"I'm here, where are you?" phred1910's Profile

Dear God, it's been far too long since I went on a trip of any substance. It's sad that I was excited to go to Columbus OH the other day on a business trip.

Cliff Diving in Jamaica - Yes, that's me

It all started out as a little child. I was born in England, and moved to America when I was five years old. My mother is British and my father American. My father was in the air force (after serving in the Navy) and was able to tell stories of almost everywhere in the world. From the bullfights in Spain, the debauchery of Tijuana, fishing in England, war in Vietnam, to the Roppongi district in Japan there weren't many places he hadn't been. Since I have begun travelling Europe, the stories have continued. My favorite from him is when he was in the Navy (before the Air Force), they were on shore leave in Cannes. Dressed in their Navy whites they were sitting down ready to eat dinner before chasing the lovely French ladies. A man motioned them over to his table and invited them to join him for dinner - who was this nice man - none other than Jimmy Stewart !!! It truly is a wonderful life....

Thankfully the traveller gene was passed down to me, as I enjoy nothing more than exploring new places whether it be a small farm village in Michigan, or the dizzying, futuristic Ginza district in Japan.

"Off the Beaten Path" is my favorite way to travel, walking down alleys with no name, sitting at a local cafe watching the world go by, eating at a restaurant because it feels right, doing shots with new friends. I also feel that you have to take time to visit the popular spots as well (there is a reason they became popular)....Don't become too much of a travel snob that you don't appreciate the beauty of a famous landmark. I am trying to do both on all of my travels, with the hope that someday I will be able to travel the world in organized chaos and truly focus on the unbeaten path.

I have been fortunate enough to find a job that allows me to travel for business around the world, and also allow me to earn enough money to go on vacation to some other fun places.

My travel's took an unexpected turn in 2003, as I took a two year expatriate assignment in Germany. This helped to feed the traveller gene in ways that I could have never imagined...

I am back in the US, and will be exploring all this great country has to offer, as a majority of my travels will be by car for the next few years.

The Hauptbahnhof in Stuttgart with a Rainbow

Recent (12 months):

17-18 March, 2008 - business trip to Columbus OH
Current:

Static, busy enjoying time with Jack

Future (planned):

18-28 April, 2008 - Hilton Head Island

A weekend visit to Northern Michigan to get my Yooper Karma straight --- GOD, I NEED THIS SO BAD!!!!

On the horizon: (places I want to go in the future)

Everywhere !!!!

Cathedrale de Notre Dame in Strasbourg, France

My top five...in no particular order...more for the way I captured my experience in words than the place or events.

Royal Caribbean Cruise (see below)
Tuscany
Valencia
Rome
Barcelona - coming soon

Parasailing in Haiti with a stranger

A Caribbean cruise on the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas. This trip took place from November 18th through the 25th of 2001. It included stops at the following places:

Labadee, Haiti
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Cozumel, Mexico

Personal Album located below.

Snorkeling with the Stingrays

My most favorite city, by far is Prague, Czech Republic...The blend of old and new is just perfect..and there is still a glimmer of eastern innocence that hasn't been completely tarnished by Western commercialism..but alas, I see signs that it will be short lived...Prague has a heartbeat that beats strongly and a voice that beckons me to return...

A close second would have to be Grand Cayman. Snorkeling with the stingrays, partying, friendly people, incredible weather, heaven on earth.

This doesn't mean that I haven't enjoyed other places, it just means that these places left me with the best memories.

Imagine this table full of wine bottles...

Best Food Eaten While Travelling: Fresh pasta stuffed with Marscapone in a creamy truffle sauce in Germany or Sushi fresh from Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
Worst Food Eaten While Travelling: Salmon Roe in Tokyo (Japan) (couldn't swallow it !!!)
Strangest Food Eaten While Travelling: Fugu (a poisonous blowfish that will kill you if prepared wrong) in Fujisawa (Japan)
Best Drink consumed while travelling: Polish vodka in Czestochowa (Poland)
Worst Drink Consumed While travelling: tie -Bad Sake in Tokyo (Japan) and Artichoke Liquor in Chicago (USA) (at a Sicilian wedding)