HTC, Portland Marathon, Concerts, Florida and Hawaii

Its been a long time since I posted anything. So here are some of the highlights. Since the last post I went on a little bit of a running kick. Mostly due to peer pressure. I ran the Hood to Coast and the Portland Marathon. I have seen a few concerts as well. I went to Vancouver BC to see Kings of Leon. Also saw Paulo Nutini, Anya Marina, Plain White T's and Snow Patrol.
I also went to Florida and Hawaii. Wish I was in either one of those places now. Enjoy the pics.


This is after the Marathon. Rossii, Seth and I are sporting some sweet staches in memory of Pre. We are standing in order of our finishing Rossii coming in first

Melting Pot for my Birthday

Caught in a down pour in Florida.

Epcot

This is at the Kings of Leon Concert in Canada.

Me at the Temple in Hawaii.

Ala Moana

The church in Honolulu

Scooters baby. This shot is on the North Shore where they were having 30 to 40 ft waves. Amazing.

The top of Diamond Head

San Francisco

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is an area in western Italy on the coast. Its actually 5 small fishing villages all next to each other. Until recently there was no train or roads so you had to hike in or take a boat. Now the train goes through but they are still too small for cars. Last time I stayed in which is the largest city and is on the north end. This time we started at which is on the south end and hiked through to the north end.


















Above is me sitting on a bridge on the path between the cities. The path can take as much as 2 hours to hike to the next city. Below is me swimming in the Mediterranean at one of the cities and us just getting in to one.














On the path there was a puddle spanning it so instead of getting their feet wet John, Tom and Jeff decide to walk the top of the wall with the 100 foot drop. Smart huh. Also pictured is one of the villages from a distance.


















Here is me next to 2 of the towns.

Ibiza/Barcelona

Though it is true Ibiza is basically a party island and almost just one big club with famous people and bubbles dropping from the ceiling there are many other things to do. During the day we got scooters of course what else. Jeff had gone another way so it was just the 3 of us. Once we got the scooters we just went from beach to beach all over the island. This time mine was the fastest so we just raced everywhere we went. It was a lot of fun. I have been to Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Cabo, and here in the Mediterranean before but never have I seen water like this. I am posting a lot of pictures to try and convey at least a fraction of what it looked like though my camera does not even come close to doing it justice.















We really didn't have any idea where we were going so we would just ride forever and end up driving along these dirt roads up on cliffs overlooking the ocean till we would find the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. We would swim at a lot of them with it being so hot and the water so warm so as you can see I just had the board shorts and shirt on. Well since the shirt was off so much I kept putting the shirt on so I would not burn but since I did not have the G's that triangle spot where the collar was now exposed that was not usually got fried. I actually got really tan except that one small V. Sucked.


















You can kind of see where water changes color. It stars this amazing turquoise and then turns a dark dark blue once it goes out aways. You can see the line but the color doesn't come through like it looked in real life. I would show more pictures of the beaches which were amazing but this is Europe so I better not.














This picture on the left is of the fortress in town. Ibiza used to be mainly a stopover for Pirates on their way back to Spain. it is actually really cool walking through. It is just like they turned the lights on in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and it was real. Seriously one night we were exploring and walking down some back streets which were all stone and had to be hundreds of years old I felt like I was in Tortuga with Jack or something.













Pretty sweet helmet huh. I wont say why we are stopped or where Tom is. Montizuma had nothing to do with it this time. I would love to come back and do that all again and hopefully I will be able to come back some day on a boat and someone will take a picture of my boat like the one on the left.














Barcelona is a pretty sweet town. We didn't have much time but I have been there before so it wasn't a big deal. We spent a lot of it on the beach. Barcelona has some really nice beaches right down town. Here is La Sagrada Familia and the Spanish version of the Arch De Triomphe. I will put the French Arch and the original one in Rome up later.


















Next up Cinque Terre which is one of my favorite places on earth. Seriously I love this place.

Ronda/Madrid

Madrid is not my favorite City in Spain. But as you can see we found something to do there too. Anyone see Vantage Point? Look Familiar?

This picture is in Ronda. Ronda is a beautiful town in the south of Spain. As you can see it is built on this ginormous cliff and there is a huge canyon which splits the city and an old stone bridge which connect the two sides. See below.














This is a nice Ronda sunset from the cliff. The other picture is from our train ride from Ronda to Madrid and just a random small town with a Castle on the hill over the town. I thought it looked cool.













Here is a picture of the bridge spoken of before. It looks a lot cooler in person. When you are there looking at it you feel like you are in the Lord of the Rings movie. The other picture is of the Ham museum in Madrid. What trip would be complete without a trip there?













Here is a random lantern that were all around the city. Spain beat Russia 4-0 while we were in Ronda so it got pretty crazy plus it was a Friday night. Jefe at the bottom looking up at the bridge.































Next up Ibiza

Rabat/Tangier

Casablanca had to be cut out because of an unexpected 9 hour train ride. In Rabat we saw a Jazz concert in the Chellah which is a castle like place with a bunch of old Greek ruins inside. Pretty sweet. This other wall is in the town square.














This picture was of the exit as we were leaving the concert. This other picture is of a guy who tried to sell us some t-shirts. Seriously this is a full grown man he spoke English well too. K so maybe he was just a kid on the street.


















This is the Beach in Rabat at night. The Atlantic is behind me. This sunset is on the beach in Tangier.













This is John and I just taking in the view of the straight between Europe and Africa at Tangier. Tangier is the site of the recent movie The Born Ultimatum. Every corner we went around Jeff was like this is it this is where the chase was. I heard that phrase about a million times. It looks just like the movie it is pretty sweet.














This is Tangier in the background and me on the ferry that took us to Spain.















Check it out I match the wall perfectly. I couldn't have done that better if I tried. Weird huh.
Here is the Rock of Gibralter. Its bigger than I expected. This is taken on UK soil. Also weird.



















Next up on the trip Ronda.

Marrakech

The first city in Morrocco was Fes even though this picture of me is in Marrakech.

These lights and fountains are kind of the city center in Fes and seemed to be the hot spot for the night life. I loved all the fresh fruit stands they have everywhere especially with the weak dollar finally not killing me.



















Here is just a picture of me by our hostel in the old Medina of Marrakech. The old medina was a way cool part of town. The markets just covered these old streets. They just spilt out Djamaa el Fna. Jamaa is the name of the big square where the market is. We call it FNA for short. It could be very easy to just get lost. We heard about some cool waterfalls in the Atlas Mts which are not far away so we took a cab out there. The canyons are a lot like the ones in Utah but there are houses all up in there with people living in them. We had to hike to the falls and I was not really impressed with them that much. I have seen way better in the Gorge but I guess the really good ones are a few days hike.



















I have to admit I ate at McDonalds more in Europe then the last 8 years in the USA combined. The picture on the left was a kind of fruit smoothie. It had like 12 different kinds of fruit and was probably the best $1.50 I have ever spent in my life.















On the way to the Falls Tom and John took the opportunity to catch some sleep. We had gone like 3 nights on a Train or in an Airport so we were pretty tired. This was a Corbra in FNA square. They are really aggressive. Not the Snakes but the charmers. They grab you take your Camera put Snakes all around you and take your picture. Then demand a lot of money and if you don't pay they erase the pictures.















We didn't have a lot of time but we couldn't come to Africa and not get to ride on a Camel.















Here are 2 pics of FNA one in the daytime and one at night. It is a huge square and there is tons to do. I really like Marrakech and the square is def the coolest part. It is also famous for its Orange Juice. There are I would guess probably 60-80 large carts which are for the most part identical all spread out but most right next to each other that are just stacked with Oranges. For 3 Dirhams or 35 cents you get a glass of freshly squized Orange Juice. It is pretty good.














Tarjines is the special way to cook things there and they are really good. This is just one of many carts set up with spices. They stack those things so high. Fes was cool and Marrakech was Awesome there is a lot more there but I don't have room for the pics so once again you have to see it for yourself.














next up Rabat and Tanger

Lake Como

We got into Lake Como kind of late so after getting settled in we went out and got some pictures in my lovely yellow shorts. For anyone who is not familiar Lake Como is Princess Amidala's home. It is also where Danny Ocean stole those paintings from that French guy in Oceans 12 and it is where James Bond went to the hospital and ended the last James Bond Movie. So if you have seen any of those your expectations for this place should have just rose exponentially.















The next day we rented Scooters to cruse around the Lake. This was probably one of the best ideas of the trip. Its like the Lake was designed with Scooters in mind. There is a one lane road which goes all the way around the Lake. The Lake is huge so we just rode to Bellagio and took a ferry to Varrena. Then rode back. Every city, small town and building was amazing. Seriously every view was incredible. If you have seen any of those movies you know what I am talking about. Plus the Scooters are pretty fun in themselves. Like the Space Helmets?















This is a very familiar site to anyone who has been to Italy or even Europe. We spent a lot of Euro's on Gelato. It is so good we got in many times a day. I am not even kidding my diet on the trip consisted mostly of Gelato, Orange Fanta and Crepes in France.










































Above are a bunch more pics of us around the Lake. That Cannon I just wanted to feel the power between my legs. Lake Como is Amazing. I will def be back. I have a bunch of video's and I mean a ton. Tom went a little Video crazy. There are some cool ones like the Bungee Jump or us riding around but they take a little more time so let me know if anyone wants to see any of those.

Next Tom and I flew to Frankfurt Germany on Rian Air which makes all flights in America seem like first class. In Frankfurt we met up with John and Jeff. From there we were suppose to fly to Marrakech but do to France being full of Morons it was canceled. That's right our direct flight from Germany to Morrocco was canceled because of a strike in France. So we ended up flying to Fes later that day. So next post Morrocco.

Switzerland

Switzerland is the next place we went. It is such a beautiful country our train ride had some of the most amazing views. This would be a cool country to come and spend a few weeks just doing outdoor recreational stuff. These pictures are actually of each other one looking down and other looking up. This is the town of Bellinzona.















We hiked around Bellinzona for awhile before meeting Jeff at the Varzascas Dam for the Dam jump. You all should recognize this jump from the dam jump in James Bond Golden Eye. After the dam jump we got a ride from Antony the owner of the jump. He was a really nice guy. He wanted to show us a little town south of there he thought was cool so we ended up eating dinner with him and hanging out for awhile. He is in the picture on the right. The other picture is of Jefe's jump.















This is supposedly the second highest jump at like 750 feet or something like an 8 second free fall.

Amsterdam

We started the trip in Amsterdam. Well at least Tom and I did. The flight was direct from Portland and just over 9 hours. I love direct flights it makes things so much easier. Amsterdam is such a beautiful town it reminds me a lot of Portland. At least the weather and scenery does. There are these giant letters that say I AMSTERDAM and I tried to fit it all but this is all I could get in the picture.















I have been here before so it was nothing new but the thing that sets Amsterdam apart most (besides the drugs and prostitutes which is def there) is the bikes. Amsterdam is crazy with its bikes. I heard there are 800,000 bikes in Amsterdam and from what I saw not one was made after 1980. It seemed like bikes out numbered cars 20-1 and I am not even exaggerating. Everyone rides, guys in suits, tons of girls in short skirts or flowy dresses. They even pack 2-4 kids on a bike with Mommy or Daddy for the commute. So basically everywhere you go there are bikes chained up all along the street. Most roads have 2 or more bike lanes between the sidewalk and the street. Here is a picture of a nice typical bike and a bike parking garage. These pics don't do it justice but you will probably hear that on every post. You will just have to go and see for yourself.















We also made a day trip out to Muiden to see a castle out there. Due to a wrong train and a bus strike the trip was longer than originally planned. We had to walk 3k to get to the castle which after all the walking in Amsterdam was not fun. Fortunately we hitched hiked on the back of a truck for the ride back making things much nicer.














Here is me dressed up for the occasion. Everyone knows what happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam plus I have a missionary checking this so sorry if these pictures are not the ones you expected to see for a post about Amsterdam.




















Next post up on deck is Switzerland

Euro 08

I know I said I would post about this trip this month but it takes too much time and Euros to do much here with the pictures and everything. But I promise some decent pictures and some brief descriptions of places and what we have been doing. We are out of Africa now and moving through Spain. Tomorrow we will be in Ibiza. I am looking forward to being on an island and being on some nice beaches. So probably next post will be in a week and a half for anyone who wants to see pictures.

Richmond

Christopher's call came today he will be serving the Lord for the next 2 years in the Richmond Virginia. Congrats Chris. Preach on brotha.



Less than 3 weeks to Europe.

Sorry

Hey everyone I just wanted to get on here to apologize for the lack of post since Mexico. At first I really just had nothing going on and then it got to the point where I had so much going on I didn't have the time. So for anyone of you who has checked a few times only to see the same old post at the top I am sorry. Just so you know I will try and post an update at least once a month till the Eurotrip in June which I am sure will get many many post.

Cabo

The first day of our jeep excursions consisted mostly of exploring Baja and finding small Mexican towns, villages and random beaches. We went as far north as Todos Santos (the town with the Hotel California). Then as you can see here in these pics day number 2 was much more off the beaten path. We headed up to the hills where we had made a few friends 2 days earlier. We took dirt roads till we found these canyons. Then we would drive up the canyons or dry river beds on the sand, granite and creeks till we could no longer move forward.














We did a pretty burly hike up one of the canyons. Its kind of hard to tell from the pics but some sizable rock face climbs had to be made and sandals are not the best climbing attire. Having the whiteness brothers with me did make me feel a lot better about my tan though.












I did not take a whole lot of pictures. I should get the ones from Toms camera soon. Cabo is a pretty touristy town so the nightlife is pretty sweet. They stay up way late. I am really going to miss the weather and beach. Here are some more pics of some of our climbs. Till later.

More Mexico

Today we rented a Jeep. Do you want full coverage insurance? Yes please. In fact can you double it because we are going to need it. Baja is pretty cool a lot like Arizona but more vegetation. The roads are crazy. Cows, Donkeys, Goats, Cocks and Pig just wonder around at will. They just cross the freeway whenever. There is no shortage of off roading we just turn off, open gates and go for it.

This is just one of the beaches we found wondering around Baja. The Cabo Arch is right around the corner from these rocks. Its pretty cool. We got some cool videos of the jeep so there should be some more to come.

Viva Mexico

This is a picture from our balcony. Not bad. Another one taken at night neither one really does it justice but will have to do. For those who can't tell I am in Mexico right now. Tom, John and I are spending a week in Cabo San Lucas.




We have done a lot in the few days we have been here. Here is a picture of the zip line. We did 8 lines, the longest in Mexico. I have some good videos of this stuff and might post some when I get back.



This is Johnny. Wave runners were pretty sweet. We got some more stuff planned so there will probably be more mexico to come on the blog.

Merry Christmas

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Councellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Movies in 07

Now that the year is coming to an end I thought I would go back and take a look at a few of the movies that have entertained us over the last year. 07 has been a year of trilogies. Almost everyone sucking and being a huge disappointment. Despite the lack of good 3rd movies in a series the year has been pretty good. I don't want to just do a top ten list so I will just go over a few of the highlights. Well probably more than a few since I think the total number of movies I have seen in the theater this year is over a 100. The reviews are on the other blog so none of that either.
Trilogies:
Spider man, Shrek, Pirates, Oceans, Bourne, and Resident Evil

Best Post Movie nightmares
Javier Bardem/No Country (hands down winner)
Kevin Costner/Mr. Brooks

Biggest Disappointment
Good Luck Chuck (how do you go wrong with this premise starring Jessica Alba????)

Biggest Surprise
Gone Baby Gone (Who knew Ben can direct?!)

Best Western
3:10 to Yuma (I didn't know they still made these)

Best Movies About Middle East
The Kingdom (Who knew I would like one of these)
Kite Runner

Worst Political Propaganda
Lions For Lambs

Best Men in Thongs
300

Most Realistic
Transformers

Best Comedy
Superbad

Most Painful Comedy To Watch
Dan In Real Life

Best "True Stories"
Hunting Party
Into The Wild

This Post might be changed randomly as I remember cool movies deserving of the list

Ozzy/Zombie

What the freak? The first time I post about how well Oregon is doing they lose to Arizona the next day. With Dixon out not to mention their top receiver and potentially top 2 running backs they didn't really stand a chance. Sucks. Why do you toy with me Oregon? Wed night Tyler called and said he had some free tickets to the Ozzy/Zombie concert so that was pretty sweet. Ozzy is old but played about 50% Sabbath songs so that was cool. Zombie mixed White with Rob about 50/50 as well which was excellent.

Go Oregon

I just watched The Music Within and figured I would do a post about the increase of movies being filmed in Portland. In the last year there have been a few. Mr. Brooks, Feast of Love, Music Within and coming soon Untraceable. Pretty sweet I liked Music Within a lot. I won't review any of these movies on this blog but just wanted to say go Portland, good on ya. Speaking of Oregon way to be number 2 lets pray the BCS doesn't screw us. Again. Oregon basketball is ranked 11th very nice and 6 Pac-10 teams in the top 20. Good job Oregon. You rock.