Travel Blog Posts
Raccoons Understand Shakespeare
Published: August 29th 2008North America » United States » California » Santa Cruz
August 25th 2008
by Austin Girl http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com Just flew in from Santa Cruz, CA. I saw Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" and "All's Well That Ends Well" in the redwood forest. Does anyone understand the latter play? It wasn't the playwright's typical tragedy or comedy. OMG! When the sun goes down, temperatures descend faster than Angelina Jolie can adopt another baby. Holy crap it was cold! There are raccoons in the redwood forest. Bunches! And, the lil critters never miss a rehearsal -- this is what I was told. They would sit in the outdoor chairs during the day watching the actors practice on stage. I fell asleep during "All's Well That Ends Well" until an orphaned raccoon rattled a garbage can nearby jolting me from my dream -- a nightmare actually centering on a family of problem raccoons. The ... read more
Austin Girl Rock Climbs in Alaska: Don't Wear High-Heels
Published: February 18th 2008North America » United States » Alaska » Juneau
February 18th 2008
by Austin Girl http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com I like to write. I like to write about fantasy and I like to create characters. But, it occurred to me, several years ago while tumbling down a mud-spattered trail in the Juneau, Alaskan rainforest, perhaps I should keep a journal about the interesting folks I meet along my life’s journey. Why not? Some of these people are more fascinating than I could ever make up in my head. And, then, this got me thinking, why make up a fantasy place when I can write about the places I’ve been to - like the Alaskan rainforest. A labyrinth of trails, the Juneau, Alaskan rainforest offers spectacular views of moss-covered Douglas Fir trees. The rainforest trees are the tallest trees I’ve ever seen in my life. They tower all the way to heaven. ... read more
Austin Girl Photographs Planes and Listens to 40s Jazz at the Hangar Hotel, Fredericksburg, Texas: Runway Romance... Portal to the Past
Published: February 17th 2008North America » United States » Texas » Fredericksburg
February 17th 2008
by Austin Girl http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com On a recent sun-splashed Saturday, I decided to escape the searing heat and go exploring in my SUV. I soon found myself meandering down an asphalt road in Fredericksburg, Texas, where, to my wonderment, I stumbled upon the nostalgic and romantic Hangar Hotel. Situated behind the Fredericksburg, Texas Rodeo Fairgrounds—the oldest in the state—just two miles south of Main Street off of Highway 16, the Hangar had me believing I had descended back in time. As I maneuvered my vehicle into the parking lot, I noticed both Avgas and Jet A fuel as I passed the FBO—The Fixed Based Operator. My heart raced when I realized both piston and private jet aircraft could land on the runway. Excitedly, I grabbed my interview gear—a small green notebook, two ballpoint pens and my antiquated ... read more
Austin Girl Drinks Pastis in Castelnaudary, France: Is this Licorice?
Published: February 17th 2008Europe » France » Midi-Pyrénées » MirepoixFebruary 17th 2008
by Austin Girl http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com In Castelnaudary, France, there are no Starbucks - only bars. I visited one such bar appropriately named: ‘The Caffe’ Bar.” It serves beer, whiskey and wine. Locals drink the “stop-your-heart” espresso shots in the morning and either beer or Pastis, at night. Pastis is a favorite among the French. The French must have a warped fetish for licorice. Watered down, I could not stomach Pastis. Drunk, I could not stomach Pastis. The preferred way to drink this liqueur is watered down -- my preferred way is NOT. Eschew. Avoid. Just say no. Stay far, far away unless you want to have licorice nightmares. The aromatic, sharply pungent chewy smell of licorice conjures up haunting memories, ugly, nasty haunting memories… the kind of memories that rise to the surface and pop like a ... read more
Austin Girl Sips French Espresso Shots in Castelnaudary, France: Damn These Are Strong!
Published: February 17th 2008Europe » France » Midi-Pyrénées » Mirepoix
February 17th 2008
by Austin Girl http://www.austingirlblog.blogspot.com In the quaint village of Castelnaudary, France there are polite, charming people who don't speak English. This is an important travel tip for those visiting who haven't mastered the French-At-A-Glance Phrase Book and Dictionary for Travelers on the long-ass flight over there. Our hapless adventure begins with Austin Girl, the non-speaking-French blonde Baptist traveler who visited the south of France for a few weeks while writing her screenplay. Armed with only the knowledge of two words: 'Bonjour' and 'Merci' -- she quickly surmised that she may be mired in deep doggie doo doo shit. Each morning, Austin Girl visited "The Caffe' Bar" located in the town square. And each morning, using a drunken form of sign language, she described her coffee drink of choice to the French-speaking Waiter Boy who had a ... read more
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