Saturday, August 28, 2010
We Are Back in Venice
No more cruisin' the Mediterranean. We had a blast and can not wait to share our pics, videos, and stories from a wonderful vacation.
Since I am now hard wired to the Internet, I will upload a few pics from the cruise. Many more will be uploaded to our MobileMe gallery when we get back to the States tomorrow.
Ciao...
Since I am now hard wired to the Internet, I will upload a few pics from the cruise. Many more will be uploaded to our MobileMe gallery when we get back to the States tomorrow.
Ciao...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
We Are in Asia!
Technically our stop in Turkey was on the Asia continent – a first for Lindsey and I. Turkey is most often thought of being a European country, even to it’s citizens, but geographically it is part of Asia. We learned this and a lot more from our tour guide on our bus from port city Izmir to Ephesus.
Parts of the ancient city of Ephesus date back to 7,000 B.C. The ancient ruins were incredible. More similar to walking The Forum in Rome than climbing the grandiose Acropolis in Athens where most structures are huge. Ephesus was an ancient town that was breathtaking to wander through and admire the centuries old ruins.
After touring Ephesus, we stopped into a Turkish Carpet Weaving School for a demonstration on how they make their famous rugs, carpets, and tapestry’s. It was very cool and the Turkish people are incredibly friendly. We found the people to be charming and helpful across the board during our day in Turkey.
But the highlight of our time in Turkey was purchasing a gorgeous Turkish runner for our entry way. Of course, we went with the premium angora wool and the design, feel, and colors are beautiful. I am not big on Oriental or Turkish designed rugs, but this runner is special. Very unique and obviously something Lindsey and I can cherish for the rest of our lives.
We are about to set sail back through the Greek Islands. I better get my camera ready!
Cheers!
Parts of the ancient city of Ephesus date back to 7,000 B.C. The ancient ruins were incredible. More similar to walking The Forum in Rome than climbing the grandiose Acropolis in Athens where most structures are huge. Ephesus was an ancient town that was breathtaking to wander through and admire the centuries old ruins.
After touring Ephesus, we stopped into a Turkish Carpet Weaving School for a demonstration on how they make their famous rugs, carpets, and tapestry’s. It was very cool and the Turkish people are incredibly friendly. We found the people to be charming and helpful across the board during our day in Turkey.
But the highlight of our time in Turkey was purchasing a gorgeous Turkish runner for our entry way. Of course, we went with the premium angora wool and the design, feel, and colors are beautiful. I am not big on Oriental or Turkish designed rugs, but this runner is special. Very unique and obviously something Lindsey and I can cherish for the rest of our lives.
We are about to set sail back through the Greek Islands. I better get my camera ready!
Cheers!
Ancient Athens
Today Lindsey and I explored ancient Athens. It was remarkable! Having walked through the ruins of Rome, I was very excited to see how Athens compared.
Although Rome is a much prettier and charming city, which ancient ruins are better is up for discussion. What is cool about the Acropolis in Athens is most of the ancient ruins are on a hill overlooking the city. The ruins in Rome are scattered throughout the city and often jump up next to you when you are not expecting them. I remember walking through Rome just admiring the skyline and then holy shit, the Colesium! Pretty neat.
The Internet on board is like dial up. I would post pictures, but it would take half and hour and cost me a small fortune each time I attached a pic : )
After seeing the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, etc... we ate lunch in the plaka and browsed many local shops for souvenirs and other must-haves. Remarkably I resisted the cheesy tourist tee-shirt!
After we got back on the ship, Lindsey and I relaxed at the spa, ate some great food, drank some great champagne, and enjoyed the voyage towards Turkey. Tomorrow morning we port in Izmir, Turkey and have an exciting excursion planned.
Good night!
Although Rome is a much prettier and charming city, which ancient ruins are better is up for discussion. What is cool about the Acropolis in Athens is most of the ancient ruins are on a hill overlooking the city. The ruins in Rome are scattered throughout the city and often jump up next to you when you are not expecting them. I remember walking through Rome just admiring the skyline and then holy shit, the Colesium! Pretty neat.
The Internet on board is like dial up. I would post pictures, but it would take half and hour and cost me a small fortune each time I attached a pic : )
After seeing the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, etc... we ate lunch in the plaka and browsed many local shops for souvenirs and other must-haves. Remarkably I resisted the cheesy tourist tee-shirt!
After we got back on the ship, Lindsey and I relaxed at the spa, ate some great food, drank some great champagne, and enjoyed the voyage towards Turkey. Tomorrow morning we port in Izmir, Turkey and have an exciting excursion planned.
Good night!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Out to Sea
We are on day three of our Mediterranean cruise and so far so good. Leaving Venice was so cool. We got to see the city from a whole new perspective – one of the highlights so far.
Today is a day at sea. Tomorrow AM we will port in Athens, Greece!
Yesterday was incredible. We went kayaking in the Adriatic Sea! It was absolutely gorgeous and the small town Dubrovnik, Croatia was stunning! After kayaking to a small cave where there was a beach, we went snorkeling in the cool deep blue Adriatic sea – something we never will forget.
Lindsey and I have been spending a lot of time at the spa. For $180 buckets during the entire 7 night cruise, you have access to private hot tubs, hydrotherapy pools, steam shower, sauna, and more. You also get to escape the crowds and relax in peace. Worth every penny so far and we still have 4 full days use of it : )
The food has been okay. We are still learning our way around this monster ship and last night we sort of figured it out. Our meal was very good and tonight’s should be even better at their signature steakhouse. Surprisingly the alcohol has been very well priced. I heard horror stories of how expensive it is, but beer in a 20 oz pilsner glass is just under $7 with the gratuity tacked on. I will pay that for a 16 oz pint in the Power in Light District!
Tomorrow should be amazing as we explore the ancient city of Athens. For some reason, Athens has always been a place I wanted to visit. Now I get that chance...
Today is a day at sea. Tomorrow AM we will port in Athens, Greece!
Yesterday was incredible. We went kayaking in the Adriatic Sea! It was absolutely gorgeous and the small town Dubrovnik, Croatia was stunning! After kayaking to a small cave where there was a beach, we went snorkeling in the cool deep blue Adriatic sea – something we never will forget.
Lindsey and I have been spending a lot of time at the spa. For $180 buckets during the entire 7 night cruise, you have access to private hot tubs, hydrotherapy pools, steam shower, sauna, and more. You also get to escape the crowds and relax in peace. Worth every penny so far and we still have 4 full days use of it : )
The food has been okay. We are still learning our way around this monster ship and last night we sort of figured it out. Our meal was very good and tonight’s should be even better at their signature steakhouse. Surprisingly the alcohol has been very well priced. I heard horror stories of how expensive it is, but beer in a 20 oz pilsner glass is just under $7 with the gratuity tacked on. I will pay that for a 16 oz pint in the Power in Light District!
Tomorrow should be amazing as we explore the ancient city of Athens. For some reason, Athens has always been a place I wanted to visit. Now I get that chance...
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Setting Sail Later Today From Venice
We are going to start heading to our cruise ship any minute. It sets sail at 5 PM sharp!
Lindsey and I have never been on a cruise and we are very excited - especially Lindsey. You know she loves the water!
Yesterday we had an incredible time in Venice. We walked around, shopped, saw some historic sights, ate some amazing Italian food, drank some great vino, and even had an infamous gandola ride. It was very peaceful and romantic - maybe the highlight of the day.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) was breathtaking just like the first time I saw it several years ago. Simply incredible! Check out our MobileMe gallery, but below are two of many pics we took of Piazza San Marco:
Okay, now we got to get out of here and head to the ship.
Ciao!
Lindsey and I have never been on a cruise and we are very excited - especially Lindsey. You know she loves the water!
Yesterday we had an incredible time in Venice. We walked around, shopped, saw some historic sights, ate some amazing Italian food, drank some great vino, and even had an infamous gandola ride. It was very peaceful and romantic - maybe the highlight of the day.
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) was breathtaking just like the first time I saw it several years ago. Simply incredible! Check out our MobileMe gallery, but below are two of many pics we took of Piazza San Marco:
Okay, now we got to get out of here and head to the ship.
Ciao!
Venice Day 2 Pics Posted
Check them out - 298 of them - on our MobileMe Gallery!
http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese/100219
http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese/100219
Friday, August 20, 2010
Leaving the Hotel for the Day
We are off to explore Venice for the day. Hopefully we can find a nice trattoria for some pizza and pasta for lunch. St. Marks square is definitely on the to-do list. Everything else we will just wander into : )
Thursday, August 19, 2010
We Arrived Safely in Venice!
After a very long travel day, we arrived safely in Venice Thursday afternoon (morning in the states).
Our coach flight on Swiss Air was surprisingly pleasant. We were very impressed with the service, food, and even a TV on every head rest!
We took a public water bus to our hotel - the 5 star Molino Stucky Hilton - and it is very nice. Also better than what we expected. So far so good.
Lindsey was beat. See below. She normally is after long trips, especially transatlantic flights.
We decided to chill at the rooftop pool with panoramic views of Venice. It is gorgeous!
We had a few drinks, relaxed, and then got ready for a romantic dinner at the hotels flagship restaurant - Aromi.
Our dinner was incredible. Long. Romantic. Perfect weather. Great food. Amazing wine. It was a great first night in Venice!
Now, we are off to get some shut eye before a long day exploring Venezia!
Our coach flight on Swiss Air was surprisingly pleasant. We were very impressed with the service, food, and even a TV on every head rest!
We took a public water bus to our hotel - the 5 star Molino Stucky Hilton - and it is very nice. Also better than what we expected. So far so good.
Lindsey was beat. See below. She normally is after long trips, especially transatlantic flights.
We decided to chill at the rooftop pool with panoramic views of Venice. It is gorgeous!
We had a few drinks, relaxed, and then got ready for a romantic dinner at the hotels flagship restaurant - Aromi.
Our dinner was incredible. Long. Romantic. Perfect weather. Great food. Amazing wine. It was a great first night in Venice!
Now, we are off to get some shut eye before a long day exploring Venezia!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Funkytown For Panfils Wedding
Hanging out with some great friends to celebrate Panfil and Kimmie's nuptials. Last night we hung out in the stockyards and we will be heading back to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards for the wedding and reception.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Pics have been posted from BANDON DUNES
See them on Facebook or the much cooler MobileMe gallery!
Facebook gallery: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=2345939&id=17115661&ref=mf
MobileMe gallery: http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese#100174&bgcolor=black&view=grid
Facebook gallery: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=2345939&id=17115661&ref=mf
MobileMe gallery: http://gallery.me.com/ryanawiese#100174&bgcolor=black&view=grid
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Day 5: Bandon Trails
We finished our final round this afternoon at Bandon Trails - the most traditional course on the property. The front nine was manageable, but the wind really picked up the back nine and kicked our butt. The final four holes were all into the wind and we were ready to get done. The beast beat us badly : )
Now we are sitting in the clubhouse lounge watching the NFL Draft. We hope to get through 10 picks before taking off for the airport. We fly to Portland tonight then fly home tomorrow afternoon.
Padre and I had a blast out at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort! The golf was incredible and we were fortunate to get dry weather. The wind was brutal at times, but all in all you couldn't have asked for a better week.
Next father/son golf trip will be at St. Andrews for the tournament we were scheduled to play this year or possibly the Kohler, WI experience. Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin are some of the best courses in the country as well.
Take care...
Now we are sitting in the clubhouse lounge watching the NFL Draft. We hope to get through 10 picks before taking off for the airport. We fly to Portland tonight then fly home tomorrow afternoon.
Padre and I had a blast out at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort! The golf was incredible and we were fortunate to get dry weather. The wind was brutal at times, but all in all you couldn't have asked for a better week.
Next father/son golf trip will be at St. Andrews for the tournament we were scheduled to play this year or possibly the Kohler, WI experience. Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin are some of the best courses in the country as well.
Take care...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Day 4: Second Round @ Pacific Dunes
We battled Pacific Dunes for a second time today and the course might have won : )
The weather was much colder than the first few days and the wind was brutal, especially off the Pacific Ocean. It was regularly a 5-6 club wind either direction. For example, the first time we played the par 5 12th hole I hit driver, pitching wedge over the green. Today into the wind, I hit driver, 2 iron, 2 iron to the back of the green. It was nuts!
The course was very difficult and we had fun crafting unusual shots to get the ball close to the pin. Bogey golf is not a bad thing at Pacific Dunes and stealing a few pars a nine is ideal. Shot of the day was Ryan driving the short par 4 16th hole green with a 3 wood to set up a 30 foot eagle putt.
It was another great day on the links and tomorrow we will play Bandon Trails.
The weather was much colder than the first few days and the wind was brutal, especially off the Pacific Ocean. It was regularly a 5-6 club wind either direction. For example, the first time we played the par 5 12th hole I hit driver, pitching wedge over the green. Today into the wind, I hit driver, 2 iron, 2 iron to the back of the green. It was nuts!
The course was very difficult and we had fun crafting unusual shots to get the ball close to the pin. Bogey golf is not a bad thing at Pacific Dunes and stealing a few pars a nine is ideal. Shot of the day was Ryan driving the short par 4 16th hole green with a 3 wood to set up a 30 foot eagle putt.
It was another great day on the links and tomorrow we will play Bandon Trails.
My Tee Shot on #11 - 131 yard Par 3
The Wind was About 6 clubs into us - I hit a six iron which is my 190 yard shot!!!
Day 4: Back to Pacific Dunes
The weather has improved since yesterday, but it continues to rain from time to time. It should move out by noon and bring in more wind before we tee off at 12:50 PM @ Pacific Dunes.
We are excited to get another crack at Pacific Dunes as it beat us up pretty bad at times during our first round there. It is the best course at the resort and probably the most difficult.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to play Bandon Trails after we were rained out yesterday. It is the most traditional of the courses and is heavily wooded compared to the other more open links style courses at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. We were also told that is the most physically demanding of the courses so it should be a good workout. No golf carts allowed - just walking!
Let's hope the weather cooperates and we have a great day on the links...
We are excited to get another crack at Pacific Dunes as it beat us up pretty bad at times during our first round there. It is the best course at the resort and probably the most difficult.
Tomorrow we are scheduled to play Bandon Trails after we were rained out yesterday. It is the most traditional of the courses and is heavily wooded compared to the other more open links style courses at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. We were also told that is the most physically demanding of the courses so it should be a good workout. No golf carts allowed - just walking!
Let's hope the weather cooperates and we have a great day on the links...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 3: Possible Rainout
We are scheduled to play Bandon Trails today, but mother nature hasn't been too kind so far. We were secretly hoping for rain anyway so we could recover from playing 29 holes at Pacific Dunes yesterday - likely 8 miles of walking with no flat surfaces. My back is killing me and Padre's feet are pretty blistered.
So... We may head into Bandon for some fresh seafood for lunch and check out the small quaint town. It is a finalist for "America's Coolest Towns." Check www.bandon.com for more info.
Either way, we are having fun and enjoying father/son time. Rain or shine, we will enjoy the rest of the trip...
So... We may head into Bandon for some fresh seafood for lunch and check out the small quaint town. It is a finalist for "America's Coolest Towns." Check www.bandon.com for more info.
Either way, we are having fun and enjoying father/son time. Rain or shine, we will enjoy the rest of the trip...
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 2: Pacific Dunes
We finished 18 holes at Pacific Dunes around lunchtime today and battled the course and 40 MPH winds throughout. Pacific Dunes is Golf Magazine and Golfweek's #1 public course in America and it was certainly amazing!
Padre and I agree it was in the top couple courses we have ever played and was likely the most challenging course we have played to date. The pin placements were brutal and the 40 MPH + gust off the Pacific Ocean made the course exceptionally difficult. My glasses even fell off once because of the wind!
Pacific Dunes was gorgeous! I was grabbing my camera on about every hole. Half of the holes have a glimpse of the ocean and several play right alongside the ocean. Simply magnificent.
After 18 holes we took a lunch break and went back out to play some more. After 11 holes we called it quits as my back was killing me and Padre's feet were done. We are actually hoping for rain tomorrow so we can recover : )
Next up is Bandon Trails - the lesser rated of the courses at Bandon Dunes, but still a great track. Rain or shine, we will continue to have a blast together...
Padre and I agree it was in the top couple courses we have ever played and was likely the most challenging course we have played to date. The pin placements were brutal and the 40 MPH + gust off the Pacific Ocean made the course exceptionally difficult. My glasses even fell off once because of the wind!
Pacific Dunes was gorgeous! I was grabbing my camera on about every hole. Half of the holes have a glimpse of the ocean and several play right alongside the ocean. Simply magnificent.
After 18 holes we took a lunch break and went back out to play some more. After 11 holes we called it quits as my back was killing me and Padre's feet were done. We are actually hoping for rain tomorrow so we can recover : )
Next up is Bandon Trails - the lesser rated of the courses at Bandon Dunes, but still a great track. Rain or shine, we will continue to have a blast together...
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Day 1: Bandon Dunes
Padre and I played 18 holes at Bandon Dunes today - one of four courses at the Bandon Dunes Resort in Bandon, Oregon. It was incredible!
We both had caddies and they helped us along the way with navigating this links style course. Bandon Dunes is consistently ranked among the top 10 courses in America to play and it lived up to the hype.
It was challenging, but fair. Somehow we avoided a lot of the trouble. We both played well, but the wide fairways helped. Padre and I played one ball from start to finish and scored below our handicap! And we played the ball down everywhere and found some AWFUL lies, but that is how the game is meant to be played.
Bandon Dunes is a traditional links style course rivaling the Old Course in St. Andrews - the birthplace of golf. Tomorrow we play Pacific Dunes (weather permitting) and it is the best of the four courses here. Golfweek magazine rates it the #1 course to play in America!
We can't wait...
We both had caddies and they helped us along the way with navigating this links style course. Bandon Dunes is consistently ranked among the top 10 courses in America to play and it lived up to the hype.
It was challenging, but fair. Somehow we avoided a lot of the trouble. We both played well, but the wide fairways helped. Padre and I played one ball from start to finish and scored below our handicap! And we played the ball down everywhere and found some AWFUL lies, but that is how the game is meant to be played.
Bandon Dunes is a traditional links style course rivaling the Old Course in St. Andrews - the birthplace of golf. Tomorrow we play Pacific Dunes (weather permitting) and it is the best of the four courses here. Golfweek magazine rates it the #1 course to play in America!
We can't wait...
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Next Stop Portland
We moved up to the exit row on Southwest for our last leg (ABQ to PDX). Much more room!!
Tonight we plan to eat some good seafood and bar hop to some of the infamous micro breweries downtown. Portland is known as "Microbrew Capital of the World." Bridgeport is one of my favorites microbrews so hopefully we can stop by there: http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/
Cheers!
Tonight we plan to eat some good seafood and bar hop to some of the infamous micro breweries downtown. Portland is known as "Microbrew Capital of the World." Bridgeport is one of my favorites microbrews so hopefully we can stop by there: http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/
Cheers!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Father/Son Trip Must Go On!
No more father/son trip to St. Andrews, Scotland because of the epic volcanic ash that has shut down 80% of Europe's air traffic. BUT... We are doing the next best thing!
We booked our travel to Bandon, Oregon - home to 3 of the best golf courses in the country (#2 and #4 according to Golf Week). We are very excited and hopefully Mount Rainier doesn't erupt!
Check out the Bandon Dunes Resort link: http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/
Plenty or pics, videos, and details to follow...
We booked our travel to Bandon, Oregon - home to 3 of the best golf courses in the country (#2 and #4 according to Golf Week). We are very excited and hopefully Mount Rainier doesn't erupt!
Check out the Bandon Dunes Resort link: http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/
Plenty or pics, videos, and details to follow...
Chillin in the TUL AA Lobby
We are going to try and make a go of it. Sitting in the AA lobby in T Town before heading to Chicago (ORD). All flights are grounded into London Heathrow until 7 AM London time on Saturday (1 AM in Chicago). So we are definitely not flying out on Friday.
If we are lucky we will jump on one of two British Airways flights to London on Saturday evening (Chicago time). If we are really really lucky, we will depart ORD after midnight tonight if the airspace does in fact open at 1 AM CST. For some reason, the second BA flight scheduled at 8:10 PM CST HAS NOT been cancelled. It could get delayed 5 hours or so and then take off, but I am not too optimistic about that...
Oh, and we FINALLY got through to a BA call center since I have been tying : )
Again, stay tuned...
If we are lucky we will jump on one of two British Airways flights to London on Saturday evening (Chicago time). If we are really really lucky, we will depart ORD after midnight tonight if the airspace does in fact open at 1 AM CST. For some reason, the second BA flight scheduled at 8:10 PM CST HAS NOT been cancelled. It could get delayed 5 hours or so and then take off, but I am not too optimistic about that...
Oh, and we FINALLY got through to a BA call center since I have been tying : )
Again, stay tuned...
Travel Update
Not looking good at all. London Heathrow is shut down until tomorrow already and some reports are saying the volcanic ash is getting worse! We can not get through via phone at British Airways and the website will not let us rebook anything either b/c the airport is shut-down and no flight schedules are known yet.
Stay tuned...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Our Travel Plans Have Been Thrown A Major Curveball
Well, this stupid volcano underneath the Eyjafjallajoekull glacier has really thrown a wrinkle in our trip to St. Andrews, Scotland. Flight is cancelled tomorrow already and we might not be able to fly out for another 48 hours!!!
Don't think I will get much sleep tonight, but I am trying to be optimistic : )
Padre and I are flying to Chicago (ORD) from Tulsa tomorrow and then hopefully we can fly out to London Heathrow. AP is reporting that half of the US flights might get out tomorrow. So far over 6,000 flights have been cancelled in and out of Europe!
Don't think I will get much sleep tonight, but I am trying to be optimistic : )
Stay tuned...
Monday, April 12, 2010
White Belt For Golf Trip: Check!
Picked up a sick Nike Golf white belt for the trip across the pond.
Now I will fit in better with the fashion forward lads in the UK!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Time to start blogging...
My father and I will be taking a trip to Scotland to play in a father/son golf tournament in St. Andrews - the birthplace of golf. We are so excited and will get to play with teams from all over the world!
I decided to create a blog to capture all of our fun with photos, videos, and of course the blog!
Enjoy!
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