So, why do I need a homepage? And for that matter, why the hell do I need so many domains? I suppose this is where I'm supposed to justify
my need for a homepage, or where I should say something profound, controversial, or socially
relevant. Or perhaps not.
I'm interested in all aspects of the internet -- the rapidly evolving technology, easy access to information, the increasing interconnectivity of everything and everyone on the planet, the great possibilities to change the way international business is conducted and the staggering effect this will have on the global economy... And, since I've never been satisfied to watch a game that I could play (or learn to play), I wanted any excuse to actively "contribute" something to the global web of information and interconnectivity. I suppose this is it.
As for the content of my webpage, it began as a way to share photos of my many adventures with friends and family around the world -- many of whom, for whatever reasons (age, money, geography, fear), will never have the opportunities that I have had to explore the geography and cultures of our planet. And I've had plenty of opportunities to gather content for this site:
-- While working on my Doctorate I studied in four countries on three continents -- in four different languages.
-- I've surfed competitively in eight countries (nine if Hawai'i counts as it's own country -- and it should).
-- I've worked in three countries.
-- I seldom miss an opportunity to see more of "my world" when the opportunity arises.
-- I speak enough languages that traveling or living abroad has never been a problem.
In all, I've visited 61 countries. I know that may seem like quite a few, but it's little more than one fourth of the world's countries. Since I've already lived more than one fourth of my life, according to my math I need to work a hell of a lot faster. I do not intend, however, to be one of those people who attempts to "run up the score" on countries visited simply as some hollow accomplishment. I would prefer to know fewer places well than simply to rush in an out to collect an extra stamp in my passport (which, despite my efforts to avoid receiving stamps, was quickly filled and required the addition of extra pages in April 2003). Quite a few countries (like Brazil, France, Russia, and Hawai'i) I've visited between 5 and 10 times -- I always return to the places that I enjoy and where I have friends.
So, which is my favorite country? That's the question I am most often asked. (The second most often asked question usually concerns which country has the most beautiful women.)
I like France and I like Spain -- don't ask me why because I'm not sure. I just do.
Russia is interesting. I like Russia more than I like France or Spain, but for different reasons. I studied rather extensively Russian history, religion, literature, and music, and my interest continues in the social, economic, and political transformations with which the country is struggling. It's a country of contrasts and contradictions. While in Russia I lived on an island (which wasn't really like an island) and my apartment was located on a beach (which wasn't really like a beach). Instead of a dog, I had a pet bear. Really. And no, that's not a common pet for Russians, nor for Americans living in Russia come to think of it. To my knowledge I was the only person in St. Petersburg with a pet bear -- although some of the Red Mafia reportedly had wolves and alligators. Oh, since I'm also frequently asked, the bear lived in my apartment and no, I never succeeded in "housebreaking" him.
Brazil is the country where I have the most friends and where I've spent the most time (outside the U.S., of course). I like the people in Brazil (especially the girl people), and of course they have awesome beaches.
My favorite place to surf is almost any island in the Pacific -- Hawai'i, Tahiti, Fiji, etc. Awesome waves at places like Banzai Pipeline in Hawai'i, Teahupo'o in Tahiti, or Couldbreak in Fiji, and WARM water.
Australia is another of my favorite places. It too is a land of many contradictions, plus it's a hell of a lot warmer than Russia. The Aussies are great, and I really enjoy seeing all the unique animals. I even met Steve and Terri Irwin (the Crocodile Hunter) at their zoo in Beerwah, north of Brisbane.
And no, I haven't forgotten the women. The country with the most beautiful women has to be the U.S. Duh! Like we're suppose to throw a bone to some crappy little "also ran" country somewhere and say that they have the most beautiful women? Gimme a break.
