...constantly searching to find the best travel deals and places to visit. A never-ending quest for adventure!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Nostalgia time

I'm having a bit of nostalgia right now as I sit in on a demo meeting with EMS, the software package we used at WLC for all event scheduling (SDSU is considering them). Bringing back the memories of Thursday meetings with Karen!

Not sure if WLC ever adopted the academic option though. Looks pretty robust.

Had a pretty rough morning, but making it through now.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thursday, January 19, 2012

recall perspective

I found this article to be of particular interest in the possible recall election coming up in WI:


http://www.nypost.com/p/news/opinion/opedcolumnists/will_unions_unseat_wisconsin_gov_rfV85DwJt50n8UrkIhC16H

I sure hope people vote with their head and not their emotions.

Wanna stay in an Ice Hotel or Igloo?

Ok...I couldn't help but post this, since I love igloos. Not sure what kind of experience this might be...anyone ever tried this before?

World's Best Ice Hotels and Igloo Villages

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Qatar and 60 Minutes

Ever since I found my dissertation topic in one of the smallest countries in the world, I've been amazed at how often I keep seeing news from the country.  In fact, thanks to my friend Jimmy, I almost missed this piece by 60 Minutes that aired last week.

I hope you enjoy taking a glimpse into a country that I wish more people would be able to experience for themselves, and one that I am truly fond of.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7395216n&tag=contentMain;contentAux

first day of classes

Yes, I must admit that I'm a bit tardy on a new post.  This being the first week of school and all, I hope that I'm given a little bit of leeway on the writing.  I'll get back into my normal routine this week, as classes start up, students and faculty are back, and everyone starts needing classroom assistance again.  Lucky me!

This past weekend I made a quick trip home, which was one reason I was curtailed from my normal posting activity.  Spent time with mom and dad and Ben, and (sadly) even watched a terrible Packers game, that in the end they had no business winning in the first place.  They stunk.  Plain and simple, no excuses.  What was it, 10 dropped passes and 3 fumbles?  Heck of a time to pick a game to play dumb, and such a waste of a 15-1 season and homefield advantage.  Guess next year will have to be better after that piece of humble pie.

Speaking of pie though, mom did make me a strawberry pie to eat.  And my favorite tuna noodle dish.  And dad's chili too!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

A clock...in Prague...

Prague is one of my most favorite places to visit.  The old architecture, the simpleness of things in life, and the hospitality of the people make it one of the places I enjoy revisiting when the chances pop up. Despite the bad floods that occurred several years ago, the city has recovered and is once again welcoming visitors to partake in a very special eastern European experience.  Hence...today's Place of the Day:

Old Town Square - Prague, Czech Republic


The first settlements appeared here in the 10th century, and the old town square is still the very heart of Prague.  Outdoor cafes are plentiful, and stopping to watch the 600 year old astronomical clock is a must.  Enjoy!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Taveuni

No, I didn't forget today's Place of the Day....just a tad bit tardy on things.  Hope you enjoy...since we're going to...

Taveuni Island - Fiji
(this one's for you, Rachel!)

The 3rd largest island in Fiji, Taveuni Island has the largest population of indigenous plants and animals in the South Pacific.  Traditional villages dot the western side of the island, and dive sites are plenty.  Be sure to check out the Great White Wall if you're under the sea!

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Phuket and Amanpuri, Thailand

Today's (and should have been yesterday's) Place of the Day is none other than:

Phuket - Thailand


Known as the Pearl of the Adaman Sea, and has some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts. Amanpuri is one of the most well-known, containing Buddhism-themed architecture and well-placed guest pavilions.  Need a spa treatment?  This is the place to go!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Federer vs Nadal...again?

I'm having a bit of nostalgia again this morning, as I realized that the ExxonMobil Open is currently going on in Doha, and one year ago I was able to make a few matches.  In fact, I saw both Nadal and Federer play, and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

So if you're in Doha, I hope you can go.

Unfortunately I did read this morning that Federer has withdrawn from the tourney due to an injury, but it's still possible for Tsonga to play Nadal. That'd be a good match.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year

Very happy new year to all...it's still a little odd for me to think that it's January, but here we are.  One year ago at this time I had just wrapped up New Years in Rome, and was on to Doha, Qatar for my first round of dissertation research (which ended up being very successful).  It's interesting for me to read about that time all over again.

I'm not sure yet what the new year will hold, but it's shaping up to have several things, including the official start of my dissertation work.  I'm hopeful to get back to Qatar and Education city in Sept/Oct to work with the schools again, and am excited about the possibility.  I'll also be (hopefully) wrapping up my final standard classroom courses...could it be that these will be some of the last times I'm sitting in a room like I have all my life? 

I'll resume my 'Place of the Day' posts later this week...a secondary goal for me this year is to maximize as many points and miles opportunities as I can (or am able given schedules, etc).