Weekend

The weekend between Christmas and New Year's is strange. If you are not travelling and visiting family or if you don't have children, is it just a regular weekend? For me, I guess the answer is yes.

I went to the movies and saw The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. I really enjoyed reading this series and I thought they did a fine job with the first movie. Catching Fire was even better. The film does an excellent job at capturing both the grittiness of District life and the opulence and outrageousness of the Capitol. I did find Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss a bit stiff at times, but I think that worked. Katniss is stiff and awkward in her own skin. She doesn't like attention or being in the spotlight. I thinking I was just wishing for a little more chemistry between her and both of the male leads. The actors playing Gale and Peeta are both well chosen for those roles. But neither seemed to have any real romantic chemistry with Katniss. Maybe that will change in the next movie - I sure hope so...no spoilers here but read the books!

I came across this amazing site: Urban Landscapes Then and Now. Showing old photos of cities compared with the same spot in 2013. Amazing how much things have changed. But is it for the better? As I said to the friend that sent the link: will there be any undeveloped, unused space on this planet in another century? I sure hope so...

Boston Whovians Invade London!

2013 marks the 50^th anniversary of the airing of Doctor Who. To celebrate the occasion the BBC threw a convention at London ExCel November 22, 23, and 24. Unfortunately the website for the con is no longer available so I cannot link to it.

There were 8 of us in total from the Boston area that were able to get tickets to the show and made the journey to London – some for the first time.

A first trip to Paris

London has always been my favorite city. I rarely travel anywhere else. While this trip was no exception, I did manage to squeeze in a couple of days in Paris. It was a short trip, not even 3 full days, but it was amazing. Paris is truly a magnificent city, full of history and stunning architecture. I plan to return and wouldn't hesitate to recommend you add it to your places to visit asap!

London to Paris

November 19, 2013

Everything is accessible in Europe. In just over two hours I can go from London to Paris. Europe is big and spread out, but America just seems vast. The only place I can be in two hours from Boston is Connecticut - not too shabby, but not Paris. Not another country.

The Adventure Begins

Back to London for the 50th anniversary celebration of Doctor Who. Throw in a little side trip to Paris and a jaunt to Cardiff. An adventure indeed!

Starting off with a light dinner in the BA club world lounge. 

Dessert...

I'm hoping to get some sleep on the flight as I expect to hit the ground running when I arrive Thursday morning. First stop, Stratford Upon Avon for The Royal Shakespeare's Richard II starring Ten himself, David Tennant. We have obstructed seats and we're not sitting together but Who the heck cares! I'm just happy to be going. 

The lounge here is bustling. Time to read and settle down for the flight. 

More from London...

Whatever the weather

First snowfall, short and sweet. Ending with a beautiful sunset. 

Lunch with a view

It was a lovely and cool fall day...

Outside my window

Fall is in full bloom. The chill is back in the air. Before we know it the clocks will be turned back. 

"We're getting the gang back together"

Last night was spent with friends, old and new, all of whom were made possible by a British science fiction television show and the fan club that celebrated it.

Fall is here...

Along with Indian summer.  What a beautiful Friday this turned into. And welcome it was after a long, short week (Columbus Day)

Taking its toll

Early morning trip to the airport

Selfie Sunday - At home

Selfie Sunday - At home, a photo by black and white all over on Flickr.

Mom's visiting. I'm just waiting around for her to arrive.

Getting stuff done

Weekends don't always have to be for errands. Not if you plan your after-work weekdays right. But every once in a while something comes up that you can only get to on a Saturday. 

Waiting for the inspection sticker for my car. 

Reward later - afternoon tea at Heath Tea Room in Rockport!

TGIF

Home for a little while. Time to relax. I love Friday nights.

Rainy day

In our nation's capitol. 

A photo a day keeps the doctor away

In an effort to keep myself writing and to appreciate what is going on around me, I am going to post a picture (or two) every day.

 

Loews Madison Hotel, Washington DC

A little stroll to the White House at lunch

 

Yes, I am in DC this week. Just a little quieter than usual. 

California Dream'in

View of the Pacific from Del Mar Heights

Back in San Diego, CA

Going Global

I am a trusted traveler...

Fall. Perfect.

There's nothing like a perfect fall weekend in New England.

Main Street, Concord, MA

Food on the go!

This weekend the Charles River Food Truck Festival took place in Artesani Herter Park in Brighton, MA.

Notes from a Small Island...

I love travel writing. I just finished re-reading this old favorite from Bill Bryson, Notes From a Small Island...

How time flies

It's almost the end of summer. The shortening of the days adds insult to injury. I've always been a morning person, I love rising with the sun. I take some of my best photos when I'm out early. Places like London and Las Vegas are so different when their streets are quiet and empty, eerie almost.

Fall and winter have their own lovely qualities but the long days of summer are this traveller's favorite. I will miss them. 

My fall trips are coming together. San Diego, DC, London and new to the line up - Paris. Exciting things to look forward to, softening the blow put upon me by shorter days and colder temps. I expect one day I will wake up and love the harsh chill of winter but until then, I'll be out soaking up as much daylight as I can. 

My days...

Cavalia - Odysseo

Cirque du Soleil with horses...

Beautiful Sunday Morning

My nieces have got me into this Selfie Sunday picture taking thing. I'm actually enjoying it. Seeing myself at my most relaxed, which I tend to be on Sunday morning.

Today's adventure: Odysseo by Cavalia. Full report after the show!

London Calling

This spring’s trip to London consisted of beautiful side trips, via train, to Portmeirion and Edinburgh.

Are you recycling?

Saturday morning is my cleaning time. I'm energized by the start of the weekend, and full of lofty ideas to make my home life more relaxing and calm.

Recycling is more than just separating your paper, plastic and glass.

LA…in February

I am one of approximately 3000 people who go to Los Angeles in February every year to spend the weekend inside. President’s Day weekend is Gallifrey weekend. As an [almost] life-long Doctor Who fan, this is the Doctor Who event of the year.

New York, New York

January 2013

New York in January is cold. But also beautiful and relatively quiet. I haven’t been a tourist in NYC since high school; suffice it to say that it was a looooong time ago. I’ve never ridden the subway. I’ve always had a per diem and someone else paying for the hotel. I’ve always taken the Acela.

2013, where did you go?

The summer is over. I've done a lot of traveling this year and I'm tasking myself with recapping it so I don't forget...