This is a first.  Writing a blog is something that I never thought I would undertake.  Honestly, I am not sure that anyone will take the time to look at it, because my opinions are just that, opinions and might not be all that interesting to others.  I do think, however, that I am a savvy traveler and given all of the research I do before any trip and what I am willing to try once I leave Raleigh, I can help folks who will visit the locations where I have been.  Truthfully, it was my wife who gave me the encouragement (and the financial backing) to do this.  I guess that could mean you either have her to thank or blame for this.  I have several friends who also gave me some encouragement and you know who you are.  As we progress on this journey, I’ll introduce you to my family.  They are the source of lots of entertainment for those who know us.  Some of the places we go will be far away, some will be much closer to home.  For me, it doesn’t matter how far I have to go for it to be considered a trip.  Just going is good enough.  I’ve been lots of places and had lots experiences along the way.   I can say with certainty where I was bitten by the travel bug.  It was the summer of ’93 when I went on Teens Westward Bound and spent 23 days exploring America.  On that trip I learned the value of living each day in each new place as something to be treasured and that while the places I visit are amazing, it’s the people I go to these places with that create the memories.  If you had me against a wall and forced me to name my favorite destination to date, I’d have to say the Caribbean and most specifically Cuba.  Just this year I’ve been to Asheville NC, Maryland, DC, and Chicago so far.  Our next trip is this week.  We say good bye to North Carolina and aloha to our 50th state!  So my next entry will be this Wednesday from Charlotte as we prepare for the flight to Honolulu.  See you then!!!