A Break From the Break

Apologies for the lack of any updates recently.  I'd gotten a little lazy until an unnamed concerned soul inquired whether we were okay and had not become entangled in some kind of situation.  We've been back in the US for several weeks, as the plan was to attend Steph's cousin Jennifer's wedding in New York and participate in MSF's "Refugee Camp in the Heart of the City" exhibit. A break from the break, if you will.  So, temporarily no budget lodging, dodgy vendors, long bus rides and all the other joys accompanying overseas travel.  

I've traveled my share, but the trip back from Indonesia nearly drove us off the deep end.  It was Makassar, Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vancouver, then finally San Francisco -- 36 hours that felt like 36 years.  Cramped seats, jet lag, killing time at the airport, airport security --You're not missing anything.

New York in autumn is nice.  The wedding was great and everyone had a wonderful time.  I've never seen so much food in one place, except at a Las Vegas buffet.  The Hennessy went down better for some than others... If you haven't visited Manhattan, you must.  I find it electric and eclectic.  SoHo, Times Square, Grand Central terminal, the Met, Broadway, the pizza.

Our appetites for long bus rides apparently not satiated, we boarded the cheap bus for the 4 hour trip from NY to Boston.  It was actually quite comfortable and easy for a mere $15.  We stayed with my good friend Wei Lee who drove us around to see the spectacular fall foliage in the New Hampshire White Mountains and the idyllic New England coast areas of Kennebunkport, Wells, and Ogunquit.  If you know Wei Lee at all, you understand that each meal is an opportunity not to be wasted.  We were forced to have great sushi, good wine, fresh lobster rolls, and heavenly fried clams.

Better yet, I got to see my dear cousins Steve, Dave, Sandra, Helouise, and Marie, whom I don't see nearly enough.

The remaining time, we've spent in San Francisco.  If New York was nice, San Francisco is great this time of year.  The skies are a cloudless blue and the days sunny, warm, and postcard perfect.  The views from Coit tower overlooking the bay and bridges couldn't be nicer.  Stroll the Marina Green and head to North Beach for gelato and coffee.  

We'll be on the road again next week, starting from Hong Kong.

Pictures