Platinum - 52 Project - Week 50

Platinum is the symbol for a 20 year anniversary. No, I'm not married. But for me, this summer and trip, symbolized 20 years since I made a promise to myself. To visit  at least one new country every year. We traveled a lot growing up. Trips to Mexico to visit our family, vacations and our Dad  taking turns with my brothers and I to go on his business trips around the U.S.. and I still get just as excited to board a plane or pack up for a road trip. 

My promise started in 1996 with a surf trip to Costa Rica, with my GF at the time, brother and 2 of my friends.  40+ countries, too many cities to recall, and priceless memories later, I believe it's the best thing I've ever done for myself.

Turkey was my new frontier this year and it did not disappoint. I can't wait for "where" the next 20 hold. 

"Become friends with people who aren’t your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn’t the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn’t come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how you grow. Appreciate the world beyond your doorstep"

Havasu - 52 Project - Week 33

I finally made it. Lake Havasu, a large reservoir behind Parker Dam on the Colorado River, sitting on the border between California and Arizona. A place many of my friends for the past 15 + years have made their holiday weekend and summer destination.  While I was planning international trips every one of my summers, I would hear the stories and  see the pictures that would come of Havasu weekends. Part of me always wanted experience the river for two reasons, I love new experiences and something kept bringing them back. But alas, I never had a friend with his own boat or was chosen as one of few guy spots available on the boat. And I wasn't going to go to the river just to party at bars. Lame. 

Well thanks to my friends Bobby and Julio, that changed this Memorial day weekend. I got the invite and I took it. I must say that I loved being in a beautiful place of nature, enjoying time with friends, meeting new faces, jumping in the water, adult beverages and being surrounded by beautiful landscapes as pictured "the Gorge". Now toss in some fun bars & mankind's biggest baddest toys- taking music, power, speed and excitement to all sorts of highs. This clash of worlds reminded me of weekends in Glamis. Which is also a really good time (if you have friends with said toys). 

While I still would suggest to many to constantly indulge in new adventures.  I always knew the river would be a good time, I finally got to experience it for myself and know why it draws so many back year after year.  I would much rather do this than say Vegas. 

I got the Havasu crew approval and I look forward to future trips, to do it all over again with these peeps.  It was a great weekend!  I hope yours was as well.

R & R - 52 Project - Week 14

Vacation for me usually means; up early, out all day, all night, everyday. go go go. Too much to see and so little time. Usually exhausted by the time I get home, ready to jump in bed and rest from "Vacation". 

This trip to Mexico was different. The 12 days I spent traveling through Baja was incredibly relaxing. Being with my friends who live there, I was a part of Baja life, rather than the "Cabo scene".  I can't thank my friends enough for being amazing hosts and as usual, perfect travel partners. A great start to the New Year.

Relaxed, focused and ready.

Take the ride - 52 Project - Week 13

There are few joys greater than being with a couple of friends on a road while photographing.

I've been meaning to visit my friends Joe and Mj for the past three years since they moved to Los Cabos, Mexico. These Holidays they had decided on visiting family in Northern California and making a Road trip out of it with his Parents. After learning that his Folks would not be making the drive back I said, 'Swoop me up!'.

Few weeks later and here we are!

New adventure

A beautiful country

3 great friends

1400 miles.

If theres one thing I have learned, its that the quote, "It is better to travel well than to arrive".. could not be more true

I'm coming to visit! 52 Project - Week 2

This past weekend, my friend Mal flew in from Canada. Mal and I met 2 years ago in Budapest, Hungary, on a day walking tour through the city. The next day and a half we did what most travelers do, we followed it up with more sights, a few bars, randomness and getting to know each other. We swapped emails then we were off on our separate ways to new cities and adventures. We stayed in touch afterwards and a few weeks ago I received an email that said,"Hey, Im coming to visit!" "Sweet! Finally! " Mal brought her friend Krystle with her and I tried showing them a fun OC / SoCal experience. Newport, La, HB, Hollywood, Knotts Scary Farm, Venice, Rainbows, Triangle square, Roscoes, Laguna, San Clemente, a hike, party night, party day, paddle boarding and even some surfing lessons. They met several of my amazing friends and genuinely had an amazing time (i hope).

Along with awesome memories, my travels have blessed me with so many amazing friends across this beautiful world from different cultures, religions, and ages. We all found common ground to build long and lasting relationships. Next year, I’ll be traveling to France, to go to a wedding of people I met in London. I love the randomness of it all. There is so much out there if you choose to seek it. Think about how much you limit your life by only experiencing what may be in a 100 miles radius. Your future best friend, wife or husband may be out there.

Appreciate the world beyond your doorstep.