Traveling itch

I got this world map for Mike for our first wedding anniversary (paper!). Now before we talk about how that means we've been married for over a year, let's talk about wanderlust. Mike and I have been all over the place, and I'm itching to plan something new.  We're headed back to Asheville/NYC over Thanksgiving week but I think it's time to plan somewhere new. The question, is where?

We took a Cruise with Mike's folks and I really enojoyed it. I'm not a huge beach person though, but an ALASKA cruise.. well, that could be awesome. 

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or Portland?

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or somewhere outside the US - on a safari?

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What's that? You're only still reading for pictures from the travels we've already taken?

Why haven't I blogged about these? OKOK. Got it. 

Sydney, Australia on the Harbor Bridge

Iao Needle, Hawaii

Harry Potter Studio Tour, UK

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Somewhere in the Atlantic, Bahamas-ish

San Diego

Weekend Update

Instead of breaking it down by day, 

let me just say that this is an mini review

of our extra long weekend in Healdsburg, CA. 

-

We stayed at the Irish Rose Inn, 

and I almost stole the bed. 

Seriously though, Ive always wanted a canopy. 

Then, we started checking out the wineries.  

(I also tracked down some classic cars for Dad) 

I can honestly say that we learned a lot,

different grapes, varietals, soil changes, 

and even ancient vs new vines. The top ones are from the 1920, 

the lower ones are from the 1980s. 

We spent some time sitting by Dry Creek,  

before grabbing some beignets and heading home.  

I highly recommend Healdsburg. 

It's got a small town charm and feel with a little less crowd. 

Definitely not hurting in the wine department either. 

Weekend Update

This weekend was definitely fantastic. 

After such a good Valentine's day,

 it had a tall order to fill, 

but, it did. 

Oh, it did. 

Saturday

Mike flew in late Friday night, 

so Saturday afternoon we were thrilled to head to our first

San Francisco Beer Fest event. 

It was really close, so we cabbed it out, 

in BEAUTIFUL 70* weather. 

I also found this..it's a beer, 

that is brewed like a sparkling wine. 

Quite tasty. 

Sunday

We dropped Shiva off at the boarder and headed north. 

We stopped in Calistoga at Hans Fahden for a little tasting and tour. 

(Beautiful grounds)

Then, we headed to Chateau Montelena. 

If you've seen the movie "Bottle Shock" -this- is the vineyard. 

If you haven't seen the movie. Go do it.

They had beautiful grounds (I sense a theme here..)

and fantastic wine. There was also a nice hallway full of the winery's history.  

Our last stop was out to Paradise Ridge. 

The owners had purchased a large amount of Burning Man art, 

that was located on the grounds

And again, the views and wines were terrific.  

After we checked into our hotel, we found ourselves at risibisi for dinner. 

FANTASTIC risotto with shredded beef. 

Monday

Although the weather was less cooperative, 

we started out at Cline Cellars. 

If you go there, ask for Gayle in the tasting room.
She's FANTASTIC, and really makes everyone feel special. 

We then went across the street to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. 

They also have an olive oil press, which is very cool. 

Can you guess how the wines were? 

I loved the look of this place, old world Italian architecture and wines. 

For lunch, we went up to Viansa,  

then back down to Gloria Ferrar to see the grounds and 

check our their award winning sparkling wines. 

Eventually, it was time to leave.
We stopped on the way home for sushi, 

at our new favorite sushi place, 

then headed home to open a bottle of wine to celebrate 

-my new job!-. 

(Yes, we opened more wine..don't judge)

It was actually a bottle we picked up in Kansas during our road trip in November. 

So, it was a little sweet to feel the circle come all the way around  

One final shot, 

my tulips started to bloom! 

Another excellent weekend, 

and another set of venues to look at. 

Certainly can't complain about life right now :)

Weekend Update

So, I get on my plane this weekend, and check my SLR to make sure the cap is on and what do I see? 

There's no battery. 

Whomp Whomp. 

So, while I had my trusty iPhone, I have to wait until one of my friends posts her photos before I can give you a real rundown. Today, you get the iEdition. While I try to get over whatever sickness one of the girls gave me. 

Here's a quick rundown. 

Security lines are always tedious. 

FINALLY, we all made it!

Fish bowl filled with Hurricanes.

The Abita Brewery Tour

Go Unis!

Quick Dinner

Street Performers and Jackson Square

Cafe Du Monde

Our Hotel

4/5s

The view from the pool. 

Hotel PB&J's

Drive through Dah-querys. (or Daiquiris..depending on your pronunciation)

Then, back on the plane and back at RDU

I can't wait to tell you guys more, 

and get to see the photos from the weekend myself!

Please, always remember your batteries!

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