How would you describe your previous travel experience? Michael: I'm well traveled, with experience dealing with numerous cultures. Kathy: Most of my travels have been within the United States. Outside of that, the only countries I have visited are Mexico, Canada and the Philippines.
What is the most stressful aspect of traveling? Michael: The time between stepping off a plane or train and finding some place to spend the night. Kathy: Adjusting to different climates and time zones other than my "normal" seems to put me in a funk for a day or so.
What is the most important item in your backpack, and why? Michael: My CD player and CDs. Music gives me power and can turn any mood I'm in into a good one. Kathy: My empty journal seems value-less right now, but once I am able to write about my travels, it will be the one item in my backpack that will be of worth to me. That, and my hairclip!
Why did you want to be on THE AMAZING RACE? Michael: I'm a sucker for a free vacation. Kathy: The Race has a lot of great elements that I find appealing: competing, traveling, and working as a Team with my teammate Michael.
Have you and your partner traveled together before? If so, what was it like? Michael: We've been to different locations in the states and have always had a good time. Kathy: We actually met while we were both on our travels. Michael and I live on different. coasts, so the only way to see each other was to travel. We've been to Cancun and various states. It's always like a great mini-vacation.
What do you fear most about competing in THE AMAZING RACE? Michael: Losing to a couple of squares. Kathy: Initially, it was to be the first Team eliminated on the Race. Deep down I truly don't feel that we will be; however, to get past the first leg of the Race will take off a lot of anxiety for me.
What strengths and weaknesses do you bring to the Team? Michael: I bring travel experience, levity and unabashed confidence to the Team. I have no weaknesses. Kathy: I am a people person for the most part, which will help in communicating with different people. However, when under pressure I can tend to be a bit high-strung and become moody.
What strengths and weaknesses does your teammate bring to the Team? Michael: She brings salesmanship and a cute face to the Team. Men go out of their way to help her, and we'll use that obtaining directions and other help when needed. Like myself, she has no weaknesses. Kathy: Michael is very patient and always stays calm in any given situation, which will help me calm down. A very good sedative. Having said that, sometimes I wish I could jolt him up a bit to get him more energized.
What will you miss the most from home (besides your bed)? Michael: My cat Tig (aka Li'l Baller). Kathy: The actual comfort of home, from home-cooked meals to taking a shower. Just being.
What languages do you speak? Michael: English, decent Spanish. Kathy: Other than English, none fluently.
What destination are you hoping to visit? Michael: Egypt: the pyramids Kathy: Bali: I want to confirm all the hype. And any part of Europe, since I've never been.
What country do you feel best prepared for? Michael: Mexico, seeing that I spent half a year traveling it. Kathy: I can't say I'm prepared best for any given country. If I had to pick a region, then I'd say Asia/South Asia. Being Asian may be an asset in those countries, so that could be advantage to me. Additionally, my travel experience in the Philippines, although many years ago, has not been forgotten.
