Running

I recently invested in the Nike + running gear. I tell you what...what a great investment. Myself and another guy in the office own one and we go for runs and challenge each other to whoever gets to 10 miles first wins, and you can track all of this online. It has graphs, and pointers/tips. You can also join other challenges from around the world. Its such a good incentive to exercise. I highly recommend this little device. Check it out!

http://nikeplus.nike.com/

Back to the USA for vacation!!

Recently I was back in the US for some down time away from Djibouti. I didnt get a whole lot of time at home, I was doing a lot of traveling.
I started my R&R with a trip to San Francisco/Big Sur with my best friend.
We were just the typical tourists around California, ya know Trans America building, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower/Telegraph Hill, Pacific Coast Highway, Lombard St, Trolley Cars...the whole 9 yards. My favorite part had to have been the Helicopter ride over San Francisco, AND we flew under the Golden Gate Bridge!
Driving down Pacific Coast Highway was not as nerveracking as everybody made it out to be. It was THE most beautiful drive to take. I wasnt expecting the weather to be so cold, but it was freezing! When we arrived to Big Sur, it was breathtaking, not only the views, but the gas station that charged me $5.29 a gallon!!! Thats when I realized "thats why he doesnt have any price signs up at his gas station!
While in Big Sur, we stayed at this place called The Treebones Resort I HIGHLY recommend this to anybody who is staying in the Big Sur area. It is not your typical "resort". It's semi-camping...but not really. You stay in these pop up tents called yurts...its quite interesting, yet very comfortable! I wish that I had more time there! I must admit California has some of the most beautiful people, and it is sooo clean and smoke free...well in San Fran at least. Well, I really miss San Fran and Big Sur...mainly Big Sur...beautiful beautiful area!

Visiting the Cheetahs

Back in April I had the chance to visit the Cheetah Refuge about 10 miles down the road close to the Somalia border...yea i know what you are thinking..."Pat, Cheetahs and Somalia!"...I lack the common sense factor. We were offered a "behind the scenes tour". I will let the pictures explain.

But my Boss and I got to semi -interact with the cheetahs, the lady told us we could have gone in the cage with one of them, but the female cheetah was in heat. Let's just say I was a little nervous, hahaha thats an understatement! At one point the female started licking my hand, the trainer told me I needed to be more agressive with the Cheetah. I had to ask her if she was serious, and she wasnt lying. I told the lady to keep dreaming!

(On the left is what seperated us from the cheetahs...pretty reassuring)

(On the right, they were like huge domesticated cats)

It's been a while, so Hello again!!!

Ok, I apologize for it being over 4 months since my last blog. I know a lot of people check on this blog like its the hottest thing ever and I get a lot of people asking "Pat, where's the blog?!"

Well, here you go!

Its been over 4 months since my last post...and well I have done A LOT in those past months

Let me try to pick up where I left off...

One of my favorite trips, was to Lac Asal, one of the lowest points in Africa, and in the World, according to the locals around here. It was about a 2 hour drive from base, so if we were to get a flat tire, we'd be pretty much screwed out in the heat. Anyways, Lac Asal is a Giant salt lake that I had the chance to swim in. Just to let you know that you can not sink in the lake, it feels like a thousand hands holding you up. Oh, and dont get any in your mouth or eyes its not so pleasant! I looked like somebody had just sprayed me with mace! haha. It was interesting watching the salt form on my body. Ok enough talking, here are some pictures. We stopped a long the way at this place called (translated) "5 point" it was a canyon that personally reminded me of the Grand Canyon. Oh, and we stopped at one point where they filmed Planet of the Apes? I've never seen it so I wouldnt know. Enjoy. Peace!