Pisa!

RIDIN' BALLOONS!

So you are in Tuscany and you've had enough food and wine. What to do?

Well, there is several companies in the region that offer balloon rides. If you need a little more excitement, it's a pretty good time.  I visited Tuscany in September, which is the end of ballooning season (apparently) due to the conditions.  Its not way too expensive, but its not exactly cheap.  Its priced about right, and offers a great view of the tuscany landscape.  Its romantic for you lovers out there, and pretty exciting for you adventure seekers.  The only thing hindering the experience is the weather. Some days, you might travel 15 miles, other days not so much (I was the latter). So if you are looking for something different, there are several different options in several different locations so you can see all that Tuscany has to offer.

:)

Ballooning in Tuscany

FOLIAGE IN NEW ENGLAND!

San Gimignano

San Gimignano Tips!

Tower View

Hey you. Ya you...no pics
inside the church.

Located off the beaten path in central Tuscany, one of the most popular tourist spots is San Gimignano.  Known for it towers, its a great day spot to see.  The shopping it rather insignificant. You won't find anything unique rather its on touristy cheesy stuff so save your pennies.  The tower offers a great view of the tuscan landscape so its definitely recommended.  Other than that do the local fresco church. Its really a beautiful example of historic frescoes of the times.  Although, your not allowed to take any pictures or video, which was kinda lame.  For the most parts, these churches and museums allow photography without the flash, but not this one.  Around San Gimignano are some great local wineries as well as the city of Volterra,
which is also a must see!

San Gimignano Tower Climb

Stargazing in New England

In dedication to my new show about New England travel (Beyond the Beans).
My first blog will entail a very important event occurring this weekend.  Stargazing in New England is very tough. The amount of artificial light and pollution can make it quite difficult for viewing.  So if you're all about some star gazing and your live in New England, here are some of the best spots to check out some stars.

West Dennis, Cape Cod (Scargo Tower): Located on the Cape, the Scargo Tower offers a unique view just outside of Boston.  The tower was built in 1874 as an observatory and was
built at the highest point in the town.

Moosehead Lake, Maine:  This one is a hike.  Zipping up 95 and going West into the depths of Maine, you won't find much but small one lane roads and endless amounts of trees.  Moosehead Lake is a great spot to observe some stars due to its isolation, but to get there is the challenge.  You are looking at about a 6 or so hour drive from Boston.

White Mountains, New Hampshire: 
                                                     

This region is great.  Go up 93 North for about
2 hours and you'll find the White Mountains Region.  The trees are endless and the stars come out to play.  Northern New Hampshire is best because of it denser population. While you're up there, don't forget to check ou the Franconia Notch too.

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NEW SHOW ABOUT NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL!!!

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FLORENCE ADVICE!

What to tell you. For starters, don't drive in. Don't do it.
Park at the Piazzo de Michelangelo.
It's free. Then take a taxi in, or
you can walk it, but its kind a hike.

PARK NEXT TO THIS GUY.---->>>>>

Most everything is in the center of the city. DON'T GO ON MONDAY. EVERYTHING
IS CLOSED. I made that mistake.
The Duomo was open, and the line was huge (but free).
The local flea market runs like 9am-2pm.
There's a fake David outside of
the Museo de Uffizi, if you can't get in the Academia to see the real one.

<----FAKE DAVID. FAKE LIL' DAVID.

GUIDE TO BEING A GOOD GUIDE.

I AM NOT AN EXPERT. Yet. There's a couple dudes better than me (Frommer & Rick Stevens to name a few). I'm trying. I'm learning. So here's a couple tips to be a better guide.

1. Don't hide all your money in one place. Cause if someone gets it, that's it. Have a couple spots for some emergency money.
2.Don't you dare wear a fanny pack. DON'T YOU DARE.
3. Make several copies of your passport. I know its a pain. I know. Just do it.
4. Guidebooks. Here's my thoughts. The DK series is really my go to. Its easy to read, entertaining, and gives you the good stuff.

5. I love atlases and road maps. Do me a favor, if you can't read them...start now.
6. Use Triple AAA. Love'em. They have great cheap guidebooks and maps, which (some) are free if you're a member. Most places take the discount. It awesome. They help you plan trips.
7. Know how to use a stick shift (I don't, shut up.) Most countries drive on manuals and if you want an automative they are harder to get and more expensive.
8. Know some basics about different languages and different cultures. There are many quirky things out there that are very offensive. Last thing you wanna do is do something that pisses off
alot of people.
9. DON'T drink the water. Most places have clean water, most fountains are fine. They are. However, why risk it? Last things you wanna do is s*** your brains out on vacation. Just buy the bottle. You'll thank me later.
10. Airports: At this point, you know what you can carry. Don't be surprised or try and get by with 9 gallons of toothpaste. You look like a jackass. Just do what your told and stop wasting everyone's time.
KNOW HOW TO USE A BIDET? WATCH HERE....

DRIVING TIPS IN TUSCANY!

Normally I enjoy the lighter side of life, but this post is all business.

I'm serious. If you rent a car in the Tuscany region here are some
super important tips and tricks you'll need to know.
1. Don't drive into most major cities. Lucca, Florence, and Siena are all
walking towns. Park on the outskirts of town and walk/taxi it in. You DO NOT
want to even attempt to finagle the narrow streets. Some spots won't even let you
drive in or you're arrested (so there's that too).
2. The Auto Strada is your main highway (and also a toll road). Also, when you have to pay
the toll, put your ticket in first otherwise they charge you triple (that was fun). The super
strada is your secondary highway and the majority of the roads.
3. There are no exit numbers or exits. If looking for a direction, take the exit that says the a major city even though you make not end up going to that city. The major city provides the direction you need to go and along the way you will see small tiny signs for small towns.

4.When parking, there are 3 colors of the parking spots. WHITE: park for free. BLUE: Park but you want to pay the meter. YELLOW: they gonna tow yo ass.
5. They drive fast. Ride up your butt and don't use blinkers. Pay attention.
6. Drop off fees. If you pick up your car and drop off it off somewhere else they may crush you
heavily in drop of fees (like alot seriously).
7.You will get lost. Just don't freak out. Its a major adjustment. Please take plenty of maps,
large and small. On a scale of 1-10 its like a 12 on the difficulty scale. But I have faith in you. You can do it.

HOW TO USE A BIDET.

The Arrival

SO IT BEGINS...

THE TRAVELER: THE ULTIMATE BLACK SHEEP.

Bah bah black sheep. Whatever. I hail from New England. You work hard in high school to get into a good college. You work hard there to get the good job. Then your high school sweetheart wants a ring and a white picket fence. Done. Babies, mortgages, fixing your gutters, etc. etc. etc.

F that. So I disappeared to California for a 5 years. Why? I dunno. Why not? I left, I took the more difficult route. Now I'm back. Back to wander the world as the Walnuts. I travel. I experience. I encourage and divulge. That is the direction right now, if you can call that a direction. Almost 30. Yeesh. No babies. #winning.

Since I've partaken in the the world of travel, I have felt alive. I have felt accepted. By you.
You the travel world. You wander just like me. You understand me a bit better. Your courage and support makes me want to go a bit further, travel a bit longer. I enjoy you, the cultures, the stories, the camaraderie. So I tell you all this. Keep going. Don't stop. At some point, we will have to settle in. Now is not the time. While our knees still work and your bankroll still lets you.

Don't stop wandering.

Season 2!

SEASON 2!!!!!!

SEASON 2 HAS ARRIVED! WHO'S EXCITED!?

So after saving some pennies for a bit after NZ, we've come to our next destination! My mom has always wanted to see Tuscany (thanks to Under the Tuscan Sun) and since her traveling prowess isn't the best, I'll be on hand to help out. With the pops at the helm, it's sure to be quite the adventure. So, a week in Tuscany (with a rental car) a train ride to Venice, and then off to Switzerland to do the Glacier Express, Zermatt, Lucerne, and Zurich (all in 5 days and I'm lucky to get that).

We'll have 10 days in Italy and 5 in Switzerland. If you have any advice, must do's, and don't forgets I'm all ears. I am excited! It's gonna be another awesome season for Where's Walnuts full of food, boats, Swiss cheese, and chocolate. Don't forget the chocolate.

WHICH TRAVELING MOVIE CHARACTER ARE YOU?

Let's do an interactive blog! How exciting! Comment on which movie character best describes your traveling persona and why.

Up In the Air (George Clooney)- Disconnected Businessman: This is a guy you can relate to.  Hard working, first class traveling man disconnected from his personal life.  His job requires firing people and being cold-hearted and that in turn has spread into his family life.  He misses out on life and marriage, and most importantly love.  Don't let the hard work fool you.  The guy gets the best hotels, best meals, best car rentals, but it comes at a price. I am not a traveling businessman, but I can relate to George's traveling persona. Consumed in business and disconnected to his family, there isn't anyone who understands him.  His job forces him on the road too much and that in turn makes him feel abandoned.  He's a workaholic struggling to re-gain the emotional balance in his life.  The lesson (I guess) is to never lose connection to those that mean the most in your life.

Into the Wild (Emile Hirsch)- Minimalist Adventurer: Here's a kid who had (seemingly) everything and gave it up. Gave up the money, the family, and the car all to live the life of a nomad.  I mean I like budget traveling, but this is extreme.  I guess when we have nothing its when we truly learn who we are.  In world full of gadgets and meetings and lunch breaks, the lesson is to not lose yourself.  Learn who you are and what makes you happy.  Happiness is different for everyone and lacks definition. That is the beauty of it.   Don't be afraid to explore and live outside your comfort zone. I don't I would hitchhike across America, but who's to say you wouldn't? 

Crazy Heart (Jeff Bridges)- Indulgent Roadie:  Here's a guy that's been living life pretty hard for way too long.  Rolling around playing small time gigs for small money, his career (as well as his life) are on the edge.  This guy represents the small town folk.  He shows people the heartache and the reality of life on the road.  Rolling around in his truck going from gig to gig ain't easy, especially when you've been doing it for years.  The lesson here is there is hope.  There is always light at the end of the tunnel.  No matter how down you can be, if you work hard enough you will catch a break.  



 

Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens)- Dreaming Man Child:
We all wanted that bike. You can admit it. Who needs a car when your bike kicks that much ass? Its almost as if he had no idea he was supposed to grow up.  Who needs reality? Not Pee Wee. If you're over 30 and you dream of a life with no job, no bills, no kids, and no mortgage then this is all you.  Its like how long can you delay any responsibility? Sounds like a dream world to me, albeit unobtainable.  Well, one can dream...can't we?


So who is your traveling persona?

ARE GADGETS MAKING US ANTI-SOCIAL?

I'm writing on a laptop. Yes I am. I have a blackberry, not an iphone. I do not own a kindle, portable tv or an ipad. I resisted the VHS to DVD switch. I love my original nintendo and don't own (and never have) an xbox, playstation or Wii. I, however, am feeling guilty. On my travels there are some essentials. Computer, Camera, phone, Ipod, chargers (wall and car), dvd player, you know the list. I was at the airport waiting for my plane and stopped. In the crowded waiting room, I noticed everyone, and I mean EVERYONE was on a gadget. Sometimes two. I saw men on their phones playing with their Ipads. I saw a new Google Chrome station in the back. People were occupied, but in their own little worlds.  Lost are the days of handshakes and chit chat.  Everything is about multi tasking, occupying down time, and instant gratification.  Gone are the days of a nice dinner with your phone off and movie theaters without obnoxious ringing tones (OMG I HATE THOSE PEOPLE.)  I am behind the technological 8 ball, and I still feel guilty. I've used Starbucks just for the free Wi-fi (like the rest of Los Angeles).  My father, can't text. My mother just learned how to send a pic from her phone.  God bless them. 

These gadgets are designed to make our lives easier, however, DO NOT LET THEM CONSUME YOU. Once in awhile, turn your phone off.It'll be okay I promise you.  So let's do this together. Next time you are somewhere, just start a conversation. Who knows, maybe you'll be sitting next to me in the airport. :)

NZ TRANSPORTATION...WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET?

When traveling across NZ, you got a couple different options. So depending on your budget, here's some great tips to help get the most out of each option.

Buses: There's several bus companies that offer all sorts of routes across NZ.  This is the cheapest option to see the most of the country the easiest.  The setbacks are its a set route and set schedule.  Its a fast paced, up at 8am, get places and go. They say you can come and go as you please, but the issue is during the peak seasons it maybe very hard to get your spot on the bus once you give it up to stay longer. Its not as flexible as they say unless your calling weeks in advance.  Its great for meeting people and having the bus company do most of the legwork for you.  Me personally, I like to get lost and go at my own pace. The bus option gives you a highlight reel of things to do at the best price.  Downside is you're traveling with 40 people without much flexibility.  

RENTAL CARS: Traveling by car, you go when you want where you want.  For your wallet avoid the main rental car companies (Hertz, Eurocar, Avis, etc.) in the airport. They charge the most.  Instead, go off the beaten path a bit and you can find some real good deals if you look a bit. Gas is the real killer.  Everything in NZ from bananas to oil is imported, and therefore very expensive.  So be prepared for food, gas, and hotels are gonna burn a hole in that wallet.

CAMPER VANS: Campervans are really cool and probably the most expensive.  Where you save on hostels or hotels you probably spend in gas.  Some companies have really cool long term deals where you can get a Campervan for cheap but have to rent it for months at time to get that great price.

HITCHHIKING:  Let me start by saying THE WALNUTS SHOW DOES NOT ENCOURAGE HITCHING RIDES. That being said, it is practiced widely throughout NZ. NZ is possibly the friendliest, nicest, most helpful people left on the planet. Through my travels, I noticed that hitchhiking is encouraged and practiced widely throughout the country.  So if you're feeling a bit crazy (and really have no money), that's always an option too.  Truth be told, it'll take ya double the time to get anywhere, but I'm sure you'll get a good story out of it. :)  

Personally, if I had the money, Campervans have to be a great way to travel.  They are very popular in NZ, if you can afford.  For short term stuff, cars a good bet.  If you gotta real squeeze to save, then bus it you shall.    
airline tickets around the world

Episode 6: Milford Sound Baller

Walnuts on Pawn Stars!!!

SERENDIPITY 3 AND A BALD MAN.

Let's start this by saying I love chocolate. I love the smell, I love the shape, and I love the taste. I want to make out with it. I want to bathe in it. I want my clothes to be made of chocolate so I can eat them. You get the picture. So I took a recent trip to Sin City, good ol' Las Vegas and did my pants expand. If you enjoy indulging (and boy do I) I suggest you make two trips. Both are incredible, so don't ask me to pick a favorite. First up: Serendipity 3.

If you can't make it to Vegas, there's one in NY too. Serendipity 3 is perfectly located on the Strip in front of Caesar's, if you don't have a reservation expect to wait a couple hours. The Frozen Hot Chocolate is their signature, but their food is bomb too (their portions are huge!). That drink was like sipping heaven thru a straw. It was light and fluffy, a perfect after meal compliment. They had so many chocolate options I wanted to curl into the fetal position and wait for my stomach to make room. Great vibe, great food, great desserts, and priced quite reasonable. My advice: share an entree and get crazy with those many dessert options! Onto my other new favorite restaurant:
Max Brenner's Chocolate by the Bald Man!

He's a modern day Willy Wonka. I'm not kidding. His restaurant just opened in the Caesar's Palace last year, and it is PHENOMENAL. Dude. The restaurant has two levels and wasn't too busy (even on a Saturday night). The food, portions, and service were great. I especially loved the decor and the vibe. If you go, get the chocolate drink concoctions, the hot chocolate, the desserts, and if you have room buy something to bring home. So I could barely button my pants when I left. Whatever. This man knows chocolate. He only has a few locations in the U.S. (NY, Vegas, Philly, and now Boston!) It's an experience. If you love chocolate, you need to find your way to these two restaurants. Trust me.

TIPPING: ITS NOT JUST A CITY IN CHINA.

Everyone at some point in their lives should be in the service industry. EVERYONE. Then they would understand the trials and hurdles a waiter faces. This blog is inspired by two new buddies from Denmark
(whom I met on my travels in NZ and then proceeded to meet up with later in Hollywood). In NZ, Australia, and Denmark it is not customary to tip.  Here's why: the minimum wage in these countries is double (if not triple) than that of the United States.  That's why they don't need your money. In the United States, its a bit different (especially outside California).  The U.S. is kinda backwards all over (hello feet, inches, degrees, mph). We don't make what the rest of the world makes, precisely why we depend on your tips.  But Paul, my service really sucked! Well, the guy probably has been there too long or maybe he's having a bad day. It happens. Solution: Ask for a manager. I don't take it out the waiter's pocket.   Give the guy some $, and politely as for a manager.  That way, Mr. X got his money and you have someone to talk to about your bad service.  Don't make a scene, don't throw things, don't stomp about til you get a free appetizer (because that appetizer was dropped on the floor on purpose).  Say your peace, pay your money, and hopefully someone will respond with someone productive.  Scenario 2: You walk up to the bartender and say "Hey man, I'm a real big tipper, take care of me, and I'll get you back." More often than not, that dude stiffs you after you've been hooking him up all night.  Solution: You get to a bar, throw the bartender $ up front and say "Hey, you get me, there's more to come." Now I know you mean business. When I left $6 on the table after my $30 meal, my guys from Denmark thought I was crazy.  Dude is working at 3am and probably has been there since 6pm with no breaks.  Ya, I gave'em $6.  Minimum wage in Denmark is $20. I'll type that again. MINIMUM WAGE IN DENMARK IS $20. They get free healthcare and free university (college to you U.S. types). Sounds like paradise...where do I sign up?! The catch: they get taxed double what we do.  They make more and get taxed more, which in turn goes back into the country so they can pay for healthcare/school. We get taxed less and pay for everything. So it evens out really.  Well look at that, we all learned something today.  We all got some culture.  That's what I'm here for, education. Bringing the world together, one tip at a time
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GLACIER HIKING!!!

TOP 5 SPOTS TO BACKPACK IN NEW ZEALAND!!!!

Lemme preface this by saying these following spots are great spots to start and enable you to see the most in the smallest amount of distance.  So these areas enable you to see lost of things withing a couple hours drive.  So enough already...let's go!

Paihia: Bay of Islands is a great place to visit.  Its relaxing, calming, and there's still alot to do. Pahilia is a great place to start your adventures.  It allows easy access to the North and West to do Cape Reinga, Sand surfing and glow worm caves to the South.  Not to mention in Pahilia itself you have scuba, dolphins, skydiving, boating, and golfing.

Taupo: Taupo is great for its hiking (Tongarino) thermal pool, skydiving and night life.  It has a good bar scene and some cool hostels to hang out at.  Within a couple hours you have Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, and River Valley to the South.  That takes care of the glow worm caves, caving, thermal pools, and the Maori experience. 

Nelson: There's not a whole lot to do in Nelson itself, but its location is great.  To the north you have Abel Tasman, which you can kayak, hanglide, hike, and skydive. To the southeast there's Marlborough, which is known for its awesome wineries.  Its also near the coast and has the best weather of the south island.
Queenstown:  The big daddy.  Don't miss it.  I only got 3 days there, but if you can do like 5.  Leave 1 activity a day, and leave some room for some drinking.  That wallet is gonna hurt, but its worth it.  If you wanna relax, go to Wananka.  Super bonus is its close to Milford Sound, which is amazing. 
Raglan: This is a must see.  Its location is remote, just west of Hamilton.  About 2 hours outside of Auckland, its the perfect beach town away from everything.  It is the perfect place to unwind, forget everything, and grab a surfboard.  If you wanna relax, go here.  Each day will be better than the next.

highlights

doom

NZ Highlights and Lowlights of the North Island.

 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTH ISLAND

• BAY OF ISLANDS: If you can survive the 4 hour drive (which I rented a car for) I highly recommend checking out the Bay of Islands. I got some incredible weather and had the priviledge of working with R. Tucker Thompson and meeting some awesome people.  Paihia is a great place to make your home base and you can check everything out in about 4 days. Kings Rd. has some cool bars and has several good backpacking hostels.  If you have the time to kill, Russell is a cool town across the bay and the Waipo forest if you can survive the 2 hour drive west. Other than that I missed out on sand surfing, which I'm told was pretty cool, but its a 3 hour drive or so to the west. Activities range from hiking, boating, dolphin watching, and scuba. All are awesome if you have some spare change lying around.
• RIVER VALLEY: I wish I had more time here.  One night was all I got.  The lodge was great. The rooms were great. The people were great and the home-cooked food was frickin' awesome.  Totally an awesome place to come and relax, enjoy nature, volleyball, cricket, and did I mention river raft? Ya, best activity for your buck. Or if rafting ain't your thing (and it totally should be) you can horse trek at sunset, which I'm told is amazing. 
• MAORI CULTURAL NIGHT(Rotorua): Amazing to see, watch, and learn about the Maori people and their culture. Very eye opening. Really enjoyed their company, their games, and their food was great.  
• GLOW WORM CAVES: Pretty cool to see. I'd definitely find some time to get into a cave in Waitomo to check out the glow worms.  Really neat.  

COOL FREE STUFF!

• Thermal Pool (Taupo):  Don't walk...taxi. There's a great spot to unwind at the Spa Park in Taupo.  Great to relax the bones in a man-made FREE thermal pool.  
• Thermal pools (Rotorua): You can pay to see cool geysers exploding, but they are cool thermal pools at a park for free.
• Huka Falls (Taupo): Badass waterfall that makes you feel glad your on land.  Its pretty freakin' intense and pretty freakin' cool.
• Lawn Bowling (Rotorua): For me, its called bocce. Had a nice lil sunday of watchin some old ladies duke it out over some lawn bowling.  I found it quite entertaining.  I woulda played but they totally woulda whooped my butt. 
• Hot Rock Beach (Near Mercury Bay): Ya, stick you feet in some sand and let'em warm up.  Bring a shovel, get some space, and enjoy you free thermal pool on the beach.  Pretty sweet.
• Waipo Forest (somewhere west of Paihia): I mean, if you like trees its pretty cool. Its a bit of a drive, but its kinda cool. Don't stress yourself out if you miss it though.

CAN MISS.

• Auckland/Mercury Bay: This is kinda by default cause of rain. Couldn't walk around Auckland nor really enjoy the beach.  
• Zorbing: I skipped it cause it was a little pricey for what it was.  The few that did it seemed to have fun though.
• Water: Don't buy it. Tap water out here is fine. 
• Black Water Cavin: I mean, it was cool but cold. It was really different, kinda exhilarating, kinda sucky, kinda pricey.  I went at 8am in March, so it was a lil chillier than normal.  Your call. 
• Internet: Hostels make you pay out the ass. OUT THE ASS.
• Sleep: This bus picks you up like 8am everyday and sleeping on the bus is quite hard. 

BEST/WORST OF...

• BEST ACTIVITY: River rafting in River Valley.
• BEST DRINK: Hot coco. Anywhere.
• BEST HOSTEL: Urban Backpackers in Taupo. $4 beer. $5 dinner. Boom.
• WORST HOSTEL: Base.
• BEST/WORST HIKE: Tongarino Crossing (Mt. Doom) 
• BIGGEST MISS: Raglan. (But, I'm getting there on my way back up. Told its a must go.)
• BEST HOSPITALITY: Waitomo. The desk girl Hayley (I think) helped me dry my drenched shoes in her commercial dryer. She will forever rock my world. 
• BEST BEER: Tui. Good time. Kinda like newcastle.
• WORST IDEA: Ginger beer.
• BEST FOOD: River Valley Lodge. OMG.
• BEST IDEA: R. Tucker Thompson Boat Cruise.  Great people, great times, great hospitality.  Will always have great memories of working with them in the Bay of Islands. 

bog.MP4

rbp

TOP 10 ALBUMS/ARTISTS TO HIT THE ROAD WITH...

10. UP IN THE AIR SOUNDTRACK: A great movie with some great performances, but the soundtrack is also very good, well about half of it. Mixes new school and old school with some great
messages. If you like travel, this is a great place to start with some music.
9: U2 GREATEST HITS. Ok, here's the thing. I'm not a obessive U2 fan or nothing. I just think they got some good tunes, its inspring, and they mean good. They aren't the next coming of Jesus (as some people think), however, good guys making some good tunes.
8: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. The Boss. Dude has been rocking it for years.  He made the albums, rocked the country all over, and is great to listen to in the car.  He can rock it and bring it down. Definitely good to have.
7: CRAZY HEART SOUNDTRACK/RYAN BINGHAM: If you don't know him, he just won an Oscar for best song "Weary Kind."  Mixes some country with some blues and is featured across the Crazy Heart soundtrack (which Jeff Bridges also plays songs on).  Look the dude up.  He's got a great sound, great band, and some great tunes to ride to.
6: RHCP/CALIFORNICATION. BOMB BOMB BOMB ALBUM. Its almost haunting.  They can speed it up, bring it down, and almost put you into a trance.  Save for a song or two, this whole album is great from beginning to end.  Their other stuff is good, but I think this is them at their peak.  Easily their best work.
5: BOB SEGER. Just knows how to rock.
4: NEIL YOUNG.  I love the Neil. Dude has been keeping it real for like 50 years or something. So he gets big credit for doing it his way. His sound is unique, his messages are great, and he's one of the biggest folk influences of our time.
3. INTO THE WILD SOUNDTRACK/EDDIE VEDDER: The movie is great. The soundtrack is FRIGGIN' INCREDIBLE.  Eddie get bonus points for doing it his way with PJ, but he's in a different world with this soundtrack. How it didn't win a grammy is devastating because its one of the best soundtracks of all time.
2. CCR. Talk about crankin' out some frickin hits. These guys are Southern classic rock. That greatest hits album is scary good.  CCR, anytime, anywhere, but especially on the road.
1. TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS: I mean, come on. He's defined generations. His songs make movies (you're welcome Mr. Cruise). Dude is like the road music king.  Anyone of any age of anytime of anywhere can relate to his music.  'Nuff said.

TOP 10 TYPES THAT MAKE L.A. SUCK.

• 10: Rope Guys. Those guys standing at the clubs behind the ropes letting people in. They think they're God cause they hold the power to enter your precious, wonderful, not unique establishment. You sir, probably don't even have a G.E.D. You are a loser.
• 9: Bad Tippers. I once got a $5 tip on a $350 dollar tab. 'Nuff said.
• 8: Spray painters.  You badass gangbanger. You intimidator you. No one really knows what the hell your message is supposed to say. And whoever it is meant for is laughing at you cause your intimidating them with spray paint.
• 7. Infestation. Rogue cats, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants. I've seen them all. They affect your business, your buildings, your jobs, your bed. They are in everything and unavoidable. Its only a matter of time...
• 6. Bad Roommates.  There are some horror stories out here. Very hard to find someone your trust and can live with. 
• 5. Pan Handlers.  They come up to you anytime, anywhere, anyplace. They come in restaurants, bars, clubs, doesn't matter. They stalk you until you give them something. That nice dinner you were having with your girl? Ruined. Thanks pal, for helping set the mood.
• 4. Tourists.  Ya, sorry guys you made the list.  You slam on your breaks when you wanna see something.  You take pictures and stand in the way. Yes, I walked in front of you and ruined your picture, why, cause there was no where else to go and I'm not waiting for 15 minutes. You run out into the middle of the road just to get that GREAT shot of the Hollywood sign, when really up ahead is a safer place and a probably a better shot of it. 
• 3. Scene People. You got in the hottest club. You drive a mercedes (or so you say). Will Ferrell once stepped on your foot. You just did some unspecified drug off the bathroom floor. You have fake breasts, dyed blonde hair and a Gucci Purse. You have I.Q. of turnip and the personality of a garbage can. That Ferrari driving by is a rental, trust me.  You got a table and bottle service to look really cool. That bottle of Grey Goose you just spent $400 for? The club bought a case at Costco for $80. Way to go, cool kid.
• 2. Unreliable Support.  The people here, who come here, are out for themselves.  Every club, bar, corporation has backdoor dealings looking to screw you, so pay attention.  If you don't surround yourself with good friends, your journey here is twice as hard.  Family has your back, but listening to your mother beg you to come home doesn't exactly elude self-confidence. Your agent tells you "I can't get you out until you have more credits", well jackass, how am I supposed to get more credits when you won't get me out? No matter how good you work, how long you've been at your job, your boss doesn't care. Their boss is saying you're all replaceable and why aren't we making more money. People will stomp on you for their own cause.  
• 1. Traffic. Good God. The humanity. No blinkers. Swerving. Old pickup trucks stacked 50 ft. in the air being held by one strap. Dead stop on the highway at 1pm, why? Nope, no answer. Vegas at the right time: 4 hours...at the wrong time: 8 hours. The sun doesn't come out until 11am, why? The smog has to lift off.  Oh, I'll go the beach for some peace and quiet, uh huh, you and the rest of Southern California. 101, 405, 10, 5: These numbers will always make my teeth clench. 

No regrets.

$1,109.40 was the price.  When I hit 'confirm payment', my heart skipped a beat. Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand.  It was official.  I had to quit my job , leave my apartment, and put my stuff in storage.   I'll be completely honest, I don't really know what I'm doing. I just know that this life I'm leading is unsatisfying.  I had the cozy office job at 20 years old and gave it up to try my chance in Hollywood.  Now 4 years later, I'm making another drastic move.  I'm packing a bag, grabbing a camera, and heading to New Zealand. One month alone. It's scary.  No matter what anyone tells you.  I'm putting my faith in something I know little about. Sure, I've traveled some, but not like this.  I do know one thing: I want to live. I want to live like each day might be my last.  I was to see things and do things people dream of. To do that, I must take a leap of faith.  There is more to life, more to see, more to do.  Is this for me? I dunno. This could be a train wreck, this could be a mistake.  What it won't be is a regret.  

Welcome!

Well look at you! You found me! Well...almost. What you did find was a spontaneous, free-spirited, independent backpacker!  With my new web show, “Where in the World is Walnuts?” I hope to inspire you to get out and see the world. Travel when you want and how you want. Don’t ever let anything hold you back.  If it is solace and adventure you seek, I promise you will it find it.   Its up to us to break free and live a life that makes us happy. Remember...the time to see the world is now.  So pack those clothes, grab that camera, and lets go!