Archive for the 'Travel' Category

Well I’ve Never Been To Heaven

Published on August 19, 2008 | 2 Comments

I’m sure it’s possible to write a really long entry about everything I did while in Oklahoma for 2 weeks. But I’m not the man to do it. In fact, I’ve got a better idea. I’ll point to you a slideshow of my adventures. I will say this though: Oklahoma makes some seriously delicious meals. I had plenty of fried dishes to make my arteries struggle. But now that I’m back and ready for action, I’ll be hitting up the gym every day again. Starting… tomorrow.

A quick shout-out to all the new friends I made out in Claremore, OK. Thanks for everything, Nick, Daniel, Sean, Greg, Lynn, Justin, Amanda, Alexis, Emma, Brad, Emily, Ryan, Gavin, Josh, Angela, Alison, Berlin.

Highlights of the trip include: Stone Temple Pilots concert, the Blue Hole, the Blue Whale, fried catfish, the Gun Museum, and QuikTrips!

Photos, Sketchbook and Travel

Off to Oklahoma

Published on July 31, 2008 | 4 Comments

Route 66, originally uploaded by gtocruzr.

Well I’m only a few hours away from heading out to The Sooner State. I can’t say I have any particular goals except to relax and eat some good American food. And maybe ride a horse. There is a possibility I’ll take a road trip to Dallas while I’m there, which sounds like an adventure.

I’m all about hitting up the local museums, so that’ll be fun for me too. If you can think of any suggestions on where to go or what to do, drop me a comment.

Also, let me wish a safe trip to my traveling friends, Steph, Chanti, Anne Marie, Alex & Kristel.

Love you all and I look forward to hanging out with you soon.

Inspired, Photos, Recentisms, Suggestions? and Travel

Nick of Time

Published on July 21, 2008 | 9 Comments

Before you come at me with an angry tone of voice, talking ‘bout, “Hey man where you been? How come you ain’t blogging it up like you used to,” let me just give you an opportunity to view my little animation experiment above. Now, it would be misleading to suggest that this animation is the cause for my latest hiatus from blogging, but I hope you would forgive me in exchange for my attempt at eye candy.

For the past few days, I’ve been playing the role of tour guide for a young lad named Nick from Oklahoma. I say “young lad” but he’s actually 4 years my elder. Our exchange program has officially begun. For the next two weeks I will continue to provide him with things to do and places to see in my hometown of Miami. Then, come July 31st, I will pack my bags and experience Claremore, Oklahoma for two weeks as well.

So far he’s experienced the following: Lincoln Road, South Beach, Hollywood Beach, Alligator Alley, Coral Gables, Club Space, Jazid, a brief tour of the Delano, Salvadorian food, Colombian home-cooked meals, Gator bites, pizza, sea food, a Cuban birthday party (with mariachis!), and there’s plenty left to experience.

Needless to say, he’s already experiencing a bit of culture shock. I can’t say for sure what I expect to see and do in Claremore when my time comes, but I’m ready for some culture shock of my own.

Any suggestions as to where else I should take Nick while he’s in South Florida? I’m thinking of snorkeling in The Keys, taking an airboat tour of The Everglades, and checking out some local museums. Suggestions are encouraged!

Fun Stuff, Recentisms, Suggestions?, Travel and Video

The Tie That Binds

Published on May 29, 2008 | 7 Comments

Not too long ago, I briefly mentioned that I was heading to Tallahassee for an event that I had a part in. It’s time I explained a little further. Every year, my school holds a tie design competition open to its graphic design students for an event called Miami-Dade County Days. Here’s how the official website describes it,

“Miami-Dade County Days in Tallahassee is a two-day celebration of our community during the Florida Legislative Session. Dade Days is considered the premier event during the Session, bringing with us more than 1000 people representing over 200 organizations, from both the private and public sector. It is a wonderful opportunity for participants to meet with our Miami-Dade Delegation as well as with Florida’s Legislators.”

My fellow students are supposed to design the tie based on the theme provided by Dade Days. This year’s theme was “A Kaleidescope Of Colors“. When we were finished designing them, we had to present a printed version to a panel of judges who would decide which tie would represent the entire city of Miami for the annual event. The winner would have the design printed on hundreds of ties and scarves, and would have the opportunity to fly to Tallahassee for the event, as well as receive a cash prize. This year I was fortunate enough to win the competition. (And just in time because I was short for money and I had to pay off some bills!)

My reaction to the entire trip was one of perplexity and excitement. This was my first time seeing my artwork in a public forum, not to mention on clothes. I was receiving compliments from politicians and strangers, shaking hands and taking photographs with people with much more political clout â€“ I’m talking mayors, governors, senators, chairmen, that type of stuff.

Unfortunately, 48 hours prior to my trip I had a bad case of food poisoning that I took with me to Tallahassee. But all in all it was an exciting but strange experience, one that I was glad to undergo (minus the barfing).

Without further ado, here are the pictures.

Blogathon 2007, Photos, Recentisms, School rant and Travel

Lunges and Plunges

Published on May 17, 2008 | 2 Comments

Post graduation life has been sweet thus far. Now that I have the evenings at my leisure, I’ve decided to make use of them. I joined a gym nearby and enlisted a fit friend of mine to be my workout partner. We’ve been meeting up consistently in the late evenings to pump ze iron. I’m loving this rare form of soreness that’s taken my body hostage, (I submit, I submit!). My plan is to form a solid habit of working out and eating healthier. I’ve already begun both. 7 days down, 1 lifetime to go. I’ve also been making an effort to enjoy my evenings by meeting up with friends, grabbing some dinner, and watching some films. So if you happen to be in my part of town, hit me up. I’m ready to plunge into this thing called a social life.

On a completely different note, the video above was taken at the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago. Despite what the video displays, the horseman was actually very helpful in bringing people over to The First Saturday In May booth where I was selling the DVD. Gracious enough to have me stay over his house was Rey, who was an awesome host and quite the DVD pimp. By the end of both evenings, I was dead tired and had barely enough energy to finish my BBQ dinners.

For photos of my Kentucky adventure, look no further!

Fun Stuff, Photos, Recentisms, Travel and Video

Off To Lake Placid

Published on May 9, 2008 | 1 Comment

I’m heading up to Lake Placid in about an hour with a bunch of my blogging buddies. Last time I went we had a good time and I wasn’t eaten by a giant creature. I hope to have the same success this time around. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Design, Sketchbook and Travel

NY Trip Pictures

Published on March 12, 2008 | 8 Comments

I realize it’s taken me a while to post photos or any details about my trip to New York. Sorry about that. I’ve been trying to catch up with some assignments and sleep.

Basically, the trip consisted of the following:

Staying at the Holiday Inn in Midtown.

Rooming with Zack, Isaias, and Raquel.

Taking a stroll around Hell’s Kitchen with my roomies.

We put the mattresses on the floor and everyone slept on their own bed.

Delicious bagels and hotdogs.

Visited the MoMA, the Met, El Museo Del Barrio, the Whitney, the Armory, 2 galleries in Chelsea, 2 artist studios, and P.S.1

Went to the New York Comedy Club for a midnight performance with 13 friends.

Danced at Home NY.

Slept very few hours.

Walked in lots of cold rain.

Saw the film Michael Clayton at 2 A.M.. Should have watched something with more action.

Spent about $150 total on the trip.

Flight back to Miami was delayed 3 hours. Still had a good time.

Developed a new catchphrase which involves yelling “Thank You!” in a rude Brooklyn accent.

It’s too bad we didn’t get any snowfall. I never seem to be in town for that sort of stuff. I can’t wait to go back yet again. Enjoy the photos, I focused mostly on street typography, museum photos, and city shots.

Fun Stuff, Photos and Travel