Adventure – Eat – Drink – Love: Together
Once you get off of 101 in Paso Robles, everything changes. The air is fresh to breathe, the pace is manageable and relaxed, and you can see real nature, from ground squirrels, to birds, to snakes and spiders, and even bees. The California industry boom left Paso out of the mix. Instead, in this part of the central coast, agriculture is king and vinitourism (wine tourism) is queen.
But, there is one Google app that I have neglected. When it was launched it created a whirlwind of delight all over the world. And yet, many of us have neglected it (or completely forgot about it) since we became bored with looking up our own backyards…
Travel memoirs are by far my favorite genre. Sometimes they’re romantic and whimsical, sometimes they’re political and poignant, but they always offer a reminder that we often have to step out of our routine to find the best parts of life.
Typically, I spend every Tuesday and Friday morning revisiting and writing about places that we’ve been, things we’ve seen, foods we’ve tasted. But, something seems wrong with posting those adventures when everyone around the world is (or should be) grounded.
Anthony Bourdain (chef, writer, TV personality) was the king of travel and food television. He had an amazing way of connecting with all people, asking tough questions, but also putting people at ease. His narratives are truthful, witty, and profound. He leaves the viewer with a stronger understanding and excitement about what is often considered the “Other.” Watch – Learn – Grow!
I had hoped to find breathtaking scenery, and I did! I had hoped to explore the magical wilderness of one of our best natural parks, and it left me with more than just awe – it left me with a bigger sense of purpose in taking care of our world.
The part that I love most about Carmel is the charm mixed with playful spirit. The buildings make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. You don’t have a home in Carmel, you have a “cottage.” There are hidden gems found throughout the city, and you could spend a weekend exploring all of the hidden roads, alleyways, and corridors. I felt like a kid again looking for the secret garden, and I found several!
Oakland and the East Bay has never really cared what the rest of the Bay (or world) thought. And, Oaklanders are effortlessly cool, artistic, aware, and alternative. And THEY ARE NOT San Francisco.
What was once the biggest canning area in the world – particularly for sardines – is now a prime tourist destination. Don’t worry – no smell of anchovies or sardines to be found (anymore)!
Travel for 2 cost breakdown (at the time of writing this post): Edgewood Tahoe Resort: $300 per night Food/Entertainment/Transportation/Souvenirs: $1000 GRAND TOTAL FOR 2 TRAVELERS – 4 days: $2200 ***At … Continue reading Toasting the Moon in Lake Tahoe
My pre-conceived notions of Vancouver were so wrong. Certain Canadian qualities create a world of difference. We have nothing to say against Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco – they are all fantastic cities! But, the quality of the air, the quality of life, the sustainable growth, the diversity of the people and food, and the adventure opportunities truly stand out in Vancouver above its American counterparts.
Do you ever have one of those thoughts so strong in your mind that you find yourself saying it out loud without even realizing it? This first drive through Napa Valley on Highway 29 gave me one of those moments. “This is the Vegas Strip of Wineries,” I blurted out of nowhere.