Huzzah! We have an itinerary!
December 26th: Virgin Atlantic flight to London! (Good thing we used Virgin Atlantic...)
December 27th: Arrive in London, get picked up by Linda, drive to Norwich
December 27th-30th: Norwich! Celebrate Nan's 90th birthday, celebrate cousin Ali's newborn kiddo, general family time.
December 30th-January 4th: Puncknowle! The Southwest, where cousin Stevie lives, is full of nature good enough for some longish walks, perhaps a daytrip out with Bonnie, the Havanese doggie! General drunken disorder due to NYE.
January 4th-7th: Edinburgh! We're staying at a cute little Victorian townhouse in central Edinburgh. And I'm surprising my love with a 1-year anniversary dinner at a place that looks just so delicious and cozy.
January 7th-12th: London! Celebrate friend Sam's 25th birthday, give her a kick in the toosh for not concentrating on her schoolwork, sightseeing around central London (Buckingham Palace, Parliament, the Eye, Portobello Road, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, etc.)
January 12th: Virgin Atlantic flight back to San Francisco... Sad face...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Imagining Future Travel
In an effort to stay connected while one of us was out East on business, we had a Skype conversation and talked about where we would go next, next year after England that is.
We decided that looping around the US and Canada would be actually quite fun. I know I've only traveled through some states, stopping only to use a truck stop's restrooms. And other states have been my home, like California and Wisconsin. I've only been to Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, New York, Washington D.C., Illinois, and Minnesota. And I've only ever been to Victoria BC, never Vancouver and never to the East to visit Nova Scotia.
I remember falling in love with the idea of Canada's Eastern shore when I read the Anne of Green Gables series as a child. But I also have friends in Philly and Boston - so I have to see them at some point too, no?
So, we decided to break up the massive amount of places we'd want to see into circuits: Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Northeast. We decided to not plan a Southeast circuit, since we really would only want to visit the Carolinas, and maybe the Everglades or New Orleans - that can be its own adventure.
It's fun to dream of traveling and to map out your adventurous conquests as a couple. I think it only serves to bring you closer together. Half because it's a big task to map out a travel route and you have to make decisions and compromise. And half because it really is that much fun. It's fun to imagine yourselves as a couple in the future - that is if you're a couple who wants a future together. I think it's only natural to imagine that kind of thing.
We decided that looping around the US and Canada would be actually quite fun. I know I've only traveled through some states, stopping only to use a truck stop's restrooms. And other states have been my home, like California and Wisconsin. I've only been to Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, New York, Washington D.C., Illinois, and Minnesota. And I've only ever been to Victoria BC, never Vancouver and never to the East to visit Nova Scotia.
I remember falling in love with the idea of Canada's Eastern shore when I read the Anne of Green Gables series as a child. But I also have friends in Philly and Boston - so I have to see them at some point too, no?
So, we decided to break up the massive amount of places we'd want to see into circuits: Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Northeast. We decided to not plan a Southeast circuit, since we really would only want to visit the Carolinas, and maybe the Everglades or New Orleans - that can be its own adventure.
It's fun to dream of traveling and to map out your adventurous conquests as a couple. I think it only serves to bring you closer together. Half because it's a big task to map out a travel route and you have to make decisions and compromise. And half because it really is that much fun. It's fun to imagine yourselves as a couple in the future - that is if you're a couple who wants a future together. I think it's only natural to imagine that kind of thing.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Island of UK
The purchase of a plane ticket to an international destination always puts a sense of adventure into my bloodstream. We are about to buy tickets to England. We leave December 26th and would come back on January 12th. Not an extremely long time, but time enough to explore the island that is the United Kingdom.
We are visiting family in Norwich, hoping to spend New Year's in Devon, planning on seeing Edinburgh (or somewhere else "up there"), and finally ending up in London to celebrate a friend's birthday. I think we've got enough time... don't you?
The question is: Do we really go to Edinburgh? What do we see there? It's winter, but we like the cold. What can you do in the winter really...?
We are visiting family in Norwich, hoping to spend New Year's in Devon, planning on seeing Edinburgh (or somewhere else "up there"), and finally ending up in London to celebrate a friend's birthday. I think we've got enough time... don't you?
The question is: Do we really go to Edinburgh? What do we see there? It's winter, but we like the cold. What can you do in the winter really...?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wisconsin Photos (August bridal shower)
No visit to Wisconsin is complete without the Mars Cheese Castle!
The dress!
The blingy ring!
Emily's giant fake bouquet!
Pedicures!
Relaxed Em!
Amanda!
The chapel!!
Mother of the bride + Cake!
Presents!!
Amanda, the Matron of Honor
Shelley, the bridesmaid and cousin
The blushing bride... erm...
It's bleeping hot in WI!!!
This plus 80% humidity!! Wreckage....
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hello, Wisconsin!!
Well, starting at 5:30 today, it's off to Wisconsin to visit with Emily and friends. Emily's my long-lost college best friend who just so happened to meet Mr. Right two years ago. She's getting hitched to the guy in October. She made me a bridesmaid.
She's sneaky. See, she thought since I live thousands of miles away, that having me as a bridesmaid would be the only way to get me to come to her wedding. Which is totally not true. But it does get me out to Wisconsin twice this year. This weekend for teh bridal shower, bachelorette party, and my dress alterations. And then, of course, for the big weekend in October!
I suspect many mornings will be worthy of sleeping in. I also anticipate some fried foods, possibly some warm sandwiches (I believe the natives call them hoagies), and I'm praying that there's a decent farmer's market in the general vicinity at some point while I'm there!
Here I go, off to the wild cheese yonder!
She's sneaky. See, she thought since I live thousands of miles away, that having me as a bridesmaid would be the only way to get me to come to her wedding. Which is totally not true. But it does get me out to Wisconsin twice this year. This weekend for teh bridal shower, bachelorette party, and my dress alterations. And then, of course, for the big weekend in October!
I suspect many mornings will be worthy of sleeping in. I also anticipate some fried foods, possibly some warm sandwiches (I believe the natives call them hoagies), and I'm praying that there's a decent farmer's market in the general vicinity at some point while I'm there!
Here I go, off to the wild cheese yonder!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Lake Tahoe's Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley was host to a festive music happening at the end of July! I was there!
Wanderlust 2009!
Wanderlust 2009!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What happened in Portland?
That's a very good question!
Let's go through it and then add more photos!
Thursday, June 18th
--Jen kindly picked us up at the airport. We weren't expecting that, so that was very cool. We headed over to pick up the rental car. Giant white blemish that doesn't have a turn radius - is all I have to say about that. After a quick hour or two spent at Jen's place in SE Portland, we noticed that we love hanging out with her son, Gavin. He's almost two. Such a cutie. Cheek-pinchingly cute!--
--Then, we heard from Jimena and Alex, who would be our couchsurfing hosts for our long weekend. They were at home and we could come over at any point! Sweet. We hopped into the giant blemish and scooted off to their apartment in NE Portland.--
--Jimena greeted us calmly and sweetly and I immediately felt at home. Hands down the coolest chica I've met in a while. Jimena is from Costa Rica, but she's feisty and intelligent and down-right fun to talk to. I felt like I'd known her for years. Once Alex got home, we thought about making some dinner, but once the topic of sushi came up - that was it! To the sushi bar we went!--
--Saburo's isn't just sushi. It's giant sushi for a good price. The wait was of goodly length, but Jimena and Alex assured us it was definitely worth the wait. Um. Understatement. Saburo's is the best sushi EVER! I was in Unagi heaven!--
--My stomach was feeling very strange after so much rice and fish. So, we hopped back into Alex's car and while discussing the fantastic qualities of a good sturdy old car, we ventured deeper into the neighborhood around Saburo's. We ended up at Mike's Drive-In, which has an assortment of hamburgers, fries, and the like. But we only wanted one thing. Milkshake. Not just any milkshake. An Oregon berry shake. I say just "berry" because there was more than one variety. I had the Oregon blackberry shake. I completely calmed my stomach and I felt suddenly whole and sleepy and .....goooooood.--
Friday, June 19th
--Most of Friday was spent hanging with Jen and Gavin. Before heading down to Jen's place, we thought we'd be nice and pick up some lunch (we were sleeping in a lot. work? what's work? we on vacation man!). So, we Yelp'd. We were in the mood for Mexican and found a place on the way called Cha Cha Cha. Very yummy, very affordable. Jen loves it too, and we got her the favorite burrito.--
--Once we got to Jen's, she surprised me.
"Guess who I just got a text from?"
"Who?"
"Craig."
"Craig? um..."
"Craig from high school."--
--Now, let's stop right there. High school is this place, where I felt out of sorts. I wasn't myself when I was that age, mostly because I didn't feel like I could be understood by many. Sure, I had my good friends, Jen included. But most folks only got to see parts of me. And that's fine. Who knows who they are at 17 anyway, right? You're still growing, you're still learning how to be yourself. Craig was a... friend. Yes, he was a friend. High school categorizes people for you. Friend. Enemy. Smart. Slut. Rich. Virgin. Class clown. I could go on. So, Craig was a friend. He was also a bit of a clown. He and I just never saw... eye to eye. On lots of things. We're both opinionated. So, I wasn't as excited to see him as Jen was.--
--"Oh, Craig! Wow..."
"Yep, he's in Portland."
"What."
"He wants to hang out with us tomorrow night."
"..."
"Can you help me find a good place to go for dinner?"--
--Sigh. I love Jen. You are my best friend. Why are you doing this to me?!
So, we looked online for a good dinner location downtown, since that's where Craig and his partner were staying. More Gavin time ensued. Chris got home after work, and we ordered food in, sat on the couch and watched "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day".--
Saturday, June 20th
--Jimena and Alex were off paragliding or something in Tillamook for all of Saturday. So, we set out into the heart of Portland - the PSU Farmer's Market. Oh, fun! Flowers, bread, honey, apple cider, veggies, berries, cookies, lavender soap, slightly-Zydeco music. Yes, love love LOVE the Farmer's Market. Even if it was a bit too small for my taste. I like 'em big. Gimme 1-2 square city blocks. But that's when you have all day to browse and purchase. We didn't. So, half a city block was just fine.
I ate a pulled pork sandwich for lunch, bought some cookies and berries, and some photos were taken.--
--After our jaunt in delicious food country, we headed to Powell's Books. I was determined to find something fun and cool. And at Powell's the adventure can take all day. If you're not sure what kind of book you want to buy, you could definitely spend too much time browsing and not finding. This place is just a maze of colors (each genre has a room practically) and people (and they say sorry for elbowing you as they pass!) and smells (cafe in the back plus paper and leather). I found a Thai cooking book based on the festival calendars (on sale), a copy of Corduroy (my favorite book growing up, also on sale), and some books on tape (also on sale). I don't think I wanted to spend more than $30 there and I settled for $22. Pretty good in my opinion.--
--One of the streets downtown was pumping out dance music, which is weird at any time of day, but it wasn't dark yet. So, we wandered over to where the music was coming from. Curious. There was also a voice talking, in a very perky directive tone. Imagine this if you will: Lady Gaga's "The Fame" pumping out into the street, emanating from a large speaker system set on a flatbed truck. Three exercise instructors on the flatbed. A "class" of twenty or so following their movements and directions. The rest of the community looking on as they dance-fever their way to a slimmer figure, from the safety of brunch-style tables and chairs. Newspapers, coffee, croissants, chocolate. Did I wander into the Kool-Aid section of Portland? Did nobody write a memo about how the masses, just in that one block, would be high for a few hours?--
--We were slightly disturbed by these events and ducked out before it got to our heads. We didn't have much time before we headed to Henry's to have a high school reunion. Sort of. Henry's is awesome. Very trendy downtown Portland, but also very laid-back elegance. The beer menu is why I helped pick that for the place we'd meet. Yes, I like beer. Yes, beer goes well with meeting old friends. Yes, beer helps conversation when you might not have anything to talk about.--
Let's go through it and then add more photos!
Thursday, June 18th
--Jen kindly picked us up at the airport. We weren't expecting that, so that was very cool. We headed over to pick up the rental car. Giant white blemish that doesn't have a turn radius - is all I have to say about that. After a quick hour or two spent at Jen's place in SE Portland, we noticed that we love hanging out with her son, Gavin. He's almost two. Such a cutie. Cheek-pinchingly cute!--
--Then, we heard from Jimena and Alex, who would be our couchsurfing hosts for our long weekend. They were at home and we could come over at any point! Sweet. We hopped into the giant blemish and scooted off to their apartment in NE Portland.--
--Jimena greeted us calmly and sweetly and I immediately felt at home. Hands down the coolest chica I've met in a while. Jimena is from Costa Rica, but she's feisty and intelligent and down-right fun to talk to. I felt like I'd known her for years. Once Alex got home, we thought about making some dinner, but once the topic of sushi came up - that was it! To the sushi bar we went!--
--Saburo's isn't just sushi. It's giant sushi for a good price. The wait was of goodly length, but Jimena and Alex assured us it was definitely worth the wait. Um. Understatement. Saburo's is the best sushi EVER! I was in Unagi heaven!--
--My stomach was feeling very strange after so much rice and fish. So, we hopped back into Alex's car and while discussing the fantastic qualities of a good sturdy old car, we ventured deeper into the neighborhood around Saburo's. We ended up at Mike's Drive-In, which has an assortment of hamburgers, fries, and the like. But we only wanted one thing. Milkshake. Not just any milkshake. An Oregon berry shake. I say just "berry" because there was more than one variety. I had the Oregon blackberry shake. I completely calmed my stomach and I felt suddenly whole and sleepy and .....goooooood.--
Friday, June 19th
--Most of Friday was spent hanging with Jen and Gavin. Before heading down to Jen's place, we thought we'd be nice and pick up some lunch (we were sleeping in a lot. work? what's work? we on vacation man!). So, we Yelp'd. We were in the mood for Mexican and found a place on the way called Cha Cha Cha. Very yummy, very affordable. Jen loves it too, and we got her the favorite burrito.--
--Once we got to Jen's, she surprised me.
"Guess who I just got a text from?"
"Who?"
"Craig."
"Craig? um..."
"Craig from high school."--
--Now, let's stop right there. High school is this place, where I felt out of sorts. I wasn't myself when I was that age, mostly because I didn't feel like I could be understood by many. Sure, I had my good friends, Jen included. But most folks only got to see parts of me. And that's fine. Who knows who they are at 17 anyway, right? You're still growing, you're still learning how to be yourself. Craig was a... friend. Yes, he was a friend. High school categorizes people for you. Friend. Enemy. Smart. Slut. Rich. Virgin. Class clown. I could go on. So, Craig was a friend. He was also a bit of a clown. He and I just never saw... eye to eye. On lots of things. We're both opinionated. So, I wasn't as excited to see him as Jen was.--
--"Oh, Craig! Wow..."
"Yep, he's in Portland."
"What."
"He wants to hang out with us tomorrow night."
"..."
"Can you help me find a good place to go for dinner?"--
--Sigh. I love Jen. You are my best friend. Why are you doing this to me?!
So, we looked online for a good dinner location downtown, since that's where Craig and his partner were staying. More Gavin time ensued. Chris got home after work, and we ordered food in, sat on the couch and watched "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day".--
Saturday, June 20th
--Jimena and Alex were off paragliding or something in Tillamook for all of Saturday. So, we set out into the heart of Portland - the PSU Farmer's Market. Oh, fun! Flowers, bread, honey, apple cider, veggies, berries, cookies, lavender soap, slightly-Zydeco music. Yes, love love LOVE the Farmer's Market. Even if it was a bit too small for my taste. I like 'em big. Gimme 1-2 square city blocks. But that's when you have all day to browse and purchase. We didn't. So, half a city block was just fine.
I ate a pulled pork sandwich for lunch, bought some cookies and berries, and some photos were taken.--
--After our jaunt in delicious food country, we headed to Powell's Books. I was determined to find something fun and cool. And at Powell's the adventure can take all day. If you're not sure what kind of book you want to buy, you could definitely spend too much time browsing and not finding. This place is just a maze of colors (each genre has a room practically) and people (and they say sorry for elbowing you as they pass!) and smells (cafe in the back plus paper and leather). I found a Thai cooking book based on the festival calendars (on sale), a copy of Corduroy (my favorite book growing up, also on sale), and some books on tape (also on sale). I don't think I wanted to spend more than $30 there and I settled for $22. Pretty good in my opinion.--
--One of the streets downtown was pumping out dance music, which is weird at any time of day, but it wasn't dark yet. So, we wandered over to where the music was coming from. Curious. There was also a voice talking, in a very perky directive tone. Imagine this if you will: Lady Gaga's "The Fame" pumping out into the street, emanating from a large speaker system set on a flatbed truck. Three exercise instructors on the flatbed. A "class" of twenty or so following their movements and directions. The rest of the community looking on as they dance-fever their way to a slimmer figure, from the safety of brunch-style tables and chairs. Newspapers, coffee, croissants, chocolate. Did I wander into the Kool-Aid section of Portland? Did nobody write a memo about how the masses, just in that one block, would be high for a few hours?--
--We were slightly disturbed by these events and ducked out before it got to our heads. We didn't have much time before we headed to Henry's to have a high school reunion. Sort of. Henry's is awesome. Very trendy downtown Portland, but also very laid-back elegance. The beer menu is why I helped pick that for the place we'd meet. Yes, I like beer. Yes, beer goes well with meeting old friends. Yes, beer helps conversation when you might not have anything to talk about.--
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Portland Photos!
Some delicious frozen yogurt at Tart Dessert Bar... with yummy strawberries and frozen chocolate custard!
Always take the advice of the professionals! Brainfreeze can happen to you!
Unruly hair on a Monday evening. Sipping peppermint tea at Rimsky's Korsakoffee House.
The inside of Rimsky's is a bit... Victorian ease mixed with chaotic GenX...
And, of course, there's a Kate O'Brien's in Portland too. Although, this must be Kate's daughter, Katie. Or maybe it's her nickname because she's cuter in Portland? *shrug*
Kim did a great job doing my nails at Euphoria Nails and Spa.
Cha Cha Cha in SE Portland looked so colorful and warm, we had to have burritos and fish tacos from them!
Monday, June 15, 2009
T Minus 3 Days!
We fly up to Portland on Thursday and I literally can't wait to get on the plane!
My friend, Jen, is working on getting a sitter for Gavin, her son. One night just for the adults! We're also looking into at least one music venue of choice. Maybe a jazz club, maybe an impromptu concert or lounge act. Either way, we'll be getting some culture.
Speaking of culture, we're also going to be eating our way through Portland by visiting at least one of the culinary institutes - and, of course, hitting up the Saturday Farmer's Market. Good times!
My friend, Jen, is working on getting a sitter for Gavin, her son. One night just for the adults! We're also looking into at least one music venue of choice. Maybe a jazz club, maybe an impromptu concert or lounge act. Either way, we'll be getting some culture.
Speaking of culture, we're also going to be eating our way through Portland by visiting at least one of the culinary institutes - and, of course, hitting up the Saturday Farmer's Market. Good times!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Surfing In Portland
There may not be perfect waves on the shores of the Oregon coast, or even on the banks of the Columbia River. Actually, there are no waves on the Columbia River. None that you can surf on.
But you CAN surf in Portland. Surf a couch!
That's what we're doing. We are staying at the lovely Portland home of Alex and Jimena. How did they allow us to surf their couch? Couchsurfing! If you haven't heard of this yet, please check it out - it's amazing! I have a profile and have been a member since 2007, so I've hosted plenty of surfers and been a surfer on many a couch. In Hamburg, Granada, Berlin and more.... I plan to surf some couches in Asia soon too!
But I digress. Portland! Yes, Portland awaits. As does the comfy couch. My expectations are high: meeting great hosts while we surf, cooking an excellent meal for them, sharing some brews and chatting some hours away. But don't forget, the trip is to see Portland and my friends there as well!
Devin, Jen and Chris are all prey to my fantastic plot: straight-up fun all weekend long!
There are possible plans to visit Multnomah Falls or Tillamook. A visit to the Brody Theater is always a pleasure. And of course, what could be better than walking around the beautiful downtown area and Rose district? Beer, that's what! I suspect a visit to a brewery is in order....
But you CAN surf in Portland. Surf a couch!
That's what we're doing. We are staying at the lovely Portland home of Alex and Jimena. How did they allow us to surf their couch? Couchsurfing! If you haven't heard of this yet, please check it out - it's amazing! I have a profile and have been a member since 2007, so I've hosted plenty of surfers and been a surfer on many a couch. In Hamburg, Granada, Berlin and more.... I plan to surf some couches in Asia soon too!
But I digress. Portland! Yes, Portland awaits. As does the comfy couch. My expectations are high: meeting great hosts while we surf, cooking an excellent meal for them, sharing some brews and chatting some hours away. But don't forget, the trip is to see Portland and my friends there as well!
Devin, Jen and Chris are all prey to my fantastic plot: straight-up fun all weekend long!
There are possible plans to visit Multnomah Falls or Tillamook. A visit to the Brody Theater is always a pleasure. And of course, what could be better than walking around the beautiful downtown area and Rose district? Beer, that's what! I suspect a visit to a brewery is in order....
Friday, May 8, 2009
Portland Bound!
Yay! A new trip!
Portland: where the trees are just not quite as tall as the intellect and warmth of the residents.
We might be couchsurfing, we might be camping, we might be spending money on a bed and breakfast. We're not sure yet, but we're headed to Portland in June and we're very much looking forward to it!
Portland: where the trees are just not quite as tall as the intellect and warmth of the residents.
We might be couchsurfing, we might be camping, we might be spending money on a bed and breakfast. We're not sure yet, but we're headed to Portland in June and we're very much looking forward to it!
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