A New Chapter

I have a new job! It’s going to be challenging but I think this will be a great improvement. My last job was easy to do. I’m looking forward to pressure and having to hunt down answers again.

This means I’ll travel less. Traveling, as was the case with my previous job, was both a pro and a con on my list of reasons to leave. On one hand, traveling gave me a chance to see the Country, to meet new people, and see my friends. On the other, I had no consistent life and at times grew weary of living from a suitcase.

I’m excited. I’m nervous. I’ve always found good change to be refreshing and yet, its a bit frightening to step into something new. And so, here I go.

Gone for a bit.

Well. I quit blogging. I quit for a combination of reasons, you know, I was busy, too lazy, stressed about what I would say and how I would say it but mainly I quit because I grew tired of travel. For instance, tonight I'm sitting alone in my hotel room. I'm looking around at my quiet Marriott suite and thinking, "what am I doing here?" Granted, I'm stressing out about the future but at the end of the day I'm trying to figure out what the hell I'm doing traveling the USA alone...still. I like to think that everyone is stressing out about their lives but when I look around so many people have life figured out. Or perhaps it just seems that way? Or perhaps this is just a season of life that has lasted longer than your typical season.

Anyway, take 2 on the blogging.

So what's this place known for?

I'm convinced that the best traveller's are curious people. You'll notice good and bad characteristics about everywhere you travel but curious people will seek out the best and most interesting things. What do the people like to do? How do they treat each other? What is the area known for? I prefer to ask for recommendations at local gas stations, hotels, or the local dinner.

There is almost always something interesting about the place I'm visiting - not saying they're all equal - some are definitely better than others. But I wouldn't see the good things in most of these places if I didn't look.

I've learned so much from my travels and so a toast...to curiousity.

Ocean Springs Mississippi

I just left Mississippi. I was only in the state for about 24 hours but my general impression was not favorable until I hit the coast. I drove south and passed through a cute little town called Hattiesburg. As far as I can tell, the best part of Mississippi is the Gulf Coast (excluding Biloxi and it's ugly casino's). I crossed the bayou to get to a little town called Ocean Springs. The bayou was dotted with little boats and stilted houses. A beautiful sight in the late afternoon sun.

Ocean Springs has a great little downtown filled with shops, little tea rooms, restaurants, boutique's and local art. Walter Anderson (1903-1965) was a famous artist from the area. His main medium's are watercolor and carved linoleum block prints. His subjects are often animals and aquatic scenes though there's great variety in his work. I couldn't resist buying some prints. My favorite is his portrayl of the Ugly Duckling breaking free and becoming a swan (see picture). He has some beautiful Joy to the World and Noah's Ark prints as well. Check it out at http://www.walterandersonart.com/ .

Health and Image

I don't have cable at my apartment so I never watch tv when I'm home but I catch up when I'm traveling. I can't get over how every single commercial has something to do with image or health. Commercial after commercial flashed on the screen advertising a facial cream to make you look ten years younger, a kitchen counter-cleaner that kills ALL germs, a car that distinguishes you from everyone else, or a diet pill to make you skinny. Even the vaccum cleaner ads are wrapped around killing carpet-mites that can "harm your children". I know these commercials are nothing new but it seems to have intensified recently. Are we really this obsessed with image and health? It's not that we shouldn't care about health and the way we look but no need to take it to the extreme. I hope we're not all buying.

For a good time out in Fort Worth

Walk around the Stockyards. Maybe stop at one of the little bars and/or check out all the little shops.

Go to Joe T. Garcia's. It's the best Southwestern Mexican food I've ever had. You get two options: fajitas or enchiladas. Practically right after you order, the waiter brings you a plate of the house nacho's and tacos. Your main course is served with a plate of rice and refried beans. Order a pitcher of Marguerita to top off the meal. They only take cash or check so be prepared. The patio is beautiful and a little more rowdy (more fun) but it's always a long wait so opt for the indoor seating line if you're famished.

Billy Bob's Texas Honky Tonk. This place seems like a tourist trap and there are things about it that are touristy (Re: the fake mechanical bull you can pose on for professional pictures) but overall, I would say this place is pretty authentic. I could smell cow crap and tobacco the closer I got to entering the building. Billy Bob's features bull riding competitions on Friday and Saturday nights which explains the corral attached to the side of the building. There's usually some sort of live music which can really vary. I saw Three Dog Night and Kevin Fowler on different nights, like I said, it varies. My favorite thing about this bar is the two stepping. You can't miss the floor because it's right under the crystal studded western saddle, Billy Bob's version of the disco ball. In regards to the men, they ask you to dance a lot. Many guys can't dance these days, unless you count some half-ass grinding at the club, so it's nice to run into a crowd of men who know how to dance with a lady. They're also complimentary in an appropriate manner. Again, many men don't know how to say "I think you're pretty" without hitting on you or being creepy. But these laid back boys know how to at least fake polite. I'd like to hope they're genuine.

Fun times in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Invasion of the Space Sucker

You can run into a space sucker at any time and any place. I often run into space suckers in the airport because space suckers travel a lot. Hm, how to describe the space sucker? You're standing in the security line waiting to push your bin through the x-ray machine, when all the sudden you feel your personal space has been invaded, not just invaded, sucked away from you like a vaccum on the living room floor. You turn around and sure enough the person behind you is RIGHT next to you. These people are completely unaware of the unspoken rules of personal space. I find myself thinking, "If you can smell my hair then you're too close!!!" It's not a big deal but it's mildly annoying. I recently ran into a space sucker on my flight out of Houston. The woman was so close that she kept bumping into me. I don't think my shadow is even that close to me. Anyway, as I made my way through the final security check I watched as she was pulled aside for a random full inspection. Peace out space sucker! Although she'll probably enjoy the invasion of her space.

Great Expectations

It's all about expectations. If I'm paying for an upscale hotel then I expect an on-time wake up call, quality fitness center, and free toothpaste from the front desk. I wouldn't expect the same things at a country travelodge. Don't get me wrong, I love the dingy motel experience but I'd like to expect it.

My favorite hotels:

Best hotel lobby-The Fairmont San Francisco, CA - Think Great Gatsby. The lobby is all marble and filled with palm trees. Grab a bamboo chair at the lounge and order their famous mint julep.

Best view - The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, CA - The Top of the Mark restaurant offers a 360 degree view of San Francisco. Take a map, pick a window and see the sights from the 19th floor. The brunch is outstanding. Also, they have a live band and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. This is not the place to talk because the music is obnoxiously loud.

Best hotel for a quiet relaxing getaway - The Biltmore Phoenix, AZ - Designed by the famous Frank Lloyd Wright, this hotel features extensive perfectly landscaped grounds dotted by various small pools and outside bars. I'm always impressed by this peaceful resort and by the Biltmore staff. They'll take your order and serve you at the lounge chair of your choice.

Best hotel Concierge and staff- The Adolphus Dallas, TX (picture, the tapestries are on loan from the Met) - Even the bell boys are outstanding. They noticed I went out for coffee every morning and offered to make the run for me and deliver it to my room at my designated time. I preferred to go out for coffee, but the offer was impressive. This hotel is one of my all-time favorite's. It's a great blend of Texan culture and European charm with lot's of dark wood, chandelier's and mirror's. It's only a few blocks from the flagship Nieman Marcus, in case you feel like looking at things you can't afford.

Best location for designer shopping- The Drake Chicago, IL - It sits at the start of Michigan Avenue, need I say more?

Best location for boutique shopping - The Riverside Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Walk out the front door and you're right in the middle of Las Olas Boulevard with a range of dining and boutique's galore.

Best hotel to spot a politician - The Mayflower Washington, DC - Politicians from the left and right frequent this hotel and often put visiting family members up here. Hang out at the hotel cafe and bar for best odds.

Best hotel for entertainment- Bellagio Las Vegas, NV - A stay at the Bellagio puts you at a prime spot on the strip with access to all Vegas has to offer including shows, a top-shelf dance club, and the iconic Bellagio fountains.

Best hotel for the wild west expereience- El Tovar Grand Canyon, AZ - My first thought was, "I left the animal skins draped over the pack horse". It's very old west but you're right on the Canyon and it's certainly historic.

Best hotel restaurant- Four Seasons Boston, MA - It's considered one of the best restaurants in Boston which is pretty impressive for a hotel. Order some seafood.

Best gardens- Marriott Plaza San Antonio, TX - There are multiple courtyards in this hotel and one large courtyard where you'll find the pool, fitness house and several flowering walkways. It's close to the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo. One of my favorite things about this hotel is that you'll run into beautiful free roaming pheasants and peacocks in the lobby, gardens, and courtyards. Maybe it's my six-year-old attention span but I thought this was fantastic!

Best haunt- The Boulderado Boulder, CO - This victorian style hotel (seriously, lot's of floral) is famous for several different haunting stories. The most widely circulated is of a woman dressed in white who reportedly appears around the top floors of the hotel, often near the elevator where she plunged to her death. Rooms 302 and 304 are supposedly haunted by a couple who committed suicide together. I didn't notice anything, but it felt kinda creepy.

I'd like to stay at Trump Tower in Chicago and the Plaza in NYC. Most unlikely.

A Statement Piece

Isn't it incredible that a simple pair of shoes can make you feel like a million bucks? You know what I'm talking about, right? I'm not talking about your comfort pieces/everyday things. I'm talking about the statement piece. Maybe it's an antique brooch from your grandmother or a brightly colored scarf that brightens the cold winter day or a pair of 3 inch stilleto's that make your legs look amazing or a knock'em dead eye-shadow palette. Whatever it may be, it's unique and nothing can ruin your day when you're rocking it.

I have a statement necklace that answers this description. It's a rather large diamond/crystal encrusted flower with a dark green emerald center. It drapes around my neck at the perfect place, held by three strands of golden pearls. I won't tell you where I got it, but I'll just say that it looks more expensive that it actually cost. This necklace makes me feel confident, more than that, it makes me feel powerful, attractive, and unstoppable.

A few months ago, I wore it to a cocktail party in Manhattan. At the end of the evening an older gentleman came over to compliment me on the necklace. I felt the usual rush that comes when someone else recognizes my beautiful necklace, but this was more, because shortly after I learned that the man was the son of Harry Winston, one of the most famous jewelers in the World. I'm sure he knew the diamonds were fake but he obviously liked it regardless.

Like I said, it's a damn fine necklace. Cheers to the simple things.

People, calm down.

It's 5am and I'm in the airport again. I go on autopilot because I've been doing this for so long. Return car, print boarding pass, check bag, dispose of bottled water, exchange chipper comments with TSA as I get through security, FIND COFFEE, find gate. Which brings me to my story.

There are five of us in line at the airport coffee shop and things are a little backed up. At worst, slightly annoying but really this shouldn't be a problem, I mean, it's an airport coffee shop early in the morning, what did you expect? But the woman in front of me is freaking out. She is sighing loudly, leaning over the drink counter, making snippy comments at the workers. Seriously? There are no flights leaving right now, thus no need to act like a tasmanian devil. Confirmed later when she sits down at my gate (we don't board for another forty minutes). Lucky me, she's flying to the same destination. The coffee shop staff members were stressed and a little slow but they were doing a good job considering the rush. But this woman was downright rude to them. Apparently a $4 grande double pump skinny vanilla latte (that was her order) also earns you the right to berate the workers? I had to restrain from telling this woman to chill out.

I see people get worked up about little stuff like this all the time and I just want to tell them to calm down. There are more important things in the World.

I just hope she doesn't sit by me.

Nashville. You're the only ten I see.

This city is all about live music, live music, live music. Practically everyone in Nashville is into music. Most have a day job but they are out at night and somehow involved in the vibrant music scene.

My top five:

Country Music Hall of Fame - I lucked out the first time I was here because some friends and I visited when they were inducting Emma Lou Harris to the Hall of Fame. We watched the attendee's arrive on the red carpet. It was very low-key. For example, when Vince Gill arrived he looked at the small crowd that had assembled and said, "What are you doing here? Go home!". I appreciate these old-school Country music stars that don't seem interested in fame. We met a nice old man while we were watching the red carpet set-up. He's not from Nashville but he's a friend of Emma Lou's and knew the city well. He recommended we check out this little joint called the Blue Bird Cafe'.

Bluebird Cafe'. One of the best music joints in the USA if you like country/folk music. This place is for songwriters. You would drive right by this hole-in-the-wall place if you didn't know to look for it. I did know to look for it and still drove right by it. There was a short wait to get in (completely worth it). Sunday night acts aren't as heavily screened so you can't be sure what you'll hear. I mean they have to be decent but they're not guarenteed like performers on week-nights. This makes Sunday the cheapest night to go. Many music stars got their start here and new talent us is often plucked from the joint. We met this guy in line, Nick, who explained the process for getting a gig at Bluebird. Apparently there are several rounds of try-outs before you even get near performing on the weakest Sunday night. They moved to Nashville for the music scene and he was pretty pumped because his wife made the cut...finally. The staff won't hesitate to kick you out if you talk during the performance so keep your mouth shut, grab a beer (it's more of a bar than a cafe), and enjoy the music.

Legend's and Tootsie's on Broadway- Always live music and because of it's close proximity to Ryman Auditorium it used to be THE place to be after a show. If you go to Tootsie's you really should write your name on the wall or leave a business card like most of the other visitors. Also, for the ladies, this is the place to try dancing on a bar if thats something you've always wanted to do ;) Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline have performed here.

Vanderbilt Campus- One of the top 20 University's in the US. It's a beautiful campus. I was sad to learn that the Dead Poet's Society was not based on Vanderbilt like I heard. That's a myth, but the screenplay was written by a Vanderbilt grad. That's something. Oh, and Dierks Bentley is a Vanderbilt grad. Anyway, enjoy lunch on the green surronded by a variety of trees.

Red Door Bar
Take a shot and look through the hole in the floor. Any waiter can point it out for you. (See picture)

Most of this post has been random but here's a few more details: All of the big Country Music labels are based here and there's also a big Christian pop and Gospel scene. Nashville is a Baptist town and is commonly referred to as the "Protestant Vatican" as this Catholic girl discovered (St. Mary's is an outstanding Catholic book store near campus).

Also, the people here are incredibly friendly. They make Mid-Westerners and Minnesotans look like ice. Complete strangers kept giving out their validated parking tickets, offering their store discounts, and wanting to chat everywhere from the gas pump to the airport. I just kept thinking it's a good thing that I'm not a more reserved person otherwise Nashville would stress me out.

Oh Kanye. How could you be so heartless?

I've been a big Kanye West fan for years. I like his music, including his most recent, hotly debated 808s and Heartbreak CD and I'm not the only one. His resume includes a litany of praise from all the big labels, magazines, clubs, and music shows in the business. His record sales back this up as do the myriad of awards he's received in the last several years.

But I've recently discovered that Kanye is obsessed with himself. Perhaps I have just been a naiive fan. Perhaps he has always been this way and I'm only discovering this now. In my defense, he has been more "honest" since his recent announcement to leave the music industry to pursue his work in fashion. hmmm. In a recent interview with Details magazine Kanye says, "Oh my God, I'm one of the greatest rappers in the world...I'll get on a track and completely ee-nihilate that track, I'll eat it and rip in half. I wouldn't have to think of it." Later, in the same interview he says, "Put this in the magazine. There's nothing more to be said about music. I'm the f---ing end-all, be-all of music. I know what I'm doing. I did '808s' in three weeks. I got it. It's on cruise control ... Man, we talked about music for God knows how long! Now let's talk about how my f---ing sweater didn't come back right from Korea. That's what's interesting me." Wow.

I do enjoy his music but I won't support him anymore. I just can't respect a man who thinks this highly of himself. Kanye has forgotten that he had help getting to the top. What about the labels who gave him a chance when he was a snot-nosed punk? the famous leaders who helped him rise to fame? Most importantly what about the fans? Given his backgound, Kanye should know that none of us can take full credit for our successes in life. He is either a liar or an idiot. Either way he can count me out. There's just not enough room for any more love than Kanye gives himself and since he is "the f---ing end-all, be-all of music" then he can buy his own Platnum level worth of CD's and leave the fans out of it.

Philadelphia. City of Brotherly Love.

Have you ever been to Philadelphia? Let me tell you, Philadelphia is a fantastic city but just like any major city it has a distinctive culture that not everyone will appreciate. So you fly into Philadelphia on flight 1776 perhaps on USA Air which is hubbed in Philadelphia and now what do you do?

Well there's the history. First stop should be Independence Visitors Center to get tickets to Independence Hall. Tickets are free. They often run out of tickets but here's a little secret...they'll let you in anyway. Just go to the exhibit and tell the park ranger at the entrance that there are no more tickets and he'll let you enter. It only takes 45 minutes to tour the two rooms. It's worth seeing, afterall these are the very rooms where our Country was formed. You'll pass the famous Liberty Bell on your way to Independence Hall. You can't miss it. It's housed in this hideous building that blocks your view of Indepence Hall from the visitors center. Everytime I'm there I think "why did they choose to house the Bell in this ugly mismatched piece of a building?" Still waiting for an answer. You'll see the Bourse building. At eight stories high it was our Nation's first skyscrapper. Most tourists (myself included before I figured out what it was)walk by and wander out loud, what is the Bourse? Now you know. The first public library is just to the left of Independence Hall, unfortunately you can't go inside. That's right, the first public library is no longer open to the public but when you walk by keep in mind that there are some famous docuements housed there like the journals of Lewis and Clark and various drafts of the Declaration of Independence. Just make sure you see the historic sites of Philadelphia, where the story of the USA begins.

For an incredible view of the city try hiking to the top of the Art Museum steps. From there you can see the flag lined Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the City sky-line as a backdrop including the majestic City Hall which is worth a tour itself. As you're walking up the Museum steps you might notice people running to the top turning to face the city and then cheering with both arms in the air. They're imitating Rocky Balboa since this is the famous location where the now iconic scene was filmed.

The Philadelphia cheesesteak is a must. Philly native's argue amongst themselves about who is best. I recommend Pat's for two reasons: it's where the cheesesteak was invented and its less showey than Geno's. They're a bit out of the city at 9th and Wharton but its worth the drive. Cash only and you order wit or wit out (with or without onions) and name your cheese.

South street is an ecclectic neighborhood filled with tatoo parlors, hair salons, ethnic resturants, and funky little stores. There are so x-rated stores around so not a great place for kids. Its a fun area for shopping and with some of the most unique architecture, wall murals, and the best people-watching that the City can offer.

Last but not least, go to Monks. It's a fantastic little Belgium restuarant with any western beer that you would like. Beers range in price from $5-$65. The inside is kinda dark and set up to look like a medieval Church, in fact, you're even seated in old church pews. They're also known for their frites and duck salad. This is one of my favorite restuarants.

So here you a go, some recommendations for a basic tour of Philly. You can fill in more-Rittenhouse Square, see the Love statue, Downtown farmers market, Little Italy, or see a show or the symphony in the Arts district . Also, there's great shopping at King of Prussia, one of the best mall's in the Country.

Enjoy Philadelphia!

Taking the train

I prefer the train. Somehow the train seems to have escaped modernity. Taking the train is a step back into an older place, a mode of transportation where you board at stations instead of terminals and stow your suitcase on a luggage rack rather than an overhead compartment.

I took the train down to Williamsburg yesterday. Apparently, Winston Churchill took the train to Williamsburg as well. Not too shabby. Anyway, on my train-ride down I met a nice ethiopian man. He is very much in love with his wife and I asked him to tell me about her. He met her at a friend of a friends house. She came over with her Aunt and he offered his seat. She is also ethiopian and he says, "the most beautiful woman he had ever seen". If they had met in Ethiopia they would have never been able to marry because he is lower class and she is upper but because they met in the United States, he was permitted to date and eventually marry her. He had never been to this house before and never went again so its just incredible that he met her this one particular time. At the end of his story he sighed happily, looked out the window and said, "how about that for destiny?"

Starting a blog

My work requires that I travel around the United States and I've seen some of the most incredible places that this Country has to offer and met some of the most fascinating people. Most are not famous but I would argue that they are just as, if not more, interesting as the famous. So my blog will be about the various places, people, and experiences that I've had during my travels.