The End of Honeymoon Blues

So, that's our last night of honeymoon done then.  We had a great dinner out at Robin's in Cambria, following which we bumped into a fabulous couple finishing a wine tasting who insisted we joined them.  They were so happy and lovely and it was a great night to finish the best honeymoon ever.  We also saw a dolphin on the drive down (well in the ocean next to the drive down), which was such a great sight, albeit one that makes you somewhat late checking in.

It wouldn't be right to finish the blog without something a little bit soppy but I will try to keep it short and sweet.  I have had the greatest three weeks, full of incredible adventures none of which my hurried ramblings with scant internet connections can do justice to.  It has truly been a trip of a lifetime and all that remains is to say a huge thank you to my lovely husband for organising such an amazing secret honeymoon.

Thank you for indulging my blogging once more and I look forward to seeing you all very soon.  Until the next trip, AD xxx

The Three C's

Carmel, champagne and canines.  In that order.

We arrived at Carmel (see told you it came first) quite late in the day as we struggled to leave San Francisco and hit our first bout of traffic on the way over.  However, it was well worth the wait.  We arrived at the Vagabond's House, which is as great as its name.  The decor is similar to the Adobe Inn where we stayed on our first night - lots of quirky little features although I am afraid I can't load pictures today as the internet is somewhat intermittent and time is not on our side (we leave for Cambria tonight).  Our room here is more akin to a house - with kitchen, bedroom/lounge (complete with log fire), dressing room and bathroom.  I should also mention that the lounge comes complete with a Sherry decanter for a little nip in front of the fire.  The Vagabond's was the first of our champagne experiences in Carmel, knowing that we were on honeymoon they had left us a bottle as a congratulations gift (particularly nice I thought as we were only staying for one night).

We went to restaurant called Christopher's for dinner, where we were also given free champagne when they heard that we were on honeymoon.  Seriously - I am thinking of running this line every time we are on holiday (should clarify that was a joke for anyone thinking that my moral compass is way off kilter).

Today we are off to find the canines.  Carmel is famous for the fact that it is a town of dog lovers (it is even in the guide books so must be true).  That said, today is the first day of real fog (thus far we have had, and I quote a local, the best weather in 30 years for this time of year) so I suspect we may have to look quite hard to see them.  I am looking forward to exploring Carmel though, it is so quaint (and small) that the town map literally maps out each individual shop - it looks like a board game!

I cannot believe that we leave tomorrow; it has really felt like a lifetime away.  We have had such a great time and it is that bittersweet feeling of being excited to see everyone again but a little bit sad that the honeymoon is coming to an end.  However, before the real 'oh no we are leaving' sentiments can begin we have one day left to go and explore Cambria, so until then...

Happy birthday daddy P and until the last post, AD xxx

Happy Birthday Daddy Pope!!

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear daddy Pope
Happy birthday to you!

Have a fabulous day and very sorry I am not there to celebrate with you xx

The Time Changing Powers of San Francisco

The last two weeks have felt like one month (in a good way).   It seems like a lifetime ago that we arrived at Santa Cruz to start our honeymoon.  However, SF has had the opposite effect and I cannot believe that we have had our allotted three days here already.  Time has flown by (hence the distinct lack of blogging).

After our first night spent eating more than I care to mention at Plant we used the following day to explore SF a little more.  As this is our second visit here we have already seen Alcatraz, taken a bike ride to Sausalito etc so this freed us up a little just to soak up the SF atmosphere (although as some of you reading this will notice that doesn't mean key aspects from our first trip weren't revisited..). 

After hitting Union Square (which may involve seeing shops) we headed up to Fillmore, which has a really village-y feel to it.  Lots of independent shops (granted not sure you can call Marc Jacobs independent but that is the exception rather than the rule) and great eateries.  We had lunch at the Grove (ahem revisit number 1 from the previous trip) and generally mooched around in the sunshine.  Having spent the previous day/that morning wondering why frozen yoghurt was such a big thing (why don't people just eat the real thing we asked) we also found a frozen yoghurt place that provided a vegan option.  So now I see what all the fuss is about; so good (and yes we did go back the following day specifically to get the yoghurt).  Now feel like something of a hypocrite..

We also visited some new areas (Mission, Castro to name but a few) and found some incredible shops, selling very artisanal products that the owner/managers had scoured the US (and Japan it would seem) for.  It was really lovely to meet people so passionate about what they do and with a clear eye for design as these pictures show.  I would definitely recommend this place (The Common) as being well worth a visit, for the decor if not the clothes (but the clothes are definitely worth the visit too).  Drats this being a men's clothing store.

Dinner was the lovely (vegan) Millennium (yep, revisit number 2) and much to my delight the tempura mushrooms remained on the menu and largely identical to the dish three years ago, which is a relief otherwise I think I would have been somewhat put out.  Other than the mushrooms we generally ate ourselves silly only to take a cab back to the hotel to be pulled over by the police as our driver was on his mobile.  The drama! 

Yesterday was a fairly similar day with the added benefit of going to see the seals, a walk to the Golden Gate bridge (further than we thought) and lunch at Freshii (of Toronto fame - the memories). We also went to see City Lights bookstore, set up in 1953 and famous for its decision to publish Ginsberg's 'Howl' notwithstanding that it lead to an (unsuccessful) attempt to prosecute the store's owners for publishing obscene material.  Today, the store is protected as a landmark for its contribution to the development of SF literature and culture and is full of pictures of various events, including clippings from the Howl trial.  It is also crammed full with the most amazing selection of books that you could get lost discovering.  

Today we are going to try to see Mrs Madrigal's house (of Tales from the City - a series of books set in SF that I love) and then off to Carmel.   I cannot believe we are in our last few days, but less of that and more on working out how to pack... 

Until the next post (if I have wi-fi), AD xx

I Heart San Francisco - How Could I Not??

Seriously, how I am going to get back to real life after this trip I do not know.  Long ago Jonathan and I had to start asking each other what day it was and now, now I have SF to contend with which makes me think (just a little bit) in my head that possibly I could be an honorary local or something.

So, we arrive - 101 degrees, the roof is down we cross the Golden Gate Bridge (seriously cool) and arrive at our hotel.  We unpack, ask concierge for a dinner reservation explaining vegan/non-vegan requirements. Oh you want to eat at Plant then, says she.  What is Plant I hear you ask (no, really I do).  Oh just a vegan, gluten-free and meat restaurant (clearly not all in the one dish - that would be somewhat unpleasant) on Pier 3.  We had a table outside and the most magnificent vegan cheesecake in the world (hmmm - need to go back to Toronto to test that theory).  It was such a great first day in SF and such a great first meal.   I can't believe that we only have three days here (two now) so we need to make them good ones; tonight is Millennium for dinner and I know that some of you know that we are in for a treat ;-).

Off to explore some shops now (ooh didn't mean to admit that) then (this one is for any Tales of the City readers) may go and find Mrs Madrigal's house.

Until the next post, AD xx

Sometimes a Challenge is Not a Good Idea

Like when you take a kayak out.  And decide to see how far you can get in your allotted time.  And forget that the tide and wind will be against you on the way back.   Seriously people; HARD WORK.  Also, why is it that I come back freezing and covered in blisters when JD has a tan and no scars to speak of??  Actually, please don't answer that.  

However, when all is said and done it was great fun (because we got back in time for the dessert sampler) and we finally saw a harbour seal in our last five minutes out so all was forgiven.

Tonight is our last night at the Stanford Inn, which is a great shame.  We have had the best time here and I have doubled to the size of a house thanks to their incredible desserts making me feel it is only right that I finish my stay here with a helping of pecan pie.  Hold that, make it a double helping.

Until San Fran, AD xx

This is Why I Love California

Because this is the local grocery store, on the side of a freeway.  Seriously - kinda knocks the socks of Tesco Metro hey?? This place is madness - everything is so well-styled but in a very natural, relaxed way.  I have a LOT to learn..

Short post today as the internet is a bit ropey here.  The alternative option being that we are between 'afternoon vegan dessert tasting' and 'three course vegan dinner preceded by cocktail happy hour.'  I will let you decide which one is the real reason...

Until the next post, AD xxx