tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37939997322801167282024-03-05T03:51:29.485-08:00from afarnomadic.itinerant.wayfaring.Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-64326757336582185282011-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:002011-11-15T20:01:29.152-08:00succulents<div style="text-align: left;">So I don't know what happened, but something clicked in my brain about two months ago and now I'm obsessed with succulents. I have always disliked gardening (and succulents in particular) so this was a major surprise. Maybe I just came to terms with the fact that any other plant I have slowly dies until I have to bring it to my mom for resuscitation, where it promptly springs back to life and flourishes. Or maybe I just realized that there are types of succulents that don't have thorns to stab you while you're trying to care for it. Regardless, consider this my newest hobby.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a recent trip to Berkeley with <a href="http://whimsybeing.blogspot.com">Dyan</a>, we stopped at a nursery to check out the plants. Obviously, I gravitated towards my new favorites.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8u-JqdlhIJB1TeDhIiorcxn_IfrkpS3twffkVyDqpjvTBcJazHWWevKR7l2bcd6tTMTXNZmf6In3JG73mZGPfiSzMJJNMTiwAAxDq7NqVm3frs9s8hU82Ftm6_WFoUtqiIPtRz6Z9P8/s400/IMG_0680.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674945400003797042" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSvuLGIlS9rV4zY1xQSYQIWYistnf7uIUIoa9ZsRXr0XznJvusUar-YOyXIDIGUYOxvTxCQ8kmbmcPstnjj7e6tKSFtRaepuvLP9qMgxJn9vtHjJPj_K3-Svk56VJ-zwZQR1lewrer74/s400/IMG_0673.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674945398179834578" /><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, no photos of my own succulent plant--it's repeating history and I might have to bring it to the plant emergency room over Thanksgiving, where my mom can bring it back from a grave illness. sigh. It has lasted longer than most of my plants though. I haven't lost hope yet. </div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-80853799153025447362011-11-10T22:54:00.000-08:002011-11-10T23:05:20.572-08:00Casey<div style="text-align: left;">So this is a shameless post about my dog Casey. I'm mildly obsessed with her. She's so fun to play with and just generally adorable. And she loves to go hiking and go to the beach which is perfect because I love to go hiking and go to the beach, too!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-sC3459F4LRU2JcvAqiCheDjWnCzRdl0Yvdvu2i6uAPD6GjvPUkq-QyQFNBwz0G4wM-8wE0QAAoE3HHLRqu4fomO72aNE5v5XnR1pYvhSXt38X2h1c6xFGZfx-6sLsD6536csYY8nkM/s400/IMG_0713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673629195777644370" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I went home a few weekends ago and took Casey to the beach on an early Monday morning with no one in sight. I love that dogs get so excited about things that we sometimes take for granted, like a crisp Fall morning with nothing to do, an empty beach and the smell of the ocean. It really makes you appreciate life.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3KlJGzSjTHJaY5tNGfeketGWqmuu5Hmn7qiwUsn8Epfb5GZY87uLHftICsN_lLyvQHhsn0I8tWRKwNxqmms5x3XFsGjgKMy4hgPSlSOCOGj8JfX3beO3ZBABkcm6qgBXK6Ss1uIm-Cc/s400/IMG_0705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673629188854003730" />Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-58547978637429933622011-11-02T11:05:00.001-07:002011-11-02T11:35:11.194-07:00Portugal<div style="text-align: left;">It's a sad day when you realize that all of your exciting travel posts are on past trips. But not to worry, I have so many amazing trips in the early planning stages... it's kind of overwhelming. But for the near future, I'll have to settle for revisiting the past.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>One of my friends has a good chance of visiting Portugal in the near future (I don't want to jinx it! but I really hope so), and the mere thought of such a trip has plunged me into a feverish nostalgia. After all, Portugal is one of my favorite countries, and one of the few places that I would really love to live, outside of California. That's a pretty amazing statement, given that I've only spent about a week there, but sometimes you just <i>know</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, the whole process set me into a frenzy, and I spent hours googling for recipes, nearby Portuguese restaurants and bakeries, and staring at pictures. I figured that this was supposed to be the major advantage of Los Angeles, right? The diverse array of food and culture? I might as well take advantage of it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a whole plan: to find pasteis de nata, the delicious custard tart that is everywhere in Portugal, and to create a mouthwatering blog post that would surely encourage <i>someone</i> to hope a plane the next day. If not to Portugal, then to Los Angeles, or some bakery somewhere. After all, food is a major component of travel, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, Los Angeles won this round, as I got lost trying to find the bakery (which was not close, nor convenient). Then when I arrived, none were ready for another hour! A classic fail moment. So while I haven't forgotten my quest for these tasty treats, a few pictures of Portugal will have to suffice until I can finally get to that bakery. Maybe this weekend?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Even though I posted about Lisbon awhile ago, there is always more to say about Portugal. For some reason I have no photos of the weekend in Lagos, in the Algarve. Lagos was the most laid-back place, with no rush or concern. It's the kind of life that reminds you of what really matters--and what really doesn't. Lisbon does too--but in a more urban sort of way.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70w09qWsQNkPlp7Wf2wuHqPP5ErRojFazKOsE3J59z_i1sNQN27GSIfRIwI4klWdmf3_v8Hp7LOyOkecE3dQ9_akpDqqjzV2sh3ZhKz-Pijyc6pAU35djfrCDpabEVK4eyjZym5R6vlg/s400/P1010142.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670464263761673890" /></div><div><br /></div><div>From Lisbon, we took a day trip to Sintra, a small town with castles and charm. The views made the trek well worth it.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNDP0F9g3KDWjFc4ApABytrg4m0C5Ec7Cm7WDdtFA8EwHngdtEn8HuQlZplnN_pikcxhOHYgm8LbzlFepPsTT8vN4YlA6lysR6bjpWbymRaeOW-mMEZFyEK1qnvnI1-wV_dPoWfvw0Vk/s400/P1010120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670464250423195170" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh Portugal, how I can't wait to visit you again sometime soon(ish).</div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-36084690924360268882011-10-31T21:59:00.000-07:002011-10-31T21:59:05.685-07:00Atlanta HalloweenI'm not a big fan of Halloween. I just can't help but roll my eyes at the majority of what passes for costumes and decorations for grownups these days, and the ridiculousness of all those plastic pumpkins in place of carved jack-o-lanterns and the sheer mass of blow up Frankenstein lawn ornaments just makes me nostalgic for childhood... back when I was on the candy receiving, non-judgmental side of things.<br />
<br />
My Halloween night this year was spent in Atlanta, a city I have discovered most certainly IS a fan of Halloween. The decorations are abundant, both throughout the city and within the bounds of each front yard. Here's a sampling:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZDX4OcWUc2Y5e0j6VHazWwY5P73zwvRgqSbumSGRew2GCl4AaOwfLVlf9BifjpnWxma-dVQOW4DpXTytgpzQKZlXaem9cUtybmXv0VJcpCmmqG645yFPLPKYHZppSw_9o4p4oXwcGnU/s1600/IMG_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZDX4OcWUc2Y5e0j6VHazWwY5P73zwvRgqSbumSGRew2GCl4AaOwfLVlf9BifjpnWxma-dVQOW4DpXTytgpzQKZlXaem9cUtybmXv0VJcpCmmqG645yFPLPKYHZppSw_9o4p4oXwcGnU/s400/IMG_3192.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawn bones</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJKMJiyCAGC6-r-wHvZ6B1_jJYXS_s3pJisb04KwECH2mPgM-jJeVptKvR39lsHC30A_l67sCxqebA7orirNjW7d_VdJfSs5U5iHL1m4xcZptrpn7A42GKltuHHaZWds3n5W2Cm0uwDU/s1600/IMG_3201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJKMJiyCAGC6-r-wHvZ6B1_jJYXS_s3pJisb04KwECH2mPgM-jJeVptKvR39lsHC30A_l67sCxqebA7orirNjW7d_VdJfSs5U5iHL1m4xcZptrpn7A42GKltuHHaZWds3n5W2Cm0uwDU/s400/IMG_3201.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lawn web</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zzau2FY2nBirnGqKz93CKUGCZj0ZKwcM829-NykyLA0UBgqGA6X1ay-9A5cHNUex6Q1AG6eUkubUWl6oC9qvNrWHLa-T4uiwQQDprpq35XMtK3lXU1WDDpDlkWNE3zihOmWNguZCpLY/s1600/IMG_3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Zzau2FY2nBirnGqKz93CKUGCZj0ZKwcM829-NykyLA0UBgqGA6X1ay-9A5cHNUex6Q1AG6eUkubUWl6oC9qvNrWHLa-T4uiwQQDprpq35XMtK3lXU1WDDpDlkWNE3zihOmWNguZCpLY/s400/IMG_3213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute little tree ghosts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLDFc-W2WXtGfDt5wE7Tea-e9Tda8gwiFqmh13lmb33PqzNtL0NZL2SKfMpEFBxVHFBHoFb2LRarO5F5DGT4gk05Ct1iGJvGo3lEKVawFn51Mra0d1KwW7j3Ar5sr46q6o7g6mCT_AIk/s1600/IMG_3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLDFc-W2WXtGfDt5wE7Tea-e9Tda8gwiFqmh13lmb33PqzNtL0NZL2SKfMpEFBxVHFBHoFb2LRarO5F5DGT4gk05Ct1iGJvGo3lEKVawFn51Mra0d1KwW7j3Ar5sr46q6o7g6mCT_AIk/s400/IMG_3215.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where kitsch goes to... die</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNViZ7EtyCxSZt-4bAHiktLoSXcmL_WlDDlpZwPCZ8FGNEyLM9H4YH8hUiAj5sp4XHhOId67xb8pKLN9YAtecjhKU_EH3maKihhwz2KUP1nJBK6ku6Gl-W7PRrgt-9rcz9nEa8C5S1XY/s1600/IMG_3235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYNViZ7EtyCxSZt-4bAHiktLoSXcmL_WlDDlpZwPCZ8FGNEyLM9H4YH8hUiAj5sp4XHhOId67xb8pKLN9YAtecjhKU_EH3maKihhwz2KUP1nJBK6ku6Gl-W7PRrgt-9rcz9nEa8C5S1XY/s640/IMG_3235.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaborate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxokEcElgTJDbrLNEAeeOL3i3wLMp0Lwwo0PkNahrm5og_jDIkF6oa-Ncj3bLO_1LSnXj0IC2ihgQFn_FjJ1hqbc4fZ9nw4jWziSvauCOOHCNybitnr31bDbAV8oOg3fAAhiXMj1Juyc/s1600/IMG_3248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxokEcElgTJDbrLNEAeeOL3i3wLMp0Lwwo0PkNahrm5og_jDIkF6oa-Ncj3bLO_1LSnXj0IC2ihgQFn_FjJ1hqbc4fZ9nw4jWziSvauCOOHCNybitnr31bDbAV8oOg3fAAhiXMj1Juyc/s400/IMG_3248.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinda creepy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8_vwGausHOKpi0guKgFgat6fBJU6HTUozpa4Ud76HoH4H20aaQV_IhRfvv6vWaseFZEVc453aiq61v1-VP50krs1-KVzsb-EXf-8qR2jWosCCg72NOVMM_IqjF5iREPqJbiRyrp-lYM/s1600/IMG_3221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN8_vwGausHOKpi0guKgFgat6fBJU6HTUozpa4Ud76HoH4H20aaQV_IhRfvv6vWaseFZEVc453aiq61v1-VP50krs1-KVzsb-EXf-8qR2jWosCCg72NOVMM_IqjF5iREPqJbiRyrp-lYM/s400/IMG_3221.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super creepy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7IKXMu8kbtjIsZAFQLe2Ee5ZY9P7lDKmEnh0LdDVmefMIi4H3WKgEoJmxL7_BKD1HfkLqHoBRcwKYpfli3f1GczmpW6Cf2aCLvKNL1goCIqmeLBnwRvXoQS6PKKdRWFOPPnAPP4WvJc/s1600/IMG_3236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7IKXMu8kbtjIsZAFQLe2Ee5ZY9P7lDKmEnh0LdDVmefMIi4H3WKgEoJmxL7_BKD1HfkLqHoBRcwKYpfli3f1GczmpW6Cf2aCLvKNL1goCIqmeLBnwRvXoQS6PKKdRWFOPPnAPP4WvJc/s640/IMG_3236.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AWESOME</td></tr>
</tbody></table>See? There's really a little something for all Halloween tastes in Atlanta! Unfortunately, only two trick-or-treater tots came to our door, but one asked to kiss my nephew ("Can I kiss your baby?") and the other was Elmo (did everyone see the man who voices Elmo on Jon Stewart the other night? Amazing!), so clearly it was a quality over quantity situation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnqbNPdY7WDKrgJDnn_cBAVbL9OG6wfTFY7_Z4xanMxcaC7gwZ0a-zAeh_6ccoaQfA9U09tFW4TWfSOrNYbDI7RB-Ow7I3itACqVxUtDklCr0tkacqeTE_jGXHe-AHYhOyby2PYVs1wg/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixnqbNPdY7WDKrgJDnn_cBAVbL9OG6wfTFY7_Z4xanMxcaC7gwZ0a-zAeh_6ccoaQfA9U09tFW4TWfSOrNYbDI7RB-Ow7I3itACqVxUtDklCr0tkacqeTE_jGXHe-AHYhOyby2PYVs1wg/s320/IMG_3199.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will totally decorate the socks off my future house if you'll let me live on Berkeley Road, Atlanta!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com1Atlanta, GA, USA33.7489954 -84.387982433.629090399999995 -84.5191974 33.8689004 -84.2567674tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-21979955926527587592011-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:002011-10-31T22:12:12.996-07:00Santa Barbara<div class="MsoNormal">One of the joys of unemployment is the abundance of free time and energy with which to spend visiting (and chauffeuring) friends. Since my Peace Corps soul mate lives in Santa Barbara, I recently enjoyed a weeklong stay in one of California’s most beautiful places.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Santa Barbara has so many perks! Ocean breezes! Beautiful architecture! Cute dogs! Fabulous seafood! HAPPY HOURS! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">During one of my “alone time” days, I took a long walk to the Santa Barbara Mission, where I lingered on the lawn to both avoid tourists (a favorite pastime) and spend some time reading among the roses.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRTHmJ6hjamiQmWi3LrNopstxwvUkxYp3enn7H3zZ4xTrjStqDWZD4FaY1lC2aICplKIpRVHPjE9_D5GZQGs6-1YYq5qsYrtalu2O6GFgtmG3nTPwkdKGgvTjuonnFAHUuTQ-xFgq99U/s1600/071.Outing+at+the+Santa+Barbara+Mission.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRTHmJ6hjamiQmWi3LrNopstxwvUkxYp3enn7H3zZ4xTrjStqDWZD4FaY1lC2aICplKIpRVHPjE9_D5GZQGs6-1YYq5qsYrtalu2O6GFgtmG3nTPwkdKGgvTjuonnFAHUuTQ-xFgq99U/s400/071.Outing+at+the+Santa+Barbara+Mission.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWCcGKOMdTfF0pWLs1Pf-W9ELByg4SmfqbFNMOxIFGGynuPjmXBdne1U0qePQ2jWxv__56nFrTmVi2Hs17iB3j5W2UTqYwJu-dvlpOGeTp8ud3QLh3fTvBJPiVBLB9t5dMlEZ6bI-Ink/s1600/074.Santa+Barbara+Mission+fountain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWCcGKOMdTfF0pWLs1Pf-W9ELByg4SmfqbFNMOxIFGGynuPjmXBdne1U0qePQ2jWxv__56nFrTmVi2Hs17iB3j5W2UTqYwJu-dvlpOGeTp8ud3QLh3fTvBJPiVBLB9t5dMlEZ6bI-Ink/s400/074.Santa+Barbara+Mission+fountain.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5aZmUfCwSr0E3QOHoDLAu-ljuGKoKGA65Xajsb8jEBjGLclwUphM33uLBDjdPJH8-riSLqHn0u-QZcwoE8Zo64qCNMg4YchP3Y2dB0xlcO6JqvNG0duvwS-V7U-RdP1iuxxnSHVcLvU/s1600/079.SB+Mission.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5aZmUfCwSr0E3QOHoDLAu-ljuGKoKGA65Xajsb8jEBjGLclwUphM33uLBDjdPJH8-riSLqHn0u-QZcwoE8Zo64qCNMg4YchP3Y2dB0xlcO6JqvNG0duvwS-V7U-RdP1iuxxnSHVcLvU/s400/079.SB+Mission.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did I mention the cute dog?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fKvqzGSP0GkPIDasUQcMOqIkAF3cq-N2sWE-kL7nyBnjUDrPqWNrDFDbNuXxhqdiuJBV3aXxBpSAlh045jxyvmSCiuKPIuu8_TYQHl1WeTyERhB25ZhoE10KqkDiwWQeiea7x3PcMI/s1600/084.Taki%2527s+bench+bed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8fKvqzGSP0GkPIDasUQcMOqIkAF3cq-N2sWE-kL7nyBnjUDrPqWNrDFDbNuXxhqdiuJBV3aXxBpSAlh045jxyvmSCiuKPIuu8_TYQHl1WeTyERhB25ZhoE10KqkDiwWQeiea7x3PcMI/s400/084.Taki%2527s+bench+bed.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Being that I am an inland dweller, I never pass up an opportunity for ocean time. Insert: Ellwood Beach “hike.” Okay so this was much more of a stroll than anything, but it was gloriously cloudy, spotted with surfers but sparsely anyone else. Such a lovely visit!<o:p></o:p></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe8BVOk33CTQzMB4JWvbcqO8sEkgi8Kj_CTPXL2R9090UTUjp50M8sF8GhP4OjhKQQuiVUFJ2iRFV5tAEv_krqdcuucK-rg7lsPKcsQBM94SstyXzXZrHNfJPCJla7ZqQx8ZhvOyx-ec/s1600/100.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe8BVOk33CTQzMB4JWvbcqO8sEkgi8Kj_CTPXL2R9090UTUjp50M8sF8GhP4OjhKQQuiVUFJ2iRFV5tAEv_krqdcuucK-rg7lsPKcsQBM94SstyXzXZrHNfJPCJla7ZqQx8ZhvOyx-ec/s640/100.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAweWp7vx9gom0IfdZwciSFbg9FAWAflBcTzCMqFaN8_JB8h_40DCHOuHev7tw80NCvo6VDk5ej1qSi9QseIbzK118lClS1xy3gy7-yKhUY-TTkxuiI5e7xUeFeLtxEO7UGh7b90bNe8/s1600/114.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAweWp7vx9gom0IfdZwciSFbg9FAWAflBcTzCMqFaN8_JB8h_40DCHOuHev7tw80NCvo6VDk5ej1qSi9QseIbzK118lClS1xy3gy7-yKhUY-TTkxuiI5e7xUeFeLtxEO7UGh7b90bNe8/s640/114.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqyr7Gals2AeZGxuAOwBuAPO8Tu5HH4_szTBkJpgDddyDFBiM_w62Aib4KfgGJmxR4z82WmykSRNNsfo7M1fmWTTN1wm_Avdo8XweazpQGSnq7TvZibYeoJxFUhstDIHy7l8vn5WygAg/s1600/121.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqyr7Gals2AeZGxuAOwBuAPO8Tu5HH4_szTBkJpgDddyDFBiM_w62Aib4KfgGJmxR4z82WmykSRNNsfo7M1fmWTTN1wm_Avdo8XweazpQGSnq7TvZibYeoJxFUhstDIHy7l8vn5WygAg/s640/121.Ellwood+Beach+walk.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best part of Santa Barbara = This girl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.3582725 -119.80812560000004 34.483388500000004 -119.58825460000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-89367455634733442582011-10-15T19:12:00.001-07:002011-10-15T19:27:32.269-07:00weekend by the bay?So there's a chance that I may be in the Bay next weekend with my <a href="http://whimsybeing.blogspot.com">friend</a>, and I'm so excited by the prospect of my dropping by my favorite spots! One major upside of the potential trip: searching for the perfect elements for my next crafts project at Urban Ore, this amazing Berkeley treasure-filled store. Urban Ore helps the City of Berkeley progress towards its goal of achieving zero waste, by re-selling goods that would normally go to the dump. In this case, it could be just the place to find the perfect wood for my future garden table! Can't wait! <div><br /></div><div>This, combined with a fresh cup of Philz coffee, brunch from Thai Temple and a view of the bay could make for an excellent weekend. *fingers crossed*</div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-16318339217257117502011-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:002011-10-12T22:30:51.629-07:00Double Rainbow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few weeks ago I spent my first cloudy (yay not 90˚+ weather!) evening in many months visiting with some friends in Sacramento. Although I'm in and out of Sacramento pretty frequently, I hadn't been to Capitol Park in a really long time... so long, in fact, that my last memories of the area were probably from the viewpoint of my 4'9" fourth grader self. Enter my surprise at how pleasant it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqJoccTXkv9WV37HwRTnsaBuncWQp3kb45eQN6qu1-W1Ky_Nx5ev85N8EmEi-p38l6eKHKMw2i48C1NwlGEmg2m6HfwMdtuTcNMSlT-7krI_JrnF_wfd5zVyM30EWViU5GxptHMIXeg0/s1600/IMG_3113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqJoccTXkv9WV37HwRTnsaBuncWQp3kb45eQN6qu1-W1Ky_Nx5ev85N8EmEi-p38l6eKHKMw2i48C1NwlGEmg2m6HfwMdtuTcNMSlT-7krI_JrnF_wfd5zVyM30EWViU5GxptHMIXeg0/s400/IMG_3113.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAWRHkHTy8hs73jGrlSUA0on2i6zs-ztBnR8-nVCBPduJGW1Ljz1sg7hRMH7OXK8ZyzW9ClYP7VSCDFhaQ0sWGfph6xbMZW-6RqTQVIWxzO9bRymD3v_zncyxaUnLyjK2AgGEWr68Sw/s1600/IMG_3124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcAWRHkHTy8hs73jGrlSUA0on2i6zs-ztBnR8-nVCBPduJGW1Ljz1sg7hRMH7OXK8ZyzW9ClYP7VSCDFhaQ0sWGfph6xbMZW-6RqTQVIWxzO9bRymD3v_zncyxaUnLyjK2AgGEWr68Sw/s400/IMG_3124.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHFhPuFqi6X_oVX8D299h1ZJ6y3U8xPVgiyb3t894gUX-FKwI2KIB4st8aIHRkpZTmOMCBONQ2_ybVtqL9RziI8CA6_ZOCuomr95Yx26Z24HtLQsJXMbxMU1L1R9x5xZVbSZUH9zm5Wo/s1600/IMG_3125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHFhPuFqi6X_oVX8D299h1ZJ6y3U8xPVgiyb3t894gUX-FKwI2KIB4st8aIHRkpZTmOMCBONQ2_ybVtqL9RziI8CA6_ZOCuomr95Yx26Z24HtLQsJXMbxMU1L1R9x5xZVbSZUH9zm5Wo/s400/IMG_3125.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love lamppost</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3uF4h9VU8ZdV9A9nVLspUWV-TKdXKg37GeaoZDh27TVkdd4W_Tp9LMqGb1b97wv4xs4Mvy4gG3mzvBTAXFDfQhLtRGWiJN2bxMrbiOBJZDmqTyiC0Yda8klmNcFTPWs6Ag-oF2BoIKU/s1600/IMG_3133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3uF4h9VU8ZdV9A9nVLspUWV-TKdXKg37GeaoZDh27TVkdd4W_Tp9LMqGb1b97wv4xs4Mvy4gG3mzvBTAXFDfQhLtRGWiJN2bxMrbiOBJZDmqTyiC0Yda8klmNcFTPWs6Ag-oF2BoIKU/s400/IMG_3133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
A few days later it was on to LA, where against all odds I enjoyed some beautiful views from I-5.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4P12UwGgfTWSGYLNt6v7uK8_aA0EGeGPF-ap-Ezpr47_BWxY4sgmrcQ_fACDEfhcB7WHcS7E_H_SS9Goem9XsgOK28uTZ2xi5cBo1LnPWRAMjeDhnVZdyxKlq9AJchd9DIiwP4x6HgI/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs4P12UwGgfTWSGYLNt6v7uK8_aA0EGeGPF-ap-Ezpr47_BWxY4sgmrcQ_fACDEfhcB7WHcS7E_H_SS9Goem9XsgOK28uTZ2xi5cBo1LnPWRAMjeDhnVZdyxKlq9AJchd9DIiwP4x6HgI/s400/IMG_9988.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy I-5 all to myself</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6xeEEujRCI5m40tCNXJACftAAYzaKzM3bZMBgNotNMMMRbKeZU0ou5ICDKucUuu24W7H6PLD9O7K_0J5qCCE48B96JEdxQ4AUb1Tf0Khc7RXnqCkiM6aIUoFLYLD6kATCzbaLoXf_XM/s1600/IMG_9995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6xeEEujRCI5m40tCNXJACftAAYzaKzM3bZMBgNotNMMMRbKeZU0ou5ICDKucUuu24W7H6PLD9O7K_0J5qCCE48B96JEdxQ4AUb1Tf0Khc7RXnqCkiM6aIUoFLYLD6kATCzbaLoXf_XM/s400/IMG_9995.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double rainbow in Simi Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Such loveliness in the most unexpected of places. Lesson learned: always have a camera ready.jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-24199752474350193082011-09-30T11:02:00.000-07:002011-09-30T11:48:53.908-07:00life and Austin<div style="text-align: left;">The novelty of living in L.A. has almost worn off and, predictably, I'm itching to travel again. It's the kind of thought that takes root in your mind, in a small space, and grows slowly until you can't take it anymore. You're in class searching for airfare, or googling photographs, or daydreaming of hopping a plane tomorrow, destination unknown. Not that I don't love school. Or what I'm studying. But there is so much of the world to see, and it's constantly changing. And I want to see it all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>Instead, I thought that I would take the more mature route and finish the second post of my road trip, now almost two months in the past. Maybe it will remind me that, yes, I actually do cool things sometimes. I actually make progress on my list of things I want to accomplish. I really shouldn't be complaining since I had a field trip to the Getty this past week, so life could definitely be more rough. But there's something about knowing that the whole world is out there, waiting to be seen, and I'm staring at a pile of books to read and a list of projects to do that entail me sitting in a computer lab while the sun is shining and the beach is calling.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>So about that road trip...I left off before we arrived in Texas. Austin is seriously one of the greatest places, even with the insufferable heat of July. We stayed at a hostel on the river, and watched the sun set over the city. We met interesting people, visited eclectic neighborhoods, and ate amazing food. I think that Austin has some of the best food on the planet, really. And every place is unique. It reminds me of the Bay, but hotter. And cheaper! sigh, so much cheaper. I have to go back.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELB8Ss9U1s-Gq7ADBYCBiAdcN0Elmm9r4OLsfDOOgqKj3F2CI4-EdLCj3gViiB5dLlrwFBV59em7GEZ4870ToghZ2QrTOvQch8DGkH3ace484k3bySYew8EsIoni-ro9fGLNEhLgfY0o/s400/IMG_1122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658225168170985938" /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_kDC3i53bhNNikFCuf6qTd54AKRnD67IZf_XComJEmUgUFSNRTU_uZLe-3MKBr-3esKoHrzKLQJqEACmTp1o91pUludbC6Zw7SQEPGG3MzxeKRQSeYYuJ590Xs2sDxH0ubX4gp8-vE8/s400/IMG_1137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658225164118181538" /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdveq7bBVwt_zTq4EG0qnr2pML_ILz3mUIJYuXaY-KYjWFNMn99i90Hn4r_Rru9jJSAIBc7i9ki2kJIYtTc6hZE7kCjEWsZU79s-Ui4t0Wf4q0tnY01AykuDLtyuji0StwLAKMbM8OWc/s400/IMG_0431.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658225159393054402" /></div><div><br /></div><div>See this is the problem: it's not about going everywhere once, it's about going to all of the places that will change your life, and then going back. It's a never-ending cycle, always wanting to keep seeing, experiencing and changing your perspective. And as for the places that affect you most, it's about going there again and again.</div><div><br /></div><div>(Just a note: In case you're confused, the photo of the eatery was taken on a previous trip, around Christmas)</div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-60055373452964828622011-09-26T19:35:00.000-07:002011-09-26T19:57:21.981-07:00Lost Summer<script type="text/javascript">
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</script>I have spent most of this summer experiencing various states of losing and lost. I have been lost in a mind-numbing plethora of reality television options, lost in my own head and lost in mazes of job applications. I have been lost for words when trying to describe Rwanda, while simultaneously I have been losing my Kinyarwanda, my Rwandan mindset, and my Rwandan sense of purpose and belonging.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsC8-0OsPGwj2W8TEIBWKTI44NmZ3Q__Gjrl5miY5mwlJ4Me7tuXWC9ppqDRI0hMl7Isbv5vXnjfsYWAgcrIUEP2rfSYyDW8ZFK8rBZ7zyL5-E5iQ4fY0HGkkVpOM3e6wilte-Oqcv8U/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsC8-0OsPGwj2W8TEIBWKTI44NmZ3Q__Gjrl5miY5mwlJ4Me7tuXWC9ppqDRI0hMl7Isbv5vXnjfsYWAgcrIUEP2rfSYyDW8ZFK8rBZ7zyL5-E5iQ4fY0HGkkVpOM3e6wilte-Oqcv8U/s400/IMG_3069.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This was a summer spent trying to navigate my impermanent present in a town I thought I’d left behind for good at 18. I’ve discovered that being lost has little to do with lack of familiarity with a place and has everything to do with lack of familiarity with a stage of life. Lost is what happens when your old skin doesn’t quite fit anymore and you’re left lonely in the place that used to house your whole universe.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s not all bad though, this “lost in my one horse hometown” phenomenon. While I continue to crave and plan out my next steps away from here, I thought I’d pay photographic homage to a few pieces of my hometown, my lost town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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</div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com2Oroville, CA, USA39.5137752 -121.5563589999999939.4651777 -121.62495799999999 39.5623727 -121.48775999999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-72057989749579500862011-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:002011-09-15T11:56:08.818-07:00late summer<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It's been forever since my last post. Sorry, but I've been completely immersed in my new, L.A. life. And tomato season. I've become obsessed with tomato season, which could actually last a more few weeks in my new, warm climate. And given my new, intense love affair with the <a href="http://www.marvistafarmersmarket.org/">Mar Vista Farmers Market</a>, I've been basking in the benefits of late summer quite well, thankyouverymuch.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8jlIpi41iaZBiCsSDhMNnaoTUDJXNkczuZepjasfZbqPLROe6WNUzkIoofHwAp7qo89-1oudmhlOSPQbMyCvdIaoyTzJG9k9cmwsl7qY2AV6CqrOaqOdWrtCTZery4pyVudKnFVRRNsg/s400/photo-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652658117619783202" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">On a separate note, the other day I was on my usual (amazing, highlight-of-my-day) bike ride at the beach and I caught this guy hang-gliding. Probably as close as a human can get to being a bird. Very cool, and now on my "to do" list.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Rt47gkqoAHnXn3h1k7ZeUZAiDayTUWULuneJzPXicnPDs2LVKQW2GWA7iyIB4VD1N14XP7yNGv5SqWhYaIFpbVRL_IoYIfGdFNsw3Zl9-99JJesWSlc-WJur2atS4-bc8vEKnaQXHw/s400/IMG_0554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652660205021350658" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">And just to rub it in, nothing quite beats a late summer day at the beach.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjBgrZZnoKu5EItRSf_UvWM4KfjICenE3kaR60X1QgQJsi4LUvmB0DcTKTrUBt2v6aPn-D-Ewof_jHJfSGX1am5GDIy0nYCZVj7FgDKUp8sJtk2v5nS6VjiMG1GItdxg_52TiP51YS4E/s400/IMG_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652660504454810274" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-37289108892980623422011-09-09T16:02:00.000-07:002011-09-15T12:07:14.979-07:00Guatemala<div class="MsoNormal">Spring was very good to me this year. Not only did I return from Rwanda just in time for artichoke season, but I also got to spend some of that hard-earned Peace Corps readjustment allowance on a month in Central America.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First stop: Guatemala<o:p></o:p></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv6k5ZXfNlBc_RUosGALW5hJuBXC1k8EzEMvDYMNrjqY1NOCBRNlIrap1nCozQDG3CnIzjIM53yVrEXMh6PSKWhFyP4sDrsCKPZ4v2ttEx2kiIKuQ9u_F2zejuFgCezPSNCK1Xkn-ARM/s1600/008.Beautiful+Antigua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYv6k5ZXfNlBc_RUosGALW5hJuBXC1k8EzEMvDYMNrjqY1NOCBRNlIrap1nCozQDG3CnIzjIM53yVrEXMh6PSKWhFyP4sDrsCKPZ4v2ttEx2kiIKuQ9u_F2zejuFgCezPSNCK1Xkn-ARM/s320/008.Beautiful+Antigua.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Antigua</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">I spent my first few days in Guatemala in Antigua and the Lago Atitlán-adjacent town of Santa Cruz. In Antigua, I spent my days strolling, shopping, eating and reading in a hammock. I did take one break from vegging out to hike Volcan Pacaya, an active volcano yielding incredible views and pant-ripping lava rocks.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBX2Ctiq9FdSmUS40gyCsHaPiRc4jDwfRUXd7o9fVXESncEf54QZpl6bOvT8LTccCrzel7LKJXZfaNhpN4VYqg7i3ILSfgElYNpwLxJMSSt1SHRLHpdrmkp0SPKaJaLuUgvmOSqYICdc/s1600/023.Climbing+Mount+Pacaya.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBX2Ctiq9FdSmUS40gyCsHaPiRc4jDwfRUXd7o9fVXESncEf54QZpl6bOvT8LTccCrzel7LKJXZfaNhpN4VYqg7i3ILSfgElYNpwLxJMSSt1SHRLHpdrmkp0SPKaJaLuUgvmOSqYICdc/s400/023.Climbing+Mount+Pacaya.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDKxAxva9HcRnKTDMzbCWFhheya3nzcAaDyVhAvdVhEVskZnTXp_YPCEKay6RjAN92jTI-8eqXz-MboNIBZrZtkf3lvw2Wg7Y4gxMZmbLsRLxAxApfeRPG3hiNbeHOqvjo7X5otkyQZY/s1600/019.Climbing+Mount+Pacaya.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDKxAxva9HcRnKTDMzbCWFhheya3nzcAaDyVhAvdVhEVskZnTXp_YPCEKay6RjAN92jTI-8eqXz-MboNIBZrZtkf3lvw2Wg7Y4gxMZmbLsRLxAxApfeRPG3hiNbeHOqvjo7X5otkyQZY/s400/019.Climbing+Mount+Pacaya.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcan Pacaya Views</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Lago Atitlán is a hot spot for spiritual tourism, and although I didn't have a chance to hit up any of the area's yoga camps, it’s not hard to see why.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ5dC7KroPWkCqwiQKJLe74wr3p8QMUIG3vcI8CNT7Jr13RZZe6RuCo4F9B5nacJ6Kegt_eFhRdfeIRyU98yLIyqOO2Q64jAxzSysoZFq2a5__l4F_rvEW73Tvxbnk_p3l7p9p6MvwYM/s1600/042.View+from+the+hammock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ5dC7KroPWkCqwiQKJLe74wr3p8QMUIG3vcI8CNT7Jr13RZZe6RuCo4F9B5nacJ6Kegt_eFhRdfeIRyU98yLIyqOO2Q64jAxzSysoZFq2a5__l4F_rvEW73Tvxbnk_p3l7p9p6MvwYM/s400/042.View+from+the+hammock.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At peace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtUE5xWEMTbV_o2mBXNHMRlPzZolHXsoXoOWFX75NvIm5ta38bqHEAi2lWDhK6ESCt-whNIQwPyx8i1oFQyiee4YrUELhlh9mZKenZjnHF1ad17pijVaXtC03nWngU-sEA6kEHusYtWY/s1600/044.San+Pedro+Volcano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtUE5xWEMTbV_o2mBXNHMRlPzZolHXsoXoOWFX75NvIm5ta38bqHEAi2lWDhK6ESCt-whNIQwPyx8i1oFQyiee4YrUELhlh9mZKenZjnHF1ad17pijVaXtC03nWngU-sEA6kEHusYtWY/s400/044.San+Pedro+Volcano.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise Volcan San Pedro</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After a sunrise departure from Santa Cruz, I was on to Huehuetenango, a highland region of the country home to one of my dearest friend’s Peace Corps site and lots of coffee.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I spent an incredible and peaceful few days here indulging in home made tortillas, getting on a first name basis with rogue neighborhood pigs and experiencing a bit of the Peace Corps Guatemala lifestyle.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgZEbQNp8KkL59tJs3QNIsdT6rO32Ecxy8KkLPaMk7IdfwVvxn3F63YSXTv403nttt-8LUrbV4q_tsfUznyHK0Mq2nsuFFvU7StLWDoHsqoo8RcNZ3J1fupMGpzVaYLV8AvDH6tFk_Dc/s1600/071.Cumbre+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgZEbQNp8KkL59tJs3QNIsdT6rO32Ecxy8KkLPaMk7IdfwVvxn3F63YSXTv403nttt-8LUrbV4q_tsfUznyHK0Mq2nsuFFvU7StLWDoHsqoo8RcNZ3J1fupMGpzVaYLV8AvDH6tFk_Dc/s400/071.Cumbre+road.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Journeying through Huehuetenango</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HV3IKSy4lixukHS9e4aXA7JN3eirI-qSyPQCryykjB6U78JriBY2dZzQUMVZtwgWHNz0k9N8v7ES3hp4EPc48jI-EVeEdxHjGjheROrPfDduxG1y-qw3c7JWW1Lt1tylnayGGaJXjF0/s1600/099.Beautiful+Huehuetenango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HV3IKSy4lixukHS9e4aXA7JN3eirI-qSyPQCryykjB6U78JriBY2dZzQUMVZtwgWHNz0k9N8v7ES3hp4EPc48jI-EVeEdxHjGjheROrPfDduxG1y-qw3c7JWW1Lt1tylnayGGaJXjF0/s400/099.Beautiful+Huehuetenango.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Martin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01qRL35XydKfgTOyKvUJRVPHVjVbJXP9xP8sYyUpN8kvxZ3qrOpyqNqw0Juai6u5FKIA_PcTkP_h2Xmqk76WJWoOqC3BaXxDuY_Vx5SRhZEvpDgLtkhXJ6LMxB9rl9Z1wn80hE5yXPM/s320/129.Todos+Santos.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todos Santos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq01qRL35XydKfgTOyKvUJRVPHVjVbJXP9xP8sYyUpN8kvxZ3qrOpyqNqw0Juai6u5FKIA_PcTkP_h2Xmqk76WJWoOqC3BaXxDuY_Vx5SRhZEvpDgLtkhXJ6LMxB9rl9Z1wn80hE5yXPM/s1600/129.Todos+Santos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todos Santos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSlA-Rgk0IyBSh_44LTLQTq9IjBHwcLT8vkbg0bxzrjO_jDkPgeuBOG22N8xpjBbfnkHfv7xnNBs0zuWI-dmXezUmnIiRYpT1QBFfHrmyfmtWWnoAcL2CWX0xr9GMzn-gs-2Id-sOuTY/s1600/125.Todos+Santos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSlA-Rgk0IyBSh_44LTLQTq9IjBHwcLT8vkbg0bxzrjO_jDkPgeuBOG22N8xpjBbfnkHfv7xnNBs0zuWI-dmXezUmnIiRYpT1QBFfHrmyfmtWWnoAcL2CWX0xr9GMzn-gs-2Id-sOuTY/s320/125.Todos+Santos.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todos Santos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After Huehuetenango it was off to Tikal, aka the reason Guatemala has been on my "must visit" list for many years. Anyone who knows me well knows that I love ruins. The older, more elaborate and telling of ancient societies, the better. That said, Tikal was a definite highlight for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OzX4bmNwUs0Pav2C3l_3ttHsADLNrGf6pMbDvugBmxF4TZ5W9oO4OSU2zpcgRzyNfP9lbPbv8BUfMKQzBow7un3SCJbj-Gl3WvOaOYytnun7ob7zy41vkDofCFqupdKiQAtvSpHWK6o/s1600/063.Tikal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OzX4bmNwUs0Pav2C3l_3ttHsADLNrGf6pMbDvugBmxF4TZ5W9oO4OSU2zpcgRzyNfP9lbPbv8BUfMKQzBow7un3SCJbj-Gl3WvOaOYytnun7ob7zy41vkDofCFqupdKiQAtvSpHWK6o/s400/063.Tikal.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins as far as the eye can see</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIoQPc2eBI8PIW16bBXV6kLkLTH-uOR6QxyWIlSaR-94KQQhZZP0ReqKH5ccKyhVgxlwqxMoFfqZk4Up_udsiguJ1lDM3B02y6ZU3qt1NIDCBU98cHStQiubOvbx1IT66Xp0vL5SQm_I/s1600/009.Tikal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIoQPc2eBI8PIW16bBXV6kLkLTH-uOR6QxyWIlSaR-94KQQhZZP0ReqKH5ccKyhVgxlwqxMoFfqZk4Up_udsiguJ1lDM3B02y6ZU3qt1NIDCBU98cHStQiubOvbx1IT66Xp0vL5SQm_I/s400/009.Tikal.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't look down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0W13GvLniyb0XkT1ercK91J4VrGPJ2H8YoH22b1XqWZ8gDaOkGW0Cqiy67MGtCNyP1Lu6WckB9Blt5zT-wwJdrey2d8hHqFDBTlYxXfBVfk4CVZtV6An0kIof_F7R0ZU2Zf78Jc01_E/s1600/027.Tikal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0W13GvLniyb0XkT1ercK91J4VrGPJ2H8YoH22b1XqWZ8gDaOkGW0Cqiy67MGtCNyP1Lu6WckB9Blt5zT-wwJdrey2d8hHqFDBTlYxXfBVfk4CVZtV6An0kIof_F7R0ZU2Zf78Jc01_E/s400/027.Tikal.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling small</td></tr>
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</div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-4689076142629387282011-08-17T19:29:00.000-07:002011-09-15T11:55:26.492-07:00Week One<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">Tomorrow marks one week since I moved to L.A. Not a momentous occasion, or even something worth celebrating remotely, but definitely worth a picture. Or two. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">It turns out that Culver City is an amazing place to live. There's a super handy bike path that goes straight to the beach, without encountering any of those L.A. drivers that don't know what to do when they see a biker--except hit the gas pedal. Also, it has great restaurants, a <a href="http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=658">mini hike</a> that makes you feel apart from urbanity (check out the view from the top, below) and a lot to do. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">AND it's cooler here than it is further east: super. essential. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">I'm so lucky to be living in a great place and to have amazing <a href="http://whimsybeing.blogspot.com/">friends</a> to explore it with!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">My morning bike ride:<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIRD9og0uBDItVAXp_8q_zgTcrjiXGKe-DZ_GVr5V7pckRUcMCtbB3z2gJJNsxzWauaHh7clhccZ0ZVAlnNl7nvCvYaYpeBtSUGc2jJPlSG1og0OV4t33rpWVgCFLPr_Vdf-fPCkcpkE/s400/IMG_0546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019069516145090" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">The view from the Baldwin Hills scenic overlook:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1jXkslgH0rMf4VHGEbPeKkx4Yjgktdq-QjrOfzSoWObG8Cx6ExL_F0isswU6teMlvg95UB0LlRd0bNnPHoTiWvgXrg0sjLpkGoOesQacoY_6PObISn94CpOxJLAe2lQp7qFAnd-neDM/s400/IMG_0548.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642019065314200690" /></div></div></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-41905937391846319632011-08-17T15:49:00.000-07:002011-09-26T20:03:52.742-07:00Setting Sail<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Last weekend I went to the coolest pre-wedding event ever: a sailing trip around the San Francisco Bay. Thinking I was about to attend a ladies only booze cruise, I was a little thrown when I approached the dock and was strapped into a life vest, asked to sign a liability waiver and given the option of borrowing jackets to fight off the cold and wind of the open water. However, I always welcome the opportunity for a new adventure and new views of my beloved Bay Area. While sailing around Angel Island, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, we got to watch the San Francisco skyline glow during a stunning sunset and witness the moon rise. In addition to the beauty and tranquility of the experience, the sailing company gave 40% of the trip's proceeds back to my friend's non-profit and normally gives 10% of all proceeds back to non-profits. I heart San Francisco.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs0vZxdNcaEvjoHqBwofxBkbxE76DYku1Zm5ZY3-_KCtWwO4iBJLduDBVojRGA1TLJeP9u7ZjYDjwD7ob1-bnpC0lJIN5V5PN71LLGf1kaFGfUXMlCiLuprWFAtIALEmrr0a8QNgrK9o/s1600/IMG_2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs0vZxdNcaEvjoHqBwofxBkbxE76DYku1Zm5ZY3-_KCtWwO4iBJLduDBVojRGA1TLJeP9u7ZjYDjwD7ob1-bnpC0lJIN5V5PN71LLGf1kaFGfUXMlCiLuprWFAtIALEmrr0a8QNgrK9o/s400/IMG_2570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Departing from Pier 40: Coit Tower and Transamerica Pyramid Aglow</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG80ve4h3M_aOwbV1PhsdTMH8vNIL_jk4flWOHGNmp7qJHNnrkE7p16Qj8_nrYMgc4h96QOWD6CT2KYe70fF7Ur6xIj-hcnj5C8vQsXNv8NqvQoU_jt0fi32atYTEYAf5SvR2bMHrX27w/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG80ve4h3M_aOwbV1PhsdTMH8vNIL_jk4flWOHGNmp7qJHNnrkE7p16Qj8_nrYMgc4h96QOWD6CT2KYe70fF7Ur6xIj-hcnj5C8vQsXNv8NqvQoU_jt0fi32atYTEYAf5SvR2bMHrX27w/s400/IMG_2586.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3LTI2ufo0wzYdYLJgG7dQzNH5ik4oCa72mq80oBREA8nDzxlos5H-VclhOKlwaY8jNEdePftylzV6A-yTu7vnE8-T-pfkpF60JeBWEfNkgpe5aeCAyB4Q9GxlV8GQnE3x1k0L8SFm2A/s1600/IMG_2622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3LTI2ufo0wzYdYLJgG7dQzNH5ik4oCa72mq80oBREA8nDzxlos5H-VclhOKlwaY8jNEdePftylzV6A-yTu7vnE8-T-pfkpF60JeBWEfNkgpe5aeCAyB4Q9GxlV8GQnE3x1k0L8SFm2A/s400/IMG_2622.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Port of San Francisco</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My next destinations: DC and Boston</span></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-74595965861396636742011-08-13T19:18:00.000-07:002011-08-13T20:09:27.073-07:00the road trip<div style="text-align: left;">Suffice to say, a lot has happened in the past few weeks. I drove across the country with two friends, and I moved across the state. Soon I will post about my new L.A. life, this one is all about the road trip.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>To be completely obvious, the U.S. is a pretty amazing country! I previously wrote that the American road trip is the dream. After 12 days in a car, I still believe that. There is nothing like seeing the landscape change, experiencing the different cities and climates, the natural progression of the trip--I feel like it's hard to know the country without driving across it. Although the Southern route in the summer? HOT. Especially from a humidity-fearing Californian like myself.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I still can't decide what my favorite part of the trip was, so here are a few of my favorite photos from the first half:</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>The drive from Las Vegas to Mesa Verde National Park was surprisingly beautiful--somehow I never thought that the beautiful red rock of the desert could be near Vegas. But it was, and the clouds of the rainy day made for a dramatic drive.</div><div>
<br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarojqPGOcrXrG8adnl8_OvBf125v_7DVY5isvk41Fu3anyWHMcbrcpn9qClzOF_dGNOhgbd8NGngtejlYOcBjak2coqcg9VwrQ1tJttFeDhqq-iiTZaxsZCHphg-k3QWoF0rx1NyG4Uw/s400/IMG_0188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533965956874482" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMed5-LbF3GOiGQEbgOUDR4ifO4ll_N6qhLuCFc660hFgLdWx5DcG0D2Gd26hkcofF8q6-OWTUQ-7JHZLgWxBlHrvro96nAnlJIgxX23yOoNhpuVTkEIQsaHUJySRxGDZdvI_nFpOKE4/s400/IMG_0305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640541153570169330" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjppnl9iGKFe665pYbbXasTdF1opuSHyBEIIk3GRYL6XpZx0VzWaUIUyP35bS6oocjFfMliXNorvA2s01iDdgtZzMpFpy7Yzt04zHCbJ3eLcushQsIJ0C3Gdupg_TxgnGbNpEo1bmbf24s/s400/IMG_0302.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640541150757915346" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLTA-fFX8BfYENbwqY5eOnlLi3ZpQzGOJf8UoFjtM99AlYcbnikajrIhgtRrMU5Kzkumr-Dqui3kcgt_6oax2iB9M17F9L18JYOxjzKUA5yOnuG6hq7VZOTSPDlJbSvedlFylB33fOo4/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640541158817829346" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>Even though we didn't stop at Lake Powell, driving by it was stunning. Ever since I saw a magazine when I was in high school I've wanted to go. Actually, that's how I pick most of my destinations--a picture in a magazine. Now I can't wait to go back and spend some time here. Maybe on a houseboat.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdYRuPzv9R5HUWy3RLtFm98zXAeji-0oj-2P9XusJoGx4crtDKB06N5jMJHh8V03tkpMD8UgC8fuyFf3529UN7dTSo8jxJoMbnfPcapYtiMdc0oRvEoFBaNpD7FBQymkd2zD4Ovavvi4/s400/IMG_0334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640541161397245138" /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU58h8-tAtggj0mYHs_JbVZ3YeWLywbQYhmX63_nyEkEvfQFfIu2VxAVNUTXlZsnbXZ9AnTOXdhOLWITxOejhzAPlCLXcEmzhPbnM56gkbfF83TERg2-YiKttYBSQnM7SXYWX4T-2wQYY/s400/IMG_0344.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533950512098690" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvWXY0Ig3hMuXsqxUaU2jJ_p3RtRomRoujqvIVlL9jsT_lo63gi0Q4Sr3p2wvHnVc2VyFsjRq1NyeZXt0N4LZvq1LVvpYkTWyk9WhO3U2BvJxU6NdVFe8BRMYVg-bMLEgbVQ5tQS2jVj0/s400/IMG_0341.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533956252212514" /></div><div>
<br /></div><div>In Las Vegas we realized that Zion National Park was just a half hour out of the way to Mesa Verde. Time well spent. Although as always--seeing a glimpse of a park just makes me want to go back and see it again.</div><div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpZYP8rbsGQYDRyafLhBIrZwjF0oK4vWK0GQgKsPl4LIjE8GNQRe5TFlBJ0PWKn5N3BES6iuUZ9a9-rejMi6ddvCO5Q_D3qEqZRX1agbk_BeO1tGsrbQ7Xl1-K1a4aALwV1ELEx5RbEc/s400/IMG_0241.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533962198682610" />
<br /></div><div>Our second destination: Mesa Verde National Park. I did not expect it to live up to its name--green table mountains, the setting for Native American cliff dwellings. But it definitely exceeded my expectations... and more.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTWib0GA2jA6YweC6KiJvFsYS0-BzBwSwss9mgRwXE1Hsd5dihnBkLPqN74qcBH_bmel88LoS-mUhr2gKfivdixu7xGveUKNQpRZBb0w8Lp1mJ7gZBX3u_nK-7Er_jDYmt1xyrjWbbRY/s400/IMG_0412.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640533969828638178" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div>My next post: Austin and New Orleans.</div></div></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-31536754482725070062011-07-19T22:40:00.000-07:002011-07-19T22:52:27.343-07:00road trip planning12 days to cross the country seems like ages, but it's just not. The more I look into things, and other people give suggestions, the more that I realize how much there is to see--enough to fill months! But since 12 days are all that we have (as reality encroaches all too quickly in your mid-20's), we're going to make the most of it.<div><br /></div><div>My friend Gabby came up with a brilliant idea: a road trip scavenger hunt. On the list so far:</div><div>-see the world's largest (something)</div><div>-buy cowboy boots and a cowboy hat</div><div>-real Texas BBQ</div><div>-Tex-Mex</div><div>-go to a beach where we can swim (after all, we are from Northern California)</div><div>-take a picture of a road in the middle of nowhere</div><div>-and a bunch more, I just can't remember</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a great start--but any more ideas?</div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-80956442519935850582011-07-12T13:13:00.000-07:002011-07-12T15:18:47.247-07:00Birth of the Travel Bug<span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaTGD4VkHODn8HSatZsijqgp1wIKPxADf-KFBkXQOly8RNecvvpfrf8TBL1HUYnh2E3E4PgNPDgYynD-mzj4xHu3VaxUg-8XnLCpIhWFP_avpLDrjmwh4oxgS0mgkTszAro8eraTEDrY/s1600/im1.shutterfly-7.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_ycAR5igshHKx31Z0uHGpoPlArGpofw9aSdMNlf7anhnOs_qI_JYjw5JPI5Lw839z3tl2vd03jJAsIZkKYbnxu0pxzzPRWkvOpYrpBo4pCxReSdT0f4T97oJaRpcepvrb4Al4dm62Gs/s200/im1.shutterfly-10.jpeg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628588236975138178" /><span class="Apple-style-span">Four months in Argentina. Not quite where it all began, but certainly the point of no return. The purchasing of the guidebook. The cramming much too much into my suitcase and the dreaming of scenarios that justify the bringing of each outfit. The taking off alone. The mid-flight surge of excitement and nervousness. The beginning of endless restlessness and a love affair with travel, adventure, wandering, discovering. Realizing that the phrase "settle down" makes me shudder.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjkAzaDBl2t5n_wg5ZIPBV_ocOZJ23rPhPiBXxvOZntn8Hz_niY-WZEBCRNvPFiafa3LhxrhGKx0EO7TLv0_1PeqRdOdznwXEcM4LKp-Incv_yKZsJyW5ifpyJpAb7kbf-iaTJjGVvNo/s1600/im1.shutterfly-4.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtjkAzaDBl2t5n_wg5ZIPBV_ocOZJ23rPhPiBXxvOZntn8Hz_niY-WZEBCRNvPFiafa3LhxrhGKx0EO7TLv0_1PeqRdOdznwXEcM4LKp-Incv_yKZsJyW5ifpyJpAb7kbf-iaTJjGVvNo/s200/im1.shutterfly-4.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628585730640075010" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">Argentina is where incredible nightlife, plazas, craft fairs, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, relics of Peronism, Che Guevara's childhood home, dinosaur fossils, cave paintings, Jesuit ruins, indigenous villages, epic steaks, wine tastings, rafting in the Andes, tango in the street, futbol mania, horseback riding through golden plains, whale watching and desert mountain biking all coexist. So who could blame me for never looking back? </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXpCsoNIOu2inbvZTZJzgmhFtIrXxs7VAn5xrIUopGTLiPOcJ5Yd9-Z2WNcDcQqqbiDheacpp68ApO2Fddrjf_GW0BPZXweULZ23RjLF8APn1w_-NHZF9hqHgQIyDPW5pqb0VBptWRk30/s200/im1.shutterfly-7.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628592527331103058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 146px; height: 200px; " /></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta charset="utf-8"></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-84519700954756342072011-07-12T12:18:00.000-07:002011-07-12T13:05:25.651-07:00Pride Season<div style="text-align: center;"><meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnihBv10wAX01shyc1Qmeex9ng2LFHX4040cz7aQoXi1F5xPQiNkTO25yNfje3UgZCJkJA8ePDqTWw_1S5yvhLFQylyctt4cn6yciig_2-i69otMJRKxK6Q4UZkmGafQd1LWiW_2fhndk/s1600/IMG_2321.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnihBv10wAX01shyc1Qmeex9ng2LFHX4040cz7aQoXi1F5xPQiNkTO25yNfje3UgZCJkJA8ePDqTWw_1S5yvhLFQylyctt4cn6yciig_2-i69otMJRKxK6Q4UZkmGafQd1LWiW_2fhndk/s320/IMG_2321.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628557386439790962" style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Seattle's Famous Space Needle Topped by Pride Flag</span></i></div><div>
<br /></div><div>The funny thing about places is that a lot of their character boils down to their people. A few weekends ago I attended Seattle's Pride Parade and subsequent Pride Fest. Not only was it a great time, filled with free parade route loot (baskets of strawberries, free burritos, day glo maracas, cookies, hilariously vulgar stickers and beads, anyone?) and outrageous passersby, it was also incredibly meaningful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM6hyphenhyphenrfUmxKJYB85xkPJHci7Xafj3-LI3H0J4-Wq5oiJeYXIcp_JmU0Mhh8_wWdBdrTTE7j_LkDTnDP-RZMtnLfSksmodGL8kfUD8KiMvrUARgLd1FATVzMGr6EhrLoGRFJS8iYxN69Y/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmM6hyphenhyphenrfUmxKJYB85xkPJHci7Xafj3-LI3H0J4-Wq5oiJeYXIcp_JmU0Mhh8_wWdBdrTTE7j_LkDTnDP-RZMtnLfSksmodGL8kfUD8KiMvrUARgLd1FATVzMGr6EhrLoGRFJS8iYxN69Y/s320/IMG_2306.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628557407060119090" /></a></div><div><div>Taking place just days after gay marriage became legal in New York, the event was themed, "Be You. Be Proud. Express Yourself!" The parade and festivities were all about taking pride in one's individuality while not just tolerating but <span style="font-style: italic; ">celebrating</span> the city's diversity. Seattle did a wonderful job at this, with groups ranging from major corporations to local dance troupes filling the streets with creativity, rainbows, poignant political and public health messages and, of course, nudity for nudity's sake.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6430FvWtHHTVV9iemhVYGrhvqO3RjdHBsfNu4Ue1DZK1MCIMREYfxDwFGOX2lnonleE3NkevL92QOUZx9F1asTyae0Png5Lbx2jo8_bynCMmzhuXnUudmOVMdxHx4QbAHez5t4KYQRY/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6430FvWtHHTVV9iemhVYGrhvqO3RjdHBsfNu4Ue1DZK1MCIMREYfxDwFGOX2lnonleE3NkevL92QOUZx9F1asTyae0Png5Lbx2jo8_bynCMmzhuXnUudmOVMdxHx4QbAHez5t4KYQRY/s320/IMG_2230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628557400880096450" /></a> </div><div>After many cumulative months and years spent in places around the world that stifle expression and individual freedoms, events like pride parades really make me grateful and proud to be in the U.S. If it's not too late, find a pride parade near you to celebrate your place's people.<meta charset="utf-8"></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6t34lnfeoES2ulZ6QvO3EQYxrX5JZSpG59LbWpL2CoRpJViZkfMXHdHUCKRO1Edtnoft6anFCwGE0snVoYeE2_7vp_JwbYK-CkPsW77Mq4srx9n_hRr5_r8394Uw0vTVTVdgEdM2_Us/s1600/IMG_2176.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6t34lnfeoES2ulZ6QvO3EQYxrX5JZSpG59LbWpL2CoRpJViZkfMXHdHUCKRO1Edtnoft6anFCwGE0snVoYeE2_7vp_JwbYK-CkPsW77Mq4srx9n_hRr5_r8394Uw0vTVTVdgEdM2_Us/s320/IMG_2176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628557391865302338" style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-61892396047996172562011-07-10T22:56:00.001-07:002011-07-10T23:17:55.027-07:00fog<div style="text-align: left;">If you're from the Central/North coast, chances are that you know about fog. I mean, <i>know</i> it, like a person you live with: its habits, its patterns. It becomes predictable in a way. You can tell when it will burn off (if it's low), when it's staying for the day (if it's higher), when it's coming in at night (when it gets windy) and when it won't come in at all (on those rare, warm nights). Or at least this is the Carmel Valley version of fog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Despite my familiarity with the phenomenon, it still surprises me sometimes. The beauty in its mystery, and how it feels like you could walk across it, nothing more than a dimpled pillow--certainly more than air and water.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few days ago I went on an astounding hike. The trail was familiar, but the view felt brand new.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Starting out, below the fog:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhj-wBTPI1-O0G29FQXzxCTu9YchnLEZI4fB8fPQveDlPngUVyQ-QzeDqaHyRdQlQnryTVYLeNAOLIgPNIC8N_mabHQlv-nY73BsAJxQJlr9bZ22P4XwSHIRQYOdH_mI5OWhWxdPBblc/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627972481241533490" /><br /></div><div>Inching higher, obscuring the trail:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggovosV-YFgk8bAmwgIaNFPJJnMRWxahmR9vc_ZLGhOWiaC3wc0rFuyiOMe8u5UYRxap9B7E4HT9Oat2tFVTw8zLW12QCb82wEzsiB-3cM_pLWu-o0CnFIa70TprhLqw1UEo_YzMbAVr0/s400/IMG_0079.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627972486829639474" /><br /></div><div>At the top, sunshine over the clouds:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8MqcZ92-CubjOXR67FYrsTcCYhKZOmXlxWnqjJ4Z31Aq38CgPQ-RUHXspyWPi0MEAeW8sov_hnR-eeIc0DgFCgj73HGUPOIoqhxrlPctCKOTUBu63BDs5bwhAuE2K3EGVKf0QcR2PWc/s400/IMG_0094.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627972494954842322" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAade0ZT5equCHez6yM6x4y4f7XypmTjNlR1f9z1JKdFc0XZgfY4BTePzZ3Ze1IJPXLaCzj-l91YBwqsNucVg-Nri4TJqFK43bWrTCFj3rp0L1Wq5v9oNdYpoJnZJya02XCvBmBMZhrgs/s400/IMG_0095.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627972493244462434" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-62301972671838300732011-07-08T13:40:00.001-07:002011-07-08T13:42:51.998-07:00breaking newsDid you know that there are albino redwood trees? And there are at least two in Big Sur?<div><br /></div><div>Mind=boggled.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm definitely hunting for them before the end of the summer! And posting pictures, obviously.</div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-76916018636859660472011-06-29T21:47:00.000-07:002011-06-29T22:33:11.331-07:00road trip summer<div style="text-align: left;">So it's almost July, which is really exciting. Like, check-something-off-your-life-"to do"-list exciting. And not the little list that you keep adding to and checking things off just to feel like you make progress in your life. Like, The List. Because this is the summer of the cross-country roadtrip.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>Yes!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Monterey, CA -> Gainesville, FL</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, get excited. I am. The last roadtrip I took was through Montenegro, in a Fiat Panda. The stuff of legends. An epic journey through canyons, by lakes, and near cliffs, with harrowing passages, detours for waterfalls and the unexpected reality that you can park however you want and drive wherever you want in Montenegro. No, really. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>And yes, a Fiat Panda (technically an automatic, but not even close) can scale a mountain to get to a campsite.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-lOvv2xmMbF0yjdnytNRLXF1LsmIQZwkehkYmoMLEQatgWtMnzThqAO_xhW8kHGqMr6MLoWU_egP1juw-td0t0Pt12Q3abmRZuUhTAPK1Laxy_UldrJwCXN6c7GXp2upA0AS8_KtbR4/s400/IMG_0606.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623876748522427746" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>And navigate sheer drops (the road was narrower than it looks, honest!).</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCmqqGHrvPg9JAUgohBiY-nuTqha6rVKfJd_uEweSU7zyRJF4ElxcJvIICof94tyB7wr2xSNRiW6rij3rhA-Go5-yZvRBGORyaVZwp_9vxKhU2a52m-b3TyAUjv2L4wnPrL14nGwd5rc/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623876753934723042" /><br /><div>If we have half the adventures of Montenegro, this cross-country trip will make for some excellent blogging! So, like me, get excited. And if not excited for the roadtrip, then at least look forward to my next post. I'll write more about Montenegro, and explain why we chose to go there (hint: James Bond).</div><div><br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTr21nEWSm_m9z1oofcrbnsy_hG9BCZwLSlVVVE05LBkQcHK169ODCamhqwiXOlYLZdZ6odAQv0ZF8bPE16q8rm1wSIHD_oV_4bnea7WXvX68ABEcDdI8QZNPGy6aSWaAOjEPDA3gR5w/s400/IMG_0579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623876760484143890" /></div></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-87764883335018166392011-06-28T22:12:00.000-07:002011-06-29T00:29:30.192-07:00Rwanda at a Glance<div><meta charset="utf-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFkkRgk1XGQdt5veGL3IJUr0pumAJj-dIpN7g7jWHhXIj3FWW1yulNQCHgNUEn3tIRKP4To1VEEPvZI6KQmJO7PrXIRVppaC5lQ1wjwk4msmmjD8EbQVHg0A_vhzWzYl-JcNZddjA2vc/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xtceh1ejuiiy-7pO1KbQx3Rovdc7fwUT4IT4ZuMSjGygMxed8cS7J81tpCeApyR9tMb4O1pJKtlOUqSymbLgDsxeTy9SX1a8wdRmVSTUx7Lof2PWj9qseYd27dSa7MVrWuOqEGSls0g/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center; ">“To live is to change, to acquire the words of a story, and that is the only celebration we mortals really know.”</blockquote></span></a></span><div><div><div><div>
<br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc4PZvOhKxPwFab_h9uPvNE3xK2n4UiOMoNrCxKkodhwZ2hC3htszv5r34lDSQqrl6GHMdC7JavveUEiLtvjF9nKU1cdJzJuOJLW_OyD8Uob0oFRLbbdPGQKnGtc6Xgnl8FftniTjZAk/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623508487666938978" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " />For most </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">people, thoughts of Rwanda are limited to disturbing images and facts from its violent history.</span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "> Having spent 27 months living, learning and exploring this tiny East African country's every corner and what feels like all of its thousands of peaks and valleys, thoughts of Rwanda conjure up a much more complicated image: achingly beautiful scenery and punishing poverty; laughing children and suspicious stares; humbling setbacks and heart bursting joys.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div>
<br /></div><div>As cliché as it sounds, a large piece of me will always feel connected and grateful to Rwanda for all its beauties, challenges and teachings. If you ever find yourself in the neighborhood or just in need of some off the beaten track adventure, give Rwanda a chance.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Musanze/Ruhengeri and Visiting the Mountain Gorillas</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Rwanda's primary attraction is the rare opportunity to go on a trek into <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/63">Virunga National Park</a> and visit mountain gorillas. The gorillas are constantly tracked and protected by a number of agencies and organizations, including <a href="http://www.rwandatourism.com/test/index.php">ORTPN</a> and the <a href="http://gorillafund.org/page.aspx?pid=846">Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">, which also helps local populations through improved health care opportunities and community development activities. For me, this experience was magical. After meeting at the base of the park in Kinigi, we were put into groups of 8 and joined by a local guide. Then we went on a bone rattling ride to the outskirts of the park before hiking for about two hours through lush forest.</span></span></div></span></i></div><div><i>
<br /></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGeHEvUr8nNUO8p-MUq1yn7iSZfHWmrx_bo72ZekuT2d4inihtkU0UdWx0zg9eFysySpQF47x2O2YgMTX1tWhzPyQ-c7EGNHhwjQ61NCkgfdVZLEyJVeaht96epQH2KwrTHxzEvJDYMo/s1600/IMG_4432.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGeHEvUr8nNUO8p-MUq1yn7iSZfHWmrx_bo72ZekuT2d4inihtkU0UdWx0zg9eFysySpQF47x2O2YgMTX1tWhzPyQ-c7EGNHhwjQ61NCkgfdVZLEyJVeaht96epQH2KwrTHxzEvJDYMo/s320/IMG_4432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623521023862139810" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a>Keeping completely silent, our guide and trackers signaled that they had spotted the gorillas, and we then hacked our way off the trail and up into the brush, where we saw...</div></div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ePMbs8dZ0ZOjtRcDA7zs6HQLzrROcGh8GQqXLwLvF5vCUqyWd0XIJAteliyLZOW0YHS335Dxx8rAJlIqwvoQdyXPPjf4JA2ZLo0Tm2VrUCL4iGaJNo3XnUj6icnjDxVUknivBG73DB8/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ePMbs8dZ0ZOjtRcDA7zs6HQLzrROcGh8GQqXLwLvF5vCUqyWd0XIJAteliyLZOW0YHS335Dxx8rAJlIqwvoQdyXPPjf4JA2ZLo0Tm2VrUCL4iGaJNo3XnUj6icnjDxVUknivBG73DB8/s200/IMG_0395.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623523918711269026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVAO6FXwSRCES1KHp4MshEkfvH-_MNfqf5itmajfAI3y2Yosp0nyxB7msao_iMKV6M85nSSiZg_ZijvzRayrjBQYcTnYV0MzLgLURlifwhVNv8Vx5jrrv2im-nLDBr6QY9MCa-6uyPTc/s1600/IMG_4457.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVAO6FXwSRCES1KHp4MshEkfvH-_MNfqf5itmajfAI3y2Yosp0nyxB7msao_iMKV6M85nSSiZg_ZijvzRayrjBQYcTnYV0MzLgLURlifwhVNv8Vx5jrrv2im-nLDBr6QY9MCa-6uyPTc/s200/IMG_4457.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623523915657453938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSijfFVbMIdrNK2FEEgTWy_Y3hwiY-qyq7GG1CVeIFyvVxOR9twTezwQKGnrk6At3o6wNatv7uGsN1seaRU-w7f0s7Ote9jvbyF2YzhDRnj9_cxKXsIdM6cbXUsDZdDdHaelxQAi04bk/s1600/IMG_4439.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSijfFVbMIdrNK2FEEgTWy_Y3hwiY-qyq7GG1CVeIFyvVxOR9twTezwQKGnrk6At3o6wNatv7uGsN1seaRU-w7f0s7Ote9jvbyF2YzhDRnj9_cxKXsIdM6cbXUsDZdDdHaelxQAi04bk/s200/IMG_4439.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623523911419584226" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></span><div><div>We got to stay with the gorillas for about an hour, during which time the three year olds tried to play with us, the silverbacks grunted, the baby and mama clung to each other, and everyone displayed the art of creating human facial expressions and thistle eating. All in all this was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had!</div><div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b>Getting Around:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">- It is actually pretty easy to get around Rwanda. Although few people outside of Kigali speak English, you can book bus tickets to any of the major tourist destinations at the bus terminals right by Nakumatt in Kigali City Center. It's a country about half the size of Scotland, so unless you're going to be heading into the bush for one reason or another, nothing should take you more than 5 hours.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">
<br /></span></div><div>You can take a large, comfy, and probably speeding bus very easily to the following:</div><div><ul><li>Kigali -- Musanze: 2 hours</li><li>Kigali -- Butare: 2.25 hours</li><li>Kigali -- Gisenyi: 3 hours</li><li>Kigali -- Kibuye: 3.5 hours</li><li>Kigali -- Nyungwe: Take bus going to Cyangugu, tell driver you're getting off at Gisakura, takes between 4 and 5 hours</li></ul></div></div></div></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHuGDQ_W8uYtL0InaiPP_uD67-waNAIr2TJirbDVZxFU2W4rCZyC12tRFP1ejHd-r151gFEjNxKW0Qd7kUtynkSj-6KDq1rgnnL1D2j_bkLRZ3Nplv1RozOUPv7U-c3kz2-ZiHInNlmM/s1600/24.Beautiful+Gisenyi.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHuGDQ_W8uYtL0InaiPP_uD67-waNAIr2TJirbDVZxFU2W4rCZyC12tRFP1ejHd-r151gFEjNxKW0Qd7kUtynkSj-6KDq1rgnnL1D2j_bkLRZ3Nplv1RozOUPv7U-c3kz2-ZiHInNlmM/s320/24.Beautiful+Gisenyi.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623528540153651010" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></a><div><div><b>Gisenyi</b></div></div><div>A beautiful spot on Northern Lake Kivu, this is a favorite for ex-pats crossing the border on holiday from Goma, DRC. Not much to do but sit back and read a book on the beach. The town isn't much to write home about, but there is a quirky and locally famous restaurant I love called "Ibyi'wacu," which literally translates to "From the home." Food is cooked without oil and salt, but still manages to stick to traditional Rwandan cuisine, largely goat, maize, beans and starches.</div><div>
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<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZA7Z0Xui_Odwzn2aTIuPJYV_qySyWigr2-kgATx6ObrQ-IZO33SS6LO1qU4BfYn-augpxKuy59pl0q4uWcExL413MmOteXXqdHSo1cGnuAtB6Dhw1IrieiIWxTR655qXlET0zg69EII/s1600/01.Nyungwe+with+Aime+%2528122%2529.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZA7Z0Xui_Odwzn2aTIuPJYV_qySyWigr2-kgATx6ObrQ-IZO33SS6LO1qU4BfYn-augpxKuy59pl0q4uWcExL413MmOteXXqdHSo1cGnuAtB6Dhw1IrieiIWxTR655qXlET0zg69EII/s320/01.Nyungwe+with+Aime+%2528122%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623528529466316850" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b>Nyungwe National Park</b></span></span></a><div><div><div>I think Nyungwe is the most beautiful spot in Rwanda, which is really saying something since I find the whole country breathtakingly lovely. You can stay at Gisakura Guest House, a cozy place with great food right outside the park, and from there you can bus or take a private driver into the park in the morning to go on a number of forest hikes--all a little intense but with massive payoffs in views. I have been on the waterfall and a half day hike in the forest, but there are also butterfly tours, chimpanzee trekking and all day killer hikes, so you could really spend several days in this massive park. This region is also home to Rwanda's famous tea fields, so don't leave without significant tea field wanderings, a tour around Gisakura Tea Factory and a trip to the decadent Nyungwe Forest Lodge for a green tea cocktail. If you're feeling adventurous, take a trip down to Rwanda's remote Cyangugu area, where the views won't disappoint but the accommodation options probably will. Monkeys, emerald green hills, tea factories, hiking and complete serenity, what more could one ask for?</div></div></div></div><div>
<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio0PMwD4gBuoVNlOa6_M15EkbaZWuGXWZMvHll0cslrv5-G5cWuHRugFVPdZMhGGc2T1auT5w5-ZZ64X9cF_O6y1pxrHnap4dw02Z1IUgTKKWSoW3zUX4AVzpwI7b3MH8UaJuO5I9A7I/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjio0PMwD4gBuoVNlOa6_M15EkbaZWuGXWZMvHll0cslrv5-G5cWuHRugFVPdZMhGGc2T1auT5w5-ZZ64X9cF_O6y1pxrHnap4dw02Z1IUgTKKWSoW3zUX4AVzpwI7b3MH8UaJuO5I9A7I/s320/IMG_2297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623532106515921826" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></a><div><div><div><b>Kibuye</b></div></div></div><div><div><div>My favorite spot to relax in Rwanda. Also on Lake Kivu, my favorite budget spot to stay is at Home St. Jean--clean and very relaxed guest house with an unbeatable view. Other, pricier options are the Bethanie Guest House and the Moriah Hill Resort. There are lots of beautiful walks around the lake, and renting a boat or kayak is a fantastic way to explore the area.</div><div>
<br /></div></div></div></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUXa6LbrIZpdhLokTtLlzjMwtgOWEqJR63zsixEEjO129wTg260dMQ4YPmErvww8ldcIVFoBDjgF3GShRPEhphN3vV_MeIVjArogokJQqNkLN6PJQCljy8xmr-IqKG97ocChhZgJ0-9c/s1600/93.Beautiful+decline.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUXa6LbrIZpdhLokTtLlzjMwtgOWEqJR63zsixEEjO129wTg260dMQ4YPmErvww8ldcIVFoBDjgF3GShRPEhphN3vV_MeIVjArogokJQqNkLN6PJQCljy8xmr-IqKG97ocChhZgJ0-9c/s320/93.Beautiful+decline.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623537462634874946" /><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUXa6LbrIZpdhLokTtLlzjMwtgOWEqJR63zsixEEjO129wTg260dMQ4YPmErvww8ldcIVFoBDjgF3GShRPEhphN3vV_MeIVjArogokJQqNkLN6PJQCljy8xmr-IqKG97ocChhZgJ0-9c/s1600/93.Beautiful+decline.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b>Musanze</b></span></a></span><div><div>Although Musanze is mostly just a stop off point for people heading to the gorillas, it is my favorite town in Rwanda. The food market is fantastic, the people are friendly and the hiking options around the area are endless. My favorite hike is up Mt. Kabuye, a sizeable mountain just outside of Gakenke that has summit views of what feels like all of Rwanda. Musanze also has some fun night spots--the Silverback, a mostly all local dance club that never ceases to entertain, Woodley Bar, also a local favorite, and Volcano restaurant, a fantastic pizza place geared toward tourists and priced accordingly. No matter what your guidebook says, Musanze is worth spending a few days to enjoy being surrounded by volcanoes and get a better feel for Rwanda.</div><div><meta charset="utf-8"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b>
<br /></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><b>Final Tidbits:</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">- Before you head to Rwanda, book your gorilla permits through the ORTPN office. They are $500 each for Americans and $250 for foreign residents of Rwanda. It seems really pricey but it is worth every penny.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">- Rwandans are very prompt, very clean, and very formal, so this isn't a travel destination for the sloppy backpacker types. There are many aspects of the culture that don't gel with the rest of East Africa's laid back vibe, but it is also the most safe travel destination in the region. When you're there, especially in more rural areas, you're expected to have your knees covered and your shoes shined. :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">- You will need to arrange for your own transportation to get to the Virunga National Park, whether it be from Musanze or Kigali. You can book a private driver, which can run about $125/day, or ask around in Musanze hotels if there are other tourists who are looking to share a driver and save some money.</span></div><div>- Don't be afraid to state your preferences when you get to the ORTPN office in Kinigi. For example, we requested a good sized hike and a large group of gorillas with babies, and that's what we got. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">- My favorite place to stay is La Palme Hotel, both because I love the staff and the soup. For a more budget but extremely hospitable place, try Muhabura, Musanze's oldest hotel. Their brochettes are the best in the country.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFkkRgk1XGQdt5veGL3IJUr0pumAJj-dIpN7g7jWHhXIj3FWW1yulNQCHgNUEn3tIRKP4To1VEEPvZI6KQmJO7PrXIRVppaC5lQ1wjwk4msmmjD8EbQVHg0A_vhzWzYl-JcNZddjA2vc/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img style="float:center; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFkkRgk1XGQdt5veGL3IJUr0pumAJj-dIpN7g7jWHhXIj3FWW1yulNQCHgNUEn3tIRKP4To1VEEPvZI6KQmJO7PrXIRVppaC5lQ1wjwk4msmmjD8EbQVHg0A_vhzWzYl-JcNZddjA2vc/s320/IMG_3132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623537458188658338" /></span></a></div></div>jesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06699730757774300432noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-57999109109466727112011-04-17T13:11:00.000-07:002011-04-17T13:37:58.040-07:00Oakland<div style="text-align: left;">When I first moved to Oakland, I wasn't convinced. I had heard that there were a lot of vibrant neighborhoods, but my reason for living there was purely strategic: it's right next to Berkeley, and a lot cheaper.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>But over the past two years, I have come to really love this city. It is in the heart of the Bay Area, yet it feels so undiscovered. It's crazy to me that Lake Merritt can exist in the middle of downtown, and I love how bike-friendly it is. There is something so genuinely eclectic about Oakland. I'm really going to miss this place.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is my friend Naomi, cooking at her place in the Temescal. She has lived in that neighborhood for nearly all of her life, and lives in a funky house with an amazing backyard garden. Very cool, and very Oakland.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSTOLNrE8HTnthxAlH5yrXprMZa0ZOfGOr9ismB2kOs9dAUV2N8bx0Lk2ldyjXUm5shLhKgCMT_2k4cavzIimAhNwuH_HBPGsLJ9DpyMCaOWumdwGHmjCXntp8CBUn2jFxoD9ODGSEZ6g/s400/IMG_1500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596651576784204018" /><br /></div><div>A view of the Grand Lake Theater, from under one of the many freeways that divide the city.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBY4QJhTC_vLcEI6o3Q0az7o5DVFoBoZIEtM3HpDpUOycDkdQHsFwOVzbBc3pi7dWRmXB6cl0YfJIbz22BVM2IjlLFaAoxgUSfuQBnpKjbVT9PfjRVQ0wEdwhmAsamn-TRLZjf-duCNI/s400/IMG_1464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596651588168802370" /><br /></div><div>Lake Merritt, on a surprisingly warm winter day.</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRYCz5rFfmVECIJaw1jKAZhFt4ip__gXhRBAuD-67SjYccfPZPQ5iOniBfnF0fCdEbkMy80hY8mDiQpMHzBlV45j6t8mhBFH8KzHBmz__TYuO9VGCuBQYeS4-LQ9tUqVVBiuu89xdQXU/s400/IMG_1477.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596651584935687026" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-53245739929338398872011-04-03T19:07:00.000-07:002011-04-11T21:52:55.283-07:00Big SurBig Sur. It is one of my favorite. places. ever.<div><br /></div><div>And that's not something that I say lightly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I love taking people to Big Sur for the first time. It is so exciting to share a place that you love and find inspiring with people that haven't yet experienced it. I always look at things a little differently. And that's a pretty amazing gift, to be able to see a place that you've been a million times in a new and exciting way.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N9mYfZR689hXs6os947G9p6kc_WXMB2SOM5zxVZY6KXIscMKwMWkoW526hdNwE0Z_dTI5y7UY5K3FQyLerTX7ei3Fy6ZQg3KCCFdsTvtfiP7tWBbDfcLYUbiNC7FDsxd5C7iDhc2-qs/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N9mYfZR689hXs6os947G9p6kc_WXMB2SOM5zxVZY6KXIscMKwMWkoW526hdNwE0Z_dTI5y7UY5K3FQyLerTX7ei3Fy6ZQg3KCCFdsTvtfiP7tWBbDfcLYUbiNC7FDsxd5C7iDhc2-qs/s400/IMG_0167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594555381807981202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjHXKm5ItuoTJHYgQsGN4YAgjyxjXhmHncSj4RFSGUoXM0JQ0ANkMPdK7zjOqCiJrUoX6TQpLUugjEf2Zvf_xziLNfMyvHbRjs8Sc0W9AxDqGq5u5466HcEAYjp1jTjF2ZiMI6-6UsN8/s1600/IMG_0178.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjHXKm5ItuoTJHYgQsGN4YAgjyxjXhmHncSj4RFSGUoXM0JQ0ANkMPdK7zjOqCiJrUoX6TQpLUugjEf2Zvf_xziLNfMyvHbRjs8Sc0W9AxDqGq5u5466HcEAYjp1jTjF2ZiMI6-6UsN8/s400/IMG_0178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594555377308840610" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP45W50Ki818zU9HsGFPlV2XptyI1D4_1y69TV18ZeMT3UuDAk0ZpkYQsh_MUem9TDktucIWivftjmKrP1QUuQkHri7J191yt4IFOP5f48zEZRhyphenhyphenOOz6q5-MlHbEyNdQ677vlQYgxJrI/s1600/P1030089.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP45W50Ki818zU9HsGFPlV2XptyI1D4_1y69TV18ZeMT3UuDAk0ZpkYQsh_MUem9TDktucIWivftjmKrP1QUuQkHri7J191yt4IFOP5f48zEZRhyphenhyphenOOz6q5-MlHbEyNdQ677vlQYgxJrI/s400/P1030089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594555364082443330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrGPEqACWKHEYuB1weJBOuhbDDLDUmGRy8Efqaeh1T8NYMyqwFPLZCvZAEZj2pH5PBLTCV5eD8wl0u-j69isjGEjm5ebvYNOJmoeTMntcwMrLaNScLuBBC_JvE-uNn7QYUdQa33nWe0I/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrGPEqACWKHEYuB1weJBOuhbDDLDUmGRy8Efqaeh1T8NYMyqwFPLZCvZAEZj2pH5PBLTCV5eD8wl0u-j69isjGEjm5ebvYNOJmoeTMntcwMrLaNScLuBBC_JvE-uNn7QYUdQa33nWe0I/s400/IMG_1543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594555355311023698" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-24251137935276580492011-04-03T18:32:00.000-07:002011-04-03T18:53:51.658-07:00bay area dreaming<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm moving to L.A. For the next four (four!) years.</div><div><br /></div><div>There. I said it.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>I'm looking forward to getting to love L.A., but leaving the Bay Area is somewhat heartbreaking. I love this place: the people, the general attitude, the coffee shops, the hiking trails, the view from my balcony of the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges...I could go on forever. But something in me clicked when I decided to move, and I have been spendi</div><div>ng every extra second checking off my Bay Area "to do" list that I have been putting off for the past eight years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Today: hiking in Marin County.</div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBVkXRNDfMiFbKmmQW1pom54enS5cDzA720wvDwCwjJ01tyMNZMUVVHG4GXrANmG07Ek6GlauRs_9UZN4e_3kj_IxwG4O_PRP_qPBtlRskTh6Eb_SWWNaI8SnJllQUa7B2ZIYWBulZ_E/s320/IMG_0060.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591540463511734114" /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs88m-nd8o2uNza4bN1B-Y1Sy0yqHnpTM6SW0d8KizJr8yxpD_Sk4eUnOd1vQ3ya3m2I_SzduRgrde17Y2AgnXF2jGkXBozwqGFZcKrTLrAg3IqsMPhV8pEhTzd1D2Z4SW8KWqXOmzPa8/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591539694401623410" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEv51WjfCggo-QhnM5Ot-KuLc6m_WXtA5qnuMp3npeZ5iBNsd6Msyu5H6tcsp_6lsFXNyubB-t9UkoZIAF1kaNXtarc-Hpj6EQTxW9aKolXg_aNbnD3Cmx8KsOjLllk8uAA9XyjCNSgQ/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591539690962829218" /></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793999732280116728.post-57050272175036186222011-03-22T22:10:00.000-07:002011-03-22T22:41:49.459-07:00weekend in Portland and SeattleI just spent an amazing, rainy weekend in Portland and Seattle. The more time that I spend in the Pacific Northwest, the more that I discover to do there. It feels so distinct from California. Snapshots from a whirlwind trip:<div><br /></div><div>Winter trees outside of Portland: leafless but green<div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMoTiuZL3bnlYFANxAjcYjuESo2nMVSafQywpQ2TJI7peKPieE0GazgU4TdduAu0ANzHL88q6NM4wvdjmFqqtGqzVzHnklkF4d42H0oUofp9QkNmQuBAKL_JHjQLYgBfXX34n9IaW8nzQ/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587143104037445058" /><br /></div><div>Street art in Seattle: makes me pause</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZQ7BsP9FgrPvoG3WyA2D6ly1xpIZV7QsYcop52uBanHGqXJHUMSLayb0jMVamwAsQuxD5ev0Vh1W5NfnuUDWvnmLl6MmNh1ZaHEqf_LGRhyphenhyphenio5TnCc5C4QghSJVCRLICEzZQbw6zlC4/s320/IMG_1595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587142489456610626" /><br /></div><div>The market in Seattle: chaotic and fresh</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJaFE8NCBIUuodXXqBXaUHW7LKd0qluvBdtxThN27X1zgv6-ekcN7hqPC5arKzEVrGQ6pfWdsZ5vG6-wPO31GM7-Ybi6iOxfOTe5fMjHMdACo3oq7PU7dXO_dj1-nvmDRg7sY_7yCxIg/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587142485943109682" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3HO_9RZnp7elWPwd78baASm3iVN_YS6V038kQJpVc2nLPVVdnATleNGN4np2uCD3-O_3P95lhKHZs_17UYQP1qJ4SMRoVws_ZLIoYyKRqRpBk-EElPF2C97qCjrFqWRG5rCrkf8gZms/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587142479813358322" /><br /></div><div>University of Washington: surprisingly beautiful</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQZ17o0Tu83T8O99S1wGU7ZaSux_6OWEcwWHORBP7dldwOLPbHnOi7-BqRHvQgWwNKgxhnNeWoFZPvbn7KKtvUEC6Ih9dESwLNuZnsCCrxwkpGPwwp2Avre2qNlDG_Wb3NS-gH41iN09c/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587140866580827826" /><br /></div><div>Top Pot Doughnuts: perfect</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWC7avrSAWk2i8UuREHzK1aanvYais3Qf_fRoFihifZ3uzAjS1anUlhmkFEk2UaTRRKYoIefRp4CG1bXO0NIaqXxvDW24_a6PqNNigKU4qqjJ2YTuqBK1weqsDPvmMp35FJPsqtIV8ns/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587142475480612306" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Jovannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17086388261918626346noreply@blogger.com2