Got in 4 dives this weekend... a wee bit different diving in New England than the Caribbean. In addition, to the extra 4mm of wetsuit (on top of 3mm), hood & gloves, I had to add 26 pounds of additional weight to my BCD.

First shore dive - Rockport, MA - nearly lost my tank as it slid out of the buckle; my weightbelt fell to the bottom and as I tried to catch it with my leg, I got a huge charlie horse and I ended the dive with just 185 PSI. I nearly quit at that point.

Second shore dive - Rockport, MA - I integrated the weights in my BCD and was no longer struggling with it shifting and moving. A much cleaner dive equipment wise and with great visibility. Saw a ton of lobster and crabs... a baby lobster bit my glove!

Third & Fourth Boat dive - Egg Rock & Kettle Rock - Gloucester, MA - If anyone thought there was nothing to see while diving in New England, they were wrong. Ten pound lobsters, bluefish, skates, flounder, sea urchin, star fish, clams, scallops, etc. It was a wonderful experience. Can't wait for the next four dives next weekend.

And, Just so we know, I'm getting a catch license! I want to CATCH my dinner next weekend!

Well, I blew my Saturday budget on scuba gear. And I'm looking pretty sassy in my wetsuit & BCD (if I don't say so myself)! I bought everything but the tank! My first dive in New England will be this weekend.

Also saw Manchurian Candidate, Saturday afternoon. Meryl Streep scares me.

Sunday evening, I ended up at the India Independence Day Celebration on the Hatchshell as one of my staff was performing (note the picture). You could pull him out of the crowd - taller than everyone else and stark white legs! It was a great time. And don't mess with Bhangra, they take it very seriously!

And, just so we know... I have NO shame in saying that I just ate a cupcake at 9AM! Yum!

There's no Massachusetts sales tax today. I'm off to spend some money. Hmmm. What shall I buy? Nonetheless, I think a few new toys are in order along with a trip to Marshalls & DSW. Perhaps, Jordan's furniture and then Kelly's Roast Beef afterwards. Okay, I'm stalling. So much shopping to do!

After being up for almost 24 hours, I am back to work. There's a smile on my face, a kick in my step, a new dutch look (well hairstyle that is) and by god, I have the pics up already. How's that for rejuvenation? Now, refreshed & relaxed - I'm ready for new challenges, new people in my life, and new adventures. I have detailed accounts of my days, but it will take some time to get that all formulated. I need to dissect my journal a bit.

Here are the pics... I'm warning you, there are about 600 and more to come when my friend Pamela returns and sends me hers pics. Best to start here:

• Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade


• Amsterdam


• Paris

I'm in Amsterdam, sitting in a fabulous flat on the Keizersgracht listening to the locals wander the streets and watching the canals glisten in the moonlight. My trip thus far has been amazing to say the least. I have so much to write & share (I have been keeping a journal), but to sum it up. The food is devine, the wine is exceptional, the women are beautiful and the sights are stunning. Truly breathtaking.

My flight returns Tuesday at 6:47 PM. Is it too late to change my mind about returning? I'm already accustomed to the time difference. I can work from here, right? But then again, I wouldn't be able to bring back all the gifts I have acquired along my travels. Cheers, mates!