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).