this 2-week tour of Central/Eastern Europe. I've only transited via Frankfurt and Munich airports on past trips to Europe, but have never been on German soil.
This time, while waiting for our connecting flight to go back home to L.A. in Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa announced that they had oversold our flight and were asking for volunteers to be bumped-off. They were offering 600.00 Euros, a hotel stay, an overnight kit, and meal vouchers. Bill, Tom, and I were apart as we heard the announcement, but we individually immediately reacted by running to the head of the line. We had the same exact thought, "Hey, we can afford to skip work one more day, the money will almost pay for our round trip air fare, and we get to see Frankfurt.". So without a care if we wore the same underwear for more than 24 hours, we took the deal and off we went. Although it is not one of the top destination cities in Germany, we enjoyed exploring the financial center of Europe and got to have a genuine German meal at a favorite restaurant of the locals.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Frankfurt, Germany

iReport from Frankfurt

iReport from Old Town, Frankfurt

iPostcards from Prague, Czech Republic - Part II

2007-10-13T23:00:00.000-07:00

We have now come full circle and are back again in Prague for one more night, before we head back home to the U.S.. I prefer the location of our hotel this time, which is right below the famous Charles Bridge.

iReport from Prague

view of Prague Castle from Charles Bridge

stopping by the statue of St. John Nepomuk
@ Charles Bridge to make a wish

Old Town Bridge Tower @ Charles Bridge

The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn,
Old Town Square - by night

The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall Tower,
Old Town Square - by night

Old Town Hall Tower, Old Town Square - by night

Powder Tower - by night

Wenceslas Square - by night

iPostcards from Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

2007-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

... and now we're back in Czech Republic. We are in Český Krumlov, one of the South Bohemia´s most beautiful medieval towns, a historical town reserve preserved by UNESCO. This small medieval town, almost unchanged since the 18th century, is one of the most picturesque in Europe.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

iReport from Cesky Krumlov

iReport from Town Center, Cesky Krumlov

iPostcards from Dürnstein, Austria

2007-10-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Our boat trip through Wachau – the romantic valley with its vineyards, passing the charming town of Krems and ended at the medieval village of Dürnstein.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Dürnstein, Austria

iReport from Dürnstein, Austria

iPostcards from Wachau Valley and the Danube River, Austria

2007-10-12T12:00:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a full-day tour of the Wachau Valley including the most beautiful parts of the Danube River. Our tour included a trip to Melk to have an interior visit of the Baroque Benedictine Abbey, a boat trip through Wachau – the romantic valley with its vineyards, passing the charming town of Krems and the medieval village of Durnstein.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Wachau Valley and the Danube River

iReport from Wachau Valley and the Danube River

iPostcards from Melk, Austria

2007-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our tour included a trip to Melk to have an interior visit of the Baroque Benedictine Abbey.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Melk, Austria

arrival at Melk

iReport from Melk Abbey, Melk

Melk Abbey

Stift Melk

beautiful altar & ceiling

view of the river Danube

in the town of Melk

leaving the town of Melk

view of Melk Abbey from the dock below

iPostcards from Vienna, Austria

2007-10-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Vienna, the imperial capital of ancient Europe and today´s capital of Austria, a metropolis demonstrating European history in a unique way.
We drove along the Ringstrasse to see the State Opera, Museum of Fine Arts, Parliament, Burgtheater, City Hall and visited the Schoenbrunn Palace.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Vienna, Austria

Bill in front of the Upper Belvedere of Belvedere Palace

in front of the Upper Belvedere of Belvedere Palace

iReport from Belvedere Palace, Vienna

grabbing some tit behind the Upper Belvedere
while facing the Lower Belvedere

in front of Schönbrunn Palace

iReport from Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna

view of the Great Parterre on to the Gloriette
behind Schönbrunn Palace

iReport from Hofburg Imperial Palace, Vienna

in front of the Michael Wing (18th Century)
@ Hofburg Imperial Palace

iPostcards from Bratislava, Slovakia

2007-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Bratislava, Slovakia

iReport from Bratislava, Slovakia

iPostcards from Győr, Hungary

2007-10-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

By the time we got to Győr, my group was already getting "toured-out". I told them to give this city a chance, since it was on the way, halfway between Budapest (from where we were coming) and Vienna (our next destination). And besides... our tour guide was already paid for! :-)

Győr is the most important city of northwest Hungary, the capital of Győr-Moson-Sopron county and lies on one of the important roads of Central Europe. It is also the sixth largest in Hungary and one of the five main regional centres of the country.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Győr, Hungary

iReport from Győr, Hungary

iPostcards from Budapest, Hungary

2007-10-09T23:00:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Budapest at night. It was beautiful! All the monuments and landmarks were nicely lit. We are all impressed as we entered the city on our way to our hotel. Budapest is the "Pearl on the Danube River" and the capital of Hungary.
The next day we visited the historic Castle District, the Parliamentm, and drove via
Andrassy Avenue and saw famous Hero´s Square. WE ate and shopped at the pedestrian zone at Vaci ut which was near our hotel, Zara Hotel.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Budapest, Hungary

iReport from Budapest, Hungary

iPostcards from Eger, Hungary

2007-10-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

in the afternoon we proceeded to have lunch at Eger, one of the most wonderful baroque towns in Hungary. There we met our guide for Eger and Budapest. She took us around town and Eger Castle.

view of Eger from Eger Castle

sample of Hungarian English
as seen on a restroom sign
LOL

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Eger, Hungary

iReport from Eger, Hungary

iPostcards from Miskolc-Tapolca, Hungary

2007-10-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

We spent the night in Miskolc-Tapolca, which was our fist stop in Hungary. I wanted us to have a break from all the touring and just relax. The next day we went to Barlang-fürdő, the curative effect of the special microclimate of the cave was proven long ago, the constant 14-16 C temperature, the nearly 100% relative humidity and the extremely clear air free of pollens and dust provide total relief for those suffering from allergy, asthma and other respiratory disorders.

a sample of Hungarian English
as seen on a sign at a thermal bath
(Their way of indicating that it is "Out of Order"/"Not Working")
LOL

Since I figured that it would be quite a long drive from the border of Slovakia-Hungary to Budapest, I figured that it would be a good idea for my group to make a pit stop/take a respite at Miskolc-Tapolca and relax at the thermal baths.

Face removed to protect myself from any future blackmail...LOL

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Miskolc-Tapolca, Hungary

iReport from Miskolc, Hungary

iReport from Miskolc-Tapolca, Hungary

iPostcards from Vyšný Medzev, Slovakia

2007-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

During our breakfast in Smokovec, we checked a map to see if our itinerary was in the right order. We were schedule to make a pit stop in the village Medzev in Slovenske Rudohorie, Slovakia, to trace our friend, Tom's family origins, then drive to the capital, Bratislava and then backtrack to our next stop in Hungary. We all deemed, including our driver, that this was going to be a waste of time and gas. So I had our tour operator make another change and find us a hotel at the next stop in Hungary instead of Bratislava and move our hotel in Bratislava two nights later.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Vyšný Medzev, Slovakia

iReport from Vyšný Medzev, Slovakia

iPostcards from Starý Smokovec, Slovakia

2007-10-07T12:00:00.001-07:00

We continued to Starý Smokovec, Slovakia´s High Tatra area. We spent the night at the Grand Hotel. ...

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Starý Smokovec

iReport from Starý Smokovec, Slovakia

iPostcards from Zapokane, Poland

2007-10-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Our last stop in Poland was Zapokane, the most famous mountain resort in Poland and the winter sports capital. We walked the Krupówki streets to reach the large stone Neo-Romanesque parish church and a much smaller old parish church - a rustic wooden construction dating from 1847 with its charming folk decorations inside. We continued to Villa Koliba, the first of Witkiewicz’s designs in the ”Zakopane style” and further to Villa Atma, once the home of the famous Polish composer Karol Szymanowski. We then took a funicular to Gubałówka Hill to admire the excellent panorama of the Tatra Mountains.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Zapokane, Poland

iReport from Zapokane, Poland

iPostcards from Auschwitz-Birkenau

2007-10-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

We were supposed to have a day trip to salt mine of Wieliczka, one the oldest mines in Europe with three kilometres of corridors, the Chapel of St. King and the Crystal Grottos. But when I discovered that we had this unique opportunity to see Auschwitz...

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Auschwitz-Birkenau, Poland

iReport from Auschwitz I

iReport from Auschwitz II-Birkenau

iPostcards from Kraków, Poland

2007-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

It was already nightfall, by the time we arrived in Kraków, a historical town and the former capital of Poland with a thousand-year-long tradition as a center of science, culture and art. We stayed at the Ostoya Palace, an old-fashioned hotel in historical centre. There we rendezvoused with our friend, Bob, who was joining us from his covert CIA operation to monitor the Ukraine elections in Kiev in behalf of the government of Big Brother.
The next day we visited the Main Market Square (one of the largest town squares in Medieval Europe), walked through the Florianska streets leading to the famous Florian Gate and the Barbican (remains of the former city fortifications), visited the Wawel Castle (the royal residence and the seat of Polish kings) and saw the interiors of St. Mary´s Church.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Kraków, Poland

iReport from Old Town Square, Kraków

iReport from Wawel Hill

IPostcards from Olomouc, Czech Republic

2007-10-03T15:00:00.000-07:00

After Kutna Hora, our next and last stop in Czech Republic, before proceeding to Poland, was Olomouc. It is the Baroque Metropolis of Moravia, a former royal town and the capital of Moravia till 1641, the seat of the Bishops of Moravia.
We arrived later than scheduled, so as soon as we met our tour guide (a 80-year old lady professor of history, who had more energy than all of us men combined), she hurriedly showed us all around the historical center, like a school teacher pulling a train of her young students out of the zoo before it closes ... LOL.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Olomouc, Czech Republic

iReport from Olomouc, Czech Republic

iPostcards from Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

2007-10-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

After an early breakfast it was time to leave Prague to go to our next stop, Kutna Hora, the royal mining town and a gem of Gothic architecture. It was called the "Silver Treasure House of the Kingdom" in the Middle Ages. We visited the magnificant St. Barbara Cathedral and famous ossuary in Kutna Hora-Sedlec.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

iReport from Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

iPostcards from Prague, Czech Republic - Part I

2007-09-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

Yehey we're finally in Eastern Europe! Our point of entry and exit is Prague, an ancient European city renowned for its beauty and unique wealth of historical sights, the capital of the Czech Republic.
We did a walking tour of the Old Town of Prague, visited the Old Town Square with
famous astronomical clock, continued through famous Paris Street and cross historical Charles Bridge. The next day we did a half-day sightseeing tour othe New and Old Town of Prague, saw the National Museum, the State Opera House and visited the Prague Castle area with famous St.Vitus Cathedral, picturesque Golden Lane and Gothic Vladislav Hall.
We also visited the Black Theatre Metro to watch a interesting and unique audio-visual show using black light. It was very entertaining.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
iPostcards from Prague, Czech Republic

view of the Charles Bridge

Old Town Square

Schwarzenbersky Palac,
Prague Castle complex

St. Vitus Cathedral

Leonard, Bill, Ian, and Tom in front of
The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn,
Old Town Square - by night

The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn,
Old Town Square - by day

Old Town Hall Tower, Old Town Square - by day

The Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall Tower,
Old Town Square - by day

Powder Tower - by day

National Museum @ Wenceslas Square - by day

National Museum @ Wenceslas Square

iPostcards from Washington & Oregon

2007-08-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

We're back!
Had a fabulous time!
Please click on the following destinations to be directed to the specific posting:

Seatlle, WA
Portland, OR
Cannon Beach, OR

iPostcards from Seattle, WA

2007-08-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle as a place to visit was exciting for me,

since some of my high school buddies

and some of Bill's relatives live in the area.

But as far as considering Seattle as a place to live,

I felt unsure about leaving sunny Los Angeles for the rain.

But I went in with an open mind.

Since we went in August,

we were blessed with beautiful sunny days

and clear skies during our visit.

in front of our hotel, Seattle's premier boutique hotel,

Inn at the Market and the Pike Place Market

My friend, Troy, the DSM, was nice enough to have us stay for free.

in front of Seattle's world-famous public market

at the foot of Pike Street

by Seattle's Space Needle

in front of the original/first Starbucks location/store

on the ferry leaving Seattle ...

for Bainbridge Island to look at homes with ...

a view of Seattle's skyline

or have Bill's cousin, Jeff, custom-build a house for us

or get a condo with ...

a view of the Space Needle, Queen Anne, and Elliott Bay

or a townhouse in Queen Anne with
a view of Seattle's skyline

... and a view of Elliott Bay and marina

or view of Mt. Rainier

As for the real estate market,
we did learn that Seattle is at the top of
most overpriced cities in the U.S.
My high school buddies inadvertently
helped me in making up my mind,
when they asked me
if I was ready to wear flannel on a regular basis ... LOL

iPostcards from Portland, OR

2007-08-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Now that Bill and I work remotely from home, he, for quite sometime now, has been itching for us to explore the possibility of living somewhere else outside California. Since I wanted to travel for my birthday, we decided to go visit friends & family in Portland, Oregon & Seattle, Washington and check out the real estate market in both cities. We met with some realtors and checked out several properties:

... condos with river/marina views,

houses with city/downtown/mountain views,

properties with a view of Mount Hood,

townhouses by the river, etc.

having dinner with our friends David & Denise

iPostcards from Cannon Beach, OR

2007-08-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

We spent my birthday on a road trip

from Portland, OR to the beautiful Oregon Coast:

with John Dale, Bill's nephew, in Cannon Beach, OR

picturesque Cannon Beach, OR

view from some of the homes

at Manzanita Beach, OR

view of Mount Hood from Portland, OR

iPostcards from New York, NY - Spring 2007

2007-04-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

view of Manhattan from the plane

at my eldest sister's apartment in Murray Hill,

which has a magnificent view of ...

the Empire State Building

My company flew me in for our annual sales meeting.

We had a very successful meeting and fun party

held at the Marquee New York.

Here I am in front of our head quarters in NYC
and in front of the head quarters building

of my main account, Alliance Bernstein.

You may have seen this building falling apart

in the movie, Spider-Man 3.

We got to see the following Broadway musicals:
The Drowsy Chaperone at the Marquis Theater and

The Color Purple, the Musical, at the Broadway Theater,
starring American Idol, Fantasia.

at Central Park

iPostcards from New York, NY - Winter 2007

2007-01-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

While I was in New York City for work,

I was very happy to be able to catch up with a lot of old friends.

I regret that I did not have enough time to catch any shows (Broadway or off-Broadway).

The only show I got to see was this one...

It was not Fashion Week, but it sure seemed like it...

since some of my friends in the travel industry

promoted their respective hotels or airlines

in a fun-filled fashion show tagged as "Project Funway",

a spoof of the reality tv show, "Project Runway",

where they creatively utilized materials

from their respective properties to create their pieces.

Please click HERE for links to the videos.

Travel Advisory

2007-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
For more information, please click HERE.

For a complete list of carry on baggage restrictions,
please click HERE.

iPostcards from Cambodia-Vietnam-Singapore-Taiwan

2006-10-27T16:00:00.001-07:00

Under Construction - Coming Soon!

***

We're back!
Had a fabulous time!
It was an eye-opening trip of a lifetime!
Will share postcards/travelogue/pictures soon.

CAMBODIA

VIETNAM

SINGAPORE

TAIWAN

iPostcards from Cambodia

2006-10-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
My iPostcards from Cambodia

Another reason why this trip to Cambodia was made very special
is that I was able to travel with two of my best buddies from high school, Gerry & Joel.
Joel informed Gerry and me that he couldn't join us for this trip to Indochina,
thus he was not with us in Vietnam,
but then surprised us at the airport upon arrival in Siem Reap.
It was a great way to have a reunion.

If you prefer to view the thumbnails and read the captions,
please click the link below:
Sean, Gerry, and Joel in Cambodia

For more pictures of this vaca-sean, please click HERE.

iPostcards from Vietnam

2006-10-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Posting is under construction. Please check back again.

iPostcards from Singapore

2006-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

The last time I visited Singapore was during the summer before college, when I traveled with my high school buddy, Allan.
Since my partner, Bill, and my friends, Tom & Gerry have never been, I decided to route our trip to Vietnam & Cambodia to go via Singapore.
In order to maximize playing tourist in such a short limited time, we pre-arranged a package through Singapore Airlines' Stop Over Holiday to see some parts of Singapore and Sentosa Island.

at the airport with Tom & Gerry

almost castrated with hot tea
at our hotel

the famous Raffles Hotel Singapore

in front of the Merlion, a Singapore landmark

city lights - with Gerry

the Esplanade behind me

Singapore Airlines @ Changi Airport

iPostcards from Sentosa Island

2006-10-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

on the tram taking us to Sentosa Island

"Merlion, here we come!"

the view from the top/inside of the Merlion

Merlion

"I'm a slave for you."

feels as smooth as my butt ... LOL

Sean & Bill

in the tunnel under the aquarium

goofing around with the Merlion's head before the light show

"May the force be with you!"

with my buddy, Gerry

iPostcards from Taiwan

2006-10-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, this doesn't really count,
since we were just transiting via
Taiwan's Taoyuan Interenational Airport
in Taipei (2x!)

Is this how one is supposed to look like

after a 14-hour TransPacific flight
on coach(+_)(*&^%$#@!)?

iPostcards from Maine & Vermont

2006-08-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

We're back!
Had a fabulous time!
Please click on the following destinations to be directed to the specific posting:

iPostcards from Portland, ME

2006-08-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

in front of my friend, Mark's
sister's unique restaurant, "DuckFat"
in downtown Portland

"When in Maine, gotta have my lobster!"

after a long day of playing tourist

iPostcards from Peaks Island, ME

2006-08-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the ferry from Portland, ME to ...

Peaks Island, ME

about to disembark

on the island

we rented bikes ...

to go around and explore the island

back on the ferry back to Portland, ME

it was a beautiful day for sailing

iPostcards from Kennebunkport, ME

2006-08-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

We decided to pass by Kennebunkport ...

... to visit the George & Barbara
at the famous "Bush Compound",

located on Walker's Point,
a peninsula visible from Ocean Avenue

iPostcards from Ogunquit, ME

2006-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

We decided to use Ogunquit
(Beautiful Place by the Sea)
as our base while on our visit to Maine

since it is also known as a gay mecca,
we stayed in a lovely B & B, Two Village Square

view of the beach

hiking/walking trail by the coast

stopping to relax and enjoy the view

"How much is that lobster in the cage?
I want that one in the middle."

Is the Atlantic Ocean colder than the Pacific Ocean? ...

"Yikes, well right this moment it definitely is!"

iPostcards from Pittsfield, VT

2006-08-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

No, we did not go to Vermont to get married
and/or celebrate Bill's birthday.
Although those would have been wonderful reasons,
we went here to attend a family wedding.
Kaya, Bill's nephew, and Kelley met
around the same time Bill and I met ...
and now, they are finally getting married.
Awww... when will it be our turn?
Please click HERE for pics of the rehearsal dinner
and HERE for the beautiful garden wedding ceremony and reception.
This was a very happy occasion.

@ the balcony outside the couple's pre-wedding cabin
facing the river

"Don't slip and get wet before the ceremony!"

iPostcards from Rogue River, OR - "The Devil does the River Wild "

2006-07-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Long before Meryl, played the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly in "The Devil Wears Prada" in 2006, she did "The River Wild" in 1994 with Kevin Bacon...

We flew up to Oregon, where Bill's mother and one of his brothers live, for a family reunion and to celebrate another brother's milestone birthday. To save on the air fare we decided to fly on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air. Big mistake! Once we got there, not all of our luggage had arrived with us. It immediately put a damper on and stopper to our activities for the next 28 hours. That's how long it took for the airline to deliver our missed luggage & golf bag.
So the highlight of our first day was having to buy toiletries and clothes at the local Walmart. I never imagined that I would have so much fun at a store like Walmart!...LOL.

For X'mas 2000, I took Bill's one and only niece, Carley, to the Philippines, to meet my friends & family, and experience the beauty and culture of my homeland.
This time around, my own niece, Czarina, was with me.
I was so excited for her to experience my partner's beautiful and loving family. It was great to see everyone again. It has been exactly 10 years since I was first introduced to them after Bill came out to his family six months prior.

One of the highlights of this trip was a full day of wild river kayaking on the Rouge River, same river where "The River Wild" was filmed. So just like some of Meryl's characters, I too enjoy fashion, but also enjoy the great outdoors.

iPostcards from Broke"buck" Mountain

2006-03-04T16:00:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, we visited a friend and stayed at her house up in the mountains. She always left out feed at the side of the house for all the wild animals to eat. We silently watched a herd of deer come up for the feast. We saw two male deer playing around with each other. I noticed that one of them had only one set of antlers. Because of him and the movie, I decided to call the experience, our weekend in Broke"buck" Mountain...LOL.

iPostcards from Kenya

2005-11-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

"KENYA go to a WILDLIFE SAFARI in AFRICA with me?"...

"YA sure, you betcha I KEN!"

FOREWARNING: Due to an allergic reaction to the malaria medication we were required to take on this trip, my face may appear more puffy than it really is in these pictures...LOL.

Room with a view of a Full Moon on the Masai Mara in Kenya

"Guess Who?"

the children of a Masai Village in the Masai Mara
The Masais teaching me how to dance
a baby goat to feed the community
marking my territory in a Lion's den

Mara Serena Air Strip

Saying good-bye to our fearless tour director

"The plane...the plane!"

boarding Safari Link

"OK Captain, everything checked and ready for take-off!"

waving good-bye to our guides/drivers/friends

"Farewell Masai Man!"

take off!

view from plane of Mara Serena Safari Lodge

view from the plane of a Masai Village on the Masai Mara

approaching Nairobi

Live Large in Nairobi

Bill with wild woman in front of the Carnivore

Carnivore Menu

"Please don"t cut my head off and feed me to the lions!"

text and more pics to follow...

POSTCARDS FROM KENYA

As far as I can remember, I always dreamed of Africa. On my 4^th & 5^th birthday parties, while my peers had superhero figurines on their cake, I had wildlife safari animals on mine. I eventually grew up to be a lover of animals, travel, adventure, and photography. What better place to visit, to combine all those interests, but Africa!

I initially felt a bit guilty that, unlike some of my friends who go to Africa for missionary/charity/tsunami relief/HIV-AIDS related work, I was simply going there for a Wildlife Safari. I finally learned that the word “Safari” is Swahili for “Journey”. And boy what a journey it surely was. Although we were not totally immersed in the poverty stricken areas of the region, and were lucky enough to be situated comfortably in luxury safari lodges, we did witness some of it just by simply looking at the side of the road, across the plains, and during a visit to a Masai Village. The Kenyans are a beautiful friendly people. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of this nation. The more I spread the good word, hopefully, the more people will come to Africa. The more visitors come, the more job opportunities will be available to them. So in essence, at the end of the day, my visit here was not completely without any altruistic purpose.

POSTCARD FROM NAIROBI AIRPORT

After enduring an 8 and a half hour flight on coach from London, we are finally on African soil. I must say that Kenya Airways wasn’t as bad as it was described by some friends in the industry. Thank God, since we didn’t purchase any travel insurance. The flight fortunately was not that full, so we had vacant seats between us. They surprisingly had video on demand, which some other airlines don’t carry on their economy class cabins. Immigration went smoothly for me this time. The Kenyan officer didn’t care what passport I had and just said, “Jambo!”, which is “Welcome” in Swahili. As we waited for our bags, I watched “Sex in the City” on the video monitor. So Africans do like watching skinny white women copulate. As soon as we got all our bags and were ready to exit, someone immediately asked me if I was going on a wildlife safari. Jeesh…was I that obvious? I knew I should have remove the camera, camcorder, and binoculars around my neck!...LOL

POSTCARD FROM NAIROBI

We are a group of 20 divided into 2 Minivans and 2 Land Cruisers. After we met our tour director and drivers/guides and exchanged pleasantries, I noticed that once again I am a minority. I’m the youngest, non-white, non-breeding person in our group. We are from different parts of the U.S, mainly the West Coast and the State of Florida. We were transported from the airport to our hotel on the vehicles that we were actually going on for the safari. We arrived very early in the morning so by the time we hit the road, it was full of Kenyans walking on the side of the streets and fields. I asked why were there so many people on the road. Our guide simply said, “Rush Hour”. Unlike the freeways of L.A., the roads of Nairobi are congested with more people than cars. They do have public transportation where it seems they jam-pack 20 people in a 12-seater van. I gather that it is too costly for most of the common folk to afford. I guess that’s why Kenyans do well in long distance/endurance sports. We spent our first day just meeting our tour director/drivers/guides and fellow tour mates. We rested our jet-lagged bodies at the Naroibi Serena Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World.

POSTCARDS FROM TSAVO WEST NATIONAL PARK

POSTCARDS FROM AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

POSTCARDS FROM LAKE NAKURU & LAKE NAIVASHA

POSTCARDS FROM THE MASAI MARA GAME RESERVE