Category : Travel

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Athens Greece

The constant din of the chirping cicada bugs is second in annoyance only to the searing heat of the pavement.

A young boy plays the accordion for the passing tourists, telling jokes and working the crowd of onlookers.

George, the tourist hustler, dressed in a grey sports coat with a teal blue polo shirt underneath is conversing/hustling a young male twosome in the same way that he had worked me the day before. Thankfully I hadn’t fallen prey. Later I had found out that this guy does this on a regular basis, he lures you to a bar for a friendly drink, beautiful women are introduced, and then the bill is skyward bound with you obliged to pay it. I think about rescuing these two with some clever save, but realize that if they aren’t smart enough to get out of this situation themselves, than they’re likely not smart enough to realize that I would be trying to help them. Continue Reading

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Greekfiti: Graffiti in Athens

Athens is a city literally covered in Graffiti, but I found a lot of it to be quite artistic, if not some commentary on society. Here are a few snaps I took…

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airplane-windo

One Night in London

Arrival
Luckily was bumped to first class on the way over so I took full advantage of the fast track customize lane at Heathrow Airport. Air Canada also has an arrivals lounge at the airport which allowed me a quick shower, cappuccino, and email check. It was nice to start the morning fresh.

Lunch
I met up with my good mate Stephen in advertising central, not the area’s official name, but certainly apt by my account. A quick perusal of Charlotte Street (near Goodge Street Station, and a short walk from Oxford Circus) reveals the London office of Saatchi & Saatchi and a host of other agencies and media related companies. We hit up a local pub for lunch and have an A Spal cider and Fish bap sandwich. After I make my way up to Willesden Green where Stephen & Morgan are now located and promptly conk out for a 2 hr nap.

Dinner


I wake up late and gather myself for dinner in a hurry. On the way out of the house it takes me about 5-10 minutes to figure out how to use the British locking mechanism on their door. Pull the handle up once the door is closed to engage the deadbolt, then turn the key around to lock. In the meantime one of the cats have escaped. I chase the pesky little bastard across the yard. He hops up onto the fence, shoots me a mischievous glance, and disappears down the alley. I realize I’ve forgotten my Oyster transit card inside. Upon retrieval the other obedient cat decides I’m an idiot and bolts out the door in chase of his buddy. Continue Reading

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A Little Pride in What You Do

I’m sitting in the San Francisco airport international terminal. Generally this place is pretty mundane and if it weren’t for the airplanes and the high emotions all around me, caused by the miracle of human flight, I would think that I was in an office tower in downtown Toronto or maybe my doctor’s office.

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in Travel, Wine & Food

Cool Cocktail Bars in San Francisco

Bourbon & Branch (Nob Hill) Website / Map

This prohibition style speakeasy in a colourful neighbourhood actually requires a password for you to enter. I somehow sweet talked my way past the hostess who was suitably dressed for the 40′s and got a seat at the bar. The other two schmucks that were waiting outside never made it past the front door as they fumbled around on their iPhones trying to figure out the password. In case you’re wondering what the password is, the secret is just to make a reservation. This place is the opposite of first come, first served. The drink list here is excellent and the array of different liquor is impressive. Notably they carried Whistle Pig Rye, Hudson Whiskey, and Sazerac (the brand), which is becoming ever difficult to find as supply continues to be low. I had a Black Manhattan and their daily market special. Unfortunately I can’t remember exactly what was in it, but do remember thinking it was great. The bartenders were cordial, but not intrusive, and the vibe in this place is great. They also don’t serve any food, so make it your last or first stop.

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