Best PR Trip in 25, Villa Montana In Isabella With Friends

This is all where a few friends & I stayed. While we were too busy surfing days to take action pics, Tuesday 12/14/11 @ Wilderness may have been the day none of us will ever forget. For those who know Wilderness, about halfway between the parking lot and the ruins, 5-6 glass and all to the three of us for 4 hours!

Fun in Asia

Big night out in Taipei Taiwan

Tina, Joan & Joy

Nic looking pretty happy

Taipei 101 in Taiwan… now the 2nd tallest in the world. Elevator gets you up top in approximately 35 seconds, not a sound, bump or an ear pop either. OK this beginning to look like large envy or whatever… it is what it is. I enjoyed this building, it’s a much more interesting experience than WTC or ESB in NYC ever was.

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Taipei Taiwan [wife educated in Summit NJ]

Exporting some know how to Nic’, young phenom. He scored 1st bucket in his 1st game the next day too. What he could do if I worked with him regularly :-) 

 

And while that’s all fun, what really gets a 6’2 210 motivated to sit for an 18 hour flight? JT, who hasn’t changed a bit since the night we met 15 years ago

Disney isn’t just for kids… at least not just the small kind -July 2008

40 years to get to to the Magic Kingdom, but thanks to my buddy Scott Forcino I’ve now been …

Electric Light Parade @ midnight!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magic Kingdom- mostly a big mall full of Disney schtuff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pirates of the Caribean- they try and sell you hats, coffee, cups and other schtuff … still, what a place!

The Hamptons haven’t really changed

My buddy Scott had me out to East Hampton for a beach party saturday/ saturday night with his wife Heather and friends. 

In my view, it’s about as great a place as you’ll ever go. Nope, the Hamptons haven’t really changed.  Seeing Ralph Lauren drive by in a vintage Porsche is the hype [...and we did], but the the place remains as casual, authentic, ‘country meets beach’ and beautiful as ever. It really didn’t seem much different than summertime with my family back when I was growing up.

Trestles

Trestles may be the best surf experience in America based upon it’s unique combination of world class waves, mile journey on foot to get in to the spot and, yet, relatively close proximity to an easily accessible San Diego highway and airport. We enjoy Southern California and many of the nearby areas including San Diego, Del Mar, Laguna Beach, etc., but we come for fall weekdays (…lightens the crowds dramatically) at Trestles.  

 

SoCal Nukes in distant view of Trestles

Tom Treretola deep bottom turn

Chris McCagg hard off the top

John Marvosa picks off a good one

Frek drops

Freks sets up the barrel… actually got in there deep, but clipped at the very end

John Marvosa perfect in the pocket

Tom Treretola sizes one up

John Marvosa finds the rare left

Chris McCagg callin’ it a day at Trestles

Thanks, be back next year!

Congratulations Candice & Ted!

More from a super fun weekend on the Cape celebrating the Leach’s!

Mua, the groom (Ted), the bride (Candice) & Rini  / Mel’ & Candice

Mel & Andy  /  The incredibly cute Haley

Dietz, Rini & Jess / Candice

Lobster Bake / Axel Jr. / Keith, Lisa & Kelsey Samuels

Martha, Mel & Dr. Maria / Sailor

Just back from Cape Cod, Mass – we loved it!

Grew up hanging around the beach with my sister, mom & dad. Later surfing motivated exploration virtually everywhere and especially up and down the east coast. Early on with my family in the Hamptons, later in Martha’s Vineyard & in Florida with Walsweer, Maryland & VA during college, Cape Hattaras as often as possible with Marvosa, Treretola, Sullivan & Kelly and always with everyone on the Jersey Shore.

First time out on the Cape: pristine beaches and classic shingle- style architecture make it some of the best coastline one could ever experience. Can’t wait to surf the area, but this trip was more about good friends getting married & relaxation. Congratulations Candice & Ted Leach and thanks for introducing us to the Cape! We’ll be back.

Museum at Race Point on Cape Cod National Seashore

Miss’ top of Provincetown, The Pilgrim Monument built in early 1900

Down into town, Provincetown, from Pilgrim Monument

……………and virtually all structures done in classic Shingle- style

Memorial Day Weekend in…Pittsburgh?

One may not think of it as the premiere long weekend vacation spot, but I love it!

My Brother in Law’s family (parents, sisters, brothers, uncles, friends and the coolest group of kids ever) have one of the great riverfront setups on the Ohio complete with ski boats, jet skis and volleyball. It’s good old All- American fun and these are some of the truly genuine & fun people you could ever spend the time with. It’s my 2nd time, but I hope they’ll have me back every year!

On behalf of Miss,

Mike, Nancy & Bob thank you for an awesome time! And Happy Birthday Pam- sorry I couldn’t be there for it. Chris

 

Spain

Spain is a wonderful place. Rolling country sides like giant manicured fairways, history everywhere, beautiful cities and also some of the great contemporary architecture in the world right now:

 

Fabulous Doors & Entreeways everywhere

Antoni Gaudi, Sagrada Familia

Calavatra

Vacation (…work)

Funny. Because of work, how much I enjoy it and feel accountable to those involved I haven't taken a moment to feel excited about going away.

That is 'til just about now. Headed toward the airport and some excitement just set in. To visit & see a part of Europe with Mel' I've never been. Lots of good friends will be there on the first leg for a wedding in Valencia. Then it's off to Barcelona and Madrid.

…..and then I'm thinking about the marketers & analysts I won't speak with for a whole week's time. Is my next trip to Manhattan planned well enough? Have to get up to San Francisco. Have I cared for existing clients enough?