Our weekend in the Olympic Mountains was wonderful! The Pacific Northwest is absolutely beautiful....the mountains, the water, the evergreens, the temperature. The "cabin" we stayed in was right on Puget Sound with a view of the Olympic Mountains from every single window. I use the term cabin loosely....it was a spectacular home. The company was even more spectacular. We had great conversation, great food, and great fun. We played on the beach, walked on the beach at night, saw an otter and a seal, etc. etc. Thomas ran for the water just as he did at Hilton Head Island, SC though the water here was not the same temperature. It was freezing, and he had a fit when I wouldn't let him stay in the water. I must get that child in a real swimming pool this summer:) Thomas also wanted to eat the rocks on the beach. Elizabeth loved just sitting on the beach and pointing to the birds. She would point and say, " bud." She also liked walking on the rocky beach BY HERSELF! She is so independent right now. One might not believe this, but I have not seen the first drop of rain since we arrived. It has been sunny and overcast and perfect.
It is amazing to me how different the USA is from state to state. I know that sounds like a really simple statement, but it is like a completely different country out here compared to home. The produce in the grocery store is amazing in terms of variety and freshness. I was in awe when I saw the produce section for the first time. The people out here seem so much more health conscious......they are more active, fit, seem to eat healthier. I had REAL oatmeal for the first time in my life.....steal cut (spelling?)....completely different from Quaker instant. I didn't even know there was a difference until I read it in a post on sweet/salty (a great blog of an acquaintance of mine). This visit has made me thirsty for more knowledge about nutrition. I want to do a better job of feeding my family. There is so much I don't know. As far as being fit....I have a LONG way to go. I must become fit so that my children learn the importance and want to be fit as well.
I have always wanted to go to Europe, but now I ask myself "why?" Why when there are so MANY places to see in the great United States of America?
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You discovered what we discovered a few years ago...we (Dyron and I) have traveled to Italy and Germany, Cayman Islands, Canada, and Hawaii. I also traveled extensively as a child all over the U.S. with my parents. You are right about there being amazing variety in the continental U.S. Not only are the natural settings extremely diverse, but the cities are too! We traveled to New York City last year and had a fantastic time! We are heading to Boston in a few weeks for the marathon - I'm sure that will be another adventure...also, the U.S. is blessed to have fabulous state and national parks that are inexpensive and gorgeous! So glad you had a good trip.
As far as nutrition...whole foods rule. I buy organic when I can...I do have a budget! I'm also blessed to get eggs from my dad's chickens and organic vegetables and fruit from his garden in the summer. We also live for water - Brita filtered. No sodas in my house...
Hey Marria. Good luck in Boston! I know you have been training really hard for the marathon. My sister-in-law has run the Boston...maybe a couple of times? not sure. We live for water too. I allow myself one Diet Sprite a day, but the twins don't get any soda...just water and milk....juice at birthday parties.
Always good to hear from you.
I wish I was running the Boston marathon - that would mean I was super fast! Dyron is running in it. He finally qualified (3:09) at the Memphis marathon in December. It's a "kid-free" trip for us - so should be quite relaxing!
Enjoy your time with your husband!
I've been thinking how to try to phrase this. Certainly one reason to travel abroad is for the scenery and sites, but as you said, there is plenty of that here.
I think the most important reason is to see that "our" way is not the only way and sometimes not even the best way. The rest of the world is rich with other cultures and other traditions that are wonderful to explore.
As different as the Northwest is from the Southeast, they are far more alike than they are similar to the rest of the world.
Hey Amy! I totally agree that exposure to other cultures is a wonderful aspect of traveling abroad. I want to learn more about how other people live...their thoughts and beliefs...and want our children to do the same. However, I think Americans take their country for granted. While we aren't a perfect country we have lots to offer in terms of sites, scenery, and differences from state to state. I have found ways of life and beliefs to be completely different in different parts of my own state let alone from the East coast to the West. I realize such differences couldn't possibly be as far apart as the differences between the U.S. and European countries.
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