Istanbul!!

Was in Istanbul last week for a conference and must say that this place is one of the best places I have ever visited. The city was like New York city on Redbull, with non-stop activity going on all day and night. Whether it was 3 in the afternoon or 3 in the morning the place was hopping, with no signs of slowing down. I really enjoyed the people there. Everywhere I visited I felt very welcomed. One night our group went to the Golata tower for a dinner and managed to snap this shot of the city with Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) on the left. I would definitely recommend Istanbul to anyone looking for a lot of history, lots of fun and adventure too.

Back in Amsterdam again!

4/4/2011 - We were on our way to Istanbul but missed our connecting flight in Amsterdam. With only two flights a day to Istanbul, we had to wait another 8 hours, and decided the airport was not going to be where we would spend it. Took in some sights including Dam Square along with a visit to the Ann Frank Haus. Didn’t rent bikes this time, but was blown away with all the bikes at the train station. I need to come back here just to rent a bike again and go for a stroll.

Iceland??

4/4/2011 - Well I never ever thought I see the day when I was in Iceland, but for some unforeseen circumstances today our flight made an emergency landing here. Unfortunately someone on our flight became very Ill and we needed to divert from our flight going to Europe and land here to get them some help. We never got off the plane so officially I’ve never been here, but now that I’ve been this far, I hope to be back some day to take that step off the plane and stay a while. Don’t know what I’ll do, but I know better bring a jacket, because that day the weather was a solid 32F degrees outside with a freezing rain. Fun!

Mom

Well words can never explain the feeling you have when you lose a parent. On March 22, I lost my mom to a sudden heart attack. I can only take comfort in knowing that it was quick and that she was in her own home, surrounded by those she loved and loved her. She was the foundation of our family and my personal compass in life that was always there to teach me, guide me or encourage me when I did not succeed, and there to celebrate with me when I did. She was truly one of a kind, a woman that helped so many in our community; I was called the other night and told that the local city government had a moment of silence at the town council meeting in her honor for her contributions to the city. She did so much for others that I feel that if I can do a fraction of what she did, I will be happy. I am so proud of her and proud to be her son.