📝 Editor’s Note
Part 2 of the Rambull Best Places in the World project: The Best Hotels In the World
As a reminder, these are locations submitted by past Rambull profiles. A few things stood out to me about the hotels recommended:
A lot of very expensive Italian hotels but also a decent mix of affordable options throughout the world
No one suggested my top pick, a huge splurge and our honeymoon hotel, San Ysidro Ranch
Rosewood Mayakoba was recommended many times
I was most intrigued by the 5-star Macakizi hotel in Bodrum, Turkey. My ‘I Am Pilgrim’ readers will know what I am talking about.
Similar to the Part 1: Best Dive Bars; please reply to this email with Hotels you think belong on this list.
I really appreciated those that sent me adds to the Dive bars list. Once again, I’d love to add to this list so don’t be shy!
Without further ado….
Why David?
I’ve enjoyed getting to know David well through a men’s group in Greensboro (s/o Search). He is a very thoughtful and creative guy with a really good golf game. He alludes to this but talk about out the ultimate side gig - he has done modeling for Titleist!
Follow him on IG @d6song
Self-Description
Just trying to enjoy the summer like Phineas and Ferb.
I like meeting new people and going with the flow.
David’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Gift
April 15th, 2008.
It was my 10th birthday, and my dad gifted me a Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2 putter. I still remember seeing the fresh “$299 MSRP” price tag gleaming on the shiny steel shaft. I initially grappled with a sense of imposter syndrome, questioning whether I truly deserved such a prestigious gift. I’m pretty sure this was the same club I'd seen Tiger Woods use to win majors on TV, while I was just a fourth-grader at Pilot Elementary playing Bloons Tower Defense with the homies in the computer lab during recess. However, that initial doubt gradually transformed into a determination to prove myself worthy of the gift and to show my dad that his gesture would not go to waste.
Fast forward 16 years later, and that putter has become much so much more than just a golf club. Though the “$299 MSRP” tag has long faded, and the club face bears clear signs of wear-and-tear, it has weathered the storm of the Great Recession, stuck with me through puberty, and even played a pivotal role in my one and only college tournament victory as a senior at Pomona.
Though it’s near certain that I will never play golf professionally or hoist major trophies up on TV like Tiger did, I find peace in knowing that this putter has a different purpose in my life. I guess it's not about the accolades or the fame; rather, it’s about the connections cultivated on the course and the peace that meditation on the course can provide. With my Scotty Cameron, I’m confident I’ll still make my 3-footers for par, but its $299 value transcends mere putt-making ability. That putter has become a symbol not just of my dad’s belief in me, but also the joy and camaraderie that golf brings.
Digital
Libby.
It’s an app that gives you access to thousands of books that you can read or listen to. All you need is a card from your local public library (which is still free in 2024, thankfully). I’m no bookworm, but I appreciate how quickly I can find a good book whenever I please.
So far, I've read ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ by Robert T. Kiyosaki, 'Psychology of Money' by Morgan Housel and 'The 1997 Masters' by Tiger Woods (the GOAT) & Lorne Rubenstein.
Well Being
Running has been my go-to routine since junior year of high school when I decided to lose a few pounds. I was a bit heavier throughout my childhood, and unfortunately, some kids at school made sure to remind me of that. I still remember my first attempt at this "simple" exercise, clumsily jogging down the street in my size XL Nike shorts and an old pair of lawn-mowing shoes. I barely made it a tenth of a mile before my body gave out. Gasping for air, I glanced back and could still see my house—and my mom getting bills out of our mailbox—a humbling reminder of how far I had to go.
Thankfully, over the years, I shed both the weight and more importantly, my self-doubt. Nowadays, I try to run at least twice a week. It's no longer just about shedding pounds; rather, I enjoy the rush of endorphins it brings. I even surprised myself recently by participating in a color run that started at 7 a.m. on a Saturday to support a neighbor's nonprofit. Running has not only improved my health but also connected me with others in a fun and meaningful way.
Watch
The Good Place.
It's both hilarious and thought-provoking. I stumbled upon the show during COVID and ended up binge-watching the entire series in just five days. Not only did it keep me laughing, but it also delved into various aspects of the human experience.
“YA BASIC"
Music
“These Are The Days” by Lauren Daigle
Reflecting on a hectic season of job hunting in 2023, I found myself constantly on the road, bouncing from one interview to another all over the state. It was exhausting to say the least, but amidst the chaos, Lauren Daigle's "These Are the Days" became a popular track on my Spotify. As I drove down the highway, the song played quite frequently, offering a sense of perspective and hope. Sure, spending $80 to $100 on gas every week wasn't ideal, but because of her song, I saw it as an investment in my future—both professionally and personally. Each interview was a step towards bettering myself and my career, and the song reminded me to appreciate the challenges I was facing. After all, every mile traveled was bringing me closer to my goals, and I knew that if I stayed the course, the payoff would be worth it. As Lauren Daigle sings “If it’s not good, then it’s not over…”
In addition to “These Are The Days”, these tracks were instrumental in keeping my morale high during those uncertain times:
Travel
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Wicker Point Golf Club in Alexander City, Alabama for a commercial shoot with a major golf brand. Designed by the acclaimed 2-time Masters Champion, Ben Crenshaw, the course stands as a testament to his genius. With its tall southern pine trees, deep bunkers, green fairways, and the serene waters of Lake Martin, the landscape embodied my vision of the American Dream. The trip left me inspired not only to persevere with my day job but to also hone my skills on the driving range.
Plug
My main trade is in wealth management, but I’m also eager to expand my creative portfolio by collaborating with businesses and helping showcase their products and services through high-quality visuals. I've collaborated with a diverse range of clientele from local furniture and flooring companies to globally recognized clothing brands and leaders in the golf industry, and I'm excited to extend this experience to your brand too. Let’s grow together!
Want to get in touch with David? “Instagram - d6song Personal Email - ds9ds8@gmail.com”
P.S. from Rambull — Michael Williams writes an excellent substack called A Continuous Lean (ACL). If you still need Father’s Day gift ideas he curated an excellent post that is not behind a subscriber paywall. I must have the $20 SLOTDOG.
