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Back at BGK's travel den...

Thoughts for New Year's Day 2003

2003, starting from a clean slate once again with one goal...top last year's adventures...

Although I had five months off work last year and traveled nearly the entire time, I do believe I can achieve new heights in travel for 2003. However, I must admit, my 2003 destinations will not necessarily be better...naturally each place is different.

Regardless, there are lots of new destinations in the cards for me this year. My new job will have me setting foot on four continents for the first time and crossing many new borders. So, let the games begin...

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This dude thinks it can be done...

Starting off the New Year in the Big Easy

January 2003: My recent move to New Orleans in and of itself is like traveling. Although I have been to New Orleans two or three times before, I really didn't get to experience anything more than the bar scene...and that I don't remember too well for obivous reasons. Speaking of bars, since relocating here from Boston, I have had to search out a couple of "locals" and I am glad to say the selection process was easy. My new favorite bars are dba, the apple barrel, the spotted cat, lucy's and... well...there are simply too many to name...this city is full of groovy bars!!!

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Farmers' markets in Aberdeen...

First Stop: Scotland, January 2003

This was my first time to Scotland. I spent two weeks in Aberdeen (for work) and side tripped down to Edinburgh for a weekend. I must say that the Scots are a unique bunch...I don't think I have laid witness to this much drinking and smoking since I was in Ireland. Also, Scotland seems to get some of the coolest light in the world, it's an amazing array of colors in the fields, sky and gray granite buildings when the sun is setting over Aberdeen...

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The mean streets of Douala, Cameroon...

Second Stop: Cameroon, February 2003

Another first for me this year was Africa. My trip to Douala, Cameroon (again for work) was simply incredible. The daily life in a large African city is truly something to see and experience (Douala has about 1.4M people). There is so much locked up potential here, it's simply amazing. From sipping "33" along the banks of the Wouri River to dodging police road blocks to walking on a recent lava flow to all those crazy Nightfighters and the vibrant club scene, Douala could go down as my most interesting destination this year...

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The beach scene on Cape Naturaliste, WA

Third Stop: Western Australia, March 2003

My first trip to Australia was centered in what is considered to be the most isolated capital city in the world...Perth! After being in Perth for a few days, I could even feel the isolation and it felt great... The people of Perth and Western Australia have it great (in my opinion). The State of WA is sparsely populated (as is the rest of Australia for that matter), the climate is great and they have some of the best wine in the world... The girls are cute, although a bit tall, and kangaroo is fairly tasty...and...did I mention the wine yet!!!

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Drying tea leafs along the Singapore River.

Fourth Stop: Singapore, March/April 2003

Again with the "firsts"...Singapore was my first landing in Asia... And I wasn't sure how I would like Singapore, after all it is just another large city that is widely considered to be extremely western. So, I thought it would be like hanging out in San Francisco or perhaps Miami (given the warm temperatures). But no, Singapore was different and I think that it is even more western than the "west." Regardless, I had a lot of fun in Singapore and can't wait to go back...

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Typical Malay roadside cafe, no drinky-drinky here

Fifth Stop: Malaysia, April 2003

Yet another interesting destination where the culture and way of life is totally different from mine. My destination in Malaysia was Terengganu, perhaps the most predominate muslim state in Malaysia. So, trying to find a bar for a little drinky, drinky was difficult to say the least...but not impossible thanks to the Chinese and Indians that call Terengganu home! Malaysia was a beautiful country and I now think all those Tudongs are kinda sexy...

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Jazz at the Chatterbox

Sixth Stop: Indianapolis, May 2003

The primary reason for this trip was to see Mom for Mother’s Day…but what trip to Indianapolis would be complete without popping into the Chatterbox for drinks and live jazz. Although the Chatterbox was as good as ever, I must say that I was disappointed in that the Gin Reaper no longer worked there. She had moved from the ‘Box to the Old Point and when we tracked her down at her new place of employment, I was less than thrilled by her apparent lack of interest in drunks like me, my brother and Action Jimmy. So, the Gin Reaper title has been repealed from Christine and is up for grabs to the cutest girl who can make the best gin-n-tonic. The weekend rounded out with a crawfish boil at Mom’s place with the brother and sister followed by a nice Mother’s Day. Of course, Mom was the happiest as her favourite son had flown in to see her…