First walk of the day. From our hotel in Pest to Buda. We crossed the Chain Bridge and climbed Castle Hill.

#58 Visit something Ancient

Not much to look at, but this is Aquincum – The Roman Ruins of Budapest.

A subdued first night. Had dinner at Nobu ($41,600 forints if you were wondering). Still not sure what I’m tipping. After dinner we walked around Fashion Street, then watched the Mexico-Brazil game at our hotel before sleeping off the jet lag. Big walking day in the morning.

#62: Stay at one of Conde Naste’d gold list hotels

The Four Seasons at Gresham Palace.

Turbulence

First time in the new international terminal.

Back under control.

#38 Don’t Buy A Watch

The most surprising fail of the year. A Happy Father’s Day indeed.

There is no friend as loyal as a book. ~ Ernest Hemingway

Watched the Kings became champs while at the Dodger game.

I’m too weak with the carb-flu to post anything new, so here’s an old video of my nephew playing kickball with Grandma. He’s never asked her to play kickball again.

#5: Prepare 12 meals at home.

It only took a little over five months this year to complete. For the first time in years, Sonia and I are off carbs, including alcohol, and haven’t eaten out since getting back from New York. I’ve never felt more lethargic in my life.

Spent the weekend in the pool and read, Looking for Alaska. This was the book my Dad recommended I read, but I read, Chasing Alaska instead. Two very different books. Looking for Alaska is a very well written coming of age story that would have slayed me had I read it as a young man.

I’m canceling my Scottrade account.

#57: See 10 New Movies in the Theater

If you like fart jokes, you’ll love this movie.

New springs, reinforcements and stain for the fences. Exciting stuff. We have now completed 10 nagging home repairs. Unfortunately another 10 have already popped up.

#94 Read 10 Books

Really enjoyed, Chasing Alaska. The author did a great job capturing the many layers of Southeastern Alaska.

#5: Prepare 12 meals at home

Trying to go carb-less. Torturous.

Back home, but still in a New York state of mind.

3 for 3! Watched Her, Saving Mr. Banks and Philomena. All three were really good.

Eleven Madison Park is the top rated restaurant in the US and number four in the world according to the Pellegrino list. Subtract the cost of the wine and the meal was amazing and worth it.

The final purchase. Rimowa carry-on luggage. Shopping for a four day stay was harder than I thought it would be.

#64: Eat at a top restaurant in the world

Coming in at number #22 in the world, Chef Eric Ripert’s, Le Bernardin was worth every penny. Truly one of my favorite meals of all time.

#85: Have a pint in a bar over 200 years old

Unfortunately we’re about forty years too early, but McSorely’s has survived the test of time in fantastic fashion. Even Ab Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt enjoyed pints here.

Had lunch with my buddy, Matt. This is the only picture I got. The Black Label Burger from Minetta Tavern.

Saks 5th Avenue in NYC. The shoe department literally has its own zip code.

Other than carry on luggage, I knocked out all of my shopping in one day. Now I can focus on the food.

Not a Zagat Guide top ten, but our favorite pizza in the city. Adrienne’s on Stone Street in downtown is worth the trip.

Opened last week. Couldn’t take pictures in the actual memorial. Pretty powerful exhibits.

#86: Eat a NYC Street Dog

#74: Eat a top 10 Zagat guide burger.

Burger Joint hidden in the Parker Meridian.

Got in an hour and a half of shopping on Madison Ave, but other than boxers, socks and a couple of tee shirts, it is much harder to find what I’m looking for when I need rather than want.

#10 in Progress: Go to New York City without Luggage

We’ve been looking forward to this one since I posted it on this year’s list. I know it may sound indulgent (of course it is), but shopping, clothing, branding and marketing is our business, and NYC is Mecca, so call it research and development. Going without luggage will help me hone my packing skills and inform a future endevor. Sonia, on the other hand, usually packs her entire closet, so this will no doubt be a challenge, especially since I have laid down the following ground rules:

We will be in New York City for four days and four nights. We will carry on toiletries, laptop and camera. Sonia can carry on one addtional pair of shoes. We can buy four daytime outfits and two nighttime outfits for fine dining. We can only buy one pair of shoes each. And of course we will need a carry on bag for the trip home. If there’s a glamourous side to our business, this will be it.

What I wore on the flight was the most strategic. Sacrificed comfort and wore a sports coat and dress shoes. And now for the brand whoring.

Sports Jacket: Armani
Tee Shirt: Threads4Thoughts
Jeans: All Saints
Belt: Cartier
Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Settling in.

Two pool days in a row. One more tomorrow will break his record.

#66 Done: Hockey Game

Enjoyed watching the Kings win game three with three Blackhawks fans.