Saturday, December 28, 2013

My favorite restaurant




L & B Spumoni Gardens is my favorite restaurant in the world. There is no close 2nd. My favorite pizza places are mostly in NYC. I like this place because you have the option of parking (for free) or using public transportation. A walk along 86th street under the D train is always nice too. I'm always thinking about the future, but when I'm eating their Sicilian pie, I am really in the moment.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Amazing new friends










This was toward the end of my annual birthday trip. I made some amazing friends in the center and south of Thailand. Another country I thought I would never get the chance to see. 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

I may have enjoyed KL more if I knew any locals

One of my favorite shirts (Yeah Yeah Yeahs)! The day after my 34th birthday, I flew from Hat Yai, Thailand to Kuala Lumpur. Like Hong Kong 5 1/2 years earlier, I felt like I saw what I needed to see in the city itself. Maybe I will see more of Malaysia some day?
Outside the Tune Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Me in Chinatown with a piece of dragonfruit. I can't help but think that I may have enjoyed Malaysia more if I had locals to show me around.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

My favorite neighborhood in NYC

If there was one band I wish I could have seen live, it's THE CLASH. LONDON CALLING is one of my favorite albums. The East Village is one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC as well. I love taking the L train to 1st Ave. and walking south. Luzzo's (in the picture) is probably my favorite pizza after L & B Spumoni Gardens.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

The Real Little Italy?

Michaelangelo's Little Italy on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.

Blue Moon Pizzeria on Arthur Ave.

Randazzo's Seafood on Arthur Ave.




This means laughter in THAI

In 2000, I read about the "real little Italy" on Arthur Ave in the US Airways magazine, during that awkward period where all electronic devices must be turned off. I really waned to see it, but it took me another 13 years! Alexandra was a great guide that has lived in the Bronx for a long time. Unlike the more famous Little Italy in Manhattan, you can drive in (there is cheap municipal parking and some restaurants have valet) or take the Metro North to Fordham and walk 5 minutes.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Rick Steves

I'd been watching his videos for nearly 10 years. After attending the NY Times Travel Show the year earlier, I decided my next trip to California should be when one of the big travel shows was going on. I saw that Lisa Ling would be there (I was actually looking at the list for 2012) and was thrilled that I would be able to meet her & Rick Steves at the same show. Well, it turned out that LL was a 2012 guest, but Rick was there every year. I watched his speech, some of which I've heard before and got in line to meet him afterwards. I didn't need to buy books to get autographed because I brought them from home. I'm wearing a SOUNDGARDEN (Seattle band......Rick is from Edmonds) shirt...I'm not sure if Rick noticed. Like with Jimmy Carter 3 years earlier, our conversation was brief, but it was great to meet someone who seems to think the way I do and has been an influence on my travels.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy New Year from Amsterdam!!


This place was not just be best deal, but it's named after a borough near the city I live in.




The line to get into the Anne Frank house










I love fish, but did not enjoy this at all.








I had not been to Amsterdam in over 7 years. I love this city and I hope to return. I didn't eat any amazing food here, but I just enjoy walking around and taking in the atmosphere. It's a city, but it's not chaotic. Nobody seems to be in a major hurry. There's a good public transportation system and excellent museums as well.