Travel Log: Kauai

The Garden Isle of the Hawaiian Islands is an oasis among oasis'. With no large towns or cities, it truly is a nature lover's paradise, with grand canyons, majestic waterfalls, and clear blue beaches as far as the eye can see. The island gives you the sense of rest and relaxation, and observing the local culture and its history creates a sense of calm and awe at the simple, untouched beauty of island life.

We hiked to the top of Waimea Canyon, with steep rocks high up in the clouds and a view of the entire Napali Coast. We visited the old Hanalei town, mountain views, taro fields, and old churches untouched by development. We took a catamaran along the Napali Coast and snorkeled with the the tropical fish. We swam with giant turtles at the best known beach on the island, Poipu. We took in the sights of the old Kilauea Lighthouse, and the ruins of the sugar mills. And we enjoyed the traditional Hawaiian feast of kahlua pig and poi as we watched hula dancers dining at the Smith Family Luau.

One week in Kauai will fill your heart with peace, and a dream of returning in the near future. I almost cried when I boarded the return plane home...I will remember the island fondly and make believe someday I may call it my home.

Travel Log: Encinitas

Just a short getaway from the hustle and bustle of Long Beach is a small surfer town in San Diego county, Encinitas. There are two campsites to choose from, both where you can pitch your tent right on the beach. You must reserve far in advance during the summer months at both Carlsbad and San Elijo. We chose San Elijo and stayed a blissful three days of surf, sand, and relaxing under the stars. I watched my boy ride the waves for hours as I sunbathed on the sand with a good book.

The good thing about the secluded hide-a-way is it's proximity to the city. Who knew such an oasis could be nestled within the hustle and bustle. We ate at the local favorites. Auggie's Crab House made for such a fresh and succulent dinner, perfect after the beach adventure. And a small restaurant by night fish market by day spot in the city gave us the flavor of the most tender macadamia crusted opah we've ever tasted. Not bad for a last minute mini vacation.

Lastly, who could visit San Diego without trekking through their famous zoo. The elephant odyssey was my personal favorite. But there is something to be said about those playful orangutans that capture your heart. We saw it all. Lions and tigers and bears and more! I can't wait to visit them again...and to relax by the surf in Encinitas.

Escaping the to your own private lake in Mammoth, CA

When you first hear the words Mammoth Mountain, the beautiful images of snow lifts and powdered mountain tops fill your minds with wondrous adventures. But far from the snowboarding hills of the crowded winter season comes the calm, tourist-free months of summer when the locals thrive. Summer is the time of year to truly enjoy Mammoth. The air is clear with the aromas of fresh water, newly grown pine trees, and rainbow trout just caught from one of the many lakes. It is a nature lovers’ paradise of wilderness trails, waterfalls, and fishing lakes. The best of these is Shadow Lake. This journey is not for the faint of heart. It is a four mile hiking trail through meadows and murky water and up and over steep, rocky mountain passes. Plenty of rest stops and water breaks must be taken. Then as you finally feel you can’t go on, you see it; an amazing oasis. Just you, completely engulfed by a forest of trees on a mountain top, on your own private lake with no other person as far as the eye can see. Feel free to fish for trout or just meditate atop a rock. There are no reports to be handed in here, no bumper to bumper traffic on the 405 freeway. Time and troubles are lost, and you are finally free to exhale.

Late Night Pondering

Here's the thing: I hate my job. No, I mean, I really fucking HATE my job! Don't get me wrong, it pays the bills well enough, and I like the people I work with, but in some ways I see bartending as just a few steps up from whoring yourself. You are playing this game of make believe that you are absolutely delighted to wait hand and foot on people for about an hour for their own delight and pleasure. You're basically faking it for money (usually about $5).

Now, I know exactly what I want to do with my life. I want to write, and I'm actually pretty damn good at it. I want to be a resident writer and then someday an editor of a major magazine. But, that career path is hard to come by. I could blame the failing economy or the fact that there are millions of girls in my shoes also trying to achieve my goal. But the reality is: I'm not disciplined. I don't write unless I find something worthy of writing about (just like my painting). And I have no idea how to move past the occasional freelance gig.

Here's another thing: I have been searching for a new job. My dream job of course is that coveted writing position at a major women's mag like Cosmo, Glamour, Seventeen, or LA Mag. And as much as I hate my current job, I can't seem to lower myself to settle for less than that dream. I found a job listing today for a marketing job that I am absolutely perfect for, because I have the experience and it actually involves some writing. Yet I am hesitant to apply for it because, yet again, its not the dream job I crave. Am I stupid? That is the question of night...

Revisiting: San Francisco

The clang of the street cars, the rolling wonders of the hill streets, and the far off sounds of street jazz: I definitely would leave my heart in San Francisco. We stayed at a small boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown; Hotel Union Square on Powell. It was very small, but so cozy I felt as if I were in my own bedroom. We had drinks and a snack at the Irish Bank, a traditional pub and restaurant located at the end of an alley near union square. It was a fantastic sight of tables bustling full of lively patrons completely filling the alleyway, and I found myself in high spirits at the feeling of how San Franciscans carry on their day of fun and laughter in an seemingly eventless alley. The night continued with reggae in the Haight/Ashberry district at Milk nightclub. Just relaxing with a cocktail and friends.



The next day began with a walk through the city, alive with its many characters. A dinner at small jazz club close to the hotel: Les Joulins, small, dim, and and romantic. Then, what trip to the bay could ever happen without a day in Berkeley, my love's alma mater. I could see how truly uplifting the university could be with its high trees and babbling brooks running through the campus itself. what a feast of nature! It was there, while shopping through endless street merchants and small boutiques, we had heard the news; the death of a legend, Michael Jackson.
For a special birthday, I treated my beau to a fine meal at Masa's in Nob Hill, a five-course gourmet cuisine that set me back quite a few nights of bartending tips. But well worth it! They treat you like royalty and the meal was exquisit from beginning to end. Had I the funds, I would have relived the experience every night.
We ended our trip with a trolley ride to Ghirardelli Square. An irish coffee at Buena Vista Cafe, a mouth full of street crab, and the sweet aroma of sourdough bread baking in the sea air. I was in heaven and reluctant to make the journey back home.

Lakermania

Tear gas in the air, choppers in the sky, and a few hundred screaming fans...Welcome to Staples Center. Last Sunday, the Lakers won the NBA Finals against Orlando, and my boyfriend and I were right in the middle of the action at ESPN Zone across the street from Staples. It was pretty much a blowout. We new our team was going to win from the get go. But, the real celebration began after the victory. L.A. loves to riot and reek havoc, I tell ya. Burning bushes and rows upon rows of fans turned into family. The love for your team transcends all ethnic, financial and age barriers; and for a short period of time, we all belong. Cops came, of course. SWAT threw tear gas into the crowds, and we did no disperse. They shot fireworks into the crowd (blowing up right in front of my face) and still we did not disperse. For love and basketball, we poured our hearts in celebration of joy our beloved team must have felt at that moment...we wished they were here with us.

Garlic Joe's

Mike and I are on the constant look-out for a great new restaurant to try. Yelp is a tremendous help with all of its user reviews. However, we encountered a not so well reviewed restaurant called Garlic Joe's. I have always seen it passing as I drove down PCH towards Newport Beach. I love garlic, and Joe's is a fusion restaurant of Japanese and Trendy American food. It is HEAVEN! The Albacore Carpaccio is so mouthwatering that Mike and I have to order 2 because we are not willing to share. The steaks are cooked perfectly, and garlic slathered all over everything. You must love garlic to love Garlic Joe's. With that said, it is one of my most favorite restaurants thus far. We frequent it often.