You have to view this video that was posted on the Slowtalk.com message board.

 

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

 

I thought the video was GREAT!  Pauline Kenny, founder of Slowtalk.com, said that Matt captured the “JOY” of Travel.  I agree.

 

Dancing on the Great Wall of China, in front of the Berlin Wall in Germany, amongst thousands of jelly fish in the waters of Palau or my favorite . . . among a group of happy, dancing children in Rwanda.

 

Quite simply, his little amateur video made seeing the world an attainable goal that can be fun and interesting. With his "catchy" dance, Matt literally brought the world to thousands of viewers who would not have otherwise seen the likes of Africa, China or the Antarctica!  It was creative, it was fun and it was EFFECTIVE!

 

 

Just as I recovered from Mother’s Day, today comes along.  I think one of the great things about my dad was his laughter.  He always found a bit of humor in everyday life that kept him smiling a lot.  I’m just so glad to have had the parents that I did!

 

Today, I purchased my Airline tickets, received my last lodging confirmation, and was lucky enough to win a goodie bag prize on Wednesday from my favorite Travel Message Board, SlowTravel.  All that is left to do now is plan out my ground transportation and I’m good to go!  It took me hours of research of which ST was a big help once again.  Life just couldn’t be any sweeter! 

 

Now, I'm off for my early morning run and then my 40 mile ride! 

 

I can already tell that it's going to be a sizzling day!

 

Happy Father's Day to you all!  Especially to the new fathers like our good friend Kevin (and his nice wife Lauren), who my friend and I met in Europe last year!  Karsten is a real cutie!

 

 

I had the day off on Friday so I got the chance to do several things.  I made my first hotel reservation for my “Back to Europe Trip” for later in the year.  That was definitely fun.  Had a little help from some friendly strangers on the very resourceful SlowTravel message board. 

 

I then headed off with my camera in tote to watch a few matches at the Hermosa Beach AVP Tour.  It was fun sitting among a group of people and chatting about digs, blocks and sets!  I am genuinely a big fan.

 

I decided to take my trusted Nikon with me so I could practice my photography techniques.  I was among a group of people with their wide angle and zoom lens hanging from our bodies and gripped in our hands to catch every jump, every hit and every winning point. 

 

On Saturday, I cycled my normal 40 miles and chatted with some regulars for a few minutes at the Marina Bridge . . . a popular rest stop for cycling enthusiasts.  Colorful outfits, shoes and fancy bikes line the bridge.  We eye each other with mutual admiration.

 

This morning as I prepare to head out for my early training run, I start to reflect about all the interests that are able to co-exist in me.  I feel that these things just truly keep me happy and involved in life.   I am so lucky!

 

AVP Hermosa Beach 2006 Highlights . . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Logged 80 Miles this weekend!  I have but a few months to prepare for two half marathons and thinking of doing a metric century ride.  Don't quite know why I do the things that I do.  I just seem to just do!  If that makes any sense?

 

Now while riding along the strand I noticed that they were constructing the AVP Center Courts.