Heading to Istanbul -- The Muslim Capital of Capitalism

I'm heading to Istanbul on a whim and a prayer...

Researching

After not getting a seat on the overly crowded Space-A flight to Ramstein (it was an active MEDEVAC flight), I drove back home dejected but hopeful for another day.

"What shall I do, now?" I wondered out loud. Frustrated but still faithful, I came up with a bold, new, outlandish plan.

Understanding

I will still run in Europe. However, there is now a new twist to the whole trip.

I will not start my journey in Germany, Europe's Eurorail core.

Instead, I will start my excursion in the far reaches of Europe--in Istanbul, the crossroads between two disparate continents. I will spend the better part of the weekend there and will swim in the Bosphorus Strait. This is the body of water that separates the European and Asian side of Istanbul.

I know it's just another body of water, but there is something magical or romantic about swimming in a narrow body of water that separates two of the largest continents (in population and significance.)

Necessitating

From there, I plan to catch a train "The Orient Express" from Istanbul to Budapest and spend the night. Yes, I know it's going to be a 48-hour plus ride, but perhaps not as scenic as I would like. But I want to do it for the experience, good or bad -- something you cannot buy in travel guides. In a time of rush, rush (and yes, I do need to get back in a hurry to jump into school), the train and ride will be a welcomed oasis of calm and tranquility.

Next will be another sleeper to Prague where my fun and exciting journey will continue. My final European city will be Berlin, I hope. I have to be in school by the 16th, or else I'll be in big trouble. (I hope my GW professor is reading this, just in case I don't make it back with sound mind...)

But then I'm sure he will appreciate the fact that this trip will definitely open up my mind to many areas of world economics, organization and leadership.

Innovating

All the while, I will be blogging my journey as well as shooting several clips and videos for YouTube.

Navigating

Travel is key to the open mind and open world, and I want to tell this story on behalf of others.

And Istanbul is an emerging Muslim city where capitalism is rampant and pays no respect to the rigid

hierarchies of power.

Prague -- MY Quest to Enter the Golden City

The next major city will be Prague. I plan to be there around 3 August (sooner if I decide not to make a side trip to a small border town to Copenhagen). Yes, I would like to run across the border from town to town.

At any rate, I will keep everyone informed via http://twitter.com/runindc

Here's my 11 km run

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and has been the political, cultural, and economic center of the Czech state for more than 1,100 years.

The extensive historic center of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. The Prague castle is the largest medieval castle in the world. Prague is also known as the "mother of cities', "city of a hundred spires" and the "golden city".

I guess I will find out why. But before we go, I want to ensure readers that this blog is not a simple travelogue. It is a portal of inspirational stories, reflections on current events that affects personally and universally and relevant lessons in life.

Why I Blog?

About a year ago, I started my this blog. At the first look, one would surmise that my blog is narrowly focused since the name implies that it deals with the sport of running in a specific location: the Washington DC beltway.

However, the topic of my blog expands beyond basic athletic training and preparation. My modus operandi consists of observing my environment and the people around me and taking the time to “smell the roses.” That means that during my run, if I stumble upon something interesting or see something that grabs my attention, I stop, listen and learn.

These experiences and the stories I hear from other people is what I will reflect upon and share with others through my written blogs and video messages.

Earlier this spring, I made trips to Orlando and Boston. I decided then to expand the area covered to not just the DC but to anywhere on earth where my feet feels the urge to run free.

Though running is a sport that gets me access to stories through meeting people, seeing events or encouraging reflection, my blog consists of reflections on life, lessons learned, and explores how we can best apply current events and present circumstances to our lives so like running, we can always find ways to get faster, stronger, healthier and thus happier.

Copenhagen here I come: August 1

I'm heading to Copenhagen -- this is a last minute addition to my trip.  Why because it's very doable, that's why.

Since I'm heading to Northern Germany anyway, I've decided it might be wise to catch another train north from Hamburg through Denmark to the "most bike-friendly an hopefully runner-friendly city" in the world.

This will be my 3rd major city (after Frankfurt and Hamburg) and third country visited so far -- expecting 1 August

Here's my route.  Since Blogger only allows me to upload 2 maps at a time.  I've included my running map also in my personal email: chitopeppler.blogspot.com

The neat thing about this run is that I get to run around lakes and canals and even take a dip in the lake when I'm hot and tired.  And also to see the famous mermaid. on the rock.

Anyone have any suggestions, pls drop me a line.

Berlin: "The Hub of Culture" and my plan to Run it

Proposed Itinerary: 31 July

Berlin, the old capital of Prussia and the capital of the reunited Germany,  will be my next stop (approximately 31 July) after Frankfurt

My plan is to start running from the Hauptbanhof (train station) towards the US Embassy.  The reason for the run to the Embassy is because of the link to the 9 May 27-EU Embassy run in DC:

http://embassyrun.blogspot.com/

The route will be an approximately 8 mile course:

(Please refer to the Google Map above)

** The famous Tiergarten (German for Animal Garden and a large park in the center of Berlin)

**  Potsdamer Platz (public square)

** Checkpoint Charlie (name given by the Western Allies to a crossing point between East and West Berlin

** Holocaust Memorial and Jewish Museum

** Leipziger Platz,  an octagonal square in the center of Berlin. It is located along Leipziger Straße just east of and adjacent to the Potsdamer Platz. Leipziger Platz was reduced to ruins during the Second World War and once part of the no man's land surrounding the Berlin Wall, but has since been reconstructed in its original configuration, albeit with modern architecture.

If any one has any suggestions of other neat places to add to the run, or if anyone would like to join me on the run or meet up with me at any of the historic sites, please send me a note (via this blog or via twitter)

I will be tweeting at major stops, so you will know where I am in my run.  (I heard there's good WiFi there)

My username is http://twitter.com/runindc

Let's see how this goes...

Crossroads to Europe

This August, I am arriving at a critical and important juncture in my life.  I am completing 20 years active duty in the Navy.  This wonderful journey in my life started in 1984 when I enlisted right out of high school.  I have travelled extensively while in the Navy, but never have gone overseas by myself for personal reasons.

After 20 years in service and 10 years as a public affairs officer, I am also hanging up my hat and transitioning to the civilian sector.

First, I am returning to school to George Washington University to pursue an MBA.

Because of this critical juncture and life-changing transition, I decided to take a journey overseas to explore both the surroundings and the inner reaches of my quest.

This is what I aspire to do

• I want to visit several countries including countries in Eastern Europe.
• I want to travel from one body of water to another (south to north or vice versa)
• I want to enjoy the Eurorail experience (that means to minimize traveling by air)
• I want to stay primarily at Hostels to meet people and to experience what it is like to backpack through Europe on a shoestring budget.
• I want to use this time to reflect on my life and to focus on what's important and to understand the true lessons I can really gain from this experience
• Besides a basic plan on where I want to go, I don't really have the entire trip mapped out.  I just want to live one day at a time to travel and to explore and I only need to return in time to start my residency at GW by Sunday, Aug 16th.
• I want to document this experience with social media (such as this blog, create videos to post on Youtube and Microblog (Facebook and Twitter)
• I want to run, swim, and/or bike in each of the major cities (to see more, and to train for the Half Ironman in Cancun on Sept 20).

Going to be a Colonial

I got accepted to GW! After a nearly eight years hiatus from any type of classroom training, I am thrilled to be attending such a prestigious institution of higher learning.

Yes, it's been a while but I'm sure I'll fit in since each student is required to have at least 10 years of work experience. Wonder if my 20 years in the Navy fits the bill?

At George Washington, I will be pursuing my MBA. I want to learn business, but not just finance and accounting. I want to learn how we can use info systems and relational databases to solve problems and to provide better business decisions.

Centrally located at the heart of DC, near the State Department, the White House, Dupont Circle, and the Pentagon, George Washington is one prime spot for learning, networking and of course running.

I'm completely stoked -- Intensive training starts Aug 16th. Yes, it will be a cultural adjustment returning to school, but I am ready to work hard and to fit in.

The schooling starts soon and the running never ends..

How long will I be a student -- at GWU -- depends on the curriculum. But in life, hopefully for the rest of my lifetime.

Another Normal Sunday at the Mall

Practicing mediation and relaxation in the warm, green carpet of the Mall

Just another typical Sunday -- national community church with guest pastor Zeb Mengistu, pastor of Beza International Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Enjoyed the sermon, his wit and all the laughs he provided everyone at the Union Station theater.

Then made a bee line for the Mall and started on my routine run -- Yup, Capitol, Wash, WW II, Lincoln...You know, the storming normal morning.

The Mall was a hodgepodge of interesting people, causes and characters as you would expect.

Dan Neidhardt is a pretty amazing man.  An artist who lives in the Adams Morgan district, he moved here several years ago from Mississippi. Today, Dan biked 120 miles to Purceville,

a beautfiful rustic community in Loudoun County, Virginia.  What's even more amazing is that Dan is all of 67. 

This is the 2nd time I've run into Dan in a month at the exact same location -- the water fountain next to the WW II Memorial.

Justin Pyle capturing the venerable, timeless beauty of the iconic  Smithsonian Castle

Another fine work of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, embodying the strength and symbolism of freedom of rights and independence

These meditators were nice enough to let me capture a picture of them reflecting near the Capitol

Playing bocce ball.  The objective is to get the colored balls closest to the white ball.  Interesting game -- first time I've seen, I must admit.

Supporters of democracy in Iran

This picture was taken near the Washington Monument on Independence Ave

After the run, bike (a couple of invigorating loops around Hains Point), and then swimming at Bolling AFB, I felt refreshed and gratified -- it was a superb workout -- another three-peat workout on a cozy Sunday afternoon.

A Winning Day with the Biggest Loser

Reflection:

Today after service at NCC (Thank you for the great message Pastor Heather Zempel), I went for my normal, routine run.

Parked at the Capitol like I always do, then a sprint to Lincoln and back -- nothing unusual, nothing too bold.

It was a fairly hot day (vastly different than the cooler temperatures of late), and I was running up a sweat, pushing hard (to make up for all the fun I had the night before at the concert).

Understanding:

Normally rap is not on my radar screen. I'm not familiar with it, know very little about it and never thought rap would stop me dead in my tracks.

Negotiation

That is why I was a bit surprised when I got side tracked by two hip hop artists hip-hopping at the foot of the Washington Monument grounds.

The adrenalin in my body told me to push on, but the curiosity in my mind told me to stop the world and grab this moment.

They weren't your typical rappers -- they called themselves Soul Soldiers, and I was taken back by the wholesome lyrics and rhythmic beat that made me feel like I was running on the spot. It was an overall impressive performance that spoke to me deeply and touched me delicately.

It's moments like this that makes what you stumble upon in the this Monumental core so special, so unscripted and so precious.

Inspiring:

I was taken aback since I normally don't stop for rap especially when I'm running.

After the run, I let fate guide my steps leading me softly through the front doors of the Newseum. I had no particular reason to go there -- just thought there was something special I needed to see.

That something special was located on the basement floor next to the documentary cinemas.

Just out of chance, I stumbled upon the "Our World at War" Exhibit sponsored by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

I was particularly touched by a picture by award-winning photo journalist Christopher Morris.

It showed one lady, an amputee, half her forearm missing. She was in a Trauma Healing and Reconcilliation program in Monrovia, Liberia and she was singing.

I read the caption of what happened to her (This is very shocking):

One story relayed to an ICRC representative stands out for its brutality. “Rebels came to this woman’s house. They made her stand in the middle of the room and ordered her to sing, clap and dance. They tortured and killed her husband. They took turns raping her daughter, who was not quite 12. When they had finished, they told her to clean the bloody knife. She was still singing, clapping, and dancing when I found her in a camp for displaced persons.”

I was deeply moved by this picture, so deeply touched that my eyes started welling up with tears. It didn't matter, my face was already patched earlier with the warm stain of sweat.

There were more pictures that afternoon -- so poignant and so emotionally heart wrenching, that my heart yearned for gentle mercy.

After studying this picture, I had to escape, take in a lungful of fresh air and continue my 2nd leg of my Sunday mega- workout.

After a couple loops on my bike around Hains Point, I returned to the Capitol to wrap up my 3rd leg, another routine run around my stomping grounds, or so I thought.

A quick dash to the Washington Monument, I ran into another life-changing story.

The Biggest Loser was filming an episode in DC and they needed people to volunteer to do calisthenics with all 16 show participants. Why not, I love a good workout, especially one that didn't require me to go anywhere.

After doing a number of crunches and feeling beat, I capitalized on the special opportunity to chat with some of the participants.

I was particularly struck by the tales of Danny Cahill and Rudy Pauls.

Rudy talking to tourists about his regimen

After I started running in 2006, I lost a total of 40 lbs. Their story and all the stories of these dedicated heroes are even more amazing.

So far, Danny has lost 85 lbs and Rudy has lost over 100.

Danny is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and is a Christian song writer, singer and acoustic guitar player.

Danny spoke about how he took a look at his facebook photo of him playing guitar when he was 17 and weighing only 170 lbs. Sadly after high school, his weight progressively increased.

Danny has an 8-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. He felt that his children were following in his footsteps and started struggling with weight.

Now, it was no longer just about Danny -- he had to lose weight for them. He knew there was hope. Danny used to live a healthy lifestyle. In fact, Danny used to run 3 miles 5-6 times a week.

Just prior to the show, Danny had ballooned to a whopping 450 lbs. During the show's first run, Danny could barely complete ten steps. He was in trouble.

Danny and I talked about our love and need for running and dieting

I was touched by their stories and convinced that Danny, Rudy and the other 13 participants were taking the right approach on this 12-week intense boot camp of diet and exercise.

Can't wait to tune in. The series starts on Sept 15. This particular one in DC airs in Oct.

Navigating:

I love running in the Mall -- you simply lace up your running shoes with no plan in mind except a warm smile and a bright attitude to say 'Hi' to those you meet. You run a trail whether well-worn or off the beaten path and you see what you might stumble upon.

And today, solely on fate and fortune I met some real Winners within the Losers! These ultra-inspiring role models will always touch and impact me--my goals, my aspirations and my forever-changing outlook on life.

Sir Elton and Billy Joel -- Face 2 Face in Nats Park

The Rocket Man with the Piano Man

Getting together after playing the finale -- Wow, they went the entire 9 innings and kept us on the edge of our seats.

Sir Elton thanking the warm Washington welcome

Amazing pic of Billy Joel hitting piano with rubber mallet singing "You May be Right"

I run with Elton John, almost every day -- on my Ipod Nano that is.

Elton John was my childhood star in the 80's when I would sing the lyrics to "Uptown Girl" everyday in school.

Last night, my dream came true for me.

Two of the music industry's finest piano men, Elton John and Billy Joel toured the Nation's Capital at Nats Park, and I had the pleasure and good fortune to be invited for a complimentary show -- Yes, I was given free seats -- you wouldn't believe it -- my Genie was extra gracious last night.

I was leisurely sitting outside the park, just enjoying the music and summer breeze, blowing through the jasmine of my mind.

That's when ticketing approached me. Guess they were feeling sympathetic or just extra generous or maybe a little of both.

And yes, I was completely shocked.

Billy Joel was my first concert 23 years ago and I had never seen Elton John live. Next to the Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial, this was the best concert I have ever attended.

The high tech and snazzy stage and background LED made for a fun light show -- better than any fireworks after Nats games.

The ballpark was full -- I had never seen so many people in at Nats Park -- even when the Red Sox came to town. The Field crew transformed the baseball field into a great concert park almost overnight. Amazingly, like for the Nats games, I was able to find parking just 3 minutes away on Half Street.

Needless to say, I was quite thrilled after my Solomons bike ride to attend the inaugural concert at Nats Park -- my stomping grounds and event that will live permanently.

I was able to get great 3rd base field seats with awesome views of Elton John -- he was about the distance from the pitcher's mound to home base.

Performing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"

The entire concert consisted of 31 songs over 3 1/2 hours. All the songs they played were oldies -- from the early 80's and back -- my kind of era.

A funny thing happened when Elton John broke his pedal and Joel came to the rescue by singing an impromptu but funny "Battle Hymn of the Republic." -- what a great save.

Singing "Piano Man" -- my old time favorite

My all-time favorite line: "He's talking with Davey who is still in the Navy and probably will be in for life" -- I remember listening to this before I joined the Navy and sure enough that was my fate.

Sir Elton waves to the crowd -- here I'm waving back.

This was an experience of a lifetime -- dreams do come true, for those who can afford to sit and wait.

Many times, Elton John got up on top of his piano. What a performance -- bought back sweet, tender memories of music I grew up with and still listen to.

The audience got their money's worth. A baseball park is a great, sentimental venue for a concert for two of our all-time All Stars.

Billy Joel raising his hand and ring finger showing that he is once again single while singing "Piano Man" with Sir Elton.

"Paul is a real estate novelist who never had time for a wife"

Piano Man means a lot to me -- it is an all time great with a depressing underlying story.

The story is people who never do anything with their lives will be caught in the monotonous daily routine of work and have only to look forward to going to the bar on Sat nights.

It is a all time classic with great lyrics and a relevant story -- I find myself humming this song to myself often when I'm running.

Wow -- Rocket Man and Piano Man -- what a incredible Double Header. And the Nats Win (Finally)!