Traveling Toad

Last Day- Monterey, CA

2009-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Spending my last day in Monterey is sad yet I am thrilled to go home. I been away from my girls for 3 days and I miss them terribly. I am not the type of guy that likes to take business trips but these NMC conferences are so good for me and my inspiration for instructional technology ideas, multi-media development and pedagogical thinking in the way on how to better serve the faculty to create better tools for them to create better learners. We learned how developers can create "kick ass" tools, but what does it mean if the user themselves the student don't be come "kick ass" users? That is a lot to think about over the summer and I plan to spend a lot of my time thinking about those instructional values.

I was able to spend some alone time on Cannery Row and visited the Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream shop. The back patio looks out to the ocean and is a wonderful place to enjoy their famous hot fudge chocolate sundae.

I do know I will be back to this beautiful area and look forward to showing my wife around and another visit to the aquarium. I kind of feel like Homer in this picture, just looking back one more time at this stunning coastline. Living in the desert I don't get views like this, but to quote The Terminator... "I'll be back!"

17 Mile Drive- Monterey, CA

2009-06-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

Today, I spent my free time after the conference on a tour of the famous 17 Mile Drive along the Monterey, California coast. This was the most beautiful scenery I have ever scene. This drive goes through Pacific Grove and Pebble Beach along two famous golf courses; Spanish Bay and Pebble Beach. The road runs inland past Spanish Bay, then adjacent to beaches and up into the coastal hills, providing scenic viewpoints. Travel along 17-Mile Drive takes as long as the traveler likes, a minimum of 20 minutes to Carmel without stops. There are numerous turnouts along the road to stop, take pictures, or get out and stroll along the ocean or among the trees.

Monterey Bike Ride

2009-06-11T23:53:00.000-07:00

This is along the bike path that strolls along Monterey's beautiful coastline. I would of loved to keep on riding to explore more of this beach but we had limits on the time we had with our rented bikes.

Monterey Bike Ride

2009-06-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today after the conference workshops I ventured out for a long coastal bike ride along Monterey, CA most beautiful beaches. This place was an absolute dream. I never in my life imagine riding a bike in a more stunning location. We rode about 15 to 17 miles total and the sea air and the breeze made it so easy. Took many photos along the way and just enjoyed the short time I have here.

I would really love to come back and show my family how special this place is. It is a small town feel with a very laid back and calm atmosphere. Nothing compared to San Francisco. This place is very special and I can imagine living here would be very expensive.

Bubba Gump

2009-06-11T07:17:00.001-07:00

Tonight we ate dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp in Monterey. This is the
very first location of this now widely popular chain of resturaunts.
Of course the
movie Forrest Gump made this a house hold word.

The food is very good, a bit pricey. One thing you must have is their
speckled strawberry lemonade! Very good. Tonight I enjoyed a nice
cheerse burger and fries.

Cannery Row Stroll-Monterey

2009-06-10T20:21:00.001-07:00

Cannery Row in Monterey is a small stretch of shops, places to eat, and beautiful views of the ocean. I was loving the weather while walking around down this awesome historical area. Had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp and sat on the patio facing the ocean. Living in Arizona that is a visual stimulation that I never get to experience.

Having traveled to San Francisco just a few weeks ago this is much different type of experience. It's more laid back, extremely clean and filled with many shops and eateries. I look forward to after conference exploring and checking out other parts of this town. Tomorrow is filled with conference workshops but afterwards I will be renting a bike and exploring Monterey Bay.

Monterey California

2009-06-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

Spending some time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I have never seen an
aquarium so beautiful. The sea horse exhibit was amazing. Really
enjoying the weather and walking down Cannery Row. We are about to eat at Bubba Gump Shrimp. This was the flagship location started up in 1975. We had dinner on the patio facing the ocean and the view was amazing.

Fisherman's Wharf

2009-05-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed a nice evening strolling around San Francisco' Fisherman's
Wharf. What a beauitful evening and we enjoyed some really good Italian food down by the wharf..
Heading home in a few days and not looking forward to the Arizona summer.

Alcatraz Island

2009-05-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

Today we went out to tour the Alcatraz prison. It was a great day in San Francisco so the ferry ride out to the island was clear but a bit chilly. When we arrived on the island they give you a 10 min or so orientation and then you explore the prison on your own. This was a great way to check out areas of particular interest and take many good photos in the cell blocks. I thought the recreation are "The Yard" was very erie. It had these extremely tall walls and all you could hear is the wind, waves, and the seagulls. Must of been hell for those men on that island.

Biking to the Golden Gate Bridge

2009-05-25T22:01:00.001-07:00

Today we spent the morning riding to the GGB. It was a little more
sunny out than it has been in the last few days so the weather was
nice. The ride to the bridge was tough but worth it. I loved being on
the GGB it was amazing to see all of downtown San Francisco in the
distance. Tomorrow we are off to Alcatraz prison.

Keith Haring sculpture

2009-05-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

I have waited many years to see this. Ultimat public art by the great
Keith Haring. Titled 3 Figures Dancing. Outside the San Francisco
Modern Museum of Art.

Breakfast!

2009-05-24T08:24:00.001-07:00

This was my breakfast at the Hyatt at Fisherman's Wharf.

Lombard St.

2009-05-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

After a long nap we ventured out to walk up Lombard St. We went around
the back way but climbing up Hayes St. was very tough. I thought my
legs were going to collapse. It was worth the hike. We then walked
down the crooked street and took some great photos.

Golden Gate Bridge

2009-05-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today we took a bay cruise. It was windy and cold but we saw the
GGB close up and from underneath. Alyssa loved the view and scenery.
The Alcatraz Island was very creey. Tuesay we will be touring the
famous prison. Back to the hotel for a rest/ nap then out to ride the
cable cars.

San Francisco

2009-05-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

We arrived in San Francisco and the weather is awesome. Here we are at
the trolley turn around point.

Cubs Game at Chase Field

2009-05-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Spent some time at batting practice and walked away with a Soriano
ball. This was a great hit but did hurt my finger a bit. The Cubs lost lost this game went on to win the next and then lost the series to the Dbacks. The third game of this series was an afternoon game that Chanda and I attended. The stadium roof was open and we got totally sunburnt.

Cubs game

2009-02-27T12:27:00.001-08:00

Today was my first of many spring training Cubs games. We were at the Surprise stadium home of the Texas Rangers. The Cubs won this battle 10-4 and it was a great day for baseball.

We enjoyed a few hot dogs, beer and some lemonade slushy drink. This is a beautiful stadium and if you sit anywhere in the lower level you are fully shaded by the sun. So overall a great game and day with my wife.

Sam

Heading Home

2009-01-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

This weekend has come to a close. I am taking the train to O'Hare Airport and heading back to warm Arizona. I have a feeling my body will go in to weather shock after being in sub zero temps for a few days then walking into 75 degrees.

Either way it's great to be home and see my family. It was a great solo weekend and I look forward to another trip like that, only this time in June where I can actually wear shorts and see a Cubs game!

Last Lunch

2009-01-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

Spending some time eating my last lunch here and watching the
Cardinals game. This has been an amazing weekend. Thank you Chanda.
You are the best.

Jackson Pollock

2009-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

After the convention and since it's Sunday I decided to spend some
time in my second church. The Chicago Institute of Arts Museum. This
here is a 1953 Jackson Pollock. Amazing to see in person.

Breakfast at The Corner Bakery

2009-01-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

This was well worth the train travel. Ham and egg panini sandwich with
fruit and muffin. Great way to start the last day of the Cubs
convention.

Morning walk around town

2009-01-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

My last morning in Chicago I decided to hit the streets early and
search for a great breakfast. There is a place here
called The Corner Bakery. I used Google on my iPhone and scoped one
out. A 10 minute train ride leads me to State and Randolph St.

Dinner at Portillo's

2009-01-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

Walked quite a ways to get my favorite Chicago hot dog and chocolate cake. Glad I am walking so much to burn off all these calories. It was very cold and was snowing a bit but worth the train ride uptown to enjoy a nice dinner at Portillo's. Their chocolate cake is the best! I enjoyed a few dogs but to be honest I totally missed washing it down with a ice cold soda. Since I banned soda from my body for about the last 4 months it's been hard to eat certain foods with just water.

Wrigley Field

2009-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Too the train up to Wrigley Field. AmaIng sit to see with all the
snow. Wrigleyville is beautiful this time of year. Sitting in
Starbucks now warming up.

Lou Mitchells

2009-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

Breakfast of a lifetime. More later on this.

I met Mr Cub. Ernie Banks

2009-01-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

This whole trip to Chicago was worth the fact I get to meet and talk to Mr. Cub himself Ernie Banks. He was a very pleasant man and I was amazed on how much time he talked with me. He was very interested in Arizona politics. He signed my ball Mr. Cub H of Famer. I love it. It was my only real autograph that I will hold onto for life. He is a special Cubbie and will always remain one of my favorites.

Starbucks in Chicago

2009-01-17T06:07:00.000-08:00

Spending the morning warming up in Starbucks. It is snowing lightly.
Here you can see the Roosevelt El train station and in the back the
Sears Tower. It's about 14degrees now, and it feels much better than
the minus temps yesterday. The wind is kicking up and that is an
experiece all together. Off to the Cubs convention to meet Ernie
Banks. I won a one one one autograph and meet and greet session with
him.

The Frozen Bean

2009-01-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

Here I am visiting The Bean sculpture. It looks amazing at night with
the city reflection. Slightly after this photo was taken I saw a girl
get hit by a car. She was ok.

Pizza at Giordano's

2009-01-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

I finally made it. Get out of the cold and eat some pizza.

Walking about.

2009-01-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

Walking along Michigan Avenue. This was a very cold evening. Wind chill was about -30 or so. I was freezing my ass off, while searching for some good pizza. I ended up at Giordano's Pizza.

O'Hare

2009-01-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

Arrived in Chicago about 15 min ahead of schedule. View of city was
awesome from the sky.

Chicago Held "Frostage"

2009-01-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Friday Jan, 16th I will be landing in Chicago to begin a Cubs fan dream. A weekend with a thousand Cubs fans and hanging out with players and legends of the game. Attending the annual Chicago Cubs Convention. This weekend will no doubt be hindered by the Chicago blizzard type conditions, but never the less I am determined to make it a great weekend.

Today the temps are below zero, and expected to hit -20 or below zero with wind chill factor over the next day or so. Metra trains are not running normally in some areas so delays are going to be expected. Once I arrive downtown I will be on foot and using CTA to explore the snowy city.

Photo journaling will start once I am there and on the go, please keep checking back the whole weekend as I will be updating hourly. That is if my equipment works properly, etc.

I will be missing the Cardinals game and celebration with my friends and family. I will take refuge on Sunday in a sports bar and cheer on the Cardinals. This is a great time for football for us Arizona folks, so hopefully the redbirds can kick some serious Eagle ass!

Chicago Next Weekend!

2009-01-09T12:30:00.001-08:00

Next weekend I will be off to Chicago to enjoy the cold and the annual Chicago Cubs Convention. This is a gathering of fans around Chicago and the United States that get together to meet legendary players, current and past players. Autograph sessions and Q&A forums. This is a great opportunity for any Cubs fan and I am lucky to go via Christmas present from my wife. Thanks honey!

I am prepared mentally for the cold and ready to deal with the amount of walking I will be doing. Hopefully it will be tolerable and there will be no blizzards. I can handle cold weather, but being stranded or stuck in Chicago wouldn't be a good thing.

I will be photo blogging while on the go there, and using this blog to display my images and talk about my adventure on this solo trip to the windy city.

Chihuly exhibit

2009-01-03T23:50:00.001-08:00

Another iPhone photo of Chihuly's work

Desert Botanical Gardens- Chihuly Exhibit

2008-12-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

Today, we visited the Desert Botanical Gardens to see the Chihuly exhibit. These glass pieces were all over the gardens mixed in with the desert plant life and cactuses. It was beautiful as the sun was falling and night approached to see how the glass took the color of the sun. At night each piece is lit up and is an amazing sight. More of my pictures can be found at

http://gallery.me.com/fraulino#100278&bgcolor=black&view=mosaic&sel=0

PF Changs- Friday Night Fun

2008-11-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

Friday night is usually family fun night, so we took Alyssa out to PF Changs for dinner. We enjoyed some chicken lettuce wraps, chicken with noodles, and mongolian beef.

Homer in NYC

2008-11-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Here is homer in Time Square. This was taken while I was in NYC in June for the NMC conference.