I Have Made My Plans

I spent a good portion of yesterday booking flights, hotels, cars and everything else I need to plan for for the next part of the adventure. So what are my plans, you ask? I fly back to Vienna on the 21st of August, arriving on the 22nd. I will then spend the next 3 days in Bratislava just hanging out and seeing some friends. I fly out on the 25th for 3 days in Amsterdam to explore more of the city. I plan on posting my photos as I did before, when I get the chance. I then return to Bratislava for 5 days, but I may visit Prague that weekend instead and come home late Sunday. I will then fly out on the 3rd of September for London for a visit with friends in Bexhill By Sea (and no I didn't leave out the "The" in Bexhill by Sea, that's it's real name.) for two days. I then fly out Friday night for Ireland for an 8 day trip. I will also be posting photos as I go along. I then fly back to Bratislava for the night on the 14th of September and fly out the next day for Istanbul for a 3 night stay. This will get me back to Bratislava by the 18th of September. I have an plan in the works to drive to Vienna, then Salzburg then into Germany to go see "The Eagles Nest" (google it) in Berchtesgaden. Then to Stuttgart to try and see the Porsche factory, on to Prague then back to Bratislava. I have a return ticket for November 1st and since the Giants play the Cowboys that Sunday, I will be back in the country at least for the weekend. After that who knows, if I can find a job in Bratislava I would stay again for the winter but right now it is not my main focus so I will see what the universe has in store for me.

So I Am Heading Back to Slovakia

I have just booked the flight and I will stay over for about 70 days. I will use Bratislava as my base as I travel to the places in Europe I still want to see. I am leaving on the 21st of Aug. and returning the 1st of Nov. The added benefit for me is I get to miss silly season with the election but get home in time to vote and watch the returns. I will update you more as I finalize my plans.

It's Been Awhile

So I after a long drought of posts it's time for me to bring everyone up to speed on the the bus ride I call life. So I'm single again, Kate and I have broken up. It was something we both came to in our own time and terms and I will always be friends with her. I learned more about myself in the last year than I ever have in the past and for that alone I will always be thankful to her and will always have a special place in my heart for her. And my life always works out for the best for me even if I don't understand the route the driver is taking me. Dealing with the break-up is my main excuse for not writing lately but we all know it's because I'm lazy. I just sat here for 3 minutes to try and convince myself it was some other reason (the break up only happened 2 weeks ago, what about the other missing 30 odd days Sean?) but it all comes back to me being lazy. It's not like I don't have the time. So this post many tend to wander as my thoughts come out and I remember things I wanted to post before but just decided to wait and let them chill for awhile and make sure I wanted to write about anything. Over the last 14 days I have driven over 3000 miles (4800km for my European readers) with one day off in the middle. I have over 1200 miles (2000km) to drive this week with this Tuesday being my first day off in 8 days. have a round trip to Montreal on Friday to drop two campers off. I would love to stay the night and spend Saturday and Sunday exploring the city but I am not sure if I can swing it as I have a pick up on Saturday that is a 5 hour round trip and those are my bread and butter runs but who knows.

Quick Side Note (I warned you):

Watch this video, then go buy the whole album, you will not be disappointed.
Camp has been fun the first session is now over and we start the last 3 week until the end of camp. While there is a small chance I will return to Slovakia for the fall I am looking into other options at this point. The one thing I am sure of is I will be in Ireland from the 6th until the 13th of September. What I am not sure of is since I am flying to Europe to begin with should I then just finish seeing the places in Europe I want to see? So I will most likely fly into and out of Amsterdam and use it a base to fly to other European cities. It has the advantages of been a great airport in a great city that I love taking pictures of. It is not out of the question for me to try and stay in Amsterdam for 2 months and visiting people I know in Europe. I would fly out for a 3 to 4 day visits and then return or fly to another city. I also have a known place to stay in Amsterdam that is not way overpriced and it is located in a great part of the city for me. The cities I would like to visit include, London, Belfast, Prague, Istanbul, and finish in Stuttgart Germany with a tour of the Porsche Factory. This would lead me back home where by this time I would have located the perfect 1973 to 1986 Porsche 911 for my needs. And what are my needs in a 911 you ask? Just one, that will get me across the southern part of the country to California then up to Vancouver and back to the Northeast Region all before Santa slips down the chimney. With the option of spending my winter in Savannah GA again. Can all of this happen? Why not, I'm just a passenger on this bus, the driver knows where I would like to go and if these stops our on his route I will see them, if not, such is life, karma is karma. In the 2 weeks that follow camp I will most likely be up and down the east coast dropping in on people and leaving just as quickly, what can I say, it's me, good or bad this is what you get. Same with this post, I'm tired and I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. Thanks to my loyal readers, I see you chasing the dragon, hope this helps.

It Occurred To Me....

as I was crossing the border into Canada yesterday, I have been in 7 countries in the last 10 months. The United States, Canada, Great Britain, The Netherlands, France, Austria and Slovakia. I hope to add Denmark to the list next month when I fly home to Bratislava. (if I can get outside the airport for a smoke, it counts as a visit in my book)

Darwin Award Finalist

The camera mans reaction is what kills me.
I bet you can't watch it just once.

Camp Has Begun

I picked up 5 kids today from the airport to start my fourth season as "The Driver Guy" at camp. I am expecting a great summer this year, we have a great group of staff this summer. I have been in camp since the 9th and have enjoyed being here before the start of camp, it was nice and quite. The sound of kids is the natural sound of this place and it is nice to have it back. It means that the time will fly by now, it always does once camp starts. I will post any good photos I take in the next few weeks if I like them enough. That's all for now.

Thanks to all my loyal followers, I do see you stopping by, I am sorry I am so slack about updates.

Can't Sleep - Up All NIght

It's late,I can't sleep and I came across this on YouTube, I love the internet.

hey jake; I had not heard this since SPD, forgot how good it is.
hey clem; R.B. is fine, thanks for your concern.


Oh yeah, I am at camp now, more on that later.

Sunset in Washington DC

I am in Washington DC visiting my friend Kelly. She, her boyfriend Rob and I had a picnic dinner near the Washington Monument at sunset today.

Click the photo to see the album.

Alex & Sarah's Wedding Photos

Click on photo for full album.

My Tribute to Slovakia

This is my tribute to my adopted home. Music is by the Slovak band Desmod and the song is "Zober Ma Domov"

Spring In Bratislava

Click on photo to view album.

It's That Time Of The Year

That's right, it's time for camp! I will be leaving Bratislava on the 28th for the US. I have my friend Alex's wedding to attend, I also have family and friends to visit as i make my way to Old Forge for the summer. I am sad to be leaving Bratislava for 3 months. I enjoy living in the city, the flat is really in a good location. It's not the best neighborhood but the rent is cheap and everything I need is within a short walk or 10 min bus ride. But I will be back sometime in late August or early September, I hope to have all the visas and permits I will need to find a job. I will see what the Universe has in store for me, i will keep you updated as it unfolds.

Day 5 in Amsterdam

I did not get many pictures as it was raining off and on. This was the final few hours before I flew back home.

Special Shout Out to Simon who I meet at Barney's, keep living the dream brother.

Day 4 in Amsterdam

No photos today, sorry. I was cold and raining this morning and early afternoon. I did go out walking after the rain stopped and found a whole new area that I will try and get photos of tomorrow. This hotel really is in a good location for me, I have enjoyed being in a local neighborhood. It is like being in SoHo as opposed to Times Square in New York. I will say the low dollar to euro conversion is making everything very expensive but I am having fun and trying not to bring me down. The upside is there are very few American tourists here, you can tell them by their size. Yes I have become jaded against fat Americans after living in Europe for so long. The food has been very good and I have tried to vary my diet to try some many different types of food. I plan on writing up more when I get home so stay tuned. I will not be able to get tomorrows photos up until sometime Sunday.

Day 3 in Amsterdam

I only saw a small area today that was new. I spent most of the day getting to know this area well. I am seeing a very local part of the city. Not your typical touristy things, it has been a great time because of that.

Day 2 in Amsterdam

Click Image for web album.

It was a great day today, I got some good shots and had a great lunch.
see you tomorrow.

So Where Am I? - Updated

So Jake wins the prize with his guess of Amsterdam.
Way to go Jacobo.
Click on the photo to see pictures from day 1.

I Am Off On A 4 Day Adventure

I will post photos of the city I am going to but I want you and try and tell me where I am. The first person (if I have told you you will be disqualified) who comments on the location of the first picture I post will win a prize valued at up to $5.00. I hope to have a photo posted by tonight.

Posted from the Vienna Airport.

The Ox Is Slow But The Earth is Patient

Let's read that again, The Ox Is Slow But The Earth is Patient. Now take a minute to think about that, I can wait.

O.K. now that I have you in the right frame of mind, let's wade deeper into the water shall we? I know what you are thinking, "Where is he going with this?". Go back and read the first line again, I'll wait. (It's late here and insomnia sometimes has an upside, it gives you plenty of time to think.) For the last five years I have lived with the "idea" (It's not the right word but it's the best way I can say it.) that the Universe (you can also substitute God if you prefer. It's your choice we all need to come to an understanding of what "this" is all about but I digress.) So where was I, oh yes, the Universe/Deity of you choice, has me where it needs me to be when I need to be there. It has been a great time. I have memories I will remember well, the photos do help as I get older but that's yet another topic. I am getting to do and see things that I really never thought possible. I also understand I am in a very unique situation, as life has dealt me very good cards, so I went all in. I will see if I get the card I need on the "River". It is said, "There is a fine line between Genius and Insanity." but I say "There is a fine line between Legend and Cautionary Tale." but I guess sometimes you walk them at the same time? I just hope when the "River" does come it was the Ace I needed to land on the good side of the line.

Now todays lesson.
The Path of Least Resistance and Why 'Least' Does Not Always Mean Easy.
It has taken these last five and a half years for me to get to this point that I think I understand what "The Path of Least Resistance" (now only referred to as the Path.) means, to me at least. I will explain it with the metaphor of a river since water always finds the Path. Keep in mind I am traveling down this river in a big white water rafting boat that seams to have auto pilot for the Path, most people are lucky if they have water wings or an inner-tube to help them down the river but that is life, Karma is Karma. (if you believe in that sort of thing. Again, I don't want to push you in to anything that might make you question your own beliefs . Because as soon as I do that the next thing you know you will see me on TV asking my flock to send me money so I can buy more satellite time. Yet again, I digress.) Reread the first line again. (what can I say again but it's late and I'm somewhat sleepy but I am having to much fun getting this written.) Ok so now think of yourself on the river of life, let's call it, in whatever flotation device life has thrown you. And when you get in it about waist deep and the current is moving at a nice pace. Sometimes you can float sometimes it's faster for you to walk then to float so you do. I am also just floating along enjoying the view. (clarification: we are not on the same river, they both contain the same elements just some more than others. It's your own version of the Colorado River, if you will.) Now sometimes the river gets very deep with strong undertows that try and pull you under. Sometimes the river is very shallow and you can't float down it but it is just deep enough to make walking a pain in the butt. Other times it is just a few inches deep and walking is easy but what about your flotation device, is it easy to transport? Mine isn't, so I hope for deep waters and the auto pilot helps a lot. What may be easy for me is hard for someone else or vice versa. Sometimes I need to get out so the raft can float while I walk next to it. Sometimes I have to drag it across shallow water which can suck. The whole time you need to try and find the Path to improve your chances of survival. (the river is a dangerous place sometimes, it's a fact, you can google it if don't believe me) As you travel longer down the river you learn to read the river and soon you start to see the Path and it makes life that much easier. Sometimes the river becomes a delta and you find yourself wondering if you are even moving in the right direction. (you may come across a map or even a g.p.s. or even a boat with auto pilot to help you down the river. I may be good for a day or a lifetime, you never really know. The river is also a strange place, google it). So what am I really trying to say here? Simple, resistance is different for everyone. What is simple for some is not so simple for others. The trick is once you find the way to spot the Path, it gives you time to look up from the river and see your life as it passes by.

*For my slower students - I was the Ox you were the Earth

Thanks to Carol for the kick in the pants I needed. (I know this isn't a rant but I think it is what you wanted) And to Jake and Clem my blog junkies. (chase the dragon boys.... I crack myself up sometimes.)

Spring In Hybe - High Tatras Panorama

Click Image for larger version
This was taken with my point and shoot Canon. I am beginning to wonder why I carry 20lbs in SLR equipment when my 3 year old Canon does this well with a photoshop stitch of 6 images.

Click here for some great aerial shots of Hybe (pronounced -he bay)

The Stealth Trip To America Is At An End

For those of you who didn't know I flew back from Slovakia for a quick 10 day trip to America on April 1st. I am leaving tomorrow night to return until the end of May, when I come back for Bumpas's wedding and Camp for the summer. I dropped in and surprised Jake, Clem and Alex by showing up for our annual St. Patrick's Day (yes I know it was last month, don't ask, just go with it.) celebration. I said I was not going to be able to make it but that was just a ruse. We had a great time all hanging out. I was bummed Kate was not able to come with me on this trip. Clem say's he needs to see her in the flesh to prove that she is real. (He thinks I photoshopped her into photos with me.) This is the 14th year for "SPD" and it was as great, drinking, smoking and UNO. With that combo how can you not have fun. I did a ton of driving over the last 8 days, over 2000 miles (3200 km - for my European readers) but it was worth it. I was born to drive, and the 540 miles from Richmond to Savannah is some of the easiest on the East Coast.

I had a great time in Richmond for the last few days. I was great to some old friends and hang out with the latest edition to our family, Charles Henry, his parents call him Henry but he looks like a "Chuck" to me. (Sorry Jen, you can't name a kid Charles and not have people call him Chuck.) I was nice to also get to see "Slim" (aka Baby Nathan) who at 8 months is like 25 pounds of pure love. The kid is so happy. I didn't get to see everyone I wanted to but time was short and anyway I will be home in 45 days or so.

So what is next for me? Well I am excited to get back to Bratislava. I would like to see about having Mom and Steve come over and visit Slovakia as well as do a "Sound of Music" tour of Salzburg Austria around mid May. I am not sure if that is going to happen but it would be cool. I am excited at the prospect of getting out with the camera as spring blooms. Many of you have been asking why I have not posted many photos lately. The easy answer is I am lazy, but the truth is with out leaves on trees and blooms on flowers I am not in the mood to shoot. I love spring, summer and fall but winter is hard for me to shoot, the lighting never seems right for me. Or you could just keep thinking I am lazy, your choice, no pressure. I am flying home at the end of May to attend Alex's wedding, I will then kick around somewhere (Outer Banks, Richmond, NJ, VT or camp are my choices so far (new invitations are always considered)) before heading to camp around the 20th of June for the start of 4th year of the greatest job ever.

I would like to say thank you to the loyal readers of this (insert your own adjective here) blog. I know I have not published anything worth looking at in some months. My only defense is since I like the food in Slovakia I have very little to rant about, like I did in the past. (I'm talking to you New Zealand) Plus I live a simple life in Bratislava and unless you want to know about my trip to the mall or grocery store, there is not much going on that I could easily relate in a humorous or compelling way so I don't write much. A friend did give me an idea to do at least a weekly rant. I can think about it all week and then bang something out on Sunday night. I am not sure if I will or not so make sure you check back here early and often. Chase the dragon.

The Earth and The Moon - Photo From Mars

Click Photo for larger photo.

Just a few things to consider:
Without the Moon we would not be here.
The Moon is why we have tides.
The Moon can be as close as 225,744 miles to Earth or as far as 251,966 miles away.
70% of the surface is covered in volcanic glass and this is why the moon is bright.
But the coolest thing about the Moon, for me, 12 men have walked on it's surface.

I Need The Cone of Silence

This comes out on June 20th. I can't wait.
Click the picture to watch the trailer.

I Just Dig This Song

Quite by accident I came across the TV show jPod, which is based on the book by the same name, written by Douglas Coupland. I am a big fan of his but felt that jPod was just an updated version of his earlier work Microserfs, which I enjoyed more. The TV show, which is on CBC (It's Canadian Eh) has turned out to be pretty good. Now you may ask, "How are you watching Canadian TV in Slovakia?" Simple, the Pirate Bay and Bitorrent. Which brings me to this song, it is the theme music to the show and there is just something about it that I dig. I can't put my finger on exactly what makes me dig it, I just do. Give it a listen.

Yes I Am Still On Cloud 9

The only thing that stinks for me was I was unable to get any kind of post game wrap up shows on ESPN and such to hear how all the commentators who picked New England backed out of the pick and said they were wrong. I also wish all the Slovak people about the Super Bowl all look at me with blank stares.

After the game I stayed in Bratislava for a few days and drove back to Hybe (pronounced hee bay) and spent the last 4 days there. The weather was warm, by Hybe locals. Daytime temp was just above freezing to low 40's with sunny days. If it wasn't windy outside it was fine. The view of the mountains were very clear the last 2 days. I would go out for a smoke just to look at the mountains. From Kate's back yard you can see the whole range of the High Tatras. Above the tree line is just a pristine blanket of white. The potential for heli sking here is great.

It's hard for me to believe its been 5 months. I an really have a good time, everyday seems to bring something new. I am seeing things from a whole new perspective that only coming to a foreign country, It helps put America into sharper focus.

I don't have any big plans for the next week, other than Valentines Day. (Don't Forget Guys)

I will keep you updated.

GIANTS WIN!!!!!!

WAY TO GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!

My Superbowl Post

So at least we won the coin toss.

I am able to watch the game, it is on two cable channels here. The feed is from the NFL Network, it is what is called a wild feed, which means when you see a commercial i just get a wide angle view of the field from high up in the seats. You can hear the commentators talk with each other because they are in a commercial break. I will see the best commercials on YouTube tomorrow.

I plan on update this as the game goes alone.

Right now under 8 min to go in the first and the Giants are driving inside the Red Zone!!!

Update: Giants Kick Field Goal
3 points is better than no points. I will enjoy having the lead for as long as it lasts.

Update: End of the 1st Qtr.
The Patriots are on the one and I would be shocked if they didn't score. So the lead didn't last.

Update: Patriots Score. :-(
Score 7-3

Update: Great Catch Ammani - 14 min left 2nd Qtr.
Giants are back in the Red Zone

Update: Interception - That sucks!

Update: Big Blue D Holds the Pats to 3 and out. And a good punt return. I still have hope, not much but sometimes a little hope is all you need.

Update: So they hold us to 3 and out. But good Punt

Update: Giants Defense Sack's Brady in back to back plays. The Defense will keep us in this game!

Update: Halftime and it's still Patriots 7 - Giants 3. The defense is keeping us in this game. Keep it up Big Blue D

Update: 11:00 left in the 3rd Defense holds the Patriots. My Mantra is "The Defense Will Keep Us In This Game."

Update: Pats call a challenge on 12 men on the field. If so then first down Pats, which would be bad.

Update: Pats get the call first and ten Pats. Go defense!

Update: Big Blue Big D holds the Pats on 4th down. Giants take over on the 30.

Update: Why can't the Offense get it together, at least the punt pinned them on the 10. Step it up Defense. less than 4 min left in the 3rd.

Update: End of the 3rd Qtr. and it's still 7-3. The Defense is stepping it up and keeping hope alive.

Update: GIANTS SCORRRRRRRRREEE 7 to 10 Giants!! Lets go Big Blue!!!

Update: 9:20 to go in the 4th and the Defense forced a punt. Let's go Offense and put some more points on the board.

Update: 5 min left and the Pats are driving, I am scared. Very scared.

Update: 3:12 to go and the Pats are 1st and goal on the 7. I think this game is over.

Update: It's looks like it's over. Pats take the lead 14-10 with 2:45 left in the game. I just don't see it happening for the Giants. The Defense played great today but it looks like they couldn't hold them one last time.

Update: Holy %$#@ We may just win this thing!!! Giants lead by 3 with 35 seconds left.

Make Your Vote Count

Look to the right and you will see my new poll.

Not My Funniest Post - My Eulogy for "Wonder"

Let's start with this premiss; A person you only spent a few nights in a pub with, neither of you speak the same language but for whatever reason you cared about them, but then suddenly he or she dies. If you were asked to give a eulogy could you do it? I wasn't sure if I could but then I thought, "at least give it a try you owe him that". As most of you who will read this never got the chance to meet Wonder I will tell you what he means to me.

The first time I walked into the pub in Hybe and saw Wonder sitting at a table about to do a shot of Vodka, his cheeks, red from the cold. After a few minutes Kate started to introduce me to everyone in the place. Since there were less than 15 people I would say "ahoj" to them, so that they can see I speak a little Slovak. When I got to Wonder he stood up and I felt to I was looking at gentle giant. When I saw his hair I understood why everyone called him Wonder. He has what can only be described as a wavy/curly fro. Or picture what would happen to a guy like this if he stuck a fork in an electrical socket for a few seconds. I will miss that hair.

But the hair wasn't the whole package, his face was what brought it all together. He had expressive eyes but he keep them half closed most of the time. My theory is he wanted to be able to keep an ear on what was going on. Or he could have been ready to pass out. You know those two can look so similar sometimes. But when he did talk his facial expressions alone could tell the story. I would say something to him in English and I don't know if he ever understood a word I was saying. He would then look at me and get a big grin on his face and then say something in Slovak and then laugh. I would then start to laugh with him to try and figure out what kind of laugh it was. There are many kinds of laughs, I will give you a few examples; The evil maniacal laugh, a laugh that says "I am going to get you so drunk you will wet your pants." it wasn't that one nor was it the foreboding fun laugh, you know the one you would use before taking you to Las Vegas for some "Fun". It was a combination of the two which turned out to be the "Don't worry, we are only going to get you a little drunk and have fun right here." kind of laugh. I will miss that laugh.

The thing I will miss the most is the sense of peace I felt being around him. He had an air about him that told you he was different. He was a person others liked to be around. You could not help but like him. I will take solace in the fact I was lucky enough to meet him.

Wonder, you will be missed but you will not be forgotten.

Superbowl Baby

The Giants are going to the Superbowl!!!!

Way to go Big Blue!