Teaching English Overseas

I have been giving this a lot of thought over the past few months and have come to the conclusion that it is time to dive in and go for it. I would prefer to start my work overseas in South Korea but I am looking into South America and Eastern Europe as well.

So I have been reading a lot of forums, and I have found a lot of good information out there. I have even stumbled upon a good blog here and there that give a good idea of what I might experience. I am eager to get the process started so I am preparing my resume and working on getting all the paperwork needed, including a passport.

I am not sure if I have missed the big hiring season or not. I read a lot about many of the jobs having started in August, but then I read about many other jobs starting either later in the year or early 2010. I am going to need a month or two anyway to get all my paperwork processed and in order. So starting either later this year or early 2010 would be perfect. It should be an interesting process none-the-less, and I'll be sure to keep my status updated here on what is happening.

Till next time,
E

9 Must See Baseball Parks

You may be thinking, why nine? Well, nine is baseball. Nine players. Nine Innings. This concept is taken from the Prime 9 show on the MLB Network. It is not intended to be a final list to end all conversation but just the opposite. It is intended to be a list to start conversation. So if you have something to add or delete, let me know what and why.

9. The Ballpark in Arlington: I know. I know. It it really called Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, but the classic name it started out being is one of the best all-time and any Ranger fan, such as I, has never called it anything but. This makes the list not because it is the place I have seen more games than any other, but because of the simplicity, atmosphere, and architecture. Every seat is a good seat to see some great action. During the summer months there is a jet stream going out to rightfield resulting in one of the most offensive stadiums in baseball. That in itself makes it a great place to watch a game, but when you add in the old style architecture with new technology, you have #9 on my list. Oh and don't forget to try a cold Shiner Bock while you are there. It is liquid gold from Texas.

8. Rickwood Field: Where would this list be without the oldest field in the country in Birmingham, AL. Rickwood was built in 1910 and is still in use today. Even though it no longer houses a permanent professional team, the field is used for amateur, semi-pro, and the Rickwood Classic. The Rickwood Classic is a yearly AA game for the Birmingham Barons. Here they celebrate a different era of the Birmingham baseball with a throwback game. This is the best opportunity to experience Rickwood Field and many travel across the country just for the 1 game.

7. Coors Field: Coors Field in Denver, CO offers great views with high octane offense. Again one of the more offensive stadiums due to the high altitude, Coors also offers its patrons a great view of the Rocky Mountains. A row of purple seats in the upper deck mark the mile high line where you can sit and look out onto the beauty of the mountains. Games here during the hot summer months are typically quite pleasant. Due to the altitude the weather cools at night even during the summer offering a great time for all. Be sure to grab some Rocky Mountain Oysters if you dare, and a seat in the Sandlot Brewery, where Blue Moon was invented, is a must before the game.

6. Dodger Stadium: Built in 1962 in Chavez Ravine, Dodger Stadium is the 3rd oldest MLB stadium. This is a classic park with views of LA, the tree-lined hills of Elysian Park and of the San Gabriel Mountains behind the outfield pavilions. A lot of history has taken place here in its 47 years of existence, but if you truly want the LA experience its a must to arrive late and leave early. However, great baseball is to be had on any visit to Dodger Stadium. Passionate Dodger fans are some of the best in the game, and you must not forget to have a famous Dodger Dog before you leave.

5. FirstEnergy Stadium: Home of the Reading Phillies, this park was built in 1951. History abounds here for the Philly fan. Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, and Greg Luzinski all played here along with the current crop of Phillies stars. Too hot for you in the summer to see a game? Then relax in the Eagle Pool Pavilion beyond right field and be sure to catch some pre and post game entertainment at the Classic Harley-Davidson Cafe

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards: Two blocks from the birthplace of perhaps the greatest player of all-time in George Herman "Babe" Ruth (that is a discussion for another day), stands Oriole Park in downtown Baltimore. One of the more picturesque views of a city, Baltimore stands just behind the outfield walls here. A few blocks from the harbor, Camden Yards was the first MLB park to go for the "retro" feel. Be sure to check out Boog Powell's BBQ stand on Eutaw St between the park and the famous B&O Warehouse that left handed hitters take aim at.

3. PNC Park: Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, PNC Park is the 2nd smallest in terms of capacity held. That shouldn't stop you from having an easy time getting tickets as the Pirates, at least for the past 10+ years, have not put contending teams on the field. However, this park is one of the more picturesque. Great views of downtown Pittsburgh abound here. Park and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge, which is in view when looking out of center field. Ticket prices here are some of the lowest in the country for MLB games, and be sure to have a Primanti Brothers sandwich while at the game. They are a Pittsburgh specialty.

1. Fenway Park: Notice there is no #2 on my list. Instead I am going with two #1's for the simple fact that I can not choose between the two. Fenway is the oldest stadium still in use in MLB. Known for its Green Monster in left field, there have been many historic games held here over the past 97 years (it was built in 1912). Many of the games greats have graced this field and it stands as a testament to baseball's staying power in the United States. Packed with history, Pesky's Pole, the Triangle, Williamsburg, and the Lone Red Seat, Fenway is a landmark in itself. Red Sox Nation, as the fans have become known in recent years, are very passionate and will show any fan a good time.

1. Wrigley Field: Home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is another landmark in itself. Built in 1913, it has been the home of the Cubbies since 1916. Known for its ivy covered walls in the outfield, the Friendly Confines is the last Federal League park. The Federal League was the last major attempt of an independent professional league challenging the National and American Leagues in the US. Enough of the history lesson, back to Wrigley. The bleacher bums in the outfield are always fun but the atmosphere is great anywhere in the park. Be sure to check out Wrigleyville before or after a game, and if you can try and catch Wrigley at its finest during the day.

Honorable Mention:
New Yankee Stadium (the old stadium would have made the list but I am cautious with the new one so far.)
Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX - Home of the Round Rock Express
Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, TX - Home of the Frisco Roughriders
Keyspan Park in Brooklyn, NY - Home of the Brooklyn Cyclones
Bright House Field in Clearwater, FL - Home of the Clearwater Threshers
Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, AL - Home of the Montgomery Biscuits
Safeco Field in Seattle, WA - Home of the Seattle Mariners
AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA - Home of the San Fransisco Giants

So that is my 9. What is yours?

Road Trippin' through America's Hearland

It's been awhile since I last posted. I had a great trip to Nashville and Indy visiting with my brother and his family. I had a chance to go to another Jimmy Buffett concert (my 8th), but I did miss out on the Def Leppard concert since it was postponed due to a death in the family of a member of the band.

Saturday was a good day. A nice day for the 6 hour road trip up to Nashville from Florida. Leaving out early allowed me to take a little bit more time on the drive while still making good time. It's a fairly easy drive from here but sadly there isn't a whole lot to soak in. That night some friends of my brother came over and we had a good dinner. My brother grilled some kabobs which were fantastic, but the main thrill of the night was the appetizer. Whitewings were the call of the night. For those who have never had them, or even heard of them, it is a popular dish from a Mexican food restaurant where we grew up in Central Texas. It is a chicken breast stuffed with Jack cheese and jalapenos wrapped in bacon and grilled. When done right they are little round balls of greatness, and my brother did a bang up job. Anyone interested can find a recipe here. They are worth trying. The rest of the night was spent on the back patio drinking beer, talking, and listening to a live Jimmy Buffett concert in the background. All in all it was a great day which just happened to be my 33rd birthday. I enjoyed a birthday that was low key with no fuss.

Sunday morning brought a day at the lake on my brother's pontoon boat. I live by the beach but prefer the lake in many ways. I enjoy being able to go out on a boat and just chill. Swim if you want, or hang out with a cold beverage and soak in the sun. J. Percy Priest lake was a lot of fun that day, and it just so happened to be a nice sunny day. Conditions were perfect to be out on the lake with friends and family.

Monday brought in some heat and a chance for me to tour a few of the Civil War sites south of Nashville. The Battle of Franklin was a very bloody affair that is often overlooked even though it was the beginning of the end for the Army of Tennessee. I toured the Carter House which was the site of a major portion of the battle. Here the Confederates broke through the Union line and a large hand-to-hand battle broke out. Our tour guide Alan did a great job. He really gave you a good sense of what went on that day and the horror that the men fought in that horrible day. The Civil War has always fascinated me and one day soon I hope to visit more sites, especially Gettysburg.

Tuesday morning saw my brother and I head out for Indianapolis for the concert that night. I was excited to get a chance to drive through two states I had never visited in Kentucky and Indiana. Kentucky was gorgeous with the rolling hills full of trees. I really enjoyed the ride and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Louisville. We stopped here just before lunch to tour the Louisville Slugger factory and museum. I am sort of a baseball nut and anything baseball related gets me excited. The tour was short but impressive and after watching bats for Carl Crawford being made, we exited to check out the museum portion. Of course the main attraction here are bats from throughout history. The bat Hank Aarron hit #700 with was on display among many others. A bat Babe Ruth used in 1927, with which he hit 21 HRs with, was on display, and i even got the chance to hold a bat used by Mickey Mantle. It was a great time and I enjoyed it immensely. While waiting for a bat to be engraved with my brother's son's name, we sought out lunch in downtown Louisville. Both of us were surprised how much we enjoyed the city. From the architecture, to the riverfront, to the art around on the streets we really enjoyed it. We only got to see a few blocks but I was intrigued enough to want to go back for more.

After our time in Louisville was up, we were back in the car for the ride to Indy. Indiana left more to be desired but we did only see a small portion of it. We arrived at the hotel, which was within walking distance to the concert and after grabbing a bit to eat for dinner at 5 Brother's, which might not have been the best idea to eat a gut bomb before the concert, we headed to the hotel bar to meet a friend of my brothers who lived nearby. After a few drinks it was time to head to the show. I was excited and feeling good by this time but soon the weather would change. About 30 minutes before the show began the sky opened up and poured down rain for a good 30 minutes. At this point I didn't care and embraced it as a story to tell. We sat through another great show, we had both seen him once already this year. Soaked from the rain we listened to all our favorites and even go to hear a new song. Jimmy covered the Beatles Rocky Raccoon, which happens to be one of my all-time favorite songs let along one of my favorite Beatles songs. I was thrilled about this and even though Jimmy did a so-so job, he doesn't always do the best covers, it was great to hear.

It turned out to be a long but fun-filled trip. A couple days later I was back home in Florida ready for another road trip. My next one might have to wait a little while but you never know when the opportunity will strike. Lately I have been working on building a new site. I am still working on the design and even the name but hope to have it out and live in due time. I recently purchased an ebook on how to make money with a travel blog and it has really opened my eyes. I was not aware of a lot of what was in the book so I think it will be very helpful. Soon I will give a full review which might be helpful for others who are in the same boat as me. I have computer knowledge but not necessarily the knowledge needed to bring in viewers and money from a site. So look for that and my new site hopefully coming soon. As soon as I nail down a name I'll announce it here.

Till next time,
E

Roadtrip to Nashville and Indianapolis

Tomorrow I am headed for Nashville on a little roadtrip. I am going to visit my brother and his family while taking in a few concerts along the way. It has been awhile since I have been up to Nashville so I am looking forward to it.

Monday night is Def Leppard, Poison, and Cheap Trick in Nashville. During the day I am looking forward to taking in some Civil War sites in Franklin and Spring Hill. A small battle occurred at Spring Hill but a bigger battle in the War of Northern Agression (as it is known in many parts of the south) happened in Franklin. I am really looking forward to seeing the sites. The Civil War time is one of my favorites.

Tuesday my brother and I are headed up to Indianapolis to see Jimmy Buffett. This will be my 2nd Jimmy concert of the year and I am really looking forward to it. He always puts on a great show. I have never been to Indianapolis so I am looking forward to seeing it. Plus the drive through Kentucky should be very nice. Roadtrips are always fun, especially when you are headed somewhere you have never been. Maybe on the way back, depending on how we feel after 2 straight nights of concerts, we might stop over in Louisville to see the Louisville Slugger museum. That will all be time dependent however.

So it should be a fun trip and I hope to bring back some good pictures. I am working on learning my camera better in order to take black and white photos. It seems I can only do it in manual mode so I am trying to figure out the right settings in order to make better pictures.

Tomorrow I turn 33. Perhaps it is a bit of mid-life crisis but I am feeling the need to travel more nad more now. I have been married once already and before I ever do anything like that again, I want to get out and see the world. There are too many dreams I have and I want to try and fulfill them, at least some of them, before I pass on.

I'll be back next week after my trip to bring you a trip report and some good pictures.
Till then,
E

A New World Map and Niche Ideas

I recently received my wall map of the world. It is nice to have by the computer as I am looking at different destinations. This way I can easily see where the area is that I am looking at. I feel it will come in handy as I continue to plan my trip. I really like how it is laminated so I can use a dry erase marker on it to help plan my destinations.

I have had a list of things I want to see sportswise for a long time. However, Kirsty, also known as Nerdy Nomad, has given me an idea for my travels. I am working on a list of things I want to see/do while I travel. So far I am up to 33 but plan on doing 100. Kirsty has a great blog that I have followed for some time. She has traveled for over a year and a half and works online while traveling. She has some good stories and some great tips on working while traveling so check it out.

Kirsty also had a recent post on becoming number 1 in a niche online for your website. This was something I never thought of, but it makes a lot of sense. I would eventually like to turn out a website that helps fund my travels abroad, so I am doing more and more research on it. Eventually I plan to release my idea for my personal niche that I will one day own online. Since I am a huge history and baseball fan, I am leaning toward something that incorporates one of these passions in my website. Or perhaps I will expand a little and turn my baseball passion into a general sports site, as I do love just about any sort of sport. It's just one of many ideas I am tossing around.

That is all for now. The sun has broken out between the dark rain clouds and I want to take in some sun before the rain returns.

Till next time,
E