Hawaii - 2008

My trip to Hawaii in September 2008 (for my birthday) was another great time. Another loner trip due to ‘last minute’ decision making on my part. I hung out in Honolulu on Oahu for a week, in retrospect this trip would have been a lot more fun with friends, but I still had a great time.

I stayed on Waikiki Beach at the Sheraton Princess for 2 days (cashed in some Starwood points I had) -- it was OK, very comfy bed...good location. I moved over to Park Shore Hotel, very basic but even better location, right across the street from the beach and near the zoo and about 5 ABC stores, ha ha...I think there are ABC Stores connected to every hotel in Waikiki. I reccomend Park Shore or any of the Aqua Hotels if your on a budget - they have great deals and have remodeled most of them - I also had a great massage at Aqua Bamboo.

Hawaii is absolutely gorgeous (although after a day in the city of Honolulu I just felt like I was in Miami). Next time I would love to visit some of the other Islands and stay a lot longer.

Dogs of Sayulita

Sayulita is full of dogs...roaming free. Some have collars, some don't. All were friendly and looked well fed (random bowls of food were left out here and there).

Maybe not the most ideal situation, but they seemed to make it work. They really played great hosts to us...

Sayulita, Mexico -- 2007

I went to Sayulita, Mexico in 2007 to see two very dear friends tie the knot…what a great trip. It was an amazing place and I hope to get back soon. I can’t say enough great things about Sayulita, such a chill place that lets you just “check-out” and relax. They also happen to have the BEST fish tacos I have ever had.

We stayed at Villa Amor where the wedding was - it was amazing. A lot of people rented awesome houses and villas around town. The wedding party basically took over the town for the week, good times.

Where I’ve Been

Hmmm…let’s see, I’ve been many places within the United States (plans for more trips abroad are at the top of my ‘to do’ list – budgets pending). I have driven from Florida to California three times, hitting Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada. Good times. I have been to NYC and Chicago twice (each), both on business. The energy of NYC is incredible, like no other place I’ve been (most similar to Las Vegas, but more responsible).



Internationally I’ve only been to Australia and Mexico. I went to Sydney, Australia in 2005 for a week, it was amazing. By far the cleanest city I have been to. The Ozzie folks are also very friendly. I went alone, mainly because it was a spur of the moment trip I wanted to get in before starting a new job. I highly recommend traveling alone…not all the time, as sharing a trip with a mate, friends and family can make it more fun and memorable….but don’t be afraid to go alone if that’s how it works out! The world really may not be as scary as you think....and research is key.

In The Shadow of Variety

What’s in a name? Well, the name of this blog has various meanings, both literal and connotative. I will only focus on the connotative, to avoid any potential ‘blog stalkers’…yes, my ego is that big…or my fear is that debilitating, you decide.

Ahhh variety [vuh-rahy-i-tee]…my favorite definition of this word would have to be: A group that is distinguished from other groups by a specific characteristic or set of characteristics.

So am I living in the shadow of this spoken of group? Perhaps. Or maybe I’d like to be in the shadows of this said group…whatever that group may be to you or me. Confused yet? Welcome to my world.

I’m almost positive this blog will evolve and gain focus…for now, it will consist of things that interest me…and may interest you. Keep coming back!

My first post...

Well, not sure I really have time for a blog...but here goes. I suppose I'm creating this as an extension of my Facebook...really wanted a place to share my photos and experiences in travel or just kicking it around LA. Facebook is great, but not everyone wants to see ALL my stuff...so those dedicated to the life of Chad now have a destination (and its OK if my Mom is the only one who reads this, because I know she will enjoy it).

I have been wanting to try my hand at blogging for a while. I love taking pictures, so I plan to try and showcase the best of the best (in my opinion) and provide some context. I may post a funny rant here and there...or let my dog post something (he is bugging me for a Facebook page, apprently he has a lot to say).

OK, I think post should be short so I will end now...more to come...