I leave in about a week and half for Papua New Guinea. When I showed Jon this gallery of images from the tourism board’s website, he said, “You have to take my camera.” Having given up my big clunky SLR many years ago (and many rolls of film), I knew he was right. But I need some quick lessons before leaving.

So, last weekend we went out to Vashon Island to visit friends and I took the opportunity to snap some photos to get used to the camera.

To get to Vashon, we take a short ferry ride from our neighborhood in West Seattle. And although we’re 90 miles away, Mt. Rainier – when “out” – stands tall and can be seen throughout Seattle when you’re facing south.

We were fortunate to have a lovely warm evening and clear skies for both the ferry ride there and back.

I wasn’t expecting it but it was nearly a full moon that night, too.

And even though we didn’t have our xShot, Jon managed to extend his arm long enough for this self-portrait.

Travel Well!

Beth

Related Links
Pacific Northwest Summer
Seattle: Or Why I’d Rather Be in Hawaii
Summer Solstice

I admit I’ve been a little cranky about Seattle summer. It JUST arrived and now I’m pleased as punch. No complaints from this gal who is reveling in the sunshine and temps that have been reaching the 80’s (yup that’s warm for us – I can hear a collective gasp from the rest of the country that’s sweltering in 95+ temps).

I thought I’d pull out some images from the Pacific Northwest as I seem to be endeared to the area once again.

The very top image is the Pike Place Market – famous for the fish stall where they regularly toss salmon and other seafood – primarily for the tourists but the locals love it, too!

This image was taken at Deception Pass which is the bridge between the mainland and Whidbey Island – a close destination from Seattle.

This is the view from our boat as we cross over to Orcas Island in the San Juans. We rode our motorcycles over and toured around the island on the bikes.

We enjoyed a stroll along the West Seattle waterfront last night as we showed off this part of our own neighborhood to friends visiting from Southern California. It was a perfect sunset and you can see the silhouette of people enjoying some beach time. On a nice day, Alki Beach is packed with families, young lovers, beach combers, volleyball players and picnickers. It’s one of my favorite hangouts and is just 5 minutes from my house! Lucky dog, I am.

See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!

Travel Well!

Beth

Related Links
Seattle: Or Why I’d Rather Be in Hawaii
Summer Solstice

When I first began traveling to Vietnam in the early 90’s, no one on a motorbike wore a helmet. They couldn’t afford it. And there were a lot of injuries as a result. Sometime in the mid-90’s a law went into affect that motorbike riders had to wear a helmet. Though this isn’t exactly followed by everyone, the vast majority of riders do sport a pretty nice looking head piece.

While strolling through Saigon earlier this year, I came across a store packed wall to wall with helmets.

This couple was posing for photos in Hoi An. It’s customary to have your wedding photos taken about a week prior to the big day. Pretty smart as I’m sure it’s less stressful. But I wonder if it’s bad luck for the groom to see his bride all decked out ahead of time!?

These men are worshipers at the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh. This temple represents a melting pot of religions including Daoism, Catholicism and Buddhism. Each sect wears a different outfit and accompanying hat.

This gentleman popped out of the ground at the Cu Chi Tunnels. A completely different kind of hat, thankfully no longer as common as it once was.

And this post wouldn’t be complete without conical hats. These gals were selling veggies and herbs in Hoi An.

If you’re interested in experiencing Vietnam for yourself, we have a women-only tour to Vietnam and Cambodia in February! Spots are starting to fill but there’s room for you

See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Vietnam Cultural Tour – February, 2011
Vietnam and Cambodia Photo Gallery

I’ve been b*^&#@ing and moaning for a few weeks about how cold and miserable it is during Seattle’s-so-called summer.

Standing at the window this morning, coffee cup in hand, I noticed the rain drops on the flowers and figured I’d look on the bright side and enjoy the beauty around my house.

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Though my veggie garden is getting more water than ever (I tend to be a tad lazy when it comes to watering), most everything beyond the peas and lettuce are looking a bit anemic due to the lack of sun.

At least the lettuce (above) and the kale (below) are making me feel like my garden is on the right track.

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The neighborhood IS spectacularly green. But on a clear day, I can see the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Rainier through this bay window in our living room. Today? Rain. Tomorrow? Partly cloudy. By Wednesday? Sunny and 80 something. Bring it on!

See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!

Travel Well!

Beth

Related links:
Summer Solstice
Photo of the Day: Ancient Bhutan

If you don’t live in Seattle, you probably don’t understand our collective feeling right now because you’re thinking, “What do you expect? You live in SEATTLE!” But the weather has sucked and there is no sign of summer. Yes, we expect this much of the year but we all anticipate warmer weather and more sunny days in June. Last weekend, the weather report for this week was in the 70’s and sunny. Au contraire. It’s been cloudy, rainy and we’re lucky it’s in the 60’s. So, we’re all a bit crabby.

With Summer Solstice around the corner and big celebrations this weekend in Seattle (likely in the rain), I thought I’d pay homage to the sun. Perhaps in hopes of coaxing her out a bit. Call it my private little sun dance.

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OK, Sunshine. Come on out. You can do it….

See more lovely photos at DeliciousBaby’s Photo Friday!

Travel Well!

Beth

Photo Credits
Flowers and Sun: zanastardust
Palm tree and Sun: pranav
Sun and Weed: JelleS
Sunrise on ocean: Wolfgang Staudt