The Coast NW Style

Lovingly positioned by Lindsey

Growing up near the Oregon coast, I visited often with my family. As a coast goer, you know that the weather is never predictable. As we are all seeing via the television and internet media, Japan and it's people have been hit hard with the tsunami. My friends and I planned this trip to the coast long prior to the devastating event and checked the weather warnings carefully. With Japan in our hearts and minds, we ventured to the coast, humbled by the power of the ocean and taking moments of silence here and there.

It was dubbed by Ross as a "science trip." If we weren't discussing science, I don't know what we were doing. Our first stop was Ridgefield, WA to stay with Lindsey's parents, receive the warmest welcome with girl scout cookies and hugs and reunited with our friend Sara who looked lovely as ever. The next morning, we drove over the Fremont bridge in Portland and enjoyed the drive to Cannon Beach. We were met with some unanticipated, fairly good weather but we spoke too soon and were faced with wind and rain hurtling towards us as we battled to get close to Haystack Rock. There we saw a few orange starfish, sea anemones, barnacles and mussels (at least I think they were mussels).

We walked back along the road as the sand gave us a workout, and stopped in a house called Steidle's Art. The house was essentially an art gallery with an older gentlemen situated in the left, front corner of the house as you walk in. He was most definitely Steidle, surrounded by easels and paintbrushes, secretly reading a book.  You can find some of his art that I experienced here. I have never been into an art gallery and felt so strongly that I wanted to buy something and display it in my house. I will definitely purchase a print in the near future. Before lunch we stopped at Bruce's Candy shop and picked up loads of candy and watched taffy being wrapped with an old timey machine.

We ate at the Lumberyard Rotisserie and Grill then headed to Seaside where we stayed overnight. The sun graced us with its presence and we definitely needed the warm feelings that came with it. We walked to the ocean and enjoyed the sounds of the birds, dogs, people and waves.

Lindsey and I proceeded to the Tilt-a-Whirl which was surprisingly invigorating and we didn't get sick! I remember Lindsey yelling, "The g-forces!" We walked to their mall and as we approached the Rocky Mountain Candy Co. which was empty and closed, we ended up meeting the son-in-law of Bruce, of the candy shop. Apparently a Bruce's Candy Shop will open in Seaside this April 1 or May 1. We enjoyed pizza for dinner and a bottle of Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon, the magnum size. We did not finish it though as we fell asleep to dream of the sea.

Sunday rolled in with rain, rain and rain. We drove back to Cannon Beach for some Bella Espresso and Lazy Susan Cafe breakfast, where the service and food are a perfect match. We drove up to a lookout point off of Ecola State Park Road where we experienced wind that was stronger than anything we had ever felt. Ross predicted it was 70 mph which I have to agree with.

Leaning back, the wind would keep you standing!

We headed to Astoria where we walked the town, climbed 165 steps to the top of the Astoria Column, visited the Goonies house, nearly got pooped on by seagulls aiming and drove across the Astoria-Megler Bridge ending up back in Washington. We drove along the 101 to Long Beach. We drove on the beach, because you can do that there! And promptly left to trek to Seattle.

We passed the Satsop nuclear plant that was abandoned after it was nearly 77% complete, which nearly concluded the science conversations of the trip. We stopped in Olympia for some dinner and experienced heavy rain and dark clouds to Seattle. The skies cleared as we emerged from the express lane tunnel for just a few minutes reminding us that the sky is always blue.

Driving on Long Beach, The World's Longest Beach

Year of Travel

Ok. I definitely didn't see this coming. Nor did any of my friends or family. Ross got a job offer literally out of the blue for a company in Seattle about two months ago. He accepted it and we moved back to Seattle about a month ago. But before we left California we had a couple of adventures.

Big Sur being one of them, we drove to San Jose to meet up with our friends who were going with us. From there we embarked upon our journey listening to road trip music (I don't really remember what it was). We stopped in Monterey where we had cookies and explored some art galleries. There was this one where an artist made sand pictures. Literally pouring sand and creating scenery in a frame. That was pretty cool! We ate at the Cannery Row Brewing Company. I am sad to say I did not enjoy the fire roasted caesar salad but I did enjoy my beer.

With full bellies we headed to Big Sur. Granted, we did not have directions assuming there would be signs. So we are driving along a curvy narrow road with the ocean beside us the whole way from Monterey. We see a sign for a Big Sur Lodge where a huge line of cars trailed into the road in both directions. We kept going because we didn't want to see the lodge. We drive for about 20 more minutes and pull over not having found Big Sur and it's huge waterfall. None of our smart phones are able to access the internet/google maps because we are in the middle of nowhere so we head down the nearest trail towards the water.

We run into a small fork and some ladies. One lady kindly tells us there is a bathroom down one trail. We take it and it leads to forest. She meant a natural bathroom. Since we all have to go after driving for a long period, we go the way nature intended, squatting or standing respectively.

We continue to find two routes. We take one and go through a tunnel under a hill. We discover this lovely small cove overlooking the ocean and a cave. We go back and take the other route to find a larger cove with rocks, sand and the tide coming in. We of course roll up our jeans and get our feet wet. BTW the water was very cold.

The adventure ends there and we head home. We discover then that the lodge everyone else was so keen on going to was where the waterfall was. Oh well! We discovered a nice alternative. I still don't know it's name even though there was a sign on the way to nature's bathroom.

OAK>OLY>SEA>PDX

OLYMPIA
So I moved to Berkeley, CA about two months ago. And this past weekend my boyfriend and I traveled home. We flew into Portland and drove to Olympia for a family reunion. We swam for two days as it was 90 plus degrees. Got a little heat exhausted an burned...which was our bad. Sunscreen at 12 SPF is not as good as you would think. We played a lot of cribbage and enjoyed a three hour poker game. I won a couple hands, two with boats (aka: full house). It was an exciting game! Everyone was getting some fantastic hands and with 8 players that doesn't always occur.
 

SEATTLE
Our plan was to hit up our old stomping grounds, which we did, but I didn't expect it to turn into a rediscovery of our home of the past. So far, places we have passed a thousand times are being found. This little cafe, Cafe Dharwin, situated as you climb 10th to Capitol Hill is a pretty sweet spot. We admired the blinds, light in color and probably made out of thin bamboo, kept the sun from destroying us but also allowed light to come streaming in. I had a morning glory muffin. Delightfully hearty. We only came here because we were waiting for the Roanoke to open. It's a tavern with Ping Pong tables, but shh it's a secret spot that we don't want people knowing about because we didn't have to fight for a table. We found out that the building sold and the Roanoke is being threatened to close. I'm crossing my fingers that miraculously it stays open. It's a classy dive bar and those are hard to find.

What else did we discover you ask? A bunch of newly opened cafes/eateries on Ballard Avenue. There's a pretty cute Gelato spot, a Fresh Flours (coffee shop serving Stumptown coffee) and a vegetarian Thai restaurant. As a pescatarian, I will remember this place and try it next time I'm in town.

We also visited Cal Anderson Park where we sat on an art installation with grass and a (unattached) watering can. It was called "SLANT" per it's positioning. Some Capitol Hillians stopped by and told us the watering can had been there for weeks and were surprised it was still there as were we. We then walked down to see the city just above the freeway. On our way back we were taken to Thomas Park. It was a tiny park but perfect for a break although not mosquito free.

The next day I was on my own. I sat and read Hellcity at Vivace. Vivace is some of the best coffee in the city next to Herkimer. I can say this as I spent six years in Seattle trying as many coffee roasts as possible. Excuse my snobbery, but it was an earned snobbery. I then walked around and to my surprise I found a bookshop that I never noticed before. It is across the street from Roy Street Coffee (don't be deceived, it is owned by Starbucks!) and aptly named: Ada's Technical Books. I found a book I haven't found easily but it is rather famous in the comic book world, maybe you've heard of it, Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud. I am very excited to add it to my comics library.

I definitely feel that my trip to Seattle out of the three cities we visited on our vacation was the most enlightening. I left Seattle feeling it was time, that I had seen it all but I now have a renewed view of it, and am excited to explore it all over again in the future.

PORTLAND
Ross and I had dinner with my dad and Ross' parents at my Dad's new place in Camas, WA before we headed to Portland. By the way, Camas is super cute. My sister, Kurin, came out to see us and we all spent the next day in Portland. She had never explored Portland because she grew up in central Oregon and no one had ever taken her there! Ah Portland, I will always love thee for you were the city that was there for me. Considering I have spent a lot of time in Portland, we decided to go to places we had never been.

First off was to try Mother's Bistro located in SW Portland. I had heard great reviews from friends and am pleased to say it lived up to it's reputation. Adorable decor coupled with phenomenal food. It's a very busy spot as it is a bit small but worth whatever wait there may be. Next we ventured to NW Portland, hitting the Pearl District along the way. We stopped at West Elm which we later realized we had been to in Emeryville, CA. It's a furniture store, kind of like an upgraded IKEA. They probably wouldn't like that description but oh well. We went to Portland Bagel Company on 23rd and it was great! It used to be a NOAH's Bagels. It was more impressive, not to knock NOAH's as I love their bagles but PBC was less chain feeling and more homey.

We parted from my sister in the afternoon and rode the Max out to my mom's in Hillsboro for dinner. The next day my mom and I got our toes and hair done. Ross spent the day golfing with my dad, aunt and uncle. We met up with them later and had dinner out in Salem where my aunt lives. The next day we flew out of Portland for a super quick flight back to Berkeley.

Jamaica No Problem

In early 2009, a good friend of mine joined the Peace Corps in Jamaica. It was decided then that me and a bunch of my friends would visit him. On April 1, 2010 we arrived in Kingston, Jamaica. We had a bit of trouble at customs, the address we had wasn't specific enough. It needed to be a recognized postal address-so remember this for your trip to Jamaica. There were 7 of us and somehow two people got through but the rest of us had to call our friend on the customs phone to get a more specific address. We ended up getting through, no problem.

Our friend, Jerry, picked us up in the 8 person van he rented for us and we drove across the country to Montego Bay. We stayed with his girlfriend, Jess in Beecher Town, outside of Fern Gully (that's right) outside of Ocho Rios. It was a trek. We popped a tire the first night. Some locals helped us out, not that we needed it, but none the less-helped us and expected a tip. Be aware, if you go, that some Jamaicans are like this, not all, but some.

We went to a couple beaches, paid to get in-these are the ones that are kept clean and are a little bit safer than the others. SO if you don't go to a resort, don't be hesitant to pay for a beach. It's no big deal, especially considering safety. There was one beach I really liked, it was called Flavors. Live music and good food. I had a pina colada-my first strangely. It was very refreshing. The other beach which had bright yellow and blue umbrellas for purchase was in Montego Bay. There was a Jamexican restaurant in MB, that's right, Jamaican Mexican food, inspired by Chipotle-literally. It was pretty decent!

Surprisingly I didn't get burned, and I'm pretty fair. Yay sunscreen. In all my pictures I look shiny but not red so I guess that's good.

If you go to Jamaica, go to the Blue Hole if you can find it. It's near Ocho Rios. I didn't get to go but I urge you to since I didn't.

The food. It was the best. And my favorite part of Jamaica. I love love fish. I had Jerk Conch which was really interesting and worth getting. I also bought some jerk seasoning to take home. I also love rice and peas, which is served with almost everything. The peas are kidney beans. Don't ask why. Just enjoy.

"Jamaica no problem" is a big saying that the locals use. I appreciated this and used it myself. But going to Jamaica, as my first developing country, it has a lot of problems and you don't see this if you stay in a resort. You barely see it if you venture just outside the resort. The people are poor and it is difficult to see but it is also humbling and I am glad that I experienced it this way and not secluded in a resort. I also truly experienced the people of Jamaica. They are very laid back and not afraid to chat. Overall I enjoyed Jamaica even though it was heartbreaking at times. I think I learned a lot about myself and about a part of the world that I only saw on television.

Albuquerque

While I was working for a non profit organization recently, a part of my job was to run the annual meeting at the National Environmental Health Association AEC & Exhibition. This year it was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had never been there and that is why it is getting a spot on my blog! And it deserves some recognition, the skies were beautiful.

I rode the longest tram in the world. I had no idea it was in NM. Specifically it was Sandia Peak, elevation 10,378 ft. The tram space was much larger than I expected which was comforting as we climbed the whole 15 minutes it took to get to the top. I don't have a fear of heights but it was a little daunting. And spectacular. The mountains in New Mexico are just lovely.

I also enjoyed some choice green chili over a breakfast burrito. Absolutely delicious. This is a must try as Albuquerque is known for their green chili. I wanted to try red but didn't have the opportunity.

This is definitely a spot to visit, especially on a road trip if you are passing through. It would be a fun stop!

Reflection of London

So this is one of possibly more conclusions of my time spent in London. As this is a travel blog, it is time to bring the traveler home (since I have been home for 7 months). After finishing up my thoughts on my study abroad, I think I will be altering this blog into one about comics, writing and other fantastical musings. More on that later.

First off, I didn't miss London immediately because I have delayed reactions to things and coming home new changes were all around. It did not happen until it started raining just a few short months ago. The rain brought me back immediately to the brick streets and gloomy yet fun-filled days. And I felt this gnawing ache like I needed to be asleep on the tube. I don't remember if I mentioned this in a previous post but I fell asleep on the tube a lot. Greg would say "every time." He would be mostly correct. For a week after I got home I dreamt of London every night. It was very confusing to wake up in Seattle in the mornings during that week. I felt very torn and like I was in two places at once. It was a little exhausting actually. But I cannot wait to go back and take someone with me! I feel I know the city by heart (and by tube station).

I especially miss it when I look at pictures. It's funny how we take pictures obsessively now with instant gratification of seeing the photo immediately after we take it. I printed off a few pictures and gave them away as gifts for Christmas and the experience felt more real with tangible evidence in my hands. The images seem flatter than I remember.

Those are my thoughts on London for now. If I have any more, you will be sure to know. I will leave you with a mini update of the 7 months I went on a blog leave.

Upon my departure from London in the bulleted version:
Said my goodbyes to my gracious host family/the tube/the parks/the pubs/the currency/the markets/the delicious bacon filled food/the dog and fox poop/etc.
Hopped a train with two friends to Heathrow
Flew thousands of miles
Saw Ross in person with flowers and a smile!
Slept for a day
Went to work for two days
Graduated from both majors
Attended Ross' graduation
Worked on campus all summer
Searched for "real" jobs all summer
Hired the day after summer job ended!
Working now to pay for school that is now over

TTFN

A place of wonder

I went to three places of mystery and beauty this past week. I did not expect some of the wonders that I saw. I hope that in your travels, you can visit this gorgeous place. The first stop was the ever-baffling Stonehenge. Before I went, almost everyone told me that it was going to be a disappointment. I didn't listen to them though. I went with an open mind and I was glad I did. I enjoyed seeing it in person. When you are driving on the road near it, you come up over a hill and then you see it. I was in awe. While I was walking around it, I couldn't stop taking pictures. There are ropes surrounding it so it isn't something you can walk around in. The ropes are taken down once a year and admission is free on the summer solstice. People are then free to worship and experience the stones close up. I want to go back on that day to see what it's like.

After visiting Stonehenge, my class and I traveled to Stourhead. I knew it was an 18th century garden but I didn't understand the scale until I got there. It was the most beautiful and inspiring place I have ever been too. It inspired me to write a poem about it for one of my class assignments. I think that the best part was when I walked down a hill and through some trees I saw a temple across the water. It was the temple of Apollo and has spaces for statues built in while some have statues. The scene in the film “Pride & Prejudice” where it is raining and there is an intense interchange between Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy, that happens here at the temple of Apollo. As a fan of this film, I was giddy as a schoolgirl. I loved the garden (and the temple) so much that I want to visit several times in my life.

After we went to Stourhead, we ventured to Avebury. It is an old village with ritual stones, like Stonehenge, but these were actually used for human sacrifices. Now, where the stones sit, sheep range and poop abounds. None of us could really look around because we were trying not to step in the poop. I did not enjoy this place as much as the others.

Back at my home stay, I watched a television show called "Body Shock: The Girl with Eight Limbs." It is about Lakshmi, a girl born in India with eight limbs: 4 arms and 4 legs. She is named after the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi of wealth and beauty. Many people that live in this little girl’s village believe she is the reincarnation of the Goddess. A doctor examined her and said that her extra limbs were attributed to her twin that didn't develop a head. Her parents decided to have their daughter undergo surgery. I’m sure this show will air or has aired in the US but it reminds me that I’ll miss BBC television when I leave.

This week I am going to see three plays. A last hurrah before I depart. I have 12 days left. I am going to see The Sound of Music, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Wicked. I am very excited. I will keep you posted!

Ciao!