I happen to have been invited to attend a very special Cisco Systems awards banquet during which Pat Monahan (lead singer of the Grammy winning band Train) did a private concert for the roughly 400 people in attendance. Seeing how I was sitting 10 feet from Pat and I happened to have my little camera with me I filmed a couple of songs (hope you don’t mind my sharing this one Pat!).

Now, before you get to watch the video I have to share the funny story behind the video. Seal was originally scheduled to perform at this event, but one day before he called in sick. It just so happens that Pat was on his honeymoon one island over on Maui, and somehow the event organizers managed to talk him into taking a break from his new wife to entertain this group. Clearly the only reason for someone to do this would be because he’s just a nice guy and willing to help out in a crisis. Thanks Pat!
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During my recent stay at the Four Seasons Resort on the island of Lana’i, I had the opportunity to spend a little time with a small group getting personal instruction on the art of the Mai Tai from none other than the Four Seasons’ head Beverage Manager, Mike.

He was kind enough to allow me to film his lecture, though I don’t imagine he had any idea that tens of thousands of people might be watching it in the next week or so! Anyway, this is a fantastic drink and if you study up and make it for your friends you’ll be a rock star!
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While vacationing in Lanai one of the activities I chose to partake in was horseback riding. Although I stayed at the Four Seasons Resort at Manele Bay, the sister property, Four Seasons Lodge at Koele, offers a full featured equestrian center called The Stables at Koele.

The Stables (tel. 808/565-4424) offer various rides, including group rides which they describe as “a slow, gentle walk”, starting at $65 for a 1 1/2-hour trip. The good news is that it was “slow”. The bad news is that it was not “gentle”.
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During my recent trip to Lanai, Hawaii we stayed at the Five Star Four Seasons Resort Lana’i at Manele Bay (View in Google Earth. What is Google Earth?) where each of the 249 suites average 700 square feet and feature private balconies, original artwork, and marble baths.

This hotel is expensive. The kind where if you have to ask how much, you probably don’t want to know. In fact, Maui Revealed says:

You’ll be forgiven if you start to wonder if Lana’i is the Hawaiian word for, “It costs how much”

So the question is, is it worth it?
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I began my two week vacation to the Hawaiian Islands on Monday. During the trip I’ll be visiting Lanai, Maui and The Big Island with reviews, photos and even a few videos to follow. So, if you’re stuck at work for the next two weeks but would like to take a virtual vaction, feel free to live vicariously through my travels.

I arrived at DFW airport a bit early, so since there was time to kill I did it in the travel lounge. Terminal D has every airline lounge imaginable, so being a member of the Priority Pass program I stopped by the club for some refreshments and relaxation.

The lounge in terminal D is quite nice with lots of free snacks, drinks, and good work space. There were only a couple of other people in the club at the time so it was very quite. It also had some great views of the runway and airplanes, and I snapped this shot from the club.
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