Interesting…

California is a big state and when I visited in the past I spent most of my time in LA or South or the San Francisco area. A couple weeks ago though I traveled with some friends from Santa Monica to the Central Coast, specifically Avila Beach (closest big city would be San Luis Obispo which isn’t really BIG compared to California standards). This was my first time to the Central Coast and I had no idea what to expect–except for it being somewhat coastal.

About 3 hours North of LA on “the 5 (I-5 for us non-Californians)” and about 4 hrs South of San Fran on the 5, the Central Coast is a mixture of famous sights, small beach towns and wineries that rival the more known Napa Valley. I only had 3 days in this area and I wanted to make the most of it—and of course, I needed more time.

Hearst Castle

Maybe the most famous of the sights on the Central Coast and all of California is the Hearst Castle named for the newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst who died in 1951. Now a state park the Castle is steeped in history. In its heyday it was supposed to be a “bungalow” for Hearst, but soon got a bit bigger and was visited by the most famous of the time (Lindbergh, Cary Grant, various Presidents). The main house is over 60,000 sqft and has 56 bedrooms and 61 bathrooms. Full of antiques and rare books purchased personally by Hearst, this spot has a constant stream of tourists throughout the year.

If you are like me, famous landmarks are worth a visit, but when the beach is calling—I make it a short visit because, well, the beach is calling.

If you’ve heard of Monterey or Big Sur you have heard of the Central Coast, but if you have heard of Avila Beach then you have heard of the REAL Central Coast. A sleepy beach town popular with fisherman put Avila on the map, but the subsequent building boom and desire to live semi-affordably (to California standards anyway) is what made Avila what it is today: a coffee drinking, dog walking, beach strolling, bike riding, fishing town. To say this town is yuppie would be an understatement–but it is Cali and in comparison to some California towns, Avila is a watered down yuppie and a town I could totally see myself living in. With a main street of tee-shirt and flip flop shops, a general market, Mr. Rick’s Sports bar, the very crowded Joe Mamma Coffee (try the hemp milk creamer) and even a couple small wineries, it takes 6 minutes to walk the “strip” before you are hugging the coastline on your run, walk or bike ride on the way to the famous fishing pier to watch your dinner get caught, buy that fresh caught dinner and walk right up to (if you dare) napping Sea Lions on the dock.

Avila Beach

Avila at sunset

up-close and personal with a hungry pelican on the fishing pier

Tide Pools
About a 30 minute drive from Avila are the Montana de Oro State Park and Tide Pools. Here the coastline is comprised of slippery rock (yeah, I fell on my a*s), snails, crabs, sea anemones, shells and steep sand dunes that can be slid down via sled, cardboard box or the seat of your pants (I saw all three). Like the rest of California (even in the summer), the water is powerful and very cold so if the tide is not out it could be a dangerous, cold meander through these tide pools. I went when the tide was nearly out and bonded quite nicely with a turquoise sea anemone. Did you know if you gently touch one it wraps around your finger and tries to suction you to death? It is a cool feeling. Yeah, and messing with that anemone is probably why I fell.

Trail down to the tide pools

me at the tide pools

overlooking the coastline tide pools and sand dunes

Dive Bars–for Wine
As mentioned, wine from the Central Coast rivals Napa Valley and Sonoma and wineries and vineyards are dotted along the coast at every exit. Many have gorgeous views and picturesque grounds like at this place:

But sadly, sometimes the wine suffers and the view turns out to be the best thing about the winery. If you are a true wine-person, this can be frustrating (if you are like me and can barely tell a Pinot from a Merlot it is not as upsetting) especially when you are in the Central Coast and have gorgeous views anyway. Recently an industrial area of blue and government gray buildings in the town of Lompoc (pronounced “Lom-Poke”) behind the Home Depot has become a popular destination for wine tastings and because the area is, ahem, not so picturesque (and it probably doesn’t help that the Home Depot lumber department is in ear shot) the area was affectionately coined as the “Wine Ghetto.”

Most likely overlooked, unless you knew better, this parking lot of single-story metal buildings has become the place to go if you want good wine. Unlike most wineries where you have your tasting, roam the grounds and then responsibly drive to the next vineyard–the Ghetto is a one-stop wine tasting shop with the wineries situated like stores in a cheap strip mall– but, the wine is NOT cheap tasting! Park once–taste all day– but get a car service, please.

One of my favorite “Ghetto” wineries was the Flying Goat. The husband and wife owners were passionate about their wine, had soil samples that the grapes grew from and a very nice 13 year old chocolate lab. Plus– the lady knew all about Jersey. Represent East Coast!

(picture courtesy of centralcoastuncorked.blogspot.com)

I know the title of this post doesn’t reflect the correct lyrics to the popular Christmas tune, but this year, unlike my normal Christmas’ where I walk in a sunny wonderland (Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii) or a magical winter wonderland at home in NYC, these substitute lyrics are appropriate as I am venturing to a place known for rain and gloom–but also the place I grew up and where my family and friends still live– Seattle.

If you are a follower of this site, you already know that I am from Seattle and have absolutely zero desire to go back there ever again (permanently), but short visits are something I can do and this will be the first Christmas that the husband and I will open gifts in the Pacific NW since we moved to the East Coast over 4 years ago.

Living out East for the past four Christmas’ has been awesome! There is no other place in the country (or World??) that can match the holiday spirit that NYC generates! From the windows at Macy’s to the computerized yet realistic snowflakes at Saks to seeing the tree at Rockefeller and shopping the Christmas markets at Union Square and Central Park to ice skating at Bryant Park– and the list goes on.

Ice Rink in Central Park (photo credit: D Ellefson)

Regardless of how horribly depressing the gloomy gray skies of Seattle will be (dare I even wish for snow?), I will make this trip as CHRISTMASY as possible!!! First and foremost, I am excited to see my nephew and niece and wake up super early with them on Christmas morning to see them open THE BEST presents EVER (from Uncle and me of course, even though Uncle will likely sleep in a bit later than me). Also, my grandparents are making the trek over the mountains and through the woods JUST to see hubby and me (I mean, of course they’re coming for us–who cares about those cute great-grandkids…).

While in Seattle, the lack of snow or even sunny, crisp temps won’t bother me too much with family and friends close by AND these totally Christmasy things to do:

The famous Seattle Space Needle

1) The Christmas Carol Improv! I have been to this show in the ghost of Christmas past and it is awesome! Always different, (it is Improv) and based on the original Dickens story but sprinkled with audience suggestions on how the story should be acted out, this performance called “Seattle’s Funniest Christmas Show” is a Pacific NW tradition!

The show is regularly shown at their home smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market at the Market Theater, but since its currently being renovated, this year I will see it at the equally cool Intiman Theater at Seattle Center.

2) Christmas Lights Shining Bright!
When I was a kid, driving to and walking around neighborhoods decked out Clark W Griswold style was, and still IS, a highlight (and also free). One of the best stops (and longest running) in Seattle is Candy Cane Lane in Ravenna! The neighborhood has been doing this light show since 1941.
Address: Northeast Park Road, off Ravenna Boulevard, Seattle, WA

Ravenna Neighborhood

3) Seeing the Lights & the Sights from the Water
Seattle locals may humbug the Argosy (“Its so touristy”) and even I used to poo-poo it until I went on an Argosy summer cruise a few years back and saw Bill Gates’ mansion. One word: GINORMOUS. Anyway, at Christmastime, all of the touristy labels go out the window because tourists and locals will love the lights seen from the water. In its 62nd year, this parade of Argosy Christmas Ships sails the Puget Sound waterfront communities and if you are lucky enough to get tickets on the lead ship, THE Christmas Ship, onboard choirs will sing carols throughout your journey. This runs through December 23rd. Did I mention the outer decks on the ships are heated. Oh yes! I’ll see you there! ($35 adults $31.50 seniors $19 kids ages 5-12 (4 and under no charge)

The Argosy Ship

4) Molbaks
Annual Festival of Poinsettias

Molbaks is a Christmas tradition for Seattleites and a must stop for anyone that lives in the general vicinity (Molbaks is in the suburb of Woodinville and well worth the short drive from Seattle). Aside from the numerous wonderful ornaments and decorations to shop (I love the Department 56 collections they have), fresh trees to meander through and hot chocolate to sip–they boast one of the most colorful sights in all of Washington State: the Annual Festival of Poinsettias.

With over 25 varieties (25, really? Wow!) and tons of family photo ops (even with Santa!!), this is a MUST STOP to get into or get more into the holiday spirit. They are open all the way through Christmas Eve at 4! I’ll see you there–after the Argosy ride of course, and lets hope for snow, or at least not rain.

To complement the NZ posts so far and yet to come here are some pictures that truly deserve a post of their own!

I saw this shop in Auckland. I think there was a small mistake in the translation or proof of a horrible cliche.

Love the street art.

Bon Jovi continues to be a constant presence in my daily life — check the license plate!!

Only a $1?

Mrs. Merlot — the resident cat at Te Whau Vineyard on Waiheke

New York City is known for being a leader in movies, fashion, food and of course, music.

New York’s position as the musical center of the United States started in the mid-1800′s and continues to present day. It started with groups singing religious hymns, military bands and family groups (those family groups really stood the test of time didn’t they…) and morphed into Opera with the opening of the Metropolitan Opera House in 1882 and Carnegie Hall in 1891,

In the 60′s, Greenwich Village was arguably the biggest musical neighborhood in the United States and in the 70′s and 80′s things really took off with the clubs like CBGB that offered new artists their first stage. (Side note: my good friend Lisa saw one of the first shows the Police ever did in a small club in Greenwich Village with basically a pallet for their stage. I am so jealous).

Each decade has its list of stars that made NYC their own and of course tons of these musicians are NYC natives including Lou Reed, Neil Diamond, Joan Baez, Sammy Davis Jr. and Billy Joel.

NEIL!!

But perhaps no decade can claim a bigger dent on the global music scene than what New York generated in the ’90′s. I know what you are thinking: “the 90′s? Wait, wasn’t that the grunge decade? Didn’t that happen on the West Coast”?
True, grunge did have a huge impact on music, but it wasn’t the only musical genre born in the 90′s — New York City actually was a very big player in the 90′s music scene and introduced some long term rockers and perhaps more well known— birthed most of the pioneers of hip hop and rap. In fact, New York was the only city with a major hip hop scene for many years. Guys like LL Cool J brought hip-hop to the mainstream for the first time while rap reached near perfection here from artists such as Eric B. & Rakim, Public Enemy Run DMC and Jay Z.

How do I know all of this? Well, aside from the regular research any good writer does and the fact that I am a big ’90′s music fan (yes, there are some exceptions: N’Sync, Backstreet Boys), I recently had the pleasure of leisurely roaming around the newest exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art : Looking at Music 3.0. This exhibit runs through June 6 and displays, through collected art in various forms, the influence NYC artists had on the music we listen to today.

The exhibit focuses mainly hip-hop/raps’ roots, but ample attention is also paid to the NYC Rock scene with videos from Grace Jones and eclectic recordings from David Byrn and Brian Eno.
Other ’90′s topics are also featured with festivals and ad campaigns focusing on the fight against AIDS, the impact of graffiti and MTV’s continuing presence.

In the center of the exhibit, a massive projector rotated music videos from featured artists and the videos emitted a blue and white flash that induced a prominent “head-nod” reaction by this visitor.

Original lp’s, cassettes (ahhh Nostalgia), interactive displays and smaller tv’s complete with wrap-a-round headphones that let you listen to music or watch videos of these NYC artists that kept MTV in the picture (come back MTV, please… no more reality shows…) such as my favorite-the Beastie Boys and their video Sabotage directed by the brilliant Spike Jonze.

Diana rocking out to the Beastie’s

a picture of the Beastie Boys featured in the exhibit

Nirvana and Pearl Jam will always have a place in my heart; grunge is part of my formative years growing up in Seattle, but these NYC artists really brought it and like the grunge heros from the opposite coast, they are music trailblazers that deserve their claim on the 90′s.

Some of the artists featured in the exhibit but not mentioned in this article include:
KRS-One
Slick Rick
Grandmaster Flash
Fab 5 Freddy
the Wu-Tang Clan
Salt and Peppa
Public Enemy

Whoo hoo — check it out!
See my guest post on GotSaga on some things to do in NYC that aren’t technically mainstream, including: the Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park and the church turned rave club turned boutique shopping center known as the Limelight Marketplace… click here to see what else!

Brooklyn Museum

Prospect Park

Limelight

Read, enjoy and come visit the best city in the world!

I have the benefit of having a great relationship with both of my siblings. My sister, two years younger than I, stays busy as the mother of two young children and my brother Grant, four years younger than me, is single and back a few years ago when we were both single and more crazy carefree, we would take weekend trips together out of our hometown of Seattle. We camped the woods in Eastern Washington (where he, when setting up our tents, suffered massive mosquito bites in that spot on your back that shows when your pants ride down a little and your coat rides up); we sang the Rice-a-Roni song as we rode the trolly to eat the best kung pow chicken EVER in San Francisco’s Chinatown and medicated our upset stomachs with salt water taffy on the beaches of Santa Cruz after riding the oldest wooden roller-coaster in the US; we hiked deep into the back country of Lake Tahoe sleeping on .99 cent pool floaties and keeping an eye out for bears that were especially thick that year. There were other trips too and all were awesome in their own way, but the trip that tops the list was when we went to Palm Springs, CA–but not for the reasons you may think.

Palm Springs, is in the desert of California and known for its super hot temperatures (in the summer it can get to 120), multiple golf courses and tons of resorts with pools bigger than many of the hotel rooms. Grant, through a frequent flier miles program he belonged to, had a 4 day hotel stay at a 5 star resort in the Palm Desert area. We were so there.

The resort was crazy nice. I cannot, to this day, believe the layout of the pool area. The outdoor bars that kept us laughing about old times late into the night and the trails surrounding the golf course that I ran each morning before the delectable breakfast buffet became second nature in just a day’s time and I dreaded the thought of leaving. Thinking we were cool in our brand new rental orange Jeep convertible we put on our tropical attire and headed to Tommy Bahama’s restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. I don’t have enough hands to count the Bentleys and Maseratis I saw — the main avenue was the kind of place that would rival Rodeo Drive or Champ Elysees in Paris and in other words, a place where an orange Jeep didn’t really fit in. Dinner was fabulous though and the energy from large amounts of money undoubtably changing hands the high end shops was contagious–almost enough to make me want to buy one of those hand stitched handbags that cost more than my rent.

As nice as it was to see sun, it was hot there–so hot. Living in Seattle resulted in us being waterlogged and having low Vitamin D deficiency so the idea of hot temperatures to dry us out were appealing but on our third day it hit 125 and that was a bit oppressive; even the pool couldn’t offer relief. We decided to head up the highway to see what we could find (the excuse I gave to my brother to get us to the rumored outlet stores I had heard about).

About 45 minutes down the highway we witnessed the thing that we knew would be the highlight of our trip–a memory we’d fondly recall and retell in the years to come. “The resort, my awesome tan, downtown Palm Desert — even deals I may find at the outlets are not going to be what we remember most about this trip” (this was an actual quote from me to my brother). “Instead” , I continued epically, “we’ll remember the dinosaurs“.

These Cabazon Dinosaurs are actually part of a rest stop/gas station and they stick out like, well, like dinosaurs in the middle of the desert. You may have seen them before in the classic film ‘Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure’ when Pee-Wee hid out in them. They were built over 30 years ago and reportedly get 12 million visitors a year!

The T-Rex has a museum inside and you can be like Pee-Wee and hang out in the mouth and look out through the teeth. The Brontosaurus has a gift shop inside but sadly–no Pee-Wee memorabilia (WHAT?) They are seriously missing out on some FOR SURE t-shirt sales…

We didn’t stay for long, just long enough to take some photos, quote some lines from Pee-Wee and marvel at the fact that we actually saw this iconic spot from the highway. It was so cool — even cooler than the sweet deals I got at the North Face outlet.

Time for a little shameless self promotion! Today is the OFFICIAL launch date for a new website I am SO proud to be a part of: Nomad Courier! I am one of 7 Nomads that digitally send postcards to our faithful courier who in turn posts them here in a beautiful format that will appeal to the eye and the wanderlust desire in everyone!

Each postcard (and they change often so be sure to check back daily) will not only show the unique/fun/crazy/sad/interesting/scary/gorgeous/etc images us Nomads find and capture, but each postcard will also have some fun info on the location of the photo.

I am indeed biased, but let me just say that I LOVE this site and I LOVE this opportunity. It wasn’t an easy process getting on this team of established travel writers and wanderers, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this unique travel blog; it is going to be a TON of fun!

So — check the site often! I even have a Nomad Courier badge just to your right on this website (under my slideshow pictures) so you can click there anytime to visit the postcards!

Thanks for your support and do let me know what you think of the site!

the author being a nomad

Since I am headed to Utah tomorrow morning (very early, UGH) I thought I’d do a little informational post on some things about the state—and my connection to it.

1. It is the law, that birds have the right of way on any public highway.

2. In some counties in Utah, daylight must be visible between dancing couples. How is this enforced??

3. Utah has what I think is the coolest state animal: Rocky Mountain Elk.

4. My ancestors settled in Utah in the 1800′s as part of the influx of Mormon’s coming over from Europe (Sweden in my case). While I am not Mormon, some of my extended family is and my previous trips to Utah have been a great representation of geneology. My great-aunt, a Professor at BYU, remained in touch with a family that lives on the property once owned by my great-great-great-great Grandmother and that still has the cabin her son Charles (my ggg Grandfather) built when he was 14 and new to this country. Years ago I visited that cabin in which the current owners have decorated with antiques from the time period of the cabin’s creation. No one resides in the cabin–but it is often used for the current owner’s family Christmas celebrations. Touring the cabin and the grounds is one of my fondest memories and when I saw the Swedish newspapers breaking through the walls that were used as insulation when Charles built the cabin really impressed upon me the reality of the hardships my family had as immigrants: a new country, a new language, a new life.

diana in front of the cabin

diana in the loft of the cabin

5. Utah has the highest literacy rate in the nation. Wow. Interesting.

6. Utah is home to two of the largest dinosaur graveyards in North America: Dinosaur National Monument in the northern part of the state and the Cleveland-Lloyd Quarry in east central Utah.

7. Utah does not allow alcohol to be served on election day.

More to come…

Yes, that is a quote from yours truly when scuba diving in Panama last December– after I surfaced of course. Granted, it was a small fish–but wow–it was aggressive!

Thankfully, fish bites are rare when diving–even in the proximity of sharks believe it or not–and the beauty of what you see while underwater totally makes you forget about those tiny teeth marks in the soft flesh between your thumb and index finger.

Here are some of my favorite pictures that I snapped from recent dives (including the one of the biting fish shortly before the “incident”). Enjoy!!

parrot fish

barracuda!

sand dollar deep under the surface

This is the fish that bit me!

eagle ray

the author and a very cool turtle in Belize.

If the “laying on the beach” vacations or touring museum after museum have begun to or always bore you, perhaps its time to get to know our inner-adventurer a little better and instead of the same ol’ thing— branch out on your next trip.

Here are three tremendous adventure trips for the daredevil in you!

1. Heli-biking
Most of you have heard of Heli-skiing. You’re dropped at the top of some insanely high snowy mountain and left on your own to get down with just your skis or snowboard strapped to your feet. Heli-biking is exactly the same, except the mountain has no (or limited) snow and instead of skis– pedals connected to a bike are strapped to your feet. While visions of crashing and burning run through your head, keep in mind that many heli-bike companies around the world offer experiences for all levels, including beginners. New Zealand in my opinion seems to have a corner on the market with this adventure so if interested, look down under for a trip up high.

image from haka tours in New Zealand

2. Swim with Moby Dick
Like to snorkel but tired of seeing just small fish? Like the Caribbean? Well then you will love this adventure trip idea. Although in the last month or so there has been some bad press around swimming with whales in captivity in front of hundreds of people, there are areas in the Caribbean, like the Dominican Republic, that offer guests an opportunity to “swim with whales” in their natural environment. Don’t worry if you are not at a competition swimming level or a free-diving master– you have minimal snorkel gear and really, there isn’t much swimming involved. Tours involve a dozen or so guests who all stay together and float calmly as a group. The whales, somewhat used to this type of encounter, generally feel comfortable and do approach the group. But as I mentioned, it is their environment and since its pretty much impossible to force a natural whale encounter peacefully– sadly there is no guarantee you’ll be up close to one.

picture from ocean eyes photography

3. Fly a Fighter Jet
To make your favorite movie from the 80′s a dream come true (come on, you know you loved Top Gun) get signed up with one of the many pilot programs offered all over the US to fly in mock-combat complete with an expert pilot to act as your co-pilot (Goose), bullets (fake) and all of the daredevil maneuvers like loops, rolls and spins (real). The speed these jets normally reach–even for the beginner–200 mph and 5 g’s.

Prices can vary from the mid hundreds to the mid thousands depending on the type of jet and the time in the air. Most include a dvd to take home of you fighting those “migs”– just like Maverick did. Many of the flight schools originate near Los Angeles so its not hard to find an inexpensive ticket to get there—via commercial airline of course.

picture from incredible adventures.