Back from Vacationland

Maine is pretty much as close to heaven on earth as one can get. James and I just returned from a two week vacation that took place there in Falmouth, Portland, Freeport, Booth Bay, Sebasco, and several islands in Casco Bay.  We went sailing pretty much every day thanks to James' uncles and their sail boats. In fact, we went on a three day trip up the coast, staying at harbors in Booth Bay and Sebasco on moorings. I picked up on some nautical terms being the only one in the group that didn't have any sailing or merchant marine experience. There's nothing better than being the only girl on the trip and being laughed at/corrected every time you say, "You mean the buoy looking thing?" Good times. Truthfully, sometimes I did it just to agitate them.



My husband can probably tell you what kind of sailboat this is, but I'd just say it's a pretty one. I can hear a heavy sigh now, lol.



 



A lighthouse...you see a lot of these.



The dinghy aka mode of transportation to and from the dock from the boat when it's anchored at a mooring. I can't say I'm fond of it, but when your options are this or swim it's not so bad. Also, much like a VW bug, it can fit many more people than you think.

This woman is holding a screech owl that just happens to be mentally handicapped (after an accident) and is now a resident of Camp Chwonki's refuge for injured birds and traveling wilderness education program. His name is Otis, and I think he is super adorable. We caught the presentation while at the very cool and retro Sebasco Seaside Resort. They also offer croquet, badmitton, golf, and candle pin bowling (my favorite) at this place, and some of the scenes from the movie Dirty Dancing were shot here (the rest were in the Catskills).

This is a one winged Barred Owl (she was hit by a car), whose name I have forgotten. She was also molting at the time, hence the fluffiness.

This is a Great Horned Owl, with one wing useless after it healed poorly from a break. It is the only one that really makes the "Hoot" noise, and it has the coolest big yellow eyes.

The boat to the right is James' uncle's boat, Integrity, the one we sailed on the most.

This pic and the two above were both taken from Admiral Perry's house (the guy that went to the South Pole first), on Eagle Island. There is a cool tour and you can get a stamp in your Maine Parks and Recreation book. I'd say it's worth checking out, and if you don't have a private boat you can always take the tourist boat from downtown Portland. My husband had the camera, so I apologize for the lack of pictures of the house itself.

We were lucky enough to catch two firework displays from the water this year; this was the second one (and better of the two) on July 5th at Booth Bay harbor.



Just chillaxing! I <3 Maine!

 I know the pics were not overly exciting or artistic, but here is a list of things I'd recommend doing if you are ever in these same areas of Maine:

Portland

-Have a pint at Gritty's, Bull Feeny's, or Sabago Brewery (maybe even make it a pub crawl). Gritty's brews are even sold locally at other locations if you can't make it to their Portland or Freeport locations. Oh, and on a Friday or Saturday night you might luck out and get to hear the awesome Dave Rowe band play at Bull Feeny's!

-Shop Old Port. You will find very few chain stores here, and the few you will find are New England chains like "Life Is Good." There are tons of cute boutiques, home decor stores, gelato, candy and ice cream shops (Beal's ice cream is sooo good!!), and of course the souvenir shops. Walking the cobblestone streets, seeing the old architecture, listening to street musicians and enjoying the sea breeze just make it that much lovelier.

-Eat! Portland has a ton of restaurants and street vendors. I think it's required that every visitor try a lobster roll, and you must have dinner on the Dimillo's boat. It's a wonderful floating restaurant down at the marina. They have pretty much anything you could be craving, but I highly recommend the seafood. Crab stuffed Haddock is a fav of mine, as is their clam chowder. There is also a great authentic French creperie on Wharf Street serving up both savory and sweet crepes. They even host at least one day a week where you can come in and everyone will speak French, so you can practice/learn. They are extremely friendly, and my husband and I enjoyed a really yummy/filling lunch there (forgive me for not remembering the name, but it's the only creperie there).

Falmouth

-Make a stop at  Town Landing and pick up some native ice! lol You'll get that if you make a stop by, but seriously it's a great Mom and Pop type corner grocery store that's been there forever. The owner catches his own lobster, and it's a great place to grab a bite for lunch or get some lobsters to take home and cook for dinner. They also make deli style sandwiches/lobster rolls, and sell the most amazing whoopie pies! Yum! It's all in an adorable building that reminds you of a Norman Rockwell, so make sure you get a picture.

-Take a nice drive! This neighborhood has some of the cutest/most impressive houses around, and I personally just enjoy going for a drive or walk around to see them all.

Freeport

-L.L. Bean!! This is their flagship store, and it's open 24hrs!! It's huge and houses a ton of quality clothing, home decor and outdoor gear, so take your time browsing because there is literally no closing time. Their prices are pretty reasonable, especially given the quality and lifetime guarantee, but if you are a super bargain shopper you can head over to their outlet just across the street for some great deals. If you find something you like but don't have room in the suitcase to carry it home, then have it shipped for free! I really should consider working for them, lol. If you are there during the summer you should check out their summer concert series, outdoor adventure classes (that are offered all year long, but are discounted in the summer), and of course smile for the camera by the giant boot out front. We actually did the archery outdoor adventure class, and had such a great time that we're thinking about getting the kit to practice at home.

-Shop the outlets and local stores. This is outlet shopper heaven, and you'll find outlets for high end retailers like Vineyard Vines, Bass, J.Crew, etc. We scored a massive deal on shoes at Bass this past trip with their buy one pair get two pairs free promotion! Mangy Moose is a must! They only have two locations (here and Jackson Hole), and you will find all your moose and rustic needs met. I make sure we always visit this adorable/fun store every time we are in Freeport. It's a great place to buy gifts.

Stuff you can do almost anywhere in Maine

Hike, bike, sail, or swim, just get out there! The outdoors of Maine is BEAUTIFUL!

P.S. This is one of the only vacations I've ever had that left me in better shape than when I got there!

The Emerald City

After my husband returned from a year long deployment, we elected to take a much needed vacation to Seattle, WA. He'd been once before, but I had not, despite wanting to for quite some time. It was March, and by all weather charts that's one of their soggier months...not to mention chilly. We crossed our fingers and hoped for the best, because we didn't know when we'd get another chance to make this trip.

 Luckily, my husband and I arrived to find that the temperatures were tolerable, without wearing heavy winter coats (though layering was key), and we encountered very little rain fall (which was usually in the late afternoon or evening and added the nice Northwestern vibe one hopes for after they're already cozy at the hotel, perhaps while watching the newest Harry Potter movie on pay per view... ).

Speaking of hotels, I would highly recommend the one we made home during our 5 day venture, The Alexis. It's a boutique hotel, owned by the Kimpton chain. Yes, it's a little on the pricey side, but not nearly as pricey as most in it's location (in fact, we got a nice package deal), which was convenient and equal walking distance from the waterfront (where the aquarium, ferry port, and various shops/food vendors are located), Pikes Place Market (about two blocks away), and Pioneer Square. It is also a pet friendly place should you decide to bring your four-legged babies with you, but also exceptionally clean, so even my allergies (to cats and dust mites) were not triggered during the length of our stay. Attached to the hotel, is also a nice little bar called the Library (that has a complimentary wine hour for guests) and a restaurant (the name of which I forget). The rooms are modern and fun, and they have suites with different themes (none are tacky). We stayed in the Fireplace room, and it was so spacious we could have thrown a nice dinner party had we known anyone up that way! Unfortunately, I deleted any pics of the room from my phone to make space, but the website pics are not enhanced, so you don't have to worry about being deceived.

Seattle is a pedestrian friendly place, but rent a car or save up enough money for cab rides if you want to see the various neighborhoods it has to offer. Cab drivers are also very good resources for finding a recommended place to eat, see, or shop. The very pleasant driver we had from the airport to the hotel even gave us a mini tour, pointing out the Boeing plant, and giving brief history lessons on the area. Like I mentioned, the more famous areas are within walking distance to the hotel, but you'll want to venture into the hippy chic Fremont area, Capitol Hill, and many others. This will also allow you to avoid the plethora of panhandlers, etc., that you do not necessarily want to encounter. I would like to note that at least the homeless rarely approached us, and the much more vexing folks were the ones brandishing clipboards, taking surveys or fundraising for causes near the shopping district. I'm all for causes, but on vacation I just like to relax, so if I say, "Sorry, not today," I do not want to be accosted by the same person every time I pass that particular corner! Okay, sorry for the momentary rant, back to sight seeing...

I highly recommend you explore on foot in the area surrounding the hotel to get your barings. Make sure to check out the following (in no particular order): The aquarium down by the pier, Ye Old Curiosity Shoppe (if for no other reason than a laugh, also located by the waterfront), Pikes Place Market (I recommend going here at least once a day, as it is much bigger than you think, and almost impossible to see all it has to offer in one stop), Post Alley (home of The Pink Door which is a cabaret style Italian restaurant and bar that you do not want to miss!), any one of the abounding coffee shops (though surprisingly we preferred Tully's or individually owned places to the caffeine giant that is Starbucks), the fashion district (your best deals at Off 5th, the Saks outlet located just a block up from the market where I scored some Coach sunglasses, Betsey Johnson earrings, and more for under $100 total!), and of course a stroll around the historical Pioneer Square. I might caution against taking the "family friendly" tour of the underground while in that area, as it is rat infested and our particular guide was a let down. They also expect tips whether they do a good job or not (it is optional, but when my husband and I tried to politely slip away after a lackluster tour ending in the gift shop without tipping they watched us like hawks and it made us feel awkward, which I can only assume is the point), and the general attitude is very Daria-esque. Afterall, this was home to the grunge fad, so you do occassionally come across the rude disgruntled person (usually in their 30's, because they were in high school when it was popular and I guess the attitude stuck?) that feels it is their mission in life to openly express their contempt for everything. Ignore these people, the rest are nice.

You can also catch a ride on the ferry by walking to the pier area. The rates are very reasonable, they run at various times throughout the day, and you can pick from a number of different islands (Bainbridge, San Juan, etc.) to visit.When we took the ferry, we headed over to Bainbridge for the day (see pictures). It was a gorgeous day, the ferry ride was approx 30 min, and the city/mountain views were pretty spectacular. There are quite a few women's clothing boutiques, outdoor gear/clothing shops, children's boutiques, cafes, small parks, and places to eat once you get there (all within an easy walk from the port thanks to sidewalks, but wear comfortable shoes as it is very hilly, much like the city). We walked around for quite a while stopping in at each store until we were hungry. Then, it was time to proceed to a restaurant called The Four Swallows. It's a little on the fancy side, but you will not be stopped at the door and turned away if you are not dressed up. I would say most patrons were dressed in business casual or Sunday best attire (I actually wore a t-shirt, blazer, skirt, purple tights, black almost knee high boots, and nobody batted an eye or made me feel inferior). The fare here is gourmet and the menu changes frequently, but you can check ahead on their website to see if anything seems appetizing to you. My husband and I were thrilled by the service, thought the prices were reasonable, and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I highly recommend the smoked duck, goat cheese, and cherry brioche, yum! After you are sufficiently stuffed, you can head back to the city and enjoy the absolutely stunning night scape (while quietly humming the theme song to Frasier...not that I did that or anything).

The following day, you may choose to grab some doughnuts or crepes for breakfast at the market and then catch the budget friendly monorail (located inside a mall over in the fashion district near Nordstrom if I remember right) to see that iconic Seattle landmark, the Space Needle. No trip is complete without a glass front elevator ride to the top (and the free cheesy digital photo they take when you are about to enter). You can spend as much time as you like up there looking through the telescopes, dodging group photos (or taking them), buying overpriced snacks (we passed), and realizing you have vertigo. When you've had your fill, you exit the same way you came up, but with a small detour through the gift shop (duh).

After you exit the needle, you can head on over to the Experience Music Project. This would be the super funky looking building just beside it. Inside, you will find a vast collection of Jimmy Hendrix costumes, guitars, scribblings, and many other fun exhibits. For instance, one can try their hand at recording a song or making their very own music video (available for purchase if you want a keepsake) in a semi-private studio setting. This is the section children love most, so while your dad, husband, etc., is painstakingly reading every word written about Hendrix, the history of guitars, listening to all the artist interviews, or in sci-fi nerd heaven upstairs, you can keep the fidgety ones distracted. While we were there, a lot of areas were under construction, because they were in the process of adding the Nirvana exhibit. It was worth checking out before this addition, but surely even more so now. Plus, you may get lucky and have a face to face celebrity encounter like we did when we spotted David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash fame! After your head is crammed with music knowledge, I suggest hopping back on the monorail or taking a cab to Fremont (though taxis are scarce in this section).  



Fremont, what can I say about it? Well, I've never been to San Fransisco, but I imagine they are very similar. This is a community that embraces everyone (except maybe the closed-minded), and is very passionate about the outdoors (they have some very nice biking and walking trails/parks), arts, and individuality. It's a very eclectic area where there is something for everyone: antiques/thrift stores (the best place to pick up a retro souvenir t-shirt at a great price), eateries, boutiques, tattoo parlors, bars, bikes you can rent for the day, kayaking, an organic chocolate factory (Theo's, they are super friendly and offer delicious samples of all their flavors), the famous bridge troll, Interurban and Lenin statues, and the "center of the universe" sign post to point you in the direction of places like the Louvre...in Paris, France (just in case you were wondering). There is also one section of Fremont that reminded me of the movie "Sleepless in Seattle." It's next to a very popular trail near the water where you will find houseboats, sail boats, rowing teams, etc.; it's a picturesque little spot. Suffice it to say, there is a lot to do and see in this neighborhood.

Well, that pretty much covers our visit to the Emerald City. I hope you enjoy it! I'm still getting the hang of adding pics to this blog, so forgive me if their alignment on the page or the spacing is a bit wonky. I actually left out a couple, but hopefully the few that are featured give you a good idea of just how pretty Seattle can be, instead of the gloomy place most envision. One more thing, please remember I'm not claiming to be a professional photographer, and all shots are taken with my iPhone, so they are not always perfect.

And So It Begins...

Well, it's been a long time since I've had a blog. I usually get bored with them after a month or so, especially if I try to come up with a new and interesting post everyday (exhausting). I've also never had a theme for them. To remedy this, I thought I might start one as an online travel journal of sorts; documenting my travels with friends and family.

To start, I think I'll explain the name "Gypsum Gypsy," which occurred to me when I was thinking about the course my life has taken thus far. I grew up in a military family moving from place to place every 3 yrs, living abroad in Japan and Puerto Rico (yes, it's a territory of the U.S., but a totally different culture), and honestly feeling a bit culture shocked when we finally settled back in the United States. Then, there were the various cross country road trips stateside my family took almost every Summer and Thanksgiving that allowed me to see more of this country. Now, after a brief moment of wandering around and doing as I pleased during my college years, I'm married and find myself attached to the military and that lifestyle once again. My husband is a pilot, and we are at our first duty station since he finished flight school, with quite a few more years to go, so there's no telling where we might end up living next! We also like to travel when his leave and our finances allow. Anyway, I feel like all these experiences have made me a gypsy of sorts; bored if I'm in one place for too long, and I can pack up and go at a moments notice. The gypsum part just came from a combo of loving alliteration and realizing that I have a very transparent personality.



Now that you know the why, let's start with the where(s)...


Like I mentioned, we are at our first official duty station, which has meant acclimating to the Midwest. I'm not going to lie, when we first found out where the military wanted to send us we went through a series of emotions in the following order: disbelief, anger, resentment, and finally resignation to the fact that we did not have a choice. We've been here a year and a half now, and our view of the Midwest is entirely different. While I think my husband and I both agree we do not want to retire here (he's a Northerner and I'm a Southern gal), it's been a good experience, and this part of the country has a lot to offer. Like anywhere else, there are the parts you can skip and never miss, but here are the places we've loved so far:




Kansas City (MO & KS)-This city has a lot to offer, including, but not limited to: great food, an always buzzing nightlife in the P&L (power & light) district of downtown on the MO side, shopping galore on both sides (outlets on the KS side and high end fashions in MO), museums, sports (Kansas City Speedway), the awesome Boulevard Brewing Co. (schedule tours way in advance!), big company headquarters (Hallmark), beautiful fountains, plenty of family attractions including theme parks and Great Wolf Lodge, and an art district that offers a thriving community of theatre, music, and modern/traditional art.



Lawrence, KS-Home of the Kansas University Jayhawks, this town is teaming with young folks, and it is definitely reflected in the much more liberal vibe you'll pick up on while wondering around. In other words, vegan, emo and indie kids in skinny jeans and swooping bangs abound, as well as restaurants of all kinds, various bars, an independent movie theatre (that serves beer, of course), music venues (an indie music lovers dream with bands like Gogol Bordello dropping by with surprising frequency) unique shops offering local art, local threads, and hard to find items that you'd usually expect to see in a much more metropolitan area, the obligatory Urban Outfitters (that's no doubt making a killing at that location) GAP, etc., and all are conveniently located on Main Street. As recently as this year, this town can also lay claim to possession of the "first rules of basketball," for the sports enthusiast. However, just as a heads up should you decide to visit, parking on Main St is metered only, so parking a street or two over for free and walking is preferable, and make sure you have good tires on your vehicle as the roads into town from the interstate are horrible.


Wamego, KS-I know when most people think of Kansas they usually involuntarily think of the images that the popular movie, "The Wizard of Oz," conjures up . Usually, I'd roll my eyes and shake my head at such a stereotypical image of "The Sunflower State," but if we are talking about the little town of Wamego, then it's a little more accurate. This very rural town is the site of the annual "Oz Fest," which does not feature Ozzy Osbourne, but the surviving "munchkins" from the film featuring Judy Garland, and a celebration of all things "Oz." If you happen to miss this festival, no worries. There is always the Oz Museum, where you can see various "Wizard of Oz" artifacts, interviews, and learn some little known facts about the actors and filming, as well as the books on which the film was based. The Oz Winery (which offers free tastings) and Toto's Tacos (a small Tex-Mex joint) are other fun stops on "your way to see the wizard." The town is also currently fundraising to install their very own "yellow brick road."





However, if you are not in search of the "great and powerful Oz," you can always head over to the historic village and dutch windmill located in the nearby City Park. I might also take a tour or see a play at the historic Columbian Theatre, or call ahead and schedule a buffalo ranch tour a little ways off the beaten path with Ed at the Lazy Heart D Ranch (he also sells the meat, which is super tasty for buffalo burgers, though I understand if you can't eat one after seeing the awe inspiring, not to mention adorable, bison). Oh, and if you happen by in the Spring, try to make it so you don't miss the annual Tulip Festival. It hosts a variety of arts and crafts vendors, food, live music, and some gorgeous flowers, of course (held in City Park).



Manhattan, KS-"The Little Apple" is nestled in the Flint Hills (yes, there are hills in Kansas, it's not all flat!) and Konza Prairie. It is home to the Kansas State University Wildcats, but since this is a more rural/agricultural area, it has a much more conservative vibe. They are serious about their sports here, so I wouldn't recommend rocking anything but white and purple as far as sportswear. However, just like any good college town, they know how to have fun. The designated area for such fun would definitely be Aggieville, comprised of a few streets near the campus boasting quite a few bars (including the famous Kite's, which was voted the #1 sports bar in the nation), some nice sandwich shops, restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and bookstores. It can be rowdy/crowded on weekend nights, but during the day it's family friendly and you can enjoy a nice stroll/bite to eat. There are some great parks nearby (literally two streets over) with playgrounds for the kiddies, a water park, plenty of space/sidewalks for walkers, runners, cyclists and the like, even Fido is welcome here! If you are still not sure about Aggieville, there is always Poyntz Ave., home to the Town Center mall, and a bunch of other small locally owned shops offering outdoor gear, shoes, women's boutique clothing, specialty children's toys, a salon, art gallery, and even a tattoo parlor. On Poyntz you will also find a few upscale and casual restaurants (I highly recommend Harry's for a nice dinner and The Chef for breakfast or brunch). I almost forgot to mention that Manhattan, specifically Aggieville, also annually hosts what they like to call "Fake Pattie's Day." It's all the debauchery you'd expect of a rowdy St.Patrick's Day festival, but a week or so before. It's not something you'd take the kids or grandma to, but maybe a few buddies you'd want on your beer pong team (think Mardi Gras on a much smaller scale with everyone wearing green). Things get pretty crazy, and I've personally seen a cab going the wrong way down a one way street during this festival, so make sure you plan to have a trustworthy DD or a place to stay within walking distance!

Ft. Riley, KS- Also found in the Flint Hills, and home of the "Big Red 1," it is an Army installation open to the public. If you are interested in all things historical, especially military related, than this should be on your list of places to check out. Now, I realize not everyone is a history buff, but it's a beautiful base, and you'd be missing out if you didn't see it's Main Post area where gorgeous historical limestone homes abound. Most homes are actually still used as such, so they are not often open for tours, but every now and then you can catch a tour of the General's home and a few others (check the Ft.Riley website for info on availability). However, Memorial-Labor Day the "Custer House" is open for free tours (donations accepted), and offers a look into the living style of the early dwellers of this installation such as Custer himself. There are also three other free museums (again, feel free to leave a donation, and check the website for times): the Calvary Museum w/gift shop, Division One Museum (both are full of detailed exhibits and worth the time), and the first territorial capital of Kansas w/gift shop. There are also a few hiking/walking trails near the Kansas River, you can arrange a horseback tour of main post in the Summer, take a ghost tour in the Fall, and there are a ton of playgrounds for the kiddos. If you get hungry, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the fast food places located in or near the two exchanges (little mini malls) on base, but I recommend you pack a picnic and enjoy one of the many parks between museums.



Abilene, KS-This little town was the birthplace of Dwight D Eisenhower, so you will find a Presidential Library, plenty of museums, the home he grew up in (which offers a free tour, donations recommended) and a lot of other info on "Ike." It is also home to plenty of great little antique shops, the worlds largest spur, a greyhound hall of fame (the dogs, not the buses, and you can pet them), a train you can ride, mansions you can tour, and some famous fried chicken (that I have yet to try, but plan to sample next time I pass through). I recommend stopping by the visitor's center for info and Mamie Eisenhower's famous cookie recipe (all free).



I realize all the places I've listed so far are in Kansas, except KC (Kansas City) which borders KS and MO, but I promise to update as I visit more of the states that comprise the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, N Dakota, Ohio, S Dakota, and Wisconsin). I have been to Iowa, but none of the major cities. It honestly looks a lot like Kansas from what I've seen, but some friends of mine from there tell me Des Moines is much different. At the very least, my husband and I definitely plan on visiting Chicago, the Nebraska Zoo, Mount Rushmore, etc., before we leave this part of the U.S., but I'll keep you posted.







*I will try to post as many pics to go along with my posts as possible, but sadly I don't have many for this one. I often get so caught up in experiencing as much as I can in new places that I forget to take pictures! I plan to go take some more pictures soon, so stand by for an update!