Visiting Las Vegas always feels like stepping into a whirlwind of energy and innovation, an experience amplified during my latest adventure for CES, the largest consumer electronics expo in the world. Having been to Las Vegas before, this trip stood out as it was my second time attending CES, where the cutting-edge of technology is unveiled.

Last year’s CES was all about actively showcasing our product. Caught up in the whirl of presentations, I hardly had a moment to share my experiences. This time, however, I absorbed every detail, immersing myself fully in the vibrant atmosphere of the show.

CES is more than just an expo; it’s a global stage for everyone from tech titans to emerging startups, all eager to impress and innovate. The range of products is astonishing – from televisions and cars to helicopters, cryptocurrencies, and smartphone accessories. It’s a place where the future of technology unfolds, with the notable exception of Apple, which usually opts out of the event.

However, this year, I noticed a sense of déjà vu with many exhibits. It appeared that a significant portion, around 80%, were repeats from last year, leaving only about 20% of the show dedicated to new innovations. This repetition was a bit of a letdown in the midst of the otherwise sparkling array of technology.

The expo is cleverly segmented into thematic sections, covering everything from sports to engineering. It sprawls across different venues in the city, creating a tech wonderland. For the second consecutive year, our booth was set up at the Sands Expo, which is conveniently located next to the Venetian Hotel. The main portion of CES took over the sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center.

The primary goal at CES is to maximize exposure for your product, showcasing it to the industry journalists who will then broadcast its story to the world. Having learned from my previous visit, I was better prepared this time with a few key strategies: scheduling meetings with journalists in advance, arriving in Las Vegas early to acclimate to the climate, starting booth setup a day before the expo opens, and maintaining high energy levels throughout the event.

To avoid the long lines and keep energy up, stocking up on coffee is a must. Bringing a large team is also beneficial. It allows for a balance between interacting with the press and exploring the rest of the exhibition, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the groundbreaking innovations on display.

An unforgettable part of my visit were the NHL hockey games, where the local Vegas Golden Knights faced off against the New Jersey Devils and the San Jose Sharks. The first game was a spectacle of fiery enthusiasm, resulting in a nail-biting 3-2 victory for the Knights. The second match, however, was a tough battle, and we witnessed a narrow 3-2 defeat. These exhilarating games added a dynamic layer of excitement to my CES experience in the ever-lively Las Vegas.

My first encounter with Boston was a brief whirlwind. With only two action-packed days filled with meetings, there was hardly any time to properly explore the city.

The urban landscape of Boston struck me as incredibly compact. It was fascinating to see the Crowne Plaza Hotel ingeniously built right over a highway, a testament to the city’s innovative use of space.

Despite the brevity of my visit, it was clear that Boston brimmed with intriguing sights and experiences. The glimpses I caught – the historic architecture, the bustling streets, and the vibrant cultural tapestry – left me determined to return and delve deeper into the city’s rich heritage and contemporary charm.

From my brief moments of exploration and the city views I captured, including a timelapse from Boston’s airport, I could tell that Boston is a city of layered histories and modern dynamism, promising much more to discover on future visits.

The Manitou Incline near Colorado Springs is a famed hiking trail that presents a unique challenge for both seasoned athletes and casual hikers. Spanning a horizontal distance of 1,420 meters, it ascends 613 meters – a steep gradient that means for every 2 meters walked horizontally, you climb 1 meter vertically. The trail culminates in 2,768 steps made from repurposed railroad ties, starting at an elevation of 2,000 meters above sea level.

Local athletes often conquer the Incline in just 30 minutes, but for the average person, reaching the top can be a daunting, yet rewarding, endeavor.

Nearby, the Garden of the Gods, dusted in snow, offers a breathtaking spectacle. Its beauty in the wintery cloak is a sight to behold and a perfect complement to the rugged challenge of the Manitou Incline.

A notable highlight in the area is Pikes Peak, famous for the century-old ‘Race to the Clouds’ event. This snow-capped peak, visible to the right, stands as a majestic backdrop to the region, adding to the area’s natural grandeur and the sense of accomplishment that comes from exploring these remarkable trails and landmarks.

When visiting Lake Garda, indulge in some light-hearted travel antics for a truly memorable trip. Start by mastering the art of the Scaliger Castle selfie. It’s a rite of passage for every visitor! Get creative with your poses – perhaps mimic a medieval knight or a Venetian noble. And if you manage to get a duck in the frame, you’ve hit the jackpot. These feathered locals are known to photobomb tourists, adding an extra layer of fun to your pictures.

Embrace the culinary adventures that await by taking on the Gelato Gauntlet. Challenge yourself to sample a new gelato flavor daily, from the classic stracciatella to the adventurous olive oil. And while dining, try mastering the Italian art of pasta twirling. It’s a skill that, when perfected, earns you honorary Italian status. But beware, the path to perfection is paved with many a pasta fling. Remember, laughter is the best remedy for any accidental pasta mishaps!

Finally, blend in with the locals by steering clear of the classic tourist fashion faux pas – socks with sandals are a definite no-go! And keep an eye on the lake for the elusive ‘Lake Garda Monster.’ It’s a whimsical reminder that every ripple and wave holds a story, making your visit not just a journey but a tale to be told. Learning a bit of Italian can go a long way too, especially the essential phrases like “Dove il miglior gelato?” (Where’s the best gelato?). With these playful tips in mind, your Lake Garda adventure is sure to be filled with laughter, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

My flight from Frankfurt to Denver on Lufthansa was a breathtaking journey. A previous trip to Vegas had taught me how to choose the best side of the plane for stunning views. The secret? Check the flight’s previous route and approach to landing on Flightradar24 to pick the perfect seat, considering the wing’s position.

Flying over the ocean, which looks the same from all sides, pales in comparison to the fascinating landscapes over land. Flying over Canada, I was surprised to find Quebec and Ontario, usually green on Google Maps, mostly barren in June, one of the Northern Hemisphere’s warmest months. The terrain resembled the moon’s crater-filled surface, eventually giving way to roads without houses, only appearing as we neared the U.S. border.

The confluence of the White River and Missouri in South Dakota was a spectacular sight, creating a unique natural phenomenon.

In Nebraska, circular fields soon turned into rectangular ones, creating a patchwork landscape.

The Westin at Denver Airport looked stunning, but this time, I opted for a homely stay in a cottage. Surprisingly, the interior felt twice as large as it appeared from outside. The first floor housed the kitchen, living room, and a bedroom, with more bedrooms upstairs. Sleeping there after the long flight was incredibly comforting.

Near Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods awaited with its striking red rocks and landscapes reminiscent of ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’.

The rest of Colorado evoked scenes straight out of ‘Far Cry 5.’

Before leaving, I had to stop at Old Chicago for some beers and a slice of their famous Chicago-style pizza. Enjoying a game at the bar, switching channels during ads, and savoring a piece of pizza was a delight, a culture sadly fading in Europe.

But the trip’s highlight was the unexpected finale. On the night flight home, I got to watch the 2018 Stanley Cup Final between Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights live on Lufthansa. Witnessing Ovechkin’s joy at winning his first cup after 14 years in the NHL, 10,000 meters above the Atlantic, was an unforgettable experience.

My startup journey unexpectedly led me to Rome, Italy’s majestic capital, to participate in traditional ceremonies aimed at attracting luck and success. Ironically, despite my numerous visits to Italy, Rome had always eluded me.

On the night of May 13th, the streets of Rome were deserted, yet the city was far from asleep. The fate of the Italian Football Cup was being decided – Juventus, having confidently drawn 0:0 with Roma, clinched the Serie A title. The streets instantly erupted with crowds of jubilant fans, their joy palpable.

Rome’s architecture inspires genuine awe. To truly savor its splendor, one would need at least two weeks. There’s simply too much beauty and history to absorb.

I had the unique opportunity to visit places usually off the tourist trail: the Italian Forum and the Olympic Center. The Olympic Center is a beautifully maintained site, imbued with the triumphs of athletes.

Foro Italico, a group of sports facilities built in the late 1920s, exudes an imperial grandeur typical of Mussolini, who used sport to propagate his ideologies. Despite its origins, it was preserved post-war in its original form as a historical reminder. In 1960, it hosted the Summer Olympics.

For the first time, I experienced a live tennis match. Previously, I found tennis somewhat dull, likely due to television broadcasts failing to capture the court’s intense emotions and the physical exertion each professional strike demands. In person, the experience was electrifying.

The monumental sculptures of Roman Olympians at the Forum add a sense of historical grandeur to the sporting events held there. Performing in such a venue is undoubtedly an immense honor.

The comfort of a hotel bed after a flight is unparalleled, especially when you can luxuriate in 8 hours of sleep instead of a cramped 4 hours in an airplane seat.

New York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio had declared a state of emergency just the day before due to an approaching snowstorm. With schools and kindergartens closed, the city – usually teeming with its 20-million population – turned eerily quiet. Well, almost. The subway and hipster cafes remained open, and the snowstorm turned out to be less severe than anticipated.

A snowstorm in New York is a unique spectacle. Due to the city’s proximity to the ocean, the snow is dense, not fluffy. About 20 centimeters of snow had fallen overnight and into the morning, creating a rare opportunity for tourists to see the city free from the usual crowds.

After a delicious breakfast, we set out to explore the classic sights of New York. Walking these streets felt surreal, like déjà vu – I’d seen it all before in GTA video games and countless Hollywood movies. It was like stepping onto a film set.

We planned to explore the iconic views of Manhattan – the Empire State Building, Broadway, but the highlight awaited us at Madison Square Garden. This isn’t just New York’s premier arena; it’s a symbol of America’s entertainment and sports scene. We were lucky enough to get a tour without a reservation or a long wait.

Preparations were in full swing for Justin Timberlake’s concert that evening. And the next day, the same venue would host a Rangers game, followed by a Knicks game. In a city where space is a luxury, it’s not feasible to have separate arenas for basketball and hockey teams. Hence, they share Madison Square Garden, ingeniously converting from a hockey rink to a basketball court in just four hours. The process is more complex when setting up for concerts.

The locker rooms for the Knicks and the Rangers are separate. The Rangers, who had a tough season in 2018, are quite superstitious; they cover their club logo with a special carpet to prevent tourists from jinxing it. The Knicks, on the other hand, proudly display their logo in their locker room.

Our departure from Newark Airport in neighboring New Jersey wasn’t delayed by the snowstorm. Surprisingly, the usually congested journey from Brooklyn took us only 30 minutes, a trip that would typically take an hour and a half.

The flight from Seattle to New York took a mere five hours, a journey made swift thanks to the earth’s rotation and the helpful shift in time zones. For us, the JetBlue aircraft transformed into an impromptu hotel room in the skies. Despite the ample legroom in economy class, a restful sleep or even a brief respite remained elusive.

Upon arrival in New York, we were immediately greeted with news of an impending snowstorm. Yet, the snowstorm was forecasted for tomorrow, leaving today open for exploration. Our adventure took us on a walk through Long Island, accompanied by geese. True to its name, Long Island stretches extensively, a place where one can drive for ages without reaching its end.

After checking into our hotel in Brooklyn, we headed to the Barclays Center for a hockey game. The arena is notably owned by Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, who also owns the Brooklyn Nets NBA team. Additionally, it serves as the temporary home for the New York Islanders until the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island is fully renovated and restored to its former glory.

The game between the New York Islanders and the Pittsburgh Penguins wasn’t particularly spectacular. The Islanders had already lost their chance at the Stanley Cup playoffs, while the Penguins were comfortably positioned in second place in their division, having already secured their playoff spot. I had long anticipated watching Malkin and Crosby play, but unfortunately, they didn’t make a significant impact in this match, possibly conserving their energy for later games. Spoiler alert: this strategy wouldn’t help them much, as Ovechkin, would later dominate in the second round.

The morning in sunny San Diego began with a flight to Seattle, Washington. The three-hour flight along the West Coast, transitioning from summer to winter, was a journey worth mentioning. Flying in a small Embraer, the flight offered a low-altitude view of the West Coast, including Los Angeles, Yosemite National Park, Mono Lake, and Oregon’s mountain peaks, culminating in a flyover of downtown Seattle.

Delta Airlines, considered the best in the U.S., was the airline of choice. Seattle is famous as an IT hub, home to major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, T-Mobile, Valve, Philips, SAP’s Concur, Costco, Expedia, and the U.S. offices of HTC and Nintendo. It’s also where Starbucks was founded.

Seattle’s football stadium with a retractable roof is another highlight, though not for everyone. After a brief city tour, the trip continued to Bellevue, where many of these firms are headquartered, to meet an old friend who had moved to the West Coast.

Meeting a familiar face on the other side of the world brings a realization of the planet’s small size. Washington’s nature is diverse, with oceans, lakes, forests, and mountains. A short drive can take you to Canada or a flight back to sunny San Diego. Life in Washington is expensive due to high salaries in IT companies, but working for one of these firms can make it manageable.

After enjoying Bellevue’s views (unaware of a future friendship there), it was time to head to the airport for a trip to a unique version of New York.

Traveling from Austin to San Diego required a detour via Los Angeles and a two-hour drive along the Pacific Ocean. The initial plan was to spend two days in San Diego, relaxing by the pool and enjoying Mexican cuisine. However, plans changed in Colorado Springs, requiring a flight to Seattle instead of New York, cutting the stay in a beautiful ocean-view hotel in San Diego to just four hours.

Work obligations were completed after dark, leading to a decision to hold negotiations in a nearby burrito shop. The experience with tequila shots, Mexican beer, and great food was so enjoyable that it made the traveler want to stay permanently. La Jolla, the neighborhood, was especially appealing at night.

P.S. The San Diego airport also stood out, particularly an installation featuring car taillights.