Taos and the Great Sand Dunes, 2009

After getting lost, and taking the very long way to get to Taos, we finally arrived at our VRBO just before dark. Blocks from the Plaza, this little adobe had everything--a kiva fireplace, exposed beams, classic New Mexico. It was thus far my favorite VRBO, and for four people was a total steal. I think it was this place that made me vow that whenever possible, I'll always stay in a vacation rental rather than a hotel.

What to do in Taos? I love walking through the adobe-lined streets, enjoying the southwestern architecture. I could spend days and days exploring the many art galleries near the Plaza, breathing in the creative air. Exploring the many churches and cathedrals painted by O'keefe is a favorite. I love the cuisine there, I've never had bad food in Taos. Visiting the Pueblo, the longest established Pueblo Indian settlement in the southwest, is an eye-opener...that people have lived that simply for that long makes me question what we, as a greater culture, value.

After spending the day exploring, we got ready for the wedding of one of my favorite couples.

The next day was spent enjoying breakfast in town, then heading to the sand dunes.

I hadn't seen the dunes since fourteen or so, but what I remembered about them held true. That such a thing exists, randomly in the mountains, is remarkable. All at once, it is like being transported to the sahara, skipping down the hot sand, scrambling to the top of a dune; but instead of being surrounded by nothingness, it is rimmed with the Sangre De Christos.

We stopped to watch some mule deer, then piled back into the car to head back to the city, refreshed.

Grand Mesa 2009

It's a shame that in living in Colorado my entire life, that I had never before seen Grand Mesa. To say that it is beautiful is an understatement; it is one of the most breathtaking, quiet, and peaceful places I've ever been to. I'm very grateful to my mom for introducing me to such a serene and gorgeous place. 

We arrived late in the afternoon; me, my mom, and George. We rented a drafty, mouse-filled cabin (eek) right on one of the hundreds of lakes atop the mesa. George confusedly chased mice in the house while I cooked shrimp alfredo and my mom enjoyed a good book. The next morning, we woke early and took a walk around the cabin.

We hadn't gotten very far when we stumbled upon this guy, the first bear I've ever seen while hiking. My mom nervously grabbed George, who was completely oblivious and we stood there in awe of such an amazing (and huge) creature. After awhile, he headed down the road, and we watched him until he was completely out of eyesight, astonished.

We also spotted several marmots, who were quite vocal at displaying their displeasure that a dog was nearby.

Said dog.

After a quiet dinner, we woke up the next day and took a short bike ride.

We decided to head to the top of the mesa and thought we could take a short cut home...much to the horror of my mother, the road turned out to be the worst one she'd ever been on. My mom drives an Outback, which was ill-equipt to deal with the variety of ruts and cavernous potholes. It got so bad that we couldn't do anything but go on, as turning around would've been just as dangerous as continuing. She couldn't drive it, nor could she sit in the car, so her and George walked behind me while I forged new paths creatively through the rocky road. Fortunately, we didn't get stranded and we made it back safely, giggling about our adventure. One of my favorite things about my mom is her unfailing willingness to try something new, or to do insane things that are dangerous in hindsight. I think that she has provided me with much of my sense of adventure, and I'm thankful to her for that.

The next day, we headed over to Colorado National Monument for some hiking. When people think I'm strange, they need to see where I came from...

We enjoyed a stunning sunset on our way back to the cabin.

Reluctantly, we packed up and headed home; tired and a bit worn out from an adventure-filled weekend, but grateful for the time we enjoyed on the mesa.

San Fransisco 2009

After a bumpy plane ride, we arrived at our boutique hotel in San Fran Thursday night. Exhausted from too much work/school, we went to bed early to the sounds of screaming and yelling coming from the nightclub on the ground level of our hotel. We woke up early the next morning, and started exploring San Fran. I had been there a few times, but Eric had never seen what to me is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the US. 

We walked; and we walked, and walked, and walked for probably 10 miles that day, going through Chinatown, and most of the greater metropolitan area. Let it be said, that in walking so much, one should take and wear appropriate shoes. Flip flops were NOT the shoe of choice, and I realized a little too late what happens when you're ill prepared for an urban hike! 

We headed back to the hotel and caught a cab to Chez Panisse on the recommendation of one of my professors and ate an absolutely AMAZING continental dinner. 

That night, a couple of friends flew in, and we surprised them with take out from Chez Panisse, they enjoyed it just as much as we did. In the morning, we headed over to Chinatown again, stopping along the way to buy some appropriate footwear for me, so I stopped looking gimpy and ridiculous.

We bought several wall hangings, and had lunch atop a beautiful building with an open courtyard.

We headed over to the aquarium, one of my favorite in the US.

We walked along Fisherman's Wharf, and stopped to get our portraits drawn and enjoy some much needed warm clam chowder. 

We enjoyed a yummy sushi dinner that night, walked along the pier, and stopped for Ben and Jerry's on our way back to the hotel.

Our last morning was spent at the Golden Gate Bridge.

We headed over towards the wharf again, stopping along the way to enjoy the Maritime Museum and many random and fun people.

Enjoying one last lunch before heading to the airport, where I proved myself to be a source of entertainment to a restaurant full of people who enjoyed watching me gimp back and forth.