Counting the Days

Yes, it appears as though this has become a one-post-per-month blog. Buuuuuut I can't help it. I've been stuck on going to Argentina, yes? And I have school work and work work, etc etc--- you get the picture.

So. My latest discovery actually isn't all that recent. I found it about a month ago while researching a paper I was writing for my Japanese history class (yes, I am aware that I get easily distracted). And while I would love to go on and on about the island of Ishigaki, http://www.ishigaki-japan.com/, and the adorable little beach houses for rent, it is also appropriate to consider recent events. The earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis of March 11, 2011 inflicted major damages on the peoples of the Pacific, specifically on the country of Japan. While I would love to revisit this topic of travel, I think it is appropriate as of now to pray for the people affected by this disaster and to do all that we can to help. I will attach some helpful links.
http://hideandseek.bigcartel.com/product/relief-tee

http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=6544
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help

Last Post + 1

Guess what?! Because I am such a travel-nerd...

I bought 2 books about Argentina last week!!! And one of them came in the mail yesterday. Yay!
Yes I did, in fact, buy 2 books about a country that I suddenly got the urge to visit, though who knows when I will ever get to do so.

Just wanted to share my excitement. And slight nerdiness. The end. =)

Bailamos!

Si! Estoy hablando en espanol.

Whyyy, you may wonder? Argentina-- THAT's why. So this week my fascination is with Argentina and Spanish speaking cultures in general.
Reason 1: I speak Spanish. Barely. But I'm also currently taking a Spanish class, so that helps.
Reason 2: This is where the dance, the 'Tango', originated. I LOVE dancing. Not trashy dancing, mind you, but swing-waltz-foxtrot-mambo-tango-(ish) dancing.

Reason 3: The brand 'Patagonia'apparently got its name from a region in Argentina (and Chile). And that's just plain cool. And mountainous, actually.
What I want is a list of local recommendations and a week of wondering though the streets and culture, listening to the language, and NOT in a hurry to go anywhere or do something.

This is a picture from the Patagonia region of Argentina. Ohhhh how lovely.

AKA AK

Also known as... ALASKA!

I know, I know. You're thinking, "Didn't you JUST go there in August?" Well yes, I did. But in former-resident-of-Alaska-years that is a verrrry long time. Kind of like dog years, only... not.

So instead of a trip by myself this time, we're planning an extended family trip. Complete with 1 year old nephew and everything. I am SO super excited that we had a little pre-planning party at Starbucks this afternoon. I mean, what better to go with Alaska than coffeeeee? =) It also helps that I WORK there.

Blabbing about how amazing Alaska is just wouldn't do it justice. So here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Land of the Vikings

And no, I don't mean Minnesota. In fact, I'm an avid Green Bay Packers fan, so in any other instance I would never mention the Vikings in a positive light. Well, except Brett Favre.... I digress.

I want to visit Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland! I know, I know. You're thinking "Iceland? That little island somewhere in the middle of the map, covered in ice?" Well no, that's Greenland. But Iceland's right next to it.
There's just something about the remoteness of it all. And the ruggedness. This is the land of the Vikings-- the Nordic people-- surrounded by the sea and the cliffs and the ice... annnd Reykjavik also has about 200,000 people, so it's a pretty modern, tourist friendly city too.
Also. Blame it all on the new book I'm reading, "The Geography of Bliss." It's what has been giving me all of these crazy travel ideas...

So, who's game?

Jet Lag starts and ends with Switzerland

"The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner.
A. Book that I happen to be reading, as we speak.
B. Reason that I now want to visit Switzerland.
C. Incredibly funny, perfect book for my travel-junkie-self.

And the inspiration for my new list of Places I'd like to visit! Each places is like an imaginary little sugar plum dancing in my head. What do I want for Christmas? A trip to somewhere new and exciting.

To begin (and with reference to answer B.):
I'd like to go to Switzerland, the land of banking, chocolate, cheese, and snow. Zermatt and Bern, to be more specific.