I’ll keep my preamble brief as I wanted to let the video montage and photos speak for themselves. Let me start off by saying that I have some tremendously thoughtful groomsman. Travel experiences shared with close friends are always tremendously memorable. This trip was no exception. In fact, it was a trip I’ll never forget.
Thank you Joe, Tom, Lui, John, Mike and Hari for making the journey, and making the weekend so enjoyable. I’d like to offer up a special thanks to Mike for making it all happen. I could not have asked for a better best man…You’re generosity never seizes to amaze me. I’d also like to offer up a similar message to Hari for making a special appearance. Talk about elevating my bachelor party to another level! Wow, and thank you.
Enjoy the images from our weekend. Humpback chub, my friends. Humpback chub… continue reading »
Kathleen and I have had some pretty crappy New Year’s Eve experiences over the past few years. We were anticipating more of the same, so our expectations were pretty low. Unfortunately, it just seems that by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around we never manage to find the time to plan anything. Couple that with the fact that we just don’t like driving much during the year end celebration, and we’re left with minimal options.
This year, the planning was left up to my sister and her husband. It was planned several days in advance of the big day, so we were really playing it by ear. I have to say that the event could not have worked out any better. My baby sis had some delicious spaghetti & meatballs ready for us upon our arrival to her home. We had a few drinks to kick off the festivites, then took a cab to our party destination, Black Bear Saloon in South Norwalk, or SoNo. The evening was filled with finger foods, an open bar, dancing and just good times. continue reading »
With my aunt and uncle visiting from Portugal, we decided to take an obligatory day trip to NYC. This was their first time to the USA so NYC was a must. On the docket for our voyage was ground zero, the statue of liberty, times square and anything else we could squeeze into one day. It was a gorgeous day so we decided to take the dowtown bus tour, which I had never done before. Outside of a self absorbed tour guide, it really was neat hanging out on the second level of the tour bus. What a unique way to take in the New York energy. Personally, my favorite moment of the trip was just walking along the boardwalk through battery park. The gentle breeze off the Hudson coupled with the warm sunshine made for a very enjoyable experience. I hope my family enjoyed the trip and their visit to the US.
Below are some photos from our day trip which were taken on September 19, 2009:
Our trip to Niagara Falls was one which required little planning or preparation. Expectations were low but all were game to observe the natural wonder of the Falls. I would be accompanied by my lady, my sis and her husband. A one night stay at a trusty Marriott would put us in the heart of the touristy action. Exactly what we wanted. We took a Saturday morning flight out of JFK to Buffalo, which would be followed by a quick 4o minute drive across the Canadian border. We arrived at our hotel round noon, checked in, then immediately started our sight seeing activities.
Seeing the falls for the first time was nothing short of inspiring. It’s shear power and beauty was staggering. However I must admit that I thought they’d be bigger. Never the less, there were awesome. We then got up close and personal by taking the Famous Maid of the Mist Boat Tour. It was at that time that I realized just how immense the falls were when you were directly beneath them. Wow, that was just a good time! I do think the tour should be renamed though. A more appropriate title would be Maid of the Rain, not made of the Mist.
Dinner at the rotating Skylon Tower was an enjoyable experience. Prices were pretty steep but the atmosphere was fantastic. Clifton Hill had a Carnival like atmosphere which was amusing. The Niagara Aviary was also pretty neat. But…The biggest surprise by far on our little voyage was that of the Butterfly Conservatory. What I originally thought would be the cheesiest stops on our tour turned out to be the most entertaining. Exotic butterflies scampered about without a care in the world in their impressive little ecosystem. The rainforest backdrop coupled with thousands of these colorful little creatures made for a surreal experience.
Great trip, great company. Niagara Falls…Check! Next up, Caribean cruise. continue reading »
All I can say is wow…I decided to try to throw a small gathering with friends and family to celebrate my 30th birthday. Yes, it’s a big milestone, blah, blah, blah but honestly it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get together with a large group of friends and family in one place. Seemed like the perfect reason to make that happen. I delegated the party planning to my sister and catering to my parents. Man was my little sister amazing. She turned the event into an 80s themed party with all the fixings. Simply incredible. And the food? Umm, we’re portuguese so I never had any worries on that front.
All i can say is thank you once again to my sister and parents and all my friend and family that were able to make the event. It was wonderful time. Here are some pictures from party:
What started off as a small weekend camping trip, now over 5 years ago, has evolved into an annual excursion where close friends from all over gather to attend. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no outdoorsman, but there’s something quite refreshing and liberating spending time in an isolated area away from daily distractions. Couple that with some great friends, good food and a little alcohol and we have a memorable event. Here are some photos from our 4th annual camping retreat in Cavendish, Vermont. Photos were taken from the weekend of November 14th, 2008.
Quick stop at McDonalds for some low grade food as we make our way to Vermont: Getting set-up: Oh, yes. That’s a mining light on my head. Well worth the $30 investment: I bunked with my buddy Brian. Really roughed it with a queen size deluxe airmatress, seating area and welcome mat: Breakfast is served: Relaxing… Cooking up some pork….mmmmm My sis and brother in law:
Board games and chatting were out major activites… Devious smiles all around: Clean up and go home:
Day trip to Block Island with Kathleen, Sandy and Tom. We took the ferry in early, rented some mopeds and tooled around the island. The weather was perfect. There was also an eerie fog near the cliffs that made for a truly surreal experience. We have not ventured back to Block Island since this trip as it was one of those “Everything was perfect about that day and if we go back it will probably ruined in some way” experiences. Silly, I know. Below are some of my favorite photos from the day. Full slide show can be seen below as well.
