Murphy's House-New England

Hey Diane – Hope all is well….

Took these the other day – just after the snowstorm…..

Don’t ya miss it??

Jim M

I can't say I miss the weather but it is always beautiful after the storm. Thanks Jim

New England Wonderland Vs Sun Diego

Hello My family and friends in the snow.
Please email some photos of the recent beginning of winter, add your comments to the "comment" box below.

I took a few photos today after it warmed up in San Diego. (It started as only 64 degrees at 6:45am- I can't leave the house in such conditions). I would like to upload a comparision in the next few days.

Yesterday was 74-78 degrees. Wish you were here. Even those of you in Tennessee and Virginia are getting a taste of winter.  Put in your comments and email me photos to upload.

Hanging Coffins-Yangtze River Cruise

Hanging Coffins -You get to see one while on the Yangtze River in China.  You say huh..what exactly is that? Well if you look at the crack in the photo (gourge wall) you can see (barely) the hanging coffin. Now these are about 2000 years old so they thought of getting it up there must have been a challenge. Unfortunately many of the coffins either fell apart or are now underwater. Does this make them floating coffins?



Yangtze River Cruise- If I returned to China I would do this "5" star cruise differently. I would just go to Yishan and take some day trips through the Gorges. This photo show the last day and a half of the beauty of the Gorges even with the water up 100 meters or so. Remember the  "5" star in this country[China] is a bit off than the USA view of "5" star. In China if you get a star it is for always. So a one star will grow to a 5 (maybe 6) star hotel as the years go on, regardless of the lack of maintenance, heat, service, food or cruise!

Basically we had a nice time, poorest food I ate in China, some loud smoking chinese folks who had a great time but made us seem quiet. As many of you know I am not known for being quiet and my very best china buddy also can keep up her own party so the idea of loud Chinese (mostly men on this cruise) is something to ponder.

Do you have any coffins hanging around that you wish to share?

Tibet/Lhasa-?This is part of China?

Tibet/Lhasa

You don't just go to Tibet. You apply to get a guide and permit.  I thought  this was part of the "aren't you special" campaign for this area (notice Obama didn't get to go there). But I was wrong, this is the "let China assign you a sitter to make sure you don't act up or do anything to silly and embarrass"...hey maybe not  to embarrass  Obama, Nah- more likely not to embarrass yourself.

Our guide was a Tibetan and actually one of the nicest people we met in China.  Patient, Calm,Controlled and always ready to talk to us.
Some topics were forbidden, so as not to get our guide in any trouble, we just didn't ask the unmentionable questions...like why can't the Dalia Llama come here? Why can't we even bring a book in about the Dalia Llama? Why do the Chinese military , who are in riot gear and armed to the teeth with scary weapons line the roof and march around like the gestapos in Lhasa? Why does it appear that the Tibetans are treated as second class citizens in there own homeland? Why were we treated differently than in "mainland china", (autonomous area not included)? In main china they treat you very nice and are glad you are seeing there country, In Tibet the Chinese treat you like an intruder who is meant to be yelled at-Yes we got yelled at!

So we just got away from Lhasa and headed to the country side, We ate yak, -yak burgers, yak soup, yak with veggies, Yak curry and many other which we won't yak about. Paul and Sue rode a yak..( We are going to develop that story into a yak race  but this is still in the works)

The glacier area was interesting and we seen enough monasteries to last us a life time. Overall it was one of the most unusual areas I have ever been.

A note about monastry, WATCH OUT FOR VERY RELIGIOUS BUDDHISTS!,while exiting one famous monastriy we were overrun by fanatic religious prayer people who needed to get in so bad the came at us like the hoardes taking the great wall. Pushing me and a little lady aside, Sue saving tiny tibetan women with a child. Our guide yelling (ok talking calmly) to the police to save me. Eventually I was grabbed by security and dragged through the door. Sue saved the small baby and mom! Paul got in panic (save the wife mode)mode and began yelling excuse me as he pushed he religouis folk aside. I think Rc was taking pictures...he was in the back awaiting an opening to catch up with us....adventures with the Arciaga's must include at least one police action (Remember Red Square-the Arciagas get taking by police then have to pay the "mordita"(bribe) to walk free)

The Altitude is an issue, take the pills! Even then we walked slowly to keep our breathing normally.

Oh lastly, they don't have heat in the dining areas, lobbies, corridors and on one occasion our room! It is cold -3C or so take warm clothes if you venture this way.

Lost In Shanghia (part3 0f 3)

This view of a hutong that is now a maze of stores each about the size of your bathroom.

Now I was staying with my Gracious cousin Nancy who was working so I went to this shopping area . Her driver dropped me off and we set up a return time at the same location. I looked around and ventured into this crazy labyrinth of shops. Every few shops was an alley with more shops. Guess what after an 1 1/2 hours you no longer know how to get out, no one speaks English so you spend the next half hour walking to different exit areas thinking "OK, don't know where the driver dropped you off, don't speak the language, don't know the drivers number. don't even have a phone--but I do have Nancy's business card in mandarin(the one smart thing I did) just a panic starts to set in a glimmer of hope and I find the pick up spot. No I didn't recognize it it all looks alike, I just ran out of options! I immediately stayed put at a restaurant nearby and awaited the drivers return.

Shanghia is one of China's nicer cities. At night it is lit up like Vegas-only until 10 pm-they are being green. I went to The Bund which to be honest was like walking in Boston- old bank buildings... well to each his own. Got yelled at "No photo, No photo" when I tried to take a picture of the ornate ceiling in one bank. Go figure you can walk through historical 2-5000 year old buildings and take picture but the 1890's bank is a no photo area.

Last some NQR's the first was posted in the hutong hotel in beijing. It gets you a bit nervous!

The second is a sign in a museum. In order to get your head hit by the escalator you need to bend over the rail on your left about 2 feet and really lean out to crack your head.

Someone must have really smacked there noggin to warrant this sign on all four levels of the escalator.

Thanks for the time. Next trip Yangtse river cruise-Tibet Lhasa.

Summer Palace,Forbidden City or People Palace (part 2 of 3)

Nihoo

The colors in China are bright. They must paint over the red(s) a lot to keep down the oxidization, but it is an eyeful for us visitors. After taking a slow boat in china as opposed to a slow boat to china--We found the local canal run up to the summer palace. It was hot, tiny seats with 4 people in a row for 2 people, change of boats, windows don't open. no air conditioning, and three (locals)pick-up locations we made it to the summer palace. It was actually a good way to go as we ended up at the far end and saw an area that we would never have found going in with the tourist north entrance. Oh yeah (NQR)they just let us off and pointed -no map but we could see the palace on the other side of the lake luckily we guessed the correct direction.

Above is the Temple of Heaven and a bit of Forbidden Palace(they now call it People's palace the don't like the negative image of Forbidden Palace).

The marble pathway was only for the Emperor to be carried over, no else could walk on it. Does this mean the all had to jump over it to go from one side of palace to the other? and if so how did they do that with the gowns they all wore?

We took over 400 photos-No you won't see them all. Beijing, Tianjin are busy busy cities - Oh I forgot- they closed Tianamen square while we were their for a parade practice- the 60th years of communism celebration- the whole area was closed off.It looks like a big concrete area. I guess the history is the best part of seeing it.

China (part 1)

China

(Part 1)

I finally made it to China! It is just to much to tell in one sitting!

The biggest thing about China-the people, there are soooo many people. They are friendly and helpful. You ask they really try to help. Really try being the key phrase because language is an issue!

Tianjin was my first stop. It is a small city of about 10-12 million. Paul worked, I went out on my own. It is very safe. My first venture by myself- I found "Hearty Coffee" great it is in English! Its 2:00pm and I go in for an iced coffee. The place is busy and I sit at the coffee bar. I get the English menu and the staff is clearly confused as to why a blond "mei gou ren" green eye lady has showed up in there restaurant. I order the Icy Icy Coffee and a honey cake. THIS SEEMED LIKE A SAFE EASY ORDER-- I get a mint alcohol iced coffee and a large round waffle with honey on the side. Now I am so embarrassed that I laugh and eat a few bites of waffle and drink my Icy Icy, pay and leave.

Trains, Planes and Taxi's- all are very clean. Taxi's and ALL drivers are crazy! The red light is treated as a "suggestion" rather than a stop now. The Tianjin/Beijing bullet train is better than any train in the USA. The seating is assigned the efficiency is amazing- 200mph and you get to Beijing in 27 minutes. Similar is San Diego to LA in distance. The airports are all new and even have some regular toilets.

What I could live without----the spitting and air pollution. Although we had some clear weather most days started white grey and ended white grey.

Ancient Cultural Street which is actually "newly" built. [Side note: This is an example of NQR(not quite right) many example of this can be found in China. The literal translation of things from Chinese to English will make you laugh.] This is the cleaner safer version of " tourist shopping in Tijuana", lots of dickering. I bought some old coins the price started at 3800 rmb. I purchased them for 100 rmb. OK so it is not quite Tijuana, no one speaks English, spanglish or Spanish but bartering is bartering. The barter battle was on!

People stare and say "Hello" which is the only english word they know but hey they are trying.

You begin to feel like "the bear in the mall" people find you interesting but wonder if you are dangerous and also what the heck is that "bear" doing in the mall.

write your comments on your odd experiences below.

See you next post-China (part II) Shanghai-following China part III -Beijing

Cancun-Mayan Riviera-Palace Spa Resort

.....Me gusta la playa.

Paul and I decided that after all the China stuff (rejection) we needed a vacation.

We picked the Palace Spa Resort in the Mayan Riviera. As we live in San Diego and are at the border, the swine flu was not even a care in our planning and it shouldn't be in yours if you plan on going south!

The best thing was the 1500 room resort had 1/8Th capacity. The service was great, the resort was all inclusive which is not normally our style.

The room was nice with an ocean view. If you go ask to be in the 1500- 1600 building(s). The rooms included liquor for those who couldn't get out and order at the pool. We never even cracked the bottles, of course Paul seldom has a drink and I go for wine as a preference. But they keep your refrigerator stocked with juice,soda, beer and water. We asked to remove the everything and just leave soda and water. The water came in handy on or day trips we brought plenty to help with the heat.

The food and tips- Tips were included with everything and you didn't feel pressure from staff,, but we still tipped 20-50 pesos for good service. You can tell the people are worried for their jobs because there are so few room occupied. They has 6 restaurants open, 2 were closed. All the food was fine...I would say like cruise food, some times better than others.

The Pool- they have two area, kids and no kids under 18. The no under 18 was a constant large pool party with more drinking than we cared to be around. The few times we watched the activities the people were having fun doing pretty silly, a bit risque, but other wise harmless stuff. The other pool was empty!!!

The Lagoon- We stayed hear most of the time. We sat in the VIP section which was covered in shade. We never figured out if we were VIP but they didn't toss us out of the nice seats! It was quiet, relaxing and those frosty fu-fu drinks were fun! (No direct ocean , lots of fish in a protected lagoon)

The Spa- great book a package as soon as you arrive and this is not included in all inclusive but great spa and massage!!!!

The trip(s)---UGH!

The Chitzen Itza trip was 2.5 hours of driving in a crowded,no space bus, then forced shopping, a crappy guide, and 2.5 hours of driving back. Do your self a favor pay for a private driver to take you for the day, have the concierge set it up. We had to stop in 4 other resort both coming and going ---other folks had a worse day they had 9 stop before they were back at there resort. Chitzen Itza is worth doing just not on a big bus"""""""!

The Tulum Express is worth doing the guide was on time, very informed. Bring your bathing suit this has a beach rated top in the world.

China-Like the Hobbit or there and back again!

Well, Folks here is my latest news!

Paul went to China, I got a postcard and mandarin lessons. The China project is on hold or stall when Paul left May 31-- the clothes were in the garage ready for movers, the shots were done, the cultural and lessons were ON! Go China.

Then comes the bad news-- talks have stalled , all work on hold.......disappointment follows as our "adventure" has now turned to dust (or smog in China, not really sure).

So I am like the fantasy book "There and back again", only I just get to live vicariously through Paul as he travels thought China (as we all read "the Hobbit" and lived through Bilbo Baggins).

Not really the new Plan is: Paul and I are going together his next trip over(whenever that may be) and then we will spend time traveling in China.

I have had about 6 going away parties here in California and now I need to have a return party (even though I haven't gone anywhere)!

Any ideas on how I should make my return to the west?

I guess we can serve Dim Sum....I will pick a date soon and if you are in the area hope to see you on my return , with humor and smiles Diane

Devlin's Potty humor(and other Chinglish)

Shanghai Nancy has come to the rescue. (to help explain the NQR- Not quite right life in China).

As you can see the Chinese are kind enough to give us signs to explain: 

First WHO you  are? Lots of  the Devlin clan- as well as friends of the clan- are Ragamuffins (and proud of it!).

Those not in this category will kindly be placed in the latter 2 areas.(Note: we not longer need to read the entrance regulations having been excluded from the start.)

Kindly refrain from placing your "Junks" in the toilet.

Consequences below:

 

China Apartments- What is this?

Looking at Apartments online in China I found these two view: 

Help What are these items?

So far my sister Carol has the funniest best answer, particularly for the foyer:

Picture 1 is a hair dryer.  (old outdated-ok maybe you have never been in establishments with this upgrade!)

Picture 2 shows the accoutrements for a little known chinese ritual involving tea kettles, giant bird baths, potted trees, plastic tubs and spray bottles.  First, you take the spray bottle and coat the tree with water.  You then collect the drippings using the plastic tub.  Transfer the drippings from the plastic tub to the tea kettle.  Heat the water to boiling.  Fill the bird bath.  Repeat until bird bath is full of hot water.  (TIP:  Act quickly or the water will cool.)  Buy a freshly slaughtered chicken, head still attached.  Holding the chicken by its head, dip it repeatedly into the bird bath full of hot water.  This will loosen the feathers.  Lay the chicken on the table and pluck the feathers, which have been loosened by the hot water.  (Save the feathers for another ritual, one that also involves the tree, a chinese opera singer and the theme song from the original three stooges movies -- more on this in a future email.)  Cook the chicken using flavorings and sauces of your choice.  Be careful of the feathers you were unable to pluck - they tend to stick in your throat.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT use the water in the bird bath for chicken soup --  unless of course you have access to the giant strainer that sits inside the giant bird bath.  PS, the giant birdbath also serves as a footbath, which is why it is common in the foyers of chinese apartments.  Skip the chicken and heat the water just short of boiling.  This explains why the chinese are so fond of chicken feet.

 

That should make you laugh and be happy for the new experience I can look forward to in the near future.

SMILES Diane

What's your interpretation?

Lost (&Confused) Horizon-China Update

China always takes a long term view. They have been around over 5,000 years. 

Keep this in mind as you read my attempt at making a stressful situation humorous.

Getting a "Z" Visa in China has become getting an F&Z Visa.  

Here is the process.

a medical exam

a letter from someone in china inviting you to come over

a employment letter from a company in China

apply for z visa

Doesn't this (above) sound so simple!

An update(or as much as "we", aka Paul and I, the confused, can tell you)!

Call all, Chinese Embassy(s)  in USA numbers to get the prerecorded message(s) then leave messages which will go unanswered. There appear to be  no live people in these mystery places just recordings.

Now save yourself some worry(hahahaha)and get a relocation agency to assist you in the process.

They are trying to help but the email messages are so tricky. 

Does a "we" mean me and Paul or does it mean "we" as in Paul, Me and the relocation company or "we" the relocation company only? 

Does "I will start the process" mean while you work on your end? I think not!!!!

Yes I am ranting.

Medical Exam to get into China to work-- it is harder than becoming a Navy Seal-- blood, hiv, hep B\A , Aids test, EKG,Chest xray, physical etc. Get an "approved by China" doctor to do all the tests, bring all films, originals of all tests, with signed Chinese Medical Form, and send it all to China.

Invite Letter- takes 15-20 days, mas o menas, but not until you get all medical exam completed.

Employment Letter- takes 4-5 days, and I think it is a letter from Paul's company(China division) saying they want him to work in China, so it must be issued and stamped-Chinese like their "Stamps".  Again Not until you complete the medical exam.

Apply for Z visa- get all (we think as our inquiry to embassy is awaiting tranlation -including xray and ekg etc)of the originals of everything you had done above  sent to you in USA then get it to the Chinese embassy and they might get you the visa in 3-5 days.

IF you get the "F&Z Visa" go to China and repeat all the steps plus a few more, including registering with the Police so you can get another permit to reside here!

So you ask when are you leaving? 

We can't tell you, it is in God's and the rulers of Middle Kingdoms hands

How long will you be there (if you get through the process)? 

As long as it takes to get through the next set of hoops...

 it could  be 10 -12 months in which case Paul will be done with his project.

with humor, SMILES DI

Lastly, Swine FLU may prevent entry or exit....Ugh!

Staycation?

Hi all,

I haven't gone anywhere so I guess I am on a staycation!  A friend recently used this and explained it was staying in your home town and doing stuff you normally do when company comes from out of town.

This got me thinking; What do I do now that I do when company comes to town?  

I clean more, Yes I have been doing that since I am not working (outside the HOME!!!).  

I  go out eat, Yes, I am doing that but not really more we must always be staycationers.

I hike and go for walks on beach, Yes, But again we live in San Diego -We do this for exercise.

Ok, I have not gone to Disney since the  "last company" but we have zoo passes and seaworld so we stop in for an hour about once a month. 

 Side Note: Sick as it is....Why don't we ever see crazy ladies jump into the polar bear exhibit -----during feeding time?

Nick gave the perspective of the polar bears.   "Hey, feeding time and they just chucked in a crazed overgrown seal!! WeeHa".  The bear was just excited like getting easter candy to little kids.  

Sorry, my mind wanders back to staycations.

I don't think I like "staycations". I  don't like the word or the ?meaning?  I am confused.  It is ugly to mix vacation and staycation. I don't want the "stay" I want the "VACATION"  as defined by websters:

Main Entry:1va·ca·tion
Pronunciation:\vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\
Function:noun
Usage:often attributive
Etymology:
Middle English vacacioun, from Anglo-French vacacion, from Latin vacation-, vacatio freedom, exemption, from vacare
Date:
14th century
1: a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
2 a: a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended b: a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation
4: an act or an instance of vacating

Now according to "Urban Dictionary" (as this is a made up word Webster doesn't even recognize it!)

staycation: 
A vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer.

Let me just finish by saying: Excuse me but isn't that what we should be doing everyday?

regular day:

A regular day(removed vacation) that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home and one's home environs have to offer.

Lastly, while living in China I think I will do both "staycation and vacation" depending on my mood on that particular day...I hope you will keep  up with me. 

Smiles to all Have a pleasant stayca...oops I mean day!

 Diane

Disneyland-Is it still the happiest place on earth?

Just visited Disneyland, even though they are always upgrading: It is the same! 

Did my niece love it ?Yes! 

Was it crowded? Not like the summertime.

What was good? Lack of long waits, sit down lunch in new orleans square, staying at local hotel outside gate,eating dinner offsite of disney. 

What was bad? 1 long wait, broken down (again-like my last visit) Indiana Jones ride, No parade!, No fireworks!, was initially told closing at 9pm,(instead of midnight) but at 7ish, they announced they would stay open until 10 pm.

cost: for 3 people- admission 200.00( lucky us- we got California resident special), food about 150.00, hotel 150.00,gas etc another 80-100 so about 500.00 for a day

Smiles: Priceless

What is your next theme park adventure?

Battle Sloth

Do you have a "repeat visit" photo? We have the "Battle of the Sloth", as of you who have come to visit and have gone to La Brea Tarpits with us know the battle. Each person must fight the sloth which of course we photograph!

Let me know if you have goofy photos and can I post a few of yours--yes it will embarrassment of your family and friends.

2009 Ladies trip Tankah Bay, Mexico

This may be  a bit long and a few things are "under the dome" and bear not repeating..OK, actually nothing that exciting, lots of laughing, eating , walking, mucho tequila and vino.

Saturday Arrival, perfect flights arrive to cooked meal, Jackie, Pam ,stocked kitchen, and a cook!. The house is great sleeps 16 but we were only 9 .

Sunday was Superbowl so we went between sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, television, walking to eating and drinking.

Monday was all about "Sue's Birthday", her and her best-est friend(s).  We all decided to go to Tulum. Now many took the 'tour' but myself, Roz, Pam and Jackie decided to do our own tour.  Two of our group found their ADD kick in and then things went south.  The laughter was so tear jerking that as we passed  our peers on  the 'tour' Carolina wished to jump ship but feared the wrath of her fellow tourist.  We found our interpretation of the  piles of rocks(Pam) to be very imaginative and the book we purchased gave us all the information on the history. IE Yum Kaac is the god of corn, it was a commercial trading town and no live virgins (or dead) were sacrificed to the gods . We ended the day in Tulum at a great Thai restaurant on the beach- Sue had more birthday shots!

Tuesday was Massage Day. Daniel the local massage/shaman came to bless us and we all agreed he was a blessing. The massages were great and while never crossing the line being conservative folks from the USA made each of us nervous.BUT not that nervous we scheduled him to come back a second day. Relax-Go Daniel. Oh yeah speaking of conservative ladies on our beach walk we came upon a small hotel with naked people, two men, one woman lay naked on beach chairs. Yes, they could get away with it, yes, we looked, and YES he was well endowed.

(Now my view is if you lie naked on a public beach you want to be looked at, so I looked)

Wednesday is Cenote and Gary's bar. For those from New England this is a deep mixed fresh water and seawater, all right its a clear water marsh and you all know what a bar is!

A note on Gary, He is a middle age guy who I thought was the waiter but found out he is the "owner and owns 5 Million dollars worth of beach front, lives in the adjoining shack,needs dental work, has blue eyes" which was 6 things more than we needed to know, on the positive it was the only place with a glass of decent wine.

Thursday off to Coba. This time Jayne, Sherry and I took 'the tour" while the other ladies jumped on bikes and rode off into the jungle.  Coba (yes Pam, more pile of rocks) is the largest city, we got to walk up to the top  of the largest pyramid and biking through the woods was fun.

Shopping and Local beer while we waited ride. It was hot!

Friday MORE massage(s), more Gary's bar, more kayaking---I don't know who won but is wasn't Jackie and Roz, they just laughed until they floated back to civilization.

Every day we had a delicious breakfast and terrific dinner prepared by Lily and Serena. Each beautiful sunrise and sunset made this location absolutely beautiful.  We found the house on VRBO.com.

If you have a group and want a relaxing fun place this would be it!

Imperial Valley-Ok not a destination but 1 year!

El Centro-The Center of what? 

Yes "the Valley" as I can now call it because we resided for a little over a year, that is something.  It a farm area which produces 1/3 of all the food produced in the USA, so you will smell manure...a lot of manure. It is located 120 miles from San Diego. It is a watered dessert and hot as Hades, sometimes it may be hotter. Now even if that sounds bad there are some good and fun things.  

Number One the people. We immediately meet wonderful folks who welcomed us into there homes and hearts.  Everyone says hello and will help you out.  [I miss you all]

If you go to the area(like stop on your way across to Phoenix). Here are 3 good stops. 

Burgers n Beer, it sounds like a yahoo cowboy bar but is more like a Chili's only with the best burgers I have found in California. Exit 14 about 2 miles up the road.

Camacho's, now this is just regular tacos and beer. The catch is the locals and location as a city dweller when I drive through nothing but farms and pull into a gravel small restaurant in the middle of n where and finds lots of locals plus  a friendly family staff ,the casual mix match tables, people all talking to each other, make it a fun experience. (get directions on website)

Taste of Thai is a find, fresh veggies in tasty Thai dished at reasonable prices, exit 4 pass up on the fast food head east about 1 mile on right.

Any comments from dessert folks are welcome, Smiles.

Nashville to Knoxville ...I see Green

OK the green is not money but lots of green trees, grass and hillside once you get out of Nashville's downtown. When you visit Nashville, so my sister told me, you go to the "Honktonk bars".  So off me and sis go at 9ish  at night on a weekday and yes lots of people are out and partying. The live music in each bar is a great taste of  different styles in country music, beers abound but expect jug wine. It is a fun, interesting, eclectic group.   Give it a try.

A definite stop should be Margot Cafe and Bar  in Nashville. We had an outstanding meal and excellent service(smiles).  Oh yeah...Leann Rimes was at the next table, no we didn't bother her and she didn't bother us....

Off to Knoxville, the folks are friendly and fun to be around.... if you can understand them.. as a Bostonian/Californian,  I find it easier to understand a thick Irish brogue.  Ever feel like your in a Charlie Brown comic  "waah wah waah wa" with a twang! (you know who you are..) Also, they all talk at once and seem to love a good fun argument which fits right in with my Devlin upbringing.  This is a friendly people town which  I 'll return. Thanks Alison for letting us keep her awake by the pool when she needed to get up at "oh dam dark thirty' for her Alison and Andy talk show which I listened to regularly, "understood"-see above sentence, and found it fun and let me know what was up in the city.

We visited Southern Market, an interesting group of local artisans lots of selection nice to stop in and shop.

We hiked Laurel falls in the Smokey Mountains and visited the Tuckaleechee Caverns. The hike was easy and nice for a day I'd sat a trip great for families.  The Tuckaleechhe Caverns are nice but the interpretative guide was poor. He was more interested in telling his life story than the geologic or interesting facts about the caves.  Even if he made up some exaggerated crazy story about large mountain men, aka Tennessee Bigfoot, living in the caves for 2 years eating possum, small people and large mammals it would have been better that his life's travel (which had nothing to do with the caves).  But what made it fun was the laughs we had making up how to better the "guided tour". P.S. Ladders and walking seem to be an issue for a lot of the "not in good shape" for a lack of better term, this was a moderate to easy caves tour.

Lastly, I had a great facial and massage from Beth Poore of Dermatology Association of Knoxville A nice way to relax while in Knoxville. She is knowledgable of facial needs and product.  Give her a try if your in town.

Thanks for listening!  Oh yeah wear Orange if you go they seem to love the color(hee-hee).

Plymouth, Massachusetts "the Rock"

Family bear with me, since it seems the entire clan in lives in the the vicinity of "the Rock" but for me last August was a vacation or a trip back in time.  

Plymouth, a great place for seafood, clams, lobster rolls and a lot of fried stuff. 

As a Californian for 25+ years, the land of fruits and nuts(yes, both figurative and literatally)- Do you guys always eat a lot of fried stuff?

I and a sister stayed in "a cottage", New England small beach house.  Plymouth is a trip back in time to the days when  a few family members would go to the beach---6 Coffey's, 12 Murphy's, 4-8 Devlin's all descended on  the 5 Mullen's  2 room cottage for a few days. It was always fun but a blur as you are overwhelmed with cousins.  Things never change!

The warm summer ,Plymouth beach or White Horse are beautiful not just in my memory but as I walked along as an adult I see the true beauty of this area. 

Places to see include Plymouth Rock, which is a bit disappointing as it is so small and no one really knows if this is "the exact rock" but commemorate it all the same.  I like the cemeteries walk through and see all the "original" settlers.  Food which is always a top on my list, go to the Lobster hut. Also, try steamers or steamed mussels in any of the small local restaurants.

Enjoy some local club with live music on a Friday to get the local flair(most likely there will be someone related to me).

Plymouth is summer fun, bbq's, beach bonfires,pleasant seafood meals, lite shopping, ice cream and of course mosquito's!

Now as far as actual names of places to eat I need my family to post there "best of" in the plymouth, cape cod area . Please tell me the name of the thai place, it looks like a small coffee shop?

New, New,New Orleans!

Our third visit back since Hurricane Karena was in March 2008 not only is New Orleans back but better than ever.  We decided to stay (a first) in a Bed and Breakfast-HH Whitney House on Esplanade.  Now we drove up and saw an interesting old house,  a big  home like Aunt Mary's for all of you who knew her friendly big home in Boston. I must admit -I thought Holy S*it, I don't know if this will work- the front of the white house had  graffiti  OK --- on closer look it was the  familiar Hurricane rescue symbol, a large diamond  of who went through and  how many people are in it (dead or alive)=marine arrived, "0" at home and thankfully "0" dead!

We decided at least lets go in  and we didn't regret a second of our time spent in this lovely home.

Our host Glenn and Randy are great. You will love how friendly and helpful they are. I love that Glenn has a rich southern history and shared it freely. The inside of the house is decorated in

antique southern style, each bedroom decorated differently.  We arrived on a week with only a few guest so we had the house frequently to ourselves.  Randy's pick of  food and restaurants is excellent, a man who thinks like me not only where to eat but what to order to make it terrific.

Now as we are ( in my case I sometimes think  forced marchers) walkers the HH Whitney is just outside the loud french quarter. Our host Glenn tells us the best BBQ oysters are at Drago's Seafood Restaurant, so off we go, they were the best! Even better than Acme Oyster House which are delicious too.  Upon return Glenn was amazed we walked all the way as it is on the far side of French Quarter on the river, later we discovered over 5 miles round trip, a bit much for an appetizer.

So I want you all to go to New Orleans, here are the places I want you to go. First stay with Glenn and Randy at HH Whitney House, if your a walker, take a cab to the house , skip the rental car and then even if you are out late in the quarter a cab is only about $5.00 to get home. I would not walk home late at night in New Orleans, remember we are still tourist and we look like it, don't do dump crap!  Otherwise we walked back until about 8-ish, like any one watch where you are going and who is around the entire time you are anywhere in New Orleans. 

New Orleans =Jazz and food.  Well, so some for folks it is also drinks. Me, It was wine with one notable  killer drink at Port of Call which kicked me into la la land by 8 pm and I only drank half of it!. God these New Orleans folks and lots of visitors are tough! But back to Port of call, great burgers and local folks, we sat at the bar. Oh yeah, My husband, Paul is my designated driver, walker, cab getter and greatest friend, enjoyed the bar he talked to strangers sitting all around.  I  know ....those of you who know Mr. Silent find this hard to believe but on vacation he must become Dr Hyde.

Another really great spot which is off the beaten path was Lola's on Esplanade, which had wonderful paella and overall a relatively inexpensive great meal.

Lunch at Commanders Palace, garden district,is not to be missed. This is in the garden district  take a cab or trolley and arrive 1-1 1/2 hours early to walk through the neighborhood. Work up an appetite for a great (expensive) meal, BUT  do get a few .25 Martini's to decorate your table. You will need reservations and get there on time.  (If you stay at HH Whitney ask to borrow book(s) which shows walking tours or other tours or just ask for directions).

Now we hike all over and ate muffelettas, oysters and lots of other good food. We went to museums, took the ferry over to the other side of river and walked around even did the dumb Mardi Gras manufacturer tour!  Lots of shopping with antiques  We will go back, this is a fun 3-4 day trip for any of you folks that want a quick get away.

Let  me know if you go and what you like, tell us interesting finds and of course more great food locations or jazz!!!

Oahu-Turtles,Islamic Art and Squid balls!(and of course,where Obama grew up)

A December visit to Oahu with the family proved exciting and different for all of us.  This is my ninth time to the islands and I always look for new things to do. Normally we hike but heavy rain and flash floods prevented any exhausting trail runs.   Let me explain! We did get to do one hike up to Diamond head, this beautiful pleasant hike turned into a new (family) record of 20 minutes to the top.  I find my family competes on how fast we can get up to the top of any hike which I find exhausting  but get sucked into every time-- too much testosterone in my 2 sons and husband.

What I really want you all to hear about are our three fun tours. The best by far was(1) "The Hole in the Wall Food tour",followed by(2) Hawaiian Nautical snorkeling tour and last(3) Doris Dukes Shangria la-Islamic Art.

If you go to Honolulu do the "Hole in the Wall Food Tour". Book it before you get there for the first days of your vacation.   This interesting tour of no more than 10 people  and will give you some of the best perspective(s) on dining locations and the city while trying lots of (albeit fattening) delicious and interesting foods most visitors would never try on there own.  The tour starts with a pick up at  your hotel then off to begin eating while they teach you some interesting history of the islands. Matt and Keira, the owners  knowledge will assist you on selecting your other restaurant choices while you are visiting.  The stop in Chinatown was so helpful  although we have visited Chinatown 2-3 times  prior this was the first time we actually felt an understanding of how "Chinatown" works.  I don't want to give away the entire tour but be prepared to eat and enjoy lots of foods you may never have tried -Go with an open mind and empty stomach. Try everything,  even Squid Balls! (they change foods, as available, so you may not get them). I suggests you read the reviews on Tripadvisor or Yahoo to get more opinions of this tour.  Note: my family of five are from 21 years to 54 years old picked this the best event of the week.

Second, we boarded the Hawaiian Nautical Snorkel tour. It is a catamaran with no more than 49 people on board.  We do a snorkel tour anytime we go to the Hawaiian Islands. Note:the larger boats are crowded and you do not get the customer service that is provided in the smaller boats. The tour has a guarantee that if you don't see dolphin or a whale you get a free return trip (good for 2 years from the date of issue). You will see lots of fish and probably some turtles.  They don't go out on ugly weather as some of the big boats seem to do.  They bring you to a calm area and keep a good watch on all of there passengers.  Lunch and drinks are provided.  A pleasant way to spend the day.

Last, The Doris Duke Shangria La tour I think you should try this tour it is only 25.00 and includes admission to the Hawaiian Academy of Arts museum.  This should be booked prior to your arrival to get an early morning time. I wouldn't waste the mid day for this tour as your whole day will be split up.  Doris Duke lived in this home and has an eclectic collection of Islamic Art, the tour is fast paced which is good any longer would become a bit boring.  We decided we liked the  fast talking tour guide and found Doris was not someone we would want to be around.  She appeared to treat animals(her children) better than people.  If you don't like art skip this tour and be aware when we arrived my husband and I were in the younger crowd and our 2o year old didn't have any real knowledge of Doris Duke other than PBS saying funded by "the Doris Duke Foundation".

To rap up in Oahu you could and should go to many other places of interest but here are a few things that are different from most "tourists" locations. 

Every one will point out Obama's home , church, school etc but eating  great manapua's  now that a vacation!

Do you have any interesting fun tours or hikes that you think should everyone  should try?