4/25/10
Happy Birthday Danny! I give you New York.
We stopped at a Perkins on the way from Cleveland to New York for lunch and I asked the waitresses to come out and sing him Happy Birthday. They brought out a half sugar half chocolate chip cookie with a lit candle in it. Very cute.
As we were driving through the foggy hills, we started to realize that we are MOVING! Not just traveling but making a life change.
We arrived in Staten Island at Grandpa Fred & Grandma Cora's house (my mom's uncle and aunt) around 9pm and had some pancit and talked about our travels, along with Auntie Tita as well.
While this is then end of our road trip, there are still more updates to come. We won't have reliable internet access for the next week, so it may take a bit to post a new blog. Until then, wish us luck.
Posts to come...
- in the rain
- rehearsals
- painting in Prospect Park
- our apartment in Clinton Hill
- adventures on Brooklyn Bridge
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 9: Chicago with the Adaos, landing in Cleveland
4/24/10
This morning began with Spam and eggs and pancakes and surprisingly delicious Folgers semi-instant coffee. We continued to taking turns to "ma li ligo" (to bathe, in Tagalog), and instructing Danny on how to use a "tabo" (the smaller bucket that we use to scoop water out of the bigger bucket for which to bathe). I'm glad that I'm able to share this part of my life with Danny. I don't think he (or many of my friends) know about this part of my growing up. Only that I have a tendency to use my hands when I eat sometimes, but rarely in public... and growing ever rarer at home now.
Danny go to bond with the girls by playing Smash Brothers, then we headed out for a "pashial" (an outing). We went to walk around Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, and found lots of fun climbing the jungle gym that was "the world" as we climbed atop and named the continents and located a few known points on the map.
When we tired of this we went to Navy Pier for lunch and more of a walkabout. As my "ate" (older female sibling) Lynn and I walked arm in arm, I felt and enjoyed our deeper connection. I miss my mom and sister in our embrace, but I also feel closer as well. Saying goodbye to the Adao family is bittersweet in this way as well.
I know that tonight we reach Cleveland (and a free night at the Comfort Inn, thank you special rewards points!), and tomorrow our final descent so to speak on New York City. This particular trip is shoring up, but our new life together is just beginning to crest.
This morning began with Spam and eggs and pancakes and surprisingly delicious Folgers semi-instant coffee. We continued to taking turns to "ma li ligo" (to bathe, in Tagalog), and instructing Danny on how to use a "tabo" (the smaller bucket that we use to scoop water out of the bigger bucket for which to bathe). I'm glad that I'm able to share this part of my life with Danny. I don't think he (or many of my friends) know about this part of my growing up. Only that I have a tendency to use my hands when I eat sometimes, but rarely in public... and growing ever rarer at home now.
Danny go to bond with the girls by playing Smash Brothers, then we headed out for a "pashial" (an outing). We went to walk around Soldier Field and Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum, and found lots of fun climbing the jungle gym that was "the world" as we climbed atop and named the continents and located a few known points on the map.
When we tired of this we went to Navy Pier for lunch and more of a walkabout. As my "ate" (older female sibling) Lynn and I walked arm in arm, I felt and enjoyed our deeper connection. I miss my mom and sister in our embrace, but I also feel closer as well. Saying goodbye to the Adao family is bittersweet in this way as well.
I know that tonight we reach Cleveland (and a free night at the Comfort Inn, thank you special rewards points!), and tomorrow our final descent so to speak on New York City. This particular trip is shoring up, but our new life together is just beginning to crest.
Day 8: Museum with Roberta, evening with the Adao Family
4/23/2010
We woke up for breakfast at 930 at (INSERT NAME). It was nice to have some more time with Fiora. Roberta then took us on the 151 bus toward the Art Institute Museum. There we took in some great art, including the big Matisse exhibit, but also some Picasso, Chagall, O'Keefe, and other names I couldn't remember but appreciated all the same. I'm never good with this name thing. I had an almost argument with Danny about remembering names. Actually it was more of an internal argument with myself. Why can't I remember names of artists/musicians/songs? Is it that I don't care to remember? That can't be, because I appreciate the art. Maybe I just appreciate it in the moment so much, that I don't store it for long-term memory. That's a personal thing I have to explore. Nevertheless, I developed some eye-fatigue from all the art we soaked in. And a bit of a neck cramp (or maybe it was from sleeping on the wrong side of the bed last night).
After the museum we had a nice lunch at the Park Cafe right under the Bean. Smoked salmon club sandwich. Yum. They had a great olive tapenade. Good service, but we missed the charm of "Chach".
We took the 22 back to Roberta's, but on the ride Danny developed a headache from the horrible odor that we had to sit with on our 10-15 minute ride. We couldn't tell exactly if it was coming from the homeless man sitting across from us, because I remembered smelling it from the moment we entered the bus. I figured I'd better start getting used to it if we're movign to New York. Who knows what smells, and sights, we'll encounter there.
After packign up our things at Roberta's, she said she would take us to my cousin's apartment in Little Italy. We decided to keep our car safe in her complex's garage. Then we'd get a ride back to pick up the car when we head on the road. I was a little afraid at first before meeting Roberta in person, because I had never met her and didn't know what to expect. With the Browns, at least I knew them from our wedding. She has been just as kind and welcoming. We had a great time with her (and Fiora of course) and look forward to visiting again.
I'm not sure if Danny was feeling nervous to meet my cousins. He has never met the Adaos and this was the first time we'd be spending the night with someone on my side of the family. Of course Danny was as great as always at being social and open. Clariza and Camille were a bit shy at first, but I played some volleyball with them in the backyard, and we all played some Wii games a bit later in the night so I feel like we're beginning to make a connection. After picking up Ate Lynn from work, we ordered thai food and enjoyed it at the Adao home. I'm glad we are here. It makes me feel more at home to be with my side of the family. I know that I have Danny, but having my blood relatives closeby makes me feel a little less homesick.
We woke up for breakfast at 930 at (INSERT NAME). It was nice to have some more time with Fiora. Roberta then took us on the 151 bus toward the Art Institute Museum. There we took in some great art, including the big Matisse exhibit, but also some Picasso, Chagall, O'Keefe, and other names I couldn't remember but appreciated all the same. I'm never good with this name thing. I had an almost argument with Danny about remembering names. Actually it was more of an internal argument with myself. Why can't I remember names of artists/musicians/songs? Is it that I don't care to remember? That can't be, because I appreciate the art. Maybe I just appreciate it in the moment so much, that I don't store it for long-term memory. That's a personal thing I have to explore. Nevertheless, I developed some eye-fatigue from all the art we soaked in. And a bit of a neck cramp (or maybe it was from sleeping on the wrong side of the bed last night).
After the museum we had a nice lunch at the Park Cafe right under the Bean. Smoked salmon club sandwich. Yum. They had a great olive tapenade. Good service, but we missed the charm of "Chach".
We took the 22 back to Roberta's, but on the ride Danny developed a headache from the horrible odor that we had to sit with on our 10-15 minute ride. We couldn't tell exactly if it was coming from the homeless man sitting across from us, because I remembered smelling it from the moment we entered the bus. I figured I'd better start getting used to it if we're movign to New York. Who knows what smells, and sights, we'll encounter there.
After packign up our things at Roberta's, she said she would take us to my cousin's apartment in Little Italy. We decided to keep our car safe in her complex's garage. Then we'd get a ride back to pick up the car when we head on the road. I was a little afraid at first before meeting Roberta in person, because I had never met her and didn't know what to expect. With the Browns, at least I knew them from our wedding. She has been just as kind and welcoming. We had a great time with her (and Fiora of course) and look forward to visiting again.
I'm not sure if Danny was feeling nervous to meet my cousins. He has never met the Adaos and this was the first time we'd be spending the night with someone on my side of the family. Of course Danny was as great as always at being social and open. Clariza and Camille were a bit shy at first, but I played some volleyball with them in the backyard, and we all played some Wii games a bit later in the night so I feel like we're beginning to make a connection. After picking up Ate Lynn from work, we ordered thai food and enjoyed it at the Adao home. I'm glad we are here. It makes me feel more at home to be with my side of the family. I know that I have Danny, but having my blood relatives closeby makes me feel a little less homesick.
Day 7: Chicago with Roberta and Fiora
4/22/10
After a quick gym workout, we packed our bags for Chicago. Of course I had to stop at White Castle for my first taste of this east coast glory. Tasty indeed and for only $3. But I paid for it later. Processed foods on a road trip. Remember to pack some Pepto.
I couldn't think of eating later when Danny wanted to stop at another Subway. Good thing he saved me half his footlong.
It was during this drive that I finally broke down. Two nights in uncharted territory and confined in this moving metal box with Danny heading to another larger but seemingly confined metal box I'll call in my mind New York. Away from my family and with just Danny to be my glue. I was holding in my emotions. I was planning so much for our trip, all the logistics of packing and mapping and reserving and communicating... that I did not communicate to myself what a big sacrifice this is for me. To do this for Danny, but also for us, means that I'm leaving everything I built up as my reality for the last 18 years or so since we moved from Greece. I tried thinking that I've made a similar move when we moved from Athens to San Diego, but I was 7 then, and probably not as invested in my previous life. And I was moving with my family unit (except for my dad, who would follow a year later). It was a lot simpler as a child. I knew I would be taken care of. And as much as Danny says he will take care of me, I can't help but need to know that I can take care of myself. I need that power. I need to be in control. But Danny did say that when you start feeling out of control, that's probably when you should be asking for help. I love him so much. I hope that we can make it. If we can make it there, we'll make it anywhere...
We reached Roberta's place, with dry eyes and smiling faces. She had it all set up for us to go out to dinner with her and Fiora. Both wonderful ladies and both remembering the Schaffners and Wellers fondly. Our dinner at Pizano's was memorable not only because we had what Oprah call's the best thin crust pizza, or because our waiter "Chach" was the embodiment of Chicago color commentary, but because we got to connect with Roberta and Fiora. My favorite part of this adventure once again is becoming related to our relatives!
We decided to call it an early night and to meet up again for breakfast with Fiora at a place on the corner near Sandburg Terrace.
Day 6: St. Louis
4/21/2010
On the road again, this time we feel more accustomed to the driving. At least they are not long stretches during this part of the trip. From Kansas City to St. Louis is about 5 hours. We only stopped at a gas station for lunch to warm up our pasta leftovers. That was plenty to tide us over.
I found out at the Comfort Inn Kansas City that we could go 2 reservations with a Choice hotel and get another one free. I figured why not, so I reserved another Comfort Inn for St. Louis, this time in the Airport area. Again great service and clean and well managed. We enjoyed the pool and gym (we realized it makes us feel much better especially after long hours in a seated position in the car). Then decided on Thai food and a search for evening events...
Danny was in charge of finding us a place and did a great job. We went to Basil Spice Thai. Good ratings on google. Great ratings from us. I've been noticing that I'm overeating, especially if it's really good food. Plus I don't want to waste, so if there's a little bit left, and it's too little to take home for leftovers, I try to finish. I'll try not to do this next meal.
We drove toward the Arch, hoping to find a rooftop bar somewhere to take in the view of the Mississippi river and the night sky. Couldn't find one closeby (the revolving rooftop restaurant at the Millenium Hotel closed just after dinner, and the only other one i knew of was in another part of town). The concierge at the Millenium Hotel recomended walking 15 minutes to Laclede's Landing for a good time. I was thankful for the chance to walk off the yellow curry and noodles. We ended up at Sundecker's and took a shot with a fellow and his dad who were enjoying a few drinks while their wives and some lady friends were out on the town. I had a Boulevard and we went out on the patio to see if we could get a view of the Arch. We were satisfied with at least a view of the bridge and the Admiral casino boat.
After a quick video blog, we decided to find out what other trouble we could get ourselves into. We figured we'd try the Admiral, but the bartenders both insisted that only the toilet water of Chicago ends up there... that's paraphrasing... so we went to Lumiere. A small but bougie casino, but we decided we'd try our hand at some video poker, just so we could say we did it. The hotel Concierge at the Comfort Inn told us he'd lost about $400 there at 3 card poker, so we promised not to lose more than $20. Good thing, cuz when we were just about to hit that mark, we won about $70! Cash out! Cash out now! Danny was saying. But of course we had to take a photo first. Thank you St. Louis. The Gateway Arch brings us prosperity as we cross the Mississippi.
On the road again, this time we feel more accustomed to the driving. At least they are not long stretches during this part of the trip. From Kansas City to St. Louis is about 5 hours. We only stopped at a gas station for lunch to warm up our pasta leftovers. That was plenty to tide us over.
I found out at the Comfort Inn Kansas City that we could go 2 reservations with a Choice hotel and get another one free. I figured why not, so I reserved another Comfort Inn for St. Louis, this time in the Airport area. Again great service and clean and well managed. We enjoyed the pool and gym (we realized it makes us feel much better especially after long hours in a seated position in the car). Then decided on Thai food and a search for evening events...
Danny was in charge of finding us a place and did a great job. We went to Basil Spice Thai. Good ratings on google. Great ratings from us. I've been noticing that I'm overeating, especially if it's really good food. Plus I don't want to waste, so if there's a little bit left, and it's too little to take home for leftovers, I try to finish. I'll try not to do this next meal.
We drove toward the Arch, hoping to find a rooftop bar somewhere to take in the view of the Mississippi river and the night sky. Couldn't find one closeby (the revolving rooftop restaurant at the Millenium Hotel closed just after dinner, and the only other one i knew of was in another part of town). The concierge at the Millenium Hotel recomended walking 15 minutes to Laclede's Landing for a good time. I was thankful for the chance to walk off the yellow curry and noodles. We ended up at Sundecker's and took a shot with a fellow and his dad who were enjoying a few drinks while their wives and some lady friends were out on the town. I had a Boulevard and we went out on the patio to see if we could get a view of the Arch. We were satisfied with at least a view of the bridge and the Admiral casino boat.
After a quick video blog, we decided to find out what other trouble we could get ourselves into. We figured we'd try the Admiral, but the bartenders both insisted that only the toilet water of Chicago ends up there... that's paraphrasing... so we went to Lumiere. A small but bougie casino, but we decided we'd try our hand at some video poker, just so we could say we did it. The hotel Concierge at the Comfort Inn told us he'd lost about $400 there at 3 card poker, so we promised not to lose more than $20. Good thing, cuz when we were just about to hit that mark, we won about $70! Cash out! Cash out now! Danny was saying. But of course we had to take a photo first. Thank you St. Louis. The Gateway Arch brings us prosperity as we cross the Mississippi.
Day 5: Kansas City
4/20/2010
Today was a shorter drive, and we only stopped at Subway for lunch at a roadside Love's gas station. I couldn't believe it was only $2.69 per gallon! We've been getting great mileage throughout... knock on wood... about 32 mpg. Good job little blue Saturn.
Before leaving OKC, I got online and looked for a good deal on hotels.com but found the ratings outdated, so went onto google maps to locate hotels in the Kansas City downtown area. Ratings on google search tend to be on the harsher side, so to see this place get decent marks was appealing. When I called the Comfort Inn in downtown Kansas City, the person on the line was very personable and helpful. I made a reservation, and for just $15 more than we spent the night before, we got a great King non-smoking room with access to laundry, internet, pool, and gym. And we actually got up for breakfast! Yummy waffles, danishes, hardboiled egg, and FRUIT finally! We'd started developing some vitamin deficiencies, I surmise as my trips to the rest-stop toilets had become more frequent...
That night in Kansas City we got a bit lost finding the Arthur Bryant's for some Kansas City barbecue. Oh. My. Gracious. Rib tips never tasted so good with this smoky yet tangy sauce. Fries and pickles completed the meal. Then we went to find some jazz in the Jazz District no less, but the only thing going on was a Spoken Word Poetry jam in that area. We headed down to the downtown area to see what we could see. Kind of sparse, but we ended up at a bar called Johnny's for $3 beers then the bartender recommended the Phoenix down the street for some music. We landed at a jazz jam!
Kansas City, thanks for a great time.
Today was a shorter drive, and we only stopped at Subway for lunch at a roadside Love's gas station. I couldn't believe it was only $2.69 per gallon! We've been getting great mileage throughout... knock on wood... about 32 mpg. Good job little blue Saturn.
Before leaving OKC, I got online and looked for a good deal on hotels.com but found the ratings outdated, so went onto google maps to locate hotels in the Kansas City downtown area. Ratings on google search tend to be on the harsher side, so to see this place get decent marks was appealing. When I called the Comfort Inn in downtown Kansas City, the person on the line was very personable and helpful. I made a reservation, and for just $15 more than we spent the night before, we got a great King non-smoking room with access to laundry, internet, pool, and gym. And we actually got up for breakfast! Yummy waffles, danishes, hardboiled egg, and FRUIT finally! We'd started developing some vitamin deficiencies, I surmise as my trips to the rest-stop toilets had become more frequent...
That night in Kansas City we got a bit lost finding the Arthur Bryant's for some Kansas City barbecue. Oh. My. Gracious. Rib tips never tasted so good with this smoky yet tangy sauce. Fries and pickles completed the meal. Then we went to find some jazz in the Jazz District no less, but the only thing going on was a Spoken Word Poetry jam in that area. We headed down to the downtown area to see what we could see. Kind of sparse, but we ended up at a bar called Johnny's for $3 beers then the bartender recommended the Phoenix down the street for some music. We landed at a jazz jam!
Kansas City, thanks for a great time.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 4: Amarillo and Oklahoma City
4/19/2010
I don't know why, but Texas makes me nervous. I did see a guy with a swastika tattooed on his inner arm, but did not experience any overt racism anywhere personally. Just an eerie feeling came over me. Maybe it was the Fox news blaring in the gas station. Maybe it was the biggest cross in the US roadside attraction. Maybe it was only because this was the first stop on our way to uncharted territory. We didn't spend too much time in Amarillo. Only for a mediocre lunch at Olive Garden, usually a favorite.
We reached Oklahoma City just before we got hungry, but first we had to look for a hotel to touch down. Couldn't find a hostel in the city, so we decided why not just scope out for best prices at hotels/motels in person... probably not the best idea. I mean it was exciting and all to hop out of the car every minute and a half to run into the lobby and ask for the night's rate, if they had wireless internet, and breakfast. We ended up at the America's Best Value Inn, and stayed in a King Smoking room... not the best idea either, but at this point we were willing to pay a budget rate for a budget hotel experience. Next time I promised myself to do more research and reserve ahead of time.
We had dinner in Bricktown at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse, which looked just like the Old Spaghetti Factory, train and bemusing period tin advertisements to boot. Danny needed some better Italian food to redeem our lunch. We walked along the manmade waterway and got heckled by the bouncer at Coyote Ugly to try to get us inside (and dance on the bar, well probably just me and not Danny on the bar), then ended up at Maker's, a cigar bar with a pianist tickling the ivories. I had an Old Fashioned, and Danny a Guinness, and shared a Montecristo. Maker's is touted as "the quiet place in Bricktown" but it's definitely not boring. It's an elegant sort of relaxed feeling in this place. We loved it. After chatting up the pianist, Earl Day we found out was his name, we decided to head back and try to get up early for the breakfast.
Anyone who knows me will say right now, don't kid yourself, Michelle will choose sleep over breakfast... and it's true. Breakfast ended at 9 and Danny was heading out the door at 8:58 to get the last danish on counter. I lay asleep until about 10.
I don't know why, but Texas makes me nervous. I did see a guy with a swastika tattooed on his inner arm, but did not experience any overt racism anywhere personally. Just an eerie feeling came over me. Maybe it was the Fox news blaring in the gas station. Maybe it was the biggest cross in the US roadside attraction. Maybe it was only because this was the first stop on our way to uncharted territory. We didn't spend too much time in Amarillo. Only for a mediocre lunch at Olive Garden, usually a favorite.
We reached Oklahoma City just before we got hungry, but first we had to look for a hotel to touch down. Couldn't find a hostel in the city, so we decided why not just scope out for best prices at hotels/motels in person... probably not the best idea. I mean it was exciting and all to hop out of the car every minute and a half to run into the lobby and ask for the night's rate, if they had wireless internet, and breakfast. We ended up at the America's Best Value Inn, and stayed in a King Smoking room... not the best idea either, but at this point we were willing to pay a budget rate for a budget hotel experience. Next time I promised myself to do more research and reserve ahead of time.
We had dinner in Bricktown at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse, which looked just like the Old Spaghetti Factory, train and bemusing period tin advertisements to boot. Danny needed some better Italian food to redeem our lunch. We walked along the manmade waterway and got heckled by the bouncer at Coyote Ugly to try to get us inside (and dance on the bar, well probably just me and not Danny on the bar), then ended up at Maker's, a cigar bar with a pianist tickling the ivories. I had an Old Fashioned, and Danny a Guinness, and shared a Montecristo. Maker's is touted as "the quiet place in Bricktown" but it's definitely not boring. It's an elegant sort of relaxed feeling in this place. We loved it. After chatting up the pianist, Earl Day we found out was his name, we decided to head back and try to get up early for the breakfast.
Anyone who knows me will say right now, don't kid yourself, Michelle will choose sleep over breakfast... and it's true. Breakfast ended at 9 and Danny was heading out the door at 8:58 to get the last danish on counter. I lay asleep until about 10.