Duck Tour

Really... I don't think I need to continue this post, the title says it all... don't ya think?

Okay, well for those of you who are confused (as I was at first), I will continue. In Seattle, you can ride a Duck... not just any old Duck... but an amphibious truck. No need to go back, you read that right. They are amphibious landing crafts from WWII. Obviously that means this is a land and WATER tour. And it is amazing!

Seriously, if you visit Seattle, you HAVE to ride the duck. The website is http://www.ridetheducksofseattle.com/main.htm. Go check it out... there is tons of information on there, including info about the Captains.

Speaking of Captains, our personal captain was Jack Tupp. Pretend it's mad gab and figure it out. Yeah, we were riding with captain jacked up! All of the captains names are like that... just check out the website, they get pretty creative... I think my favorite is Lou Segusi. Anyway... the captain was one of the best parts of the tour.

As he drove us around Seattle, he talked about the historical landmarks, and folklore. He also had us sing song and do dances... he was quite ridiculous and extremely hilarious! You can tell he has fun doing what he does... and I had fun listening to it.

Below are some pictures from the tour, I didn't take a whole lot because I have seen most of Seattle already, but these are a few cool ones.

I have to say, driving right down into the water was definitely a highlight of the tour. You just drive right on in!!! And then you putt around in Lake Union for a while and get some beautiful shots of the Seattle skyline. You also get to see the houseboat used in the film Sleepless in Seattle.

Don't stand under this tree in a lightning storm...


Taken from the boat in Lake Union... Seattle Skyline.

Like I said, easily one of the best things I have done in Seattle. It's a must do... along with the Space Needle.

However, the duck tour wasn't the only thing I did today. I also got a massage... fo' free! As it so happens, my step brother has massage training... and some good massage training at that. He was nice enough to treat me to an amazing body massage on his very own massage table. He did an amazing job! My body felt completely different/relaxed afterwards. I was amazed at what a good massage can do. And now I want another one ;D
I'm beginning to see why people pay for them.

Anyway, that's all for today... not much planned for tomorrow either... we will see what happens.

-Britt

Saddle Sore

It’s not just an expression, it’s the real deal… I speak from pain… I mean experience. So, today was horseback riding. We needed to get out before the heat became unbearable so we headed out around 9am… that hour of course meant that I woke up and was on saddle in the same movement.

Now, I have ridden horses before, but not like this. I would generally ride in a large group of people with extremely well trained horses and a guide that would fix all your problems. I’m not knockin’ it, that’s a fun way to ride, but it’s nothing like this.



I was riding Torro, a horse owned by a friend of my stepmom’s. Now, Torro is extremely well trained as well, but I still had to know how to control him while in the saddle. His owner gave me the basics of turning, stopping and moving forward… and then I was on my own. Well, not really, we all rode together, but you know what I mean.

The ride was about 2 ½ hours long… which is WAY too long for a novice. It wasn’t that I couldn’t handle the horse or I got bored with the trail… Torro was great and the ride was AMAZING! It was the sore backside! I don’t care who you are, if you aren’t used to sitting in a saddle, it’s gonna hurt… a lot! Not only that, but you use muscles to stay on the horse that you don’t realize you are using… and is some cases you didn’t know you had.

When we got back, I dismounted (on the wrong side of course…) and tried to walk. Tried is the operative term there, my thighs hurt from tensing to stay on the horse, my knees hurt from being in the same position for two hours, and my backside hurt just cause… I made it back into the house however and collapsed on the couch.

I know it sounds like I’m complaining… but I’m not! Horseback riding is so much fun!! I wish I could do it more often… I’m just warning the novice’s out there, be prepared for soreness!

There isn’t anything planned for tomorrow, so don’t expect a post… but I think I’m going to be glad, cause my guess is, the pain is only going to get worse ;D

-Britt
P.S. I didn’t fall off like I thought I would… go me!

Go Mariners!!!!

Or not… So, that was the big event today, the Mariners Game. I got up early to catch an 8:30am train to Seattle in order to make it to the city for the 1:10pm game. Which reminds me, why do sporting events start at such random times?

Anyway, the train ride was pleasant. I sat next to a young lady of 15 years who enjoys talking even more than I do (hard to imagine, I know). We conversed steadily for the first 3 hours of the trip and left each other in semi-silence for the last half hour. During the conversation she asked me about myself. I of course told her that I’m a student at NCSU, but then I went on to talk about Student Venture. She thought the organization (all of Campus Crusade) was really cool, and she was interested in hearing about it and what we believe. Turns out, she is Jewish… she even went to a Jewish academy in Portland at one time. We had a long discussion about her religion and my faith… I don’t know how she felt about it, but I do know that God’s word does not return void.

I got off the train to find my dad, stepmom and stepbrother waiting for me just outside the station. I was greeted with “oh I’ve missed you”, “look at how big you are” (I’ve haven’t grown since age 15) and “I can’t believe you’re going to be 21”s while we waited on my checked baggage. We quickly threw the baggage in the van, loaded up and headed to the stadium… which is within walking distance of the station… but it was really hot!

In the stadium..


And I mean really hot! Take a look at the sunburn I got from the game. However, I feel the game was worth it. The Mariners lost, quite miserably actually… but I always feel that being at professional sporting events is worth the trouble. As long as you have an interest in the sport. So, after dropping lots of money at the stadium, getting third degree burns and eating extremely garlic-y fries we headed home.


The sunburn... I should have taken off my vest, at least then it wouldn't look so weird!


The rest of the day was spent recovering from the extreme heat of the game and resting up for tomorrow… I’m to ride a horse in the morning… watch out ground, here I come ;D

-Britt

A hot day in Portland

My day in Portland has arrived! I was so excited the whole morning... I couldn't wait to get going! Our start was delayed however, by me! I decided that I had to get some maple bars since it was my last day in Oregon. Also, Brian told me to eat some maple bars for him... and boy did I! If you have never had maple bars, you have not lived... these things are delicious!!! Very sweet, but declicious all the same... once you get past the pure sugar part ;D

Anyway, after our Maple Bar run, we were off! UDW and I drove to the MAX station on 122nd street and bought our all day tickets for $4.75. The train arrived shortly after and we hopped on. It was quite a ride to Skidmore Fountain, but definitely a less frustrating start to our adventure.

At Skidmore Fountain


Skidmore Fountain is the central landmark of Saturday Market. The market is a arts and crafts fair that opens up in downtown Portland every Saturday and Sunday. The market is amazing! You can find so much cool stuff there!!!! After walking around for an hour or so and seeing many different artists, photographers, sculpters, wood carvers and massuers (of all things)... I settled on one artist and purchased two paintings for $30.



I have no idea why that came in sideways...


We wandered for a little while longer and then decided to go on to our second stop... the Japanese American Memorial Plaza. The plaza was only a block away from the market and was filled with people. Essentially, it's a memorial park for the Japanese that were place in internment camps during the war. There were rocks with poems and others with government decrees. There was also one large rock with what we assume are the names of the internment camps. The plaza is definitely worth a stop if you find yourself in Portland.




One of the Japanese poems...


Sculpture inside the plaza...


After the memorial, we headed to the entrance to Chinatown. At the official entrance, there is a massive gate... called the Chinatown gate (hmmm...). The gate was beautiful!! And I still can't believe how big it was! Anyway, don't take my word for it, pics below.

Lion at the gate...




After the gate we headed to Powell's City of Books. The bookstore was in the Pearl District and by far the biggest store there. I don't mean big, I mean huge, gigantic, massive, monstrous... this place was ridiculous. I have included a picture of a directional sign from inside the store. The rooms are color coded based on genre... and each room is the size of NC State's bookstore (including the gift section upstairs). For those of you who know my love of bookstores... you know I could have spent DAYS in that place, just looking... I was astounded.

Just TRY to understand that sign...


After wiping the drool from my face, we headed to the central library as our last stop. It was recently renovated and let me tell you, they did a good job. When you walk in, you are confronted with an ornate staircase that turns and leads to all three floors. The children's library on the first floor contained a copper tree with animals "carved" into the trunk. The top floor contained unique art that I'm assuming was donated to the library. To sum it up, the library was beautiful... and a good stop for book lovers.

Library...


After the library we hopped on a MAX and headed to my aunt's and uncles place. Early dinner/ late lunch at Shari's (3rd time this week... I think the waiter remembered me ;D). Back to 'home' for movie watching and an early night. Train to Portland at 8:30am.

Day in Seattle tomorrow!
-Britt

Gardens, Gardens, Gardens

Today was not as long as yesterday but was just as exciting! Today we visited Washington Park in the western part of Portland. This area includes the zoo, a couple of gardens, some memorials and other such sites. UDW and I only visited two of the gardens however and then we tuckered out ;D.

The first garden we visited was the International Rose Test Garden. Don't worry, they don't perform tests on roses, no need to form a Rose Rights Protection group... Anyway, the garden is absolutely beautiful. And for those who know me, that is saying something... since flowers really don't do anything for me, they just sort of exist. In this garden however, the roses took over!






I was astounded by the many different colors, patterns and sizes of roses. Some were solid with vibrant colors. Others had edges tinged with a second color. Some had varied colors throughout. I can't go on, but just know that the pictures above and below do not do the garden justice. If you ever find yourself in the Portland/Washington Park area, you MUST visit the rose garden.






After the International Rose Test Garden, we took the lane up to the Japanese Garden. We had to hike up a hill to get to this garden, but it was well worth it, even with the $8 admission.


Entrance to the Japanese Garden

This Japanese Garden is meant to be authentic. So it was not wheelchair accessible, there were narrow paths, and unguarded pools of water. However, it was the most serene place I have ever been in. What amazed me was the large amount of people there and yet the garden remained extremely quiet. UDW mentioned afterwards how there wasn't a single person on a cell phone (at least that we saw/heard). It was simply peaceful. And also beautiful! The scenery was astounding and the running water gave wonderful background 'music' for viewing. Another excellent choice of visitor spots in the Portland area.


Waterfall in the Japanese Garden







After a quick lunch at Noodles and company (excellent restaurant if you have never tried it, thanks Ryan) we headed to the Lincoln Memorial. Both my Nana and Poppa (my mother's parents) are inurned at this memorial site. I had never visited my Nana's memorial before and since my Poppa recently died, I decided to go visit the site. The inscriptions and dates can be seen in the picture below. I have to admit, it was a sobering experience to visit their memorials.



I also stopped by the gravesite of my Poppa's mother. The story on her is one I have heard several times, but it never ceases to amaze me. Her husband died in the 1920's and she was left as the single mother of two (my Poppa and great-aunt). She raised them both through the depression without any help. WOW! Her stone is picture below.


I don't know why it came in sideways, but I can't fix it... so flip it with your mind.

After the memorial, we headed back for dinner at Arby's and a quiet night at home watching the A&E adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. To prepare for another long day tomorrow, I'm off to bed!

-Britt

The Coast...not the beach

Kyle and I on the coast...

Whew!!! Today was a long and exciting day...
Woke up around eight this morning and got ready within the hour. Jerry (UDW) showed up for the trip to the coast. After waking up Kyle (cousin) and making a quick car switch (for more seats), we were off.

The drive to the coast was uneventful... guess I should be thankful for that. But when we got to Cannon Beach we realized we were out of gas. That wouldn't normally be that big of a deal right, just go to a gas station and fill 'er up. Makes sense... one problem, the town had no gas stations... seriously, who does that? I couldn't believe it, we drove all through that town looking for one, nothin'. It got to the point where we were afraid we wouldn't make it to the next town for gas... luckily, we did because I wasn't in a car pushing mood (is anyone ever in that mood?)

Anyway... interesting fact about Oregon for you non-Oregonians, there is no such thing as a self-serve gas station. Yup, evidently, civilians aren't smart enough to fill their own tanks with gas. Well, UDW isn't... but that's a whole 'nother story. Okay, so it's really not that bad... it creates jobs, so I guess that's a good thing. I still find it kinda funny though... but I'm amused easily.

After a stop at KFC/Taco Bell for a quick lunch, we headed back to Cannon for a walk along the coast. Now, here's the deal. It's not a beach, people here will call it that... but a beach doesn't have rocks... at least that's what I have decided. On a more serious note, the coast here is definitely different from North Carolina.

Why are there rocks on the beach?????

For one, there are rocks, lots of rocks. Number two: that sand could actually cut your feet. Number three: it was chilly! Number... okay, I'm stopping that. It was really beautiful though. There are huge rock formations in the water with monster waves crashing against them. The mountains also come down and meet the ocean... extremely weird to a North Carolinian... I thought Mountains, Peidmont, and Coast were supposed to be separate, haha ;D
We specifically visited Haystack Rock... it was MASSIVE! We took lots of pictures with it... as you can see below.

Haystack Rock


I had to do it... Kyle and I are beast!


The rock needed a hug...

While walking along the coast (I just can't call it a beach), we saw lots of dead jellyfish. Well, more like dead parts of jellyfish. Again, an interesting sight for me... I almost feel as if the Atlantic is boring now... oh wait, you can actually swim in that ocean... forget my last comment ;D

Lots of jellyfish...


We also found a lonely little plant... pretty sure it's a long way from home.

After our hike on the coast, we drove up US-101 to some beautiful viewpoints. US-101 runs parallel to the Oregon Coast and there are some great places to stop for pictures. Again... you can see that below!

One of the viewpoints on US-101


One of the most beautiful views I've ever seen! Look at how the mountains come right down to the ocean. Look at the waves!!! Just amazing!


Needed I prove I was there !

As promised, we patronized Outback for dinner. However, my aunt visited the doctor earlier that day for some pain she was experiencing and she was not able to join us. Since she originally asked me to wear what she calls my peacock dress to dinner, I obliged anyway. We made a quick stop by their home and I changed into my peacock dress (I'm warming up to the term) and we headed to dinner.

Of course I ordered a massive steak (although not as big as my cousin) medium rare... and devoured the whole thing ;D. We had some great conversations at dinner and it was great way to celebrate Kyle and Steve's birthdays. Happy Birthday again guys!

Well that was pretty much it for the day, but I am exhausted!!!! It's draining the last of my energy to write this blog.

Should be more tomorrow... I think we are visiting Washington Park.

-Britt

Normal Day

Wednesday in Portland was a normal day. I woke up really early (5:45am) to take my uncle to work so we would have use of his car. I came back, watched three movies, then decided to shower and get some lunch. Right around that time however, my aunt woke up... so we headed to Shari's again for lunch.
BTW, I LOVE driving my uncle's Honda Pilot... maybe I should consider that for my next car... any objections?

We ran an errand after lunch, then picked up my Uncle Dummy-Wimp (from now on, UDW... if you want the story, just ask). A trip to Micheal's, where we dropped WAY too much money... and then we picked up my uncle from work around 4.

Dinner at a Chinese restaurant ended our day. However, my family would tell you that it was a perfect end to our day... somehow it came out that I was a southerner (probably from my big, loud mouth) and the waiter proceeded to joke at my expense for the rest of the night. I have to admit, it was quite funny... okay, extremely funny. But then again, jokes at Britt's expense usually are... ;D
As I was leaving he informed me that if I didn't want him to make fun of me, I shouldn't have announced that I was a foreigner... FOREIGNER?!?!?!?!?! I didn't even know ho to respon to that... I thought they were the foreigners, crazy people that don't say y'all!

Anyway, I ended my day with sleep around 9pm... and it's off to the coast and Outback tomorrow!!!

No pictures from today... but there will be tomorrow!!!

-Britt

I made it to Portland!

Well, I made it... and for the most part safely. ;D

Justin dropped me off at the airport around 6:35pm on Monday and it was smooth sailing for the first leg of the trip. I waited for about a half hour at the gate, boarded and about 15 minutes later we were off. We landed in Atlanta around 9:30pm and my connection departed at 10:10. I was relieved to find out that it was in the same concourse I de-boarded in.

I was NOT however relieved to find out that it had been delayed by an hour and a half. The thing is, the plane was there, and in perfect running (flying) condition, but we weren't allowed to leave. Turns out a flight from Maryland was delayed big time... and it carried 36 passengers from our flight. Since it was the last flight of the day, and AirTran would be responsible for the 36 passengers financially... we waited for them. How kind, huh?

Truthfully, delays don't bother me that much. I have been flying twice a year since I was seven, I expect delays at this point... but in this case, I was a little upset. You see, a friend of mine was picking me up from the airport, and she had to be at work by 7:30am the next morning. I felt sooooooo bad! Luckily, she took a nap before my plane arrived, and was able to sleep well after, so she wasn't dragging. As a thank you though, I took her to lunch at a cute deli called Eats Cafe and Market in West Seattle. Well, she took me, but I paid ;D.

The 36 passengers were all together... and all middle schoolers. There was a lacrosse tournament in Maryland and a group of middle schoolers from Seattle had attended with their club lacrosse team. Two boys sat next to me and we had a discussion waiting for the plane to take off. As it turns out, their team ended the tournament 0 and 5. I felt bad for them, but they seemed to enjoy the trip nonetheless. After take off, I was out!

After lunch, Shana (thanks again for your help girl!!!) dropped me off at the train station. I got my ticket and decided to walk around Seattle a little. My walk was, sadly, very uneventful. Since I was carrying a heavy backpack, and the sun was hot (who would have thought?)... my walk lasted about 15 minutes. I spent the rest of the two hours reading (and partially writing this blog) in King Street Station.

The train ride was uneventful as well... and almost depressing, at least compared to my last train ride to Portland. If you wish to hear stories about that train ride, ask me in person, I can't do that story justice with simple text. In short, Marshall, Brian and I were seated next to an interesting group of guys headed to Portland to celebrate a birthday... and they visited the dining car for drink refills quite frequently.
Anyway, back to this train ride, nothing happened. Seriously, the guy next to me wouldn't even talk... which of course, made me sad... I really do hate silence, I thought I was going to die from it.

Enough about travel... after arriving in Portland, I gave my aunt and uncles their Christmas gifts... yeah, you read that right...
Their gifts were from Kenya. For my aunt I brought a shawl... and my uncles got hand painted soapstone bowls. Everyone loved their gifts, but I kinda cheated, when the gifts are from Kenya, it doesn't matter what they are, they're automatically loved.

We headed to dinner at Shari's (sorta like a Perkins style restaurant). During dinner we discussed plans for the week. It looks like I'm doing a day at the coast, dinner at Outback (oh yeah!), and a day (or two) in Portland.

When we got back I went through my aunt's scrapbooking stuff, stole some for myself ;D and headed to bed... traveling really takes it out of ya!

More to come!

-Britt

I'm off!

In about two hours, a friend is coming to pick me up and take me to the airport. An hour and a half after that, I should be on a plane to Atlanta, then another to Seattle. I'll arrive in Seattle around 12:30am Tuesday morning.

I am really excited about the trip, and I will update my blog as much as possible (for real this time!) Please pray for safe travels... and safe luggage, I'm bringing stuff from Kenya with me, and I would prefer it not get lost... or broken.

You should hear from me soon!

-Britt

Awesome news for the kingdom of heaven!!!

Okay all... so I know I have been really bad about posting... really, really bad. So here is the deal... I'm never promising deadlines... but I have more going on now to post about, so you will get updates.


Now, for the news indicated in the post title.
My cousin got baptized last week!!!! How awesome is that!!! I am so happy... I even did a victory dance. Really, I did... too bad you missed it ;D

Send up some serious praise for that one, I have been praying on that subject for about 7 years. Thank you Lord!!!!

-Britt