I'm all Smiles!!!

Went up to Ventura and Santa Barbara this past weekend to check out some a new surfboards. Had looked at and planned to stop in at Waldens Board Shop in Ventura. Turns out Saturday was my lucky day. Steve Walden the guy known as the father of the modern longboard was in the shop. I was lucky enough to spend a good 1/2 hour with Steve going through all of his boards, and must say there is nothing like getting advice straight from one of the legends himself. After hearing about my surfing style (which is fall down, get up and fall down again), Steve helped me narrow down my choices, I finally settled on this baby... the Walden Mega Magic 8-0. If you look close at the picture you can see a reflection of me with a great big smile. I have to say it's shorter than my last board a 9-0 but floats like a much longer board and is much lighter with its EPS (Epoxy and Polystyrene) technology. It's built for people like me who just want an all around board for fun. I took it out to the cliffs in Huntington on Sunday. On the paddle out I had such an adrenaline rush, you would have thought I had a boat motor on it, I dont even think I got wet heading out in the surf. I would love to say my first outing was epic but I have to admit I was a little cautious and spent the couple of hours in the water paddling and catching just a few waves. It felt good though and the feel of the board was great.

I'm going to have a lot of fun on this baby.

One thing to be said: With so many surf shops and board styles, I think the thing that really helped me in deciding or even considering making the drive to Ventura, was the level of customer service when I called. I already had an idea of what I wanted based on the website. Brandy who works in the Shop was very nice, she asked questions that made me feel like she truly wanted me to make the right choice and the level of customer service was better than any shop I had visited. It did not hurt that Steve took the time to help as well. That sealed the deal for me in feeling like I was dealing with a shop that wanted me to pick a board that would best suit me.

Start your day feeling like Superman

Last night I was out shooting images of the full moon. I thought it would be fun to shoot some night shots using existing moonlight only, and after playing a bit, I decided to send a few shots over to my nephew who enjoys photography as well. The image above was a test shot taken with about an 8 second exposure at F/2.8 (I'm pointing out the constellation Orion and no I was not wearing a cape)
The cape came later...courtesy of my nephews humor and photoshop skills. I have to admit I thought it was pretty funny, and when I received it in my in-box the next morning, it was a great way to start the day.

Thanks Bud.

Broken Boards

Went out surfing last night and broke my surfboard. Was out in Newport and the waves were pretty big (at least for my own taste). I would love to say that I did it dropping down a nice big wave, but I actually did it turtle diving, a maneuver you do to force your board under a wave when you are paddling out. You basically flip the board over (fins up) and hang on vertically in the ocean below it, holding on with your hands as the wave passes (think of the letter "T") over the top. I knew something was wrong, cause that normal heavy pull you feel on your leg when you and your board are being tumbled through the rinse cycle was not there. I came up and found half of it connected to my ankle and the other half floating in the whitewash about 30 yards away. I'll have to see about getting it repaired. Bummer -- I've had a lot of fun memories with this board.

Shells

Went up to visit some friends, who have been vacationing with their kids in the Morro Bay area for the past week. I had only a day to spare but decided to make the drive after work from L.A. on Wednesday and head up the coast to visit them. After driving up late Wednesday night and then sleeping for a few hours, I was awaken by their two youngest sons, who were laughing and talking with enough energy to take on the world. The goal for the morning was to head out early and pick up sand dollars and shells on the beach. It was fun walking the shoreline and watching the kids run around collecting things and taking in the sea life. Seeing their faces light up when they would find a new shell or sand dollar made the whole drive worth it. All in all it turned out to be a fun relaxing day topped off with a fun dinner of burgers and looking at photo's of the week on the beach. I will definitely have to do it again next year, but this time, for a few days rather than a few hours.

34 and Counting....

Today is a good day for me. Our Live Surgery in Atlanta today marked the 2nd installment of live surgeries for the 2010 year. As a team we have come a long way in a short time and it is clearly evident in our commitment and successes so far. Our jump in participation over our last event with more countries represented from all around the world, now totaling 34, is something to continue to be proud of. I am thankful for everyone's hard work and for all that participated. It feels great and I look forward to the next event and building on this success.

Just What I Needed ...A Little Desert Oasis

Made the trek out to Palm Springs this weekend and had a great stay at the Korakia Pensione. Started out our visit with a couples massage and then with the help of the 109 degree temperatures outside, ended up retreating and relaxing in our Mediterranean villa style room. The Korakia's approach is to offer you an atmosphere where there is no concept of time, where you just are. I thought they did a really good job at that. It was great, no TV's or radios or even clocks in the rooms, no music playing in the distance, just pure rest & relaxation at it's best. Although we did not take advantage of it, at night they offered a movie in one of the common areas where you could just go lay out on some huge pillows under the stars. Our room was very clean and looked like the images on the website. The staff were very helpful and after walking through the grounds I would say any of the rooms would be a good choice. Patricia and I both agreed we would come back and stay again and even though we weren't totally disconnected with the world (we had our cell phones), it was a good start to letting it all go. Who knows maybe next time we'll turn the phones off too......baby steps.

Jumping Meteors Batman!

Went out a couple nights back to see the Perseid Meteor showers and was able to capture this image of a meteor streaking across the sky (click on image for a larger view). Actually I wish it was a meteor but.. it's just a plane. That's one of downsides to living in a big city like Los Angeles, with all of our light pollution, the only type of meteors you catch around here are of the man made type. Last year we made the drive out to the desert and watched many meteors streaking across the sky. This year for being lazy and staying home I was rewarded with a big zero. Will have to try again in November when the next best opportunity comes along.

Leo Carrillo

Drove up to Leo Carrillo on Saturday to visit family staying on the beach. Surfed the rock and had a great day. I had so much fun I stayed out in the water until after the sun went down, then hung out around the campfire, watched the stars and ate smores. Had a great time pointing out the milky way, the big dipper and other stars to the kids and explaining to them what a light year is. It's fun when you can just sit around making stuff up. Just kidding.... I had a great time.

Newport

Came down meet up with Kachuck & surf Newport but found it kind of flat. Hanging out reading my book and listening to the Foos before heading back. Looking forward to the weekend.

I drank the Kool-Aid... so to speak

Well I hit me today and its official, I'm becoming a Starbucks junkie. I have to admit I didn't even see it coming myself. Today I walked in and without even a bit of hesitation in my thought process... ordered a Venti Passion Shaken Ice tea with easy water and 4 pumps of classic. Amazing given that just a short couple of months ago I would have never thought I would ever even say something like that. I have always been a non-starbucks, stick to the basics, Ice tea kind of guy. Now I'm saying Venti instead of large and classic instead of sugar. What happened? Those Starbucks folks are good at selling you the goods.. including the required lingo that goes with it. It's like I'm a student learning a new language, except the more I learn the more it cost me.

Lance Armstrong I am not....

Today I rode my bike up and down some hills around here. I have to say... it looks a lot easier and feels a lot better watching it on TV rather than actually doing it. I made it back though, but now I'm feeling like I was dragged up and down those hills. I have to admit it feels pretty damn good though. I have a plan and now I need to stick with it. Livestrong Bojorquez ....you can do it!

It's who I am

Well it's been a little while, but I'm back in the water again. Outside of being with Patricia, surfing is one of my true passions in life. There's nothing like riding waves. The anticipation and excitement I feel today is no different than my high school days when I used to drive my little green bug down to the beach to learn to surf. My board has stretched out a little and so has my waist, but all in all, good weather or bad, nothing beats surfing.

Some people just don't get it.

Went to Lawry's with Patricia. It was an impromptu visit and given that we were just out for a cruise in the car, we were both dressed for a day at the beach rather than dinner at Lawry's, but that's what I really enjoyed about it. I love it when we do spur of the moment things, and do them without care. We were surrounded by a group of pretentious people; one older lady was gawking at us like how dare we come to Lawrys in shorts and t-shirts. Don't get me wrong we all love the good things in life, but it's kind of sad that people let it define them and how they live their life. I loved it because Patricia and I just didn't care. We had a fun dinner and laughed at how much food we ordered. I could only imagine what that lady would have thought If I had kept eating and they had to roll me out of there. Patricia and I have had some wonderful experiences in some amazing places, I just thankful that no matter where we are we can be ourselves in our own skin and clothes. Life is too short.

Harajuku Crepe

Ok so Patricia and I found this place one night after cruising home from dinner. I have to say I don't get to B.H. very often, but would go there in a heartbeat just for this ice cream. It's hands down the best ice cream place in all of Los Angeles. Take a freshly made crepe, add some Nutella, fresh bananas and then wrap it all up like a burrito and were talking pure goodness. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I highly recommend it.

I placed a link below to help you find it on yelp.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/harajuku-crepe-beverly-hills#query:crepe

Spyder Cambio Corsa

With a Ferrari 390HP engine and Formula 1 paddle shifters how could this not be a fun car to drive (no it's not mine). I've only driven it a couple of times, but when I have it's been great therapy for stress. (I'll upload some video soon)

Kids Night at the Bowl

Last night kicked off the first of the summers series of bowl events we're attending this year. The theme was Bugs Bunny and I have to say it was really a fun night. The estimated attendance was 17,000, but by the end of night it felt like all 17,000 in attendance were kids. Watching those old Bugs Bunny cartoons, brought out the kid in all of us, if even for a couple of hours. For me it took me back to when I used to run home from school or get up on Saturday mornings to watch cartoons. Now as an adult, hearing the the L.A. Phil play live the same music that accompanied the original cartoons, gave me a new sense of appreciation for those old classics. The best part was going with our friends, a great couple who managed to know all the cartoons. We all laughed and had a great time. It was fun to not only hang out.... but hang out and feel like kids again.

Sneakers

Well the color's changed, and the size has too, but I guess my style has not. In case you haven't figured it out.. the little red shoe on the right is from my first pair of sneakers (5 months). Ever since my good ole mom found them and gave them to me a few months back, I have been keeping them on my dresser. I have to say... mom was pretty cool even way back when, cause classic baby shoes weren't on her mind, instead she opted to go for the classic sneaker. You can see she has always known me well, cause even as an adult, they're still my favorite option. I think it's cool and hilarious at the same time. It's weird to look at them and think that that was my foot. I'm just glad they've managed to survive all these years. (click on image to see larger)

My Goal.... is to someday see green

Today was another Live Surgery for us at work and another big step in the development of our goals for our website. The image above represents a graphical view of our viewers and where they watched today's event from throughout the world. I am very proud of this as it visually represents another step closer towards reaching those in less fortunate places that need help. My hope is that someday this entire map will be green, not because we will have reached a goal , but because we will have made a difference.

Put that remote down

I wanted to take a minute to say thanks to everyone that followed my blog during my most recent travels. I also wanted to say don't change that channel just yet, I plan to keep this blog going. I really enjoyed posting and I hope you enjoyed it too. If you did, check back every now and then to see what's new.

Trains .. Planes and Automobiles

After eight flights, countless trains, buses, cars, scooters and even bicycles, this trip to Europe is over. To sum it all up .. it kind of felt like the amazing race Bojorquez edition. It was a lot of fun, not only being able to visit some incredible places, but to be able to experience them with my family. I will never forget it. It's that can do attitude that made this trip possible, as was the case with my nephew Ricardo. The photo above is an example of that.... It's me explaining to him how to ride a scooter, after I had already rented one for him in Croatia. Problem was he had never even been on one, and I was asking him to do so in a foreign country that was unfamiliar to either of us. After a few minutes he was on his way, and we were off exploring and riding all over to places we probably would not have ever visited. He was a real trooper on this trip, never saying no and always game for anything that came our way. We did a lot but the best part was not what we did, but what we learned about each other along the way.

Brussels in a minute

Flew through Brussels on my way back to the states. With about 2 1/2 hour layover I thought... what can I do for a couple of hours? I decided to take a chance and ride a train into the main part of the city for a quick look. what should have been a 15 minute ride turned into 30 minute ride and after walking to and from the main square in town, going through customs and security, I almost did not make it back in time. In the end I just made it back to my flight and I'm glad I went. I got a chance to see Brussels, if even for just a few minutes. The buildings in the grand square were really old and cool. I'll have to put this place on the list of places to visit. Click on the images for larger detail.

Reichstag building

Natural History Museum

With so much to see and so little time, we had to cut stuff out. One of the casualties was this museum, the Natural History museum. The place is huge and takes up multiple buildings on what is known as museum row. Still I managed to take a couple pics. I hope someday to have the opportunity to visit again and spend some time at this museum.

Berliner Dom and the Tower

Picture above is Berliner Dom with the Fernsehturm. The church itself is so big it looks fake. It's actually the third church to be built on this location. The first church was actually built on this spot in 1465. The church pictured above was built between 1898-1904. The Fernsehturm (pictured to the right of the church) is the tallest structure in Germany and is a TV tower.

Ich bin ein Berliner

After staying in what was once East Berlin and spending days in what was considered West Berlin, you can easily see how much America has played a part in the recent history of Berlin. It makes you proud of the part we have played here, and to now be here as an American. No visit to Berlin is complete without a visit to Brandenburg Gate. Bud and I managed to make it to this monument twice, the first during the day with huge crowds, which did not really do it.. or us justice. On the second trip we decided to wait until late at night, after the crowds had left. We hoped on our bicycles, rode down to the monument and because the crowds were long gone, we were able to stroll through the gates on our bikes. It was a great moment to be able to do that. I wont soon forget it... I am a Berliner!

Went to the museum of modern art today. The building has over two hundred pieces on display. One of my favorite pieces was the one above although I don't know anything about it. I did not write the artist name down. the best part was... Bud wanted to come here and I think he saw some pieces he's been wanting to see for a while.

Train Station

Captured this shot after the concert with all the fans waiting for the train at the train station. I really liked all the color and movement. Hope you like too.

Yellow Ledbetter!!

Now this was a fun night I wont forget anytime soon!!

Concerts

Went to see Pearl Jam tonight. What an incredible show. Concerts in Europe you would think would be somewhat the same as in the states right? They're not. These fans are crazy and passionate about American music. We heard a lot of people talking in German between songs and then singing in English.

The Wall

Never say never. Well I honestly can say I never thought I would see the Berlin wall, but today I did. There are a few standing pieces like the one pictured above left scattered around the city. I'm happy I had this opportunity, it was pretty amazing to see.

This Old Church

Took this picture in church... sorry I dont remember the name. They call it the powder box, because it looks kind of like a makeup powderbox on the outside. I really liked the church because of the blue stained glass. I made for a very surreal look inside.

Memorials

Took in a lot of sights around Berlin, and there are a lot of memorials to visit, but this one stuck with me. It's a memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe. I really liked it because this one was this huge square (probably 1/4 mile square) of these odd size blocks of various heights and sizes. Each block is meant in some way to symbolize the uprooting of the lives and families of Jews in Europe. As you walk through the memorial the floor is undulating at various heights so one minute you are standing above ground overlooking all these blocks and the next you are in a maze between them. Very cool and interesting.

This place is growing..

One of the first things you notice about Berlin is the construction. Everywhere you go there is construction taking place. It doesn't take long to figure out why. The second thing you notice here are the kids. It seems everywhere there are kids. From newborns to kindergarten, there a lot of kids here. Kids are kids no matter where you go so its fun to see kids having fun. Berlin is growing in more ways than one.

East Berlin

Staying in what was once east Berlin. Today we plan to go out and visit some of the historic sights.... all the famous biergartens!! Drinking beer here is like drinking water. Everyone drinks beer.. everywhere. I wonder if the transit system has anything to do with why people drink so much here, maybe cause they don't have to drive? Yesterday we went to a famous bratwurst stand (on a street corner under a train stop) and everyone was ordering a bratwurst and a beer... and no not a 16 oz beer either, think liters. With buses, trains and subways, whats the concern? We rode the subway to get here, and looking at the plan for today, it seems we'll be riding it a lot more.

On the Train...

Here’s a little time lapse I’ve been making to pass the time on the train ride over. Hope you like it. I’ve just been listening to some music, relaxing and taking in the scene. Thinking about this trip and how it’s almost over. In a few short days Ill be headed home. For now, I’m just going to keep the music playing and look forward to a beer in Berlin. Hope everyone who has been reading the blog so far has enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments and thanks for following along.

I'm outta here

This place was fun , but crazy. I never felt like I got myself situated or on track. We got lost a lot here and I thought I had a good sense of direction. For the most part we did get to take in the town pretty well, if even it was by accident. I found myself asking someone where Dam Square was? And they told me "you're standing in the middle of it!" That was a I feel dumb moment. But on another note I wont forget watching the Netherlands play in the world cup here either. I guess overall I cant complain...I'm looking forward to Berlin. We are off on a six hour train ride today through the countryside.

You see everything on a bike.

This is a normal mode of transportation for couples here. I've seen many couples riding like this. I also saw a mom with about a 3 year old riding in a seat behind her and what looked like a 1 year old mounted in a seat facing her on the handlebars. Dutch bikes are larger in comparison to bikes we see in the US. They look kind of funny with the high handlebars, and they seem to ride much higher, giving you a better vantage point when your riding around.

GOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!

This was the go ahead goal during the Amsterdam quarter-finals game today against Slovakia!!

I'll take one of those and one of those too...

Today we went to the Van Gogh Museum and must say it was the highlight of the day for me. Over 200 works of art, most of Van Gogh's work, but some from those he worked with and learned from. It was awesome. Many of the paintings I've only seen in books, so it was great to see them first hand and in person. Be sure to click on the image to see a larger version of the image. The picture does not do it justice, but it's a beautiful painting.

Mass transit Amsterdam style

When you come to Amsterdam the first thing you notice is all the bikes. So the first question you ask yourself is where do I get one? We found a place called blacks bikes and for 15 euro you get a bike that will take you to reaches of Amsterdam that wont even show up on a tourist map. Now that's a problem given that we have spent about a 1/3 of our time trying to figure out where we are. Ironically the city is setup like spokes on a bike, so if you happen to take the wrong one and realize it fairly fast you wont find yourself to far off track, but if you dont and follow it to the end you could be way off from you intended destination. We have managed to do that quite often.

Heat Wave

This is Vondel Park... 38 acres of flowing green grass, trees and lakes. The perfect place to escape a heat wave. Today (and yesterday as well) the high was 83 degrees, that was hot considering the average temperature for this time of years is in the mid to high 60's. I need a cold beer!

Amsterdam

Made it to Amsterdam. Out walking around trying to get my bearings for tomorrow. Look for some pics soon. Took this one of the canal near my room.

This baby is fast and efficient.

So this is a picture of the train we rode on from Dusseldorf to Amsterdam. This thing is smooth as silk and pretty damn fast (at least I thought). The trip was just over 1 1/2 hours for 150 mile trip with a couple of stops thrown in. If there is one thing the Europeans have on Americans... its the mass transit.

So long and thanks Croatia

Well I made many friends here in Dubrovnik and have to say everyone made me feel at home. If you haven't been you need to visit this amazing country. There are many beautiful places in the world, but it seems this place goes the extra mile to make you feel like family. I lost my sunglasses in the airport terminal and had already taken a bus out to the runway to board our flight when I realized that I may have left them at the security screening point. I made mention of this to the driver of the bus who had taxied us out to our plane. He then told me to stay on the bus, then proceeded to take me back, all the while contacting people in the terminal on his radio to look for my glasses. When I returned they had an escort waiting to take me back to the screening desk where a security officer was holding them. I was escorted back to the bus and out to the plane again.
Thanks

Where's my swimsuit?

Today was the hottest day of the week so I decided to go down and take a jump into the ocean. The water was bit colder than I thought is was going to be, but after a few minutes it was great. Now I know what a guy wearing a speedo in the states feels like at the beach. I was the only one wearing long shorts and people were looking at me like what is this guy thinking, wearing those shorts. Everyone was sporting a speedo... and you know the old saying...when in Rome, you have to do as the Romans, so I went out and bought one. Just kidding.

Baby we were born to run!

Ok so it not quite a motorcycle, but man these little scooters are fun to ride. Gas no gas , gas no gas, and every once in a while some brake. Bud and I just wore these little things out. We took them everywhere like two bandits. Best part is you see them everywhere here, so it was easy to buy in and say lets go for it. I think this is the best 200 Kuna (24 dollars) I've ever spent. We have them for 24 hours, so we've already planned to go take them for a ride later tonight. Looking forward to that.

Panorama

This is not the view from my room, this is the view from everyone's room. What a place... I love it here. (click on the image for a larger view)