As we come to the close of our wonderful vacation we are experiencing several emotions. One of sadness to leave this amazing place. Another of sadness to leave each other. We have laughed together, cried together and made memories to last a lifetime.
Here are just a few of the things we learned along the journey:
It is NOT appropriate to wear pajamas walking through Hollywood at any hour of the day.
When you think someone is not famous (LMFAO) treat them like a celebrity, they probably are.
Always wear a bra..if only for picture purposes.
Make sure you know where a restroom is at all times.
Do not take shortcuts (death walk).
Make sure not to leave the meter running in your taxi.
Never trust anyone who says Wendy's is his favorite restaurant.
Don't leave home without your bull riding shorts.
Do not eat at Diner's.
Always wear a swimsuit when you go to the pool.
Pack all of the following: prunes, milk of magnesia, immodium AD, tums, pepto, rolaids, aspirin and tampons.
If a restuarant does not have a menu...leave immediately.
If a restaurant does not have their liquor license...leave immediately.
We have documented with pictures as well as this blog. We will let you know as soon as they are posted. There are pics of each of us and our double T's but there are several of us looking joyous as well. There are countless scenery and several photoshoots. I hope that some of these tips help others throughout their travel journeys and I hope you enjoyed the tales of our adventures as much as we have enjoyed remembering them in our blogs.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
“I’ll punch you in the boob.”
We decided to end our last evening in California in the same way that we started it…at Fusion Sushi. Exhausted from basically not sleeping for two days in San Diego, we rest up all day on Julie’s couch. Other than a walk to Jack in the Box for lunch, resting was our top priority to prepare for our long journey home.
At around 6pm, we finally pack and get on the road to begin the first leg of our trip back to Los Angeles where we head straight to Fusion. We order all of our favorite items off the menu but this time we stick with water. After three seaweed salads, 5 rolls, 4 salmon sushis, and 7 rings of our personal service bell, we are stuffed.
Corrine begins making fun of me for something that I do not recall and Rachel thinks this is hilarious. For some reason Rachel’s laughter at this matter infuriates me. “Rachel, if you do not STFU I am going to punch you in the boob.” My reaction just makes her laugh even harder. So right then and there I punch her in the boob. Well, maybe I missed the boob area and hit her ribcage but whatevs.
I made reservations at the cheapest hotel I could find near LAX, the Travelodge. We check in and haul our 8 bags up the flight of stairs to our room. We brush our teeth, wash our faces and hop in bed. “What’s this?” I look over and Rachel is inspecting something on her sheets. Upon further investigation we decide this mystery substance is some sort of oil…most likely used for sexual purposes.
Rachel gets on the phone with the front desk. The option was to switch rooms. There is no way this is happening. We have way to much luggage to move and it’s already 11 pm. I rip the sheet off the bed, make sure I have the oil part in my hands and take some photos I throw on the first pair of shoes I see, which happen to be stilettos and click-clack my ass down to the front desk.
“This is completely unacceptable,” I say to the receptionist while holding the oil stained sheets up for her to see. She gives me a fresh set of sheets and I stomp out of there passing several sketchy looking men on my walk back.
We arise at 5:30am and head to Enterprise to drop off our rental/spaceship. The customer service here was amazing and we loved all of the employees. They were so accommodating.
The lines to get our electronic tickets were so long, we thought we might miss our flight. It didn’t help matters that we had so much luggage and have to move forward in the line with all of it every 6 seconds. Rachel had to take a conference call for work so I ended up taking trips up and down the roped in walkways moving our luggage 4 feet each trip. After an hour and a half, we make it through security.
Corrine heads straight to the bar to calm her nerves while Rachel and I opt for food. The plane ride was absolute hell. The seating area shrunk (or I grew) and the sound to the movie did not work. I threw my headphones on the ground in major double T. I cannot figure out why they continue to play the movie while no one can hear it.
The plane lands and we let every passenger off. We are afraid that if we leave the plane our vacation will be over. It is. We reluctantly walk off and head to baggage claim. We reserve the super shuttle and begin the journey back to Corrine's.
One last dinner and drinks to end the trip in the correct way. We decide on Capital City Brewery in Shirlington. I pach up my car and attempt to start it to follow Corrine and Ray to the restaurant only my car doesn't start. Welcome back to the east coast!
After trying three gas stations for jumper cables we opt to beg in front of the 7-11 asking everyone that drives up. We are basically the equivalent of a homeless man begging for money; like the hippies on Venice Beach selling their crafts. Hey, at least we learned something in Cali!
At around 6pm, we finally pack and get on the road to begin the first leg of our trip back to Los Angeles where we head straight to Fusion. We order all of our favorite items off the menu but this time we stick with water. After three seaweed salads, 5 rolls, 4 salmon sushis, and 7 rings of our personal service bell, we are stuffed.
Corrine begins making fun of me for something that I do not recall and Rachel thinks this is hilarious. For some reason Rachel’s laughter at this matter infuriates me. “Rachel, if you do not STFU I am going to punch you in the boob.” My reaction just makes her laugh even harder. So right then and there I punch her in the boob. Well, maybe I missed the boob area and hit her ribcage but whatevs.
I made reservations at the cheapest hotel I could find near LAX, the Travelodge. We check in and haul our 8 bags up the flight of stairs to our room. We brush our teeth, wash our faces and hop in bed. “What’s this?” I look over and Rachel is inspecting something on her sheets. Upon further investigation we decide this mystery substance is some sort of oil…most likely used for sexual purposes.
Rachel gets on the phone with the front desk. The option was to switch rooms. There is no way this is happening. We have way to much luggage to move and it’s already 11 pm. I rip the sheet off the bed, make sure I have the oil part in my hands and take some photos I throw on the first pair of shoes I see, which happen to be stilettos and click-clack my ass down to the front desk.
“This is completely unacceptable,” I say to the receptionist while holding the oil stained sheets up for her to see. She gives me a fresh set of sheets and I stomp out of there passing several sketchy looking men on my walk back.
We arise at 5:30am and head to Enterprise to drop off our rental/spaceship. The customer service here was amazing and we loved all of the employees. They were so accommodating.
The lines to get our electronic tickets were so long, we thought we might miss our flight. It didn’t help matters that we had so much luggage and have to move forward in the line with all of it every 6 seconds. Rachel had to take a conference call for work so I ended up taking trips up and down the roped in walkways moving our luggage 4 feet each trip. After an hour and a half, we make it through security.
Corrine heads straight to the bar to calm her nerves while Rachel and I opt for food. The plane ride was absolute hell. The seating area shrunk (or I grew) and the sound to the movie did not work. I threw my headphones on the ground in major double T. I cannot figure out why they continue to play the movie while no one can hear it.
The plane lands and we let every passenger off. We are afraid that if we leave the plane our vacation will be over. It is. We reluctantly walk off and head to baggage claim. We reserve the super shuttle and begin the journey back to Corrine's.
One last dinner and drinks to end the trip in the correct way. We decide on Capital City Brewery in Shirlington. I pach up my car and attempt to start it to follow Corrine and Ray to the restaurant only my car doesn't start. Welcome back to the east coast!
After trying three gas stations for jumper cables we opt to beg in front of the 7-11 asking everyone that drives up. We are basically the equivalent of a homeless man begging for money; like the hippies on Venice Beach selling their crafts. Hey, at least we learned something in Cali!
Monday, December 1, 2008
His teeth are part of his charm.
"I was the most sober one of all of us last night," Rachel says this morning. We all burst into laughter at this comment.
Having stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, we are not feeling so hot. The cure? Bloody Mary's and football. We head to PB Shore (Pacific Beach) and get right to it. Apparently I threw a double T on the way there but it was provoked by the company I was with. It was thought that
I was on a "different level" than the rest of the group. Rachel has the pictures to document this.
If there is a heaven on earth PB Shore came pretty close. It was filled to the brim with men. Men from all walks of life...surfers, nerds, meatheads, jocks. It was amazing. There were men in chargers jerseys and redskins jerseys. I am pretty much in awe and just settle on enjoying the scenery. PB Shore was everything you imagine a little beach bar to be. It was on the water with panoramic windows left open to enjoy the view and the breeze.
I am having a wonderful time when all of a sudden something horrible happens. A distgusting cholo looking man decided to take a throw up right in front of the area where we were sitting. I look up to see vomit strands hanging from his mouth. I cannot be around this so we immediately relocate. I find myself chatting with a new person that I was sitting beside. The girls have nicknamed him Ghandi. He looked like a monastery monk.
We then decide to relocate. We leave the bar and are immediately followed by several surfer men. Two of them decide to steal bikes from the bike rack outside, one faceplants to impress us and the other one strips while shouting "California!" The one I am particularly interested in had a mullet looking haircut and was riding the stolen bike near us (Rachel just informed me that he had one hand and one nub). We realize that they are d-bags and ditch them at Miller's Field, our new bar. We take immediate notice of our bartender who looks like a greek god. Lucky for us every drink is buy one get one free. We have 8 drinks in front of us.
I am feeling in a funk. I am not in the moment and tired. Corrine is upset with my attitude and decides it is unacceptable. "Excuse me bartender. I need a shot of vodka over here. Actually she needs two. " I am forced to take back to back shots and immediately I am back in the game.
At this point we notice our other bartender's teeth look like a halloween costume. Rachel says that his teeth are just a part of his charm. We love him and use him as a pawn to get the greek gods attention. Corrine and Julie find a red Christmas bow and decide to purchase the god for themselves as a Christmas gift. He did not find this amusing.
Throughout the day Rachel has made friends with the birthday boy and partakes in all of his birthday shots. Rachel is not looking pretty. We try to give her water to sober her up because we do not want her to ruin our evening. She refuses to drink it and only wants a beer. Corrine dumped out her beer when she wasn't looking, filled the cup with water and tricked her into drinking it. I attempted to put her in a cab several times but she wasn't having it. Thats our Rachel, always stubborn.
Having stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, we are not feeling so hot. The cure? Bloody Mary's and football. We head to PB Shore (Pacific Beach) and get right to it. Apparently I threw a double T on the way there but it was provoked by the company I was with. It was thought that
I was on a "different level" than the rest of the group. Rachel has the pictures to document this.
If there is a heaven on earth PB Shore came pretty close. It was filled to the brim with men. Men from all walks of life...surfers, nerds, meatheads, jocks. It was amazing. There were men in chargers jerseys and redskins jerseys. I am pretty much in awe and just settle on enjoying the scenery. PB Shore was everything you imagine a little beach bar to be. It was on the water with panoramic windows left open to enjoy the view and the breeze.
I am having a wonderful time when all of a sudden something horrible happens. A distgusting cholo looking man decided to take a throw up right in front of the area where we were sitting. I look up to see vomit strands hanging from his mouth. I cannot be around this so we immediately relocate. I find myself chatting with a new person that I was sitting beside. The girls have nicknamed him Ghandi. He looked like a monastery monk.
We then decide to relocate. We leave the bar and are immediately followed by several surfer men. Two of them decide to steal bikes from the bike rack outside, one faceplants to impress us and the other one strips while shouting "California!" The one I am particularly interested in had a mullet looking haircut and was riding the stolen bike near us (Rachel just informed me that he had one hand and one nub). We realize that they are d-bags and ditch them at Miller's Field, our new bar. We take immediate notice of our bartender who looks like a greek god. Lucky for us every drink is buy one get one free. We have 8 drinks in front of us.
I am feeling in a funk. I am not in the moment and tired. Corrine is upset with my attitude and decides it is unacceptable. "Excuse me bartender. I need a shot of vodka over here. Actually she needs two. " I am forced to take back to back shots and immediately I am back in the game.
At this point we notice our other bartender's teeth look like a halloween costume. Rachel says that his teeth are just a part of his charm. We love him and use him as a pawn to get the greek gods attention. Corrine and Julie find a red Christmas bow and decide to purchase the god for themselves as a Christmas gift. He did not find this amusing.
Throughout the day Rachel has made friends with the birthday boy and partakes in all of his birthday shots. Rachel is not looking pretty. We try to give her water to sober her up because we do not want her to ruin our evening. She refuses to drink it and only wants a beer. Corrine dumped out her beer when she wasn't looking, filled the cup with water and tricked her into drinking it. I attempted to put her in a cab several times but she wasn't having it. Thats our Rachel, always stubborn.
Goodbye Santa Barbara. You were good to us.
Today we are all feeling crucial. I think we had a little too much fun the night before. We need to rejuvenate and get ready for brunch with Corrine's family. The spot was Harborhouse. Fortunately Rich did not take a choke this meal. Unfortunately every time I look at him I burst into laughter.
Rachel and I have the soup and salad combo (Clam Chowder=delish). Corrine orders the tuna. After brunch Aunt Sandy convinces us to go to the aquarium across the street to touch the starfish. Upon seeing that there is an $8 entry fee, we all decide to take a bathroom break instead. For the next hour we never stray too far from the restroom and just browse around the gift shops periodically running back to the restroom. Three stalls, three of us.
We meet up with Aunt Sandy for a drink before we pick up the rental car. At Eterprise we realize that we have so much luggage we need to upgrade to a SUV because our stuff will not fit in anything else. We take the sexy rental and head back to pack. Atfer saying our goodbyes to Grandma Viv we are on the road within 20 minutes. San Diego is our next stop on the tour.
Four hours later we arrive at Julie's and immediately begin getting ready. The plan is to head to the gas light district. We are meeting up with an old college friend, Nick and he recommends Jimmy Love's. Nick hosts the after party because his house is within walking distance from this district. We make some friends on the walk and invite them to join us as well. It turns out that Nick lives in a hotel that has been converted into condos.
Rachel and I have the soup and salad combo (Clam Chowder=delish). Corrine orders the tuna. After brunch Aunt Sandy convinces us to go to the aquarium across the street to touch the starfish. Upon seeing that there is an $8 entry fee, we all decide to take a bathroom break instead. For the next hour we never stray too far from the restroom and just browse around the gift shops periodically running back to the restroom. Three stalls, three of us.
We meet up with Aunt Sandy for a drink before we pick up the rental car. At Eterprise we realize that we have so much luggage we need to upgrade to a SUV because our stuff will not fit in anything else. We take the sexy rental and head back to pack. Atfer saying our goodbyes to Grandma Viv we are on the road within 20 minutes. San Diego is our next stop on the tour.
Four hours later we arrive at Julie's and immediately begin getting ready. The plan is to head to the gas light district. We are meeting up with an old college friend, Nick and he recommends Jimmy Love's. Nick hosts the after party because his house is within walking distance from this district. We make some friends on the walk and invite them to join us as well. It turns out that Nick lives in a hotel that has been converted into condos.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
High Hopes
Just transferred the box of tampons to Kerri's bag in hopes that her mood swings will subside.
The most wonderful day of my life.
Waking up at Great Grandma Viv's was so refreshing. We get our workout gear back on and head to Corrine's favorite beach, Hendry's for a morning stroll. To try to explain in words this place is probably impossible. This beach was so beautiful I had several spiritual moments. It was secluded and on the cliffs. Unfortunately we found a dead, washed ashore dolphin and seal but on the upside we had several great photo shoots.
After our exhilarating walk, it is time for some brunch. We choose the Boathouse restaurant that was located outside on the beach. It actually was our only option. Corrine and I order a Chardonnay and Rachel enjoys a bloody. I guess not eating all day and waiting about an hour for our brunch got me a little intoxicated. This is when I had my first euphoric experience of the trip. I was so happy I could have died right there.
We pile back into the Benz that Grandma Marilyn let us borrow and head to the promenade for a shopping trip. Everything was way out of our price range so we settle for a Starbucks and head back to Vivs. Marilyn made us appointments at Saks to get our makeup done because that is what they do in Santa Barbara. Corrine gets a Chanel makeover. Rachel chose Trish McCoy and I got Bobbi Brown. After spending way too much money on purchasing the makeup we head out to dinner. The spot was Kai, sushi obviously. We order a bottle of wine to accompany our meal. It turned out being complimentary as the asian gentlemen sitting at the next table picked that up. "Cheers Gentlemen!"
Walking down the street I spot a gorgeous dress in a shop window called Area. We are a little apprehensive because of the prices but we soon find out that Area is specifically within our price area. We go on a crazy shopping spree. I get the dress I spotted in the window and Corrine wears an outfit out of the store. We then choose a mexican place to have our next cocktail. Shots of Patron were on the agenda.
We then hop to Malloy's where we meet a bunch of surfers and tons of eligible bachelors. They served their drinks in goblets. Rachel decided we should be adventurous and walk out on the tab. We do and run to the bar next door where we all partake in the most intense dance off I have ever been a part of. The bartender from the previous bar where we walked out on the tab finds us and we think we are in trouble. It turns out he is just taking a break and having a drink himself.
After our exhilarating walk, it is time for some brunch. We choose the Boathouse restaurant that was located outside on the beach. It actually was our only option. Corrine and I order a Chardonnay and Rachel enjoys a bloody. I guess not eating all day and waiting about an hour for our brunch got me a little intoxicated. This is when I had my first euphoric experience of the trip. I was so happy I could have died right there.
We pile back into the Benz that Grandma Marilyn let us borrow and head to the promenade for a shopping trip. Everything was way out of our price range so we settle for a Starbucks and head back to Vivs. Marilyn made us appointments at Saks to get our makeup done because that is what they do in Santa Barbara. Corrine gets a Chanel makeover. Rachel chose Trish McCoy and I got Bobbi Brown. After spending way too much money on purchasing the makeup we head out to dinner. The spot was Kai, sushi obviously. We order a bottle of wine to accompany our meal. It turned out being complimentary as the asian gentlemen sitting at the next table picked that up. "Cheers Gentlemen!"
Walking down the street I spot a gorgeous dress in a shop window called Area. We are a little apprehensive because of the prices but we soon find out that Area is specifically within our price area. We go on a crazy shopping spree. I get the dress I spotted in the window and Corrine wears an outfit out of the store. We then choose a mexican place to have our next cocktail. Shots of Patron were on the agenda.
We then hop to Malloy's where we meet a bunch of surfers and tons of eligible bachelors. They served their drinks in goblets. Rachel decided we should be adventurous and walk out on the tab. We do and run to the bar next door where we all partake in the most intense dance off I have ever been a part of. The bartender from the previous bar where we walked out on the tab finds us and we think we are in trouble. It turns out he is just taking a break and having a drink himself.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Taking a Choke.
This morning we wake up in our headquarters and Rachel and I decided to catch up on the latest episode of The Hills when we get a call from Corrine. She tells us she is sitting on the porch having a cup of tea and taking in the scenery. The Sanders home has a glorious view of the rolling hillside homes and the ocean view in Ventura. Rachel and I decide that sounds very relaxing.
I make a fresh cup of joe and we join Corrine on the balcony. For breakfast we enjoy guava and blueberries that we picked right off the vine. The plan is to head to our first Thanksgiving Feast around 11. Unfortunately that is the time I take the first shower. Corrine throws the most severe double T of the trip during her outfit selection wanting to look her best for her family. Our first dinner is with Corrine’s stepmother’s family and is casual attire. The second dinner is at Great Grandma Vivie’s on her mother’s side who is very old fashioned and has requested a formal wardrobe. After finally deciding on outfit choices we end up heading to Santa Barbara two hours late.
Before we get on the road I am the photographer for the Sanders annual Christmas card. We arrive at the first stop, Grandma Rajala’s crib and get acquainted with the family there. The group heads outside to check out the view of the cliffs and see where the last round of fires struck. I bend over to check out the temperature of the hot tub. At this point Corrine’s stepmother charges over and tells me not to lean over again because I am wearing a black thong and the entire family just caught a peek. My dress is see-through. I am embarrassed and head inside to find the most delicious treat I have ever tasted. It was avocado/crab dip. Rachel soon gets hooked as well. We eat pretty much the entire thing but I did get the recipe from Corrine’s aunt Mary. Thank God!
We then say our goodbyes and head over to Viv’s. We haul in all of our shit and get acquainted with everyone. After Corrine says an emotional goodbye to her father, we join in on cocktail hour. I have a chardonnay and Corrine and Rachel enjoy Cape Cods.
It is almost time for dinner and Grandma Marilyn shows everyone the turkey…oooohhh, ahhhh. Everyone relocates to the dining room and grace is said by Grandpa Rich.
Grace was a little strange. “We are thankful for…the sick. We are thankful for…the ill.” Everything was organic and delicious. In the middle of dinner Grandpa Rich started choking. “It’s ok everybody. Rich is just taking a choke,” Grandma Marilyn announces as she ushers him out of the room. We then pile all of the dishes into the sink. There is no need to do them because the maid is coming at 8 am to take care of this business.
There are three pies for dessert. We each have a sliver of all three. I catch Grandma Viv doing some ballet moves off the side of her wheelchair. She used to be a professional ballerina. Everyone leaves and we get ready for bed. A few hours later the table is still set and looking inviting so we indulge in round two. “Where did that pecan pie go?” Rachel is dying for it. Someone stole it when they left. Fortunately, everyone put their dessert dishes all in one area so Rachel decides to eat everyone’s leftovers like a homeless man. Now all of the pecan and cherry pies are devoured. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
I make a fresh cup of joe and we join Corrine on the balcony. For breakfast we enjoy guava and blueberries that we picked right off the vine. The plan is to head to our first Thanksgiving Feast around 11. Unfortunately that is the time I take the first shower. Corrine throws the most severe double T of the trip during her outfit selection wanting to look her best for her family. Our first dinner is with Corrine’s stepmother’s family and is casual attire. The second dinner is at Great Grandma Vivie’s on her mother’s side who is very old fashioned and has requested a formal wardrobe. After finally deciding on outfit choices we end up heading to Santa Barbara two hours late.
Before we get on the road I am the photographer for the Sanders annual Christmas card. We arrive at the first stop, Grandma Rajala’s crib and get acquainted with the family there. The group heads outside to check out the view of the cliffs and see where the last round of fires struck. I bend over to check out the temperature of the hot tub. At this point Corrine’s stepmother charges over and tells me not to lean over again because I am wearing a black thong and the entire family just caught a peek. My dress is see-through. I am embarrassed and head inside to find the most delicious treat I have ever tasted. It was avocado/crab dip. Rachel soon gets hooked as well. We eat pretty much the entire thing but I did get the recipe from Corrine’s aunt Mary. Thank God!
We then say our goodbyes and head over to Viv’s. We haul in all of our shit and get acquainted with everyone. After Corrine says an emotional goodbye to her father, we join in on cocktail hour. I have a chardonnay and Corrine and Rachel enjoy Cape Cods.
It is almost time for dinner and Grandma Marilyn shows everyone the turkey…oooohhh, ahhhh. Everyone relocates to the dining room and grace is said by Grandpa Rich.
Grace was a little strange. “We are thankful for…the sick. We are thankful for…the ill.” Everything was organic and delicious. In the middle of dinner Grandpa Rich started choking. “It’s ok everybody. Rich is just taking a choke,” Grandma Marilyn announces as she ushers him out of the room. We then pile all of the dishes into the sink. There is no need to do them because the maid is coming at 8 am to take care of this business.
There are three pies for dessert. We each have a sliver of all three. I catch Grandma Viv doing some ballet moves off the side of her wheelchair. She used to be a professional ballerina. Everyone leaves and we get ready for bed. A few hours later the table is still set and looking inviting so we indulge in round two. “Where did that pecan pie go?” Rachel is dying for it. Someone stole it when they left. Fortunately, everyone put their dessert dishes all in one area so Rachel decides to eat everyone’s leftovers like a homeless man. Now all of the pecan and cherry pies are devoured. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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