Coast to Coast (part 3)

A roadtrip from New Orleans to Las Vegas was on the agenda this week, another wonderful experience on endless pieces of tarmac through different landscapes and fabulous cities.

With highlights as the amazing Grand Canyon and crazy Las Vegas, It was another eventful week but I have to say I enjoyed all the lesser known locations just as well. This is America at its best. It really gives an idea of the vastness of this country.

Miles and miles of nothing, and after every stop I felt I didn’t stayed long enough. It’s like crossing an ocean but then on land. Time to think, and then more time to think. Time to listen to some great music, time to listen to the sound of a howling V8. Awesome…..

Coast to Coast (part 2)

After visiting Washington finally a bit of driving to do towards my next destination: Chicago. 700 miles to get a real feeling of what my rent-a-car can do.

It was my first time in The Windy City, and although I didn’t stay long, I enjoyed it a lot. I quickly had to be on my way southbound for an On Track Experience at the Brickyard, aka the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  The Single Seater drive was fantastic but Two Seater was really awesome. What a breathtaking experience.

Then again a nice bit of driving going through St. Louis (I had to see the Gateway Arch), Memphis (Graceland) and finally New Orleans. Not just a drive along the mighty Mississippi, but also a drive from the Blues and the Soul towards the Jazz.

As a music lover this was a truly unforgettable road trip, visiting great cities, meeting wonderful people and hearing fantastic music.

Coast to Coast (part 1)

After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the next project is to cross the United States. Unlike the cruise I won’t use the shortest route. My companion, thanks to a special Hertz Adrenaline Collection-treatment is a brand new Corvette Stingray. With 460 horsepower V8, 0 tot 60 in 3.8 seconds, it should be enough to propel me across the continent.

But not without visiting interesting places on the way. And what better place to start than the wonderful New England area around Boston. Traditional Irish pubs, inspiring visits to the worlds best universities (Yale, Harvard, MIT) and beautiful views on the Ocean under a nice Indian Summer sun.

Next destination: New York. As mentioned before, one of my favourite cities in the world. I’ve been there before but there’s always so much to do. A show in “The Garden”, Helicopter Tour, Yankee game while staying at the Waldorf Astoria (not that special, but just to check if off the list).

Through the madness of Atlantic City I arrived in Washington, for a long awaited visit of the Smithsonian Institute. To lay my eyes on the Spirit of St. Louis was a very special moment for me, but doesn’t do justice to the rest of the collection. 

Only disappointed on this trip so far is not being able to stay a night at 1600, Pennsylvania Avenue. Even my black Amex doesn’t manage to do that……..

Container Cruise

In a past life, I must have been a sailor. I have always been attracted by the vastness of the sea. To hop on a small sailing boat would probably be the best way to experience the same thrills these days, but I didn’t do that (although that will happen one day for sure). Instead, I was a (paying) passenger on a huge container cargo ship. 

Despite being close to 300 metres long, it was tiny compare to the ocean. And for 6 full days (and nights) that’s all there was, lots of ocean all around (and underneath).

Boring? Not for a second. The ocean looks different each hour of each day.  Relaxing? Absolutely. With no internet, no TV or radio you have plenty of time to read, think and sleep. Especially, and this is one of the best parts, because there are 25 hours in a day.

My trip went from Bremerhaven in Germany to Boston, USA. Due to the time difference between these 2 cities and the length of the trip you get a bonus hour each day. If you never have enough time for all the projects you would like to do, like me, this is the solution.

Completely revitalized and full of energy I set foot on shore, ready for the next part of my ‘voyage’.

American Express ‘Black’ Card

My recent lifestyle would be hard work….. if I didn’t have an American Express ‘Black’ Card or Centurion Card as is its official name. This little piece of titanium (I kid you not) makes all the difference.

Not only there doesn’t seem to be a spending limit (and God knows I’ve tried), but you get upgrades on flights, rental cars and hotels as well. The best bits though, are the dedicated concierge and travel agent. 

Just a phone call is all it takes to have anything organized for you. Holidays, sports games, shows, restaurants, you name it. The service is sublime and makes you feel very special indeed. It really provides worldwide access to the inaccessible……