R and R Like a Rock Star

I have made my reservations for a snowboarding extravaganza. A year ago TG and I were shredding in Austria -- ok, maybe not shredding ... but we went, we saw, we rode, and by the end of the week we pretty much conquered. Not to mention the CUBE. It was awesome that once I sat down I had my very own drink fetcher. Priceless was the two shots of Tequila chased with pain killers. This time it's snowboarders paradise. Laax, Switzerland - Riders Palace Hotel. Someone will be whisking me off for more pain killers washed down with tequila in a more adult version of the CUBE. Riders Palace Hotel is at the bottom of the CRAP gondola / lift. It's a mountain without scary blacks -- perfect for my lack of skill at snowboarding. The main attraction at this hotel is its huge bath tubs -- perfect for soaking my banged up ass -- and it's bar. Perfect for killing any remaining pain. Apparently the hotel bar is legendary and one of two place in Laax where the beautiful people drink. The other place is the CRAP BAR which, by name alone, just makes you want to order up a CRAP DRINK. The CRAP BAR is a 24 ton granite bar that requires you to be 18 to enter. Since the drinking age in Switzerland is 16 this may qualify it as an Adult establishment. Someone may have a very shloshy Lifetrash on his hands.

One Year Ago - Bavaria

One year ago this week I took mom on a 4 day trip to Munich. We loaded up the MINI and headed south. First stop was Andech Monastery. Not for the beautiful cathedral but for the beer. The monks that live at Andechs brew beer and serve up traditional and simple German food. Knuckle of Pork, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, and Wurst with homemade mustard. All washed down with a liter of beer brewed by the monks and served by the monks. If you leave Kaiserslautern by 6 AM you'll get there by lunch time - if you don't hit a STAU. Linderhof Castle - the only castle that Mad King Ludwig actually spent time in, it's located on the outskirts of Oberamergau (Home to the NATO Military School and the famous German version of the Passion Play). The next day we drove into Munich -- about a two hour drive from Oberamergau. We stayed in a hostel called WOMBATS. Parking was included, more free beer, and the room was simple and private. The shared bathrooms were clean and the price was fantastic. All and all the place was a little noisy but the bar was fun, the rooms were cheap, and the breakfast was great and lasted until noon. It was a good trip. And more fun was had that week then is being had this week.

Time for a change

I'm branching out my travel experiences -- I'm not confining my self to EUROPA. So it was time for a change of title. Currently, since the only travel I do is the two miles from my living quarters to my office -- which, incidental is larger then my "house"... I figured I would use this space to fantasize about fabulous vacations I might take when released from prison. I'm not really in prison ... it just looks and feels like prison. I have friends that still get to travel so I will post their adventures here. For example: I have a friend taking a whirl wind pub crawl of Praha this weekend. I have another friend wondering if a hotel in Arrondissement 8, 6, 5, or 1 would be better. And yet another taking the train to Munich (Muchen) to experience O-FEST. Lastly I wonder what Fich is doing in Vegas -- a glamorous poker tournament no doubt. The last I heard of him he used the phrase "Sweet Feathery Jeasus on a Stick" ... and accused me of belonging to a terror organization -- see LOVE NOTES for more notes on this. Right now in Europe its the best time of year ... the weather is cooling off, the trees are turning color, the hiking is magical. The beer is new and everything is crisp. It's my favorite season next to June in the Englischer Garden. If you have a vacation you need planned -- let me know ... I would love to plan it. Mean while ... in this space I will plan trips that I will probably never take but maybe you could take them for me. Or at the very least let me live vicariously through you and your adventures.

Scooters or Jeeps

Puerto Rico Salsa and Surf with the OS! Hook up in Chicago / Tapas that night in San Juan -- no doubt outside in the tropical caribean air The next day its surf lessons and Salsa Wrapping it all up with some snorkling on an island off shore ... the biggest question is scooters or jeeps. This is one trip I am looking forward to. In the words of my Puerto Rican pricess friend -- "HONEY YOU GO AND FIND SOME OF THAT PR MAGIC!"

Update on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 14:29 by LIFETRASH

It was a jeep and it did not disappoint. I have seen many gorgeous beaches in my life but I have to say there there was none so gorgeous as the one on the tiny island of Calabra. Uncrowded. White sugar sand that stretched into, and dipped under, the clearest, warmest, and most pleasantly salty water (which complemented the sticky sweet pina colada that stuck to my lips). I would have to say that this beach is where I would choose -- if the opportunity ever presented itself -- to have my "Here to Eternity" or "Pearl Harbor" close up.

Venizia Mia Bella

My treasure I come to see you soon

one week and I will by yours

bathed in your waters

held in the rays that few only know

and for one fleeting moment

a life time of love is had

12 April - 15 April -- put your orders in now.

Update on Monday, April 16, 2007 at 11:05 by LIFETRASH

It was as I remember it -- everyone and everything is more beautiful in Italy. It is just the way things are. Some places are blessed.