November, 2006

New Slide Show: Laguna Beach to Canada >>click here<<

Since my last entry we have been to Europe twice. We had a very enjoyful trip to England and Scotland which we did in a little Corsa Car. I felt great during that time, loved the history, people and the whole atmosphere was just so delightful. It felt so good, indeed, that I have been missing the Island ever since.
The holiday Season we spent in Germany and the Canary Islands. The Chrismas markets in Luebeck and Hamburg were fun and very popular. The Gluehwein was delicious and the snow coming down between the first and second Christmas day was wonderful and enhanced the Christmas feel.

	Tenerife is geographically interesting and reminds me of the Great Island of Hawaii. El Teide is the central vulcano at almost 4000 meters high. The air quality is excellent, the trees are healthy. The island is undergoing a tremendous growth. The southeren and western parts experience a building frenzy similar to what we know from So.Cal. Not so nice.
In Hamburg we met with Hanka and Eric. Finally at their new home in Vienna. Ready to start new jobs in February. Ot has been two years since they stayed with us in California on their way to Fidshi and New Zealand.	We reached La Gomera the small neighboring island on a very modern and fast ferry. The island is composed of larged canyons and driving is slow. The island is known for its generally slower pace.	Cafe Scene in Ahrensburg. Astrid and her husband. Nice to see friends after so many years.
Pictures to the right: This is what time can do to your friends. So stay in touch and love them as long as... you recognize them ;-)	Joerg 1977	Joerg 2006

Since our return we have been to Baja on the BMW. We stopped at Cocos Corner on our approx. 120 mile dirt road adventure from San Felipe south to M1. There are nice places along the dirt road. Two up on a motorcycle can be a challenge at times.
I almost forgot about my short trip to Las Vegas to attend our trade show exhibit.
In between all this I did work. I found out, I could do without... if I could...
Today I learned that our central heating unit went out. Taxes are due soon, too. Well, I guess I gotta keep working.

August, 2005 - Latest Pictures

Of friends, roads, places and many motorcycle miles in 4 day increments

As we have been busy ever since my last entry, plans for an extended trip back east did not materialize. But, instead we were able to squeeze in many 4 day weekends. And our new camping gear is already well weathered.

Most important of all we were blessed to spend four wonderful days with friends very dear to me.

Admittedly, the above picture is somewhat dramatic. And, no, nobody of the group has perished yet, as of this entry. But I had tears in my eyes when we separated, and the picture very much reflects my feelings at the time. It is meant to express that the material things, such as the table, sustain the fragility of the moment. The people however, as caught at a freeze frame in time, will remain in our memory only, and they become the ghosts of a scene that lives on in our soul or call it imagination, if you will.

As we rush from scene to scene in the movie of our lives, and from station to station in this seemingly faster and faster voyage, I find it necessary to stop from time to time, and reflect on the events. One reason for the very sporadic and random entries found here. This is not work. Definitely no pressure should be felt. Compulsive obsessive patterns- to be avoided at any rate.

Of course - you guessed it - all the opposite is also true or this would not exist. The dialectic of life.

Here is what webster has to say:

Main Entry: di·a·lec·tic
Pronunciation: "dI-&-'lek-tik
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English dialetik, from Middle French dialetique, from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikE, from feminine of dialektikos of conversation, from dialektos
1 : LOGIC 1a(1)
2 a : discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation; specifically : the Socratic techniques of exposing false beliefs and eliciting truth b : the Platonic investigation of the eternal ideas
3 : the logic of fallacy
4 a : the Hegelian process of change in which a concept or its realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite; also : the critical investigation of this process b (1) usually plural but singular or plural in construction : development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism (2) : the investigation of this process (3) : the theoretical application of this process especially in the social sciences
5 usually plural but singular or plural in construction a : any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict b : an intellectual exchange of ideas
6 : the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements

This might be the last entry. This site might be erased tomorrow. Here and now is all that counts.


Three trips to Northern California, one trip to Mexico. Three reunions with friends who live far away. Many pictures. Constantly changing plans in regards to our South America trip.

Business responsibilities, mood swings, and, I hesitate and do not like to admit, there are some health issues as well. I seem to find out that age does creep up on me, and strict denial as I have almost religiously practiced so far, is not a preventive factor. Should there be truth to the myth that a better diet and exercise are beneficial? I have had more appointments with the representatives of the medical profession this year than in all previous years combined. This is not a true but truly emotional statement. There is merit to the invention of insurance as things grow where they are not supposed to, and bulge and ache and lurk, and even come loose - thank you very much!

We will fly to Europe August 29 - for four weeks. Germany, Mallorca, UK - here we come. Not prettier - but wiser? maybe...

If you want to have dental work performed in Laguna Beach you might want to know about my personal experience with the local dental group, namely Dr. Buehler. I am very unhappy with the work he performed, I experienced the service as extremely lacking and they kept me repeatedly waiting for over 1 hour at a time. Furthermore they kept sending me statements requesting money for services long paid. In my opinion the workmanship is terrible. Now, this is my personal experience only, but I give the doctor two very enthusiastic thumbs down!

I have been updating and expanding my knowledge on the oil related problems including price increases, shortages and long term reserves. The outlook is grim and frankly quite disturbing. I will cover this subject more in depth when I return from Europe.

In the following we will discuss general events of the recent past, meet an Adonis, get an explanation of the word Adonis by webster.com, learn a lot about gear, weight and choices and we will end up in a piano bar, no matter what.

Easter is already behind us and we just switched ahead to daylight savings time - my favorite time of the year. I am a sucker for long and bright days. So much more energy and outdoorsy fun. More time to ride, too.

It has been a wet winter, indeed, and it is greener in Southern California than ever, at least that I remember. The vegetation has been erupting this year. Truly beautiful and very easy on the eyes. Some areas look like Switzerland or "The Lake District in Argentina"? Maybe ;-) , we'll find out later this year.

Business has been, should I say, busy!? Actually it has been very busy and rewarding this year so far. And we are truly grateful.

This is one reason we haven't had much time for playing this year - no major trips so far.

Camping supply houses and motorcycle gear dealers see the better of us these days. In person and on-line, as we are in the progress of gathering our travel gear. The objective: The smaller and lighter the gear - the better.

We decided to take camping equipment on the South America trip for more flexibility. Compromise: Extra weight and bulk. (Looking at my well nurished body, I sometimes think that's where I should start loosing the bulk).

If,
to you

a detailed gear-shopping report qualifies as boring
and you prefer a great evening in a Piano Bar
accompanied by the spirit lifting music of an Italian *Adonis named "Paco"  
click here now ,
otherwise, be patient, read on
and still end up in the piano bar.....

* Adonis according to webster .com
Main Entry: Ado·nis
Pronunciation: &-'dä-n&s, -'dO-
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin, from Greek AdOnis
1 : a youth loved by Aphrodite who is killed at hunting by a wild boar and restored to Aphrodite from Hades for a part of each year
2 : a very handsome young man


Here are the results of our shopping spree so far:

We bought the Quarter Dome tent from R.E.I. and MountainHardwear Phantom 32 Sleeping Bags, after spending a total of six hours in two days at the store.

Boots were another story. After countless store visits and orders placed (and returned - I tried Sidi On-Roads first), I settled for Sidi Sympatex GT.

I still don't think they are perfect as they do not feel that great when walking. However, a waterproof and safe riding boot is my priority. Yolanda chose a hiking boot from Walmart, at a fraction of the cost from what I paid for the Sidis'. She reserves the right to change her mind.

The choice of the right jacket was not less exciting. I bought and returned two jackets as they did not fit right and one even deteriorated at the seams within a few hours of wearing.

I decided on a Cortech Air Mesh Jacket. This is definitely a compromise. As we have no space for an extra jacket I chose the mesh for better heat tolerance. Together with a gore tex liner and the Kanetsu Heating Jacket from Aerostich this should make a fairly safe and universal combination. We will face all climates from tropical heat to winter-wind chills, making the clothing choice a very tough one.

We also aquired gloves, long underwear, socks, kidney belt, mapping software for GPS and travel literature.

I bought the 2005 South American Handbook from Footprint. Compared with the 2004 edition they made major changes to the layout which I really do not care for at all. It seems to be much harder to get an overview. The book grew by a couple of hundred pages. Using thinner paper they managed to make the book slightly less bulky. I guess I need to get used to the new format.

Last but not least made a preliminary decision on a helmet. As of today it will be a Shoei Synchrotech. I like the flip up design for practical reasons, however these helmets do not compare with the regular full face cousins in quality, comfort and safety. Another compromise. I already bought the new KBC FFR, which looks cool, but is loud, heavy and not very comforatble. The ventilation is great however and I like it for my ride to work.

We are also considering a new camera with a better zoom and movie clip function. The choice is tough and it looks like the right one for me will be on the market in a year or two... I found some great websites for camera reviews, I hope the links still work when you try them!
dpreview.com ,   and  steves-digicams.com. They again have links to other sites.

With all the items mentioned above added up it is very easy to burn a couple of thousand Dollars on just a few things. I learned to appreciate this rule of thumb, the lighter and smaller it is, the more money you pay!

The BMW1150 GS adventure will be our trusted steed of choice once more. It has developed some play at the rear hoof (also known as end drive) which has to be adressed. I further consider a new rear shock, clutch, gas cable and whatever else might come up till our departure.

Tires give me another headache as I would like knobbies for dirtroads in Bolivia, Peru, Argentina... They won't give us enough mileage though. Even the Tourances don't last long enough for my taste.

Our BMW 1200GS, which we took back East in October, already received a new end drive at about 6000 miles under warranty from BMW. Too much play. It noticed it first at 2000 miles and got worse by the day. The new end drive seems to last better... so far.

As you can tell we have been somewhat preoccupied with travel preparations. But it is mostly fun and recreational in itself.

Finally, you made it to the Piano Bar.

For you guys in the area:

Some weeks ago I went to the "Villa Nova" Restaurant in Newport Beach to spend some time in the Piano Bar and discovered "Paco" Falcone from Italy.
He truly is a charming musician with a lovely voice and good selection of songs.

Yolanda agrees.

The evening in fact was so entertaining that I have returned several times since, introducing friends to his inspiring and enlightening performances. Fridays and Saturdays he plays there, on other nights you may find him at the Balboa Bay Club and Mama Ginas.

Remember,
this is all true as of April 6, 2005. Should you read this many years from now and Paco has moved on to playing in an undisclosed retiring home somewhere in the outskirts of Rome, or the Altiplano of Bolivia ;-)
for that matter, please be assured, the nights at "Villa Nova" were fun as they lasted.

For good times and "sunset watching" check out Splashes Bar in the Surf and Sand Hotel in Laguna Beach, the Aegean Greek Restaurant on PCH and for Italian food
(no sunset) Romeos on Broadway.


Paul

PS: Shamefully I admit not to have finished the Central America report yet. I won't commit to a date anymore but it will be done. However, first I will go to the Piano Bar...

July 5, 2004

webster: fly: c : to seem to pass quickly <the time simply flew>

I have to agree with webster.com, the time simply has been flying since our return. The business needs attention, and family members need to be entertained. No complaints, Mothers' three week visit is very pleasant. We alternate between the desert heat and coastal freshness and even drive into Mexico.
Did I mention it is pleasant? Cheers, you guys.

The desert is hot and the coast plenty overcast. Today, July 5, it is still cool(ish) in Laguna, wheras the desert greets us now reliably with three digits (F). Nice.
Coachella Valley is booming. In fact, I learned that there is a strong overflow into Arizona. We look at properties and homes. 5 acres are in escrow.
And then it happens: Sweaty arrival in the desert - ready to jump in the pool, just want to move some stuff on the way. I drop a large piece of glas from a broken frame on, no, rather into the top of my bare right foot, creating a deep, gushing cut. Immobilized for over a week now and still in pain, I find proof again, that unexpected things can change an itiniary drastically. Plans to leave for Europe are postponed. The arctic circle has to wait, and so does Estonia and the other new EU members. MY cut is super-glued and I am undergoing an agonizingly slowly healing process, while hopping around the house on 'my left foot'. Painful, too. Arrrgh.
No motorcycle riding now either. We recently cruised the local mountains on two extensive trips after a long absence of riding. I ordered a 1200GS BMW 2 months ago.
For the past days, I have been brushing up on html, xml, php and related topics. I even switched internet providers. I also have been reading several autobiographies, including Michael Caines' and Richard Bransons', which I liked a lot.
What a life. His, that is.

March 31, 2004

A worth while reward after 11,000 miles, 8 countries and 14 border crossings:

View from the padio on the morning after our return, 5:55 am.

January 28, 2004

The Mexico /Central America Trip preparations are in full swing. Many things have to be done, including filing of taxes. Our trip will be posted
HERE:
Start February 1, 2004
Mexico
Central-
America