How exciting is this?* The New York Times just had a travel blog on Alaska, too, a few days after mine. You can read it here: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/travel/31alaska.html?em
Perhaps someday they'll want to honor my whims with trips that I can blog about to you. Wouldn't that be lovely?**
*Probably not that exciting, really.
** It does say in the blog description that this about my travel daydreams. You'll have to go with it. =)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Japan
Where in the world: Japan
The inspiration: Tea, mostly. I've been learning a lot about nice teas lately, and starting to cultivate a finer tea palate; this is expensive, but also appropriate, since I have a little job at a tea shop. I've started to discover some really lovely Japanese green teas, and the finer points of using a Japanese cast iron tea pot. It has me thinking about the other things I've learned about Japan, particularly Kyoto, and my recurring fascination with geisha. (If you enjoyed the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," I'm going to recommend the book by Arthur Golden, of the same title; if you enjoyed the book, you should check out Liza Dalby's ethnography, "Geisha.") Also, if this hasn't already become apparent, I'm a big fans of mountains and oceans, and places where the two meet. I'd like to enjoy sushi in a restaurant where concerns about freshness or appropriate preparation won't cross my mind. I love the cherry trees on the Mall in Washington DC (which, by the way, were a gift from Japan), and I'd be delighted to see the full blossoming season. As usual, I'd also be thrilled with any recommendations you can give for my dream trip!
The inspiration: Tea, mostly. I've been learning a lot about nice teas lately, and starting to cultivate a finer tea palate; this is expensive, but also appropriate, since I have a little job at a tea shop. I've started to discover some really lovely Japanese green teas, and the finer points of using a Japanese cast iron tea pot. It has me thinking about the other things I've learned about Japan, particularly Kyoto, and my recurring fascination with geisha. (If you enjoyed the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," I'm going to recommend the book by Arthur Golden, of the same title; if you enjoyed the book, you should check out Liza Dalby's ethnography, "Geisha.") Also, if this hasn't already become apparent, I'm a big fans of mountains and oceans, and places where the two meet. I'd like to enjoy sushi in a restaurant where concerns about freshness or appropriate preparation won't cross my mind. I love the cherry trees on the Mall in Washington DC (which, by the way, were a gift from Japan), and I'd be delighted to see the full blossoming season. As usual, I'd also be thrilled with any recommendations you can give for my dream trip!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Mumbai
Where in the World: Mumbai, India
The inspiration: this article, from the New York Times, which was sent to me by a lovely friend. Granted, Mumbai has a few things working against my desire to go there. First, it's really hot. Also, it's humid. So it's really really hot and humid, especially in the summer. In case I haven't made this obvious enough, I really don't do well in hot humid weather. The second thing going against Mumbai is that when Slumdog Millionaire came out, I read an interview that indicated it was supposed to be a very vibrant, positive depiction of Mumbai. Now, I thought Slumdog Millionaire was an awesome movie, but it didn't exactly make Mumbai look like a top tourism destination. So why do I want to go? The article gives it away, but if you haven't checked yet, IT'S MANGO SEASON. I really like mangoes, and I think that they'd be super delicious even if it was a million degrees with a zillion percent humidity (exactly and approximately*). Also, I would really love to go to India, and this could be one of those things that pushes me over the tipping point of my fears of the heat and pick pockets. The Taj Mahal has always been on my wish list, I like Indian food, elephansts, and I really wish that I could attend an ornate, traditional Indian wedding (with all of the dancing). So, maybe mangoes will get me to make it to Mumbai.
*If you're not familiar with this phrase, you should watch Monsoon Wedding, which is also set in India. =)
In case the link doesn't work above, here it is again:
http://globespotters.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/in-mumbai-its-mango-season/
The inspiration: this article, from the New York Times, which was sent to me by a lovely friend. Granted, Mumbai has a few things working against my desire to go there. First, it's really hot. Also, it's humid. So it's really really hot and humid, especially in the summer. In case I haven't made this obvious enough, I really don't do well in hot humid weather. The second thing going against Mumbai is that when Slumdog Millionaire came out, I read an interview that indicated it was supposed to be a very vibrant, positive depiction of Mumbai. Now, I thought Slumdog Millionaire was an awesome movie, but it didn't exactly make Mumbai look like a top tourism destination. So why do I want to go? The article gives it away, but if you haven't checked yet, IT'S MANGO SEASON. I really like mangoes, and I think that they'd be super delicious even if it was a million degrees with a zillion percent humidity (exactly and approximately*). Also, I would really love to go to India, and this could be one of those things that pushes me over the tipping point of my fears of the heat and pick pockets. The Taj Mahal has always been on my wish list, I like Indian food, elephansts, and I really wish that I could attend an ornate, traditional Indian wedding (with all of the dancing). So, maybe mangoes will get me to make it to Mumbai.
*If you're not familiar with this phrase, you should watch Monsoon Wedding, which is also set in India. =)
In case the link doesn't work above, here it is again:
http://globespotters.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/in-mumbai-its-mango-season/
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Anchorage, Alaska
Where in the world: Anchorage, Alaska, and Alaska in general.
Inspired by: A few things, really. I ordered a new computer last weekend, and I've been tracking its progress towards me. Today it is in Anchorage, and I'm as jealous as a person could be of an inanimate object's travels. Also, last night after the hockey game we watched the end of the movie "Mystery, Alaska," which is about a local hockey team in a town where people skate to work in the winter. I love cold weather, ice skating, mountains by the ocean, wildlife, and trekking through parks of all sizes, so I strongly suspect I'd enjoy Alaska. I once applied for a summer job working on a whale watching boat near Juneau, but didn't pursue it when I realized it would almost cost more to drive there than I would make during the season. I'd still like to take a whale watching tour, though, and ride the Great Alaskan railroad to Denali while listening to Eddie Vedder sing the sound track to "Into the Wild." I'd hike in the park, try to spot some caribou, or moose, or bear (at a very great distance). It would be a "Great Alaskan Adventure."
I would be delighted if you'd share any of your recommendations for other things to daydream about seeing and doing there.
Inspired by: A few things, really. I ordered a new computer last weekend, and I've been tracking its progress towards me. Today it is in Anchorage, and I'm as jealous as a person could be of an inanimate object's travels. Also, last night after the hockey game we watched the end of the movie "Mystery, Alaska," which is about a local hockey team in a town where people skate to work in the winter. I love cold weather, ice skating, mountains by the ocean, wildlife, and trekking through parks of all sizes, so I strongly suspect I'd enjoy Alaska. I once applied for a summer job working on a whale watching boat near Juneau, but didn't pursue it when I realized it would almost cost more to drive there than I would make during the season. I'd still like to take a whale watching tour, though, and ride the Great Alaskan railroad to Denali while listening to Eddie Vedder sing the sound track to "Into the Wild." I'd hike in the park, try to spot some caribou, or moose, or bear (at a very great distance). It would be a "Great Alaskan Adventure."
I would be delighted if you'd share any of your recommendations for other things to daydream about seeing and doing there.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Burren
Where in the world: The Burren, County Clare, Ireland
The Inspiration: This week I was writing about family roots for one of my classes, and thinking about my Irish family. My great-grandmother emigrated from County Clare, Ireland, and while I don't know any family in that area, I did visit it on my first trip to Ireland. When I was there, we went to the Burren, which from a distance just looks like a field of flat rock. The beauty, however, comes when get get up close into the grasses that grow thinly over limestone. In all of the cracks and cervices are the loveliest little wildflowers you've ever seen. The mist that hangs over them keeps them insulated from the wind of the bare, seaside landscape, and they are profuse, vibrant, diverse, and delightful.
The Inspiration: This week I was writing about family roots for one of my classes, and thinking about my Irish family. My great-grandmother emigrated from County Clare, Ireland, and while I don't know any family in that area, I did visit it on my first trip to Ireland. When I was there, we went to the Burren, which from a distance just looks like a field of flat rock. The beauty, however, comes when get get up close into the grasses that grow thinly over limestone. In all of the cracks and cervices are the loveliest little wildflowers you've ever seen. The mist that hangs over them keeps them insulated from the wind of the bare, seaside landscape, and they are profuse, vibrant, diverse, and delightful.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Adirondacks
Where in the World: The Adirondack Region, Northern New York
Inspired by: My lovely friends, K&J, who are currently honeymooning in upstate New York. The region is rugged and beautiful, with calm lakes and fierce mountains. Last time I visited the area I stayed between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, where we spent a lot of time kayaking. I gave the newlyweds a map so that they could make sure to get Donnelly's Ice Cream near Lake Clear. My parents went to college in the area, and for my entire childhood they told me of the wonder of Donnelly's, where a berry patch and a dairy farm meet in an ice cream shack. The most amazing part is that when I finally tried Donnelly's as a teenager, it exceeded the expectations that I had been building for years. Since I told K&J, I've been anxious to get in the car and make the treck myself. I'd divide my day between breathtaking mountain hikes and creamy raspberry gluttony. How delightful!
Inspired by: My lovely friends, K&J, who are currently honeymooning in upstate New York. The region is rugged and beautiful, with calm lakes and fierce mountains. Last time I visited the area I stayed between Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, where we spent a lot of time kayaking. I gave the newlyweds a map so that they could make sure to get Donnelly's Ice Cream near Lake Clear. My parents went to college in the area, and for my entire childhood they told me of the wonder of Donnelly's, where a berry patch and a dairy farm meet in an ice cream shack. The most amazing part is that when I finally tried Donnelly's as a teenager, it exceeded the expectations that I had been building for years. Since I told K&J, I've been anxious to get in the car and make the treck myself. I'd divide my day between breathtaking mountain hikes and creamy raspberry gluttony. How delightful!
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