August 3, 2010
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It’s Their Elephant Cloud
August is shaping up to be another busy month at The Hotel Careyfornia. Tomorrow, Rob is visiting for the week before heading to the Philippines. This past weekend, my friends Darlene & Jay arrived after spending the past year trekking throughout Africa. I’ve been following their adventures on their award winning blog: http://elephantcloud.net all year, but it was so great to have them here in person relaying their remarkable stories. (You can read why their blog is called The Elephant Cloud, here.)
Anyone who has ever visited Africa knows the hold it takes on your heart. I have written about my own journey there, but what Jay & Darlene have done this past year, surpasses all of my humble exploits; and they have surely left Africa a better place. Darlene, a physician’s assistant by trade, and Jay a software developer; brought their unique blend of talents and compassion to the farthest reaches of the continent, to the people who needed it most. The most recent example, before they left, involved Darlene treating patients for a newly rediscovered and debilitating foot disease at the Adventist Hospital in Gimbie, Ethiopia, while Jay followed the progress of the Podoconiosis treatments which the hospital was sponsoring. Through publicizing this on their blog, they were able to get over 900 pairs of shoes donated to the cause. See for yourself:
Their adventures are truly inspiring. Whether it’s helping Tanzania’s forgotten children, being mobbed by Egyptian paparazzi or communing with lions and giraffes in the Serengeti, they are living life full force. How many of us have secretly desired to sell our homes and all of our worldly belongings, leave our jobs and travel the world to make it a better place? As someone who explored the world for many years without a home, I can somewhat relate; but Darlene and Jay’s journey is the definition of epic. I’m honored that they stopped here to share their wonderful essence and remind me what matters most in this life. Here are some photos from our weekend together:
They flew from Africa to New York and then made their way west with all of their belongings. I wasn’t sure what to expect when they arrived, but I was picturing the opening of the Beverly Hillbillies. Sure enough they drove right through Beverly Hills and made it to the world famous Hotel Careyfornia!
A LONG way from Africa!
In good company!
The bouganvillea in bloom against a stunning foredrop!
They hadn’t had sushi in a year, so to say we “feasted” would be a huge understatement….I’m still full 3 days later! It was great though! Thanks guys!
This was our second star sighting of the weekend…it’s Busy Philipps from “Cougartown” and E.R. Our first sighting happened the night before as we walked home past the House of Blues and someone asked us, “Hey, do you want to get high with a celebrity?” We turned around to see Andy Dick in a dark corner…getting high. LOL. Needless to say, we passed.
Chazz waiting for leftovers from Claudio’s Brazilian barbecue
Making s’mores!
Ryan and I enjoying the s’mores and the company
Guess who’s up to his old tricks again?? He made his placemat an oxymoron!
Comments (33)
Busy Phillipps. Awesome first name? I think so.
I’ll be in LA in less than 2 weeks!
@Roadlesstaken - What are the dates again? I’m in Florida on business the 18th to the 22nd.
@CareyGLY - 15-18!
@Roadlesstaken - Cool…call me…let’s have dinner or something…310-623-7715
@CareyGLY - cool, I’ll let you know what my plans are when I have them finalized. Think Sam would like to join us? Oh, should you have your number up here in such a public place?
@Roadlesstaken - Yeah, let me know asap…I’m sure Sam would like to join too. Are you going to be near West Hollywood? I don’t care about posting my #…if I don’t know who’s calling, I won’t answer it. LOL. We can take this to email or facebook. Thanks
Jesus man, your pictures look like everything I want in life. haha.
That blog looks very interesting – I’ve bookmarked it and will read it a bit more. I’m glad to see you back again.
@CareyGLY - Not sure yet, but I think I’m pretty much gonna be all over the place haha.
@Paul_Partisan - Thanks…that’s a nice compliment!
@ElusiveWords - Thanks Matt…appreciate it!
@Roadlesstaken - You better have a car then…and lots of gas money! :)
Nice to see you blogging again! The Elephant Cloud….sounds interesting!
@CurryPuffy - Thanks Gary…yep, I highly recommend it!
Woah, awesome guests at the Hotel Careyfornia. Then again, you ALWAYS have awesome guests. Seems like everyone you know does something fabulous!
I had a glimpse of their website earlier. Their adventures truly look fantastic.
@pxlspy01 - That’s including you C.J.!! Wink wink!
@Dezinerdreams - Indeed! Thanks Vivek.
carey, tell your friend it’s raining here (philippines). usually in the afternoon so bring some umbrellas. heheh.
@Renatojr3 - Typical summer day, huh!? Thanks for the heads up Jon. He’s flying there Friday, so I’ll let him know!
it’s rainy season here. no more heat madness. but just be careful coz’ most catch flu or worse.
@Renatojr3 - Thanks for the heads up!
Yo yo! i will watch the soloist! thanks for the link…..how are the hot guys doing btw?
I Spy a Lamborghini!
you have cool friends. where in florida are you going to be?
@straw_hut - Which hot guys would you be referring to Peter?? :)
@CaKaLusa - Good eye Chris. When are you coming to The HC to drive it?
@curtainsopen - Orlando, unfortunately. The belly button of Florida. Ugh.
@CareyGLY - do I have to steal it in order to drive it? :P
@CaKaLusa - Is that a deal breaker? :P
@CareyGLY - it always is!
@CaKaLusa - Sucks to be me then….Isn’t it enough to hold the fabled sign?
@CareyGLY - it just might! lol @ thumbnail
@CaKaLusa - I know you’ve always liked that one…I chose it just for you! :)
chazz looks gloomy in his cage. not up for his pic taken??
@rudyhou - No he looks GUILTY, because he knows he did something wrong! :)
haha… that explains it.
@rudyhou - I thought the caption explained it! LOL