San Francisco Giants - My Torture in Austin and the journey to the World Series

Growing up as a child I played baseball and idolized the San Francisco Giants. We used to go see games at Candlestick Park, and always sat in the Upper Deck. We would also bring our own food because the food at the park was so expensive. It wasn't until my adult life that I ever sat in the "expensive" seats. We would usually sneak down to the lower level in the 8th or 9th inning, but I was in heaven in the upper deck at Candlestick. My favorite player was Will the "Thrill" Clark, and the World Series of 89' was one that I will not forget.

I would gladly forget the outcome of the series with the Giants being swept by that d-bag Jose Canseco and his bash bros, but the real craziness that is forever lodged into my memory was the Earthquake. I was playing hide and go seek with Dan and my brother Walt, when the earth shook and rumbled. It felt like I was surfing on pavement (although I hadn't surfed up to that point), and I will never forget that my brother was hiding in between some metal trash cans and was yelling as they banged around him. Up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, we lost power for several weeks, and it took my dad nearly the entire night to make it back home from work from Mountain View. It was a very hectic time that made baseball seem very insignificant.

 It would be over a decade until my beloved San Francisco Giants made it back to the World Series. I was living in Santa Barbara, and missed several weeks of college to follow the Giants on their Post Season quest. This was so close to being one of the happiest memories ever, but that damn rally monkey spoiled all my fun (my Grandma Pat had to have one which hurt even more), and again my boys in orange and black came up short.

 Finally, after nearly 30 years of life, I may have the opportunity to see the Giants win a world series. Living in Austin, I have met so many fellow Giants fans, and I can't think of a more fitting way for them to achieve what I've wanted for so long with me living in the same State as their AL oppenent.

With the Giants playing Texas while I'm living in Austin, I can't help but think that it is a sign, otherwise why would I be here in Austin? Beer? Music? The Economy? I can't be sure as to the true reason, but I will know in about a week if I was brought here to Texas to help the Giants take home the glory, and finally become World Series Champs! Until then, I will take the torture! Go Giants!

Dustin Humphrey Photography

Was stumbling through the blogosphere when I stumbled upon Dustin Humphrey. His pictures are damn near amazing, and are almost cartoonish in the emotions that they evoke about surfing and society. The Dopamine campaign is worth checking out.

Germany, aka Hamburg and the Reeperbahn

On the final leg of our tour, we set out on the 4 hour drive from Malmö to Hamburg. Looking for my German ancestors, along with the largest liquor store in Europe, we were sure to be in for a good time. A good time found us at the Reeperbahn, aka the red light district. Home to the Beatles, and the last live sex show in Germany, it's hard to imagine that such a wealthy and classy city, could have such a forbidden zone right in the heart of the city. We had a lovely dinner in the ritzy harbor (ask Leyla about the mice on the patio), and made our way to the Reeperbahn. What happened after that? Well, the saying is, what happens in the Reeperbahn, stays in the Reeperbahn. I'll just leave it at that. But there is a street there that only Men and hookers can walk on, interesting stuff. On the way back we stopped at this huge 5 story barge that sold alcohol, candy, beer, and loaded up Magnus and Sofia in preparation for the cold Swedish winter ahead.

    Club Safari (Live Sex Show) and the bright lights of the night.

German Sign by Leyla

Nightclub in Reeperbahn

Fancy Fruity German Drinks

More Hip Nightclub Action

Beer and Wine and Candy and Tobacco!

5 or 6 Stories, I can't remember, It's way more confusing than Ikea!

                                           

Leaving with some Beer! A happy Danish family!

Italy Summer 2010

When we stepped out in Italy it meant a lot of things to Leyla and I. We have romanticized about living in this relaxed and refined Country for quite some time (landed in Austin instead). Everything seemed so alive, and vivid. My laser eye surgery definitely came in handy in this country, as everything seemed to be larger than life, and looked like it came straight out of a fairy tale. We saw so many things in Italy, from Florence, to Tuscany, to Elba, it was an amazing week. On a side note, I nearly choked to death on a piece of bread at while laughing so hard as to how sweet life can be when you are being spoon fed lavender infused chocolate by a wine guru named Stefano.

Leyla's amazing eye!

Ancient Wine Castle

Leyla Loves Doors and bikes

Dinner, Wine, and Friends--- and intense roof

This is where the best grapes live, Tuscany!

On the Island of Elba

Peyronie

I haven't forgot about Europe 2010!

Backyard Civility

When I awoke this morning to let the dog out in the backyard, I was reminded how as humans companionship and being good to each other makes our lives much more fufulling. There were two frogs at my back porch, one was stranded in my dog's water bowl, franticly trying to get out. Poor guy must have spent hours treading water trying to escape. The second frog was waiting at the edge of the bowl, waiting for his fellow frog to escape his troublesome situation. He could have left and headed back to the creek, but he stuck by his friends side. I think that too often we don't think about helping (even if it's moral support) each other, and the frogs reminded me of that this morning. I tilted the bowl, and let the frog free, and they both left at the same time, together, and I'm guessing happy. Cheers.

FaceTime

Such an amazing way to speak to people, although after awhile it's nice to turn the camera around and get a view of the view your fellow facetimer is looking at. I've already been able to hang out with Kenny (pictured), and his beautiful daughter Maya twice! Pretty cool considering this is the future; and im sure one day my refrigerator will be facetiming me while I'm at the store telling me to get more carrots with a live stream from inside my vegetable drawer.

Barcelona, It's more than just a club!

Viva Barcelona! One of our most anticipated destinations on the trip, we looked forward to the culture, beaches, people, tapas, and relaxed Siesta style way of life! In a place where Leyla's Spanish helped us navigate the ramblas, it was a great time to be in Spain, considering they had just won the world cup!



This was the first time on the trip that I was able to have two toilets! The second one you could even adjust the temperature of the water. Spanish luxury at its finest.



Nightclubbing in Barcelona goes all night, here we are at the brand new W hotel in Barcelona. This is the view of the W tower from the beach:





We toured the city by foot and metro, and saw some amazing work by Antoni Gaudi. It was really amazing to see his passion for nature, and how he could infuse it in his architecture. Also how he died in a train accident because nobody would help him because he looked like a homeless man.



Our boy Paul Gasol was a hometown hero:



Fancy feet:




A fountain of angels:




Skype with Poppa!



Amazing Tapas and not so bad beer either:









Streetside Cafe




Drinking fountain



Pre Beach Beverages:





Blending in



So relaxed and so happy in Espana!