travel archives
Jul
11
2008
photo of the day: sunset at balanced rock
Because I felt like posting another dramatic Moab photo… (I can’t emphasize enough how gorgeous that place was.) Taken at Balanced Rock in Arches National Park. More Photos from Arches: June 11 | June 12…
Because I felt like posting another dramatic Moab photo… (I can’t emphasize enough how gorgeous that place was.) Taken at Balanced Rock in Arches National Park. More Photos from Arches: June 11 | June 12…
Jul
7
2008
fisher towers
(In which we resume the recap of last month’s vacation to Colorado and Utah…) After our morning hike through part of the Devil’s Garden Trail at Arches National Park, we decided to take the scenic route back to Denver. Utah…
(In which we resume the recap of last month’s vacation to Colorado and Utah…) After our morning hike through part of the Devil’s Garden Trail at Arches National Park, we decided to take the scenic route back to Denver. Utah…
Jun
18
2008
dead horse point state park
On Wednesday afternoon, we ventured out to Dead Horse Point State Park, southwest of Moab, Utah. The origin of the park’s name: Before the turn of the century, mustang herds ran wild on the mesas near Dead Horse Point….
On Wednesday afternoon, we ventured out to Dead Horse Point State Park, southwest of Moab, Utah. The origin of the park’s name: Before the turn of the century, mustang herds ran wild on the mesas near Dead Horse Point….
Jun
17
2008
arches national park
For the first phase of our summer road trip, Rob and I headed out to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, at the recommendation of Rob’s friend Morgan. It’s about a six-hour drive from Denver (without stops). The park…
For the first phase of our summer road trip, Rob and I headed out to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, at the recommendation of Rob’s friend Morgan. It’s about a six-hour drive from Denver (without stops). The park…
colorado / utah road trip
For the past week, Rob and I have been road tripping through Colorado and Utah. Our itinerary: June 10: Arrive in Denver, Colo. Rent a car and drive to Moab, Utah, stopping off at interesting viewpoints along the way….
For the past week, Rob and I have been road tripping through Colorado and Utah. Our itinerary: June 10: Arrive in Denver, Colo. Rent a car and drive to Moab, Utah, stopping off at interesting viewpoints along the way….
Mar
17
2008
superhero supply
The next time I go to New York, I just have to check this place out. (Photo by silvertje, found on Flickr.)…
The next time I go to New York, I just have to check this place out. (Photo by silvertje, found on Flickr.)…
Feb
20
2008
transit map of the world
I came across the book Transit Maps of the World at the National Gallery last November and was instantly (geekily) enamored of it and its large collection of (as the name implies) public transit (train, subway, etc.) maps —…
I came across the book Transit Maps of the World at the National Gallery last November and was instantly (geekily) enamored of it and its large collection of (as the name implies) public transit (train, subway, etc.) maps —…
Nov
27
2007
road games
Rob and I drove down to South Carolina for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a trip that generally entails between seven and eight hours on the road (depending on traffic and pit stops). To help pass the time, we sometimes play…
Rob and I drove down to South Carolina for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a trip that generally entails between seven and eight hours on the road (depending on traffic and pit stops). To help pass the time, we sometimes play…
Nov
13
2007
st. mary's
I keep meaning to blog about this, and for whatever reason I keep putting it off. Anyway, one month later… Last month, Rob and I decided to embark on a 24-hour mini-escape. We left work a little early on…
I keep meaning to blog about this, and for whatever reason I keep putting it off. Anyway, one month later… Last month, Rob and I decided to embark on a 24-hour mini-escape. We left work a little early on…
Oct
8
2007
Signal Hill
It only took ten months but I finally went through my photos from a mini-hike that Rob and I took with my parents to Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park West last December. We arrived just in time for…
It only took ten months but I finally went through my photos from a mini-hike that Rob and I took with my parents to Signal Hill in Saguaro National Park West last December. We arrived just in time for…
Sep
16
2007
a beach outing
For the past month or so, Rob and I had been tossing around the idea of going out to Cape Henlopen this weekend. When the appointed day (yesterday) came, though, we overslept. But we’d resolved to go to the…
For the past month or so, Rob and I had been tossing around the idea of going out to Cape Henlopen this weekend. When the appointed day (yesterday) came, though, we overslept. But we’d resolved to go to the…
Sep
2
2007
photo of the day: city reflected
One last photo from this past Monday in Chicago… This photo was taken at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. While observing the activity at the fountain, I noticed that the skyscrapers to the north were being reflected in an…
One last photo from this past Monday in Chicago… This photo was taken at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. While observing the activity at the fountain, I noticed that the skyscrapers to the north were being reflected in an…
Aug
27
2007
my event apart
I’m in Chicago today and tomorrow for An Event Apart, an intensive two-day conference about Web design, from CSS to design to information architecture to JavaScript. It’s certainly been interesting so far, and I’m looking forward to Day Two….
I’m in Chicago today and tomorrow for An Event Apart, an intensive two-day conference about Web design, from CSS to design to information architecture to JavaScript. It’s certainly been interesting so far, and I’m looking forward to Day Two….
Aug
15
2007
expiring miles
Rob and I each got really misleading letters from United Airlines’ Mileage Plus frequent flyer program this week: Dear [my name / Rob’s name]: A records review indicates that your Mileage Plus® Miles are about to expire. To avoid forfeiture…
Rob and I each got really misleading letters from United Airlines’ Mileage Plus frequent flyer program this week: Dear [my name / Rob’s name]: A records review indicates that your Mileage Plus® Miles are about to expire. To avoid forfeiture…
Aug
8
2007
town of hurt
On our way to Peaks of Otter on Thursday, we noticed a road sign that mentioned Bedford (the next town) and another town past that called Altavista. Randomly curious, I looked it up in our road atlas and found…
On our way to Peaks of Otter on Thursday, we noticed a road sign that mentioned Bedford (the next town) and another town past that called Altavista. Randomly curious, I looked it up in our road atlas and found…
Aug
7
2007
peaks of otter
On Thursday and Friday, Rob and I drove out to Peaks of Otter so he could attend a board retreat for the College Communicators Association. Peaks of Otter is a series of three peaks just off the Blue Ridge…
On Thursday and Friday, Rob and I drove out to Peaks of Otter so he could attend a board retreat for the College Communicators Association. Peaks of Otter is a series of three peaks just off the Blue Ridge…
Jul
29
2007
havre de grace
As we drove home from Delaware last Sunday, Rob and I marveled at the lovely weather and mused about how best to enjoy the day (aside from just sitting in the car). Within moments, an opportunity presented itself, in…
As we drove home from Delaware last Sunday, Rob and I marveled at the lovely weather and mused about how best to enjoy the day (aside from just sitting in the car). Within moments, an opportunity presented itself, in…
Jul
24
2007
cape henlopen
On Saturday, Rob and I drove up to Delaware to meet up with Rachel and, according to our plan at least, reprise our February outing to Rehoboth Beach. The ridiculously dense beach traffic, however, prompted us to alter course,…
On Saturday, Rob and I drove up to Delaware to meet up with Rachel and, according to our plan at least, reprise our February outing to Rehoboth Beach. The ridiculously dense beach traffic, however, prompted us to alter course,…
Jun
26
2007
adventuring
These days, every time something goes a little wrong when we’re on the road — be it a wrong turn or a mis-transcribed driving direction that leaves us 20 miles off-course — Rob and I try to put a positive…
These days, every time something goes a little wrong when we’re on the road — be it a wrong turn or a mis-transcribed driving direction that leaves us 20 miles off-course — Rob and I try to put a positive…
May
26
2007
roundabout chicago
Still catching up on a backlog of photos / blog entries here… After the “Nancerus” wedding on May 12, Rob and I had two days left to enjoy Chicago. On Sunday, we met Rob’s parents in Chinatown for a…
Still catching up on a backlog of photos / blog entries here… After the “Nancerus” wedding on May 12, Rob and I had two days left to enjoy Chicago. On Sunday, we met Rob’s parents in Chinatown for a…
May
23
2007
en route
I’m sitting in the Las Vegas airport and happily blogging away thanks to the magic of free wifi. (Can I just say that I love it when airports provide free wireless Internet?) I’ve connected through Las Vegas on many an…
I’m sitting in the Las Vegas airport and happily blogging away thanks to the magic of free wifi. (Can I just say that I love it when airports provide free wireless Internet?) I’ve connected through Las Vegas on many an…
May
22
2007
wedding party
(Photo above of the Indiana University contingent by Rachel Kipp.) Two weekends ago, Rob and I flew up to Chicago to attend the wedding of one of his college friends, Christin, who had gotten engaged during the weekend of…
(Photo above of the Indiana University contingent by Rachel Kipp.) Two weekends ago, Rob and I flew up to Chicago to attend the wedding of one of his college friends, Christin, who had gotten engaged during the weekend of…
May
21
2007
colonial triangle
I keep meaning to post about the second day of our weekend trip to Virginia Beach at the end of April. That Sunday, our actual anniversary, we woke up early to catch what turned out to be a spectacular…
I keep meaning to post about the second day of our weekend trip to Virginia Beach at the end of April. That Sunday, our actual anniversary, we woke up early to catch what turned out to be a spectacular…
Apr
29
2007
anniversary
One year ago today — has it really been that long already? — Rob and I tied the knot. To celebrate (not to mention take a much-needed mini vacation), we drove down to Virginia Beach for the weekend. More…
One year ago today — has it really been that long already? — Rob and I tied the knot. To celebrate (not to mention take a much-needed mini vacation), we drove down to Virginia Beach for the weekend. More…
Mar
20
2007
memory lane
While I was in Austin, I took the opportunity to revisit some of my old stomping grounds. I lived here for three and a half years, after we moved from Okinawa, and I wanted to see how things had…
While I was in Austin, I took the opportunity to revisit some of my old stomping grounds. I lived here for three and a half years, after we moved from Okinawa, and I wanted to see how things had…
Feb
28
2007
photo of the day: planetary alignment
This photo was taken at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I was surprised how much I liked it — much better than the National Museum of Natural History here in D.C. (Though I’m wondering…
This photo was taken at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I was surprised how much I liked it — much better than the National Museum of Natural History here in D.C. (Though I’m wondering…
Feb
4
2007
photo of the day: rehoboth beach
On Saturday, Rob and I met up with Rachel at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Being a cold winter’s day, things at the beach were pretty quiet: not much traffic, lots of boarded-up shops and (best of all) hardly anyone…
On Saturday, Rob and I met up with Rachel at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Being a cold winter’s day, things at the beach were pretty quiet: not much traffic, lots of boarded-up shops and (best of all) hardly anyone…
Dec
25
2006
a desert christmas
Another year, another lovely Christmas Day in the Arizona desert. Best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year! The photo above was taken on Saturday at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just west of…
Another year, another lovely Christmas Day in the Arizona desert. Best wishes to everyone for a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year! The photo above was taken on Saturday at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just west of…
Dec
24
2006
round about town
Thursday was kind of a surreal “preview of things to come” for my 10-year high school reunion next year. In the morning, Rob and I stopped by my old high school to surprise visit my friend Danielle, who works there…
Thursday was kind of a surreal “preview of things to come” for my 10-year high school reunion next year. In the morning, Rob and I stopped by my old high school to surprise visit my friend Danielle, who works there…
Dec
23
2006
layover
On Wednesday, Rob and I had a three-hour layover at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. So we did something slightly crazy: We went out for pizza. Rob had it all planned out: Land at Midway around 11:30 a.m., hop on…
On Wednesday, Rob and I had a three-hour layover at Chicago’s Midway International Airport. So we did something slightly crazy: We went out for pizza. Rob had it all planned out: Land at Midway around 11:30 a.m., hop on…
Nov
26
2006
poinsett state park
Friday was such a gorgeous day that Rob and I drove out to Poinsett State Park for an afternoon hike, with a stopover at Nana and Poppy’s on the way. My mom, Aunt Lulu and Uncle Paul all had…
Friday was such a gorgeous day that Rob and I drove out to Poinsett State Park for an afternoon hike, with a stopover at Nana and Poppy’s on the way. My mom, Aunt Lulu and Uncle Paul all had…
Oct
9
2006
photo of the day: rugged coast
Keeping with last week’s theme, today’s featured photo is of another beach I’d love to revisit — this one on the California coast, north of Mendocino along the Pacific Coast Highway. Rob and I stopped off here as part…
Keeping with last week’s theme, today’s featured photo is of another beach I’d love to revisit — this one on the California coast, north of Mendocino along the Pacific Coast Highway. Rob and I stopped off here as part…
Sep
28
2006
photo of the day: appalachia
This is another shot from our brief drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwestern Virginia earlier this month. These letters are from an educational sign near Mabry Mill, a turn-of-the-century structure that, signs told us, is the most-photographed…
This is another shot from our brief drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwestern Virginia earlier this month. These letters are from an educational sign near Mabry Mill, a turn-of-the-century structure that, signs told us, is the most-photographed…
Sep
16
2006
photo of the day: mist and gray
On Labor Day, Rob and I decided to drive back from South Carolina by a different, more scenic route: I-77 from Columbia up through Charlotte, N.C., to southwestern Virginia; switch off to the Blue Ridge Parkway until Roanoke, then…
On Labor Day, Rob and I decided to drive back from South Carolina by a different, more scenic route: I-77 from Columbia up through Charlotte, N.C., to southwestern Virginia; switch off to the Blue Ridge Parkway until Roanoke, then…
Sep
5
2006
a day at the zoo
On Sunday afternoon, my Aunt Lulu took Rob and I to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C. We had a lot of fun wandering the grounds and people-watching. (And there were a lot of people to watch. It’s like…
On Sunday afternoon, my Aunt Lulu took Rob and I to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C. We had a lot of fun wandering the grounds and people-watching. (And there were a lot of people to watch. It’s like…
Jul
28
2006
round trip
I should be in Tucson right about now. Instead, I spent four hours on a plane and ended up right back where I started. I took a half-day at work today so I could be sure to make a 4:59…
I should be in Tucson right about now. Instead, I spent four hours on a plane and ended up right back where I started. I took a half-day at work today so I could be sure to make a 4:59…
Jul
16
2006
quote of the day: simian death-jig
But other pitches were not as well-crafted. For instance, there was this guy who smiled weakly and asked us, with a halfhearted shrug, “Monkey dance?” Our eyes followed the leash in his hand, which led to the neck of a…
But other pitches were not as well-crafted. For instance, there was this guy who smiled weakly and asked us, with a halfhearted shrug, “Monkey dance?” Our eyes followed the leash in his hand, which led to the neck of a…
Jul
12
2006
photo of the day: splendor sine occasu
Our second day in Victoria, B.C., Rob and I walked over to the Parliament Buildings to see if we could take a tour inside. We’d just missed the morning tour, but we were told that we were welcome to…
Our second day in Victoria, B.C., Rob and I walked over to the Parliament Buildings to see if we could take a tour inside. We’d just missed the morning tour, but we were told that we were welcome to…
Jul
10
2006
photo of the day: scrollwork
After we left Vancouver, we took a ferry over to Vancouver Island and hopped a bus to Victoria. We tried to make the most of our day and a half there, visiting the city’s photogenic Parliament Buildings, Royal British…
After we left Vancouver, we took a ferry over to Vancouver Island and hopped a bus to Victoria. We tried to make the most of our day and a half there, visiting the city’s photogenic Parliament Buildings, Royal British…
Jun
28
2006
photo of the day: barnacles
When we went to Vancouver with Melanie and Steve back in 2004, we drove up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. On that trip, we came across some beautiful British Columbia parks on our way back. Even though…
When we went to Vancouver with Melanie and Steve back in 2004, we drove up the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler. On that trip, we came across some beautiful British Columbia parks on our way back. Even though…
Jun
26
2006
photo of the day: happy lamp
Because I need something happy to help get my week started out on the right foot… This photo was taken on an outside stairway at the Vancouver Public Library on the third day of our honeymoon. This was part…
Because I need something happy to help get my week started out on the right foot… This photo was taken on an outside stairway at the Vancouver Public Library on the third day of our honeymoon. This was part…
Jun
23
2006
photo of the day: gallery
I’m slowly re-sifting through my honeymoon photos and uploading the better ones to Flickr in batches. After discovering Shadow/Highlight in Photoshop, I decided to go back and re-correct some of those photos before posting them. One of them was…
I’m slowly re-sifting through my honeymoon photos and uploading the better ones to Flickr in batches. After discovering Shadow/Highlight in Photoshop, I decided to go back and re-correct some of those photos before posting them. One of them was…
Jun
8
2006
quote of the day: travel
Chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, in an interview with literary blog Bookslut, really hits the nail on the head when he describes the terror and triumph of travelling outside your comfort zone: I can only say to them that I understand how…
Chef/writer Anthony Bourdain, in an interview with literary blog Bookslut, really hits the nail on the head when he describes the terror and triumph of travelling outside your comfort zone: I can only say to them that I understand how…
Apr
9
2006
weekly roundup
Random things that have caught my eye in the past week, but which didn’t get their own blog entries: Before documentary filmmaker Robert Greenwald appeared on The Colbert Report on March 30, he asked his blog readers for advice on…
Random things that have caught my eye in the past week, but which didn’t get their own blog entries: Before documentary filmmaker Robert Greenwald appeared on The Colbert Report on March 30, he asked his blog readers for advice on…
Feb
27
2006
wandering the stacks
Since I’m in Seattle, there was one place that I absolutely had to go during my visit: Elliott Bay Book Company. Melanie introduced me to it on our last trip to Seattle, and it became an instant favorite. It’s such…
Since I’m in Seattle, there was one place that I absolutely had to go during my visit: Elliott Bay Book Company. Melanie introduced me to it on our last trip to Seattle, and it became an instant favorite. It’s such…
Feb
26
2006
here comes the rain again
My trip to Seattle got off to a somewhat inauspicious start. First, there was the weather forecast: Rain, all week. Then, last night, we discovered that my car had a flat. And then the spare was flat, prompting a trip…
My trip to Seattle got off to a somewhat inauspicious start. First, there was the weather forecast: Rain, all week. Then, last night, we discovered that my car had a flat. And then the spare was flat, prompting a trip…
Dec
24
2005
christmas hike
I continue to be amazed by the fabulous, beautiful weather in Tucson this holiday weekend. With highs in the 70s (and threatening 80s) all weekend, it’s unseasonably warm — even for Tucson. But it’s made for some gorgeous days,…
I continue to be amazed by the fabulous, beautiful weather in Tucson this holiday weekend. With highs in the 70s (and threatening 80s) all weekend, it’s unseasonably warm — even for Tucson. But it’s made for some gorgeous days,…
Dec
23
2005
taxi torment
Red Top Cab? You’re on my List. I learned from my experience last year and called the night before to schedule a 4:30 a.m. pick-up from my apartment to National, so I could be sure to arrive in plenty of…
Red Top Cab? You’re on my List. I learned from my experience last year and called the night before to schedule a 4:30 a.m. pick-up from my apartment to National, so I could be sure to arrive in plenty of…
Dec
18
2005
travel weather
I just looked up the weather forecast for Christmas weekend back home in Tucson: Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-40s. So. Awesome. Winter coat, begone! Yet another reason to look forward to going home….
I just looked up the weather forecast for Christmas weekend back home in Tucson: Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-40s. So. Awesome. Winter coat, begone! Yet another reason to look forward to going home….
Dec
3
2005
charleston
I’m finally getting caught up on my photos/blog entries from Thanksgiving weekend… On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Aunt Lulu, my cousin Katie, Rob and I spent the day in Charleson, S.C. This was Rob’s first visit; I’d been there…
I’m finally getting caught up on my photos/blog entries from Thanksgiving weekend… On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Aunt Lulu, my cousin Katie, Rob and I spent the day in Charleson, S.C. This was Rob’s first visit; I’d been there…
Dec
1
2005
swan lake
The day after Thanksgiving, Aunt Lulu took Rob and I over to Swan Lake for an afternoon stroll. I have fond memories of running along the park’s dirt paths when I was a kid. I hadn’t been there in…
The day after Thanksgiving, Aunt Lulu took Rob and I over to Swan Lake for an afternoon stroll. I have fond memories of running along the park’s dirt paths when I was a kid. I hadn’t been there in…
Nov
28
2005
driving directions
While looking up driving directions for my trip to South Carolina over the weekend, I noticed an odd quirk between the new Flash-based Yahoo! Maps and the “classic” Yahoo! Maps: Both displayed the exact same directions and distance travelled (446.8…
While looking up driving directions for my trip to South Carolina over the weekend, I noticed an odd quirk between the new Flash-based Yahoo! Maps and the “classic” Yahoo! Maps: Both displayed the exact same directions and distance travelled (446.8…
Nov
13
2005
extra helpful
I got a weird e-mail from Expedia this evening: Alyson, let us help you with your trip. We noticed you were looking for airfares to Tucson and thought we’d share some travel ideas with you. Planning the rest of your…
I got a weird e-mail from Expedia this evening: Alyson, let us help you with your trip. We noticed you were looking for airfares to Tucson and thought we’d share some travel ideas with you. Planning the rest of your…
Nov
6
2005
holiday travel
Still a month and a half out, it already looks like I’ve waited too long to buy my plane ticket home to Tucson for Christmas. A search on American Airlines reveals that my “usual” route home is going to cost…
Still a month and a half out, it already looks like I’ve waited too long to buy my plane ticket home to Tucson for Christmas. A search on American Airlines reveals that my “usual” route home is going to cost…
Oct
20
2005
shades of fall
Rob and I took a road trip out to Bloomington, Ind., for a long weekend to reconnect with some of his old friends, explore the town and enjoy some fall color (and temperatures!). Google Maps predicted a 12-hour trip,…
Rob and I took a road trip out to Bloomington, Ind., for a long weekend to reconnect with some of his old friends, explore the town and enjoy some fall color (and temperatures!). Google Maps predicted a 12-hour trip,…
Oct
14
2005
road trip
Rob and I spent ten and a half hours on the road today, driving from Arlington, Va. to Bloomington, Ind., home of Rob’s alma mater, Indiana Univiersity. We’re staying with Jeff and Erica, old friends of Rob’s, who have been…
Rob and I spent ten and a half hours on the road today, driving from Arlington, Va. to Bloomington, Ind., home of Rob’s alma mater, Indiana Univiersity. We’re staying with Jeff and Erica, old friends of Rob’s, who have been…
Oct
7
2005
stay at scully's
Rob and I decided recently that, since we liked Vancouver so much last time, we want to go back this spring for our honeymoon. Doing a little research online, I stumbled upon this little vacation rental gem in the city:…
Rob and I decided recently that, since we liked Vancouver so much last time, we want to go back this spring for our honeymoon. Doing a little research online, I stumbled upon this little vacation rental gem in the city:…
Sep
22
2005
mapping new orleans
Rob’s volleyball friend Brody, a cartographer, is off on an intriguing adventure: He’s flying out to New Orleans to make maps. He’s set up a blog to chronicle his trip. You all have probably heard the news, and if not,…
Rob’s volleyball friend Brody, a cartographer, is off on an intriguing adventure: He’s flying out to New Orleans to make maps. He’s set up a blog to chronicle his trip. You all have probably heard the news, and if not,…
Aug
20
2005
stepping out
Still playing catch-up… It’s a funny trick that no matter how sensible my shoes are, I still seem to manage to blister my feet in the same places on day one of every trip that involves lots of walking. With…
Still playing catch-up… It’s a funny trick that no matter how sensible my shoes are, I still seem to manage to blister my feet in the same places on day one of every trip that involves lots of walking. With…
Aug
19
2005
windy city
Just got back from Chicago around 1 a.m. the morning of August 22, and I’m in an Adaptive Path workshop today. There’s been a lot of stuff going on. Expect a few back-dated entries while I play catch-up… We finally…
Just got back from Chicago around 1 a.m. the morning of August 22, and I’m in an Adaptive Path workshop today. There’s been a lot of stuff going on. Expect a few back-dated entries while I play catch-up… We finally…
Aug
18
2005
stranded
I’m supposed to be in Chicago right now, but the fates apparently had other plans. Rob and I were all set to leave on an 8 p.m. flight from National to O’Hare for a weekend stay at the Hotel Holovaty…
I’m supposed to be in Chicago right now, but the fates apparently had other plans. Rob and I were all set to leave on an 8 p.m. flight from National to O’Hare for a weekend stay at the Hotel Holovaty…
Aug
15
2005
air ninja
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the Transportation Security Administration is considering rolling back some of the airline security restrictions that have gone into effect since Sept. 11, 2001. (“Airline Security Changes Planned” - 08/15/05) Among those: The proposal…
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that the Transportation Security Administration is considering rolling back some of the airline security restrictions that have gone into effect since Sept. 11, 2001. (“Airline Security Changes Planned” - 08/15/05) Among those: The proposal…
Jul
31
2005
wanderlust
My latest Web site obsession is the travel site 43places.com. It’s a fairly genius framework for people to track the various places around the world they’ve been, create a to-do list of places they want to visit, ask questions and…
My latest Web site obsession is the travel site 43places.com. It’s a fairly genius framework for people to track the various places around the world they’ve been, create a to-do list of places they want to visit, ask questions and…
Jul
5
2005
en route
As I write this, I’m sitting in business class on an Amtrack Metroliner train from D.C. to New York’s Penn Station. My office is sending me to the Flash Forward conference for the week, which should be a nice change…
As I write this, I’m sitting in business class on an Amtrack Metroliner train from D.C. to New York’s Penn Station. My office is sending me to the Flash Forward conference for the week, which should be a nice change…
Jun
3
2005
barefoot on the beach
I got back Wednesday night from a few days at Holden Beach, N.C. My grandparents rented out the same beach house they rented last year, and most of the same cast of characters (minus my dad and sister, and…
I got back Wednesday night from a few days at Holden Beach, N.C. My grandparents rented out the same beach house they rented last year, and most of the same cast of characters (minus my dad and sister, and…
May
12
2005
hee-cah-go
I have a two-hour layover in Dallas this morning, so I’ve had time to finish going through my photos from my trip to Chicago last weekend. Rob and I went massively tourist this time, hitting a ton of Chicago…
I have a two-hour layover in Dallas this morning, so I’ve had time to finish going through my photos from my trip to Chicago last weekend. Rob and I went massively tourist this time, hitting a ton of Chicago…
Mar
22
2005
calvert cliffs
Rob and I took a day trip on Saturday to explore two of Maryland’s state parks. Our first stop was Calvert Cliffs State Park, where we hiked 1.8 miles, through an area that had been flooded because of a…
Rob and I took a day trip on Saturday to explore two of Maryland’s state parks. Our first stop was Calvert Cliffs State Park, where we hiked 1.8 miles, through an area that had been flooded because of a…
Mar
6
2005
seen: on top of the world
The NASA Web site offers an “Astronomy Picture of the Day.” Today’s is astounding: a panoramic photo of the view from the top of Mt. Everest, by Roddy Mackenzie. Absolutely breathtaking. (Link found via Fark.)…
The NASA Web site offers an “Astronomy Picture of the Day.” Today’s is astounding: a panoramic photo of the view from the top of Mt. Everest, by Roddy Mackenzie. Absolutely breathtaking. (Link found via Fark.)…
Mar
2
2005
erosion
Flying coach just keeps getting better and better. In their respective struggles to stay afloat, airlines are considering (and implementing) more and more drastic measures to cut costs. For example, in-flight meals (which, granted, weren’t that appetizing to begin with)…
Flying coach just keeps getting better and better. In their respective struggles to stay afloat, airlines are considering (and implementing) more and more drastic measures to cut costs. For example, in-flight meals (which, granted, weren’t that appetizing to begin with)…
Feb
25
2005
if you go: tucson
In a meeting today, a coworker mentioned that he’s heading out to Tucson this week for a vacation (he has a connection to someone on the Colorado Rockies, who are doing spring training there). I got a little over-enthusiastic and…
In a meeting today, a coworker mentioned that he’s heading out to Tucson this week for a vacation (he has a connection to someone on the Colorado Rockies, who are doing spring training there). I got a little over-enthusiastic and…
Dec
28
2004
travel turmoil
My Christmas tale of woe was nothing compared to what tens of thousands of passengers on U.S. Airways and Comair (a Delta subsidiary) had to deal with over the holiday weekend. A coworker of mine was stuck in Philadelphia the…
My Christmas tale of woe was nothing compared to what tens of thousands of passengers on U.S. Airways and Comair (a Delta subsidiary) had to deal with over the holiday weekend. A coworker of mine was stuck in Philadelphia the…
christmas in the desert
I flew out to Tucson to spend Christmas with my family, a whirlwind affair where I arrived on Christmas Eve and departed on Dec. 26, finally arriving in D.C. at 1 a.m. on the 27th. I was in Tucson for…
I flew out to Tucson to spend Christmas with my family, a whirlwind affair where I arrived on Christmas Eve and departed on Dec. 26, finally arriving in D.C. at 1 a.m. on the 27th. I was in Tucson for…
Dec
24
2004
travel tale of woe
“Final call for Tampa. Final call.” I’m sitting at Gate H14 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Hopefully I won’t be sitting here too much longer. My travel troubles began early this morning. I generally don’t get much sleep the night…
“Final call for Tampa. Final call.” I’m sitting at Gate H14 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Hopefully I won’t be sitting here too much longer. My travel troubles began early this morning. I generally don’t get much sleep the night…
Dec
23
2004
security detail
I dropped Rob off at National yesterday just after 9 a.m., then parked my car and met him inside the airport. He’d checked in for his flight and had gotten in the lengthy queue to get through security. (I’m a…
I dropped Rob off at National yesterday just after 9 a.m., then parked my car and met him inside the airport. He’d checked in for his flight and had gotten in the lengthy queue to get through security. (I’m a…
Oct
18
2004
homeward bound
I caught a glimpse of America West Airlines’ specially-painted “Arizona Plane” parked at a gate at National this morning. I’ve never seen it outside of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport before. For some reason, seeing it today gave me the warm…
I caught a glimpse of America West Airlines’ specially-painted “Arizona Plane” parked at a gate at National this morning. I’ve never seen it outside of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport before. For some reason, seeing it today gave me the warm…
Sep
20
2004
live at red rocks
There was plenty of sunlight left in the Denver sky after Jason and Seana’s Sunday afternoon wedding, so Rob, Shawn and I decided to take a mini-expedition out to Red Rocks, just outside the city. (We’d stumbled upon it earlier…
There was plenty of sunlight left in the Denver sky after Jason and Seana’s Sunday afternoon wedding, so Rob, Shawn and I decided to take a mini-expedition out to Red Rocks, just outside the city. (We’d stumbled upon it earlier…
Sep
4
2004
service fee
As we gathered our things together to leave for Whistler, I noticed a small stack of silver Canadian coins — about $0.75 CDN — on one of the side tables. The coins were Rob’s, and he’d left them on the…
As we gathered our things together to leave for Whistler, I noticed a small stack of silver Canadian coins — about $0.75 CDN — on one of the side tables. The coins were Rob’s, and he’d left them on the…
up the mountain
For Day Two in Canada, we forayed further north into British Columbia to Whistler, the ski resort that will host the snow-related events for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. We had found a brochure for the resort town with some…
For Day Two in Canada, we forayed further north into British Columbia to Whistler, the ski resort that will host the snow-related events for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. We had found a brochure for the resort town with some…
Sep
3
2004
borderline
Crossing the border into Canada was a breeze. After an almost two-hour drive, we pulled in line at the Canadian border crossing and fairly quickly made it to the front. (Our progress seemed especially quick when compared with the long,…
Crossing the border into Canada was a breeze. After an almost two-hour drive, we pulled in line at the Canadian border crossing and fairly quickly made it to the front. (Our progress seemed especially quick when compared with the long,…
outwest
Is the Subaru Outback the official car of Seattle? In our first couple days in Seattle, we seemed to spot several Outbacks at a time on the city streets. Granted, we may have been a bit more hyperconscious of Outbacks…
Is the Subaru Outback the official car of Seattle? In our first couple days in Seattle, we seemed to spot several Outbacks at a time on the city streets. Granted, we may have been a bit more hyperconscious of Outbacks…
Sep
2
2004
seattle time
Melanie, Rob and I started our day with an early-morning jaunt to the Pike Place Market and Seattle waterfront. I relished the light chill in the air, a nice change from hot, humid D.C. Many of the market vendors were…
Melanie, Rob and I started our day with an early-morning jaunt to the Pike Place Market and Seattle waterfront. I relished the light chill in the air, a nice change from hot, humid D.C. Many of the market vendors were…
slumming at the travelodge
One of the benefits of travelling as a group of four is that most of the major expenses — hotel, car rental, fuel — get split four ways, making an ambitious trip fairly affordable. Our experience with the Travelodge in…
One of the benefits of travelling as a group of four is that most of the major expenses — hotel, car rental, fuel — get split four ways, making an ambitious trip fairly affordable. Our experience with the Travelodge in…
Sep
1
2004
give me your tired, your grumpy, your travelers
Pittsburg is kind of a nifty place. Rather, the Pittsburgh airport is pretty nifty. But the sparkling clean facility is a wonderful ambassador for the city. Before this trip, I’d never been to Pittsburgh, nor its airport. But mentally, I’ve…
Pittsburg is kind of a nifty place. Rather, the Pittsburgh airport is pretty nifty. But the sparkling clean facility is a wonderful ambassador for the city. Before this trip, I’d never been to Pittsburgh, nor its airport. But mentally, I’ve…
Aug
13
2004
going under?
The Washington Post reports today that Arlington, Va.-based airline U.S. Airways could declare bankruptcy next month and start cutting flights from its Pittsburgh hub. (“US Airways Could Fail Next Month” - 08/13/04) This is less than happy news for the…
The Washington Post reports today that Arlington, Va.-based airline U.S. Airways could declare bankruptcy next month and start cutting flights from its Pittsburgh hub. (“US Airways Could Fail Next Month” - 08/13/04) This is less than happy news for the…
Aug
6
2004
winding road
After dropping Shawn off at his hotel, Rob and I decided to take a mini-expedition and drive up to Vermont — the border was only 15 miles or so away — just to say we’d done it. We jumped on…
After dropping Shawn off at his hotel, Rob and I decided to take a mini-expedition and drive up to Vermont — the border was only 15 miles or so away — just to say we’d done it. We jumped on…
exploration
Rob and I waited in the lobby as Shawn checked into his room at the Greenfield Inn. The hotel had recently changed over from being a Howard Johnson, and signs of remodeling were everywhere. As we followed Shawn to his…
Rob and I waited in the lobby as Shawn checked into his room at the Greenfield Inn. The hotel had recently changed over from being a Howard Johnson, and signs of remodeling were everywhere. As we followed Shawn to his…
road trip, part 1
Long, long, looooong drive to western Massachusetts today. The route is only supposed to be 6 ½ hours, at least according to the Yahoo! driving directions … but the trip planner doesn’t take into account factors like short breaks. Or…
Long, long, looooong drive to western Massachusetts today. The route is only supposed to be 6 ½ hours, at least according to the Yahoo! driving directions … but the trip planner doesn’t take into account factors like short breaks. Or…
Jul
8
2004
rush rush rush. stop cold.
It took me about 16 hours to get from DC to Tucson. Left work at five to five, hoping to beat the traffic. Fidgeted madly in my seat and muttered expletives as my car plodded slowly through the merge lanes…
It took me about 16 hours to get from DC to Tucson. Left work at five to five, hoping to beat the traffic. Fidgeted madly in my seat and muttered expletives as my car plodded slowly through the merge lanes…
Jul
6
2004
chi-town
Just got back from four busy days in the Chicago area, and boy are my feet tired. Fun city. Back-dated blog entries to come. Tonight: Sleep. Rob’s photos from the trip are already up: 07/03 | 07/04 | 07/05…
Just got back from four busy days in the Chicago area, and boy are my feet tired. Fun city. Back-dated blog entries to come. Tonight: Sleep. Rob’s photos from the trip are already up: 07/03 | 07/04 | 07/05…
Jul
1
2004
customer care
Talk about targeted, personalized information. I booked my ticket to Chicago for this weekend through Orbitz. Yesterday, I got a reminder e-mail with a copy of my itinerary, which was a refreshing reminder to print out my receipt and write…
Talk about targeted, personalized information. I booked my ticket to Chicago for this weekend through Orbitz. Yesterday, I got a reminder e-mail with a copy of my itinerary, which was a refreshing reminder to print out my receipt and write…
May
18
2004
shenandoah
Rob and I took a day trip out to Shenandoah National Park this past weekend — partly to escape the city for a day, and partly as an excuse to go photo-taking. Traffic out to Front Royal was a…
Rob and I took a day trip out to Shenandoah National Park this past weekend — partly to escape the city for a day, and partly as an excuse to go photo-taking. Traffic out to Front Royal was a…
Feb
29
2004
lost destinations
Riding the subway back from City Hall, I noticed that the train passed what appeared to be one of the New York subway system’s fabled “ghost stations” — subway stations that, for whatever reason, have been shut down and closed…
Riding the subway back from City Hall, I noticed that the train passed what appeared to be one of the New York subway system’s fabled “ghost stations” — subway stations that, for whatever reason, have been shut down and closed…
Feb
28
2004
escape to new york
Rob and I are up in New York City this weekend to see friends and just generally hang out. We took an early-morning Greyhound bus from DC to NYC, and arrived in town just before noon. Jesse has been kind…
Rob and I are up in New York City this weekend to see friends and just generally hang out. We took an early-morning Greyhound bus from DC to NYC, and arrived in town just before noon. Jesse has been kind…
Dec
25
2003
just say no to fruitcake
This is a couple days old, but I’m posting it anyway because it amuses me. A recent Associated Press story advised air travelers to not pack, among other things, fruitcake. (“Fliers get new guides for checked baggage” - 12/20/03) Books…
This is a couple days old, but I’m posting it anyway because it amuses me. A recent Associated Press story advised air travelers to not pack, among other things, fruitcake. (“Fliers get new guides for checked baggage” - 12/20/03) Books…
Nov
27
2003
night sky
I went for an after-dinner walk around the neighborhood with Ross and Ashley tonight. Outside, the night air was nicely crisp, requiring jackets. Our block is mostly devoid of streetlights, so what little illumination there was emanated from the random…
I went for an after-dinner walk around the neighborhood with Ross and Ashley tonight. Outside, the night air was nicely crisp, requiring jackets. Our block is mostly devoid of streetlights, so what little illumination there was emanated from the random…
on the road, and online
I’m sitting at my gate at DFW with an hour or so to kill, so I’ve pulled out the trusty laptop and found a wireless Internet connection. I was up until about 2:30 this morning packing, cleaning programs off the…
I’m sitting at my gate at DFW with an hour or so to kill, so I’ve pulled out the trusty laptop and found a wireless Internet connection. I was up until about 2:30 this morning packing, cleaning programs off the…
holiday migration
I’m off to Tucson in the morning to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my parents and siblings. I have an 8:30 a.m. flight out of National, and should arrive in Tucson in the afternoon … possibly just in time for…
I’m off to Tucson in the morning to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my parents and siblings. I have an 8:30 a.m. flight out of National, and should arrive in Tucson in the afternoon … possibly just in time for…
Aug
25
2003
night rider
Driving through West Virginia at night can be a freaky experience. I took over the driving duties at sundown at a gas station in Wills, W.V. With daylight rapidly fading to nighttime dark, I turned my Saturn onto Interstate 79,…
Driving through West Virginia at night can be a freaky experience. I took over the driving duties at sundown at a gas station in Wills, W.V. With daylight rapidly fading to nighttime dark, I turned my Saturn onto Interstate 79,…
wedding bells
Diana, Rob and I drove from DC to Indianapolis this weekend for Dan and Vickie’s wedding. The drive itself, through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana, was fairly uneventful, and Rob and I swapped driving duties every few hours….
Diana, Rob and I drove from DC to Indianapolis this weekend for Dan and Vickie’s wedding. The drive itself, through Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Indiana, was fairly uneventful, and Rob and I swapped driving duties every few hours….
Aug
10
2003
new york state of mind
After a fairly subdued birthday last year (a solitary affair consisting of a visit to IKEA, a prepackaged dinner from Trader Joe’s and a piece of strawberry tallcake from Ruby Tuesday), I wanted to do something really fun for this…
After a fairly subdued birthday last year (a solitary affair consisting of a visit to IKEA, a prepackaged dinner from Trader Joe’s and a piece of strawberry tallcake from Ruby Tuesday), I wanted to do something really fun for this…
Jul
31
2003
devil's highway no more
New Mexico’s Route 666, nicknamed “The Devil’s Highway” (and similar names, like “Highway to Hell”), has gotten a name change, to the more tame Route 491. (Reuters: “New Mexico Says Goodbye to Its Highway to Hell” - 07/31/03) Route 666/491…
New Mexico’s Route 666, nicknamed “The Devil’s Highway” (and similar names, like “Highway to Hell”), has gotten a name change, to the more tame Route 491. (Reuters: “New Mexico Says Goodbye to Its Highway to Hell” - 07/31/03) Route 666/491…
Jul
28
2003
dispatches from argentina
Michaela, who’s in my program at Georgetown, is spending six weeks in Argentina this summer as part of a study abroad program. While she’s over there, she’s posting regular updates to her weblog, describing her various observations and adventures. From…
Michaela, who’s in my program at Georgetown, is spending six weeks in Argentina this summer as part of a study abroad program. While she’s over there, she’s posting regular updates to her weblog, describing her various observations and adventures. From…
Jul
21
2003
vacation planning
I’m planning a mini-getaway to New York City the weekend of my birthday (Aug. 8-10). Last night, I ran a search on Expedia for cheap hotels, and came up with a possible candidate: Hotel Pennsylvania, located near Penn Station/Madison Square…
I’m planning a mini-getaway to New York City the weekend of my birthday (Aug. 8-10). Last night, I ran a search on Expedia for cheap hotels, and came up with a possible candidate: Hotel Pennsylvania, located near Penn Station/Madison Square…