As you have read, I’ve been traveling a lot recently. Whether it has been to shoot surfing, relax, or work on the more commerical advertising shoots, I’ve been keeping mobile recently. The other day, I was on my way back from Atlanta where we were shooting an ad for a company that shall remain nameless (Think “lemon lime” mixed with high fructose corn syrup). I was sitting on the plane, First Class, waiting for takeoff, and sipping on a beer. I had to take this down time to plan for my next Surfers Candy post. Problem was that I was fully blanking on what I should write about. To be honest, I’ve been so damn busy with the other photo work I do that I haven’t had a chance to catch the recent swells in Jersey, nor shoot photos of my bros shredding. What the hell am I supposed to write about?
I looked around me and realized that I was sitting amongst a group of business dudes, undoubtedly doing the long haul to and from work that week. Cufflinks, Tag Heuers, briefcases, clean shaven, Mens Warehouse, chardonnay. I was doing the same long haul, but with different adjectives. Leather wrist piece, Vestal, Dakine backpack with built in beer cooler, haven’t used a real razor since June 2006, 3 for 10 plain white T’s, Becks beer. This made me realize how I totally don’t fit in with this crowd.
Recently, I’ve traveled so much that US airways puts me in first class for free. When I got to Atlanta, instead of haggling with the rental car people, the keys are already in the car and I just drive off from the Hertz Gold Member area without saying a word. I drop the keys to the valet guys at the hotel, and have another guy carry my bag up to my suite with king bed, entertainment center, and even my own shoe shine kit (which I did use on my dirty Pumas). I have no idea how I have gotten myself into this mess, but it’s pretty cool, and I never get lost in the hustle that I forget to enjoy these conveniences.
The surfing life has sent me to a ton of rad places, but never first class, never with nice rental cars, rarely with my own bed – usually sleeping on something that is no where near considered a bed. But, the beauty of it is, I would choose the rugged lifestyle of surf travel any day over the corporate life. When you wake up after the 15 hour flight and you realize you are on a random rock in the middle of the pacific, there is a much sweeter taste to the air than when you touch down in sultry Atlanta.
For anyone who has forgone the money that can come with a “real job” because they need to be able to mobilize when a southern hemi lights up mexico, you’re doing the right thing in my mind. Hopefully you’ll see me there soon.
Sipping on free beer before other people are even allowed on the plane
Really? Are all 8 pillows necessary? Really?
Don't know who this woman is, but these chocolates were hand delivered to my door so I pretended they were at the right room and ate em.
Complimentary bathroom kit isn't complete until you have laundry detergent and the things that go in your shirt's collar.
Yes, I wore both of them within my 18 hour stay at the Ritz.
Compared to my Bedroom/Office in Oz last year - caught a ton of fun waves on that trip.
Our Tahitian Media Center / Bedroom for 6.
Sleeping on top of all of our belongings in Australia a few years back
Problem is, when you look out the window of the Ritz, you're still in Atlanta.
I prefer the view from our front lawn in Tahiti
