New Year in New York

New York from Wackymango on Vimeo.

I visited my cousins in New York earlier this year. I've done Times Square in the Past, so we decided to hang out at a pub instead. I ate my way through New York and had an incredible bowl of Ramen from Ippudo. The pork bun in Momofuku was really really good. Known as a San Francisco's sports team bar in New York, watching the the 49ers game at Finnerty's was an experience(which is not shown in the video).

There's nothing like being away from home and enjoying a sporting event while rooting for the team from your home town; with complete strangers who are fans of the same team. The camaraderie is amazing.

Camping at Jellystone

Jellystone Camp from Wackymango on Vimeo.
I went camping this past weekend at Jellystone Camp located at Cobb Mountain. Cobb Mountain is just north of the Napa Valley and near Clear Lake. The location was chosen for my niece and nephews as it was a kids friendly site. It was their first time camping. The site had a mini golf course, small swimming pool, a small pond for canoeing, a stream, and an amphitheater that featured shows for the kids. In the 100+ F degree temperatures, some of chose to lounge at the ice cold stream that was fully shaded.

From the extra curricular activities that started at 11am on saturday, my cousins passed out at 3pm and didn't get up till next day. As far as what activities had them knocked out so early in the day, I'll let your imagination run.

For comfortability and because of her pregnancy, my sister rented an RV. The camp site has a complete RV hook up which includes power, water, and sanitation for the RV. My brother in law drove his recently acquired VW bus. Overall it was a great experience for the kids and I can't wait for future camping trips with them.

Mash Ups

Messing around with mash ups on turntables are fun. Not all mash up work together but when it does, it puts a smile on my face. But what makes it even better is when its properly done live. The video above is a performance by Phoenix and R. Kelly at the recent Coachella event. I stumbled into it surfing the web.

Max: Testing for Brown Belt III

MaxBB3 from Wackymango on Vimeo.

On April 3,2013, my nephew Max tested for his Brown Belt III.  The testing portion was unedited and shown in its entirety.  He turns 9 years old in the end of May and is now is training for his Junior Black Belt.

I Am Back

March 14, 2013

Well, it totally seems as if I’ve abandoned my Blogg.  The truth is, I’ve been lazy in posting items. I hope this post kicks off the next several posts to come, including my trip to Cambodia, Spain for Thanksgiving, and New Years celebration in NY. 

Last year was a full year of travels.  Although I’ll be going to Arizona for spring training next week, this year will be the quite opposite.  I’ll be home based for most of the part. 

The picture is a photo taken with my phone while on the Queensboro bridge.

Japan

Japan from Wackymango on Vimeo.

October 17-28, 2012
10 days in Japan compressed to 12 min and 21 sec. 
This was my first trip to Japan.  I've only passed through from connecting flights; earlier this year, I spent a night in Japan due to a flight delay.  With the airport located about an hour away from Tokyo, I didn't have a chance to explore.  

My main purpose of visiting Japan was to attend a wedding. Meeting new friends, a visit to Kyoto, a congregation of all night drinking events, an elimination baseball game in the Tokyo dome, and a Halloween party in the district of Roppongi, was a bonus and made this trip memorable in more ways than one.  I can't wait to return.

Cambodia Bound

I’ve been away from home for 3 months, July 7^th to be exact; but on a technicality August 11.  I was home for less than 20 hours - just enough time to sleep for 8 hours and to switch the contents of my luggage.  In a few hours, I will be departing Singapore and will be heading to Cambodia for a quick holiday lasting 3nights.   Afterwards, I’ll be home for a week and preparing for my next excursion.  

While in Singapore – this time around – I was able to experience F1 Singapore.  A colleague of mine had a room at the Marina Mandarin.  The hotel sits in the middle of the racecourse.  With Balcony views of the race, the experience was one that will be memorable.