Libations & Explorations

  My Rolex Submariner The Rolex Submariner is, without a doubt, the most iconic watch of all time.  First released in 1953, it has gone from a tough diver’s watch to being one of the most universally recognized status-symbols.  So what makes this damn thing so special?   In terms of specs, it can go 1000 feet underwater, has a unidirectional bezel, a helium escapement valve (ya know, for when you're breathing nitrogen-rich air in a submarine), and it tells the time!  Having said that, most Rolex Submariners these days only see water when the owner has a shower after a round of golf... In 1953 Rolex was not the top-luxury watch brand like it is today. That honour went to Omega, which had released the first ‘dive watch’ in 1932. How did Rolex overcome Omega and all others to become the most iconic brand in the world? Marketing. Translation: "If you were really  adventurous,  you'd wear a Rolex" Rolex has the best advertising department of any brand, ever...

The Caldera (Canon A-1/Kodak Ektar 100) The window seat next to me was empty on my Aegean Air flight from Athens to the island of Thira (Santorini) in the Greek Cyclades.  Even though the view was beautiful, I did not move to the unoccupied seat as it would have reminded me of the person I was supposed to be on this holiday with, and who had unceremoniously dumped me via text two days prior to our departure.  My boss at the time asked if I was still going to go; of course I was!  He thought I was crazy. After an extremely aggressive right hand turn to land, we taxied to the very 1970s Thira International Airport.  As every romantic couple on the flight waited for their luggage, I took my lone carryon bag to the car rental desk.  I chose to rent a car because it was recommended on a completely spurious website that I am pretty sure was paid for by the Santorini Car Rental Association.  The little Peugeot was completely useless, unnecessary, and never left it...

  Mt. Marcy (Canon F-1/ Kodak Tmax400) Sitting in the 'High Peaks Wilderness Area' of the Adirondack Mountains, Mount Marcy is the highest point in the state of New York.  With an elevation of 5,343 feet, it is miniscule compared to western American mountains.  However, because of the forested and rocky terrain, it can be a very challenging hike...as I would learn. Mount Marcy is most famous for it's association with Theodore Roosevelt.  When President McKinley was shot, Vice President Roosevelt rushed to his side.  However, when it appeared the President would recover, he decided to go hiking in the Adirondack Mountains as not to be a distraction for the media. Returning from the summit of Mount Marcy, he saw a suited man in a top hat running through the forest waving a telegram: McKinley had died and he was now President of the United States. I made a massive error in my assault on Mount Marcy; I got drunk the night before. I hadn't consumed alcohol for a whil...

  The Grand Canal (Canon F-1/ Kodak Portra 400) While in Milan my travel companions grew tired of me, and on their suggestion, I took a train to Venice. Exiting the train station of 'Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia', itself a stunning example of 1930s Fascist architecture, the first thing you see is the Grand Canal with the stone 'Ponte degli Scalzi' bridge crossing it. It is such an iconic view that I literally said, "Holy shit, I am in Venice!".  I've uttered it time and time again, it is so bizarre when you go to a place that is literally out of the movies. I had arrived on a Friday morning in February.  This turned out to be unbelievably fortunate as, although it was a tad chilly, there were no crowds there until around mid-afternoon.  Being one of the top tourist destinations in the world, Venice becomes shockingly packed during the warmer months.  Do a quick Google search for "Venice crowds", look at the pictures, then look at my pictures. ...

  My personal kitchen knives The most important tool in the kitchen is a good set of knives. There are many implements and gadgets for cooking that one can go cheap on, but knives are never one of them.  I learned that from Anthony Bourdain. My personal set is the Porsche Design Type 301 knives by Chroma.  Don't let the looks fool  you, they feel great in the hand!  Also, being stainless steel, they have a perfect weight to them that will give you a lot of confidence when cutting. Most red-blooded men of the kitchen would be sold on the fact that these knives were designed by the same man who designed the Porsche 911 sportscar, Ferdinand A. Porsche, with input from famed Austrian chef Jorg Worther. I, however, am not impressed by such frivolities.  I was sold on this particular set of knives because of their use by another great man of the kitchen: Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal, about to do something creatively savage... Mads Mikkelsen, playing the aforemention...

  Rotterdam (Canon F-1/ Kodak Ektachrome 100) After two days in Amsterdam, our threesome of sojourning cocktail-consumers took an intercity train to Rotterdam.  Founded in the 1200s, Rotterdam got it's name from the 'Dam of the Rotte River' which drained the land the city is built on.  Rotterdam is now an industrial center and has Europe's largest seaport. I didn't expect much, but in the end I absolutely loved this city. Upon arrival, Svetlana suggested we visit the ‘Rotterdamse Centrummarkt'. An open-air market in the center of town, you can purchase anything from fresh off-the-boat fish to watches and electronics.  Svetlana was insistent, in spite of my questioning, that we should purchase a bottle of champagne at the nearby ‘Albert Heijn’ (the largest supermarket chain in Holland).  She has excellent foresight… Rotterdam Architecture (Canon F-1/ Kodak Ektachrome 100) Adjacent to the market is the ‘Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk’ (Saint Lawrence Church).  The...

Sadly, travelers these days do not take their luggage seriously. It's a shame because a well-worn bag should be seen as a memento and reminder of great adventures.   I completely understand that the majority of people want to travel with rolling luggage instead of carrying a duffel; and most of the time it makes perfect sense. However, there are some reasons why a duffel bag can be better. When flying, one should avoid checking a bag at all costs. This will easily save you two hours of travel time per trip.  To put that in perspective, when I was flying for work, if I had checked bags it would have cost me 12.5 days of my life per year!  Also, when you check a bag (especially for international flights) there is a real possibility you will never see it again. So we have established that you shouldn't check your bag, so why then carry a duffel instead of a rolling suitcase?  Because, if you don't board early enough, or if the plane is smaller (Bombardier CRJ7...