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Our Journey to the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon

Week 2: 15K of Pure Determination (Ending with Espresso, of Course!) Today was a big one—15 km officially in the books. The plan? A slow and steady run from Crown Point to SeaWorld, down to Mission Beach, up to Pacific Beach, and back, finishing at Elixir Espresso Bar. The goal? Beat the heat, survive the distance, and break in my brand-new Asics Nova Blast 5s. With knee, back, and calf supports strapped on-basically one compression sleeve away from looking like a cyborg- We hit the pavement just as the sun began to rise. The first few kilometers? Great.  The shoes felt amazing, the weather was perfect, and my pace was solid. For a brief moment, I actually thought, This is like running on clouds! Then reality set in. The final stretch back to Crown Point was pure willpower. My support gear was holding everything together, but my legs were filing a formal complaint. As the finish line came into view, only one thought kept me going:  Cappuccino. And just like that—15 km, conquer...
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Into the Wild: A New Zealand Adventure

This past holiday season, Michelle and I decided to break away from the familiar. Instead of the usual family gatherings in Bay Area, we packed our bags for New Zealand—a land of rugged beauty, epic adventures, and just enough unpredictability to keep us on our toes. Little did we know, this trip would push us out of our comfort zones and into the heart of an unforgettable adventure. The Start of Something Big We left San Diego with excitement buzzing in the air, cruising up to Los Angeles for a late-night flight. Parking was smooth- thankfully, I’d planned ahead- and soon we were boarding a 12-hour journey to the land of the long white cloud. As we flew across the Pacific, I kept imagining the landscapes ahead: towering mountains, roaring waterfalls, and surreal geothermal pools. Michelle, ever the planner, was busy double-checking our packed itinerary. We touched down in Auckland mid-morning, and the adventure began right away. After grabbing a rental car and stocking up on snacks, w...

A Day of Survival: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is known as one of the world’s best day hikes, celebrated for its breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and vast valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. On a perfect summer day, hikers marvel at the serenity of the glistening peaks and colorful crater lakes. But the day we chose to tackle it? It was anything but perfect. We arrived in Auckland on a warm December morning, the buzz of summer in the air. The journey from San Diego had been long, but the excitement of adventure quickly revived us. After picking up our rental Kia SUV from Hertz, we made a quick stop at Pak’nSave to stock up on provisions for the hike: trail mix, energy bars, electrolyte drinks and plenty of water. Our hotel for the night, the Hilton Auckland, offered a stunning waterfront view. That evening, we dined at Ahi, indulging in the best of New Zealand’s cuisine—a perfect prelude to our upcoming adventure. The next day, we hit the road toward Tongariro Nationa...

2025 New Year’s Resolutions: A Year of Exploration, Growth, and Celebration

For 2025, I aim to embrace incredible adventures, celebrate important milestones, and take on new challenges to make this year unforgettable. From exploring breathtaking destinations to pursuing lifelong dreams, this year will focus on personal growth, meaningful connections, and creating lasting memories. Travel Discover and immerse myself in the wonders of the world, visiting unique destinations and experiencing diverse cultures: • 04/2025: Celebrate my 59th birthday in Morocco, exploring Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. • 05/2025: Celebrate Ray’s graduation with the entire Danao clan at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. • 07/2025: Embark on a safari adventure in Tanzania, exploring the Serengeti and witnessing the Great Migration. Personal Growth • Flying a Plane: Fulfill a lifelong dream by earning my private pilot license. • Learning: Invest in continuous development through books, courses, and hands-on experiences: • Read: The Worlds I See and Quantum Computi...

Chasing Horizons: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Wonders, From Glowing Caves to Majestic Peaks

12/18/2024: Departure • Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles • Leave San Diego in the afternoon to avoid traffic. • Park at LAX Hilton (book parking in advance for a smooth experience). • Flight: American Airlines 83 Departs Wed, Dec 18, 11:25pm Los Angeles, CA, United States (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) Terminal O 13h 40m duration Arrives Fri, Dec 20, 10:05am  Auckland, New Zealand (AKL-Auckland Intl.) Terminal I 12/20/2024: Arrival in Auckland • Arrive at AKL at 10:30 AM • Go through customs and immigration (estimate 1-1.5 hours). • Pick up car rental from Hertz: Intermediate Kia Sportage SUV. • Snack Stop: Head to a local supermarket like Pak’nSave for snacks, energy bars and drinks, water, … for the Tongariro Alpine Crossings hike. • Check-in at Hilton Auckland . • Rest and explore SkyCity, Auckland Waterfront in the evening, perhaps dine at a local restaurant like Ahi . 12/21/2024: Waitomo Caves & Tongariro National Park • Morning: Dep...