Update

Sometimes life gets in the way of blogging-especially for someone new at blogging consistently. I'm definitely planning to continue talking about my adventures and hopefully having a few more but just some updates about what's been going on with me:

1. June 28th was the anniversary of the day I left London. It's been three years since I've walked the streets of that amazing city,and left a part of my heart there. I met so many amazing people that I am so happy to call friends, fell in love with traveling, living on my own, being a free spirit wandering the world. I made it through a one year accelerated grad program at one of the most prestigious universities in the world, lived on my own, made friends, waded through the visa process for living abroad, and really tried hard every day to welcome what London had to offer. And I still miss it so much. I wonder if I made the right decision to leave, if I should have stayed, if I should move back, usually my mind changes over the course of a day. The city is never far from my mind and I'm so glad for the memories I have of my time living there, and the hope that I will get to be there again sometime.

2. I went to a funeral. As a kid you don't really think about funerals. I may have went to a few but I don't really remember. But they become a part of life when you are grown up. This one was for my great aunt. She was 97 years old. I had seen her just about a year ago and she was in pretty good health. It was in Portland so it meant a quick 2 day trip and lots of driving. I went with my mom and aunt. It's funny to say but funerals are bittersweet. I went to say good bye to someone but the rest of my entire family on my mom's side was there. I got to see my little cousins who i LOVE spending time with but live in LA so I don't get to see them much since moving back to Seattle. So it ended up being a pretty nice time spent with family. And let me tell you Portland in June is an adventure in weather. Standing at the grave side service in a torrential downpour is definitely an experience. Portland is definitely worth a trip (hopefully not for a funeral). I have been many times to see family so I haven't always done the touristy things but there are lots of fun places like Powell's Book Store, Portland Saturday Market, and a million other things I will probably write more about some day. Apparently the BEST. BURGERS. EVER. are at the Helvetia Tavern in Helvetia, OR just outside of Portland. They also film Grimm there. They used my aunts barn for an episode. Exciting haha




3. I planted my summer garden. The vertical herb garden I made is pictured above. My dad is a big gardener and I have learned from him. I think it's the most epic garden we've had in a few years. I love sitting out on the patio with a cup of coffee and a book just looking at it. Yes, my life really is that exciting. But it was really fun to figure out what I wanted to plant, then put in the hard work over a few weekends, and now finally getting some results. The weather has been hit or miss in Seattle (a week of thunderstorms followed by a massive heat wave) so things are slowly emerging now and it looks pretty cool. That vertical herb garden above was my weekend project last weekend. My dad is in construction so he had all of the materials and I got the pots 70%. Pretty cheap and awesome looking. I can't wait for all the fresh herbs and veggies!


So that's what's been going on with me. I don't really have an big trips coming up so it will be back to wrapping up a few posts about my trip to CA in May and talking more in depth about travel tips and tricks. i hope to get on a regular schedule. I really enjoy this blog and hope it's helping someone or at least mildly entertaining someone. See you soon!

Orange County, CA: What to do (outside)

There are a TON of great things to see and do when you visit Orange County, CA. Most people visit hoping and usually getting fantastic weather so there is an abundance of outdoor activities that make the trip worth it. There's also great museums, parks, theater, and shopping. I'm going to list a few that I like to do as well as some I probably haven't done. It's by no means comprehensive but I will probably add to it occasionally as well. This post will just be about outdoor activities to do in Orange County. There are so many things to see and do while you are there it's worth several posts.

OUTDOOR:
-The beach. Of course this is #1. This is why people come to visit. The beaches are fantastic. There are a ton of variety to chose from, from more touristy places to local favorites. I would say the best beaches are probably Corona Del Mar or Huntington.Crystal Cove is great too. People can spend their whole vacation at the beach. Grab your gear and spend the day (depending on the weather/waves) surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, sun tanning, having a picnic or bbq, taking pictures, sleeping, etc. I've literally seen it all at the beach. It's a great outing, especially because most of the beaches are near great little touristy towns like Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, or Balboa Island. You aren't very far from cute little storefronts and restaurants. When it's mid summer on the weekend parking will be a nightmare but if you go early/late or off season there should be no problem in finding a spot-although the rules are usually strict and strictly enforced. Also, no beach campfires unless they are in a pit...and the beach closes at dusk, technically haha.

There's also the extension of the beach activities such as numerous places to rent boats, jet skis, paddle boats, kayaks, etc. You can find them anywhere. Long Beach is a big cruise ship port. They also have whale watching, I went once from Dana Point which is a great day trip. At the beach you can find bike rentals which can be fun along the path next to the sand.

-Disneyland. I'll file this under outside activities. Although far from free. In fact prices just rose again AND i was there when i visited in March and it seemed busier than ever. But most people want to go to Disneyland while they are in Orange County and it's definitely worth a trip. I LOVE Disneyland. I had an annual pass when I was in college, I was only 20 minutes from the park, so for me it was perfect and I got to go all the time, for a short time if I wanted or during less busy times (mid week, late evening, colder months). There are two parks, Disneyland and California Adventure. They are priced per one park, a park hopper (can go back and forth throughout the day) in 1,2,3 day or week increments. Lots of options. Because I used to go all the time I only went one day on a park hopper ticket. There's so much to do though that if you've never been or just really love Disneyland a two day park hopper is probably the best. And if you are going to Orange County specifically for Disneyland a 3 day or even week long park hopper is probably best, especially if you are staying nearby. Then you can come and go when you want. The parks are very different but both are filled with all different types of rides, activities, street theater, parades, and restaurants. I will probably do a separate more thorough post of Disneyland based on my experience going so many times. I have a lot to say on the subject.

-Local Parks. There are some great local parks in Orange County and of course they are gorgeous with lots of palm trees and green grass. It's a nice down time activity, hanging out in the park, taking a picnic, playing on the structures, whatever sounds fun. To be honest I did not visit a lot of local parks in and around Costa Mesa or Newport Beach but it's easy enough to find when you are driving around or you can look them up online. There is a dog park off Newport Blvd in Costa Mesa, CA. My dog doesn't really like other dogs so she wasn't interested in staying there long but they have a small yard for little dogs and a large yard for large dogs and lots of room for them to run and play.

-Back Bay. It's an outdoor nature preserve just next to/behind Newport Beach. It's fantastic. There are great trails to run/walk/bike, etc. There's paved pathways and dirt trails. It's usually full of local people out enjoying the good weather. It's really beautiful. I have spent a lot of time walking around and there's plenty to see from the high points on the path and great in any season. It's also part of the OC Marathon route and there are usually lots of people out training come spring. Definitely worth checking out for local flora/fauna and beautiful views.

-Zoo. There are two zoos in Orange County. The OC Zoo is located in Irvine, CA. And the Santa Ana ZOO is in Santa Ana, CA. They are both fairly small, nothing compared to the LA ZOO or the San Diego Zoo. But a fun outing to see animals and enjoy the sunshine.

-Orange County Marketplace. or the Orange County Fairgrounds. Known by either name this is a huge place in central Costa Mesa, filled with a ton of activities all throughout the year. Their website is full of information too. Every week (on Thursdays), there is a Farmer's Market. It's really a large market and has great local produce, shops, vendors, etc. It's fun to go any time of the year and free entry. Every Saturday (except in July) is the Swap Meet. This is a must do if you like old stuff, cheap stuff, swap meets, and interesting people. I've been a few times and it's so fun to check out the different booths and talk to vendors. There is literally anything you can think of-food, clothing, books, furniture, etc. It's HUGE. Definitely worth walking around, picking up a few things, and enjoying the good weather. The fairgrounds also has a county fair every year in July. This brings people in from all over Southern California. It's very fun. Typical fair of course with rides, food, stalls, carnival games, crowds, etc. It's definitely a fun experience. At various points throughout the year there are also shows and concerts that come to the Fairgrounds too so it's worth looking at their website to see what will be there when you plan your trip. They have a wide variety of artists and bands that play there as well as a jewlery show, gun show, etc so it's a mixed bag of things to do throughout the year. Check it out!

-Farmer's Markets. There are farmers markets all year round in SoCal where the weather is amazing for growing and vendors come in from all over the region. The one each week at the Orange County Fairgrounds is extensive and very fun. There are websites devoted to all of the farmer's markets in the county because they are too extensive to list here but check out the ones in Newport Beach and Irvine as well.


Ok i'm SURE there will be more to say on outdoor activities in Orange County, CA. Again, these activities are mostly based on my experience so there won't be a ton of information on things I'm not familiar with like rock climbing or anything but I did spend 7 years there so I know my way around a bit. I will add to the list as I remember things. Expect another list soon on INDOOR activities in Orange County, CA as well as other things I have to recommend like coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, arts and theater!

Orange County, CA

A few weeks ago I visited Orange County, CA. And Los Angeles. It will probably be a couple separate posts but I was only there for 5 days. I went to college in Orange County, a small private school, and this trip was mostly about seeing friends (it had been almost a year!). It was of course AMAZING to see them but I was also glad for nice weather, a few touristy places to visit, and a few of our favorite places to hang out and catch up. Orange County is huge but I'm mostly referring to the area in and around Newport Beach. I lived in Costa Mesa, just inland from Newport Beach, for 7 years. I've been to many places around Orange County/LA but will mostly refer to this area when it comes to activities.

Orange County is beautiful almost any time of the year.  Mild temperatures until summer, palm trees, lots of outdoor activities, shopping, arts, and the beach. It's spectacular. It's also a little overwhelming. I had only visited CA twice when I decided to move there, and I had never stepped foot on campus until Welcome Week. Of course, after 4 years of college I knew my way around, had favorite places, friends, and a life there. But it took a long time. It's hard to translate my experiences into a two week vacation experience but I will definitely let you in on what to do and see.

It's a great place for a vacation. It's also great to combine Orange County and LA for a memorable trip in two very different places. LA will have to be it's own post and probably several in fact because there are SO many things to do. You can have a million different combinations of experiences in LA depending on what you are interested in.

Let's start with the basics. Travel into the area depends on lot on when you come. Summer travel the rates are higher, but because there are so many airports that means a ton of airlines and therefore a lot of competition for prices. I've found deals as low as $59 each way (from Seattle) when I flew mid week into an Orange County airport (usually Long Beach or LGB). The MAIN airport when you book to Southern California is LAX. Not in Orange County, but close enough if you have good transportation. LA also has a few other smaller airports. The main airports into Orange County are Santa Ana (SNA) otherwise known as John Wayne or Long Beach (LGB). There are other smaller ones further away but these are pretty central. I've also paid around $300 RT from Seattle around Spring Break. There is a big variance in prices. Unfortunately there is limited transportation options leaving the airport to get to your destination unless you have travel arranged with your hotel, rent a car, or are staying with people in the area. LA has a very limited subway system but they do have a bus. Orange County has a limited bus system especially out to the aiports so it probably means airport pick up or a taxi.

When it comes to booking your hotel it's probably best to get something centrally located. Disneyland is a HUGE attraction for Orange County and most hotels around Anaheim, where Disneyland is located, have transportation available. But if you are staying in say Newport Beach or Irvine, you may not have that option.   Renting a car is probably the best scenario. If you are traveling with several people you can split the cost which would be helpful. Speaking of renting a car, yes driving can be intimidating in LA/OC but it's manageable, and traffic really will be bad at peak times but it's just a matter of waiting it out, or taking side streets instead of the freeway.

Parking can be tricky depending on where you are staying. Most residential neighborhoods are free to park in OC but may require parking permits and have street cleaning hours. Those tickets are not fun. Check and double check the signs. In downtown areas and close to the beach parking will be metered and often have time limits too. And weekends around the beach or main streets will be a mess, so if you really want to go to the beach, get there early or late...or suffer through the waits and locals fighting for spots.

Where to stay. Really...there are a million options. Obviously you want to find an area that you want to stay in and chose a hotel that coordinates. If you are only going to Disneyland on your trip then plan to stay somewhere centrally located to Harbor BLVD in Anaheim. There are a ridiculous number of places to stay for the parks. If you pick the coastal cities, you have so many options. From beach front resorts, B&Bs, family owned places, rental properties, etc. Definitely look around and see what works for you. Some people will be fine with a hotel a few blocks from the beach or some want to stay right on the water. There are lots of options for house rentals, if you are staying long term, have a lot of people, or are a family who want more of a "home" type feel. There aren't too many hostels or really discounted places to stay unfortunately. And sleeping on the beach isn't allowed unless it's a designated campground. I haven't looked into it but couchsurfing could be an option, if there are only one or two people and you don't mind couches or air mattresses. It's a great way to meet people and hear where the locals go as well.

So that's airports, price points, flights, renting a car, hotels, etc information. I'm again probably not the best expert on where to stay because I stay with friends and family. I don't rent a car when iI'm there either. but those options are always available. I do however have a great amount of knowledge on beaches, parks, restaurants, outdoor activities, markets, the fair, entertainment, theater, arts, and fun things to do from my 7 years living there. I will probably have to create several posts on the subject (LA and Orange County separately) but i feel like there will be a good amount of information for a great trip. Check back later for more!

i mean just LOOK how beautiful!!!!

Boston: The Freedom Trail App

If you look at your app store there are a bunch of apps for traveling. Some are good, some aren't. I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do while I was in Boston but I wanted to have something that was easy to take with me while doing things like the freedom trail. The National Park Service has a bunch of apps depending on where you are going but their Boston one (the only one I've used) is amazing. it's easy to use, detailed, informative, and perfect for walking around Boston, and getting directions and info without looking too much like a tourist. as long as you aren't stopped in the middle of the street.

This is the app on the app store. All pictures are screen shots I took to show details of the National Park Service app.

\

This is how the app shows up on your phone.

This is what it looks like when you open the app. As you can see it's great right off the bat divided into things you will use the most, the sites, tours, and map.

I chose tours here as i was using it mostly for the Freedom Trail. There actual Freedom Trail says it would take between 4-8 hours depending on what you stop to see and do.

First stage after selecting Freedom Trail. It starts with the Visitor Center at the north east corner of the Boston Commons. you can also see there is an info button to select for more information. And a blue route highlighting the steps of the trail. One part i really liked as well was that it showed you how far and how long it would take to get to the next destination at the bottom.

Another graphic from the app. The Old State House is highlighted and if you select info you will get history and details on hours, etc for the old state house. you can go to other steps on the tour from there as well. Also, a really great part, is the bottom left locator button. If you select it, the app will use your data to locate you and you can find your way along the trail that way. Although the Freedom Trail is very easy to follow through Boston if you are easily lost this could be helpful. or if you're like me and wander off the path to do something else for awhile it's easy to find your way back.

Just one more image of the details of the map. both with the freedom trail itself and highlights, street signs, metro stops, and other information.

Specific details. the old North Church after i selected info. It will take you back to the map but also you can read about an overview, visiting, and listen to a short audio tour (use headphones please). the picture is nice too. and at the bottom right you can select next/back to go between the more detailed information stuff about the specific landmarks of the trail.

It also lists the sites along the way so you can scroll down and read more about specific places. This was very helpful.

Overall i had such a great time exploring Boston and the Freedom Trail. i would highly recommend the National Park Service app for use around the city of Boston, an easy to use map, and a detailed adventure through the Freedom Trail in Boston. 

Boston: The Last Day

Monday April 1st was my last day in Boston. It was definitely bittersweet. i had such an amazing trip but 5 days isn't very long and I knew i would miss this great city. i mostly spent the day in the Commons, walking around seeing a few more things, and just enjoying the amazing weather. Here are a few pics from my walk.

Trinity Church

I love the old churches with the skyscrapers right behind them. it gives the city an old world/new world feel and I love that. Reminds me of london, and the mesh of history and modern that is represented there.

Boston Public Library

Another entrance to the Boston Commons

My last day in Boston was a little windy but so nice and sunny at the same time. There were a ton of people in the Boston Commons enjoying the nice weather.

OK The mother goose statue with the little geese is pretty much the cutest thing in the world

There is a meme called Nerd Girl Problems. I very much relate to what they write about. One in particular that is totally represented by the picture below..."My idea of an outdoor activity is taking my book outside to read." I love reading and i like being outside so reading on a park bench in the Boston Commons was a great way to spend a few hours.

Finally, one of the things i did before I left, was eat at one of my favorite British restaurants. Wagamama's. They are all over London and a really good asian fusion kind of place. I found out there was one in Boston and I knew I had to eat there. I'm glad I did. i sat outside in the sun enjoying delicious noodles and people watching.

 

 

It's been over a month since i was in Boston. Really a month and a half. I had such a great time and i'm so glad i had the opportunity to see my dear friends from London as well as meet a bunch of really great people. i'm glad I got to experience city life again and hopefully have the opportunity to live in a big city again (instead of the suburbs). I'm glad i had the courage and sense of adventure to travel somewhere by myself, and not be afraid to try new things, talk myself into something I wouldn't usually do, or look for ways to put myself out there. I'm glad i love to travel, to see new places and meet new people, it's such a rewarding experience. Even though it can be expensive (and done cheaply too) it's totally TOTALLY worth it and I can't wait for my next adventure.

 

Speaking of, i have one more post about the AMAZING app i used while i was in Boston. then, i'm going to Southern California for 5 days starting next Wednesday. i'm so excited to be back in my old college town, see friends i haven't seen in almost a year, and spend time at the beach and our old favorite haunts. There will be a lot of gawking at wealthy people at south coast plaza, walking along the beach, eating at my favorite restaurants and coffee shops, walking around my old campus, and a day at disneyland. plus a lot of cuddling for me and my slightly codependent and overly affectionate friends. i can't wait!!!

The Boston Commons

The Boston Commons is such a fantastic area I wanted to devote an entire post to it. Plus it was BEAUTIFUL when I was there and wanted to show that as well.

It is right in the heart of the city and is easy to access from so many places. It's a great place to hang out, people watch, bird watch, see the skyline, read, picnic, literally whatever you want to do.

The entrance sign from one corner.

It's easy to walk, lots of paved trails throughout for walking, biking, jogging, etc.

Church on Boylston. It's so lovely.

The park is full of different water features, a pond (although it was dry when i was there), and tons of different statues that are great to check out.

I love the mix of the park and the city surrounding it. The streets are so charming, the buildings really lovely, and it was just a great place to spend a few hours.

The bridge over the pond.

Ok last picture. I sat for a long time reading and just enjoying the sights. I would definitely recommend an afternoon in the Boston Commons! It's a great hang out, meeting spot, get a little nature, and rest before heading into the city to explore.

Boston: Freedom Trail part 2

This is the second half of my pictures and adventures in Boston walking the Freedom Trail. once again, i cannot recommend this experience enough. it was so great.

Paul Revere's house

A second look at Paul Revere's house. it's in the middle of Little Italy. it was kind of funny to find his house among millions of Italian restaurants.

More of the Freedom Trail and Little Italy. i would have spent more time in this neighborhood if i had it. it was totally adorable.

I can't get enough of the street views. it was a lovely day to walk around and sight see.

Honestly this was the landmark I was probably most excited about. i mean, everything was so cool to see in person, but the Old North Church is just so historical and iconic in my mind and throughout history. That's it below with the Paul Revere statue in the foreground.

Unfortunately it was closed for the day, i had really been looking forward to going inside. but it was beautiful from the outside too.

The gold plate marking the spot where the lanterns hung when Paul Revere placed them.

Random view walking back to the metro. Obviously just an empty field but with a cool view of the Boston skyline in the back.

That's the Freedom Trail. My phone unfortunately died the rest of the walk which includes across the bridge and to the Bunker Hill Memorial and USS Constitution. They are worth the extra mile or so to get to them and back to the metro.

it was such a great experience. i have a few more Boston related posts to share another day. Also, i wanted to say that there are plenty of companies that have tours that walk the freedom trail and are quite informative. i chose to walk it alone and had an app that was a huge help. both would be fine experiences i just feel the need to save money wherever possible and that meant a $20ish tour wasn't worth it. and i also get irritated in large groups of tourists. but it was great to walk it at my own pace, stop when i wanted to explore or visit a museum, or just stop for awhile and finish another time. Definitely worth a trip to Boston for the history alone, but there's so many other great things to see and do as well!