Where Should I Go? (San Diego's Tide Pools)

I don't even know what Mary's holding here, but it's awesome.

I spent a good chunk of yesterday hanging out with my brother by the Pacific. We walked to the base of the Ocean Beach Pier at low tide, where we discovered a labyrinth of sea-carved sandstone, filled with tiny ecosystems that are a wonder to explore. These aren’t the only tide pools in San Diego, either. Here’s how you can hit up this free attraction.

A sea hare— the most adorable slug I've ever seen.

Where to go: Ocean Beach, near the pier, and all the shoreline of La Jolla, especially the coast near Bird Rock.

When to go: A bit before low tide. (Check out this chart to figure out when that is.)

What to bring: Sandals that hold onto your feet (unlike flip-flops) or aqua shoes, sunblock and a hat, hand sanitizer, a camera.

What to do: Wander around looking at the animals! You’ll find dozens of crabs of all sizes, as well as mussels, barnacles, sea anemones, sea stars, sea slugs, and maybe even an octopus. Be careful not to step on the creatures and to return them to their homes once you’ve taken their pictures. 

Tide pools should be on the top of anyone’s must-see list in San Diego— they’re the best free aquarium I’ve ever found. Happy exploring!

~~~

Travel Tip Tuesdays: How to Explore a City

Yes, I am aware that today is Wednesday. I just managed to forget that yesterday was Tuesday. So, a bit late, the travel advice of the day!

“What’s the best way to explore a city?”

Wandering around a city looking at the buildings gets tiresome really fast. That’s why it’s important to find out a bit about the place you’re visiting, such as the best place to eat breakfast, an interesting museum to spend the afternoon, or a local festival to visit. You might find yourself, say, breaking tile to help make a mosaic outside a building in Colorado Springs as part of a community art project. Taking some time to get involved in a city is one of the best ways to explore it. Here are five ways to get started.

It's also important to take dramatic pictures at every opportunity.

Make a plan, but also be open to spontaneous decisions. Yes, if you’re in San Diego you might plan on visiting SeaWorld and the Zoo, but don’t turn down an opportunity that you just learned about to explore the tide pools in La Jolla. A mixture of planning and spontaneity is ideal.

Take advantage of the World Wide Web. Yes, the Internet is still the best place for doing this kind of research— nearly every city has a calendar of events, and a simple Google search can give you a lot of information on where to go and what to do. 

Join a traveler’s network such as Couchsurfing. You can ask locals to meet up with you and show you around, and find out about events, such as bar hopping, potlucks, and karaoke, you can participate in.

Talk to people as you walk around. People walking dogs are often a good bet— they’re local, generally friendly, and love it when somebody compliments their pet. Ask about the best restaurants and museums. In general, locals love to be helpful to tourists.

Don’t even try to see it all. In big cities, it’s better to see a couple things rather than wearing yourself out trying to get around to every museum, restaurant, and site. Enjoy what you’re seeing rather than worrying about having time to visit such-and-such. This will make your day a lot more relaxed… and your trip a lot more fun.

~~~

Wait… I'm in California Now?

I’m sitting in a courtyard with my brother, waiting for my sister to come home from a date with her boyfriend so the four of us can hang out. Oh yes, and I’m in San Diego now. Did I mention I was going?

Faced with the prospect of a) not seeing my sister until November, and b) seeing her and being completely broke over the summer, I made my choice. Even the cheapest 2,000-mile tickets are expensive in peak season. I know it’s going to be worth every penny.

Kansas City’s airport, where I had my layover, is small, stuffy, and full of blaring TVs. San Diego’s airport smells like fresh-baked pastries and is adorned with mosaics. The whole city smells like flowers and fruit. My brother Christian and I have been wandering along one of the many waterfronts. Once he learned of my totally-broke situation, he bought me a Subway sandwich and the best chocolate dip cone I have ever eaten. I have a good feeling about the week ahead. Welcome to San Diego!

A good-looking bunch, we are, we are.

~~~

The Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire

One of the highlights of my summer is Ren Faire. From the amazing costumes to the unique shopping to the delicious food (frozen chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick, anyone?), it’s a place to experience a culture like no other. Don’t believe what people say about being “transported to a different time period”— you’ll see people in full costume talking on cell phones, using the phrase “you guys,” and breaking character every five seconds. Really, Ren Faire is just an excuse to run around eating food, spend money on games, and be goofy. It’s a big modern-day gypsy wagon, ready for anyone to explore.

Different groups (Germans, royalty, gypsies, pirates, etc.)
have different "camps." This is Scottish Camp.

The basics:

The website: http://www.renstl.org/main/

Where: The Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire is located in Rotary Park, Wentzville. It’s a good 45-minute drive from the city. 

When: Every weekend up until June 10th.

Cost: Parking is free, and the admission is $14.95 for adults. ($7.95 for kids 6-13; kids under six free.)

Who: Although the faire has many child-friendly activities, carefully consider before taking your kids. Many of the shows are incredibly bawdy, the joust is downright violent, and the sheer amount of wrinkled jiggling boobs you’ll see could be scarring to anyone. The faire is best enjoyed by grown-ups, particularly groups of friends who enjoy seeing shows and perusing booths.

What else you need to know: Bring a lot of single bills for tipping the performers. Ren Faire is more fun if you have spending money. Don’t be intimidated by the merchants harassing you— it’s all part of the fun, and you’re not obligated to buy. Bring plenty of water in a backpack.

If you live in the St. Louis area, check it out! You’ll be glad you did.

Some Highlights:

The Joust: This is a three-part performance, though you can attend each joust individually. Sir Duncan and Sir Malcolm show of their horsemanship skills, ending in a dramatic, bloody fight to the death. As a member of the crowd, you cheer on your own champion.

Crazy Boy Coy is always awesome.

Crazy Boy Coy: He has two juggling shows and one fire show throughout the day. If you want to see someone juggle a bowling ball, balance a ladder on his chin, or set himself on fire, this is the show for you. He’s my favorite performer of the festival because he has a sweet personality, and goes along with the audience comments rather than just sticking to his script.

Chuvani: This group is a crew of musicians, belly dancers, and a fire dancer. Even though I’m not the biggest fan of belly dancing, they are fun to watch, and a couple of the dancers in particular are very talented.

Troll Tales: This storytelling time is geared for children, but honestly, I was enraptured by the tale of the peasant, the princess, and the nine-headed troll. This is a good place to rest, eat a fried oreo, and relax.

Pirates Inc.: This trio sings songs about piracy and booze. Their somewhat awkward stage presence is more than made up for by their excellent voices.

The Royal Command: This family-oriented closing ceremony features storytelling, music, and square dancing. Jump right in or just watch the fun!

The Royal Family bidding the visitors adieu.

~~~

Some Thoughts for Extroverts

Traveling solo means you’re alone with your thoughts for huge portions of the day. This time is vital.

It’s a time to center.

It’s a time to explore.

It’s a time to figure out what you hate about yourself and what you love.

It’s a time to recharge your creativity.

It’s a time to commune with God or meditate.

(It can also be a time to hike by yourself through an unfamiliar forest while belting out songs from Grease.)

In the busyness of life, it’s hard to slow down and just breathe. Extroverts like me find it hard to be introspective, so all that alone time forces me to be. Although I can go days or even weeks without a single minute alone, I have to get those in-between times for my sanity.

Today, try taking a little break. Don’t hang out where you normally do. Take a walk, get in the car and drive, pick up a book you haven’t read before. Take the time to inhabit your own space. Breathe.

~~~

Where Should I Go? (My Top Five Hostels, Part Two)

How is this the only picture
I have of this hostel?

More awesome places for you to check out…

3. Hostelling International (HI)— Monterey, California

Location: You’ll find this hostel in a city a few hours south of San Francisco. It perches on the edge of the tourist district, an easy walk to the picturesque beaches.

Best perks: The kitchen and common room are fantastic. The cupboards are stocked with spices, and they have a huge free-leftovers bin in the fridge. The common room is equipped with big comfy couches, coffee table books, percussion instruments of many kinds, and a piano. 

What else you need to know: The rooms are nothing special, so plan on spending your time in the common room. You can either blend into the background and get work done or actively meet people and socialize— the room is big enough to accommodate both.

My favorite memory there: One night I played piano (with the help of a handy fakebook) while a couple of French women played percussion and sang and a Dutch man and one of the American staff played their guitars. We sang songs in three different languages until almost midnight.

In a nutshell: The hostel is a great starting point for visiting this fun beach town. Go out exploring all day, and come home to a fun atmosphere in the evening.

Yay San Diego!

2. HI— Point Loma, San Diego, California

Location: You’ll find this welcoming hostel in a residential neighborhood to the west of San Diego proper. It’s easily accessible from the airport, and within a couple miles of Ocean Beach.

Best perks: This is one of the friendliest hostels I’ve ever visited, as well as the only hostel I’ve visited more than once. The staff will go out of their way to talk to you, and the smaller common room and TV lounge encourage people to meet up and talk. The rooms are cozy and decorated in different themes. Also, there’s a hammock and ping-pong table on the back patio and a piano and pet lizard in the common room. What more could you ask for?

What else you need to know: You can eat a free pancake breakfast every day (with toppings such as blueberries and chocolate chips), and pay your pocket change for oatmeal and eggs. Free coffee, tea, and hot chocolate abound. Stump’s Family Market nearby is a great place to grab some groceries, but if you’d rather leave it up to someone else, you can pay $5 for a hearty communal dinner any night of the week.

My favorite memory there: I stayed up until 4:30 in the morning having an intense conversation with two strangers about history, life, travel, heartbreak, work, love and God. I felt so refreshed and encouraged after that conversation that I hardly felt tired the next day after three hours of sleep.

In a nutshell: Friendly, beachy, and laid-back, Point Loma’s hostel is a great place for a low-cost vacation, any time of the year.

I don't even know what the streamers are for, but they're cool.

1. Everglades International Hostel, Florida City, Florida

Location: In the middle of a nothin’ neighborhood in a nothin’ town, about 10 miles from the northern entrance of the Everglades National Park, you will discover a hidden gem.

Best perks: Where do I even begin? The owners of this hostel took an ordinary building and transformed it into a fairyland. The rooms are painted with murals and different themes. Outside the building, you’ll find a garden designed by someone young at heart: several rope swings, a treehouse with a tightrope, a clay bread oven, a tent with pillows and hookah pipes available, a waterfall and small pool you can wade in, and a gazebo with a flat roof for stargazing, filled on the inside with couches, pillows, and percussion instruments. You’ll also find a separate building for the kitchen and the TV room, as well as a small lounge with a piano. The community at the hostel is strong, and you’ll often find well over a dozen people from all over the world sitting around a campfire, drinking beer and socializing.

What else you need to know: The hostel leads expeditions into the Everglades National Park, for an additional fee. There are no lockers in the rooms, so if you’re paranoid about your valuables, leave them with the front desk. There is a free pancake breakfast in the morning and $5 communal meals almost every night. The bunks are more expensive than the average hostel, but I can’t emphasize how much it’s worth it. If you’re on a tighter budget, try camping: they will let you pitch a tent in the garden for a cheaper price. Between November and March, you can pay a smaller fee to just “crash” anywhere you can find room to sleep (treehouse, anyone?).

My favorite memory there: I went swimming in the pool with my friend Charlotte, played a dice game at a picnic table with a group of international travelers, and then sunbathed in the garden while eating fresh starfruit. My family back home in Missouri was buried in snow. I felt vaguely guilty.

In a nutshell: This hostel is a destination in and of itself. If you ever find yourself near Miami, make the effort to visit this wonderful place. You’ll be glad you did.

~~~

Where Should I Go? (My Top Five Hostels, Part One)

Announcing my new “column:” The Traveling Mandolin’s “Where Should I Go?” (I know, it’s catchy, right? I made it up all by myself.) Every week (probably on Thursday), I’ll write about a place that’s worth visiting. Since I’m kicking off the series, I’m giving you five. 

Having always been a budget traveler, I’ve only once had enough money to stay at a hotel. I didn’t like it. I felt lonely, isolated, and paranoid most of the time. Fortunately, I discovered hostels, and my travels were never the same again.

Here’s a list of my favorite hostels, which I highly recommend, should you ever get a chance to visit them. You’ll notice that three of the five are in California. This is for two reasons: one, there are a lot of hostels in California. Two, I spent a month visiting the different hostels up the coast one time. I’ve never visited the hostels in the Midwest or New England, so my experience is limited. Now, without further ado, I give you My Top Five Hostels, Part One!

The view out the window is awesome.

5. Green Tortoise Hostel, Seattle, Washington

Location: You’ll find the Tortoise in the upper story of a building directly across from the Pike Place Market, within easy walking distance of everything along the waterfront.

Best perks: The bunks are luxurious, with personal lamps and curtains that you can draw. When I visited they even made the bed for me, which is unusual at a hostel! They have free communal dinners three times a week, and a free breakfast every morning, plus tons of events to participate in (mostly involving booze, but also walking tours and the like). Sometimes there are volunteer opportunities that let you work for a few hours in exchange for a free night.

What else you need to know: This place charges a heftier fee than most hostels, but considering the privacy and the amount of food you consume, it’s totally worth it. Also be sure to have $20 cash for a deposit that you receive back after your stay. Participate in the events if you really want to meet people.

My favorite memory there: I volunteered to wash dishes for supper, and the other volunteer was a slight 18-year old kid. During our conversation, I learned that he had just spent the past 14 months traveling all over the world, everywhere from Eastern Europe to South America. Stunned, I asked him what had inspired him to take such an amazing adventure. He just shrugged and said, “My girlfriend dumped me.”

In a nutshell: The Green Tortoise has a chill atmosphere, great amenities and an international crowd of all ages. If you’re visiting Seattle on a budget, this is a fantastic option!

4. Hostelling International (HI)— Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California

And this hostel has cannons!

Location: This hostel is part of a renovated systems of forts, in a state park called Fort Mason. Step outside the front door, and you’ll see the San Francisco Bay— with the Golden Gate Bridge to your left and the island of Alcatraz directly ahead. A short walk takes you to the Fisherman’s Wharf tourist district.

Best perks: This hostel is relatively peaceful, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery including the park, a nice view of the skyline, a community garden, and beaches. They have free breakfast in the mornings as well as a café where you can cheaply purchase snacks for the day.

What else you need to know: The rooms are pretty spartan and host several people at a time, so plan on bringing earplugs. Because it’s such a big hostel, you have to be especially extroverted to make contact with other people. 

My favorite memory there: My sister Mary and I ate breakfast with two Taiwanese sisters who had lived in Argentina for most of their lives. It turned out they were Christians, too, and gave us a lot of encouragement about our upcoming trip. I’m friends with them on Facebook to this day.

In a nutshell: If you want to visit San Francisco without staying at one of the noisy downtown hostels, give this place a try. I love its scenic quality and its easy access to anywhere in San Fran.

Tomorrow, I’ll give you Part Two. In the meantime, what are some of your favorite places to stay?

~~~

The Difference Between a Tourist and a Traveler

Pictured: a gaggle of tourists taking a cliché photo
(Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA)

A Tourist…

travels in gaggles, among other tourists.

packs several massive bags.

likes clean, orderly spaces.

takes pictures in front of that thing that everybody takes pictures in front of.

only hangs out in touristy areas.

flocks to name-brand restaurants and experiences.

spends large amounts of money, boosting the town’s tourist industry.

A Traveler…

tries to trek off the beaten path.

packs light.

seeks out the gritty and the bizarre.

Pictured: a traveler being mauled by sheep
(Compass Rose Farms, Port Townsend, WA)

photographs people and quirky things.

conscientiously avoids touristy areas.

always eats at local restaurants and never goes name-brand.

doesn’t spend much money because is traveling on a budget.

People who self-identify as “travelers” usually get really upset when someone refers to them as a “tourist.” I’m not. I’ve grown up in a tourist district (and spend my Christmas season entertaining them), and I’m happy for the revenue that they bring into our town. Also, taking pictures in front of a cliché statue/cathedral/bronze pig is just plain fun. I often travel as a tourist in the US, but when I go to Europe, I plan to be a traveler.

Whether tourist or traveler, one thing is essential: be aware of what you’re doing. If you think Cracker Barrel is a for-real down-home restaurant, you’re deceiving yourself. If you still prefer to eat there because it’s what you like, then go for it. Be thoughtful, culturally sensitive, and friendly. If you’re a traveler, enjoy the cultural experience. If you’re a tourist, revel in the culture of a completely different kind.

~~~

Travel Tip Tuesdays: Safety for Women (but applies to men too)

“Is it safe for a woman to travel alone?”

The short answer is a resounding, “Yes.” Fellow ladies, you might be apprehensive or even terrified at the prospect of taking a trip by yourself. Two words: Don’t be! I’ve traveled to both coasts and through dozens of cities by myself, and I’m one of the less adventuresome people— I’ve met women who have traveled the entire world, spent months in the Middle East, or biked to California from the southern tip of Argentina, all without any trouble. Traveling solo can be as safe as anything else, as long as you have a little common sense. Here are some tips for anyone, but especially for women.

Travel buddies: Charlotte, from Belgium, and Darija, from
Slovenia. They have both done extensive solo travels.

Plan ahead for safety. Stay out of trouble areas. Ask a local where the “bad streets” are and mark it on your map. Be aware of your surroundings and if you start to feel nervous, don’t chide yourself for being paranoid— turn around and walk back the way you came. Be sure to plan your day so that you’re indoors before nightfall.

Always look totally confident, even if you’re not. Burying your head in a huge map while looking panicked and confused might attract a kind stranger to help you out, but it’s not worth the risk of looking like someone who’d make an easy victim. Stand tall, walk with purpose, and practice the expression and body language that clearly say, I am a confident self-sufficient woman, and I’m not afraid of you. If you need help with something, find a woman to assist you.

Keep in touch with your woman’s intuition. First impressions can be deceptive, but more than often they are often dead on. If you get a bad vibe from someone, stay away from them without questioning this idea. If you feel that someone is trustworthy, obey the Trust, but verify rule. Don’t go out of your comfort zone, but also consider taking a calculated risk. I can’t tell you how many times a small risk on my part made my trip infinitely better.

Be bold. If someone’s annoying you, look them straight in the eyes and tell them as much, politely. If they start harassing you, yell and scream at them. If you’re being followed, go into a store and ask if the owner can call you a cab. Personally, I’ve never been in any of these situations, but I’m always ready to cause a scene if I have to.

Be smart, but don’t be afraid. Of course it’s important to be cautious, but don’t let fear cloud your judgement or hamstring your plans. Have fun, be confident, and enjoy the wonders of traveling by yourself!

~~~

Have a travel question? Leave a comment and I’ll answer!

How to Take a Walk (especially if you're on the road)

Whether strolling through a park, exploring a downtown, or trying to find the hostel from the bus stop, you will often end up walking long stretches when you’re on the road. The best way to see many places is on foot, where you have enough time to get the full impact of the sites you’re seeing.

I’ve been taking walks with my dad and mom since I was about three, so I take it for granted that I know how to walk. The more people I meet, though, the more I realize that an appalling number of people simply never learned how. Here are some tips.

Wear comfy shoes. Yes, this is a no-brainer, but I see way too many women wobbling around on high heels in the brick-and-cobble historic district near my house. Pain in your feet affects the rest of your attitude, so it’s better to sacrifice heels for shoes that are actually comfortable.

Carry a backpack instead of a purse/knapsack. If you keep your arms and hands free, you’ll have a better balance of weight, making it easier to move. If you have a heavy knapsack banging against your leg with every step, you’ll wear down much faster.

In each step, push yourself forward with your toes. Although the heel-toe method of walking has been challenged by the barefoot enthusiasts, it still makes sense to push off with your toes. You’ll move faster and make walking easier by transferring your energy. This is the number one problem I see in people who never learned to walk: they stomp instead of stepping, bringing themselves to a complete stop every time they place their foot down. This is inefficient and will wear you out much quicker.

Don’t walk too slowly. If you take one step at a time, putting your full weight on each foot, your feet will get sore much faster. If you walk at a slightly faster clip, constantly transferring your weight, your feet won’t take as much of a beating, and you’ll last longer without soreness. Find a comfortable pace and try to maintain it; this is easier than constantly speeding up and slowing down.

My feet are some of my greatest allies when I’m traveling— they give me more freedom, more options, and more up-close views of my favorite places. Happy walking!

~~~

Tarts

Yesterday, my friend Emily and I ate homemade pizza together, then spent most of the evening making tarts. (Want the recipe? Just cookie-cutter some piecrust dough, fill it with pastry cream, and top it with berries and apricot glaze.) The finished product inspired much photo-taking, and we celebrated by burning her homework in our fire pit while eating mint chocolate chip ice cream. Christian and Zach soon joined us, and we all stayed up until two in the morning talking about theology, philosophy, and linguistics.

As Calvin would say, “I consider this day seized.”

~~~

Obligatory Post about The Avengers

No, we don’t need one more post in the blogosphere gushing about Joss Whedon’s latest movie, so I will forbear as much as I can. Let’s just say that I’ve seen it twice in the theaters and likely will see it again before it leaves. It’s refreshing to see an action movie with great character development, excellent pacing, genuinely heroic characters, and— GASP— a kick-butt female lead who actually has a personality!

I only draw fan art of things I like (even though said fan art will probably upset many fans). I drew this on the back of a Steak’n’Shake placemat yesterday after seeing the movie with some friends. Enjoy.

Click on the picture to experience the full glory (aka, "read the thought bubbles").

~~~

Our First Twenty-Miler

Yesterday, Zach and I decided to walk from Frontier Park to Creve Coeur Park and back, a distance of roughly twenty miles. This was the longest consecutive walk either of us have ever taken, and walking it with no warm-up seemed like a great idea. 

The short story is, we made it. The hardest part for me had nothing to do with my legs— it was my stupid sensitivity to sunlight that gave me a pretty good case of sunstroke, complete with nausea and a blinding headache. I was able to push through it, though, and with the sun below the horizon, we enjoyed a cool breezy last-four-miles home.

Last night I was limping around, but today I’m back to normal. If seized with a sudden fit of amnesia, I wouldn’t ever guess that I had walked so far yesterday. This gives me hope for my future hiking plans. I have no athletic ability, but darn it, I can walk twenty miles!

Miles walked yesterday: 21.6

Hours spent on walk: 7

Water drunk: Well over half a gallon each

Sunstroke: Yes

Sore legs: Not really

Good time had by all? Yes!

~~~

Travel Tip Tuesdays: 9 Tips for Meeting People on the Road

“How can I meet people when I’m traveling?”

Some people can go for days or weeks without exchanging more than a few words with their fellow man. I am not one of those people. Having grown up in a family of six, I’m used to constant interaction, and I feel jittery and lonely if I’m by myself for too long. When I travel solo, communication with strangers is essential. Even when I’m not traveling by myself, it’s still awesome! Here are nine tips to get you started.

Join Couchsurfing. Even if you don’t actually surf at someone’s house, you can search for locals who want to hang out and show you their city.

Hostel buddies! (She even let me crash
at her house later on in my trip.)

Stay at a hostel instead of a hotel. You don’t have to stay in a dorm— get a private room, then spend time in the common area, cook meals in the shared kitchen, and introduce yourself to the people you see. 

Wear a really big backpack. Everybody asks about it.

Dress like a tourist. This may not work so well overseas, but in America, there will always be people like me who think tourists are adorable and go out of their way to speak to these cute creatures.

Be open to outside conversation. This is much easier if you’re traveling by yourself, especially if you’re female, but it applies to everyone. If you’re sitting in a café totally absorbed in a conversation with your travel partner, no one will approach you. If you and your buddy are walking down the street with open expressions, greeting everyone who passes with something more meaningful than, “Hi,” you’re on the right track.

Compliment people on their dogs and their babies. If you’re a dog-owner or a mom or dad, bring it up at every opportunity to people who obviously have common ground.

Ask friendly-looking people for travel advice. “Excuse me, I’m new in this city. Could you tell me the best place to get breakfast around here?” (Ask people who will not think you’re hitting on them.)

Just beware of statues asking for a kiss.

Genuinely listen to people. Actually, this is a good tip no matter who you’re talking to. Some folks will actually want to hear about where you’re traveling, but most just want to give you advice or tell you about their own exploits. And, let’s face it, oftentimes people have traveled a lot more than you have!

Dance— anywhere, anytime, especially when there are a lot of people around. Click your heels. Pretend to be a statue. Take a bow. Be goofy. You’re with a bunch of new people anyway. What do you have to lose?

~~~

Have a travel question? Leave a comment and I’ll answer!

Why You Should Draw When You're on the Road

One of my favorite parts of traveling is the way it frees my imagination. I’m a pretty creative person— from writing stories to playing my three instruments, I thrive on the right-brain activities— and a change of scenery does wonders for my head. Although I rarely write anything on the road other than my blog, I’m inspired for months afterward.

Another way travel boosts my creativity is that I have time and excuse to draw. Doodling at a hostel room or a café is one of the best ways to get people to talk to you, as long as you don’t look too absorbed. I have a fair sketching hand. I learned a long time ago that I would never put in the effort to excel at art, but I find it very relaxing, a happy escape to a place that is all about lines and spaces and visual ideas.

My dad is an artist, so I was receiving instruction from the day I could pick up a marker. Anytime someone says, “I wish I could draw,” I always respond, “Practice every week for nineteen years and you can.” (Yes, I know, I rant about this a lot. But still. Art is not voodoo. It’s a lot of hard work, just like any other skill.)

I love the things I draw when I travel. Although my best art has often been drawn at home, the pictures that make me smile the most were all born when I was on the road.

Originally, it was just a picture of a man and woman. Then I realized the suit
didn't look right. This made me mad. So I gave the woman a pistol. Obviously.

The next time you visit somewhere, even if it’s a day trip, I encourage you to pick up a pencil and draw or freewrite or do something creative that you wouldn’t normally do. It’s a unique way of taking pictures that help you remember the place you were at, what you were doing, and why it was so awesome.

~~~

Yet Another Gushing Mother's Day Post

When I was Mom’s-waist-high years old (don’t ask me for an actual age— I don’t remember), I began taking walks with my mother every day. We walked up the dead-end street, around the eight-house neighborhood a couple times, then back home. Eventually that turned into walking down the hill through the woods to the main road, and finally a trek to the Katy Trail, where we strolled under cottonwood trees, past shabby houses damaged from the flood of ’93, and through picturesque Midwest forest. In short, I have been walking with her every day since I was so small that two of my steps equaled one of hers.

I wrote about this last summer, when I hiked about 50 miles on the Katy Trail:

“…I found myself in territory as familiar to me as my own reflection. For most of my childhood, I lived within five blocks of the Katy Trail. When I got old enough, Mom took me on a walk down to it and back every evening. At first we’d walk to the entrance by the railroad ties and turn back. As I got older and my legs lengthened, we walked further. We turned at the border of the woods, then the old bridge, then the lone tree, then the bend in the trail. I passed all of these in turn, turning over details in my mind as I saw them. There, the white black-roofed house with the “Condemned” signs that had been there since I was a kid. There, the shed with a wooden goose picture nailed to the side. There, the row of cottonwoods, gray in this light, but familiar to me in every light. The best is mid-afternoon on a summer day, when the sky is creamy blue— then the leaves glitter in the sunshine, dancing on their long stems in every breath of wind with a clattering rustle.

I thought of the conversations that Mom and I had on this stretch of trail. At first I talked about names that rhymed, and made her listen to extensive genealogies of the story characters I had made up. I see myself growing up through those conversations on every topic imaginable: Star Trek theology, complaints about my siblings, finances, my crushes, ACT scores, my desire to write a novel and then the novel that I wrote, God, life, love. It was here that my sister wrecked her bike and had to be rushed to the hospital for plastic surgery, here that I walked in baby steps with Mom as she recovered from a grand mal seizure, here that I decided I wasn’t going to college. It was here that Mom and I walked under a gray sky and talked about the devastating news that we had to move from the house that had been home to us for sixteen years.

I just realized that I have no good
pictures of Mom and me. Hmm…

Mom walked the last mile [of the hike] with me, just like we’ve been doing since I was barely as tall as her waist, right in step with each other. It was a perfect way to end my hike.”

As most of you know, my mom has spent the last month in and out of the hospital. In the midst of befuddled doctors, violent sickness and emotional trauma, there seemed no end in sight. Today, Dad and Mom and I visited the Missouri River for a picnic. Mom and I walked, very slowly, along the river bank, talking about hiking and travel and how she’s getting better. Here’s to another Mother’s Day (a little early), to a woman who is not only my mom, but my best friend.

~~~

Phase One, in which Lisa Obtains a Ticket to Europe

I stared at the computer screen, trembling all over, and pressed “Complete Transaction.” My debit card was charged more money than I’ve ever spent on anything at one time, and the website sent me an email— a single, abstract e-mail that embodied the dream that I have been actively pursuing since February of 2011. I had done it.

I had booked my flight to Europe.

My travels in the past year alone have taken me 14,279 miles (that’s a very conservative number, by the way). A little over 2,000 have been in the air; the rest have been bus, car, and tour van. In short, I have traveled a distance equivalent to well over half the circumference of the earth— but I still haven’t been outside the United States.

Now that’s going to change.

On July 31st, barring any of those nasty unforeseen circumstances, I’ll be catching a flight out of Chicago, ending up in Amsterdam on the following day. I still haven’t made any plans after that, but I’ll have almost six solid weeks to explore before returning to Amsterdam and catching a flight back to Chicago. 

"Crazy Lisa Face with Ticket to Europe"
(Maybe I should have applied some makeup or
 even combed my hair before taking this shot…)

A few notes about booking my flight:

• I used Aer Lingus, which had been recommending to me by a friend after I found it on a student travel website. When I actually fly with them, you’ll get a complete review.

• I’m flying in after the London Summer Olympics begin, and returning on September 11th, when the fares are much cheaper (can’t imagine why…).

• Although there are flights to Europe that leave from St. Louis, Chicago has a much bigger airport with cheaper fares, so I thought it was worth the bit of effort it takes to get up there.

Now that’s out of the way, and here comes the fun part: actually planning! This is where you come in. Many of you have been to Europe before. Any recommendations?

~~~