Dave Matthews.... need I say more.

Well now, Dave Matthews was ridiculously amazing. When I showed up it was a small this smaller arena, maybe even smaller than SOFA in victoria; but then i realized it was one of those smaller intimate shows and I was able to get right up front of the stage. Sorry Jenn and Lindsey, Ièm not trying to brag... really. lol

Anyways, he plays some great songs and i met some wicked peope to sing very poorly with along side Dave. I even caught one of Carter's drum sticks after the show. Great times, Im so heading to The Gorge this year for Davefest.

Oh yeah, there was some nice architecture in Milan, so if you're into that sort of stuff you would probably like it. lol....


As a side note: Everyone probably knows those annoying guys/gals on the sidewalk trying to spread information and collect money for a variety of charities. I figured out a way to avoid them without feel bad by telling them flat out "no" or "piss off", just pretend you dont speak english. I had one approach me on the street and rattled something off in Italian so I replied, "Good morning! how are you doing?" and he just laughed and turned around. Worked like a charm.

ps. the photo is no zoom.

Silent(ish) but kinda cold

Some nice quiet time to make an entry into my journal. Sorry Dad and Leslie the last one was not holding together so I had to do an upgrade. Hope you dont mind.

The Gothic Duomo, the largest gothis cathedral in the world.

The French Update

Sorry for the slow updates, I had been procrastinating doing another post until i could upload some photos but realized that my huge fanbase and followers need to know what is up with me (thanks Pam and Anne). I sent 4 days in Grenoble with a few little day trip thrown in there with my couchsurfing hosts. And finally got my first day snowboarding up at Vaujany/Oz which was wicked, aside from the fact i had and am still trying to get over a rough cold. Hence why i have only had one day on the mountains, but once I get back form Milan and Dave Matthews, then I'll hit the mountains hard. I have a place to stay for free up in Morzine and i hear they have unbelievable powder. Upon my first day and night in France, I had crepes for dinner, and wine, cheese and baggette at a party later that night where we watched a Lyon vs Real Madrid match. It was a little sureal. And thanks Sarah and Ariel for putting up with me and showing me around for a few days, it was the highlight so far.

Sam to the rescue!

Here are some props to Sam & Stu for putting me up in London (Blackheath) for the few days i am here; they even fed me. And on a side note, this house is amazing (Amy you would love it, exposed concrete and giant glass windows everywhere). This was exactly what i was needing as I was able to stay up long enough to avoid the dreaded jet-lag. Although, the subsequent night i wasn't able to avail the dreaded hang-over. But thats what i get for drinking till 4am and sleeping on a random couch.

Earlier that day was great as I went up to Liverpool St and explored the street markets and found this wicked little weekend vintage clothing market, but unfortunately i kept the pocket strings tight b/c the first weekend of the trip is not the best time to be acquiring new things to carry on my long journey. All in all, a fantastic time.

London, however, is too big for me. I'll stick to cute little Victoria to live.

Warm welcome

Maybe its the beard, maybe i had it coming with my friendly attitude towards the nice security staff at YVR and Gatwick. At the security checkpoint coming through at YVR i was "randomly selected" for a through..... THUROUGH patting down, frisking and searching of all my carry-on baggage. It wouldn't have been as bad if someone bought be a drink or brought me flowers. I just smiled and took it all in stride.

Upon arriving in London, word of advice... humor doesn't get you anywhere with these guys. These certain brits have very little to no sense of humor. When asked if I intend to work in the UK, i responded with "probably not, since I am on holidays". I was met with "no? or probably no?" and then was the recipient of a barrage of questioning and so on to which i was detained for nearly an hour and had ALL my bags searched down to reading through my journal.

But here I am, safe and sound, looking for a bed to sleep in tonight. Wish me luck.
Ciao