Blog Archives
Where Am I?
The sun is shining, with gorgeous views,
the water glistens and sparkles, with a hue so blue
Then all of a sudden, a torrential storm will pop-up,
raining enough to fill more than one shaking cup
Detached from the daily grind it is, an envious trait,
be sure to apply sunscreen and bring along some bait
But beware of the sharks, as well as this dangerous park,
their footprints leave terrifying, scream-worthy marks
Don’t think so literally, let your imagination sway,
now take a deep breath and enjoy your playful lay by the bay!
I am in…
Kaua’i!
Used for filming the 1993 cinematic masterpiece Jurassic Park and scenes in the 2015 box office champion Jurassic World, Kaua’i is a breathtakingly beautiful destination, with or without genetically-engineered dinosaurs. As one of the Hawaiian islands, it’s a spectacular place to vacation. Allowing the sights and sounds to overwhelm you is a well worth the price of the airline ticket and journey to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
(Kauai Landmark Realty)
(Courtyard Kaua’i at Coconut Beach)
Aside from Jurassic Park, Kaua’i is also where my family and I met Pierce Brosnan waiting in line at a local lunch spot! And yes, he was 007-level cool. Hawaii is a special place for me, and this island in particular. It’s been a wonderful destination and the halfway point in flying to Australia. Just simply incredible.
And Kaua’i is where I am so often when daydreaming…
Strength in the Unknown
Christmas and New Years in Ohio is a bit unusual…for me, anyways.
For around 20 years, my family would travel abroad and vacation for about 2 weeks in incredible destinations overseas. The locations were breathtakingly wonderful and unforgettable. The memories I have from these trips made an impression on me that have been defining, to say the least. However (as explained in a previous blog post), marriages and children halted the “Lentz 5” adventures and instead created new family vacation traditions. Still, there is a one spot that will always generate a unique and special remembrance: Thailand.
Back in 2004, a tsunami devastated Thailand, as well as surrounding areas bordered by the Indian Ocean. It was a natural disaster of epic proportions. Hell on Earth. Yet, people (tourists and locals alike) rallied together to survive, for themselves and complete strangers. These powerfully amazing acts of kindness and heroism have resonated with me because that tsunami very easily could have hit a resort like the ones we’ve stayed at in areas practically identical to the one featured in the 2013 movie, The Impossible. This film is all too real when it comes to the beautiful beaches and land of Thailand and generosity of the Thai people and fellow vacationers. I recommend people see it, but there are some difficult scenes to watch, just as an FYI. And as actress Naomi Watts has said, the events in the movie are stunningly accurate. This is because the family at the center of the film really experienced what is shown in the movie.
This time of year reminds me of my epic family trips (like Thailand), the Christmas spirit and the hope and magnanimity from people all around the world in anticipation for the new year. The Impossible, despite its devastatingly raw realities, needed to be made. And, thankfully, it was.
Don’t simply think of the impossible, but find a way to be the impossible to yourself and others.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 