I love snail mail...

I have had an amazing week of lovely things arriving in the post... special things. Things that I will post about (I promise) in the next few days.

Surprises.
Etsy goodness.
A book.
A favourite magazine.
Candy all the way from the States.
Tricks and treats.

And whilst I am grateful that this little guy avoided all my wonderful post, I wish he had managed to eat a few of the bills that arrived this week too!

What do you see?

It's important to keep your eyes open... and your mind.

I used to believe in forever...

I used to believe in forever, but forever is too good to be true.Winnie the Pooh

To my beautiful brother on his birthday
I will love you and miss you always.
And more than anything,
I wish you were here.

xxx

Kilroy sure gets around...

Do you believe this was actually engraved into the stone at the National World War 2 memorial in Washington DC?

Kilroy sure does get around!

Busy busy

It's been busy.
There have been...
visits to the hospital
catch ups with friends
settling into a new role at work
handing over the old role
organising my home
Etsy buys
Book buying on the internet
USA journalling
USA photos (posts to come)
emails galore

This weekend the diary is blank.
Any suggestions?

No answers, just more questions...

Years ago I had a workmate who would take 2 weeks annual leave every year, the same time every year, and to much the same destination every year. He would talk about it for months before his trip. Off he would go with his family, returning 2 weeks later suntanned and looking relaxed. And within the week, he would be planning the next year's leave and the treadmill would start rotating again.

I used to look at him and think that was not the way I wanted to live my life. I was determined my life would be more than just 2 weeks of sunshine every year. That my work life balance would be... well, more balanced!

And yet, here I was (prior to my recent trip to the States) not having had a holiday for nearly 3 years! Not only was I not living his dream, I was living my nightmare! It is hardly surprising that people are now saying I look like a new person. That I look younger. That I am more relaxed!

It was long overdue, and the holiday was the break I needed.

Having said that, it wasn't quite what I had planned... I was hoping during my 6 and a half weeks away, to spend some time thinking about what it was I wanted to do. With my job, with my flat, with my (non-existent) relationship. With my life. My job, my home and my relationships all need change.

I had planned on taking time out to reflect... to really explore the things in my life that were making me unhappy. To make some decisions as to where I needed to go to start turning things around. And to put some plans together as to how to do it.

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for all I have. My friends, my family, my home... even my job. But the fact is, I don't feel happy. I feel like I am treading water. Surviving. One day at a time.

And the thing is, in the end, it didn't quite go the way I was planning anyway... As I said, I had a great time, it felt like I was away f o r e v e r. And maybe just taking that time out, set things in motion.

Because just the day before I left, I was told that my job was changing. That by the time I returned, another person would be employed to run the studio and I would return to a more 'hands on' role. Back to being a mac operator while someone else took the reigns. It came as quite a shock. And of course, while I was away it was on my mind quite a bit. It left me in a state of uncertainty, over which I had absolutely no control.

True to their word, on the day I returned to work, there was a new studio manager starting in my old role, and my working life changed significantly.

What does this mean?

Where am I heading?

How do I feel?

What next?

Right now, I don't have a clue.

I am just going with it and enjoying being back as part of the team.

Letting go. Holding on.

No Standing Anytime...

Digital photography has changed the recording of everyone's lives. I love the fact that it's so amazingly simple and oh so travel friendly. It's fun to capture those moments that make you smile (whether they are of great interest or not), not to mention it's nice to be able to instantly delete what you don't like.

You can just click away to your hearts content and see what happens... take a few chances, where before (in the time of film and expensive processing) you may have been more conservative.

Of course that's how I now manage to have just under 1300 images from my trip to the States. Many of them are not that great, though there are a few pics I am especially happy with, many of which you will see in the coming days, weeks and months.

But most importantly, regardless of the quality or quantity, there are lots of special memories (and smiles) amongst them.

Nine words women use...

(1) Fine:
This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes:
If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing:
This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead:
This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It

(5) Loud Sigh:
This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay:
This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks:
A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever:
Is a woman's way of saying...Go to Hell

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it:
Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

(sigh)

We arrived home yesterday morning.
27 hours after leaving our NYC base, we were driving away from Tullamarine Airport, homeward bound.
It was 10.30am, and a cold Melbourne morning.

I got home, did a minor unpack (read: suitcase exploded), made my bed, went out for the afternoon to keep myself going for as long as I could...
And finally...
After nearly 40 hours on the go...
At 7pm...
I crawled into bed.

And in the two minutes that it took for me to fall asleep, I curled into the warmth of my (electric blanket heated) flannelette sheets, snuggled into their soft embrace, and breathed a deep sigh of gratitude.

I love my bed.

Goodnight all.

(sigh)

Being a tourist is exhausting... I think I need a holiday!

Well, the bags are all packed up and tomorrow we leave New York City and head home. Which is maybe a good thing, because after the last 10 frantic days in NYC, we both feel like we are in need of a holiday!

I dread the flight, and I hate to say goodbye to the USA and summer, but my glorious vacation is coming to a close. I had intended to post more, but I haven't done too badly, though I do have some catching up to do when I get home. It will be soooo much easier to post when I am back at at my (apple) computer and from the comforts of home...

So stay tuned there is more to come.

Such blog posts as...
Catching up with long lost friends in Canada...
and the USA...
The BEST french toast ever...
Saga of the journey to Detroit Airport...
Why to avoid greyhound bus trips...
I thought we were speaking the same language, what is it that you do not understand?
Tales of hanging out with a blogging friend in NYC...
Taste Test USA # 4...
Seeing the signs...
Advertising magic, USA style...

and even more of pics and stories about DC, NYC, Boston and other magical places, and maybe even travel tips, warnings and recommendations in case you are planning a trip...

St Pauls Church, NYC - Hope and Healing at Ground Zero

St. Paul's Church is located between Broadway and Church Street in downtown NYC. It is just across the street from ground zero, and is one of the only buildings in the immediate vicinity to have survived  the devestation unscathed. In the months following the tragedy it became a refuge and sanctuary for thousands of volunteers and service men and women as they worked endlessly in their search for bodies. They went there to pray, to eat and to sleep and continued to do so for nine months after the attacks.

This was also where well wishers and mourners created a makeshift memorial, posting photos of loved ones lost, and messages of love and support were also added onto the fence surrounding the small church. Many of those personal items were saved and are now on display inside the chapel in an exhibit called "Unwavering Spirit: Hope and Healing at Ground Zero."

We didn't go there on Saturday, but decided to visit Monday and I am glad we did. It was a moving tribute to all the victims and the workers alike, with messages and momentos from the months following the Setptember 11 attacks, it was an emotional experience that left me choking back tears and unable to speak. There was very little talking within the church and no-one was meeting anyone else's eyes. It was a very personal insight and yet the feelings seemed connected..

Photography was allowed and I took a few pictures, something I did not feel entirely comfortable with, but I have decided to post a couple of them so that you might see some of what I am talking about. Any of the personal pictures were posted by people for public viewing as a tribute to their loved ones, so I feel ok with sharing them here...

 

This is the graveyard at the back of St Pauls that looks onto the WTC site.

New York City, September 11, 2010...

Saturday September 11, 2010.

Nine years since the terrorist attacks on The World Trade Center Twin Towers and I remember it well, as I am sure you probably do too.

The shock
The emotion
The disbelief
The imagination
The horror

The enormity of the event as it unfolded before our eyes. Visions that will forever be remembered. The horror of it all, and the realisation that lives were being destroyed and families torn apart.

And in its aftermath and the loss of so many people, the overwhelming grief and deep sense of sadness.

Visiting NYC, I was always going to go there. To see the site. To pause. To pay my respects. And to reflect. To be here on the anniversary, I wanted to go to the memorial and to stand alongside strangers in a moment of silence and to listen quietly as the names of victims were read by family members.

It was an odd sensation, to be standing there surrounded by thousands of people, in the city that never sleeps... in a city crowded with buildings and traffic, looking toward a gaping hole where the twin towers previously stood. And although traffic and the noises of the city never totally abated, I imagine it was as quiet as NYC ever gets.

A woman stood nearby holding an American flag and clutching a sign displaying the picture of a loved one lost, others walked by wearing T-shirt memorials. Police and firefighters stood scattered throughout the crowd and in small groups. And all of us remembering those moments nine years ago, as we stood together in the city streets and American flags flew at half mast.

I have included some images of the memorial below. The image at the top of the post* is an evening shot taken from the sunset ferry on the night of the 11th and shows the two beams shining into the heavens from the site of the WTC. (This is a once a year occurance)

This image was taken later in the day from the Statue of Liberty ferry on the way back from Ellis Island. And just to put it all in perspective, the black building to the left of the flag, is HALF the height of the WTC, which stood at 110 floors.

*Sunset photo taken by blogging buddy Patty who spent 4 days with us in NYC. Thanks Patty for sharing your pic. All remaining images are by moi!

Take me out to the ball game...

So, since we booked our flights I have been talking about going to a ball game. To pick up the All-American atmosphere. We weren't really sure until the day if we would make it there... would we get tickets? would we survive the subway? would we get to see the Yankees?

And we did. We managed all these things. Subway, crowds, tickets, the heat.

And it was a great afternoon. Thankfully we did not have to sit in the direct sun as it was baking hot, but the seats we had, had a great aspect and we enjoyed the game, cheering and standing (as per the other supporters!) and totally enjoying the atmoshpere of the Yankee Stadium. 

Wow! It looks like a pretty light crowd in this pic, but it was just warm-up time and the crowd grew too.

 So this was it - the winning moment.

New York Yankees 3, Baltimore Orioles 2.

*

‎"Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,

I don't care if I never get back,

Let me root, root, root for the home team,

...If they don't win it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,

At the old ball game."

The Big Apple chaos...

It's big.
It's loud
It's chaotic
It's brash
It's crazy
It's exciting
It's busy
It's smelly
It's colourful

It's hot.

It's amazing.



This is New York City!

Start spreading the news...

Start spreading the news, I’m leaving today
I want to be a part of it - New York, New York
These vagabond shoes, are longing to stray
Right through the very heart of it - New York, New York

I wanna wake up in a city, that doesn’t sleep
And find I’m king of the hill - top of the heap

These little town blues, are melting away
I’ll make a brand new start of it - in old New York
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to you - New York, New York


Artist : Frank Sinatra Song

New York City... here we come!

Wonderful Washington DC...

Oh my goodness... Two full-on days of hitting the tourist trail in DC  and I'm exhausted.

This city is amazing.



I wasn't expecting to like it so much, but I am actually really taken with DC. Firstly, it is easy to get around, and we have done that mostly by foot. Secondly, the weather continues to be superb, the skies are cloud free and bright bright blue and I am loving every moment of sunshine!. And thirdly, everything in DC is BIG.

The monuments are monumental, the art, the museums, the numbers of tourists and the number of tourist attractions... well, it really is amazing. We have 4 days in all here and after just 2 and a half, we have barely scratched the surface.

Yesterday, we walked for miles seeing the sights at ground level.

We walked from Capitol Hill (near where we are staying), to Washington Monument, The White House and the War Memorial and to museums and art galleries along the way. The Smithsonian Museums kept us busy all afternoon, highlights including the hope diamond, a paper engineering exhibit, incredible jewelery, Dorothy's red slippers from the Wizard of Oz, an amazing collection of First Ladies inauguration ball gowns and a stunning exhibition of former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright's collection of pins. Even Kermit the Frog was there!

Phew!

Today we decided to buy tickets on the double decker tourist bus to cover more ground and we headed first to Arlington Cemetary. If everything in DC is big, Arlington Cemetary is no exception. It's hard to describe.

The rows upon rows of headstones, stretching in perfect line, over hills as far as the eye could see were without doubt impressive (though this is NOT the word i am looking for). I think we were both quite overwhelmed by the visit, and for an hour and a half we walked around without much talking. We visited JFK's grave (and other Kennedy's), the unknown soldiers grave, memorials to Locherbie plane crash victims and to the Civil War, but for me it was the lines of identical headstones that had the largest impact. It really takes the breath away in it's sheer scale alone.

Next stop was Lincoln's memorial, just in time for lunch... and my camera's battery to run out of oomph! But really, whilst I could maybe have captured some of it's magic (amongst hundreds of other tourists), it was actually timely, as it made me pause a little longer and take it all in. Wow. I swear he was looking right at me! And not only did I feel small in stature, I felt rather intimidated by him too!

The rest of the afternoon, we spent at the American Art Museum & Portrait Gallery. We were so so lucky to be here at the same time as a Norman Rockwell exhibition which was fantastic. Collected by both George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, the paintings and drawings have been combined in an amazing tribute to Rockwell's art. It was a treat to see them in 'the flesh'. He really managed to capture beautifully the characters and moments in time he portrayed. I didn't realise, but he actually auditioned his models, and used photography to capture faces and expressions and pull them all together to create the final artwork. Stunning. Both Mum and I are quite keen to return tomorrow to take another look.

And THEN (as if that isn't enough for one day), tonight there was a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the west lawn of Capitol Building. As the light faded and "Star-Spangled Banner" echoed into the night, the crowd rose and turned to face the Capitol Building and sang the national anthem along with the orchestra. It certainly gave me goosebumps!

And the concert was a great way to finish off a big big day.

Cape May Magic...

So, have you ever heard of Cape May? I hadn't.




During all the planning for this holiday I had been saying I wanted some time by the beach. I wanted a destination that was relaxed, not full of highrises, with good beaches, good food and great summer atmosphere. I had even considered going all the way to the Virgin Islands, but when it turned out it was going to take over 7 hours to fly there, that idea was shelved.

In any case, Cape May was amongst recommendations from friends in Boston* and when we did a bit more investigating it sounded like just the place... pretty, accessible, accommodation looked good and there was a long wide sandy beach to subdue my cravings. It's always a bit of a gamble relying on recommendations from friends, as likes and dislikes can vary so much, but this time the gamble paid off.

Unfortunately we had to travel via Atlantic City (which we both hated, mostly because of where we stayed, and the fact that Mum's luggage had gone walkabout) but 2 hours after leaving AC, as our bus drove into Cape May, we knew it was the right decision. Cape May was perfect.

For the first 2 nights we stayed at a place called the Carroll Villa. Accommodating people since 1882, it's an old style B&B with a relaxed atmosphere, great rooms for a range of budgets, and an awesome breakfast. Had it been available, we would have stayed here the entire time, but we had to move for the last 3 nights.

So, we stayed at the Victorian Motel which was located perfectly at the end of Washington Street (the pedestrian main street) and just one block from the beach. When the weather deteriorated as hurricane Earl headed our way, we spent a few hours by the pool so it was ideal.



Really we couldn't have hoped for better. We got to hang out by the beach and relax, we ate great food, the atmosphere was very laid back and the weather was spectacular. The town was so so pretty and has the highest concentration of victorian homes in the USA and has been awarded the prettiest painted places. If you are looking for a beach holiday whilst traveling the States, I would highly recommend Cape May. I would have stayed longer if I could...

However, more exploring beckons and we are now in Washington DC. The weather is sunshiny again and a full day of exploring awaits. From what we saw when we arrived yesterday afternoon, it looks like an amazing city... So have a good day everyone, talk soon!

*A big special thanks to Jeremiah and his lovely wife Jess for the Cape May suggestion... it was magic!

Good Day Sunshine...

Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine
Good day sunshine

I need to laugh, and when the sun is out,
I've got something I can laugh about.

***

We have been in Cape May for the last 5 days and loving the beach and the warm weather. Spent a couple of days at the beach and one by the pool as the weather started to deteriorate with Hurricane Earl nearing ever closer.

Also, for the last few nights I didn't have internet which is why I haven't updated the blog as much as I had hoped. Not to worry, it was a true holiday from all outside communication and the internet and the moblie remained silent.

We are now in DC for the next 4 nights... more warm weather... and lots of walking and doing all stuff touristy! So much to see and do here. Don't worry, I'll be taking some time out for blogging too!

Priceless...

Calls to Spirit Air in search of missing luggage, that were never answered or retuned? 33
Cost of one night at dodgiest hotel in Atlantic City - $200+
New grey hairs due to stress in last 24 hours - 94
Tissues required for tears of frustration and exhaustion due to lack of sleep - 3

Cost of taxi to (and from) airport to enquire if bag had shown up (due to them NOT answering calls or responding to messages) - $62

The relief at having been reunited with Mum's luggage?

PRICELESS!

(now we are off to the beach - also priceless!)
Thank you so much to my USA blogging friend LG who offered her assistance in case we needed it. You are without doubt a shining star (and also priceless!)

Bed bugs! Bed bugs! Bed bugs! There, now just try not to itch, I dare you!

Seriously, up until now we have been having a dream run. The weather has been good, we have been catching up with old friends and hanging out doing the touristy things... we've been having a great time. Sure we have had blips along the way... where we haven't been able to work out a bus timetable, or internet hasn't been available, or people have been snappy... (Oh actually, that would probably be me!) but boo hoo! Really we have been travelling along very nicely thank you very much.

Until today, that is.

It started with Mum's luggage going missing in action. Maybe it got homesick and decided a side trip back to Australia was in order. Maybe it is vacationing in the Bahamas, or maybe it's just decided to stay in Detroit (beats me why, I for one couldn't wait to get outta there!)

And if it is stolen? Then screw the effers who took it, because, quite frankly, it's really messed with our plans dammit! And I hope you are happy with your old ladies knickers!

But the luggage going missing is just the half of it... or at least the catalyst for the miserable parts of our day in any case.
Let me have a whinge, get it all off my chest and then I can begin to like America again. Because right now, the love affair is over.* Right now I am sitting in some dingy little hotel room, somewhere in no-mans land between two casino precincts in Atlantic City, with the door locked, too afraid to turn on the TV in fear of electrocution, having just eaten bad takeaway pizza for dinner so that we could get back to our hotel in the relative safety of daylight.*

Right now, Mum is trying to decide which of my t-shirts she can wear in the morning. And I have just finished checking my bed for bugs.* And for most of the day, we have been waiting for someone/anyyyyyone to call us to let us know if they have managed to track down Mum's bag. To even answer the help number we have been calling for the last 4 hours would be nice.

We hadn't even decided whether to stay here or head down the coast, but once we realised Mum's luggage had not appeared, we were out of options. We had to stay and hope that the bag was returned, and we had to find accommodation... in a City that thrives on the tourist dollar... on a Saturday night... in peak season... And so we called the number given to us at the airport and arranged it all over the phone.

Big mistake... Paying over the phone, was big mistake number 2. Staying in a hotel called Super 8? Not so lucky!

Apparently it is a busy weekend. Apparently there are few spare beds in the entire city of Atlantic City. And accordingly, rates rise becuase of it... and so we have ended up paying WELL over what we have paid for ANY of the accommodation we have had so far, for a hotel that is FAR WORSE than anywhere we have stayed thus far. In fact 'slumming it'* would be a fair description.

Think gunge, think stripper bar next door*, think sirens and noisy neighbours (and it's only 8pm) and you are on the right track so far... We can't wait to leave in the morning. And rest assured we will be leaving in the morning, WITH OR WITHOUT Mum's bag!

*Don't panic, I am prone to exageration.
Canada update and photos on the way, just had to get this off my chest!

Niagara Falls... This is a time to look before you leap... or better yet, look & don't leap...

WOW.

Niagara Falls.
What can I say?

There were lots of tourists, though probably not as many as had it been sunny & warm! Yes, it rained. And the sun didn't make an appearance all day.
And, it was touristy (what do you expect, this place draws nearly 30 million visitors each year, of course it was touristy!)

But you know what? Despite these minor things, it didn't matter.
We had a great day.

We were awestruck what we saw...
From our very first view at the top of the falls, the energy was incredible. It was here we got our first impression about just how much water was going over the falls and the strength of the flow.

Catching the ferry "Maid of the Mist" was a highlight without doubt. It took us right to the base of the falls where we bobbed about in the swirling waters and felt the full force of the wind and spray generated by the millions of litres that cascade 60 meters over the falls every minute. We managed to get prime position on the top front part of the boat and had the best view and also the most drenching of showers!

The falls were totally amazing. From above, from behind and from below... it was... wow... incredible.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It was a great day.

Thanks so much to Sharon & Marie for taking us!

Finding lost friends the old fashioned way...

When my Mum and I first booked our trip to the States, we talked of tracking down Canadian friends that we had lost touch with over 30 years ago. Mum sounded doubtful, I was eager but not too hopeful (I had been searching facebook for them with no luck) and Dad didn't offer much help or advice.

Weeks went by and our departure date loomed, and then, just a week before we left... (seemingly) out of the blue, we get an email from Canada! From the very people we were hoping to see!

Seems technology was not the answer, it was good old fashioned snail mail that came to the rescue... sent by silent Dave (my Dad). Without us knowing, he had penned a letter and sent it away to our last point of contact, with a request that whoever lived at the address (if it wasn't them), that the letter be forwarded to our friends! And so it was... by strangers, by friends, by family, and finally into the hands of our friends.

And the letter was scanned and sent on to children (now adults), friends were reconnected and emails and facebook finally caught up with traditional means of keeping in touch! Who would have thought!

And so. For the last few weeks, Mum and I have been trying to co-ordinate a trip to Canada. Three days ago, it was all getting a little bit crazy. Flights connecting from Boston to Toronto saw us havinbg to fly via Florida!!! Thankfully Sharon came to the rescue with some local advice and we are on the way...

And tomorrow we will be sitting with old friends and sharing a cup of tea over 30 years of memories. Not sure how it will be, but have no doubts there will be lots of laughter and probably a few tears too!

Good one Dad , you are awesome!
And full of surprises!  xx

The photo is from a trip we did together over 30 years ago. I'll update that sometime in the next couple of days!

4 hours to Boston with a singing bus driver...

We arrived in Boston on Tuesday, having sadly farewelled Jim and Cindy and Tanglewood and journeyed 4 hours south with a singing busdriver as entertainment...

Now you may think this sounds horrendous, but really he was pretty cool... He showed amazing patience when one of the passengers realised she had left her purse behind and he turned around and went back, he laughed and chatted to passengers at each new stop as the bus continued to fill to capacity, and he sang a song over the intercom between the movies! I know! Crazy huh?

But do you wanna know what sealed the award for best bus driver in the world? When a passenger asked if they had time to have a cigarette at one of the stops? He said, no... that none of us wanted her stinking out the bus!!! No messin, straight down the line - no.

So anyway, for 4 hours on a bus, it wasn't all that bad, and as I said, we arrived on Tuesday and it's now Friday and this is my first Boston post (tut tut!)

But, before you complain, I have gotta tell you, it's been go go go since we got here... My Mum has turned into the tourist terrorist. What can I say, the teacher in her (and her love for histroy in particular) has come out big time!

She has collected brochures, researched the highlights and the hidden gems and we have attacked Boston with no less enthusiasm than that of a military campaign!

We have walked the Freedom Trail, and been introduced to tales of scandal and rebellion, we have travelled to Salem and mixed it up with the witches, we have visited the MFA (the Museum of Fine Arts), we have trolleyed around the town via Cambridge and Fenway Park (home of the Red Sox!), we have crossed Boston Common in all directions, and watched squirrels, children and baseballers play. We have braved the "T" (Boston's train and subway system) and survived (it's actually very easy) and when we have been lost, or looking confused, others have come to our rescue! People have been friendly and patient.

... we have shopped, and eaten well, and gone to the theatre, and we have crashed every night into crisp sheets in room 515 at The Park Plaza (very nice hotel, thanks very much wotif).

And I am exhausted!

But seriously, life on vacation continues to be a bowl (or should I say, a big handfull) of cherries!* The sun shines brightly, and the breeze is warm. And all goes well.

*Cherries $2.99 per lb... mmm mmm mmmmm (sorry Mum, I just ate the last one!)

Lobster ice-cream really does exist... Taste Test USA #3

And let me tell you (through hard cold experience)... it IS NOT a good combination!

And the smile on the lobster's face? Revenge dear readers, no doubt about it.

Sweet lobster revenge.

It's a dodgy mix of sweet vanilla ice-cream with frozen chunks of lobster... and was always going to be a baaaad taste sensation, but I had to give it try regardless of the risk - just to give it a go, and to say I did!


Not surprisingly, it left a decidedly awful taste in the mouth...
(Thankfully nothing that a serve of oreo cookie ice-cream couldn't fix!)

Rating:
Cinta: 0/10
Shirl (Mum): 0/10
Buy again? Never, unless of course I am buying it for some other sucker to give it a go and so I can see the look on their face! This little treat can definitely stay in the Northern hemisphere!

Enjoying Acadia National Park, pop-overs and more glorious sunshine

I've gotta tell you, Maine is turning on the most amazing weather. Today has been another perfect day full of sunshine and bright blue skies. And we have been out all day enjoying it!



We are now on Mt Desert Island (pronounced 'dessert', as in sweets, by most people here) and home to Acadia National Park. It's Mid Coast Maine at it's finest. Lots of little inlets and seaside villages, boats in deep blue waters, craggy coast lines with the woods right down to the coastline and stark white homes peeping through at the waters edge... and of course lots and lots of tourists.

We arrived in darkness late last night and wandered into the centre of the town of Bar Harbor for breakfast this morning... sitting in the sun overlooking the village square. There were quite a few people around, and it seems everyone is enjoying such a beautiful place to be out and about.

There are free mini shuttle buses around much of the island, encouraging visitors to leave their cars at their hotels or off the island all together, and they service many of the local sights and walking trails. Cyclists seem to love the place too and despite the numbers of people, the pace is still very mellow.

We ventured along the coast jumping on and off the buses where we pleased, walked along beachside trails dipping our feet in the ocean (yikes that was cold) and being introduced to the delights of pop-overs at the cafe on the edge of Jordan Pond.

For those of you that have not had the pleasure, a pop-over is not unlike a yorkshire pudding. Quite large and puffy and slightly crispy on the outside and soft and spongy on the inside.

It seems they have them with anything from lobster stew or clam chowder to a sweet option with butter and jam. Both Mum and I opted for the sweet and balanced it with a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade, which came with a small jug of sugar water on the side (which it needed!)





Afterwards we walked around Jordan Pond, a total of just over 3 miles, which was really lovely (and hopefully walked off much of the pop-overs!), and then around the village of Northeast Harbor before heading back to Bar Harbor.

We are hoping to stay until Monday when the weather is forecast to change, and then start heading south to Boston.

Taste Test USA #2 - Peanut Butter m&m's

More m&m's...

This time, Peanut Butter m&m's.

Seems that Americans really love their peanut butter and their chocolate, and more often than not, they have them both at the same time...





And so, I guess, it made sense that m&m's should come in a peanut butter version in the USA. And naturally, (being the thorough investigator that I am!) I had to try them too!

The actual candy (notice my USA terminology there) looked much like a normal m&m. Except, these little sweeties had been into the steroids and had really buffed up. Almost muscular in appearance!

As for taste, there was no mistaking it. Definitely peanut butter. Even to the extent that they were just a bit claggy and sticky on the top of the mouth. I liked them, but I can't say I luuurved them... and my Mum (who hates peanut butter) thought they were palatable.

Rating:
Cinta: 5/10
Shirl (Mum): 3/10 (for the chocolate, not the peanut butter!)
Buy again? Probably not (though I would if I was chocolate desperate!)

Driving on the right side (which for me is the wrong side!)

It's a weird thing navigating a world where cars are on the right side of the road. It's especially weird when there are just SO MANY CARS, and the road rules are different too. To be perfectly honest, I would be quite ok relying on public transport, and in the cities we will. But here on the outskirts of Lincolnville (pop. 2000) public transport doesn't really exist. And so car it is!

Yesterday Jim and Cindy loaned us their car and we set off to local town Camden. I kept telling myself, at every intersection, at every traffic light... drive on the right hand side... stay right... look in ALL directions... double check... Watch the speed limit... stay alert... stay right...

Despite knowing that the gears were on the right hand side, I was continually trying to change gears with my door handle - good reason to keep that locked!! Thankfully the foot pedals are the same and the gears are not reveresed, or I would have been in real strife!

It was quite nerve racking and I can't say I really enjoyed the driving side of it, but it did allow us the freedom to go where we liked and have a bit of a look around without having to disturb other peoples plans.

So, off we went to the pretty town of Camden, where the sun shone brightly for another day and tourists wandered in and out of shops and (you guessed it) more eateries! We met up with Cindy (there for a meeting) and sat by the water overlooking the busy harbour and later lunched in the park at the top of town and watched the harbour from a higher vantage point.

After that we took a short drive to Beech Hill, where we climbed through blueberry fields to a small cottage at the top and were treated to vast views across the entire region. With stunning views and a soft breeze, it was the perfect place to cool down and sit a while.











Later, when we were home, Jim took us out to grab some lobsters from a local lobsterman and we had a meal of fresh lobster for dinner. Messy, but very very nice. The price is incredible. A dozen cost just under $70. That's just over $5 each. Thanks guys - what a treat!

No, we didn't eat them all, we had one each and the rest will be used over the coming days and sent down south to Jim and Cindy's son Silas with Tyler, (their oldest son) who is visiting.

Lincolnville beach, Lobster sandwiches and lots of sunshine... can't beat it!

Yesterday was a day for rest and relaxation for us here. We did a pretty good walk down to the local town and back and soaked up the sun! There was never much at Lincolnville beach twenty years ago that I remember, though it has changed a little since then. The pebbly beach remains as always (of course), lots of stones and only sand when the tide goes out, there is a ferry that goes to the nearby island of Islesboro, a few new shops and about 4 eateries, all offering lobster in all forms from salad and sandwiches to lobster dinners.

Given that Maine is the "lobster state of the USA" it had to be done.

Lobster sandwiches with slaw (coleslaw) and fries was really nice, especially as we ate with a view across the water and sun on our backs. We followed with a trip to Islesboro on the ferry, a drink and ice-cream in the sun sitting with waterside outlook (on those old style beach chairs), a trip back on the ferry, and a pint of soda at the local pub (also new) before the hike back up to home. It was a good day. And don't worry, we worked it all off with the walk back up the hill!

Stepping back 20 years...

Twenty years ago I was in the USA for the first time.
I was in traveling mode then, 22 years old and seeing the world with a backpack on my back. When I applied to go to Summer Camp in the USA through an organisation called Bunac, I filled out the application, sat an interview and left the rest in the hands of fate.





Tanglewood was where I was introduced to the summer camp way of life. And I loved it. Atfer one week of training and team building, the kids arrived. Some enthusiatic and full of bravado, others not so keen and needing more encouragement. Where nowadays they are stripped of their mobile phones and ipods, way back then they were not permitted to bring walkmans!

I remember the first meal, where the noise rose as counsellors settled their kids into the routine and they started to talk, squeal, yell and laugh with each other with mouths full and stories to tell...

And where kids sang before and after meals and all my dreams of summer camp USA came to life. It was like living in a movie!




There were leeches in the river where we swam, no electricity in the cabins, woodpeckers in the birch trees and porcupines in the field. And always an incredible meal waiting (much of it accompanied by maple syrup!!)

Six one week sessions and a two week session in the middle, a new batch of kids arrived every week and we were always on our toes. Of course when the kids weren't there, the counsellors had time to themsleves and lifelong friendships were built. For years now, Tanglewood has been calling me back. I have dreamed of coming here often and when I decided to return to the States, this was top of my destination list.

Camp directors Jim and Cindy have welcomed me and my Mum warmly into their home (not far from camp) and yesterday we had a tour of camp and across the weekend a small reunion of friends from the time.

And whilst there have been a few changes, a few more grey hairs, a few less hairs (in the case of the guys) and the addition of kids and partners, really we are not that changed at all. The way we laugh is the same, our smiles, our voices and our manner is all totally recognisable.

And we all remembered Tanglewood with fondness and light. It has been fantastic to visit and reconnect again.



Later in the week we hope to have lunch there with the kids which should be fun.

*Mum and I are the two in red. Love the fact that we all have big smiles on our faces!

Taste Test USA #1 - Pretzel m & m's

It occured to me yesterday, as each day seems to bring a new food to sample or a new slant on something we have in Aus, that I might add in a new theme to some of my posts whilst here, where I'd share my food tasting adventures along the way, in honour of all that is crazy or new in food here in the USA.

Welcome to Taste Test USA number 1.



You can only imagine my delight when I went into a drug store yesterday and saw a range of m&ms not available to us in Aus. I love m&ms. Crispy, plain, Peanut, mmmm, they are hard to resist. And here the temptaion is going to be even greater, because the range is far more extensive and enticing!

The ones that first captured my attention? Pretzel m&ms! Seriously.
Crunchy, Salty, Sweet. An odd combination, but I HAD to try them.
(Let's face it there's everything in one little pack)
And I have to tell you, they got the thumbs up from me.
They are about the size of a peanut m&m and not at all like a pretzel in appearance.
Quite crispy, definitely still chocolately, but also with a hint of salt.
mmmmmmmm
Take a good look at the pack - the orange m&m has an xray of his stomach, and there is a curved pretzel inside. Cute AND tasty.

Rating:
Cinta: 8/10
Shirl (Mum): 8/10
Buy again? You bet!