California Dreamin' (Drinkin) Part Three

If you don't care about wine you might as well just stop reading now.   But I figure the next time we go to Napa we might want to know what we did!   Hence the detailed blog entry.

A memorable experience came at Saintsbury which had, not a bar, but what essentially looked like a farmhouse table.

See?  Table and chairs.  You could be getting ready for a pancake breakfast.  Except for, you know, the wine bottles.

The winery is by appointment only which at first I thought was really snobby.   Seriously?  We can't just show up whenever we want?  We have to get there at the stroke of 10?   Michael wisely scheduled this winery for 10 am so we could be punctual to start our day, but then visit the remaining stops at whatever pace suited us.   Ten points Gryffindor.

Our experience here again shows that I should not snap to judgement.  We walked in and it was just us, and the wine expert.  I am kicking myself that I do not remember her name.  She sat down with us, told us the history of the winery (its owners have remained the same since the 70s!) and explained, in detail, the wines we tasted.  It was quite charming, and a bit rustic feeling, but I liked the authenticity.

The wines were mostly Pinot Noirs, which were a welcome change from the IN YOUR FACE CABERNETS we tasted in Napa.  Trust me the use of all caps is warranted.  She mentioned the vineyards the grapes came from, and how their proximity to the valley or mountains, or whether they faced east or west affected the variety of grape, but also the wine.  Who knew?  It's quite comfortable to sit at a table alone with the wine expert and ask anything you'd like.  Your feet get a rest, there are no groups of women in pink feather boas (truth be told I didn't see much of that in California.   Must be a summer upstate thing), and since you are sitting and talking and being all casual, you don't really think about what you are doing.   This leads to breaking out the AmEx and buying a boatload of delicious wine, as you might imagine.  Who wouldn't want to relive the fun sit-down wine tasting by drinking favorites a year (or more!  Reds have aging potential!) from now?

In addition to thoroughly enjoying our personalized, private, seated wine tasting, I enjoyed Sainsbury for the restroom.   It was not a fancy bathroom, or anything special or memorable about the room itself.   What I loved was this sign.   The funniest part of all is the photo was obviously taken in that exact bathroom based on the floor, wall color, etc.   If ever there was a reason to close the lid!  

California Dreamin' Part Two (aka California Drinking)

In case you couldn't tell from the previous post, the first portion of our trip was, really, all about wine.

Before moving to Ithaca in 2010 I hadn't had much wine.  Sure I'd have a glass if someone had opened a bottle, but I didn't know much about it apart from reds are darker (duh) and served at a warmer temperature and in bigger glasses than white.  Nothing revelatory.

In addition to providing me with a job and Michael with a fancy pants Ivy League degree, Ithaca provided us with wine knowledge.  Due to its less that hospitable frigid climate, the varietals are limited.  California has no such restrictions.   And let me tell you we tried a lot of them!

When you visit 5 wineries a day here's what happens:  You taste a lot of wine.   Your taste buds start to go numb.  (Can taste buds go numb?  They stop working is what I mean)  You dump out a lot of wine.  You find wines you like and want to take them home with you.   All the while, you are standing at a long bar with many other people in various states of drunkenness.  

Our first day was spent in Napa.  We only made it to 4 wineries (epic fail!  We missed Frog's Leap) but we did get a fun tour of Beringer.  It's the oldest continually operated winery in the country.  Turns out when you make wine for medicinal and religious purposes during Prohibition, you can stay open.  What can I say?   The owners were German.  We are a resourceful lot who does enjoy a drink.   Good job Frederick.

We took a fun little tour of the winery and saw what would have been in place in the late 1800s.  Very cool.  The photos didn't turn out great, but you can sort of get a feel for the cavernous area.  They hand carved this tunnel over a period of several years.  It's huge!

The 'free wine tasting' on the tour was abysmal.  I actually dumped out my Riesling.  Let me say that again.  I dumped out my Riesling.  I am not sure that I have ever done that before in my life.  It was awful.  

The tour was fun, but the wine they gave was so not fun.  And, to make things more interesting, our tour guide was drunk.   I swear.  Not like falling down and slurring your speech drunk, but she was happy and a wee bit tipsy.  It's a good thing it was a walking tour and not a bus tour.

The grounds of Beringer were gorgeous.  I shall now post a slew of photos from the winery, and use another post to describe other wine highlights.

California Dreamin' Part One

As you may have guessed from the previous post, I was recently on vacation.   In California!  A new destination for both Michael and I.   I believe this was our first 'new place' together since our honeymoon in Arizona in 2009.    It's pretty fun to discover new spots in new places together.   Especially when you are armed with an iPad with GPS and many maps.  (Getting lost = not fun)

Strangely enough, the vacation started out as a way to use up free flights.  You see, we used to use our Southwest VISA card for everything.   This resulted in many free flights, and many free drink coupons.   When we lived in the DC area, and were not too far from BWI (a Southwest mecca, if you will) we were able to dart off to Las Vegas, Orlando, San Antonio, even home to Cleveland, for free.  It was lovely.  Flash forward to now, where Southwest has less flights leaving Orlando going to destinations we'd like to visit.  Thing is.... we still had 2 free flights that were unused and were about to expire.

If there's one thing I hate (well, ok, a few things I hate....) it is letting something free go to waste.  Especially when that free item is useful.   Free broccoli?  No thanks, I'll pass.   Free flight?  Yes please.

Since Michael knows every city Southwest flies to, he got to researching possible destinations.   Las Vegas again made the list.   But you guys, we've been there twice, and while each time we have flown for free and stayed at the MGM grand for literally $40 a night, I sort of wanted to try something else.  So I said so.  Michael then informed me that Southwest flew into Oakland, which was close enough to both Napa/Wine country and San Francisco that we could visit more than one place while were in the Golden State.   I was intrigued.

Michael is also obsessed with travel and all things hotel.   He watches Living Social and JetSetter and all those other fun sites when were are not planning a trip.   You can only imagine what happens when we are, in fact, planning a getaway.  Due to his expertise- and a little luck- we scored an AMAZING deal on a lovely suite in Napa.   For the first four days of our trip, our schedule included:

morning workout at the gym
breakfast
winery stops and tastes
delicious lunch (including a DDD stop!)
more wine drinking
dinner
relaxing in the suite

I am not typically one to sit still all day, so this combination worked well...  Activity in the morning (gym), excursions during the day (including wine drinking!), and relaxing in the evening.  I even read an entire book in less than a week!   A very big deal for me.

How to Look and Act Like a Tourist

We just got back from a week in California- our first time to the Golden State!   We included a few days in Napa and Sedona and then drove to San Francisco for the rest of the trip.   I say we included.   "We" is perhaps the wrong term.  Michael did the planning.  I packed suitcases.  I took photos.   I went along for the ride.  More on that later, it was a fun trip, I have lots of photos, and we had lots of wine.

Anyway.  During our trip we saw a lot of people looking utterly confused.   While this occurs daily in Florida, since I am on my home turf, and not on vacation, I like to think I carry myself as such.   I also tend to give Florida vacationers a (small) break.  But when I am also visiting a new place, thus rendering me a tourist as well, yet seem competent, while others do not, it gets me thinking.   So without further ado, here are, in no particular order, ways to appear like a tourist

• Enter every elevator that opens.   Do not check to see if the 'up' or 'down' arrow is illuminated.  Simply charge ahead

• Enter elevators without first allowing those inside to exit.  This will guarantee much pushing and confusion, and be most inefficient

• Wander aimlessly down the hall, street, corridor, etc.   Look sideways and backwards, but not forward.  Do not be aware of your surroundings, and walk directly into other people.  Walk slowly.  Do not use a map.   If you are using the audio guide at Alcatraz, stand in the middle of the walkways and do not move when you see swarms of people heading your way

• Do not read bus signs or consult bus route maps.  Instead, ask every driver 'Does this go to _________'?   Proceed to argue with the driver if his answer will not get you to your destination immediately

• Do not carry exact change on the cable car.  Relatedly, do not understand that a one way trip is $6 and you will have to pay again to get back on

• Wear bright white sneakers, ill fitting jeans, windbreakers, and a huge camera around your neck at all times.   This includes, but is not exclusive to, riding public transit and eating in a restaurant.  Seriously folks, it is ok to put the camera and your GIGANTIC lens in the bag for a moment.  You will not miss a Kodak moment while they bring you your sourdough

• While ordering breakfast at the hotel cafe, which is a poor man's Starbucks with the CLEAR DISPLAY CASE and very limited menu, ask at least 25 questions.  Per person.  Per item.  Example:  What do you have?  (Check the case, sir)  Now, you have muffins?  (Yes, as you can see, there are many in the case.  Bottom shelf)  Are those blueberry muffins?  (Do you have a blueberry allergy?  If not, who gives a damn?  You are not at a custom bakery.   There are limited selections and 10 people just got in line)  Now, what about oatmeal?  (There is only one kind, in the to-go cups)  And coffee?  (YES! Of course!)  Do you have decaf?  (Geez Louise)  Honey, do you want fruit?  Is this all you have?  (There are no kidding, 40 bananas heaped on the bar.)  Well ok I guess we'll take a banana and maybe an apple?   This continued for awhile, and I am not exaggerating in the slightest.  Do I need to add that they were wearing bright white sneakers, ill fitting jeans, and windbreakers?   I can only assume they hadn't gotten the camera out of its case yet.

Backstage Magic

When you live in Central Florida, and you go to the theme parks on a regular basis, you pretty much see it all. On-stage, that is! For all the glitter and fun you see when you walk through the turn styles, Disney has so much more behind the scenes. As a typical day guest, you never see it, and usually don't even think about it. Unless you're a Disney nerd (like me and Michael)

Let me back up here. We didn't do Christmas gifts this year, which I think Michael not so secretly loved. No shopping? No gift wrapping? Excellent. Instead of shopping for 'stuff' we decided to put those pennies toward a behind the scenes Disney tour this year. It wasn't cheap, but it was ridiculously fun.

As if the words backstage behind the scenes tour didn't give it away, there are not many photo opps during the day. You're literally behind the buildings, in utilidors (tunnels under Magic Kingdom), in costume shops, parade barns, etc.  With the exception of the nursery photo, all pictures were found via google images and taken by others in public (camera friendly) zones.  Highlights of our tour included

EPCOT World Showcase
Forced perspective can make buildings seem larger than life (see: Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom) but can also make huge buildings seem more in line withe their neighbors (see: American Adventure at EPCOT)

Backstage at the American Adventure
We got to view how the different scenes all exist backstage and move in sequence during the show.  The scene below is one of the largest, and shows the celebration of 100 years of America

Hollywood Studios Costume Shop
Nearly 200 employees sewing costumes for all sorts of characters in all parks. Mostly parade costumes here, and the tour is magnificent. The bolts of fabric and the size of the sewing machines are grand, and the hundreds of thread colors (some created special for Disney), along with more than 800 (yes 800) styles of buttons, make for an impressive creative zone. Our tour guide told us that this is one of the departments with the least turnover. Once you're in, you never want to leave.

Tower of Terror
No riding today, but we got to see a 360 degree view of the ride vehicle and learn how the batteries charge, how the car moves with magnets and wireless antennae, and all the safety checks that occur as the car goes through the entire ride system

Animal Kingdom Parade Barn
It's less than magical to see parade vehicles lined up in what is essentially an oversized garage, but it's very cool to see how the characters get inside, how the drivers maneuver them, and even how Goofy would make an emergency exit.

Disney Nursery
Every plant in every theme park, hotel, and resort areas start here. The Disney folks grow 20% extra of each plant so if the third hanging basket on Main Street looks a little peaked on Tuesday afternoon, it can be swapped out that night and look brand new (because it is!) the next day. The cataloging system for each plant is extensive and makes me smile. Plant name, date it was planted, date it reaches maturity, location in park, and the length of the chains it hangs on are all included. Seriously. Topiaries (which you see throughout the parks) start out here, with a huge team of designers planning up to two years in advance.

Magic Kingdom
The afternoon parade is just the beginning, once you start noticing all the names in all the 2nd story windows are real people and an homage to how it all began more than 50 years ago.  These names are equivalent to the opening credits of a movie, honoring the folks who worked hard to put on the upcoming show for you.  (If you want to learn more, there is even a book about it)  The windows of some upper floors even open during parades so the sound system can be optimized.

 Have you heard about the tunnels under the Magic Kingdom? They're real, and a great way to get around the park without walking around all the lands, and avoiding strollers to boot!

At the end of the day we decided we were pretty clever to avoid the 'stuff' this past Christmas, and instead share an experience.  I have a feeling we might do this sort of thing again, because last week Michael also asked if this sort of gift would be acceptable for my upcoming birthday.  

Leaping Lizards, Batman!

Today was 'cold' here in central Florida.  You know, high in the low 60s, and 40 mph winds.  I had on long sleeves.  The afternoon was spent not at the pool but at the mall, buying Michael a new computer battery and power supply at the Apple Store.  I opted for a new green iPod Nano and a trip to the hair salon.  On the drive home (due west at 6 pm, thank you very much) I encountered copious amounts of sunshine directly in my face.     Little did I know that sunshine was the least of my worries.

Lucky for me, the highway does veer a bit south soon after my on-ramp.   Right around this point of my journey, as I was moving into the far left lane to blow past tourists continue home, I noticed movement in my left side mirror. I had already gotten into my lane, so I was not sure why another vehicle would be moving toward me from the side. I feared for a millisecond that a car was encroaching my way. I looked closer and saw a HUGE brown lizard clinging on for dear life. How in the @#$%$^% did a lizard land on my car while I was driving along at [at least] 70 mph?! Maybe he jumped from another vehicle? Lucky guy to land on a car and not the 3 lane highway, only to be squished to a pulp. Then again, he could have gotten on my roof at the mall, and finally migrated down the car as I drove. Not sure. Regardless, I am pretty sure he didn't fall from the sky.

After my heart started beating again, I burst out laughing. Our eyes definitely met, but then I decided it best to face forward and drive safely again. I did say out loud "Sorry, man. Nothing I can do for you" And with that, the brown spot in my periphery vanished. The lizard was gone just as soon as he had appeared. Sadly, I'm pretty sure he didn't get lucky this time around and find another mirror to cling to. I fear he has met his maker.

Leaps and Bounds

Happy Leap Year!    We all know what it's about... an extra day every 4 years to keep the calendar and the moon and the sun and the earth all lined up.   And to get a FREE cookie at Subway.   Have you had a cookie from Subway lately?   I think they're better than the sandwiches.  Then again who is surprised that I like sugar more than lunch itself?  Moving on.

Even if you know what leap year is all about, I recommend watching this clever video from Epipheo Studios.   The drawings are cute and you can impress people at cocktail parties.  Or wherever you may go to socialize.

Enjoy!