It’s Not the Destination, It’s the Journey

Isn’t it true that sometimes we worry more about what to do when we get somewhere, than we do about just getting there? Getting somewhere involves an idea, planning, a goal, and a dash of adventure, it’s about taking everything in as we travel on the path, whether it be in the direction of your front door, or in the direction of your dream, getting there is all about the process. Nothing goes as planned, so I’ve learned you just have to roll with the punches. What we remember most are the little things, and the things that remind us of the important things in life. So always remember that “Life is a journey…not a destination…Live in the moment”.

This blog is dedicated to those journeys and memories that stay with us forever, no matter how big or small, near or far, or how complex or simple, every memory is a story worth retelling.

A Taste of India

What started off as a lazy Saturday night, and a plan to hit up the dime a dozen restaurants in our monopolized world, turned into an entirely cultural experience.

Breads of India

I thought a nice barbeque chicken pizza from California Pizza Kitchen sounded pretty good, so I called up a couple friends and hopped in the car to head to Walnut Creek. Of course once we got there and found out it would be a 45 minute wait, I knew my growling belly would be angry if it didn’t get anything inside it soon. So what do we do? We wander, “Oh there’s an Italian place down this way, or Mexican a little further?” So we trek in said direction to find another hour wait and overpriced menu…while waiting for one of my friends to get cash out of the ATM, I sat on the bench and thought to myself, what I am thinking? A cardboard disc with plastic cheese sounded good to me? No! I know that every restaurant deserves its chance, and usually I leave feeling pretty satisfied from little hole in the wall places. So my friend spotted this modest, nearly empty Indian restaurant that was reasonable price wise, and most importantly we could get a table as soon as we walked through the door.

Another Entry On Sonoma

The Aromas of Sonoma

The idea of traveling to wine country made me feel mature, elegant, and classy. Of course I knew full well that I would neither taste any wine nor do I have an experienced palette to even appreciate alleged wine. Regardless, seeing wine country was one thing that I knew I couldn’t miss out on while living in this wonderful Bay Area.

Stepping of the bus I was gracefully greeted by clean rolling hills, quaint storefronts, and a breath of fresh air. Pleasantly surprised by this unique entrance to a town known for being a staple in wine country, I was excited for what was in store for this sunny and clear January day.

I entered the old brick building that was located in the center of the park in the town’s plaza to find some information about this unfamiliar place from the Visitor’s Bureau. The people were friendly and ready to bestow some great information about a somewhat looked-over town. We started the tour in front of the Mission San Francisco de Solano, the last of the Spanish Missions along California’s “El Camino Real”; it was founded in 1823. The building is authentic in the sincerest of ways, stark white exterior, deep-set windows, and a beautiful red roof. I enjoyed learning the history of the building from the State Park Historian Marianne Hurley; she also offered much insight to the unique structure across the street from the mission called the Blue Wing Inn, the oldest adobe structure visible to the public north of the Bay. General Vallejo built it around 1840 to accommodate the travelers coming through the town.

After the brief but extensive history lesson, we toured the northern part of the square to find exceptional restaurants, shops, and hotels such as the world-famous the Girl and the Fig restaurant, and the savory Sonoma Cheese Factory where you can sample as many types of cheese as you like. I got the feeling of a tight-knit community as our tour guide ran into a group of women she knew eating lunch at the Swiss Hotel, an indication of a friendly town and a great place to visit.

Moving on from the town plaza I ventured to what Sonoma is known for, beautiful wineries. I traveled along the road passing miles of vineyards on my way to Cline Cellars. I arrived at the rustic, family owned winery and felt like I stepped into plush green, homey landscape. Surrounding the farmhouse style tasting room were moss-covered ponds and overbearing willow trees. It seemed like a great place to have a party or wedding, elegant yet down to earth. Although harvest season had passed, I could smell the smooth sweetness of red wine as we entered the barrel room and I toured where the bottling took place.  Having never toured a winery before, I decided that they have a certain magic about them, all the work that goes into producing such a fine flavor, it combines the work of a farm, experimentation, and good taste, not to mention the presentation that makes each, grape, vine, barrel, and bottle unique.

My well-rounded trip to Sonoma came to an end, and I left satisfied and knowledgeable about a place I knew nothing about when I arrived. Sonoma is more than a visit to wine country, although that is a great excuse for going. It is a pleasant town filled with thriving industry and plenty to discover.

Visiting Sonoma?

Here’s some information.

Cline Cellars:

Phone: (707) 940-4030

Address: 24737 Arnold Drive,

Sonoma, CA 95476

Website: www.clinecellars.com

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau:

Phone: (707)996-1090 x106

Address: 453 First Street,

Sonoma, CA 95476

Website: www.sonomavalley.com

In the Hills of Oakland

It was a gloomy day in Moraga as the students made their to the bus while dodging puddles of rainwater standing from the night before. They weren’t sure what to expect for the third field trip of the class, and some were quite skeptical of the travel story they were going to get out of a trip to a space and science museum. It sounded more like a middle school report than an engaging story, but they put a smile on their faces and perked up as the professor had the driver take them on the back roads though the Oakland Hills to get to the science center.

The Sonoma Valley

The idea of traveling to wine country made me feel mature, elegant, and classy. Of course I knew full well that I would neither taste any wine nor do I have an experienced palette to even appreciate alleged wine. Regardless, seeing wine country was one thing that I knew I couldn’t miss out on while living in this wonderful Bay Area.

The town of Sonoma is quite unique, and definitely a place worth your time. It’s main area is a giant square plaza with the visitor bureau in the middle of a park area. Surrounding the plaza is the block of streets lined with authentic storefronts and restaurants that give the area an “old time” feel. Each hotel, restaurant, and shop has it’s own story and history. Highlights while touring the square included tasting a myriad of cheeses at The Sonoma Cheese Factory and visiting the Mission San Francisco de Solano.

Mission San Francisco de Solano

It’s a Car, It’s a Boat, It’s a Duck?: Touring San Francisco in an amphibious vehicle

The adventure began as I stepped off the bus with the rest of my classmates and saw the c white vessel with wheels that would be carrying us on the tour. An exciting portrait of a cartoon duck and enthusiastic letters that read “Ride the Ducks” was displayed across the side of the motor vessel. It was hard for me to believe that this thing would be able to drive us all over the city as well as steer us into the icy waters of the San Francisco Bay.

Duck Boat

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”

The City That Never Sleeps