This was quiet possibly the best thing I’ve ever done for myself in the month of January. Since the same month that causes my toes to freeze also causes the Sydneite’s skin to tan, the price to get to my destination was not cheap. Once there, I was completely ok with that. I instantly found myself surrounded with another new culture to explore.

Sydney and its outskirts are so full of art, architecture, ocean and beaches that I can imagine it taking a lifetime to experience all of the city’s potential. Due to my unfortunate time constraint of being a visitor, I mainly stuck to the key attractions. Quite possibly my favorite view of my vacation was from the giraffe exhibit at the zoo. The giraffes are a lucky group. The zoo itself is across the harbour from Downtown Sydney. The giraffes have prime zoo real estate with a view back of the harbour, Sydney Opera House and Downtown Sydney all from the comforts of their own doorstep. Giraffes have long been my favorite animal, but this took my love to a new level… I was impressed.

In an effort to return and explore more of the country, I have created my own ‘Australia Fund’. Hopefully I will return to my new favorite January destination soon.

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As long as my schedule… ahem… and budget allows, I try to get to Italy once every 2-3 years. When I am able to go, I make sure to visit at least one new part of the country. On this last visit, I had the pleasure of spending two weeks at Lake Como. No, I did not run into George Clooney. Yes, I still managed to enjoy myself. Hard to believe… I know.

For my interested viewers, I did enjoy lots of other eye candy on the trip. Beyond that, the visual stimulation was all scenery and architecture. In addition to the vast amount of waterfront villages, I found a great love for doors. You read right… I just wrote doors. Every door I passed seem to be an architectural exploration of its own. From different uses of metal to colors to sizes, they all seemed unique from the next. I have tried to find a similar experience in the states, but haven’t come across anything even close. Suggestions are encouraged!

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I felt most inspired by the landscapes and atmosphere in Sedona. Sedona… what can I say about Sedona other than beautiful! I have found nothing that compares to the natural vibrancy of the red clay color of the Red Rocks. At sunset, the red is even more intense.

Its nice to see when a community full supports its environment. All the architecture in the area compliments the natural color and shape of the rocks. And just to fully please the artist in me… shops, galleries, and more shops.

Is it to early to same I’m in love?

At every corner, there are new treasures to be found. For anyone who wishes to explore without a huge plane trip… Arizona is a great spot. Just make sure Sedona is on your list!

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The lack of Cabo San Lucas’ accessible culture is strongly made up for by its great Bay and Ocean scenery. The town has been so built up by American tourists that it is even difficult to find a historically local restaurant. The one I did find… Gardenia’s… was quite delicious though.

Aside from being in a foreign country with what can at best be described as Mexican-American culture, I was greatly amazed by all the waterfront beauty. After all, one of the top reasons I travel is so I can be visually stimulated. Probably one of my favorite stops on this trip was Lover’s Beach. You can only get to this destination by boat. It is the point of Cabo San Lucas where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. The fine, pale beach extends fully from waterfront to waterfront. What is most amazing is the contrast in tides though. The Sea of Cortez pales to the power that the Pacific Ocean washes in. Just sitting on the Ocean side, looking out, calms and levels you.

As far as easy, foreign travel goes, Cabo San Lucas is perhaps the easiest. The dollar is accepted, everyone speaks English, and the relaxation level is high. Enjoy!

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Honestly, the only thing keeping me from jumping ship and moving there is my family. They have quite the transfixing hold over me, but I’m not complaining. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to afford a second home in Seattle… dream big. Until then, I am happy with the occasional visit.

With each visit, I tend to find a new neighborhood to enjoy or a new park to explore. On my last trip, I spend some time in Astoria, OR. Astoria was made famous for being the scene to the movie The Goonies. I still love that one! The city itself seems to be stuck in the past, but the views from atop the Astoria Column are priceless. The oceanside ride back down the coast and through the forest down US-26 to Portland aren’t too bad either.

I spent a lot of time on the coast during the past trip. Lots of my new favorite images include the water or scenes near the water. Enjoy!

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