Been on the road for 6 months now and visited 2 continents & 10 countries. Hoping for 20 by year’s end. I’ve learned a few things about myself and the world along the way, but one revelation in particular stands out.
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Sunset Hill, Riegrovy Sady Park: Prague
Prague likes to party! Inside, or out, there are plenty of places to congregate with the community and enjoy the summertime vibes. One of the best places to watch the sunset over the iconic Prague Castle was right near my apartment: Riegrovy Sady Park, aka Sunset Hill.
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Jacek, Signe, Kelly, Travis, Miranda, Samantha, Eric, Paige, Brecht, Adam and I!
Skydiving Klatovy, Czech Republic
First time I leapt from a moving plane was in 2004, for cousin Rebecca’s birthday. We had a huge crew and it was one of the best days of my life! When I found out Remote Jacek was a licensed skydiver, I knew dive number 2 was somewhere in my future. Monday, 10 of us ridiculous Remotes drove out to Klatovy to get out kicks flying through the air.
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Prague Welcome Party Fire Dancers!
Our first week in Prague featured a perfect Prague Welcome Party by our relentless leadership team of Travis and Sam. Once again, they upped the awesome party ante by bringing in traditional Czech fire dancers! It was nothing short of spectacular.
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Every hour, this sculpture is rearranged by Museum workers. Constantly evolving, kinetic sculpture.
London: Tate Modern Museum
Jumping back in time: Even though I was barely in London, I saw some stuff. Only visited one museum besides the British Museum, and it was a standout. I'd be remissed if I didn't mention the magnificent Tate Modern museum.
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A Little Fairy Tale City, Edinburgh - Pt 2
Wandering through the city of Edinburgh is definitely the way to go. So many hidden gems, and cute little shops with punny names: "Thistle Do Nicely", "Procaffeination", etc. We came upon this cemetery called Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, which was visually stunning and weirdly warm and welcoming.
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A Little Fairy Tale City, Edinburgh - Pt 1
I was seeing London for a month, but totally cheating on her. I couldn’t resist the Sloandog Millionaire challenge in Wales, and Paris was peacocking across the pond. Then, I found out that Jim and Shauna Finn were going to Edinburgh, Scotland and once again, I was leaving London for another city.
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Not sure what PAIN HICSL is up top, but I guess just someone's tag.
Street Art by Free Mozaik in Prague
I love street art. And, I love mosaics. One of the first things I happened upon in Prague (after my nap) was this graffiti mosaic wall by the artist Free Mozaik. Prague is one of those travel places that gets a ton of hype. “I’ve been to 30 countries and Prague is my favorite!” I hear things like that all the time. I’ve been here for 3 days and can already say, Prague lives up to the hype in SO many ways. And, I’ve juuust scratched the surface.
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My Romantic Weekend in Paris
Ahhhh, c’est l’amour! Paris has a certain, 'Je ne sais quoi'; a magical charm that entrances even the insufferable. Everywhere you go, you see couples suctioned together, sipping champagne and eating each other’s faces. It’s truly romantic, even for a solo traveler.
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First Time in France: Bastille Day
Last Thursday, I rode the high speed Eurostar train from London to Paris as a little birthday present to myself. Made it just in time for the Bastille Day (Night) celebration. Truly a shame what happened in Nice. :[ Thankfully, Paris was at peace.
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A brook in Scafell Pike, England
The Sloandog Millionaire Two Peaks Challenge for Remotes that Want to Hike Good (and Do Other Things Good, Too)
The weekend was originally supposed to be the Three Peaks Challenge: hike the 3 tallest peaks in the UK in 24 hours. Snowdon (Wales); Scafell Pike (England); & Ben Nevis (Scotland). DJ Jeff Sloan was the organizer but due to last minute logistics, we ran the option play, and were presented with The Sloandog Millionaire Two Peaks Challenge for Remotes that Want to Hike Good (and Do Other Things Good, Too).
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London Landmark Twofer - The London Eye and Big Ben
London Week 1 Recap
After 4 months in South America, we arrived in London last Sunday for 4 months in Europe. It’s my first time in the UK and I love it! I’m a Sherwood & I feel at home with my people. And, Brexit or not, clouds or not, there’s incredible vibrant energy in this city.
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From left, Tom, Carolyn, Kristin, Me, Jacek, Abby and Anhton
Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
I’m in Europe now, and South America is in my rearview mirror. (Epic montage video in the making...) But, I never got a chance to blog about the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, which lives up to the hype in so many ways. The following post is an epic, 50+ picture detailed account of the 4 day trek.
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Public Speaking Workshop: Cusco
Last Wednesday, I hosted a sold-out speaking workshop in Cusco for my fellow Remotes. My hotel had a sweet space called the ‘Sun Room’ which felt perfectly Zen for practicing public speaking. In honor of my friend and mentor: Cole GP who passed suddenly, the theme for the evening centered around Improv.
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Cusco’s Curious Fireworks Fascination
I love fireworks. Maybe it’s cuz I’m a July 11th baby, 1 week after the 4th? Fireworks remind me of “Summer, summer summer time! Time to sit back and unwind...aaand unwiiind.” Cusco LOVES fireworks. Maybe a little too much? I know what you’re thinking... “But, Matt, is there such thing as too much fireworks?” Well, actually yes. I'll explain...
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Quinoa Salad, with Andean cheese!
Cusquenan Cuisine
One thing that stands out in Cusco Peru is the FOOD. Seems like there’s a fierce culinary competition and every restaurant plays the game. It’s probably because Cusco is a major tourist town, and they know that they have to cater to fickle, hungry American and European tourists who just got done with a 4 day hike?
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Cousteau Community Service Day in Cusco
Yesterday, 19 Remotes hopped on a bus and headed to the Azul Wasi orphanage, just outside of Cusco. Azul Wasi is a non profit home for at-risk children and teens that were abandoned on the streets of Cusco. We brought lunch and ate with the kids; cleaned up the greenhouse & planted veggies and fruits; did arts and crafts with the kids; played futbol together; etc. Also, we donated our fundraiser $ for the kids to buy warm winter clothes. Special thanks to Arestia, Max, Kirsten, Sam & Travis for organizing this awesome event.
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To Beard or Not to Beard?
One of my goals this year is to push myself out of my comfort zone. So far, so good. I’ve traveled more than ever; lived in 4 foreign cities; kinda learned Spanish; climbed a mountain; lost a toenail; etc. And, now, I’ve grown a beard.
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Salar de Uyuni Summary
Yes, I’m in Peru, but this is long overdue. I wrote about the film we shot in the Salt Flats of Bolivia but, I didn’t expound on the beauty of the area. The Salt Flats may look cold and desolate, but they are warm and rich in wildlife and culture.
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Cusco Welcome Party
Kudos to Travis & Sam for planning a perfect Peruvian Welcome Party! We arrived to this amazing mansion overlooking Cusco and of course a llama was chillin’ n waiting to greet us. (Cuz, llamas are a thing here) And the path was lit by torches. The mansion had an incredible view, a draw bridge, impressive rooms with Peruvian style decor, a church adjacent to the house, a sweet little fire pit, etc. All great vibes at the party last night!
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