tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-981824006954188872024-03-14T01:05:14.589-07:00Michael Joseph is WVITVProviding entertainment and fun with tales of misguided travel adventures & misadventures.W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-22709444180754729592014-01-08T08:35:00.000-08:002014-01-08T08:35:36.076-08:002014 Update<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgRHXSQocHc/Us17wvCbF2I/AAAAAAAAPHI/EqKwG7X2BnU/s1600/Off+Air_Out+of+Order+TV+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgRHXSQocHc/Us17wvCbF2I/AAAAAAAAPHI/EqKwG7X2BnU/s1600/Off+Air_Out+of+Order+TV+Collage.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WVITV offline... 2014 update</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To anyone still reading...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I haven't quite yet killed this blog or the idea of WVITV but it has been basically abandoned. Just to maintain some sort of presence on this site while I determine what its fate will be I thought I'd make a quick post. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since landing in the Land of Enchantment of good old Albuquerque NM, I've been attending CNM and completed two semesters toward my certification in Hospitality & Tourism. I am now in my third semester and if I wasn't limited to half time (due to out of state tuition costs above 6 credit hours) this might have been my semester of completion. At half time I estimate I'll finish toward the end of 2014. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides classes, I took a student employee position on campus. It's not Hospitality & Tourism, however I am working directly with students and get lots of practice being hospitable. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once I hit the road again, if I decide to revive this blog, I'm sure I'll have more interesting updates. Perhaps, I'll even make more videos. (I really should at least finish my second episode of Hostel Review for Bucharest, Romania!) At the very least I should have some new travel tales or pull the plug. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, I did go to Germany again in 2013 for the Christmas season and New Years! It was a family visit though, so I've nothing I really feel like sharing, other than I had a great time in Germany and visiting them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Michael</div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-80823823610465817692013-05-25T11:41:00.001-07:002013-05-25T11:41:54.313-07:00I'm In The Land Of Enchantment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_bZa6c-sv0/UaECD3tzwUI/AAAAAAAAPBw/wBrnVjdHQ1w/s1600/NM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s_bZa6c-sv0/UaECD3tzwUI/AAAAAAAAPBw/wBrnVjdHQ1w/s1600/NM.jpeg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Update:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: center;">My job search is on hold.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">I am taking classes for a certification in Hospitality and Tourism at Central New Mexico Community College.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">I've been feeling disenchanted. </li>
<li style="text-align: center;">The other day I learned NM is known as the land of enchantment.</li>
<li style="text-align: center;">As long as I'm here, fingers crossed, maybe some of the enchantment will rub off.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-45533393052846952992013-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:002013-04-06T09:08:29.907-07:00Job Hunting! Will Travel For Work!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFuVJd4RXzo/UWBIK4FNRiI/AAAAAAAAO5o/uj9V8PfLydc/s1600/For+Hire+All+PH%23a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFuVJd4RXzo/UWBIK4FNRiI/AAAAAAAAO5o/uj9V8PfLydc/s640/For+Hire+All+PH%23a.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello my few but very valued readers of this travel blog! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have really enjoyed my travels over the last 19 months and I've really enjoyed making videos, taking photos and writing posts to share a bit of it with you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I start my newest adventure. I'm on a quest to find my next paying gig!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This blog will live on and who knows perhaps one day it will be a paid vocation but for right now I am on the hunt for a calling that pays the bills!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know I've got skills! I know I've got experience. With a little luck (preparation that meets opportunity) I think I'll land something awesome! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">I'll keep you posted...</span><br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-55832849598555340932013-01-31T08:43:00.002-08:002013-01-31T09:22:49.716-08:00The Journey Continues<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm back in the states now. Europe was pretty good! (Random pictures below.)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's funny, when I started this journey I thought I'd write more about it. I figured I might have more adventures & tales to share and misadventures for that matter. Europe has been a favorite place of mine and I had more wild times on my last trip. However, I realize I'm not the same person I was then. This time I spent my time with family and kept rather low key otherwise. I did some sight seeing. I had a nice road trip from Bucharest to Brasov. I took the train which was a misadventure (you can read about that in my entry: <a href="http://wvitv.blogspot.com/2012/11/trains-pains-and-uncomfortables.html" target="_blank">Trains, Pains and Uncomfortables</a>.) I encountered cathedrals and museums, I road the subways, I got out of the city into the countryside, I also got deep into the heart of the cities as well. Typical touristy stuff I guess. However, what I spent most of my time doing was playing with my baby cousins and catching up with family in Germany. I suppose at the time it didn't think it seemed interesting to write about. Besides, I think I was more focused on living in the moment then cataloguing it into words on this blog. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life happens whether we are paying attention or not. I think this trip reminded me what I want to focus on. I miss my family in Germany already! I miss my new friends in Romania as well. I wonder what to do now. I've got a lot of options but also a lot of work ahead. Every choice requires a compromise or a sacrifice of something else that I could do. For a while now I've either put off thinking about it or just the opposite I've dwelled on the subject to much.</div>
<br />
Rather than over think things I'm just putting myself out there. I've started to look for a paying gig, something interesting to me. I'm going to see where my efforts take me! My next job should be my next adventure and I'm looking forward to it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwX2RNmjihc/UQQc8p3fSFI/AAAAAAAAOsw/CGOCVKE560M/s1600/IMG_3560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2z98Yt60J4/UQQfBF16p4I/AAAAAAAAOtY/Uji2VJdFnII/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2z98Yt60J4/UQQfBF16p4I/AAAAAAAAOtY/Uji2VJdFnII/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" width="320" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwX2RNmjihc/UQQc8p3fSFI/AAAAAAAAOsw/CGOCVKE560M/s1600/IMG_3560.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YidJtONmQ/UQQfBFg0WUI/AAAAAAAAOtc/M6SVRz0b_3g/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YidJtONmQ/UQQfBFg0WUI/AAAAAAAAOtc/M6SVRz0b_3g/s1600/IMG_4212.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHQauR_5kVQ/UQQfBGcEBHI/AAAAAAAAOtU/DDYu0K96PH4/s1600/IMG_3965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHQauR_5kVQ/UQQfBGcEBHI/AAAAAAAAOtU/DDYu0K96PH4/s1600/IMG_3965.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-24305257726430061282013-01-06T01:36:00.001-08:002013-01-11T03:00:59.071-08:00Revival In Process<br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3_nfn1jdYSY/UOlFjBc0WFI/AAAAAAAAOrk/cbw1XoqIQ9U/s640/blogger-image--854160759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3_nfn1jdYSY/UOlFjBc0WFI/AAAAAAAAOrk/cbw1XoqIQ9U/s200/blogger-image--854160759.jpg" width="139" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not dead but this past week I sure felt like it.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does anyone know the point of the flu / a sinus infection? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was already intent on staying in bed, watching videos and reading for my remaining few days in Europe this trip. I didn't need the extra help from Mr. Flu bug. I sure could have skipped the headache, runny and stuffed nose, fever, loss of appetite, etc. as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Thankfully, my immune system isn't yet completely done for and today...</i></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>RIP</b> = <b><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Revival In Progress</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3_nfn1jdYSY/UOlFjBc0WFI/AAAAAAAAOrk/cbw1XoqIQ9U/s640/blogger-image--854160759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></a></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0Bucharest Bucharest44.428493 26.115617tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-75273952493044953052012-12-03T15:43:00.001-08:002012-12-03T15:43:25.772-08:00Castle Herzing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvi-xxfly-Q/UL0dC34TuaI/AAAAAAAAOog/H0SHtKN0gwE/s1600/PB230062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lvi-xxfly-Q/UL0dC34TuaI/AAAAAAAAOog/H0SHtKN0gwE/s1600/PB230062.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I am lost somewhere inside this</span> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>castle size</i> - <i>house</i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;">in Bavaria!</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><b><i> T</i></b></span>his lovely abode is what I've dubbed Castle Herzing. It has three stories plus a basement and measures approximately 4,300 square ft.. Each floor is a home all of it's own. All are complete with their own bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, etc.. Who could need all that space? Well, this grand structure serves as residence to my aunt, uncle, grandfather, cousin Michael, his wife and their two children (the Herzings). My cousin and his wife have the top floor which is a completely brand new build out. Even as I write this there are a few renovations still in the works, such as the permanent addition of a walkway from outside to their separate, private entrance. My grandfather just moved in on the second floor and my aunt & uncle occupy the ground floor. I've been visiting all of them for the past two weeks now. I wonder if they would notice if I never left Germany and instead made a space for myself in the basement. <i>Hmm???</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-58895609055734819602012-11-26T00:10:00.000-08:002012-11-26T00:11:10.294-08:00I Think...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-we75bmlaN9I/ULMjm2LuO7I/AAAAAAAAOng/gLmE9xd8BJ8/s1600/IMG_4023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-we75bmlaN9I/ULMjm2LuO7I/AAAAAAAAOng/gLmE9xd8BJ8/s1600/IMG_4023.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-70464649682650257742012-11-09T05:32:00.001-08:002012-11-09T05:32:27.515-08:00Munich & Meandering: Motion Helps With Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbT_EmbL72Y/UJzu2axfEbI/AAAAAAAAOi4/ePFX0Oh0FnA/s1600/IMG_3907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbT_EmbL72Y/UJzu2axfEbI/AAAAAAAAOi4/ePFX0Oh0FnA/s320/IMG_3907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday I went for a stroll in downtown Munich. (Yep, more pictures... click <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108060987564021704534/MunichMeander112012" target="_blank">HERE</a>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I'm not exactly sure what I want to do with myself lately. I have a lot of ideas and yet nothing sounds good. Plus, if I think about all the steps involved I get overwhelmed and wonder just how am I going to do anything. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sound familiar? Do you search for your missing inspiration or wallow in self criticism sometimes? Do you find yourself in a vicious circle ever? I can relate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While meandering in Munich, I was reminded of something that I think can help and I feel the need to share. <i>"You gotta give action to get action"</i>. That's one of my favorite quotes from the movie <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114594/" target="_blank">Swimming Sharks</a></i>. Basically, this means nothing happens from sitting around and thinking about it. Action leads to action. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The other day my cousin asked me to join him for lunch and I dreaded the idea of finding the city center on my own. It's three connections involving one bus and two metros. After my recent train <a href="http://wvitv.blogspot.de/2012/11/trains-pains-and-uncomfortables.html" target="_blank">trip from Bucharest</a> I don't blame myself. That trip has had overlapping affects on my mood lately. (Or, I've allowed it too). Nonetheless, I did want to see the city and I am here to visit with him so I knew that it was just a matter of overcoming my emotions and taking one step at a time. If I got lost, was late, had to pay for a cab or had to try to ask someone (with my limited German) for directions, or whatever shit-case scenario I could think of, I might be inconvenienced and I might feel embarrassed but that's about it. I know these thoughts are just my minds silly way of trying to talk me out of doing things.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whenever I get caught up in milling over the details of things I find it can be depressing. There is nothing wrong with careful thought and planning. However, over analyzing can lead to indecision and inaction. My advice (note to self), for what it's worth, if in doubt, stop thinking so much, pick something to do and do it. If you change your mind great! Just keep moving! If you need a break sometimes, that's alright too. Take one by all means! Just remember if you find yourself sitting with your thoughts and your mood is slipping the cure is <u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ACTION</span></u>. Pick something and start moving again! Long story short: I'm still not sure what to do with myself but the more I'm doing and less I'm dwelling the better I feel. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I met up with my cousin yesterday. We had a great lunch. Then I went for a stroll in the city center. I did a little shopping at the mall (the Christmas decorations are up already). After he finished work for the day we met up again and we went to the gym. With such a busy day I never had time to sit with my thoughts. I was in motion! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>By the way, I was on time and didn't get lost on the way to lunch. I just followed the directions, one step at a time, piece of cake!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-79713841074845134812012-11-05T02:57:00.004-08:002012-11-06T02:46:10.036-08:00Trains, Pains and Uncomfortables <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eiEid1YCJY/UJeChT7ZFiI/AAAAAAAAOOg/kBkAK-DqO7c/s1600/IMG_3816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8eiEid1YCJY/UJeChT7ZFiI/AAAAAAAAOOg/kBkAK-DqO7c/s320/IMG_3816.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wW6slRwAMs/UJeBIecFoqI/AAAAAAAAOOY/fqhHqbI47wA/s1600/IMG_3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wW6slRwAMs/UJeBIecFoqI/AAAAAAAAOOY/fqhHqbI47wA/s320/IMG_3817.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Peregrination - Europe - 2012 update:</i></span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;"> B</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eing an avid rail passenger, when I decided it was time for me to backpack from Bucharest to Munich my first choice was of course the train. In retrospect it was not such an ideal choice... </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just love taking the train ordinarily. So, when the locals in Romania looked at me funny for favoring a long train ride vs. taking a plane (which cost about the same) I didn't think much of it. However, in the back of my mind was the one train trip that I took from Hungary to Germany in 2004 that didn't go so well. It wasn't a complete disaster but it was nerve racking and a serious a pain. What happened was, I went to the station in Budapest about 2 hours early. I found a spot next to the track for my scheduled train. A fellow backpacker and I sat drinking beer and conversing while I wait. Then, some time had past and the train was late. After 10 minutes (from scheduled departure) I began to wonder what was up. Up to this point, I had never know trains to be late (my experience was with Western Europe). To make a long story short the train never arrived and I ended up waiting overnight in the station until the next one arrived in the early morning. I missed all my previous connections and I was never really sure if I was even going in the right direction until I got out of Hungary. The train was also totally run down and had no amenities to speak of. Plus, the toilets were disgusting. I felt really sorry for any women on board that couldn't hold it.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That brings me to present day. When I looked up the schedule for Bucharest to Munich I saw that I would only have one change of trains. O</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nline t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he connection showing was in Vienna. So, I was getting excited and looking forward to the 25 hour ride. I was picturing conversation and beers shared with fellow travelers on board in the lounge area and soaking in some terrific scenery on what should be a relaxing and pleasant trip. Nothing could have been more opposite from my experience. My first clue should have been when I went to purchase the ticket that the change of trains would actually be in Budapest not Vienna. Of course, I didn't want to let one previous rough experience ruin things for me and I kept thinking how fun the ride would be and that surely things would be better going through Hungary this time. I was wrong! First, the train from Bucharest was fine but no frills. Or if there was anything (such as a lounge car) I could not access it from second class. I was alone in my cabin and being that I left late in the afternoon the sun set early on this leg of the trip and I couldn't really see anything out of the window. Okay, I thought. This will be a long dull journey but at least I'll get there eventually and there's no stress. Wrong again! At about 4am the train stopped in the middle of the nowhere. We all sat on the tracks, in some remote area, which looked like a scene out of some post apocalyptic film. Dilapidated trains were surrounding us on both sides. It was as if the one I was on went there on purpose to die amongst it's confederates. To make matters worse the heat shut off and it was about 0 degrees outside and so it was inside, after about 30 minutes (it also never came back on)! After, what seemed like forever we finally started moving again and I checked the time. It was 6am. Great! I would be once again be stuck in a situation from Budapest trying to get a different train out and wondering about my connection. The biggest issue is communication. I don't speak Hungarian and the Hungarians aren't learning English at the pace of the rest of the world. So, finding someone to tell me what train to take at what time, what track, etc. is tricky. I finally figured out if I take one headed for Salzburg I would at least be going in the right direction and I could make another connection (an added one from my original schedule) to get to Munich. To make matters worse I was scheduled to meet my cousin in Munich at 17:15. If my train would have been on time I'd have no worries. I was supposed to get in at 14:35, plenty of time to find our meeting place, relax have a beer and lunch, etc. Now I was running a couple hours late and had no idea how long I'd have to wait for another connection that would take me from Austria to Germany. I was hoping my nearly 3 hour buffer from before would be enough to make up the difference. Well, good news. It was but just barely! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I got off in Salzburg I went as fast as I could to find the reader board for schedules and noticed that a train was leaving for Munich in 7 minutes. No time to waste! I haled ass with my 40 pounds of luggage in my arms and on my back and just made the connection. Relief, or so I thought. I'll still get in early and finally have that beer! Nope. The train wasn't the express, it made every stop along the way putting me into Munich at 17:20. The worst part was I hadn't been able to update my cousin that I was running late and I was starting to think I was going to end up having to find a place to stay for the night until I could reach him. Yet, another hassle I wasn't looking forward to after what was supposed to be a pleasant trip turned into disgusting, freezing, lonely and exhausting. Well once there, I bolted off the train in Munich and sprinted from track 5 to 20. I was able to make it by 17:30 just as my cousin had decided to leave the station and await a message from me since he figured by then I wasn't coming. Luckily, I spotted him on his way out and after all that we met up. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: red;"><b>11.6.12 Amendment:</b></span> I can hardly believe I almost forgot to mention the most frustrating portion of this recent trip, which happened at the very start. I somehow boarded in the wrong section of the train and worse I had to get to the correct train-car because the train actually split at one point with one section (the one I was on) headed somewhere else then where I was going! Okay, fine no problem right? Wrong! I could not go through the train to my car because it was on the other side of first class, which was locked to coach. I would have to wait until the train made a stop, get off with all my bags in hand, run to my car and get back on all in a matter of seconds before it took off again! What a trip, glad it's over...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's nice to be writing about this now from his comfy couch in his cozy apartment and gazing out the windows at the clear blue sky. It sure beats living it. On that note I'll think twice about trains from Eastern Europe that involve long schedules and connections. Basically, if I can't use one like a bus, on and off and without transfers then I think I'll just fly. I'm flying back to Bucharest from Munich to catch my return flight to the U.S. in 2013 for sure!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1d_vGQSQoI/UJeWK5NnrzI/AAAAAAAAOPA/jSNuNLooFoE/s1600/PB030014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1d_vGQSQoI/UJeWK5NnrzI/AAAAAAAAOPA/jSNuNLooFoE/s640/PB030014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I managed to get some pictures along the way despite my tension and being beyond knackered. Click this <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108060987564021704534/EuroTrip2012FromRomaniaToGermany112012" target="_blank"><b><u>LINK</u></b> </a>if you want to have a look.</span></i> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-31817088616518731382012-10-17T07:15:00.001-07:002012-10-20T06:22:11.037-07:00In Reality It Is Always Just TV - And Not Reality<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I am snug as a bug in a rug! Yesterday...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is true a day can make a difference. Yesterday I arrived in Bucharest. I had a few wrinkles upon arrival. First, I could not get money from the ATM. Not good! I decided not to buy any Romanian currency before hand so I was in a pickle. After calling the bank from my computer, which required me to search the airport high and low for wifi first, I got things sorted and was able to make a withdrawal. Relief, crisis conquered! Next, feeling a bit a drained I decided I would take a taxi instead of the bus to my hostel. I knew I'd probably get taken for a ride financially if i took a cab so I originally planned on using the awesome instructions for the bus provided by Holiday Hostel. However, I really didn't plan on being drained after an ATM ordeal so I decided on plan B. I'd read online about catching a taxi from departures not arrivals as they would be cheaper. So that's what I did but the cabby still ripped me off. He charged the rate from arrivals and then some. I was so grateful just to have made it to the hostel and have access to money that I just let it go when on top of overcharging he then short changed me. Driving for 45 minutes with the "Empty" gas light on was no picnic on my nerves either. On the bright side, I made it! Safe and sound and in no time I had met some people to talk to. One even gave me a beer!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What's has this got to do with TV? Good question! During and shortly after my cash and cab troubles a thought had occurred to me that I wasn't getting all this on film. Now that I've had a night to sleep on it I'm actually glad. Why? Well the answer is simple. I don't find reality shows that entertaining personally and it's not the sort of TV I want to make. I feel good knowing I can share my adventures and misadventures right here on this blog. As for any shows I make I think I like choosing what to film and when, as apposed to trying to catch every moment, under the guise of creating something real. TV isn't reality in my opinion and I feel better about not rolling camera all the time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On that note today is a new day and I've had an awesome rest. This hostel is amazing. There is just one small issue... I woke up for the day not long ago and the time now is 6PM. I guess I am a bit jet lagged! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqwUL-GNVew/UH69lNY4w3I/AAAAAAAALNI/eI7uO5gAPhw/s640/blogger-image-752683540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kqwUL-GNVew/UH69lNY4w3I/AAAAAAAALNI/eI7uO5gAPhw/s640/blogger-image-752683540.jpg" /></a></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2Holiday Hostel Strada Romulus, Bucharest44.428642 26.115697tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-21142263083821490532012-10-12T06:40:00.000-07:002012-10-12T06:40:00.629-07:00Making TV <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4B5jM-EYP0/UHgTYTAw5BI/AAAAAAAALMo/vlj5eVpCxMg/s1600/Hostel+Review+still+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S4B5jM-EYP0/UHgTYTAw5BI/AAAAAAAALMo/vlj5eVpCxMg/s640/Hostel+Review+still+shot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">WVITV <b>©</b> 2012</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Created by: </span><i style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Michael J Trojak</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Call it TV, call it <i>television</i>, I like to call it <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>TRAVEL VISION</b></span>! I just completed my latest pilot for a show about hostels called Hostel Review. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background-color: #ebebeb;">"</span><span style="background-color: #ebebeb; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.363636016845703px;">Hostel Review is as the name implies, a show about hostels and how the host scores them on various factors, including: amenities, feel & flavor, cleanliness, etc. This is the pilot episode where the concept for the show is presented. The idea for this show is to give the viewer the same information they would get when reading the reviews from the hostel/backpacker sites, while putting that into an entertaining audio/visual format."</span></i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Michael Joseph WVITV</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b>Check it out on this blog</b> @ <a href="http://wvitv.blogspot.com/p/wvitv-shows.html" target="_blank"><b>WVITV Shows</b></a> OR by clicking on the links below...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<b><a href="http://wvitv.weebly.com/" target="_blank">WVITV</a> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/wvitv" target="_blank"><b>WVITV Youtube</b></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
As always, thanks for reading and thanks for watching!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-39568116300919324592012-10-02T10:45:00.001-07:002012-10-02T10:45:05.088-07:00Prineville Not Nashville and Romania Not RIO (at least not yet Brazil & Tennessee) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7on7MhVDBzs/UGsSrIkzNsI/AAAAAAAALLU/VFGdMbNYO3A/s1600/P9290272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7on7MhVDBzs/UGsSrIkzNsI/AAAAAAAALLU/VFGdMbNYO3A/s640/P9290272.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just spent the summer in Southeast Asia. What am I gonna do now? I am <i>not</i> going to Disneyland.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alright, summer is over! I'm still on the move and life is still showing me who's boss! As usual I've a ton of ideas about what I might do and where I may head off to. Somehow though, I wonder if this is really up to me or if it's part of some plan that's bigger than me? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I was contemplating a trip to Nashville upon my return from Asia. I thought a little southern hospitality from my home country was in order. Also, I was invited further south to Rio De Janeiro. Pretty awesome right? I think so. Well, my itinerary as of now includes neither destination. So, what the heck happened? It's simple really. I can only do so much at one time, "life happens when you're making other plans" and I change my mind often. I'll explain...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While I was in Asia I was considering my options. I had initially planned on more travel throughout Asia but decided Thailand and Malaysia was just right for this trip and a change of pace was in order. Thinking carefully about my budget and what I was in the mood for Nashville came to mind. Okay, I'd fly back into Portland from Kuala Lumpur and take Amtrak to Tennessee. I love riding the train! I would get my southern hospitality fix and I could even head on over to Memphis while I was at it to see all the memorabilia of the King. A rather cool trip in my opinion and certainly in the budget. Oh but wait, I still have Brazil to consider! First of all, I have had South America on my list of places to go for a long time; with Rio being at the top of the list of cities there that I would like to survey. Apart from that, I had an invite which included a place to stay! What to do? This is the part when "life happens when you're making other plans", comes into play. After I got back to the states I wanted to unwind and see some friends. The next thing I know I'm attending a wedding and I hook up with a friend that I haven't seen in around 20 years. She lives in Prineville and came up to Portland just for the wedding. We seemed to have fun together so I decided I wanted to hang out with her more. In comes Prineville. I have not visited Central Oregon much, (if at all) so, I thought it would be a bonus checking it out on top of spending more time with my friend. I was right. I had a wonderful time visiting with her and I really liked visiting the small town life in Prineville. I decided the charm I was craving from a trip like Tennessee was satisfied by this unexpected reunion and unplanned side trip. <i>(Check out pictures of the town and our side-side trip to Reno by clicking </i><a href="http://wvitv.blogspot.com/p/photos.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a><i>). </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
What about Rio? This is where changing my mind often comes into play. As much as I still want to go to Brazil and many other countries in South America for that matter; I just felt like a return to Europe lately. Hopefully, I'll be able to take my other friend up on her invite to Rio an other time. As for now...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iECwXqiLlDk/UGsf1ey9h-I/AAAAAAAALMA/wymbaUGHpkg/s1600/Flag_of_Romania.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iECwXqiLlDk/UGsf1ey9h-I/AAAAAAAALMA/wymbaUGHpkg/s200/Flag_of_Romania.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Romania has come up in conversation a couple of times. Perhaps it was a sign? Besides, I have loved Europe since my first visit back in 1985. In '04 I went back and made my way around to about a dozen countries mostly in the west. I have yet to make my way to that many countries in the east. So, after milling it over I decided Bucharest here I come! My flight is booked for 10.15.12. Lets see what happens from here...</div>
</div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-24440514949124223352012-09-18T06:44:00.001-07:002012-09-18T06:44:47.817-07:00Percy: Imagine - Travel - Go<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ywv0LjzLEf8/UFfyMFDZUYI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/zd_Doa3c3Ek/s640/blogger-image--1554070659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ywv0LjzLEf8/UFfyMFDZUYI/AAAAAAAAKeQ/zd_Doa3c3Ek/s640/blogger-image--1554070659.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inspiration is a pleasant & precious commodity and I've got a new source from which to draw. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meet Percy the panda. Percy goes on adventures just like I do. So far he's been to the Old West and Outer Space. Who is Percy? Percy is the brain child of my good friends Kenn and LeeAnne Gibney. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alright, I confess I'm not going to Outer Space any time soon but I do love my travels and I am moved by others who are also venturesome and seek to live out their dreams. Percy and his creators are proof that a little imagination, followed up with some motivation and a ton of perseverance can take you anywhere! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's my great pleasure to share with you that my dear friends have created and now published their first two digital books (available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=percy+panda&rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Apercy+panda&ajr=0" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>)! They are creative children's tales, beautifully illustrated about Percy, a Panda with heart and soul for adventure! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-38937288673899280102012-08-29T06:13:00.001-07:002012-08-29T07:17:49.313-07:00Reprieve - Renewal & The Road AheadWhat next? Where to? What to do now?<br />
<br />
Questions are looming in my head theses days! Three weeks back stateside and I'm already feeling stir crazy. <br />
<br />
Lately I've been dwelling on what I'm supposed to be doing with myself. I forget that my life isn't a checklist it's an open itinerary. <br />
<br />
I have a wicked ego that is fighting violently to maintain the life that is safe and familiar to it and the harder I struggle the more it resists. I know it is useless to convince someone of something that doesn't want to listen so why do I try so hard? I'm in charge of my life right? Not my insecurities! Nevertheless, I can't see anything beyond the road that lies directly ahead and sometimes that's just blank and frightening to me. <br />
<br />
Since my thoughts aren't serving me productively, starting today I'm canceling all appointments with worry, resetting my brain and muting my ego. <br />
<br />
The road ahead is waiting...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zM4tXZqEviQ/UD4bgpwdL5I/AAAAAAAAJxM/m9-hRnaE4Ek/s640/blogger-image--1258318699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zM4tXZqEviQ/UD4bgpwdL5I/AAAAAAAAJxM/m9-hRnaE4Ek/s640/blogger-image--1258318699.jpg" /></a></div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-40959326037354662062012-08-06T05:35:00.000-07:002012-08-06T05:35:07.673-07:00Asia Summary 2012: Intense - Educational - An Experience Of A Lifetime<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahjf7yJFxkg/UB-h5O3NEvI/AAAAAAAAJv4/caCmNWe1eoA/s1600/Photo+on+2012-07-25+at+16.06_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahjf7yJFxkg/UB-h5O3NEvI/AAAAAAAAJv4/caCmNWe1eoA/s320/Photo+on+2012-07-25+at+16.06_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is the sixth of August 2012. I now have less than 48 hours left before I board a flight headed back to the U.S.. I've been thinking about what to say to people when they inquire about or when I am grilled for my opinion of <i>this & that</i> related to my trip. I imagine the questions: "How was it?" coming in first place and "How did you like it?" being a close second. Not that my opinion even matters it's just rote questioning whenever you've been somewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What I came up with is that it's far more perplexing than whether I liked anything about the people, places and things I have encountered over the past 90 days. During my time here I simply got used to things as they are and accepted them. Lucky for me I've had practice so I am better equipped to do that these days. To try and put it simply, I'd say this journey for me was an extraordinary clash of: like it, love it, hate it as well as come to embrace it. Also, I am sure to reflect, learn and continue to grow from this exploit for much time to come. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On that note, I'm ready for the next adventure to be much more frivolous! </div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-66692468399986709322012-07-26T02:01:00.001-07:002012-07-26T05:15:35.088-07:00Cuttlefish<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llVEgeec9j8/UBECyYtRknI/AAAAAAAAJvk/qZgWT1QIHXk/s1600/cuttlefish.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llVEgeec9j8/UBECyYtRknI/AAAAAAAAJvk/qZgWT1QIHXk/s320/cuttlefish.tiff" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i>cuttlefish |</i><span class="s1">ˈ</span><i>kətl</i><span class="s1">ˌ</span><i>fi sh |</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">noun ( pl. same or <b>-fishes</b>)</span></i></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">a swimming marine mollusk that resembles a broad squid, having eight arms and two long tentacles that are used for grabbing prey. Its internal skeleton is cuttlebone, which it uses for adjusting buoyancy.</span></i></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s2"><a href="file:///Library/Dictionaries/New%20Oxford%20American%20Dictionary.dictionary/Contents/Images/cuttlefish.png"><b></b></a></span></span></i></div>
<div class="p4" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="s2"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>cuttlefish</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s3">• </span>Order Sepioidea, class Cephalopoda: Sepia and other genera.</span></i></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span class="s4">ORIGIN </span>late 16th cent.: from <b>cuttle </b>+ <span class="s5"><b>fish </b></span><span class="s6"><sup>1 </sup></span>.</span></i></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
I ingested one of these things for the first time today (actually I had a few of them) and I didn't even know I was going to when I ordered my meal! Although this thing is sort of weird looking it is tasty. Sometimes it's a good idea to try things with complete blind faith. The dish I ate is called Fried Mee Jawa. Click this: <a href="http://www.foodstreet.com.my/food-street/bpage.s?by=Kafe+Mee+Jawa&bid=306" target="_blank">link from foodstreet.com.my</a> to learn more about Mee Jawa! </div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-11331646270675011792012-07-24T08:27:00.001-07:002012-07-24T08:29:55.618-07:00Car Accident, Salsa Dancing & 86 Stories To The Top Of The World.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okXUYpJdmkk/UA6qzrpgEyI/AAAAAAAAJu0/yKz4xkPICjI/s1600/zaikojouhou+86+190E+21.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okXUYpJdmkk/UA6qzrpgEyI/AAAAAAAAJu0/yKz4xkPICjI/s200/zaikojouhou+86+190E+21.3.jpg" width="200" /></a>
</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
Well, my past five days have been quite enthralling! First, I was a passenger in an automobile accident last week. My friends' Benz was the last link in a three Tin-Lizzie <i>like</i>, chain pile-up. Luckily, by the time the middle car played bumper-car boogie with my buddies 1994 Mercedes, it was merely a low impact incident for us. The real loser was the driver at the core, as he got it in the front and rear, both figuratively and literally. Most important though, no one in any of the involved vehicles was injured. Mercedes Benz bumpers are pretty amazing as well, apart from a few scuffs it appears like nothing ever happened.</div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLaQlsNyNew/UA6tUcJ0sHI/AAAAAAAAJvE/OEgpki7T2Ok/s1600/Salsa+%2540+QBA+-+KL+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLaQlsNyNew/UA6tUcJ0sHI/AAAAAAAAJvE/OEgpki7T2Ok/s320/Salsa+%2540+QBA+-+KL+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Later that week I went out to a local Latin club called QBA, inside the Westin Hotel Resort in downtown Kuala Lumpur. To my surprise it was one of my friends' birthday! He kept the event a closely guarded secret. Never mind though, now I can mark it on the calendar for next year! Hours of dancing, towers of beer and a piece of cake, that was my Friday!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="p1">
Today I took the lift for a ride up and down the Petronas Towers and captured some really jaw-dropping views! </div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Trivia: The Petronas Towers were featured in the film Entrapment and they are the tallest twin towers in the world). </span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ap0uSzbAS0/UA6u0I7RAfI/AAAAAAAAJvM/Sqb1hfJapFE/s1600/IMG_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ap0uSzbAS0/UA6u0I7RAfI/AAAAAAAAJvM/Sqb1hfJapFE/s200/IMG_2603.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WpqQnjd-o/UA6vIbGDsTI/AAAAAAAAJvU/LJm1XI-OIlM/s1600/PIC_3481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6WpqQnjd-o/UA6vIbGDsTI/AAAAAAAAJvU/LJm1XI-OIlM/s640/PIC_3481.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<br />
<br />W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-62620394071468917312012-07-22T21:23:00.002-07:002012-07-22T21:23:56.573-07:00Room Service @ Victory Hotel - Fried Meehoon / Bee Hoon Singapore Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2jEUXJ6DFE/UAowwEQuf0I/AAAAAAAAJtg/sr3wgh6viSo/s1600/IMG_2431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nwIG_w5QeUU/UAowxkyyIdI/AAAAAAAAJtw/mGKVbUnauzA/s1600/IMG_2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpQwblaExtQ/UAzQF0-6NzI/AAAAAAAAJuc/FzJBcncw6Is/s1600/Victory+Hotel+Fried+Meehoon+Room+Service2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mpQwblaExtQ/UAzQF0-6NzI/AAAAAAAAJuc/FzJBcncw6Is/s400/Victory+Hotel+Fried+Meehoon+Room+Service2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
I'm so happy to be spending my final weeks in Malaysia in comfort. I really feel more like a local now having a home base and the opportunity to learn the area from a central vantage point. Backpacking from place to place has it's pluses but when I came to Asia this time I thought I'd do that for a while and then find an apartment. Well, I did not find an apartment this time. However, I did find the hotel I'm at and a huge advantage, that being room-service. </div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: justify;">
The menu at my hotel is from a nearby restaurant called Sakura, which delivers. They have Chinese, Singaporean, Malaysian and western style dishes on their menu. A new found favorite for me is Meehoon, click this link: <a href="http://original-chinese-recipes.blogspot.com/2009/08/fried-meehoon-bee-hoon-singapore-style.html"><span class="s1">Fried Meehoon / Bee Hoon Singapore Style</span></a>, for a recipe. It's a delicious light meal made with noodles, seasonings, vegetables, shrimps and meat as desired. When I get back to the United States I'll be preparing this one for my mom to try. She's going to love it!</div>
<br />W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-33012749644860407932012-07-18T18:46:00.000-07:002012-07-18T18:46:06.388-07:00TRAVERSE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UR6dJbHR4FU/UAdY5o3TCJI/AAAAAAAAJtA/LIQXX8gU69Y/s1600/PIC_1457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UR6dJbHR4FU/UAdY5o3TCJI/AAAAAAAAJtA/LIQXX8gU69Y/s400/PIC_1457.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">WVITV <b>©</b> 2012</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Photo by: </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Michael J Trojak</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a jungle out there! Are you making your way through foliage of life? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started a countdown a couple of weeks ago. If I live to one hundred years old, I have 62 years, 1 month, 30 days and so many hours, seconds, etc., until check out time. Put like that, it's a reminder for me to do something with myself. (What? I don't always know).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: blue;"><span class="s1">traverse</span> |trəˈvərs|</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: blue;">verb [ trans. ]</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: blue;"><b>1 </b>travel across or through <i>: he traversed the forest.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are all just making are way across time, through this life. I try to make my journey and adventure! </div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-64534696475975423232012-07-17T03:02:00.001-07:002012-07-17T03:02:42.767-07:00despair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBd_W5Q-GT8/UAU2RztDx7I/AAAAAAAAJss/b8z0CYnjlt4/s1600/Despair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBd_W5Q-GT8/UAU2RztDx7I/AAAAAAAAJss/b8z0CYnjlt4/s640/Despair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">WVITV <b>©</b> 2012</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Photo by: </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Michael J Trojak</span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not going to write a blog post about how people should be grateful for what they have and make a cliche remark or two about how someone else likely has it so much worse. What's the point in that anyway? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS. 'nough said.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-74408296696811858122012-07-09T20:32:00.000-07:002012-07-09T20:40:09.696-07:00"TRY" Time In The Mirror<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0QGtk5UgDA/T_ubmz83hlI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/QgVZQUTKi0k/s1600/PIC_2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0QGtk5UgDA/T_ubmz83hlI/AAAAAAAAJsQ/QgVZQUTKi0k/s640/PIC_2489.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>TRY</b><br />
<i> (photo from Bangkok - interesting the word try was captured - at the time I hadn't noticed)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It has been a full year now since I started my latest odyssey. Life as I remember it then seems like it was just yesterday and forever ago all wrapped up in some kind of weird time-warp. Time is a very interesting thing. The present can feel so surreal, the future so uncertain and the past like a dream. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have experienced a lot over the last year. The one thing I continue to work on is being fully engaged in the moment. I think planning for the future and reflecting on the past are both healthy things. However, I don't want reflection to turn into dwelling, nor do I want my planning to become obsessive. Time is our most precious resource and it shouldn't be wasted. That said, I will take the advice from this photo I took recently, while enjoying a moment in Bangkok and always "TRY" to do and be my best.</div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-89529063093422496462012-07-08T05:53:00.002-07:002012-07-08T05:53:58.855-07:00I Have Decided To Live In Malaysia<br />
<table border="1"><tbody>
<tr><th><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i style="background-color: black;">WHAT?</i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89oN70gYM6I/T_lxoFrdTHI/AAAAAAAAJrA/Tslxdw6jbzY/s1600/PIC_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-89oN70gYM6I/T_lxoFrdTHI/AAAAAAAAJrA/Tslxdw6jbzY/s200/PIC_0490.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8SfNSvZBA8/T_lyTmkuPII/AAAAAAAAJrQ/LCFsLK5763I/s1600/PIC_0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8SfNSvZBA8/T_lyTmkuPII/AAAAAAAAJrQ/LCFsLK5763I/s200/PIC_0335.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></th>
<th><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYXoAxk4bBI/T_lxmobgDQI/AAAAAAAAJq4/glR_JiKkSgI/s1600/PIC_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNBiBCbQfVg/T_lyVnkbfJI/AAAAAAAAJrY/Ro1dyOl1R_w/s1600/PIC_0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DNBiBCbQfVg/T_lyVnkbfJI/AAAAAAAAJrY/Ro1dyOl1R_w/s200/PIC_0351.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1USwM3I7pg/T_lyXcevyUI/AAAAAAAAJrg/nnwAh5NirjQ/s1600/PIC_0416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i1USwM3I7pg/T_lyXcevyUI/AAAAAAAAJrg/nnwAh5NirjQ/s200/PIC_0416.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYXoAxk4bBI/T_lxmobgDQI/AAAAAAAAJq4/glR_JiKkSgI/s200/PIC_0467.JPG" width="200" /><br />
<br /></th>
<th><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX53pM6NL8g/T_lwtVmuK5I/AAAAAAAAJqg/IE9PCwwj640/s1600/IMG_1861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX53pM6NL8g/T_lwtVmuK5I/AAAAAAAAJqg/IE9PCwwj640/s200/IMG_1861.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br /></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes you read that correctly! Wait... No, it's not permanent. <a href="http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html" title="Skype Emoticons"><img alt="Skype Emoticons" border="0" src="http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-evil-grin-smileys-429.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I set out on this trip I always kept it in the back of my mind that I might want to settle down over here. There certainly are plenty of opportunities for me to live in Asia. My heart was set on exploring and leaving it partly to chance and partly to how I feel about what I can make of a life over here. Well, so far the past couple of months haven't been anything like what I imagined. Is that bad news? No! It's perfectly fine. I have had one hell of an experience and I'm glad I came. In life nothing really turns out as we imagine it, imagining things is the best way to get started though. I not only got started by I feel satisfied with the outcome and myself for doing what I set out to do. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for living in Malaysia, I am thrilled at this point. First, I feel I've placed enough miles on myself and explored enough that I'm ready to chill out in one spot for a while. I'm in a great neighborhood in the city and many of my favorite things to do are close by and easy to get to. So, I secured a room for the entire month and I'm going to mingle among the locals here in Kuala Lumpur until it's time to fly back to the states. Okay, I'm still considering a weekend trip to Singapore but if I go I have a place already set up to come back to. This is my home for the next thirty days!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cheers!</div>
<a href="http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/skype-emoticons.html" title="Skype Emoticons"><img alt="Skype Emoticons" border="0" src="http://www.easyfreesmileys.com/smileys/free-party-smileys-770.gif" /></a>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-91096017239213194162012-07-08T04:17:00.001-07:002012-07-08T04:17:25.513-07:00Travel Lesson 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSKAwXSLSvM/T_lcixUP4ZI/AAAAAAAAJqI/FYiFfKSE-9g/s1600/PHOT0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSKAwXSLSvM/T_lcixUP4ZI/AAAAAAAAJqI/FYiFfKSE-9g/s200/PHOT0013.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OOFlPk2ywc/T_lcjjhfAlI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/xxl7JsdYUWg/s1600/PHOT0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5OOFlPk2ywc/T_lcjjhfAlI/AAAAAAAAJqQ/xxl7JsdYUWg/s200/PHOT0014.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you like to sit or squat? </span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
Do you like camping? Would you quit your job and live in the woods, in a tent, without your TV, cellphone, computer, etc.? Relocating abroad is a similar question. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><u>The lesson:</u></span> Before attempting to relocate overseas first, know yourself. Also, know what you need and what you want and what the difference is. In addition to that know how much you're willing to compromise. Then go out and explore! </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Bottom line the grass isn't greener on the other side, it's the same green everywhere! What do I mean? Well, take a look at the pictures above. I took these on a previous trip to China in 2006. One is the typical Chinese style of toilet where you squat and the other is a western style toilet which you can sit on. What comes to mind? Are you thinking, hmm that's interesting I'd be willing to try the other kind or are you thinking something else? </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
If you aren't intrigued by differences traveling will be tough. If you have dreams of relocating someplace and think all will be so much better because it's cheaper or people are going to be nicer to you just as examples, think again. Life will be different and it's that fact which makes exploration something you need to do or something you need to avoid. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
I've been to and lived in a lot of different places. I love something about them all, even the places I've grown tired of. Something I can say with certainty that has helped me is that I'm willing to try things out because I know what I want and what I need and I know the difference. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Happy travels!</div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-6062057667072801502012-07-04T19:55:00.001-07:002012-07-04T19:57:57.830-07:00Bangkok Was Buzzin'<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxNoCNvRF7w/T_TxyBGCo5I/AAAAAAAAJps/nJRANqfyYvY/s1600/PIC_3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxNoCNvRF7w/T_TxyBGCo5I/AAAAAAAAJps/nJRANqfyYvY/s640/PIC_3040.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">WVITV <b>©</b> 2012</span><span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> Photo by: </span><i style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Michael J Trojak</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the saying goes, a picture says a thousand words; above, a photo I took of bees swarming a water lilly in the garden, on the grounds in front of the Grand Palace of Bangkok Thailand. This illustration sums up my trip to Bangkok: a very intriguing, subtly dangerous, eloquent & beautiful, hive of activity that isn't completely understood by this outsider, but nevertheless respected and appreciated. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I suppose I could go on about the sort of "checklist" of activities I managed to complete or how my first impression of the city was thrown by the sites and smells I'm not used to, but I'd rather not. If you want to know more about Bangkok from this blog have a look at the photos I took in the Photos Tab. I didn't include any description or labels, nor are they in any real order. Flip through the pictures and enjoy their cornucopia of chaotic randomness just as I enjoyed it in person.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, if you really want to learn about Bangkok I recommend a visit!</div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98182400695418887.post-9817026396570342842012-06-25T16:00:00.001-07:002012-06-25T16:29:35.927-07:00One Night In BangkokOkay, actually I have 48 hours left before I catch a bus back to Phuket. <br />
<br />
This is one of those cities that if I lived here a full year and spent my time just trying to see everything, I would only be able to scratch the surface. <br />
<br />
It's been interesting so far to say the least. Catch my next post for a recap on what I did and saw here over the past week. Stay tuned...<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2vxB9_Va3N4/T-jtiVOYIXI/AAAAAAAAGOM/GL1iKondf0Q/s640/blogger-image-1108342181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2vxB9_Va3N4/T-jtiVOYIXI/AAAAAAAAGOM/GL1iKondf0Q/s640/blogger-image-1108342181.jpg" /></a></div>W.V.i.T.V.http://www.blogger.com/profile/12778461815696424064noreply@blogger.com2Y.H.A. Bangkok Downtown Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok13.726374 100.5284