Mini Road Trip to Mount Vernon
Finally, after almost six years of living in DC, I visited Mount Vernon. The timing was ripe, as I am on disc 2 of the HBO mini-series, John Adams and my $7 entry-fee provided by Living Social was expiring the end of March. So with the windows down in the car, I took in the warmth of the 70 degree spring day and ventured outside my standard 5-mile radius for a “mini” road-trip to General Washington’s country estate: Mount Vernon, VA. The Main House Just found my retirement gig. Founding Father #1 The “Necessity” or “I need indoor plumbing” Riding in comfort 18th-Century style
Read MoreSpanish Adventures: Day 6
Word of the day: Sun. Finally, the “sol” part of Costa del Sol decided to make an appearance. This is, of course, after Michelle and I threw out our old shoes and purchased rain boots in Ronda the day before. It’s still windy making the 55 degree day colder than either of us packed for. I’ve already recycled the three, yet thin sweaters I packed and 3 of the 5 pairs of shoes have gone untouched. Thankfully, we have a washing machine. Yesterday’s adventures through the Spanish mountains and downpours left us both wiped out. Today, we opted to sleep in and have a slow day. This meant a 15 minute drive to Estepona where we could walk the full city without any concern we’d get lost. A bustling little coastal town where cafes...
Read MoreSpanish Adventures: Day 5
Word of the day: Mountain. The map provided to us by the rental car company showed 376 as the direct route to Ronda, a town with the oldest bull fighting arena in Spain and a massive gorge. After learning that everything shut down at 1:30 for Siesta, we pulled ourselves together quicker than in days before and made it out of the condo by 9:30AM. By now, we were familiar with route 7 from which we hit 376 north to Ronda. The road sign said 47 kilometers and without using my iphone app, I guesstimated 30 miles. We’ll be there in about 30-45 minutes, I calcuated. Michelle at the wheel, and me in my regular spot as navigator and commentator, we headed north on 376. Well, in Spain, or at least this part of Spain, north translates to “road to God.” We...
Read MoreSpanish Adventures: Day 4
Word of the day: Shop. Two girls and a deluge of rain = shop. It appears that the little research I did before embarking on this trip was not 100% accurate. The claim of a year-round sunny destination spot is misleading and well, possibly out right false advertising. This was no more apparent as we roamed the streets of Marbella and Spanishlocals decked themselves out in standard issue rain gear: black rain boots and a mosaic of colorful umbrellas. Stores welcommed you with an umbrella stand and a big mat to wipe your feet before stepping onto the marble floors where I’m positive many tourists have busted their ass. Fortunately, I was not one of them. It’s been raining buckets for upwards of 12 hours straight. Like the day we arrived, this is not the...
Read MoreSpanish Adventures: Day 3
Word of the day: Liberation. After two days of cabs and walking endlessely through zig-zags of Spanish roads, Michelle and I snuck through the fortress gates of the Marriott Vacation Club to find anyone who could speak enough English to direct us to the nearest rental car company. Although the staff was lessed than pleased that we were not Marriott guests, in the spirit of the Marriott culture they still helped us without me having to pull the “Marriott” card. An hour and half later, the car company delivered to us a 5-speed, grey Fiat. We were liberated and free to roam the Spanish highways. Michelle was driving as I attempted to read a Spanish map. “Just keep going down A-7,” I explained. Note, I’m not the best map reader, but it...
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