I am now part of a new team at Aquent Studios focusing on connecting top-tier 3D talent with major game studios here in the Seattle area. While being in the gaming industry myself, I was excited when Aquent presented me with the opportunity to apply my experience to recruiting. My expertise and knowledge of 3D brings a fresh and new approach helping both the client and talent like never before. Finally, a 3D recruiter that has been in production, shipped numerous AAA titles and *really* understands when it comes to both the clients and talents needs!  

After 4 years of Living in London; I'm back in the USA! It's great to be "home" but it's certainly taken some adjusting. It's true, everything here (in the states) is so BIG: the stores, the parking lots, the cars, the food portions, the streets...you get my point. I can also tell you this, "visiting" a city and "living" there are two completely different things. I wouldn't trade the experience of living abroad for anything, but I certainly found it "challenging" at times. It's a fantastic city to visit with lots to do and see, and if you've never been, then by all means, GO!

London is a city with a certain "buzz" all it's own. And by "buzz" I don't mean actual noise levels and the way people interact (OK, the only time it's quiet is when it snows or when families/kids are gone on "holiday"). One thing you'll notice, when you take the Tube, NO ONE speaks to each other. Oh sure, there is the occasional "sorry" or the person talking on their phone like they're the only one on the train but in general, no one talks to each other. Instead, they sit in there own world, emailing, texting or playing games on there phone and generally keep to themselves. It's just the "English way". At times it can be quite odd, especially in a city of  approx. 9 million people!

 The Duke pub - 2 min walk from our house

One thing you never run out of in London is history. There is history every place you look. At times, this can be quite interesting, other times, just plain frustrating. Remember, "history" usually means "the date something was built or when something happened" and when you're talking about an infrastructure as old as London's, you're going to run into problems. On the plus side, it's great to be walking down a street and seeing buildings that are 400 years old and just "feel" the history of the area. Or walking into an old Pub for a pint that is 200 years old; what fun!!

to be continued...

ATTENTION! I apologize for the dead "portfolio" link. To view my video games portfolio, go here: portfolio

Last home trip...

view from the dock where I was staying. you won't see this in London.

After almost 3 weeks in the US, I'm back in London. Funny but I often forget just how incredibly different the two places are (gee, really?)!

I was staying with friends on Lake Sammamish and noticed that the Bald Eagle population has really recovered from even just a few years ago; I must have seen a least one each day! The silence and calmness of the water, the Cascade Mts even the rain in some way, just felt like home. It is such a contrast to the noise and busy pace (stress) of London. In some odd way, I missed the hustle and bustle. Maybe knowing that this was my last home leave gave me new perspective. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer the US and PAC NW but I now, in some way, I can see how people enjoy the pace of a big city.
So, my time here is quickly coming to a close. I know there are going to be things I didn't realize I would miss. Maybe the noise and stress of this city? Picking up broken pint glasses off my front porch? I doubt it. The thing I will miss most is the friends I've made and people that I have met during this crazy EXPAT "adventure".

May

During the month of May we traveled almost every weekend. We hit Budapest, Cologne and Torino Italy (for the Giro). I think we where trying to fit as much travel in since our time here is closing in! To say which one was my favorite is tough as all European cities have their own charm. More info and photos to come....

During our stay in Italy, I became ill w/a 102.7 temp and aching something terrible. What I didn't realize, was that the worse was yet to come. When I got back to London I went to the doctor and was told I had Chicken Pox. Great. Over the next week or so I was the sickest I have EVER been; 104.2 temp, I lost over 7 lbs in 6 days, body aches beyond belief and more. there was one day I don't even have any recollection of, none. If you are an adult and have not had Chicken Pox or been inoculated.....do it! Get the vaccine as it is an awful experience as an adult.

Florida

We just returned from 12 days of vacation in Florida. I find it's always tough returning to London after enjoying the conveniences of America but returning to rainy, grey, cloudy skies and 45f temps after the warm, sunny skies and 85f heat of Florida was especially hard this time!

We stayed at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, FL. The Diplomat has some great history and is a wonderful property, the only problem this time is.....it was crowded! Not only where there multiple conferences but it was Easter weekend. The pool and rest of the hotel was PACKED! Regardless, we still had a great time.

I also picked up my new 2012 Cannondale Supersix EVO Ultimate. Even though I was only able to get in approx. 120 miles I can tell you, the EVO is a truly amazing bike! Everything the press has said about it is true. This is my 3rd SuperSix and it is by far the BEST one. Period. I have never ridden a carbon frame that is so compliant and supple yet super stiff. I love this bike! Bone stock weight (w/no pedals) is 11lbs 13oz. A bit heavier than I had planned but still plenty light. Watch this space for more photos and a full review...

I think the best 2 days where going out with friends on their boat and then an Easter BBQ. Spending quality time w/friends you haven't seen in a while is always great!

After Miami we packed up the rental van and headed to Orlando where we stayed at the Swan hotel (Disney property). The girls went to Disney the first night then the next day we spent the day at Universal Studios,  Adventure Island. Although the new Harry Potter exhibit is very nice, the best ride/attraction by far was Spider man 3D. Evidently, the projection system and animation was (very) recently upgraded and re-animated and the end result is truly STUNNING! This is a MUST SEE if you go to Universal. "The Hulk" roller coaster is also NOT to be missed!


We are now back in cold, wet, windy, London. Leaving the warm sunshine and friends in Florida was particularly hard this time. Not much longer and we will be back in the USA for good as our adventure is quickly coming to an end.

update 2012

Wow! It's been some time since my last post.....too long! Let me see, what has happened since 2009? Lots and lots of travel but most important, we extended our stay here in London. What was supposed to be 2 years was extended to 4 and we are officially moving back the the US in August 2012. It will be bitter sweet, that is for sure. I will miss the friends I have made here in London along w/the "buzz" the city offers and also the easy access to beer; there are pubs everywhere, including 3-5 w/in 1min walk of our house. Jasmyn's school, Pippa Pop-ins has also been a wonderful experience. She is at the top of her class and reading at a 3-4th grade level in the States, yet she is only 5 years old. Well done!

For more on my experiences and thoughts on living in London, check out the links to the right.

Lisbon Portugal - 2010

We took a weekend "spa" vacation to Lisbon Portugal ans stayed at the 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 it rained, and I mean rained hard. We walked around down town and got soaked.Tthe sidewalks are quite old and rocky which made walking tough (keep this in mind and wear good shoes if you go). We had some of the worst pizza ever at a sidewalk cafe' with a leaky tent out front. The beer was cold and cheap so all was not lost!

Next day we took a tour bus to see the sights. In total it lasted about 3 hrs and we saw most everything there was to see, which, is not a whole lot. The Coach Museum was probably the most interesting and is a "must visit".

Paris - 2010

Notre dame

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) for water (see photo)! You still think the US should be "more like Europe"?? Trust me, the answer is NO. A pint of beer is 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 - 2009

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 the locals and hit some great AZ trails. We rode Black Creek Canyon and McDowell State park and part of the World Cup course. 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 bought back 2 new bikes to London: a Cannondale Rize Carbon 1 and a Cannondale SystemSix. The Rize is an amazing bike. It rides like nothing else I've owned to date. Very plush and super efficient (it climbs amazing!). You seem to sit "in" the bike and not on it. The systemsix is going to be more of a second/winter bike, and I love it! It's in brand new condition w/full Dura-ace (now changed over to full SRAM RED).

Edinburgh Scotland - 2009

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 - 2009

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 - 2009

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!

Barcelona - 2009

Two weeks ago we went to Barcelona Spain to watch stages 6 and 7 of Tour de France. It was raining for most of the time but finally cleared up on the Sunday the day we left (go figure!). We where able to catch stage 6 but missed the start of stage 7. Finding a good viewing spot and figuring out all the times and where the riders will be takes a lot of work (and practice).

Barcelona is an amazing city, especially the architecture. Some of it down right odd (imo) but also very interesting. Very organic. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. The most interesting of the architecture is by Antoni Gaudi.

It seemed everywhere I looked in Barcelona I was reminded of the art style in Gears of War: Very Gothic and quite amazing! Note: my photos obviously don't do it any justice as I didn't have my Nikon or the time I would have liked.

We stayed in a hip-hotel called ME. It was very contemorary and not really kid friendly. The breakfasts where awesome. They had the most fantastic little chocolate donuts! It would be fun to spend more time as we where only there for 3 nights. The trip was short but sweet.

My 2009 Cannondale Hi-mod SuperSix

Last time I was in the states I picked up a brand new 2009 Cannondale SuperSix Hi-mod carbon frame set in a 56cm. I am in the process of building it up with SRAM RED and various other components. When finished, it should be quite nice (and fairly light). Other kit includes; cannondale hollowgram sl si crank, zero-gravity brakes, alien use seat post, easton ec90 carbon bars and more. Wheelset is still a bit undecided but until then, I'll be running my Mavic Ksyrium ES special edition rims.

I'm finding that building a bike with out my shop is tough. Not to mention trying to find all the right parts and tools in London! Just getting my SI crank off was quite an ordeal. I have my Ultimate pro stand and most of my tools but there is nothing like your own shop!

Finished!
I am now pretty much finished. The only thing left is a proper tape job (I'm using tape from my six13 for now). I went with Controltech manta bars and Controltech ipost seat post instead of the ones mentioned above and am going for an all black theme instead of the white.

Ride: This bike is STIFF. While fairly comfortable, I must say, it is a very stiff and quick bike (I am also running full carbon components; carbon railed Arione saddle etc.). When you put the pedal down, this thing goes (the Hollowgram cranks are awesome). To be honest though, I think my Litespeed 6/4 titanium frame would be better suited for the terrible roads here in the UK. Did I mention the roads here in and around London suck?! For being such a "bike friendly" place, they really don't maintain the roads (or anything for that matter) very well. Over all, it's a great bike and I'm happy with my purchase.

After a nasty blow out the other day, I decided it was time for new tires. Today I installed a set of Michelin PRO3 Race tires. So far so good. Not too wild about the grey center color though. After a short 20 mile ride today they seem to stick nicely and ride smooth.

Back in London

Wow, this blog thing is tough to keep up to date!

After spending 2 weeks in the states, I'm back in London. It's always fun to go back to the USA and see all the things that you've missed and the things you don't. Like the nice wide streets and our house in Kirkland. While in the US I was able to hang out with my buddy Scot and see his cabin (on 5 acres) in C'deleane Idaho. It's a great place up on the hill with a nice view of the lake and mountains. He has a great place along with some very nice neighbors.

I also stopped off in Leavenworth to try and work on our 22 acre porperty, tri-cities to see my dad and Pullman to see my mom. Pullman has changed to much yet is still the same. I wonder if they'll ever repave Grand street!! Pullman could use a good make-over. It's tired.

Giro d'italia and the Italian Riviera

Great trip to Portofino and Rapallo Italy. Luckily, it just happened to be during the Giro d'Italia bike race!! The weather was perfect. I love Italy!

We stayed at a wonderful hotel called Excelsio Palaceo right on the Italian Riviera. You could really get a feel for what it must have been like back in the 50's and 60's when all the movie stars hung out there. A truly amazing place.

Jasmyn and I where able to catch stage 12 and 13 and Bella joined us for stage 14. Finding the courses themselves was a challenge not to mention a good viewing point. Some how though, we managed and had an awesome time. Got to see Contador, Armstrong and many more.

During stage 14 of the Giro, we met a guy (Chistos) who is an Engineer for Ferrari and works with all the old vintage cars and clients. What a great job! He rode a beautiful Calnago C50; Perfect. One day, we rented a small 19' boat and buzzed around the Italian Riviera. Had a wonderful lunch at a cliff side restaurant (only accessible by boat) and even got up close to Paul Allen's 414' Octopus mega yacht. Amazing!

What a great trip!

Warwick Castle

Took a day trip to Warwick castle today. It's about 80 miles from our place and took 1.5 - 2hrs. The castle itself was awesome with lots to do. Much better than Windsor castle imo although each are unique in their own way. Warwick just felt a little more "castle" like. Jasmyn got to meet her first princess and we climbed up the steep stair cases to the top of the towers. We even got to see a trebuchet launch a fire ball a couple hundred years. Pretty cool! will post pics later.

London

This is just the start of random thoughts and adventures while we are in London for another 1.5 years.



Moving to London UK has been quite a transition from our "easy" life in Kirkland WA. To put it in perspective, the population of central London is 7.3 million compared to that of 3.2 million in the Seattle metro area (Seattle itself is approx 593,000) in a MUCH smaller space. Mind you, I am originally from a town of only about 14,000 in the summer!

London is a state of mind. You have to "get into it" and just go with the flow. Even though we speak the same language (for the most part), there is still some serious culture shock. Even doing the simplist task (like going to Costco) can turn out to be an all day outing.

We currently live (for the most part) in central London (right in the middle of it all) in a neighborhood called Parsons Green. It takes me 15min to ride my bike from our house to Big Ben clock tower. (riding a bike in London is a whole other story I'll cover later!) I think the biggest adjustment has been getting used to living so close to so many other people. You have to learn to accept things as they are. And that includes the close dryer that no matter how long or how hot you set the temperature, it won't get your clothes dry!





We have now been living here a full year! And you know something? I'm still not used to it! The way things get done (or not done) are amazing. Currently there is a postal strike going one which means, well, no mail. Nothing.