The Dorky Gringo

1,000,000 EXCUSES!!!

3/18/2017

So all my past blogs were about not making excuses. I was on top of the world, or at least the MacArthur Causeway bridge. Standing with my arms spread with downtown Miami behind me. (Pictures to come, but I am in Chile and can't upload pictures at the moment) I just had a great time showing a couchsurfer around Miami and was heading back to go to bed early for my flight the next morning. Then while I was trying to set a new land speed record down the hill, I almost hit 30mph (48kph) on my bicycle computer when I lost control and my bike ended up two lanes into traffic along with my flip flops. Luckily I ended up in the bike lane and with no broken bones. I picked up my bike and flip flops and rode home very bloody and in lots of pain. But anything is better than a doctor issuing me painkillers and telling me to just rest. So I had my couchsurfer, who I referred to as my "Angel Doctor", clean my wounds and then I gave her my bed and slept on the floor.

This went on for the next month, as I was unable to work for the next two weeks and then I got the first two weeks of March off. It wasn't until the third week until I was able to do anything. Go to the beach, drive, walk, put on shoes, everything was difficult. And even after 5 weeks I still am recovering. But luckily this was the first time I was able to go back to work and it feels so good, even though I still have to wear a bandage and I still have pain all over my body. I always told myself "everything happens for a reason". And I struggled throughout the whole time wondering why this happened to me!

But looking back I met the most amazing people. Since I had no doctor or anyone to take care of me (which suits me just fine) I decided to host all the couchsurfers I was able to. I was unable to read due to my hands being completely messed up. So the days were really boring and I couldn't even walk outside my apartment. So all the couchsurfers were such good company and took my mind away from the pain. In o month I hosted over 25 people from all over the world, and lots of them stayed for 3-7 days! So, my small studio was usually filled with at least 5 people. I slept on the floor every night except for three nights. But I loved it and it helped me to get through all the pain. Maybe not the doctors orders but, hey, I'm still alive!

I started a tradition to take pictures with all the surfers and stupid hats I have collected over the years. We had amazing home cooked meals. When I was well enough to drive I took a couple road trips to Key West and Lake Okeechobee. I also met my next door neighbor who is a really cool guy and we have been getting along like long lost brothers! There are too many good memories to explain tonight so I will have to my blog when I get the pictures to remind me of all the good times.

But I do have to mention, finally after 3 and a half weeks, I finally realized why everything happens for reason! I watched a sunrise I will never forget and my life has been nothing but happy ever since...except for the fact I still can't run or use my hands properly or even walk without pain. I tried to say no excuses today and do some situps but then I remembered by ribs hurt like a mother as well. Oh well, it was worth it! Here's to the future and hanging out with more amazing people!

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BEACH CRUISER IN THE BIG CITY

2/9/2017

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Today was a day of no excuses! I had a great kettlebell workout then took the beach cruiser back to my bike shop in Coconut Grove. It took an hour to get out there but I had him adjust the gear ratio or whatever (it's only a single speed) and now it is fast enough for the way I like my cruisers to be. I made it back in 50 minutes so I was happy with the new adjustment.

Now time for a bath, my legs are killing me from leg workout and bike rides past couple days.

So this post is worthless. This belongs in a journal not for the public to see. So maybe I will just do once a week or month blog now. What I wrote in my journal today would be a lot more interesting, but that's for no one else to read. I'm not trying to start drama! I'll keep those thoughts to myself :) But people bore me, that's all I'll say. Get over stuff and do something new. I met some old people I new and they are still talking about (mainly complaining) about the same things they have talked about for the past 5 years I have known them! Rant over. Night

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Excuses!

2/8/2017

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So maybe doing the blog everyday was too big of a goal right now. Maybe I'll start out with baby steps and try to do it at least once a month or week. So what are my excuses? Well I had a great 3 days with my couchsurfer from Brussels. Lots of bike rides and we found some coconuts and enjoyed them on the beach.

Then I went to Ohio for "Christmas", haha, only a couple months late. But I had a great time and saw almost all my family and saw a bunch of old friends for the Super Bowl.

I had a good past couple days cleaning my place and fixing my bicycles. I rode down to Coconut Grove again and got my bike computer fixed (all it needed was a new battery) and I felt stupid, haha. But I made good time on my fast bike and got there in 45 minutes. Tomorrow I take my beach cruiser in to get a new gear ratio put on.

I stubbed my toe really bad and thought I broke it for the 3rd time in 3 years! Luckily it is healing fine and is not broken and I think I can go for a run tomorrow. I can't wait to get rid of y bed frame. It is horrible for stubbing toes.

Picture is of my first couchsurfer at the new place with our bikes and coconuts!

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BEAT RUN

1/30/2017

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I promised to post about what the heck a "beat run" is. And although I just got my first couchsurfer in years and am running around cleaning the house I want to stick to my plan to have a regular blog.

A beat run is basically an interval run where you run for a short amount of time (usually 20 minutes or less) but you alternate between sprinting and jogging. With my beat runs I like to put on my playlist I made for the occasion which is filled mainly with songs that have dramatic changes in the tempo of the song. EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is the best type of music for this I've found but I have everything on the playlist. From classical to hip hop, head bangers to Coldplay! Also some songs just have a solid beat the whole way through and make me pick up my pace the whole time (ex. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out).

These runs can become addicting though. Sometimes (like last night) I just set out for a short mile loop, and I end up in a 30 minute beat run! Also tonight I had another run that did not stop because the songs kept pushing me. Try it. You don't have to run, do it with walking or anything.

On all my runs I also like to play the game of beating traffic lights before they go to red. And I make a rule to never be able to end a run until I find a stop sign to slap. Also if I can jump and high five the traffic light hands for walkers that counts too, but some are too high to touch. I'm weird.

Back to cleaning. I have a guy from Brussels couchsurfing with me tomorrow. He is flying here for a couple days before he goes to California to learn how to sail! From his profile it looks like we will get along really good. I know most people will think this concept sounds strange of having strangers in your house but you always meet the coolest people. And NO, it's not a dating or hook up site. Just like-minded people who love the travel looking for a free place to stay, but mainly to meet friends usually for life.

www.couchsurfing.org and I also think www.couchsurfing.com works now as well.

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NO EXCUSES - day one

1/29/2017

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Sometimes the hardest part of going for a run or to the gym is getting motivation to put on your shoes. So today I'm starting a tradition to watch the Nike commercial linked below while putting on my shoes. I've heard excuses my whole life from people who tell me "Eric, you are so lucky to be skinny. But wait until you...(insert excuse)." Some common excuses:

1. Wait until you GO TO COLLEGE, then you'll get fat.
2. Wait until you TURN 25, 30, 35, 40, then you'll get fat. (It's funny how this number keeps going up the older I get!)
3. Wait until you GET MARRIED.
4. Wait until you HAVE KIDS. etc, etc, etc...

I am currently 10 pounds over weight and it has nothing to do with my age or any other factor I can't control. The problem was I made A LOT of excuses last year for reasons not to work out or eat healthy. I'm making up numbers here because I was unable to find a clear answer, so say one in a million people are really affected by a true disease where they can't keep weight off. Those people are exempt, but everyone else can be in shape or whatever other goal they may be trying to achieve. I wish I was "lucky" and was just genetically skinny with a six pack and bulging muscles. But I don't know anyone who looks like that without working out. Maybe they don't go to a gym but I bet they are working a physical job and eat somewhat healthy. It's no mystery. And there is no secret diet. You have to find out what works for you.

Another excuse I'm guilty of, and I hear from other people all the time is "I don't have enough time or money to stay in shape." Everyone can find 30 minutes a day and that's all you need. And you don't need to buy all this new fancy, expensive healthy food to eat healthy. I'm working on a video showing a 15 minute workout you can do anywhere with no equipment and also some easy food choices to kill cravings. Almonds and Cliff bars, keep those on you next time you are starving and Taco Bell is right around the corner.

No one is immune from making excuses, we all do it, and I'm probably one of the worst. Procrastination is my middle name and it's something I have to battle everyday. I do believe it's just the way I am and I can't change that. However, instead of making excuses for the way I am, I am going to be aware of my fault and try to fix it. Everyday it will be a battle. Let's see just how many excuses I made today. "It's raining. It's cold (Miami cold, 57F, 14C). It's Sunday, a day of rest! I had a good workout yesterday. I'm not in the mood." That's six excuses. And I used them all day until finally around 17:00 local I started to watch workout videos. I just bought some kettlebells for my new apartment and two videos finally got me pumped up. Fat Shredding HIT Workout with Kettlebells - Kris Cochrane and Spartan Kettlebell Workout with Funk Roberts. Both can be found on Youtube.

I did both of the circuits along with another circuit of my own. During my workout I put on a loop of motivational videos on Youtube. It's funny how it's so easy to make excuses even though it never makes you feel better. But getting something done you wanted to do makes you feel so good. Why do make excuses in the first place!?

Here is an awesome video about not making excuses: https://youtu.be/obdd31Q9PqA

And the Nike commercial I will watch while I tie my shoes! https://youtu.be/hncWOZawsWo

I had an awesome "Beat Run" which I call basically an interval run set to the songs that come on my Ipod.

I'll explain tomorrow. And for all of you who say you hate running. So do I, and it's probably why I have a hard time putting on my shoes. And I rarely go for a run without music, and I never run on a treadmill. But you always feel better after a run, so that's why I do it. Let's see what excuses I can come up with tomorrow!

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traveling 7 days for 1 date

3/12/2013

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60 hours on airplanes, 35 hours at airports, 22 hours on buses, 4 hours in a taxi, 3 hours by tuk-tuk, 2 hours on boats. All for a 1 hour date walking on the beach with a sore bum!

Sunrise. Koh Ru, Bamboo Island, Cambodia

Sound crazy? Not to me. It was something I had to do to avoid having any regrets later in life. You want to hear something crazy? When I got back home from this epic struggle to find a way to get to a small island in Cambodia and back within a week, the Girl (as I will call her) said she can't "like me like that anymore". Not only that, I did not get any explanation why for three days. But at least she said "yes" to the date! Here is a brief summary of the trip(s).

The first time the Girl and I met was March of 2011. Between then and now we have always joked about how someday I would come and bring her back to the states in my backpack. The last time I was on the island working, December 2012, a lot of events took place that lead up to taking this last trip. I could write a book about that trip alone. "Hooker Angels" would be the title. Named after the hookers who stole my camera and video camera on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City in November 2012. After that happened I was so mad I left Vietnam and went back to "a place I belong".

So you'll find me here,
when it all goes wrong,
and I need to escape to a place I belong,
and it's all I need,
just to close my eyes,
and imagine here , and stay...
for one more day.

From "One More Day" - Samii Jenkins
Koh Ru Nov '12
Guitar - Pedro Neto

One more day is the unofficial motto of Koh Ru, because most people always wind up staying "one more day", sometimes for months or even years! So I fled Vietnam and went back to my second home to be in great company and was lucky enough to get my bartending job back. Long story, but it wasn't my best trip.

A nasty cut on my foot, which flooded the new bathroom with blood, ended up getting infected. I refused the offer from the boat driver, San, who wanted to take me back to the hospital on the mainland. I hated being out of commission but at least I didn't have to leave the island. I listened to my boss and the islanders who all told me I should stay off of my foot and rest for the next three days. Hard to do when I love working there so much. But at least I just stayed on the patio and watched the ocean all day or read. Beats a depressing hospital any day.

Once the infection got a little better I was back to work, but my foot was in bad shape and so was my head from all the antibiotics. I wasn't the same person for the next week. Luckily an old friend, one of the cleaning girls, took great care of me. Cleaning my foot three times a day, tiger balm massages, and many other Cambodian healing remedies. I couldn't help but fall a little bit in love with the cleaning girl, (not to be confused with the Girl) she was taking care of me so much. I spent most of my time with the cleaning girl and felt guilty about saying things to the Girl and then turning around and getting remedies from the cleaning girl.

The last three days on the island were spent sick with a fever, a bum foot, and a heart that didn't feel at peace. They were the worst three days of my life. But in some ways, the best. Right before I left for the mainland, the Girl called me back into the kitchen. "Eric, when you come back you be a good person again and take me home in your backpack?" I immediately was happy again. My heart was lifted, I felt like a "good person" again already. The problem was the next two months I couldn't get the Girl out of my head. To make it worse we were "joking" on facebook and although the Girl speaks great English, her writing can be very misleading and confusing.

I was now convinced that those hookers in Vietnam were really angels in disguise. If it wasn't for them I would have spent the whole month travelling around Vietnam and would have never gone back to the island in Cambodia. I would have never realized my feelings for the Girl on the island. I had to do something about how I felt. I couldn't ask the Girl on facebook for a date, I couldn't call her. I only had one option: travel out to Koh Ru as soon as possible.

"The winner never gives up, never" - I of the Sun

This quote from a great book by Richard Arthur was my mantra throughout the trip, although I altered it slightly to become "the winner never quits". I used it multiple times daily as anyone who has traveled knows that you can't count on everything going right. And a lot of times nothing goes right! So on a trip where I was racing the clock I had to become very creative sometimes getting to the island and then back in time for work.

26 Feb 2013

Leg 1: My house-(MIA)Miami, FL - Rowed my dinghy from my sailboat to the dock, walked to the gym for a workout and to shower and iron clothes, caught the 249 bus to the Metrorail, took the Orange Line to MIA.
Cost: $2.00

Leg 2: Miami, FL(MIA)-Atlanta, GA(ATL) - Jumpseated on Delta Airlines to Atlanta, no problems.
Cost: $0.00

Leg 3: Atlanta, GA(ATL)-Tokyo, Japan(NRT) - Thought it would be no problem getting on, wrong! Missed flight by 2 people! THE WINNER NEVER QUITS...back to Terminal B from Terminal F after arriving at Terminal A! If you've never been to Atlanta, trust me this is a long way!

Leg 4: Atlanta, GA(ATL)-Columbus, OH(CMH) - Decided to go to plan "B". Back to my hometown and family. Cost: $0.00

27 Feb 2013

Leg 5: Columbus, OH(CMH)-Washington D.C.(IAD) - No problem, although I was freezing! Didn't bring any warm clothes!
Cost: $0.00

Leg 6: Washington D.C.(IAD)-Tokyo, Japan(NRT) - Had a full middle row of seats (4) to myself on a United B-747, very comfortable, long flight!
Cost: $0.00

28 Feb 2013

Leg 7: Tokyo, Japan(NRT)-Bangkok, Thailand(BKK) - Always a deceivingly long flight. 7 hours! Another United B-747
Cost: $22.30

The only picture I took of Lisa and I

01 Mar 2013

Arrived in Bangkok at 23:55 on the 28th of Feb, but by the time I was out of the airport it was the first day of March. I met a Swedish girl, Lisa, at the taxi stand and asked her if she wanted to split a taxi to Th Khao San, the backpackers area of BKK. She agreed and we found a hostel to split as well. We walked around Khao San and Rambuttri streets and we laughed about past travels while enjoying our road Changs(my favorite beer). I spent the next two days hanging out with Lisa and her brothers who arrived the next day. Bowling at the 8 story MBK shopping mall was the highlight of our time together. What else do you do on Election Day in BKK when Khao San is all but shut down due to no alcohol being allowed in the whole city for two days!

We said our goodbyes the next day and I had that feeling you always get after meeting really cool people and then all the sudden realizing you are alone. It's not a great feeling but I've come to embrace it. The only reason we have that empty feeling is because you have just had some great times with amazing people. And the good thing about traveling is you know the next group of amazing people or new adventure is waiting just around the corner.

You might wonder why did I not head straight for the island once I got to BKK. Well it's not an easy town to leave. Maybe it was a little bit of fear. Fear of what the Girl would say. Self doubts about settling down with someone forever at this point in my life. Maybe it was the beautiful Swedish girl! Whatever it was, BKK held me for a few more days in it's humid grip like always.

Cost: ??? haha

03 Mar 2013

Leg 8: Bangkok, Thailand - Sihanoukville, Cambodia - Finally I'm on a bus toward my goal. Excited and nervous at the same time. What would she say. If she said no, I wouldn't have to worry about anything. I asked what I wanted to know and found out the answer. Life doesn't always give you the answer you want to hear, but it doesn't mean it's the end of the world either. Of course I didn't want her to say no. No one likes to be rejected. But if she said yes, then what? I would have to change my life big time. Could I handle it? Am I ready to face all the challenges involved in dating a girl half way around the world. So many questions running through my head, the closer I get to the island, the faster my head is turning.

After 10 hours we finally get to the border, the first time I've ever crossed at Koh Kong, normally going through Poipet from Thailand. I paid 1350 baht for the bus and an overnight stay in Koh Kong due to there being no buses going all the way to Sihanoukville until the morning. A ridiculous price but money was not an issue on this trip. I had one goal, get to Koh Ru as soon as possible. I threw bargaining, or even shopping around, out the window. I've been around these parts enough not to get completely ripped off, and also enough to know sometimes it's not worth your time or breath looking or arguing over a few baht, riel, or dollars.

At the border, the guards scammed us all into paying 1200 baht (40USD) for a visa. Their reason, I did not care, nor did I bother to tell the other 4 guys on my bus that we were getting scammed. That could have cost me time, and pointless arguing.

Leg 9: Koh Kong-Sihanoukville - Anyway, I heard of 3 guys going to Sihanoukville that night by taxi and for 600 baht more I could ride with them. I said I would pay it. Our border crossing "guide" came back and said that the guys didn't want to have four people in the car. I saw the guys in line for their passports to be stamped so I told my "guide" loud enough for them to hear to "tell them that I was skinny". I made it seem like a joke, and when they didn't bite, I started asking about a moto to Sihanoukville. Now this caught their attention.

'Whoa, man, you know how long a moto to Sihanoukville would take. Like six hours on that thing, you couldn't do it," The middle aged man said in an Aussie accent. I replied with confidence and honesty: "I've been on a moto for six hours in one day before and I know how bad it hurts. I'm desperate right now, I'll do it." The guys felt bad and agreed to let me go. THE WINNER NEVER QUITS...

I was smiling to myself and at the same time hoping this ride would go really quick. Three middle-aged Aussie guys got into the car smelling horrible. I'm used to traveling with people who don't wear deodorant, but these guys just had a nasty smell to them. It didn't help I was squished between two in the middle of the backseat with an extremely sore behind and no room to rearrange my position for 4 hours. I was thankful they had pity on me and let me join them in the taxi, but when they starting mentioning they owned girly bars in Sihanoukville, I wanted out fast. Not that I'm a saint or one to judge, but well, let's just say they were not my type. I know a lot of girls who hate the word "moist" and when I was told one of their bars had that same name it fit their reputations well. I couldn't get out of the car fast enough as I made my way to the usual hostel I stay in Sihanoukville.

Cost: 3150 Baht (105USD) Way, way, way, too much!!!

04 Mar 2013

Leg 10: Sihanoukville-Koh Ru - This was the day I had been waiting for. Two months of wondering were about to come to an end. Before catching the boat I ate some toasties at Sessions bar on the beach, a tradition I stole from two great guys, Lewis and Charlie. I met up with a bunch of people who worked on the island at the dock and I immediately felt a million times better. It's hard being alone with all those thoughts driving you crazy. I got to the island and said hello to everyone saving the Girl for last. I told her I only had one day, and asked if we could go for a walk on the beach when she got done with work.

As usual there was someone else tagging along. Usually it is one of her friends from the kitchen. This time it was honestly the cleaning girl! It was a little awkward but luckily the cleaning girl speaks very little English. So anyway, I asked the Girl if she wanted to be my girlfriend and move back to Miami and live on my sailboat with me someday. She said yes and we had a nice chat about future plans while walking down the beach. I knew she would be working that night but I asked her on a date at 0630 the next morning before she had to work again. I partied with all my old friends from the island that night and went to bed in one of the dorms excited for the next morning.

Sunrise. Koh Ru, Bamboo Island, Cambodia

05 Mar 2013

Leg 11: Koh Ru-Sihanoukville - I woke up at 0600, brushed my teeth, and was enjoying being the only one awake while anxiously awaiting the Girl to come down to the beach for our date. I was enjoying the sunrise and taking pictures but as I watched the clock hands roll past 0630 I started to wonder where she was. I started to clean the bar/patio to give my mind something else to think about. 45 minutes later she came out and apologized for sleeping in. We laughed it off and set off along the beach on our first "date". It went great.

As she went to prepare the kitchen for breakfast I helped out with some last minute sweeping of sand from the bar. I had an amazing tiger balm massage from the Girl, which consists of scraping tiger balm on your skin with the lid. I can't describe how it feels without quoting a John Cougar Mellencamp song. It hurts so good! I had a farewell ghetto party that morning as I worked for what will probably be my last time at the amazing bar in Koh Ru. Within two months a French company is going to come in a tear down the place for a big resort. Sad, but paradise doesn't last on Earth.

I got back to the mainland and as I was getting my bus ticket to Phnom Penh at Ocean Walk a familiar voice called out. Lisa! I decided to stay with the Swedes again and we sat at the bar and were entertained by Charlie. Seriously, go to Ocean Walk in Sihanoukville and have a beer with this guy, he's a trip. Lisa's brothers went off to bed early as Lisa and I went back to Sessions. It was a long day and a long night, most of it was hazy, all of it was fun.

06 Mar 2013

Leg 12: Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh - I woke up at 0830 for my 0730 bus to Phnom Penh! I hopped out of bed and ran down to talk to Matt behind the counter. Luckily there was another bus in 10 minutes. THE WINNER NEVER QUITS! I ran back upstairs and threw on a shirt and pants and said my goodbyes. I was wondering why my whole body was sore and why I had cuts, bites, and a swollen foot I couldn't recall having the day before. Also trying to figure out why my entire bag was soaked. Maybe I'll never know, probably don't want to know!

On the bus I was wondering how in the world I was going to make my flight for a 1640 departure. With all my clothes wet I had no choice but to try and find some nice clothes (I have to dress nice because I travel as a standby passenger) to wear at the airport. I was hungover, wet, and miserable. It would have been easy to quit right there. Try to change my flight to the next day and just use a personal day for work. My mantra kept playing in the back of my head. I could complain about how everything was going wrong today, or take it as an extreme challenge. I love a challenge. Bring it on!

I arrived in Phnom Penh at 1430 giving me about an hour before I needed to be at the airport. I asked the first tuk-tuk driver I saw "how long to the airport". Okay, so now I knew I had half an hour to check the internet to see if scheduling from my job back home ever responded to my question, which would allow me another week out here and no more need to worry about rushing. Also, I needed to hit an ATM and get a new wardrobe of clothes.

While on the way to the the nearest internet cafe, I ran my plan by the tuk-tuk driver, and he said it was we could make it. All I could do was have faith in him, because I didn't know how it was going to be possible. At the internet cafe, I found out scheduling had not responded to my question I had been asking for almost two weeks! Whatever, time to get some clothes after a quick stop at the ATM.

I managed to get an American Eagle shirt, Colombia khaki pants, Polo socks, and Calvin Klein boxers for $16USD! That was without bargaining. Could have paid a lot less, but no time. I handed the nice woman a $20 without waiting for change and was out of the market in no time at all. San, my tuk-tuk driver, pronounced like the first part of the word "sauna", was waiting outside the market. I hopped in and we were off to the airport, right on time! THE WINNER NEVER QUITS!

Leg 13: Phnom Penh, Cambodia(PHN)-Singapore, Singapore(SIN) - San ended up telling me the truth. It took almost exactly half an hour to the airport. I was so glad that he got me to the airport on time I gave him $20USD and told him to keep the change. $20 is a lot of money in Cambodia and probably at least 4 times what my ride cost, but he was a cool guy and helped me complete my challenge so I was glad to make his day.

Except for a strange look from the immigration officer when I handed him a soaked passport, everything went smooth all the way to Singapore. The flight ended up boarding 30 minutes late, just enough time for my clothes almost to dry! I was looking forward to Singapore and changing into dry clean clothes.

I had eleven hours to burn in Singapore until the next flight so I was planning on checking out the town for a little bit. However an article in the Tiger Airways magazine was claiming Singapore airport to be voted best in the world. After arriving, it didn't take me long to make my decision. The airport was amazing. Free internet everywhere. Cool places to watch TV. Gym, Showers, anything you wanted. I would have preferred to see the city but knowing how expensive a city it is, I decided I already wasted enough money on this trip and just take it easy in the airport.

$8.50USD for a shower, but it was totally worth it! And I made sure to get my money's worth by taking the world's longest, hottest shower. Putting on my new clean clothes was such a good feeling. After exploring the airport and posting a "she said yes" facebook post I found a comfortable place to lay down for the night not aware that my post made it sound like I just proposed to a girl! Whoops.

I was stirred from a deep sleep at 0330 to three guards armed with sub-machine guns asking to see my passport. Not the best sight to wake up to. But besides that I really enjoyed my stay in the airport.

07 Mar 2013

Leg 14: Singapore(SIN)-Hong Kong(HKG) - Over 200 seats open on this flight! Got a whole row to myself again. Unfortunately only a 3 hour and 40 minute flight.
Cost: $22.50

Leg 15: Hong Kong(HKG)-Chicago, IL(ORD) -
Cost: $26.00

United B-747, Hong Kong airport bound for Chicago

15 and a half hour flight. Got a middle seat and no personal entertainment in the seatbacks. Trust me, it makes a big difference. Also it doesn't help if you've been sitting for most of the past week in uncomfortable seats. Basically it's sleep, wake up to answer "Chicken or Beef"...sleep...wake up, "Eggs or Noodles...sleep, you're there. With a little reading in between. The movies were so bad I didn't even bother trying to watch. But whatever, can't complain for $26.00!

Leg 16: Chicago, IL(ORD)-Columbus, Ohio(CMH) - The early flights back to Miami were full so I made my way back to Columbus after finding out my personal days were approved for work. I just wanted to be somewhere that wasn't an airport, and it's always nice to go home and see the family.

08 Mar 2013

Today I found out that the Girl can't "like me like that anymore". I found out as I was looking up how to get a passport in Cambodia and a visa into the U.S for the Girl. It was a bit of a shocker, we'd only been dating like three days and hadn't even seen her or talked to her since I left. But at the same time it was a big relief. Not that I didn't like the Girl anymore or think she wasn't worth all the trouble, she is, and I was ready to do it. But I don't think either one of us was really ready.

Some people have already asked me if I'm okay, or if I feel like a fool, or any of these things. Not at all. I feel relieved almost. I'm still too young to do this I think. The first thing that popped into my mind was where am I going to go now in May! Sri Lanka, Morocco, Portugal, Sweden, China, Laos, Burma, Ecuador, Brasil, Bolivia...the possibilities are endless...is there is still a chance of going back to the island?..back into the "Love Triangle"!? Only time will tell.

The Girl said she can't like me anymore because the cleaning girl likes me and she is doesn't want to make her sad because she is like a sister to her. This is why I went through 6 countries, 13 cities, spent hundreds of dollars, baht, and riel in a week just for one date. She is such a sweetheart. And she keeps hos before bros. Or sisters before misters I guess you could say. I like that. No hard feelings. I learned a lot and I am ready to get busy living. THE WINNER NEVER QUITS...

11 Mar 2013

For those of you who know me well, you may be wondering what happened to me. I've always been single. I've always been really, really happy single. So why did I go on a crazy adventure to confess my love to a girl? Same reason we do, or don't do, most things. Fear. I got really scared of being alone for the rest of my life this year. Why? Well, it's a funny story really. I was traveling through Uruguay during the low season and didn't see another backpacker the whole time. I loved the country and everyone I did talk to was extremely friendly, however, most people thought I was Porteño (from Buenos Aires) and not too many people were interested in talking to me. The life changing moment hit me in one of my favorite small towns in the world, Mercedes, Uruguay.

It seemed the whole town was out in the park on the bank of the Rio Negro watching sunset. Everyone was a couple or a family, or groups of couples. Everyone had their thermos of hot water tucked under their arm for their yerba mate to drink. Everyone. Except two people. Myself and an old man. Both alone, and no yerba mate. He was at the very edge of the river and I was a little further back with a view of him.

For the first time in my life I felt alone. Not just alone, but lonely. It was a crazy feeling I had never felt before. I was traveling in a new country, watching a beautiful sunset, shouldn't I be happy? I vowed to myself that day that I would not be the old man watching the sunset alone.

This probably had a lot to do with the reason I took this last trip. But the best part is I learned two lessons. One on the trip to Uruguay, one on this last trip to Cambodia.
One: I don't want to be the lonely old man.
Two: I'm so freaking young! I have years and years and years before I am an old man!

Enjoying life at sunset in Koh Ru! Time to find the next paradise...

Thanks to everyone one who made this blog possible. Mom and Dad for cooking me good food and allowing me to stay here and use my old desktop computer. My favorite person in the world, my sister Andrea, for laughing with me while wondering why the Girl broke up with me. Samii for the amazing lyrics and song. Pedro for being one of my favorite bartenders to work with and sharing my pain on my Nov/Dec trip to Koh Ru. Jasmin for hooking me up with the video of the "One More Day" song. Hana, for being Hana and a great friend to everyone. Lisa, for putting up with all my worries in Bangkok! The Girl, and the cleaning girl, for making this story possible. If I had to do it again I wouldn't change anything. To all the "angel hookers" in Ho Chi Mihn City. To everyone I've ever worked with on Koh Ru and everyone that has traveled there and made it paradise. I love you all!

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Looking back on the first 9 months of 2012

10/3/2012

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Living on a boat with no electricity has been nothing short of amazing and I love the simplicity. However, my blog and website have suffered for it! Not owning a laptop or iphone has meant a lot of trips to the Coconut Grove library to check emails and work related things. I've found that I really have come to despise having to go on the internet and rarely even want to check my facebook, and updating my status has become extremely rare. So I'll just settle for trying to update everything when I come back to my parents place in Ohio.

Anyway, 2012 has been full of challenges so far and I have loved every one of them. From simple challenges like learning how to fly a new airplane, to the difficult ones such as being stuck in Bangkok with both debit cards stolen and no money! I've finally become very comfortable with living on the boat and the change of lifestyle. No longer is having to row in to shore, walk to the gym where I workout and iron my work uniform, followed by another walk to the metrorail where I catch the tri-rail and transfer to the shuttle to the airport, seem difficult anymore.

My boat, which I've decided not to rename (I hate the name of my boat) for superstitious reasons, survived it's first tropical storm and even boats coming off anchor and slamming into her. I went sailing for the first time on my new boat and look forward to continue to learn and can't wait for the day I can sail her on my own.

As far as work goes, the company is growing like crazy and new opportunities are rising left and right. I spent 5 weeks in Puerto Rico where I flew from our base in Aguadilla to San Juan, Ponce, and Punta Cana, in the D.R. It was there that I fell in love with the island of Puerto Rico, it's people and places, as well as our new aircraft, the Saab 340B+. Particularly the first aircraft of our new fleet which we flew the whole time, N341AG, nicknamed "Only the Beginning". I had the opportunity to explore a lot of the island on my time off but there is still a whole lot more I would like to see in P.R.

Other highlights of the year have been three weeks in Thailand where I met and traveled with a local girl to Koh Phi Phi who taught me basic Thai language and introduced to me some great local food. Although it may have not been my most memorable or exciting trip ever, Argentina and Uruguay was a great little last minute trip. I can't wait to go back though, especially after being forced to pay the $160USD 10 year visa for Argentina! I also spent a month living out of a hotel in Gainesville flying some of the new routes our company started in September. Atlanta and Dulles (Washington D.C.) were really cool flying into and the mountainous airports of Altoona, PA, and Lewisburg, W.V. were interesting as well.

I've also started writing a book about my travels. I've realized that this website will not turn out to be my travelogue or a way to make money. Too much work for me! And without a computer on the boat it really would be difficult to keep up with.

Updates to the site include: Pictures added to almost every page under the "Trips" section. I've decided to wait to finish my videos for the year and just make one big video recapping the whole year. I still have to put up my Indonesia pictures and videos from last year as well. Looking forward to finishing 2012 with a bang.

I'll finish this blog with the best advice I've received so far this year:

"Stay out of the trees" - A preflight briefing from one of my favorite captains at Silver Airways!

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My New Home!

1/30/2012

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0533: Here I am sitting at my computer desk, two hours away from moving into my boat. Although I know nothing about boats or living on a boat I do know that it will bring many new challenges into my life. At this point I can't even tie a knot, tell you anything about a diesel engine, I'm not good with electronics, nor am able to speak or understand the new lingo. I understand that these are only 4 out of a million new things I'll need to learn. Some have called me crazy for getting myself into something like this, but those same people also think I'm crazy for traveling the way I do and living in Miami with only a bicycle for transportation. The only way to find out if I can live on a boat is to do it. Failure is not an option. I might realize that boat life is not for me and sell the boat six months from now. However that would not be a failure in my book. Failing would be not trying in the first place.

I've dreamed of living on a boat and learning how to sail since I was a little boy. This dream comes true today and from this day on I have a whole lot of learning to do! I expect to have many embarrassing moments and make thousands of mistakes, but at the same time meet lots of new friends and learn about myself...and hopefully sailing and fixing boats! For a picture from the ad check out my new page here. Hopefully more pictures soon!

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Creative Writing 101 & Honduras

6/22/2011

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I found myself on the corner of Insanity and Bliss. The first road seemed the most practical and fulfilling for the time being. Pacing around the Broward County bus stop, cursing the world and my unexpected marathon of a day, getting more furious and frustrated with every lap. Uncharacteristic thoughts filled my mind as I watched the Publix staff lock up for the night and drive away in their air-conditioned cars while the perspiration trickled down my back, adding even more moisture to my damp pilot uniform. Wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead I looked to my right and became envious of the homeless people sound asleep on the benches. It wasn't the car or air-condition I wanted, but I would have went to extreme measures for a couple minutes of sleep.

The decision not to take either road was made by my body, which told me to plop down on the sidewalk and rest. A few minutes later I realized Bliss was not a road at all, it's a state of mind which is always right in front of us although we may be blinded by any number of distractions. Sitting on the sidewalk carpeted with a fine layer of dirt and sand, I noticed for the first time a sporadic breeze acting as nature's revolving fan. My eyes were drawn towards the night sky and the outline of palm trees swaying to a tune I was unable to hear, clouds floating on a journey inland, beneath a star filled sky. My spirits were lifted on this peaceful night as I forgot about my present situation.

The groan of a metal beast stirred my peace, as I instantly remembered why I was here. I strained to see the number of the bus approaching with high hopes of finally going home. I quickly jumped off the ground, back to the same corner, only to see the wrong bus approaching. Taking a few steps back down Insanity road, I thought better of it and decided to continue my education with a small creative writing exercise. I walked a few minutes to my usual bus stop where I knew there were benches where I could write comfortably. I sat down on one of the benches, exchanging smiles with a very old woman sitting behind me who seemed to be chewing imaginary bubblegum. All was quiet and I began writing all about my tiresome day.

Approaching 19 hours since I woke up but with a new found happiness I began to write about being delayed and extended 7 hours later than scheduled. Thinking of all the people I met on the bus and what they taught me. The guy who was a millionaire but had no dreams and just wanted to take time off when he makes enough money; J.P. who looked like a crackhead, with strange designs shaved into his head and a huge cross earring to go along with his cross chains kept me entertained while talking about bicycles and karaoke; Krish from Mumbai who sells perfume at the farmers market to support his family he hasn't seen in 18 years back home; Lewis from Costa Rica who just finished high school and wants to travel and figure out what he really wants to do before going to college or the military. It's sad most people in the USA would think this is lazy or irresponsible but I know exactly where he is coming from and hope he greatly benefits from this smart decision one day.

As I was in a groove writing, I was interrupted by the old woman who started to sing behind me. I debated putting on my ipod but decided it would be rude and I I tried to drown her out I realized it was one of the most peaceful, beautiful voices I've ever heard. I had a flashback of being a small child again rocking slowly in my Mothers arms being persuaded to sleep. It was one of those voices you couldn't sell records with it, but in the right moment it was perfect. Bliss had overtaken me just as my bus pulled up and I finally was going home. I arrived at my condo around 0230 with a sigh of relief and excitement for my trip to Honduras. My trip began on the bus early yesterday morning and hope it continues to teach me lessons through hardships and great adventures. Until I get back...

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Walk falling down through the Mosquito Coast

6/20/2011

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Wow, past couple of days. I'm currently reading Mosquito Coast, by Paul Theroux and it is slowly moving it's way into my favorite books of all time. Add to that the music video I saw this morning (Foo Fighters - Walk) which is a great tribute to one of the greatest movies of all time...Falling Down with Michael Douglas and I am in complete anarchy mode!!! Haha, I don't consider myself extreme, nor do I want to do anything to the extent of these works, but sometimes living in the USA can make you feel this way!

On the bus ride home from work today I had 3 amazing epiphanies within two hours. Just another reason to ride the bus. More on my adventures on the bus through Miami and Lauderdale and also rants on people in the USA later. Now I have to go to bed! One more day of work, until I'm outta here this country!!!

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1,000,000 EXCUSES!!!

BEACH CRUISER IN THE BIG CITY

Excuses!

BEAT RUN

NO EXCUSES - day one

traveling 7 days for 1 date

60 hours on airplanes, 35 hours at airports, 22 hours on buses, 4 hours in a taxi, 3 hours by tuk-tuk, 2 hours on boats. All for a 1 hour date walking on the beach with a sore bum!

Looking back on the first 9 months of 2012

My New Home!

Creative Writing 101 & Honduras

Walk falling down through the Mosquito Coast

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