The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of land I have been privileged enough to spend time exploring. If you are an Oregon native or you are visiting this summer, don't miss some of these great local stops along the way. Have fun!!
-Stay in Astoria's renovated Hotel Elliott, a 1924 historic beauty. Stop at the Columbian Cafe and ask chef Uriah Hulsey for his catch-of-the-day crepe. Save room for the wild campfire salmon or the ale-steamed local clams at Baked Alaska .
-Coast Cabins in Manzanita has the most Northwest-cool lodging on the Oregon Coast. Rent the North Tower for its loft view and outdoor hot tub.
-Dip your toes into surf culture with Lanny at Shuler Surfboards, his Seaside store and shaping studio.
-Sip on Willamette Valley red or cool down with the Oregon berry sorbet at sleek little Yummy in downtown Seaside.
-Stretch your legs at Hug Point, mile markers 32 and 33. Do as the sign says.
Travel
Travel
Snake Wine
Cruising Hong Kong’s street markets is a savvy shopper’s dream come
true. Fashion hounds can score bagsful of famous label clothing
copies, counterfeit leather accessories, faux pearl necklaces, and fake
jade gewgaws. Gadget buyers gravitate to stalls overflowing with
cameras, watches, and electronic gizmos. On a recent ramble through a
bustling night bazaar, none of the above were on my list. I was
seeking a somewhat more authentic trinket. Snakes.
Some cultures regard serpents with fear and loathing. Not the
Chinese. A person born in the Year of the Snake is considered wise and
cunning. Able to slip in and out of tight situations with ease. A
formidable foe and a staunch ally. Cool, calm and collected.
Strikingly beautiful. Exotic. Sensuous. If one is not fortunate
enough to be born in the lucky year, there’s an alternative way to pick
up a little snake essence. You can eat them.
Easy Travel to Other Countries
I have a horny wanderlust, always insatiable, perpetually unrequited. Oh sure, I’ve had my trips on locations: from the gentler parallel reality of Canada to the third world intensity of Jamaica. And vacations to the usual European locales — Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, France for business and pleasure. But I want moooore! Although currently landlocked until the dollar heals, business prospers, travel improves, and fuel cheapens, I can best trip out by visiting friends from other cultures.
Laughs in Translation
It was an overcast day in Hong Kong as my friend Mark and I boarded a double-decker bus with no destination in mind. We just wanted to see where it went – part of what became our theme of deviating from the group’s tour itinerary.
Both decks of the bus were so packed there was barely room to stand, as we rode away and ventured into the unknown.
With each stop, the crowd gradually thinned, and all of us standing now had a place to sit.
As we traveled on, we watched the Hong Kong skyline disappear beyond the horizon. The bus continued to empty out, until Mark and I were the last remaining passengers.
Mandolettes and Mandelbrot
Like many people, we're taking an end of summer trip. This time of year
makes us appreciate those things that fill us with joy. Spending time
with friends and family, having leisurely meals, taking long walks on
the beach, and, special to this summer, watching the Olympics and
following the political campaigns.
More than usual, the fall will bring big changes to our household because
our son, Michael, is preparing to leave for his freshman year at
college. So it was important to find time to take a trip to New Jersey
to visit with Michelle's parents.
With few exceptions,
Michelle's extended family has stayed on the East Coast. A few years
ago they had a family reunion at a nearby resort and 75 aunts, uncles,
and cousins came for the weekend. Sunday at Helen and Warren's means
brunch for 20, setting up a table in the living room, bringing out the
folding chairs, and sharing platters of bagels, lox, coffee cake, cold
cuts, cheese, egg salad, tuna salad, fresh fruit, and lots of Helen's
special iced coffee.
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