Best of Jetsetting

I’m back in Seattle! Yay! My computer died a couple days after returning, thus explaining the much belated update. Sorry adoring blog fans. Please read below for the highlights my month long Jet Blue adventure.

Mo'town Philly

Julie planned every glorious minute of our time together. Think lots of dancing – both salsa and to Boyz II Men; city exploring – Amish lands, Atlantic City, and downtown Philly; delicious food – frozen custard in a pretzel cone, Philly Steak Sandwitches, and crazy Amish cheeses; and really good catch-up time.

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Julie has moves.

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It wouldn't be a Paige and Julie adventure without some hiking with our salsa.

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In the center of it all, indeed.

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Stay classy Atlantic City.

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We take the boardwalk really seriously.

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Glamorous as Atlantic City itself.

Heaven = 25 cent apple cider.

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The town is called intercourse. I don't really know what else there is to say.

DC Fix

DC continues to blow my mind. There is always something fun to do especially with Malia as Julie’s and my guide. Highlights included the National Portrait Gallery, hearing Earl Palmer at National Presbyterian, the ballet at the Kennedy Center, meeting up with my DC peeps, and dancing with Georgetown boys wearing salmon colored shirts with popped collars (half joking).

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Kennedy was just asking for it.

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We love Obama.

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Something about a day this beautiful makes one want to break out in song and dance.

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Fun at the portrait gallery.

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We love public transportation.

B'more

Neysa, roommie from Freshman year at UW, is kicking A$# and taking names at Johns Hopkins Nursing School. I went to two of her classes on Nutrition during Pregnancy and Delivery Care. What really won me over was her sweet ride to school. Way to keep it real Johns Hopkins.

NYC - TGI Tuesday

I have a love/hate relationship with New York. It appears that New York feels the same about me. The Subway oozed black goo on my head while riding to meet Steph B, high school swimming buddy, for coffee. Later, while sipping said coffee and enjoying the sunny day a pigeon proceeded to poop on my head, shirt, and skirt. That’s good luck in some cultures, right?

On the positive side, NYC lives up to its reputation of always having something going on. On a random Tuesday night Maggie, her mama, and I were out until 2 am dancing to the best cover band ever at Black Fat Pussy Cat by NYU. Photos are too incriminating to post here. ;)

Costa Rica: Pura Vida...y Aventura

Scene 1: San Jose Airport

IMMIGRATION OFFICER:
What is the address where you will be staying?

PAIGE:
I am not sure. I am staying at a friend’s house.

IMMIGRATION OFFICER:
Where does this friend live?

PAIGE:
I don’t know. He is coming to pick me up.

IMMIGRATION OFFICER:
Where does this friend work?

PAIGE:
He studied computer science and business. I think he works in San Jose.

IMMIGRATION OFFICER:
Which cities will you be visiting?

PAIGE:
Also not sure. My friend will be taking me around.

CUSTOMS OFFICER:
(Stamps Passport)
Next time you should really get more concrete information before traveling internationally.

PAIGE:
Gracias.

Andrey thankfully did pick me up and everything came together. We started out the adventure with a historical tour around San Jose. Andrey explained the history of the country, showed me the most important historical buildings in San Jose, and also took me to a few museums. From there he took me to Cartago where I stayed for most of my trip with his girlfriend, Melania’s, family.

Cartago is a cute town in the mountains featuring a beautiful basilica. The best part of the city was Melania’s family. They were so welcoming and just great people. Katy, Melania’s mom, was my work out buddy. The highlight workout was a morning mountain bike ride with her and her girlfriends. These women know how to ride. I also went on adventures to the highest volcano in Costa Rica with Katy and Melania’s dad, Bernardo, and a spin around the valley with Katy and Abuela. It was really fun to be a part of the family for a week.

Over the weekend, Andrey, Melania, and I went on a road trip to Tilarán where Andrey’s family lives. The Arenal Volcano was out, we stopped by local sights, ate some great food, took pictures of sloths, and talked about life. Andrey’s family was also really great. They took us to Hot Springs by their house. That’s the life. Our trip back to Cartago was eventful with a stop at the beach, a quick tour of the Andrey’s brother’s University as well as the University where Andrey works http://www.incae.edu/EN/, and general sightseeing.

Costa Rica was an incredible trip and one of life’s wonderful surprises. I spent much of my time down there trying to convince Andrey and Melania to come to Seattle for their honeymoon. Hopefully they’ll be up soon.

Deja Vu



I remember coming to this church when I was on my fifth grade trip.







Our road trip just happened to coincide with the national day of tourism.



Warm and happy after a night at a hot springs.



Photo with Andrey's family after a delicious breakfast. Mmm...gallo pinto.



On the beach of Punta Arenas, for some unknown reason, this drink is called a Churchill. One thing I do know is that shaved ice + condenced milk + evaporated milk + red syrup + sherbert ice cream = tummy ache.



Melania's mom and grandma are the coolest.



Checking out Costa Rica's highest point with Melania's parents.



Andrey and Melania infront of the Basilica in Cartago.



Andrey poses with this important statue after explaining a bit of the history. It was a good story but I can't remember it. Whoops.

Boston in the Fall

The best part of this jet setting experience was connecting with old friends, especially friends from high school. I love seeing their new lives and meeting their friends. It’s also pretty great that my friends live in really cool places. Boston highlights include visiting Erin and Malorie’s grad schools, a little bar and restaurant hoping, and a lot of laughter. See pictures of Malorie showing off the classy elevator at the New England School of Design and Erin and her friend Alexa showing Snuggie 1.0.

Dodging the Paparazzi in San Diego

Laurel and I already have best friend rings so naturally the next step was best friend bikinis. We figure that since we don’t live in the same city that we’re probably cool to wear them. But then there are the times we are together and we get chased by Japanese tourists. Ok, maybe not chased. But there was definitely a point where we had four cameras and one camcorder on us while different men took turns posing with us.

Other highlights of San Diego included checking out the beautiful University of San Diego campus with my little neighbor, Ashley, who is now a grown-up college student. I also finally fit in a yoga class with my favorite yogi – www.gingeryogi.com . My favorite night included an Asian cooking studio with Colin and Peter – fellow signer of the Mathewson’s marriage certificate. I wasn’t really allowed to participate so ended up on the couch with my feet up watching Anthony Bourdain while they cooked. That’s the life.

Go Ducks!

The Oregonian in me can’t deny the excitement around football season. Oliver is also in touch with his roots.