Well, today is the big day - heading to the airport in a couple of hours with loooong flights ahead of me on the way to Sydney & Townsville, Australia, in the state of Queensland.
JP popped up at my parents in NJ this weekend and dragged me up to New York to go out and visit some old friends. She has an awesome apartment right on Central Park West at 107th St., but is giving it up to go work in LA next month. Something about working at the LA Philharmonic, sheesh. Very Cosmo!
So anyway, as many of you know, I read and was amazed and deeply touched by the book "Eat, Pray, Love," by Elizabeth Gilbert. Bought several copies and gave them away, read it twice, and it's now in my top three books all time.
So we're all chatting while walking to the bars and it turns out, JP's friend KNOWS the author!!! Calls her Liz!!! So she whips out her cell phone and makes the call to get her to come out and meet us. I'm thinking that after years of hating famous person kiss-ups, I'm about to turn into one... But she gets the voicemail and has to leave a message. And we never hear back. Oh well. Probably better that way, I'm sure "Liz" would have been weirded out by the parallels in our stories - divorce, next relationship gone wrong, interest in yoga, and the fact that two of the three countries she visited (Italy & Indonesia,) are on my trek. I would never be able to convince her that this was all in place before I read her book, and she would think I'm some stalker.
Wound up having an excellent evening at Le Monde (across from the Seinfeld diner for you sitcom fans,) and some other bar or two I'm not very clear on. The ride home the next morning was a bit oogie.
Now two days of frantic prep and a long fight with the cell phone company later, I'm paying my last bills and about to hit the road.
Please stay in touch, I miss all of you and I cannot wait to hear from you.
Stay Wet, Happy & Safe -
Ciao,
Clement
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Hiking Pics!
Just a couple cool pics from last weeks Appalachian hike. It was about 5 hours long in a loop along the AT and Mau-Har trail, and yes, I sure got rained on!
Bonus - added one of my parents and I at Monticello right before the 4th.
Bonus - added one of my parents and I at Monticello right before the 4th.
Oh, the irony!
Just a quick funny/ ironic story to tell from last Sunday.
Another beautiful summer Sunday morning in the quiet southern college town. Listless locals and summer students dawdled over their Bloodies and brunch, chatting aimlessly, people watching, and keeping an eye on the thermometer... My friend and I savored the Tex-Mex brunch at Mono Loco under their broad, fan-swept awning. Stoli Bloodies, so large fresh and cold, the condensation left Olympic Rings on the table as they disappeared sip by sip. Afterwards, a stroll down C-Ville's pedestrian-only Mall led to the local movies and we decided to watch SiCKO, a documentary about the problems with Health Care in this country. (Don't judge, I started watching MM's movies when he released Roger & Me, and like him or not - he makes some strong, if not very subtle, points!) I liked it, and it made me think but that's not the point of this blog so I'll go on.
My plans for the rest of the day included lounging by the pool reading and doing some relaxing laps in the coolish water. It's summer in VA, even the pools warm up!
Afterwards came the event I look forward to all week - pickup soccer at the local Middle School. Usually 20 or so show up, ages run from 22 - 45 (guessing) and while there is a god bit of talent and accents there, games are not too competitive. (At least it seems to me - I'm so competitive, it's hard to ramp down and I really feel like I'm coasting, I hope the others think so, too.) This week, only 11 show up so it's the 6 old guys, (of which, sadly, I'm one) playing 5 on 5 with a sub against the younger guys. You know the old adage, "Age & Treachery will always triumph over Youth & Exuberance?" Well, it was in full effect and we won 7-4. I got three goals and a swwweeeeet assist. Man, I love scoring goals - the decisive run, controlling or redirecting the ball, the magic moment when you realize the ball is not going to be stopped by all the defenders vainly striving for it. A quick fist pump as the net ripples and I turn to head back to mid-field for the restart. I like a quiet goal celebration - one that says "I'm not making a big deal because it's routine - I've done it before and I will do it again. I will score on you and you should expect it too." But inside I'm bounding and it's hard to keep that broad shit-eating grin off of my face!
So here is the ironic part - after seeing a movie in the morning about health care and how those who pay in don't always get what they hoped for, I get in a huge collision with (naturally) the biggest defender on the other team while we were both going for a loose ball. No foul, but I went flying. Literally. I must have spun around in the air horizontally twice before landing on my knees. The Pain!! My ankle is killing and the whole lower leg is numb - that popping I heard was either the bone, or tendons in my ankle snapping out of and into place.
"What a great time to have quit my job and be without health insurance!" I think, gritting my teeth. "I wonder if that bearded bastard Castro will help ME out?" Every time I have played in recent weeks, I've given a quick thought to my (lack of) Insurance status, but playing is so fun, I just take the risk. It could have been worse, for sure.
With my ankles, I expect it's just a bad sprain and it is. it happens all the time - I'll walk it off and play on the tenderness, but tomorrow it will stiffen and swell obscenely and colorfully, and the next week or two will suck.
Here's is where i am today - Running and hiking and yoga plans are now out the window. After two days of ice and elevation, I'm walking on it and the swelling is going down, but thank God I didn't need a doctor! Went to the pool today, and laps are fine, whew! I'll be fine.
I'm glad that while my ankles sprain easily, they also heal quickly - it would be an inauspicious beginning to leave on this great world-crossing adventure on crutches.
So it goes...
Clement
Another beautiful summer Sunday morning in the quiet southern college town. Listless locals and summer students dawdled over their Bloodies and brunch, chatting aimlessly, people watching, and keeping an eye on the thermometer... My friend and I savored the Tex-Mex brunch at Mono Loco under their broad, fan-swept awning. Stoli Bloodies, so large fresh and cold, the condensation left Olympic Rings on the table as they disappeared sip by sip. Afterwards, a stroll down C-Ville's pedestrian-only Mall led to the local movies and we decided to watch SiCKO, a documentary about the problems with Health Care in this country. (Don't judge, I started watching MM's movies when he released Roger & Me, and like him or not - he makes some strong, if not very subtle, points!) I liked it, and it made me think but that's not the point of this blog so I'll go on.
My plans for the rest of the day included lounging by the pool reading and doing some relaxing laps in the coolish water. It's summer in VA, even the pools warm up!
Afterwards came the event I look forward to all week - pickup soccer at the local Middle School. Usually 20 or so show up, ages run from 22 - 45 (guessing) and while there is a god bit of talent and accents there, games are not too competitive. (At least it seems to me - I'm so competitive, it's hard to ramp down and I really feel like I'm coasting, I hope the others think so, too.) This week, only 11 show up so it's the 6 old guys, (of which, sadly, I'm one) playing 5 on 5 with a sub against the younger guys. You know the old adage, "Age & Treachery will always triumph over Youth & Exuberance?" Well, it was in full effect and we won 7-4. I got three goals and a swwweeeeet assist. Man, I love scoring goals - the decisive run, controlling or redirecting the ball, the magic moment when you realize the ball is not going to be stopped by all the defenders vainly striving for it. A quick fist pump as the net ripples and I turn to head back to mid-field for the restart. I like a quiet goal celebration - one that says "I'm not making a big deal because it's routine - I've done it before and I will do it again. I will score on you and you should expect it too." But inside I'm bounding and it's hard to keep that broad shit-eating grin off of my face!
So here is the ironic part - after seeing a movie in the morning about health care and how those who pay in don't always get what they hoped for, I get in a huge collision with (naturally) the biggest defender on the other team while we were both going for a loose ball. No foul, but I went flying. Literally. I must have spun around in the air horizontally twice before landing on my knees. The Pain!! My ankle is killing and the whole lower leg is numb - that popping I heard was either the bone, or tendons in my ankle snapping out of and into place.
"What a great time to have quit my job and be without health insurance!" I think, gritting my teeth. "I wonder if that bearded bastard Castro will help ME out?" Every time I have played in recent weeks, I've given a quick thought to my (lack of) Insurance status, but playing is so fun, I just take the risk. It could have been worse, for sure.
With my ankles, I expect it's just a bad sprain and it is. it happens all the time - I'll walk it off and play on the tenderness, but tomorrow it will stiffen and swell obscenely and colorfully, and the next week or two will suck.
Here's is where i am today - Running and hiking and yoga plans are now out the window. After two days of ice and elevation, I'm walking on it and the swelling is going down, but thank God I didn't need a doctor! Went to the pool today, and laps are fine, whew! I'll be fine.
I'm glad that while my ankles sprain easily, they also heal quickly - it would be an inauspicious beginning to leave on this great world-crossing adventure on crutches.
So it goes...
Clement
Friday, July 13, 2007
I set a new diving record - 13,500 feet!!
As Ron Carmichael, my Cave-Diving Instructor once said, "as long as your descents equal your ascents, you're doing fine." Well, today I wrecked his theory. My airplane takeoffs now outnumber my landings - I took a shortcut down!
This morning, I drove to SkyDive Orange, got a little bit of training and did a tandem jump!! Wow, what a rush!! I was buckled to Nick, my Instructor, when we went out the door at 13,500' and freefell (freefalled?) for almost a minute down to about 6000' where I got to open the chute. Then Nick taught me how to maneuver and we did some dizzying spins and swings before coming in for a nice soft butt landing... High Fives and wobbly knees all around as the other 4 students completed their dives, too. "Wow!" is all I can say. Freefall is amazing, but it goes so fast! It seemed like about 10 seconds and I'm still trying to remember all of it as the adrenalin wears off. My comment to Nick was, "When can I go again?"
This morning, I drove to SkyDive Orange, got a little bit of training and did a tandem jump!! Wow, what a rush!! I was buckled to Nick, my Instructor, when we went out the door at 13,500' and freefell (freefalled?) for almost a minute down to about 6000' where I got to open the chute. Then Nick taught me how to maneuver and we did some dizzying spins and swings before coming in for a nice soft butt landing... High Fives and wobbly knees all around as the other 4 students completed their dives, too. "Wow!" is all I can say. Freefall is amazing, but it goes so fast! It seemed like about 10 seconds and I'm still trying to remember all of it as the adrenalin wears off. My comment to Nick was, "When can I go again?"
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Do we still party? Well, Dewey? Hell Yeah!!
What an interesting weekend.
Went up to DC to help out my best friend JP with some stuff on Friday and wound up doing some neat things that I haven't in a long time. Went out in Bethesda on Friday and bounced to a couple of bars - met some new fun people and caught the US Under-20 soccer team beating Brasil!! Saturday morning saw me hopping into a pool to test a new dive gear setup before my big tripola. Pretty light and it works well,, just the bulkiness. Hard to plan for the backpack. Don't know what I'm gonna do...
Then JP drags me to Dover to hang out with his Mom and his Brother's family. Now I love JP's Mom (I even call her Mom,) to her I'm one of her boys and she is the absolute nicest! But they were having a crab feast and that always makes me feel bad. I like crabs, it's just I never learned how to get the meat out and every time I try, I get all cut up and go seriously hungry. So I usually just let people think I don't like them and eat something else while sneaking the occasional claw - even I can open those! But, in typical Filipino Mom style, she has to cook all sorts of special stuff to take care of me - so she makes about three different meat options for starters and it gets worse from there. I feel so bad about her effort I wind up trying to eat everything!
JP warned me his two nieces - Julianna & Sofia - don't like strangers, and I just smiled but didn't say anything (how dumb would I look saying "all kids love me," and then they don't?) Of course, Uncle Clement became the human jungle gym. Plus, instead of playing with matchbox cars and legos like with CJ, I was in Barbie-land. How fun! Seriously though, they are two wonderful and beautiful little girls.
That night, we're sitting around and JP decides we are going to Dewey Beach to catch some bands and have some fun. I used to love Dewey, had great times there, got drunk, toasted, wasted, and seriously laid there all through college. But if you haven't noticed that was quite a while ago. "Don't worry," JP says, "there's lots of people older than us acting even stupider..." Soon after we're rolling into the B&C after finding parking (!!! - good karma!) and Love Seed Mama Jump is playing! This is a band that got popular right as we were graduating and they were back on kind of a reunion thing. Good times. We poked around the Starboard, too and had just missed the Running of the Bull. Had a f**ing great time all-around - good music, drinks, people - the works. Just like old times except now I'm 39. Swell.
Roll back to his Mom's place after 4AM, I think, and crashed out. Up early to get JP to work and I hung at the pool with his roommates and did some laps.
Monday was my last vaccination before my trip, Yeah!! Those Japanese Encephalitis germs don't stand a chance! And then I drove back to the Lake just in time for my Dad's interesting Mahi-Mahi with green peppers and blueberries. Seriously. I love jazz cooking, I think I must get my knack from him, but even I would never have tried that one. It was fine btw.
Today I went for a loooooong strenuous hike on the Appalachian Trail with about 40 lbs. in my pack. Did some pretty good ups and downs for 5 hours, got rained on hard for 2 and I'm really whipped now. Saw several families of deer crossing the trail, some woodchucks, and got the shit scared out of me by an old tree rubbing or creaking in the wind - hey, it sounded kind of like Chewbacca who looks sort of like a bear... Anyway, off to bed soon.
Last thought - I'm doing something BIG on Friday, so stay tuned...
So it goes,
C
Went up to DC to help out my best friend JP with some stuff on Friday and wound up doing some neat things that I haven't in a long time. Went out in Bethesda on Friday and bounced to a couple of bars - met some new fun people and caught the US Under-20 soccer team beating Brasil!! Saturday morning saw me hopping into a pool to test a new dive gear setup before my big tripola. Pretty light and it works well,, just the bulkiness. Hard to plan for the backpack. Don't know what I'm gonna do...
Then JP drags me to Dover to hang out with his Mom and his Brother's family. Now I love JP's Mom (I even call her Mom,) to her I'm one of her boys and she is the absolute nicest! But they were having a crab feast and that always makes me feel bad. I like crabs, it's just I never learned how to get the meat out and every time I try, I get all cut up and go seriously hungry. So I usually just let people think I don't like them and eat something else while sneaking the occasional claw - even I can open those! But, in typical Filipino Mom style, she has to cook all sorts of special stuff to take care of me - so she makes about three different meat options for starters and it gets worse from there. I feel so bad about her effort I wind up trying to eat everything!
JP warned me his two nieces - Julianna & Sofia - don't like strangers, and I just smiled but didn't say anything (how dumb would I look saying "all kids love me," and then they don't?) Of course, Uncle Clement became the human jungle gym. Plus, instead of playing with matchbox cars and legos like with CJ, I was in Barbie-land. How fun! Seriously though, they are two wonderful and beautiful little girls.
That night, we're sitting around and JP decides we are going to Dewey Beach to catch some bands and have some fun. I used to love Dewey, had great times there, got drunk, toasted, wasted, and seriously laid there all through college. But if you haven't noticed that was quite a while ago. "Don't worry," JP says, "there's lots of people older than us acting even stupider..." Soon after we're rolling into the B&C after finding parking (!!! - good karma!) and Love Seed Mama Jump is playing! This is a band that got popular right as we were graduating and they were back on kind of a reunion thing. Good times. We poked around the Starboard, too and had just missed the Running of the Bull. Had a f**ing great time all-around - good music, drinks, people - the works. Just like old times except now I'm 39. Swell.
Roll back to his Mom's place after 4AM, I think, and crashed out. Up early to get JP to work and I hung at the pool with his roommates and did some laps.
Monday was my last vaccination before my trip, Yeah!! Those Japanese Encephalitis germs don't stand a chance! And then I drove back to the Lake just in time for my Dad's interesting Mahi-Mahi with green peppers and blueberries. Seriously. I love jazz cooking, I think I must get my knack from him, but even I would never have tried that one. It was fine btw.
Today I went for a loooooong strenuous hike on the Appalachian Trail with about 40 lbs. in my pack. Did some pretty good ups and downs for 5 hours, got rained on hard for 2 and I'm really whipped now. Saw several families of deer crossing the trail, some woodchucks, and got the shit scared out of me by an old tree rubbing or creaking in the wind - hey, it sounded kind of like Chewbacca who looks sort of like a bear... Anyway, off to bed soon.
Last thought - I'm doing something BIG on Friday, so stay tuned...
So it goes,
C
Monday, July 9, 2007
July 4th Competitions - No medals, just great feelings.
Greetings Friends & Fam,
For me, one of the best things about being unemployed is the time I've discovered to get back into some things in life that have dropped by the wayside as I got so busy with home, career, and marriage. Working out is probably the biggest of these, but getting a chance to read alot is a close 2nd. Minus a couple of days to nurse injuries, I've been active in some way almost every single day since I left Splash. Mainly running and swimming, but I've managed to do a bunch of canoeing, play some pick-up soccer (my fave, but opportunities are rare,) mountain biking, hiking, and a bit of yoga. I'm really proud of my progress...
Well on July 4th, I had the opportunity to participate in two physical events, luckily enough, two of the very things I'd been doing! I wondered how I'd do - I know I'm up to running an hour and a half at a time, and swimming a mile in the pool, but that's just against myself. So I signed up for an AM 5K road race and an afternoon mass swim across the lake (about 650 yards as near as I can figure,) with the added bonus that my Dad was giving the swim a shot too!
I had no idea how many people would show up at 6:30AM on a Holiday - especially since I rarely see anyone running when I'm out and about - and was amazed when over 200 runners showed up. And some sure looked fast. Luckily I'd run most of the course as a smaller part of my runs so I knew what the hills were gonna be like, and no surprise, the race was gonna end on a decent uphill sprint. I knew I was never going to win anything, I would be happy just to run a decent time and not be last. Started gently and just figured on keeping a steady pace and not letting anyone older than 70 pass me. Found out on the back half I had a lot more wind than I thought and reeled in a bunch of runners, especially on that final hill. Well, I managed a 27:02 (and started about 20 seconds behind the line so I know it's better,) not anything great, but I am really pleased with the results. Surprised, too.
For the afternoon swim, Dad and I were chauffered around the lake and dropped off at the starting beach. Did the paperwork and got the numbers inked on our backs and arms (above the turtle if you were wondering, it was funny watching the lady try to decide where to put it,) and joined the other 300+ at the water's edge. Overheard and met a woman who had forgotten a rubberband for her hair and loaned her the bungee off my wrist (once a Dive Instructor...,) to help. They divided us into two groups, one competitive and the other recreational which would follow the faster swimmers a minute later. I chose to swim with Dad in the non-competitive group (haven't had a swim race since college, and never in a lake - can't see and no flip-turns!) As soon as the "fast" group churned away heading for the far shore, I knew I should have gone with them - I might be a bit overly modest and under-confident how I would stack up, but it was obvious that many of the 1st group were a bit optimistic, too. Our group was held back more than three minutes and then we were off! I didn't want to be dodging other bodies in the murky water (when oh when am I going to be done with low-vis freshwater lakes??) so I started strong to get in front of the thrashers. Picked out a colorful umbrella on the far destination beach and grabbed a quick look every 5 breaths or so to navigate. It was really weird swimming on and on and on without a wall to turn and push off from. Just the occasional safety boat and kayaker cheering "Go! Go!" Suddenly, a pair of feet popped put of the gloom in front of me and I started almost running people over - it was those optimistic stragglers from the 1st group! As I felt a great burst of confidence I turned on the burners a bit, dodging bodies and then my fingers were scraping sand and I rose to my feet and jogged up the beach. What a great feeling to look back at a long stretch of open water you have just conquered and also realize I'd also overtaken at least half of the 1st group, too! Met my Mom, sister, nephew, and Aunt & Uncle on the beach and then cheered Dad in. Then I felt a tap on my arm and it was the girl returning my bungee - I figured with that many swimmers, it was just gone when I loaned it out.
That night the family had a cookout, a local friend joined us and we played some soccer with CJ. I finally capped it off sitting in the grass with CJ watching a really good firework display.
"What a great day," I thought as I dragged my tired & sore body off to bed.
Thanks for reading...
C
Friday, July 6, 2007
The Itinerary!!!! (Cue dramatic kettle drums...)
You know, it's just a bunch of copying to get this in, but even now, I'm resisting the urge to write about other stuff - 4th of July at the lake, sightseeing Monticello, the results of my 5K race and Cross-Lake swim. But, no - I've been getting bugged to share this so all that other fun stuff will just have to wait until the next time...
July 30th
Newark to San Fran, then to Sydney on United. Arrive the 1st!!
August 1st
Sydney to Townsville on Virgin Blue
Visiting Jenn at James Cook University. Diving Great Barrier Reef and renting a car to go trekking Aussie wilderness in Queensland.
August 8th
Townsville to Brisbane on Virgin Blue
August 9th
Brisbane to Bangkok on Thai Airways Intl
2 months of diving and touring Thailand, I also plan to hit Cambodia, 'Nam, Malaysia & Indonesia. Not sure if I have the time... 2 months isn't enough!!??!! Definite Chiang Mai for cooking class and massage class (sign up now for demos when I return...) Definite Phuket, Ko Tao, Ko Samui & Ko Phi-Phi. Definite Angkor Wat and Killing Fields. Def Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Delta. Def Singapore, and surf lessons in Bali. Def dive somewhere in Indonesia...
October 7th
Bangkok to Qatar on Qatar Airways (should be a fun flight.)
October 8th
Qatar to Seychelles on Qatar Airways
10 weeks volunteer project counting turtles, tagging whale sharks and doing coral reef surveys.
You wouldn't believe the amount of homework I need to do to prepare!!
Here's an overview of the expedition:
http://www.gvi.co.uk/pages/expeditionDetail.asp?expedition=57
I've pretty much decided against extending here and trying to get a job like I'd talked about. They make it hard - no guarantee ahead of time so planning was hard and if you are accepted, plus there is a three week gap I'd have to fill before it starts - and I've had to make plans for after the project ends. Maybe I can come back months later...
December 20th
Seychelles to Mauritius to Madagascar on Air Mauritius (hmmm!)
Plan to dive Nose Be and see some rainforests.
December 26th
Madagascar to Kenya to Tanzania on Air Madagascar (parachutes thoughtfully provided...)
Dive Zanzibar, climb Kilimanjaro and make way overland to Nairobi visiting Olduvai Gorge and safari parks along the way. Ship Dive gear home (and pray) and buy/rent some warm stuff for Mountain Climb and next stop...
January 18th (CJ's Birthday!)
Kenya to Rome on British Air (end of roughing it for six months!)
Gonna get some warm (and fashionable!) clothes and visit Rome and Naples and Pompeii - staying south this time.
January 25th
Rome to London to JFK on BA again.
Land late at night and stay with friends in NY - any volunteers? Email me!!
January 26th
Get home to parents somehow and start to figure out what to do with the rest of my life - any suggestions?
If you have any thoughts on the trip or suggestions what I should see or do that I haven't put in here, please let me know.
Dates and destinations are set - I've got a big envelope full of airline tix - but I welcome any input!
Ciao and Stay Wet,
C
July 30th
Newark to San Fran, then to Sydney on United. Arrive the 1st!!
August 1st
Sydney to Townsville on Virgin Blue
Visiting Jenn at James Cook University. Diving Great Barrier Reef and renting a car to go trekking Aussie wilderness in Queensland.
August 8th
Townsville to Brisbane on Virgin Blue
August 9th
Brisbane to Bangkok on Thai Airways Intl
2 months of diving and touring Thailand, I also plan to hit Cambodia, 'Nam, Malaysia & Indonesia. Not sure if I have the time... 2 months isn't enough!!??!! Definite Chiang Mai for cooking class and massage class (sign up now for demos when I return...) Definite Phuket, Ko Tao, Ko Samui & Ko Phi-Phi. Definite Angkor Wat and Killing Fields. Def Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Delta. Def Singapore, and surf lessons in Bali. Def dive somewhere in Indonesia...
October 7th
Bangkok to Qatar on Qatar Airways (should be a fun flight.)
October 8th
Qatar to Seychelles on Qatar Airways
10 weeks volunteer project counting turtles, tagging whale sharks and doing coral reef surveys.
You wouldn't believe the amount of homework I need to do to prepare!!
Here's an overview of the expedition:
http://www.gvi.co.uk/pages/expeditionDetail.asp?expedition=57
I've pretty much decided against extending here and trying to get a job like I'd talked about. They make it hard - no guarantee ahead of time so planning was hard and if you are accepted, plus there is a three week gap I'd have to fill before it starts - and I've had to make plans for after the project ends. Maybe I can come back months later...
December 20th
Seychelles to Mauritius to Madagascar on Air Mauritius (hmmm!)
Plan to dive Nose Be and see some rainforests.
December 26th
Madagascar to Kenya to Tanzania on Air Madagascar (parachutes thoughtfully provided...)
Dive Zanzibar, climb Kilimanjaro and make way overland to Nairobi visiting Olduvai Gorge and safari parks along the way. Ship Dive gear home (and pray) and buy/rent some warm stuff for Mountain Climb and next stop...
January 18th (CJ's Birthday!)
Kenya to Rome on British Air (end of roughing it for six months!)
Gonna get some warm (and fashionable!) clothes and visit Rome and Naples and Pompeii - staying south this time.
January 25th
Rome to London to JFK on BA again.
Land late at night and stay with friends in NY - any volunteers? Email me!!
January 26th
Get home to parents somehow and start to figure out what to do with the rest of my life - any suggestions?
If you have any thoughts on the trip or suggestions what I should see or do that I haven't put in here, please let me know.
Dates and destinations are set - I've got a big envelope full of airline tix - but I welcome any input!
Ciao and Stay Wet,
C
Monday, July 2, 2007
Guilt
Ok, Ok, I know I promised to get my big trip itinerary up soon, and really, I meant to... I was going to do it tonight, but all this other stuff just flowed out of me!
How about a pic of Leeanna, Ripple, Gary and myself rafting in Costa Rica just about a year ago, will that make it better? Here ya go.
Family Time
This week has been low key - spent part at my sister's in Richmond playing uncle. Got to watch my 5 year old nephew CJ at soccer camp (so so, SO proud, my heart was literally bursting watching him dribble down the field - mostly headed in the right direction too!) Lots of pool time and did some shopping at Blue Ridge Mtn Sports where I got some great info for Shenandoah hikes, I cannot wait to try out the suggested trails. Looks like maybe next week before I get to go as I've had lots of company here in C'Ville.
I also have something really big that I'm excited about in the works, might be the coolest thing so far this summer if the timing works out - stay tuned.
JP came down for the weekend and we canoed, drank too much, and had a very memorable night in town with Jason, a guy who just moved to town three weeks ago and lives about 3 miles from the lake. Quote of the evening, "Hey girls, listen up..." those of you who know JP must press him for the details!
Hours after JP left, my parents and my Aunt & Uncle from Colorado showed up for the 4th of July week. Went back to Richmond today for a visit/cage match with CJ (where do they get their energy and how can we harness it?) and we plan on sightseeing Monticello & Ashlawn tomorrow. Amazingly, I've never been before! My parents were strong believers in US History as I was growing up so most of our vacations included the local colonial villages and the like. From the Independence Trail in Boston to the Liberty Bell, Fort Ticonderoga, Valley Forge, DC & the Smithsonians, Mt. Vernon, Williamsburg, and Mystic Seaport, I thought I'd seen every hot, bored teenager in breeches and a ratty tri-cornered hat on the East Coast being forced to dip candles or run a spinning wheel for a minimum wage summer job. But how could I have missed the site of Tom Jefferson's cross-cultural liaisons with Sally Hemming at his fabulous plantation of Monticello???? Tomorrow that will be rectified.
Wednesday is the lake's July 4th celebrations!! There is a 6 block long parade (3 blocks each way!! More sizzling details after I witness the extravaganza...) the across the lake swim, and we are also cooking out at the house with my sister's fam that night. I'll be sure to let you know how the swim goes.
Read "London Fields" by Martin Amis, Jacques Cousteau's book on inventing scuba diving named "The Silent World," and laughed my ass off reading Maartin Troost's "Sex Lives Of Cannibals." The last book is a hilarious look at a young DC man, kind of drifting in life, who whimsically wanders out to the South Seas to live for a couple of years; hmmmmm. It's kind of a "Don't Stop The Carnival" for the present day. He has a sequel titled "Getting Stoned With Savages" which explores his further island adventures, I'm hitting Amazon next...
Been running hard and swimming, (runs are up to 7-8 miles now,) and getting ready for my races. Funny thing happened yesterday as I was struggling up the hill with about 5 minutes to go on an hour long run, a passing SUV full of teenaged girls catcalled and sexually harassed me! "Hey, sexyyyyy!!" strange guttural noises, and comments about my butt!! I'm shocked, and I feel so violated and ashamed. If only I'd gotten a license plate, I'd tell them what I think of their degrading antics,... and ask for more.
That's all for now,
Ciao,
C
I also have something really big that I'm excited about in the works, might be the coolest thing so far this summer if the timing works out - stay tuned.
JP came down for the weekend and we canoed, drank too much, and had a very memorable night in town with Jason, a guy who just moved to town three weeks ago and lives about 3 miles from the lake. Quote of the evening, "Hey girls, listen up..." those of you who know JP must press him for the details!
Hours after JP left, my parents and my Aunt & Uncle from Colorado showed up for the 4th of July week. Went back to Richmond today for a visit/cage match with CJ (where do they get their energy and how can we harness it?) and we plan on sightseeing Monticello & Ashlawn tomorrow. Amazingly, I've never been before! My parents were strong believers in US History as I was growing up so most of our vacations included the local colonial villages and the like. From the Independence Trail in Boston to the Liberty Bell, Fort Ticonderoga, Valley Forge, DC & the Smithsonians, Mt. Vernon, Williamsburg, and Mystic Seaport, I thought I'd seen every hot, bored teenager in breeches and a ratty tri-cornered hat on the East Coast being forced to dip candles or run a spinning wheel for a minimum wage summer job. But how could I have missed the site of Tom Jefferson's cross-cultural liaisons with Sally Hemming at his fabulous plantation of Monticello???? Tomorrow that will be rectified.
Wednesday is the lake's July 4th celebrations!! There is a 6 block long parade (3 blocks each way!! More sizzling details after I witness the extravaganza...) the across the lake swim, and we are also cooking out at the house with my sister's fam that night. I'll be sure to let you know how the swim goes.
Read "London Fields" by Martin Amis, Jacques Cousteau's book on inventing scuba diving named "The Silent World," and laughed my ass off reading Maartin Troost's "Sex Lives Of Cannibals." The last book is a hilarious look at a young DC man, kind of drifting in life, who whimsically wanders out to the South Seas to live for a couple of years; hmmmmm. It's kind of a "Don't Stop The Carnival" for the present day. He has a sequel titled "Getting Stoned With Savages" which explores his further island adventures, I'm hitting Amazon next...
Been running hard and swimming, (runs are up to 7-8 miles now,) and getting ready for my races. Funny thing happened yesterday as I was struggling up the hill with about 5 minutes to go on an hour long run, a passing SUV full of teenaged girls catcalled and sexually harassed me! "Hey, sexyyyyy!!" strange guttural noises, and comments about my butt!! I'm shocked, and I feel so violated and ashamed. If only I'd gotten a license plate, I'd tell them what I think of their degrading antics,... and ask for more.
That's all for now,
Ciao,
C
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Summer Update
Wow, I cannot believe two weeks have gone by - time sure flies when you are doing not much... Actually, I've been a lot busier than that. Still in VA, right now I'm holed up at my sister's house for a couple of days, helping out with the nephews and enjoying TV and internet for a change. I am loving staying at my parent's house at the lake but the no TV or internet thing is a big switch from Reston where I had high-speed wifi, every cable channel and a DVR... I got out of the TV habit (no Entourage!) in a week but the internet addiction is much tougher! I heard on NPR a year or two ago about a study that paid people to give up all internet for a period of time (maybe 2 months or so,) that ran into problems because almost all the subjects cheated or tried to pay their way out of it. At the time I laughed, but now, not so much. I've been trying to pirate neighborhood signals to check email! I have to drive in to a bar in Charlottesville to watch soccer games and have met some soccer junkies there. Cheered on the USA in a HUGE victory over the dastardly Mexicans... We're planning on meeting on Thursday for the US vs. Argentina game, go USA!!
So what have I been doing you ask? I've been up to DC a couple of times to root for my beloved DC United, get shots, and visit friends. A couple of parties there and just last week I wangled my way into a rec-league soccer game. They were short a goalie and I modestly offered my services to avoid the forfeit (neglected to mention to my teammates that I haven't played that positiion since I got addicted to scoring goals at age 8.) A bunch of borrowed gear later, I was all set and even managed to keep the ball out of the net. After half-time I offered, "If anyone's tired, we can trade shirts and I'll go play the field?" And before I knew it, I was laughing my way up and down the field, having a blast!!!! Only downside was the lavender jersey, (who chose this??) We held on to tie a much more talented team and I came close to a goal or two, but Oh The Feeling! I forgot how much I missed it - looking back and trying to put it into words I realize I sound like Frank DeFord getting a boner over baseball so I'll spare you. Let's just say I will be finding a team wherever I settle.
My best friend came down to the lake last weekend and we had a great time, cooked out and cruised around - even went into C'Ville for the nightlife.
When in Richmond I've been hitting the pool every day with my nephew, playing with him and doing laps during the Adult Swims. I think the playing may be more of a workout - diving after toys, racing around, and throwing him all over might not be Gold's Gym approved, but whew! It's hilarious but every day, some woman looks at me, looks at CJ, looks back at me and says "You're Melissa's brother the Dive Instructor!" all these Moms have heard about me from CJ or school or something. I think they realize I'm not CJ's Dad, note the turtle tattoo and connect the dots. Then the best part is they all say "I'm ____'s Mom, " while I've got 6 kids in the pool draped over me and I have no clue the names of any of the kids. Interesting how when you have children your name changes.
Other than that, I've been reading, running, biking, canoeing and just started hiking. I've bought a big backpack for my big backpacking trip, (go figure,) and am taking advantage of the nearness of the Shenandoah and the parks around. Nothing overnight, just some strenuous day hikes with about 40 lbs. in the ruck. Trying to get ready for Kilimanjaro, I guess, but not sure if it will help since that will be in January and I've got lots of flat islands and diving between now and then.
Only other athletic plan of note is a 5K race coming up and a swimming race across the lake set for July 4th, I'll let you know how it goes. My sis asked me the other day if I was going to get into triathlons (smart ?, I've been running hard for a couple of months, swimming now that pools are open and just got a bike,) and I actually wondered if I might. But then I imagine triathlete bodies - lean, sinewy runner types and I'm more the broad shouldered swimmer type - and laugh at the picture.
I just realized how much I've gone on without writing the biggest news - I've got my whole itinerary for The World Tour '07! I will put it up in another post, you'll have to check back and tune in but here's a hint (other than the Kilimanjaro thingie,) I may have to rename the blog "Clement's World Tour '07-'08!"
Hope you enjoyed the pics of the pool and hiking...
Ciao and stay wet!
C
So what have I been doing you ask? I've been up to DC a couple of times to root for my beloved DC United, get shots, and visit friends. A couple of parties there and just last week I wangled my way into a rec-league soccer game. They were short a goalie and I modestly offered my services to avoid the forfeit (neglected to mention to my teammates that I haven't played that positiion since I got addicted to scoring goals at age 8.) A bunch of borrowed gear later, I was all set and even managed to keep the ball out of the net. After half-time I offered, "If anyone's tired, we can trade shirts and I'll go play the field?" And before I knew it, I was laughing my way up and down the field, having a blast!!!! Only downside was the lavender jersey, (who chose this??) We held on to tie a much more talented team and I came close to a goal or two, but Oh The Feeling! I forgot how much I missed it - looking back and trying to put it into words I realize I sound like Frank DeFord getting a boner over baseball so I'll spare you. Let's just say I will be finding a team wherever I settle.
My best friend came down to the lake last weekend and we had a great time, cooked out and cruised around - even went into C'Ville for the nightlife.
When in Richmond I've been hitting the pool every day with my nephew, playing with him and doing laps during the Adult Swims. I think the playing may be more of a workout - diving after toys, racing around, and throwing him all over might not be Gold's Gym approved, but whew! It's hilarious but every day, some woman looks at me, looks at CJ, looks back at me and says "You're Melissa's brother the Dive Instructor!" all these Moms have heard about me from CJ or school or something. I think they realize I'm not CJ's Dad, note the turtle tattoo and connect the dots. Then the best part is they all say "I'm ____'s Mom, " while I've got 6 kids in the pool draped over me and I have no clue the names of any of the kids. Interesting how when you have children your name changes.
Other than that, I've been reading, running, biking, canoeing and just started hiking. I've bought a big backpack for my big backpacking trip, (go figure,) and am taking advantage of the nearness of the Shenandoah and the parks around. Nothing overnight, just some strenuous day hikes with about 40 lbs. in the ruck. Trying to get ready for Kilimanjaro, I guess, but not sure if it will help since that will be in January and I've got lots of flat islands and diving between now and then.
Only other athletic plan of note is a 5K race coming up and a swimming race across the lake set for July 4th, I'll let you know how it goes. My sis asked me the other day if I was going to get into triathlons (smart ?, I've been running hard for a couple of months, swimming now that pools are open and just got a bike,) and I actually wondered if I might. But then I imagine triathlete bodies - lean, sinewy runner types and I'm more the broad shouldered swimmer type - and laugh at the picture.
I just realized how much I've gone on without writing the biggest news - I've got my whole itinerary for The World Tour '07! I will put it up in another post, you'll have to check back and tune in but here's a hint (other than the Kilimanjaro thingie,) I may have to rename the blog "Clement's World Tour '07-'08!"
Hope you enjoyed the pics of the pool and hiking...
Ciao and stay wet!
C
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Karrie sent me a great Antarctica Pic!
I was in Antarctica on a dive trip back in March and on one day, the sun came blazing out and on the side of the ship sheltered from the wind, it was beautiful! Had to be 60 degrees in the sun, but if I walked around the corner back into the wind --- look out!! Frostbitten knees would not be pretty. The crew thought I was crazy anyway, but it was soooo nice out there...
Done the Wine Trail!
After almost three continuous weeks of driving and wining, and months of trips, the great wine expedition has come to a close. I should probably sit down and total up the miles I've driven and wines I've tried, but there's just too many and I think my brain cells need to time to recover anyway. When my friend's book is published, I'll let you know.
I have realized a couple things:
Virginia is beautiful. From the Shenandoah Valley down the Blue Ridge, from quaint towns like Staunton, Abingdon and Middleburg, all the parks and forests and the thousands of miles of winding back country roads that connect it all... after living in the NoVa DC suburbs for seven years, I've finally discovered the beauty surrounding me and wished it had been sooner. Oh, I knew it was out there - I took some great hiking trips and a wonderful romantic long weekend driving my open-top jeep down the Blue Ridge Pkwy to a B&B at the height of the autumn colors, but there was so much more that I never knew! I'll never regret all the travel I did farther afield, but there was great beauty and experiences in my backyard, too! These past two months I've said over and over that I want to come back and just drive and explore all these out of the way places from a convertible, just enjoying the ride and the view...
Virginians are some of the friendliest people anywhere. Everywhere we went, talking to fellow tasters, getting help or directions, or just trying to find a good place to eat or a safe place to go running in a tiny town - I encountered nothing but helpful friendly smiles and a genuine interest and willingness to share.
Here are my favorites, (please remember I like big, dry, vibrant reds and try to avoid the sweet and blush wines.)
In no particular order - Valhalla, Pearmund, Fabbioli Cellars, Villa Appalaccia, Linden, Horton, Abingdon, Gabrielle Rausse, Gray Ghost, Gadino, DelFosse, and Savoy-Lee. Some others were really pretty or friendly, but these had my favorite wines!
If you want to find them, check here:
http://www.virginiawines.org/
But don't worry if you like the sweet stuff - every winery had at least a couple of these to "satisfy the locals."
Right now, I'm back in Charlottesville and heading to DC tomorrow for a DC United game and a vaccination visit as I prepare to head to Asia.
More on that later...
I have realized a couple things:
Virginia is beautiful. From the Shenandoah Valley down the Blue Ridge, from quaint towns like Staunton, Abingdon and Middleburg, all the parks and forests and the thousands of miles of winding back country roads that connect it all... after living in the NoVa DC suburbs for seven years, I've finally discovered the beauty surrounding me and wished it had been sooner. Oh, I knew it was out there - I took some great hiking trips and a wonderful romantic long weekend driving my open-top jeep down the Blue Ridge Pkwy to a B&B at the height of the autumn colors, but there was so much more that I never knew! I'll never regret all the travel I did farther afield, but there was great beauty and experiences in my backyard, too! These past two months I've said over and over that I want to come back and just drive and explore all these out of the way places from a convertible, just enjoying the ride and the view...
Virginians are some of the friendliest people anywhere. Everywhere we went, talking to fellow tasters, getting help or directions, or just trying to find a good place to eat or a safe place to go running in a tiny town - I encountered nothing but helpful friendly smiles and a genuine interest and willingness to share.
Here are my favorites, (please remember I like big, dry, vibrant reds and try to avoid the sweet and blush wines.)
In no particular order - Valhalla, Pearmund, Fabbioli Cellars, Villa Appalaccia, Linden, Horton, Abingdon, Gabrielle Rausse, Gray Ghost, Gadino, DelFosse, and Savoy-Lee. Some others were really pretty or friendly, but these had my favorite wines!
If you want to find them, check here:
http://www.virginiawines.org/
But don't worry if you like the sweet stuff - every winery had at least a couple of these to "satisfy the locals."
Right now, I'm back in Charlottesville and heading to DC tomorrow for a DC United game and a vaccination visit as I prepare to head to Asia.
More on that later...
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Whoops, old post out of order.
All right, here's my first rookie blogger mistake - I couldn't get this to post a couple of days ago (it's supposed to be my 2nd post,) and now it's out of order. Hmmm, learning experience I guess... Anyway it's from June 3rd and I've already updated the first one to today, grrrrrr, so take that into account if you get mixed up like I obviously am!
In Manassas - just did two days at Vintage Virginia, a huge wine festival with something like 60 wineries!! I even ran into my old head brewer from Cap City days, Bill Madden, who is brewing out in Leesburg. Random meetup! Tasted most of the 17 wineries we hadn't hit before and hung out with Anne & Marianne who are roommates and work around here somewhere. Hot and sunny so much I thought I'd die Sat and then rainy and cool on Sunday, so there was a big difference in the crowds each day. Lots of bunches of friends having a party and couples sharing a cool experience - I'd definitely recommend this activity for either group, just make sure you have a driver, there are cops everywhere!!!
My fave? = Fabbioli Cellar's "Tre Sorelle" and Villa Appalachia's "Toscanella" Also tried a great Sangiovese, but cannot recall which winery right now. I'm definitely into the Italian Reds, big feel, dusty dry and exploding flavors. Yummy!
Other notes, did a 1 hour rain run this morning and saw "Mr. Brooks" starring Kevin Costner this evening - disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer, the people they encounter and their cult of personality.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try and get a vaccination for Japanes Encephalitis and then head to Lake Monticello for the night... after that it's up and out for a looooooooong drive to the far corner of SW VA as we finish up the winery visits for this book. I think there's like 139 in the state and I must have done half of them with my friend the author. We're down to the last 20 or so so it's home stretch time. They are all starting to run together in my mind and I don't know how she is keeping them straight - maybe I should have learned that lesson in school and taken some notes?
In Manassas - just did two days at Vintage Virginia, a huge wine festival with something like 60 wineries!! I even ran into my old head brewer from Cap City days, Bill Madden, who is brewing out in Leesburg. Random meetup! Tasted most of the 17 wineries we hadn't hit before and hung out with Anne & Marianne who are roommates and work around here somewhere. Hot and sunny so much I thought I'd die Sat and then rainy and cool on Sunday, so there was a big difference in the crowds each day. Lots of bunches of friends having a party and couples sharing a cool experience - I'd definitely recommend this activity for either group, just make sure you have a driver, there are cops everywhere!!!
My fave? = Fabbioli Cellar's "Tre Sorelle" and Villa Appalachia's "Toscanella" Also tried a great Sangiovese, but cannot recall which winery right now. I'm definitely into the Italian Reds, big feel, dusty dry and exploding flavors. Yummy!
Other notes, did a 1 hour rain run this morning and saw "Mr. Brooks" starring Kevin Costner this evening - disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer, the people they encounter and their cult of personality.
Tomorrow, I'm going to try and get a vaccination for Japanes Encephalitis and then head to Lake Monticello for the night... after that it's up and out for a looooooooong drive to the far corner of SW VA as we finish up the winery visits for this book. I think there's like 139 in the state and I must have done half of them with my friend the author. We're down to the last 20 or so so it's home stretch time. They are all starting to run together in my mind and I don't know how she is keeping them straight - maybe I should have learned that lesson in school and taken some notes?
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