Marriott Suites Costa Mesa

... the title of this first post, because this wasn't a unilateral decision. My wife Drea was VERY supportive, as this is a major decision--and it likely impacts her more than me. I give her major kudos for keeping a strong front. <br><br>Her most notable response to me resigning from a career-track and well paying job was, "Don't come back without a tan and six-pack abs." After the [silent] chuckles on my part, I thought, "****, CAN my Irish flesh even get a ...

... a l'il bit of sightseeing. Why the hell would you plan to do anything after getting off a 14hr flight. I just don't understand it! We got back to Joe's at about 12pm (we're staying with him for two nights) and just took it easy and watched America's Next Top Model, which is our new obsession. Tyra you are fierce. I was still really tired so Caz and I went to bed and even Joe had a little nap in the afternoon. That night we went out for dinner to a ...

First longish drive of the holiday - about 35 miles to Anaheim, in peak hour.. and then woo hoo! Disneyland! Managed to get through all but one of the "lands", saving Tomorrowland for.. ahem.. tomorrow. Best ride? Draw between Splash Mountain and Indiana Jones so far. Even though they weren't as exciting as the rides at Universal Studio, being geared more towards the kiddies, lots ...

May 06 2007 - Have to say it is good to be back in beautiful Kauai. Haven't been on-island for 24 hrs yet, but already her karma is drawing me in. Such a laid back feel and so much natural beauty. Rewind to yesterday in the AM... Woke up feeling good about leaving LA for a week to escape. The night before was spent packing as well as getting the Taco-Man! crew ready for a 250 person Cinco De Mayo gig in Irvine. So as you could imagine it was a freakin' Chinese Fire ...

... as my 43 hour day yesterday has taken a lot out of me. It is the first time on the trip that jetlag has really hit me. Me and Ed went out in the night and went to a few bars but it wasn't a late one. One thing I have noticed here is that you are expecting to tip the bar staff a dollar every time you get a drink. It ends up a very big tip if you ...

Back home after 70 days. A great trip. I learned a lot, saw a lot, experienced a lot, and had an awesome time. I guess it's time to wait for my next chance to travel. A couple random words: good socks are essential. iPods are the best travel invention ever (especially if ya get a playlist anything like what i had, haha). ummmm, yea, to much stuff to mention. If we haven't talked for a while send me an email at brentdurand@gmail.com or give me a call at 310.463.4927

... for long journeys... I arrived at the huge LA Union Station wondering why my ticket was never collected by anyone. And the penny finally dropped. I was on a subway. Coming from tiny Singapore where we are not given to travelling long distances, and being generally "swah-gu" (i.e. mountain tortoise, or ignorant) about tracks being used by ...