Travels With Mike: Year 1

Before there waswww.chicksdigmike.com there was Travels with Mike. It was just a series of e-mails I had sent out while traveling the country as an auditor. friends and family started forwarding them on and demanding more. Being an attention whore, I reciprocated and made it my life's mission to espouse the wonders of travel. Here's a few of the first e-mails I sent out. .

Year 1: How It All Began Chicago, IL The Midwestern Mike Saga To celebrate the 4th of July, Mike travels to the birthplace of Democracy; Chicago. He takes the time to converse with cab drivers, heavy metal guitarists and other random people in his quest for the perfect can of Old Style. Beaverton, OR / San Francisco, CA beavers, Bums and Brews - Oh My! How could you no be excited about going to a place called "Beaverton"? Follow Mike around the pacific northwest as he explores life through the eyes of hippies and the homeless. Interstate 101, CA Road tripping Mike Style Mike takes a road trip from Los Angeles to San Jose and offers a number of tips on how to make any road trip more enjoyable. Phoenix, AZ Arizona: It's What's For Breakfast There's more to Arizona than just cactus and ....more cactus. Rather than spending his time holed up in an air conditioned Hotel room, Mike takes the time to see why this seemingly barren state has some of the hottest women ever. Oakland, CA Crack Bum in the Slums Finishing with a client early in the bay area, Mike looks for entertainment in the City. Read the expanded version of his encounter with James, the Crack Bum from Oakland. Seattle, WA Sheepless in Seattle Besides coffee and hippies, seattle is also host to piano bars, a Space Needle and homeless hippies. It's a great place to visit, but a better place to be homeless. New York, NY New York, New Mother Friggin' York The original "Travels With Mike" e-mail, which spawned the column we have all come to know and love, and which covers his misfortune with the cab ride (almost) into the city from the airport.