https://andrewstott.net

Where in the World... Redux

2026-05-30T17:00:00+00:00

Back in 2003, I built an interactive travel map, leveraging a Flash plugin (thank you Indy Junior), an XML file of coordinates, and a whole bunch of my own photos. Obviously, Flash wasn’t long for this world, and I never seemed to find the time to update that functionality to modern tech.

Well, thanks to Claude, I found the time and the will. Please give a warm “welcome back” to the map!

It’s rebuilt from scratch, and leverages Leaflet.js, React, and actual photos from the blog. You can click around to read old posts without leaving the map. Pins cluster together when you’re zoomed out, and split apart as you zoom in. If you end up at max zoom with pins that still won’t separate (here’s looking at you, Chicago), clicking the cluster shows all the posts for the area at once. There’s also a search box if you’re trying to find something specific, and the whole thing should wowrk fine on your phone without any embarrassing layout disasters.

It’s a nice way to see where we’ve been. Twenty-something years of trips, condensed into a bunch of little circles on a map.

Go poke around →

Weekend Getaway to Mayakoba, Mexico

2025-08-28T13:00:00+00:00

“An adults-only quick weekend getaway before school starts? We’re in! As if there was any doubt.”

This trip to Mexico with the GOAT travel companions (Colleen & Jeff) was a no-brainer, and it didn’t hurt that the destination was Rosewood Mayakoba!

A huge “¡muchas gracias!” to leadership and the entire staff – you truly made this trip unforgettable. ¡Hasta próxima!

Zapote Bar & La Isla Secreta

Zapote Bar and La Isla Secreta are my happy places… the team behind the bar is incredible, and their cocktails are so unique in every way. Plus, they bring the party each and every night. It was an honor to close the place down with you all – thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion!

La Ceiba Garden, Communal Dinner

On Saturday night, we were honored to attend the La Ceiba Garden Dinner, which is a communal dining experience set in the garden underneath a sacred Ceiba tree. Obviously, the multi-course meal, cocktail/wine pairings, music, and setting were amazing, but what stood out for me was the staff’s true and honest hospitality. What a special evening!

Our San Diego Weekend

2022-10-14T13:00:00+00:00

Some photos and memories from our recent family trip out to San Diego — perfect weather, lots of outdoor adventures, and amazing hospitality… 🌮🍹🌴🥰

An NYC Weekend

2022-06-27T13:00:00+00:00

We were finally able to get back to NYC with the family this summer, after not visiting since 2019… Needless to say, the kids had an absolute blast exploring the city with Uncle George, and we packed everything possible into the long weekend!

F1 2021 – United States Grand Prix

2021-10-27T13:00:00+00:00

Scenes from the F1® 2021 United States Grand Prix FP3 and qualifying sessions at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, TX on October 23, 2021.

Huge thanks to Aston Martin F1 for their hospitality — the SentinelOne team and our customers/partners had an AMAZING time!!! 🏎 🥂

Videography: Andrew Stott
Footage shot on iPhone 12 Pro

Greece 2018 – Team CAJE Travelogue

2018-07-16T13:00:00+00:00

Memories from our epic Greek adventure, in early May 2018. Elena and I, together with our friends Colleen and Jeff, visited Santorini (Lithies Traditional Homes), Mykonos (Belvedere Hotel), Ikaria (Thea’s Inn), and Athens (NEW Hotel). What an amazing trip!

Videography: Andrew Stott
Music: “Icarus” by R3HAB (Ghost Loft Remix)
Footage shot on DJI Mavic Pro, GoPro HERO5, iPhone X (using DJI Osmo Mobile 2) and Fuji X-Pro2.

Santorini / Mykonos / Ikaria / Athens, Greece

2018-06-17T13:00:00+00:00

After stopping in the Amalfi Coast, we spent a week in May 2018 traveling around Greece with the best travel crew ever: Colleen & Jeff. While you never have as many days as you want, we made this one count, spending quality time in Santorini (3 nights), Mykonos (2 nights), Ikaria (3 nights), and Athens (2 nights).

Check out the video version of the trip, too!

Santorini

Mykonos

Ikaria

Athens

Amalfi Coast, Italy

2018-06-10T13:00:00+00:00

Quick visit to the Amalfi Coast (speicifcally Naples, Sorrento, and Capri) on the way to Greece in early May 2018. Our home base was the amazing Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoriatext.

Theo Swings – Eckhart Park, Chicago – October 9, 2017

2017-10-10T13:00:00+00:00

Took Theo for a little swing in the park… Crazy that he’s already 8 months old!

Music: “Loose Change” by Chroma
Footage shot on iPhone 6 in “Slo-mo” mode (720p @ 240 fps)

No Moor Drama – Sailing the BVIs, August 2017

2017-09-07T13:00:00+00:00

Memories from our weeklong bareboat sailing charter in the BVIs, in early August 2017, weeks before Hurricane Irma hit. We were sailing “Papa Bear” but, thanks to my amazing crew, the name “No Moor Drama” stuck. This footage is particularly, since most of these locations were destroyed by the storm. Be sure to watch this in 4K quality in fullscreen mode.

Videography: Jeff DeNapoli, Jon Dodson, and Andrew Stott
Footage shot on DJI Mavic Pro, GoPro HERO5, GoPro HERO5 Session, iPhone 7S Plus (using DJI Osmo Mobile) and Samsung S8 (using DJI Osmo Mobile).
Music: “Cosmic Love” by Florence + the Machine (Seven Lions Remix)
Locations visited: Tortola, Road Town, Beef Island, Norman Island, The Bight, The Indians, The Baths, Cooper Island, Manchioneel Bay, Virgin Gorda, Saba Rock, Marina Cay, Scrub Island, JVD, White Bay

Theo in NYC

2017-07-04T13:00:00+00:00

Just a quick video I put together of Theo’s first trip to NYC.

I’d call this trip to visit Uncle George in Brooklyn a definite success…

Cubs Win! Cubs Win!!!

2016-11-03T13:00:00+00:00

Well, someday is finally here, and the long wait is over. The Chicago Cubs have won the 2016 World Series!!! Crazy to say it, but even crazier to get to experience it.

I’m sure there will be many more tribute videos in the days to come, but here are some of my favorites so far.

MLB: Cubs Win!

Chicago Cubs: All The Way

Nike: Someday

Mastercard: The Sound of Priceless

WGN TV: For the Ones We’ve Lost

Wedding Sneak Peek: Kerry & Jimmy

2016-09-20T19:23:53+00:00

Just a few photos from Kerry & Jimmy’s unforgettable beach wedding in St. Joseph, MI. What an amazing experience, and what a wonderful group of family and friends!

Wedding Sneak Peek: Sara & Ed

2016-08-07T19:23:53+00:00

A few photos from Sara & Ed’s elegant backyard wedding in Chicago, IL. These two really know how to throw a party!

Wedding Sneak Peek: Katie & Frantz

2016-07-28T19:23:53+00:00

A few photos from Katie & Frantz’s gorgeous wedding in Chicago, IL this past weekend. What an amazing couple, and I simply cannot wait to share more!

San Diego

2016-02-27T15:53:00+00:00

Various photos from our now pretty-much-yearly trip out to San Diego, CA.

Oktoberfest 2014, Munich

2014-11-01T22:23:00+00:00

Some of the best decisions in life are the spur of the moment ones…

In September 2014, Jeff and I went to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, a trip that we had planned literally just weeks prior. We’d been talking about going for a long time, but circumstances somehow aligned to make it a reality. The simple truth is that attending Oktoberfest in Munich is a completely insane experience — despite having these photos and videos, I’m still not convinced that it wasn’t all some elaborate dream.

In any case, Jeff’s story on Exposure does a much better job covering the details of our trip than I ever could, so I’ll just refer you to that. What an amazing journey, to be sure.

Oktoberfest 2014 Munich from Andrew Stott on Vimeo.
Music: Speeding (Wiesn Remix) / LIGHTS

Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest

Salzburg, Austria

Portraits: Achal & Mark

2014-08-25T22:23:00+00:00

Achal and Mark booked a simple portrait session, in order to capture the traditional attire that they were wearing to an Indian wedding. As you can see, Achal and Mark are quite the handsome couple, and they were absolutely wonderful to work with! I truly do have the best clients… Looking good, gentlemen, thank you again!

To the mother sitting next to me on my KC/Chicago flight

2014-08-21T14:08:00+00:00

First, let me say that your little daughter is the cutest, and that you’re doing a wonderful job raising her.

She’s so polite, so funny, and so good with flying! Of course, the last bit might be due to the fact that you’re a UA Flight Attendant. Still, that’s a pretty sweet list, especially before her 2nd birthday… :) In any case, I had an awesome time sitting next to you guys; cheers-ing our drinks, high-fiving, playing with our watches, and naming everything we saw on TV. Traveling alone with a little one can’t be easy, even for a pro, and you nailed it.

Regarding the incident, I just wanted to let you know that I truly, honestly, am not upset. Shit, or in this case puke, happens. Sometimes it happens on final approach to ORD, when there are no napkins, no water, and nowhere to hide. While I’m not sure if it actually transpired in slow motion (could have been the Lana Del Rey in my earbuds) the sheer volume of throw-up shooting out of your daughter’s mouth was, simply put, impressive.

At least she looked happy.

As you said, it was probably just that particular combination of potato chips, apple juice, light turbulence, and cabin stuffiness. Whatever caused it, you certainly took the full brunt. I fortunately escaped with a glancing blow, sacrificing just my left leg and my shoes. Of course, I was able to change into dry jeans and dry Vans once we got off the plane, and my pants will be as good as new after a trip to the cleaners. But you – you had to continue on to DC wearing the same clothes, since you’d already checked your bag through. Ugh.

I really hope that you were able to clean up before catching your connection.

Above all, I hope that the second leg of your journey was much less eventful than the first.

Wedding: Lauren & Brad

2014-08-02T17:35:00+00:00

Lauren & Brad were married at St. Catherine of Siena in Portage, MI on July 12, 2014, and celebrated at Cityscape Events at the City Centre in downtown Kalamazoo.

The girls started off the day getting ready at Lauren’s parents’ house, which has a beautifully-landscaped backyard and pool — perfect for our pre-ceremony bridal portraits. St. Catherine of Siena, their church and the ceremony location, was just around the corner. After their ceremony, the wedding party boarded a party bus, to travel to the reception in style. And what a reception it was, taking over the gorgeous Cityscape Events at the City Centre in downtown Kalamazoo. Following a cocktail hour, the night kicked off with toasts, dancing, live music, and a special song written and performed by Brad’s father. Lauren & Brad certainly did it up right!

What a perfect day, and what a truly wonderful couple. Congratulations to you both!!!

Wedding Sneak Peek: Lauren & Brad

2014-07-21T20:15:00+00:00

Here are just a few photos from Lauren & Brad’s beautiful wedding in Kalamazoo, MI on July 12. I’m so happy to be able to share these, and can’t wait for the rest. Thank you, Lauren and Brad — it was such an honor to be a part of your special weekend! Congrats!!!

Wedding: Jenna & Alex in Cabo

2014-07-02T19:31:31+00:00

While I fully expected Jenna & Alex’s wedding in Cabo San Lucas to be amazing, I was totally unprepared for the sheer level of awesome. Every single aspect of this wedding, from our home base at the breathtaking Esperanza Resort, to their rehearsal dinner on the beach at the Hacienda Beach Club, to their simple and beautiful ceremony at dusk, was absolutely perfect. Just hanging at the pool drinking Micheladas (“Ojo Rojo”) and Cabo Green Margaritas were moments that alone would have made the trip worth it.

Of course, if you know Jenna & Alex or their families, then you know that this had always been the only possible outcome… I mean, their Instagram hashtag was #jenandaldocabo. Seriously.

Here’s to Jenna and Alex: Congratulations, and thank you so so much for allowing us to “do Cabo” with you! If your wedding weekend is any indication, I know that you’ll have many more happy years of celebrating ahead.

Wedding Sneak Peek: Jenna & Alex

2014-06-13T19:23:53+00:00

Now that I have my film back, it’s time to share a few photos from Jenna & Alex’s spectacular Cabo San Lucas, Mexico wedding! Many more to come… Congratulations, and thank you thank you thank you to Jenna & Alex!

Las Vegas, January 2014

2014-02-17T00:08:45+00:00

I crossed off an item from my bucket list this past January, when I took a photo with Mike Tyson in Las Vegas. To be fair, I don’t even have a bucket list, but I wasn’t going to let that spoil the moment. This is just the type of stuff that happens when Elena, Colleen, Jeff, John, Meagan and I make no specific plans beyond “go to Vegas and eat and drink amazing things.”

Needless to say, we made good on our overall game plan: awesome meals at Bouchon, Tao, and RM Seafood; front row seats for the “social experiment” that is Rose Rabbit Lie; bottle service at Bond; BYO Champagne at The Chandelier; and plenty of other tasty cocktails & meals along the way. As you might have noticed, even though Aria was our home base, we spent lots of time at Cosmopolitan.

The best part? Only 11 months until we do it all over again.

Paris & Brussels 2013

2014-01-23T22:15:45+00:00

After shooting Ashlee & Dave’s amazing Paris wedding back in November, Elena and I travelled to Brussels, Belgium, for a mini vacation. While we love Paris, both of us had already been in the past, and we decided to take the opportunity to explore someplace new. Since Brussels is only one hour thanks to the awesomely fast TGV, we figured it’d be perfect!

Needless to say, I was psyched to drink every Belgian beer that I could, and I made it through most of my list: Duvel, Orval, Chimay, Westmalle, Affligem, Kwak, Mort Subite, La Chouffe, Kriek, Maredsous, Leffe, Grimbergen, and Rochefort… Our home base, Hotel Saint-Géry, was a stone’s throw from four awesome pubs (Café des Halles, Le Zebra, Le Roi des Belges & Mappa Mundo) and just a couple blocks from the city center and the Grand Place — in short, the perfect location.

What I loved most about Brussels was the combination of truly old and truly modern. From 300 year-old taverns like Au Bon Vieux Temps to city symbols like the Atomium (built for the 1958 World’s Fair) to the European Parliament, old and new just existed together effortlessly. There’s just something so cool about visiting the Town Hall (Hotel de Ville), which dates back to the 13th century, and then speaking French with the owner of a Greek diner around the corner.

Of course, since Elena and I had a little free time in Paris, we didn’t miss the chance to explore some new areas there, as well. We were even able to check off an amazing foodie spot from my Foursquare list: Le Dauphin in the 11th. Throw in some late night drinks and a stroll by Notre Dame and you’ve got quite the wrap up for an unforgettable trip!

Here are my favorite shots of Paris and Brussels from this trip — enjoy!