I caught the only keeper out of the canal tonight; not for a lack of trying by all! So we had to settle for pizza delivery with a pan fried fish dessert. Mighty tasty!
I caught the only keeper out of the canal tonight; not for a lack of trying by all! So we had to settle for pizza delivery with a pan fried fish dessert. Mighty tasty!
I had a few friends join me for coffee this morning. I took them joining me as a confirmation of a special request I woke up to this morning. Casey even said they were a sign from our Native American friends! I had never seen two Bald Eagles hanging out together before; especially not in our back yard. I took a little walk to get some closer pictures but this was as far as I got before they decided to take off after a rabbit hopping by.
I had a few friends join me for coffee this morning. I took them joining me as a confirmation of a special request I woke up to this morning. Casey even said they were a sign from our Native American friends! I had never seen two Bald Eagles hanging out together before; especially not in our back yard. I took a little walk to get some closer pictures but this was as far as I got before they decided to take off after a rabbit hopping by.
Swapping squash and swapping stories at Grandma and Grandpas!! Oh, and watermelons too!
Swapping squash and swapping stories at Grandma and Grandpas!! Oh, and watermelons too!
Was a nice sunshiny day for cruising around to the different Malibu beaches but the water sure is cold! Your feet felt numb just from walking the water's edge so no swimming today. There were lots of seagulls enjoying the day and we were able to catch a glimpse of a couple of whales off the shore as we left Matador Beach.
Was a nice sunshiny day for cruising around to the different Malibu beaches but the water sure is cold! Your feet felt numb just from walking the water's edge so no swimming today. There were lots of seagulls enjoying the day and we were able to catch a glimpse of a couple of whales off the shore as we left Matador Beach.
We took advantage of the beautiful day to go check out the grounds of the new golf course being built. I learned my lesson in thinking we'd be sticking to the new paths they'd built and not wearing my hiking boots! Casey, I'll never expect to stick to a path again when out for a walk with you!
We took advantage of the beautiful day to go check out the grounds of the new golf course being built. I learned my lesson in thinking we'd be sticking to the new paths they'd built and not wearing my hiking boots! Casey, I'll never expect to stick to a path again when out for a walk with you!
What a great Valentine's Day! We spent the morning making our own Valentine's roses out of hot glass. I enjoyed just watching the process of one being made so it was definitely fun to get to take over and make our own! The heat off the kilns was so intense it felt like we escaped to the tropics for the morning. After we formed our roses and set them to cool in the 1000 degree chamber for the night we finished off the day with some brunch and chocolates. What more could a gal ask for?
What a great Valentine's Day! We spent the morning making our own Valentine's roses out of hot glass. I enjoyed just watching the process of one being made so it was definitely fun to get to take over and make our own! The heat off the kilns was so intense it felt like we escaped to the tropics for the morning. After we formed our roses and set them to cool in the 1000 degree chamber for the night we finished off the day with some brunch and chocolates. What more could a gal ask for?
We read a few days ago that this blow hole existed but it must not have been spraying that day. It caught Casey's eye from the other side of the bridge as we were headed out for the day. It is the narrowest blow hole I've ever seen but it sure had some height and a whole lot of pressure!
We read a few days ago that this blow hole existed but it must not have been spraying that day. It caught Casey's eye from the other side of the bridge as we were headed out for the day. It is the narrowest blow hole I've ever seen but it sure had some height and a whole lot of pressure!
The airlines haven't been treating us too kindly in the Bahamas. Thankfully after being delayed almost 5 hours in Exuma and expecting to miss our second flight into Eleuthera out of Nassau, I was approached by a lady saying that she had just private chartered down from Nassau and to grab her pilot if we needed him. We did! Thanks Erral for getting us here, and ahead of schedule at that!
The airlines haven't been treating us too kindly in the Bahamas. Thankfully after being delayed almost 5 hours in Exuma and expecting to miss our second flight into Eleuthera out of Nassau, I was approached by a lady saying that she had just private chartered down from Nassau and to grab her pilot if we needed him. We did! Thanks Erral for getting us here, and ahead of schedule at that!
There seemed to be a shark in every direction you turned while swimming with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay. At one point while adjusting my mask I even accidentally kicked one; thankfully he didn't seem too upset with me!
There seemed to be a shark in every direction you turned while swimming with the nurse sharks at Compass Cay. At one point while adjusting my mask I even accidentally kicked one; thankfully he didn't seem too upset with me!
Almost as graceful as I would imagine a flying pig, these feral pigs come swimming right up to your boat looking for scraps of food. For as big as some of them were they were pretty well behaved but I did hear a few start to squeal a bit when everyone started running out of food to offer them!
Almost as graceful as I would imagine a flying pig, these feral pigs come swimming right up to your boat looking for scraps of food. For as big as some of them were they were pretty well behaved but I did hear a few start to squeal a bit when everyone started running out of food to offer them!
I got to be the honey bear tonight! What a buzzzz the bees make when you get to walk through the thick of them! I can imagine a yoga hall in the center of them all with their calming buzz. If only there were a sting free zone! We made it out without any stings and two new jars full of yummy honey!
I got to be the honey bear tonight! What a buzzzz the bees make when you get to walk through the thick of them! I can imagine a yoga hall in the center of them all with their calming buzz. If only there were a sting free zone! We made it out without any stings and two new jars full of yummy honey!
Not this one! We left a little note for the doc just to ensure there weren't any mess ups… Surgery here he comes!
Not this one! We left a little note for the doc just to ensure there weren't any mess ups… Surgery here he comes!
The big stages were packed; I wouldn't have even seen Jerry Lee Lewis' elbow if Casey hadn't thrown me up on his shoulders! Everyone said the crowds were the largest Jazz Fest has ever had. There sure were enough people to keep us from fighting our way to the front of Elton John's show.
The big stages were packed; I wouldn't have even seen Jerry Lee Lewis' elbow if Casey hadn't thrown me up on his shoulders! Everyone said the crowds were the largest Jazz Fest has ever had. There sure were enough people to keep us from fighting our way to the front of Elton John's show.
We had a wonderful morning cruise on the jet skis! A little trip through the mangroves proved rough for Al as she was distracted by a plane taking off and was almost taken out by a branch. She survived and we cruised on to spot some dolphin and nurse sharks playing around.
We had a wonderful morning cruise on the jet skis! A little trip through the mangroves proved rough for Al as she was distracted by a plane taking off and was almost taken out by a branch. She survived and we cruised on to spot some dolphin and nurse sharks playing around.
I was able to turn some naysayers on to loving the beer drinking pigs today! It's such a joy to listen to people be less than enthusiastic on the drive to go visit the pigs and then watch as their smiles explode (along with a bit of fear on their faces, haha) when the pigs first jump up to say hello! Win of a visit!
I was able to turn some naysayers on to loving the beer drinking pigs today! It's such a joy to listen to people be less than enthusiastic on the drive to go visit the pigs and then watch as their smiles explode (along with a bit of fear on their faces, haha) when the pigs first jump up to say hello! Win of a visit!
There was a surprise visitor on the snorkel out to Buck Island today. Just as everyone seemed to be going in all different directions we looked down to see this beautiful little shark cruising by! The trail through the coral was gorgeous as well, along with some barracuda chilling in the area.
There was a surprise visitor on the snorkel out to Buck Island today. Just as everyone seemed to be going in all different directions we looked down to see this beautiful little shark cruising by! The trail through the coral was gorgeous as well, along with some barracuda chilling in the area.
Tons of St Paddy's Day fun at the parade today! Green was everywhere along with a lot of Caribbean bass and fantastic people watching. Nothing like a few holiday beers for breakfast and your missing friends showing up on the back of a float!
Tons of St Paddy's Day fun at the parade today! Green was everywhere along with a lot of Caribbean bass and fantastic people watching. Nothing like a few holiday beers for breakfast and your missing friends showing up on the back of a float!
Another 8 Tuff complete! Brett and I managed to make it to the end with no assisstance from the rescue workers, haha. Fantastic burgers post race at Skinny Legs and back to Cruz Bay to continue the celebration of our completion with friends! Wasn't my fastest time but wasn't my slowest, not too shabby after two years abroad!
Another 8 Tuff complete! Brett and I managed to make it to the end with no assisstance from the rescue workers, haha. Fantastic burgers post race at Skinny Legs and back to Cruz Bay to continue the celebration of our completion with friends! Wasn't my fastest time but wasn't my slowest, not too shabby after two years abroad!
Can you see the ice in the water? Burrrrr! It's incredible the scraping noise the ice makes on the bottom of the boat as we glide across the water. All I can think is Titanic! I'm spending my last few days in Helsinki on some islands in an area called Suomenlinna. A little different from the tropical ones I'm used to but in 3 days time all the snow will be gone from my life for awhile!
Can you see the ice in the water? Burrrrr! It's incredible the scraping noise the ice makes on the bottom of the boat as we glide across the water. All I can think is Titanic! I'm spending my last few days in Helsinki on some islands in an area called Suomenlinna. A little different from the tropical ones I'm used to but in 3 days time all the snow will be gone from my life for awhile!
I had my first ever airport sign today! I wasn't even sure the hotel was going to pick me up from the airport as I had put in such a last minute request for a room. I avoided the hoard of drivers with signs at first since I was unsure. The driver was so relieved he had finally found me when I went back to look. I liked how it was hand written since I had booked my room the night before. If you check out the one on his belly you can see what you get when you book in advance. Loved it though!! The other two waiting for me in the tuk tuk were relieved I was just a party of one... There was no way we would have fit a fourth and their luggage. Feels good to be back!
I had my first ever airport sign today! I wasn't even sure the hotel was going to pick me up from the airport as I had put in such a last minute request for a room. I avoided the hoard of drivers with signs at first since I was unsure. The driver was so relieved he had finally found me when I went back to look. I liked how it was hand written since I had booked my room the night before. If you check out the one on his belly you can see what you get when you book in advance. Loved it though!! The other two waiting for me in the tuk tuk were relieved I was just a party of one... There was no way we would have fit a fourth and their luggage. Feels good to be back!
Besides getting a wonderful room upgrade for the final night Harry was in town, we also got to soak up the view of KL from the rooftop pool. What a gorgeous spot to finish up your travels.
Besides getting a wonderful room upgrade for the final night Harry was in town, we also got to soak up the view of KL from the rooftop pool. What a gorgeous spot to finish up your travels.
Checked out the highest point in Langkawi today. I was worried the view would be ruined as we drove up through the clouds to the top and the rain came down. It was all clear once we were up there though and magnificent view to really show you what was where. I was so satisfied with it that I made no more demands to see the cable car views. Beautiful!
Checked out the highest point in Langkawi today. I was worried the view would be ruined as we drove up through the clouds to the top and the rain came down. It was all clear once we were up there though and magnificent view to really show you what was where. I was so satisfied with it that I made no more demands to see the cable car views. Beautiful!
Harry, the fire master, and I built a beach fire today to say goodbye to Myanmar. We had some wonderful times there but also got swindled more than we have in a long time and saw so much rain that final week. It was a fun way to say goodbye and think of all the memories made there.
Harry, the fire master, and I built a beach fire today to say goodbye to Myanmar. We had some wonderful times there but also got swindled more than we have in a long time and saw so much rain that final week. It was a fun way to say goodbye and think of all the memories made there.
It was the first big outing to the temples of Myanmar today. Harry borrowed a longyi to cover his gams so as not to offend Buddha while we looked around. After our tour he decided he liked it so much that he bought it off the lady. Wonderful purchase that came with a free tying lesson!
It was the first big outing to the temples of Myanmar today. Harry borrowed a longyi to cover his gams so as not to offend Buddha while we looked around. After our tour he decided he liked it so much that he bought it off the lady. Wonderful purchase that came with a free tying lesson!
We arrived to Mandalay today! It is a much bigger city than I imagined. There seems to have been some trouble in the past few days though and the city is shut down after 9pm. Martial Law; who knew!
We arrived to Mandalay today! It is a much bigger city than I imagined. There seems to have been some trouble in the past few days though and the city is shut down after 9pm. Martial Law; who knew!
It's been a successful day in Vientiane! After waking up a little later than expected I still managed to pick up my passport from the Laos immigration department with a new extension and get it successfully dropped off at the Myanmar consulate in time to have it back to head to Vang Vieng by Saturday morning. I played Harry in a few games of bowling tonight where he managed to put me to shame but I did pick up my first ever split for a spare in the 9th frame that helped put me over 100 and a smile on my face! Following the game we had a delicious French dinner. A wonderful night of painting the town red!
It's been a successful day in Vientiane! After waking up a little later than expected I still managed to pick up my passport from the Laos immigration department with a new extension and get it successfully dropped off at the Myanmar consulate in time to have it back to head to Vang Vieng by Saturday morning. I played Harry in a few games of bowling tonight where he managed to put me to shame but I did pick up my first ever split for a spare in the 9th frame that helped put me over 100 and a smile on my face! Following the game we had a delicious French dinner. A wonderful night of painting the town red!
I went to my first night of trivia down to Pappa Pippo's tonight. Seeing as all of the men on our team were fully bearded we chose 'Fear the Beard' as our team name to put some fright into the competition. We welcomed free beers for winning the first round and I was amazed when we went on to win the whole game! A free bottle of wine for the win made for some very cheery trivia players!
I went to my first night of trivia down to Pappa Pippo's tonight. Seeing as all of the men on our team were fully bearded we chose 'Fear the Beard' as our team name to put some fright into the competition. We welcomed free beers for winning the first round and I was amazed when we went on to win the whole game! A free bottle of wine for the win made for some very cheery trivia players!
Nothing beats sitting seaside doing some updates to ShannyBug. Sitting with a fellow traveler, Brian, while doing them gave me the opportunity to help him with his travel blog. He's touring the area on a Honda Win so we created a Honda Winning logo for him. Win-win, I'm getting paid for my services in cocktails later today!
Nothing beats sitting seaside doing some updates to ShannyBug. Sitting with a fellow traveler, Brian, while doing them gave me the opportunity to help him with his travel blog. He's touring the area on a Honda Win so we created a Honda Winning logo for him. Win-win, I'm getting paid for my services in cocktails later today!
Cambodian hacky sack anyone? These guys were having a great time kickin' it around in the street behind Otres Beach. Theirs was more of spring loaded feather thing than a hacky sack but the same moves. They were all smiles and giggled even more when Eddy joined in on their game.
Cambodian hacky sack anyone? These guys were having a great time kickin' it around in the street behind Otres Beach. Theirs was more of spring loaded feather thing than a hacky sack but the same moves. They were all smiles and giggled even more when Eddy joined in on their game.
Tonight I hopped on a free boat ride out to Koh Ta Kiev to listen to the Madagascar drumming girls. I arrived there in the dark so I didn't get a good look at the island. I think that means I'll have to go back. The girls drummed around a huge bon fire and everyone had a great time dancing around with them. I got separated from my friends on the first boats to head back and had to spend what felt like an eternity waiting for the boats to return. At least the bioluminescence was shining bright in the waves on the ride back to entertain me!
Tonight I hopped on a free boat ride out to Koh Ta Kiev to listen to the Madagascar drumming girls. I arrived there in the dark so I didn't get a good look at the island. I think that means I'll have to go back. The girls drummed around a huge bon fire and everyone had a great time dancing around with them. I got separated from my friends on the first boats to head back and had to spend what felt like an eternity waiting for the boats to return. At least the bioluminescence was shining bright in the waves on the ride back to entertain me!
