Picasa Web Albums - Steve Merritt

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Steve Merritt's Gallery

Goldman's Big Bear Bachelor Party

Mar 25, 2012

Photos: 120

Profile Photos

Album for profile photos

Feb 20, 2012

Photos: 2

Bolivia - Salar de Uyuni

After a wild adventure into Bolivia's remote white corner of salt, the worlds most photogenic mirage did what it does best.

Feb 20, 2012

Photos: 42

Bolivia - Carnaval

The two weeks leading up to Carnaval in Bolivia involve marching bands practicing in the streets at all hours of the night, lots of water balloon assaults on innocent passersby, and a similar excitement to our pre-Christmas hooplah. Everyone said I needed to pilgrimage to Oruro for the most outrageous of Carnaval celebrations. It involved 20 hours of out of the way buses and sleeping on the floor of a restaurant because hotels were long since booked, but these are the treats my efforts were awarded with. Happy crucifixion day!!

Feb 18, 2012

Photos: 90

Bolivia - Mi Familia

I studied Spanish and lived with a family for two weeks in Sucre. Next, Potosi, an old and very lucrative mining town with a grim history. Finally, city life in La Paz where I met Denny

Jan 31, 2012

Photos: 195

Buenos Aires

I always said that I'd never even consider going vegetarian until I pilgramaged to Argentina. The steak and wine didn't disappoint and I took myself out on many a fine date over the week I was there. I concluded that I would have to abandon any fictional vegie inclinations on any fictional subsequent trips to Argentina. Muy jugoso!

Jan 26, 2012

Photos: 57

Uruguay

To save $300 I flew into Montevideo, Uruguay instead of Buenos Aires...a two hour ferry ride between them afterall. I knew nothing about Uruguay but ended up spending nearly a week there to completely nulify any flight savings. It doesn't have a ton of colorful history but 's a country of meat, beaches, and betches. It's also where the wealthy and beautiful of Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires keep their countless vacation homes.

Jan 18, 2012

Photos: 68

Home for the Holidays

Fullerton/San Diego, STL Xmas, SF New Years, LA tourism

Jan 3, 2012

Photos: 165

Philippines - Luzon and Surfing

This album combines the wonders of Luzon (the main and most populated island in the Philippines). We criss-crossed through Manila a number of times with the hospitality of ex-pat friends Scot and Logan. We also spent a week in the northern misty mountains where tribespeople still do their things, rice terraces abound, and even pine forrests grow - a magical respite from the oppressive heat in the rest of the country. Oh, and I threw in a week of surfing pics in from Cloud Nine on Siargow (sure-gow)

Oct 30, 2011

Photos: 147

Philippines - Palawan

Almost two weeks in the remote and quiet island adventure paradise called Palawan. We did WW2 wreck diving, explored hidden lagoons and beaches on countless boats (bankas), and endeavored on a 4 day off-the-beaten-path motorbike journey.

Oct 17, 2011

Photos: 207

China - the Karen Dynasty

Two awesome weeks with my sister Karen and Brigid starting in Shanghai and looping up around the Yellow Sea, finishing in Beijing!

Oct 13, 2011

Photos: 277

Yankeedoodle Day in the Park

A spectacular farewell to Oz - probably the funnest day of the year! Introduced Sloshball and Walking Soccer to the convicts

Sep 24, 2011

Photos: 71

Australia Til Now

A year at least of living in Australia - Melbourne

Sep 23, 2011

Photos: 278

Snow in Oz

Two weekends of fun times in Hotham and Bulla, Victoria

Aug 20, 2011

Photos: 43

Grampians

A weekend on the farm and in the mountain countryside with Dave, Skye, and Brigid - and lots of sad sad boy lambs

Aug 14, 2011

Photos: 52

Whitsundays

A week with Ryan Pursley and Lauren in Sydney and the Whitsunday Islands where they met us on their way home from New Zealand. We took it to the base

Jul 9, 2011

Photos: 140

Building the Yellow Brick Road

Catch the Oz ref? A year's work for Thiess, Australia's largest general contractor, on a $623m freeway upgrade. My role involved a few different bridges

Jun 27, 2011

Photos: 89

Easter Week surfing wineries and sipping waves in Margaret River and Perth, WA

Apr 29, 2011

Photos: 111

Wilson's Prom

Feb 25, 2011

Photos: 64

NZ South Island Road Trip

One week road trip with Brigid down the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Not a lot of people but sights and sheep galore. Magic place

Jan 7, 2011

Photos: 199

Family NZ New Years

One week with the Merritts, the Orrs, and the Hines. A super fun way to ring in the New Year with such a fun mix of international superstars representing America, Scotland, and New Zealand

Dec 31, 2010

Photos: 92

Family Oz Christmas

A few days in Sydney, then a week in Melbourne, followed by a week in New Zealand (next album). I normally try to keep the # of photos down to 100/album but this is the Merritt family's first ever international adventure so I couldn't cut much. I hope its not the last. So much fun

Dec 25, 2010

Photos: 252

Facebook Export

Sep 23, 2010

Photos: 51

Myspace Export

Sep 22, 2010

Photos: 48

Summer Vacation

A variety of fun summery stuff from Mission Bay, to Del Mar, to Ramona, to Arizona, to Utah, and Denver...

Sep 1, 2010

Photos: 128

Brazil - Pantanal to Iguazu

Two weeks in the southwestern outback of Brazil. First, the floodlands called The Pantanal, then an ecological paradise called Bonito, and finally, after a 14 bus day (not 14 hours, 14 buses) we got to Iguazu Falls, the biggest beast of a waterfall on Planet Earth.

Aug 5, 2010

Photos: 127

Brazil - Rio to Sao

Two weeks beginning in Rio, one of the most brilliant big cities, and working our way down the beautiful coastline to Sao Paulo, one of the most concrete jungly cities. The in-between is littered with gems including Ilha Grande, Paraty, Tindade, and Ilhabela

Jul 19, 2010

Photos: 139

Brazil - O Norte

Two weeks with Dave Youmans, starting in Salvador where he had been living for the past 6 months. Then, a 25 hour bus up north to Fortalleza, then Jericoacoara, Lencois Maranheneses, and Sao Luis for more sand dunes than you could ever imagine

Jul 14, 2010

Photos: 130

Extended Layovers (LHR, STL)

4 days to catch my breath with Brigid's family, Critter, and Nate!! Ok, some of our LHR layover fun too.

Jul 2, 2010

Photos: 33

South Africa - Cape Town

A week of wine tasting, sharks, soccer madness, hellos and goodbyes

Jun 24, 2010

Photos: 119

South Africa - Johannesburg

A week in Joburg with a whole cast of characters including Rodney, Brownbear, Abe the coloured Couchsurfer host, and the Botswana crew

Jun 24, 2010

Photos: 102

Botswana

A week in Botswana including Chobe National Park, Maun, and the Okavango Delta with the good company of James and Michelle and about a thousand spiders

Jun 3, 2010

Photos: 125

Zambia

After an 80 hour travelathon, we arrived in Livingstone, Zambia, a lively fun travelers town to access Victoria Falls.

Jun 2, 2010

Photos: 65

Tanzania

After a couple days in Nairobi, Kenya, we spent two weeks in Tanzania. In the first week we hunted with the Hadzabe tribe and went on safari in the Ngorongoro Crater. In the second week, we relaxed on Zanzibar island. Next stop, Victoria Falls in Zambia after a wee little 60 hour train.

May 15, 2010

Photos: 137

Egypt - Sinai

The second week in Egypt was spent moving slow, basking in the sun, and diving and snorkeling in crystal blue water. This little piece of heaven on Earth is called Dahab and its in the middle of nowhere on the Sinai peninsula. Its a travellers mecca in this region and a breath of fresh air from the packaged tourism that riddles much of Egypt. We met and mingled with many interesting folks and wrapped up the blissful week with a short jaunt to Jordan to see the ancient red city of Petra.

May 12, 2010

Photos: 62

Egypt - Nile

Our first week in Egypt revolved around the sights and sounds of the Nile River. After a couple nights in Cairo seeing the Pyramids and experiencing the vibrant life of the New York of the Middle East, we overnighted a train south to Nubian country, Aswan. We saw a couple temples and then hopped on a two day sailing trip down the Nile with a few other fun travelers. Next, we geared up for a massive tourist blitz through Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings. Then came a 20 hour bus ride to Dahab on the Sinai peninsula to set a new personal record. Bonus: incessant blasting prayer music, smoking, and inescapable dirt. Double bonus, our feet and ankles doubled in size from lack of blood flow. It was gross but we were in a beach paradise so life was good again.

May 1, 2010

Photos: 81

Haiti

Just over a week in Haiti doing structural evaluations and mixing with the colorful Creole culture. Inviting people so full of life. A very rich experience in a very poor country.

Mar 27, 2010

Photos: 153

Spring O'Ten

Mar 8, 2010

Photos: 53

Whistler

A great week in Whistler and Vancouver with Brigid, Christine, and Ryan Donovan! And Scotch.

Mar 6, 2010

Photos: 68

KPFF Office Olympics

Feb 20, 2010

Photos: 54

Winter oTen

30th Bday and other fun stuffs

Dec 30, 2009

Photos: 80

Deck the Halls 2009

The Holidays

Dec 1, 2009

Photos: 93

Autumn 2009

Sep 20, 2009

Photos: 93

Back in the Summer of '09

Random uncategorizable summer fun

Sep 13, 2009

Photos: 134

Joshua Tree

A quick one nighter in this mystical land. Such awesome tucked away camp sites and childlike playground of rocks to scramble over.

Sep 11, 2009

Photos: 52

Zion, Utah

Labor Day weekend in the most beautiful national park I've ever been to.

Sep 4, 2009

Photos: 160

Colorado

A week in Denver, Boulder, Breckenridge, Vail, and Beaver Creek

Aug 29, 2009

Photos: 92

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Scott and I then spent a week on the coastal chilled out backpacker meets meets surfer mecca.

Aug 18, 2009

Photos: 88

Oaxaca City, Mexico

Scott and I spent 3 days in the deep south of Mexico where smiles, colors, flavors, and festivals compete.

Aug 15, 2009

Photos: 134

A Funfilled Week in Kilts

My Scottish bud Chris visits for a week of kilting, surfing, golfing, and wedding crashing south of the border for Andy's big day. Congrats Princess.

Jul 31, 2009

Photos: 140

St Louis

Jun 21, 2009

Photos: 103

Yosemite

May 29, 2009

Photos: 132

Indonesia - Bali & G-Land

Bali is the Huntington Beach of Indonesia. It is beach city USA located amongst Hindu temples, incense offerings, thumping clubs, and Starbucks. Its so cheap and easy its laughable. Yet somehow it all works. Its fast paced but laid back. Its jam packed but friendly. And its got amazing surf and Vegas like fun to be had. It is the cross roads in any Indonesian travels and we stopped through three times in perfectly timed 2 day increments. G Land is one of the most famous waves on the planet. Its a super hollow fast left that looks like what you would sketch on your binder in science class. Alex and I had to make the all-inclusive $100/day pilgrimage. The first day it was triple overhead and perfect and it hovered in the 10 foot plus range the whole time. Luckily we snagged a whole bunch of life changing little 8 footers and made the trip entirely worth it. Its a remote spot on the island of Java in the middle of the jungle, animals a plenty. And I'm talking about the Aussie surfers.

May 22, 2009

Photos: 104

Indonesia - Lombok

We spent a week on the desolate, laid back, and of course stunning island of Lombok (and its little sister Gili islands). The Gili islands are the sort you can walk around in an hour and perfect for relaxing. Lombok itself is a volcanic gem with friendly Muslim islanders. One valley will be rugged and dry and around the next bend it was lush and tropical. We rented a car which allowed for a lot more adventures, of roading, slipping, and meandering through small towns and packs of monkeys. Oh yeah, this is the island where we got our private surf sessions in. Amazing.

May 15, 2009

Photos: 66

Indonesia - Flores & Komodo

I love Indonesia. I spent 3 weeks hoping between the islands of Bali, Lombok, Flores, and finishing up on Java to surf the famous G Land. I was lucky enough to have two of my favorite people with me the whole time, Brigid and Alex. Together, we formed a impecably dysfunctional band called Noon Patrol. B-, Esteban, and Skidmark will not be forgotten in Indo. Or at least, they wont forget Indo. Flores is an out of the way gem that holds world class diving, primitive tribes, dense jungle, Komodo dragons, terraced rice paddies, and an out of this world volcano full of colorful goo. The term that kept getting thrown around to describe Flores was National Geographic. It was the closest I've ever been to walking amongst the pages of that heralded travelogue. Stunning.

May 5, 2009

Photos: 138

Singapore

We weren't going to stop in Singapore for cost reasons but we decided to at the last minute and had a blast. We did spend a fair amount of money. Cheap cockroch hotels were $50, not $10. Beers were $4 not $2. But it was a cool city. We stayed a couple nights in Little India which felt strikingly on point to the real thing in every way except for the lack of noise and trash. Speaking of which, that rumor that Singapore is ultra mega clean is a rumor. Its not dirty but its just an average nice city. Its got weird smells and litter issues. It's fairly laid back and modern. It also seems to know how to have fun. We went to the Singapore Zoo which was a long exhausting day of childhood excitement. The zoo is incredible. The best one I've been to. It's set in a real tropical jungle and the exhibits are very well integrated. We also went out for a night on the town at a couple posh spots with unique chic themes. To save money, we stayed our last night in the Singapore airport

Apr 30, 2009

Photos: 88

Malaysia

Brigid and I spent about a week in Malaysia. We started by spending 4 nights in paradise in the Perhenthian Islands. We had amazing snorkeling where we saw turtles and sharks. Then we moved into the interior of peninsular Malaysia where the remaining rainforest lives. It was a jungle of jungles, more in the foliage than animals but it was a nice stop. Then we finished up in Kuala Lumpur to see the Petronas Towers.

Apr 23, 2009

Photos: 128

Thailand - Southern Beaches

We spent a total of 4 weeks island hopping in Southern Thailand. James and his buddies were with us for half of it and then they had to go back the US so Brigid and I held down the remaining chunk of paradise. We started in Koh Phangan for a week (including the famous Full Moon Party). The party was cool but the highlights were the day to day relaxation on our little stretch isolated beach called Hat Yuan. Then, the guys left and Brigid and I got SCUBA certified on the neighboring island of Koh Tao. It was a week of light schooling, incredible underwater sights, and romantic evenings. We even caught the Thai New Year's festival there which is a nation wide refreshing water fight. That wrapped up our time in the Gulf of Thailand so we hopped a couple hours over to the West Coast to see the unique limestone beauties such as Rayley Beach and Koh Phi Phi. They were equally amazing, fun, and touristy but on the higher end of the budget so we moved quickly and as the Monsoon rains ap

Apr 6, 2009

Photos: 165

Laos

We crossed the border out of Thailand in the north and spent two days floating down the Mekong to the super beautiful French Colonial city of Luang Probang. Then after a few nights there, we barfed our way along windy roads to the backpacker party mecca of Vang Vien. Then after a few days (although it could have been 20) we finished out in the uneventful capital of Vien Tien before hopping back over to Bangkok. Laos was amazing. It was cultural and touristy. Rugged and fun. Probably how Thailand was a few decades back.

Mar 24, 2009

Photos: 125

Thailand - Northern Highlands

We excitedly met James and his new friends in Bangkok. After a couple days there, we headed up to Chiang Mai in the far north. Then, after an overnight bus, instead of chilling out for a day, we got sucked into a 3 day trek into the hills, leaving that hour. It was all worth it though. The trek was unique and the only real glipse into the traditional lifestyle of Thailand.

Mar 16, 2009

Photos: 93

Thailand - Bangkok!

A few days here and there between trips up north. It was a circus, albeit a mostly Westerner one. Cultural, not really, fun, entirely. It was also where Brigid and I met James and celebrated St. Patrick's Day so it had extraspecial meaning. Oh yeah, the Ping Pong Show really was impressive.

Mar 16, 2009

Photos: 44

Thailand - Koh Chang

A week on Koh Chang. Our first week in Thailand and our first week of real island beaching. It was also Brigid's 26th birthday so we named it birthday island. In many ways, our experience wasn't too far from the movie, The Beach. Super isolated, very hippyish, very perfect, very paradise.

Mar 11, 2009

Photos: 68

Cambodia

We spent only a week in Cambodia at the unoriginal two stops of Pnom Penh and Angkor Wat (in Siem Riep). Pnom Penh is the capital and endless source of horrorible accounts of the Killing Fields incidents of the 70s. Angkor Wat is the ultra mega famous ancient Buddhist temple grounds from the Angkor dynasty where the Cambodians ruled all of South East Asia. It was stunning although the namesake main temple paled in comparison to the less known ones.

Mar 4, 2009

Photos: 94

Vietnam

Vietnam for three weeks, starting in the north in Hanoi, working down the coast to the south and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and the Mekong River Delta. Brigid, airplane girl #2 from the Europe portion of my trip, saved up for 3 months and came back to join my expedition. Vietnam was raw at points and touristy at others. The tourist trail is well trodded and its almost impossible to veer from it. The Vietnamese either won't let you or the infrastructure is so difficult to navigate that you can't. It was a lot of motorbikes and honking but a really fun time with Brigid. Highlights were Hoi An, Mui Ne, and the Mekong River Delta.

Feb 14, 2009

Photos: 185

China

China for three weeks from Beijing to the Vietnam border

Jan 25, 2009

Photos: 201

India

Three weeks in Northern India with Brownbear.

Jan 8, 2009

Photos: 217

UAE

One epic week in the UAE with Brownbear.

Jan 2, 2009

Photos: 85

Scotland

Three weeks in the bonnie land (aka Caledonia (aka Scotland)) with Chris, Bomber, et al.

Dec 17, 2008

Photos: 130

Liverpool & London

London and Liverpool for a weekend with Rodney!

Dec 12, 2008

Photos: 49

Vienna & Sarajevo

A few days in Vienna, Austria and then a week in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Dec 3, 2008

Photos: 60

Budapest

Budapest for a week with Rodney and old High School buddy Zoltan

Nov 27, 2008

Photos: 92

Bulgaria & Serbia

One week staying with Konstandinos, Andy's badass cousin

Nov 15, 2008

Photos: 94

Luzern, Paris, Amsterdam

3 Days in Luzern, Switzerland, 3 days in Paris, and 3 days in Amsterdam!!!

Nov 5, 2008

Photos: 141

Turkey

A week in Istanbul (not Constantinople) and a week on another planet called Cappadocia.

Oct 25, 2008

Photos: 129

Italy

My first detour took me to Positano, Italy for a few days. Amalfi Coast, if that rings a bell. It came with a side of Sorrento, Capri, Pompeii, and a dash of Rome. WTF, I know, but totally worth it. I guess that Trevy Fountain thing aint all BS.

Oct 20, 2008

Photos: 95

Greece

A couple days exceeding expectations in Athens. Then, a week of genuine relaxation and high living with new friends on the Greek Isles of Mekonos and Santorini. (Greece)

Oct 12, 2008

Photos: 119

Ireland

A week in Dublin with some friends with a short jaunt out to the rainy green west of Galway (Ireland)

Oct 6, 2008

Photos: 78

Going Away Parties

Encinitas was put to the test with 60 party people

Sep 28, 2008

Photos: 62

Torrey Pines State Park

Finally, it only took me 10 years of living in San Diego to do so

Sep 13, 2008

Photos: 22

Chargers Swamp Crossing

Chargers, Cougars, and Swamps - all a result of a drunken bet about how many lobster tacos could be eaten in 2 hours. Answer: 17, not 30

Sep 7, 2008

Photos: 69

Goldman, Master of Baller Arts

Congrats buddy,

Aug 23, 2008

Photos: 63

Las Vegas MGM Signature

Vegas w/ Brownbear, the Leonards, Aoife, and friends

Aug 14, 2008

Photos: 111

Punchbowl Hike and Condo

Quality family time

Aug 9, 2008

Photos: 51

Dave Youmans Bachelor Party in Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, CA

Jul 30, 2008

Photos: 39

Olympia, WA

Tanler and Molly's Wedding! And other general ruckus.

Jul 18, 2008

Photos: 128

Whistler, BC

Solo mission to Whistler. Recommend downhill mountain biking.

Jul 16, 2008

Photos: 96

Vancouver, BC Canadia

Solo mission to Vancouver

Jul 15, 2008

Photos: 99

Washington Coast

13 dudes worth of testosterone = lots of shinanagans

Jul 11, 2008

Photos: 179

Irish Girls vs My Liver

Nothing like a week long bender between international trips. End result, multiple missed flights and more fun than a leprechaun eating lucky charms in a field of shammrocks.