Tequila Chito's

On my way back from the NYC Marathon, I stumbled upon something, I've never seen before in my entire life-- a restaurant with my name on it.  No, better -- a restaurant named after me.

After running a grueling race, my appetite had not yet returned, but needless to say, this was one venue I couldn't let go.

I enjoyed the burger, fries special and it was washed down succulently with a cold bottle of Corona light.

The owner wasn't in town -- was visiting relatives in Mexico, so I took a picture posing with Christina, my bartender, instead.

TS Nicole: Ode to a Storm

Normally I hate tropical storms. They knock down trees, flood basements and lose power.

But now with my newfound love of SUP, I wait for you at the end of the pier, every day, every single hour

Tropical Storm Nicole brought strong winds, heavy rain

I dash out to the Potomac ecstatic, feeling soundly insane

I crossed the Douglass Bridge and turned right at Nationals Park, 

I launched my board at the sparkling Diamond Teague Pier, designed to make the southeast waterfront spark.

The Anacostia River, grimy, polluted and brown

Normally I would grimace, my face wrinkled in a bitter frown

But today I was elated, the wind right behind my back

And I paddled gleefully down the Anacostia on a broad reach tack (wind to my starboard quarter)

The trick to running a downwind is to ride the swells and not lose balance. 

It's all about focus, not your strengths or your talents.

Normally swells are long and steady and ragged like a mop.

But today, the swells were gusting and tall, full of ripples and chop.

Soon, I decided to give in and not work any longer

As I past by the National airport, the waves grew higher and the winds blew stronger.

I shut my eyes, felt the breeze and let the river take me home.

I was in Heaven on the Potomac, surrounded by towering swells, just me, my board alone.

SUP for Cross Training

Running, Biking, Swimming -- all I needed was another sport. That's why today, after much deliberation, I finally broke down and bought a SUP.

Ok, what's a SUP, some may say. Well, it's the newest multi-water recreation.  It's a Stand up paddle board and it's a lot better than surfing. Why, because you don't have to wait for the wind and you can use it in any body of water, even a pool.

A Brick and a Broken Window

It all started with a gentle tap tap tap on my door.  It was a Metropolitan DC police officer.  Wierd. Am I in trouble?  I had been home all day, innocently typing away on my computer.  What could be the matter?

"Is that your car out back?" he pointed to my forlorn Subaru Baja parked out listlessly on the street, directly in front of my house.

Don't Know Much About History of the Gullahs

"People come and go.  Some Cultures even go through change.  But language must never be lost, or else we'll lose our identity and our will to live."

Life can be exciting at times, especially when you're open to explore it.  I was literally just in the area meeting with the inspector for 2356 Green Street, SE, a house with a splendid, panoramic view of the Capitol, USS Barry and the expanding development across the Federal gateway.

The inspection went fine, so I decided to kill some time in the local area -- it had been a long while since I visited the Anacostia Museum -- had no idea, what was on display...why not?  Sometimes surprise can be exciting.

As soon as I walked in, the museum staff informed me of a program that was just starting called "The Roots of Gullah".  Attending high school in coastal Georgia and being stationed aboard USS O'Bannon (DD-987) in Charleston, South Carolina, I had definitely heard of the Gullah people before.  The problem was, the topic never really interested me much -- it was something I overlooked or just took for granted.

Family Reunion of a First Kind

"Sometimes life brings you pleasant surprises -- it's not scripted or orchestrated, but just right. Life can be charming, like that, if you let it."

It was a family reunion -- one that has never happened at this scale before.

True, I spent nearly 10 days with Rio at the Chiswick flat.  During this time, I was also able to spend some quality time with Luke and meet his father, Derek who inspired me with his abstract paintings.

I was also able to go running with Luke a couple of times (take great satisfaction in his tremendous progress) as well as Chris (we ran down to Richmond together).  In fact London has been a great running city and what I personally dub "the fittest city in Europe".

It was ideal that Luke worked at Apple, since he was able to hook me up with an appointment at the Genius Bar in Westfield Shopping Center.  I had an issue with iMovie, and Apple gave me a free upgrade. (Note: It's amazing that Kim, Kae, Rio, Luke and Chris all use Macs -- I've never seen so many exclusive Mac lovers in my life)

A Bike in a Bag

When I arrived in London and boarded its renowned Tube train, I noticed something different right away. No it wasn't the faces or the accents -- I already was expecting that.

The Difference

There were no bikes.  No regular bikes at least, just foldable ones.  The ones that could almost fit in a gym bag and slide underneath your seat. Come to find out only foldable bikes were allowed in the Tube, rush hour or not.  I could see why the trains were compact and very crowded, even before rush hour.  I finally understood the meaning of a poor, helpless sardine packed in a crushed tin box.



Interesting Features

The bike was interesting. Not only were they compact, providing for flexibility in transportation, but they were virtually thief proof.  It seemed too good to be true.  How come I hadn't really seen them in DC.  Oh yeah, we are the land of the Big and Bountiful while London was tight and tiny.  Still, I had to check one out for myself.  Yeah, it folds, but how does it ride and most importantly of all, how silly do I look on it?

Critical Mass for Fun, but Please Abide by the RULES

Today, I joined Critical Mass in their monthly rides through the heart of DC. 

It wasn't planned. I didn't even know the group existed.

It was just a matter of being at the right place at the right time, I guess.

I had just taken my Specialized Tri bike out for a spin at Haines Point.  It was exhilarating, but I wanted more.

Actually I had a deep yearning to take my new Dahon Mu P8 for a spin around the mall.  It wasn't fast, it wasn't sleek.  It even wasn't sexy.  But it was cool, compact and precisely just me.  As soon as I parked and assembled my bike, I could hear heavy and jovial screaming coming from down the street.

The Landing That Changed History

"It was a travesty to see how so many young,  boundless lives were forever lost on this bloody foreign beach.  At the American Cemetery, I could see thousands of white crosses and Stars of David facing patriotically towards their homeland."

Today, I paid homage to the D-Day troops in Normandy.  Americans, British, Canadians.

Sixty-five years later, the hilly seaside bears few scars from the dark and gray day of June 6, 1944.  But on that longest day, things had turned to hell in a hurry.

I could not imagine these young soldiers jumping out of their LCAs, crossing the slippery beach and climbing the cliff face via ropes and grappling hooks in the face of nasty fire.

Feliz Cumpleanos

It's been a while, a long while since I celebrated Mayo 12 in style.

Today, I received una bonita regalo.

The day started misty, wet, raw and capricious like the Hudson River, silent yet speechless.

We met at the Natural History Museum. I was greeted with a big hug and a beautiful smile, a smile that made me melt to the core.

I enjoyed a personal tour, a moment-by-moment narration of the fascinating and vibrant Inca culture -- a wonderful civilization that is so rich and ever relevant.  I was deeply inspired and left with a insatiable yearning to hear and learn more.

Earth Day 2010: Message in a Bottle

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and my friends and I enjoyed celebrating the Day and understanding the important message at the National Mall. The highlight of the day was when Sting performed his classic "Message in a Bottle" with Roots.

Earth Day is more than just Sting and Rock music.  Earth Day reminds us of our urgent and most significant responsibility towards our environment and the legacy we leave our children.


The key issue is no longer whether it's convenient, comfortable or whether we can afford it.  We now need to incorporate factors such as whether or not it makes environmental sense to make that drive to New York City or to Virginia Beach and if so, should I take public transportation.

Cherry Blossom Festival

 


I came because the wood thrush called me: They were out in mass and perhaps for another day or two.  The bloom that blushes every spring and rings the Tidal Basin pink. Blindingly beautiful and then before you know, are blown away, like everything we own, not meant to last forever, not even for a lifetime or a season of change. Like the most pure virgin smile will certainly wrinkle or the undying lovethat may one day fade away, the majestic sakura as the baby blossoms fall.

Haiti: The Crisis Response Triad

This video depicts the compassionate, collaborative work that was the hallmark of the Haiti Response.

Unlike the government's response to Katrina, the Haiti response 
launched the three faces that are collectively known as the

"Crisis Response Triad".

1) WiFi Network (to relief workers)

2) Social Media (Facebook was the primary and most reliable means for Haitians to communicate with their loved ones overseas)

National Marathon and Half

Kennedy Center Holds Haiti Relief Concert

"It is a small part to play, but it the best way I know how to be of help."

Reflecting

    I've been to quite a few Millennium shows at the Kennedy Center.  The last one I attended was this summer when Dance Asia performed.  


    I've always been intimately touched by the rhythmic sounds flowing gently through the concert halls like my favorite chime of sea glass clanging softly, the perfect accompaniment to a spring or summer day with a soothing sea breeze blowing, wiping away life's worries.

Understanding

    It was a long, productive day of studying, trying to wrap my arms around Entrepreneurship, my mind twisted into various shapes, morphed and textured like a jagged moon terrain.


Entrepreneurship is just not about having a great technological idea.  In fact, Entrepreneurship is about creating a business model that solves a critical problem.

Negotiating

    Now that it has been over a week since the strongest earthquake in over 200 years struck Haiti, many are wondering why so massive and the death toll so extensive.

   When responding to criticism why relief is taking so long to get to the people in need, the simple answer is because before the earthquake, Haiti was already a fragile state.

  There are so many limitations to how many planes the airport can handle, the damage to the seaport, the conditions of the roads, the state of the telecommunications system, currently in shambles, etc.

    Rest assured the US government and our military as well as many of those from other countries are responding proactively, comprehensively and compassionately.

Inspiring

   The Haitian people are full of spirit and the their music is full of inspiration.  Today, my friend Michelle and I were inspired by an evening of song, music and tribute to many of our loved ones who are suffering and who need our support.

Navigating

   All proceeds from the Kennedy Concert went to the Haiti Relief fund as well as ticket proceeds from the National Symphony Orchestra.

   I am determined to do my part for the Haiti Relief.  This weekend, I will be running the Miami Marathon for Operation Hope for Haiti

To support Chito's run for Operation Hope for Haiti, please click here.  Thank you

Running in Georgetown

Reflecting

Today I worshipped the gravel grounds--the routine run from the Wall to WW II to the Wash Monument -- the same rugged trails that I had hit a million times or more since I discovered running as my calling, my ancient ritual.

Understanding

For some mysterious reason, I decided to break away. Not to the ubiquitous Capitol and back today. Made my way along the Potomac, under the Memorial Bridge--Boom, Bada Bing, Bada Boom -- the rhythmic sound of traffic rolling overhead and passing JFK until DC's oldest city was within sight and reach.

Negotiating

Ran along the Georgetown waterfront, watching the locals and tourists strolling along with nothing particular in their minds that day, or enjoying a meal or sipping a margarita in the many open bars and restaurants thinking beautiful thoughts, I'm sure.

Then across the C & O Canal and up the red-brick hill, steep and sudden ushering in old Georgetown with all its high-end shops and restaurants galore. The sweet herb garden smell of something tasty emanating from a nearby Italian kitchen -- all the motivation in the world to make me stop and taste the fettucini. Thankfully I had no money, so I told myself that I had no choice but to push on.

Inspiring

The run was eloquent and eye opening. Ran past the eyes of the world, our venerable embassies: Mongolia, Venezuela; then past historic homes and mansions: Old Stone Cottage before I merged onto Pennsylvania Avenue to George Washington University and Foggy Bottom. From there, I stayed on Penn, passing the World Bank and IMF before I entered Lafayette Square next to the White House.

Navigating

Today was indeed a glorious day -- A day to profoundly wonder my mission in life and my vision for life's future. As I start preparing for the busy Holiday season, I'm glad I took time out to enjoy life's simple pleasures. I'm glad I decided to break away -- be free and roam a part of this town I rarely venture but hope to eventually get to know.