Well, hello there. Thanks for my checking out my blog. I see you are curious of my background and/or what I am all about. Well I’ll do my best to draw as complete a picture I can for you without going on for too much length at any one point. Let’s start with my origins:

PERSONAL PROFILE

I was born in Montclair, NJ in 1978 which is in Northern New Jersey not far out from New York City. In fact you can see the NYC skyline from many high points in the area. My parents are of Italian (father) and Irish (mother) descent. I have two older brothers and a younger sister. I did not take well to school early on and was almost held back a few times. I only mention it because this is something that had an impact on me. Consequently, I did very well academically in high school and held several leadership positions. I attended St. Benedict’s Preparatory school in Newark, NJ. The student body is predominately African American with a strong percentage of Hispanic students as well. I can write quite a bit about the impact this had on me as a short, shy, suburban white boy, but we don’t have the time here. Let it suffice for now to say that I very much enjoyed my time there and am very proud to be a product of the school.

From there I studied at Boston College, a school I choose because of the academic reputation, the influence of the Jesuits, and the close proximity to the city of Boston. I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology in 2000 and also obtained a Master’s Degree in Administrative Studies in 2004. I’ve stayed in Boston ever since working in Securities Finance in downtown. Now to discuss my passions:

PASSIONS/HOBBIES

I choose to focus this blog on my love for motorcycle touring, but there are many activities/pursuits I find fulfilling. In no particular order I include the following among my favorite pastime activities:

Cooking

Raised with Italian relatives I grew an early appreciation for food. Namely, it’s connection to culture and its importance to family gatherings. I developed an innate ability to cook in my mid-twenties much to my own surprise.

Photography

My interest in photography grew from traveling and taking pictures and expanded into a love for the act itself. I have been told I take a good shot and I have to admit I do enjoy framing the scene just right into the photo.

Sociology

My pursuit of understanding society through engaging people in conversation to gain an appreciation of their perspective on life.

Backpacking

The big one, this passion has been an awakening from start to present. There are few things I find in life more fulfilling than traveling and discovering a new culture. It really just seems to feed all my other passions so perfectly. Once I discovered I could hop from city to city through a network of hostels meeting companions along the way, I’ve never looked back.

Cities I’ve globe-trotted: (hopefully have maps soon to replace the below)

In U.S (see also below for tour cities): Denver, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco

In Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin, Bruges, Brussels, Dublin, Cinque Terre, Florence, Lyon, Munich, Nice, Paris, Prague, Rome, Strasbourg, and Vienna

In Asia: Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Phuket, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo,

Motorcycle Touring

The main event, it all started on my 30th birthday in Phuket, Thailand. I rented a scooter, and scooted around the Island with much delight. When I returned to the States, I told all my friends I was getting a scooter and they promptly said no you’re not. How quickly I was reminded the stigma scooters carry here. Soon enough I realized a motorcycle would allow me to do what I do in other countries here at home. Namely, strap a bunch of gear and minimal clothing to my carrier and head out into the world. It also spoke to me because I enjoy the challenge and spontaneity of backpacking. I find that touring by motorcycle commands it’s own set of excitement and travel lessons. I choose to focus on this for the blog because it is the latest manifestation of my obsession with exploring the world around me. Also, people generally think motorcycles are cool, and/or sexy, and/or dangerous and/or that they just rock. And they’re absolutely right on all accounts.

Cities I’ve ridden to: (also hopefully have maps soon with routes outlined)

In U.S.: Asheville, NC , Atlanta, Atlantic beach, NC, Baltimore, Bethel, ME, Buffalo, Burlington, VT,   Charleston, SC, Columbus, OH, Harper’s Ferry, WV, Harrisburg PA, Indianapolis, Nashville, New York City , Niagara Falls, NY, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, MO, Thomas, WV, Virginia Beach, VA, and Washington, D.C

In Canada: Montreal, Mont Tremblant, Ottawa, Toronto, and Quebec City

If you have any questions you can reach me at: destinationroadscape@yahoo.com.