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Where in the world would Carmen Sandiego go with her husband?
So I have to hurry and finish because Gray's Anatomy comes on in 10 minutes, and even though the previews indicate it's some sort of catch-up-all-the-dolts-that-think-they're-too-good-for-another-doctor-show-but-got-hooked-anyway kind of episode, I am an addict and must have my fix. And I snowboarded today and I went for an hour walk yesterday! My ass hurts! Hooray for my ass!
In other news, Jim called me Friday, an hour after he'd left for work with me near tears because the baby woke up at 5 again and suggested that he and I take a vacation. And not to Kalispell, this time. He is certainly making progress. My first thought was China, because my oldest brother lives in Shanghai with his family, but that seems a little too much like an adventure (which I am certainly not turning my nose up at), but what we need is a Vacation. Capital V. So my next thought was Brazil, because we have friends in somewhere I can't spell. But the ignorant red-neck in me wonders if that's safe, when I've got two babies at home, and I know Jim would want to do some weird-ass biology treck into the Amazon and we'd get some kind of leech-generated disease. Or something. So then I thought of Costa Rica. Yay, everyone loves it there right? But suggestions! Please! I really want to leave the country, and relaxing, but with access to some nature-type stuff to do. Tell me what you think, because I know you all know some shit!
In other news, Jim called me Friday, an hour after he'd left for work with me near tears because the baby woke up at 5 again and suggested that he and I take a vacation. And not to Kalispell, this time. He is certainly making progress. My first thought was China, because my oldest brother lives in Shanghai with his family, but that seems a little too much like an adventure (which I am certainly not turning my nose up at), but what we need is a Vacation. Capital V. So my next thought was Brazil, because we have friends in somewhere I can't spell. But the ignorant red-neck in me wonders if that's safe, when I've got two babies at home, and I know Jim would want to do some weird-ass biology treck into the Amazon and we'd get some kind of leech-generated disease. Or something. So then I thought of Costa Rica. Yay, everyone loves it there right? But suggestions! Please! I really want to leave the country, and relaxing, but with access to some nature-type stuff to do. Tell me what you think, because I know you all know some shit!
posted by Mignon at 7:46 PM
You all are welcome to come to Germany… Although I really wouldn't recommend Winter time. Europe seems to have an microbial illness community quite separate from the Americas. I always got nasty illnesses in the past when I visited France on business in the winter. Our first Winter after moving to Dresden seemed to be one perpetual round of sickness - with our daughter's kindergarten a never-ending supply of new bugs. Now we must have some Euroimmunity built up. Second time around - this Winter is better (so far). Instead please come visit us during our 4 to 6 weeks of "Summer" ;)
How 'bout Arizona? I would recommend flying to Tucson and making a nice road trip to Bisbee. It's an old mining town in a beautiful location that became a hippy magnet. It is full of little art shops, some nice restaurants, there's an interesting tour of the old copper mine, and you can stay in the Copper Queen Hotel. If you're so inclinded you can pass through the Arizona wine country (yes… there is one) in Sonoita and sample some of Kent Callaghan's excellent vintages.
With your now molasses-thick Montana blood you can run around in shorts and sandals and wonder why all the AZ natives are wearing thick sweaters in the 50-70 degree weather.
I'm obsessed with Canada, so that's where I'd go, myself. We spent 2 1/2 glorious weeks in Vancouver, British Columbia a couple of years ago and it was wonderful. There's so many other places in Canada I'd like to visit. 'Course, you might be pretty close to parts of Canada where you are now...
Arizona does sound nice as well. My husband has been to Phoenix, and I hear Tucson is a neat city.
If you're interested in Costa Rica, the blogger Schmutzie (TB links to her from Soul Gardening) has just come back from a trip there. She's been writing about her experiences, you might want to check them out.
Oooohhhhhhh.....love the banner!
I'm totally, completely, 300 percent biased. I recommend Italy.
I also recommend Amsterdam, where I had one of the best vacations of my life, even in the dead of winter.
My husband absolutely loves Costa Rica. We plan to go together some time. He and I are currently thinking of going to Buenos Aires for a vacation; we've heard very good things, and it's warm there now.
I should have mentioned a couple musts for me:
1. beach and opportunity to swim (that kind of eliminates inland Europe, US and probably Canada, unless we swim in one of those old woolen jumpsuit things - but I love the Vancouver or Victoria idea!)
2. I really want to go to another country. Jim's only been to Canada, and doesn't even have a passport, so it's high time.
3. If it's Europe, it can't be Italy, because I've been to Europe twice. Italy both times. Right?
And Plain? Your ass will hurt from falling on it. As will your wrists, neck, shoulders and back. The only muscle group that really gets stressed are your calves. But really there's not much you can do to prepare except maybe to hang out with some 13-yr-old skaters. The language lesson may help you understand your instructor. ;)
Mo-
First of all, Brazil is safe. Not walking around in the slums at 2am safe, but for what you'll be doing, its perfectly safe. Theres a great combo of rainforest, beaches, warm weather, and wonderful people. The downside is that its pretty spendy airfare, but that could be because I struggle to make rent. I wouldn't recommend it if you're going to spend less than 10 days because of the travel time. I too have heard good things about Costa Rica, Ry and Megan loved it there. I was just in Dominica (tiny island in the Caribbean) and it would also fit the bill, although its probably a little too third world to be extremely relaxing...gorgeous though. I'd also recommend Belize. Better beaches/scuba/snorkeling and you get Mayan ruins all over the place. Less volcanoes and hills than Costa Rica though. Without a doubt, go to Lonely Planet Thorntree and look in the Central America/Caribbean/South America branches and take a peek around. Lots of knowledgeable people .
Arabella: I give BA two thumbs up, especially if you're a meat eater and love red wine. I would almost go back just for the steaks. Lots of easy to do side trips from Buenos Aires as well. Have fun!
This seems like a great time to visit the Caribbean if you're looking for beach and swimming and to escape the snow and cold.
The Turks and Caicos islands are freaking fantastic. Beautiful water, beautiful beaches, snorkeling, sailing, I think the whales are migrating now, so you might be able to catch a whale watching tour, no language barrier, great food, great bars and totally safe.
I've never been out of this country... So I'm probably not a good person to ask, "Where to?" since I'd pretty much settle for anywhere lol. But I'm not going to say that to Hoop EVER since his idea of a vacation is roughing it in Alaska without a shower for two weeks (no shit). Either way: HAVE FUN! You deserve it.
Oooh. I'm with TB on this one. The Caribbean sounds heavenly. A family member just came back from a year there and she's a bit dismayed to be here, in the land of ice and slush and snow. LOL.
So I'm thinking that England is out since you won't be able to do a whole lot of swimming this time of year. But I'd recommend it otherwise.
Maui? Hmmm...it's not another country.
Shoot. I'm worthless.
Well, all the places I was going to recommend you've shot down as not being on your list. Like Arabella I enjoyed Belgium and Amsterdam, plus castle hiking in Germany. Went to Finland too but you'd definately need a wooly for swimming.
I've heard the Dominican Republic is great. Other family members have been to Victoria Canada and loved it.
Hawaii. My dad lives there and avocadoes the size of a four-month-old's head are 5/$1. Need I say more? And if you luuuuuurve me so much, why am I not on your blogroll, HMMMM Missy?
MFMa, can you handle the truth? I was worried you were a little too big-time for me and my meager B-List. But I am peeing my pants in happiness at the thought that you want to be there!
Although I said I wanted to go out of the country, Hawaii is still on the short list because it's Hawaii and we have lots of friends there. But avocados make my lips swell up like water balloons.
I don't know about you, but I'm going to Disneyworld! No, really. I am. Me, wife and wee ones are going to Mick-town in May. I seriously can't wait! Hawaii, however, is one of my favorite places on earth to relax. I've been twice and enjoyed both trips immensely. I didn't find it outrageously expensive either. All the beaches are public, so it's kind of fun to walk through the mega-bucks hotels and hang on the beaches. Yeah, Hawaii for sure.
Just a thought for the foreign bound... Do you have passports for both the little ones already?
I have only visited Ireland and Tijuana (oh, and Canada, if you are not counting it as the 51st state). Costa Rica, Hawaii and the Caribbean all sound warm, beachy and fun to me.
Have fun, fun, fun.
I forgot to mention that Turks and Caicos is actually the lower Caribbean/British West Indies. And you do need a passport to get there. It's not touristy like Jamaica or even the VI, so you really get a nice island feel. I'll shut up now, can you tell I loved it there?
I hear Fort Worth, TX is nice....