R.I.P. José Saramago, author of Blindness and Seeing.

The Umbrian Countryside.

Wine Tasting near Montepulciano

Strolling through Siena

A wedding in Lerum, Sweden of all places

And exploring Göteborg.

I should remember to jot more down… I’m forgetting so much.

Butcher Shop in Peru

Tablet Hotel’s Tablet Talk teamed up with Food52 for a travel food photography contest to be voted on by the world and somehow one of my photos from Peru have made it into the finals. Please head over to Tablet Talk and vote for my Butcher Shop in Peru photo. Thanks.

I should remember to… uhm… win!

I really should remember to check out at least 50 of these.

The 101 Best Sandwiches in New York — Grub Street New York.

Recently, the woman and I hit St. Lucia for a long weekend. It was my first time there and I loved it. Mountains, rain forest, beaches, great food and Steel Pulse in concert!

On-Site St. Lucia: Start the Day Right in Anse La Raye | Uncommon Caribbean.

I should remember to keep traveling.

As people all across the US watch the situation in the gulf (if they haven’t tuned it out already), you can’t help but agree with today’s caption from The Big Caption.

Surfing in Barbados

On assignment for Uncommon Caribbean, I recently headed down to Barbados to learn how to surf.

I’d never been to Barbados before and was really impressed. I grew up in the Caribbean and have been to a decent number of Caribbean islands, but Barbados was really special. The people seemed extra nice and laid-back. The proximity to Trinidad provided me with many of the Trini tastes I grew up with. The hotels from the Elegant Hotels Group I stayed at, especially The House, were well run, quality establishments. The rums were delicious. Many of the beaches were exceptional. The nightlife seemed thriving for locals and tourists alike.

And, on top of all that, there’s surfing! There’s a longer surfing post at Uncommon Caribbean with all the details.

Surfing was a ton of fun and something I will certainly remember to try again… And it would be difficult to not remember how much I loved Barbados.

The Orchid Show: Cuba in Flower

Last week, the woman and I rode up to the Bronx to check out the New York Botanical Gardens’ The Orchid Show: Cuba in Flower. It was cold and there was still snow on the ground, but, for the most part, the ride was pleasant. After paying our $12 to park the motorcycle and $20 each to get in, we quickly found ourselves transported to (generally) warmer, lusher, more Caribbean climes. For the most part, the walk through the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory (incidentally, the nation’s largest Victorian-era glasshouse) was quite pleasant and the orchids on display delicately mesmerizing.

I should remember to make orchid hunting yet another reason to get to Cuba sooner rather than later. I’ll just keep this orchid desktop wallpaper up to remind me!

Today, I’m happy to announce the launch of a new site geared towards highlighting the often overlooked charms of the Caribbean. The Antilles are so much more than just beaches. The local people, food, drinks, music, natural wonders like volcanoes, hot springs, and more all add up to a unique experience that is best enjoyed by directly immersing yourself in the culture. Something you won’t find on any massive cruise ship.

So, for those looking for a deeper look into what the beautiful islands and people of the Caribbean have to offer, head over to the brand new Uncommon Caribbean site, become a fan of the UC Facebook page, look out for our latest videos on YouTube, or follow UncommonCarib on Twitter.

I need to remember to get down to the islands, explore new places and take as many photos as possible!

More Snow in Brooklyn, originally uploaded by Enjoy Patrick Responsibly.

I don’t think I’ll forget to go someplace warm anymore…