You Never Take Me Anywhere.

During a short phone call with my Mother. I admitted to resenting the fact that she, along with her third husband (The One I still consider my stepfather.), left me behind whenever vacationing or traveling beyond our borders. Now granted, I was thirteen or fourteen when they tied the knot. Old enough to fend for myself, too old for a Home Alone scenerio and the perfect age target to base an 80s John Hughes teen flick on. (You know. Parents go on vacation. Teenager throws party for the ages.) Not to deny the fact they might have needed an escape from the constant stress of raising a troublesome teen.

However, not including me in trips to Spain, Puerto Rico, Spain and Hawaii over a four year span is downright neglectful. (Note that I am sitting here with my arms tightly folded and a scowl on my face. Awaiting my overdue tickets and passport.) While I certainly missed out on some amazing adventures and exploration. Their vacations were as much a break from them. Than they were a break from me.

A Change of Plans

By Thursday of every week. The questions about the weekend regarding where we’re heading and what we’ll be doing surface. Come Friday, and even Saturday morning. By that time. Any and all ideas brought up in the prior days are more than likely, old news and we’re eventually off in a different direction. No matter the destination. The journey and stops along the way are the moments that matter the most. The complaints about traffic and conversations about the next step and the upcoming weekends. It’s the company we keep and the moments you experience together that matter. So go out and experience life. Whether you’re on the road or just around the corner. Go. Now.

An Outing for the Ages.

Starting our day at Waffle House has always been a good choice. Choosing to sit at the counter? Even better. Today, however, we were given an unexpected bonus when the entire staff spontaneously broke into an impressive song and dance routine while song from the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and TLC resonated over the speakers. It was the perfect example of living in the moment. An experience my wife and I will cherish for a long time. As both of us instantly became an adoring audience. Singing along and dancing in our seats. I can’t think of a better way to start my weekend. Well, a satisfying breakfast with a bottomless cup of coffee come to mind. But experiencing both at the same time can only be described as a once in a lifetime event.

Happy Travels are Often Fueled by Exceptional Food.

Travel is a key. to happiness and fulfillment for many, including myself. Having visited many cities and small towns in the United States and throughout Asia and Europe. I’ve been treated to so many opportunities to explore different cultures. Meet amazing people and eat fantastic food. From escargot in Paris. Scorpions in Tokyo. Alligator in New Orleans. Snake meat in Taos and more. A full belly makes any trip worth taking. I took this picture while heading to the southern tip of Virginia. The food was great and we met a lively couple with two adorable daughters. As experienced countless times. It not the destination, but the journey that matters.

Dog Tag Bakery. Georgetown, DC

After giving up on finding parking near the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. We went to plan B and headed to nearby Georgetown. Stopping in at Dog Tag Bakery for some ice coffee and a remarkable frittata. As we chilled out and took our time cooling off. We noticed an impreesive display of dog tags hanging above our adjacent table. I quickly grabbed my camera and found a good angle that would best highlight its importance. The overall experience at Dog Tag was great. A warm and relaxed vibe with above and beyond service, food, and support for veterans. Personally, I can’t wait to get back. Below is an image I captured while wondering if anyone counted how many dog tags were on display.

Travel, Travel Photography. DC, Washington DC, Georgetown, Dog Tag Bakery, Dog Tags, Black & White,

A Trip Through History

As the weather gets warmer and Spring continues to develop. I hope to take full advantage of the history, culture and museums of the Washington DC area. Last week signaled somewhat of a start to this as we experienced the somewhat heartbreaking exhibits within the Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. As someone who became addicted to history at a very young age. I was always aware that our teachers and history books were lying to us, or at the very least, telling us less than half truths. We learned more in out two plus hours there than we were taught our entire life. I did my best ro be respectful and keep my piture taking to a minimum. I took the image on the right as we headed downstairs the the eventual exit. I tend to appreciate the images that fall on the dramatic side when it comes to shade and lighting.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Our recent, first ever trip to West Virginia turned out to be a good one. Despite my wife being the only Asian the state had ever hosted. We enjoyed hiking and exploring the Appalachian Trail, Bridge, Shenandoah River and other historic activities. We stopped for baked goods at Bolivar Bread and completely knocked our self out. To be truthful, we enjoyed the day a lot more than we could ever hope. Granted, crossing bridges is my greatest phobia. But, the rapid heartbeat and anxiety were worth it. Though I didn’t spend a lot of time stopping for pictures. I was able to capture a few moments. If you have any thoughts to add. Please do so below.