Dog Day Afternoon

Today was nice and relaxing... We went to watch a dog race for the first time! We invited Shana but she said she prefers not to support the inhumane sport. What I dont get is why everyone thinks racing horses is just fine, but mention a dog race and people go berserk. What about those people who have dogs and leave them inside all day- they never walk them and take them out only to pee and crap! No exercise, no contact with other people or dogs? Are they living good lives? What about people who dress their dogs in costumes, put them in purses, strollers, booties. I could go on and on...

I need to do more research before I can make the conclusion that it is in fact so completely inhumane. But from what I could see at the races, the dogs quite enjoyed it.

After that we went to the beach, and played around in the waves... The water is beautiful and the car and people watching here in Miami are great. Yesterday we smoked more hookah and Shana told us some facts about Miami. In 2009 it was ranked as the richest city in the U.S. In addition, it also ranks in the top 5 for the amount of families living below the U.S. poverty line. Come on people, dont act surprised.

Tonight we're going to see a jazz sax quartet show :D How exciting! Matze and I actually like Miami so much, we're thinking about checking out some apartments for rent! Just to see what kind of deals are out there of course :)

Just for thought: Where do the people who live in Miami go on vacation? AND, how many days a year will my family be coming down to visit ME for vacation if I live here!?!? :):):)


Right now Matze is making spaghetti for dinner... and I'm watching the sunset over Miami city :D

Ohhh yyyeaaahhh...

Welcome to Miami Bitch

How lucky are we?! Well O.K., yes I am currently homeless. However, believe me, you definitely wish you were me right now! Be jealous people!

We're staying with a nice young lady from a well-to-do Jewish family. She has an AMAZING apartment in a high rise with mouth-dropping views over Miami city and South beach.

Upon our arrival, a concierge valeted our car and offered to help with our bags. We have our own private bedroom with flat screen, granite shower, and private balcony. A specially prepared meal was waiting when we arrived. In the building are 3 pools, a sauna, spa center, whirlpool, fitness center, entertainment room, shall I go on?

The whole apartment was specially designed by our hostess and her mother. Its impeccably maintained and tastefully designed. The views from the wrap around balcony are amazing.

Shana will take us around Miami and South beach to all the hot spots this week. Did I mention she is an art consultant? What a better place to know an art consultant than in Miami?!?

As far as Miami City goes, well.... So far we think its GREAT!!

P.S. -Today we each bought boogie boards and did a bit of surfing in the waves :p

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Simply Magical

DISNEY WOOOOORLD!!!!!

Yes, we are on the way to the most amazingly wonderous place on the entire planet!!

After a good nights rest at our new (and possibly best ever) host christian's house, we are off to a magical place. I was on the computer last evening trying to decide whether magical kingdom or universal's islands of adventure would be more fun. Guess my inner child won cuz were goin ta Disney!

Super excited for a nice non-stressful and relaxing day. Yes I know that may sound crazy to some who see the place as a giant park of stress. But I'm actually looking forward to that happy place of my young childhood. I do have a few, found memories of the place afterall. Ready to share it with my fine German fellow.
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Georgia on my Mind

Savannah, sittin on a bench, sweatin', stuffed, swell.

Nice city and I must say these old oak trees with the spanish moss are amazing to gaze at. So picturesque.

We're excited to be in Florida later today. Can't wait to sit in the soft white sand and look into the crystal clear water. Well at least I hope its clear and has no dark black globs... :/

Guess we'll find out soon!!!
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Charleston with David and Dani

David is hosting us in Charleston. He is a professional couch surfing host. We are his 133rd and 134th surfers. Right now David is also hosting Dani who is a girl from Australia. She is studying journalism in New Jersey and just taking a vaca from school right now. Last night we all went to watch 80s hair band live karaoke. So basically people get to sing rock songs with a real live band!

Matze and I are now heading out to downtown Charleston and will also visit a plantation. In Charleston they have the most photographed plantation and I can't wait to see it!
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Watching dolphins play in the waves of the ocean water as the sunrise reflects pinks and reds on its surface.
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Hooka, Again!?

Yes thats right, I am currently watching Fargo (for the first time)... pretty funny movie. AND smoking Hooka again, kind of ironic. Nice mint&chocolate flavor this time. Much more smooth at William's house than in the Hooka joint in D.C.

We made it to Virginia Beach today, unfortunately we didnt get a chance to swim because there was a thunderstorm! Tomorrow morning we have to be up at like, 4 am because William leaves early for work (Navy guy). We'll probably hang out in the city a bit and then head on our way to Charleston which is about an 8 hour drive.

William just cooked us a delicious meal of swordfish and garlic aioli. I must say I can definitely get used to this couch-surfing stuff. Possible future career? ;)

Toooo Virginia!!

On the roooaaaddd agaainn!!!!

Heading to Virginia Beach which is about a 4 hour ride from D.C. Sad thing is thunderstorms are in the forecast :( how disappointing! Good thing is we already have a host when we get there!!

Thinking about checking out the aquarium, or doing some shopping. Should be a good day either way. Can't say I've ever been this excited to get outta a host's place before! I hate to say it but our last host had such a strong indian accent, it was exhausting having to concentrate so hard on what he was saying just to understand him. It was worse than living in Europe!

Tom tried really hard to make us feel at home and even took us out in the outer area of DC so we could get a glimpse of another part of the city. VERY NICE!! So I have to give him the thumbs up for being such a nice guy!
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Heading out in Georgetown D.C. For some drinks and hooka with our friends from india after a busy day at the national air and space museum and botanical garden

OK so I know it works now! I can send a txt from my phone which will be posted to my blog! Were in DC now exploring the awesome city which is now matze's fav!

TessstinGg

NetherJen Returns!

Well blog lovers, it HAS been quite a while since my last blog entry. Things have changed, but yours truly has not. Still searching the globe for excitement, I have recently embarked on a new adventure.

I can't believe it has already been 11 days since we left! How awesome is this- only our third night staying at a hotel!!! We have 'surfed' all the way to D.C.!! Even more amazing, we've been surviving off of last minute requests. Yes that's right.. we send a request 0-2 days before we arrive to the city, and usually get an acceptance. We've stayed with some great hosts but I think I'll start from the beginning to get everyone caught up.

Our first stop was Toronto and it was a great city. Very big, very clean, tall buildings, busy workers-the city was amazing. We stayed with a family and it was our first time surfing, and their first time hosting! How ironic!

The family consisted of 2 daughters in high school and Paul and Denise (mom and dad). They had just gotten back from extensive travels in Asia 5 days prior. Paul and Denise told us about their trips to Buddhist temples in Thailand, and sushi eating in Tokyo (apparently an extremely expensive city compared to the Asian countryside). Paul is a social worker, and Denise is director of MBA/international studies at the University of Toronto. W. O. W.

We had our own room in the basement- which is normally used as a meditation/dojo room. We also had our own private bath and shower. The family made us a lovely dinner and we even had a lesson on the art of proper cognac tasting! HOW COOL!!! They were so gracious, kind, well-traveled and intelligent. We will never forget them! Thanks to Paul and Denise, we are making an extra stop in Savannah Georgia to taste some delicious fried chicken and enjoy the beautiful city.

Thats it for now- but I promise to get you all caught up soon... Now with mobile blogging I can write while we're on the road!!

Come back to read about our host Nicolas and his friend the French hypnotist in New York;

AND

Big Mike and Chowder in Philly at Geno's!

Until the next adventure!

Jen