Thanksgiving Abraod

For the third year in a row now I have spent my Thanksgiving vacation out of the United States of America. While that may seem unpatriotic to many, I have been bringing the US festivities with me on my travels.

The past years I have visited my sister; once in Barcelona and last year, in her new home of Mexico City. Both proved to be amazing places and I can't say I went to bed hungry on the last Thursday of November.



This year, I spent my thankful vacation in Guatemala with the Segovia family. With a bit of time in the sun...a bit in the city...and the fabulous wedding event, I was feeling very thankful overall. Thankful for my family back home, my sister; who has implemented the travel bug somewhere deep inside of me, and my stand in family the Segovia's, who did make me give thanks in spanish.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch...um disturbing

So over the years we have deposited an amazing amount of pollution into the Pacific Ocean. Waves and currents bring the trash together...as shown here.

The floating mass is said to be the size of Texas...which is larger than many countries...Been-Seen's article about the Pacific Garbage Patch points out that as animals ingest the pollution it will slowly make its way up the food chain and back to the humans that created it. Ew.

Just remember when you throw away...there is no "away"

Some Travel Tips from Vagabonish

This series of posts offer some good advice;

Part 1; Taking the Leap

Part 2; Money Matters

Part 3; The Logistics of Getting Ready

Part 4; Geat Up for Your Journey

Part 5; Making Money on the Road

NEWS; Iraq's New Army...

Newly graduated soliders marched in front of Gen Babkir. These new graduates say they are excited to serve the people and be the wave of change that is needed after the fall of Saddam. They are "proud to provide a safe environment for the Iraqi people". 

This looks all well and good, but who is in charge of this training? The BBC article aslo mentions fears of military success leading to loss of cizilian control. That is a valid concern, but lets first work on the military success before it's reprocusios.

All and all it looks like the first positive piece of news I've seen out of Iraq. Lets keep up a positive trend here...

Stop This Train

I can't help but sympathize with John Mayer's lyrics;

Stop this train
I want to get off and go home again
I can't take the speed it's moving in
I know I can't but honestly won't someone stop this train

Life seems to be flying by here in Boulder. School and midterms are overwhelming, but midterms means that I am 'mid'- way done with my last semester of college ever. My excitement of being so close just drives me to keep going. Beyond school,the next upcoming Boulder holiday is Halloween, not a small occasion around here. Although I'm not sure what I am dressing up as yet, October 31st is never a bummer day here. Beyond Halloween, Thanksgiving break is looking pretty exciting as well. I just got a ticket to spend 8 days in Guatemala with Chino. Yes, they eat turkey and celebrate, so I won't be missing any American festivities.


FIRST SNOWFALL. Today was the first dusting of snow over the Flatirons and it was beautiful. I always love seeing all the cars, that must have driven down from the mountains, with a little snow covering...winter is coming! Getting ready to get my snowboard on.

Emma's GABF Winers

So the Great American Beer Festival was a success once again...went, had some fabulous beer and made it back in one piece. I have to say my favorite was definitely The Dissident by Deschutes Brewery out of Oregon. After that, i really enjoyed most of the pumpkin beers. Alright GABF 2008!

Farm Party

This Sunday the Teahouse employees and I will be getting down farm style. The pig roast BBQ is taking the place of our famous, yearly Christmas party. Food, Booze and Games...should be a good time.

Up Up and Away

Last Wednesday was a very special day, starting very early in the morning. At 6:45 Chino and I were out in Longmont drinking coffee alongside a huge inflating hot air balloon. once it was full we hopped in the basket and up we went, 3,000 ft. above ground. We could see everything , the sky was clear the mountains were beautiful as usual and it was a great way to start the day. Not to mention the mimosas to follow our landing.

RTW Plans

Begining next March, 2009 that is, I will be setting out on my adventure of a lifetime, traveling around the world. The plan is consistantly changing, but at the moment there are some definite headways. My roommate Jessica and I will start our journey in Beijing, in hopes of finding a small fuzzy friend named Kate. With Kate, and possibly Mark in tow, we will conquir the Great Wall and all of China's other wonders before heading Westerly. Next stop, Vietnam, with the open possiblity of Laos or Cambodia...From this region we will relocate to Eastern Europe, working our way from Turkey to Prague and eventually Ireland. I have some hopes for Morocco on the end of the voyage, but I don't want to get too optimistic. 

These plans are more than optimistic and flexible, yet if any or all of them work out to provide some beautiful vistas and people i will be satisfyed .

Some fun sites to check out while dreaming RTW...Matador... BootsnAll... and World Hum

Sunrise in Boulder

If there was any doubt to why so many people love living in Boulder, just wake up early enough to watch the sun wake up. The orange globe rising from the east and illuminating the flatirons like a spotlight is truly amazing. This morning was my second sunrise of the summer and I don't regret rolling out of bed early at all.

Upcoming Beer and Music

The fall semester brings with it, not only the Great American Beer Festival , but also the Telluride Blues & Brews, both of which have become necessary traditions. The GABF will be happening in Denver in early September and the Blues & Brews not until October. Perfect way to break up the semester!!