Global Nomads

We call ourselves, and revel when we can
in being global nomads.
Open to the world.
For now just in dreams and wishes and fantasies.
But it is a small bright light.
Knowing that we will roam again.
And see amazing things.
Or just sit, and watch and drink
strong tea. And smile at people.

round and round

We are back from SXSW 2012. It was a round and round circle of walking, ideas, talking, thinking, tweeting, texting, seeing, doing, sitting, recovering, sleeping, and planning. Mostly planning. Glad we went. Want to go again next year.
Still. Love. Austin.

Magical Season

The lights twinkle softly

reflected in eyes and thoughts and laughter around me.

It's Christmas time again. 

I love it. Not for the packages and price tags

but for the merriment and warmth, the hot wine, and snuggles

the time to reflect on a year gone by and dream of one to come.

The World To See and Friends to See it With!

Travel - How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year? - #reverb10

I am still finishing all these posts though we are already on 1/1/11 here in Japan. For me 2010 was a great year of travel. We went to South By Southwest in march, I had two DNC meetings one which included the SNOMAGGEDON, had a wonderful summer trip which included my 25th Class reunion. WOW I am getting so old. Went to San Francisco and had a pilgrimage to Alice Waters temple of food. Saw friends on that trip and had so much fun. Was awed by redwoods, and inspired in the Stanford Library. And ended the year seeing nieces and family that had been too far away for too long.

In 2011- I am hoping some long lost friends will come and see us in Japan. Also we are planning a return to Castellejos to bring in the new year NEXT year with any of our folks who want to come join us. We are also returning to SXSW and have some little jaunts planned in-between times. I am hoping to go spend some time in the attic at my mom's in Feb-March. Should be a good year.

Back from the Snowpocalypse

I spent last week in Washington DC. arrived on wed. and was planning to stay till sunday but then the snows hit. And Hit Hard! It was a good trip with a few high and low points. I was there for the DNC meeting as a representative and delegate to the Democratic National Committee. I got to hear President Obama speak both Thurs and Sat. AND I got to shake his hand which was great!

The low point was- this weekend was also my mom's birthday and I was really looking forward to seeing her. She was going to drive down from Pennsylvania and hang out in DC with me- but then the snows came, and kept coming and coming. No driving, no good roads, no mom. :-(

We got to talk on the phone a bit which was nice.

Another high point- the city was gorgeous in the snow.
Low point the city was basically closed. I had been also looking forward to doing some museums and other fun stuff- but the federal gov. and all those types of attractions closed down on friday and never re-opened while I was there.

I came back to Japan, flying on tues. and just made it out of DC before the second huge snow storm hit. I hear they are still digging out. Back here in Tokyo we had some flurries and the temps are pretty chilly but this is a much more mild place to be in winter- and I am reminded of the things I DON'T miss from the north east. brrrr.

I got to go out to one ok restaurant Georgia Brown's - southern food. I loved my appetizer did not love the Jambalaya. It was some de-constructed version- which is a hard thing to pull off well. But it was ok.

Now back to real life, work, and play in Tokyo. Next month we are headed to SXSWi this time I get to go with Chris and that is much more fun!

Budapest Central Market

Central Market Budapest- click for large view.

It is no surprise that I love food markets. This gorgeous shot above is from the Budapest Central Market. We spent the last morning of our trip browsing the stalls, eating tasty treats and thinking about food culture. The basement floor is a pungent area of fresh fish dealers, and the famous pickles (the major form of vegetables in a Hungarian meal) Pickles and all sorts of pickled vegetables and saur kraut.

The main floor pictured above is all fruits, breads, paprika, meat stalls, and a few sweets shots. Plus LOTS of goose liver sellers. Hungary is the 2nd largest producer in the world of Goose Liver just behind France. It is practically a national obsession.

There were also a few great cheese shops and wine stores.

The catwalk type 2nd floor is all handicrafts, a few standing bars and lunch stalls, lots of handmade lace and quite a few tourist stalls with postcards and knick-knacks.

The building itself is gorgeous and HUGE. One thing to watch out for is the little old ladies doing their shopping, if you are in their way you will be manhandled and pushed around a bit. It was almost a part of the charm of the place though one lady got me pretty good with an elbow. I'll be ready for her next time.

There were treasures for the eyes and taste buds in every direction. This will definitely be a place I will visit again when I make it back there.

My purchases included-
a few bottles of deadly UNICUM as gifts
Delicious honey cookies coated with vanilla and cinnamon (ridiculously cheap!)
Some Hungarian paprika for a few chef friends
and a great Goulash (Gulyas) lunch with potatoes and fresh bread.

Good memories to treasure.