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I awoke this morning, like any other, except knowing that by the time I went to bed, I would be sleeping in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Yes, I was heading to Disney World with Colin -- our first vacation together since 2007 in NYC (Fleet Week and Coney Island).
is the beginning of my post.

The drive to Dulles was uneventful -- a pleasant feeling going against the 6:00 AM onslaught towards the Capital core. As I cruised along the GW Parkway, with the Memorials on my right flank, I could see the morning joggers pushing, pumping, panting -- a part of me wanted to be with them -- but wait a minute, I was heading to a place a lot more peaceful, a lot more quieter, a lot more happier. I would have to postpone running, for the next 72 hours at least -- unless I wanted to run in Disney -- which would a lot of ground to cover, was a distinct possibility.

The flight was smooth and roomy. We were able to check in to the hotel early, grab a bite to eat, then head straight to the Magic Kingdom. We were so excited, we could barely chew our food.

(** Tip One: If you're going to the Magic Kingdom by cab, get off at Epcot and catch the monorail there -- it's closer, a more enjoyable ride and you can use the money you saved in the fare by buying a cold Mickey ice cream bar. )

Florida in mid-May -- I was expecting hot, humid and sticky in the low 90's -- when we set down, I was plesantly surprised at how unseasonably cool and dry the weather was. And by the time, we got to Disneyworld, there was a large and luminous cloud cover -- the sky darkening, like the late Afternoon skies typical of Florida.

We started at Tomorrow Land getting a snap preview of the future and space on Bumper cars and Buzz Lightyear.

Then to Frontierland with Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. "How do you Do?" said Br'er Rabbit to Br'er Fox.

Of course, the final drop -- reaching the fastest speed of any ride in the park results in a major splashdown.


But by the time we got to Adventureland, the heavens had opened and it started downpouring. What did it matter any way, we were already soaked.

** Tip Two -- when going to Disney -- always be prepared for inclement weather -- bring an umbrella and/or a poncho.

** Tip Three -- with the rain, most of the outdoor rides in the Magic Kingdom will be shut down especially if there's lightning (Epcot Center has more rides indoors, so you may want to go there when it rains.)

Colin and I ran and sought shelter at Pirates of the Caribbean, enjoying the exotic adventures from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific. It didn't matter -- we were already drenched by the big drop on Splash Mountain.

And finally Fantasyland admiring the Bavarian achitecture and enjoying the quintesential ride: "It's a Small World."

I love the wonderful theme of global peace and the cute, little characters from all over the world in their native gown, speaking in their native tongues.

The neat thing was that I was able to capture the majority of these rides on video including the infamous drop on Splash Mountain (twice), although my camera got completely drenched in doing so. (Can't wait till we get home and upload the videos on You Tube).

By the time, we got to our hotel, it was nearly 11:00 PM and we were both wet, exhausted and hungry.

Well it is now past midnight, Colin is sound asleep and I should be there with him. Within a few hours, we will be rising to greet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy again. But I'm with you writing this tale because I feel that there are some folks at home (stress the word "few") who care about what we did and saw today -- Yes, touring and enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth.

Tomorrow onto Epcot. Yes the fun and adventure continues. I checked my running shoes -- yes they will dry out tonight. And tomorrow we will run Disney or bust...
here is the rest of it.

Soakin' Wet in the Magic Kingdom

I awoke this morning, like any other, except knowing that by the time I went to bed, I would be sleeping in the Happiest Place on Earth.

Yes, I was heading to Disney World with Colin -- our first vacation together since 2007 in NYC (Fleet Week and Coney Island).

The drive to Dulles was uneventful -- a pleasant feeling going against the 6:00 AM onslaught towards the Capital core. As I cruised along the GW Parkway, with the Memorials on my right flank, I could see the morning joggers pushing, pumping, panting -- a part of me wanted to be with them -- but wait a minute, I was heading to a place a lot more peaceful, a lot more quieter, a lot more happier. I would have to postpone running, for the next 72 hours at least -- unless I wanted to run in Disney -- which would a lot of ground to cover, was a distinct possibility.

The flight was smooth and roomy. We were able to check in to the hotel early, grab a bite to eat, then head straight to the Magic Kingdom. We were so excited, we could barely chew our food.

(** Tip One: If you're going to the Magic Kingdom by cab, get off at Epcot and catch the monorail there -- it's closer, a more enjoyable ride and you can use the money you saved in the fare by buying a cold Mickey ice cream bar. )

Florida in mid-May -- I was expecting hot, humid and sticky in the low 90's -- when we set down, I was plesantly surprised at how unseasonably cool and dry the weather was. And by the time, we got to Disneyworld, there was a large and luminous cloud cover -- the sky darkening, like the late Afternoon skies typical of Florida.

We started at Tomorrow Land getting a snap preview of the future and space on Bumper cars and Buzz Lightyear.

Then to Frontierland with Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. "How do you Do?" said Br'er Rabbit to Br'er Fox.

Of course, the final drop -- reaching the fastest speed of any ride in the park results in a major splashdown.


But by the time we got to Adventureland, the heavens had opened and it started downpouring. What did it matter any way, we were already soaked.

** Tip Two -- when going to Disney -- always be prepared for inclement weather -- bring an umbrella and/or a poncho.

** Tip Three -- with the rain, most of the outdoor rides in the Magic Kingdom will be shut down especially if there's lightning (Epcot Center has more rides indoors, so you may want to go there when it rains.)

Colin and I ran and sought shelter at Pirates of the Caribbean, enjoying the exotic adventures from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the South Pacific. It didn't matter -- we were already drenched by the big drop on Splash Mountain.

And finally Fantasyland admiring the Bavarian achitecture and enjoying the quintesential ride: "It's a Small World."

I love the wonderful theme of global peace and the cute, little characters from all over the world in their native gown, speaking in their native tongues.

The neat thing was that I was able to capture the majority of these rides on video including the infamous drop on Splash Mountain (twice), although my camera got completely drenched in doing so. (Can't wait till we get home and upload the videos on You Tube).

By the time, we got to our hotel, it was nearly 11:00 PM and we were both wet, exhausted and hungry.

Well it is now past midnight, Colin is sound asleep and I should be there with him. Within a few hours, we will be rising to greet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy again. But I'm with you writing this tale because I feel that there are some folks at home (stress the word "few") who care about what we did and saw today -- Yes, touring and enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth.

Tomorrow onto Epcot. Yes the fun and adventure continues. I checked my running shoes -- yes they will dry out tonight. And tomorrow we will run Disney or bust...

Washington Examiner Story

DC runner to run to 19 countries in six hours

May 7, 8:43 AM · 1 comment

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Chito Peppler will run to 19 embassies.

Washington runner Chito Peppler plans to run to 19 countries in six hours on Saturday.

OK, they're not countries so much as embassies, but it's a neat idea, anyway, and he's inviting other DC runners to come along.

The 10-mile run piggybacks on European Union Open House Day, in which EU member states open their embassies to the public, offering music and cuisine specific to each country. 

Peppler's plan is to sample some food or leave with a souvenir from each country, and to get his picture taken inside or in front of each embassy.  

"The idea is to participate in the festivities and to learn something from each country -- something we can take with us and together we can make a lasting difference in our lives," Peppler writes.

My take: Runners know the best way to make a fun event even better is to run there, like the Pacers Silver Spring's fun run group's jaunt to the presidential inauguration in January. This is another perfect example.

Want to go with? He plans to run at about 8:30-minute-mile pace, but notes that no one will be left behind. He'll be starting at 9 a.m. the Farragut North Metro Station, where he will line up for the first bus to the German Embassy. Check his running blog for details, and to let him know you'd like to join him.

Can't make it? He'll be Tweeting from his iPhone.Or check back here after the event to find out how it went.

Start -- Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Arrived: 1000 / Departed: 1045

We started at the German Embassy promptly at 10:00 in the remote western corner of the District. We were all excited about the start of the first ever EU 27-Embassy ten miler -- four of us -- courageous ones: Neal Carlton, Elizabeth Leasure, Ken Monroe, and me, Chito Peppler. The reception that we received at the German Embassy was even more amazing.

The "E" Team standing in front of the German Embassy

We were met by the spokesman for the German Embassy, Mr. Ulrich Sante, as well as Ms. Anna Schiller, and 1st Lieutenant Rainer Seidenstuecker. Ulrich hooked us up with ballcaps, backpacks, T-shirts and pins. Then we held a brief media event emphasizing the close German-American relations from the Berlin airlift to the fall of the Berlin Wall today with the anniversary coming up later this year.

The author with 1st Lt (German Air Force) Rainer Seidenstuecker. (Rainer and I worked together the previous week on the visit of GEN Karl-Heinz Lather.)

After the interview, we were given a tour of the state-of-the art embassy and beautiful grounds that included an exhibit on German-Jewish Heritage, important artifacts of German-Jewish history which became open to the general public for the very first time today.

Next came arguably the best food this side of town -- the bratwurst and Deutsches bier was appealing to the palate (though I knew I would later regret the early indulgence) and the beautiful German and Bavarian costumes were bright and beautiful to admire (made me have second thoughts about even starting the run). But the Germans rallied behind us and sent us their zealous well wishes: "Viel Glück!" (Good Luck)

We so desperately needed those words of encouragement -- we were on a mission today and no matter how good Germany was to us and how badly we wanted to stay, we had 26 other fantastic embassies ahead of us. But before we set off on the long and windy road, we had one more for the road. Prost! (Cheers). I love Germany especially German beverages -- need to stay hydrated for the run.

#2 - Embassy of France

Start: 1055/Depart: 1115

The run started out on a full stomach -- nutrition that I didn't quite need before the run. Thank goodness, it was mostly flat (unlike my tummy). And of all places, we were heading to the land - famous for wine and cheese.

The French Embassy is across the street from the Georgetown Medical Center

Neal and Elizabeth took a fancy to the cream cheese on French bread waving the patriotic flag.

I took a fancy (of course) to finding the French military attache. The American and French military work side-by-side

#3 -Embassy of Sweden

Start: 1130/Depart: 1145

Our third stop--the house of Sweden, is a beautiful building with sophisticated charm and simple design. After walking through a glass entrance, you enter a magnificent reception hall with huge windows overlooking the Potomac. I personally think they have one of the best locations, (nothing beats the Georgetown waterfront), if not the best views.

Neal and Elizabeth in front of the Embassy.

The location and views of the Potomac and Roslyn across the river are Magnificent and simply out of this world.

The Swedes embraced us (well not quite, since we were all sweaty by now). But they did allow me to get close enough to take a picture.

Beautiful interior with soft wood panels and glass. Ken and I are admiring the design (in the background).

The Swedish cookies, chocolate and pastries were fantastically tasty -- like nothing I ever tried in Ikea -- just the nutrition we needed to energize our run. Plus they made my eyes water just by looking.

A little jazz for motivation before the group (in the background) gears up for the next leg. The Swedes tell us "Lycka till" and we cheerfully press on for the next 24 (Embassies, that is).

Sighting - Georgetown and Hollywood

After the French wished us "Bonne Chance", we pushed on along Reservoir Road. When we were within sights of Wisconsin, my heart lept for joy -- it was all downhill to K.

Georgetown along Wisconsin is very vibrant with upscale shops, bars and restaurants. Every now and then if you're lucky, you might even spot a celebrity -- and you wouldn't believe who Neal first spotted as we were running at record pace on a steep downhill --- no, not Ben Affleck or Russell Crowe.

That's right -- Stephen Spielberg who was in town to attend the National Press Club event with the President. The photo op was not exactly part of our original plan -- but who's complaining. Spielberg, himself, was amazed by hearing about our adventure. We had to get a pic and yes, we were star-struck.

#4 - Embassy of Spain

Start: 1157/Depart: 1159

We move along K Street at a good pace, passing panhandlers and pedestrians. We past the Kennedy Center to our right and charge on towards Foggy Bottom and the prestigious George Washington University towards Washington Circle.

As expected, the lines for Spain were too long to hack, so we had to settle for this picture in front of the door and plaque.

And this vigilant guard stood between us and the entrance.

#5 - Delegation of the European Commission

Start: 1205/Depart: 1215

Here on 2300 M Street we thank Ms. Sandi Auman and members of the European Commission Delegation for all their hard and expedient work in putting together a fantastic, fun-filled cultural event for a such a wonderful cause to give Washington an guests a rate behind-the-scenes look at the Embassies, many of which are historic and architectural treasures spread out in five distinct Washington communities. So far, all the embassies treated us like hometown celebrities, and we were honored to take a piece of culture and geography with us. We are so deeply thankful and excited about what we've seen thus far and about the road ahead on our still illustrious journey ahead.

Inside the European Delegation headquarters, still fresh, but this is only the beginning.

We were quite surprised by the size of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU.

There are 27 countries in the EU Today, 26 Embassies are on display -- we hope to visit or see all 26 of them.

#6 - Embassy of Malta

Arrive: 1220/Depart: 1225

I've never been to Malta, although in 1995, my ship, the USS O'Bannon (DD-987) passed very close to there (on the way to Naples of course). I love the Mediterranean and any country that is essentially an island in the middle of the Med -- I'm huge fan of.

And so are Neal and Elizabeth, for that matter. Here Neal has a mouthful of Maltese date cakes. Mine is also in my mouth as I take this pic (just past noon, and we already our share of lunch).

#7 - Embassy of Portugal

Start: 1233/Depart: 1234

The Courageous Four: Neal Carlton, Elizabeth Leasure, Ken Monroe and yours truly posing in front of the Embassy of Portugal

#8 - Embassy of Luxembourg

Start: 1233/Depart: 1234

By now the overcast skies had cleared up and the sun was shining brightly over the Luxembourg flag

The Fantastic Four: Neal Carlton, , Ken Monroe, Chito Peppler and Elizabeth Leasure leasurely posing in front of a luscious flowerpot and of course the placard for the Embassy of Luxembourg.

#9 - Embassy of Bulgaria

Start: 1236/Depart: 1237

Bulgaria located on 1621 22nd St, NW had beautiful and talented musicians and singers

#10 - Embassy of Cyprus

Start: 1240/Depart: 1241

The Embassy of Cyprus is located on 2211 R St, NW. At this point, we were glad to reach our 10th embassy, but not even half way done.

Once again, the Fantastic Four: Ken, Chito, Elizabeth, and Neal

#11 - Embassy of Greece

Start: 1251/Depart: 1253

The lines to Greece snaked on for eternity: at least from Mass to R.

The Fantastic Four: Chito, Ken Monroe, Neal Carlton, and Eizabeth Leisure wishing they could beat the long lines at Greece, but had to settle for a picture.

Children wearing Roman Greek costumes handing out sweets to folks bearing long lines.

I couldn't resist taking a picture with the children in their beautiful costumes -- almost as good as being there.