Roam the Planet

Hello, Crazy Speaking.

2007-10-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

We just had another conversation about this whole thing, one of those discussions that might as well start with, "I don't know if you realize this, but we're stark raving mad for even attempting something so ... well, crazy."

But what else would we do? We live in a closet. Our kitchen is ... not. We sleep, work, eat and live in one room. We do most of our cooking in the same 16m2 (sixteen square meters) room. We sleep on a queen-sized Japanese futon because we can't fit a real bed in here -- we need something we can move out of the way during the day. Trying to accomplish real work here is an exercise in futility.

We're also not crazy about going back to the corporate world. The last job TBH had literally gave her headaches from the fumes she had to breathe every day. My last job ... well, let's just say I'm tired of seeing my time and energy going directly into some fat cat's wallet instead of into the product he or she claims we're selling and will soon provide us all with enough money to retire.

We moved here because we had an opportunity to improve our financial situation and position ourselves for a run at independence. Now we've achieved all that we came here to do. We're in position. Why would we stop now?

Life Imitates Poker

In poker (specifically No Limit Texas Hold'em), the first secret to success is starting hand selection. Certain hands win at a much higher rate than others. Successful players work hard to put themselves in a position to win the pot, playing only the hands that give them the best chance of winning.

Sounds simple enough, but many players fail to consider the second secret of success: Stick to your guns. They'll get into a big pot with a big hand, only to be scared off by an opponent representing a bigger hand. When the pot gets big, some people respond with aggression, some with meekness. You can imagine who ends up winning.

Never fold your hand after achieving the position you wanted (unless, of course, your opponent shows you the nuts). This is what you wanted; why would you change course now? Put another way: If you're going to change plans now, you should have never started down this path. The decision has been made, and you've spent non-refundable time and money getting to this point. Strap in and put the pedal on the floor.

What Now?

The plan has always been to push the limits. I can't remember thinking any other way, even as a kid, and TBH is no different. We're not in it for fame or fortune, we're in it for the thrill rides and the happy hours.

Besides, for a month or two (or three), we can live in a much bigger, well-furnished apartment (all bills paid) in the Paris of South America, where emergency room visits are free -- even for foreigners -- and we can live there for the same price or only a few hundred more than we're paying now. Here, our health insurance runs out in a month. There, it's cheap if we want it and not necessary if we don't. (Can you say free healthcare?)

If we could vacation anywhere for a month, our first choice right now would be Buenos Aires (even though we're headed for exactly the kind of heat and humidity we can't stand). So we get to turn a dream vacation into a business project, ultimately saving even more money.

We'll bury ourselves in this project, run it start-to-finish in a few months, and then come back to San Francisco to chill out, play golf and poker with friends, and generally just enjoy the city and the Bay Area. Then we'll find another project, spend a few months on it, and then another break. Along the way, we're working (hard) on things that really just sound like an excuse to party 24/7. What a rough, rough life.

And that's pretty much how we ended the conversation. Without a really good reason to do otherwise (like the sky falling), we're turning crazy into a business plan.

Push the limits. What can't you do?

Getting organized, or: Begin at the beginning

2007-10-23T00:44:00.000-07:00

I've read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys: The Seven-Step Path to Becoming Truly Organized, Zen Habits, The Effective Executive, Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive, Time Management for Dummies, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Organizing your Life, several other related books and approximately 7,286 related blog posts on approximately 7,281 blogs. Still I'm frequently running late, I never remember a birthday, and I end up paying more -- in time, money, energy and pain -- than is necessary, all because I didn't plan ahead.

Now I've intentionally put myself in a position where I must be organized. I have to be on my game or we simply won't make it. I wanted a job and life all wrapped into one, something I could lose myself in completely and justifiably, and now I've got it. Now necessity will dictate decisions.

I first learned proper organization from Time Management for Dummies, which as I recall was based on Seven Habits. Getting Things Done clearly works well for a lot of people, and although I've failed twice in implementing it, I really like the way it simplifies things. It's also adaptable, meaning I can merge ideas from all these books into my own personal organizational system.

Marilyn Paul's verbosely titled It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys (the subtitle is shorter than the title) suggests "learning how much time things take" by timing tasks you perform regularly, like folding a sweater or doing the dishes. I know from experience these activities often take a lot less time than I tend to imagine. Every time I do the dishes (which is quite rare, if you ask The Better Half, and TBH is always right) I'm surprised when it ends so quickly. I grudgingly settle in for a half hour of work and five minutes later, everything's done.

She also recommends setting a timer when you start a tedious task. Set a timer for twenty minutes, start going through the papers in your inbox, and you can stop when the timer goes off. It's a lot easier to commit to a task like "process inbox for fifteen minutes" than one such as "get organized."

When you don't have a timer, you find yourself constantly thinking, "I need a timer." Eyeballing an analog clock from across the room is no way to boil an egg. Doing anything "for five minutes" becomes a case study in distraction: How can you focus when you're constantly watching the clock?

Many of you probably use your watch for this, but I haven't owned a watch in a decade. I read Robert Levine's Geography of Time one week on a much-needed vacation from the most depressing job I've ever had. I took my watch off and haven't put one on since. The time is, has always been, and always will be now.

I resolve not to lose my forest-level perspective on clock time (one of the world's great marketing ideas), but a watch is now a necessity. I'm going back to Old Faithful, the Timex Ironman. Tonight we ordered a Nike Women's Triax Swift Digital LX Watch #R0090-021 for She and an IRONMAN* Triathlon® 100-Lap for me. We also ordered two cases of energy bars so we'll have something to eat.

Never again will I wander in search of a timer. At least not anytime soon. And when you're trying to use your limited time effectively, a watch comes in handy, doesn't it?

This will be my third attempt in as many years at major organizational lift-off. Without a place for everything and everything in its place, I'll never get my passport in time, let alone complete my MASSIVE, POWERFUL PERSONAL MAKEOVER. Organizational skills are as fundamental as it gets. Once the system is in place, the habits must be formed. Once the habits are formed, anything's possible. It's the first essential practice of the Effective Executive: "Effective executives know where their time goes."

What if?

2007-10-22T23:43:00.000-07:00

What if one day you woke up with money and time? What if you knew you only had six months to live? What if anything was possible? In such a world, what would you do next?

We'd do three things:

* Explore the world
* Push our limits
* Share our experience

We don't have a lot of money, and if we only have six months to live, no one told us about it. But we do have a little money, and it won't last forever, so if we're going to do something, now's the time. And if we're going to do anything -- well, no point in doing it half-assed, is there?

So in just over one month, we're going to get organized, start a new business, become yoga practitioners, learn self-defense, and learn Rioplatense. Because in Buenos Aires, they speak Rioplatense. And we're going to Buenos Aires.

That's right. In thirty days, we're going to complete a MASSIVE, POWERFUL PERSONAL MAKEOVER, all while preparing for the biggest trip we've ever taken.

We're crazy. Certifiable. And we're going to use it to our advantage. Timothy Ferriss ain't got nuthin' on us.*

We're going to blog it all here. We'll move to a new domain shortly, but we'll be sure to bring you along with us when we go.

We'll take you to Buenos Aires with us, too! Everything is being written, photographed, recorded and videotaped for your pleasure (or disgust, you never know). Sharing the experience is part of the dream.

So keep an eye on this space, subscribe using the big orange RSS button or enter your email address to get updates in your inbox. We'll keep you posted.

* Certain conditions apply. Not all interpretations will be accepted. Timothy Ferriss may indeed have plenty on us.

Scenic Tasmania

2006-06-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by absolutwade on flickr

Tasmania is a small island off the southern tip of eastern Australia. This rugged country has a temperate climate, high rainfall, and most of the population lives near coastal rivers. The government has strong requirements for environmental sensitivity so the interior of the island is virtually untouched. The island is heavily forested and is filled with unique flora species.

Some of the most popular activities here are cricket, Australian rules football, and basketball. Every year, many events are held, including:

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Targa Tasmania Road Rally

Agfest

Antarctic MidWinter Festival

Taste of Tasmania

For more info:

Discover Tasmania

Tasmania Vacations

tags: tasmania, vacation, travel, agfest

In Pictures

2006-06-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by james michael hill on flickr

So here are some of the cool pictures I've come across recently:

Giant Jellyfish Invade Japan

UniquePix by imapix

The Online Portfolio of David Clapp

Dariusz Cierpiala Photography

tags: pictures, photos, photography, jellyfish, japan, imapix

Morocco: An African Gem

2006-06-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by babasteve on flickr

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy in North Africa and is the only African nation that is not a member of the African Union. This country is known for it's beautiful beaches, exotic architecture, and most of all for it's cuisine. Among the more well known dishes are tagine, couscous, and pastilla. A few cities of note are Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Tangier. There is lots to see and do in this unique country. Some of the more popular activities are touring ruins and the Sahara by camel, basking on several beaches, and hiking through the Atlas Mountains.

For more info:

Morocco Tours

Morocco Vacations

Morocco Images

tags: morocco, marrakesh, casablanca, tangier, travel, vacation

Explore Kathmandu

2006-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by *saipal on flickr

As the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu offers a world of things to see and do. The city itself is filled with temples, palaces, and lots of "hole in the wall" type establishments that attract backpackers. The first thing many visitors notice about Kathmandu is the lack of street names and the dangerous pollution levels. Not to say that the city doesn't have much to offer. According to WikiTravel, some of the notable landmarks are the King's Palace, the Pashupatinath (an important temple to the locals), and Freak Street (where Western hippies reside).

For more info:

Kathmandu Hotel Guide

Kathmandu Attractions

Kathmandu Day Trips

tags: nepal, kathmandu, travel, vacation

Visit Lake Baikal

2006-06-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of livinglakes.org

Lake Baikal, otherwise known as the "Sacred Sea", lies in southeastern Siberia near the Mongolian border. It is the oldest lake in the world and holds about 20% of Earth's fresh water supply. For the Russian people, this lake is a national treasure and it harbors more endemic plant and animal species than any other lake in the world. For visitors, the area has a lot to offer. The world famous Trans-Siberian Railway encircles the lake, requiring 200 bridges and 33 tunnels. Other activities include hiking, camping, white-water rafting, cave tours, water sports, and nature photography.

For more info:

Lake Baikal Map

Lake Baikal Accomodations

Lake Baikal Vacations

Lake Baikal Hotel Deals

tags: lakebaikal, russia, siberia, vacation, travel

Joshua Tree National Park

2006-05-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Joshua Tree National Park, California

The Colorado Desert and the Mojave Desert come together in Southern California to form the Joshua Tree National Park. Made up of 800,000 acres, this unique stretch of land was declared a U.S. National Park in 1994. Viewed from the road, the park doesn't seem to offer much but upon closer examination, visitors will find a fascinating variety of plants and animals, a rich cultural history, and surreal geological features. There are also plenty of activities to participate in including park tours, superb rock climbing, and camping.

For more info:

National Park Service

WikiTravel Joshua Tree National Park Travel Guide

Joshua Tree National Park Virtual Tour

Joshua Tree National Park Specialty Lodging

tags: joshuatreenationalpark, california, travel, vacation

Check this out!

2006-05-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Top 25 Free New York Experiences

2006-05-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by automatt on flickr

So head over to Fodor's and check out this great list of free things to see and do in the NYC. Some of these include:

Riding the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty

Catching Shakespeare in the Park

The Museum of Modern Art

Going to the New York Botanical Garden

Visiting the Bronx Zoo

Related:

Best New York Street Food

New York Hotel Alternatives

New York Travel Tips

tags: newyork, bronx, travel, vacation, free

Get Your Drink On!

2006-05-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by melyviz on flickr

So here is a short history of the some of the world's most famous beverages:

Vodka was first seen in Russia in the 15th century where it was manufactured in monasteries. It was originally made from grain which was abundant in Russia. Later, in the 1530's, vodka started being produced on a mass scale by the state which tried to maintain a monopoly on the substance. Needless to say, this idea didn't work very well over the centuries. By the 18th century, almost every landowner had their own distillery. In 1885, bottles were introduced (as opposed to barrels before then) which led to worldwide consumption. Today, there are thousands of brands and flavors of vodka to choose from.

Ouzo is a licorice-flavored liqueur that originated in 19th century Greece. The history behind ouzo is hazy and it's true origin is uncertain. Following Greek independence, ouzo production mostly took place on the island of Lesbos (still a major producer). Many ingredients are used to make this strong spirit but anise is what gives it it's unique flavor. The end product is 40% ABV and is served in cafes all over Greece.

Tequila was first introduced in the 16th century near the town of Tequila, Mexico. This alcoholic beverage is made from the agave plant only found in Mexico. In the year 1600, Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle began mass production at the first known tequila factory in Jalisco. The type of tequila that is popular today was first mass produced in the early 1800's.

Related:

The Vodka Train

The Ouzo Museum

Pictures from Tequila

tags: vodka, russia, ouzo, greece, tequila, mexico, travel, vacation, agave, anise

The Great Blue Hole of Belize

2006-05-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of 43places.com

The Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, lies at the center of Lighthouse Reef. It was originally a limestone cave system during the last ice age and eventually flooded and then collapsed. The hole is approximately 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep. The area was made famous by Jacques Cousteau who declared it one of the top dive sites in the world. Today, people who visit The Great Blue Hole say that diving here is a unique and spectacular experience.

Related:

Ambergris Caye Tourism

Blue Hole Scuba Diving

Curse of The Great Blue Hole

tags: greatbluehole, belize, ambergriscaye, lighthousereef, travel, scubadiving, vacation

Visit the Taj Mahal

2006-05-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by prince roy on flickr

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in December of 1631. The white marble mausoleum stands in a formal garden on the River Yamuna amongst the desert of Agra, India. Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is the most well-preserved tomb in the world.

From Angelfire:

Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The material was brought in from all over India and central Asia and it took a fleet of 1000 elephants to transport it to the site. It was designed by the Iranian architect Ustad Isa and it is best appreciated when the architecture and its adornments are linked to the passion that inspired it. It is a "symbol of eternal love".

In addition to the tomb itself, the Taj Mahal is actually a large complex of buildings. There are several additional mausoleums, a mosque, four towers, and a building constructed simply for architectural balance. Other points of interest on the grounds are the intricate passages of the Qu'ran and the abstract, geometric decorations that cover the walls, ceilings, and domes.

For more info:

Explore the Taj Mahal Online

Getting to the Taj Mahal

Travelling to India

tags: india, taj, mahal, agra, travel, vacation

Russian Architecture

2006-05-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by josef stuefer on flickr

Over the centuries, Russian architecture has been influenced by many sources including the Mongols, Europeans, and the Communists. Probably the biggest influence, however, came from the Byzantine Empire. This is evident in the large number of domes that adorn Russian buildings and churches that were built prior to the 17th century.

After the reign of Ivan the Terrible, the architecture of Russia began to borrow more from European rather than from Eastern styles. Around 1750, the palaces and cathedrals that emerged were decorated with pediments, arches, and columns. This was due to the fact that Peter The Great brought European architects over to design the important buildings of St. Petersburg, his namesake.

The 20th century brought the Russian Revolution and with it, mass produced building components. As a result, large, neo-gothic skyscrapers became all the rage. Josef Stalin brought about major changes in the Russian economy that allowed it to flourish. He wanted Russian buildings to rival American skyscrapers so he devised the construction of the "Seven Sisters", a group of large buildings at the center of Moscow.

In recent years, the architecture of Russia has experienced another urban revival. In the next 15 years, another 60 buildings will be constructed in Moscow alone. In addition, a renewed interest in traditional Russian architecture has prompted the preservation of many older, wooden churches and buildings.

To learn more:

History of Russian Architecture

Russian National Group

Lonely Planet's WorldGuide to Russia

tags: russia, architecture, byzantine, moscow, history, travel,

Tourist Farms of Slovenia

2006-05-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by paleontour on flickr

There are over 200 tourist farms across Slovenia that allow you to come in contact with the people, their customs, and not to mention the beautiful scenery. Some of the farms boast home-cooked meals, horseback riding, kayaking, paragliding, and skiing. Sounds like there is always plenty to do and see here. The locals are especially proud of their wines, brandies, and herbal medicines.

Related:

Slovenia Travel Guide

Tourist Farms of Slovenia

More Slovenia info

tags: slovenia, farms, tourism, vacations, travel

Famous Buddhist Temples

2006-05-16T10:54:00.000-07:00

Byodo-In Temple, Oahu, Hawaii

Even though I've only been to one Buddhist temple in my life, I was immediately drawn to it and didn't want to leave. Ever. It was the most peaceful place I had ever been to and I hope I get the chance to visit many more Buddhist temples in the future. Here is a list of some of the more famous temples around the world:

The Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii is a replica of a temple in Japan. It contains the largest Buddha statue carved in the last 900 years and the grounds contain koi ponds, wild peacocks, and black swans.

The Nan Tien Temple of Berkeley, Australia is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. The land on which the temple sits was purchased from the Australian government for only $1 and it's architecture is notable because it incorporates many different styles of Buddhism.

In Bodh Gaya, India, the Mahabodhi Temple marks the location where Siddhartha Buddha attained enlightenment. Every year, there are several festivals to celebrate the historical events surrounding the Buddha's life.

The Daigo-ji Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Kyoto, Japan. Several of it's structures and buildings are considered national treasures of Japan.

tags: buddha, buddhism, temple, australia, hawaii, oahu, india, , kyoto, japan

In Pictures

2006-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by automatt on flickr

I spend a lot of time looking for cool pictures so I thought I might share some of the photo galleries that I have come across recently:

Summer Skiing in San Francisco

Female Android Debuts in S. Korea

Deap Sea Creatures

The Beer Collection

tags: photos, pictures, gallery, beer, android, ski, san, francisco,

The Driest Place on Earth

2006-05-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of NASA

Some parts of Chile's Atacama Desert haven't seen a drop of rain since recordkeeping began. Despite this, over a million people occupy this 600 mile stretch of land, mostly in fishing villages and coastal towns. The locals have come up with ingenious ways of collecting moisture , mostly from fog, and have even figured out how to farm the land. Quite amazing considering that scientists have not been able to even find bacteria in the soil.

Travellers have plenty to explore in this remote place. The Atacama is home to a large flamingo breeding colony, the world's highest geyser field, salt lakes, and several volcanoes. Not to mention little villages, sacred Inca sites, and many churches.

Related:

Atacama Desert Vacation

Atacama Desert Photo Gallery

History of Chile

tags: atacama, desert, chile, vacation, travel

Sketches of Frank Gehry

2006-05-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of trailerdownload

The legendary actor/producer/director, Sydney Pollack, brings us Sketches of Frank Gehry, a documentary about the work and methods of world-famous architect, Frank O. Gehry. Pollack explores the process of turning Gehry's sketches into three-dimensional models (often made of cardboard and scotch tape) and, ultimately, into finished buildings.

Related:

Reviews for Sketches of Frank Gehry

Frank Gehry Architecture Images

Gehry Work Under Construction

tags: frank, gehry, sydney, pollack, architecture, documentary

Visit the Louvre

2006-05-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by omar omar on flickr

As the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre sees 7.5 million visitors each year and has a staff of 2,000. Once a royal palace, the Louvre lies at the center of Paris and was opened to the public in 1793 during the French Revolution. The museum holds the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. Besides art, the Louvre has many exhibits on architecture, history and archealogy.

Since many works at the Louvre are in storage, a new extension is under construction north of Paris in the town of Lens. The new facility will attract 500,000 visitors each year and will house 500-600 pieces. It is scheduled to be completed in 2009 and is reported to cost $158 million dollars.

Related:

Life at the Louvre

Paris Vacations

Lens Travel Deals

tags: paris, louvre, lens, france, travel, vacation, museum

The World's Best Public Transportation Systems

2006-05-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by moriza on flickr

Tokyo offers the world's largest and most efficient network of trains, subways, buses, monorails and trams. Over 20 million people depend on this system every day as most residents don't own cars. If you're planning on visiting Japan, a Japan Rail Pass would be a wise investment because it allows for unlimited travel on all Japan Railways lines.

Prague has a well known public transportation system that is used by two-thirds of the city's population. There are tourist passes available that allow you to use any type of mass transit in and around Prague as many times as you want within the time period for which your pass is valid. A complete list of tickets, fares, and schedules are available here.

The transit system of Vancouver covers over 1,100 miles and operates seven days a week, 18-20 hours a day. Rapid transit is available on the SkyTrain and the SeaBus offers transport between Vancouver and North Vancouver.

San Francisco has a multitude of public transit options including the Muni (San Francisco only), CalTrain (reaches from San Francisco down to Gilroy) and Bart (travels to the East Bay). These will take you anywhere you need to go in Bay area.

tags: tokyo, vancouver, prague, san, francisco, transportation, subway, train, travel

Net SAAver discount air fare to Hawaii

2006-05-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

American Airlines just posted a long list of discounted fares to Hawaii from various U.S. cities (including a few Hawaiian cities for you lucky island-hoppers). Buy tickets online and get "up to" 1000 bonus AAdvantage miles. Restrictions include: You have to buy the tickets at least 7 days in advance, and the fares cover travel through June 8, 2006.

After you buy tickets, check the Hawaii page on TripAdvisor to find a good deal on a hotel. Happy sailing!

tags: aadvantage, hawaii, discount, travel

Did you know water can explode?

2006-05-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

It will if you add certain alkali metals to it, as this Brainiac video proves by blowing up a bathtub.

The Brainiac team uses rubidium and caesium for their biggest explosions, both of which react violently when placed in cold water. Caesium is particularly nasty. Don't try this at home, in other words.

tags: science, chemistry, rubidium, caesium, water, explosion

Useless Facts

2006-05-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

image originally uploaded by refractor on flickr

From Hooked on Facts:

The streets of Victor, Colorado, once a gold rush town, are paved with low-grade gold.

The average home creates more pollution than does the average car.

Real diamonds can be made from peanut butter.

Alaska has the highest percentage of people who walk to work.

From Angelfire:

It is against the law to whale hunt in Oklahoma.

In Saudi Arabia, a woman reportedly may divorce her husband if he does not keep her supplied with coffee.

Mount St. Helens dropped 1,313 feet in 1980.

tags: useless, facts, alaska, victor, colorado, oklahoma, divorce, saudi, arabia