Elizabeth's Secret Garden

Photo Journal from Visiting Shibuya Crossing and Tokyo for the First Time

2026-08-03T14:41:59.959-04:00

For this blog entry from my trip to Tokyo in summer of 2024, I decided to let the pictures do the talking. Japan is such a beautiful country that it doesn't need any words from me. If you want to see more posts about Japan when my husband and I move there in 2027, please let me know in the comments below!!

Pictures from the Yodobashi-Akiba store.

A Trip to The Tokyo Skytown

2025-07-06T07:51:00.002-04:00

There is something unique and remarkable about shopping experiences in Japan. I was amazed by the cleanliness and wow factor that many of the shopping destinations in the big cities had. I can now say that the most interesting and exciting mall I've ever been to is the Tokyo Skytown. It collectively has over 300 shops and restaurants. Many of the shops herald characters that are popular in Japan and America. One of the key attractions that draw people to this area is the Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー). It has a height of 634 meters and is the tallest structure in Japan. While my husband and I didn't go up it, you can buy tickets to go up it and enjoy a birds eye view of Tokyo.

The mall was full of all sorts of fun stores! The Pokémon store was busy, but an exciting experience.

If you are a big fan of Pokémon, why not go to the Pokémon cafe? It is important to reserve a spot in advance and show up about 10 minutes early. There are many places in larger cities that require reservations in advance. I recommend booking for places as soon as they open up for reservations. https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/en/cafe/

The Hello Kitty store was another fun shop to check out.

Artificial food that looks life like is a popular commodity in Japan. It is a very smart idea for restaurants. You don't have to worry about changing your displays frequently.

The key attraction for me at the Tokyo Skytown was the Studio Ghibli store! I left with a slew of items. I bought a Studio Ghibli book in Japanese and various souvenirs. If you are a Studio Ghibli fan, I highly recommend visiting this store.

The Tokyo Skytown has multiple themed cafes to choose from. The Kirby Cafe is a must visit if you are a fan or even if you are not, it is still a cute cafe to check out. I included pictures below of the menu and inside the gift shop.

Here is a view looking out from inside the Skytown. I hope you enjoyed reading more about the sights and adventures of Japan. I hope one day you will be able to visit. I look forward to sharing more of our adventures in Japan in the future.

A helpful resource with info on Tokyo Skytown. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064_solamachi.html

Studio Ghibli Park in Japan

2025-04-06T16:40:00.000-04:00

For all the Studio Ghibli fans, this post is for you. My personal favorite Studio Ghibli film is Howl's Moving Castle and for years I've enjoyed Miyazaki's films. They are entertaining, intriguing, and overall good films. I was in for a very pleasant surprise to find out that the park was an hour away from the school my husband and I were serving at in Gamagori, Japan. The park is spread throughout the larger Aichi Commemorative Park. There are five areas that are weaved within the larger park. The aspect of the parks being part of the natural surroundings reflects the element of respecting and caring for the environment that can be found in the films

Link for park in Aichi https://ghibli-park.jp/en/

There are a few options for visiting the park in Aichi, Japan. You can get a standard pass or a premium pass. If you just get the standard pass you will not be able to go into all the buildings and will be allowed access to three out of five areas. If you want to get tickets for the park, you need to be ready to purchase them the moment they come available which is two months in advance. Rightfully so, they are highly sought after. Also, they do not pack the park completely full so it is a more enjoyable experience.

Buy tickets for park: https://ghibli-park.jp/en/ticket/index.html

I was absolutely crushed when we weren't able to buy tickets domestically. Our payment wouldn't go through after multiple attempts. I was very determined to be able go so I started doing some research. I found that there is an option to buy tickets in country at a Lawson's convenience store. I don't even remember where I found this golden information, but I think this can only be done a week in advance and you have to go with whatever they have left for this pass. My husband and I were very grateful to have our Japanese friend go with us and help read the ticket options to get us entrance into one area. I didn't know until we got there that this newer area not only had the village from Ki Ki's Delivery Service, but also Howl's Moving Castle!

Please enjoy the photos I captured of our walk through Ki Ki's Delivery Service village.

You have to have the premium pass to visit the above building and a few of the others, but we still enjoyed the stroll around this area.

The park was small, but an enjoyable experience. I hope to one day be able to visit the rest of the areas and share them here.

Unique Cafes Across Japan

2025-03-01T09:14:00.008-05:00

Japan is known for its cafes. There are cafes for just about everything it feels like. There is an owl café, Peter Rabbit Café, cat café, Harry Potter Café, and many more themed options. One of the top tourist attractions on our list was visiting a Capybara Café. They are my favorite animal so it only makes sense. They are like giant guinea pigs that are super chill. There is a café that has cats and capybaras, but the one we chose was just capybaras. The most important thing to note is you have to have a reservation. It is popular so you want to book an appointment as soon as it opens. The reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance. Also, plan to arrive a little early and you must order a drink to enter. The visitation period is 30 minutes. You can pay extra to get to feed the capybaras. Below is the link where you can make reservations and get other important information.

https://cspace.co.jp/home_english/

My husband and I didn't get to go into the Pokemon Café, but did check out the store which was pretty cool. It is still worth sharing that this is another fun option of a café to check out.

https://www.pokemon-cafe.jp/en/cafe/reservation.html

Another fun Café is the Kirby Café. It got busy very quickly so go early! Below is a picture of their menu and the cute themed dishes.

https://www.tokyo-solamachi.jp/en/restaurant/964/

The last café I will share though there are so many more, is the "Harry Wood" Hedgehog Café. You will need to make a reservation ahead of time. You can do 30 minutes or an hour. I would recommend choosing the 30 minute time slot. The hedgehogs had a limited amount of time they were willing to let us hold them. After some time, they wanted to hide and have their space, but it was fun to hold the hedgehogs as long as they would allow us to. You can pay a little extra to buy food for them. I hope you enjoyed learning more about cafes in Japan and that one day you will get to experience one in person!

http://www.cafeharrywood.com/namba/english/

Teaching English at a Japanese Preschool

2025-02-01T08:34:00.001-05:00

While in Japan, I got to experience the culture through traveling, but also experience what it is like to teach at a Japanese Preschool. My husband had done ministry in Japan for 6 months several years ago, but this was my first time. My husband and I spent our first two weeks serving at a preschool that is part of a local church. I was grateful for the time that we got to spend getting to know the teachers, parents, and children. I was amazed by the level of respect and responsibility that the children had. On the very first day of visiting, the children put on a 45 minute performance. They had memorized several songs and the 4/5 year old children were able to play instruments. The children were taught a level of responsibility that is very different than what I've seen at schools at home. These children were given jobs and took care of serving food and cleaning up after meals.

I was able to read a butterfly story in English to the two year old's and the older age groups. I served alongside the other two English teachers as we taught the children English songs and other English curriculum. I look forward to the day, I can go back to Japan with my husband and teach.

The children sent us off with gifts and good-byes. It was hard to say good-bye and I miss the children and teachers. If you would like to learn more about our plans to return to Japan or experiences, please feel welcome to leave a comment/question.

Japan Journal: Daily Life in Japan

2025-01-22T12:54:00.005-05:00

Japan is truly beautiful. The people, the country, and the language. Summer of 2024, my husband and I embarked on an epic journey to go to literally the other side of the planet. My husband had gone several years back, but this was my first time going. I had prepared in every way possible for this journey from studying the culture to diving into learning the language. What I wasn't prepared for was leaving part of my heart behind in Japan. So I decided this week that it was time to share this love with others and give everyone a little taste of what living in Japan is like and all the places there are to see.

This was the community of Gamagori that we stayed in for the first two weeks before continuing our journey across Japan. This area is considered rural in Japan. A much more peaceful town than living in the heart of Tokyo.

This is called a Genkan which in kanji is 玄関. Whenever you go to a home, you stop here and place your shoes in a rack or designated area and then typically there will be slippers for you to put on. After doing this, you will then step up into the house.

This is a traditional Japanese Futon which is written as 布団 in Japanese. After you sleep on it, you will then roll it up and put it away. With how humid it is, you don't want to just leave it out. This home had a traditional tatami mat floor.

In Japan, the shower is it's own room and the toilet is separate. You go into the room to clean and then go into the Ofuro お風呂. Think of the Ofuro as your own tiny personal hot tub inside that you can adjust to whatever temperature you would like.

I found their sink to be quite interesting. I liked how you can shift the button to change the water setting.

One of my favorite eating experiences was getting to go to a Kaiten sushi place in Japan. The restaurant we went to had a tablet at the table where you select the sushi that you want to come to you via the conveyor belt. You can change the tablet to be in English. It was very affordable.

I got to have the unforgettable experience of going to a second hand shop in Japan. There is no comparison to the thrift stores we have in the states. The items are in such good condition at a fraction of the cost. Since we got back, thrifting just hasn't been the same.

Here are all the pastries you can possibly imagine at a local grocery store.

I hope you all enjoyed this post. I look forward to sharing more about this journey with you and hopefully in a couple years it will be an ongoing log of our adventures and stories. If you would like to see more posts like this one, please drop me an encouraging comment. :)

Desert Botanical Garden and Chihuly Exhibit in Arizona

2023-07-30T08:08:00.001-04:00

The Desert Botanical Garden was the highlight of my trip. I had never seen Saguaro cactus or experienced what I call the "Wild West." I also went at one of the best times to visit which is March to May. At this current point in time, the gardens must close at 2 pm because of the heat so be prepared to either shorten your time at the gardens or go at a different date. One of the incredible details of this journey is that the garden has around 50,000 plants showcased! Also, the park is 140 acres. You could easily spend most of the day here so it is worth dedicating a large portion of the day to exploring. Another highlight of the visit was seeing the Chihuly exhibit which was a nice bonus. I was amazed by what can be done with glass. They had an outside and inside special exhibit at the time of visiting. I hope you enjoy all the pictures from my visit and get a chance to go in the future.

Butterfly Conservatory

Tips and Tricks for Hiking into the Ooh Aah Point at the Grand Canyon

2022-07-17T09:42:00.000-04:00

The skies were ocean blue and no haze cascaded into the canyon. The snow was slowly melting and a layer of ice was still present. These were the hiking conditions when going to the South Rim in March. When hiking to Ooh Aah Point in mid March, you will want a jacket handy is tip one. As my friend and I descended into the canyon the melting ice made the trails slippery. We had to take it very slowly at certain patches. We were certainly glad that we started the hike after lunch as the conditions would have been certainly worse. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. I'd estimate it was about 1.5 hours to hike down if not more, but the views were worth it. A pleasant breeze swept across.

Here is a good view of the trail from the top. You can go all the way down into the Canyon from here, but the sun was starting to set so we decided to make our way back up. Also, we were tired from all that hiking! Make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen regardless of the season. Also, have plenty of water and snacks especially during the summer. There are warning signs to use caution when hiking whether it be from being too daring on the edge of the cliff or staying hydrated. The way back up was the hardest part. We had to take it in increments and take a break frequently. We are both in good shape and exercise regularly so make sure you are up to the challenge before starting the journey down. Also, be careful where you walk as donkeys do use this trail.

Here is a good view from Ooh Aah Point. I was thankful that there were clear skies on the day that my friend and I visited Grand Canyon.

This is the view of the South Rim near where we parked when entering. You can just take the trail all around the Grand Canyon if you do not want to hike down.

There were several Elk licking up the snow from the ground. They were very calm and were only a few feet away from everyone.

Tips for planning your trip out; when we arrived at noon, there was an extremely long line. It took an hour to travel less than a mile. I'm going to assume that the earlier you arrive the better. Just be prepared for a long wait and I suggest packing your lunch. There is a shuttle that can take you to various points. Unfortunately though, it was about 3 buses later that we could finally board. I would estimate it was about 10 minutes in between each bus.

Hope these tips were helpful and you get to visit the Grand Canyon sometime!

Highlights of San Francisco

2020-06-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco has a variety of places to explore. There are places for those wanting to experience different cultures, those who are foodies (had the best burger ever at Artisan Burgers), if you like seeing art and incredible structures, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature. It is four hours from Yosemite if you want to be blown away by the majesty of God's creation.

The iconic symbol of San Francisco, The Golden Gate bridge, is a must see. It might take some patience to get the perfect view though. My husband and I went in March and when we went to view it from the Mainlands, it was completed encompassed by clouds. Our willingness to wait was worth it and though I didn't get the perfect shot, I loved the photo effect that occurred from the Golden Gate Bridge emerging from the clouds. I recommend viewing it from different locations. There is no toll fees leaving San Francisco, but you have to pay to come back via the bridge. If you have a rental, make sure you either pay online or get a pass otherwise you will be responsible for some pretty hefty fees from the rental company on top of the tolls.

China Town

Chinatown is another popular destination. Honestly, it was more touristy than I was expecting. Lots of restaurant choices, but a lot of souvenir shops that were pretty much the same. It is more fun to just walk through and see the culture. Of course, I did grab some souvenirs at really great prices.

Japan Town

Then there is Japan town which was one of my favorite destinations and rightfully so since my husband and I are nearing going through the process to be missionaries in Japan. It was extremely organized and I would expect no less from hearing about Japan's culture. I loved seeing all the different shops, but most of all the food! They have a several restaurants inside the Japan Center and then when you are done, you can choose from ice cream, mochi, and pastries. Get a little taste of a different culture.

Lombard Street

If you want to drive along or walk down a really super windy road, this is your destination. Now I can say that I've walked along Lombard Street.

Japanese Tea Garden

For those that love looking at nature, The Golden Gate State Park is your location. Even if you don't consider yourself a nature person, it is a place to add to your travel list. And yes, I had a complete itinerary of places to go from food to tourist attractions. Wouldn't you if you've been dreaming of going for the last decade? It was serene with the koi pond laced with elegant plants and Japanese structures. If you arrive before 10 am, it is free. We got there 3 minutes prior and got in for free! There is free parking along the park if you can find a spot.

Palace of Fine Arts

Next is the Palace of Fine Arts. It was a quick walk through, but interesting nether the less. It was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition to display fine arts. Hmmm, I wonder why they named it Palace of Fine Arts?

Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 31

If you want to see seals fight, flop around, and make lots of noise, check out Pier 31. Well, seriously, it was entertaining!

This is a view from Alioto's Restaurant. It was good food, a great view, and romantic setting. The lunch menu was really reasonable. It was $20 a dish which for the area is great! You can get validated free parking at the restaurant before 6 pm for 2 hours and if you go 6 pm to midnight, you can get 3 hours of free parking.

Ghirardelli Square

Don't leave the Fisherman's Wharf without stopping at the Ghirardelli Square! There is an option where you get to choose 3 different chocolate squares and they make a milkshake with them. Warning, if you are lactose intolerant like me, you will suffer greatly. Is it worth it? Hard to say, but I did it so I could say I did it. Pretty valid reason, right?

Golden Gate Park Windmill and Tulips

And I will end with the dutch windmill and tulips. This is also in the Golden Gate State Park along with the Japanese Tea Garden. There are several places you can tour within the park so do a bit of googling if you plan on going. As a final traveling tip, when it comes to parking which is a huge factor, be sure to have a hefty parking budget. Parking can get pricey in San Francisco. We went right before the lock down for COVID-19 so we were able to locate free parking most of the trip. An additional tip, DO NOT use parking aps that have you pay in advance. They are scams and I'll leave it at that. I hope you enjoyed seeing the highlights of San Francisco and I hope you will get the chance to go some day. Like I said in the beginning, there are so many destinations that appeal to a variety of different preferences for what is a fun time. I tend to lean towards nature and food. I had a hefty list of places to go! Happy traveling.

A Walk Through Yosemite

2020-05-09T14:21:00.005-04:00

Bright and early began a journey that my husband and I would take. A journey that would take us deep into the woods of Yosemite. Here we were after taking a plane to the other side of the country quite literally and then taking a four hour journey from San Francisco to Yosemite in the little fiesta we rented. It was quite something. With the windy roads and this little car taking us up mountain roads. As I peered out the windows, I saw breathtaking views. Views right out of a movie. We passed through little mountain towns of only a few thousand people. Forests that appeared to have been toasted by flames that ravished through. We stopped at some view points along the way. The images are forever

imprinted in my memory.

There was something freeing about being deep in the forest. The coolness washing over my skin. The sound of birds echoing in my ears. The wild beauty. And to view that beauty came with choices. I wanted to see everything, but with four hours to drive back home in one day, there had to be limits. The first hike of choice to see the lower and upper falls was advanced, but after accessing the level of my husband and my capabilities (me wearing an ankle brace after spraining my ankle), we opted for Mirror Lake. We did take a short loop for the light hearted just to see the waterfalls from afar which you can see below.

And this is how the journey to Mirror Lake began. The sky was starting to darken. The rain fell on my face and my heart sank. I waited ten years to be here. We drove four hours to get here. This can't happen! I said a prayer and we didn't turn back. To Chronicle this journey is the picture above that shows the darkened sky. When the rain lifted, the realization hit that we weren't exactly sure if we were headed in the right direction. There were no signs in sight. The suspense of possibly ending up no where made the hour drag on, but then other hikers confirmed that Mirror Lake was indeed within grasp. As the sky cleared up, continue on to see what we saw along the way.

And a couple hours later, this is what we witnessed. The sky was now a beautiful blue and even more beautiful was the mountain scene and the greenish hue of the water. I simply couldn't get enough of the view.

Just as we got back to the car and started to head off to eat, the rain began. I thanked the Lord for answering my prayers. To bring this journey to completion, a rainbow spanned across the mountain range. My husband turned around the car just so I could get a picture to share with everyone of what we saw that day. I hope that one day you will get the chance to see this wonder and if you have, please share a comment about your adventure.

Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco

2020-05-01T10:53:00.004-04:00

Peaceful, tranquil, serene...these are the words that describe the Japanese Tea Garden in the Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco. Popping with color and a vibrancy that is pleasing to the eye, it was an experience I will always remember. It was well attended most clearly and I breathed in with wonder as my husband and I crossed over the bridge, viewed the pagodas, and threaded upon the stone paths.

I quote from the Japanese Tea Garden's website: "Today, the Japanese Tea Garden endures as one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, featuring classic elements such as an arched drum bridge, pagodas, stone lanterns, stepping stone paths, native Japanese plants, serene koi ponds and a zen garden."

Check it out: https://www.japaneseteagardensf.com

So how did this garden get its start you may ask? Well, it began as part of the World Fair. The California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894. It was originally called the Japanese Village and Tea Garden. Mr. Hagiwara, a Japanese landscape architect, took the initial one acre and poured his heart into creating 5 acres of beauty which makes up what we see today. And there he stayed with his family til 1942. It was then with great sadness that they were forced to move into internment camps along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans.

(info from: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/japanese-tea-garden)

A traveling tip is that if you arrive before 10 am every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you get free admission. My husband and I literally entered three minutes before 10! (It is closed until further notice due to COV 19. Hope you enjoy these photos from my visit in March).

Enjoy a walk through the gardens....

Check back in a week or two to see flashbacks from me and my husband's adventures in California!

Muir Woods, A Walk Among the Giants

2020-03-20T13:15:00.004-04:00

Meet giants of the natural world, The Redwood tree. My dream for over a decade has been to witness the grandness of these trees. Their thick, rugged, red bark. Their looming height and circumference. And the habitat in which these enormous trees dwell. I’ve climbed waterfalls of Costa Rica and hiked the mountains of the Appalachians, but nothing has compared to what I witnessed at Muir Woods. A testament to God’s incredible creation!

It was ever so peaceful. My husband, Matt, and I went this month and the trail we hiked was a path less traveled. It was so quiet that we took moments and just stood still to hear the calls of various birds. The trail we hiked took us through bare meadows and up the mountainside that held these giant trees. As soon as you enter the forest, there is an immediate change of temperature. It is cool, breezy, and moist. It is peaceful and tranquil. In less than 5 minutes, we went from short sleeves and getting sunburned, to jackets and chilly weather. How good it did feel! It is cool and moist year round with an average temperature of between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rainfall is heavy during winter, while summer is almost completely dry. It is the proximity to the Pacific Ocean that leaves a coastal fog that carries the trees though droughty seasons. This climate is vital to the growth of these amazing trees.

Let’s look at the facts. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is 258 feet (79 m). The average age of the trees here are between 500 and 800. The oldest tree is a whopping 1,200 years old! Now that is something to brag about.

Most of these amazing trees unfortunately succumbed to the logging industry. Tree by tree fell until an estimated 96% of the redwoods were logged. It is also estimated that there were 2 million acres of old growth forest that contained redwoods which grew along a strip along the coast. What a sight it must have been. I wish more had been preserved for us to enjoy today.

President Theodore Roosevelt announced that Muir Woods be a national monument on January 9, 1908. The land was purchased from the Tamalapias Land and Water Company in an effort to protect the redwoods and mountains on which they reside. If you plan on visiting, make sure to reserve a parking spot way in advance. Parking is very limited and reservations are required. Also, make sure to have it up and ready because there is no access to internet in the park. We printed ours as a precaution. We also could not get the gps to work so it took extra time. Make sure to leave early!

I hoped you enjoyed these pictures from our trip. I also hope you get to go one day!

Journey to Lancaster

2018-08-05T08:07:00.001-04:00

About seven years ago, I had a dream. A dream to go to Lancaster County and see the Amish Community. My mom and I cherished the novels that were set in the country side of the Amish community. After being on my bucket list for all these years, the opportunity presented itself to go and better still to serve there. We volunteered with an organization call GAIN or Global Aid Network. They ship supplies such as food, clothing, shoes, blankets, and school supplies over seas and then CRU distributes it and after meeting those needs, they have the opportunity to touch lives with the Gospel of Jesus.

We made quilts to give away! https://www.gainusa.org

Pictures of Lancaster Countryside

In the distance is a teenage boy plowing the field the old fashioned way with horses.

Carriage tour going down the road.

The local Cemetery.

Tips for Eating Out:

The first big tourist place to stop would be the Central Market. You can walk through an entire indoor market of local farmers and artisans. There were Amish people selling quilted items and best of all the warm homemade pretzel I am holding below.

The second place I would highly recommend is the Bird-in-Hand restaurant and getting their buffet. I would suggest to go at lunch as the price is lower. What I really loved was that the local Amish had their food in the buffet along with little signs by the food telling you which farm produced the food.

https://bird-in-hand.com/dining/bird-in-hand-family-restaurant-smorgasbord/

I hope you enjoyed this article and get the chance to go yourself!

New Orleans Food Experiences Plus Tips!

2018-05-08T22:46:00.001-04:00

A key component to a good traveling experience is the food. Experiences are comprised of the sounds, the sights, smells, and tastes we partake in. Tastes evoke in us memories and with that, they bring back joy and pleasure. I can say with absolute confidence that my favorite cultural food experience was in New Orleans. So I wanted to share some must try foods and some traveling tips as well which are especially practical for those that want to get the most out of their experience, but not break the bank because frankly, eating out in New Orleans is not cheap.

The first food picture above is the popular Muffaletta. I got the veggie one. Tip number one is call for a reservation when dining in New Orleans or get there really early to get your name on the list. We got in a whole 45 minute walk while waiting. Katie’s Restaurant and Bar did have parking, but it was limited as is most parking in New Orleans. I ended up getting the half which as you can tell was of ginormous proportions! That saved me money because as you can see the half was $12 and the whole $17. I even had enough left over for breakfast. Added bonus.

http://www.katiesinmidcity.com/menu.html

For a mid-day treat, we made a stop at the Croissant D’or. A most delightful choice. I was thrilled with the almond croissant. It was sweet, buttery, and a melt in your mouth texture. It reminded me of a bear claw as far as taste goes. There is plenty to choose from though as you will see below! There is a whole other display case too that I didn’t show.

http://www.croissantdornola.com/p/menu.html

You simply cannot go to New Orleans without trying their Beignets. The iconic and one of the most well know places to get one is at Cafe Du Monde, but be prepared to stand in a line that will take hours to get through if you go in the morning. No Joke. During a bus tour, they made a stop at the Morning Call cafe. It was still absolutely delicious, but a lot faster. It also is a 24-hour coffee shop.

http://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/morning-call

Another dish that New Orleans is famous for is Gumbo. I was told by a couple friends that it is a must to fully experience the culture of New Orleans. It is a Creole dish and I was very pleased with the experience, service, and price of the Gumbo Shop. Mine even had a crab leg which I felt made it even more authentic. You will also have plenty of opportunities to buy a Gumbo mix around the French Quarter.

http://www.gumboshop.com/

Our final meal was at The Rum House. I went for the food, but for those that drink, there are plenty of options. I wanted something unique so I went for the Tiger Bait and Bison tacos. They had quite the spicy kick, but oh so good. Be sure your good with spicy foods before diving into some of these tacos.

http://www.therumhouse.com/

These are just a few of the delicious dining options in New Orleans. If you just do a little bit of googling and review reading, you are sure to have very pleasing experiences. So Bon Appetit!

Experiencing New Orleans on a Budget

2018-02-25T08:59:00.001-05:00

It was a journey….. A journey across four states in 5 days. I’ve called it the Grand Road trip for it was precisely that. Day 1 my roommate and I spent the night in Georgia. Day 2 was Alabama (which is my last post), Day 3 was Mississipi and then we arrived in New Orleans later that afternoon. I’ve already posted about the Little River Canyon in Alabama and will eventually post a tidbit on Biloxi Mississipi, but I feel compelled to share our journey in New Orleans next.

We were very conscious when it came to our spending on the trip. First off, we split the cost of gas and rooms so in all (after souvenirs) it came to about $300 for a 5 day excursion. Tip number one would be to check out Air bnb. Our nightly stays, came to about $50 and then we split that in half even further reducing our price. We were quite pleased with our hosts and their overall friendliness. You can look over reviews from past visitors before making the final decision of your host home.

The other bit of advice would be use public trasit. We used an app that allowed us to to track where we needed to get off at and when we need to change trollies or buses to reach our final destiation. I would recommend getting a Jazzy pass if you plan on stay 2 or more days. It eliminates the need for carrying extra change and will save you some cash. Finding parking is a pain, so I highly recommend taking this route.

What I really loved about New Orleans was the architecture, the food, and the Jazz. Here is a snap shot from us entering the French Quarter.

There were plenty of carriage rides offered. In my personal opinion, one of the most fun parts, was taking a bus tour. We got to hear about the culture and history. We passed Sandra Bullock’s home and Robert Mannings home which was pretty thrilling. We heard about the houses that had their own horror stories. We listened to Jazz music on the bus. We then went and got New Orleans famous Beignets.

Beignet recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/french-quarter-beignets-recipe-2014039

Here is a view from our entrance into the Jackson Square.

I really enjoyed getting to see a show taking place near the street.

In addition to the various sites, we got to learn first hand the story behind the canals that failed in New Orleans during hurricane Katrina.

I highly recommend visiting the Presbytere museum in Jackson Square. It explains and gives live footage of what was experienced during hurricane Katrina. Admission is $6 and worth every penny. When we went, the upstairs was dedicated to Marti Gras. http://louisianastatemuseum.org/museums/the-presbytere/

We got to take a tour of a local cemetery and believe it or not cemeteries are a major attraction in New Orleans.

An additional attraction we came across was the Lou Armstrong park. It was dedicated to Lou Armstrong who was one of the most influential of men in the Jazz movement. http://www.neworleansonline.com/directory/location.php?locationID=1341

I hope you enjoyed this tour of New Orleans! It so happened that they were celebrating their 300th anniversary while we were there. Next month, I will write up an entry on the food in New Orleans which I must say was one of my favorite parts.

http://2018nola.com/

Little River Canyon National Preserve in Alabama

2018-01-06T08:04:00.000-05:00

One of my dreams and ambitions is to visit all 50 states and so this year, I’ve started chipping away at making my way across the United States. I’ve visited Illionois, Alabama, Mississipi, and Louisiana this year and in summer I’ll be going to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delware. And so, to begin the new quest, Christmas week, my roommate and I began our “Grand Road Trip” to the southern states. We traveled from North Carolina all the way to Louisana with Alabama and Mississippi as our main stops. The total time to travel from North Carolina to Louisana without stops is 13 hours.

One of our main stops was Little River Canyon National Preserve which is located on the top of Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, Alabama. We took the scenic drive which has 9 different stops along the way. The first entry point is at the 45-foot waterfall. We were blessed to get to go at a time when the water flow was strong. Nature never ceases to amaze me as I witness the creativity and artistry of our great God.

Part of the joys of a road trip is being able to stop at the drop of a hat. Being able to pause to take it all the sights and sounds is part of the experience. We found this very prounced rock appropriately called “Mushroom Rock.” There were rocks on each side with a road between them. The mark of humanity was on the rocks as people had left their signatures and symbols.

Eberhart Point is the last overlook on the scenic drive and what a way to conclude such a journey. What depth this canyon has and how insufficient the picture is to capture the picturesque nature of this place. According to online records, the “Grand Canyon of the East” is 12 miles long and as much as 600 feet deep. the park protects a grand total of 14,000 acres.

This is a whitewater river at the park that ranges from a classs III to a Class V.

A far off view of the Little River Falls.

Before going, check out their visitor center and their gift shop. They have the parks history and more details.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/liri/index.htm

Christmas at the Biltmore Estate

2017-11-26T17:42:00.001-05:00

It’s been a dream in the making. A wait of 5 + years to see the largest privately owned house in the United States. And with that, welcome to the Biltmore Estate. A house of 250 rooms with 35 bedrooms for family and guests and 43 bathrooms. Construction began in 1889 and continued into 1896. It was opened up to family and friends on Christmas Eve 1895. I can just imagine the remarks of awe and wonder at such a luxurious home. No expense was spared with such an intensive display of wealth. The construction of the main house required 1,000 workers and 60 stonemasons. Vanderbilt went overseas to bring home furnishings such as tapestries, hundreds of carpets, linins, and other decorative objects.

http://www.biltmore.com/

Upon entering, your first stop will be the Winter Garden. I highly recommend the audio tour which will walk you through the Biltmore, describing the history and background of the various rooms, kitchens, dining halls, and other areas.

The banquet hall is the largest room in the house. It measures 42 feet wide and 72 feet long, with 70-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings. My visit was at the end of October and already Christmas was in the air. Ladders were in place to hang garland and ornaments. The tree in the banquet hall is a 35-ft. live Fraser fir. In addition to this large tree, more than 100 Christmas trees are placed around the mansion with the largest tree being 55 ft. out in the front of the estate.

This additional dining area is elaborate with the upholstery and decor.

The Salon

The music room

The library which demonstrates Mr. Vanderbilt’s deep appreciation and love for books.

The Tapestry Gallery

Christmas trees! Two out ofover a hundred.

Imagine being able to walk out on your porch each day to see this view.

View down the stair well from the third floor.

Bowling Alley

The pool which is empty due to a leak.

The gymnasium.

There are three kitchens with this being the main one.

Outdoors at the Biltmore Estate

The gardens and Conservatory are another highlight of the estate. The Conservatory was compleeted in 1895 and features a variety of exotic plants. The Conservatory hosts small ceremonies and receptions of 10 – 75 guests. It is a romantic setting for weddings, but be prepared as the estimated cost for 100 guest is between $44,612 and $45,665.

I hope you enjoyed these photos from my tour of Biltmore and will get to visit for yourself one day. By booking in advance, you could get a discount so check out their tickets online.

http://www.biltmore.com/visit/plan-your-visit/special-offers

Camping in Grandfather Mountain

2017-11-05T16:35:00.001-05:00

There I stood, at the edge of the cliff daring to look out into the wilderness with thousands of feet from where we were to the ground. The air was chilly, but with the frequent movement it was almost nonexistent or at least it seemed so. I just wanted to take it all in. It was like all the stress and anxiety was washed away and there I was feeling God’s presence in the most miraculous way. It had taken climbing steep hills and over large boulders to reach the top, but worth every step. And then as we looked out into the distance, a cloud was encircling the moutain. You could see the breeze pushing it around.

Foscoe point

Grandfather Mountain State Park is known for the South’s most severe weather and most challenging terrain, but eight of us convened out on this trip with at least 35 pounds on our back and some around 45. We were courageous. The adventure seeker outers. It was my first time camping in a tent. I cherish the times my grandparents would take us camping in their airstream, but there is something way different when sleeping in a tent, cooking food on a small propane stove, filtering your own water from a stream, and the other little various things that we take for granted in city life. Camping takes us back to our roots. How we used to live before all the fancy appliances.

Picture to the left is us filtering our water and photo to the right is how we cooked our food on a portable propane tank cooker.

Conclusion to day one was experiencing a sunset at Grandfather mountain. The oranges and pinks lit up the sky and as the light grew dimmer, the stars grew brighter. Stars beyond our ability to comprehend with the distance and multitude of them all. What looked to be a satellite slowly went across the sky and then as we looked across the horizon, not only did we see the stars clearly, but also small lights coming from the city below.

The next day was even more adventurous. We found this trail and thought that this couldn’t possibly be a trail with the dangerous nature of it, but sure enough it was and as you can see the blue streak on the rock declared that it was. So despite the strenousness of the trail, half our group ventured forward into the unknown up what was quite a steep mountain. It was most assuredly worth it and though we didn’t have time to reach the swinging bridge, we shared the views and splendor of reaching the peak. It was an adventure of a life time and though the views and sites of a trip are astounding, the people you share it with is even more part of the memorability of the journey.

“Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tips for Visiting Navy Pier & Lake Shore View in Chicago

2017-09-02T16:56:00.001-04:00

Going to Downtown Chicago three times during my stay in Illonois, made the trip feel like three trips rolled into one. I’m a more nature minded kind of girl, but big cities fascinate me. For the final visit to Chicago before flying on home, I got the best of both worlds. Seeing Lake Michigan was like a huge bonus. It wasn’t on my radar, so when I realized we were going to get to go along the famous lake shore coast line, I was very happy.

The Greatest Challenge…

Hands down is parking and so if you haven’t opted for the public transit, then check out https://en.parkopedia.com/. Each time you park it can cost about $22 for just a couple hours and once you go through, even if you make a mistake, you’ve got to pay the price. I speak from experience. The lady though was kind enough to refund us, but don’t risk it! Do a search on your location and see which places are cheapest. If you’re planning to go to Navy Pier, the Lakefront Trail is a popular and well-known route. Just be prepared for lots of foot traffic, but it is worth it for the views.

A beautiful view of Navy Pier. Now, for the story and some words of wisdom. So, I found this nice little restaurant in the indoor eating area. I asked the cashier for advice about what to do. The insider info is that it is a tourist trap, but in my opinion, it is all in your perspective. We ended up just having to pay for the parking and for lunch which was well deserved anyway (the lunch that is). I was in it for the views, so in this case, it turned out okay.

Since the cheapest boat tour is about $40 a person (and way up from there), I chose to just get my picture in front of it. I saved a lot! The one behind me must have been over $100. I’m just guesstimating.

Another beautiful view. Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes when measured by the water surface. Another fact is that it is the only great lake that is entirely in the United Staes. The water covers 22,300 square miles touching the four states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan (of course), and Wisconsin.

BuzzNet Tags: Navy Pier,Tourist Attractions,Lake Michigan

Ascension to Chicago 360

2017-08-20T18:45:00.001-04:00

I thrive on adventure, going places, meeting new people. I’ve said yes to eating the hottest pepper in the world and going out on a piece of glass (the skydeck) to look straight down at the Chicago city below. The competition to the Sky Deck, meet the Chicago 360. It’s home is the John Hancock Center, a 100-story, 1,228-foot building. That’s a lot of floors! Designed by Brue Graham and engineered by Fazlur Khan, this building was brought to a completion on May 6, 1968. It was at the time the second tallest building in the word. It now holds the title of the eighth-tallest building in the US.

The views are remarkable. You get to look out to an all around view of the city, see up to four states, and look a distance of 80 miles out.

Some may say that facing your fears is the best way to cure them and I find it to be true. I have a “slight” dislike of heights and figured that going on the Chicago 360 and then the Sky Deck (a jump up from the 360) was a great way to cure those feelings. I can proudly say that on top of being 94 floors up, I was tilted outward over the city of Chicago, 1,030 feet to be exact. It was only a couple minutes for $7, but well worth the experience. Just don’t be embarrassed like me by being called out while trying to take a picture with your phone. I was so mesmarized that I didn’t realize that they were talking to me until they started counting. Super embarrassing, but what’s a good story without some personal accounts? http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/

A Visit to Shedd Aquarium Chicago

2017-07-23T21:22:00.001-04:00

If I could use two words to describe Shedd Aquarium, they would be, magnificant and mesmerizing. It’s not every day you get to hear balooga whales make sqeaking noises or watch a large sting ray glide by right in front of your face. Mind you, it’s $40 dollars for an adult ticket, but worth every cent. So here is a word of advice, when choosing to drive your car, park in the planetarium parking which is in walking distance of the aquarium. If you get there before 9:30 am, you get the early bird price which is $11 as of the time of this posting. Just be sure it’s not on the day of an event because when we came back to see the plantarium, parking was $49! For obvious reasons, we passed this up and called it a day. These are all the little things they don’t tell you in the tourist websites.

Website: http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Shedd Aquarium opened on May 30, 1930 and for awhile was the largest indoor aquarium containing 5,000,000 US gallons of water! That’s far greater than your average pool. Just to get a little perspective an average depth for an inground pool is 5 feet. A pool that is 12 ft. x 24 ft. holds 10,800 gallons. Big difference, right?! (Photo of Copperband Butterfly Fish).

To me the Clown Fish will always be Nemo. It just instinctively comes out that way. Do I have any nods of agreement? With such a beautiful spectacule of creation, I’m reminded of how great God is and how detailed he is.

The Wild, The Wacky, and The Exotic:

Red-bellied Piranha that live in the Amazon River Basin. They are mainly scavengers and foragers, but they can pose a minor risk. So is what the movies show true? Here’s the truth, during the wet season, there is plenty of food, but caution is advised during the dry season around April to September when the waters are much lower and food is less plentiful. Above all do not swim with these fish with an open wound! Few of us will tred these waters, but hey, you learned something new!

Looks like some sci-fi creature. Check out that glare!

Pictures of Exhibits at The Shedd Aquarium

With Lake Michigan being the over view for Shedd Aquarium, it makes sense they would have an exhibit dedicated to it.

The Carribbean Reef exhibit.

The smiling sting ray.

I hope you enjoyed getting a taste of this beautiful aquarium!

Free Things to Do: NC Botanical Gardens at UNC Chapel Hill

2017-05-21T18:48:00.001-04:00

As the weather increases in warmth, gardens are coming alive with activity. Before the heat really sets in, my family has been visiting as many local gardens and nature parks as possible. The best time to go to gardens are early morning. If your schedule permits, week days are best. We’ve done exceedingly well at finding the free ones and who wouldn’t go for that? Whether you want a nice morning stroll, want to spend quality time with family, or exerise your photography skills, there are so many options. It was well work the 45 minute drive out to UNC Chapel Hill. It is very well kept and tended for. You won’t be disappointed!!

Website for North Carolina Botanical Gardens at UNC Chapel Hill: http://ncbg.unc.edu/visit/

Visiting hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Closed Mondays and University Holidays.

A spot you won’t want to miss is The Mercer Reeves Hubbard Herb Garden. There is said to be 500 species and cultivars. An important addition to the collection is the rosemary collection from the herb society of Americas. The herb amove is chives which is known for its oniony smell and flavor. I love adding a sprig of it to many different dishes.

You won’t want to miss the carnivorous plant colection complete with pitcher plants, sundews, and butter warts which are all a part of the southeastern United States.

Herbs attract beneficial insects like this ladybug going for a spin on this cilantro plant.

Other gardens to highlight are the native plant border gardens with a variety of native perennials, shrubs, and small trees. Native plants are vital to our ecosystem. They provide homes for many creatures large and small. They are the plants that have resided here long before any ornamentals were brought in. They may not have the largest and showiest of flowers, but they belong here where as invasives can desimate a habitat literally squeezing the life out of plants. So do your research when choosing flowers!

What I found most invigorating was the botanical garden’s commitment to using environmentally responsible gardening pratices. They work closely with local, state, and regional conservation organizations. They put to practice their mission which is “To inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature.” When we support gardens, farms, and local places that are promoting environmentally responsible practices, we aren’t making an impact just a day or even a week, we could quite possibly be making an impact for generations to come. For it is one choice that can have a dominoes affect that will inspire other to make positive changes in their life. The NC Botanical Garden at UNC Chapel Hill is inspiring that kind of change.

Please drop me a comment and share with me your favorite gardening spots in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Durham area. If you know of any sustainable projects locally, I might be able to take a trip there and feature it on my blog.

Historic Tour of NC State Capitol

2017-01-09T15:52:00.001-05:00

Stepping foot in the North Carolina State Capitol is like entering a whole other era as it is so well preserved with the originality firmly entact. It was completed in the year 1840 with a Greek Revival style of architecture. The Capitol housed the General Assembly until 1963 which they moved into the Legislative Building, but the office of the Governor and Secretary of State have remained. The Capitol proudly holds the title of Raleigh Historic Landmark and sits in the center of Capitol Square. If you desire to visit you can join the 100,000 visitors that come each year. You can be part of public tours at designated times or take a self-guided tour which is especially nice if you like to take your time with photographs and observing.

Capitol tour: http://nchistoricsites.org/capitol/STAT_CAP/Tour.htm

The Rotunda is a key focal point of the Capitol. Upon entering, you will see the 1970 copy of the George Washington statue by Antonio Canova. As you can see, my visit took place during Christmas which is one of the prettiest times to visit in my opinion. There are several plaques around the Rotunda giving tribute to several important people and events from North Carolina’s history.

The Rotunda has a beautiful ceiling at the top of this three story building.

The second floor contains the House of Representatives Chamber and Senate Chamber which comerced there until 1961 when it then moved to the North Carolina State Legislative Building. Both are a tribute to the important decisions made for North Carolina state.

The third floor was my favorite. This is where the State Library Room was located from 1840 until 1888. It has a staircase that leads to an upper level lined with shelves after shelves of books. The collection grew from 2,000 volumes to almost 40,000! It was in 1888 that the overflowing library had to be moved to a larger building that could contain it. Now what remains is a showcase of what it looked like back in the day. The main collection is now located in the Archives and History/State Library building on Jones Street. History comes alive when you get to visit destinations that are preserved in a way that is memorable for all.

Overlook at Pilot Mountain

2016-07-22T06:47:00.013-04:00

In late afternoon, I began a road trip with a group of friends with our destination being none other than Pilot Mountain. The sun was beginning to set as the Hybrid we drove struggled to reach the top. We followed the road as it took us on curves and closer to our goal. The air grew thinner, but the excitement thickened.

The mountain before us was a white quartzite monadnock. Pilot Mountain is part of the A.V.A Yadkin mountain. It rises up to 2,421 feet above sea level and expands across 3,703 acres! A combination of hours in the car, tiredness, but a feeling of amazement washed over me as I gazed at the valley directly below us.

If you look out and beyond, you can see some pristine, untouched forest along with homes resting in the valley. It looks so peaceful and almost undisturbed. Further out you might even catch a glimpse of Hanging Rocks State Park which we conquered the following day.

Summer Awakens Garden Life

2016-06-19T15:08:00.001-04:00

It is that time of year when the heat of the summer is upon us, but it is also the time when flowers are blooming, bees are buzzing, and butterflies are beginning to emerge. This year, I’ve got squash, large tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and butterfly plants in my garden. The chocolate mint has really been a sensation this year. News of it has been spreading around the preschool that I work at and my dad has been drying it to distill. Other exciting happenings, are that my hollyhocks (picture below) are blooming with it being their second year and my native Common Milkweed is getting flowers. I’ve been waiting two years to see them bloom.

Hollyhocks getting ready to open.

A bumble bee enjoying lavender.

Yarrow which is a herb used for fevers.

Penta

The squash and zucchini have started producing. I’ve got an entire row for them, though it looks like the squash borers might soon steal my family’s feast. With gardening, you’ve got to get used to the fact that you will have to compete with insects and animals in the battle for food. It is all part of the journey. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing pictures from my garden.