Welcome

CURRENTLY VISITING HAWAII!!

Hawaii

Hawaii
Akaka Falls

See the World for Free

The idea here is to TRAVEL THE WORLD regardless of time or budget. It dawned on me one day that even if I had unlimited time and money (which I definitley do not), I still couldn't see everything in the world that I'd like to see--I'm simply not going to live long enough to do it.

But I had a bit of brain wave and soon after the travel envelope was born. This is an actual physical envelope. I typed the name of every country in the world, plus every state in the US on little slips of paper which I then put into the envelope. In the beginning we (myself, my husband, Dave and daugher Catherine) would draw out a slip at random at the beginning of the month and that's where we would go---at least in our minds. We grab some books about the country from the library and put them in our bathroom to look at. We also check out some videos about the country if any. We check it out on googleearth, listen to the music, try the food, maybe even attempt to learn a dance or celebrate a festival.

After the first two years we discovered that even virtual traveling can be tiring, so we travel now whenever I happen to be in the mood.

It's great fun. I especially love it when people I meet have been to the place I'm "visiting" in real life, or get excited and have some virtual adventures of their own. I hope that anyone who comes across this blog will feel welcome to come with us on the trip!



You have a standing reservation to see it all!

Jan 16, 2015

Death Valley




Death Valley is famously crazy-hot. But people are even crazier. There is an ultra-marathon race called the Badwater ultra-marathon, that starts in, you guessed it, Badwater which is in death valley. The course is 135 miles and ends at Mt. Whitney. Typically, the race takes about 24 hours to complete and it's important to make good time in the beginning, before the rubber melts off of your shoes.

I count myself amongst the nutters, because even though I physically could not do this, I think it's a great idea. If I didn't know that walking a half marathon on a flat surface in perfect weather nearly kills me, I'd be first to sign up.

Jan 12, 2015

San Francisco Dungeon

I went back to the virtual Fisherman's Wharf despite the fact that I'm still grieving about the Giradelli chocolate factory, and despite the fact that I don't really like fish. I DO like shell fish and clam chowder so I don't think I'll starve. It sounds like a wonderfully fun, touristy kind of place. You can explore historic ships, see sea lions, go to the aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Ripley's museum. Also a must do is to see Alcatraz. I loved the movie, "Escape from Alcatraz" and I also have a book called Over the Edge about a guy who does all kinds of crazy things among them the Alcatraz triathalon. You have to swim from Alcatraz to the shore before you either die of hypothermia or get eaten by sharks. Since sharks pick off straglers, it's best not to fall behind. 

However, the most fun sounding thing yet is the San Francisco Dungeon. This makes me want to take the first flight out!

THE DUNGEON
The San Francisco Dungeon brings to life the authentic tales of the Bay Area’s dark history, through theatrical actors, special effects, gripping storytelling and 360ยบ sets. The hysterically horrible engaging stories will take you through 9 live actor-led shows as you experience reenacted scenes from the colorful Gold Rush era to authentic tales about the Barbary Coast criminal gangs, Alcatraz, the Shanghai Kelly boat ride, and more. It's the ultimate live action expedition! See, hear, touch, smell and feel the experience of early San Francisco as you move from show to show, guided by our professional actors. It’s hilarious fun – and sometimes a little scary! 


Street Corn


One of Catherine's favorite discoveries on her mission was Mexican Street Corn. I guess you slather corn with mayo--which sounds awful to me, and a few other things and grill it. I admit this picture looks pretty good.