Parker Palm Springs
We stopped for brunch at one of Parker Palm Springs’ restaurant, Norma’s. The weather was perfect for us to enjoy the open-air seating out back.
Travel: Palm Springs, California
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Travel
Osaka
JAPAN
Travel: Osaka, Japan
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Vancouver
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Travel: Vancouver, British Columbia
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Vancouver is a special place for us. John spent a year there when he worked for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and I attended some of the events so it was fun for us to go back and visit the city together.
Stanley Park
Olympic Village Square
Flock in flight
Sunset in Capitol Hill, Burnaby
San Francisco
CALIFORNIA
Travel: San Francisco, California
[Updated January 2019]
San Francisco is known for its many tech companies, landmarks and its mix of the old and new. There is a lot to see, eat and do, but a lot can be done in less than a week!
Karl the Fog greeted us as we drove into San Francisco
Chinatown
Financial District
Cable Car
I loved riding the San Francisco Cable Cars. Two of the lines, Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde, run north/south which is a fun way to see the city. I prefer the southbound route because it goes downhill, giving you a great view.
There are a few ways to get your ticket:
1. Cash: If you need to buy your ticket when you board, make sure to bring cash ($7 USD at the time of writing).
2. MuniMobile
3. ClipperCard
4. CityPass
Tip: Make sure to get to the terminal stop early so you can choose your seat. You can sit outward-facing or stand. Don’t forget to hold on tight.
If you don’t have time to ride the cable car, you can still see them at their turnaround at the end of the line on turntables that are manually operated. The one at Powell St. and Market St. is a popular spot.
The Cable Car Museum is a small and free museum that explains the history and shows how the cable system works.
Kin Khao Thai Eatery
Kin Khao Thai Eatery
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Mount Davidson
San Francisco Bay Ferry
On a nice day, take the San Francisco Bay Ferry to Sausalito.
Coit Tower
Cliff House
Sausalito
Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths was a large saltwater swimming pool that was open to the public. Unfortunately, it burnt down in the 1960s but the ruins are still worth visiting. It was cloudy and gray when I went but the site looks very different when the sun is out.
Golden Gate Park
Fisherman’s Wharf
Golden Gate Bridge
Portland
OREGON
Travel: Portland, Oregon
Portland is divided into 5 neighbourhoods or quadrants (yes, QUADrants), each with its own personality. The food scene is huge, especially the food carts and food parks all around the city. Getting around by car is convenient, but biking, transit or walking in the downtown core are other options as well. Whether you spend a weekend in Portland or explore the rest of the beautiful Oregon coast, there should be something for just about everyone.
What to eat
First stop: The famous Nong's Khao Man Gai
Hainanese chicken rice (really, any variation of this) is of my favourite dishes.
Breakfast at The Egg Carton
Grab a cup of Portland coffee from Stumptown Coffee
Mexican hot chocolate
Cointreau Creme Brulee
Grab some donuts and coffee at Blue Star Donuts.
Where to Shop
Visit Notary Ceramics to pick up some beautiful, handmade ceramics.
What to see
Whether you love flowers or not, the International Rose Test Garden is a garden with hundreds of types of roses. You can find a quiet spot to read or to enjoy the
Mount Tabor is a mountain and park within the city. It’s great for running, hiking, picnics or seeing the city from afar.
Lost Lake, Mount Hood National Forest at sunset
