I had intentions of either taking a small hike or maybe playing nine holes of golf before hitting the road this morning but it was a dreary cold morning and neither of those ideas sounded good to me. So I just hit the road instead. The nice BS restaurant about 20 minutes down the road... Continue Reading →
Into the Arctic
The festival in Akureyri went on well into the wee hours of the morning last night; right outside my apartment window. And of course, I had to be up early. My day started with the Akureyri airport and a flight to Grimsey Island, where I would officially cross the arctic divide. I wasn't sure how... Continue Reading →
The Land of Waterfalls and Rainbows
I was not a fan of the farmhouse. I did not sleep amazing there and found the place downright creepy. I got up and ready and hit the road quickly this morning, I never even stopped to take a picture or look around the entire property. I was ready to get out. I drove down... Continue Reading →
Ice Ice Baby
If you know me well, you know I've been waiting to use that title. Today was a long day, 13 hours of on the go. I was thankful for another solid 8 hours sleep last night (and super thankful I could bring my sleep-aid of choice with me on this trip) and was packed up,... Continue Reading →
Pink Flamingos
My first time in Las Vegas I was two weeks old. My earliest childhood memories with my brother, sister, and father are in Vegas and Hawaii. My dad did a lot of work in Vegas and being as it was only a 3ish hour drive from Orange (where I grew up), we got to go... Continue Reading →
Reflections
I've done a lot of nice things for myself. Let's be honest. Luxury cars in my garage, designer labels in my closet, a nice home, jewelry, I don't shy from treating myself. But this trip is the best thing I've ever done for myself. New Zealand tested me. And in the end, it helped me... Continue Reading →
Packing & Air New Zealand
I consider myself a pretty damn good packer. And I have also learned to love and embrace carry-on packing instead of checking a larger bag. What a nightmare it would be to get to another country and not have my luggage there! Since I travel so often for work, I have "go-bags" ready with all... Continue Reading →
Random Anecdotes & More on the Tongariro
I'm going to warn you right now. This is going to be a rambling post and probably all over the place. There were a number of random thoughts/experiences I noted to write about that never made it into my other posts. This will probably also end up including more memories and notes of my travels... Continue Reading →
Winding Down
My final day here. Sigh. I woke up this morning to discover that my sun burns were doing much better; yay! The sheets on the bed no longer felt like sharp knives and the shower water no longer stung. I credit my Syrian blood, the New Zealand Cancer Society aloe vera gel, and the long... Continue Reading →
Running on Empty
What. A. Day. Let's just start from the beginning. I slept like crap last night. It was hot, the little bed and pillows were super uncomfortable, and every time I moved I'd wake up in pain from the scratching of the sheets on my sunburned limbs. No bueno. I woke up tired, hopped in the... Continue Reading →
