2007 Trip to Hong Kong to Visit Unka Joe!

I had a trip to Guam for business back in mid November of 07' so I thought I would see if it was possible to get an inexpensive flight to Hong Kong. Thanksgiving was the following week after my business trip so I thought it would be nice to spend some time with Uncle Joe (UJ) fares allowing! After considerable searching and frankly a lot of luck, I was able to get a cheap round trip ticket out of Guam for about $550. So why not take a side trip and hang out with my favortie uncle!

This was my second trip to Hong Kong and for sure won't be my last. Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities to visit. The dining scene is very exciting! It's a modern city thats full of energy! And I love the Chinese people and thier cultural. They have a very long history so they are doing something right!

I hope on my next trip to be able to head into mainland China and visit a few of the cities. In addition a friend of mine whom grew up on Ticehurst Lane in Marblehead with myself and David Lombardi resides in Shenzhen 6 to 8 months a year. Shenzhen is about an hour train ride from Hong Kong into China. Unfortunately, my friend (Willy Herman) hadn't arrived yet so a visit was out of the question. Hopefully next time.

With this being my second trip I didn't do a lot of sightseeing. The first time I nearly ran UJ into the groound with everything we saw. That was a fantastic trip! I did a lot of shopping this time for the kids as Chirstmas was right around the corner. (note to self - carful what you ship back to the US as customs will intervene and tie your package up for three months just to take some beef jerky and a couple of cuban cigars) With electronics so very inexpensive in Hong Kong its tough to pass up. Yes it's all real! Hong Kong has cracked down on the fake stuff. You can find it if you want it but it's not easy. Good place to buy a watch although I didn't this trip. Couldn't find what I was looking for.

Enjoy the pictures!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickspics1/sets/72157605080296448/

Rick

My 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman (click on this title)

Here is a link to pics of my new 2008 MCS S Clubman. It's a fantastic little vehicle that is an absolute blast to drive. Coming from a Lexus SUV to this most would think it's too small. Frankly I haven't missed that SUV since I drove this car off the lot.

I have always liked the Mini's since the M'head days. But when BMW bought the line in early 2000 and brought it back to life I have always wanted one. The coupe was just too small. When I got wind of the Clubman coming back in Nov. 07' I just had to have one. Mid January I found out the launch was coming Feb. 17th. 08' so I promptly went on line to build my Clubman. (BTW if you ever consider buying a Mini, go on line and build it then order. Don't buy off the lot. Most Mini owners custom build their cars) I emailed the local dealer about the one I wanted and surprisingly they had one coming in that was pretty close to what I wanted. I just had to wait for the launch date. During that waiting period I ended up adding all kinds of options so what was once a big savings over the Lexus ended up being pretty close! (other than gas and maintenance). And I'm still not done tricking it out. Once the JCW Tuning launches later this year I'll be adding that. :) This car screams already! Once that is installed it will add about 30 hp. to what is already a very fast car! (someday I promise to grow up) Is it a wonder while I'm single! :)

Next toy! Wait and see but it only has two wheels!

2008 70.3 Half Ironman Race

I'm getting ready for this race again at the end of May. As a result I have been spending a lot of time training and preparing for it. With all the training I have been able to get my weight down to the lightest I have been in a long time. In fact Kenny and I now have the same waiste size.

THis year I'm trying to break the sub 6 hour mark for my race time. Last year I completed it in 6 hours & 34 minutes. So I need to cut 35 minutes of last years time! Wish me luck!

I have attached a link below if you have any interest in reading about the race or course. This race will be held in Kona where the Ironman World Championship is held every October. In fact this race that I'm doing has a number of qualifying slots for the Ironman World Championship. Not that I have any intention at this point in my life of doing a Ironman. But if I have ever decide to do one someone please shoot me. :)

You can also track me on race day via link below.

http://www.honuhalfironman.com/

You'll be able to get race results here as well.

Rick

2008 Ski Trip to Big White, Canada

This past spring break the kids, myself and a freind of mine took a 7 day ski trip to Big White Resort in Kelowna, BC. Canada. We had a fantastic time. I skied and the kids snowboarded. For Kenny, Erin & Ricky this was thier first time in cold weather and seeing snow never mind snowbaording in it. All of them did a fantastic job. I was very proud of all them Kenny & Ricky snowboarded 6 days straight. We took a lot of pictures so click on the link below. When Kenny gets around to editing and posting all the video he took we'll paste the link here as well so check back from time to time to check.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickspics1/sets/72157604728492402/

Rick

2007 Boston, Cape Cod & Maine Trip

Last summer the kids and I traveld to the East coast. We spent time north of Boston in Middleton, down at the Cape as well as in Maine. Erin and her cousin Krystle took a tour of Babson College, Boston College and few others. Erin is planning on attending college somewhere in Boston. Well maybe I want her to go there more than she wants too! :)

Here is a link for the Pictures from that trip.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickspics1/sets/72157604733267821/

Enjoy!

Rick

Bergstrom Family Email Address's

For those of you who haven't recieved an invite to this blog please email your email address to me at the above address.

I need Krystle, Jeremiah, Clairemaire, PJ & Benjamin. I'll set them up so you can post on this site and we can all keep in touch. It will be fun!

Ps - I need the Rangers & Mensel's email address's if anyone has them.

Welcome to the Bergstrom Family Blog

THis blog is for our family to keep in touch with one another. Whether your here in Hawaii, or in Hong Kong or in Boston. Please share what's happening in your life with all of us.