Travel Memoir ~ Nepal
Traveling solo to Nepal in the mid 1980’s was the first time that I encountered the beautiful word “Namaste.” Instinctively, I knew that it was far more than a simple greeting. A guidebook translated “Namaste” as “I welcome the gods that dwell within you.”
Another translation I found: “I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one.”
When I hear “Namaste” or see it in print, I think not only of the various translations but also of the fabulous time I spent in Nepal and the many beautiful people whom I met.
I think fondly of a smiling father proudly showing me his young son and the waiters who had such delight when I ordered native food and drink and of people on a local bus giving up their seats for visitors to their country. Read more
Gig Harbor, Washington
Updated Aug 22, 2018 ~ Hazy, smokey day due fires in eastern Washington. Unhealthy air quality. Mt Rainier not visible.
April 11, 2018
Kitsap Peninsula’s Gig Harbor has retained its small town charm. Walk about the harbor ~ gaze at Mt. Rainier in the distance ~ explore the local shops and art galleries ~ check out the local coffee shops & restaurants, including Il Lucano (fabulous, Italian), Cutter’s Point (local artisan roasted coffee), Green House, Morso, Tide’s Tavern and Devoted Kiss Café ~ rent a kayak, take a gondola ride, walk Cushman Trail. Located near Tacoma (take time to explore Point Defiance Park), Bremerton (ferry to/from Seattle) and Port Orchard, Gig Harbor is a terrific stopover when exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Photos ~ Southport & Wilmington, NC
Approximately 75 miles north of Myrtle Beach, you will find the southern end of the beautiful Outer Banks. Enjoy exploring and finding your special place.
My favorite restaurants in the area include ….
- Southport
- Joseph’s Italian Bistro (josephsitalianbistro.com)
- Taylor’s (taylorcuisinecafecatering.four.food.com) Fabulous breakfast (sweet potato pancakes are incredible) and lunch
- Wilmington
- Elijahs (elijahs.com)
- Le Catalan (lecatalan.com)
A Favorite Bookstore ~ Eagle Harbor Books, Bainbridge Island, WA
If you live near or are visiting Seattle, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island to explore Eagle Harbor Book Company.
A short walk from the ferry, on Winslow Way, you will find everything you desire in a bookstore:
- Helpful, knowledgeable staff
- Comfortable surroundings
- Terrific selection
- Genres include Military History, Native America, Northwest Travel, Local Interest
- Wide array of staff selections and book club readings
- Ample room to browse
- Interesting non-book items include “Knowledge Cards” (“Great Lines from Great Movies”), tote bags, socks, cards, calendars.
- You can go online and sign up for their monthly newsletter and check upcoming events
https://www.eagleharborbooks.com/
Photos ~ Bainbridge Island, WA
Tips: Traveling Cross County Solo with a Cat
Take a deep breath — you can do this! Make a to-do list and be flexible.
Plan your route. The USA has a terrific interstate highway system with rest stops and information kiosks with very easy access to hotels, gas stations and food.
Reserve your room the day prior, considering weather and how far you think you will drive the next day. Reserve a ground floor room as you will be bringing not only your stuff into the room, but also your cat and food and toys and litter pan. Flexibility is key. Pick a hotel chain where most of the chain accepts pets. I used Choice Hotels and would recommend them.
- Visit your vet
- A sedative may not be the answer, especially if a small cat
- Buy disposable cat litter trays (supermarket or pet store) for each night plus several extra
- Pack your trunk and keep everything you need in the back seat and your cat (in carrying case) in the seat next to you
- Always keep your pet in a carrying case while driving
- Have food or water handy in case your cat wants something (at a rest stop)
- Have a towel in your car to shield your cat (in her carrying case) from the sun
- When you arrive at your motel, bring everything into the room, put out your cat’s food, toys & litter pan (put a towel under litter so litter does not get on floor/rug, have garbage bags for disposal) and then open the cat carrying case and let your cat explore
- Pack a dust pan, brush and pet cleaner in case of any accidents
- Have flexible travel plans
- Enjoy your journey, think of it as an adventure.
Here is a link about my cross country trip from western Washington to South Carolina. I have many great memories of the trip with my cat, Shadow. She was the best navigator and I am so glad that I was fortunate to make such a memorable trip.
Cross Country with Shadow ~ A Cat Tale
Explore Historic Charleston
Always ranked very high on any list of the world’s best cities to visit (“Top 10” of Travel and Leisure’s 2018 list), Charleston has much to offer you when you visit. You will feel comfortable walking about, browsing the shops and enjoying the local cuisine, beaches and golf courses. Here are some of my favorite things to do:
- Walk about the beautifully preserved historic area and waterfront
- Enjoy the quiet of an early morning saunter
- Contemplate Charleston’s history as you visit Fort Sumter
- Tour the preserved mansions and gardens
- Stroll the cobblestone streets
- Admire the many beautiful flower boxes
- Gaze at the narrow passageways between homes
- Marvel at the beautiful gardens, fountains
- Take a horse-drawn carriage tour
- Feel the history
- Dine at local restaurants (Magnolia’s and Eli’s Table are my favorites)
- Visit any time of the year, as Charleston is a feast for all seasons
Explore Coastal South Carolina
When you visit Charleston, plan time to explore the gorgeous nearby coastal area and discover your own special places. Soak up the atmosphere, enjoy the beach, golf and local cuisine. Indulge yourself.
Discover the Myrtle Beach area
- Wander about Brookgreen Gardens
- Stroll the boardwalk
- Savor seafood specialties at the many restaurants along the boardwalk
- Dine at Villa Romana Italian Restaurant
- Check out the Amusement Park and Ripley’s Believe It or Not
- Walk the beautiful beach
Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina ~ Photos
Read more
Journeys with Eileen Diane 