When I was last in London the Shard was just being built. Next time I’m “in town” this is definitely on the list of where to go!
It’s worth it to plug-in your headphones to get the full immersive experience!
Tag Archives: travel
Getting Into a New York State of Mind
When we decided on New York for our family vacation I asked for a list of things each person wanted to do…
Empire State Building
Lunch at Les Halles
Rockefeller Center & Top of the Rock
See a Yankee Game
Shop at Supreme (Gavin)
Have photo taken with The Wall Street Bull (Kellen)
A day at Coney Island
Natural History Museum
Have an authentic New York Pastrami Sandwich
Picnic in Central Park
Check out Grand Central Terminal
Dinner in Little Italy
Visit 911 Memorial
I must say, this is why I love planning trips so much! Scouring the Internet for places to go and see and things to eat! Very excited!
Grocery Store Gift Basket (Jetsetter)
If your friend travels frequently, or is planning a trip in the near future why not stock them up with all those travel sizes that are essential for plane travel.
Start with an inexpensive quart size make-up bag and fill with as many travel size goodies you can squeeze in. Lip balm, hand sanitizer, pain reliever, travel candle, eye mask, snacks and, my favorite, Loo-Pourri air freshener! Essential on a long flight, am I right?
For more info on the products in this post click here!
Meet Paris Breakfast
Okay enough of the re-blogging stuff! I did throw in a few new recipes though.
I’d like you to meet Carol Gillott! She’s the painter, traveler and Francophile who writes the most superb blog Paris Breakfast
Carol bounces around Paris with her trusty camera and long-suffering mascot Bear, snapping pictures of shop windows and street fashion. If you want to know what’s going on in Paris, what to wear or are planning a trip there Paris Breakfast is the place to start.
Her paintings are fantastic, go check out her wonderful watercolors!
It’s always fun to read Carols adventures, especially when I recognize someplace she’s writing about. Makes me get the travel bug big time!
So go check out Paris Breakfast and have a macaroon or two while you’re there!
All pictures by Carol Gillott
Weekend Away: San Francisco Part 2
After lunch and, a visit with the “Emperor”, I guided my husband down a narrow alley in Chinatown for a special treat.
“Uh, where are we going again?”
“It’s just this way, c’mon you’ll love it!”
“Ohhhh Kaayyy”
Finally we ducked into a tiny, I mean teeny tiny, shop, and the owner greeted us like he’d been waiting for us. We had arrived to see The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory!
The machines clanked and whirred and the ladies operating them did so at lightening speed. The owner grabbed a still warm cookie from the press and offered us a taste. Fresh fortune cookie is a revelation, guys!
The next day we had brunch a Yank Sing.
The nice ladies bring carts with all manner of tiny baskets full of pretty things to eat and it’s so hard to not want to try everything!
After, we waddled (literally) down the street to Embarcadero, where we took in the splendid bay views.
Then we crossed over to the Ferry Building. It was a shame we had already eaten because it’s food heaven there! We did go back for lunch the next day though.
You know, this might have to continue into a part three. I still have so many things to tell you about! Okay, till next time. Stay tuned!
Weekend Away: San Francisco Part 1
It’s one of our favorite cities! I suspect we could go back every year and not do the same things twice. This time we revisited a few of our favorite places plus had a few new adventures.
We treated our selves by hiring a car for the drive from the airport. You know the guys in suits and shades who hold the signs with people’s names on the card? So cool!
I should have made our driver pose for a cheesy thumbs up photo. Alas I didn’t want to ruin the “I’m pretty cool!” vibe of having a driver.
We stayed at the Sir Frances Drake Hotel near Union Square
Jef and I love the historic location and were very well taken care of.
Our favorite place at the hotel was the bar in lobby where, after an afternoon of site-seeing, we had a lovely beverage made by the charming bartender.
First thing we do upon arrival in San Francisco is high-tail it to Chinatown and our favorite lunch spot.
The Far East Cafe is.. okay, can I be honest? It’s pretty touristy, being right on Grant Ave and the food is American style Chinese. I’ll wager it’s not terribly authentic as far as Asian cuisine goes.
But guess what? I don’t care! The proprietor himself greets you with a big smile as you walk in and seats you right away.
The atmosphere is everything a Chinatown restaurant should be, combined with a nice cold Tsingtao beer and a big plate of something fried and covered in sweet and sour saucy stuff…that’s my idea of a great start in San Francisco!
After lunch, if you’re very lucky you could meet the Emperor of Grant Ave.
He likes a nice scratch behind the ear.
More SFO in a bit, stay tuned!
The Packing Project: Episode 5
San Francisco is about 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Eugene in the summer. It was weird packing jeans and sweaters and jackets, I had a few doubts along the way, but I put my faith in the forecast and did it.
So, happy I did! The mornings were chilly, afternoons sunny but not too hot, and the evenings were perfect.
The best thing I had this trip was my big fat leather tote bag. I could take off my sweater and stow it away and still have room for lots of souvenirs, plus a picnic lunch. I’ve nicknamed this bag the Tardis!
Weekend (Day) Away: Portland
My son bought tickets to see Harry and Potters (yes this is a real band) with his friends.
We drove up early so Kell and company could have a day enjoying the city, teenager style.
Hanging out with the kids for hours was not going to happen.
So what did Jef and I do for a day? We went to all the places we tell other people to go when they ask what they should do in Portland.
Our first stop was breakfast at our favorite coffee shop, Pazzoria bakery.
Then we walked up to Pioneer Square and bought an all day pass for the Max out of the machine and headed to Chinatown.
First stop: Lan Su Chinese Garden
It had been too long since I’d visited. I was struck again by how the moment you step into the garden the busy city melts way. So lovely.
From there, we walked West a few blocks and found a bus stop near the corner of W. Burnside and 1st. We hopped on the #20 bus and it delivered us right to the front door of Powell’s City of Books!
For those who don’t know, it’s a square block building and four floors worth of new and used books! My advice, step in and check out the big sign in the lobby. It’s a busy place, but take the time to get acclimated. Don’t forget to check out the rare books section! I always bring a list and a BIG tote bag!
Not far away is the Pearl District, where there is always something good to eat. We gave Henry’s 12th Street Tavern a try. Really nice flat bread pizza and a cold beer, hit the spot!
Thusly fortified, we walked around the corner and waited near the corner of N.W. 11th Ave & N.W. Couch, (pronounced “Cooch” btw) for the street car which whisked us to within a few blocks of the Portland Art Museum.
It always has the perfect mix of Devine:
…And ridiculous:
I am very sad to say that I still didn’t see everything! They had to shoo us out for closing time. Next time I’ve sworn to start at the top and work my way down!
Oh well, it was nearly time to pick up the concert goers anyway.
Our little day away reminded us why Portland continues to charm and remains one of our favorite cities!
Anthropocene
Starting from the industrial revolution, this is a stunning visualization of human growth and travel. Every route created by humans is depicted via land, sea and air.
Beach Blanket Treats: Part 3
Photo courtesy of HairColorCorner
If you’re like me you’d rather not have to fuss with your hair while at the beach. That being said, I’d also like it if I had a modicum of style. Is it too much to ask?
Here are a few links that make beach hair easy!
First, a tutorial from Oh So Pretty: The Diaries on how to achieve perfect beach waves in mere moments!
Also, over on Twitch Vintage you can make your own poolside turban ala Joan Collins. I’m definitely going to try this!
Then of course…
