Category: Saddle Up


“Honeymoon with my Brother”

Filed under: 60 Minutes, Saddle Up — 1 Comment
June 10, 2013

I recently read a book called, “Honeymoon with my Brother,” by Franz Wisner.  It’s a story about a man who was left at the alter and, instead of losing his honeymoon, he asked his brother to come along.  After their trip to Coast Rica, they realized how much they wanted to travel abroad.  They quit their jobs (their ridiculously high-paying jobs) and took to the globe four different times for about four months at a time.  They only came home to see their family, attend weddings, etc.

The book outlines their travels through Syria, Turkey, Italy, Russia, Vietnam, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and finally a tour of Africa (They hit about a million other countries, but those are the ones I remember). How great would it be to just quit your job and travel–meeting new people, learning about new cultures, seeing things you’ve only ever seen in photos?  Needless to say, the book gave me an unbelievable travel-itch.

So I have come up with a game plan.  I’ve always wanted to pursue a PhD.  In 2-3 years, I think I’ll take a year off, travel, and then start a doctoral program.  I’m currently accepting applications for any partners-in-crime who would like to join me or meet me in the country of their choice.

Here are some steps I have to accomplish before I jump on a plane:

1) Learn Spanish.  Why Spanish?  Yo no se.  I know I want to travel a lot in Latin America, so maybe this will help?  Is it silly that I took three years of this mess in high school, made As, and now I’m having to re-teach myself and get a tutor?  Am I dumb for starting this the same week I’m starting Orientation and my busiest/most stressful time of the year?  Don’t answer any of that.  But I am finding myself wandering around my apartment, repeating, “La mujer come. Las mujeres nadan.  Un nino bebe.”   #fluent

2) Save money.  Oy.

3) Pick a route.  So many places!  Here are some of my thoughts (In no particular order):  Chile, Peru (climb Machu Picchu), Nicaragua, Rio de Jeneiro (Olympics?!), Greece, Austria, Syria, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, Thailand…

Oh snap.  I’m getting excited already.  Alright–keep checking back in on my progress.  Until then– “Los hombres cocinan!”

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One Day in Williamsburg

Filed under: Everyday Life, Saddle Up — Leave a comment
June 9, 2013

After living in Virginia for almost three years, I finally made my way to Williamsburg this weekend.  I was desperate to get out of Fredericksburg last week, so my wonderful friend, Sam, invited me to explore for the day.  Sam’s girlfriend, Camilla, is from Williamsburg and was prepared to be the ultimate tour guide.

I began my travels early Saturday in the monsoon of the century.  Why does rain immediately make people incapable of driving? Ugh.

I met Sam and Camillia in Colonial Williamsburg where we ate at “The Cheese Shop.”  This is a staple in Williamsburg. We ordered incredible sandwiches (with no veggies–they don’t believe in that junk). Thank goodness we arrived there at 11–the place was hoppin’.  And not only can you go in and try the “Cheese of the Day,” but they have incredible chocolates.  Meet my new favorite piece of candy in the entire world:

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This is a dark chocolate bar with a hint of chipotle pepper AND PopRock candy.  I highly recommend it.  And I’m kicking myself for not buying more than one bar.  I’m hungry.  Anyone want to go to the Cheese Shop?

After lunch, Camilla took us around her old stomping grounds at The College of William and Mary.  The College of William and Mary is the oldest University in the nation (second oldest college to Harvard) and the first institution to support a Greek life system.  Famous alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, Glenn Close, and Jon Stewart.

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Camilla took us to the Wren Building, the oldest academic building in the nation.  We were lucky to have a current student give us a tour.  Unfortunately, he smelled like he had a little too much fun in the bars the night before, but we still learned a lot.

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This is what a classroom looked like back in the day:

IMG_2969And here is the chapel.  Some ladies were decorating it for a wedding that day :)

IMG_2970After exploring more of campus, Camilla headed to a wedding while Sam and I explored Colonial Williamsburg.

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Soon, we found our way to the Williamsburg Winery to take a tour.

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The winery had a fantastic tour.  Did you know that eating cheese while you drink red wine prevents your teeth from staining?  Well now you do.

Soon, we headed to Camilla’s family’s home.  Her house is literally on the James River…overlooking Jamestown Beach Park.  Ummm, NEWSFLASH: That’s pretty dang cool.

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Sam and I spent the rest of the afternoon getting some Vitamin D on the dock and watching the ferry travel back and forth.  It was the perfect day and I didn’t want to leave.

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Williamsburg turned out to be pretty amazing and I am looking forward to my next trip.  Maybe I’ll buy one of those Tricorn hats next time. Maybe not.

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Texas Meets Charleston

Filed under: Everyday Life, Saddle Up — Leave a comment
April 30, 2013

Meet Shelley.

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At our hometown high school, she was the drill team captain.  I was the volleyball captain.  We were NOT friends.  However, we both attended Texas A&M University and through some serendipitous situations, she became my roommate and one of my very best friends.  She’s so breezy and the BEST travel partner.

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Shelley and I hadn’t seen each other in a while due to grad school, family vacations, and cross-country jobs.  She  moved to West Palm Beach in January and we decided to  meet halfway in Charleston, South Carolina for a much-needed rendezvous.  I’m still wandering why I didn’t just visit her in West Palm..but it was good to show her around a new city.

Why Charleston?  Because it”s awesome.  And practically my favorite place on the planet.  So Southern.  So beautiful.  I was meant to live in Charleston.

We began our adventure at Magnolia’s.  Soooooo good.

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We did some shopping and look what I found!

IMG_2804Tyler Candles!!!  #hometownfamous

One day we ventured into the South Carolina backwoods to visit the Firefly Distillery.  The drive looked like this:

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We thought we were lost, but finally found this:

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After tasting vodkas, moonshines, and bourbons, we explored outside and ran into a random animal farm.  Shelley made friends with some 8 year-olds and bunny rabbits.

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Afterwards we journeyed to Folly Beach.

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After about thirty minutes, an extremely cool breeze, and hefty sunburns we headed for Hyman’s Seafood.  Shelley made me try oysters for the first time.

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Delish!

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Hyman’s is another “MUST” in Charleston.

On our last day in town, we enjoyed brunch at Toast and headed downtown for massages.  As I mentioned above, we had sunburns…so the massages were a little uncomfortable.  Especially when the masseuse put hot stones directly on Shelley’s red hot back.

That night, Carly K drove in from Columbia to eat dinner at Fleet’s Landing and dessert at Kaminsky’s.  Smores cake.  Chocolate strawberry cake.  Girl Scout Cookie martinis. #heaven

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I loved loved loved seeing Carly!

The only thing that would have made the trip better was that if our third partner in crime, Tiner, was with us.  But she had “vet school finals” or whatever…

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Don’t you worry, Tine Tine–We’re stealing you away in 2014.

One of these days I’ll move to Charleston, but until then, I’ll keep enjoying these random rendezvous.  Until next time, C-Town.

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