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.
west coast
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.
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.
[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!
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
55 Cyril Magnin St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
On a nice day, take the San Francisco Bay Ferry to Sausalito.
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.
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.
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
Grab some donuts and coffee at Blue Star Donuts.
Visit Notary Ceramics to pick up some beautiful, handmade ceramics.
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
The sunsets in L.A. really are as amazing as the photos. While it has all the characteristics of a big city (the traffic, food, arts, nightlife), it also has the beach, a nice respite.
Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway, Los Angeles
Egg Slut
317 S. Broadway, Stall D-1
Bottega Louie
700 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
A beautiful place for brunch with a bakery attached.
Pink’s Hot Dogs
709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles
Hike up Runyon Canyon to see the city
2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles
Visit LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Venice Beach
Downtown LA