http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz Too many places, not enough time (or paid vacation)... Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:38:03 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Well, it's been a year since our last post and a lot has happened since then.  Shelly and I finally decided to settle down and start a family.  On May 28, 2009 Shelly gave birth to our daughter, Gabrielle (Gabi) Kurtz.  Her name, and the implied disposition, could not be ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/trinidad-and-tobago.html Shelly at the Caye Caulker terminal, reminds me of customs at the Delhi, India airport... It's an understatement to say Belize was relaxing.  With caye mottos like "go slow" and "no shoes, no shirt, no problem", our fast paced, city style came to a screeching halt when we stepped foot off ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/caye-caulker-belize.html The last time I posted, Shelly and I were in the Tokyo International Airport catching our final flight home from our Round the World trip.  Even to this day, we're reminded how much fun 12 different countries and cultures can be.  People always ask "what was your favorite part of ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/belize-here-we-come.html It's hard to believe, but this is our last post from "the field".  98 days and 12 countries later, Shelly and I are at the Tokyo airport about to catch our flight home.  We've enjoyed a week of wonderful weather and experiences in Tokyo and Kyoto.  But, I think Japan is ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/kyoto-japan.html Our timing was perfect for a stop in Japan.  We arrived on March 31st, just in time for the daytime highs to reach 60 degrees and the cherry blossoms to be in full bloom.  Our friends from Seattle, Josh and Shelly, were also in town for a wedding so we've been able to spend a ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/tokyo-japan.html   After 5 days in Beijing, we arrived into Tokyo yesterday for the last leg of our international adventure.  Being in Beijing during this time of Olympic preparation was a very unique experience.  The National Stadium or "Bird's Nest" and Aquatic Center - both are still under construction for this summer's Olympics.   We really enjoyed our time in ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/beijing-china.html   Hong Kong is about the coolest city on Earth.  From the public subway system to the shops and local attractions, everything is nice and state-of-the-art.  One of my co-workers ("hi" Donna) has talked many times before about Hong Kong and I never understood the appeal until after having experienced it.  And any ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/hong-kong-china.html   This is Shelly, reporting in for the country wrap-up.   After 3 weeks relaxing in Thailand, we finally had to say goodbye to the "Land of a Thousand Smiles" as it is popularly known.  We spent our last two nights in Bangkok before bidding farewell to our friendly travel partners, Billy & Tri.  After a ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/a-thai-goodbye.html Sometimes the most fun can be had at the most unexpected places.  A few days ago, Shelly, Billy, Tri and I decided to spend a day golfing at one of Chiang Mai's local courses and it was one of the best times we've had in Thailand.  We arrived at Royal Chiang Mai Golf Course around 11:59 a.m., just ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/chiang-mai-thailand-2.html Well, it's been a week since our last post and a week since Billy and Tri arrived... coincidence, I think not.  We've spent the past week lounging on the beaches in Ko Samui and experiencing the wonderful sights of Chiang Mai.  We are all doing well and are about to depart our hotel ... http://blogs.bootsnall.com/Nate-Kurtz/chiang-mai-thailand.html