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Archive for the Category »Travel the World «

Where in the World are the Travel Posts?

05
Apr 2012

David Gaines

I can 100 percent say I’ve recovered from jet lag. Actually I only felt it for a day or two, but staying up past midnight getting caught up on TV shows, posting on blogs and reading about what was going on in the NFL didn’t help. We took so many pictures and shot so much video that I’m still formatting them to be posted. But I’ve been blogging about the Dubai trip on another blog I set up for when we travel.

Already we’re planning another trip in a couple of months. There’s some logistics to work out, but we should be headed to Eastern Europe around Memorial Day. And the plan is to finally make it to Kenya so I can meet her parents, her people, and practice the dozen or so Swahili words I’ve learned in my quest to one day be fluent in it.

But you can visit Passport of David Gaines for a list of those posts and “like” the Facebook page to read about our future endeavors crisscrossing the globe.

Category: Travel the World

Getting Some Bacon on the Way to Dubai

19
Mar 2012

David Gaines

On the way to Dubai to visit Nduku’s sister and her family, we had a quick layover at Heathrow in London, England [or is it the UK? Or Great Britain?]. We grabbed breakfast at a place called Giraffe, which as pretty cool. Our waitress reminded me of Minnie Driver, part her look, part her accent.

I have no idea what time it was at the airport or inside my head, but whatever was on the menu just didn’t seem to be what I wanted. Everything sounded fancy. So I asked if I could just get some scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon. Of course they didn’t have Mountain Dew so I settled for water.

While we waited, the waitress brought out some Giraffes, naturally it being the name of the place.

And just as my eyelids were convinced it wasn’t the middle of the night and stayed open, the food arrived. Why did I think that everyone knew cheese in my eggs meant American cheese? Though it wasn’t as gooey as I like my eggs with cheese, it was quite good. Only there was a huge sausage on my plate and I’m a bacon man.

Minnie Driver apologized, so politely, and came back almost immediately with what appeared to me as another failure to communicate. She brought me back a plate of sliced ham. Nduku saw my face as I was about clarify what I had been trying to order for breakfast then said she was about to warn me that bacon to Americans and bacon to the rest of the world isn’t quite the same. That slice of ham was bacon.

What the bloody hell!?

As bad as I want to tell a story for every picture taken, there just isn’t enough time. Well, not right now at least. We have 6 days left, the bodies are finally caught up from jet lag and we’re about to head downtown…

Going to Dubai

Category: Travel the World Tags: Dubai

Azerbaijan Planning the World’s Tallest Building

15
Feb 2012

David Gaines

Azerbaijan Growing up a military brat, it was common for us to move every so often. My first few years of life, before I could sort my experiences away as recallable memories, were spent in Korea, where I was born; Ft. Meade, MD, just outside of Baltimore; and the New Jersey area where my family lives. My first memory of life was while living near Stuttgart, Germany, and I didn’t even realize I wasn’t in the United States.

I’ve developed a wanderlust because of my travels. In addition to living in different cities, I’ve visited many more. Visiting new places has become an addiction, even if it’s a small blip on the map. My dad and I visited a place called Kingman, AZ, on our way to the Hoover Dam, well, just because it was on the way.

So, I have an extensive list of places to visit. Atop the list, naturally, is Kenya, where Nduku and I will be going in the coming months. My ideal adventure for the longest time was the Taj Mahal in India, back when I was a romanticist and hearing the story of its origin. Then came The World, a man-made collection of islands shaped like the world near Dubai. Nduku and I are going to Dubai as well, but not sure if we’ll be able to sail out to The World.

more…

Category: Bucket List Tags: Azerbaijan, Kenya, WMATA

Najwa at Fayetteville’s Only Landmark

27
Nov 2011

David Gaines

It’s amazing how after all these years, this is the first time I actually visited Fayetteville’s only landmark — the Markethouse. Probably because back in the day it was where they sold slaves, but still. I called a couple of my people and they all not only mentioned they never visited it, but they asked why I was there.

Regardless, we took Najwa downtown Fayetteville, NC, where there was a little festival and people walking around in character to Dickens’ Scrooge. I don’t know the story like that, but did Scrooge have a slave?

Fayetteville NC

Category: Najwa, Najwa Photos, Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World, Traveling Tags: Fayetteville NC, Najwa Gaines, Nduku Malombe

Najwa’s First Trip To The Beach

01
Aug 2011

David Gaines

David Gaines and Najwa Gaines at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware When Najwa was 3 months old [maybe 4] giving her a bath was like subjecting her to waterboarding. Maybe the water’s too hot? Not hot enough? Maybe all babies let out bloodcurdling screams when the water touches their bare bottoms?

If Nduku ever wanted me to do something, all she had to do was say we were about to give Najwa a bath. “Wash the car? I’m on it.” “Watch more reality TV? We can DVR it and rewatch it after it goes off.” “Vote for a Republican? It is secret, right?” Standing pat while torturing Najwa with a bath was a bit more than I wanted to bear so early into fatherhood.

more…

Category: Najwa, Najwa Photos, Nduku Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World Tags: Najwa Gaines, Nduku Malombe

Where in the World is Davita McKelvey?

02
May 2011

David Gaines

Most people are just happy to get away to an island for a few days. Then there are those who save up and take a dream vacation. My brother got to live in Korean and Italy while serving in the United States Air Force. I’m personally looking forward to the end of the year when the ladies and I are going to Kenya for a couple weeks when I’ll finally get to meet her family.

But that’s not enough for Davita. To celebrate turning 33 this year, she has created an itinerary of 33 countries to visit this year. Thirty-three!? Most people are glad to visit just any three of the countries she’ll be stepping into. The list may change [political unrest, natural disasters, etc.] but the goal will remain the same, unless as she says, she runs out of money first. But with a $20k budget and knowing Davita, a thoroughly thought out agenda, she’ll probably have enough left over to add a country or two to her list.

I wonder if there’s any chance of her going to Kenya?

As her 8-month tour gets underway, follow Davita travel the world on her blog 33 at 33. Sign up for email updates to envy her travels like me but be inspired to see more of the world before we get too old to really enjoy it.

Safe travels!

Category: My People, Travel the World Tags: Davita McKelvey

Spending Valentine’s in City of Brotherly Love

14
Feb 2011

David Gaines

David Gaines and Nduku Malombe at Philadelphia's LOVE sculpture For Valentine’s weekend, the ladies and I went to Philadelphia to visit the city of brotherly love. We checked out the LOVE sculpture seen over and over in movies based in Philly. We visited the Liberty Bell, which was smaller than I was expecting, Independence Hall [which was wrapped in scaffolding for renovations], South Street, Broad Street, JFK Plaza and we even went out to Cherry Hill, New Jersey where our homegirl Natalie Bargeron took the time to come visit us and meet Najwa for the first time.

Natalie came down from Philly last summer to the BaByQ Shower/Cookout and got us a gift basket which included one of the coolest books that I read to Najwa. She’s lived in Philly forever, visited DC [and Atlanta when I still lived there], but I finally got to visit where she lives. It was a bit windy so we didn’t get to do everything we wanted to do, but we’ll be back…

[Click on FS in the bottom right corner for full screen view]

Philadelphia

Category: Najwa, Najwa Photos, Nduku Photos, Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World, Traveling Tags: Najwa Gaines, Natalie Bargeron, National Landmarks, Nduku Malombe

Fastest Route to Japan? Try Kayaking

24
Jan 2011

David Gaines

Google Maps has since claimed the belt as being the best mapping software out there for directions, but their suggested route from the U.S. to Japan is a bit, well, challenging. There’s something about kayaking across the Pacific Ocean that just seems a little dangerous.

Click on the map below and check out steps 31 and 46. It’s only 6,635 miles of kayaking…

Category: Travel the World Tags: Japan

Taking a Morning Stroll in New York

22
Dec 2010

David Gaines

Statue of Peter Stuyvesant in New York Whenever I’m in New York, I feel compelled to run around the city, without a map, snapping pictures of whatever gets in my way. Everywhere you look, there’s a photo op. From the architecture and monuments, landmarks and historical buildings to the local art, the neighborhood hangouts and just about everything else in between.

During our most recent trip to New York, we stayed at Hotel 17 near Stuyvesant Square. One morning, while everyone slept, I snuck out with the digital camera my homeboy Chad McKelvey loaned me to capture as much of the neighborhood as I could in a couple of hours.

Stuyvesant Square
Around the corner from Hotel 17 [where we were staying for the weekend] is Stuyvesant Square. It was still early when I got out there, so other than an occasional dog walker, I had the park to myself.

It’s named after Peter Stuyvesant who owned the land back in the 1800s. In 1836 his great-great-grandson, also named Peter, sold four of the acres to the City of New York as a public park originally to be called Holland Park. It was sold for a token $5. Add a bunch of zeros and you might be able to buy some property there today!

more…

Category: Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World, Traveling Tags: Chad McKelvey, Christmas, Flatiron Building (NY), Hotel 17 (NY), Stuyvesant Square (NY), The Alamo (NY), Worth Square (NY)

If You Need a Place to Stay in New York…

22
Dec 2010

David Gaines

Hotel 17 in New York Since we’re talking about hotels, let me share about the one where we stayed in New York for the Prince concert. At first we [Nduku, Najwa, Mike and Jenny] were going to stay in one using an employee discount Joanne English, a friend of mine, was offering. The issue, being a week before Christmas, the only ones available were not in Manhattan. The plan was to get a room at a hotel on Staten Island until my homeboy Chad explained the only way to get there was by ferry. Then we considered New Jersey, but we didn’t want to keep paying the tolls and fighting the traffic.

Eventually, we went the William Shatner route and took Priceline.com for a spin. Amazingly, we found a hotel a few blocks from Union Square that was in line with our price. Of course, when you’re paying $150 for a night in New York, you have to wonder what the catch is. With bed bugs being the latest craze in travel [and full body x-ray machines to get on a plane], we took to the reviews and felt pretty comfortable with this option.

more…

Category: Travel the World Tags: Hotel 17 (NY), Hotels, Jenny Jackson, Mike "2-3" Jackson, Najwa Gaines, Nduku Malombe, New York

Surprise! Where the World’s Best Hotels Are

20
Dec 2010

David Gaines

Tortilis Camp in Kenya If you’re planning a vacation anytime soon [or ever for that matter], you have to check out Travel+Leisure’s Top 500 World’s Best Hotels. Considering Nduku and I will be traveling to Kenya next year, I was curious to see what Kenya had to offer. Living in Washington, DC, we have 6 on the list. Virginia has two Ritz-Carlton hotels in the DC region listed, and Maryland has, well, I’m sure Maryland has some nice hotels as well.

Kenya doesn’t strike me as a place where you have some of the world’s best hotels. I can see South Africa, Egypt, even Botswana or Zambia on the game reserves or national parks. The magazine grouped Africa with the Middle East, so naturally the sail-shaped hotel in Dubai and a little something in Israel or Jordan would be listed.

Heh.

more…

Category: Travel the World Tags: Africa, Hotels, Kenya, Kichwa Tembo (Kenya), Mara Safari Club (Kenya), Mt. Kenya Safari Club (Kenya), The Norfolk (Kenya), Tortilis Camp (Kenya)

Can a TV Show Prepare Me For Kenya?

15
Dec 2010

David Gaines

Next year Nduku and I will be going to Kenya. The Malombe family and I will finally meet, they’ll get to meet their granddaughter Najwa, and Nduku gets to immerse me in the Kenyan culture. Hopefully she doesn’t tease me as much as I tease her when she doesn’t always get American culture.

The thought of being in Kenya got me thinking of a TV show I’ve become addicted to. One day [most days] there was nothing on the 500+ channels we pay Comcast a lot of money for. Since I couldn’t take another show on Sprout [Najwa likes that channel], I accidentally clicked on the OnDemand button instead of the power button. Clever remote control design.

While in the world of instant cable satisfaction, why not browse through the hundreds of options? Let’s see — nothing, nothing, nothing and more nothing. Eventually, I found something that looked promising. I’m not much of a TV person, especially comedies not starring Jamie Foxx or Redd Foxx, but one trailer looked pretty funny…

more…

Category: Travel the World Tags: Devin Johnson, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya, Najwa Gaines, Nduku Malombe, Tusker (beer)

Road Trip: Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

05
Jun 2010

David Gaines

Nduku and I took another road trip, this time to Chesapeake Beach, MD…

Chesapeake Bay, MD

[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05756_marina.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05758_dock.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05761_marina.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05762_marina.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05772_boardwalk.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05775_laugh.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD [img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/chesapeake-bay-md/thumbs/thumbs_dsc05776_boardwalk.jpg]
Nduku Malombe at Chesapeake Bay, MD

Category: Nduku Photos, Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World Tags: Nduku Malombe

Road Trip: Solomons Island

29
May 2010

David Gaines

Nduku and I took a road trip down to Solomons Island, just a day trip getaway…

Solomons Island

[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_bridge_bridge.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_nduku0022.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_nduku_blurred.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_drg.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_davidgaines.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_thebridge.jpg]
[img src=http://davidgaines.com/wp-content/flagallery/solomon-island/thumbs/thumbs_1812.jpg]

Nduku Malombe at Solomons Island Maryland

Category: Nduku Photos, Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World, Traveling Tags: Nduku Malombe, Solomons Island (MD)

Greetings From The Navajo Nation

01
Dec 2009

David Gaines

These are photos from a trip out to The Res [as in the Navajo reservation] during my visit to see my dad in Flagstaff, Arizona. Every time I’ve visited and attempted to explain to anyone what it’s like out on The Res, the words just never seem to do justice to the environment.

I can’t even say the photos will do it justice, but it does help give you an idea of what it’s like.

A few days later we took a trip south of Flagstaff to visit a couple of National Parks. Below are photos from our visit to Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Parks…

more…

Category: Photos, Road Trips, Travel the World Tags: Flagstaff AZ, National Landmarks, Navajo Nation, Steve Gaines

yank on I’m Now Fully Recovered From Colorblindness
Hey you weren't the only one sucked into the DSU hype of fame & glory last year. They had an HR manager that probably embezzled money for years to keep her hair & nails done, the owner...

Posted May 17, 2012

Jonas Vezza on Getting Some Bacon on the Way to Dubai
Nice round up of cloud update in the region.. Tks

Posted Mar 19, 2012

jenny jackson on Najwa and Her Valentine’s Day Balloons
love the simple joy of the repetition in childhood! wish we were all as entertained by the simple things! she is too cute and we miss her! any chance u r headed this way soon? 23 & i...

Posted Feb 22, 2012

T.J. on An Ode To Nduku Malombe — The Video
It is nice to see another man understand the meaning of family.

Posted Jan 03, 2012

truthteller on I’m Now Fully Recovered From Colorblindness
Makes sense that that company was and is ran so poorly. The person calling the shots is a 9th grade HS dropout who uses ppl up and then turns on them. But look up her info and she...

Kim Harper-Khalfani on An Ode To Nduku Malombe — The Video
David: I'm really happy for you! This is really wonderful.

Posted Dec 31, 2011

Cynthia on An Ode To Nduku Malombe — The Video
Awwww. Look at all this love! Thank you for sharing.

Posted Dec 30, 2011

Lola on An Ode To Nduku Malombe — The Video
LOVELY!

Annabelle Reopell on Virginia is for Lovers [Just Turn Off The Lights]
I love the way Arsenal play, I've noticed a lot of times when Arsenal play many touches uninterrupted the end is a goal, we did that against Manure when Nasri scored twice, Arsenal are the most wicked attacking...

Posted Dec 02, 2011

David Gaines on Our Economic Future Depends on Employment
Hi Theresia, Unfortunately I don't know of any discussion forums though I'm sure there are many. And because politics has so obscured what is truth and what is spin that it's hard to know what will help...

Posted Nov 19, 2011

Theresia on Our Economic Future Depends on Employment
Great blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I'd really love to be a part of online community where...

Posted Nov 18, 2011

Adorable pics! Key on Random Najwa — Summer 2011
Adorable!

Posted Nov 16, 2011

phil on Concerned Black Men Looking For Mentors
Ok thank you for responding back a well

Posted Nov 10, 2011

David Gaines on Concerned Black Men Looking For Mentors
I recommend calling Amen Haddis at 202-783-0720 or sending an email to Ahaddis@cbmnational.org. I just a messenger.

toy on Does “See ID” Prevent Credit Card Fraud?
Visa and all of these credit card companies are a scam. The fact that banks are charging for Debit Cards now is a JOKE. I tried using my card at the grocery tonight and the cashier card machine...

Posted Oct 10, 2011

David Gaines on What’s So Embarrassing?
Krys, What's really amazing is that you read this. That was 12 years ago! =)

Posted Oct 01, 2011

Krystle on What’s So Embarrassing?
Wow David... that was crazy. It's always a good thing to reflect on what you learned in past relationships.

Posted Sep 21, 2011

David Gaines on The Day The Earth Didn’t Stand Still
Of course there will be people who'll see if they can make a quick buck off the earthquake. Maybe I'll get a shirt... http://shop.cafepress.com/dc-earthquake?page=1

Posted Aug 28, 2011

Danny Byers on What Android Apps Do You Recommend?
@[1555416589:2048:Douglas Babcock] hmm the about gmail sms backup is named "SMS Backup" The application info says SMS Backup 1.1.1 author christoph Studer

Posted Aug 22, 2011

Douglas Babcock on What Android Apps Do You Recommend?
@[1054335397:2048:Danny Byers], can you be more specific on the google sms app? or give a link? soooo many sms apps.

I am David Gaines

Archive for the Category »Travel the World «

Where in the World are the Travel Posts?

Getting Some Bacon on the Way to Dubai

Going to Dubai

Azerbaijan Planning the World’s Tallest Building

Najwa at Fayetteville’s Only Landmark

Fayetteville NC

Najwa’s First Trip To The Beach

Where in the World is Davita McKelvey?

Spending Valentine’s in City of Brotherly Love

Philadelphia

Fastest Route to Japan? Try Kayaking

Taking a Morning Stroll in New York

If You Need a Place to Stay in New York…

Surprise! Where the World’s Best Hotels Are

Can a TV Show Prepare Me For Kenya?

Road Trip: Chesapeake Beach, Maryland

Chesapeake Bay, MD

Road Trip: Solomons Island

Solomons Island

Greetings From The Navajo Nation

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