top of page

Moving Forward Into 2023


Hello from Athens, Greece!


The last four months have been life-changing. It's a crazy world, and we're living in unprecedented times. Reconnecting with family and friends reminds me that we all need to show as much love and kindness as we possibly can towards each other.


I found that some of my relationships had changed. Some had stayed the same. And, some had even deepened. Change happens. It's all good. I have nothing but love for my family and friends.


My time in the U.S has been a lesson in not reacting to situations, but rather going with the flow of life. And it's been about trusting that everything will be okay. I shared beautiful moments with family and friends, and those moments are the ones I carry with me forever.


WHO AM I?

Moving forward into 2023 is especially exciting for me. Not only because I'll be spending more time in the U.K. cultivating relationships and furthering my acting career, but because I've become clearer on who I am as a person.


While I was in California, it really hit me. Yes, I'm an actor and enjoy "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances" (to quote acting teacher Sanford Meisner), but I also enjoy filmmaking. All aspects of it. In front of the camera, behind it, or along side it. And on top of that, I enjoy traveling and sharing my travel stories and adventures.


So yes, I'm an Actor, Filmmaker, and Travel blogger. And in 2023, I'm ramping up the travel blogger aspect of my life!


BOB TAPPER: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

I've been writing this blog every month for three years now. And this will continue. But I plan to expand on that - and I'm starting a travel podcast!


My new podcast is called Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast


Each month (along with this blog) I'll be publishing podcast episodes that I hope you'll enjoy. I want to inform, educate, create some value, and entertain.

I've come to believe that it doesn't matter where you are. It's your experience of where you are that matters.

I'm starting 2023 in Athens, Greece and will be here for three months! I've never been here before, so I'm super excited and ready to explore. What should I see? Where should I go?


To start 2023, I thought I'd ask people on my travels from the U.S. to Athens what their wish for the world was for the New Year. I then asked some people what I should do first when I get to Athens. Take a listen!

I'm launching my podcast starting with Season 4. If you go back and listen to Seasons 1-3, you'll hear about my journey so far and how I got to this point. However, now is the time to move forward, meet people, interview people, and get different perspectives on life abroad.

 

I hope you'll subscribe to my podcast.

Just search "Bob Tapper" wherever you get your podcasts!

 

I'm so grateful to be on this journey. Let's keep going...


Thanks for following along - and welcome to my Life Abroad podcast!


ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER


Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275


The Heartland


Hello from The Heartland!


Autumn has been filled with incredible connections with my wonderful friends and family. I loved my time in California, but the US journey isn't complete without visiting Middle America - or "The Heartland" as it's also known.


The first stop is Oklahoma City, where a mini-family reunion took place! It was so fun to explore this city with people so close to my heart. The loving energy and dynamic of family was good for the spirit and soul.


Then it was on to Des Moines, Iowa, where I spent about 10 days just playing and working downtown. I had no expectations, but I was hoping for some down-to-earth niceness here.


Both cities were really impressive, and I'm glad I got to trek through The Heartland!


Oklahoma City, OK

On April 19, 1995 at 9:02am, our lives were changed forever with the Oklahoma City bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. This tragic event deeply impacted us due to the number of deaths, and particularly the number of children in the day care center that died. There were 168 deaths and 800 injured. The magnitude of the blast also damaged 324 buildings within a 16-block radius.


A task force began the heavy emotional task of building a memorial - The Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

The Memorial Museum is in a building that withstood the bombing. The Museum uses video and artifacts to tell the story and is really well done. It’s a pretty emotional and somber experience.

You experience the entire devastation and sadness of that day - from the hours before the bombing - to the time when the perpetrator was sentenced to death.


The Outdoor Symbolic Memorial

This is a place of quiet reflection. It honors those who were killed, those who survived, and those changed forever on that day. It encompasses the now-sacred soil where the Murrah Building once stood, as well as the surrounding area devastated by the attack.


Each chair in the Field of Empty Chairs represents and memorializes a person killed in the bombing.

Des Moines, IA

To continue my trek up through Middle America, I spent a week in Des Moines, Iowa - the capital of Iowa.


The Des Moines River runs through town, and Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge stands in glory across the river! It links the east and west sides of Des Moines. There are two separate paths across the bridge - one for bicycles, and the other for walkers or joggers.


The Historic East Village is a vibrant and diverse part of Des Moines, with interesting shops and restaurants - and located near the Capitol Building. It is one of the original commerce areas, and includes the Capitol and other historic places. I loved the character, charm, and culture of this part of town!

Podcast

While I was in California, I had this idea to start a podcast. It certainly wouldn't be to compete with big podcasters out there. But for those that want to follow my journey, it may be interesting, informative, or entertaining.

I have some fun ideas, and I'm pretty excited about it, so stay tuned!


If I started a podcast, would you listen?


Finally...

Now it's time to wind down the year and just settle into family life. I'm so fortunate to have a wonderful family filled with holiday traditions that I can be a part of.


Of course, I'm thinking about next year and starting to plan out 2023. But one thing I've learned over the last three years is that things can change - and likely will. Who knows. But at this point, 2023 will include Athens, Greece, more North England and the UK, and then up to the Scandinavian countries and probably Sweden.


Until then, it's just family, kids, food, and Christmas!


I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!


ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT


TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275


California Dreamin'


Hello from California!


I have fond memories of California. Nothing but love. It was my home for over 30 years! I wasn't sure what to expect or how to feel being back after all this time. I was open to any emotion or experience. For me, it certainly felt changed.


My six-week stay in Orange County, California would include three different moves. I stayed in two different Airbnb's, and also a guest cottage behind a home. One place was literally across the street from the beach! The others were close to the beach - and only about 10 minutes from the marinas, harbors, and docks along Pacific Coast Highway. Pretty nice!


The main purpose of being in California was to connect with friends. I did - and it was really, really beautiful. I had heartfelt conversations with friends that I haven't seen in almost three years. There's nothing better than a hug to bring forth those loving connections


I have to admit, it did sometimes feel like a California dream...


Huntington Beach - Surf City USA

Huntington Beach (also known as Surf City USA) is located along the coast of Orange County, California. It's known for its beach culture and active outdoor lifestyle - especially surfing. It also hosts the US Open of Surfing and Pacific Airshow. Huntington Beach is quite a beautiful place!

Laguna Beach

A place that will always be close to my heart is Laguna Beach. Laguna has been part of my life since my first visit in the early 1990s. Even when I first lived in Los Angeles, my friends and I would drive down on weekends to go to the beach.


I loved Laguna from my first visit, and I eventually made my home there. The lifeguard tower at Main Beach is iconic. When you see pictures, postcards, or paintings of Laguna, it will likely include this structure.


It's hard to believe, but this tower was actually part of a gas station back in the 1930s, and was originally across the street. It was later moved (by horses!) to the beach and used as a lifeguard tower. Today, it's a secondary tower because of its small size. A larger tower was eventually built nearby. Such a cool structure!


*Historic photo courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society


Favorite Moments:

After spending so many decades in California, with so many memories, this Golden State will always be special to me. And I'm always thankful for these friends.


Scrolling through my camera roll, I picked some of my favorite moments in California. Good times with wonderful people. It feels good to know that I can always come back and feel welcome.


So...I went to a beach wedding with former co-workers and friends, got my haircut by Dustin, went to a beautiful Sanskrit Sound Bath by Stacy, and reminisced with Myra (and her two adorable kids) about our twenty-year friendship! Oh, and I got cast in a short film!

Finally...

There is no doubt that being back in the US has been an adjustment. So much has changed. Yet some things haven't.


I had wonderful and meaningful conversations with so many people in California. It was really heartwarming. I appreciate their friendship and kindness so much. I'm really glad I got to go.


Now that my time in California has come to a close, it's time to head back to Minnesota and spend more time with family until the end of the year. I'm dreaming of winter snow (hopefully), coffee by the fire, family and kid stuff, and best of all - the holiday traditions!


But before I get back to Minnesota, I've got a couple stops to make. One is in Oklahoma City, and the other in Des Moines, Iowa - otherwise known as The Heartland!


I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!


ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT


TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275


bottom of page