I am...

Hey there. Felt the urge to blog today - is that a documented medical condition yet? Anyways, I've missed having the time (or making the time, more accurately) to write and connect with you fine people. So here is a new method I'm trying (inspired by Orchid Grey) to organize my thoughts on the week.

by Etsy artist mylittlepixels

This week I am:

Dreaming about...going someplace - preferably warm. I'm having a major travel bug attack and I just want to play hookey, pack a bag, and jet. Also, anyone have tips for finding what the cheapest flights are from your departure airport? I don't care where, I just want to GO!

Planning for ... duh, THE WEDDING! Found a wonderful florist, had engagement photos (round II) taken by our fabulous photographer, and just generally getting stuff done. Also excited to throw my best friend her wedding shower next month!

Excited about ... learning Photoshop! I needed to for work, but taking the classes and practicing on my own has been really rewarding and I feel that I'm gaining a really marketable skill. Props for professional development!

Stressed about ... Oh, just getting things done. Like save the dates, invitations, guest list, band/dj (the ongoing debate), bridesmaids dresses, catering contracts, decor, showers. And having to have opinions on EVERYTHING.

Grateful for ... Spending time with special people. Seeing my grandparents. Meeting florists with my mom. Brunch with my girl Dana. Sunday nights with my SB family. And every evening with my love. I'm a lucky girl.

Proud of ... Matt and me! We are doing so well on our healthy living goals. Combined, we've lost about 50 pounds. I can't wait to get our measurements taken again to see how many inches we've lost, too.

Personal goal ... Make a photobook. Read this post by Younghouselove and got instantly stressed that we a.) almost never take pictures and b.) almost never do things with the pictures we have. We are making so many memories this year that I want to preserve them.

Praying for ... People and animals out in the cold. This winter is just brutal and everyday I'm grateful for being inside and warm.

Ok, and now the fluffy stuff:

Reading ... The Twelve, by Justin Cronin. This deserves a whole post on its own, but read the first in the series, The Passage, rightnow.

Watching ... Um not much. No Modern Family or Nashville episodes last night, wtf? Top Chef is over (what a crappy finale, too). I don't know what to do with myself. At least the season finale of Mindy was awesome.

Listening to.... Other than "Thrift Shop," I'm enjoying my Pitch Perfect Pandora station. What? A Capella is hot right now.

Let's Go: Baku

Do you guys read GOOP? It's Gwyneth Palrow's "lifestyle" newsletter. It's kind of ridiculous, but what the heck - I like getting messages in by inbox that are, to some extent, sent to me by a movie star. A lot of the recommendations are insane - recipes that take 5 hours and a team of trained personal chefs to complete, $150 t-shirts that are just perfect, etc. etc. - it's definitely a glimpse into a world totally unknown to me.

Today's edition offered websites that Gwyneth and her minions recommend we read. One led me to this article about traveling to Azerbaijin. So question of they day: is Baku, Azerbaijin a potential honeymoon destination? Let's discuss.

Baku, here

A little background on Baku: the city's wealth and prominence was founded in the era of the Silk Road, when Baku was a central hub between Europe and East Asia. Baku's wealth continued to grow in the modern era as a major center of oil processing.

Hotels in this modern city are luxurious - and familiar. Big brands like Marriott and Hyatt have new locations in Baku - score one: I can use my Marriott points!

Marriott Baku

Score two: Historical Sights

Maiden Tower, Baku

Completed in the 12th century, the Maiden Tower is one of the most notable attractions in Baku's Old Town - an area complete with winding alleys, minarets and markets. Sounds like my kind of destination.

Baku

In striking contrast to the medieval sights of Old Town are the European-styled promenades of the newer neighborhoods, constructed by the Soviets. Doesn't this almost look like a shot from Paris? Score three. There's also a major focus on modern architecture in the city - clearly, lots to see.

Finally, there are plenty of attractions outside the city of Baku - beaches on the Caspian Sea, petroglyphs in Gobustan National Park, and beautiful mountain vistas.

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So what do you think? Would you go to Baku for a honeymoon - or anytime? You know me, I'm game!!

Bucket List

We spent this weekend in NYC to celebrate my mom's 60th bday (oh, and my 26th). Sure, I got to go along, but the real impetus was for mom to check a dream off her bucket list to commemorate this big bday.

What did we check off, you ask?

Her dream, the one thing in all the world she wanted to do to celebrate her birthday? See the ROCKETTES.

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Hey, we all have our things, right? That was my general attitude leading up to the trip. But after seeing them - these beautiful, dancing dolls - my one conclusion: WOW.

The rockettes are amazing, y'all - and not just in a retro "wow, look at that" way. No. I have seen ballerinas. I have seen modern dance troupes. Jeez, I've even been in STEP dance troupe. And never have I seen such precision, such total control and exactness in dance. It was artistry. Sure, it was dolled up with some cheesy fun - Santa was involved, as well as 3D glasses. But nothing could overshadow that amazing dancing.

This was pretty surreal...

Except maybe the look on my mom's face as she clapped and cheered each impressive scene. Watching someone check one off the bucket-list? Also pretty fabulous.

Other general observations about NYC:

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• The YOTEL is a trip - mini cabin rooms, everything automated - from the bed to the check-in and the robotic luggage storage center... in all honesty, probably way to hip for us (we were turned away from the "club" area and we giggled at the all-to-hip elevator tunes - but it was a definite experience. For uber stark luxury, try the Andaz New York, where the 'rents stayed. Also an experience.
• Thanks to HB's recommendation, we hit the Christmas Market at Union Square. Awesome - best shopping I've done in NYC so far.

• I need to spend a week in the MET - too much art, too little time. The musical instrument display was particularly neat, as was pretending to be Harry and Sally in the Egyptian temple room.

• Fifth Avenue in December is disgusting. The mass of humanity,coupled with the live, semi-naked models in Hollister and the general stench of overcooked Middle Eastern street-food = time for me to find a quiet bar and a tall drink.
• Seeing old friends is the best thing, especially around Christmas.
• NYC is a great place to visit, but I sure as heck couldn't live there....:)

Venice Underwater

Have you guys ever been to Venice? It's probably one of my favorite cities IN THE WORLD. It's incredibly beautiful and romantic -made even more so by the fact that it is, quite literally, sinking; disappering slowly, day by day. While part of me hates to even dream of a world where Venice no longer exists - or does so only in a mythical way as a modern-day Atlantis under the water, part of me believes this ephemeral quality makes the city all the more precious. I love the twisted, single-lane corridors, the majestic, swaying town-homes, and the sweet-stink of the canal water.

All that said, this is the most disgusting thing I've seen in a while: 

Venice, hit by an overwhelming amount of rain, is even more underwater than usual. And some brave (STUPID) visitors have taken the opportunity to swim in an unlikely place: the Piazzo San Marco - also known as the dirtiest, grimiest, most pigeon-ridden place in Venice (and likely Europe). A bajillion dirty tourists compete with a bajillion filthy pigeons to make this one of the worst places imaginable to take swim. Enjoy histoplasmosis, friends.

* All photos via The Atlantic, here.

PS the only thing that makes pigeons bearable...

Foreign Flicks

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So, here's how cool my friends are. Right now I have one friend in Paris doing a Fulbright study (Hi Ash!) and basically living the Parisian life of crossaints tous les jours and another old schoolmate who is taking a year to travel the world - starting in Japan and moving west (Go Jessica!). So I'm incredibly lucky to be following along on their adventures via their blogs - the next best thing to actually body snatching them and taking their fun adventures for my own!

The crazy thing is yesterday they BOTH posted about a seemingly simple experience: going to see a movie. But, of course they were both doing that in a foreign country (lucky dogs)-so naturally, their experiences weren't quite what they expected.

Ashley, in France, was disappointed that the popcorn was not accompanied by our compulsory neon yellow liquid artificial butter and that car ads displaced her favorite previews. Jessica, in India, enjoyed the assigned seating in her 1500-seat theatre - plus the crowd participation!

I love going to the movies in countries I visit - some tourists may think it's a waste of time when there are so many sights to check off the list - but if you're someplace a little longer it's a great break from the hustle and bustle. Plus, as these two bloggers experienced, it's a great way to discover nuances of a foreign culture that you might not otherwise see. In India, I remember the assigned seating (awesome!) as well as one particularly enjoyable snack - boiled corn (not popped!) with a variety of flavors. Of course, being me, I spilled mine all over the steps. I also remember seeing Avatar in a Tokyo theater where everything was super super modern and super super crowded. I got sick from the 3-d glasses and the heat of all the people in one small theatre. Anyways, just thought I'd share the coincidence of these two bloggers writing about the same kind of experience thousands of miles apart - and pass along their fun blogs to you!

Daily Photos

Is there a city you love as a second home? That you think about often - even feel homesick for?
That's how I feel about Bangalore. Located in the south Indian state of Karnataka, this booming city has an incredibly vibrant economy yet still maintains many of the traditions of the region. It's an amazing place where every turned corner brings something new - be it construction for a brand new fast train or a lovingly maintained neighborhood shrine. I haven't been back to Bangalore in 4 years, so I keep in touch thanks to Rajesh Dangi's photo blog Bangalore Daily Photo. Walking around the city, camera in hand, Rajesh captures simple moments that the average person might simply miss - but that the homesick traveler will surely love.  

Roadside breakfast - idli sambar.

Fish seller sipping chai

Selling pots and pans

Lalbagh Gardens

Rangoli

Evening stroll in Lalbagh

Homesick for another city? Check out daily photos from Paris, Chicago, London, Cairo and Shanghai.

Bon Voyage!

Ok, folks! I'm off on my big adventure to Paris! Everything is packed and ready (though I'm known to throw an armful of junk in at the last minute-resist!resist!) I try to be thoughtful in my packing - I don't want to lug a bunch of stuff around and I certainly need extra room to bring home souvenirs (lifetime supply of macarons anybody?) Thought you might like a peak into my suitcase - since you can't have a ride in it.

Carry-on: This is a great Vera Bradley bag with lots of pockets. 

Clockwise from Left: One novel, noise cancelling headphones (Bose), travel journal, deck of cards, gum, magazines (my favorite travel reading), Emergen-C packets, toiletries, travel wallet, pouch with odds and ends (chapstick, tylenol, etc.) Oh, and I got a pedicure ;).

Suitcase: I'm taking one carry-on size bag. No checked baggage if I can help it!

Clockwise from Left: Guidebook and novel (I've since nixed the novel - one is enough!), underthings, granola bars, electrical stuff (chargers, international cell phone, etc.), PJs, pair of nice shoes for evenings, 2 easy dresses, 4 short sleeved shirts, 2 pairs of comfy-cute jeans (I'll wear one on the plane), walking shoes, toiletry case. Not pictured: black rain coat.

Here's how it all looks packed in. I added long sleeve shirt and a day purse at the last minute. I like to fold bigger pieces or things that get wrinkly and roll the rest. 

And here's my travel outfit. I like to wear a jacket so I don't have to pack it.  The black lump on the left is a nice corduroy blazer that looks chic with everything. Stretchy jeggings, a tee and my walking shoes make the whole outfit. Oh, and a pair of fuzzy socks I'll change into when it gets cold!

Getting through the airport is never fun but it doesn't have to be a hassle. I keep things like my toiletries and computer on the top or outside pockets so I can hurl those out the minute I get to security. My goal is never to hold up a line in an airport, so if that means taking my belt off and unlacing my shoes 5 minutes early, so be it. And it never hurts to smile at the security folks....

Bon Voyage, all! I'll try to update with some pics while I'm away.

Quintland?

Travel seems like one of those things that people always have done and always will. Places like Paris, the Grand Canyon, and Hawaii seem like they perpetually capture the human imagination. But in some (very healthy) ways, the nature of travel has changed dramatically over the years. Take, for example, the spectacle of human tourism that was... Quintland.

Born in 1934, Yvonne, Annette, Cecile, Emilie and Marie - the Dionne sisters - were the first known surviving quintuplets. Born to a poor farming family in Ontario, the quintuplets quickly became celebrities. Their first public appearance was at the Chicago World's Fair but their exploitation didn't end there. Soon after, the quintuplets were made wards of the state and installed in a guarded compound where thousands of tourists came daily to view the quintuplets through specialized one-way windows. 

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Separated from their parents, who used their new-found fame to sell souvenirs and autographs, the quints grew up in an isolated world of photographers, nursemaids and government officials. By the time they turned nine, the sisters had lost the public interest and were released back to their families. Their lives after were characterized by ignorance, poverty and illness. In the 1990s, Canada issued an apology to the quints and granted them a share of the over $300 million profits earned by Quintland. In it's heyday, the attraction beat out Niagara Falls as the country's top tourist destination.

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For more info on the Dionne sisters, see here. For other crazy tourist attractions, check out this article.

Have you been to any crazy tourist attractions? In Peru, our guide took us to an "Indian Village" where men in grass skirts taught us to shoot a blowgun and bare-breasted women sold us jewelry. We saw the villagers later in the day dressed in t-shirts and shorts. 

Brag Time

Ok, all. I have to brag a bit on my mama... she's all grown up and writing a blog!

Yes, after several hours of training at the kitchen table she's learned how to post pictures, publish and promote a blog! She's recording her month-long trip to Paris and her mission to learn EVERYTHING about the experience of the heroes of the American Revolution (think Jefferson, Franklin, Washington) in Paris. You'd be surprised how much of a connection there is ... check it out here.

If you've ever wanted to know TJ's favorite wine, where the Marquis de Lafayette educated Marie Antoinette about the American "insurgents," or where Ben Franklin misbehaved (he was a scoundrel!) check out Pursuing Patriots in Paris. Go Mom!

The Pink Lake

Have you heard of Lake Retba? The lake, located in Senegal, has an incredibly high salt content that allows a certain kind of micro-algae to flourish there - specifically, a microalgae that colors the water....

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Pink! 

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 Can you imagine, spending your days on a cotton-candy cloud of water? Plenty do - the lake is veritable gold mine for salt-harvesters, who cover themselves in shea butter to protect their skin before diving to the lake's bottom to gather their goods.

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I never cease to be amazed by all the strange and wonderful things in this world. Thanks to you, internet! (And 22 Words for the link.)


Happy weekend, folks :)

Little Towns

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Sometimes, when the hustle-bustle starts to get to me I think - maybe I should just leave it all behind and settle myself down on a porch somewhere in small town America, rocking with dogs and babies at my feet. I grew up in the city but my grandparents lived on a large farm in the countryside so I always felt half city mouse, half country mouse. There's nothing quite like the molasses-slow pace and the deep quiet of the country. So, for your lemonade-sipping, chair rocking, porch sitting pleasure - a list of three of my favorite small towns.

1. Davidson, NC: Charm, embodied. Yes, I'm biased - this is my college town. But take a walk along main street, stopping into the Soda Shop and enjoying the shaded deck of Summit coffee shop, and you'll know exactly what I mean.

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Just steps away from town, you'll find Davidson College - such a beautiful embodiment of the classic, red brick + marble architecture of the grand south. 

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If you're looking for a weekend trip in the Southeast, Davidson is an excellent destination. That fabulous Davidson Inn is a home away from home for my family - just don't miss afternoon tea and cookies! Davidson sits on the edge of Lake Norman and the warm water is the perfect place for swimming (almost all year round) and water sports. There's lots of little towns nearby for exploring, and Charlotte's but a half hour away if you need some urbanity - but mainly I'd suggest lazy days of walks in the woods and picnics on the lake. 

2. Mackinaw Island, MI: Almost overly sweet, this island destination at the tip-top of Michigan state is the perfect place to slooow down.

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There are no cars allowed so bikes and horse drawn carriages are the only transportation. Rent a tandem with your hunny and head around to the north side of the island which is all protected national park land. 

Natural Bridge on Mackinaw Island - here

B&Bs dot the island and their lush gardens and perky paint jobs differentiate one from the next. We had a lovely time staying at the Metivier Inn --though next time I want to stay at the the Inn at Stonecliff- it's further out of town with a great view of the lake. Pick up some fudge in town - you'll pass by at least 30 shops. I recommend the chocolate butterfinger flavor!

3. Goshen, IN

This one of my new favorite places. We stopped by Goshen last weekend and I didn't want to leave! Located in ho-hum rural Indiana, Goshen is a little spec of charm and culture among the farmland. The main street is adorable with so many fun shops: Ten Thousand Villages, Better World Books, and tons of sweet vintage and antique shops. My favorite? Found - an eclectic collection of art and artifacts from around the world. 

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The owners are professors at Goshen College and travel the world, bringing back artifacts to share with their small town customers. Um, hello dream job? There are tons of little restaurants and delis - we loved our sandwiches and locally-packaged iced tea at Mattern's Butcher Shop. This town is definitely worth a half-day trip when you're in the neighborhood of South Bend or southern Michigan!

This is by no means an exhaustive list, so tell me - what are your favorite small towns? Or are you a strictly city-gal or guy?

Get Your Kicks on Route ... 31?

Sometimes, you just have to thank the Lord for interesting facebook friends. Definitely would NOT have had anything interesting to post today if it wasn't for stumbling upon this nifty site that a "friend" posted:

It's called Roadtrip Mixtape - and that utilitarian name pretty much sums it up. You enter your starting and ending location, the website tracks your route and creates a mixtape for you on the spot! Better yet, as you drive, it plays songs by artists from the areas you are driving through - anything from famous acts (think Outkast in Atlanta) to small, local groups. 

Hell, it even makes the drive up US 31 look better...

Love that the featured artist in the last leg is The University of Notre Dame Folk Choir - rock on!

They're hoping to upgrade the website into a sweet mobile app for all you smart phone users. So stay tuned (har har!) 

By the way, what's YOUR favorite road trip music? I like me a little Dolly P, some Tom Petty and a musical or three.

xo,

E.

Kathmandu Calling

Katmandu is one of those out-there places that lots of people probably never think of visiting. Honestly, if it wasn't for the Bob Seger song I probably wouldn't have even known the name for the capitol city of Nepal before I went there. It's not in the news much (barring the 2008 Maoist overthrow of the monarchy, which happened when we were there) and people in America aren't overly aware of Nepalese culture - which is really a shame. This country's people are friendly and peaceful, their food is healthy and flavorful, and their traditions are vibrant, unique and thriving.

For many, Kathmandu is a stop-over on the way to the trekking destinations in the Himalayas. Want to climb Everest? Stop off in Kathmandu for a day or two to work your way up to the higher altitude. Kathmandu is in the lowlands of Nepal and from the top of the buildings you can see mountains hovering in the distance. 

In this packed city, the streets are full of families, vendors of all types, and monks in their cheery vermilion robes. It's crazy and hectic, but mostly safe and welcoming. People realize that tourism is a major source of income, and even in times of turmoil, travelers are treated with care.

Many women and men still wear traditional garments and colorful prayer flags flutter from houses, shops and temples. Stop in to the jewelry stops - Nepal has amazing silver, turquoise and gemstones and the prices, even for custom work, are very reasonable.

Most of the people practice Tibetan Buddhism - local sources say the Buddha himself was born in Nepal - and bright white temples, emblazoned with the eyes of the Buddha, surround the city. 

There aren't a lot of things you have to see in Kathmandu. Most of the guidebooks list the temples, the royal palace and a few mediocre museums. Go to the temples, see the palace, skip the museums and just wander the city. You'll come across things that may surprise or frighten you - meat out in the open at the market, stray dogs begging for scraps, children scampering barefoot - but the main thing to take away from this place is the welcoming spirit of the people and the color and enthusiasm in their day-to-day lives.

And if you need a little refresher, here's the Seger-meister and his rock-n-roll serenade to the city - complete with photo tour.