Upstate Adventures: Phoenicia

 Awesome ride!

Dear Phoenicia,

Thanks for hosting my peeps and me during a great summer weekend.  I was happy to have No-Cho all to myself because of your limited coverage and wi-fi access. I got to ride on an old "diesel" train, go to a beach with no waves, and sample yummiest food at the Phoenicia Diner, Peekamoose (where I chased some cool chicks), Sweet Sue's and Mamma's Boy Cafe (perfect place for a guy like me).  The super fun Graham & Co hotel, where I shared a bunk bed with PoPo, chilled by the pool, rode a bike and noshed on local breakfast foods was super fun as well.  There we had the perfect night: roasting marshmallows, eating smores and watching the Never Ending Story under the beautiful xing xings, all for the very first time.

 Hellllooooo room service!

Wuh? No room service?...  Pshhh, hipsters! 

First stop: Spinning at the Phoenicia Diner

Here comes the train!!!

Chasing chickens at Peekamoose

 Hipster breakfast: local donuts, organic fruit, juice, milk, water and some rocks for good company

Hammock life

 Follow me, guys! I know these woods like the back of my hand

And Boom! That's how you hike Mt. Tremper, No-Cho

Perfect spot

Belleyre Beach with the No-Cho and no waves!

 Good timez all around,

JYK

Hanging with PoPo: Cooper's Beach

Chillin' in the tent

Dear PoPo,

What a fun day at the beach!  I'm glad you're around, otherwise Momz wouldn't be brave enough to drive me all by herself.  I enjoyed reading books with you in the car and singing Chinese songs all the way there and back.

The little man and the sea

Making friends over bubbles

Real life JAWS!

You are my sunshine,

JYK

Hanging with PoPo: Dr's Office

Dear PoPo,

Thanks for helping me pass the time while we waited for the coolest pediatrician in the world.

Sophie gets angry...

Love ya,

JYK

Making Friends: Irish Famine Memorial

Dear Friend,

Nice to meet you!

Even if you might not feel exactly the same way.

I still like ya!

JYK

Hanging with PoPo: Central Park

Dear PoPo,

I sure had fun with you today in Central Park and at the Met.

Top of the world

Just like and Egyptian

Culture, heck yeah!

Yatching

At the fountain with wo de PoPo

Indeed...

With Love,

JYK

My First: Day in São Paulo, Brazil

Dear Family,

A quick note to let you know just how well we made it to São Paulo. Even though I had my own seat and we arrived on time, I was still exhausted and very glad to check into our hotel. 

They had a sweet crib and bathrobe ready for me.

Yawn! Ready to get my relaxing on

But after a quick shower and thorough attention to dental hygiene, we were off to explore.

Get that plaque, No-cho!

Oh yeah, and a little nosh for the road.

We had a cafezinho nearby with locals, where I learned a new word: fofo. I'm really good at saying it. 

Then we were off for some shopping, which of course meant Havaiana flip flops! Woot woot!  I got a balloon and checked out the local press along the way.

Me and my empanada de carne and balloon checking out what Dilma's been up to.

Maybe I let No-cho take care of checking out the press while I focused on my empanada.

Finally at Havaiana, I got me some shoes, made some more friends and explored the heck out of that cool store! At one point I heard a certain kind of whistle and yelled "ABU!" thinking he was looking for me.

Yup, these fit great!

Oh hello there! Fofo you say? Yup! I know that word.

Once we headed back to our hotel, I found all sorts of fun goodies in our room. The hotel staff kindly left me toys, all sorts of shampoos and lotions, and an enormous rubber duckie boat. How do they know me so well?! We immediately headed to the pool to try it out.

My own personal lap pool

Checking out the city, planes and helicopters while I swim.

Re-relaxing with my rubber duckie in the background

I could get used to this!

Now I'm napping, so I'm having my secretary type this up. Need to rebuild strength for dinner tonight and an early flight tomorrow.

Love you and miss you despite the fun so far,

JYK

Keeping up with Banksy: Yankee Stadium

Dear Banksy,

Sorry we couldn't make it last night, but the clue came out too late and too far for us.  But, we made it bright and early today to meet your leopard.

 

Devilz in the Detailz

Baby Ruth?

What's next?

JYK