Amsterdam March 2008

Spring break - Andy's senior year of high school

This was Andy and Jill's first trip to Europe. We selected it for a few reasons, in no particular order:
1. Most people understand and/or speak English
2. Most people would know how to pronounce our last name (it is Dutch)
3. We knew it would be easy to get around

Our first big decision was made after watching a Samantha Brown program - where to stay? We decided to rent a houseboat on the Amstel river. I would make the same decision again. We loved it. Granted, it was a bit cozy, but it was a fun experience. The boat was solidly anchored, so there was no movement at all. And, it came with a cat, who belonged to our hosts who lived in the other (bigger) side of the boat.

Amsterdam has one of the best science museums I've ever been to. We spent an entire day there - in part because the weather outside was miserable. I wasn't sure when we arrived if there would be enough stuff to entertain two teens, but there was. It was a really good day. Picture was taken at the science museum - Jill enclosing herself in a gigantic bubble.

We spent the equivalent of one day in art museums - Van Gogh's and the Rijksmuseum (sp?).

In keeping with being American tourists, we did have one meal at the Hard Rock Cafe.

We took a day trip to the Hague, and one to Delft.

Highlights - and places to check off my list:
Anne Frank house
Cafe society (No, I didn't)
Canal cruise - relaxing and a great way to see the city
Oude Kerk - old church (it is really, really old)
Red-light district (No, I didn't) - great people watching
Rijksmuseum - most of it was closed for renovation though
Van Gogh museum - loved it!
Delft - lovely town
Het Mauritshuis - great gift shop

England November 2009

I can tick two places from my list:

1. Stonehenge
2. Royal Pavilion

While historically significant, please don't ever come to England just to see Stonehenge. You will be disappointed. I'm glad I got to see it, but we really were going to drive by it on our way to a meeting. The rocks really aren't as impressive as you might expect them to be. And...my new shoes got muddy.

The Royal Pavilion was worth the trip to Brighton to see it. It was a royal home (not really big enough to be called a palace or a castle, in my opinion) built by one of the King Georges. Queen Victoria used it as one of her residences at one point in her life, but it wasn't big enough for her huge family.

Parts of the Royal Pavilion are very Oriental in their decorations, but other parts are more Polynesian. I preferred the Polynesian rooms. The banquet hall and kitchen were very impressive. It would be a great place to have parties!

The King who built this place had a thing for snakes. I hate snakes. There are snakes in some of the decorations. Ick!

London 13 November 2009

I had lunch at Borough Market. I heard about this place from Samantha Brown - who has several shows on the Travel channel. I had a fried cheese sandwich from the same guy who made her sandwich when she went to Borough Market.

I then had afternoon tea at Harrods, after doing a little window shopping. Harrods is an amazing department store. I remember my first trip to Harrods when I was in college. The only thing I could afford to buy at that time was a key chain.

Afternoon tea consisted of 5 small sandwiches, 2 scones, 4 pastries, tea...and I splurged and got champagne too. It was delicious!

I didn't do any other shopping this time...but I was tempted. Harrods actually has a little store in the airport, so that is where I will pick up some gifts.

England 12 November 2009

It was another work day, but we made a stop at Orford Castle - near the SE coast of England. It isn't the nicest...or largest...castle I've ever seen, but it had its own chapel as well as a small jail. I wonder why those rooms are no longer included in homes???

I walked to the top and was rewarded with a great view.

We also stopped at the site of Sutton Hoo, but the buildings were closed so there wasn't anything to see.

Sutton Hoo, according to Wikipedia; is site of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries of the 5th century and early 6th century, one of which contained an undisturbed ship burial including a wealth of artifacts of outstanding art-historical and archaeological significance.

England has really, really old stuff. I am always reminded when I am here how young my own country really is.

England 11 November 2009

This was a work day - very long, and busy. However, because of the route we drove to client meetings, I had the opportunity to see Stonehege. A picture will be coming.

London 10 November 2009

I had a little time today to spend at the Tate Modern. Awesome art!

The highlight of the day:

London theatre......


.....wait for it....

Phantom of the Opera

Enough said.

London 7 November 2009

I love London. I always find new adventures.

I forgot my umbrella. It didn't start raining until 10 pm, and I was pretty much done for the day. I'm still hopeful for good weather the rest of the trip so I won't need to buy one.

I also forgot my camera, so these blog posts will be sans pictures. Or...I could steal pics from the Internet. I've been known to do that.

Sadly, I didn't get as much done today as I planned. I have been unable to get my BB connected to UK's local mobile phone network. I'm sure I got more frustrated than I should have been, but I am here alone; so it was important to me that I can easily connect with people back home.

The highlight of the day was going to the theatre. I bought the ticket before I left, and because I was a single I got a great seat. I was 5th row - dead center. I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's. I really enjoyed the play. It is different than the movie.

I've had season tickets to the Guthrie for ~ 10 years. I see lots of plays. I've only seen one play at the Guthrie that had any nudity - Six Degrees of separation.

Breakfast at Tiffany's had male and female nudity - and I had a great seat. I think Europeans have a different - more open - attitude toward nudity.

"Life is a moderately good play with a badly written third act" Truman Capote.

Good day, good day! Now I need to try and get to sleep. It is 5 pm at home, but I need to sleep now.

3 weeks and counting

I do still have old trips to blog about, but I haven't really been inspired to do that. However, I am really, really, really looking forward to my next London trip. I still haven't decided on what show I will be seeing, but I do plan to take the train to Brighton and spend some time there.

England has so much history. I really do want to see it all, but I saw lots of castles and cathedrals last summer....so I am looking for different stuff to experience on this trip.

If time permits, I will also be going to to see Cambridge University.

I think knowing that I have this trip coming is helping to keep me sane during a very busy time at work.

That...and lots of energy drinks.

DC 21 September 2009

I went to two building today that I had never been to before. Perhaps I should now start a list of cool DC buildings that I've been in??

My first meeting was at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Their building is near Union Station and the US Capitol. It is nice, and probably fairly new. Their visitor center was big and comfortable.

The picture is of ATF's new headquarters. Their visitor center is small, but the rest of the building is really nice. They have a memorial near the visitor center. No gift shop though.

Planning my next UK trip

I really do enjoy planning almost as much as traveling. I am excited about going back to England. It is a work trip - I will be busting my arse Monday - Friday, but I am leaving a day early and staying an extra day for fun stuff.

I know I want to see at least one show in London. And, I am consulting "the book" to get inspiration on other activities to do or sights to see. Options I am considering....

Brighton
Cambridge University (I've seen Oxford)
Kent
Southampton
York

And....if I had a bit more time I could head North and try to find the Loch Ness monster.

For theatre... this is what I'm considering:

Breakfast at Tiffany's
Chicago
Hairspray
Othello
Phantom

Paris for my 35th birthday

Before getting to Paris, we (DH now, but this was before we were married) went to London first. And....before London, we changed planes in Iceland. I am counting it as a country I've visited even though I never left the airport.

We spent a few days in London, doing the typical touristy stuff. And actually... we didn't see anything that I haven't already blogged about, so now to Paris.

There were three highlights from this trip, all in the "book":

1. Mont-Saint-Michel - we drove to Normandy and spent the night on this little island in a building that was like 400 years old. We first spent the day wandering around the town, and visiting the abbey.

I love the ocean, so this was a huge treat. The views were amazing and I spent a little time in the water checking out the local mussel populations. It was very peaceful - especially at night when the island "closes" and the day tourists leave.

2. Taillevent - this is a restaurant in Paris and it was amazing. It was the best restaurant I had ever been to, and I have to admit I felt a little out of place. I probably wasn't as dressed up as I could be, and my French is not very good. The waiters were nice though - not snotty. It did help tremendously that DH's French is quite good.

3. Chateau de Versailles - don't all girls love an amazing castle? It is incredibly beautiful. The gardens were awesome. Sometimes I am very easily impressed, and this is one example of that.

We also visited the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and some of the other places I have already mentioned in other blog posts.

I did not go to Paris for my 40th birthday - as planned - but I went on a cruise and it was awesome. That will be a future blog post.

Iowa State Fair 2009

Yes, it is in "the book," and I have already checked it off my list. This was my second trip to the fair.

The weather was beautiful. The picture is of a cow carved out of butter. It is almost life sized. Ick! I don't actually like butter, but it does make a cute picture.

The crowds were not too bad. It was a good family day - the last one for months because Andy is back at college now.

We started with the bunnies. Jill wanted to bring one or more home, but we have too many pets. They were cute. I didn't realize there were so many varieties of rabbits.

Next stop was junk food - cheese curds and fry bread taco. And then on to chocolate chip cookies.

We rode the sky glider, which gave us a great view of the entire fair. We skipped the midway (rides and such), and then had roasted corn and mountain dew.

We walked through the animal barns - goats as far as you can see.....pigs - they were all sleeping... horses.....cows. Did you know that goats don't like to be bathed? We heard the worse noise ever, and it was a goat crying in the bath. Poor thing.

We went through the Cultural Center to look at the art.

It was a good day. Looong drive home though from Des Moines, IA to St. Paul, MN.

DC and Maryland, August 2009

This is another business trip, but I am having fun too -- dinner with friends and a nice (hot) walk around Dupont Circle.

Today we drove to the US Fire Administration offices. They are in an old college campus near the Maryland / PA border. It was a nice drive and the campus is lovely. (The meeting was good too.)

I haven't really blogged about my non-travel life, but I will - a little - now. I am glad to be in DC druing this particular week because Andy is at home right now packing all of his stuff to return to the University of Iowa. (Go Hawks!) I hope this year will be easier than last, but I am still a little sad. It helps to not be home, but perhaps that just delays the inevitable. I wish him the best of luck -- and I know he is happy there, but it is still hard on me that he isn't home.

Airports

I've been to many airports.

I play trivia almost every Tuesday night. This week they had a question about the number of airports in the US. I got the question correct.... in part because I travel lots.... and in part because the TSA is one of my clients. They know all of the US airports.

This reminded me that I was going to do a blog post about airport codes. DH thinks it is strange that I can instantly recall these from memory.

MSP - Minneapolis / St. Paul (home)
AMS - Amsterdam
LAX - Los Angeles
LAS - Las Vegas
DFW - Dallas Ft Worth
PDX - Portland, Oregon
SFO - San Francisco
MIA - Miami
LCY - London City
LGW - London Gatwick
LHR - London Heathrow
LGA - La Guardia
NRT - Tokyo Narita
DCA - Washington National
IAD - Washington Dulles
BWI - Baltimore Washington
MDW - Chicago Midway
ORD - Chicago O'Hare
SEA - Seattle - Tacoma
YVR - Vancouver
YUL - Montreal
DTW - Detroit
STL - St. Louis
DEN - Denver
PHX - Phoenix
SLC - Salt Lake City
CDG - Charles de Gaulle Paris
JFK - John F Kennedy
MCO - Orlando, FL
ATL - Atlanta

Yep....I need a new hobby. Or, I should have been a travel agent.

I have a good story about when DH's brother wanted to fly to Charleston, SC for a long weekend, but ended up with a ticket to Charleston, WV instead. I've been to both, and I prefer SC! I didn't know these until now, but their codes are: CHS for Charleston, SC; and CRW for Charleston, WV. Please.......don't anyone else make this mistake.

Paris for my 30th birthday

My first trip to Paris!! I spent the weekend of my 30th birthday in Paris. (I'd rather not reveal the date, but I guess context is needed - 1996.) It was just long enough to give me a taste of this awesome city. I remember being very tired and jet lagged, but tried to see as much as possible.


(Never buy new shoes before a trip like this.)

I went to a bakery every morning to get a fresh baquette. I love bread, cheese and wine. The French have a good thing going!

I went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I didn't want to come down. I could have spent the whole day there, except for the fact that I was craving a crepe. It was a good crepe.

I went to the catacombs - and I don't need to ever visit that again.

I also really enjoyed walking through Jardins de Tuileries. I spent an afternoon in the Louvre; which isn't enough time - but again, just enough to give me a taste.

I knew before I arrived in Paris that I would love it and would want to return.......often.

Probably the best birthday present I ever gave myself.

UK January 1989

I can't believe it has been 20 years since my first trip outside of the US. I went with 19 other girls (strangers) on a college trip during J-term. We spent the whole month of January in the UK.




Sadly, I flew to London one week after Pan Am flight 103 exploded over Scotland. Yep, I was scared, but I still went.

Here are the highlights of what I can remember

First week was spent in London; weeks two and three in Leicester; and 4th week back in London.

First meal was horrible - fried veal patty and peas. (What is with their obsession with peas? There are like 10 other vegetables that I actually like - peas is not one of them.) I didn't eat again for 2 days - when I found a KFC.

We went as a group to the Tower of London and saw the crown jewels, to Buckingham Palace, to watch Les Miserables, and to Windsor Castle. (All places in "the book" are colored.)

We took a bus from London to Warwick Castle, to Oxford and then to Stratford-upon-Avon. A cute, ancient man took us on a tour of the oldest library in the world at Oxford. We saw Shakespeare's wife's home in Stratford and then watched the Tempest at Shakespeare's theatre. I also saw his grave.

I vaguely remember stopping at other places too - like the place where Lady Godiva rode naked on her horse.

We then spent two weeks in Leicester - this was the real learnin' part of the trip. All 20 of us girls were placed in the local schools and we lived with local families. I really liked my family. I got to be friends with another girl (Belle) who was placed in the same school and lived with a family on the same street.

I remember taking a tour of a local radio station. They even interviewed a few of the girls. (Not me - I am too shy.) Our radio station guide played a song for us and said the "singers" were going to be HUGE in the US in the next 6 months. It was Milli Vanilli. He was right - they were huge - but we all know how that ends.

I spent one weekend in York. I only remember going to the Railway museum.

I spent the next weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland (new country). That was an interesting experience for a college-aged girl from the US. We arrived before noon on Saturday. There were already lots of drunk men wearing skirts (kilts) who were more than happy to show us young American girls what they had - or didn't have - under their kilts. We stayed at the local youth hostel - another first for me - and last. I did visit Edinburgh Castle.

And we looked for the Loch Ness monster.

I don't remember much about the last week in London. I was pretty homesick by this time. I took the tube (subway) to Wimbledon, but was disappointed when I couldn't see anything from the station.

I have no idea where to find my pictures from this trip.

CIA visit

This is old news, but I finally have photos! I had the opportunity to visit the CIA in May with two co-workers: Angela and Bandar. The tour - along with pictures - was arranged by one of my clients - Ross - who is standing on my right.

No red tail

My flight on Sunday from Minneapolis to DC might have been the last on a NWA-branded plane.

My flight from DC back to Minneapolis is on a Delta plane. Delta does have nicer seats.

On an unrelated note - Al Franken, our new Senator, is on my flight. A woman just thrust her baby at Al and asked if she could take his picture holding her infant. (Update - this made the Drudge Report - courtesy of an article written by the baby's dad.)

Red Tail?

I am sitting at MSP (Minneapolis - St. Paul airport) waiting for my flight to DCA (Washington National airport) and am wondering if the plane will be NWA (red tail) or Delta.

(BTW - I know lots of airport codes, but that can be a different post.)

Delta airlines is merging (translation - absorbing) Northwest airlines. I get about one e-mail per week from NWA about the merger. Growing up in Minnesota - the world HQ for NWA - I am a little sad that brand is going away. I now take a picture of my plane every time I fly. I have been doing this for several months now. Eventually, I will be on a NWA-painted plane for the last time, and I want to be sure and capture this historic moment.

I have a picture from my last flight ready to upload in case tonight's plane does not have a red tail.

The United States of America

I am done with my inventory of the states I've visited so far. I am missing 4:

Louisiana
Alaska
Maine
New Hampshire
...and the US territories. Some of which, apparently, are quite tropical so I do want to go those places too.

I will soon start blogging about my trips outside of the US.

Wyoming

I went to Yellowstone National Park (in "the book") as a child. I think it was the same trip as SD.

I really do have pictures of this; however, they are stuck in one of those old sticky photo albums and the pictures do NOT want to come out. I'm not sure what to do with them.

My "fondest" memory is the one of my brother acting as if he is going to push me into one of the bubbling pools of goo. Big brothers suck!

Wisconsin

Ahhhh, my cheese-head friends next door. WI is the closet state to the Twin Cities of Minnesota. I've spent a considerable amount of time in WI, or driving through it.

They have 3 entries in "the book" (which is 2 more than my great state of MN - no competition though, really.). I should go to one or more of them.

I've been to Frank Lloyd Wright's house, which I think should be in the book. I can probably find a picture of this, but it was back in the days of film cameras. (In the meantime, thanks Wikipedia for this picture.)

I've been to lots of places in WI. Someday I might blog individually about trips and those will provide more detail.

West Virginia

What can I say about West Virginia?? Nothing...really. No offense to West Virginia, but I don't have any specific memories about my time there.

Check it off the list.

Washington

I spent one week in Seattle in May 1997. It was a work trip, but I did fun stuff too. From "the book:"

Pike Place Market

Not in "the book" but I did have brunch at the revolving restaurant in the Space Needle. I'm glad I'm not afraid of heights, because this was really awesome.

Vermont

This is another state I drove to just to say I was there. I was visiting friends near Lake George in upstate NY and they suggested we drive to Vermont to eat at a McDonald's - just so I can check this state off of my list. I don't like McDonald's, but that is exactly what we did.

I like to drive. Someday I would like to drive all around New England since that is the part of the country where I have spent the least amount of time.

Utah

I've been to Salt Lake City twice. The most recent trip was September 2002. I remember this because I flew home on 9/11/02.

Park City is in "the book" and I did spend a day there. Beautiful!

In Park City I took a gondola ride up the mountain - that was really cool. I am so glad I'm not afraid of heights. I also watched some young kids ski jump into a swimming pool. That seemed weird to me, but I guess that is how they train when there isn't any snow.

Utah has lots of other places in "the book" so I really need to go back there.

Texas

I spent several days in Austin a few years ago. Austin is a great town. My friend Michelle lives there now. She transferred from St. Paul 3M to Austin 3M.

I'd really like to go back and visit.

Tennessee

We spent a long weekend in Memphis with the kids during spring break 2006. We even brought the dog. It was her first road trip and she did very well.

From "the book":

Graceland - wow! a snapshot in time from the 70's - shag carpet and all.
Memphis's Rib Joints - I don't really like BBQ, but I went any way. (Note: don't order a Greek salad at a rib joint. It wasn't good.)

Not in the book, but excellent - their zoo. Memphis has a really awesome zoo. I was able to get >this close< to a panda.

South Dakota

We visited SD and Mount Rushmore when I was a child. Places from "the book" that I visited.

The Badlands
The Black Hills

South Carolina

I love to travel, but - sadly - not every trip is a good one. Here is an example of a good trip gone bad.

I spent a horrible weekend in Charleston and Isle of Palm over Thanksgiving 1993. It was with an ex and his friend's family.

His friend invited us and our two large dogs to spend the weekend with them in their townhouse. The friend's (now ex-) wife told us upon our arrival (after driving down from VA) that we could not stay with them. She expected us, if we decided to stay, to sleep in our vehicle and use the gas station down the street for potty breaks. It was horrible, and we should have turned around and went home.

We did stay in the townhouse, but were subjected to an entire weekend of fighting between that couple. Thank goodness they were right on the beach so I spent lots of time there with my dogs.

I managed to get in a little sightseeing and can check this place from "the book" off of my list."
The Heart of Charleston

Rhode Island

During my CT weekend, we drove to Rhode Island just to say I've been to that state. It was dark, I don't remember much; but I am counting it!

Pennsylvania

Back to reality (home and work - not Europe).... and back to documenting where I've already been.

"Book" sights that I've been to:

Gettysburg National Military Park and Cemetery
Pennsylvania Dutch Country
Independence National Historical Park

I've visited this state many times. Hershey is a particular favorite of mine.

Europe 2009

These are the places from "1,000 places to see before you die" that we visited on this trip.

London
The Connaught Hotel
Tea at the Ritz
Paris
Hotel de Crillon
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Chartres
Biarritz
The Dordogne
St Emillion
Madrid
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
San Sebastian
La Cathedral de Toledo
Catalan National Art Museum
La Sagrada Familia
Figueres

Restroom bathroom loo WC toilette aseo

Sometimes.....when traveling.....you need to urinate - especially if you drink enough water to stay hydrated. Some of the places we visited were quite hot.

Paris is the worst city to be in when you need to pee. There is not a bathroom at the top of Notre Dame cathedral.

I may have mentioned this before, but I rarely (really!) eat at McDonald's at home. I sometimes eat at McDonald's while out of the country because I need to use their toilette. McDonald's in Paris requires a purchase before you can use their WC. I love Paris, but I hate this aspect of Paris.

There are lots of pubs in London and they all have loos, so it was pretty easy to find facilities there.

I haven't had any trouble finding aseos in Spain when I needed them.

When in Europe, don't ask to use the restroom or bathroom - people here won't know what you mean.....unless they have traveled to the US.

Barcelona Spain

4 places from "the book" to check off:

La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's unfinished cathedral (might be our last cathedral of the trip).
Museu Picasso
Figueres - not in Barcelona. We drove through this part of Spain on our way to elBulli. I wish we had spent the whole day here.

Catalan National Art Museum

We didn't see as much in Barcelona as expected because nearly everything was closed on June 24th for some holiday.

We did spend some time in Guell Park - a park by Gaudi. It was cool. Jill did some swinging. The girl on the swing next to her lost her smile every time the swing slowed down, and smiled big again when mom gave her another push.

elBulli

I've been to some of the best restaurants - Charlie Trotter's and Alinea in Chicago; the Inn at Little Washington in Virginia; and Taillevent in Paris.

Last night we went to what some believe is the best restaurant in the world - elBulli in Roses, Spain. The picture is not egg yolk - it is mango in the form of a "bag of goo" (Jill's term).

I took pictures of every one of the 34 courses; and I will post them on Facebook and perhaps Webshots. Dinner took 5 hours.

It was a unique experience. The restaurant itself is small and lovely - set on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean. We also had the bonus of seeing fireworks - locals were celebrating the Equinox.

The course that surprised me the most because I never ate this before and was uncertain about it was sea cucumber. The course I hated the most was something with bleu cheese. I really liked the tomatoes and the last part of the meal -- the chocolate.

Valencia Spain

We went to the Valencia Cathedral - which is beautiful. The main reason for the trip was to see the Holy Grail. Yes, the cup believed to have been used by Jesus is in this cathedral.

We walked around the science museum and art museum. Both have very unique architecture.

We then went to a beach north of Valencia and played in the sea and napped on the beach. I am very red right now.

We drove to Barcelona - the last stop on this trip. Finding our hotel was a bit stressful, but we are here now. I need to find some ice to cool off my sangria!

Father's Day 2009

We spent the morning trying to find.....then trying to find a parking spot.... La Rastro market. Lots of people, lots of stuff. I bought earrings for me and Jill.

We then drove to Valencia. Not much to report yet. We did find a great hotel near the sea.

Shoes

I brought 5 pairs of shoes on this trip.

1. high-heeled black shoes for work - haven't touched them since London

2. Sketchers - look comfortable, but they really aren't

3. low-heeled white Born sandles - cute, but not comfortable

4. medium-heeled black Sofft sandles - cute and comfortable, but not good for cobblestone roads

5. Clark Privo sandles - purchased right before trip and love, love them

I keep going back to the Clark sandles when my feet get sore in other shoes. I am so glad I bought these-- against DH's recommendation of buying new shoes before a trip.

Madrid art

We went to the Prado museum on Friday and the Museo National Centro de Arte Reine Sofia today. The Prado has lots of darkish, Dutch masters paintings. Reine Sofia has lots of Dali and Picasso. I like the Reine Sofia much better than the Prado.

The rooms in Reine Sofia are white, clean, and open. Some of the rooms in the Prado have dark paint on the walls, which I think can be distracting to the art.

Toledo Spain

Toledo is a significant town for several reasons, some of which are:

Roman Catholic Cathedral
El Greco
Old city with unusual combinations of architecture

This cathedral is featured in "the book." We started by wandering around the town for two hours before reaching the cathedral. It is not an easy town to walk. Small-stone, narrow streets; and lots of little hills. I picked the wrong day to wear sandles with a little heel. I was in serious pain before we arrived at the cathedral.

I perked up when we went in the cathedral. It is amazing. The detail and craftsmanship is unbelievable. Each stall in the choir area is hand carved in wood and features a different scene. The altar has lots of gold, and is very detailed and intricate.

They have an amazing art collection including works by Caravaggio, Ruebens, Titian, Rafael, and lots of El Greco. It was worth the trip!

Bonus of the day -- no parking ticket despite arriving almost 90 minutes late. Perhaps the local police were having their siesta.

Downside - DH was pick-pocketed. Luckily the only thing they got was the key card for our hotel. My bag was opened twice in five minutes when I was looking at jewelery in a local store. It was probably the same two people DH caught in his pocket. They didn't get anything from my bag.

Spongebob en francais

This happened a few days ago, but we are still laughing about it.....so I think it deserves a post.

Our last morning in France was low key.

DH did laundry, went shopping, and browsed through a local hardware store. He came back cursing 3M's France marketing team because the store he visited had no 3M tape.

I uploaded pictures to Facebook.

Andy and Jill watched Spongebob Square Pants in French. They both laughed and laughed - partly at themselves for watching Bob.....they are, after all, teenagers. Both agreed that they did not need to understand French to understand the action in the cartoon.

Madrid Spain

Madrid is a hot and vibrant city. We had a slow start - none of us had been here before.

I'm really tired, but determined to do a post tonight, so it is bullet points:

Old Madrid - Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real (pic is of palace)
Prado Museum - Andy actually requested we visit an art museum because he thought it would be cooler inside than outside.
Basilica de San Miguel and Mercado de San Miguel
Museo de Jamon
McDonald's - finally ice with our soda (France doesn't do ice)

We walked lots and lots, but I didn't wear my pedometer.

We had a great evening - stopped at two different restaurants/cafes for tapas, cerveza, sangria, cava and paella. The city really comes alive at night, but I was too tired to stay up late.

Getting lost

Rudy Maxa has several general travel recommendations, and one of them is to get lost. We've gotten lost -- and trapped -- twice now.

The first time was in Sarlat, France. We found our way into town just fine, and wandered around without any navigational issues. Our problem came when we tried to leave. Our desired route was under construction and no detour was posted. We drove around, and around, and around -- three times. Then we spotted an auto ecole (student driver) and followed him. That worked! We finally found our way out of town.

Our next time was leaving San Sebastian, Spain. We drove up the hill to get a better view of the beach and bay. Must have missed a turn because we ended up on a high, winding road. I got so excited when I spotted - in the middle of nowhere - a Pepsi vending machine. I still smile when I think about it. My first Mountain Dew in a long, long time!

We finally wound our way off of the hill. It was scenic - lots of horses, sheep and cows. We found our way to a small village - Kukuarri. It was cute and quaint, and we could see the highway running over the village; but could not find an entrance. We drove around this town four times. Each time we saw a man walking his french bulldog. We worked him into our story because we used him as a landmark to know where we had already been. (Turn left when you see the bulldog.)

We finally found our way to Orio - where they do have an entrance to the highway.

Bilbao Spain

The people of Bilbao are very friendly. However, the town itself is not tourist friendly. We stopped in Bilbao to see the Guggenheim museum (in the book). It must be the biggest attraction in this area.....yet, we never saw a single street sign to help us find the museum. (First tirade of the day.)

(Second tirade of the day) -- We also never saw a McDonald's. I don't go to Europe to eat at a restaurant I never eat at when home; however, I do not like the 1-3 meals that seem to be the norm here. I am trying to see as much as possible. I don't have time for a 90-minute lunch. I only allot enough time for a 10-minute lunch. I really don't want traditional American fast food when in Europe - I just need good food with fast service. Restaurant service has been mostly bad everywhere, except Biarritz.

The Guggenheim building is impressive. I don't like modern art.....there, I said it. I enjoyed the building but not its contents.

Yesterday at the beach was better than today in Bilbao.

France / Spain

Vineyards everywhere you look! We visited St. Emilion in the Bordeaux region. Another quaint little French town where every other store is a wine store. I think we bought about 10 bottles of wine.

Biarritz, France was our next stop. This is a great seaside resort town. I am in love with this town, and really hope to return someday. We played in the surf, watched the surfers and then ate our fill of mussels.

Au revoir France. Hola Espana.

Spain, so far, is much more mountainous than France.

We stopped in the Spanish seaside resort town of San Sebastian. Another great beach, and we saw lots of cute perros (dogs). French dogs were quite snooty. Spanish dogs are friendlier.

All three places are in "the book."

Dordogne

We drove very fast from Tours to Les Eyzies because we had a reservation to see a cave (Grotto - Fond du Gaume) with incredible and very old paintings. The paintings are estimated to be between 15,000 and 17,000 years old. They were amazing.

We then went to Sarlat and walked through its medieval section. We visited La Roque-Gegeac, believed by some to be the most picturesque part of France. It is lovely. We also drove through Domme and near Castlenaud.

Tonight was the first night we didn't have a hotel reservation, which turned out to be a good thing since we did not make it to Bordeaux as planned. Third time's the charm because the first two places were booked. Then...we had a very difficult time finding a place to eat at 9 pm. The local McDonald's was closed. We finally found a pizza kiosk in the parking lot of a Home Depot-style store.

Dordogne is in "the book." It is a river with lots of cute and quaint towns on its shores. Andy would have loved some time to fish, but we didn't build that into the schedule.

Castles and Cathedrals

Europe has lots of both. The US doesn't. I was in college when I first toured England. I saw several castles and cathedrals and did not really appreciate them. My teenagers have grown very tired of visiting castles and cathedrals. I am slightly amused by their reaction, because I remember my own first visit. I hope they will appreciate their grandeur and beauty later in their life.

Snails

Jill had a nice plate of escargot in Paris a couple of days ago - but I'm not sure if she'll eat them again. She really enjoyed it.....the primary flavor being butter.

I think yesterday's highlight for Jill and Andy (yes, the 19-year-old boy) was finding and playing with snails they found in Da Vinci's park. Jill bonded with some of them and decided her next pet will be a snail. Therefore.... they are now off of the menu.

Andy set up a snail race while he was waiting for his dad to examine mock-ups of Da Vinci's inventions. Herman the snail won the race handily.

This is one of my favorite parts of vacation. The part where the kids are NOT listening to iPods and playing on game systems, but instead are entertaining themselves and interacting with the world around them - and each other.

Way to go Herman! (No, we are not smuggling a French snail back to the US with us. Jill will need to get one after she gets home.)

Chartres and the Loire Valley

We started this rainy day by driving out of Paris to Chartres. Driving in, near or around Paris is stressful - add in some rain, and a lack of experience driving a manual transmission and you have a recipe for a bad Monday morning.

The rain had mostly stopped by the time we arrived in Chartres. We visited the cathedral and ate lunch at a local sandwich place. Both were very nice.

We then drove to Amboise to visit Chateau Du Clos Luce - Parc Leonardo Da Vinci. This is the house where Da Vinci died after living here for the last few years of his life. I really like the house, and the grounds and garden are beautiful.

Next stop - Château de Chenonceau. This beautiful Loire Valley castle is built over a river.

We drove back to Amboise to walk around the castle here.

Checking off my list from "the book:"
Loire Valley

Jill's amazing ability

Jill has what I consider to be a great skill for her age - she is a great navigator and very proficient at reading maps. She very quickly learned how to read subway maps and find her away around London and Paris.

From the time she was a little girl Jill has liked having a map when we took road trips so she can follow along. Andy, from the time he was a little boy, never looked at a map nor did he even look out of the car window. Andy's navigation skills are not as good because he plays video games in the car.

Jill's navigational skills are better than her father's too. Now...hopefully she can help us find the maps that seem to be lost in this hotel room.

Paris - 14 June 2009

*sigh* Our last day in Paris. I've only been to Paris three times, but I feel very comfortable here. However...it is time to move on and see parts of France that I've never been to before.

The boys started the day by touring Catacombes de Paris. Jill and I wandered through a neighborhood street market. We then took the subway to Pigalle, wandered through Montmartre and up to Sacre Coeur. We stopped at Moulin Rouge on our way back down.

We then did something I hadn't done yet on this trip -- take a nap. I was torn between wanting to see more of Paris or resting my poor, tired body. I did not wear the pedometer today because I wanted a more relaxing day.

Jill and I went shopping on the Champs Elysees after we woke up. We started at Louis Vuitton and ended at Sephora.

Paris - 13 June 2009

First, let me document the places from "the book" that I saw today or on previous trips:
Paris (my third trip)
Hotel de Crillon (today)
Taillevent (12 March 2001) - nicest restaurant I have ever ate at
Cathedrale Notre Dame de Chartres (today)

Started our day at the bakery and took the subway to the Eiffel Tower. We then walked along the Seine and around Place de la Concorde. We went to the Orangerie - tried to go here in 2001 but it was closed. This is a great museum that features huge Monet paintings.


We walked through the Hotel de Crillon. It is beautiful. We then did some window shopping at the exclusive Rue du Faubourg-St-Honoré shopping area. (Hermes, Chanel, Dior, Gucci, D&G, and more)

We then had a leisurely lunch at a Parisian cafe. Took the subway to Notre Dame, waited for a long time, and then walked to the top. The weather was beautiful and we had great views of Paris. I then got to experience this great ice cream place DH and the kids had been to twice already.

We finished with dinner at Alain Ducaisse's Aux Lyonnais restaurant. Jill had her first glass of wine at a restaurant. She did not let me take a picture though. We were not exactly fresh looking after that long walk to the top of Notre Dame.

8,440 steps walked today.

London / Paris - 12 June 2009

My last day in London. I am sitting at London City Airport (I love free wi-fi) waiting for my flight to Paris. I had one work meeting earlier today, one last pub meal with my UK colleague, and now I am trying to catch up on work before I sign off for two weeks.

I am so unbelievably frustrated right now. There were two - yes two - earlier flights to Paris; but they don't do stand-by here. They are happy to let seats go empty and make me wait for my later flight. I don't understand the insanity of this. They tried to get another 300 British pounds from me to take one of those earlier flights. I am really, really hating Air France.

Tomorrow will be better. Today was not good for me, but my family had a good day.

What my family did in Paris:
Found a great bakery near the hotel, went to the Louvre, walked through the Jardin de Tuileries and Place de la Concorde, walked by the US Embassy, and ate at a local McDonald's. Walked up the Champs Elysees to Arc de Triomphe. Went back to the ice cream place, and ate dinner at an Indian restaurant. Andy was awake for this dinner.

London / Paris - 11 June 2009

DH and the kids took a very early train to Paris. I stayed behind in London. I met with an existing client and conducted a training session for a new client.

My day got very exciting after work. First, I had a private tour around Parliament. Then, I went to Beating Retreat and was treated to a most unexpected surprise.....I saw the Queen and Prince Philip. Dave Worsell has pictures so I can prove it! How cool is it that I saw the Queen (from a distance of about 50 yards) today, and I saw President Obama two weeks ago? Who will be next?

And....I walked 10,687 steps today.

What my family did in Paris while I was working in London:
Walked by Hotel de Invalides, went to the Eiffel Tower (lots of beggars and people selling crap) and St. Germain-de-Pres and St. Sulpice (featured in Da Vinci Code). Saw the inside of Notre Dame and found a great sorbet/ice cream place nearby.

Andy missed a great Indian dinner because his dad was unable to wake him.

London day 4 - June 2009

Otherwise known as first full day of no tube (subway) access due to a strike. 11,810 steps.

The family took a ride on a double-decker red bus. They went to the British Museum and to Covent Garden.

I worked today, but Jill and I just walked across Hyde Park to Harrods and walked around the store.

London day 3 - June 2009

My family covered this today, mostly without me:

St. Paul's Cathedral (me too)
Tate Modern
Millennium Bridge
Fish & chips at British pub
Shopping at Harrod's
Trafalgar Square (me too)

More places from "the book" that I can tick (British version of check) off of my list:
Tea at the Ritz
Connaught Hotel

Tea at the Ritz was an awesome experience. Jill and I went to the Ritz tonight while the boys had beer at the pub. I think Andy is really enjoying the fact that he can legally drink beer in London at 19.

The Connaught Hotel has a very impressive staircase.

The day ended on a bit of a downer because the tube (subway) workers started a 48-hour strike at 7 pm local time.

I worked again today - met with a prospect, met with a long-time client (UK Parliament) and met with a new client. It was a good day.

London day 2 - June 2009

I left the hotel at 8:15 am for work and got back at 6:45 pm. It was a long day, but a great trip to Exeter and meeting with Met Office.

The family did all of this while I was working:
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
London Eye
Westminster Abbey
10 Downing Street
Parliament / Big Ben
Whitehall Hall

London day 1 - June 2009

16,549. That is how many steps I walked today according to my Wells Fargo freebie pedometer.

First day in London was really a 1/2 of a day. We took an overnight flight and arrived at noon local time. After immigration, two bathrooms breaks, collecting luggage, customs, buying train tickets, taking the train, transferring to the underground/subway, and arriving at our hotel - it was 2 pm. I think the kids thought we were done for the day, but no......

First destination after finally leaving the hotel was a local McDonald's. (Not my choice.)

We walked through Hyde Park, to Buckingham Palace, took the underground to the Tower of London, walked over the Tower Bridge, walked along the Thames River, took the underground to Picadilly Circus, ate dinner at a pub, and have finally collapsed at the Edward Lear hotel. 16,549.

A traveler's friend

Tide to Go pens. They are awesome and very portable. But.....where does the stain go?

Interruption

I am interrupting our regularly scheduled program - going down memory lane to document where I've already been - to blog a real trip. I am not calling it a vacation, because I'm not sure if there will be much relaxation....but it should be an awesome trip. This will be the last major trip with the kids when I can still call them kids. *sniff, sniff*

Our flight to London is scheduled to leave at 9:50 tonight. Tomorrow will be play time. I'll be working Monday - Friday while the rest of my family plays.

Oregon

I love Oregon! I can't wait to go back there and visit the fabulous Sharon Benson.

Places listed in "the book" that I've been to:

The Oregon Coast
Willamette Valley - I still can't pronounce this correctly, but I got some great wine from a local vineyard.

Oklahoma

We drove through this state in 1976. It was the first time in my life that I ever saw an oil rig.

OK is about 1/2 way between Minnesota and Arizona. This was probably the time when I started asking my dad....are we there yet?

Ohio

This is not in "the book" but it is quite a sight to see.....I've been to the 7-story basket-shaped office building that houses the headquarters for the Longaberger Company. It is located in Newark, OH.

DH works for 3M company. Can you picture a giant office building shaped like Scotch tape? Yep, me neither.

North Dakota

Drove through North Dakota as a child on our way to visit my great-grandma in Montana. I went to Fargo when I was in high school and visited an old neighbor. Sadly, I don't even remember her name now.

North Carolina

A long time ago in a galaxy* far, far away... I went camping on Cape Hatteras. I drove from VA to NC (and ultimately to SC - just wait for that blog post).

I remember thinking I was really in "the south" as soon as I crossed the border. It was the first time I saw cotton fields.

The Outer Banks are listed in "the book" and I have been there. The best part of NC and SC was running the beach with my dogs.

*galaxy = a former life that I don't particulary wish to recall or talk about.

New York

Another big state that I've visited many times. Let's start with "the book" - 10 entries and I've been to 4.

The Adirondacks
NYC
Historic Downtown New York
Museum Mile

My most recent trip was April 2007. It was Andy and Jill's first trip to NYC. Highlights from that trip:

American Museum of Natural History
Central Park (it snowed a bit)
Empire State Building
Rockefeller Center
Times Square
Seeing Rent on Broadway

New Mexico

I was 10-years-old when we drove through New Mexico on our way to AZ. This is another state that I need to return to and do some touristy stuff.

New Jersey

I've been to Atlantic City once. Just once, and I probably won't go back. I've driven through New Jersey many times. It is really difficult to get from DC to NYC without going through NJ. It always struck me as odd in NJ that all of the gas stations are "full" serve. Why can't I pump my own gas? Sure, I like people to do stuff for me. Can't they take my garbage out instead?

Nebraska

I drove through NE on my way to Sacramento, CA. I don't recall spending any significant time in Nebraska, but I know I've been in/through the state a couple of times.

Travelocity Roaming Gnome

I have my own version of the roaming gnome - Berle bear. He has taken lots of trips with me. I was inspired to bring him with me after seeing the French movie Amelie.

Amelie had a friend who was a flight attendant. She stole her father's garden gnome and gave to her friend, who took pictures of the gnome all over the world and sent them back to Amelie's dad. It was a cute sub-plot in an otherwise strange movie.

Berle is small and more portable than a garden gnome. He doesn't really mind being stuffed in a bag. He doesn't have a passport, but he does have a copy of "the book."

Eat your heart out roaming gnome, Berle is about to go on a really cool trip to Europe.

Nevada

I've been to Reno once and Las Vegas too many times to list here.

I really will blog more about past trips to Vegas. That will come when I begin the chronological list of trips.

I am now at the 1/2 way mark - 25 states.

DC May 2009 - final post

I am absolutely star struck! I saw the President of the United States up close - for the first time in my life. I lived in DC for nearly 5 years, and never saw anyone important.

I had just crossed the street from the Navy Yard metro stop to the US Department of Transportation building and heard the sirens. Sure enough, here comes the motorcade from around the next corner. President Obama's window was down, and he waved. We heard from the locals at Starbucks that he had just eaten at his favorite DC burger joint.

It was a great way to end a good week working in DC.

I was in the Old Executive Office Building - next to the White House - earlier in the day, but didn't see anyone of note there. At least...anyone that I recognized.

I had lots of noteworthy experiences in DC during this one (short) week.
CIA
White House
President

Montana

I was in MT as a child to visit my great-grandmother. Just once though.

Missouri

I was in St. Louis visiting the Federal Reserve Bank a few weeks ago. It is a very cool building.

I missed the arch on this trip, but I had been there as a child.

Mississippi

I did a little gambling in Tunica, MS in 2006.

District of Columbia May 2009

I am back in DC. I always feel a sense of "coming home" when I am here. This is Angela's first trip to DC. I love playing tour guide. I am so in my element when I have a newbie to show around.

I went to the CIA's headquarters in Langley, VA today! I had my picture taken in front of their famous seal. They have a very interesting museum and a great gift shop. It was a really awesome experience.

I've been to the Library of Congress before, but went there today with Angela. It is such a beautiful building. I was there for work too. Had a great meeting with their web team.

Had lunch at Old Ebbitt. That was a first for me.

Michigan

Michigan has one entry in "the book" - Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel. I've been there on several occasions; and Jill and I had high tea there on our last trip in 2007.

Mackinac Island is a great place to buy fudge!

I've also visited President Gerald Ford's Library in Grand Rapids, the "UP," Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, and Holland State Park.

Massachusetts

I spent a short amount of time in Bostin in January 1989. I am way overdue for a return trip.

Maryland

I spent lots of time in Maryland during the years I lived in Virginia.

Some of my favorites:
Annapolis - visited the campus of the US Naval Academy
Baltimore - nice aquarium, watched many baseball games at Camden Yards
Ocean City beach

Kentucky

I've driven through Kentucky, and my mother's aunt lived in Lexington. I remember staying at their house when I was a little girl.

Kansas

I spent two days in Topeka, a couple of years ago, visiting a client.

Iowa - go Hawks!!

DH grew up in Iowa City, MIL lives in Coralville, and Andy just finished his freshmen year at the University of Iowa (his dad's alma mater). I've spents lots of time in Iowa.

Iowa has one entry in "the book" - the Iowa State Fair. I've been once and it was loads of fun!

Indiana

I've driven through IN on previous trips to Florida. Not much else to write about right now.

Illinois

Places from "the book" I have visited during my numerous visits to Chicago.

Art Institute of Chicago - better enjoyed without teenage boys
Charlie Trotter's - great meal
Frank Lloyd Wright tour


Places not in the book that I enjoy - Shedd Aquarium (BIL built their first website), Field Museum, Alinea restaurant, American Girl Place, Shopping on Michigan Ave, Navy Pier

I drove through southern Illinois in late December and saved a kitten who was stranded or abandoned at a truck stop. Yeah, I wanted to keep him, but I have too many pets now. I hope he is ok.

Idaho

Yep, been to Idaho. I spent a couple of days in Boise visiting clients.

I never had much interest in going to Idaho, except to be able to check it off my list; but I thought it was really nice there. It reminded me a bit of Minnesota. Maybe I'll get back there someday. They have 4 entries in "the book," but I didn't see any of them.

Hawaii

DH and I (with kids and BIL) went to Hawaii in October 2001 and got married on the beach.


"The book" has one listing for each of the islands. We spent time on two: Kauai and Oahu.


I really liked Kauai. We swam, explored, went SCUBA diving, took a helicopter ride, enjoyed shave ice and went to the spa. It was easy to have fun and relax on Kauai.


I am not a big fan of Oahu. Yes, we swam, went to Pearl Harbor, climbed Diamond Head, went to the Dole Plantation; but Honolulu is just a city on a beach. Traffic is terrible, the local merchants are pushy about selling their junk to tourists, and it is very expensive.


We spent our last night in Honolulu at the Halekulani - and loved every minute of it.

Georgia

I've been to Georgia many times. I have a client in Atlanta that I visit 1-2 times per year.

These aren't in "the book," but I think they are worthwhile to see.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library
Coca-Cola World
Olympic Park

Florida - Outback Bowl 2009

This was my 4th trip to Florida with DH and the kids.

I had always wanted to go to a college bowl game. I am a big Hawkeye fan, and it was Andy's freshman year at the University of Iowa. Everything fell into place - gas prices came down, we were able to get tickets to the game, and we were able to use points to cover some of our hotel needs.

The game was a blowout - of course - Iowa dominated!

Other highlights:

collecting seashells at the beach in the Gulf of Mexico

Epcot on December 31 with thousands and thousands of other people

dinner at Emeril's City Walk restaurant

Waffle House

tried a Segway for the first time

Florida - the early years

I went to Florida three times as a child.

1973 - drove to Orlando, did the Disney thing and went to the Kennedy Space Center

1981 - flew (see earlier post - first time on airplane) to Orlando

1983 - flew to Orlando and drove to Miami, stayed at the Sheraton Bal Harbor

3 places visited from "the book":
Walt Disney World Resort
South Beach, Miami
Kennedy Space Center

The 1981 trip was the last time the 5 of us took a trip together - mom, dad, older brother Doug, me and younger brother Bruce.

The 1983 trip was mom, dad, me and Bruce. I lost track of my family right after we arrived at Epcot, so I spent that day alone. I was so relieved to find them at the end of the day.

I found some fun beach pictures from this trip. I will upload them soon.

Delaware

I've been to Rehoboth Beach, DE many times. Most of those trips were with Heidi Salkeld, a friend from my DC days.

Connecticut

I went to Hartford, CT in 1995. I drove up there from Washington DC to spend a weekend with a friend. No highlights. No sights seen from "the book."

Colorado

I've been in Colorado twice, but I've never been to CO....meaning I haven't really visited it, yet.

We drove through part of Colorado in 1977 on our way back from California. I remember my dad being stressed about this drive. It was January and we didn't have chains for our tires to help get through the mountains.

I changed planes in Denver in 1983 on my way to visit my grandparents in Arizona.

California work trips

I've been to California twice for work. The first time was approximately 2000. I went to San Francisco for a training class, and stayed for the weekend. It was the same weekend as the gay pride parade......very interesting event to watch.

I went to Napa and Sacramento in Spring 2007 with Zach Stabenow to meet with clients and prospects. I also had dinner with my BIL - the one who doesn't want to be named.

California 2004 - LA

We went to LA with my brother, Bruce, and his wife, Jodi. It was Jodi's first trip to CA, and Bruce's first trip since he was 8-years-old.

Highlights:
Santa Monica Pier - saw dolphins
Universal Studios
Sitting in traffic
Pacific Coast Highway
Chinatown
Tar pits (remember seeing a guy with an NRA cap sitting on a bench "reading" Playboy)
Beverly Hills
Hollywood
Mulholland Drive

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

San Simeon - Hearst castle

We went to Mr. Chow's again. I remember the food this time, and it was fabulous. Jason Bateman was leaving as we arrived. The best part of the night was when Stevie Wonder and his family was seated next to us. It was everything I could do to keep my SIL from jumping over the table and accosting this poor man. We also saw Robert DeNiro and Denis Leary.

California 2004 - San Fran

Andy and Jill's first trip to California. Spring break.

We stayed in San Francisco for a week and visited their uncle. (Uncle does not want to be named. He tries really hard to have a small footprint on the web.)

We did the typical touristy stuff on this trip, including CA's Wine Country; which is in "the book." My favorite was Domain Chandon.

I can't do cartwheels, at least I haven't been able to do a decent one since I was a teenager. I definitately can't do cartwheels after a day of wine tasting. I learned this the hard way. Two bloodied knees.....and hopefully I will always remember - no matter how much wine I drink - that I can't do cartwheels.

Other highlights:
Dipping toes in the ocean
Alcatraz
Japanese garden
Chinatown
Fisherman's Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
Haight-Ashbury
Crooked street
Presidio
Winchester House (in San Jose)

California 2002

Finally....a trip to California on an airplane! This was my first trip to LA as an adult. We went over Memorial Day weekend and had a blast.

We started at the Getty Center (in "the book), went to Universal Studios City Walk, Disneyland, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the beach.

The highlight of the weekend was dinner at Mr. Chow's. I sat next to Holly Hunter. I don't remember the food, which I'm sure was fabulous, because I was too distracted by Holly Hunter.

California 1990

My third trip to CA was, sadly, also in a car. I was doing a good deed though and helped a girlfriend move from MN to CA.

I hit 3 places from "the book" during this trip.
1. Monterey Peninsula
2. The Pacific Coast Highway
3. Tour on San Francisco's cable cars

My first trip to California as an adult. And, now that I know better, it was the last time I made my way to California in a car.

I also visited Carmel, CA and ate at a restaurant that was then owned by Clint Eastwood. I dipped my toes in the Pacific Ocean. I went kayaking.

It was probably this trip when I realized that I love being near the ocean.

California 1968 - 1976

California is a big state with 11 entires in "the book," so I am going to do several posts on CA in chronological order.

Summary - I've been to 7 of 11 places featured in "the book" and I have visited CA 7 times (that I can remember right now).

But....I don't remember my first trip to CA, so I will tell it from my mom's perspective:

1968 - Picture a woman with a two-year-old (that's me), a six-year-old - and she is pregnant, riding across the country in a pick-up truck camper with her in-laws. Enough said.

I don't remember going to Yosemite National Park, but my mom said I was there so I am counting it. It is in "the book."

1976 - Another driving trip to CA, but without my grandparents. We did stop and visit them in Arizona before arriving in CA.

Highlights of what I can remember:
Walking across the border to Mexico, and having children my own age asking me for money.
Going to Hollywood (in "the book") and putting my feet in the footprints of famous people.
Going to Knott's Berry Farm, Universal Studios and Disneyland.
Going to the Rose Bowl Parade.

I have another memory to share from this trip - my brother, Bruce, and I were on an old wooden teeter-toter in a playground...and I got a large sliver in butt. Just one of many klutzy moments in my life.

The Rose Bowl Parade was probably the highlight of the trip. The Osmonds were big at this time and they had a float in the parade. Yes, I was in love with Donny Osmond when I was 10.

Alabama

Dad says we drove through part of this state so I am counting it.

Arizona

I've been to Arizona three times.

I was 10-years-old the first time. My dad drove us to AZ to visit my grandparents. (More about that trip later.)

I went back when I was a junior in high school and stayed with my grandparents during spring break. This was also the first time I flew by myself. I think it was a United flight - I remember changing planes in Denver.

My last trip to Arizona was just over a year ago. My parents now spend the winter in AZ - just down the street from where my grandparents had their place. (I'm not sure I will follow this tradition; besides I am way too young to think about retiring.)

Arizona has 7 entries in the "book," but sadly I have only been to one.

The Grand Canyon

My mom would be thrilled if I visited them again in Arizona, but not thrilled to drive me around to the other 6 places I need to visit.

Washington, DC

I worked in DC during the first year that I lived in Virginia. Plus, I visited our nation's capital once as a teenager.

DC is awesome. I had a great time when I lived there and tried to take in as much culture as possible.

DC has two entries in the "book" and I have experienced both.

1. The Mall and its Monuments - I really like Lincoln

2. Smithsonian - there are many - they are great - and they are free

I am now lucky enough to be able to travel frequently to DC for work. Because of my job, I have been to the FBI, Pentagon, Library of Congress (perhaps my favorite building - pic above), FDA, US Courts, new Department of Transportation building, EPA, FDIC, GPO, and USDA and others.

Virginia

I've lived in two states - Minnesota and Virginia. I lived in Virginia from January 1993 until August 1997. I have great memories from this time in my life.

Virginia has 5 places listed in the "book." I've been to 4 out of 5.

1. Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's home.
2. Shenandoah Valley - I used to hike here with my siberian husky, Tia.
3. The Inn at Little Washington - one of the best restaurants in the US. We took Andy here for his birthday in October 2002.
4. Colonial Williamsburg - visited in high school ~1979.

My first job was working at 14th & Pennsylvania - two blocks from the White House. I never met the President.

Minnesota

I've lived in Minnesota for most of my life. Land of 10,000 lakes. We like to poke fun at ourselves by saying the mosquito is our state bird. (It is really the loon.)

Minnesota has one place listed in the "book" - Boundary Waters, Ely, MN. I haven't been there. It is a very long drive from where I live. I should go...sometime.

Minnesota has lots of noteworthy sights, and these I have seen or experienced:

1. giant Paul Bunyan statue

2. Garrison Keillor

3. Itasca State Park - this is where the mighty Mississippi starts

4. First Avenue - where Prince got his start in the music business

5. HHH Metrodome - home of the NFL Vikings

6. a Great Lake - Superior

7. Hockey Hall of Fame

8. Guthrie Theatre

9. Pillsbury and General Mills world headquarters

10. 3M world headquarters

11. Target world headquarters

12. first indoor shopping mall in US - Southdale

13. largest mall in US - Mall of America

14. Brooklyn Park (the city I grew up in) was the city where Jesse Ventura was mayor

Great Wikipeda entry if you want more information on my home state.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota

Home Sweet Home

I love to travel, but I really love coming home too. Travel makes me appreciate home. Home is where my pets are. They were very glad to see me. I tried to spend time with each and every one of them yesterday.

I missed Jill too. She is very good at pet care, which helps alleviate some of my worries when I am traveling. I like traveling with Jill, but selfishly like it when she stays behind.

The "book" has two Nevada destinations. I can check both off my list.

1. Bellagio

2. The Las Vegas Strip

Other highlights from my trip:

1. Pool

2. Poker

3. Brunch at Mesa Grill - Bobby Flay's restaurant

4. Stalked Mario Batali around the Venetian

5. Slept late

6. Stayed up late

7. Dinner with family (cool cousin Kerry, his wife Amy, parents, brother Bruce, sil Jodi, and dh Dave)

Travel Problem

I have one, smallish, problem when I travel. I really miss my pets. Sushi is good on road trips, as pictured here. Give her a blanket and a seat and she will sleep. However, I have not yet introduced her to airplane travel. She is too big to fit under the seat in front of me; and is probably too badly behaved to pass for a working dog. I think she would be fine on a plane, especially if she could sit on my lap. I would really like to bring her and/or Tallie, my cat, on every trip; but for now...they stay home.

I guess she doesn't know what she is missing. But, I really miss Sushi, Tallie and Hobbs.

Found luggage

What a relief! Dave's suitcase was delivered to our hotel the next day. I hope that never happens to us again. Or to anyone else.

I read some good advice on a website that lists packing recommendations, and next time I will actually do this - if you are traveling with someone, and you are both checking suitcases - pack 1/2 of your clothes in each suitcase....so you both have something in the event one suitcase doesn't make it. Because....even though you check two suitcases at the same time, they never come down the luggage chute at the same same. Why is that? When do they get separated?

Lost luggage

I've heard of this happening to people...other people, but never to me; until today. Actually, it was my husband's suitcase that never came down that little chute. I am very grateful mine arrived, especially since I don't usually check luggage and was taking a huge risk.

We experienced another first today - a cancelled flight. I'm sure his suitcase would not have been lost if it didn't need to be re-directed after we were re-booked.

Our flight was cancelled because a flight attendant called in sick. Due to a good re-booking, we arrived in Las Vegas earlier than expected, but at what price since my husband has nothing but his laptop.

Packing heavy

I googled "pack light" and had 283,000 results in .25 seconds. I googled "pack heavy" and got 61,100 results in .24 seconds. (Not many of the pack heavy results seem to be related to travel.)

After years of trial and error I do know how to pack light. I am actually pretty good at it. I use a very small suitcase for all business trips. Add my laptop bag; and I never need to check luggage.

It was earth day this week. It would be better for the environment if we all packed a bit lighter. (Shouldn't every day be earth day?)

However, there are times when I want to pack up my whole closet and take with me on vacation. That is what I am facing today as I pack for my trip to Las Vegas.

I like to fly

I really do. I know some people hate flying, or are afraid.

I get excited every time I go to the airport. It doesn't matter if it is a short trip, like to Chicago....or a long flight, like to Japan.

My first plane ride was on Eastern Air Lines to Orlando, Florida. I was a high school sophmore. Eastern stopped flying in 1991. (According to Wikipedia. Image is from their site.)

Planning

I love to plan trips, and it doesn't matter if they are my trips or someone else's. I think planning is almost as fun as the traveling part.

I am planning a short trip to a place I have visited many times before. It is the kind of place where you can easily find new things to see or new places to eat, no matter how many times you have already been there.

I am currently researching restaurants. I like travel books, but the Internet is such a valuable research tool, especially when it comes to travel. If you don't have a website, I probably will not visit your store, restaurant, etc.

Cities I've Visited

No, I am not going to list them all here.

I pinned 166 cities in 15 countries on TripAdvisor.com's map. They are missing some though, such as Bruce Mines, Ontario, Canada (cute little town on Lake Huron). I'll blog about Bruce Mines later.

I've been to 46 states and the District of Columbia. I am missing Alaska, Louisiana, Maine and New Hampshire; and all of the US territories.

I guess my first goal should be to visit all 50 states and Puerto Rico before picking up where I left off in the "1,000 places to see before you die" book. Going forward, I will refer to it as "the book." (No disrespect to the real book, the Bible.)

What is this blog for?

I like to write and have considered blogging for several years now. I love to travel....really love to travel; so I decided to write about what I love.

My step-son is a freshman in college, so most of my travel money now goes to the University of Iowa. (Go Hawks!)

I am going to start by blogging about all of the trips I have taken during the first 40 years of my life. My husband gave me "1,000 places to see before you die" by Patricia Schultz. If I counted correctly, I have been to 10% of them. That should give me enough material until I take a real trip.