Back on American soil.

Here we are, back in beautiful Santa Monica.

I’ve wrapped both of my summertime trips, first being to Belize (Katy’s flickr gallery here) and to Ireland (Carol’s flickr gallery here).  Both of those galleries will have to substitute for mine for the time being, as I’ve yet to post any photos from either trip.

Both trips were fantastic, Belize was jam packed but I still felt like we got a pretty good taste for the country without making the trip feel over scheduled.  My mom seemed to really enjoy herself and we had an amazing experience out on the reef, sharks galore and sting rays all over our bodies.  The guy that took us to the reef (on his hand-built sailboat) is a character to always be remembered.   He is no doubt the flesh and blood expression of Old Man and the Sea.

Ireland was brilliant, the entire trip was executed flawlessly thanks to the perfect planning of my beautiful girlfriend.   We saw much of the country and a lot of its history.   The most important thing I gained from the trip was a perspective about how extreme conditions must have been when my family left and how large the leap of faith must have been to leave the island.  Also, how lucky I am to be from a family that has prospered in such a way that now I can return to Ireland and have the opportunity to gain that very perspective.

However, it’s always good to be home and not much has changed here in Santa Monica while we were away.   Still 70 and sunny, and I walked down to the ocean the other day and it’s still cold as the devil.  I’m currently completely incapacitated due to back problems, but this too shall pass and I’m sure I’ll be back on my feet (standing up straight) in no time.

That is all.   Hope everyone is well!