tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15291947666458266452024-02-19T03:20:07.640-05:00Vagabonding BettyBettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-88312233324773600262009-11-13T18:49:00.015-05:002009-11-13T19:28:24.336-05:00Getting settled in Cali and off to Spain/Portugal!It's been a while since I've written. Things have been crazy with the move from my home state of New Jersey to Southern California. It's been almost two months to the day and I know my Jersey buds will be sad to hear this, but I love it here! South Orange County is so clean and pretty. There are no pot holes, highway traffic is actually pretty manageable, local traffic is very quiet, streets are well paved with no pot holes, the weather is gorgeous, and I live 5 miles from the beach! There is very little to complain about other than the sales tax!<br /><br />I've been having a surprisingly good time decorating my new home to make it my own. This coming from someone who has zero decorating experience and without any idea what I wanted. It's been a fun learning experience After two months, I'm finally done painting for the most part. Almost every room has been painted, all doors, and all doorways. I never want to see another paintbrush again! Next painting project is to take down two sets of plantation shutters, repair a few of the panels, spray paint them, then paint and seal the window frames for the mild winter. We'll see when I get to that project...<br /><br />So I booked a trip to Spain/Portugal back in March 2009 for Nov 19-28. This was before I planned to move to Cali. So with all the changes I wasn't sure if I would go through with the trip. I had a conversation with Judy, my second cousin, and decided to go through with it. For those that don't know, Europe has a very special place in my heart. I'm obsessed with the architecture, culture, food, and sites. I've been to Spain twice, but have been wanting to go to Portugal since 2006. It never worked out in the past, but with a cheap ticket to Sevilla, Spain I seized my opportunity!<br /><br />I typically plan and research a few months in advance for any trip. I simply enjoy the process of online research, talking with fellow backpackers, and reading and highlighting my Lonely Planet guide book. However, this summer and fall were excruciatingly busy with everything that came with moving to Cali. I never got a chance to sit down and sift through the emails and links I collected on Western Spain/Southern Portugal, the LP Spain book I had from my last Spain trip, or to go out and purchase LP Portugal. I took the day off work yesterday to get cracking. Armed with my Mac, LP books, and a handful of highlighters I got cracking. After 5 hours I was basically done. I have two highlighted LP books, 2 word docs with info on each city I want to hit, and 2 nights of accommodation booked.<br /><br />The planning process always brings me back to the realization that I love backpacking. Not just traveling, but backpacking. It speaks to my soul. Everything from researching for the trip, packing my pack, passport in hand, finding my way in a foreign country, checking into my hostel, making new friends (and adding new fb friends!), seeing the sites, local wines, etc. It's been two years since I've truly been backpacking (vagabonding!). I've done some great road trips, but there's nothing like backpacking in a country where you don't speak the language. Where you need to rely on your own wits to get around and create your own experience.<br /><br />I'm off in one week. Below is the general plan. We'll see if I stick to this. I have the first two nights booked in a hostel and will do the rest on the whim! Part of the fun!<br /><br />Sevilla, Spain: 2 nights<br />Granada, Spain: 1 night<br />Lisbon, Portugal: 2 nights<br />Sintra, Portugal: 1 night<br />Lagos, Portugal: 1 night<br /><br />That only adds up to 7 nights and I'm there for 8 nights and 9 days. I'll figure something out ;)Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-13565756889727017282009-08-21T13:52:00.004-04:002009-08-21T13:57:39.437-04:00Where the Sidewalk Ends... Mike's blogIt's been too long since I've written a post. Things have been hectic to say the least and I have some big changes coming up. In a few weeks I'll be moving across the country and leaving my home state of New Jersey. California will be my new home! It's been an exciting and very stressful time with little room for creativity.<br />I promise to update more often and even more importantly, post about my travels this summer. Orlando, Chicago, DC, Chicago again, DC again, Cali, etc. It's coming I promise!<br /><br />In the meantime, I need to share a post my friend Mike wrote. He lived in San Diego a few years ago, is a frequent hiker, and lover of life. See why we get along? Take a look at his most recent <a href="http://www.mikerosania.com/2009/where-the-sidewalk-ends/">post</a>.Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-74306604242432456802009-06-17T16:58:00.004-04:002009-06-17T17:16:30.147-04:00The Great Food Shoot OutWhat the hell is a <a href="http://www.food2.com/challenges">Great Food Shoot Out</a>??? That's what I thought as well. Well, let me explain. It's a food photo challenge. Food porn photographers are asked to upload their best food or cocktail photos to win some sort of prize. The contest is being run by Scripps Network. They own networks like Food Network, DIY, HGTV, etc. The winner is chosen based on online voting and/or a judging panel. I read the official rules and it didn't say what the prize was. I'm hopping it's a DSLR so winners can continue to take wonderful photos, but something in me is thinking it will be a signed cookbook by Rachel Ray. Lame.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOED3ObgJucuX8CoRgkZIFIifuL2-XMK8RVBwb1Y4zfvXNpWgY3Vv6TMtkNPidKRyOwRHnuYuhlHMXXKmdK89xVGkkhXgRiYdUivNSAh4J7BdsXpATflVGoUVTlMSGeX1uZDjwZnJl5y9/s1600-h/Food+challenge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOED3ObgJucuX8CoRgkZIFIifuL2-XMK8RVBwb1Y4zfvXNpWgY3Vv6TMtkNPidKRyOwRHnuYuhlHMXXKmdK89xVGkkhXgRiYdUivNSAh4J7BdsXpATflVGoUVTlMSGeX1uZDjwZnJl5y9/s400/Food+challenge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348404581343594674" border="0" /></a><br />I uploaded 10 photos so we'll see how I do. I checked out the competition and was not too impressed so far. Most were unimaginative and blurry. It didn't look like they had ever heard of macro digital. Photos are able to submitted for another 13 days. I have a trips to Orlando, Chicago, and DC this weekend and DC and Chicago again the weekend after. That's two weekends of trips and food porn shoots. I'm hoping to get a few more entries in before submission closes. Voting runs from July 1-13. I'll be asking for your help so I can win the Rachel Ray cookbook (which I'll recycle)!Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-54101889600787239372009-06-13T16:27:00.005-04:002009-06-15T15:26:37.229-04:00Big Apple BBQMy favorite holiday of the year has arrived!!! Nope, not Christmas or New Year's Eve. <a href="http://bigapplebbq.org/">BIG APPLE BBQ</a>!!! This is my third year going to the 7th Annual Big Apple BBQ. The country's top pitmasters come to Madison Square Park for a weekend of BBQing each June. They BBQ their wonderful delicious meats for us to enjoy. I always hit up <a href="http://www.bigbobgibson.com/">Big Bob Gibson</a> from Decatur, AL. Pitmaster Chris Lilly makes the best pulled pork I've ever had with this killer coleslaw. Mmmm!!! I dump on his Championship winning BBQ sauce and I'm in heaven!!!<br /><br />My friend and I thought we were so smart and decided to go right when the event started at 11am to avoid the crowds. We were mistaken. The lines had already started and it seemed like everyone else had the same idea! Strange, because the past three years I've always gone mid day or later in the day and didn't experience such extreme lines. Looks like someone is bad luck... kidding! We ended up staying for about 4 hours there. We saw a ton of people we knew from college and chatted with them, stood on lines, ate, and had a great time. It drizzled for a tiny bit, but harm was done. Humans don't melt :)<br /><br />My friend is obsessed with ribs and tried just about every rib stand. I don't think he was overly impressed with any of them. Probably because he himself makes killer ribs. It's true. I've had them. They are excellent. I knew better and basically only ate from the Big Bob Gibson tent. I was happy!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaN3fW_4upyE9HqVIkUlHhfs75Smmxoo5SYVNW28q-kd5PXrM9XM9Q_hv0m6Nh9MDJQTaWmtaazXmtKGrAiQSniHK2ypWmDujctZTGyOLry3beMqyD3Jy4ScPlts4WbxOpdPi28Wm35y-/s1600-h/IMG_6841.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaN3fW_4upyE9HqVIkUlHhfs75Smmxoo5SYVNW28q-kd5PXrM9XM9Q_hv0m6Nh9MDJQTaWmtaazXmtKGrAiQSniHK2ypWmDujctZTGyOLry3beMqyD3Jy4ScPlts4WbxOpdPi28Wm35y-/s400/IMG_6841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623980277108066" border="0" /></a>Pulling and chopping up the yummy pork at the Big Bob Gibson tent.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36DKf43DI6ILjUPSzUNDabtQZsOLEp4nc12JGTCgBS7eYpcAJqls-8G1VD4oQea6mSzJsgZ-wK0aS5EGS0RYrbqreJhwEVA2gO8bNJO3y0B6o0huViPNS5b2zQ93k2RC7A4aqheWU_eFS/s1600-h/IMG_6844.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36DKf43DI6ILjUPSzUNDabtQZsOLEp4nc12JGTCgBS7eYpcAJqls-8G1VD4oQea6mSzJsgZ-wK0aS5EGS0RYrbqreJhwEVA2gO8bNJO3y0B6o0huViPNS5b2zQ93k2RC7A4aqheWU_eFS/s400/IMG_6844.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623972268711266" border="0" /></a>Pulling the pork from the pitmaster. The love of my life lives in that pitmaster. Mmmm pork....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K0lfg5CywCY6rechlDJIGyquqdyo-xsCayi_XwjlaCw5Pxk5X0o6owqnWw6qBTGFGhBcKagflRIUE1kOfaVeini9DcuCqf2hgug6Nml-_dWi97fv2jDoJGihoQ8gwgNN5Zsgt4_LUJyV/s1600-h/IMG_6845.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K0lfg5CywCY6rechlDJIGyquqdyo-xsCayi_XwjlaCw5Pxk5X0o6owqnWw6qBTGFGhBcKagflRIUE1kOfaVeini9DcuCqf2hgug6Nml-_dWi97fv2jDoJGihoQ8gwgNN5Zsgt4_LUJyV/s400/IMG_6845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623547673498242" border="0" /></a>He's pulling out the bone and excess fat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtIlP8sUT68k_0DkoCJ58UtVyvR03RtNH6-6RNku4kOd9pJKWrYTjC02-C3ntGy9hdi7wu7yynywNarI15geq78Hmm0jXOmVX-4FjYnKonj-esCRpQo1LoCdpxkMCIZx-Bw7ZtwT4fM7m/s1600-h/IMG_6847.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtIlP8sUT68k_0DkoCJ58UtVyvR03RtNH6-6RNku4kOd9pJKWrYTjC02-C3ntGy9hdi7wu7yynywNarI15geq78Hmm0jXOmVX-4FjYnKonj-esCRpQo1LoCdpxkMCIZx-Bw7ZtwT4fM7m/s400/IMG_6847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623550972117538" border="0" /></a>So succulent and perfect. Smokey, meaty, flavorful wonderfulness. And the Championship sauce is to die for.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOowNwTdRdpqhJyN7y2oPjhxo4A7hK5SqmxI5y3fORZFwHuDqm11RZNZ0JpFHHPpi08hlN06RYkDIEyvr-jxoOrLluzJpZz8QGubnixvTdrjkU_Yh2b1d1OWA1o5zBvMFd6LP_l0wYi0b6/s1600-h/IMG_6849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOowNwTdRdpqhJyN7y2oPjhxo4A7hK5SqmxI5y3fORZFwHuDqm11RZNZ0JpFHHPpi08hlN06RYkDIEyvr-jxoOrLluzJpZz8QGubnixvTdrjkU_Yh2b1d1OWA1o5zBvMFd6LP_l0wYi0b6/s400/IMG_6849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623556925753058" border="0" /></a>I was never a huge fan of cole slaw until I had Big Bob Gibson's mustard slaw 3 years ago. WOW! It's a bit spicy and packed with lots of flavor. I want more!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyNrf7Ht3Ojn-CB9m-r_ZpERoWGjALuVJl7a9a4xIgnsAQsUQF4H9f3XeYuBGHEd3CH-hE412JsaDERA6pZ6_hzhPnxEO9r6-qiEwf3qDYaaTvSZRwGzrhWO67yFo88L_Mgmp2G140Rtm/s1600-h/IMG_6852.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyNrf7Ht3Ojn-CB9m-r_ZpERoWGjALuVJl7a9a4xIgnsAQsUQF4H9f3XeYuBGHEd3CH-hE412JsaDERA6pZ6_hzhPnxEO9r6-qiEwf3qDYaaTvSZRwGzrhWO67yFo88L_Mgmp2G140Rtm/s400/IMG_6852.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347623565952613026" border="0" /></a>So many people!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Overall, another awesome year at Big Apple BBQ. I have just mentally added Decatur, AL to the itinerary for when I road trip across the US one day. Yum!<br /></div></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-84867283757997692402009-06-07T20:44:00.008-04:002009-06-14T23:56:35.975-04:00PoconosAfter a long week of work, nothing sounds better than a weekend away with the girls. My girls and I headed up to the Pocono's where a friend had a house a short walk to a lake. Stocked with wine, beer, food to grill, and the movie Twilight, we were ready! Weekend of relaxing and girl time!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeeNeMfca0TOyuJQy3IHikraTlotJgf_Qgp0cDyUqdYn7MUagVhy2RbLWiU-W2fiELKfGI5n1SWaOhPzsqTXFup8v2mOMo0LKNJCAtIvjsLEfULPULYXjqji3ew94IlQMoEYrP4-pflcT/s1600-h/IMG_6756.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeeNeMfca0TOyuJQy3IHikraTlotJgf_Qgp0cDyUqdYn7MUagVhy2RbLWiU-W2fiELKfGI5n1SWaOhPzsqTXFup8v2mOMo0LKNJCAtIvjsLEfULPULYXjqji3ew94IlQMoEYrP4-pflcT/s400/IMG_6756.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349635863178226" border="0" /></a>First thing's first, we need to crack open the wine! Only problem was we forgot a corkscrew. After some digging in the garage we found one of those things you can screw into a ceiling and hang plants from. With that and three strong girls we opened the wine! With our powers combined... we are... a corkscrew!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYe9PdeZC8wZQv9ObqdOIVdCrfUCCPzR3YyBBGWMHtPxmfJH8ywalAmmK_FS0l9J36mwS4nfTor6y1GZWO0QmPjQ-yOf1dc2OSwApXfflJ9l_4vTpj3uEX8vB0Ylb7eDhA7Vn45RzdWbz/s1600-h/IMG_6759.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYe9PdeZC8wZQv9ObqdOIVdCrfUCCPzR3YyBBGWMHtPxmfJH8ywalAmmK_FS0l9J36mwS4nfTor6y1GZWO0QmPjQ-yOf1dc2OSwApXfflJ9l_4vTpj3uEX8vB0Ylb7eDhA7Vn45RzdWbz/s400/IMG_6759.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349637854968994" border="0" /></a>Romantic fondu dinner<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r_VyOO5V2ykC9cYuMQN5m8Cv9qsp56DgtpKUE-WyIe3NoWmW1gDDWy5Y8ScHml-yY9PSsUDwlD7knNWx946eVy4UkDghw5GBQMMir8fTTgAqkDuf3C4lPKV6A8Eqp-5kMhE4ds0L22i4/s1600-h/IMG_6760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8r_VyOO5V2ykC9cYuMQN5m8Cv9qsp56DgtpKUE-WyIe3NoWmW1gDDWy5Y8ScHml-yY9PSsUDwlD7knNWx946eVy4UkDghw5GBQMMir8fTTgAqkDuf3C4lPKV6A8Eqp-5kMhE4ds0L22i4/s400/IMG_6760.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349642913862258" border="0" /></a>Hello yummy cheesy goodness.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbHwRDMILyyQ3Mas9z2zTdN9jfTsRn62-5dNre229Rhpt1eb39voOeU6L_Na8Sv6_pMwUfQFqY8dFgDlizphk3ya1B8pOWuj5ztHzBI8BvqU-lLqox7gSw4BgbnG-ZB27B6kmn9ZlqWe4/s1600-h/IMG_6761.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbHwRDMILyyQ3Mas9z2zTdN9jfTsRn62-5dNre229Rhpt1eb39voOeU6L_Na8Sv6_pMwUfQFqY8dFgDlizphk3ya1B8pOWuj5ztHzBI8BvqU-lLqox7gSw4BgbnG-ZB27B6kmn9ZlqWe4/s400/IMG_6761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349650051607554" border="0" /></a>After a good night's sleep we walked over to the lake for some sun. We saw this guy on the walk. It was walking around the trees and we thought it was a turkey. Then it did bounded around and flew up on the roof. We realized it wasn't a turkey after all... I think we determined it was a vulture? I'm not sure....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhe9N_Kp-IKfATBCsh3uyei17MrFhHv0MH88rKEWCVewY314AOE2z5KgU7b8GWb4kZLBfpSF4ZHbtSWP6UCDHATi34A9jydSb7A_d2VzqQU8ECVUiUg0PLay2lze0Dbn7D5TF1ujtCs5k/s1600-h/IMG_6792.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhe9N_Kp-IKfATBCsh3uyei17MrFhHv0MH88rKEWCVewY314AOE2z5KgU7b8GWb4kZLBfpSF4ZHbtSWP6UCDHATi34A9jydSb7A_d2VzqQU8ECVUiUg0PLay2lze0Dbn7D5TF1ujtCs5k/s400/IMG_6792.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347349654877198610" border="0" /></a>The water was cold! But felt so good to dip our feet in. Yes, I know my legs are super pale. They have some color now I swear!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr4Bs5nHHoINmvNQu7PJy75MoSAyCGbZ93NnX5JrgZg2YWMJ35h2ca_OWGqEouvy62e9TasheY0GGPnHJenGxrbTE3_dQjPCyPO7g_LFLghAjrpLu47h_gbwRm5ugieihs1PEOGvbn3cj/s1600-h/IMG_6809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr4Bs5nHHoINmvNQu7PJy75MoSAyCGbZ93NnX5JrgZg2YWMJ35h2ca_OWGqEouvy62e9TasheY0GGPnHJenGxrbTE3_dQjPCyPO7g_LFLghAjrpLu47h_gbwRm5ugieihs1PEOGvbn3cj/s400/IMG_6809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347351432442677378" border="0" /></a>Water snake!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDM7XNVwEZ1zn_X5dg_UpmKHp-bofy2P9l0S5q3fELjGHiL2uw2sy7DaJ_pycCSlF44eshDvoUelY8yqfwAxGnHBFSgsiP-HDp58LbSBrThJJk5Ki-HR0KyQSQ-BJg-PB7MU2Flo0SST-/s1600-h/IMG_6822.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipDM7XNVwEZ1zn_X5dg_UpmKHp-bofy2P9l0S5q3fELjGHiL2uw2sy7DaJ_pycCSlF44eshDvoUelY8yqfwAxGnHBFSgsiP-HDp58LbSBrThJJk5Ki-HR0KyQSQ-BJg-PB7MU2Flo0SST-/s400/IMG_6822.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347351442547475954" border="0" /></a>My friend's family kept old school Nintendo! Super Mario Brothers anyone?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cFoOVsBTTodilcl1UfnrYOXk82MV7SDPkr2qAxun6ko3ch6jZYpy8aDBT3epkiFbOicLqodnSLW_wK7frp6mM2156BTrCSOYTE6HJ9bAYUSwfBi2r3kX4Guexc3v2C2N7R30KZVz0gfi/s1600-h/IMG_6821.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cFoOVsBTTodilcl1UfnrYOXk82MV7SDPkr2qAxun6ko3ch6jZYpy8aDBT3epkiFbOicLqodnSLW_wK7frp6mM2156BTrCSOYTE6HJ9bAYUSwfBi2r3kX4Guexc3v2C2N7R30KZVz0gfi/s400/IMG_6821.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347351437976734882" border="0" /></a>Need I even say more?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRUh24C3b0mhsL3G5EKtn5oK-UgAF3Hs-fKFHc0EZTB6fXQTF0O8cOyCssREndfFlEXwIgg5GEjMUhH0d1dtMKOwWUAR5DdNqX4pRIPsQVms8feVVkPXRvRa9MLzBXIeq0oDv4RpGk1zE/s1600-h/IMG_6831.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRUh24C3b0mhsL3G5EKtn5oK-UgAF3Hs-fKFHc0EZTB6fXQTF0O8cOyCssREndfFlEXwIgg5GEjMUhH0d1dtMKOwWUAR5DdNqX4pRIPsQVms8feVVkPXRvRa9MLzBXIeq0oDv4RpGk1zE/s400/IMG_6831.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347351451732749490" border="0" /></a>BBQing for dinner! A fun weekend! Will be back before the summer ends!<br /><br /></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-82922456686176067352009-05-31T23:23:00.006-04:002009-06-14T20:43:37.833-04:00BostonSome friends and I headed up to Boston to visit a friend for the weekend. Boston is one of my favorite US cities. That is if you are visiting from Spring to Fall. I call Boston a great family city. It's cute, very clean, and a great city if you have kids. But remember, only Spring to Fall. I refuse to go in the Winter. This is true, just ask my friend Heman.<br />We got lucky with the most perfect weather we could have asked for. Strolling all around Boston and just enjoying being outside. We walked around an Earth loving/environment awareness festival which was quite good. Lots of free food being handed out. Unfortunately, I have no photos of it due to the extreme hangover.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHusfRwoEtf3KQKiTg8Bmzf09m43bvw1an1h8gmpZQBMEBHPqaiwcB7uE3pYrErJaPtEdeE0zzsPjTlBwnp2QMrrChyphenhyphenmlDfEy3v88EVq-bimyAjprskH-YdgJtsES6eHrBy9ZKtavlL7Oe/s1600-h/IMG_6679.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHusfRwoEtf3KQKiTg8Bmzf09m43bvw1an1h8gmpZQBMEBHPqaiwcB7uE3pYrErJaPtEdeE0zzsPjTlBwnp2QMrrChyphenhyphenmlDfEy3v88EVq-bimyAjprskH-YdgJtsES6eHrBy9ZKtavlL7Oe/s400/IMG_6679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347344738301304866" border="0" /></a>Wen saw this fountain in the middle of Boston Common. It's of two kids playing. Don't you think that's a bit inappropriate?...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6sWujBNZHbpFroMWg7Z0BtatV47PYsP0V9GpA6gQpEzBg3Ua-SR0zEK9JMa-lFpooCSW0Zm1jg1y2qOyk0wfUi_Adqr_kD6hd_J20hrjvxEcPM0pB5cVcmw8CXm6JAlPy7-Brtz8yNnq/s1600-h/IMG_6680.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6sWujBNZHbpFroMWg7Z0BtatV47PYsP0V9GpA6gQpEzBg3Ua-SR0zEK9JMa-lFpooCSW0Zm1jg1y2qOyk0wfUi_Adqr_kD6hd_J20hrjvxEcPM0pB5cVcmw8CXm6JAlPy7-Brtz8yNnq/s400/IMG_6680.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347344744108110850" border="0" /></a>What's the best thing for a hangover? A brewery tour!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xPn0-sISVReuO-2s3wP4AKs9YgsEf9SxIEeuHsnRAVCcGeBREErjhfb5E-i0pNJfCjSpjyLym81xoJkwqEzA9zh2MwAkef-iQXeBib_nyfIOvCeU-W3cMCgosyXakCUF42oeAxkTvJLu/s1600-h/IMG_6683.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xPn0-sISVReuO-2s3wP4AKs9YgsEf9SxIEeuHsnRAVCcGeBREErjhfb5E-i0pNJfCjSpjyLym81xoJkwqEzA9zh2MwAkef-iQXeBib_nyfIOvCeU-W3cMCgosyXakCUF42oeAxkTvJLu/s400/IMG_6683.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347344748140443938" border="0" /></a>The door to the ladies room. Hey, us ladies love to drink!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDUhabKSsQsyFTvgsKPGEvoJ4bWNx-YRh3I_4JCbXdlXiZKox-TBnNACjuHrwnEVpbZAYEUDRa53EvUe6JiMaqX0ZRm3kAz-ogpU6cihVXgGL9-JOHP8zBP4qk9Z3-0OvesOBjM5OIJR2/s1600-h/IMG_6692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDUhabKSsQsyFTvgsKPGEvoJ4bWNx-YRh3I_4JCbXdlXiZKox-TBnNACjuHrwnEVpbZAYEUDRa53EvUe6JiMaqX0ZRm3kAz-ogpU6cihVXgGL9-JOHP8zBP4qk9Z3-0OvesOBjM5OIJR2/s400/IMG_6692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347344754242268946" border="0" /></a>The guy poured right from the whatever that thing is called. Does it get any fresher??? Than this???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrnkDRGg7Hqt0SYhL3NNvbr0EBNYnJQ8NKCa77w-jTyD1j0G4ZRn2DkoUX1SZhYYQ0Feq1E6uY8MU0JKVHXX7Z4LK2dW77OBlrbppZF5yBHPe9JZ5lfWC9x_IbhBoz6_u-G6XMjrsxrzi/s1600-h/IMG_6710.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrnkDRGg7Hqt0SYhL3NNvbr0EBNYnJQ8NKCa77w-jTyD1j0G4ZRn2DkoUX1SZhYYQ0Feq1E6uY8MU0JKVHXX7Z4LK2dW77OBlrbppZF5yBHPe9JZ5lfWC9x_IbhBoz6_u-G6XMjrsxrzi/s400/IMG_6710.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347346622299357586" border="0" /></a>The beer helped my hangover. I'm serious. Scary huh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7laRPS7goPp0z3jpkSIrFBN9rONcBhDpWv18Oe1_FpT0baRqQ_0V2WEOQubj8_65J7RyycHE1ZV26o-dz-gQQkv4wuXNvAoh4sfPRrk3kYD_IjGcOHGvOtVjNuHLaHK3AEIKhd7a4T6A8/s1600-h/IMG_6737.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7laRPS7goPp0z3jpkSIrFBN9rONcBhDpWv18Oe1_FpT0baRqQ_0V2WEOQubj8_65J7RyycHE1ZV26o-dz-gQQkv4wuXNvAoh4sfPRrk3kYD_IjGcOHGvOtVjNuHLaHK3AEIKhd7a4T6A8/s400/IMG_6737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347346624948077570" border="0" /></a>I took a walk down Commonwealth and then over to Marlborough while everyone else was getting ready. It was so nice outside with the sun shining, a slight breeze, and the sounds of birds chirping. I'll be back Boston!</div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-70605461838596483372009-05-25T19:43:00.004-04:002009-06-14T20:19:08.513-04:00Maine for Memorial Day weekend (Day 4)I woke up to discover I had random mosquito bites around my ankles, neck, and lower back. Kind of makes sense considering we went star gazing with some beers by the carriage trails after hours at Acadia last night. Apparently, drinking after dark in a national park is illegal. The lady that sold us beers warned us. How kind of her.<br />So off we took to head back home with a few stops along the way.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7-faz7tjM4ZwTuF812kF3eRbw_DftOQ9EwWfvWT5Wr0Bw5gRaFp-77wNaZvcJC5KZI9FFLS1KrmY2QPgTmL71KuHKMuZdO1019IIB5HhqXWooskdw6A33fduzMt3hzszJT8aiHhwn_O4/s1600-h/IMG_6636.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7-faz7tjM4ZwTuF812kF3eRbw_DftOQ9EwWfvWT5Wr0Bw5gRaFp-77wNaZvcJC5KZI9FFLS1KrmY2QPgTmL71KuHKMuZdO1019IIB5HhqXWooskdw6A33fduzMt3hzszJT8aiHhwn_O4/s400/IMG_6636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347333943793086242" border="0" /></a>First stop, <a href="http://www.hollyeats.com/Reds.htm">Red's Eats</a> in Wiscasset, Maine. My co-worker told me about this place when I went to Maine in October 2008. Unfortunately, they were closed for the season last time. This time around we had to hit it up. They are known for their lobster rolls which I couldn't eat. Even the lady at the counter gave me a sympathetic look for my unfortunate allergy.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmAKvMrIX9CwH6PE4QkOoHZG6aCGnnGxwNs5ArPA29xvvt1FhCapU5_q3lew42we9Sb6D6o1NfiDKTAaTYa1IDiZNPBwyQ1n0rRwmFeCvdewpd6uJLBzOtX2aCb0kSGx0Tn_MTx6Q7p0r/s1600-h/IMG_6638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmAKvMrIX9CwH6PE4QkOoHZG6aCGnnGxwNs5ArPA29xvvt1FhCapU5_q3lew42we9Sb6D6o1NfiDKTAaTYa1IDiZNPBwyQ1n0rRwmFeCvdewpd6uJLBzOtX2aCb0kSGx0Tn_MTx6Q7p0r/s400/IMG_6638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347333951111233938" border="0" /></a>The menu<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGToTHH2sEuLKMteYRsgDQzXK_zjNO8W5Cel4gyQjbKYDuF3x0_JFU5Fa5CkXaydHkiSTDpjUSk1MNow1JSvYtDpsEPF8oJo3UQy5uRECVAfjaVVldSIOnw2NQrXZ2TUjCopXPXnTUKp79/s1600-h/IMG_6642.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGToTHH2sEuLKMteYRsgDQzXK_zjNO8W5Cel4gyQjbKYDuF3x0_JFU5Fa5CkXaydHkiSTDpjUSk1MNow1JSvYtDpsEPF8oJo3UQy5uRECVAfjaVVldSIOnw2NQrXZ2TUjCopXPXnTUKp79/s400/IMG_6642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347333955776792082" border="0" /></a>I got the crab roll and fried clams. The crab roll was good, but not spectacular. Not a waste, but I won't get it again.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFxS_zy8hRi5WyBxlWBaZFwdGu3PXWh5Bq1iZrm5RvAmmrJnDFkYRh1AK_7lj74GSSrD797VmxTHL-H8ylszGgrO3SrA4F6o6UpY22g-b4f_HVmSoinkHtB2EjFYDNZF7rbdw9PM6Szf4/s1600-h/IMG_6640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFxS_zy8hRi5WyBxlWBaZFwdGu3PXWh5Bq1iZrm5RvAmmrJnDFkYRh1AK_7lj74GSSrD797VmxTHL-H8ylszGgrO3SrA4F6o6UpY22g-b4f_HVmSoinkHtB2EjFYDNZF7rbdw9PM6Szf4/s400/IMG_6640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347333964225829106" border="0" /></a> The fried clams were excellent! They were bigger and more flavorful than the ones from Clam Shack. I would say they are the best I've had. They were super fishy, just the way I like them. If you don't like very fishy seafood, then I wouldn't recommend them. Great, now I want some...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyqPz59vqIAifnTOKGABS47N7fbT94mi8uoR-bLh451Zm_UfHRIG7eYWxTby12s1C5jTYWoOn2nLfFoFApcnZj_I7WcZzKu58dV0pK1wW0Djl54ox8lWJe1z_CP0BfsNrCEOEnyM7fwUE/s1600-h/IMG_6643.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGyqPz59vqIAifnTOKGABS47N7fbT94mi8uoR-bLh451Zm_UfHRIG7eYWxTby12s1C5jTYWoOn2nLfFoFApcnZj_I7WcZzKu58dV0pK1wW0Djl54ox8lWJe1z_CP0BfsNrCEOEnyM7fwUE/s400/IMG_6643.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347340817183649954" border="0" /></a>One of the great things about staying in hostels is all the people you meet. You share travel tips. We got the <a href="http://www.desertofmaine.com/">Desert of Maine</a> in Freeport, Maine from Sarah from Cali.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuc9ogIF5Io_F7Sahyphenhyphen9zrxJO9-o9F1hhjyKLek3JxavYUJp3xclGikQsimbUXttIZZoNXgp0wVHFBmSAALItL2ZoSCv-mN2-c2WGfy8LATb9S1zEhbgjfQz_Qav1DFh46pveXJr8aBcpy/s1600-h/IMG_6649.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuc9ogIF5Io_F7Sahyphenhyphen9zrxJO9-o9F1hhjyKLek3JxavYUJp3xclGikQsimbUXttIZZoNXgp0wVHFBmSAALItL2ZoSCv-mN2-c2WGfy8LATb9S1zEhbgjfQz_Qav1DFh46pveXJr8aBcpy/s400/IMG_6649.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347340829404860290" border="0" /></a>The sand was super soft.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtcHmi2DzoeMIwU3BKNTPKB_Ok7g3-xRxgbTiD7EFbXAixtLXD1QTGtjGcX85pwA6cqSHvuLOPAXmAgg4BkcAQibm30yW9YLJ6cP_QGy2VVrVlnBrUc_TAjAobUuIQdH2eKNPavHuW9gX/s1600-h/IMG_6654.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtcHmi2DzoeMIwU3BKNTPKB_Ok7g3-xRxgbTiD7EFbXAixtLXD1QTGtjGcX85pwA6cqSHvuLOPAXmAgg4BkcAQibm30yW9YLJ6cP_QGy2VVrVlnBrUc_TAjAobUuIQdH2eKNPavHuW9gX/s400/IMG_6654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347340838186322434" border="0" /></a>Forty acres of glacial silt. Got here from a glacier that was here back in the ice age. Glacier melted. Vegetation grew. People came and over farmed it. Raised sheep on it. Sheep kicked up the remaining top soil and under it was this glacial silt. Crazy stuff.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-45634574360966367172009-05-24T23:29:00.008-04:002009-06-14T18:16:05.527-04:00Maine for Memorial Day weekend (Day 3)Our second full day in Maine we hit up a Farmer's Market which was surprisingly right next to our hostel. Bought some steaks, lettuce, smoked mozzarella, raw milk, and salad dressing for real grilling on the BBQ for dinner.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ycBgbKJYjXeOrVvt7Crkf8C61syqrqPD2B3y0H0xr4nDjgfWDZNQ-73c8aFLkDCrT3YiEZ0uLzJqIhdIgJRThTKZ5_uLCEmc7Jl3Ynjgc3lqIpic2ygBcdBzeIsR5zUFsS09zObYMJJM/s1600-h/IMG_6563.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ycBgbKJYjXeOrVvt7Crkf8C61syqrqPD2B3y0H0xr4nDjgfWDZNQ-73c8aFLkDCrT3YiEZ0uLzJqIhdIgJRThTKZ5_uLCEmc7Jl3Ynjgc3lqIpic2ygBcdBzeIsR5zUFsS09zObYMJJM/s400/IMG_6563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347269331976060722" border="0" /></a>The man at the lettuce stand told us about the fjord at Acadia. It's the only fjord in the US along the Atlantic Ocean. I got so pumped! Most don't know that I have a slight fjord obsession. I'm dying to go to Norway to check out the famous fjords.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-zoNIFzvxJrVbbbYv7xQSec3pWrdppqnCY3qGqvrGCnfnoIO98KXVMB3kYtb49nHZdFTfCV6_us0QTTsaE9wxZHA7hiXy-kMgI7f8vSIC6Q2k9kPwhyphenhyphena__Y51VyoD770e6kc-qKXq9Cg/s1600-h/IMG_6568.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-zoNIFzvxJrVbbbYv7xQSec3pWrdppqnCY3qGqvrGCnfnoIO98KXVMB3kYtb49nHZdFTfCV6_us0QTTsaE9wxZHA7hiXy-kMgI7f8vSIC6Q2k9kPwhyphenhyphena__Y51VyoD770e6kc-qKXq9Cg/s400/IMG_6568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347269335501491170" border="0" /></a>Ever had raw milk? Nope? Me either. It was like sucking straight from the teat of the cow. We had a pretty yummy lunch of raw milk, grilled turkey and smoked mozzarella (from the farmer's market) cheese sandwiches. Happy and full, we were off to hike up to the fjord.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcFxpQ4kUZkRYMXo-lqWU4ARniJcXgtRbATEduAY32wTaxLe0tO2LZB0eB3Ihy9b5_gyIBRnoys-QYssyNHKMop1HlNVStC3WUYzxjNBQCQ49lpzRxfNy5NaPRHvTBNVA2g8bEw51RfHJ/s1600-h/IMG_6571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtcFxpQ4kUZkRYMXo-lqWU4ARniJcXgtRbATEduAY32wTaxLe0tO2LZB0eB3Ihy9b5_gyIBRnoys-QYssyNHKMop1HlNVStC3WUYzxjNBQCQ49lpzRxfNy5NaPRHvTBNVA2g8bEw51RfHJ/s400/IMG_6571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347269339087811810" border="0" /></a>The hike up was more difficult of the hike we did the previous day. A great hike nonetheless and well worth it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJeV9C-BUD91tN5qGuAuGbLWv7L3bVtApZYVIKtWRJg-p8qwh63eYfJH5ESxJ0dMfU2goAamg1EIUyj5Q5LV6GsZRuY6EB8OBYdiX-B8qtsOkuS6GbtEYtH_rff_pM1fxsK1dLaUPLJqq/s1600-h/IMG_6616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJeV9C-BUD91tN5qGuAuGbLWv7L3bVtApZYVIKtWRJg-p8qwh63eYfJH5ESxJ0dMfU2goAamg1EIUyj5Q5LV6GsZRuY6EB8OBYdiX-B8qtsOkuS6GbtEYtH_rff_pM1fxsK1dLaUPLJqq/s400/IMG_6616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347272610817779714" border="0" /></a>We made it. Time to sit back and relax!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSB78NrfcOv329btAuLW15Mw7mI-LXHcV5hyphenhyphen_PPb_7RbEnucC-_ClwBl8Je56IMpYXuzaQb3xRKY6ktmsnJoYIMf50FEAcCW2ZrA9eBd-30oD0wkvYEkbeQmSegaQmBXtf9QeCo4toslm/s1600-h/IMG_1921.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSB78NrfcOv329btAuLW15Mw7mI-LXHcV5hyphenhyphen_PPb_7RbEnucC-_ClwBl8Je56IMpYXuzaQb3xRKY6ktmsnJoYIMf50FEAcCW2ZrA9eBd-30oD0wkvYEkbeQmSegaQmBXtf9QeCo4toslm/s400/IMG_1921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347272602105515570" border="0" /></a>Chillin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQQmESOrwtd6Jzd2d7IIA-b7GVJbYlr3mYsKLSzx3BkB9IOMRVjcM6HRePxq_uvdQDofcFn_9bOyfRWXFSWc1fR6bU8q3rCRcCHsukDlLyk-BmclGX9WTKsdfeWWec5GEM2I1jYi6un8A/s1600-h/Fjord2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 613px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQQmESOrwtd6Jzd2d7IIA-b7GVJbYlr3mYsKLSzx3BkB9IOMRVjcM6HRePxq_uvdQDofcFn_9bOyfRWXFSWc1fR6bU8q3rCRcCHsukDlLyk-BmclGX9WTKsdfeWWec5GEM2I1jYi6un8A/s400/Fjord2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347269345949944402" border="0" /></a>A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides, created in a valley carved by glacial activity<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL7z8VQuPMe-1M_R65gQ8US0gzKY4eDpjiaRnLimzkHtrZAjkBgvhjpmpuY0Rc5sxFkLNWrPftlRO6VF0IEu-EzaxVMvJI0FTEtz3A_LCnLsDD0mbWTIXv0lrf73cMqiOtxwJSJp8LC-d/s1600-h/IMG_1924.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirL7z8VQuPMe-1M_R65gQ8US0gzKY4eDpjiaRnLimzkHtrZAjkBgvhjpmpuY0Rc5sxFkLNWrPftlRO6VF0IEu-EzaxVMvJI0FTEtz3A_LCnLsDD0mbWTIXv0lrf73cMqiOtxwJSJp8LC-d/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347269347660194370" border="0" /></a>The hike down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfunBwLzVd0Rq5U3k_YC_i1QBOIUv69z-IQUEJ52P9hUKP-4BdMZ1Bw41Evs9O_77OGbV5k9endv-1RZmdoJlhTjcAVNFhp1VV3rrZ7KfFSYFDnV8CrV8BSAozWge19EISmGTRz1ev8kX5/s1600-h/IMG_1928.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfunBwLzVd0Rq5U3k_YC_i1QBOIUv69z-IQUEJ52P9hUKP-4BdMZ1Bw41Evs9O_77OGbV5k9endv-1RZmdoJlhTjcAVNFhp1VV3rrZ7KfFSYFDnV8CrV8BSAozWge19EISmGTRz1ev8kX5/s400/IMG_1928.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347272590692792658" border="0" /></a>Real grilling on the bbq. Steaks and hot dogs wrapped in bacon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrewtoPAx8jQvJiBPcSFw_2kqOmdhG30spVUeTf-6bdS0QhSXa2UFuMtnactwQUt6-XB94qugPKFA__vZUwNbAkoSmePPwrmeo6PE40Gwlr3jec4RYgZzHTR4QKmfPCuTqHOsyHeqWMLA-/s1600-h/IMG_6630.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrewtoPAx8jQvJiBPcSFw_2kqOmdhG30spVUeTf-6bdS0QhSXa2UFuMtnactwQUt6-XB94qugPKFA__vZUwNbAkoSmePPwrmeo6PE40Gwlr3jec4RYgZzHTR4QKmfPCuTqHOsyHeqWMLA-/s400/IMG_6630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347274939793447570" border="0" /></a>T-bone steak, hot dogs wrapped in bacon, corn on the cob, and the most amazing salad ever. We made it with lettuce from the farmer's market, grilled onions, grilled corn, and parmesan vinaigrette dressing from the farmer's market. We invited a fellow traveler and Jeff the hostel manager to join us since we had so much food.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This was a great day. One of those classic days full of seeing things you've never seen before, hanging out in a chilled out hostel, and having great conversation with fellow travelers in the hostel. Good times.</div></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-69640536659765333402009-05-23T23:56:00.000-04:002009-06-14T15:28:15.787-04:00Maine for Memorial Day weekend (Day 2)Got a nice and early start to make the most of our first full day at Acadia National Park. We chatted some some travelers at the hostel while we made breakfast. Got some good tips on some trails to do and scored ourselves a car pass and map to Acadia.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGRkzIj96u3wjUhQtGs9uYymiQbssalLHqzxeKfDYi3-Yvj8tN14lbK6QZ9WaliMI94asDobsw1wG9rPKk6HhPNAyMnLr02F7DGluhrQgOuot0Z146eVCK7URsr95FYIJYYUmZFceH9z0/s1600-h/IMG_6476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGRkzIj96u3wjUhQtGs9uYymiQbssalLHqzxeKfDYi3-Yvj8tN14lbK6QZ9WaliMI94asDobsw1wG9rPKk6HhPNAyMnLr02F7DGluhrQgOuot0Z146eVCK7URsr95FYIJYYUmZFceH9z0/s400/IMG_6476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347261005204776706" border="0" /></a>Sand Beach. We started our hike at the far end of the beach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqfdt0ZVnib1brsxeCzZ3UhxR7bgHWNhFgSZWzUtFwU5xaW5WAVGlGCD-TBpUR0w7l9tQmv9_jpxKAFD7bzTz90faARTqtIszjfsr9rUD1Z6jxXfWQzW5_Z16jFTQH1Ydp4aKcl41zZtT/s1600-h/IMG_1845.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqfdt0ZVnib1brsxeCzZ3UhxR7bgHWNhFgSZWzUtFwU5xaW5WAVGlGCD-TBpUR0w7l9tQmv9_jpxKAFD7bzTz90faARTqtIszjfsr9rUD1Z6jxXfWQzW5_Z16jFTQH1Ydp4aKcl41zZtT/s400/IMG_1845.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347263126818578098" border="0" /></a>We veered off the trail a ton to climb around the rocks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBKVtTtzyHhT425LnKQCJikTlOO9bAu0_Xl2BHOQvcSxa-_87HosQIousucRVtyeQZSpq4pLSwpx_BQ5j-oB1GgwZ68VS7UEq-hw5akGkvIWwhJusSV2Sr8pSUeNRHwAN7CW9fN6l4fuL/s1600-h/IMG_1849.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWBKVtTtzyHhT425LnKQCJikTlOO9bAu0_Xl2BHOQvcSxa-_87HosQIousucRVtyeQZSpq4pLSwpx_BQ5j-oB1GgwZ68VS7UEq-hw5akGkvIWwhJusSV2Sr8pSUeNRHwAN7CW9fN6l4fuL/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347262591223909122" border="0" /></a>Just taking it in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwD_Ej4GZELGqxm25zNWItN-oE1KhF34r3cOT2MNN0_BVUgmWFzyH9_A0Xx4WTtZTtOAM9Rj5RKXCbi4rNUpWZ397ErVxeEaZiBCLm808ixPLu31NT36pSpPEQjtYeQq-onAt6NsnmP7GQ/s1600-h/IMG_1864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwD_Ej4GZELGqxm25zNWItN-oE1KhF34r3cOT2MNN0_BVUgmWFzyH9_A0Xx4WTtZTtOAM9Rj5RKXCbi4rNUpWZ397ErVxeEaZiBCLm808ixPLu31NT36pSpPEQjtYeQq-onAt6NsnmP7GQ/s400/IMG_1864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347262596344223362" border="0" /></a>Chillin out on the rocks before we climbed and hiked some more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSNfCsf0dgAw74jhfc3VL-dvUXzX2g46exxGWX6XqiuHrdhAYV6RR6DTkQ3-DkSWFZq33qHTKaN13DiTTS9joqAkSY-0rN0Z4WlmoPINGiLju4rZ95_ziLaFJfPvbKp8uSwGX4U8lbkQo/s1600-h/IMG_6507.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilSNfCsf0dgAw74jhfc3VL-dvUXzX2g46exxGWX6XqiuHrdhAYV6RR6DTkQ3-DkSWFZq33qHTKaN13DiTTS9joqAkSY-0rN0Z4WlmoPINGiLju4rZ95_ziLaFJfPvbKp8uSwGX4U8lbkQo/s400/IMG_6507.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347261013841200882" border="0" /></a>Nalgene bottle comes with me everywhere.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70IdwTkgUOoNN190LT2BML_1yqiHj3S0-6-M2a9Twp2g4630utFL9ZfnaBIMtOzUZ_gy_hcdFKzGHt84kBfixm7tnFkB0U6hh1t1W4zquiALTSd9K-J2Upk3dkmgmH6xgwaYIugWMNvz9/s1600-h/IMG_6518.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70IdwTkgUOoNN190LT2BML_1yqiHj3S0-6-M2a9Twp2g4630utFL9ZfnaBIMtOzUZ_gy_hcdFKzGHt84kBfixm7tnFkB0U6hh1t1W4zquiALTSd9K-J2Upk3dkmgmH6xgwaYIugWMNvz9/s400/IMG_6518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347264475200582594" border="0" /></a>Back on part of the trail. As a perfect day for a hike.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkIJFyTfMSbqmee-eUIAlFQGyhoY6l_hg7VhjKuklTUfpSrpr1AnmZL0MVuCKo_Dd22KLhJlF2l8-5ExWsMaaEDTS6rryZGLwRLd_6U92UmsLBYH3_9gH2nzaElzyQUg6JZepoPzScbwo/s1600-h/IMG_6543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkIJFyTfMSbqmee-eUIAlFQGyhoY6l_hg7VhjKuklTUfpSrpr1AnmZL0MVuCKo_Dd22KLhJlF2l8-5ExWsMaaEDTS6rryZGLwRLd_6U92UmsLBYH3_9gH2nzaElzyQUg6JZepoPzScbwo/s400/IMG_6543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347261023294391458" border="0" /></a>Left some time to do some tastings at <a href="http://www.atlanticbrewing.com/">Atlantic Brewing Company</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kyaXltyX9blDtB6R_ces5xddW3qTX-iJvjzZHMz-BYDKr-gNN3oiI01EGDmlpDlvQEScBs4w903WD-JGxDB71SKFsZuv0PQz2Tnnbgqbv9g-jRFcg6Rc0kTZvoktS8Ahz-oVB_tQRVKN/s1600-h/IMG_6562.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3kyaXltyX9blDtB6R_ces5xddW3qTX-iJvjzZHMz-BYDKr-gNN3oiI01EGDmlpDlvQEScBs4w903WD-JGxDB71SKFsZuv0PQz2Tnnbgqbv9g-jRFcg6Rc0kTZvoktS8Ahz-oVB_tQRVKN/s400/IMG_6562.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347264480547571554" border="0" /></a>Back at the hostel to "grill" food on the BBQ.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN1LuDx-xeX7k29gcEwdAITLpMemwJPRExTYklqFxNbOJQMm1mgZUqAU4yzqLmP4-UfZkfCIPh-y8RyD5VOMHnQanPBwUTDev26Af1GHKxyjorHgSiluxZ9I_Qi35Qp5m0zF4M-ydgbJI/s1600-h/IMG_6553.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN1LuDx-xeX7k29gcEwdAITLpMemwJPRExTYklqFxNbOJQMm1mgZUqAU4yzqLmP4-UfZkfCIPh-y8RyD5VOMHnQanPBwUTDev26Af1GHKxyjorHgSiluxZ9I_Qi35Qp5m0zF4M-ydgbJI/s400/IMG_6553.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347266293184209522" border="0" /></a>"Grilled" burgers, bacon wrapped asparagus, and corn on the cob.<br /></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-9197293595103336942009-05-22T13:12:00.007-04:002009-06-14T14:54:58.304-04:00Maine for Memorial Day weekend (Day 1)Not many know this, but Maine is up there as one of my top three favorite states. My company was so kind to force us to use a personal day by giving us a four day Memorial Day weekend. I decided on a trip to Acadia National Park right outside Bar Harbor, Maine. Made some great stops on the way up and back. Unexpectedly hungover, 6 hours behind schedule (due to all things related to the hangover...), a third and unexpected friend in tow, we headed up to Maine!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuGKuidOQdeWbOQZjHFIXmktKoI0Z_gs8-2YIlJD-BVTCvkLwA6M6yBpxm7iIUBKQEb9EVQiEd1e9ijLVi7b-kL0wovJOM3InMm7whqeKYNa1TieW97qrNBwplIPnWuWmHITF4p1iDuwU/s1600-h/IMG_6419.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuGKuidOQdeWbOQZjHFIXmktKoI0Z_gs8-2YIlJD-BVTCvkLwA6M6yBpxm7iIUBKQEb9EVQiEd1e9ijLVi7b-kL0wovJOM3InMm7whqeKYNa1TieW97qrNBwplIPnWuWmHITF4p1iDuwU/s400/IMG_6419.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347242535903306674" border="0" /></a>First stop, <a href="http://www.theclamshack.net/">The Clam Shack</a> in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kennebunkport</span>, Maine for fried clams and clam strips.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFEBUfpp1W6IhhHl7mDicMYDZSagGo68vOb-Vo5uHi6Rl2zn6K_t2PpbpTrG0ob3Bxp0LbRF8R9VezZG76H0O1mtDuAYh4FVArLfQZmNCiRT5XQZrfAP4G0OQNaXno5J7Zd7_DwytJiCw/s1600-h/IMG_6423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFEBUfpp1W6IhhHl7mDicMYDZSagGo68vOb-Vo5uHi6Rl2zn6K_t2PpbpTrG0ob3Bxp0LbRF8R9VezZG76H0O1mtDuAYh4FVArLfQZmNCiRT5XQZrfAP4G0OQNaXno5J7Zd7_DwytJiCw/s400/IMG_6423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347242540177133106" border="0" /></a>Fried clams. The clams were a bit smaller than I expected, but pretty good. They give you a ton, so much that it's spilling over the top. A worthy stop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8n204MrDBVTbEdH_YFBbzihpGeKs4m7VdY0T4QySgbx8aD1YLXxyR8OBcq6D4L74Re8bb5Xm7JYfIBVs3N0YIDDKawcrwiwHlkAn2LmkGVLhyGrboZyK_Eu2aU-k6OZaqqAimRjPWF-B/s1600-h/IMG_6425.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8n204MrDBVTbEdH_YFBbzihpGeKs4m7VdY0T4QySgbx8aD1YLXxyR8OBcq6D4L74Re8bb5Xm7JYfIBVs3N0YIDDKawcrwiwHlkAn2LmkGVLhyGrboZyK_Eu2aU-k6OZaqqAimRjPWF-B/s400/IMG_6425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347242543894805522" border="0" /></a>Clam strips. Personally, I'm more of a fan of the full on clams.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU7hxUDzA_pCBXX6sjcw_RBdQOliYz1rk7GQlr8n7wauZ_DbitYwc7uCApyQPhkIriUJKPmCqDGtXWrYotuk2ToukDkznUPAaGdzhS-iMqKZeTBs942w8JWTL7hAzKwi8psm45smLAdsf/s1600-h/IMG_6426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrU7hxUDzA_pCBXX6sjcw_RBdQOliYz1rk7GQlr8n7wauZ_DbitYwc7uCApyQPhkIriUJKPmCqDGtXWrYotuk2ToukDkznUPAaGdzhS-iMqKZeTBs942w8JWTL7hAzKwi8psm45smLAdsf/s400/IMG_6426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347242549789729170" border="0" /></a>Right next door is the usual stop at <a href="http://www.bartleysdining.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bartley's</span></a> for blueberry pie<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4xJG7ej3sP6jL45HP2JVXDNnuCcQC0iCWZji91BBvPU94pLXhgD7SUjJtvRHon8VOrFcUe0tvyWAM2qrLLFagb-3DFhp6vNJp83yEELsaDlpk9A1eY8bV7hz4bpkvpuKQZ3SWIUx28Wr/s1600-h/IMG_6427.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4xJG7ej3sP6jL45HP2JVXDNnuCcQC0iCWZji91BBvPU94pLXhgD7SUjJtvRHon8VOrFcUe0tvyWAM2qrLLFagb-3DFhp6vNJp83yEELsaDlpk9A1eY8bV7hz4bpkvpuKQZ3SWIUx28Wr/s400/IMG_6427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347242553758938802" border="0" /></a>Lobster stew that I couldn't have, allergic. The boys said it was delicious. You can see it's packed with lobster meat! I stared while they ate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6gsX4F4RXm8boQ7a882_5JdymRAwnG5TJTOGIK7RICo-W162z4VyiDpwEcBX7-0mq8Zx3hzIqMOR9SqIXX-KZbFh-tnYEmF8r_Iutw7bmeLw65k2dVgVCnfVD4VbMZAWGsuwlb3WebAW/s1600-h/IMG_6430.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6gsX4F4RXm8boQ7a882_5JdymRAwnG5TJTOGIK7RICo-W162z4VyiDpwEcBX7-0mq8Zx3hzIqMOR9SqIXX-KZbFh-tnYEmF8r_Iutw7bmeLw65k2dVgVCnfVD4VbMZAWGsuwlb3WebAW/s400/IMG_6430.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347249441820479730" border="0" /></a>Seriously the best blueberry pie ever!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuxFBxdrdbgr61Q6HCYVl7VVRCsOU2uLwceFcewlTLY3cJ-Sgx9PAZCILkTbP4P73g4013387Ae87yWD7aiceEAzHWio5pjdKRB8Hxg5Lqiu6WrDlqUGm6T1x4SS_cZZcMvfXU64Rtxde/s1600-h/IMG_6436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWuxFBxdrdbgr61Q6HCYVl7VVRCsOU2uLwceFcewlTLY3cJ-Sgx9PAZCILkTbP4P73g4013387Ae87yWD7aiceEAzHWio5pjdKRB8Hxg5Lqiu6WrDlqUGm6T1x4SS_cZZcMvfXU64Rtxde/s400/IMG_6436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347249452858585010" border="0" /></a>The Bush Sr. compound is in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kennebunkpork</span>. The Bush's love the pie at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bartley's</span>. It's been in the White House and Air Force One. The walls were covered with signed photos of different politicians that have visited <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Bartley's</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8pHPHyiTo53OBdd7o9nCcYEKtRAcupXMW4dmRb7ceRpcCluKTQisU5Uw9r_1rrYmZp2TtS170TnVM1HHMshmHwGeD754uaWdwJLnM32dbIc2ArO-xrVlSKyCZdZfmx7N-cj5ETz9jAjU/s1600-h/IMG_6439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8pHPHyiTo53OBdd7o9nCcYEKtRAcupXMW4dmRb7ceRpcCluKTQisU5Uw9r_1rrYmZp2TtS170TnVM1HHMshmHwGeD754uaWdwJLnM32dbIc2ArO-xrVlSKyCZdZfmx7N-cj5ETz9jAjU/s400/IMG_6439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347252077864905906" border="0" /></a>So awesome that they serve it in a bowl. A plate just cant contain all the awesome.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpVCOCOFHm5yaPmzbz5QEmzV20IFkeKvVhNR9RyZNkcPiZHvYIfLoKC0rVoeBTcgm7b1gu2CG_LjTii9RTirprrBgzTFBYUIb7oBZmHHgm3f9Qf-Fo24hJrJngl0U_VXWbwXfcKoaFbXH/s1600-h/IMG_6440.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpVCOCOFHm5yaPmzbz5QEmzV20IFkeKvVhNR9RyZNkcPiZHvYIfLoKC0rVoeBTcgm7b1gu2CG_LjTii9RTirprrBgzTFBYUIb7oBZmHHgm3f9Qf-Fo24hJrJngl0U_VXWbwXfcKoaFbXH/s400/IMG_6440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347249455764259026" border="0" /></a>Water bottles they served us. I have no idea.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAomG14rjuOxNnFUDKzLq6QDuTCT2W0cQTCnkrrHvl9Rns5IV7S6FwwdAeeLSeHYSTKwdrHSB8eiFefvtAJ0h3nEfleq_NbR44Xt2SwU6PNuCY6W1iDgAvqyJzcmYkSUrd205b2FOIwSn/s1600-h/IMG_6441.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAomG14rjuOxNnFUDKzLq6QDuTCT2W0cQTCnkrrHvl9Rns5IV7S6FwwdAeeLSeHYSTKwdrHSB8eiFefvtAJ0h3nEfleq_NbR44Xt2SwU6PNuCY6W1iDgAvqyJzcmYkSUrd205b2FOIwSn/s400/IMG_6441.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347252082143920530" border="0" /></a>Laying in the back with my injured neck and belly fully of good food.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZfNn4TeO-Kk6i2mBY4Im8LMv9HA3Pzot9ts0C1JT0nyoXCGhmnJemwGEOpr_lyOUuFHPodfwUVc1lax7ffjudLIcVdWi8tjzC-l_-Ti2pVRN1z0H0IkLffr92aN1l8whIyLJmB0YhDb/s1600-h/IMG_6457.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jZfNn4TeO-Kk6i2mBY4Im8LMv9HA3Pzot9ts0C1JT0nyoXCGhmnJemwGEOpr_lyOUuFHPodfwUVc1lax7ffjudLIcVdWi8tjzC-l_-Ti2pVRN1z0H0IkLffr92aN1l8whIyLJmB0YhDb/s400/IMG_6457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347252091057185746" border="0" /></a>We made a quick stop in Portland at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gritty's</span>. My first time in Portland, Maine. It was a quiet industrial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">portside</span> town. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnWcGoq7ZjsY8qyjYEyarONfcwm884aYGSGG3h1naAkxNQcFgq2WkIIxAtS-nIE76VOADOyzp1hfC2QR4z5eVUCV9BS06eX1JatsQHN2H52NmEf2N1f20HqiuY7ZNgzOuzw6JO7_oNZmJ/s1600-h/IMG_6460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnWcGoq7ZjsY8qyjYEyarONfcwm884aYGSGG3h1naAkxNQcFgq2WkIIxAtS-nIE76VOADOyzp1hfC2QR4z5eVUCV9BS06eX1JatsQHN2H52NmEf2N1f20HqiuY7ZNgzOuzw6JO7_oNZmJ/s400/IMG_6460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347252087741525858" border="0" /></a>Around 9pm at night, we arrived at Bar Harbor Hostel! They remembered me from last season! I have no idea who Ken is.<br /></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-51128044378694249972009-05-13T23:04:00.000-04:002009-06-14T20:22:02.322-04:00Rutt's HuttMy hot dog tour of Jersey continues. On a perfect May night, my great pal Laura and I hit up <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rutts-hutt-clifton">Rutt's Hut</a> in Clifton, NJ. The first thing we both immediately noticed was the parking lot full of bikers. Motorcycles, not bicycles. We were a bit taken back. And by taken back I mean scared, ha. Laura had on a pink zip up and I wore my white Deutschland Puma zip up. We felt a bit out of place. Don't worry, that couldn't stop us from stuff hot dogs!<br />We hovered by the counter for a bit discussing what to order. We discovered that we could get draft beer for $2! We were sold! We decided on a ripper, a cremator, and some beers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosdAg8Nl6VPVs-rsVANQyagxn6obpXHeNsCt1Y6FLFH1eEJv84IEnQLA3hs0-5vbY7NLRcCaK8aXcthyphenhyphen0Q-XnKxiiue_fFMDZU1L8LsPBcuJylBTjmqAz6g-oqKXcCM974o0QjfnO6UO7/s1600-h/IMG_6398.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiosdAg8Nl6VPVs-rsVANQyagxn6obpXHeNsCt1Y6FLFH1eEJv84IEnQLA3hs0-5vbY7NLRcCaK8aXcthyphenhyphen0Q-XnKxiiue_fFMDZU1L8LsPBcuJylBTjmqAz6g-oqKXcCM974o0QjfnO6UO7/s400/IMG_6398.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347203306731986978" border="0" /></a>Rutt's Hutt. I was too scared to take a photo of the lot full of bikers.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9LACwyTx8Nb8pwjT8627-xi1hzI5DDPxy0csMBp6YLpGBYV72PlPqB0ZJC_GUF2PMsOBpo1Q7Q6HNqLgtUELIQBf3ajQwdYRph6-5kJno4V6nPVteGHOyYSQwBR2fPnJOBwy4WyKDIJW/s1600-h/IMG_6400.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9LACwyTx8Nb8pwjT8627-xi1hzI5DDPxy0csMBp6YLpGBYV72PlPqB0ZJC_GUF2PMsOBpo1Q7Q6HNqLgtUELIQBf3ajQwdYRph6-5kJno4V6nPVteGHOyYSQwBR2fPnJOBwy4WyKDIJW/s400/IMG_6400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347201306846943378" border="0" /></a>This lady was really nice. She made a funny shocked face when we ordered the a cremator. Guess only the bad asses order them =D<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNMkUuZrFS6oGLg4UrDAWJQxiadXj4L5-gDGjlF7Em04uz49cBMpbxaikOZcBh_t_h3_62PVXj9-r_OV-zu5FfG1T8TCoBeP83QPa9EBQDcba6ONfzIiVTaSo01dqUEMGFS4rl1FLlNHr/s1600-h/IMG_6403.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNMkUuZrFS6oGLg4UrDAWJQxiadXj4L5-gDGjlF7Em04uz49cBMpbxaikOZcBh_t_h3_62PVXj9-r_OV-zu5FfG1T8TCoBeP83QPa9EBQDcba6ONfzIiVTaSo01dqUEMGFS4rl1FLlNHr/s400/IMG_6403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347201326989535538" border="0" /></a>Ripper. Deep fat fried hot dog. Naked. Before I loaded it with their famous relish and the usual, ketchup and mustard.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTt2vDfTigNUsc2TWDd2Hb5Sme6avn2Plg_aKfRn99dKqtKOXU4CcJznoLGwX_NB8XWLRvU871LdjnuZiZPiSesRmxlBA-Ibo7TnhytSYwYojxQP8YdHsA5P_5163ki2_nbU_KbVd2IH4/s1600-h/IMG_6404.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTt2vDfTigNUsc2TWDd2Hb5Sme6avn2Plg_aKfRn99dKqtKOXU4CcJznoLGwX_NB8XWLRvU871LdjnuZiZPiSesRmxlBA-Ibo7TnhytSYwYojxQP8YdHsA5P_5163ki2_nbU_KbVd2IH4/s400/IMG_6404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347201328580858594" border="0" /></a>nom nom nom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRJ3TEz9QicGDFNOrRbrNH0pp5irarCK-4-I-HwnQ7eg_8Dhpi0eSs4ue3kegFTc8CfYvg-g-Grp5REcTU7eHI8oZgPImyqZnID5Cm8kRqnu3sFNKZPmpZffCTEILkcr5jNRCYaOdO1iQ/s1600-h/IMG_6407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRJ3TEz9QicGDFNOrRbrNH0pp5irarCK-4-I-HwnQ7eg_8Dhpi0eSs4ue3kegFTc8CfYvg-g-Grp5REcTU7eHI8oZgPImyqZnID5Cm8kRqnu3sFNKZPmpZffCTEILkcr5jNRCYaOdO1iQ/s400/IMG_6407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347202007938132002" border="0" /></a>The cremator! By definition it is ripper that's deep fried even longer. Kind of tastes like what bacon would taste like if it were a hot dog.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-rL2erVkJ7EkEUAdcecwD_tRC7oBnzp2ESHaT6DyRyw68fPFZeJr0pMFx5vmrtSEcRy1knFCD-UvNJM9DjV3YKsNLT3D8ZCc2SXMLFiiyCFb5jxJqzb48pv9Ph6wTwUP4JZleB2io2fe/s1600-h/IMG_6405.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-rL2erVkJ7EkEUAdcecwD_tRC7oBnzp2ESHaT6DyRyw68fPFZeJr0pMFx5vmrtSEcRy1knFCD-UvNJM9DjV3YKsNLT3D8ZCc2SXMLFiiyCFb5jxJqzb48pv9Ph6wTwUP4JZleB2io2fe/s400/IMG_6405.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347201335272098994" border="0" /></a>Peek-a-boo!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA_DtB0SVMBmRdU-jWrKQp3lAe-EC-WykzmWNonPw7EJ2iwNzuCskBHMF6BWG7hEPg8wUoOGACJZ2M92V3rA8-iZM3PI4jHva5l8TOlP-YKiKSx0ccp6YwaX2Dy31r17d-oXgOtXbqyey/s1600-h/IMG_6408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA_DtB0SVMBmRdU-jWrKQp3lAe-EC-WykzmWNonPw7EJ2iwNzuCskBHMF6BWG7hEPg8wUoOGACJZ2M92V3rA8-iZM3PI4jHva5l8TOlP-YKiKSx0ccp6YwaX2Dy31r17d-oXgOtXbqyey/s400/IMG_6408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347202013216108242" border="0" /></a>The relish is the best I've had.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Dogs were great and the atmosphere was interesting. We were a bit intimidated, but was well worth the trip. I had my "Save a Drum Fuck a Drummer" t-shirt on under my zip up. A biker that looked like his name could have been Tiny came up to chat with me about it. He was a drummer and looked like he'd be a leader of a bike gang. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it was a funny moment nonetheless.<br />I think the rippers were better at Hiram's, but Rutt's is definitely worth a couple visits if you are in the area. Don't forget to wear your favorite leather jacket and bad ass mask when you go.<br /></div><br /></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-63853183073949727512009-05-11T23:38:00.005-04:002009-05-13T16:26:20.649-04:00The Postelles and Katz's<span style="font-size:85%;">My best friend from college, Laura took me to the <a href="http://www.thealternateside.org/news/2009/may/12/photos-alternate-side-launch-party---may-11th/">Alternate Side launch party</a> at Mercury Lounge on Houston at Allen. Great small venue that I haven't been back to since 2006 for Nada Surf. The event seemed to have been filled with DJ's, producers, media people, and music lovers like me that came as the guest.<br />First up were <a href="http://www.thepostelles.blogspot.com/">The Postelles</a>, great semi nerd hipster band with skinny jeans and white v-neck tshirts. They were a fun band, had great energy, and reminded me of Weezer. Something you would listen to when riding a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/15/style/20090416-dutchbike-feature.html">dutch bicycle</a> or roller skating (quad not inline). I was looking forward to buying their cd, but they announced that they were only available on itunes. Too bad, sometimes it's nice to have the actual cd (not burned copy). Darn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6L4GPPSqSa8vcLv4_JwLnvWcjQrIrk9ryReu0Oe_5pTurfujyO-lOZYMF9a-mWoSYBaYOqeBd_NsPhW73XxutIINbhwjRdDBYJfBnx43NZ4PyGJR8TrIaaBwcwdJ68gOzAFDbnBtQtrg/s1600-h/IMG_6378.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6L4GPPSqSa8vcLv4_JwLnvWcjQrIrk9ryReu0Oe_5pTurfujyO-lOZYMF9a-mWoSYBaYOqeBd_NsPhW73XxutIINbhwjRdDBYJfBnx43NZ4PyGJR8TrIaaBwcwdJ68gOzAFDbnBtQtrg/s400/IMG_6378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335336194678385794" border="0" /></a><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMdFWVINcNE&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fMdFWVINcNE&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here's another <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAoO6_wCPqc&feature=channel_page">song </a>their played. Unfortunately, non-acoustic songs don't record well on my camera.<br /><br />Pela was the second band. They had a harder sound, but were very good as well. No pictures or video. We left a bit early and went searching for food. A few free beers down and it was still light out when we left. The sky was gorgeous, the buzz was good, and <a href="http://www.katzdeli.com/">Katz's</a> was close! Katz is a Jewish deli on the Lower East Side (LES) thats been around since 1888. They are known for their pastrami sandwiches, which are perfect when you're starving with a slight buzz. Are ya feeling me yet???<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z-YQfAtQSySvdlT1e0SNWCZVC_U-u0bVw366nk_q3g7gGA7LAmEH8PQ4cxOt0jYzVkOrm993eOBqRHCotykCU1aiu_xmWUNsHjsoGrqncjONFaMCTcxBllx14Kffqmcid31EoFZ4Y3wY/s1600-h/IMG_6392.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z-YQfAtQSySvdlT1e0SNWCZVC_U-u0bVw366nk_q3g7gGA7LAmEH8PQ4cxOt0jYzVkOrm993eOBqRHCotykCU1aiu_xmWUNsHjsoGrqncjONFaMCTcxBllx14Kffqmcid31EoFZ4Y3wY/s400/IMG_6392.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335390324338889394" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">The outside of Katz's can be seen in Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. It's one of my fav movies with a great soundtrack.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjOIzpeF5FWwxEV3-pxcrk3VctOEy6qbtqmFaKdKnM5vYpiwJkq2b_AbWhRqmTe9Yy9CtIvgOlKa9PAKa2BR7UMgLJIIPPzACn__u2DQ2VPh6K3uPDNuOyfBrZ-NL2BYxFuBwmgeyfkbg/s1600-h/IMG_6390.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpjOIzpeF5FWwxEV3-pxcrk3VctOEy6qbtqmFaKdKnM5vYpiwJkq2b_AbWhRqmTe9Yy9CtIvgOlKa9PAKa2BR7UMgLJIIPPzACn__u2DQ2VPh6K3uPDNuOyfBrZ-NL2BYxFuBwmgeyfkbg/s400/IMG_6390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335393539577150514" border="0" /></a>One big dining hall. The walls are filled with pictures of famous people that have eaten here. As you enter, someone hands you a ticket. And you pay (cash only) at the door where someone stands at what looks like a ticket counter. You actually walk through a turnstile to leave. It's fun.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0JnNrmkhTGiRaSaED5o2TsTyMyyzSscJEsSW8pKVArCPI98ga5W-uyHMjMicLtky5-X9xAXPaO2lGmlThTu2ojIaxtjVb4-d_dr4BRI4Jd_Gn_jfILhl1QPiRWXYf4rPODaDlzdTVxGK/s1600-h/IMG_6385.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0JnNrmkhTGiRaSaED5o2TsTyMyyzSscJEsSW8pKVArCPI98ga5W-uyHMjMicLtky5-X9xAXPaO2lGmlThTu2ojIaxtjVb4-d_dr4BRI4Jd_Gn_jfILhl1QPiRWXYf4rPODaDlzdTVxGK/s400/IMG_6385.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335400716406636402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">You give your ticket to one of these guys at the counter and they prepare you food for you. Here he is cutting up the meat for my glorious pastrami sandwich. At this point, Laura's boyfriend is asking her why I am taking photos. I explain that I'm just a weirdo and wanted to post it on my blog. This is one of the things you must put up with when eating with me. Laura just pretends she is with an Asian tourist. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw4nxH13NtVin1WRYc6SVu48GoY4nGfNylWomE7Zt_lF9NRaT-W4-GvK5rVnaUkvhq1rFtcCulUW__vzWnG5YCPyeGZ1Ox1_lOmj69xRyxny709JRreBPqeeGozbdpCwFnJYbpYwWTsyr/s1600-h/IMG_6387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqw4nxH13NtVin1WRYc6SVu48GoY4nGfNylWomE7Zt_lF9NRaT-W4-GvK5rVnaUkvhq1rFtcCulUW__vzWnG5YCPyeGZ1Ox1_lOmj69xRyxny709JRreBPqeeGozbdpCwFnJYbpYwWTsyr/s400/IMG_6387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335393531394195794" border="0" /></a>Meat with mustard and sauerkraut. So huge, flavorful and tender. The mean just falls apart in your mouth when you bite into it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfDg6Uws-KgHA_IMs6OaeIx7tEke7yYcjbpa1Hu0jUbH6jXM8dfnE06ceboWsi6_wDFZMqryqh-n36BKAtKHESg8pmhk0Gdo90UuufsR_fPnNKn155rVy050pFPUgwwuZPJjQO_b-J9_6/s1600-h/IMG_6388.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfDg6Uws-KgHA_IMs6OaeIx7tEke7yYcjbpa1Hu0jUbH6jXM8dfnE06ceboWsi6_wDFZMqryqh-n36BKAtKHESg8pmhk0Gdo90UuufsR_fPnNKn155rVy050pFPUgwwuZPJjQO_b-J9_6/s400/IMG_6388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335393535112987378" border="0" /></a>They give you two different types of pickles with the sandwich. You can see a glimpse of the pickles behind the ginormous sandwich in my hand.<br /><br /></span></div></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-44883102745950437542009-05-10T21:18:00.004-04:002009-05-11T14:54:32.565-04:00Hiram's for hot dogs<span style="font-size:85%;">I've been living in Fort Lee for 8 years now, but never been to Hiram's. Crazy, I know. And to think I'm a huge hot dog fan! Well, Finally after 8 years, I'm trying Hiram's. Something to know about this hot dog spot in Fort Lee. Right next door, there used to be Callahan's. Callahan's was another very popular hot dog joint that was known to have better hot dogs deep fried in the same fashion. Callahan's closed down a few years ago and now stands a Bank of New Jersey.<br />It has the hole in the wall feel that I love. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">They've been around for over 75 years. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">You can tell it's run by the real Fort Lee residents, before Fort Lee was taken over by the Koreans. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsO-p6xrCpJqEG51NrTfMQ_bB8IHx4KWEsmHqhN3o4MOB1PonGngQiTknHIcqiV5CqghZgASP9OAuBy6Ie2-RUIwEezJTVo4Llssgbcms9sQ7-klR8LljuD2h9X2-0iBX8oIJZ96G4CYd/s1600-h/IMG_6362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsO-p6xrCpJqEG51NrTfMQ_bB8IHx4KWEsmHqhN3o4MOB1PonGngQiTknHIcqiV5CqghZgASP9OAuBy6Ie2-RUIwEezJTVo4Llssgbcms9sQ7-klR8LljuD2h9X2-0iBX8oIJZ96G4CYd/s400/IMG_6362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334370227425777906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">They have a picnic area behind where I'm standing. Unfortunately, I failed to take a photo of it. It was a great place to enjoy Hiram's under the sun.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiibzGfHt5pyM1puoUlsR_EcP8dJXDO7NQs2jxAD5FoXYYiKhzotihDkAf8YfwKXGWQBclQdDWCdUskjFcgWsEOQwg154zOl6DP2wKJiVQOLBZ98-lelHEERd3D0g0TJYj66ScJLp4RVUQ/s1600-h/IMG_6369.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiibzGfHt5pyM1puoUlsR_EcP8dJXDO7NQs2jxAD5FoXYYiKhzotihDkAf8YfwKXGWQBclQdDWCdUskjFcgWsEOQwg154zOl6DP2wKJiVQOLBZ98-lelHEERd3D0g0TJYj66ScJLp4RVUQ/s400/IMG_6369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334370231740161442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I got the chili cheese dog. The bun is toasted and the dogs are a pork beef blend and all deep fried in fat. This method of cooking dogs is called, "rippers." A great Jersey term.<br />Yes, I need to bike this week to clean out my arteries. The hot dog was nice and plump with a great snap to it. The chili was sweet and little heat to it. It could have used more cheese. Being the weird that I am, I actually made a mental note to bring an extra slice of cheese with my next time. Shut up, I know. </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM63PR9H4ew2I6jLXTbhGcBtpUcoGTdJLYjFu6tXqPIJAzgPVstBssO0YZrQZmWz7hfOGsuIcm_d6lKGC53rvzTFCokWgWEM8Gi0Sb0ZJjD5z2m-aFdlUTs8T7XIEFcC8QVZBltlB_ScZ/s1600-h/IMG_6370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRM63PR9H4ew2I6jLXTbhGcBtpUcoGTdJLYjFu6tXqPIJAzgPVstBssO0YZrQZmWz7hfOGsuIcm_d6lKGC53rvzTFCokWgWEM8Gi0Sb0ZJjD5z2m-aFdlUTs8T7XIEFcC8QVZBltlB_ScZ/s400/IMG_6370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334370236810881698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I just made myself hungry again looking at this photo.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIySUV1dqdNn6UqU53XCAvJwQnO8EEAxPlFQc6vpcezbAle0-BSQdvKgtGn1DUI5ONbxhwssPpa1JBpXSxp1oE7MsgprFUUMMAyuI0xAyP78rOgdPuAWuh2jr0lf6BHTyPW4t20GzT5QC/s1600-h/IMG_6368.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIySUV1dqdNn6UqU53XCAvJwQnO8EEAxPlFQc6vpcezbAle0-BSQdvKgtGn1DUI5ONbxhwssPpa1JBpXSxp1oE7MsgprFUUMMAyuI0xAyP78rOgdPuAWuh2jr0lf6BHTyPW4t20GzT5QC/s400/IMG_6368.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334370237603702514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">My sister's hot dog in it's deep fat fried goodness. Don't hate.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">They serve beer on tap as well. Too bad I was still recovering from the night before. Next time, chili cheese dog, fries, and a beer. Sounds perfect.</span>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-53076376952284269762009-05-09T17:03:00.004-04:002009-05-11T14:37:52.990-04:00Peter Luger's Cheeseburger<span style="font-size:85%;">What was supposed to be a bike, food, and fun filled weekend in DC ended up being canceled due to the thunderstorms that never came through. With the forecast saying, "scattered t-storms", I just couldn't do more biking in the rain after 7 hours in the rain last weekend for Bike NY and Hoboken Art & Music Festival.<br /><br />I managed to score lunch reservations at Peter Luger's to check out the killer <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/06/dining/06burg.html?_r=3&pagewanted=2">cheeseburgers</a> I keep hearing about.</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">I've been the Peter Luger's in Queens for their steak, but decided to check out the Brooklyn location this time. It is the original and I hear it is better. The BK location is bigger and there were already people waiting outside before they opened at 11:45. Strangely enough, 99% of the people having lunch were Asian, I kid you not. I guess Asians love. Anyways, while Peter Luger's has pricey steaks, their burgers are reasonably priced.<br /></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qNu5hr5U2jbF7f5wtz2xyLloxBWMWJpNQpXmVavSpx87HIfl2bAhyTv3Q0WEMgrA8dBWQtHaXAzTTK11wfFpqfMBMs_AhGycMWQFaEZ4Wzpom0x71_MVEDbfu2Sy-t5FucgWtVyVWHE/s1600-h/IMG_6333.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qNu5hr5U2jbF7f5wtz2xyLloxBWMWJpNQpXmVavSpx87HIfl2bAhyTv3Q0WEMgrA8dBWQtHaXAzTTK11wfFpqfMBMs_AhGycMWQFaEZ4Wzpom0x71_MVEDbfu2Sy-t5FucgWtVyVWHE/s400/IMG_6333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334353400347738338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I can't figure out how to turn this photo</span>!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmfq87XAMkuhD_LVTpJbUN6y-qY-0_-KO_7qtGuEqQBUp9FBLpIUsdJsut9S-3i0WyCss7YXqU-09B_1dJjAzVYTSCT8MWQRalRFoWtHLFnYXMdjXjweZVk1kVFZT88EiLLNj6u5YzDSj/s1600-h/IMG_6337.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmfq87XAMkuhD_LVTpJbUN6y-qY-0_-KO_7qtGuEqQBUp9FBLpIUsdJsut9S-3i0WyCss7YXqU-09B_1dJjAzVYTSCT8MWQRalRFoWtHLFnYXMdjXjweZVk1kVFZT88EiLLNj6u5YzDSj/s400/IMG_6337.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334353402977546578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I ordered the cheeseburger with their delicious bacon. The bacon was a nice thick slice of awesome. It had a nice snap on the outside and the full bacon flavor takes over your mouth with each bite. Not many know this, but I am actually a bacon connoisseur. The bacon at Peter Luger's definitely makes my top 3 best pieces of bacon I've ever tasted. Second place goes to bacon I picked up on a trip to Amish Country. Mmm... bacon... *drool*. </span><br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtGDJ6tg_N1vOeP44FTJLz2lKjK6-2agMlFRq50_cTw1pvsTCzswBPEKHZDGGUsBTHfK_YmkiGbENOjchgq9I_eiC3XazpjXmwosD56Xhkpgsjp75mnWqDGcj8WJhViPKcdgsRQvvpmNf/s1600-h/IMG_6338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtGDJ6tg_N1vOeP44FTJLz2lKjK6-2agMlFRq50_cTw1pvsTCzswBPEKHZDGGUsBTHfK_YmkiGbENOjchgq9I_eiC3XazpjXmwosD56Xhkpgsjp75mnWqDGcj8WJhViPKcdgsRQvvpmNf/s400/IMG_6338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334353406400035826" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Cheeseburger, medium rare please. I slathered on some ketchup, Luger sauce, and raw onions and dove in. It was delicious. A bit crumbly, but that just means no bread crumb fillers were added. I housed that burger down! It was a wonderful meaty flavor. I can see why it's known as the best burger in the 5 boros. Definitely a burger I would recommend. I'll be coming back for more!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I ended the afternoon by stopping by Central Park to listen to the <a href="http://www.thatguitarman.com/">guitar man</a> on The Hill. Back to chillin on my fav rock!<br /></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQngTfUJ4EaBKPI_sTEXaYiQjlpEAHBf-h5CUKRRDL-ANZ2K2VjEqNdAwS-oW3Bq2bC7-GoaVd_XjwWPCJpvqGfY8MD09g0l_qyL30l_FgbptokW_FT6EOEi4DpZ_7kJI9H7Veu5PywoxV/s1600-h/IMG_6348.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQngTfUJ4EaBKPI_sTEXaYiQjlpEAHBf-h5CUKRRDL-ANZ2K2VjEqNdAwS-oW3Bq2bC7-GoaVd_XjwWPCJpvqGfY8MD09g0l_qyL30l_FgbptokW_FT6EOEi4DpZ_7kJI9H7Veu5PywoxV/s400/IMG_6348.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334353417074454994" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zSlGuTHnV_4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zSlGuTHnV_4&hl=en&fs=1&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">More videos from this day in the park can be found on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bettyschan">my youtube channel</a>.<br />I'm mentioned in <a href="http://www.thatguitarman.com/archives/2009/05/welcome_back_to.shtml">Guitar Man's blog post</a> about this day, pretty cool.<br /></span>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-32945654332544266042009-05-07T14:23:00.005-04:002009-05-07T15:03:21.221-04:00Tebaya for wings<span style="font-size:85%;">The rain stopped for a bit yesterday just in tome for me to head into the city for wings at<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.goojapan.com/tebaya/index.htm">Tebaya</a> (19th St btw 6th and 7th). They are not coated with a breading and twice fried in soy oil. They are made to order with teba sauce (garlic teriyaki black pepper) and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Great flavor and crunch!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUYp9paXCfCz8RBO8l81UfJagYB-sPqsZCx1reDAR37vXu3VJviHh1DqZOWD8L4Xivxb8mEF4hnMhixChXoh-6aMsbniUhyphenhyphenWAZpxwsPaca91XiO__G2mE7DY_cwpMsjzxJIBE57dPEyO/s1600-h/IMG_6315.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqUYp9paXCfCz8RBO8l81UfJagYB-sPqsZCx1reDAR37vXu3VJviHh1DqZOWD8L4Xivxb8mEF4hnMhixChXoh-6aMsbniUhyphenhyphenWAZpxwsPaca91XiO__G2mE7DY_cwpMsjzxJIBE57dPEyO/s400/IMG_6315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333149574685566370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">crispy on the outside</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmPbZHh4ywIyR2oY3ODUz7nBH3avdwQYUHN5qzSF99jedx1Wt64zF_cHcse9KIN72sR91KAuJ9Hxt02hWUs79TBUldkAciNcKBtJ1cVzZddGMq2X3GhTLm5TlX7RL78EA6UcxktYh5HFe/s1600-h/IMG_6319.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmPbZHh4ywIyR2oY3ODUz7nBH3avdwQYUHN5qzSF99jedx1Wt64zF_cHcse9KIN72sR91KAuJ9Hxt02hWUs79TBUldkAciNcKBtJ1cVzZddGMq2X3GhTLm5TlX7RL78EA6UcxktYh5HFe/s400/IMG_6319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333149583258672274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">moist on the inside</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoEwT_sUSEigqiTc6V4V3M_uEDIjhpSbR8s4SKLMdhA-PtGfbRmeCsdbWaOH0XburTIZqJR7hm818g3KAAS2yp8zsTcMm7hY8Tb1uWV1Z4H714NnJ8hGqx-6Hx3cWoTcHm0hnYXu37c0F/s1600-h/IMG_6322.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoEwT_sUSEigqiTc6V4V3M_uEDIjhpSbR8s4SKLMdhA-PtGfbRmeCsdbWaOH0XburTIZqJR7hm818g3KAAS2yp8zsTcMm7hY8Tb1uWV1Z4H714NnJ8hGqx-6Hx3cWoTcHm0hnYXu37c0F/s400/IMG_6322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333149586071634210" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">yum! now I want more!!!<br /></span></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-76327613712721910592009-05-06T15:44:00.011-04:002009-05-06T16:25:03.865-04:00Lengua and Chorizo Tacos<span style="font-size:85%;">In celebration of Cinco de Mayo and to satisfy a taco craving, my sister and I went to a local hole in the wall Mexico place near work called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cinco-de-mayo-hillsdale">Cinco de Mayo</a>. She's been there before and has been meaning to bring me for a few months. As soon as we walked up to the place I knew I'd love it. It was kind of dingy looking, only a long counter to sit at, and everyone in there was clearly Mexican or a laborer (aka Mexico. ha?). This was definitely not a place you would find Bergen County soccer moms or the 9-5 suits which means it's perfect for me.<br /><br />Everything is made to order, fresh ingredients, and my favoriate, authentic!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3V-57Da3GMy5cfvh2IqEXBNkPcGarlHnIAwXcsI7jZiwKgd7D99qPZ-b_kh5HPbjAPfUKe-6B0HLQK7ZPXKknNX_zL-sU3qugW-vMKQNS3GIxF9wdOxSORrnRMPbAYq7CQBLltmKowFu/s1600-h/IMG_6302.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3V-57Da3GMy5cfvh2IqEXBNkPcGarlHnIAwXcsI7jZiwKgd7D99qPZ-b_kh5HPbjAPfUKe-6B0HLQK7ZPXKknNX_zL-sU3qugW-vMKQNS3GIxF9wdOxSORrnRMPbAYq7CQBLltmKowFu/s400/IMG_6302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332800459409064162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Jarritos (pineapple flavor), Mexican soda that's less carbonated than soda in the US.</span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3RvogR9PzaH3xBCXEIgxFJ4sSbrmq8VizQXSjzk-Hn6SG4NidVVxF4rvAIynIHa0U30uEPBmWwqQdQJI38D-zImc7XhA4IUL38EOhx5D_efXS8zzFWBi_L6RaLlOT4njlwSTZwWDzFGs/s1600-h/IMG_6304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3RvogR9PzaH3xBCXEIgxFJ4sSbrmq8VizQXSjzk-Hn6SG4NidVVxF4rvAIynIHa0U30uEPBmWwqQdQJI38D-zImc7XhA4IUL38EOhx5D_efXS8zzFWBi_L6RaLlOT4njlwSTZwWDzFGs/s400/IMG_6304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332800465500136930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">She made our food. I love open kitchens like this. Fun to watch!</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1tKxXA76UCSukjnhp6szljpsyraVbT9AIX9Jq6d7V09D1WvQ8hRoa-KqpQjlozh3Q3Ca_N39Rmi_yXYCqDWLchZ5jh5ULWsIQj0nLD6M2UZdckb1-ayZMVPbno1ovPGCjgsHhVdvoCan/s1600-h/IMG_6307.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1tKxXA76UCSukjnhp6szljpsyraVbT9AIX9Jq6d7V09D1WvQ8hRoa-KqpQjlozh3Q3Ca_N39Rmi_yXYCqDWLchZ5jh5ULWsIQj0nLD6M2UZdckb1-ayZMVPbno1ovPGCjgsHhVdvoCan/s400/IMG_6307.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332800470190153698" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Chorizo taco, Spanish sausage chopped up and grilled. It was perfect. A bit charred on the edges really brought out the flavor. I get this every time have authentic Mexican food. Still baffles me why they don't serve chorizo at Taco Bell. :)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNnjsDL7zi1-G3oNnTjIXvYm-hF6vd5B6sB5fc-VxCiUAPc6Gq65Bc-eLOK-TQ235TpRiGampqQweQGuLznFKFDJ_gndNQHtbqR-gJNXm_g0uoJTOw4QxznX6CtOW5_WuKYAy_wyfJpT1/s1600-h/IMG_6309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNnjsDL7zi1-G3oNnTjIXvYm-hF6vd5B6sB5fc-VxCiUAPc6Gq65Bc-eLOK-TQ235TpRiGampqQweQGuLznFKFDJ_gndNQHtbqR-gJNXm_g0uoJTOw4QxznX6CtOW5_WuKYAy_wyfJpT1/s400/IMG_6309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332800467894321746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Lenuga taco, lengua is means beef tongue in Spanish. This was my first time having tongue. It was braised and had a subtle flavor. </span>It tasted <span style="font-size:85%;">like slow cooked beef or pork. The meat fell apart in my mouth. It was a bit cartilagey, but since it is braised you didn't get that snap cartilage can have at times. I'm not sure I would get it again just because I like things with a bit more flavor. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Definately a place I can't wait to go back to!</span><br /></div>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-76899440578839501512009-05-02T20:52:00.012-04:002009-05-06T15:13:30.156-04:00That Guitar Man from Central Park<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">I haven't felt really alive for a few months now. So finally, today I had one of those classic "vagabonding Betty" feelings. Carefree, loving life, and in a happy go lucky mood because I experienced something great. What started out as a 25+ mile bike ride from Fort Lee, over the George Washington Bridge, down West Side highway (NYC Greenway), and over to Central Park brought me to <a href="http://www.thatguitarman.com/">David Ippolito, That Guitar Guy from Central Park</a>. This guy is one of the reasons why New York City will always be one of the best cities in the world in my heart. David's been coming out to sing on The Hill by a lake in Central Park for the past 18 years. He plays on the weekends once the weather hits above 60.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQTOzmEjGabCbMrPLTWYaDOhIsEVbxZpiI_r-msV_VEmK-FgFgh826xWORAJ2HTNLCOyU0OM-KQJ_sLpakcEaL5MvWbrb-3Z2HArGUL3IQcAADz2ESX4l_6Sypa4VO4WWDDfx2Et27ZL8/s1600-h/IMG_6287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQTOzmEjGabCbMrPLTWYaDOhIsEVbxZpiI_r-msV_VEmK-FgFgh826xWORAJ2HTNLCOyU0OM-KQJ_sLpakcEaL5MvWbrb-3Z2HArGUL3IQcAADz2ESX4l_6Sypa4VO4WWDDfx2Et27ZL8/s400/IMG_6287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331402708571471842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">sitting on my rock. view and my bike in front of me</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhxcahEowsMecSUq3Ong0DWD_gJkYiGFipUpcmmM24e1oaWvofF2bYZY3RJMmAe9PnGpTBqZfmWUEJhKfqCWmrK1pDAk_YZAM0WrcfshmmdDXJTKqVjWahxyEOz9VRJhs4Q2U2H1YS9YP/s1600-h/IMG_6288.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhxcahEowsMecSUq3Ong0DWD_gJkYiGFipUpcmmM24e1oaWvofF2bYZY3RJMmAe9PnGpTBqZfmWUEJhKfqCWmrK1pDAk_YZAM0WrcfshmmdDXJTKqVjWahxyEOz9VRJhs4Q2U2H1YS9YP/s400/IMG_6288.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331402714507597538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">view to my immediate left</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwMeGQzHf6VeZ0Uq_phhUQ68k9PFXW07cMknS5QgQCKLmvG4STWrdNgY6DPpmtY7frtkkFcZ2_8HOei4yOVLuVkYPSx0eeME-QuCPFPn96ITlLLAdXt5jDNTgy4iXVDGi5vKpey2nZqqG/s1600-h/IMG_6289.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwMeGQzHf6VeZ0Uq_phhUQ68k9PFXW07cMknS5QgQCKLmvG4STWrdNgY6DPpmtY7frtkkFcZ2_8HOei4yOVLuVkYPSx0eeME-QuCPFPn96ITlLLAdXt5jDNTgy4iXVDGi5vKpey2nZqqG/s400/IMG_6289.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331402717143326034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">love days like today (minus the allergies)</span><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I couldn't think of a better way to spend sunny afternoons like today. As soon as I biked into Central Park I heard someone performing "Blowing in the Wind." Being a fan of live music, I rode over to check it out for what I thought would be a few minutes. I was surprised to find a good size crowd laying on a hill watching a guy putting on a simple acoustic show. Perfect. This screams Betty Chan. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/15/opinion/concert-in-the-park.html?scp=4&sq=david+ippolito&st=nyt">Love live music, acoustic guitar, sunny afternoons, and laying around to enjoy life. </a>I scouted out the area and found the perfect spot to plant myself and my bike for the next two hours. I spotted the most awesome rock on the side, perfect for me to lean back and listen to David. He performed some covers and some originals. The crowd loved his James Taylor-esque voice. You can sense the happiness and relaxation in the air. I'll definitely be back to see David a bunch this summer.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><object width="445" height="364"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YER747BOe_U&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YER747BOe_U&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="445" height="364"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />...check out<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/bettyschan"> my youtube page</a> for more videos of That Guy from Central Park. </span>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-79174801912424929292009-04-09T22:15:00.007-04:002009-04-10T13:38:33.079-04:00Betty buys a backpack!<span style="font-size:85%;">After four months in Australia, four months in Europe, and two weeks in Spain, I've finally decided to buy my own pack instead of borrowing from a very kind friend. It's taken months of research and hunting down the right sale with free shopping, but it's arrived! The <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/WaypointSeries/Waypoint60Womens/">Osprey Women's Waypoint 60</a> is my new love!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW3aWNF08ZkDEaf1-9fpk4411YzXbG6Z-WFe7xx-CanE_Zr0MBct_tCzc3zXCAsRKK7Uu3BbUBgk93MeOSgdHRTcLNWsJG6GdFtextPticGit4-xuReg9bjsbkgrsCe9Yjym94ZY0nXMD/s1600-h/IMG_6205.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW3aWNF08ZkDEaf1-9fpk4411YzXbG6Z-WFe7xx-CanE_Zr0MBct_tCzc3zXCAsRKK7Uu3BbUBgk93MeOSgdHRTcLNWsJG6GdFtextPticGit4-xuReg9bjsbkgrsCe9Yjym94ZY0nXMD/s400/IMG_6205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322890408041292818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJR8jEGSJkFlJqPzjy-0BJz9y4N5OV6_jmSVeSLWA0ukU7UFhUfavfkAE_MlWoN8pwIGt05mq0wjeKNZeKFltZbUU3Q3HMJdpCL3tOsIZvO37AmGpPzjIIBE1ueIp_7Uyj_i4hCUtpAno/s1600-h/IMG_6198.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJR8jEGSJkFlJqPzjy-0BJz9y4N5OV6_jmSVeSLWA0ukU7UFhUfavfkAE_MlWoN8pwIGt05mq0wjeKNZeKFltZbUU3Q3HMJdpCL3tOsIZvO37AmGpPzjIIBE1ueIp_7Uyj_i4hCUtpAno/s400/IMG_6198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322890402910553378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here are the specs I looked for when choosing a pack:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Size:</span> I was looking for something in the 60-75 liter range. The pack Lowe Alpine I borrowed for Europe was the perfect size. Not too big and not too small. Let's face it, I'm not a big girl, which means my clothes aren't very big. When packing for extended travel, I'd likely pack the same amount for a two week trip as I would for a four month trip, minimalist lifestyle. Ideally, I wanted something that I could bring as a carry on if I wanted to. I have no issue with heights or flying, but when it comes to trusting airlines with my checked luggage... That's when the issues start.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Detachable Day Pack:</span> A detachable day pack was something I definitely wanted for the pack. When on the road, I can dump the main pack at the hostel for the day and explore the city with just the day pack. The Waypoint day pack is a bit on the small side, but I think it will be fine. It's still big enough to fit my current laptop. I did some spec searching online and my future Macbook will fit without issue as well.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lockable: </span>I didn't want a top loading pack. Finding things on the whim can make top loaders a bit of a hassle. I wanted a pack that would open like a suitcase. It would also need to have zippers that would allow me to lock the whole pack. This brings us back to me being paranoid about luggage being lost and riffled through. The main and day packs of the Waypoint are both lockable.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Water proof/resistant: </span>Ideally, I would have liked a pack with a built in rain cover, but this wasn't a huge issue. I probably only used the rain cover 2-3 times when in Europe. The Waypoint is water resistant which is good enough considering I pack all my clothes and belongings in zip lock bags when backpacking. They do sell separate rain covers if this is something I find I really need.<br /><br />I'm ready to hit the road!<br /><br /><br /></span>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-8326844390268794972009-03-28T01:55:00.017-04:002009-04-05T22:20:48.696-04:00A Visit to the Far East, Taiwan!<span style="font-size:85%;">It had been over 10 year since I've last visited Taiwan. The land where my mother, uncles, aunts, and some cousins grew up. Most don't know this, but I lived in Taiwan for a year and a half when I was a kid (born in the US though). It had been over ten years since I'd last been back. Much had changed, but I was happy to see a lot was still the same.<br />The feeling of reconnecting with your roots and to see the places where your family grew up is incredible. I'm so proud of the long history, customs, food, respect, family values, language, and did I mention food? There is such a long history of my people and to go back and learn more about it from my mom, uncle, and cousins makes me even more proud. After the second day I was already thinking in Chinese, that didn't take too long! For those that don't know, I speak Mandarin fluently and lived in Taiwan as an expat kid from 1988 to 1990. My dad relocated the family to Taiwan for work and I attended a prestigious American school that I hated. I walk away from that experience learning that expat kids are for the most part stuck up snotty brats.<br />Every time I come back I am reminded of the differences between the US and the far east. I wish more Americans would travel outside of the western world and see how lucky they are to live comfortable US. I want people to experience the fruit and veggie markets, the night markets, the different foods, and the hard working people who are doing what they can to rise their family. It's not always about doing what you love, but doing what you need to do to feed your family. Sitting in an air conditioned office on a comfy chair typing away doesn't seem as bad if you think about hardworking people working under the hot Taiwan sun in the extreme humidity. Or think about the man scooping hop soup from a hot cauldron all night long. I wondered how he lost a chunk of flesh from his forearm... Moral of the story? Sometimes we need to just shut the hell up and do our work. Be grateful for what we have and quit bitching.<br />The food was flavorful and reminded me that Taiwan is the country that best fits my palate. </span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --></style><span style="font-size:85%;">I ate so much I think I may have hurt my insides. Here's a quick overview. Please see my facebook for many, many more!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqg_Z_j74uj0a5OGX02p92ln-wA3J4ES5sYoVu6x23jyobWGSAdT1640zQh5EU4bGfbc01mXf3yMjfCL7blwULBNTfeJX2AhRVnric_HG5K3m09jL23eIb7nfdVzwWzcfT4h872BLymtZ/s1600-h/IMG_5794.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqg_Z_j74uj0a5OGX02p92ln-wA3J4ES5sYoVu6x23jyobWGSAdT1640zQh5EU4bGfbc01mXf3yMjfCL7blwULBNTfeJX2AhRVnric_HG5K3m09jL23eIb7nfdVzwWzcfT4h872BLymtZ/s400/IMG_5794.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318125900322003090" border="0" /></a>Sao bing you tiao. Sesame pancake w/ fried soybean cruller<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnpZQbpQVAtBjNWVBzERg0BW53R8QczN7iVtMQjlPxpg1o9g5kwrWpiPz1h4HXrtY5X_HGNR4tLl7QXbglPhmRjZarQUubG1KmtHjpeHleC4BjY6i56zBoDVA793FoFmoThV9IobAvdzK/s1600-h/IMG_5651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnpZQbpQVAtBjNWVBzERg0BW53R8QczN7iVtMQjlPxpg1o9g5kwrWpiPz1h4HXrtY5X_HGNR4tLl7QXbglPhmRjZarQUubG1KmtHjpeHleC4BjY6i56zBoDVA793FoFmoThV9IobAvdzK/s400/IMG_5651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318125887616122802" border="0" /></a>morning market in Banciao</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpGQj6lnpjnWc1GapCzq3HbHB5989oX0rbVqWWBYDWxLfLdtK_dtbiz39qsnZILMxvydgD1dUaMpTTxzNSq4p3c2ySBGhTwe8PkTT-3HvgwqEDef7E9XmlAOGnkL3v28Q7V8utJf3m8RH/s1600-h/IMG_5609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpGQj6lnpjnWc1GapCzq3HbHB5989oX0rbVqWWBYDWxLfLdtK_dtbiz39qsnZILMxvydgD1dUaMpTTxzNSq4p3c2ySBGhTwe8PkTT-3HvgwqEDef7E9XmlAOGnkL3v28Q7V8utJf3m8RH/s400/IMG_5609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318125878614681250" border="0" /></a>Banciao night market. Yes, that is a tub of raw chicken out in the open.</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztcXpWVZLhkKYqtclXIQNVo1DrV6UbeitfG_dT1O704h3TvucyKdjuWdor4gB6ZZAhD9C6ImQ5AUArBdxzJ7-xQ_fLq-kQ32k9HF2Qx13ZFO54Xp2Eg-aKAP-SCbkYkBI3ootO_9Ue-8W/s1600-h/IMG_5966.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztcXpWVZLhkKYqtclXIQNVo1DrV6UbeitfG_dT1O704h3TvucyKdjuWdor4gB6ZZAhD9C6ImQ5AUArBdxzJ7-xQ_fLq-kQ32k9HF2Qx13ZFO54Xp2Eg-aKAP-SCbkYkBI3ootO_9Ue-8W/s400/IMG_5966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321382005604863122" border="0" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></a><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >oink oink</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j32V6i_bi7sjZLHhSNe9wY7lJERvoNReZCuEBZycmrA4ajgWofq7Zd9Cn6HKj05ko2O3T2vgJmdtUESyh7u5IJukJ6ZMtIUnfoR7MrhU8eiTr_09kKJNtSQdjEd5XKytortTxI0dF1cv/s1600-h/IMG_6028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j32V6i_bi7sjZLHhSNe9wY7lJERvoNReZCuEBZycmrA4ajgWofq7Zd9Cn6HKj05ko2O3T2vgJmdtUESyh7u5IJukJ6ZMtIUnfoR7MrhU8eiTr_09kKJNtSQdjEd5XKytortTxI0dF1cv/s400/IMG_6028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321382009885482914" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">pork blood popsicle</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Eyd5qw2IVocBxal37x4MjYvN_tOVz_7dwkJMpPjxZsUrGRzZOG4TkAmi3G7ly0xD_J2kSm6h9FyU0zyo3rVfVGVcFOUGTpqh4D7RPXIPc-qEqIMO-7HNJBZHHGmKdITIHGMaBqpbAx00/s1600-h/IMG_6013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Eyd5qw2IVocBxal37x4MjYvN_tOVz_7dwkJMpPjxZsUrGRzZOG4TkAmi3G7ly0xD_J2kSm6h9FyU0zyo3rVfVGVcFOUGTpqh4D7RPXIPc-qEqIMO-7HNJBZHHGmKdITIHGMaBqpbAx00/s400/IMG_6013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321382011538389442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">stinky tofu</span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;">I'm happy to report that my Mandarin improved and actually made me want to work on my reading and writing... I think some time in China and Taiwan is in order. Get down to exploring the roots of my people. We'll see if this comes to fruition.<br />With every trip to Taiwan, the most important thing is to go and visit my grandparents gravesite. There is great tradition and practice behind what happens to those that pass. It is desirable to be buried on a mountain, the higher on the mountain the better. And the better the feng shui the better. My grandparent's are buried on YangMingSan. It is the mountain where government officials and the weathy purchase their plots. My grandfather was a a Congressman for Taiwan. It is tradition to bring incense (three for each person visiting), Chinese burning money, flowers, and food. The flowers and food are displayed and the incense is lit. Each person gets three to hold with both hands, everyone bows three times, and says their piece. Afterward, the Chinese paper money is burned n a little hut at the foot of the site. The purpose of this is to send money up to my grandparents. You call out, "Come, come and get the money."</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4KBsKHO7Q4AxDT1SKk-06i1vmIKoOMNqthTNpmlY-ZcyEgCZi39emUaKeH79o_Sx5q-aVoQSpIhn8iurkFMCfDZIjAracs5BViEAZgvPSGoVuyYEaKXlXpxZCJh0hOh2-V9PVh-cJfcG/s1600-h/IMG_5698.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4KBsKHO7Q4AxDT1SKk-06i1vmIKoOMNqthTNpmlY-ZcyEgCZi39emUaKeH79o_Sx5q-aVoQSpIhn8iurkFMCfDZIjAracs5BViEAZgvPSGoVuyYEaKXlXpxZCJh0hOh2-V9PVh-cJfcG/s400/IMG_5698.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321379610894585490" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHarQEbe6eSMn5F3A09jNijseSde1HG45uVN2VuqQsdv3XubAeqq8LrZf3LPAzJIDHIN_cRj2M3lpF0olWwEuoVkQmiqDlRZs23S9hCfTPQxOP7mbVm81RAsrVNFOiD646t0CG3Wx69l2/s1600-h/IMG_5702.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHarQEbe6eSMn5F3A09jNijseSde1HG45uVN2VuqQsdv3XubAeqq8LrZf3LPAzJIDHIN_cRj2M3lpF0olWwEuoVkQmiqDlRZs23S9hCfTPQxOP7mbVm81RAsrVNFOiD646t0CG3Wx69l2/s400/IMG_5702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321379612592385490" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I remember doing this as a kid on hot, humid <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Taiwan</st1:place></st1:country-region> summer days and being scared of getting too close to the fire when throwing the money in. You can only leave after the incense is burned 2/3 of the way through. The groundskeeper for my grandparent’s lot came by to say hello and chatted with my Mom and Uncle Charles. I got a small lesson on mountains like YangMingSan and things you should and should not do from my Cousin Michelle and Nicole. I learned that you are supposed to point at or take pictures of other people’s plots. You should care for the plots of the dead. My family pays the groundskeeper to upkeep my grandparent’s site; not every family does this. I saw many plots on other areas that were a complete mess. The shrubbery was overgrown, weeds that needed to be pulled, rubbish in the plot, broken tombstones from earthquakes and wear and tear. It was really quiet sad that their families haven’t taken care of them after they pass.<br />Every time I come back I am reminded of the differences between the <st1:country-region st="on">Eastern and Western Worlds</st1:country-region>. The norms and cultures are so different. I like the reminder. </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:10;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSTwYD0J8i1HZlVwfHa7ZKXtPRMLnDZr72LZ56I1jVSuaPJpmXDgC446YJ8EbEc2XqgUHCTdHSaHqS9pM9mEIXvFFvAFX1SgVjAa3B1m21f7K9M7eG4ailJxpimQTnvrKFgh_ZtWcEGqj/s1600-h/IMG_5698.JPG"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Georgia;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> </a></span></p>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-67125779573689642032009-03-13T18:23:00.008-04:002009-03-29T17:22:45.772-04:00New York to California in five hours!<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="font-family: georgia;" rel="File-List" href="file:///D:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5Cbschan%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:85%;" ><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><style id="dynCom" type="text/css"><!-- --></style><script language="JavaScript"><!-- function msoCommentShow(anchor_id, com_id) { if(msoBrowserCheck()) { c = document.all(com_id); 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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Travel karma, a term I started using when I gallivanted solo around <st1:place st="on">Europe</st1:place> for four months back in 2006. </span><span class="MsoCommentReference" style="font-size:85%;"><a class="msocomanchor" id="_anchor_1" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1529194766645826645#_msocom_1" language="JavaScript" name="_msoanchor_1"></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I attempted to describe travel karma here, but I just can't seem to get the words out right. So if we are ever on the road together or you hit me in the right mood; we can have a big discussion about my thoughts on travel karma. In the mean time, this post is a classic example of it.
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The life of Vagabonding Betty in the past 16 hours. I’m scheduled to fly from EWR to SNA at 5:30pm with my beloved Continental. I had slight is<st1:personname st="on">sue</st1:personname>s checking my bag and snowboard, got through a packed security line (even on Elite Status), and made it to the gate, shoes untied, and 10 minutes before boarding. My modus operandi is to make my first stop at the gate and ask if they are looking for volunteers to be bumped to the next flight. It works out 75% of the time and ideal for those that have a flexible schedule and looking to earn some travel vouchers. I’m told there are already three volunteers, but they would put my name on the standby list. The travel voucher would be for $300, the exact price that the flight cost. Sweet, I take a seat, start up my laptop, insert my <a href="http://mobileoffice.about.com/od/remoteaccesssolutions/g/aircard.htm" style="">aircard</a>, and start answering work emails. Hey, might as well be productive while I wait. I may be a part-time vagabonder but I’m also a member of corporate <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">They announce the flight will be delayed so I walk up to the agent and ask what the status is on getting bumped. He said he wasn’t sure yet, but needed a favor. They wanted me to switch my window seat for a middle seat so a couple could sit together. The wife is skittish about flying and wanted to sit with her husband, amateur travelers. I hesitate for a second and agree since I didn’t plan on sleeping anyways. He thanked me, promised he would do something nice for me as thanks. I didn’t go sit down and instead stood at the next counter working while I waited. There were two business men between the counter and me waiting for a standby seat, picture typical heavy set, balding, hot shot rude American business men. They go on to talk about ski trips with their families, work, and complained about the standby process. Meanwhile, the Continental agent is standing there the whole time within ear shot. These men need to learn to not talk shit to people that they need something from. The agent comes over to me and whispers, “I’m going to bump it up to $400.” Sweet! A little while later, the obnoxious business men board and I continue to wait. The agent comes over to me, comments about the behavior of the men; we laugh about it and gives me the good news that he’s able to process the bump*. We chat about his work, my work, and the funny things that he sees. He ends up bumping my voucher up to $500, $20 in food vouchers, and a hotel for the night which I passed on. The agent re-booked me on the next flight at 8:30am tomorrow morning and I return home a happy traveler. </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Which brings me to today, I’m currently sitting my flight scheduled for 8:30am (enjoying a vodka club*). The agent yesterday was nice enough to set me up in seat 14F, extended leg room! It’s not first class, but I didn’t want to push the travel karma by putting myself on the first class standby list. Plus, there are three little kids in first class so I figured 14F was the better option anyways.
<br /></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvmZggRufvBz6B7v1YUk3ZXAqSaT1A45pLPa2Wje27lgrB3H1v2LN-tNuv2Q42CfhM_oFl1KUiYPxxQDHzPrVJK7oKjBXz-JWuyhd52fo5HyI6rk_dpLEWxwF8Jl6CVea7vhcKtyj9Cvb/s1600-h/IMG_5572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqvmZggRufvBz6B7v1YUk3ZXAqSaT1A45pLPa2Wje27lgrB3H1v2LN-tNuv2Q42CfhM_oFl1KUiYPxxQDHzPrVJK7oKjBXz-JWuyhd52fo5HyI6rk_dpLEWxwF8Jl6CVea7vhcKtyj9Cvb/s400/IMG_5572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312837763599976402" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The flight ended up getting delayed for over an hour on the runway, but you know me, I happily entertained myself on my CrackBerry. As we’re waiting on the runaway a man behind me calls the flight attendant over and starts complaining about the fumes coming through the vents, the filtration design on the plane, the delayed flight, and air traffic. The pretty flight attendant, Mary, responded in a way more professional fashion than I would have been able to. She kindly explained that it’s from the fumes of the planes in front of us, the NYC area is busy especially on Fridays, and if he wanted to avoid it to fly out of <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Omaha</st1:place></st1:city>. Then to my surprise, she mentions the Louis CK appearance on Conan!
<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyHQmI6hpZdRdBIDUpj77WHGvkRdhPTlU52ke1h6b0raQBTGErHx_-hB6WDO6dY97Bnd8pTFHNoN25iy_qohQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Coincidentally, I just saw it last week. I butt in being the professional at eavesdropping that I am and joined their conversation. I agreed with Mary and told the unhappy travelers they need to see this video. After watching the video I had vowed to never complain about flying again. Mary and I share a look while the man bitched about how he’s going to write to Continental telling them he’s never going to fly them again and to have them replace the air filters on their planes. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">I chuckled, put my headphones on and thought how “everything is amazing, nobody is happy.” </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">So, I realize the post is getting a bit long, but it was an unreal experience that I had to share. We eventually took off and I ask the two Southern women, with their big hair, wearing blingin watches, rings and gloves(?) sitting next to me if they can get up so I can go to the bathroom. They shoot me a dirty look, but manage to make their way out of their seats and into the aisle so I can go brush my teeth and pee. I get one more dirty look, so I turn and say, “I’m sorry for your inconvenience, but I think you’ll be OK.” </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I go to the bathroom and make a pit stop to chat with Mary before heading back to my seat. We are cracking up about the “non-contributing zeros.” She introduces me to Ahmad and I hang out with them in the back for a bit*. They tell me about some of the funny things that have happened to them on flights and I am reminded of my childhood dream of being a flight attendant. Hey, I’ve been flying since I was a baby and used to love the airplane food! Yes, my palette is much more experienced now and I no longer enjoy the food, just the beverages ;) </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">I return to my seat and along come Mary and Ahmad with the food and beverage carts. They give me preferential treatment, we chat and exchange some laughs, and the passengers around me are in shock. The Southern women are confused and the dirty looks end once they realize I’m tight with the crew. I partook in the miracle of human flight sipping on free vodka clubs, suckaaasssss.
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<br /></span></p><div style="font-family: lucida grande;font-family:courier new;" ><!--[endif]--> <div style=""><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--> <div id="_com_1" class="msocomtxt" language="JavaScript" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_1','_com_1')" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_1')"><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--><a name="_msocom_1"></a><!--[endif]--></span></div></div><div style=""><div id="_com_2" class="msocomtxt" language="JavaScript" onmouseover="msoCommentShow('_anchor_2','_com_2')" onmouseout="msoCommentHide('_com_2')"><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div> <!--[endif]--></div> </div> Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1529194766645826645.post-73912702177999820932009-03-12T22:11:00.000-04:002009-03-13T20:12:48.760-04:00What is Vagabonding?<span style="font-size:100%;">After years of traveling and backpacking solo over ten countries, I'm doing it. I'm starting a blog to share with the public my travels, thoughts, stories, encounters, pictures, travel advice, etc. Long over due, but hey, better late than never.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;">So it would only be right to give some background on this term "vagabonding". It's coined by Betty Chan, haha kidding, well kinda... I had heard about this book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vagabonding-Uncommon-Guide-Long-Term-Travel/dp/0812992180/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1236911091&sr=8-1">Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long Term World Travel</a>" by Rolf Potts. My heart basically was bursting from my chest as I read this book. Rolf had taken all my views and opinions on long </span><span style="font-size:100%;">term backpacking </span><span style="font-size:100%;">and published into a 224 page book. A book that I've encouraged my fellow traveling buddies to read. But to be honest, I think only one has read it, and I think he skimmed it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYJVyYkUgjJj4yUqgnwZYUjN9E-aY6wSyVkiOPjGATZyaprmogynw43ZNQYhNOSxSC2b0c1vpWVOobNcLHfEAdvCdMoRmNqAKzXcapmGTtWscnpUTJ4GOaHgK5zuTGS_-iZKKtfp7jILY/s1600-h/vagdef.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYJVyYkUgjJj4yUqgnwZYUjN9E-aY6wSyVkiOPjGATZyaprmogynw43ZNQYhNOSxSC2b0c1vpWVOobNcLHfEAdvCdMoRmNqAKzXcapmGTtWscnpUTJ4GOaHgK5zuTGS_-iZKKtfp7jILY/s400/vagdef.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312497449203790114" border="0" /></a></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;">Vagabonding, it's my pr</span><span style="font-size:100%;">e</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ferred method of travel (solo backpacking to be exact). There's a sense of freedom that I've never been able t</span><span style="font-size:100%;">o </span><span style="font-size:100%;">find elsewhere. To rely on your own wits and to create the experience for yourself. It feeds my soul and keeps me </span><span style="font-size:100%;">feeling alive. So </span><span style="font-size:100%;">here, you will find my stories and travels around the world. I can't guarantee the posts will be grammatically correct, but I can promise they will be filled with entertaining stories of the situations I find myself in, people I meet, food I discover, and all the goodness in life the world has to offer if you just go out and find it.<br /></span>Bettyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06312863071889347059noreply@blogger.com0