Looking for Laos, Cambodia and South Korea Posts?

Look to the bar at the right, and click on a month to see posts.  Laos, Cambodia and SK are in the June-July-August links.  Happy exploring!

Casa Bonita, Denver, CO

Have you been here?  Do you have childhood memories of how amazing this place it?  Do you have no idea what Casa Bonita is?  Or, did you watch South Park and think this place was just made up?

Well, it's a real place.  It's in Denver (there's on in Tulsa, too, I think).  The food is t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e but the atmosphere is fun and it's great when you're a kid.  Cliffs and caves, a waterfall with divers, Black Bart the Bandit and the Sherif "duels," Black Bart's cave, puppet shows, mariachi bands, SkiBall, and an unmistakeable aroma of chlorine and sopapillas, Casa Bonita provides entertainment for the whole family.  And you signal your waitperson with a raising/lowering flag on your table.  

The outside pink stucco sets the stage for the inside décor (vintage Mexico), and as you weave your way through the cafeteria style line, you know it's going to be fun.  Not yummy, but fun (you have to order food to enter).  Re-visiting Black Bart's cave as an adult, I must admit that I remember it being scarier (duh), but it was still fun to see again.  I'm sure the heart used to beat and light up.

If you've never been, I suggest going with kids, or going with someone you want to share part of your childhood with.  Just be sure to eat a snack before you go.

Summer's Bounty

Summer inspires me to cook and try new things.  Here are a few recent experiments:

Farmer's Market purchases

Pear Tarte Tatin

Blackberry Crème brûlée

Golden Raspberry Mascarpone Tart

Vanilla Croquembouche

(I was hoping to make a full-sized version of this for Libby's wedding, but that was a bit ambitious)

Asian Art!

I bought this painting at Ta Prom from a young (16? 18?) artist.  He was unlike any other vendor at the temples; he simply had his art out for display.  He didn't harass tourists, shout at you or convince you what a deal you were getting.  I noticed this picture right away as I climbed through the entryway of Ta Prom, in fact I thought it was a photograph.  I was sure then I would buy it.  The shy smile of pride and satisfaction on his face when I handed over the $18 USD is an image I will never forget.

This paper with Chinese characters was used as packing paper.  Just as we use old newspaper to wrap delicate objects, a pottery vendor used old calligraphy practice sheets to wrap the vase I bought (see below).  It makes me wonder if people in other countries frame old US newspapers.  I like that it was free!

Summer's End 2013

Kevin, Dana and Katie canoeing on the Willamette

A perfect summer day in Oregon

Ankeny Vineyard

Ted & Rodney's Summer Campout... I learn just how hard archery is

Cougar Hot Springs, Oregon

Located about an hour east of Eugene, Oregon, Cougar Hot Springs is a short hike off the road.  Clothing is optional (as you can see, we "opted") and you will find you fair share of hippies.  The highlight was jumping in the lake across the way and swimming to the island in the middle.  A great weekend or day trip for visitors and Oregonians alike!

Picnic by the cold creek

Soaking in the hot pool

Waterfall and lake view on the trail to the hotspring

Surf Camp 2013!

Surfing on the Oregon coast requires a wetsuit, but don't let the frigid waters of the Pacific keep you away.  The waves are great and it's a wonderful place to learn to surf.  Beaches are not overcrowded, surfers are a laid back group of folks, and people are happy to see others learning.

I have been afraid of water for a long time, and I have to admit that I was scared to do this.  I'm really glad I did, however.  SURFING IS SO MUCH FUN!!  The feeling you get when the wave "takes" you is like no other feeling I have experienced.  Success, freedom, flight, power and grace... and a real rush!

Me and Dan, pre-surf on the Oregon Coast

Otter Rock, Newport, Oregon

A surfer heading in for the day

I'd like to say that's me, but it's not

Part of the Surf Camp 2013 Crew

PS- My wetsuit makes me feel like Cat Woman.  You will feel that way, too.