Just got back from my little European cruise. Departed from Athens, then sailed through the Greek Islands (with stops in Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes). Had an overnight stop in Alexandria (Egypt), where we headed out to the pyramids. For this post, I just want to focus on Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). Europe on one side, Asia (minor) on the other (via a bridge). Fascinating city. Visited the mosques and the Grand Bazaar. Stayed at the JW Marriott on the Bosphorus (nice luxury hotel with a perfect location).  My favorite was their rooftop bar, Sky Karakoy. Enjoy.

Just got back from a recent trip (a few days in Vancouver, 7-night cruise to Alaska on Discovery Princess, and a few days in Seattle). Here's a sneak peek. It was a good thing I packed a lot of clothes, because the weather was all over the place. Sweater weather in Vancouver. Cold and wet in Alaska. 80 and sunny in Seattle.

Glacier Bay lives up to the hype. If you've never been to Alaska, go. It's gorgeous. The highlight, though... sailing through the Northern lights (i.e. Aurora Borealis) that final night. The captain got on the ship's intercom and told everyone to go outside and look up ("a once in a lifetime experience"). It was absolutely surreal. 

Just got back from a Caribbean cruise. If you're ever in Old San Juan (Puerto Rico), definitely eat at Deaverdura (get the pork, fish and fried chicken). Also plan to stop by La Factoria for a few drinks (a couple blocks away; short walk; listed as one of the world's top 50 bars). They filmed "Despacito" at the bar. Super cool place.

A look back at my trip to Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas) in February 2022. I planned our annual sales recognition event (was at Grand Velas, prior... before Covid), so they took good care of me. I was there in December 2021 (to scout it out), January 2022 (to plan), and February (for the event itself). 33 lucky reps, their significant other (or friend), and our C-suite execs. I stayed a couple extra nights after everyone else had flown home and they moved me to a two bedroom beachfront suite. It was unreal.

Taking a last minute (3-nights, comped) trip to...

Love this guy's videos. Aussie couple and their dog, Ted.

This was years ago. Ritz-Carlton Beaver Creek

Just got back from a 7-night cruise (San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ensenada). Great spa onboard (weekly pass). Won money in the casino. Had the best dim sum ever at Palette Tea House in San Francisco. Picked up a ton of Recchiuti chocolates at the Ferry Building. Walked State Street in Santa Barbara. Had lunch in Little Italy in San Diego. Finished with a phenomenal 90-minute massage in Ensenada (inexpensive place downtown). The highlight, though, was being at a covered bar on the top deck as we were leaving San Francisco. Foggy night. A little mist in the air. We passed directly under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was surreal. 

I had to go to Cabo last week. Stayed at Pedregal for a couple nights (work-related; scouting trip; comped) and then moved to Mar Del Cabo (on my dime). 

I was in Cabo a week ago (site visit for work). Stayed at a few different places (The Cape, Chileno Bay, Le Blanc, and Viceroy). Had amazing dinners at Manta (The Cape), Seared (One & Only Palmilla) and Don Manuel (Pedregal; El Farallon was closed due to rain). We're doing a big event down there in February (65 people). My job is to do recon and scout out the resorts. Anyway... here's a clip from The Cape.