The Pains of Travelling for a Living

As much as I love to travel, there are some definite drawbacks to doing it for a living. I had lots of bad news/shitty luck during this trip. First off, when flights get canceled it is a huge pain in the ass. I had to get to the airport at about 330 two days in a row before my flights got re-scheduled. Then, after being awake for about 24 hours, spending about 20 of those in transit between flights and layovers, I had to get up and give a two-hour presentation. Good audience, but still a giant pain when you are that tired and you rely on quality brain function to survive work.

On the next leg of the trip, I had the glorious experience of being kicked out of the Hilton Hawaiin Village. Mind you, I don't normally stay in classy joints like that, but we were meeting up with a bunch of people staying next-door at another hotel, so for ease of transportation and everything we decided to stay there. Huge fucking mistake. Pull up, and my travel office had somehow dropped the first night of my reservation, no big deal you say; nay sez I, huge fucking deal. After dealing with the dipshit woman behind the counter for about two hours, myself and my travelling companion got rebooked at a different hotel, yet I still did not have the first night of my stay. The woman comes out from the back office and is all like, "Ok so Mr. Smith (my buddy) we have you for three nights at the Pacific Beach Hotel, checking in tonight. Mr. Rak, we have you booked for two nights starting when you check in tommorow". Then the bitch smiled like she was all proud she had pulled that off. So, I said, "Ma'am, I am literally standing right in front of you, why would I not want a room for tonight?"

She gave me the dumbshit idiot look with a shit-eating grin, and no shit asked, "But you do not have a reservation tonight." This is after two hours trying to explain the situation. Let's just say, I kinda lost it. Lots of F-Bombs. Then Mr. Smith asked if we could get some free meals for the inconvience. She knew we were there on business and procedded to ask if we would like breakfest or lunch at the hotel, when the hotel we were rebooked at was a few miles away and she knew our business was on the other side of the island. I rarely get mad at service people (I was one for a long time, as was my wife), but I flipped. 'FUCK YOU and your GOD-DAMNED HOTEL!" This was about when the manager returned and I went friggin volcanic. So after close to three hours and almost no assistance whatsoever. We go to the Pacific beach and are checked-in in about 15 minutes. Why is it that the skinny good looking woman behind the desk can't accomplish basic life functions, yet the big older lady can fix everything in like a split second?

The next leg was fairly easy, although the flights sucked. No real reason, they just did. And then off to one of my favorite places to stay when travelling for work. Residence Inn by Marriott. I just like them, comfy beds, nice TV, free interwebs, friendly people, and free beer at social-hour. Can never go wrong with free beer. With the exception of some technical issues, that leg went very well, and so now I find myself once again sitting at San Diego International Airport. Three hours before my flight, and my kindle is dead and there are 5 year olds sucking up all the power outlets with nintendos and macbooks. Oh well.

Oh yeah the bad news part, there was some shitty family business that happened. 'Bout all I will say on the webz. Hope all is well. Fair Winds and Following Seas.

Party with the Homeless

So, um, yeah. I was out cruising the Waikiki strip and this homeless guy asked me for a cigarette. I obliged and then he asked me what was up. I told him i was looking for a bar with no cover. He said, yeah i know a place. So i followed him to this bar. He asked me where i was from, and then when i told him he asked me if I knew this guy from there. Turns out he knew one of my old bandmates from a hardcore band I used to be in named Krell.

Small world I know. Then of course he sees some friends (who are decidedly not homeless) and they invited us to a house party. Sounds crazy, I know, but i was feeling nostalgic for when I used to do stupid-ass shit, so I went. It was pretty much the rockinest time i have had in a while. Just sayin.

Can't believe I get paid for this...

So, Here I am in Kona, HI. Here on business, but still. This place is pretty chill. Good views and some real good food. Didn't get to do all that much since work took up most of the time but I did get a couple of photos and had a generally good time. On the unfortunate side, General Stanley McChrystal was relieved of command. While I am happy that Petraeus is the new Honcho, I am disappointed that McChrystal is gone. I think his capability and use of the COIN doctrine was having effect on the ground. I am not going to go into details, but lets say that I think that General Mattis would have this wrapped up quick. Probably piss a whole lot of people off. But the situation would be resolved. Anywho, here are some pics from Big Island.

Sunset in Kona

 The walk down to the beach from the hotel

A lizard. I also saw a mongoose, but sneaky lil bastard was too quick for me. As always, all pictues are with the G1.