– I hope this weekend's weather report is wrong — I really need a good beach weekend. If not, I suppose I'll get a relaxing getaway weekend nonetheless.
– I like packing for trips, but am always afraid I'll forget something important.
– I'm enjoying Top Chef Masters, although the judges are much nicer to the contestants than on regular Top Chef.
– I still love doing interviews but hate transcribing them.
– I'm very bad at estimating how much pasta to cook, but that always means good leftovers.
– I already need a nap.
– I still wish I could work from bed, especially on a crappy raining day like today. Easier for naps.
Category: Travel
-
Random Thoughts for Today
-
This Time, Next Week
I'll be in London for a few days, relaxing and visiting friends before heading for a week of cycling in Bordeaux and the Dordogne, followed by a night in Paris (looking for dinner suggestions, of course) and another half day in London. Counting down the days.
-
Counting the Days
The trip is booked — a week cycling in Bordeaux and the Dordogne. I absolutely can't wait to escape.
-
Escapes
Currently plotting, planning, saving and scheming for a bike trip in Bordeaux at the end of June (counts as triathlon training), a beach week at the beginning of August, San Sebastian around Labor Day, Thailand in early winter, and if there's any funds left, Tulum in February. Time to use up the frequent flier miles.
-
Off the Grid
I spent 4 1/2 days deep in the woods, and although I had cell phone service, I was pretty much off the grid the entire time. I had a wonderful and relaxing time — it was a perfect way to ring in 2009. I learned a few things about myself while I was there:
- The caffeine from tea is enough to keep my coffee addiction under control when no coffee is available.
- If I could nap every day, I'd be a happy camper.
- I can live without indoor plumbing, at least for a short period of time.
- The relief you feel after visiting the outhouse in 5 degree weather at 7 in the morning far outweighs the benefits of the continued warmth under the blankets when your bladder feels like it's about to burst.
- I have learned to like gin, at least in cocktails.
- Making a New Year's Resolution to curse more is fun for everyone.
- I am happy that I have a habit of always bringing earplugs when I travel (there are some serious snorers out there).
- I make a kick-ass apple pie.
Some of the pictures are here — the ones with people in them have been redacted to protect the identity of the monkeys, with whom I was very happy to spend my New Year's weekend.
PS — Congrats to the bearded one for winning the Beard-Off!
-
Where in the World?
As of this moment, the only travel I have planned next year, aside from business travel, is a trip to Florida for a wedding in February. I'd love to save up for another bike trip if at all possible (would love to find a bike trip in Asia), but am starting to ponder where else to go. This list certainly got me thinking about potential destinations!
Today, I'm merely off to Maine for Thanksgiving. All the best to you and yours — have a tasty one! To get you in the mood, here's my first piece for Serious Eats New York — a Q&A with the owner of Jive Turkey.
-
Europe — The Pro Bono Tour
In pictures, as promised. I'm sloooowly re-adjusting to life back in New York. Had a day off on Thursday and a full work day on Friday, and have had a mellow weekend, gearing up for a busy week. Lots of cooking, staring with Friday night dinner of fried green tomatoes and pasta with sausage and chard. Tonight is a carrot potato soup, arugula salad, and ravioli from my trip a few weeks back to Arthur Avenue (they've been frozen). Doing my best to use the last round of CSA produce. I'm also roasting some pork, which may end up being part of the meal, but may end up being lunch for the week. Topping it all off with an apple cranberry crisp.
-
Recovering from the Journey
Got back last night and am recovering from the trip — I had today off and will be going to bed pretty early as I'm about to keel over. That said, for whatever reason, I woke up with the absolute perkiest song in my head this morning. Very strange, as I haven't heard it for years! Pictures from the trip to come this weekend.
-
Buda/Pest
Sadly, haven't seen much of the city yet aside from a wander in Buda yesterday afternoon, but have all of tomorrow to myself. Plan is to head to the market and one of the baths before heading to the airport for London. Did manage to have a tasty dinner at Café Kör on Wednesday night and dinner at the Hungarian Parliament last night (the building was much more impressive than dinner). Now am doing a little work before tonight's adventures. -
If It’s Tuesday . . .
it must be Frankfurt! Am about to head off to bed but had a great meeting in Paris. Sadly, though, I didn't have nearly enough free time. Based on a wonderful suggestion, we did have time for a drink (a quite spendy but outstanding drink) at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, and filled up on so many little munchies that I only had room for some huitres et soupe a l'oignon gratinee for dinner. Our Paris office pro bono meeting was wonderful, and then we ran off to catch our Frankfurt flight. Crummy hotel dinner (we got in late) and an early breakfast meeting tomorrow. Our Frankfurt colleagues are taking us out to dinner tomorrow night — dreaming of beer, wurst and schnitzel!