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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...
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Chasing Waterfalls and Wildlife: Exploring South Africa and Victoria Falls in Style

DAY 0: Departure from San Diego to Cape Town Depart from San Diego International Airport for your flight to Cape Town (with connections). DAY 1: Arrival in Cape Town Arrive in Cape Town and be greeted by a Lion World Travel representative at the Cape Town Airport. Transfer to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa for a luxurious stay in a Classic Room. Relax and enjoy the ocean view before a three-course dinner at Azure Restaurant. Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room Meals: Dinner DAY 2: Table Mountain & Cape Peninsula Tour Start your day with a ride up Table Mountain (weather dependent) for panoramic views. Journey along the scenic coast from Clifton to Camps Bay, stopping at Hout Bay and driving along Chapman's Peak. Visit the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain National Park. Enjoy time at Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa – Classic Room Meals: Breakfast DAY 3: Robben Island Tour & V...

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 SUV (Mitsubishi Outlander). • Snack Stop: Head to a local supermarket like Countdown or New World for hiking snacks. • 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: Depart Auckland by 9:30 AM for Waitomo. • D...

Let’s Go Explore England (London, Wales, Scotland)

Flight Outbound British Airways (SAN to LHR) 0264 SAN to LHR 17:15 - 11:55 Inbound British Airways (LHR to SAN) 0273 LHR to SAN 15:00 - 18:10 Day 0: San Diego Day 0: Meetup in San Diego. Day 1-3: London Day 1: Arrive in London, settle into accommodation, explore the neighborhood around University of Roehampton. Day 2: Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Day 3: Explore the British Museum, take a ride on the London Eye, stroll along the South Bank of the Thames and vibrant neighborhoods like Camden Market, Notting Hill and Covent Garden. Or Day 3: Day Trip to Cambridge.  Rent a car and drive to Cambridge University, exploring the historic colleges and picturesque streets. Take a punting tour along the River Cam, admiring the stunning architecture from the water. Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum and Botanic Garden before heading back to London for the evening. Day 4-6: South England Day 4: Pick up rental car, drive to Stonehenge and e...

Let’s go Explore Scandinavia(Sweden and Norway)

Exploring Scandinavia in May offers pleasant weather and longer days.  In Sweden, you can visit Stockholm's historic sites, explore the archipelago, or experience the vibrant culture.  In Norway, consider exploring the fjords like Geiranger or Nærøyfjord, and visit cities like Oslo and Stavanger.  May is a great time for outdoor activities and enjoying the scenic landscapes. Don't forget to experience the unique Nordic cuisine in both countries! What to Pack Hiking poles, light jacket, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, medicines, swimming suits Flight  Outbound British Airways 0264 SAN to LHR 17:15 - 11:55 0780 LHR to ARN 13:35 - 17:05 Inbound British Airways 0763 OSL to LHR 11:15 - 13:50 0273 LHR to SAN 15:00 - 18:10 Outbound Norwegian Air Shuttle (ARN to OSL) 805 ARN to OSL 09:10 - 10:10 Outbound Scandinavian Airlines 4159 BGO to SVG 13:05 - 13:40 4016 SVG to OSL 10:30 - 11:20 Hotel Downtown Camper by Scandic Clarion Hotel Stavanger Raddison Blu Scandinavia Hotel, Oslo Sw...

a place where the spirit of adventure thrived

A week in Kauai provides ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Start with outdoor activities like hiking the Kalalau Trail or exploring the lush landscapes of Hanalei Valley. Visit the stunning beaches like Poipu and Hanalei Bay for sunbathing and water sports. Take a boat tour along the Na Pali Coast or explore Waimea Canyon. Discover local culture at a luau, and don't forget to indulge in Hawaiian cuisine. Explore quaint towns like Hanalei or Kapaa for shopping and dining. Consider a scenic helicopter tour for panoramic views. Kauai's diverse offerings ensure a memorable vacation. Flight  Outbound Alaska Airlines (SAN to LIH) AS 821 09:04 - 13:50 Inbound Alaska Airlines (LIH to SAN) AS 818 22:25 - 06:58 Accommodation The Royal Sonesta Resort What to Pack Hats, sunscreen, swimming suits, goggles, sanitizer, first aid kit, sunglasses, reading glasses, raincoat, goggles, wine tumbler … Itinerary  Day 1. Arrival. Beach Day (Kalapaki Beach). Day 2. Beach Day (Poipu ...

What's in Store for 2024?

For 2024 I aim to embark on exciting adventures, including travel to diverse destinations, and learning to fly a plane for an exhilarating experience. Additionally, I aim to explore new hobbies, foster meaningful connections, and embrace a healthier lifestyle for a year filled with joy and personal growth. Travel : Explore at least three new countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures and creating lasting memories. 03/2024 Kauai, Hawaii 05/2024 Sweden, Norway 10/2024 Japan, Taiwan 12/2024 New Zealand Finances : Consolidate and contribute to 401k. Healthy Lifestyle : Prioritize my well-being by staying active, and drinking in moderation. Train and run for 5k, 10k and half marathon Flying a Plane : Fulfill a dream by taking flying lessons and achieving a pilot's license. Technology : Enhance my tech skills by learning quantum computing and deep diving into emerging technologies such as AI. Charity : Contribute to meaningful causes by volunteering time and supporting charities foc...