wanna get away part deux

back in 2009 i had a bad case of wanderlust and created maps of states and countries, i had yet to visit. i had been to 24 countries and 27 states at that point. i've since updated them. now i've been to 41 countries and 35 states. 

visited 41 countries (18.2%)

visited 35 states (70%)

seattle slivers

back in seattle for an conference,which afforded me to catch up with friends and see some sights.

finally made it to the chihuly garden and glass

paying my respects to kexp

tommy highlighting only a small portion
of the sushi we had at momiji

 yick fung mercantile, part of the wing

gummy gum wall

nica

my week in nicaragua was amidst ongoing protests against their president and first lady, but despite that i found the people extremely warm and welcoming. road blocks were a common thread throughout the trip with a will we or won't we make our ferry, shuttle or flight. needless to say we did on all accounts, thanks to private drivers. an expense i'm not used to spending on even in my home country. safety first was what all the locals reminded us about. many were unsure about the state of the road blocks, but it was clear to set off early to bypass the blockades. i would recommend travelling this remarkable country, and hope the political situation settles so all can enjoy,and not just folks that don't mind navigating protesters.

also, i realized my iphone lens is totes covered in dust, so all pics have a natural filter.

granada

beautiful old train station now used
as a trade school

with wilfred (aka will smith) our sweet guide

we came for lava and finally got it at volcano masaya

ometepe

leon

volcano boarding down cerro negro

top of the cathedral

last supper

to say my cousin and his family were the most awesome hosts is an understatement and then they took me to the izakaya/seafood joint ronin for my final meal. so thankful!

they offered me this bottle to go,
but couldn't fit in hand luggage

shaved ice with my name on it (literally)

macau redux

i fell in love with macau over decade ago and knew i wanted to go back while in hong kong. it's known as the vegas of asia, but for me it was the remnants of the portuguese that enthralled me for a return.  both my cousin and my wife questioned my day trip decision but i guess i had to see for myself. it has changed and the tourist groups (i was amongst them for my first visit) kind of make it unbearable. i do think i've gotten the macanese reverie out of my system.

kongers: asia society and more more eeets

fang xhaoling

gorgeous interiors of mott 32

te went apef or this char siu for good reason

honbo's soft shell crab on black seasame bun