Posts by Kurt Davis
Ironmans, 3-Day Meditations, Writing Books
What do Ironmans, 3-day meditations, writing books have in common? Ironmans, 3-day meditations, writing books have a lot in common. Ironmans take most of what your body can handle. Three day meditation trips take all of what your mind can handle. During either of those, you want to quit, cry, stop; but, something compels you…
Read MoreWhy Write a Book? Top Ten Reasons
Why write a book? Here are my top ten reasons. Don’t think for one second my books are best sellers, or that I’m trying to get famous. I’m not and I don’t care about either of those reasons. I wouldn’t complain if I hit the WSJ best-seller list one day, but that’s not the…
Read MoreWriting About Writing: Ten Tips to Write a Book
To write an 80k word book, you need about 5-600 hours between you and others helping. That’s the time. Cramming it in all at once is painful, so I suggest that you amortize it. Here are my ten tips to write a book. Ten tips to write a book: Find something you care about –…
Read MoreRoad Trip Across the Southwest
I never pass up the chance for a good road trip. So after picking up my car in California in August, 2021, I figured it would be a good chance to do a little exploring. I took a road trip across the southwest of the USA. Opting for a southern route across the USA, I…
Read MoreMission Training for Your Startup at Echelon Front FTX
Mission Training for Your Startup I took a few days in August to join Echelon Front’s FTX 3-day training where the members put into practice Echelon Front principles. I will put these principles into practice as mission training for your startup. Led by Leif Babin and JP Dinnel, we walked — sometimes ran — through…
Read MoreNavigate to the Lighthouse Links
Thank you for reading my book. Navigate to the Lighthouse: A Silicon Valley Guide to Executing Global Deals. Sales Pipeline International Analysis Due Diligence Checklist Corporate Partnership Card Few Japanese Mitsui Slides Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreTrust Your Gut
Trust Your Gut How do you make decisions? I bet you don’t trust your gut. As highly educated homo sapiens, we are taught to analyze every detail that comes our way. Evolution taught us to overthink relationships, decisions, and ideas as much as the next over-educated person. Do you know what an MBA, CFA, and economics degree taught me?…
Read MoreLeadership Principles with the McChrystal Group
Leadership Principles and Building Resilient Teams with the McChrystal Group Over the last few months, I’ve been studying leadership. I’ve learned a lot from retired Army General Stan McChrystal, and author, podcaster and former Navy SEAL Jocko (more on him soon.) As a result, I’ve gained deep respect for their military achievements, leadership skills, and…
Read MoreLearn Jocko’s Leadership Skills and Apply to Your Startup
Jocko’s Leadership Skills Training Course Humility. Balance. Ownership. Teamwork. According to Jocko, these are the four attributes that make a great leader. He learned that at the Battle of Ramadi in Iraq. Now, he shares it with others, so you can learn Jocko’s leadership skills. This is particularly important for entrepreneurs following our KDAlive Entrepreneur…
Read MoreTHE SECRET TO HAPPINESS ON VALENTINE’S DAY
THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS ON VALENTINE’S DAY Valentine’s day should be about giving, not receiving; furthermore giving meaningful things not material Valentine’s day is over, I know. But, next year maybe think about how you will change the narrative. On a scale of 1 to 10 that asks about your happiness on valentine’s day, with…
Read MoreCheck Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self
Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self (Check in with yourself) Ice Cube sang it and now we should follow his concept to check-in with yourself to measure your well-being. I actually met Ice Cube in an elevator at the Four Season Hotel in Palo Alto. “You better check yo self before you wreck…
Read MoreDon’t Set Goals in 2021
Don’t Set Goals in 2021 Control what you can control; focus on your efforts, not the outcomes. Ultimate Well-Being Program reframes your mind to get excited, be thankful, and recognize accomplishments. I had an interview in late 2019, I really wanted that job, I thought. The recruiter asked me, “Where do you want to be…
Read MoreFinding Soul, Non-Profit and Startup Accelerator in Africa Links
Finding Soul, Non-Profit and Startup Accelerator in Africa Links Here is a list of the links of the non-profits and startup accelerators in Africa in the book, Finding Soul: From Silicon Valley to Africa. Editors: Contact Pip here. pipstrickland23@gmail.com Catherine Ann Jones: www.wayofstory.com Africa Non-Profit Links: www.team4tech.org www.kakumaventures.com https://jetprogramusa.org/ leapschools.co.za https://www.soweto.co.za/html/i_overview.htm www.afridive.com www.meltwater.org www.kindleafrica.org www.britannica.com/place/history/benin https://www.statista.com/chart/19068/trans-atlantic-slave-trade-by-country-region/…
Read MoreTop 10 Ways for Daily Self-Care
Top 10 Ways for Daily Self-Care Practicing daily self-care is different for everyone-––as it should be. There are simple things we can do to enhance our day to day. Learn more about how we do this at Ultimate Well-Being. Too often, though, harmful practices are labelled as self-care in the name of relaxation or productivity.…
Read MoreMental Well-Being Session 1 Review
Mental Well-Being Session 1 Shakespeare said about the inner mind, “It’s a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” That’s your racket. That’s mental well-being. Let’s begin by establishing some aspects of mental well-being. Prep email: Get a paper/pen. Bring a tennis racket/badminton racket. Moderator: This is an important section—there…
Read MoreCommon MisThinkings
Further there are many ‘thinking errors’ or common misthinkings defined by cognitive behavioral therapy as defined in the book ‘Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple’. Here is a list of common misthinkings: Type Description Example Black and white Seeing things in extreme If I do badly on this exam, I’m an idiot Shoulding Way we want…
Read MoreFuel For Ultimate Well-Being
Fuel for Ultimate Well-Being Ultimate well-being relies on the food you eat throughout the day. I’ll be honest. I am terrible at living; you know, the day-to-day. That’s because I spent almost my entire life travelling, working like a fiend, and eating out with people. Then the pandemic hit and SMACK! I had to go…
Read MorePhysical Meeting 1 Notes: Achieve Daily Flow
Session #1: Achieve Daily Flow Understanding how discipline creates good habits that improve well-being Physical well-being fundamentally is about the discipline in developing good life habits. To achieve daily flow, you need balance and you need the right mindset which can only be formed by you and how you go about the day and your…
Read MoreHow PickFu Helped Me: It Can Help Your Book Title and Cover Decisions
How PickFu Helped Me: It Can Help Your Book Title and Cover Decisions PickFu helped me to determine my title and cover by surveying over 100 users. Are you pulling your hair out because you don’t know what cover or title to use for your book? That’s because, your friend says X but you think…
Read MoreOneness: Creating a Better World in 2021
Understand Oneness and the pragmatic benefits of spirituality. Ultimate Well-Being shows us that spirituality is a necessary variable in optimizing your well-being. It’s also essential to build a better world in 2021. Clarence and Kurt working on this one. The UWB team often focuses on the pragmatic benefits of spirituality. Oneness is no exception.…
Read MoreTry Zen Sports
Try Zen Sports Zen Sports combine your full physical, mental, and emotional energy into a sport. Sick of going to the gym? Feel like it’s a job? Don’t have enough time to meditate, workout, and socialize? So find a Zen sport and do it with friends. When you combine your full physical, mental, and emotional…
Read MoreWays To Meditate Without Just Sitting There
Eight Ways To Meditate Without Just Sitting There There are many ways to get the benefits of meditation through other activities. We’ve all heard the buzz about meditation. Celebrities endorse it. Scientific studies proclaim its benefits. Society no longer considers meditation as a religious activity. But despite being eager to reap the rewards of meditation,…
Read More10 Types of Meditation – And Who They Might Be Good For
10 Types of Meditation – And Who They Might Be Good For Meditation practice helps you stay strong in the face of negativity and uncertainty. It keeps you calm, rational and grounded under stressful conditions, and improves quality of life in the good times too. Here are 10 different types of meditation to try out…
Read MoreKnow Thyself to Know What You Want
Know Thyself to Know What You Want It’s vital to learn about yourself in a changing world. Knowing thyself allows you to adapt to your strengths. There are many ways to learn about yourself including personality tests, family/friend feedback, journaling/writing, and meditation. Know thyself. This ancient Greek aphorism, originally attributed to Socrates, is said to…
Read MoreNever Set Ridiculously High Goals
Why You Should Never Set Ridiculously High Goals Setting ridiculously high goals will be detrimental to your well-being in the long run. Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreUltimate Well-Being Success Stories Wall
Want to read about our ultimate well-being success stories? Here a few: Ravi Vemulapalli – VP of Operations; Austin, Texas Whenever there is turmoil or a big change, you need to recenter yourself. UWB is the method for learning to re-center your inner self. Things may look fine, but you could be driving yourself into…
Read MoreDifferent Types of Conversations: Casual, Intentful, and Difficult
Different Types of Conversations: Casual, Intentful, and Difficult Conversations Learn how to have different types of conversations that can affect your well-being. Earlier we reflected on our social life and who we spent time with. The strength of your relationships relies on the ability to communicate. So that means it affects your well-being. Isn’t that…
Read MoreBreaking Out the Career Funk
Breaking Out the Career Funk I hear a lot of people in the professional world say, “I’m in a career funk.” When you ask them why, they have no answer. What was once excitement is now apathy and a new challenge is now mundane, this is the “career funk.” This not-at-all bad. In fact, we…
Read MoreTake Back Control of Your Attention
Take Back Control of Your Attention Make No Mistake, The Biggest Battle in America is for Your Attention The news media wants your attention. Facebook/IG/Snap/TikTok/LinkedIn want your attention. I want your attention! You get so used to being distracted that you can’t even focus on those around you. Do you find yourself struggling with time…
Read MoreThe Power of Mindfulness and Types of Meditation
The Power of Mindfulness and Types of Meditation Learn about the power of mindfulness, and the different types of mediation in order to increase your mental well-being The ability of our minds to do what we want them to do, and not do what we don’t want them to do, is maddeningly elusive. Anyone who…
Read MoreWhat is Conditioning?
What is Conditioning? Learn about conditioning and how it impacts your mental well-being. From the moment we are born, conditioning begins. We constantly have experiences that give rise to thoughts, feelings and emotions. Based on these we form conscious ideas, and subconscious or even unconscious mental patterns, which in turn drive our behavior. At any…
Read MorePolitics and Happiness: Don’t Let Politics Derail Your Happiness
Don’t Let Politics Derail Your Happiness The intersection of politics and happiness can affect your well-being. Don’t let it. You’re enjoying some much-needed social interaction after a long quarantine. Everything’s going great until somebody brings up politics—blame or praise of a certain elected official, perhaps, or a brazen view on sensitive issues. Suddenly your blood…
Read MoreLearn about Sleep Hygiene for Your Physical Well-Being
Learn about Sleep Hygiene for Your Physical Well-Being Do you really know if you are sleeping well? What are your nighttime habits? The practice of sleep hygiene means setting up the optimal conditions for your head to hit the pillow and go straight out, rather than tossing, turning, and stressing through the night. The first…
Read MoreLearn about Chronic Illness and Physical Well-Being
Learn About Chronic Illness and Physical Well-Being Illness in any form has profound impact on physical well-being. How do we deal with this? Chronic illness is subtly yet profoundly devastating. It wreaks havoc on a person’s body, mind, livelihood, relationships and happiness. In particular, diseases not able to be properly diagnosed, treated or cured by…
Read MoreLearn about Body Image and Physical Well-Being
Learn about Body Image and Physical Well-Being Body image is how you view and perceive your physical self, but it is just that—an image, a snapshot that only offers one perspective. Where one person sees beauty, another may see ugliness or nothing special at all. That is perception at work. Sadly, our body image is…
Read MoreTop 10 Jedi Mind Tricks For Mental Well-Being
Top 10 Jedi Mind Tricks For Mental Well-Being Use Jedi Mind Tricks to eliminate negative thoughts. From positive psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, we’ve devised these quick tips for you. Do you ever have a negative thought that you cannot eradicate? Does too much work cause an overhang of stress? Do you get set off…
Read MorePhysical Well-Being: Adjustment & Action
Physical Well-Being: Adjustment & Action As we progress through successive stages, you will begin to take charge of your physical well-being and use it as a tool to boost Ultimate Well-being. Now we will employ key practices like IF/Then, Habit Stacking, Pomodoro Technique and more. Adjustment You are putting in a lot of hard work…
Read MorePhysical Well-Being: Awareness,Understanding & Acceptance
Physical Well-Being: Awareness, Understanding & Acceptance Physical well-being encompasses the body or wellness, life, and work. Now that sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? It’s something you already do but most of it, you don’t think about it. One of the key facets of UWB is developing awareness and taking a chaotic, confused life and…
Read MoreThe Science of Spirituality and Spiritual Well-Being
The Science of Spirituality KDAlive preaches spirituality as a core tenet of Ultimate Well-Being. “How can I believe something I can’t prove? you ask yourself. “How can I quell my fears and anxieties?” You are up late at night. You can’t sleep with life’s big questions floating through your head. Unlike measuring nutrition or tracking…
Read MoreThe Pursuit of Happiness, Together
The Pursuit of Happiness The pursuit of happiness, together, for yourself and those around you, is what America’s independence means to me. The pursuit of happiness isn’t created in solitude; it’s created together. That should be the basis for our communities. It also impacts the social component of your Ultimate Well-Being. Many think that his/her…
Read MoreEmplasticity: Layers of Empathy
Emplasticity: Three Layers of Empathy Empathy, we’ve all heard, “Put yourself in another’s shoes.” But do we ever really do this? I know I haven’t. For many years I was a tourist, just looking out the window as the car drives by impoverished places, taking pictures of the situation only to go back to the…
Read MoreTop Ten Ways to Make a Better World Post Covid-19
Top Ten Ways to Make a Better World Post Covid-19 How can the Covid-19 pandemic possibly make a better world in the future? Last week we talked about how the Covid-19 pandemic has already caused changes in the American workplace and the future of working from home. This week, we want to talk about how…
Read MoreSilicon Valley Can Re-Make the American Workplace
Silicon Valley Can Re-Make the American Workplace. By opening up micro offices, Silicon Valley can re-make the USA more culturally integrated and bridge the tech divide. WFH won’t work. The Silicon Valley can re-make the American workplace by bringing high-quality, high-tech jobs to the places that have historically lacked them, tap and develop new talent…
Read MoreBlack Lives Matter (BLM), Racism, and Ultimate Well-Being
Black Lives Matter (BLM), Racism, and Ultimate Well-Being Recognize and unlearn the racism that lies within you and Black Lives Matter (BLM) “We are living in a racism pandemic.” Sandra L. Shullman, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association We cannot talk about well-being without addressing Black Lives Matter (BLM). The events of the past…
Read MoreSpeak with Wisdom and Intent
Speak with Wisdom and Intent Communication is essential. I recently went to a workshop in Spirit Rock that helped me articulate myself with sageness and purpose. This knowledge emerged from the spiritual writer Donald Rothberg who taught me the value of communication with intent. Communication can affect your well-being, but did anyone ever tell you how…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #6: Spirituality to Feed the Soul
Isolation Guide #6: Spirituality to Feed the Soul “The wound is the place where the light enters you.” ––Rumi In a technologically advanced world, it’s considered standard that we turn to science and empirical data to feed the soul. This is also particularly true in Western cultures and societies. Science can solve many problems and…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #5: Connected “Alone Together”
Isolation Guide #5: Social UWB and Connected “Alone Together” Learn to live alone together and create a better world “There is an underlying force in the workings of human relationships that can make or break our destiny as humans, even at work. If we don’t build work relationships with intention and care, it’s only a…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #4: Career and Financial Stability
Isolation Guide #4: Career and Financial Stability Create financial stability in time of crisis like Coronavirus Work on this: Define financial stability Have set work hours – and stick to them. Use “down time” to reflect on and map out your career/financial goals and intentions. Find your flow in work. Learn something new. Ask for…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #3 — Mental Mayhem to Mind Control
Isolation Guide #3 — Mental Mayhem to Mind Control Much of your UWB ultimate well-being can be controlled by your mind. Your mind is either your best friend or your worst enemy. Before you continue, pick which one you want it to be. Assuming you want it to be your friend, it’s time to train…
Read MoreJapanese Baseball Stadiums
Japanese Baseball The Japanese have a reputation for an intense interest in American culture. They adopt many American ideas and customs, and then do them better than we do them at home! Baseball, known as Yakyuu in Japan, is one of those things. Baseball came to Japan in the 1870s and was one of the…
Read MoreYakushima: A Magical and Mystical Island in Japan
Yakushima – My Favorite Place in Japan Kagoshima also serves as the gateway to Yakushima, a small and mystical island that’s covered in moss and home to Japan’s oldest tree – Jomon sugi (it was the inspiration behind Hayao Miyazaki’s anime film “Princess Mononoke”). I did a great day hike to the peak of Kuromidake,…
Read MoreNeed Supplies (PPE) or Donate / Give Supplies (PPE)
Help Public Service and Healthcare Workers Now! Are you a healthcare worker who needs supplies (PPE)? Here is an update. We have found several suppliers and raised $5700 to date. We need to continue raising more money to fund the purchases.The Gofund me link is here. We are working with the following organizations: Pueblo Health…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #2: Elevate the Emotional State
Isolation Guide #2: Elevate the Emotional State of Well-being Here at KDAlive, we aren’t experts, we are well-being generalists. Our goal is to take a large amount of information, synthesize it and distribute it to you in a digestible format. Last week we covered how to take care of your physical health as part of…
Read MoreIsolation Guide #1: Physical Best Practices
Isolation Guide #1: Focus on Physical Aspects of Ultimate Well-Being (UWB) Win the mornings Maintain your environment/Prioritize Hygiene/ Know what to eat Physical breaks and short workouts Track your mood Challenge Yourself: Replace unhealthy indulgences Sleep well and track your cycles Feeling lost, lonely, or out-of-focus with your activities? Change your habits and patterns now.…
Read MoreHow to Cope with Anxiety from the Unknown
How to Cope with Anxiety from the Unknown Learn how to deal with anxiety caused by COVID-19 Accept the new reality and then make adjustments Start tracking mood behavior with Ultimate Well Being Learn to just live and enjoy; if you are struggling with anxiety read the book, “When Panic Attacks” Nature, fruits, and self…
Read MoreIf You are So Smart, Why aren’t You Happy?
If You are So Smart, Why aren’t You Happy? Meet Raj Raghunathan who has studied happiness for two decades at the University of Texas, Austin. See our video chat here. https://youtu.be/pzhAAilHDF0 I was recently in Costa Rica – right when COVID19 hit in Central America – at the University of Peace Centre funded by the…
Read MoreLearn the Power of Improvisation
Learn the Power of Improvisation I took an Improvisation class at Stanford University to learn how to better communicate with friends, family, and colleagues. I learned a few things: a framework of communication, how to tell a story, and fully be in the moment Overview: Take a framework of how to discuss things into every…
Read MoreLearn from Oprah Winfrey: Be the Highest and Truest Form of Yourself
Learn from Oprah Winfrey: Be the Highest and Truest Form of Yourself Learn from Oprah Winfrey and her formula for wellness Key Take-Aways to learn from Oprah Winfrey: Oprah’s wellness formula is mind + body + spirit. Mind = Emotions, learning and work Body = Nutrition and movement Spirit = purpose and relationships Focus on…
Read MoreConnecting Authentically with Great Conversations
Connecting Authentically with Great Conversations Learn how to connect quickly and have meaningful conversations Do you know how to have engaging conversations that lead to meaningful interactions, even with a stranger? Hi, I’m Clarence! I’m one of the new contributors to KDAlive. Recently I went to a workshop called the Art of Charm. The AoC is…
Read MoreAdvice for Traveling with a Date for the First Time
Advice for Travelling with a Date It’s difficult to travel with a date for the first time, here are some tips When you are accustomed to traveling alone, traveling with anyone else can be a bit of an adjustment, especially when trying to get what you want out of the trip. If you are traveling…
Read MoreThe Future of Work is Remote
The Future of Work is Remote No need to monkey around a cube any longer; technological advancement and institutional encouragement forces a false choice to fade away. If you have dreamed of sailing away to a faraway island where the cocktails flow freely and the seaside villas are cheaper than your fifth-floor walk-up, but hesitate…
Read MoreHow to Break Into Technology
How to Break Into Technology It’s possible to have no college degrees and break-in “Fake it until you make it” Learn some hard skills that are easily hireable Don’t: Compare, Envy, be careful not to be something else someone wants/needs Tell people what they want to hear We are well into the digital age, and…
Read MoreHow to Give Feedback Like a Buddha
How to Give Feedback Like a Buddha Essential ways to give feedback to a friend, colleague, or family member. The Zen Center in San Francisco offers skills-based classes in communication and personal development. I highly recommend these. Develop confidence through an understanding of giving and receiving feedback through a Buddhist lens. “Learn to take the…
Read MoreLet’s Take Back Christmas In America
Let’s Change What Christmas Means In America Christmas does anything but make people happy and feel connected Until we change Christmas in America, let’s wish each other Merry Chinamas! If you agree with this article, please share it with 3 people. “Get in the Christmas spirit!” People say this to me all the time. To…
Read MoreWant to Make a Career Change – Use Zen to Help You
Want to Make a Career Change – Use Zen to Help You Follow the plan below to guide you through a career transition. So you need a change, a shift in your career but you don’t know where to start? It’s hard. Stopping what you’ve been doing for years. I went to a class at…
Read More3 Day Vipassana Review in Canada
3-Day Vipassana Retreat in Canada Sometimes, one needs a retreat to reset Most Meaningful Experience: Getting back into the process I just finished a 3-day vipassana retreat at a nursing home turned Vipassana center in Youngstown, Canada. My original vipassana post is here. This place is a very modern facility, unusual for a vipassana center,…
Read MoreAround Alberta County, Canada: Calgary, Jasper, Banff, Edmonton
Around Alberta County, Canada: Calgary, Jasper, Banff, Edmonton I enjoyed checking out Canada and the meeting locals Most Meaningful Experience: I loved the Royal Tyler Dinosaur Museum Recently I drove around Canada’s cow country. I was in Calgary, Drumheller, Torrington, Youngstown (For a meditation retreat), then drove from Jasper to Banff. Here were some of…
Read MoreWant to Write a Book? Here’s How.
Want to Write a Book? Here is How. I visited Kauai Writer’s Conference and learned from some amazing authors. Most Meaningful Experience: Hearing established authors speak about his/her own experience inspired me to do more and push through the process. So you have always wanted to write a book, and you don’t have >$100k to…
Read MoreVipassana: If You Meet the Buddha, Kill Him
Vipassana: If You Meet the Buddha, Kill Him This is an account of my first 10 day silent meditation retreat in Yangon, Myanmar Most Meaningful Experience: All of it. Unfortunately, I only had a few of my original notes – this is my best effort to account for a transformational experience. I have posted a…
Read MoreWhat I Learned from Deepak Chopra: Take It Easy
What I Learned from Deepak Chopra Deepak Chopra just released his new book, MetaHuman. Chopra challenges the mystery of being human. If you haven’t picked it up yet, go check it out. I attended his book launch and talk and learned all sorts of tips for better living – the trivialness of life, the release…
Read MoreMy Experience in Kakuma Refugee Camp
My Experience in a Refugee Camp in Kakuma Kakuma is a small city of 200k people where displaced people want to create opportunities through entrepreneurship by building companies Most Meaningful Experience: Understanding that refugee camps are like cities within themselves, filled with people who want to create a better life through business opportunities. Situated in…
Read MoreWhat Is it Like to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
What Is it Like to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro The last leg was brutal and mountain sickness is real Most Meaningful Experience: Jeremy’s helping hand to make sure I didn’t fall down the mountain After a few days on my own in Nairobi, my buddy Jeremy flew into the Kenyan capital and we spent time exploring…
Read MoreWhat I Discovered in Alaska: Juneau and Seward
What I Discovered in Alaska Encountering the struggles with climate change Most Meaningful Experience: Hearing others speak about universal basic income If you have 1 minute to fill out 3 questions, please take my survey here! Part One: Juneau They say that the United States is such a big and diverse place that visiting…
Read MoreWhat I learned Visiting Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico: Great Food, Diverse Culture, Outdoor Mecca Eating the Green Chili and Hiking Domingo Baca were my highlights I imagine you have to be tough to survive New Mexico’s heat, rugged landscapes, and rebellious culture. So on a recent visit to Albuquerque, I decided to find out what this southwestern state was all about.…
Read MoreTop 10 Travel Tip / Things To Do In Nairobi
Top 10 Favorite Travel Tips in Nairobi. There are many things to do in Nairobi, even a safari by the airport Nairobi is one of the most beautiful cities in Africa to visit. While for many tourists Nairobi acts as a transit point for visitors embarking on Kenyan and Tanzanian safaris there is so much to…
Read MoreTop 10 things to do in Singapore
Singapore: Top 10 Favorite Things to Do Singapore is a great place to eat at Hawker Stans and just hang out I frequently visit Singapore – it’s one of my favorite places in the world for food, shopping, entertainment, and consistently hot weather. It also serves as a gateway to South East Asia, making it…
Read MoreConfronting Evil and Cleansing the Soul in Bhutan
Confronting Evil and Cleansing the Soul in Bhutan Learn how the Bhutanese purify their soul through a variety of rituals Most Meaningful Experience: Visiting the Tiger’s Nest was awe-inspiring Top tips – Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which was spectacular both inside and out – Try to see an archery match to experience Bhutan’s national…
Read MoreThe Emerging Startup Scene in the “Lone Star State”
Learn About the Emerging Startup Scene in Texas. Texas has access to technical universities and large corporates making this fertile ground for startup success Most Meaningful Experience: Meeting new friends and contacts in Texas When I signed up for a startup bus tour of three Texan cities, I did so primarily to gain an insight…
Read MoreTrekking to Everest Base Camp Day 5 – Descent
Mount Everest: Trekking from Day 5 to Descent Reaching the Summit with Friends was our Pinnacle Check out the first 4 days here. https://kdalive.com/trekking-to-mount-everest-base-camp/ Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche That night it dropped to around -15 degrees C and I had my sleeping bag zipped over my face, with only my mouth exposed to breathe.…
Read MoreBangladesh: An Unexplored Country of Cuisine, Commerce, and Cricket
Bangladesh: An Unexplored Country of Cuisine, Commerce, and Cricket Being hosted by E-generation was an amazing experience and taught us much about the local culture. Most Exciting Experience: Playing cricket with the team! Other meaningful experiences: – Celebrating the Day of Language – Experiencing the Muslim prayer time as a calming and meditative action…
Read MoreTrekking to Mount Everest Base Camp Days 1-4
Mt Everest Base Camp: Trekking from Day 1 to Day 4 Over time we could withstand the cold and conquer the mountain Most meaningful experience: Becoming one with our mountainous environment and the altitude is a powerful experience and I think why so many people strive to reach the summit. It is a feeling that…
Read MoreTop 10 Things I Learned Road Tripping Across the Northern Part of the USA
Top 10 Things I Learned RoadTripping Across the USA To Be An American is a Broad Definition Everyone should travel across the USA to experience our country, to have a better understanding of it. When it came time for me to make my move to San Francisco in the summer of 2018, my friend Clarence…
Read MoreDiscover the Multi-Pronged Wellness Approach of Wim Hof, the Iceman
Discover the Multi-Pronged Wellness Approach of Wim Hof, Iceman Breathe, Cold, and Fasting is the way to reduce stress and stay mindful Key takeaways from my Iceman retreat: Intermittent fasting helps with mental clarity, fat burning, and hormonal health. Deep breathing can help to oxygenate your body and warm it up, enhancing your performance…
Read More10 Things I Learned from the WimHoff Method
Top 10 Things I Learned from WimHof Breathe, Cold, and Fasting is the way to reduce stress and stay mindful Know as the “Iceman”, Wim Hof is spreading his methodology of breathing, cold, and focus around the world. Here are 10 things I learned from a weekend retreat. More in depth here. https://kdalive.com/discovering-the-multi-pronged-wellness-approach-of-wim-hof-the-iceman/ 1. Meditation…
Read MoreHow to Travel With Someone
Tips on How To Travel With Someone For the First Time Traveling with Someone can be difficult Here are my key takeaways when traveling with someone: Traveling with anyone – friend, partner, family member – for the first time is equal parts exciting and frightening. There’s a chance that the relationship will flourish…..or it could…
Read MoreThe Advantages of Traveling Alone
Traveling Solo Can Give Many Benefits I always meet people along the journey Here are my key takeaways traveling alone: People often ask me why I travel alone. But when I travel alone, I always meet people along the way. So is that really traveling alone? Even when I do meet people on the road,…
Read MoreBhutan and Gross National Happiness in Action
Bhutan and Gross National Happiness Learn about how the Bhutanese government measures progress through Gross National Happiness (GNH) The real reason I wanted to go to Bhutan was to investigate the “Land of Happiness” after reading about the government policies that try to maximize this for their people. I thought this was intriguing…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Japan Trip – My Top Recommendations for Getting Out of Tokyo and Kyoto
The Ultimate Japan Trip – My Top Recommendations For Getting Out of Tokyo and Kyoto Having lived in Japan, I share the best places to explore outside of the two most popular cities. So many people visit Japan and spend their entire trip hanging out in Tokyo and Kyoto. But escaping the crowds and intensity…
Read MoreWhat to do in the Kansai Region – aside from Kyoto
What To Do In The Kansai Region – Aside From Kyoto Enjoy thoughtful tips about spending a week in the Kansai Region; what to do and see. Kyoto is one of the most-visited cities in Japan and, in my opinion, somewhere you should visit during the low season to escape the hordes of tourists. If…
Read MoreHow to find Adventure in Japan?
How To Find Adventure In Japan? Get insider access to experiences in Japan with my friend Jordan. There are so many things to do in Japan and clubs to be part of. Before you go check out some of the top group trips like www.tokyogaijins.com and https://www.tokyosnowclub.com/. My good friend Jordan has a new business…
Read MoreFavorite Things to Do At Night in Tokyo
Favorite Things To Do At Night In Tokyo So you are heading to Japan and looking for some fun things to do at night. I’m not a big night owl but here ar some tips of my favorite places. 1.Weird theme restaurants DINING BAR SUBMARINE – sub-aquatic-themed izakaya (Dining Bar Submarine, Pocket Building B1, Kabukichuo…
Read MoreTop 10 Things to Do in Tokyo During the Day
Top 10 Things To Do In Tokyo During The Day These are my favorite various daytime suggestions for Tokyo. Many people ask me what to do when you are in Tokyo. They say, “go to…Sensoji, a Buddhist temple in Asakusa which is about as touristy as it gets in Tokyo. Tokyo skytree – another good…
Read MoreWorking on Political Campaign in the Thumb of Michigan
Working on Political Campaign in the Thumb of Michigan Everyone should help on a political campaign to get the experience. The most fun I’ve had in the last 10 years is helping my friend run his political campaign. Giving all that I’ve done, you wouldn’t think that, would’ya? You hear,’ Politics is evil. Politics is…
Read MoreThe Best Ice Cream in Japan
The Best Ice Cream In Japan Treat yourself to ice cream; here’s my top 3 recommended ice cream shops. While the world fights over who invented ice-cream – Victorians or Chinese, the Japanese have mastered the art, like they have most food. The first thing you notice in an ice cream saloon is flavors and…
Read MoreHow to Make Okonomiyaki
How To Make Okonomiyaki The famous Japanese pancake, this is Itoh-san’s Okonomiyaki recipe. My friend of over 15 years – Itoh-san – is an Okonomiyaki cooking master. I love his distinctive cooking style. In fact, he has raised the level of okonomiyaki to such heights that I could never settle for the okonomiyaki you find…
Read MoreKaiseki Tasting in Japan
Kaiseki Tasting In Japan Learn about Kaiseki in Japanese culture + four hot spots to try Kaiseki. Kaiseki or kaiseki-yori is a Japanese word that roughly translates to a dish that appeases hunger and warms the stomach. Broadly categorized into court, samurai, temple, and tea ceremony cuisines, Kaiseki has two main styles; the banquet for…
Read MoreOBento – Japanese Lunch Boxes
Obento – Japanese Lunch Boxes When I’m traveling in Japan, I like to taste-test the Bento lunch boxes. Bento lunch boxes are just as important to the Japanese and Asian culinary worlds as chopsticks are. Named after the Japanese word bento which roughly translates to “convenient,” these boxes were used as early as the 5th…
Read MoreTanTan (DanDan) Mien
TanTan (DanDan) Mien TantanMian is the Japanese adaptation of the Chinese DanDanMian, a dish of noodles seasoned by a spicy sauce made from sesame paste and hot chili oil. In old times, street hawkers used a carrying pole called Dandan and sold the noodles to passerbys; hence the name dandan. Unlike its Chinese counterpart that…
Read MoreFresh Uni in Tokyo
Fresh Uni In Tokyo I put my foodie skills to work so that I can share different types of Japanese Uni. Uni is the Japanese word for sea urchin, or more specifically, a sea urchin’s gonads and few naturally occurring ingredients offer the luxuriant texture and rich flavor Uni supplies. Dishes taste better with Uni,…
Read MoreOkinawan Cuisine
Okinawa Cuisine My experiences with Goya champuru, Rafute, soba noodles, Tofuyo, Mimiga in Okinawa Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture. Owing to its location, it has a complex history that has influenced its cuisine. The Okinawan cuisine is meat-based (specifically, pork) although it features a lot of herbs, tropical vegetables, fruits, and spices. Here are some…
Read MoreMy Top Izakayas in Tokyo
My Top Izakayas In Tokyo My 5 top places to experience an entertaining, generous and fulfilling Izakaya Izakaya is Japanese word for pubs but it literally means stay, drink, room. It describes an informal way of dining, snacking, pubbing and having fun. Surrounded by your colleagues, friends and even strangers, enjoy the izakaya experience with…
Read MoreRamen in Japan
Ramen In Japan Understanding the type of Ramen can be a little confusing, so here’s a little guide. Ramen is a legendary dish in Japan. Adapted from neighboring China, Japanese Ramen noodles have become a cultural icon of Japan and found a niche in the hearts of people. If there’s one thing in Tokyo that…
Read MoreOkonomiyaki – The Japanese Pancake
Okonomiyaki – The Japanese Pancake My input on finding okonomiyaki around Japan Okonomiyaki is one of the most famous Japanese dishes. Okonomiyaki is the name for ‘Japanese pancake’ or ‘Japanese pizza’ and is a mix of thinly shredded cabbage lightly sautéed in a batter. You can choose to top it with assorted vegetables, seafood, or…
Read MoreWould You Like to Shabu-Shabu?
Would You LIke To Shabu-Shabu? Shabu Shabu, or Japanese hot pot with a burst of flavors, is a popular family go-to meal that really satisfies. You can go for just pork or beef, or both. Shabu-Shabu conveys the sound of ‘swish-swish’ – just a few swishes in the pot and it’s ready to serve! The…
Read MoreTeppanyaki in Tokyo
Teppanyaki In Tokyo One of my favorite Tokyo restaurants and its Teppanyaki Teppanyaki Teppan means Hotplate or Iron griddle, while Yaki means grilled, broiled or pan-fried. So Teppanyaki is an assortment of food displayed on a hotplate/griddle and served right in front of you. My Top 3 Destinations in Tokyo #1 Ginza Steak Tokyo To celebrate…
Read MoreThe Best Yakitori in Tokyo
The Bset Yakitori In Tokyo Some of my preferred yakitori joints Yakitori (焼き鳥) is grilled skewered chicken mixed with a Teriyaki-like sauce. It is a quintessential Japanese soul food or grilled chicken skewers which is a culinary exploration of the entire bird from neck to tail. The yakitori dish is cheap and cheerful and is…
Read MoreLearn About, Make, and Eat Sushi in Tokyo
Learn About, Make, and Eat Sushi In Tokyo Interesting history about sushi + my favorite sushi restaurants in Tokyo Easily Japan’s most famous dish, sushi is one of the most amazing yet delicious food in the world, and although for most the thought of eating raw fish is cringe-worthy, sushi is sure to change that…
Read MoreUnagi / Anago in Tokyo
Unahi / Anago in Tokyo My experience of enjoying Unagi with good company and great conversation Unagi is an extremely expensive delicacy which is famous for not only its flavor but for its stamina-giving properties. Traditionally, it’s eaten in the hottest periods of summer on the day of the “Ox” to provide strength and vitality…
Read More10 things I Learned at the Science of Happiness Retreat
Going forward, I’ll be writing more about Well-Being and the intersection of well-being and travel. At the start of May, I spent a long weekend at Multiversity 1440 the Science of Happiness gathering, which was being held in partnership with 1440 Multiversity at UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center. They have a beautiful college campus…
Read MoreTonkatsu and Gyukatsu – Fried Pork and Beef in Tokyo
Tonkatsu and Gyukatsu – Fried Pork and Beef in Tokyo All about tonkatsu, a Japanese pork filet, and gyukatsu, a beef dish Tonkatsu is a Japanese dish of pork filet which is breaded with panko breadcrumbs, deep fried then served with a dark, savory tonkatsu sauce with shredded green cabbage. Ton refers to pig/pork, and…
Read MoreEnlightenment in the Kathmandu Valley
Wellbeing insights from Kathmandu, Nepal: • Understanding Nepalese Culture: Meeting truly genuine and humble people who do their best and stay happy on the journey. • Entrepreneurship: Focusing on the environment and betterment for all. • Perspective: Hearing about the caste system and realizing how lucky we are in the USA to have an equal…
Read MoreRay Kroc Stole the Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Ray Kroc Stole the Big Mac Sauce Recipe The founder of Mcdonalds, Ray Kroc, knocked off the Big Mac Recipe at Jalama Beach. I went to Jalama Beach on a drive to Los Angeles. There I found the story of how Ray Kroc knocked off the Big Mac sauce Recipe. Click to rate this…
Read MoreGhana: Exploring Around Ghana, Cape Coast, and Volta Region
Exploring Beyond Accra Ghana has an ecotourism scene, highlands of Volta, fun tourist areas like Kakum, and the must see Cape Coast Most Meaningful Experience: What was deeply meaningful was connecting my roots in the Carolinas with slave trade castles of Cape Coast. Understanding where the African Americans in South Carolina came from helps me…
Read MoreGhana: Accra and Teaching at Meltwater
Exploring around Accra and Teaching Accra has a great scene of music, bars, and food Most Meaningful Experience: The entrepreneurs I worked with were driven by creating jobs, solving local problems, and making a better Africa. That left a lasting imprint on me. The first thing that struck me when crossing into Ghana at its…
Read MoreDiscovering Chengdu – City of the Panda
Discovering Chengdu, China – City of the Panda Chengdu has distinct food (not just spicy), culture, and scenery Most meaningful experience: Really enjoyed learning about the Chengdu culture of food, fun conversation, and history. Watch a traditional Sichuan “changing of the face” opera performance in Jinli Pedestrian Street Sample the local hot pots and deliciously…
Read MoreBorneo: One of the Best Dive Spots, left in the World
Bornea and Sipadan is One of the Best Dive Spots Diving in Sipadan is one of the last beautiful tropical places remaining Most meaningful experience: Diving in Sipadan, one of the best dive sites in the world. Exploring the island of Mabul where people lived basically and still enjoyed life. Diving the marine-filled waters of…
Read MoreWhat I learned at Burning Man + 2 Dope Videos
Top 10 things I learned at Burning Man (with 2 Dope Videos) One piece of advice I got before I left for Burning Man was: “You can get what you want out of it, so decide what you want before you go.” But I didn’t really know what I could get out of it until…
Read MoreJapan Food Blog: EatInTokyo
Japan Food Blog: Eat In Tokyo My blog for food and restaurants from when I lived in Japan http://www.eatintokyo.com While I lived in Japan from 2014-2016, I was able to eat at a lot of different restaurants. This was because my colleague, Yoda-san, and I had a business expense account for clients. So we blogged…
Read MoreTravel With No Plan
The best trips I’ve been on have been unplanned, unprovoked, and untethered. They’re the ones that were without stress, without expectations, and without disappointment. Trips that led down uncertain paths to new encounters, and often new friends. You might be considering where to go for your next vacation, lamenting that you only have a week…
Read MoreTravel Like a Chameleon
To be a great traveler, one must be a chameleon. A chameleon’s color changes not only to help camouflage the animal and in response to temperature changes, but it serves a greater purpose of social signaling and physiological condition. When most of us travel, we want to taste the local dishes, listen to traditional music…
Read MoreTop 10 Vipassana Takeaways & Original Vipassana
Top 10 Vipassana Takeaways Sometimes, one needs a retreat to reset Please see the original vipassana here! Vipassana: If You Meet the Buddha, Kill Him How You react to external stimuli is the most important thing in life Bringing yourself back to breathe and in the moment. Anxiety is self-induced, wants to create anxieties. Thinking…
Read MoreAustralia, Aside from the East Coast
I gathered this information from a friend who had explored some other areas. 7 places to visit in Australia aside from the East Coast So you’ve done the East Coast of Australia and want to venture further afield to explore some of the country’s spectacular natural wonders. From the temperate rainforests of Tassie to the…
Read MoreAustralia’s East Coast
Most Meaningful Australian Experience: In 2001, I visited an old friend, baseball teammate Jamie McDonald in Australia. We took a bus trip all the way from Brisbane to Whitsundays. We had a great time and adventure; till this day we share that bond. #2: I probably couldn’t have been a Navy Seal. 13 top things…
Read MoreKurtisms
7. Salary (Nov. 11th, 2007) Everyone gets a base; the rest is just a bonus. 8. Startup Exits (Nov. 11th, 2007) Startup Success seems to be 50% hard work, 50% intelligence, and another 100% luck 9. Time (Nov. 11th, 2007) Time moves too fast when you are not paying attention. 10. Pain (March 24th, 2007) Pain goes away…
Read MoreOn VCs
11/2007 It seems the best VCs have mastered the at of meddling in other people’s affairs. 01/2009 New VCs are popping up and YC is surely creating a stir. AH is exciting if they really create a keiretsu. 01/2013 VCs cannot keep up with the activity of startups even though Moritz says SV doesn’t need…
Read MoreChaos
11/2007 Great businessmen seem to have the ability to make chaos into structure, or at least ostensibly so. 06/2009 Are all startups this f’n Chaos @Boku 01/2012 Chaotic markets offer opportunity for those who take risk and try to calm the chaos 10/2016 Post Vipassana, Chaos doesn’t exist. Nothing is chaotic. It is all meant as its…
Read MoreLow Hanging Fruit
03/2008 Low-hanging fruit is low hanging because it’s rotten; why do business people go after low hanging fruit. That’s a rotten business strategy… 03/2013 Low hanging fruit is sometimes essential to get a startup off the ground. Customers who want the product, need the product and want to work with you. Maybe its not so…
Read MoreTime 2
There is no time, only place. Time is made by man. Time is an evil that dictates one’s circadian rhythm. If you control that rhythm, then time is obsolete. Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreOn Time
2008: Cherish (even the mistakes) the past, live the present, prepare the future. 2013: Learn from the past, be in the present, prepare for the future 2018: Embrace who you are right at this moment in time. Anything else doesn’t matter. Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreKakuma Ventures: Building Companies in a Refugee Camp
Starting Kakuma Ventures to Empower Refugees Kakuma is a small city of 200k people where displaced people want to create opportunities through entrepreneurship by building companies Most Meaningful Experience: Discovering some of the challenges people had in the refugee camp and being able to lend a hand to people who really want to learn. To…
Read MorePoem: Never to Look in a Mirror
Never to Look in the Mirror What if there were no mirrors? I met some kids yesterday who never looked in a mirror and when i showed them one they were amazed. I realized something and wrote a poem: If you never looked in the mirror There would be nothing to fear Nor Feelings that…
Read MoreMy First Humanitarian Footsteps with Innovation Africa in Uganda
My First Humanitarian Footsteps with Innovation Africa. Building water wells and solar energy in the desert to help others Most Meaningful Experience: Adapting to the environment and learning about the region I was wracked with uncertainty going into my first humanitarian project in Uganda’s Karamoja region. I’d just read about the horrors of Idi Amin’s…
Read MoreSeeing the Face of Hard Work and determination of the Batwa People in Rural Uganda
Volunteering in the Rift Valley of Uganda See Lake Bunyonyi and Mount Muhabara Most Meaningful Experience: Working with Reaplifedig.org and learning about the Batwa Community Top tips: – Volunteer with ReapLifeDig.org in southwestern Uganda – Explore the spectacular landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi – Trek to the volcanic peak of Mount Muhabura Meeting Lauren in Rwanda…
Read MoreTop 10 Africa Travel Tips
My Top 10 Africa Travel Tips. Prepare before you go to be physically ready and have a peace of mind Africa is safe for travelers if you take precautions. If you’re traveling to Africa for the first time, there are probably a lot of unknowns and maybe even concerns that you have. From getting vaccinations…
Read MoreESHIP Summit: Growing Start-Up Ecosystems Beyond Silicon Valley
ESHIP Summit: Growing Start-Up Ecosystems Beyond Silicon Valley How to grow startup investment outside of Silicon Valley I spent two fulfilling days in Kansas City at the 2nd annual ESHIP Summit hosted by the Kauffman Foundation. They led a group of 650+ people to discuss building and accelerating entrepreneurship in their communities. It was an exciting…
Read MoreNegotiation Strategy: Find the Opportunity in Differences
Negotiation Strategy: Find the Opportunity in Differences I just completed a negotiation class at Duke’s Executive Education Center. I just completed a negotiation class at Duke’s Executive Education Center. The money spent will surely yield multiples in return. https://www.fuqua.duke.edu/programs/executive-education/business-negotiation-skills Thirteen years have passed since I last took a negotiation class at the now, Fuqua…
Read MorePR & Communications that I Learned from the Perspicacious Dorie Clark
Communications that I Learned from the Perspicacious Dorie Clark Read her books Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out. She has also written over 170 articles for Harvard Business Review. I spent 3 days taking a PR&Communications class at Duke’s Executive Education Center with Dorie Clark https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriec/, an Author, Speaker, and Professor who specializes in communications, re-inventing careers, and…
Read MoreAn Intro to Yoga & Meditation the Isha Institute in Tennessee
Intro to Yoga & Meditation at the ISHA Institute Tucked away an hour from Nashville, Tennessee is one of the largest meditation retreats in the USA. Before we began our road trip from Nashville to San Francisco, Clarence and I were interested to experience an Inner Engineering session at the Isha Institute. We’d heard good…
Read MoreA Zimbabwean Student’s Journey to Silicon Valley
A Zimbabwean Student’s Journey to Silicon Valley An amazing story of how a young driven entrepreneur, Mthabais Ndlovu, made his way to Silicon Valley Sometime last year I (Mthabais) was watching videos from the SingularityU South Africa Summit 2018. One of the speakers said, “A mind once stretched by a new idea never returns to…
Read MoreWhat Tim Cook said at Duke’s Graduation May, 2018
What Tim Cook said at Duke’s Graduation May, 2018 Key Points Find the Fearlessness to change the world Regardless of your chosen field, follow a Vision and find a deeper purpose/meaning to achieve it. Don’t just follow a winding path that may yield you astray; follow a deeper purpose to drives you to it. Be…
Read MoreLiving Life on Purpose Workshop
Living your Life on Purpose A good workshop to get focused on what’s important to you Living Life on Purpose is a workshop hosted by Tina Desalvo’s organization Soul Purpose. It is about taking responsibility for your purpose. It’s an execution of the true genius/calling – the very thing each individual on the planet is…
Read MoreThe Incredible Diversity of India
The Incredible Diversity of India India at the turn of the Millennium India has been one of my regular travel locations since I first visited in 2001. Then I was part of a GE program working in the emergency call center business in Bangalore, Delhi, Bombay (now Mumbai) and Hyderabad. I fell in love with…
Read MoreBrazil: Getting Acquainted with Rio & Heading South
Brazil: Getting Acquainted with Rio & Heading South My return trip to Rio + visiting Iguazu Falls and Porte Alegre Most Meaningful: Getting cleansed by the Iguazu waterfalls Travel Tip: Find balance between spending time with friends and travelling solo Understanding Rio After passing the first part of my trip with friends, I returned to Rio…
Read MoreBrazil: Arriving in Rio & Tiradentes
Brazil: Arriving in Rio & Tiradentes My initial arrival to Rio de Janeiro Most Meaningful: Experiencing my friend’s wedding and seeing old friends Travel Tips: Minimize your time alone at night in Rio de Janeiro In August 2016, I took my first trip to South America. Within hours of setting foot on the continent, I was kicking…
Read MoreMestizo Paraguay: Two Cities
Mesitzo Paraguay: Two Cities Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay, is actually multiple cities in one, with Old Town and New Town offering completely different experiences, and the suburbs beyond something completely different again. Most Meaningful: Discover the local experience by meeting locals and immersing yourself in the local, rather than tourist, culture. Travel Tips:…
Read MoreWhy Visit Paraguay? A Unique History
Why Visit Paraguay? A Unique History Obtaining the visa, all about the history, and Paraguay today. Most Meaningful: Paraguay’s unique history makes visiting a very different social and cultural experience to visiting the rest of South America. Travel Tips: Know your visa requirements in advance. Talking to fellow travellers ‘doing’ South America, they all said…
Read MoreChile – Beauty, Art, and Good Times
Chile Santiago and Valparaiso should be on every traveler’s list. The last country I visited on my South American tour was Chile, but unfortunately, I had to cut my time there pretty short, as a stomach problem that was bothering me since I arrived in Brazil just took me out. But I managed to pass…
Read MoreUruguay – A Relaxing Country with Great Asado
Uruguay – A Relaxing Country with Great Asado Various places, experiences and top tips for traveling Uruguay Top Travel Tips Stay at the El Galope Farm and Hostel for a more quiet time outside the city center of Colonia. Walk along the Rambla Pocitos, a promenade that stretches along Montevideo’s city centre beach. I recommend…
Read MoreDiscovering more Questions than Answers in the Congo
Discovering the Mysteries of the Congo The Congo is a mysterious place deep in history and filled with color Most Meaningful Experience: Travel to see the live Volcano Travel Tips: – Trek to see the mountain gorillas of the Virunga National Park – Hike to the volcanic peak of Mount Nyiragongo – Cruise the Congo…
Read MoreA Soul-Liberating Experience in Malawi
A Soul-Liberating Experience in Malawi Malawi is called the Warm Heart of Africa due to the Compassionate People Top tips: – Scuba dive, hike and kick back on the shores of Lake Malawi. – Tackle the challenging trek to the summit of Mount Mulanje. – Splurge on Korean food in the capital, Lilongwe Arriving in…
Read MoreArgentina: Buenos Aires and Patagonia
Argentina: Buenos Aires and Patagonia Like Brazil, Argentina was a place where I wish I had more time. Top Travel Tips There are many museums in Buenos Aires. Highly recommend the Museo de Bellas Artes La Boca For souvenirs and gifts, check out the big art market in Buenos Aires, Defensa You can travel to…
Read MoreLearning to live again in Rwanda
Learning to Live Again in Rwanda Learning how people moved on after the genocide is mind-blowing Most Meaningful Experience: Meeting Norbert and having him show the ropes in Rwanda Top Tips: – Pay your respects at the somber Ntarama Genocide Memorial – Get a three-country East Africa Tourist Visa so you can easily visit Uganda…
Read MoreDelving Deeper Into Capetown
Delving Deeper Into Capetown Take a Walk Through the Streets of Capetown Most Meaningful Experience: Understanding that water crises are just starting to emerge around the world and income inequality is a major cause of unrest. Travel tips: There is a lot more to do in Capetown than I described. Go to Robben Island and…
Read More10 Things I Realized On Re-Entry Back Home From Traveling Africa
10 Things I Realized On Re-Entry Back from Africa. Travel changes you and Africa Makes You do a 180 Most Meaningful Experience: Understanding How Little One Really Needs In Life Travel always changes you. You never return home the same person you were when you left. This was particularly striking for me when I returned…
Read MoreOverland from Livingstone to Cape Town
Traveling Overland from Livingstone to Capetown for 30 days with a Dozen Strangers Traveling in Africa solo is difficult so Overland Bus is convenient Most Meaningful Experience: Learning patience and tolerance with my crew! Most meaningful experience: – Take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta to wildlife spot from the air – Learn about…
Read MoreUgandan Encounters: Exploring outside of Kampala
Exploring Outside of Kampala, Uganda Make sure to go to Jinja to raft the Nile Most meaningful experience: – Read “A State of Blood” by Henry Kyemba to understand the misery and massacres of Uganda under Idi Amin. – Go white-water rafting at the source of the Nile in Jinja – Eat “rolex” – a…
Read MoreRun With and Like The Kenyans
Running With the Kenyans Learn How to run, train, and eat like the marathoners Most Meaningful Experience: Understanding the regiment of the best runners Most Meaningful: Visiting the home of a Kenyan runner at 6 am before a run to see that he slept on a wooden mattress and had only had two pairs of…
Read MoreDiscovering Mugabe’s legacy in Zimbabwe
Discover Mugabe’s Legacy in Zimbabwe Working with very inspiring and innovative entrepreneurs Most Meaningful Experience: Traveling across Zimbabwe with friends and then, by bus and learning about what happened during the Mugabe Regime. Top tips: – Go trekking through the mystical Nyanga National Park (just not after dark!) – Explore the western-styled city of Bulawayo…
Read MoreA Journey of Discovery on South Africa’s East Coast, the Wild Coast
Travel the wild coast of South Africa for a journey of animals, unique safaris, and a different view. The best areas are just west of Durban on the Wild Coast Most Meaningful Experience: Learning how to Nitrox dive, fast currents, and seeing hammerhead sharks! Travel Tips: Explore the surf and dive spots along Durban’s coastline…
Read More10 things I learned by observing Ramadan as a non-Muslim
The 10 Things I Learned by Observing Ramadan As a non-Muslim, I learned a lot by obsevering Ramadan. Anyone else can too. Every year in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. While it’s commonly known as a month of fasting, with devotees abstaining from…
Read MoreLandmark Forum Addresses Relationships, Communication, Meaning of Life
Landmark Forum Addresses Relationships, Communication, Meaning of Life It’s a great way to work on old relationships and start with a fresh outlook Their relentless marketing is off putting to be honest The Landmark Forum is a 3-day communication and life help workshop that is held around the nation. The last day the main point…
Read MoreForeign Investment and Entrepreneurs in Zambia’s Startup Ecosystem
Foreign Investment and Entrepreneurs in Zambia’s Startup Ecosystem. Zambia’s open-investment policy is causing a boom in economic activity Most Meaningful Experience: Making friends at Bongohive.co.zm and working with Entrepreneurs Flying into Zambia, I was still hustling to get my presentation together. This would be the first time I’d be teaching again since my stint in…
Read MoreOverland Trip: Zambia to South Africa Trip Dossier
Overland Trip Dossier: Zambia to South Africa This is our overland trip itinerary.Victoria Falls to Cape Town 21st February – 20th March 2017 NOMAD CONVOY is a tailored networking adventure safari for entrepreneurs & digital nomads, put together for you by NomadXplore, and operated in cooperation with Nomad Adventure Tours (www.nomadtours.co.za) and Greenpop (www.greenpop.org) Partaking…
Read MoreSolo Adventure Hiking Mount Kenya
Solo Adventure Hiking Mount Kenya I’m Vineet – I met Kurt in Ghana and we’ve been trekking buddies since. He didn’t join me on this trip but I I am writing a guest post for him! I love solo travel. I think it’s the best form of travel. To go out there by yourself…
Read MoreVolunteering in Kenya
Kenya Offers Many Volunteering Opportunities. The West Side of the Country is beautiful, relaxed, and his more laid back. Most Meaningful Experience: Visiting all of these non-profits was meaningful. Kenya West Side/Volunteer Having finished my Nairobi adventure, it was now time to meet Toto and move on to my second agenda – volunteering. During my…
Read MoreNairobi: The epicenter for East African Growth and Investment.
Nairobi is the Epicenter for East African Growth and Investment Nairobi is an exciting city with a juxtaposition of growth and abject poverty but it is getting better quickly. Most Meaningful Experience: Making friends, working at iHub, and visiting Kibera On arrival in Nairobi, I let out a sigh, as the airport was much more…
Read MoreA Glimpse into the History of Johannesburg and Legacy of Mandela
A Glimpse Into the History of Johannesburg and Legacy of Nelson Mandela and Gandhi Learning about the history of South African Apartheid and somewhat experiencing it. Travel Tips: Roaming around Johannesburg while gaining an insight into its racist issues and divide. Being approached for “selfies” with my Kaiser Chiefs jersey and confronting racism as…
Read MoreTogo – Border to Border Beach Country
Togo is a Beach Country, Laid Back, and Pleasant The beach starts and ends at the borders as well as goes inland Most Meaningful Experience: Hanging out, relaxing, and just catching up on energy. Travel Tips: Soak up the nighttime atmosphere around the beach, which greets you as soon as you arrive in Togo. Try…
Read MoreMozambique: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Mozambique: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean Traveling up the coast to Xia-Xia and Tofo Scuba Diving and of course the Fish Market in Maputo. Most Meaningful Experience: Dinner at the fish market with new friends Mozambique Travel Tips: • Explore the Fish Market and the seafood restaurants that cluster on Avenida Marginal in Maputo •…
Read MoreVolunTourism: In Africa
Voluntourism in Africa It was the great anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela that said: “There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time & energy to help others without expecting anything in return.” When I was planning my trip to Africa, I kept thinking “what can I do?” I couldn’t just spend months…
Read MoreSouth Africa Scuba Diving: Big Game Diving, Pelagics, and Ocean Safaris
Dive with The Pelagics – sharks, whales, dolphins – in South Africa. The best areas are just west of Durban on the Wild Coast Most Meaningful Experience: Getting out of my comfort zone and diving in fast currents Tackling the strong currents on deep dives at Protea Banks (only for experienced divers) while getting up…
Read MoreSwaziland: Rich Culture and Friendly, Talkative People
Swaziland: A Country of Rich Culture and Friendly People Meeting locals and learning about the real Swaziland. Most Meaningful Experience Experiencing the “other side” of Swaziland with the Ezulwini Valley locals Top Tips: • Make some local friends – the Swazis are super friendly people and warm to visitors; they don’t like small talk –…
Read MoreThe Future of Virtual Reality as seen by Students in South Africa
The Future that is Virtual Reality Using Google Cardboard, South African kids discovered to the possibilities the world has to offer. I hope this translates into more opportunity for others. After a few days working with my team at Team4tech in South Africa, Clarence convinced of the future of VR. The applications for education and…
Read MoreBenin – Togo’s Big Brother with a Bad Attitude
Benin: Togo’s Big Brother with a Bad Attitude Benin has rich cultural history around slave trade and voodoo Most Meaningful Experience: Visiting the slave route at Abomey and Ouidah • Hang out with the locals at the Cotonou Stadium, which is the place to be for good food, buses and taxis …
Read MoreNigeria: Hustling from Yaba to Makoko
Nigeria: A Country of Hustle, Rich Culture, and Genuine People Exploring all of Lagos from Makoko to Victoria Islands Most Meaningful Experience: Going through the slums of Makoko with Funmi who is trying to enrich the poorest lives in the world. Travel Tips • Lagos is infused with energy. Wake before sunrise…
Read MoreLesotho: Blood Diamond Profits for Cheap Labor
Lesotho is home to many ‘blood’ diamond mines These mines from Letseng and De Beers extract resources and the lives of the locals for immense profits. This is a short post for the diamond lovers out there. Here is a factory owned by Gem Diamonds and supplies much of the diamonds to major distributors like…
Read MoreLesotho – The Adventure and Magical Kingdom in the Sky
Lesotho – The Adventure and Magical Kingdom in the Sky. Lesotho is a country that sits on a plateau completely surrounded by South Africa. It has a growing adventure scene. Most Meaningful Experience: Making a local friend and exploring a new country. Meeting the friendly Basotho people and discovering their tight-knit community culture Top Tips: –…
Read MoreVolunteering in a Township Outside Johannesburg, South Africa
This is what I learned volunteering in a township outside of Johannesburg, South Africa. As part of Team4Tech, we taught technology and entrepreneurship in the township of Ga-Rankuwa in Pretoria. Most Meaningful Experience: How to inspire those in poverty who think money will solve all of life’s problems. This is a good example of voluntourism…
Read MoreJoshua Tree
Just a 2 hour drive from LAX, Joshua Tree is a place everyone should visit. The drive on the way is through the windmill laced desert and mountains of southern California. One can stop off the highway and visit different reservoirs or natural parks. We stopped in Yucca Valley which had little, but to note,…
Read MoreAlcatraz Swim for Sight 2016
Today we participated in the 5th annual Alcatraz Swim for Sight, started by Ron and Lorie Hirson. Lorie suffers from a very rare eye disease that is causing her to go blind. This event is led by them and sponsored for thatmanmaysee.org. The day starts at 530AM where we register for the swim, get ready,…
Read MoreItalian: A comparison of my favorite places
Italian: A Comparison of My Favorite Places Don’t miss the Italian restaurants in Japan! I always tell people that the best Italian food is in Japan. In fact, I have Italian people who often tell me the same. Of course, this may not be true but I have yet to have an Italian meal that…
Read MoreTop Places to Eat in Ishigaki City, Okinawa
Top Places To Eat In Ishigaki City, Okinway Ishigaki has some great places to eat. The village is a fun and festive atmosphere welcoming to foreigners. Enjoy your time there. Ishigaki Village: This is a fun area in the middle of Ishgaki. The yakitori skewers tell the story. Tuna Speciality: Today Lets eat in Tokyo…
Read MoreFried Cheese Banana
In Indonesia and Malaysia, a popular dessert is fried banana with melted cheese. It sounds terrible for western palettes but it’s not bad actually! Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreTraveling Indonesia for 30 Days of Adventure
Traveling Indonesia for 30 Days I took a trip around Indonesia for 30 days and here is what I discovered Most meaningful experience: Making the challenging, three-day trek to the summit of Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island. Top Tips: Go freediving with the team at Fusion Freediving in Amed or venture to Labuanbajo to dive…
Read MoreWhat to do in the Ishigaki Islands?
What To Do In The Ishigaki Islands? One of my favorite trips in all of Japan was to the Ishigaki Islands. It’s one of the highlights of Japan. If you go to Japan, I highly recommend the flight here. Fly into Ishigaki and enjoy the small city, great food, and local atmosphere. There is a…
Read MoreSingapore’s Government Funded Innovation
How Singapore Built an Innovative Economy The Government fueled the transition from manufacturing to skills-based economy Singapore has developed an economy based on real technical innovation. From mid-90s, the government invested heavily in research centers to develop the skills and knowledge of its local people. It is the easy-to-do business hub for the emerging South…
Read MoreSouthern BBQ at Hato’s Bar
Southern BBQ at Hato’s Bar This may be the best southern BBQ you can get anywhere. Slow cooked BBQ meets Japanese fine dining. South Carolina pulled pork, Texas Briscuit, Kansas ribs, Mac n cheese, OMG. We celebrated Chris’s graduation ftom Duke MBA. Pictures tell the rest. http://hatosbar.org/top/ Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average:…
Read MoreWhat is Kakigori? Shaved Ice
What Is Kakigori? Kakigori is one of my favorite desserts. This place had a long line of college students. It is located in Meijiro Station. It gets a #2 rating for Kakigori. http://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1305/A130502/13003855/ Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreTop 10 Things Japan Does Best
Top 10 Things Japan Does Best As I leave Japan after almost 3 years, this is my top 10 list. Many know that Japan excels in a variety of products and technology such as trains, cars, cuisine (www.eatintokyo.com – my food blog) , and whiskey. But there are more. After living here three years – and departing…
Read MoreTurkey Mobile Payments: From Gold Coins to Carrier Billing
To facilitate trade between the east and the west in the 4th Century, Constantine the Great established the gold solidus as the standard of currency. This coin retained its status for about 1,000 years. In its most flourishing periods, the Byzantine state may have produced as many as several hundred thousand gold coins and a…
Read MoreCreate a Startup State: What American Politicians can learn from Lithuania, Estonia, and Finland
Short Summary: • Estonia, Lithuania, and Finland have created active startup communities and produced successful startups like Rovio, MySQL Supercell, and Skype. • American States — the same size as these countries — have been much less successful in creating startup companies and communities. • American state economic development officials can learn from these countries. A template exists to…
Read MoreHow the Warriors Used Business Development Tactics to Close Kevin Durant
How the Warriors Used Business Development Tactics to Close Kevin Durant Closing Deals as a Team is Powerful Did the Warriors land superstar Kevin Durant because of a last minute call by Jerry West, and chess-like player moves to make room in the salary cap? Contrary to popular reports, no. The Warriors spent years running…
Read MoreDefining the Sales and Business Development Roles in a Startup
Many startups are lead by technology experts who have never run a sales and business development operation. Many of these executives cannot clearly explain the difference of the two functions. The result is they cannot structure the organization to get the most value out of each function.Lets clear this up, because while they are different,…
Read MoreCrepes: Breizh Cafe Creperie from Paris
Crepes: Breizh Cafe Creperie from Paris This is a famous crepes chain found only in Paris and Tokyo. After Maisen you can walk there in Omotesando. http://www.le-bretagne.com About: The first Creperie in Japan Galette Bertrand Larcher who, like traditional crepes, was born in Bretagne, has introduced the Galette to Japan at Japan’s first Creperie, Cafe-Creperie…
Read MoreTransformation at the Hoffman Institute & Process
Transformation at the Hoffman Institute & Process The Hoffman Process is a week-long residential and personal growth retreat that helps participants identify negative behaviors, moods, and ways of thinking that developed unconsciously and were conditioned in childhood. The transformation at the Hoffman Institute is a paradigm shift. My career and relationship coach, Tessa advised me…
Read MoreMoscow and St. Petersburg, Russia with Maximilian in September, 2014
Most meaningful experience: Learning about the deep history and culture of Russia. Top tips: – Mingle with Moscow’s elite at Café Pushkin. – Get an education into Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery and explore the art galleries of the Hermitage Museum. – Make a day trip from St. Petersburg to the lavish Peterhof Palace,…
Read MoreWhat is a Zen Lunch? Refreshing Fish @ Suzunami 鈴波 in Roppongi Hills
What is a Zen Lunch? Refreshing Fish @ Suzunami in Roppongi Hills Yesterday I ate at Suzunami – a zen lunch place. My friend said that this was a place to get good fish, nutrition, and feel better afterwards. Suzunami specializes in cooking one type of fish extremely well. They also have a variety of…
Read MoreWhat is Tsukemen?つけ麺はなんでしょうか
What Is Tsukemen? Most people who have not lived in Japan do not know what Tsukemen is. Tsukemen is a Japanese noodle dish consisting of ramen which is eaten after dipping in a separate bowl of soup. The soup is thick and should be appreciated. If ramen is the perfect choice during cold seasons, tsukemen…
Read MoreThe Only Chicken Ramen – Torisoba ラーメンBAR 鶏そば
The Only Chicken Ramen – Torisoba Finding chicken soup in Tokyo is not easy but just next to my apartment is a fantastic chicken based noodle soup / ramen store. The owner spent time in LA and even speaks some English. My favorite dish is the house special soba with chicken, half cooked egg, and…
Read MoreAmerican Bistro ‘Towers’ – Higashi Azabu
American Bistro ‘Towers’ In Higashi Azabu Towers restaurant is across the street from my apartment. They do an American bistro with a variety of chili, chicken, vegetables like Okra and beets, and an amazing Aussie filet. They also have a great lunch salad and chicken over rice (not chinese style). They are also very friendly…
Read MoreMalaysia: Penang, Malacca, and Georgetown
Most meaningful experience: Learning about the diverse history of Malacca and Georgetown. Cooking Class in Penang! Eating, eating and eating – the hawker stalls in Malacca and Georgetown are sensational! Top tips: – Get lost in the bustling streets of Malacca’s Chinatown and admire the diverse architecture along Harmony Street. – Learn about Penang’s unique…
Read MoreSweet Potato Truck
Sweet Potato Truck They drive around time in the winter selling sweet potatoes. Catch them if you can! Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreEating = Happy in Tokyo
Eating = Happy In Tokyo Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreLunch Time: 京王駅弁大会ーLunch Box Competition
Lunch Time Lunch Box Competition 先週末京王百貨店で第５１回お弁当大会がおこなわれています。全国から上手いお弁当作れる人がそこに来て、美味しいものを競争していました。去年の一位は北陸新幹線駅から高級魚のどぐろと、かに、といくらです。今年の一番は北海道から大玉ほたてたっぷりうにです。あまりに美味しくて手に負けなくて５代もお弁当を食べました。ローストビーフすしや、ステーキとご飯やかにめしも食べました。大好物はスモークさばでご飯と魚が詰め込んであります、つまり押し寿司である。最後はデザートです。二層で分けたクリームパステルを食べて、一つは牛乳クリーム、もう一つは卵クリーム。その混ぜたものが超美味しかったです。ぜひぜひ時間があれば行ってください。 Last weekend, my friends an I went to the Train Station Lunchbox Competition. Obento shops from all around Japan came to join the competition. My favorite was the smoked salmon and the uni, scallop, ikura bowl. If you get the chance, please go. 味しかったです。ぜひぜひ時間があれば行ってください。 Click to rate this…
Read More#1 Curry and Japanese Curry History: もうやんカレーと日本カレーの歴史
#1 Curry and Japanese Curry History もうやんカレーと日本カレーの歴史 僕が東京の中で一番好きなカレーはもうやんカレーです。四種類の味から選べるカレーの食べ放題です。１。豚 ２。辛い豚 ３。牛肉 ４。激辛のトッピング。食べ放題には野菜、鶏肉、サラダがあります。カレーが好きなら、ぜひ行ってみてください。 明治時代にイギリス人からカレーが紹介されました。そのあいだに英国はインドを占領している。当時はイギリス人シェフがイギリスの鍋物と香辛料とインドのカレーを混ぜて洋風のカレーを発明しました。日本海軍が英国海軍よりカレーを採用しました。時間の経過とともに徐々に流行っていき。６０年代に本当に人気になりました。いまではカレーは伝統的な和食と言われています。 http://s.tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130301/13090209/ Mouyan Curry is our favorite curry in Tokyo so far. It is a very simple, all you can eat buffet with four types of curry: 1. Pork 2. Spicy Pork 3. Beef 4. Spicy . You can also pick different types of vegetables and salad.…
Read MoreMyanmar’s Magic
Most meaningful experience: Taking a long train ride – just once – gave me a chance to see the countryside of Myanmar and appreciate the bullet trains of Asia. Watching people live on Inle Lake was magestic. Developing a new relationship with Wayne and Amber was special. Top tips: • Explore the…
Read MoreRe-Visiting Vietnam: 15 Years Later
Visiting Vietnam 15 Years Later Vietnam is an exciting country in terms of economic development and food Most meaningful experience: I visited Vietnam again in November, 2015 – more than 10 years after my last trip. Seeing the economic growth and the potential for more excited me. Spending time with new and old friends. Sleeping…
Read MoreMy Day At Wimbledon 2010
I started my day off at 5AM to get the tube to Wimbledon but the tube didn’t open till 6AM. So I killed an hour with work. After alighting at the tube stop, I caught a bus as instructed. The bus’s 2nd stop was Wimbledon Stadium. I was watching everyone on the bus but no…
Read MoreReunion at Davidson +15
Paul’s blog post inspired me to write a quick note about my thoughts of our reunion weekend and reflections of Davidson College. I do agree with Paul that I wish we were able to find a way to keep in touch more regularly with Davidson friends and acquaintances. Even with increasing communication mediums like Skype,…
Read MoreReligion, Business, and History in Egypt
The Religion, History, and Business of Egypt Being in Egypt at the time of Ramadan taught me to respect a lot of the Mulsim religion. I spent 5 days in Egypt, on an impromptu vacation, during Ramadan. I even attempted to participate in Ramadan. I also explored the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the…
Read MoreDobré Ráno Prague – October 5-7, 2014
The way Dobré Ráno rolls off your tongue sounds very Spanish. Prague had a bit of romanticism that I did not expect from the Bohemian City. Interspersed in the old architecture were gardens, fountains, and nice restaurants. On my flight to Moscow, the Russian sitting next to me described Prague as an entire city that…
Read MoreTrip to Buda-pessht – October 3rd, 2014
Buda-Pessht (BP) or Pessht – Buda One side of the Danube is Buda and the other is Pessht. The Pesst side call itself Pessht-Buda and the Buda side calls itself, Buda-Pessht. Buda has the history and magnificence while Pessht has the future and the day to day. That difference conveys how I felt about my…
Read More24 Hrs in Bratislava – October 4-5, 2014
Most meaningful experience: Meeting some young startup guys at a bar talking about mobile startups. Top tips: Wander through the historic old town and soak up the views from the Bratislava Castle Check out the “Man at work” bronze statue of a sewer worker emerging from the pavement Sample the local craft beers, including the…
Read MoreSiargao Island, Undiscovered Philippines During New Years
Undiscovered Siargao Island – Surf, Singing, and Scary Typhoon 2014 Siargao (Shar Gaw) Island is a beautiful destination for tourists who like to go out of the way, explore remote places, and enjoy surfing / kitesurfing South East Asia is an incredibly popular tourist destination, and I often hear from people about their beach party…
Read MoreDenmark: Daintiness, Designs, and Delectables
Denmark is a city for people with tastes of delectable design and dainty appetites. In only two days, i had a wonderful experience traversing through the city, peeping in small shops, and experiencing the cities first snowfall – which was strange since it was the last week of January. Again, just another example of the…
Read MoreIsrael: From Jaffa to Jerusalem
Traveling Through Israel:Jaffa to Jerusalem Visiting Israel is an exciting religious, cultural, and overall powerful experience Most Meaningful Experience: Meeting new friends and getting to know the Israel scene Most meaningful experience: The tour of Jerusalem showed me that people are very passionate about their beliefs but its possible to exist together. The city is…
Read MoreHow to Make Homemade Okonomiyaki
How To Make Homemade Okonomiyaki A Japanese Recipe from my friend, Itoh-san Itoh-san is my friend of over 15 years when we met in Osaka. He has always been the Okonimyaki cooking master and last week we had Okonomiyaki cooking day. It was better than its ever been. Ingredients: Eggs Okonomiyaki powder mix (flour and…
Read MoreReunion at Davidson +15
Paul’s blog post inspired me to write a quick note about my thoughts of our reunion weekend and reflections of Davidson College. I do agree with Paul that I wish we were able to find a way to keep in touch more regularly with Davidson friends and acquaintances. Even with increasing communication mediums like Skype,…
Read MoreSeasonal Change of the Fish – Sashimi
Seasonal Change of the Fish – Sashimi One thing you may notice when living in Japan is the seasonal chang of types of sushi or sashimi. This is best exemplified by the Edo Period “Hatsumono” Fish Calendar to demonstrate how food changes every season in Japan. Before you go, make sure to check out which…
Read MoreHow to Make Mochi
How To Make Mochi Step By Step How to make Mochi: 餅の作り方 Last week, I learned how to make Mochi. Across Japan at festivals, there is often a mochi-making session. Try to search this down and participate. Step 1: Get mochi rice and add a bit of water Step 2: Beat it with a big mallet…
Read MoreAsian Mobile Game Developers Coming to the West in 2015
Over the past two years, the western Android and iOS app stores have been dominated by three major developers: King, Supercell, and Kabam. The next 10 best-selling game developers — a list that includes household names such as EA, Gameloft, Disney — then take the bulk of the remaining global mobile gaming revenues. Chinese and Japanese game makers know…
Read MoreYakiniku + Steak +Aussie Beef
Yakiniku + Steak + Aussie Beef Yakiniku – an incredibly delicious assortment of meat served with a pot of soup, rice or on its own. I was fortunate enough to discover this place and have it tasted. To know more about Yakiniku keep reading. Before that, if you already know about Yakiniku mentioned below is…
Read MorePlaces To Eat In Sapporo
Places To Eat In Sapporo Recommendations for when you visit Sapporo, Japan Sapporo is the 7th largest city in Japan. It is a city blessed with so much natural beauty regardless of seasonal changes. In the summer, the city flourishes with amazing flowers and in the winter, the city is covered with snow, making it…
Read MoreOyster + Fish Izakaya
Oyster + Fish Izakaya An introduction to Izakaya As I previously mentioned in my post, Izakaya is mostly mistaken for a Western style pub or a restaurant. Izakaya is an experience where you are served more than 7 course style snacks with drinks to accompany each of them. Since there inception it has been a…
Read MoreOther Fun Night Out in Tokyo
Other Fun Night Out In Tokyo Some more fantastic restaurants in Tokyo OMOTESANDO WINE CELLAR GRILL The team of Wine Cellar Grill is incredible. The entire menu is made to be paired with different wines. As expected, they had a great wine selection even from California. Its great date spot or group night out spot.…
Read MoreIibadashi Italian and Pizza in Japan
Iibadashi Italian and Pizza The Japanese way of Pizza + Restaurants Pizza is one of the most popular and loved dishes around the globe and as such, new recipes are being developed frequently to make it more delicious and appetizing. The Japanese have infused a few their local ingredients in pizzas to increase its edibility…
Read MoreCoffee Culture In Japan
Coffee Culture In Japan Learn about coffee in Japan and visit these coffee shops Coffee culture, just like any popular culture, has evolved over the years to become an inevitable part of the lives of coffee lovers. There are so many unique coffee cultures out there that are presented from different countries around the world.…
Read MoreTop 4 Brunch Restaurants in Tokyo
Top 4 Brunch Restaurants In Tokyo Do not bypass brunch in Tokyo. Here’s some great places. While visiting Japan, you do not actually think there might be some similarity to your own city or you can get what you like. I was taken aback multiple times when I discovered Japan closely. Brunch, I wasn’t sure…
Read MorePart I: Six Reasons Startups Should Invest in Japan
Six Reasons Startups Should Invest in Japan Japan is an ideal place to open up offices and invest for the long-term. After Japan’s economic crash of the late 90’s, a fog settled over the land of the rising sun. Nearly two decades of deflation, a perceived lack of Japanese innovation, and a rapidly aging workforce…
Read MoreSaudi Arabia — A Secret Mecca for Consumer Technology Companies
Saudi is a place startups should be investing — look at Uber’s success Consumer market is flourishing and technology services are in demand Doing business there is easier than one may presume Demand in Saudi Arabia for consumer software is shockingly high. But most people in Silicon Valley do not understand why nor how to capitalize on…
Read MoreExploring Rajasthan and an Indian Wedding
Exploring Rajasthan and an Indian Wedding The most fascinating part of India is Rajasthan While most of my trips to India have been Mumbai based, in 2015 I had the opportunity to explore Rajasthan when I was invited to my friend Ranjan’s wedding. It was the most fun I may ever have had. Rajasthan is…
Read MoreWhat I learned Taking German Colleagues to a Golden State Warriors Game
What I Learned Taking German Colleagues to a Basketball Game Sport can bridge the differences in working with different cultures Most Meaningful Experience: Everyone loves Stephen Curry The Warriors are in the middle of an amazing run, and I was lucky enough to host some of my German colleagues at against the Memphis Grizzlies last…
Read MoreSkiing and Snowboarding in Japan – Outside Hokkaido
Skiing and Snowboarding In Japan – Outside Hokkaido After numerous trips to Japan to go skiing, I often get asked about the places to go. So I thought I’d put together a short guide on my top picks for Japanese ski resorts. Aside from Niseko in Hokkaido (which offers some of the best skiing in…
Read MoreLearnings from RURU — Mobile Payments in Russia
Merchant adoption of NFC has been slow and those who have adopted it are unconvinced. Many experts think that just replicating the ecosystems of Korea and Japan will work in the west. Those familiar with Asian markets realize that consumer behavior and the payments ecosystems in those markets are far too different than they are…
Read MoreTips to Manage International Teams at a Startup Technology Company
Successful companies grow quickly. In just a few years, a startup can grow from a small office in a technology incubator to a multinational operation with employees all over the world. But entrepreneurs are trained to build technology, not to scale and manage a dispersed global team. Here are some good principles to follow if…
Read MoreIndonesia’s Fast Growing Tech Market
Indonesia’s Fast-Growing Technology Market Indonesia is exploding. Catch it while you can. Indonesia has quietly become a great place to do business. The country finally seems to have cast off many of the problems that plagued it for years. Investors are starting to notice. Tokopedia recently raised $100 million from Sequoia and Softbank, Zalora raised…
Read MoreA Solution to America’s H1B Visa Impasse
H1B Visa policy is at an impasse: US is not innovating and companies are going offshore in droves O’Canada and Australia have tested programs we can emulate Solution: Give more H1B visas for technical jobs in rural America Win-Win: Tech companies get more visas, rural America gets more jobs Just a few years back, Paul Graham led a group of venture…
Read MorePart II: Six Tips for Startups to Invest in Japan
Investing In Japan II Six Tips for Startups to Invest in Japan Japan perplexes foreigners. Stepping out of Tokyo Station for the first time can feel like landing on the moon. Even those who have lived in Tokyo for years can be overwhelmed by its linguistic and cultural nuances. This kind of culture shock is…
Read MoreLithuania: A Few Autumn Days
Most meaningful experience:Discovering my own heritage and the meaning behind my “Lithuanian eyes”. In 2018, I found out I was 50% Lithuanian through a 23andme test. Top tips: – Walk up to the Gediminas’ Tower to take in the views across Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town. – Make a day trip to the former capital at…
Read MoreEstonia – The Rising Medieval Empire – Oct 12-13, 2014
Most meaningful encounter: Hanging out with Kadri and exploring the town! Top tips: Learn about the startups at Garage48 Foundation and Tallinn’s position as a digital city. Soak up the views across the medieval Old Town from the Toompea Castle. Wander through the charismatic streets of the Old Town and shop for Lithuanian amber. As…
Read MoreTrip to Buda-pessht – October 3rd, 2014
Buda-Pessht (BP) or Pessht – Buda One side of the Danube is Buda and the other is Pessht. The Pesst side call itself Pessht-Buda and the Buda side calls itself, Buda-Pessht. Buda has the history and magnificence while Pessht has the future and the day to day. That difference conveys how I felt about my…
Read MoreTurkey: Outside Istanbul
Most meaningful experience: Traveling the town of Ephesus to see how magnificent the Roman Empire must have been and hanging out with friends. Top tips: Watch the sunrise over Cappadocia during a hot air balloon trip. Explore the hidden dwellings and walkways of the Kaymaklı Underground City. Admire the Byzantine artwork in the rock-cut churches…
Read MoreTwo Days in Istanbul, Turkey
After a whirlwind trip through Turkey, I had two days to pack in as much sightseeing as possible in the enchanting city of Istanbul. If you want to follow in my footsteps and have 48 hours to spare, here are my recommendations. Day 1: Begin your day at the Rustempasa Mosque, which features some of…
Read MoreTop Ten Reasons Why San Franciscans Would Love Tokyo
Top Ten Reasons Why San Franciscans Would Love Tokyo And they are… 1. Foodies! – Everyone knows I don’t like super expensive tasting menus and would always prefer a burrito or Yoshinoya. That said, I’ve always said SF has the best restaurants whether a cheap burrito or expensive Michelin rated; Tokyo has cheaper, better restaurants…
Read MoreWhat I Learned When the Power Went Out in SF and the Philippines
Over the past two weeks due to the wildfires in California, my power has gone out twice. AND I REALLY LIKED IT. Here’s why: 1. Turning off the power becomes a day off for everyone including the 7-11, Safeway, and gas stations. It is like a snow day or bad weather, but it’s even better because the…
Read MoreWant to Volunteer in Nepal? Here is a List of Non-Profits
Want to Volunteer in Nepal? Here is a list of non-profits from the embassy. 1. BASE 2. BSP Nepal Biogas Support Programme 3. CEHURDES Center for Human Rights and Democratic Studies 4. CMF Centre for Micro-Finance in Nepal 5. Communicaction Corner 6. CVICT 7. CWIN 8. COPPADES 9. Didibahini 10. Ecohimal 11. Educate the Children…
Read MoreI went to Croatia a long time ago.
I went to Croatia once with Nick and made a video. Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MorePoem: An Ode to Austin
I departed the plane in the chill of night Only to be greeted by warmth and nice For one can tell the people by those they from the flight; I walked down the road facing a sharp wind Only to be aroused by the sweat smell of BBQ tamarind Then the smells of the street…
Read MoreBusiness as an Art
Bharti CEO Mittal after closing his deal with Wal-Mart said, “I like to express myself through large, transformational projects.” Business as a form of art and expression – I love that! Click to rate this post! [Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read MoreOn Haircuts
You are only as good as your last haircut. Today, I got a $5 haircut in China Town. Granted, I could have just use my own clippers and cut it for free but where in the USA can one get a $5 hair cut. 2018 Update: That barber shop now charges $20 Click to rate…
Read MoreOn the Future
For the gods perceive things in the future, ordinary people things in the present, but the wise perceive things about to happen…in their intense meditation the hidden sound of things approaching reaches them and they listen reverently while in the street outside, the people hear nothing at all. –Cavafy Click to rate this post! [Total:…
Read MoreA Day Mountain Biking
I went mountaing biking yesterday at Saint Teresa Park in San Jose, CA, just before a round of golf. Upon arriving, I noticed a group in the distance but didn’t think much of it. So I grabbed my two wheeled terrain hopper and took off. In the middle of my ride, I hear a gunshot…
Read MoreShoes
I always pushed our baseball team’s to polish their shoes, it looks good, professional. Crash Davis in Bull Durham told Nuke Laloosh, you have to polish your shoes until you make the show, then you can grow fungus and the press will think you are colorful. So while stumbling along Canal St (kind of chinatown?)…
Read More(17) Kurtisms
1. Bizness (Aug. 23rd, 2008) Every great biznessman thinks he knows where he is going until he gets there… 2. Haircuts (Aug. 23rd, 2008) “You’re only as good as your last haircut.” 3. Zen (Aug. 23rd, 2008) Cherish (even the mistakes) the past, live the present, prepare the future. 4. Low-Hanging Fruit (March 27th, 2008) Low-hanging…
Read MoreAn Anecdote About Doing Business in Asia
An Anecdote about Doing Business in Asia People often ask what I think the biggest differences are doing biz in US, China, and Japan. Here is how I can answer. A man walks into an American convenient store and asks for a Pepsi (Note: I prefer Pepsi over Coke so I’m using Pepsi in this…
Read MoreManaging Pitchers; Managing Entrepreneurs
While watching a Knoxville Smokies (AAA for Chicago Cubs) baseball game last night, a phenomenom that I never figured out during my baseball days dawned on me. Why do left handed pitchers wear their hats crooked – not all of them but most of them for sure? It was so apparent that even on the…
Read MoreWhat You Can Do to Stay Young
What You Can Do to Stay Young There are several things you can do to stay young. One thing is for certain in life, your parents will let you know when you are getting old. I’ve also noticed my close Japanese friends will let me know when I’m getting old or fat but they are…
Read MorePutting from the Fairway
The last few times that I’ve played golf, I’ve used my putter from the fairway. The elusive 25 yard chip is often problematic; its about touch. Sometimes you just don’t have it and sometimes you do. Its the same in billiards, dancing, ping pong , and well any other thing you can think of that…
Read MoreTruman on Leadership
1. Know their stuff, defend their men, be a man. KD: Take one for the team if you have to. 2. Power, money, and women will destroy a man. Note he said women not a woman. KD: I wouldn’t know about the first two but the last one definately will make you crazy. 3. Ride…
Read MoreA Train from SF to LA
if there were a train from SF to LA my flight would not have been delayed if i didn’t have to wait in a security line i wouldn’t have to arrive an hour b4 time if i were in a mag lev bullet train i wouldn’t have to worry when it rained even if it…
Read MoreThat’s Fresh
I recently went to a web2.0 conference where I was searching out deals to do mobile bling. There, I stopped by the Adobe Photoexpress exhibit where I spoke to a product manager. While giving my pitch to her, I exuberantly told her we could bling photos and send to the phone as they did on…
Read MoreRain
Now that I’ve lived in San Francisco during the rainy season, I have learned about a new type of rain. Most of you aren’t familiar with Carolina Rain, which is a great song by Carolina Rain. Some of the quotes are “rain feels like heaven when the water hits my skin” and “nothing washes my…
Read MoreBYO Chopstix
Did you know that China produces 68Bn disposable chopstix per year? That is roughly 60/person. Most of these are sold to small restaurants implying that the average chinese eat out once out of every 6 days. Hmm, I don’t think KFC uses chopstix nor does McDonalds so that would even increase the number of times…
Read MoreI spent 3 Weeks in Spain in 2008
I went to Spain for 3 Weeks. I’d been to Spain many times but the first was in 2008 when I went to Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla. But I didn’t blog about it :(. If I had kept vlogging then, I’d been famous. But I went back from other events like the Global GSM…
Read MoreAn Ode to Thinking and Throwing
There seems to be an inextricable meditative link between throwing and thinking. This afternoon, Stephen Lee and I tossed a nerf football outside the Scribd office and I felt a cool breeze over my new haircut along with a new and completely untainted flow of thought. Just 2 hours before, we were in heated strategic…
Read MoreHawaii 5.0
From Dec. 9 -13, 2006 I made my first trip to Hawaii. Upon arriving I got my first taste of Hawaiin food. It was a Hawaiian Japanese oBento. It consisted of a box of rice with a full size chicken leg and hot dog on top. This first impression governed my cultural thoughts for the…
Read MoreChinamas vs Christmas
Christmas is a time when all the people in the US scurry around to buy presents for their friends and family. Christmas is the time in China when everyone is working hard to supply the US with all the crap the Americans buy. Chinese New Year’s is the time when the Chinese collect all the…
Read MoreTop 10 Reasons You Know You Lived in China/Asia Too Long
Upon returning to the US, here are the Top 10 Reasons You Know you were in China/Asia too long: 10) You can understand everything that people say around you 9) When crossing the street, you feel uncomfortable because of the lack of speeding cars and bicycles. You wait until a car speeds by and then…
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