For The Weekenders: Cashmere Nights, Bali Penthouses, Japan By Rail – 007 Style…

Though I normally don’t delve into politics in this blog, I will take the opportunity to tie them into this week’s For The Weekenders post.

Considering all the shittiness that’s ensued and been encouraged since last year due to either apathy or just pure hatred (read: stupidity), sometimes the more sensible among us just need to travel to other lands to remind ourselves that no, the entire world isn’t like that and yes, politicians are not exempt from being considered, or just being for that matter – ‘bat shit crazy’.

Here’s a few places to put the human back into humanity and nurture back into…nature.

For The Weekenders:
Cashmere Nights, Bali Penthouses, Japan By Rail – 007 Style…

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Winter.

One of those seasons where all you want is hot chocolate, hot saunas, and hot people to wrap your arms around because, “baby, it’s cold outside“.

Wait for it…there’s a girl version too (…don’tgettriggered…)

Yes indeed, the perfect time for appreciating all the cozy comforts in life. Fireplaces, plush sofas, and cashmere covers.

Speaking of – if there’s one thing I like more than cashmere cardigans and pullovers – it’s cashmere covers. Il Fieniletto delivers just that, and more, near Alta Badia in the Dolomite mountains of Italy.

This 9 bedroom, 9 bath villa is the perfect excuse for when you need a break from it all. Grab some friends (up to 17 of them) and a play date, charter a flight over, and from there go wild. If you have no clue where to start, here’s an idea…

Take the day off and make sure you’re on emergency call only. “Emergency” being defined as an alien invasion, earth’s sudden teleportation to another galaxy, or your great, great grandma’s untimely passing (knowing full well, she already has).

Charter a flight with AeroPrivateJet – try the Bombardier Global 7000, or perhaps the Embraer Legacy 650E (you’ll have to cut 5 friends from the group with this one). Grab your bags, some cash, and your special someone before meeting up with your friends and hopping on board.

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Them: “So…so are private jets our thing now?” You: “…did you not grasp that from the context?”

Land at Venice Marco Polo Airport and take in the sights for a couple of days, before venturing out to Cortina (where your private, freshly rented villa Il Fieniletto is).

You’ll have a lot of rooms to choose from. A lot. I recommend bedroom #3 on the ground floor, or bedroom #2 on the upper level in the Mansarda (which is really just a fancy way of saying “attic” – but don’t worry, this attic is fancy).

Whichever room you choose, all of the bedrooms have sexy, cozy, cashmere (or fur) covers atop of sexy, cool linen bedding, for you to rest your (hopefully) sexy, athletic bodies.

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Athleticism is important. Because after all, you’re in a ski resort area – so I’d like to assume you’ll be skiing snowboarding.

There’s also an elevator (or, “lift”), so you don’t have to worry about carrying your special someone’s luggage up or down a set of stairs (good help is so hard to find these days).

Speaking of help, there’s a live-in cleaner, cook, and wonderful little butler available at your beck and call (just don’t ring any bells at them – I am beyond confident you will get slapped).

One of the three can take care of some shopping for you if you feel like being lazy, or if you’re in the middle of impressing that date you brought along as you shred out some romantic song on the ukulele you packed.

The villa can have certain sections of it closed off, to ensure privacy for those intimate moments, or when you just don’t feel like hearing the chatter of everyone that you invited.

When you feel like relaxing to take the edge off from the jet lag, shuffle down to the lower level of Il Fieniletto and indulge in the heated pool, sauna, or hydro-massage options available.

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Once you get sick of being inside and need some fresh air, explore the surrounding area. If you still don’t know where to start, pick up a few Dolomiti SuperSki passes, so you no longer have an excuse to be bored (who needs Swiss alps when you have Italian?).

You’ll have access to the Sella Ronda ski tour, which when done correctly turns into a 2 day activity…well worthy of a cocktail party story, or at least a custom-made coffee table book.

But let’s say you’ve already satisfied that winter sports urge. Or let’s just say you’re not a fan of cold weather.

Then Bali is your next choice – but if you’re going to Bali, you better do it right, because dammit it’s Bali.

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If you’re a fun in the sun, surf and sand, fall asleep after a good swim type of person, Como Uma Canggu is probably more your taste. So here’s how it can go down…

You’ll charter a flight from wherever you are to Ngurah Rai International Airport. Then it’s a 60-minute car ride from there to Uma Canggu, which Como can arrange for you, if you’re feeling lazy.

Or, see if you can shave those numbers down with a helicopter ride, if you’re feeling impatient.

You’ll also book the accommodation of your choice.

You’ve got a fair few options…but my guess is the first thing that’ll pique your curiosity is the penthouse – there’s 12 of them, and they don’t disappoint.

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With 3 bedrooms, a living room, ocean views for miles from your own balcony, and an outdoor rooftop pool, you’ll feel like you’re in a home away from home when your bags hit the floor.

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You: Ugh…that chopper ride over was *exhausting* Play date: …it was way under an hour. You: Well, Mary, sometimes it’s exhausting being awesome. Play Date: It’s not that exh- You: *glare* Play Date: ….

Each penthouse comes with it’s own wonderful butler who can make your stay more comfortable, rain showers, and a wireless surround sound system so you can play this across the place when you’re having your morning coffee as you stare out at the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean…

…coffee in one hand, arm around a sexy someone in the other.

If you’re not feeling as elaborate, or feel like doing things yourself without the help of your own private butler, opt for the Uma Pool Residences or a suite instead. They’ve got plenty to offer and are just as comfortable. I recommend the Batu Mejan Suite.

Obviously you won’t want to be stuck inside all day (or do you?) so you’ll have to figure out what to do outside of your suite penthouse.

After some coffee and breakfast, you’ll wanna start things off right.

If you’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard, now’s a good time to use that as an excuse and go for a Balinese Spice Body Mask, and refresh those tired muscles.

No, it’s not just for women or the modern gay man. Muscles get tired and hey, last time I checked, you’re no Clark Kent.

Once you’re all loosened up, book a surfing excursion with a private guide and hang ten. You’ll be able to check out Bali’s best spots for some good waves with a private car hire for about 10 hours.

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After a long day of surfing, you’ll probably be ready to wind down and grab some more food.

While I could suggest you check out the Como Beach Club, I’d say now’s the perfect time to do some exploring yourself – have a stroll around the local area and see what’s good.

If you’ve brought friends along, head back to your penthouse and live it up with some late night swimming, drinks, 24 hour room service, and your own private party, while rocking out.

My guess is, you’ll be staying here a couple of days so feel free to check out what else they’ve got available and go from there. There’s really no wrong answer here.

If you’re not into villas or penthouses though, don’t worry. There’s something for everyone in this For The Weekenders.

Maybe you’re one of those people who always feel more comfortable being perpetually on the road.

Or tracks.

Your choice.

If you’re up for feeling a little like James Bond in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, or Spectre (that man’s been on a lot of trains), and so happen to be a train enthusiast, then Train Suite Shiki-Shima is for you.

Ahh…Japan.

It’s the one place for me, where travelling by rail is comfortable and memorable.

And let’s be honest – nothing’s more memorable than having your own deluxe suite in a train that’s built like a hotel on…rail wheels.

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So this is what you’ll do…

Book a 4-day, 3-night trip for this year.

This thing sells out fast so plan for the future, amigo.

Hop a jet to Narita International Airport. Let’s throw a little healthy competition in the mix – try out Apollo Jets this time. Then grab a private car (or if you’re feeling like regular people, and really a train enthusiast, a fast train) into Tokyo.

All you really need are your bags and a play date – the rest is taken care of. Make your way to Ueno Station, because this is where you’ll be departing.

Lounge for a bit at Prologue Shiki-Shima – a wonderful thing of a place that gives you a taste of what the train ride will be like before boarding.

Then prepare yourself for the epic journey that follows through the north-eastern region of Japan. Epic is an understatement.

Better bring your best DSLR/SLR, because you’ll have the chance to capture plenty of memorable shots when visiting the plethora of different stations, checking out unique to Japan accommodation, and trying some serious local cuisine from both on and off the train.

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Like this Inn tucked away in a forest, at Zaborin.

Even with all that, travelling by train may get a little tiring. When going from station to station, you may want to relax a bit.

So opt for either the Shiki-Shima or Deluxe Suites. There’s something about your own Japanese soaking tub or fireplace that just makes the experience that much more desirable.

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Once you’re refreshed and ready, feel free to saunter over to the observatory car, before heading to the lounge after a nice meal on board, while waiting for your arrival at the next station.

Travelling by train just got easier.

As always…

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™

For The Weekenders: Cashmere Nights, Bali Penthouses, Japan By Rail – 007 Style… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

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Musings Episode 57: Read The Air…

Not sure if anyone’s heard this expression, slightly similar to “read between the lines.” I touched briefly on it several episodic musings ago, a little something I picked up in Asia. Thought I’d elaborate once more on it here. Enjoy.

Musings Episode 57: Read The Air…

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There’s certain points in conversation where an exchange happens, and either both or one of the parties wanna say something but refrain slightly from doing so – and instead just sort of “dance” around the subject.

Personally, I prefer to talk straight (note, this does not mean “talking without thinking first”), but sometimes this type of thinking isn’t always appropriate for every single situation. This is where learning to appreciate reading the air comes in handy. Don’t get me wrong – reading the air has some serious negatives, too – but at times and in certain situations, it can be highly beneficial (business is not one of them though).

I remember my days back in uni studying International Business and Asia Pacific Studies – this was shortly after returning from Japan – they were discussing just what “reading the air” meant.

Simply put, it’s like saying something without actually saying it, but the implication’s there with as few words as possible. It’s about reading the atmosphere, and knowing what (or what not) to say next. It’s just something you’ve gotta pick up on. It’s pretty helpful because it can spare embarrassment.

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So why the heck am I writing about this on a Musings Episode? It’s just one of those thoughts I had to get on paper…or computer screen, guess you could say.

It’s something that would benefit the Western culture greatly if they learned how to use it, as it teaches a person how to be tactful and not sound so presumptuous…or assinine, for that matter.

I’d say the trait is more in Americans, BUT, coming from an English background as well there’s been more than a fair share of people I’ve wanted to say “sod off” too as well.

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Reading the air can tie into not letting your brother turn “red in the face.” It’s a really core part of Japanese culture and something that you never fully master – some may call it “passive.” Yeah, it’s got some tendencies of “don’t rock the boat,” but really it can boil down to sparing someone’s feelings as well (hence the “red in the face” expression).

Although Chinese culture is on a whole different level (right down to the way they ask you to open a window) when it comes to indirect communication, the same way kids in primary school out here are being taught Mandarin, because this is turning into a global economy and has been one for a while now, it’d be really beneficial if the generation of today were taught key cultural “quirks” like these.

It’s not asking much either, really. The same way Western culture has its sarcasm, highly innuendo-ish humor, and cliches, picking up how to understand what someone’s saying without a plethora of words could balance the entirety of a lot of people’s social skills to say the least.

Tomorrow I’ll be elaborating on a few quick tips on exactly how to start reading the air.

Just a little Sunday food for thought. Wanna share your opinion? Comment below.

Hope everyone’s having a great morning. 😉

As always…

Stay awesome.

– Rego

Improve Your Lifestyle. Improve Yourself. This is Life. This is Rego’s Life.™

Musings Episode 57: Read The Air… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

 

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For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 2

Alright…! Recharged and ready to go, welcome to the second part of For The Weekenders: J-Land Part 2.

I remember on one of my visits to Japan going to see the Statue of Liberty

Wait – what…? Statue of Liberty….? Well, it’s definitely possible, and can be seen in a little place called Odaiba.

What and where, is Odaiba you ask…? Odaiba is a large, unique, artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, across the rainbow bridge from Tokyo…Grab a water bus from Hinode Pier to get there, just a short walking distance from Hamamatsucho station on the Yamanote line, and take in the sights as you leisurely cruise your way over.

Initially being built for defensive purposes, Odaiba is now more of a place full of attractions and shops, including Burberry, an arcade that houses all the usual favorites like racing and fighting games, food, and a car theme park.

Being an enthusiast of automobiles, naturally Toyota Mega Web is the first place I went…they have a museum of cars from past decades….

minolta toyota car

As seen in Gran Turismo 4…

….oh, and did I mention you can test drive cars on an actual track and try out the simulators that actually act how a car would if you crash…?

simulator

Yeah.

Check it out here now. It’s one place you won’t want to pass up. Be sure to take plenty of pictures, a stroll on the boardwalk, grab an umbrella from Burberry, and hit up the food court for some seriously delicious items such as these:

Fucking. Yum.

There’s loads more to do, but I’ll leave the rest to you to discover.

Feeling a bit upper class and wanting to see Tokyo, also known as The Metropolis from a bird’s eye view? Then it’s time for you to check it out from a ¥90,000 yen view (roughly $900), with Excel Air.

Charter a helicopter from them, grab about four or five of your closest friends…heck….ditch the friends and bring a date…and prepare to take a look at this breathtaking city day or night….and in my book, the only way to travel is to make it memorable.

I'll go with sunset...

I’ll go with sunset…

I’ve known some guys to take girls on things like this during White Day in Japan (a holiday in March where a man gets the opportunity to show mutual affection for a woman who’s given him chocolates/gifts on Valentine’s Day the month prior). If this doesn’t make you want to get your pilot’s license, I don’t know what will.

An experience of a lifetime, tours leave from Urayasu Heliport near Maihama station on the JR Keiyou line.

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No trip to Japan would be complete without ramen. I know, I know, common, well known, most talked about food…but it’s not just about eating the ramen…it’s about discovering, the best, most memorable ramen known to mankind. There are many shops – few that are remembered.

I myself like to find the smallest, most whole in the wall type place – you know, the type where the front door on a cold winter day is a big plastic “sheet” for a wall…sit down, look at the few selections they have, and order. I usually wait for the chef to bring it over, and being a foreigner he waits to see just what I think of it and how well I can actually eat it (there’s a certain skill that’s developed – no forks here folks). Slurping is a GOOD thing…no slurpy, equals a pissed off and insulted chef. So slurp, slurp away my friends and gain respect.

Impressed with each other, I usually leave stomach full, taste buds content, and the guy across the counter usually shoots a firm but warm smile my way as he hears “gochisousamadeshita” as I shuffle out hand in the air as a goodbye.

Ahh, Japan…

– Rego

For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 2 is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 1

This afternoon I was going through my book collection and came across what I would call my nightlife bible, when I was living in Tokyo…and then I had the idea to share it with you all. So for this For The Weekenders guide, I figured I would share, a few of the most memorable, entertaining, and unforgettable spots I’ve been to and stayed at. Best part is you can find out more info on most of them if you pick up any Time Out Tokyo book. Enjoy.

Ageha. I remember the days when I used to be really into clubbing…though still fun, I’ve switched to more low key and slightly upgraded venues of entertainment. Not at all saying however that places like Ageha aren’t worth your while. At that time, being extremely interested in music (back in my DJing days), a group of people who I had become close friends with invited me out to what is known for being the biggest club in Tokyo.

Big, being an understatement.

Big, being an understatement.

Picture this: A shuttle bus picks you up in Tokyo (more specifically, Roppongi Dori) every half hour from Shibuya, for free, and transports you and your friends to Shinkiba, Koto-ku. From there you get off the bus and immediately into a line where you must have photo ID. No ID, no fun. It costs roughly ¥4000 (roughly $40 USD) to get in, but it’s worth it and I’ll tell you why.

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Once you get past the (surprisingly) unfriendly doormen, you step inside, pay for your ticket and are given a coin locker key to put your personal belongings in. With that ticket you get 2 drinks of your choice, so you can start mellowing out immediately at the island bar near the exit. The coolest part? When you use up those 2 free drinks, and you just want a beer…the dreaded bar line wait is optional.…that’s right my friend – with Heineken vending machines by the bar and dotted throughout the facilities, all you have to do is pop in some yen and away you go….to the outdoor dance floor and pool area.

ageha-studio-coast

That’s right…Ageha has not one, but three dancefloors for you to choose from. Kinda like me and don’t feel like dancing after doing it for 2 hours straight? That’s alright, just kick back and relax in any one of the numerous, unique, various bars and chill out areas, all providing different genres of music (as do the dance floors). Ageha – for when you have a want to do things BIG.

Still have a music itch but hungover from the night before? This is where my favorite cafe of all time, Rhythm Cafe, comes into play (pun intended). This is the only place, next to some spots in Porto, Portugal, I would go for coffee….why, you ask? Well, they serve my favorite – rich, smooth, excite every taste bud Segafredo Zanetti coffee. I always, always used to order the Cappuccino ..and with how serious I’ve realized Japan is about customer service and experience, the staff at Rhythm don’t just make coffee…they reinvent it.

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They also have an extensive music selection and comfy couches…comfortable seating is always numero uno in my book.

They don’t stop there, but have live djing some nights while turning into a lounge bar. In fact, the talented and super chill Michael Munoz has graced the place with his presence more than a few times to DJ. Four words – Japan, I love you.

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Their desserts are awesome, and the music twice as nice, especially during the day, when they play music from Thievery Corporation, Thunderball, RJD2, and Bajofondo. This is a great place to hang out and get some work done if you run a business remotely, meet up with friends, or impress that first date.

Last, but not least….let’s talk about a place that’s real fun. Fun as in a dance floor you can get up on and “shake your money maker,” whether you’re a guy or girl.

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The well known Arty Farty sign. A marker for a damn good time.

Arty Farty is one of those places everyone – and I do mean everyone, can enjoy. Known as more of a place that is well known and frequented by foreigners, unlike my usual neverending search for great predominantly local spots, this is one bar I can say has my A+ rating…and that’s a tall order to meet.

What makes this place so unique and sets it apart from others? Well, numerous reasons, the main one being the crowd.

Arty 2

Usually, after going out enough, you begin to see a pattern that can be boiled down into 4-5  different kinds of hang out places in Japan – the type where you see mostly locals….the type where you see mostly foreigners….the type where you see a slight mix of locals and foreigners….the type where it’s men only…and the type where it’s women only.

Arty manages to make all of these melt together, in turn making visiting this place one fascinating, memorable cocktail story.

I have met numerous people in here from literally all. Over. The world. I have met people from all walks of life in here…and I have met people of all different ages in here.Arty Farty

Arty is a straight, bisexual, lesbian, and gay friendly bar… in saying that, this place has such an air to it that when walking in, within the first 15 minutes you literally see all hatred and assumptions dissipate like vapor. Be prepared and be sociable, as this is the kind of place where people love to socialize, and you’re bound to end up having someone strike up a conversation with you simply for the sake of being friendly…

….and if you’re invited up on the escalated dancefloor, congratulations – you’re doing something right.

The place is cramped but the bartenders are always accommodating, drinks great (try the mint-flavored beer), and music, lighting, and club effects interesting and fresh.

You haven’t gone dancing until you’ve gone to Arty.

Have a great weekend.

– Rego

For The Weekenders: J-Land Special…Part 1 is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

Musings Episode 7: Work, Play, and Love…

Tonight I thought I’d get off the usual track of how my recent episodes have been going, instead switching to something a little different, yet still applicable to all aspects of life.

So many moments throughout the day people are clouded with the daily grind of work. Many times a balance is forgotten to be had, instead the sole focus being monetary gain.

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I don’t blame you for it.

There’s many awesome, and great things and experiences money can buy…and for all those who say money can’t buy happiness – bullshit. Like the infamous quote that once floated around in the social ether once upon a time, “money can’t buy me happiness…but at least I can cry in my Ferrari.”

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Also my private jet.

Money is a very, very useful and beneficial tool, if used correctly. The thing that can mess people up however, is losing sight of the purpose of creating and/or attaining the money.

Things are not the primary objective here. As I’ve said before it’s experiences. Road trips across Europe. Baseball games in South Korea. Sauna with your S.O. in Japan. Sandboarding in Brazil.

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We live in such a 40-hour work week driven society, many forget that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…ergo why this is reflected for many by blowing hundreds on alcohol over the weekend.

Throw in the consumerism of technology today, the “OMG I MUST have the iPhone 5, the 4S is like, so played out!” and you’ve got a recipe for a bad mix.

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I’ll admit it, aside from all the B.S. the media has portrayed since the beginning of time, one thing they did get spot on is the bits they’ve done on technology and the de-sensitizing of the youth today.

Why, you ask, do I agree with this?

Well, before technology, ironic as it may seem, there was more creativity…hear me out for a second. I’m talking about creativity in activities, in socializing, and in getting out and hitting the town.

Again, you’re probably asking, why do I say this?

In the movie Powder (1995), one of the characters quotes “It’s become appallingly clear that our technology has surpassed our humanity.”

I find this an interesting quote, because partially it’s true. Think about it – before the internet and smart phone age, the majority of the time if people wanted to talk or socialize with each other, they had two options – either pick up a land line (or if you could afford it) grab up your cell phone that was once the size of 2 bricks taped together, and call up whoever it was they wanted to get in contact with. If that wasn’t the case or if airtime was too ridiculous to pay for (before the days of “unlimited” everything), you had to go and meet up with that friend – or go over to their house.

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Unless you were this guy. This guy answered to no one.

There was a very critical human element in this…it was an engagement that required effort and time, and because this effort and time was expended many made sure that meet or that phone call was used well or properly.

Now? We just shoot text messages to each other, not even having to take the time out to text with our fingers. People constantly in touch with people they know everyday, and by the end of the day being saturated with the interaction, feel that actually meeting up with someone isn’t that big of a deal. They’ve communicated throughout the day, so why would there be more to talk about in person?

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…and contrary to popular belief, the mass majority of people who text and drive are not, just young people…fuckers.

This type of communication in my opinion has affected multiple human relationships, from friendships to relationships.

The friends you used to hang out with in primary school everyday after class, who stuck with you through high school and you used to talk everyday to on the phone, now get shot a casual text to “see how they’re doing”…

…your mom who you used to call on the phone and talk to for at least fifteen minutes you shoot a quick Happy Mother’s Day text to instead of a quick voicemail before work….

...what every mother loves to hear.

…what every mother loves to hear.

….that new girlfriend you have freaks out because you didn’t message her back fast enough or maybe didn’t use the right emoticon in the right sentence….10 years ago you realize the drama could’ve been avoided if you just rang her up for a few minutes…

Technology has reached a peak where people break up and divorce over Facebook statuses and wall posts.

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Fucking Facebook.

One wrong picture.

One wrong status.

Kids nowadays don’t knock on their friend’s doors but instead text, to say they’re outside. The fear of walking up to your friend’s door and [god forbid] having their parents answer is greater than running into traffic with your shoe laces from both shoes tied together and tripping.

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Smooth, ace…

It seems to me now we’re so hung up on data limits and the newest apps we forgot about the basics of human interaction.

This can – and has led to social dysfunction and downfalls. What happened to the novelty of paper birthday cards?

The fun of making the cake from scratch (heck, even the box), instead of picking it up from the store or a caterer?

Or how about instead of watching a movie on NetFlix on your cell phone while sitting at Starbuck’s with your S.O., actually taking the time to get messy in the kitchen and make dinner with each other then watching something on NetFlix with an actual TV later on?

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It’s the little things that matter but people have forgotten about…we forget to get back down to earth and remember the simpler things.

The effort.

The imagination.

The thought.

The involvement.

The more convenience we develop, it seems the less we actually attach or feel like we’ve created or engaged in something that’s a part of us.

This is what I mean when I refer to play and love in the title of this week’s episodic musing. This is why every week, I try to give you ladies and gents different ideas on what to do over the weekend – because if you notice, most of them involve heavy socializing.

They require an effort.

Engagement.

Imagination…and involvement.

Without these, we’re merely on auto pilot with technology dictating to us what we should or shouldn’t do, or how it’s easier to do this than that. Like the 8 ball we used to ask questions to when we were younger.

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But I like the effort. I like the effort of ringing up a friend and sorting out logistics for our next meet instead of through text.

I like the effort of looking for that one special gift for an anniversary by going store to store and taking in the sights, instead of just hopping on Amazon and ordering.

Call me old-fashioned or old school, but I like that feeling of putting effort into connecting with other people.

Networking and genuine interaction is key in everything – business, pleasure, and love.

It’s what keeps and maintains things long-term.

What people have to remember is this: with instant gratification, comes instant boredom.

The faster the high, the harder the crash.

Stay human.

– Rego

Musings Episode 7: Work, Play, and Love… is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life

For The Weekenders: Jet Set Dining, Izakayas, Let’s Sail Skipper

It’s Thursday again…meaning fresh ideas for what to fill your weekend nights with.

So check out these 3 top spots I highly recommend that will leave you wanting more:

Daikaya Izakaya, D.C. – I remember my days of living in Tokyo, going to izakayas and lounge bars with friends and late night coffee after…often walking down the streets some hour in the A.M. taking in the less crowded sights of the Metropolis that nevers sleeps. When I found myself back in the states for a while, it took time to adjust and whenever the urge for hitting up a good izakaya or Japanese styled bar struck, I could never quite find one with that authentic feel. This, is where Daikaya Izakaya comes in.

乾杯!

The place is packed with authenticity, from the snacks and booze upstairs right along down to the ramen on the first floor. The sights and smells all pull you into a world that, if you never stepped outside the front door, maybe added a couple of forty-something Ojisans and change the menus to complete Japanese script, would actually make you feel like you’re (back) in J-Land. If you’re ever in the area I highly recommend popping in. Check out the gallery to see what I mean here, and the full article on the UD site.

Let’s Sail, Skipper… – Okay, okay, so I know I talked about things to do in San Francisco last week, but I’ll make it brief so hear me out: Sea salt filled air, sails, rum, and a four man crew (minus the dead man’s chest).
I’m talking about private excursions on an 84′ America’s Cup Race Yacht, or a more casual day trip around SanFran Bay, only to be topped off with checking out what other things Pier 39 has to offer.

Land ho.

The best part is you don’t need to know a thing about sailing, but if you want to get in on a bit of the action it’s certainly not discouraged. Check out their website if you’re up for unleashing that inner sailor in you.

If you’ve had experience in the dating world, or a relationship for that matter, after a while, dinner and a movie seems pretty drab…

Jet Set Dining is here to jazz that up for you.

Hailing from Miami, these guys really take it up a notch…and they do it a little like this:

You grab your date’s hand to lead her to the restaurant…dinner and conversation being something she’s done before, she’s curious to know how this time will be different but not exactly ecstatic.

But wait – what’s this…you’re not walking towards a restaurant, but what seems to be a private jet. In order to get to the restaurant, you must first go by plane, because – “well hun, the restaurant is kind of on a remote little island – I lied about it being a stone’s throw away…” you shrug saying as you non-chalantly run your hand over the back of your head trying to keep a cool, suave expression.

I also kind of lied about it being a quick drive…it is – but it’s just…in the air…with a plane…minus you know…pavement…But hey – did we or did we not skip traffic?

Surprised, you both board the plane where the usual safety precautions are taught while you pop open some bubbly and hand a glass to your pleasantly surprised date while trying your hardest to avoid a cheesy French accent and Cheshire Cat grin as you instruct them to “relax and enjoy the sights,” knowing you pretty much just owned the night with this one little hat trick.

I know where I’ll be dining next weekend.

– Rego

For The Weekenders: Jet Set Dining, Izakayas, Let’s Sail Skipper is a post from and appeared first on Rego’s Life