Lisbon Portugal

We took a weekend "spa" vacation to Lisbon Portugal. We stayed at teh Sheriton Spa Hotel near down town.

Lisbon felt like Barcelona, Athens and Belgium all rolled into one city. Since we only spent a few days there we didn't really get a true sense of the city and the people so it's not really fair for me to judge. That being said, I don't really have a reason to go back. IMO, there was nothing of real interest to see or do.

Day one is rained, and I mean rained hard. We walked around down town and got soaked. the sidewalks are quite old and rocky which made walking tough. We had some of the worst pizza ever at a sidewalk cafe' with a leaky tent out front. The beer was cold and cheap though!

Next day we took a tour bus to see the sights. It took about 3 hrs and we saw most everything there was to see, which, was not a whole lot. The Coach Museum was probably the most interesting.

Paris - January 2010

We spent the entire month of January living in Paris. What fun! However, it was COLD and wet. Too cold to truly get out and see and do all the things that we wanted. Especially with a 3 1/2 year old. The one thing I can say though is it's an "easier" city to manage than London. Driving is MUCH easier and the street system is better thought out. I also found most all of the french to be quite friendly and helpful.

Our flat was just a 3min walk from the Arch D'Triumph so we where in a very nice area and close to just about everything. The outdoor seating at the little cafe's was great. i just wish it had been a bit warmer so we could really enjoy them.

On the down side, it was VERY expensive. I saw bottled water (yes, water) in the store for €35 ($55)!! water! A pint of beer was about €8 ($12) and so on. The streets are also completely covered in dog shit. Not just a little poo here and a little there. It was every where. You really had to be careful walking around. I guess it was good that it was so cold....all the dog turds where frozen!

Scottsdale AZ

We are now back in the wet, cold, windy UK after our annual home trip back to Scottsdale AZ for Thanksgiving break. This time we spent a total of 10 days and had awesome weather! It was sunny and about 78 degrees each day; perfect! It was REALLY tough to come back to the UK this time due to many factors; lots of sun and some great biking to name just a few! My Dad and Cyndi also made the trip down from the Tri cities which mde for a great holiday.

I was able to hook up with some locals and hit some great AZ trails. We road Black Creek Canyon and McDowell. Black Creek is much more technical and McDowell is more like a XC race course. I was also able to get in a couple of road rides since my buddy Steve loaned me a bike (Look 566). I also picked up 2 new bikes: a Cannondale Rize Carbon 1 and a System Six. The Rize is an amazing bike. It rides like nothing else I've ridden to date. Very plush but super efficient. You seem to sit "in" the bike and not on it. The system is going to be more of a second/winter bike. It's in brand new condition w/full Dura-ace

Edinburgh Scotland

Last weekend we went to Edinburgh Scotland for a quick 3 day get-away. We talked about driving but it's over 500 miles and that was just to far for only 3 days. So we took an early AM flight Friday and came home late Sunday night.

After arriving early on Friday we checked in to the Sheraton Spa and resort, had lunch at a local pub then headed to Edinburgh castle. It was sunny out too!! The castle is quite large but not really "castle like" imo. None the less, it was a great one to see and the overall presentation was very good. As for Scotland, I found it to be much more relaxed than London. Almost like comparing Bellingham to Seattle (sort of...). The architecture and especially the stone work is nothing short of amazing. That evening we had a true "Scotish" meal (Bella even had Haggis for dinner). If you don't know what haggis is, look it up. I wouldn't touch the stuff!!

Bella spent the next morning at the spa while Jasmyn and I walked around town and took photos and just hung out. Sunday, I spent the day at the spa: it was awesome! Over all a great, short, trip.

Athens Greece

We just got back from 5 days in Greece (Bella was there for work). We stayed just outside of Athens on the water at the Westin Astir which was awesome! Weather was great overall except for one day of heavy rain. Woke up to an awesome thunder storm in the AM. It was like the Greek gods where having an argument (being in greece and all)! And believe me, they needed the rain. Not only for the plants etc. but to wash all the dirt and pollution away.

Jasmyn and I hung out at the hotel pool/beach most of the time and swam etc. One day we did go into Athens to see the Acropolis. It was quite warm and crowded; mostly with Americans. The Acropolis was an awesome sight. However, I think the best time to go is in the evening. They are also doing a lot of work to it (cranes, scaffolding etc.).

Vuelta a Espana 2009

Our most recent trip (September 1st) took us to Assen NL to watch stage 1 and 2 of Vuelta a Espana. We loaded up the car and went for a little road trip.

Doing a road trip in Europe is quite different than the states. To start with, we drove down to Kent UK and took the Eurostar train accross teh channel on what is known as the "chunnel". You simply load your car on a train, then the train goes through one of the longest underwater/graound tunnels in teh world. When you come out the other end, you're in France!

From there we drove to a small town called Hardervijk in Holland. I had worked/stayed there about 15 years ago and it had changed a lot yet had the same charm. When we arrived it was rather cool and a huge thunder storm was rolling through. Next day we drove to Assen to watch stage 1 of Vuelta a Espana at the local Assen race circuit. Stage 1 was a TT and was quite crowed. Weather was a mixed bag and dry for the beginning but heavy rain soon make the track wet and slippery. That night we stayed at Hotel Assen and went into town to watch the start of stage 2. It was raining quite heavily but started to clear just after the start.

That day we drove on to Brussels Belgium and stayed at Le Meridien Hotel. Brussels was a pleasent surpise and dinner that night was one of the best so far in europe! We also made it to a little bar with over 400 beers!! Brussels is a must see city and there is simply too much good beer, food and chocolate to experience in one night: we'll be back!!

The next day we drove back to France and this time took the Ferry home. This was a pleasant way to go but obviously not as fast as the trian.

Roma

Bella and Jasmyn have are in NY for 2 weeks. I on the other hand, have gotten a terrible case of the flu. I can't remember the last time I felt this bad.....and just in time to go to Rome! Wonderful. Luckily, I was feeling better the day before I left and didn't have to cancel.

I spent 4 days, 3 nights in Rome. I took a cheap flight and stay in a inexpensive (but decent) hotel. They said it was close to things and an excellent location, NOT! There was NOTHING to do near by. It was a quiet place to sleep, and that is it.

Rome was quite hot and crowded (tourists) but over all a good trip. I got some great photos which is why I went. It was by no means a "relaxing" holiday. Rome is a very crowded and busy city (like all cities) but it is an amazing place. This was my second trip. If I go again, I'll be sure to stay some place further out in the Italian countryside with a pool!