Coreyography

California Uber Alles

I've been here in San Fran since Tuesday - gotten a lot done and had some fun, too.  Logistical goals accomplished: passport acquired (that was giving me some heartburn), banking issues solved (all hail USAA!), daypack dilemma decided (winner, not a fanny pack but a utility waist pack - that's my story and I'm sticking to it), and visa situations somewhat muddled through.  The Thai letter of the law states that you must have a ticket for onward travel when arriving or no visa.  I've read that the Thai border folks rarely ask, but apparently United will not allow you to board a plane without such a ticket.  So I'm headed to Penang in Malaysia on May 22!  Party in Penang on my birthday - who's with me?

And speaking of fun, been having a lot of that here in SF, too.  Anyone who knows my Dad and stepmom knows that they are super into their dogs.  In addition to the Bichons Rufus and Roxanna and the Sheltie Reggie, they also have a new Beardie puppy, Riley, who is equal parts cute and goof.  I would love to see Riley and my friend Michelle's standard Poodle Chili in a Cute/Goof Off.  It would be a competitive match that I, for one, would greatly enjoy.

Dad and I also took a trip to Berkeley, wheretofore I had never been.  Delightful!  Beautiful campus, very nice art museum (small but some interesting pieces and a lovely building) and most especially Chez Panisse!  Which I must confess was the most influential motivator for the trip overall.  We had lunch in the Cafe and it was all I had thought it would be, which is to say fantastic. 

Uncles and family are coming for dinner tonight and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone.  And then it's on the plane to Thailand tomorrow - take off at 1:30 p.m. and arrive at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in Tokyo.  Not really sure how the whole international date line/time change situation is in play here, but it's safe to day I'm going to be on the plane awhile.  And then Tokyo to Bangkok, arrive 11:05 p.m.  It's all led up to this, so exciting!   

A Week at the Beach

Today I am wrapping up a glorious week spent with my Mom and friends at Holden Beach.  My move and the sale of my house went through last Tuesday (yee haw!) and I am in full gear-purchasing, plan-making logistics mode for the trip.  Over the next two weeks I am making a mini-tour of the mid Atlantic USA visiting friends before selling my car and heading to Northern California to visit my Dad and various Roots the week of April 16.  The most exciting development is that I now have my ticket to Thailand and will arrive in Bangkok 11:05 PM on Monday April 23.  I will post more about my gear as I acquire stuff.  First up: shoes!  I am in the market for a sport sandal (hiking boot in sandal form?) and I need to start breaking these in ASAP, which means daily walks for me.  Walks will also help me start getting in shape - several weeks of eating out during my move capped off by a week at the beach (always hedonistic in terms of food and drink) have left me feeling a bit sluggish.  Nothing two years on the road with a backpack can't remedy!