Veuve Clicquot - again......

Although Craige and Greg have been together many years, August 11, 2008 marks the one-year anniversary of their marriage (in Canada, of course).

So, for the second time this year, I find myself sipping Veuve Clicquot, third time if you count my "Christmas with the Gabors" (you don't want to know!).

If you find yourself sipping a lot of expensive champagne:

1) You are probably a lush
2) Your life is probably pretty exciting
3) You likely have some wonderful and generous friends

This was followed by:

Caprese Salad
Filet Mignon, with mushrooms and bernaise sauce
Roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary
Baby Asparagus with lemon
1997 Silver Oak Reserve Cabernet Saugvignon
Pluot Clafouti with vanilla ice cream (I know you have no idea what this is).

If you each send me 10 euros, I'll tell you what Pluot Clafouti is.

And this is only the first day!

Got off my Alaska Airlines flight the first day, August 9, and there was Craige waiting in SFO, prompt as always. Zipped back across the Bay Bridge, and sat in the backyard, listening to the fountain in the warm California sunshine (86 degrees).

I knew we were planning to go to a party sometime, but was not pleased to hear it was that night. Those of you who know me know that I am not a big mingler at all, and prefer small groups. Craige and Greg said we would have our own table, and mingling really was not necessary.

So - the party, private affair for winery members only and their guests at Clos du Val winery. I have been there a few times, and it is truly a beautiful setting. Went over to their friends Robert and Craig's in American Canyon, and the five of us set out up the Napa Valley.

We were ushered in just as the party was starting, so got a good parking space. As you can see by the pictures, we were nestled up against the winery right out by the vineyards themselves. It was a beautiful sunny evening.

The theme was Greek, and about half the guest were in costume. Greek Elvis and Greek Marilyn Merlot were the hits of the party. Food stations were set up spread out amoungst the vines, so there were no lineups, and it was very well organized. The shrimp and salmon were particularly good, and an entire lamb was being roasted over a spit (with apologies to my veg family/friends Laurie, Chris and Seth!).

Wine stations were also spread out, with only Reserve Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet being served - all excellent.

Then they announced they were pulling out the huge bottles of '77, '78 and '79 Cabernet Saugvignon, decanting them, and pouring generously. They did not just grab a few bottles, bottle after bottle was being pulled from the cellar all night; that way the wine was still the right temperature.

Everyone was quite loosened up by this point (read drunk), and all the Greek gods and godesses were dancing to some pretty fun music.

All in all, an excellent night, and amazing way to start this amazing trip.

Cheers!

Important notice about photos and access

Hi everyone,

Am finally figuring out my camera, this blog, my portable camera card reader, and my flickr account. So, guess I am ready to allow everyone access to my pictures. I have set it so anyone can see them (so pass on to anyone you think might be interested). I believe I have also blocked everyone from downloading my pictures. Any suggestions you all have would be much appreciated (especially from you techie people.

In order to view my photos, type in web address:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/whereintheworldisneil/

Although you can do a slideshow from the homepage, it will be all my camera images in reverse order, so suggest you click on "sets"

Then, choose a set by title/picture

Then when in the actual set, click on slideshow (in the upper right hand corner).

Enjoy!

Alaska Airlines AS 224, Seat 1D

Don't know why I took such an early flight, but got up at 3:30 AM, and headed to the airport by taxi. Customs and security were fairly easy, and decided at the very least I would treat myself to the lounge (Chris would be proud!). I had been unable to upgrade to First Class on my web check-in, and mentioned this to the lady at the lounge desk. She said something about problems upgrading when flight continued on to foreign countries; all she was able to do was give me Priority Upgrade status, and suggested I talk to the gate agent ASAP.

I did exactly that, and ta-da, I was upgraded for a measly $50.

Flight was nice, lovely breakfast of fresh fruit, cranberry juice and a warm scone served on a real plate with tablecloth.

I asked the First Class flight attendant (Lorrie) if she would mind taking my picture. I said that I knew it was kind of tacky, and she said no it was not. I was telling her about my trip, and I swear she was more excited than me. She said she absolutely had to get a picture with me, and grabbed another FA to be the photographer. So here we are hugging in the aisle of the plane, the other passengers probably wondering what the hell is going on. As I said before, this trip, and my attitude about it, seem to be infectious.

Let the trip begin

It occurred to me about a week ago, that there was no way I could cancel this trip, as it had already started. Although I sometimes feel a bit apprehensive, generally over the last couple of weeks I have been experiencing complete elation, somewhat akin to the feeling of bliss I experienced coming home from Yoga Teacher training a few years back. I know I have been generating huge amounts of positive energy, because of the way friends, family and even complete strangers are interacting with me. Some of my friends have said the most amazing things to me lately.
I have mentioned it to a number of people already, but it is true. If I won millions in a lottery over the next couple of weeks, there is nothing I would change about my present plans (OK, I would take time to give a bunch of the money away to those I love). I would still travel around the world Business Class. I would still do it for a year. I would still travel budget style.
I think I have found the thing I most want to do in this world, and have made it happen.


Well, 2 weeks and counting, so time for a little send off party. Tony and Phil generously offered their house and beautiful backyard for the shindig, and mother nature cooperated with a pleasant evening.
In the spirit of budget travel, I decided it should be a pot-luck style BBQ. But in the spirit of Business Class travel (did I mention I was travelling Business Class?), I pulled out a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne I got for my 50th birthday.
The food, drinks and company was just great. I have such an amazing group of friends. It was fairly low key, with lots of travel talk, and much laughter ringing out in the backyard.




I brought my backpack loaded with all the stuff I am taking, and everyone seemed quite amazed at how small and light it was. I am determined not to be one of those sweaty overloaded backpackers we have all seen here in Vancouver, or while travelling abroad. My book "First Trip Around the World" has some great packing tips, such as all lightweight quick dry clothes, including undies and socks. No heavy cotton stuff, such as jeans or sweatshirts. No shoes, just sandles, and a tiny summer weight sleeping bag that slips inside the pack, not hanging on the outside.

All the food was excellent, but I think the party-goers will agree that the highlight was Laurie's double chocolate cheesecake, complete with a chocolate horseshoe and chocolate plane taking off from the top of the cake - mmmmmmmm!
All in all, an excellent evening.


Oh yes, and David could not make it.

Happy Birthday to me!

Well, last year was the big one - 50, this year is a minor milestone, yet reflects my age as I embark on the big trip. The gang at work covered my office with streamers and balloons, and greeted me wearing feather boas - did I mention I love my job and the people I work with.

Dwayne and Skip dropped by the office, and Dwayne presented me with a Nikon Coolpix 8 megapixel camera. It is very slim, sleek, and is a beautiful sapphire blue. It shall be my constant companion as I travel the world. Skip added a three year warranty valid worldwide - excellent! Now, if only I could take great pictures like my talented sister Laurie.

Went out for dinner last night with Tony, Chris and Seth. Chris and Seth then took us on a mini tour of Gastown's trendiest hangouts - I had no idea! It felt like we were in New York - quite a vibe in some of the places.

Trip update: I now have my Star Alliance Business Class RTW ticket. It is an actual old-fashioned paper ticket (12 pages). My journey is as described in the previous post, not including Houston or Fiji. They made for too many stops/segments under the rules, so I had to drop them.

Most prep for the trip is done, still have to buy a pack, travel clothes, get some shots, and a couple of visas.

My strongest feeling right now is - Oh my God, I cannot believe this is actually happening! Can I really do this? Yes, just one step at a time!

Nine Dream Vacation Ideas

Below is a description of nine dream vacations I would like to take. What would make them even better is to travel to each one in Business Class, my favourite treat on the airlines.

Vacation #1

American Friends - Clothed and Otherwise:

Travel to "Everybody's Favourite City" - San Francisco. Stay at the home of my dear friends Craige and Greg. Did I mention they live right next to the Napa Valley, and have a wine cellar stocked with fabulous vintages - woo hoo! Then we head up to the mountains to stay at stunning Lake Tahoe with their fantastic friends Dawn and Stephanie.

Next stop is the Great State of Texas, and the steamy, bustling, always fun city of Houston. My friends Bob and Bobby live in a great neighbourhood close to everything. We'll do Texas BBQ, chicken fried steak and all those other healthy Tex-Mex eating options. Maybe a side trip to Austin, or a night out a Houston's famous leather bar The Ripcord.

Then I am off to the New York area, to catch a bus to GNI (Gay Naturists International). GNI is 800 gay naturists gathering for 10 days of naked fun and sun in the Pocano Mountains of Pennsylvania. Included is accomodation, food and all the beer and wine you can drink (those of you who know me know that is not a good thing!). More info on GNI at http://gaynaturists.org/index.php

Vacation #2

Great Cities of Europe:

Five or six days each will be spent in six of Europe's best cities. They are so well known that not much of a desciption is needed. Coffee and croissants in Paris, bicycles and pot in Amsterdam (though not at the same time), mermaids and alternative cultures in Copenhagen, walls and gates in Berlin, castles and bridges in Prague (pictured) and ancient Hungarian baths in Budapest.

The plan for this vacation is not to try to see every attraction in each city, but to relax and take in the ambience and vibe of each place.

Vacation #3

Splendors of Turkey and Greece:

Fly into Istanbul and tour the sites of this crossroads of Europe and Asia. The call to prayer at the Blue Mosque, bustling markets full of weird and crazy things, getting luffahed within an inch of my life at a Turkish bath. I may tour the coast of Turkey in a gulet, a traditional wooden sailboat, complete with crew and food.

Then off a city truly steeped in ancient history - Athens. Tour the Acropolis by day, souvlaki and wine in a cozy taverna by night. On to some of Greece's best islands, including the spectacular volcanic caldera of Santorini. Nude sunbathing at famous Super Paradise Beach in Mykonos, then on to find an authentic Greek Island off the beaten path and chill (in the warm Greek sunshine).

Vacation #4

Great African Safari:

Fly into Harare, Zimbabwe, stock up on a few billion Zimbabwe dollars, and tour the country with my friend Amora, a Zim native. She'll drop me off at Victoria Falls, where I will join a GAP Adventure tour "Southern Africa Adventure", a 33 day tenting safari across Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa. We travel by self-contained vehicle by day, set up tents by nightfall. Shopping for local produce in village markets, we cook many of our meals tentside. Highlights include Kruger National Park, 5 different game reserves, Blyde River Canyon and the Dradensberg Mountains. More info re this tour at http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/dllc

I will wind down from my safari with a relaxing 2 weeks in Cape Town, checking out the Victoria and Albert waterfront, Atlantic and Indian Ocean beaches and the nearby Cape region wineries.

Vacation #5










India - Temples, Camels and Beaches:

Fly into the chaotic sights and smells that can only be Delhi. Meet my friend Peter, and join a GAP tour "Roam India", a 20 day circle of Northern India. It includes a desert camel safari, the pink stucco city of Jaipur and of course the most romantic building in the world, the Taj Mahal. More info re this tour at http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/ahrh
We leave the tour at the second last stop - Varanasi, the most holy city of India. As Peter and I are both yogis, we shall be practicing that ancient form here, perhaps on the banks of River Ganges.
I bid Peter farewell, and head off to explore India further on my own, perhaps the most daunting part of the trip. I will have to check out India's famous rail system, and plan to make by way towards Mumbai (Bombay), then down towards the hippy hangout beaches of Goa. I may travel further south in India, or perhaps head over to Sri Lanka.

Vacation #6










Indochina Encompased:

Fly into that sweltering city of temples, floating markets and endless traffic jams that is Bangkok, Thailand. I plan on checking in to Babylon, a not to be missed place for gay men. It combines a beautiful but affordable hotel, with a gourmet restaurant, bar, spa, outdoor pool and infamous steambath.
After about a week there, I join the GAP tour "Indochina Encompassed". I travel through Northern Thailand, then down the Mekong River by boat into Laos. After Laos, its the full length of Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Perhaps the hightlight of this trip will be one of Asia's most increadible sites - Angkor Wat. More about this tour at http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/atie

Vacation #7
Classic Overland - Bangkok to Bali:








This is a trip I have always wanted to take, and is a classic overland adventure. I used to have a book called Bangkok to Bali, but cannot locate it. Never mind, there are so many possible variations, I really don't need a book. I have been to this part of the world many times, so it will be familiar. I plan to return to some favorite places, and check out a few I have missed in the past.
I will start by heading down to the beaches of Southern Thailand, then cross over to the equally impressive beaches of Malaysia. I have not really spent much time in Kuala Lumpur, so I'll check that out again. The Petronas Towers were not even started last time I was there, so that should be interesting.
Another Malaysian city I have always wanted to check out is Malaka, an old Portugese trading post. Then it will be across the causeway to Singapore, a city I have been to many times. I have seen most of its sites, so I will just use it as a base for possible contingencies - Do I need a doctor, dentist or some important papers? Hopefully not, but if so, this is the efficient place to do it.
Then I will go to a place I cannot explain why, but I am drawn to it - Banda Ache, Indonesia. Gee, that sounds kinda familiar, you say. Yes, that was the spot the Boxing Day Tsunami hit the hardest, killing tens of thousands of people. I am not sure exactly what I will do there, but I feel a haunting desire to let the people know others care about their plight.
Then, I wll head out on some classic budget travel, the increadibly cheap accomodations and food of Indonesia. Down thru exotic Sumatra, across the world's most populated island, Java, then on to Bali and Lombok. The Gili Islands sound kind of intriguing, so will likely check them out too. Have not heard of the Gili's - more about them at http://wikitravel.org/en/Gili_Islands

Vacation #8
Aussie East Coast:






I plan on starting in Melbourne, but may go through Sydney first if I can get a flight on the new Singapore Airlines A380 super jumbo. Will explore the lovely Victorian architecture and charming trams of Melbourne. Check out the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Sun, sand and cute lifeguards on the Gold Coast. Then on to Brisbane where I will meet up with some great guys, David and John. Lord knows what crazy trouble those guys will get me into, but it will be fun!
I will continue up towards tropical Queensland, checking out islands, and yes of course the Great Barrier Reef. Will likely end up in Caines and/or Port Douglas, lounging under a palm tree, drinking a cold glass of Australian wine.



Vacation #9

Pacific Island Hopping:


Fly into the clean green country of New Zealand. Check out the sites of Auckland then head out to the countryside to see some of the natural sites made famous in Lord of the Rings.
Onward to bask on the beautiful beaches of Fiji. Snorkel in turquoise blue waters, and check out the smiles that the Fijian people are famous for.
Onward to that familiar welcoming spot, Pahoa, on the Big Island of Hawaii. I lived there for a brief period, and it is my yoga home. Will be sunning naked on the Kahena black sand beach, hopefully the spinner dolphins will come in one of the days. Will stay at my friend Peter's house, and be cooking my own meals. Will be doing lots of yoga at Kalani, with my wonderful teacher Kathy. More about her and Kalani at http://www.kalani.com/


In conclusion:

Well, it does not take a rocket scientist, or even someone who knows me well to realize that the above is not a list of dream vacations, but a general plan for my around the world trip starting August 2008. It is in the correct order, and all places shall be linked by my Star Alliance Around the World Business Class ticket. It should be interesting to see how the actual trip compares to the plan. I have tried not to overplan, and am open to all kinds of diversions, both good and bad. Stay tuned!