My Travels

I traveled to both Pretoria and Johannesburg on multiple occasions. I had the opportunity to go on a couple photo-safari an.visit a couple game parks. I also met with brethren and sat in a few lodges while I was there.

I have to say, Thailand was one of the more exotic counties I've been to. It's sensory overload with the sweet smell of incense from the temples, The savory and spicy aroma of street food vendors. And art in the temples the boggles the mind.

I spent about a month in Mexico City. Great food, I'm a fan of re-fried beans but don't think I've had them as flavorful as I had them there. I lot of history. Also met some brethren here and got to visit lodge.

Russia was extremely interesting for me because it was my second visit. I lived in Vladimir during the Summer of 1994 as a student internship. Unfortunately, all of my picture from that year are on paper and I have not had a chance to scan them all in. I went back in 2014 (this time to Moscow). What a difference 20 years makes!

Oh what a country! Red Blooded Americans fit right in here! They have Budweiser and a Waffle House! Honestly, rich culture, great food friendly people and great architecture.

The land of schnitzel, strudel, and Mozart. Home of the Hapsburg dynasty, the last of the Holy Roman Emperors. Great food and mind-blowing architecture and art. Especially Schloss Schonbrun. I spent a few weeks here teaching classes. I had the privilege of attending lodge with Austrian brethren. One of whom set me and my class up with tickets to see a lunch-time concert of his classical ensemble. A very memorable trip.

I'm a big fan of Central and Eastern Europe. Budapest is one of my favorite cities. Which is quite fortunate! Because I was sent there many times. It got to the point where, after hours, I would act as tour guide for the class.

One of the most laid back ports of call during my travels. Great food, great weather, and a very chill attitude towards life. Another country where I was able to attend lodge with local brethren.

A country with a rich and long history. The history of The Philippines is very intertwined with the history of the U.S.. So much so, that, in order to get a full understanding of U.S. history, you must have some knowledge of Filipino history. Really these are Islands of extremes. The same people who love singing and Kareoke so much that they gave us Steve Perry's replacement for Journey. Are the same people that fought side by side with U.S.troops in fighting off the Japanese invasion force in WWII.

Very bizzaro world experience. Canberra is a very pleasant place. Good climate, friendly people. But For my longest flight across the greatest distance of my travels, I find that I am in Washington D.C./Reston with an accent and Kangaroos instead of deer.

Obviously the food was outstanding! One of my favorite dishes was the Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi served at a restaurant in the Mountain Village of Cortona in Tuscany. A chance encounter when we got lost navigating the Italian Highways. Rich in history from the Romans, as well as the Renaissance inspired by great families like the Medicis and the Borgias. Also a great story about the feud between the Medicis and the Pozzis