MEXICO CITY, OCTOBER 2017
I desperately wanted to get one more trip in before heading out on my walk across America. This one was last-minute but turned out to be one of the most memorable. Not only was I wildly productive with my novel-in-progress, but for the first time I really allowed myself to be a part of the local scene.
Ain’t No Drag: Any chance you get you should seek out experiences you’d never expect yourself to do. Like this one.
D.F Poetry of Sensibility: Inspired by a book of Japanese poems, I tell part one of my adventures in similar poetic form.
Leave Home to Get Home: Wrapping up a quick trip that included dressing in drag, novel writing, and going to a lucha libra match.
MEXICO CITY, MARCH 2017
A last-minute and brief return to Roma Norte. The sole purpose was to focus on my novel but I also drank a lot of amazing coffee, tried some local micro-brew, and got a couple new tattoos. (Orizaba 167)
A Short Week in Roma Norte, Again: Everything I love about Mexico City packed into 8ish days.
MEXICO CITY, DECEMBER 2016
After falling in love with the Federal District back in February, I decided to end my work season with another writing retreat to Mexico. This time I came with an intention to put a big dent in my novel, possibly also wrapping up a few other projects I’ve got cooking. But all work and no play makes Tom a dull boy. So of course I did a little bit of this and that, too. (Yucatan 99)
David in Mexico: A replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece transports me to the 90s
Es Como Un Sueño: The effect of novel writing on a dysfunctional writer needing espresso
Traditional Hand Made Yummy: A day of wandering and considering simplification
Laundry in a Pasta Pot: One thing I learned in the Army – adapt and survive
Christmas Day 30k: An 18-mile run that includes husky puppies and tarot cards
Hasta Mi Próximo Corte de Pelo: I buy something called “Teddy Boy” and blog about it
Esfumarse (to vanish): Final thoughts on my December trip
THE LOVE PROJECT – MEXICO CITY
Part 1: I got a little lonely so I left my apartment, seeking some love
Part 2: Love, in this city, is inescapable
MEXICO CITY, FEBRUARY 2016
In February 2016 I visited Mexico City. Mostly it was meant to be a writing trip, but I managed to get out and about on the regular. For two weeks I stayed in the Del Valle neighborhood and got around either on foot or on the DF’s amazing Metro (subway). I blogged every few days, and late in the trip decided to explore and write about the city’s specialty coffee scene. All in all it was a blast and I can’t wait to come back.
Dog in Mexico: First post while getting acquainted with the Distrito Federal
Pass it Up: Went to see Frida, saw the Pope instead
Turista: My guts vs. mercado pizza
Smith & Carlos, 1968: Visit to Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Las Cosas Chiadas, Rólalas: Casa Azul and Leon Trotsky’s digs
The Place Where Gods Are Born: Time and context at Teotihuacán ruins
Classic Modern: Vintage Volkswagens in Mexico City
Getting Home Again: Final post during 6-hour layover in Houston
MEXICO CITY CAFE REVIEWS
Tour de Espresso: Embarking on my search for Mexico City’s best espresso
Café Avellaneda (Coyoacán): My first taste of specialty coffee in DF
Café Irecrís (Roma Sur): Unexpected treat at Mercado el Cien
Café Comuna (Roma Sur): A nose to die for
Cardinal, Casa de Café (Roma Sur): If you come back, this is your home
Café Etrusca (Rome Norte): Original product, so-so service
Café Passmar (Del Valle): Looks like Keurig, tastes like magic
Gradios Deli-Café (Roma Norte): A full cup of baked goods, espresso style
Espressarte (Roma Norte): Where the secret ingredient is love
Chiquitito Café (Cuauhtémoc): Licking the batter bowl clean
MOROCCO 2014
Ever since 1991 when I was in the military stationed in Germany, I’ve wanted to take the ferry across the Mediterranean Sea to North Africa. In November 2014, I did just that during a five-week trip to Morocco via Portugal and Spain. In this blog I paired some of my most memorable moments with a sketch. It was a fantastic journey – thanks for giving it a look!
Blog #4: Tangier’s Literary Scene
Blog #5: From Fear to Vulnerability
Blog #6: Getting Used to the Hustle
Blog #10: Remembering How to Travel
Blog #23: Topped Off With a Kiss
Blog #28: My Foreign Home (Final Entry)
OREGON COAST TRAIL 2014
In May 2014, I hiked the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT). Upon my return I revisited my journal entries then wrote daily blogs (after the fact) to trace my thru-hike. Enjoy!
Final Blog Before Starting the OCT
Day 1: OCT South Trailhead/Crissey Field to Lone Ranch in Samuel Boardman State Park
Day 2: Lone Ranch to Gold Beach Visitor’s Center
Day 3: Gold Beach Visitor’s Center to Sister’s Rock
Day 4: Sister’s Rock to Paradise Point
Day 5: Paradise Point to Floras Lake
Day 6: Floras Lake to Bullards Beach State Park
Day 7: Zero Mileage Day at Bullards Beach State Park
Day 8: Bullards Beach State Park to North Bend
Day 9: North Bend to William Tugman State Park
Day 10: William Tugman State Park to Jessie Honeyman State Park
Day 11: Jessie Honeyman State Park to Carl Washburne State Park
Day 12: Carl Washburne State Park to Waldport
Day 13: Waldport to Beverly Beach State Park
Day 14: Zero Mileage Day at Beverly Beach State Park
Day 15: Beverly Beach State Park to Neskowin Beach
Day 16: Neskowin Beach to Tillamook
Day 17: Tillamook to Manzanita Beach
Day 18: Manzanita Beach to Cannon Beach
Day 19: Zero Mileage Day at Cannon Beach
Day 20: Cannon Beach to Ft. Stevens State Park
Day 21: Ft Stevens State Park to Columbia River/OCT North Trailhead
CHINA & MONGOLIA 2006
In 2006, my best friend Kent and I traveled to China and Mongolia. Why? Why not. Fact is, Mongolia especially had always been intriguing. As a kid I thought my globe was defective because Mongolia (I remember it being pink) didn’t have any cities listed within its borders. Probably because there were less than 1M people in the entire country.
SOUTHEAST ASIA 2004
BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO (VARIOUS)
