Sean Zarinegar in Kansas City

My favorite attraction in Kansas City, MO was the Harley Davidson Factory Tour. It was AWESOME to see the assembly lines and tour the factory. Maybe some day I'll get myself a hog to tour around the US!

101 Reasons to Buy a Harley

1. They're designed, engineered and built in the good ol' U.S. of A.
2. They sound cool, kind of like a World War I biplane.
3. They are not an imitation of anything but themselves.
4. Chicks really dig 'em!
5. There are thousands of accessories available, so you can make your Harley uniquely yours.
6. They can be painted outrageous colors, with strange murals, and no one thinks they look terrible or silly. They just look like a Harley.
7. There are more Harley mechanics around than for any other bike.
8. Even an old, beat-up one still looks good.
9. They have a rich history and century-long heritage.
10. Almost anyone can ride one.
11. Almost everyone knows what it is.
12. You can get a Harley tattoo.
13. You can get a Harley bumper sticker.
14. Tricked-out used ones can cost more than new ones.
15. You don't hear any songs about Suzuki.
16. You can find more Harley parts at swap meets and flea markets than for any other bike.
17. When you run into a car, you'll inflict more damage than with other motorcycles.
18. You can buy a full-dress Harley with a radio, comfy seats with armrests, a big, useful windshield, solid saddle bags and a trunk, and nobody will think you're an old fart when you ride it.
19. You never have to wonder how to spend your extra money.
20. There's always an appropriate gift for a Harley rider.
21. You can pretend you're a Hell's Angel on weekend rides, then go back to your real life on weekdays, without having to go to jail.
22. An old Harley rusting in a barn could be worth more than a new Honda.
23. Even when your Harley is stored for the winter, you can still polish it.
24. When you say you're going to clean the bike, your spouse will always know what you're up to for the next few hours and not have to worry.
25. It can make you smile on a bad day.
26. It keeps cops wondering if there's a Hell's Angel or an influential judge under those leathers.
27. It gives you the opportunity to try out every metal polish and auto cleaner ever made.
28. It makes small dogs and young children tremble when you rumble past.
29. Even a small Harley is a big bike.
30. You don't have to dress like a Mighty Morphin' Power Ranger to ride a Harley.
31. You can wear a Harley cap and not look as silly as 99 percent of the people who wear baseball caps. Except, of course, if you wear it backwards, which immediately identifies you as a dweeb, regardless of the logo. Remember, people who can't figure out which way a hat goes on are also poor prospects for mates.
32. This reason missing. It must have vibrated off.
33. Unlike sportbikes, you don't need to visit the chiropractor after riding for more than 20 minutes.
34. You never have to explain or apologize for your choice of ride.
35. No one ever asks you to race them.
36. You girlfriend will never need to buy a vibrator.
37. You always have something to talk about with other Harley riders.
38. You can always find an after-market part for any Harley, no matter how old it is.
39. The chrome is on all the right parts, yet you can always add more or take some off and it will still look good.
40. You never have to get the valves adjusted.
41. There is only one carburetor to adjust.
42. They're always in style.
43. If you ride a sportbike at 40, people will think you're either crazy or haven't grown up. If you ride a Harley at 40, people will just think you're young at heart and have style.
44. Harley riders always have something to talk about at parties.
45. Sure, you can ride other motorcycles to Daytona and Sturgis, but why bother?
46. Women riding Harleys look sexy, confident and independent.
47. Cleaning your bike is an act of love, not a chore.
48. Harley riders have a better sex life. Honest!
49. Harley riders are recognized world-wide. Wear a Harley cap or T-shirt anywhere in the world and someone will walk up and talk to you about your bike.
50. People can argue endlessly about the technical advantages and ergonomics of other motorcycles, but when it's all been said, Harley riders get on their bikes and ride away with a smile.
51. Harley riders always have a wrench handy to loan someone.
52. Harley riders never have to worry about their Harley-riding friends asking to borrow money.
53. A Harley rider learns to say "No" to people who ask to borrow their bike. This skill is useful when dealing with salespeople, Jehovah's Witnesses, dogs and children.
54. Harley riders always turn heads going through the center of town.
55. You are never lonely. You have an instant family when you buy a Harley.
56. Harley riders don't have to worry about their bikes becoming obsolete.
57. Long-term marriages are safer with a Harley because the husband will be too preoccupied with his bike to want to mess with other women.
58. When someone asks, "What do you ride?" you don't have to explain what a "GSR750ATF Inducer" is. You simply say, "A Harley."
59. You'll meet more people at bike shows and rallies who ride Harleys.
60. When people drive too slow in front of you, you just get to ride longer.
61. Harleys even make good rat-bikes.
62. You can ride a Harley in rodeo and field-day competitions at bike rallies. Try riding a sportbike in the barrel-push or the weenie-bite.
63. If you want more power, you can pump it up to your satisfaction.
64. There are more Harley riders at any gathering than any other kind of bike rider.
65. Old Harleys never die.
66. Arnold rode one in Terminator 2.
67. When you wave to another Harley rider on the highway, they'll wave back.
68. Every Harley ever made will be sold to someone who wants one.
69. You'll get more grins per mile, even in the rain.
70. You don't need to know about double overhead cams to maintain a Harley.
71. Harley riders understand that if you have two Harley's you are not rich, you simply have no money at all.
72. Metric cruiser riders will never borrow your tools.
73. The unique Harley rumble sounds and feels better than any other bike.
74. You don't have to remove the engine to work on it.
75. You can find any style of seat for every year.
76. You can build one from the ground-up, and everyone will think it's cool.
77. You get to tell people ,"If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand."
78. You don't have to talk your girlfriend into going for a ride.
79. If you're old, the idle shakes your heart like a pacemaker.
80. They can be slow and still be bitchin'.
81. Fat people gotta ride something.
82. When people ask about the waiting list, you can tell them, "Yeah, I waited 33 years and 9 Jap bikes before I got one."
83. Harley salespeople don't have to hard-sell them.
84. They keep your neighbors from over-sleeping.
85. Old ones keep the highways properly lubricated.
86. You'll get lots of extra protein from the bugs in your teeth.
87. You always know where the cars with alarms are in your neighborhood.
88. You don't need to remove any bodywork to do a tune-up.
89. You don't need any weight-lifting equipment to build your strength. Just drop one and try to pick it back up.
90. You don't have to explain your mid-life crisis in detail. "Got a Harley," will suffice.
91. If someone is foolish enough to cut in front of you in traffic, they're almost always intimidated immediately after doing it.
92. If you get stuck in boring business meetings, you can always daydream about your last ride.
93. You can explain, "But honey, it's economical. It gets great gas mileage!"
94. You can putt along at only 20 mph, and still look cool.
95. Having one is like getting to ride your entire savings account.
96. It's an instant, non-aspirin pain reliever.
97. If someone's head doesn't turn, you'll know they're envious.
98. You'll never need to buy a paint shaker.
99. When someone asks what color it is, you can answer, "Mostly chrome!"
100. Buy one because you've wanted to ever since you were 11 years old.
101. Print out and add your own reason to buy a Harley here:

Sean Zarinegar in Long Beach

Visiting Long Beach, my favorite place to visit was the Long Beach Aquarium. I touched sharks and sting ray, and believe me when I say, Sean Zarinegar does NOT touch sharks and sting ray, but I seized the opportunity and am glad I did. They didn't feel at all as I thought they would. Got a stuffed otter for my son.

The have an awesome tunnel at the end of the first hallway of fish that seal lions swim all around. They go under where you're standing and around to the other side. I could have sat there for hours, and the toddlers visiting could have too ;)

They have a new sea otter exhibit that wasn't really that spectacular, but I caught the diving birds at the best time, as they were all diving into the water. That visual will stick with me for a long time.

Sean Zarinegar in San Francisco

Wow. It is no mystery why San Francisco is so well known and iconic. What a stunning city. You can feel the buzz of community in the air. The golden gate bridge is spectacular. The park at the end of Golden Gate bridge is equally as spectacular. The view is beyond words.

So many of the sites in San Francisco are like a story from a book. The jail on the island that is partially covered in fog. The trolley cars. The street artists.

This is the kind of city I can imagine having "Sean Zarinegar Lives Here!" rather then Sean Zarinegar Travels!! LOL!

This is a must visit place. Must.

Sean Zarinegar in Ojai

Well, Ojai is definitely more my speed. Farms, near the ocean, beautiful scenery, small shops and gift stores.

I spent much of the after noon window shopping, and found a woodworking shop where they made me a "Zarinegar" sign for my house back home.

When I got tired I stopped in to an awesome candy and soda shop with the best old candy and old soda I have ever seen. Brands you haven't seen in decades. It was like a trip down memory lane.

We ate at Boccali's. Family owned and operated. Food from the farm. Need I say more? Delicious. Strawberry shortcake to die for.

Sean Zarinegar Travels to Las Vegas!

VEGAS BABY!

Lights, drinks, and unfortunately smokes :/ I think I had a headache the entire time I was in Vegas. I loved the slot machines though, and won back all my money and $100 5 minutes before my flight took off! I was $50 down, but came home with a lot of quarters.

I recommend the big shows there. Lots of great acts and lots of excitement and people ready to party! However, this is definitely not where Sean will be retiring. Definitely not.

Sean Zarinegar Travels America heads to Orlando!

Sean Zarinegar Travels America heads to Orlando!

Walt Disney World, Cirque Du Soleil and Universal Studios. I can tell you right now, this is going to be a long entry!

When you first enter Walt Disney World, all you see are the cars. Parking lots. Tram cars. After you get your tickets and hop on the monorail, you are in for a spectacular treat!

The area that Disney World is built on is completely spectacular. I’ve had to pinch myself numerous times. “Sean, you are not dreaming. This is real.” The water. The greens. The castle. It’s an amazing view riding into Disney World on that monorail.

What I decided to do for my followers is to review the supposed ‘Top 10 Rides’ at Disney World, outlined in this article:

Best Walt Disney World Rides

The Top 10 Best Rides and Shows at Walt Disney World's Theme Parks

By Arthur Levine, About.com Guide

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida? Do you want to know which rides, shows, and attractions are must-sees at the resort's four theme parks? Herewith, a list of the very best Walt Disney World rides.

10. Turtle Talk with Crush

Disney. Used with permission.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 0
  This is a charming show with no gotchas or scary moments.
• Height Requirement: None
• Location: The Seas with Nemo & Friends Pavilion in Epcot
• Fastpass: No

Some might find it odd to choose the "Finding Nemo"-themed show above classics such as Jungle Cruise, Star Tours, and Big Thunder Mountain for a top-10 list of best Walt Disney World attractions. But Turtle Talk with Crush, in which the surfer dude interacts with audience members via real-time animation, is an astonishing Imagineering breakthrough. Between laughs, adults scratch their heads in bewilderment, while young kids nonchalantly, if delightedly, chat with the witty reptile. If you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for, dude?

9. Splash Mountain

Disney. Used with permission.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 4.5
  One giant splashdown
• Height Requirement: 40 inches
• Location: Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom

Disney marries the classic log flume ride (with one humdinger of a drop) to an animatronics-filled dark ride themed to the Uncle Remus characters from "Song of the South." You'll be humming "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" (once you regain your composure from the drop).

8. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Disney. Used with permission.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 1.5
  Loud, bright fireworks.
• Height Requirement: None
• Location: World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot
• Fast pass: No

Another Disney nighttime spectacular, IllumiNations is audacious in scope. It uses the pavilions that circle Epcot's World Showcase as its canvas to paint a pyrotechnic tapestry of international goodwill. The rousing soundtrack, soaring fireworks, dazzling lasers, and sonic booms are sure to leave you, um, illuminated.

7. Expedition Everest

Arthur Levine 2006. Licensed to About.com.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 6
  Fairly intense positive G-forces, backwards coaster motion, darkness.
• Height Requirement: 44 inches
• Location: Asia land in Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Fastpass: Yes

As a roller coaster, Expedition Everest is just OK. And as a themed dark ride, the attraction would be just OK without the coaster elements. But the combination of the coaster, which is integral to the ride's story, and the attraction's lavish, immersive environment, creates another Disney E-ticket must-ride and a welcome addition to Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Expedition Everest Ride Review

6. Mission: SPACE

©Arthur Levine, 2003. Licensed to About.com.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7.5
  The sustained G-forces can be unnerving; the simulated liftoff and flight is very realistic; the capsule is quite confining.
• Height Requirement: 44 inches
• Location: Future World in Epcot
• Fastpass: Yes

A groundbreaking, awe-inspiring attraction that delivers sensations unlike any you have ever felt (unless you're an astronaut) and replicates space travel with an astonishing degree of reality. It figuratively--and literally-- takes your breath away.

Mission: SPACE Ride Review

5. Fantasmic!

Disney. Used with permission.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 2.5
  Percussive explosions, nightmare scenes.
• Height Requirement: None
• Location: Sunset Boulevard in Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Fastpass: No

The nightly Fantasmic! show is an incredible Imagineering achievement that combines classic Disney animation (projected on enormous water screens), pyrotechnics, animatronics, live actors, and other wizardry to deliver a storytelling tour-de-force. With Sorcerer Mickey at the helm, Fantasmic! positively oozes "Disney-ness." Be sure to get to the stadium at least an hour before show time for decent seats, especially when the park is crowded.

4. Soarin'

Disney. Used with permission.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 2.5
  Gentle motion simulation, moderate height, and "soaring" simulation.
• Height Requirement: 40 inches
• Location: Living with the Land Pavilion in Epcot
• Fastpass: Yes

A captivating Disney E-ticket ride that incorporates technology in a new and exciting way, Soarin' is a charming and giddy adventure up, over, and through the sights of California. It will engage your senses and figuratively, if not damn near literally, send you soarin'.

Soarin' Ride Review

3. The Haunted Mansion

©Arthur Levine, 2003. Licensed to About.com.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 3.5
  More silly than scary, the ride is dark, loud...and haunted! Very young children may find it disconcerting.
• Height Requirement: None
• Location: Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom
• Fastpass: No

Casual and ardent fans alike typically pair The Haunted Mansion with Pirates of the Caribbean as the archetypal Disney attractions. Coming on the heels of the wildly successful and innovative Pirates and Disney's New York World's Fair attractions, the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was part of an incredible burst of creative energy from the company and one of its high watermark moments. The classic ride is essentially the same in Florida.

Haunted Mansion Ride Review and Links to History, Secrets, and More

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

©Arthur Levine, 2004. Licensed to About.com.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 7
  Multiple freefall drops and launches, sensations of weightlessness, psychological thrills.
• Height Requirement: 40 inches
• Location: Sunset Boulevard in Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Fastpass: Yes

The Tower of Terror is a modern-day classic Disney theme park attraction. Combining a thrilling freefall ride, dazzling effects, and an inspired and fiendishly clever storyline based on the seminal "The Twilight Zone" television series, Disney Imagineers have created a ride that, like a select few E-ticket attractions, is so much greater than the sum of its parts.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Ride Review

1. Pirates of the Caribbean

©Arthur Levine, 2003. Licensed to About.com.

• Thrill Scale (0=Wimpy!, 10=Yikes!): 2.5
  Small splashdowns, mildly frightening images.
• Height Requirement: None
• Location: Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom
• Fastpass: No

Dead men may tell no tales, but Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean have entertained millions with their salty tales. A landmark achievement in theme park storytelling when it debuted at Disneyland in 1967, Pirates remains one of Disney's--and all of parkdom's--most beloved attractions. First-timers and those returning with nostalgia-tinged memories alike adore its timeless tales and pitch-perfect presentation.

 I want to talk specifically about the top 3. I completely agree that these three rides are the top three. What I don’t agree with is the order. Here is my Top 3:

Sean Zarinegar’s Top 3 Walt Disney World Rides

1. The Haunted Mansion

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

3. Pirates of the Caribbean

The Haunted Mansion is amazing. So fun, so much to look at, so relaxing. I love the details and the chairs!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is so quality! The whole back story is awesome, and honestly, if it didn’t scare the pants off me, it’d probably be number 1.

Pirates of the Caribbean – the ride is way better then the movies.

So there you have it, Sean’s Top 3!

I’ll share more about Orlando in my next post!

Sean Zarinegar Visits Port Townsend

When I was deciding all the places I would travel to for Sean Zarinegar Travels America, it was important to me that I not only travelled to well known cities, but also small towns off the beaten path. This is why I chose to travel to Port Townsend, WA. It required a place trip, ferry ride, and another couple hours of driving, but this is what Sean Zarinegar Travels America is all about!

Port Townsend features old-timey restaurants and delicious sea food. This small town has to be one of America’s finest. One of the residents told me about the ‘Port Townsend curse’. Supposedly those who visit are unable to resist the urge to return, over and over again. I can certainly see why, and would love to visit again and write about how the curse came true on Sean Zarinegar Travels America!

Sean Zarinegar In Philadelphia

When you visit Philadelphia, the biggest attraction has to be the history. History is everywhere, but in Philadelphia it is especially profound.

My favorite historical tourist attraction would have to be the Liberty Bell. Although it is smaller than most people imagine it will be, it is completely amazing to be in front of such a well-recognized symbol of freedom. When I started Sean Zarinegar Travels America, this was the place that inspired me the most, and I am so glad it can now be checked off the list.  

Sean Zarinegar Appreciates Savannah Architecture

When I was in Savannah the thing that caught my attention the most was the beautiful architecture. When I got home my friends kept asking, “Sean Zariengar, what is so different about the architecture?” And I have to say what sets the architecture apart is:

Bold colors

Ornate columns and railings

Stones and bricks

Victorian Houses

Vines and trees that compliment the structure and history

When I was walking through the city I thought I heard someone yell “Sean Zarinegar,” but I was a stranger to all the people in the town. I sometimes wonder though if that could have been my home. I just love it there.