Finally, Nashville, TN is on the List

A runner I have never claimed myself to be. Swimmer? Sure. Dancer? Oh yeah. A Country Music fan? Yup! But a runner? I wish. Nevertheless, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to cross off a travel wishlist city of mine -- Nashville, Tennessee -- for this gigantic annual sports event.

The Country Music Marathon & 1/2 is coming up this spring and several of my friends are geeked up to run (or at least attempt to run most) of it. I'll be there with my camera and a sign, cheering for them along the sidelines.

Whenever a long-weekend trip comes up, the question is always whether to fly or drive. Should we use the airline miles we've worked so hard to obtain, or save them for a longer, pricier trip? I typically choose the latter, since I'm usually not the driver anyway. And in this case, after researching our flight options, it would in fact, be cheaper and more efficient to drive to the great country capital. We'll carpool with a friend and bunk up for the weekend, exploring every curve of the city and hidden restaurant and pub gem we can find.

Following my own past advice, I'll take the next few weeks to delve into some Nashville tourism sites and tip guides to compile a list of maybes to accomplish while we're in town. That's the fun part! The open-ended realm of possibilities your maybe list presents is the most exciting part of a trip, save the simple idea of skipping work for a couple days. That's also glorious. Everyone needs a breather now and then to remind them that there's a life outside of your cubical. Cubical smubical. Vacation is truly on the horizon now.

Now I've got some research to do.

The Road to Hana - Maui, Hawaii

Where else in the world can you cliff dive into a waterfall, swim in a sacred pool, dig your toes into a black sandy beach, drive over dozens of one-lane bridges, walk through a lava tube or gaze at the natural and virtually untouched landscapes of the Pacific Ocean off the islands?

If you ever have the chance to go to Maui, one thing is certain -- you simply must drive the road to Hana.  Take the entire day to explore some of the newest beaches on Earth, created by volcanos and carved by the thrashing of waves over the course of thousands of years. 

They offer tours, but I've heard some horror stories of broken AC, bad translators and bumpy-car-sickness-buses.  You're better off renting a vehicle that you feel comfortable driving on narrow, winding roads for 6+ hours, so you can spend as much or as little time as you'd like at each stopping point.  (Note:  Make sure to add multiple drivers to your rental insurance if you plan to share the drive).  We opted for a Jeep Rubicon with the top off, and it worked out perfectly. 

Things You'll Need:

• Maui Revealed guidebook (or another book that lists each attraction by mile marker), or CD
• Packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water
• Hand sanitizer
• Old hiking shoes if you plan on walking the paths to more hidden waterfalls
• Bathing suit under your clothes
• Sunglasses/Hat
• Beach towel if you plan on swimming
• Camera

Road to Hana Tips:

• Depending on where you're driving from, make sure to leave early in the morning.  Most tours start around 8-9AM, so it's a good idea to start ahead of the pack at 6-7AM.  At any given stop, there is only enough room in the pullout for 1-2 cars to park.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas.  The town of Paia is the last stop with a gas station before you get to Hana.
• If the weather calls for a chance of rain, make sure to bring waterproof clothes/bag for valuables.
• Keep the windows and top down and take in the flowery aromas and breathe in the muggy air.
• Read the legends and history in the guidebook along the way so you know what you're seeing.  Hawaii is full of stories, and reading them made the trip memorable.
• Don't rush.  Take your time on the road.  The road is the attraction.  Once you get to Hana there isn't much to see -- just a sleepy, laid back town.  It's about the trip there, and it's extraordinary for sure!
• Pull off to the side if you're being followed closely.  Locals zoom around the tight curves with ease.  Pulling over is what the locals call "driving aloha".
• Don't drink the water.  It's not safe.  Drink your bottled water.

There are dozens of waterfalls to see along the way.  The guidebook will lead you by mile marker to the easiest ones to see, but there are countless others if you're brave enough to hike for a couple hours in the jungle.  We chose to stick close to the road.  Here are some of my favorite waterfall shots!

Make sure drive with the windows open and top down.  The roads were breathtaking!

I've been to plenty of beaches in my days of travel, but truly had never seen a more vivid contrast of colors, natural beauty and inspiring views until we reached the black sand and black pebble beaches.  They're definitely worth the stop.  You've never seen anything like it!

There a lots of caves, paths and lava tubes to explore in this wonderland.  You have to crouch down low to get through some of them, but then they open up unto a world of bright blue crashing waves on a black sand beach overgrown with vivid green.  This is planet Earth at its finest. 

Toward the end of your journey, you'll come to place the guidebooks call the Seven Sacred Pools, however, after much reseach, we've discovered that there's actually nothing "sacred" about them and there are many more than seven!  The area was originally referred to as O'heo Gulch.  Since the owner of the land wished to share his beloved natural oasis with locals and travelers, he decided to change it to its current name to attract more visitors.  Whichever way you choose to refer to it, these pools are amazing. 

This gulch is where the fresh rain water from the top of the mountain drains into waterfalls, each with their own pool, until the fresh water reaches the sea at the very bottom.  Gradually, each pool gets a more salty as the water combines with the ocean.  Needless to say, this water is not drinkable and even carries bacteria, but it's the perfect place for a quick dip before continuing your journey to Hana.  Highly recommended.

The photos just simply don't do it justice.  The road to Hana is the adventure of a lifetime.  Truly.  You won't be disappointed if you take some chances, get dirty and explore the world around you! 

Butterflies

I woke up this morning with a crazy little feeling.  Picture your first kiss ... the anticipation ... the build-up ... the anxiety ... the butterflies in your stomach.  It's finally starting to hit me .... I-am-going-to-Hawaii!!!

Ever since my childhood friends vacationed on the islands and returned with my very own authentic grass skirt and shell necklace souvenirs, I've dreamt of going for myself.  That's almost 3/4 of my life spent imagining what it's like to land on Maui.  Flying over the Pacific to the middle of the open sea, you're halfway to Japan out there!  Of course, I've seen pictures, watched movies and specials on TV, but I'm willing to bet that nothing is like quite seeing it in person.

This will be my first true island adventure vacation where I'll comb the beaches, drive the tricky offroads, gaze at waterfalls, climb volcanos, hike the palm forests and breathe in the Hawaiian breezes.  Maybe I'll even eat a pineapple or 2 ... or 7.   Spending a week, living like the locals do.  I simply can't wait!

For now, it's time to do some research and plan out a few specific day trips and activities.  I sense some sunrises, great beaches, historic towns and great wineries in my future.  But the rest will simply be filled with relaxation time on the beach with my man.  Aloha!

Pack Light, Be Happy

Having a vacation on the horizon is the perfect excuse to buy a few things whole new summer wardrobe.  I'm not much of a shopper, but when it comes to sundresses, summery sandals, beach bags and shades, you can color me happy! 

I just purchased this little ditty yesterday at American Eagle.  Not a typical AE fan, I was surprised to find such a comfy sundress for cheapish.  It'll be great with a belt and flip flops in Maui!  Speaking of Maui packing, if I learned one lesson from Mexico, it's that you really don't need to pack much other than a couple bikinis, PJs and a sundress for each day.  Add in a couple coverups and one or two adventure (hiking, walking, bike riding) outfits and you're good to go!  I definitely packed too much for our honeymoon.  I didn't even come close to wearing it all, and believe-it-or-not, having a myriad of clothes to choose from made it *more* annoying to get dressed. 

Especially if you're in a tropical place, you just want to throw something on and go ... not stew over the piles of tank tops and bottoms you brought "just incase".  Buy key items you know you'll be excited to wear!  Pack light, be happy.  That's my new travel motto. 

Carry-on packing is key.  Summer clothes are small and light, so should your carry-ons be.  If you're checking a bag, bring only essentials on the plane -- purse items, makeup, bikini, one change of clothes.  The less you have to lug through the airport between connecting flights, the better.  For our Maui trip, our plan is to check one bag between the two of us, and carry a light rolling duffle on the plane stocked with essentials only.  We'll let you know how it goes!

Sidenote:  I just purchased these Ann Marino heels yesterday too.  So far, I'm a fan.  Pairing them with dark skinny jeans today, but they'd be great with a dress too! 

The search is still on for a new bikini.  Nothing's really calling out to me this year.  I've had a standard black bandau for the past couple years, so I'm thinking it's time to brighten it up a bit!  

Quote of the week: 

Stacie:  "We have to get you a Hawaiian shirt to wear."

Adam:  "Do you think they actually wear them there?   I don't want to look like a tourist ... "

haha ... It's Hawaii!  If you can't wear 'em there, where can you??

Sin City, USA

The Lights. Casinos. Porn-slappers. Resorts. Drinks. Shows. Food. Crowds. Shopping.  Add those together and you've got the recipe for stimulation overload.  "Paiiiii GOW!"

As it turns out, four days seems to be the perfect amount of time in fabulous Las Vegas.

After a layover in NYC, we time traveled via Delta Airlines and arrived at The Flamingo Las Vegas around 1pm PT on Monday.  Starving and super excited to start our vacation, we headed straight for Margaritaville, which was conveniently connected to our hotel lobby.  Our fruity frozen Margaritas were precisely what the doctor ordered after 8 hours of flight time.  The island-style Jimmy Buffet themed decor and music were the perfect way to ease ourselves into vacation mode, and the service there was fantastic! 

It was just about dusk as we headed outdoors to the Strip.  We headed north -- hitting up Paris, Bellagio and Caesar's Palace first. 

Paris is a favorite.  Just walking through the doors under the gigantic replica of the Eiffel Tower is enough to set this all-things-French-loving-gal's heart all a flutter.  It's by far the most romantic setting under a starry-lit sky on Las Vegas Boulevard.  If you think it's impressive during the day, you have to see it at night.  Someday, I hope to see the real thing in person.  For now, the replica will have to be enough.

Stepping into the casino was no disappointment either.  The ceiling is decorated and lit to look like you're walking through Paris, France in the evening.  The chandeliers, fountains, statues and music take you back in time and overseas as you walk past the dinging penny slots and poker tables galore.  One thing we noticed -- the ratio of bilingual speakers goes up considerably when you step foot into a foreign-themed casino.

Venturing across the busy street, we headed for the Bellagio.  It's daunting from afar, but even more impressive up close.  The pathways around the famous Bellagio fountains are just high enough above street level to offer a beautiful backdrop view of the Strip.  You must pause for a pic or 2, or 8!

It's truly awe-inspiring how much detail and workmanship goes into creating a hotel such as this.  While we were there, the atrium was filled with a gorgeous botanical exhibit that makes you feel like a kid again.  Giant ants, bees, lady bugs and animals made of flowers hang from the ceilings and crawl up from the ground.  Truly great.

While we were there we just had to stay for the Bellagio fountain show.  This time the choreographed water dance was to Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon.  It never fails.  I always get teary-eyed.  The next night we stopped to watch again -- standing side-by-side with an Elvis impersonator -- this time the show was to Chicago's All That Jazz.  It's a larger than life experience that sucks you in.  I would stand there all night and watch the fountains pretending to be Brad Pitt in Ocean's Eleven, if there weren't millions of other things to see and do. 

The pool at the Flamingo was a nice getaway during the day.  Just make sure you get there early to claim a good spot!  It was a little windy while we were there in April, but the sun was still plenty hot.  The only complaint we had about the pool was the trees -- too much shade.  We were sunseekers who kept having to pick up and switch chairs multiple times as the palm shadows crept over us.  The pool was a fun atmosphere -- top 40ish music hits were loud enough to cover-up the screams of kids playing in the waterfalls.

Day 2, we decided to try someplace new for dinner.  After scouring the Vegas Restaurant guide, we chose Oyster Bay Seafood & Wine Bar (located in Planet Hollywood).  Prices range between $15-30 per entree, but as long as you stick to the specials, it's a pretty good deal.  The Jambalaya was my favorite of all the pastas -- perfectly spicy and a good portion.  And the smoked salmon was flakey and tender -- lots of flavor!  We called ahead, so there was no waiting, and the service was great.  Definitely recommended. 

After dinner we headed back to the Flamingo to meet our relatives who were also in Vegas for some gambling.  Tonight was the night I was determined to play Pai Gow!  The search for a mostly-open table was on.  Flamingo was full.  Paris was full. Finally, Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon came to the rescue.  We sat at a 1/2 open $10 minimum table and placed our bets.  Immediately, we were served double drinks and the excitement began.  I was up, then down, then even, then down, then even, then down, down, down ... that's just the way Pai Gow usually goes.   I lost my $50, but the rest of us left just about even (with some free drinks and the memories, of course!) 

The next morning, we hit the breakfast buffet at The Flamingo.  Apparently if you go right at the end of breakfast, they start putting out the lunch food as well (crab legs, shrimp cocktail, roast beef!), so you can sit for a little while and have both meals for the price of the cheaper.  Niiice.  Plus, they serve cotton candy and chocolate fondue during all meals ... pie and cheesecake for breakfast?  No complaints here!

After a late night of pai gow, the pool was calling our names again.  It's tough to fall alseep with all the commotion, but we managed to get a few Zs anyway.

We gussied up and set out in the opposite direction on the Strip that evening - hitting up the Venetian, Plazzo, Wynn and Encore.  OK -- So this is the point when we realized a few things:  1) All of things resorts are amazing; 2) They all consist of the most incredible malls you've ever seen, filled with things we cannot afford to buy; 3) If I had to walk through 1 more gigantic mall in my new sandals my feet just might fall off.  

Venice was my favorite of these hotels.  I've never been to the real Venice, Italy, so I'm always overwhelmed by the gondola rides through the inside of the resort.  It's unbelievable!  The drivers (boaters?) serenade the riders as they wind through the twists and turns of the river.  The designer shops, Italian restaurants, music and street performers all play a role in setting the romantic mood of the hotel. 

After a few hours of sight-seeing, we headed back to our hotel to pack up our suitcases and spend the rest of the night gambling!  We took our seats at our favorite penny machines -- Goldfish and Mermaid -- where we sat and played, drank for free and laughed.  Ultimately losing the small amounts of money we were betting, we decided to call it quits. 

Sometimes I swear I can still hear the ringing bells of the penny slots or the ridiculously exciting "bonus" music they play when you get lucky.  They're so entertaining, you never want to stop!  But I digress...

It was time to head back to Ohio.  Thanks for a fun time, Vegas!   We had a blast, but next time I think we'll opt for the beach!

Concrete Oasis of Sunshine

Yesterday I did something that some might consider a little crazy.  It was slightly embarrassing and desperate, and probably something I wouldn't do alone again, yet still completely worth it at the same time.  Any guesses?

Well, the thermometer hit 80 degrees yesterday in Westlake, Ohio.  And consequently, my sunlight-starved self pulled my beach bag out of the closet, threw on a tube top and flip flops and headed out to the parking garage connected to my apartment building.  On my walk up to the roof, I was already starting to question my decision, but it was too late to turn back now. 

I opened the door to find a concrete oasis of sunlight, completely deserted and wiiiiide open.  Why they don't convert this rooftop level of the parking garage into a usable outdoor escape is beyond me.  Nevertheless, as if plotting my spot on a beach, I headed straight for the corner with the most direct sunlight, laid out my pink-striped beach towel and decidedly soaked up the sun for the first time this season. 

The only thing I dislike about where we live is the complete lack of usable green space for grilling, playing and laying outdoors.  So, there I was, determined to make the best of this manmade slab of unused Level 4. 

The sun was at a perfect slant in the sky.  I could actually feel the warmth of the Cleveland sun on my face -- a feeling a Clevelander patiently looks forward to for 7 long and dreary months.  It's almost undescribable how much your body craves the rays. 

Anyways, there I was.  Alone with my beach towel, sunbathing like a fool on the rooftop of a freakin parking garage.  With every rattle of the doors, I'd check to see if someone was coming.  No one.  But what if someone saw me there?  They'd think I was nuts. 

After about an hour, the wind started to pick up and tiny little rocks kept swirling around the lot.  Time to get out of here, and next time I'll bring a chair ... and a friend so I don't get caught up there a lone fool.  That way we can be fools together.

3 more days 'til Vegas!

Spring Sprang Sprung

I saw a little green bud on a tree branch this morning, and that can only mean one thing ... spring is here!  It's officially time to put away coats, boots, gloves, hats and scarves for the season and trade them for flip flops, bikinis and cotton dresses.  The first part is easy.  The second part requires some extra workouts at the gym and some spring shopping.

Our little "spring break" in Vegas is just the jumpstart I need to get some springtime basics:  colorful tanks, comfy tees, bermudas, beach cover-ups, strappy sandals, and a few fun maxi dresses.  Ahhh, just the thought of it makes me 10 times happier.  Shopping is not my favorite pasttime -- weird, I know -- but I sure do enjoy ripping the tags off my new purchases and wearing them immediately.  Especially if the sun is shining, temperatures are climbing and concert season is quickly approaching!  I can almost feel the fun that's in store ...

First items on the list this year:  colorful bikini (not just black like last year), flip flops and new sunglasses! 

Vegas ... pai gow?

Pai Gow?  Texas Hold'em?  For the first time in my entire life, I think I might be ready to sit down at a table and play.   

I've never been a "lucky" person per se. When it comes to games of chance, you can confidently put all your money on me losing and you'll double your money 99.8% of the time. When it comes to games of skill, I like that I at least have a fighting chance.  As long as I play my odds correctly and make the right calls, I should at least come out even.

My cousin, Jim (an expert at all things poker), sat down with me last weekend for a teach session.  I have to admit that I had never even heard of pai gow poker until that day, but it turns out it's my favorite!  I love that you have two opportunities to win (or lose) and that you "push" about 50% of the time ... meaning you don't lose your money as quickly as when playing blackjack. 

As of yesterday, Michelle and I booked our trip to fabulous Las Vegas!  It's an impromptu trip this time -- my favorite.  We're staying at the Flamingo located in the center of the strip, meeting up with some of my extended family while we're there.  My parents, brother and Michelle are first-timers, so we'll have to go see the sites, for sure!  I'm mostly excited for the sunshine ... gotta pull out the flip flops, sundresses and suntan lotion.  Hooray!! 

I just wish my hubby could come :(  It'll be a long 3 days without you, Adam!  Hopefully I'll bring back some winnings for us! 

Maui - Here we come!

After years of dreaming about venturing to our island neighbor, Hawaii, it's finally going to come true! We booked our trip via Expedia over the weekend, planning to travel to Maui in the Spring. I couldn't be more excited!

We talked to friends who've been there and weighed our options : Hotel vs. Condo ; different islands to stay on ; City in Maui to stay in, etc. We decided to book our stay in beautiful Kihei on Maui, where we've heard has great access to several beaches, shops, restaurants and excursions. We're staying at the Maui Kamaole condos -- the photos look beautiful and the user ratings average 4.9 out of 5.0!

A luau is a "must-do" so we hear, as well as hiking up a volcano and zip-lining across the landscape. These are on our "things to do" list.

Have you ever seen 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore? I love the little place they have breakfast every Sunday. I've always thought that if I went to Hawaii, I'd want to live like a local, in a condo-like environment, so I could focus more on the island itself, rather than just stay in the resort to get pampered. I want to explore!

Only a few more months and we'll get to see the island ... finally! ... We can't wait!

Aloha!