Bruges-Medieval Mall

On September 24, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, expat, Food, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Bruges was always on our “must” destination list if we visited Europe. So, at 6 a.m. yesterday after one hour of sleep (due to insomnia not partying), off we went on a four hour train ride from The Hague to Bruges. Expecting to see a small medieval city with the iconic Bell Tower featured in the movie, In Bruges, we were shocked to turn the corner of the winding brick road into the city and find a commercial boulevard with a Zara, McDonald’s, Claire’s and all the modern stores found in the local mall. REALLY?

Bruges-cobblestone streets, canals, churches, waffles & beer

Now, I’m all for retail stores, which have been my livelihood for years but there is a time and place and Bruges is not where you want to shop for $19.99 fashion at H & M. I guess you can’t blame the locals who want to profit from all the tourism so they can make a living and there can only be so many chocolate, lace, waffle and beer shops to feed our appetites and tacky souvenir needs but still…WTF! I don’t think the best use of a 1767 historic building is to house another Zara.

That being said, parts of Bruges were well preserved and, if you get off the main street, you can find quaint history houses from the 9th century as well as 17 churches (16 Catholic/1 Protestant) to wonder through and lovely bridges over canals for picture-taking. The train station is conveniently located within walking distance of this town which used to be on the sea until it retreated. Global warming may one day make it seaside again-you never know.

The highlight for Thom was walking up the 336 steep steps to the Bell Tower featured in the movie, In Bruges. I guess someone is pushed off the top and lands SPLAT in the square below in the film. Not my kind of movie but whatever-it was an interesting climb up teeny, tiny stairs with only a rope in certain places to cling to. Just like the Great Wall, this is not ADA friendly and if you fall and get hurt, good luck getting back down those stairs ’cause no one is helping you down and there isn’t an elevator. Still, the view was stunning from the top!

336 steps and you are at the top! — 336 steps and you are at the top-grab the rope and pull yourself onward and upward!

I talked Thom into a horse-drawn carriage ride around town. While he has never consented to one of these in NYC, he relented and ended up enjoying the guide’s history lesson as we galloped through the narrow streets. You definitely could imagine days past when horses were the only mode of transportation and, when the final bell of the evening sounded from the tower, the gates to the city were closed to protect against marauders.

We were lucky to arrive on market day in the town square. Munching a sugar-coated waffle as my local snack (YUM!), we rested on the town square steps and wished we could take home the lovely pots of lavender offered for sale. Gorgeous! On the train home, we noticed fields of lavender waiting to be picked. Though a long ride with a stop in Brussels to change trains, the 8 hours of train ride were just another part of the Bruges adventure. Arriving home tired and ready to get a good night’s sleep, we were glad we had finally been “In Bruges”.

Thom talking to the swans that roam the canals

The Hague-surprisingly awesome!

On September 22, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Food, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

I gasped when I entered our room at the Hotel Des Indes. So, we’re staying in The Hague primarily due to my desire to utilize all those wonderful hotel points I’ve accrued from my travels. When you use points, sometimes you get an awesome room and sometimes you don’t. Luckily, this was one of those awesome times. With twenty foot ceilings and a canopied bed, the old world furnishings and world class service made us feel like royalty. SCORE!

Open since 1856, this hotel has been “the” place for politician and celebrities like U2, Prince and the Rolling Stones to stay when visiting this capital of the Netherlands which also hosts the Peace Palace, home of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Classy and stylish, the Hotel Des Indes is the bomb!

In our usual style of just wandering, we first hopped on the tram to see the North Sea to enjoy some beach time but on the way back, we jumped off to see the Peace Palace.

WP_20150922_15_40_05_Pro — The Peace Tree filled with words of hope from international tourists.

I’m so glad we did because the story of how it was founded in the early 1900’s with seed money from Andrew Carnegie was fascinating. The Court was in session so we didn’t get to go in the building but we did take the audio tour on the grounds. We even got to join with international tourists and write out our hopes for peace onto the official Peace Tree outside. Very cool moment for our trip!

Looking forward to going to a tapas restaurant tonight after taking a wrong turn last night and missing it. Never fear, we ended up on a rainy night just finding another place that I had read about on TripAdvisor, Garoeda, that had tasty Indonesian cuisine. Feasting on tempura shrimp, chicken satay and rice, we’ll just go tapas tonight instead. After enjoying the sauna room (hot Damn!) and a refreshing dip in the tiny pool which had jets so you could simulate swimming against a strong current (how cool is that??), we are ready to relax and enjoy an evening on the town in The Hague at Oker’s. Tomorrow, we are off on the train for another adventure to…….

Amsterdam First Impression-Bikes & Beer

On September 20, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, expat, Food, hotels, Shopping, Travel, walking1 Comment

Hot Damn-I finally made it to Amsterdam! I have dreamed of this trip for years and I was right-it is gorgeous AND the perfect walking city for us to explore. My Fitbit is loving me with 12,000+ steps in on our first day. Touching down at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, we fumbled our way through buying a tram ticket at the machine, dealing with ALL our credit cards being rejected before I finally got an ATM to spit out some euros with the debit card. Then, we were jumping on the #5 tram with a little help from a local who scolded us that the tram lets people off first, moves down the lane and THEN you are allowed in. Okay-I had to appreciate the orderly fashion that they follow here in public transportation vs. my fond memories of the clusterf*&k of using China mass transit.

First impressions–bikes, German beer, brick streets and bridges over impossibly picturesque canals where the tour boats glide by slowly. The architecture reminds me of SoHo in NYC with no big new ugly buildings ruining the vibe of little boutiques. We noticed quickly that every building has a large hook hanging from the roof, probably we figured out to haul up furniture and such into the apartments. Quirky and charming, our neighborhood is the perfect blend of residential and commercial.

After receiving the best service EVER from Corrodo at the Andaz Amsterdam, we checked our bags and off we went. Learning very quickly that the sidewalks are narrow with random steep stairways to lower levels jutting into your way so you have to watch every step or fall, it seemed a relatively quiet Sunday with primarily (not a helmet in sight) bike riders and some sassy scooters filling the one way streets lining the canals, I can’t imagine the chaos that will ensue tomorrow when everyone jumps on their bikes to go to work. We’ll be dodging and weaving to cross the streets for sure. I figure if I lived through China though, I’ll probably survive here.

We ducked into the local grocery to check it out-to feel the culture is to see how the locals shop. Lots of prepared foods and smaller portions (didn’t see a lot of families living around here) bread, waffles, chocolates and calories galore. YUM! Got a small bottle of wine tucked into my bag for later.

We’re saving the famous red light district for another night. More to come on that experience! I hear it is quite interesting.

For those not familiar with the weed culture like we have in Seattle, there is probably interest to visit the head shops here. I’ve smelled more pot in the hallways of our building than I have here so no big deal for us.

Tomorrow we leave for the Hague and another train trip. Every day is an adventure!

Oh the places we’ll go….

On August 30, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, China, expat, Seattle, Shanghai, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Yesterday, an awesome person I hired four years ago sent me a picture of herself in that happy moment along with some kind words-she has gone on to quite a career since that time. It made my day. That got me all nostalgic and reminiscing about everything Thom and I have experienced since then and how it has shaped who I have become. Fearless I am after all that we have faced from Seattle to Shanghai and back again!

Patti & I hanging on for dear life in the boat in Beijing

After living apart for a year so I could join a great company when the opportunity presented itself, the family finally joined me here with James going off to Seattle U. and us selling the house we designed in Coeur d’Alene where the kids spent the majority of their childhood years. I still miss that hot tub with a view of the mountains and fireplace in the master–we built a great house. Damn!

Great sadness came when my Dad passed over Labor Day and I still miss him so much. I’m happy that Mom is doing so well living in South Bend and still looking good and playing bridge at 90. They live long in my family! Grandma Hannah made it all the way to 99 still living by herself.

Soon after, I had the great privilege of opening my store and introducing the Black Keys and One Republic at my store concerts-what fun that was to dance backstage. Since then, I’ve seen One Republic play in Shanghai and Orlando and they still rock it. Big perk of my job is seeing great talent over the years at many concerts–Lady Gaga, John Legend, Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Katy Perry, Allen Stone and the list goes on…and on…such talent to enjoy! I have no musical gifts so I appreciate those who are able to entertain us all.

Allen Stone and I hanging out at his private concert for my company. Cool dude!

While we enjoyed Seattle, we embraced our NYC adventure with great enthusiasm. Oh what fun we had while there for the brief six month assignment! Times Square every day for work and LOTS of Broadway plays with weekly trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Christmas in the city took my breath away and the kids came to share it all. I still get to go back occasionally for business and always fill up on the carbs I love so much-$1 bagels and $1 pizza are my guilty pleasures. We still visit the Madison Square Park dog park every time we go to NYC-Izaak spent many happy hours there playing with the other urban pooches. I hope some day to live there again-you never know.

Izaak's favorite place in NYC-Madison Square Dog Park — Izaak’s favorite place in NYC-Madison Square Dog Park

Then, of course, China was the best experience ever. I still stay in touch with my China team and wish I could be there to support them. At times, it seems like a dream that we lived there but I remember the little details so well–our smiling doorman, the fruit lady on the corner, the dancing groups on every corner every evening, our dvd store with the best looking dog in Shanghai hanging out front always. Our jaunts to Vietnam and Hong Kong were so fun and always filled with quirky wonderful moments. My best friend, Patti and her husband got to visit as well as James spending his holidays there. Thom is working on our book that will combine our blog posts and his amazing pictures. Goal is to have ready by end of the year and I encourage (nag!) him daily to finish so we can share with family & friends. We’ll publish on Amazon to help other expats going to China.

Golden retriever that was the house dog at our DVD store in Shanghai

Now, we are back to Seattle as we are meant to be, supporting James while he goes to law school and being in Boise often to see Hannah and Mike and watch our granddaughter, Mia, grow up. As I gaze upon Elliott Bay from our lower Queen Anne home, I am realistic that this is just a temporary stop in our worldwide adventure and that’s okay. I am appreciative and loving it for now. In a few weeks, we will take off to explore Amsterdam. FUN! Our dream one day is to live in 12 different countries in 12 months…don’t know when that will happen but as I look back on the incredible journey the last four years, I know anything is possible if you allow yourself to take risks and I’m all over that! Here’s to the next four years (raising my glass of vino)–may they be filled with great appreciation for all that life can offer. Carpe Diem all!

New and different in NYC

On August 2, 2015August 2, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Food, hotels, New York City, Parks, Shopping, Travel, vacation, walkingLeave a comment

It’s a bit of a challenge for us to do new things when we are in NYC because we have lots of favorite haunts and habits from our prior life here. But this trip, we actually managed to have some never-been-done-before adventures. HALLELEUJAH! From new events to new stores to new walkabouts, we had a fantastic time getting out of our comfort zone and taking that road less travelled. Well, there is no road in crowded NYC that is “less travelled” but you know what I mean.

Stumbling into a NYC outdoor experience, Summer Streets, we got to join the crowd biking/walking/skating down Park Avenue that was closed to all but pedestrian traffic from lower to upper Manhattan. Taxi’s were hating it but we loved it! Very well organized, there were free bikes and rollerblades along the way, water stations, singers to entertain us and all played out on a beautiful sunny day. Free fun for all!

Music along the way celebrating Summer Streets

Our destination on Saturday was my favorite store, Fishs Eddy, but along the way we found a new, first-in-the-US store that I just love. Flying Tiger from Copenhagen is filled with under $10 stuff that you probably don’t need but have to have. I got super cute hostess gifts with a mustache theme for my boss—something about that crazy black curly mustache just makes me smile so hopefully she will find it amusing too especially in the form of mustache scrubbies for the kitchen and potholders to match. Just what ever kitchen needs to make it a happier place!

After buying as much as I could carry and storing it all away in my new canvas “RECYCLE OR DIE” bag (how Seattle!), we were off on the subway to visit Thom’s niece who had a baby and moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn so they could buy a house. And what a beautiful house it was! After visiting with Thom’s sister and brother-in-law too who were in town for the baby’s 1^st birthday, we Ubered it out of there to go to Dumbo to meet up with Thom’s best friend since Kindergarten, Ronnie, and his wife, Andrea.

Our group caught up on our busy lives and walked along the East River and right into a Hindu Lamp Ceremony, called Aarti, complete with make-your-own ceremonial containers that you lite up to signify life and the burning of negative tendencies to purify our hearts and serve others with humility. What a great message to guide our existence! Thoroughly embracing the custom, we watched the containers drift out into the waters and listened to the chanting taking place to honor the ceremony. Cool.

Wood fired pizza joint-cash only and gin-infused lemonades!

Eschewing the long lines at the local popular Brooklyn eating joints, we pooled our cash for a pop-up pizza outlet, no wait, and happily munched on wood fired pizzas and gin-infused lemonade. HAPPINESS IN A GLASS! I was struck by the message of life that the pizza guy was putting out there on the back of his shirt, “Eat Pizza, Make Love”. HELLO! Another great message for all to heed!

Going back to the lovely Grand Hyatt, we enjoyed watching the Mets win (again!), drank wine and relaxed in the Presidential Suite that the hotel was nice enough to upgrade us to. SPOILED ROTTEN, WE ARE!

We appreciate every moment of our blessed lives and don’t expect to be able to visit NYC again, though we can always hope. My work here is done for the foreseeable future and budgets are tight at work. With friends and family here plus our love of this urban wonderland, the connection to NYC is so strong. If the stars align, we hope to live here again some day.

In the meantime, we will continue to expect nothing and appreciate everything! Life is so good.

Savoring the Manhattan Experience One More Time

On July 30, 2015July 30, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, hotels, New York City, Nightlife, Shopping, Travel, Uncategorized, walkingLeave a comment

Back in NYC after a business trip to Orlando (in July…HELLO, event planner, what were you thinking???–so hot and humid I was always moist) I couldn’t help but immediately take to the streets. It’s what I do and makes my FitBit so happy. On the way to work on Sunday morning, yes I work 24/7, I managed to walk by Rockefeller Center, the LOVE sculpture, Central Park and St. Pat’s Cathedral. Only in Manhattan is that all in a morning’s walk.

FishEddy's is my go-to store every time I am in NYC — Fishes Eddy is my go-to store every time I am in NYC

St. Pat's Io's always awe-inspiring and iconic — St. Pat’s Io’s always awe-inspiring and iconic

Waiting for Thom to join me later in the week so we can celebrate out 27th Wedding Anniversary, I wanted to save the fun stuff so we could do it together but I did manage a walk to my favorite store, Fishs Eddy, on Sunday. The lure of kitschy hand towels, Hillary mugs, and fun stuff always has me leaving with a bag of goodies to bring home. Putting in 17,000+ steps = 7+ miles on Sunday left the feet hot and tired for sure but, fueled by my beloved $1 cheese pizza, I just kept on walking, walking, walking….

With Thom finally here, we set off for the TKTS booth in Times Square to get a deal on Broadway tickets. Having scoped out the Tony Awards and the NYTimes reviews, I knew exactly what shows I wanted to see and, sure enough, at 7:00 p.m. last night we scored 50% off 4th row seats to see Taye Diggs in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. AMAZING. GO. He’s only been the lead for 7 shows yet I can’t imagine anyone else pulling off that story with the grit and sassy bravado he showed off in this explosive drama musical. We were just shy of the water spout he shot out into the crowd and three rows away from him grinding on me like he did the lucky gal in the first row who really was into it. That’s cool–little too up close and personal for me anyway.

Despite some microphone miscues, Taye just rolled with it and shook his fist at the so-called ghost who haunts the Belasco Theater and cussed him out. Leaping out into the audience, he picked on the preppy guy in the second row, licking his glasses and then politely handing them back. Sharing spit is caring! This is the type of show I could go to again and enjoy it even more. If you’re in NYC, go to TKTS, get your tickets at 50% off and enjoy it–may want to avoid that third row middle seat, however, unless you wear a raincoat.

Classic theater and explosive drama musical

Adding to my Broadway sippy cup collection makes me so happy!

Today, we celebrate our 27th anniversary. Seems like yesterday that I was in NYC at the Cadillac Bar picking up the cute guy with the long hair, earring and fur-lined leather jacket. We went dancing the night away at the trendy Limelight Bar in an old church and have never stopped the adventure of enjoying our lives together. While I had to work today, Thom braved the rain and got to see his Mets play (and lose-pity!) but enjoyed the experience thoroughly. Tonight we will go to Toshi’s, our favorite bar in the Flatiron District with Hello Brooklyn singing on stage and will thoroughly enjoy the Presidential Suite the lovely Grand Hyatt just upgraded us to.

Using my many Diamond status perks, we had been promised last night to be moved but there were Secret Service here who took priority, watching over somebody far more important than us. Hmmm… wonder who?? Could Thom be wearing the very hotel robe that a foreign President just wore??? Yes, we are not only blessed with ridiculous adventures but, more importantly, we have each other. I don’t have to worry about anything because, no matter what, I know Thom has my back and will be there to support me and love me and, really, what else matters?? Best friends and soulmates for the last 27 years. How lucky I am.

Presidential Suite at the Grand Hyatt is amazing!

The adventure continues... — The adventure continues…

NYC Never Disappoints

On July 19, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, New York City, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

While it’s good to be back home again in Seattle (at least for a few days), as I walk the silent, relatively clean streets, I ache for the hustle and bustle of the NYC action where, night or day, there is a whole lot of something, something going on. Speaking of action, I had the good fortune to be in the city when the Asian Art Alliance was having their benefit. Our friend, Andrea, runs this great organization so I was able to hang out with her hubbie and Thom’s best friend since kindergarten, Ronnie, and enjoy super talented artists doing their thing. From a Broadway singer giving us a sneak peek at the new George Taikei musical coming this fall, Allegiance, to a beatbox artist and a singer from Thailand, it was such a lovely evening with some energetic dance moves from the master of ceremonies-queue the video:

Going downtown to attend the event, I bravely hopped on the #1 subway and prayed it was going in the right direction. Thank God–the numbers were decreasing so I was headed to south Manhattan as planned! Confident as I exited on Hudson Street, I got the loveliest random compliment from a random dude as he walked into a Dunkin Donut–” You’ve got style!” he quipped as he checked out my new black dress anchored by my turquoise belt that I’ve had for years and still dearly love. Why thank you Mr. Complete Stranger! Way to make my day!

On to the Asian Art Alliance event….I do appreciate all artists as I have no musical talent whatsoever. As I chatted with the beatboxing guy, complimenting him on his performance, I contemplated how brave and determined these performers must be to endure what has to be a hand-to-mouth struggle as they pursue their passion. I’m too practical and scared to do anything like that, preferring a steady paycheck and benefits but I do envy them following their dream. If I can encourage and thank them for sharing their music, I always try to and have had great conversations recently with everyone from a singer at a Vancouver benefit that was performing for the first time in public to Allen Stone at a company benefit. What a joy they bring to us who are musically challenged!

Bryant Park does outdoor movies in the summer

Earlier in my NYC week, I envied the huge crowd queued up to watch an outdoor movie in Bryant Park with their blankets spread out hours in advance. I wonder if the hotel would have minded me taking their nice white towel to the park?? Not as much fun without Thom but maybe next time. I did finally have a Shake Shack hamburger–good but not quite worth the hype. The Shake Shack in Madison Park always has a huge crowd and lines where you wait an hour or so. Crazy! There is one by my hotel near Grand Central with no line so I came home from the Asian Arts Alliance late and was starving so it was time to check it out. Yum but our local Seattle joint Dick’s puts it to shame for half the price and quite frankly, much better taste. Plus, Dick’s just makes me giggle every time Thom says, “Let’s go grab a bag of Dick’s”. What am I 12?

After a very busy week in Manhattan, I actually slept on the plane home which I rarely am able to do. I arrived home to a gorgeous “cotton candy” sunset and a weekend spent catching up on life and cuddling with my puppies. Thom is back home in Indiana supporting my Mom while my sister Becky is in Europe-lucky her! Jealous with Europe envy, I finally booked our September vacation. We are off on another adventure–AMSTERDAM HERE WE COME!

Pride Parade in Seattle is a Rainbow of Diversity

On June 28, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Seattle, Travel6 Comments

There were rainbows shining brightly today all over Seattle as the Pride Parade attracted 500,000+ spectators celebrating a really totally damn good week for all citizens in the U.S. Well, unless you still fly the Confederate flag. Just take it down already-you lost. BOOM!

I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom's who had a huge contingent in the parade! — I love a rainbow balloon arch-kudos to Nordstrom’s who had a huge contingent in the parade!

Dancing on the Cupcake Van to celebrate!

But today, it was all about celebrating diversity and equality with the crowds of all ages waving their flags with spirit and pride. Way to go Supreme Court! Your history-making decision affirmed everyone’s right to be married in every state. WOW. About time and just in time for the celebration today. To say that smiles were on everyone’s face would be an understatement–there was dancing in the streets, on the cars, in the bars, and one naked guy entertaining the crowd with his bagpipes. Crazy and fun to be sure!

Thom and I love the Seattle Storm, our WNBA team here that plays next door to us at Key Arena so we joined their contingent to spread the Storm love to the parade goers. The local women’s soccer team, Seattle Reign FC, also joined our group as we passed out boom sticks to the cheering crowd. As we neared Belltown and the boom supplies dwindled due to Thom making sure every child along the parade route got one, the water guns came out and the team mascot, Doppler, started drenching the delighted crowd on a thankfully cloudy day. “Spray me, spray me!” the crowd yelled and Doppler was glad to oblige.

Doppler and I shared a moment with our boom sticks!

The SeaFair Pirates were working the crowd as well as some amazing dancers wearing headpieces bigger than me. How on earth they were able to walk even a block is beyond me. I was impressed! Whether gliding along on rollerblades or walking the route in stiletto’s, the parade moved along briskly and I got in my 10,000 steps on my FitBit before it ended by the Seattle Center. Our church, First Church Seattle, was handing out cookies at the end of the route to all who had walked and provided communion as well-what’s not to love about a church like this! There was even a rock band cranking up the crowd.

Elaborate headpieces and shoes were the standard uniform.

Every major company in Seattle embraced the Pride and had huge company representation: Nordstrom’s, Boeing, Microsoft, Expedia, Amazon, etc. In front of our Storm crowd, the Café Vita, a local coffee roaster was throwing coffee into the crowd…how Seattle of them. Fresh roasted beans for all! What impressed me the most was the inclusion of all the families in the celebration. How wonderful that these kids will grow up knowing it’s okay to love and marry whomever you want. It’s all good. What a happy day!

Families and LOTS of kids enjoyed the diversity in the parade.

Enjoying Family Time on The Big Island

On June 17, 2015June 17, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Big Island, Family vacation, Hawaii, Travel, vacationLeave a comment

Best thing hands down about the Big Island… not the beaches or the palm trees. Nope, though they are nice and all. The very best most wonderful thing about the Big Island is my family being together again. How often do I get to spend a week in paradise with my grown kids who lead very busy lives??? Well, this is a first in the last few years as they pursued their college degrees–both are now college grads, Hallelujah!!!–and Hannah got married to Mike and gave us the magnificent Mia. How time flies by! With Thom and I moving between Seattle, NYC, Shanghai and back to Seattle and the kids’ busy schedules, we have only connected at the holidays, which are hectic and action-packed.

Thom and Mia exploring the great outdoors

This week the biggest decisions are: pool or beach? Pina Colada or Wine? Yep, that’s pretty much it. I had Facebooked that there was no one more in need of a vacation than me. My daughter countered that she was much more deserving than me, because not only did she work all day but then started Mom duty at night capped off with baby Mia doing her business while taking her bath. Okay, she wins. Hands down.

Getting to Hawaii from Boise and Seattle was no mean feat but after James graduated Sunday from Seattle University, we all took off on Monday, starting with Mia running us around the airport with her newly found walking skills. She was a joy on the flight, taking two naps and playing with all the other babies on the flight. After quaffing free Mai Tai’s (adults only)–thanks Alaska for the free booze–we found our new home for the next week in Kona, otherwise known as the sunny side of the Big Island. With water views from every window of the condo and everyone with their own bed/bath, we were ready to start relaxing. A workaholic, A Type for sure, I haven’t disconnected from work on a vacation in years. This week I unpinned my work email tile from my start screen and ignored the need to check in. They’ll manage without me and maybe even appreciate all I do even more with me not doing it. Maybe. In the meantime, I’m enjoying trying very hard NOT to think about work and concentrate on my lovely family and pool time, which Mia enjoys very much. Glad to see she is taking to the water and will probably be a great swimmer like her Mom.

So far we have walked to the snorkeling beach from our place a few times and had a close encounter with sea turtles, which I like from afar but really, really don’t like touching me in the surf. Icky!! They are large and have snapping, sharp teeth which I don’t want to encounter personally. I swear they were attracted to my sassy red toes–note to self, next time go for beige vs. red for the pedi if going to be in an ocean with animals who can chew. Thom said I screamed loud enough to be a tsnumai warning signal, which is probably a useful skill here on an island where those things happen. I think being called a “siren” is a good thing. Right?

Tomorrow we are off to a new beach in Waimea and later this week we will be zip lining down mountains and across waterfalls. That should be a good tale to tell! Aloha!

Lower Queen Anne is HAPPENING!

On May 25, 2015 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Music, Parks, Seattle, TravelLeave a comment

Musical artists were featured all over Seattle Center in small and large venues..

Sorry you folks who live in the sleepy ‘burbs or, God forbid, in the country boonies because YOU. ARE. MISSING. IT. Yes, I am an urban snob. Seriously, I can walk out my door in Lower Queen Anne and be surrounded by crazy talented musicians at the Northwest Folk Festival or go up the block and attend The Seattle International Film Festival at the Uptown. DONE. As Thom quipped, Seattle forecast this weekend: Cloudy with 100% chance of aging hippies..all sporting too tight tie dye t-shirts and dreadlocks from another era. So fun to people watch!

Kids-this is NOT a pool, it's a fountain but, hey, I can smell the chlorine from far away so go for it! — Kids-this is NOT a pool, it’s a fountain but, hey, the chlorine smell is actually stronger here than the weed so go for it–probably healthier for you!

This weekend was particularly crazy in our hood with people streaming into town to enjoy the cultural overload–hippy dippy drum circles or serious foreign films, pierogies or elephant ears–pretty much everything could be had within a short walk. Of course, having all those food vendors was an absolute necessary for festival goers who pretty much got high just by being there among the clouds of weed drifting by. Yes, there were cops here and there and signs reminding folks that smoking grass in public is still not legal in Seattle. Really??? Could have fooled me but you put that much tie dye in one place and shit is bound to happen and does.

We walk the dogs through Seattle Center every day multiple times and they treat those lawns, where everyone is lying around this weekend, as their private toilet–note to future festival goers: you might want to bring a blanket next time or you will be in close contact with Izaak and Thor’s DNA. Lesson learned.

I love the Uptown... great place to grab a film at the SIFF. — I love the Uptown… great place to grab a film that is part of the SIFF.

The lines outside the Uptown theater speak to the great support that Seattleites give to the SIFF-a very well orchestrated film festival that goes on for weeks featuring indie films at venues all over town. I just wish I could go see Kevin Bacon in the flesh on Wednesday when he makes a special appearance to support his film showing. Damn-got to go cheer on the Sounders to a win instead. Too much good stuff going on to take part in!! We are rarely home and, when we are, I know we are missing out on something good. So, time to take to the streets and check out the remaining acts as the incense/tie dye/corn on the cob merchants wind down and pack up and move on to the next festival. Party on Lower Queen Anne!

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: