Spotlight : Vail, Colorado

"America's top ski resort by practically any standard."

Frommer's

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Alan Caplan

April 23, 1982

My parents took the plunge in one of my favorite places on God's green earth. I hate to use the word "breathtaking" because that's such a commonly used word. It's more like Vail knocks the wind out of you with its beauty. Wherever I am, if sun is shining, humidity is low, and people just seem like they're enjoying the day, it reminds me of our summers in Vail.

Champagne welcome for guests exiting the gondola on their wedding day.

Their gondola had a "Just Married" sign on back.

Note: Unfortunately they are the only couple ever allowed

to get married at the top of Vail Mountain because, since dad was a city official, it was the only time Vail allowed the gondola to be used after the mountain closed.

I spent a handful of summers in Vail before I ever skied Vail Mountain and to be honest, I thought Vail in the summer was what it was all about. Turns out all of the marked paths and mountain routes are ski runs turned bike paths for the summer. At a young age I had one of those "genius" moments. I still have those from time to time. Life's pretty cool like that.

All things considered, Kansas is spitting distance from Colorado so even though I knew my parents worked, met and married there, when I was young it just made practical sense we headed that way at some point during the year. It takes time and a certain level of maturity before one can understand the meaning of not just people and things, but places. We'd get our bikes, 'blades, and do our annual tour of town. First stop was the Vail Public Library to see dad's name on the wall.

My sister at the library.

In my humble opinion, the best way to get to Vail is to fly into DEN, rent a car and drive an hour and a half through the most beautiful mountain passes in the U.S. That's a "to do" in and of itself. EGE (Eagle) is a bit closer, but more expensive and you miss the winding drive. Before I go into my personal faves and raves, I should note that it has been since 2003 since my last visit, so this by no stretch of the imagination is a comprehensive overview. Fortunately my picks have stood the test of time and I am happy to spotlight the following tried and true highlights:

Southeast of the Midwest's 

Vail Review

Summer
Bike: Either Vail Pass or any of the mountain trails, this is Vail's summer version of skiing. Vail Pass is Colorado's only mountain pass with a bike path the entire distance. Go all out by biking up then down both ways or take a shuttle to the top and cruise down into Vail Valley.
Swim: Don't be silly. The river is melted snow, but when the sun is shining, the resort or condo's pool (or hot tubs) are lovely.
Rodeo: Check their local listings for their regional calendars. Just thinking about Colorado rodeos makes me homesick because they embody Colorado summers: BBQ, boots, and poop in a hoop (kids buy a hula hoop and when they let the calfs run, the kids win a prize if a calf, well, poops in their hoop). You simply can't make this stuff up.
Horseback Riding: There are a few ranches that do 1 to 2 hour-long rides through the mountains and will usually take you close to the cliffs so you can see views of the valley.
River Rafting: Again, depending on your hopes and dreams, a few different companies can take you down the Colorado River passing through all levels of rapids.
Picnic: Grab sandwiches and drinks from a store or restaurant and take the gondola or chair lift up the mountain. It's picnicking at its very best.

Winter
Ski: I would be kidding myself if I even tried to say a few words. Just get yourself to Vail, look up, and if there's snow, find a way up and ski it. It's that easy. And fabulous. And these days it's probably a great way to spot celebrities. Note: A lift ticket on Vail will also give you access to neighboring Beaver Creek.
Spa: If there's snow and you're not skiing, eating, drinking, or sleeping, there's always the loyal hot tub or spa.

Eat, Drink, Shop
Ore House: Soooo this may be my favorite place because it's the first time I had a steamed artichoke, but the location is smack dab in the center of town with outdoor seating. It's been a local favorite for decades and has remained as Vail has changed through the years, which speaks for itself. Menu is a crowd-pleaser.
Apres Ski: If you ski, you must apres ski, or "after ski" in French. This can, and should, apply to biking as well. In other words: happy hour for the skier/biker when lifts close (around 3ish).
The Golden Bear: "The symbol of Vail Valley," The Golden Bear is the Tiffany & Co. of the Rockies. Stores have come and gone, but this one is here to stay. My mom has worn their signature "Papa Bear" necklace for as long as I can remember and when we got older, we got a "Mama Bear."

I wore my golden bear during our engagement photos as a surprise for my parents.

Rafting down the Colorado River during our 

"were not twins but my mom dresses us like we are" years.

I literally have dreams about rollerblading along Gore Creek
and walking across the rocks until my feet are numb
(remember: melted snow).

The aforementioned Gore Creek I roller blade in my dreams.

If I'm being completely honest, sometimes my dad and I would 

rent a tandem bike and I would pretend to pedal. 

Obviously still carrying guilt. Sorry about that, dad.

My parent's first home and where my sister spent her first years of life.

When the roads were bad, this driveway was the first plowed. Can't manage a city without the city manager.

My brother-in-law in front of the tree my parents

planted when my sister was born. Just like my sister,

the pine has grown to be an educated and creative Texan.

Now that I am sufficiently chomping at the bit for a visit, I hope if you haven't gotten a chance to go to Vail- or anywhere in the Rockies for that matter- such an adventure finds its way into your life. Be responsible: don't neglect your bucket list.

[photo sources: Cox Photography, Google, Mrs. Caplan, Mrs. Cornelius, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas. My hometown and fifty percent of my blog's namesake. I swear I'm not making this up, but the first thing the person giving my college campus tour said to me after I said I was from Kansas was, "You're not in Kansas anymore!" I could retire at the ripe old age of 27 if I had $100 for every time someone in South Carolina told me that I was the first person they've ever met from Kansas. I take it as a compliment.

My parents raised Sadie and I under the "give your children roots and wings" philosophy. My mother's side of the family is from Kansas and she somehow successfully convinced my dad to move from Napa to the middle of nowhere to raise a family. Located in the northeast corner of the sunflower state, it was indeed the best place to grow up and I am grateful. Muddy "beaches" at Clinton Lake, rats in the locker room because our school was in the middle of a corn field... they may be crazy roots, but they're my roots.

Lawrence is like the little unknown family/college town oasis in the middle of all those "square states." A town that takes pride in small shops, local restaurants, and is home to the cathedral of basketball, Allen Fieldhouse. Dorthy doesn't actually live there, tornadoes don't actually plow through town, and there are actually hills... big hills. Although I haven't physically called Lawrence home for nearly nine years, it will always be home and the Kansas Rock Chalk Chant will always equal March Madness.

My sister and I living the simple life out on the farm. 

We didn't have chickens, or a farm,
but we had friends that lived in the country
and those are most definitely our coveralls.
(1988)

Rhett in Lawrence where the buffalo roam (state animal).
(2006)


Kansas summers are hotter than yours
and the winters are colder than yours
except if you live in Canada or Russia or something.
This was taken last week during a winter storm in March
which ended up dumping 6 inches or so.
NBD.

Also taken last week, my first time watching March Madness at home since high school.
Kansas basketball is magical, impossible to understand unless you've lived it,
and is Lawrence's #1 import.

Quick! Trivia question:
Who invented basketball?

Answer:

James Naismith in 1891 with a pair of peach baskets.

Naismith also founded the Kansas basketball program.

Allen Fieldhouse, home of Kansas Jayhawks
and Mecca to basketball fans everywhere.


During a recent hometown progression lunch at some Mass St. favorites.
Mass St. (Massachusetts Street) is where everyone gravitates for
food, shopping, and adult beverages.
First course: Spinach and artichoke dip at Quinton's.
Second course: Wings at Jefferson's.
Third course: Pizza "as big as your face" at Papa Keno's.
Dessert: Darts at Harbour Lights.


An institution in every sense of the word:
Free State Brewing Company.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
Photo featuring the menu art with description below,
infamous bottle in the wall at the entrance,
and the man himself: James Naismith.
The place smells of hops and their infamous cheddar ale soup.


If you don't know this saying, you don't know Lawrence.
The back of Free State's t-shirts.
Excuse my small edit.

"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam

Where the deer and the antelope play.

Where seldom is heard a discouraging word

And the sky is not cloudy all day."

-"Home on the Range"

State song of Kansas

Funny story: my aunt Sandy Praeger has been in the politics scene my whole life, including the Senate, Mayor of Lawrence, and she's currently insurance commissioner. One year at a statehouse dinner, the main course was buffalo. Rude.

[photo sources: My Hero, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Charleston, South Carolina

"I'm going back to Charleston, back where I belong."
-Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind

Charleston: you're going up on the proverbial pedestal today! But you've earned it fair and square. Charleston was recently awarded Reader's Choice #1 City in the U.S. by Conde Nast for the second year in a row. Through this Thursday, vote for Charleston as Southern Living's "The South's Tastiest Town" (Greenville and Austin are also a contenders... rock the vote, family).

I keep saying I predict a Top Chef Charleston because it is a tasty treat for all the senses and producers would have so much to work with-- Sight: mossy trees. Sound: horses clopping on cobblestone. Smell: salty air. Touch: sandy toes. Taste: I could go on for days. Head Judge, Tom Colicchio, is consultant to Kiawah Island Club's Voysey's. This season, Executive Chef of Charleston's Husk and  McCrady's, Sean Brock, was a guest judge on Episode 14 of Top Chef and word is he is getting chummy with Anthony Bourdain. I can feel it, it's coming.

A tip of the hat to you, Mr. Brock.

Everyone loves Charleston. I love it, you love it, we all love it. Charleston satisfies on all ends of the spectrum. Spend the day at the beach, drop 20 bucks beach-side at Taco Boy or Coconut Joe's, crash on a friend's couch and you're good to go. Parents in town (wink face)? Shop King Street, walk along the Battery, then go see Chef Doyle at Poogan's Porch. Parents are less likely to go along with the sleeping arrangements in scenario one, so stay at the Market Pavilion Hotel and invite friends to meet you at their rooftop pool bar for a drink.

Spend a day, spend a week, move there. Charleston has a beach, a restaurant and an experience for everyone. No, no I could never (like... ever) spotlight Charleston in one measly post, but if I had to play favorites...

"Rainbow Row" by Virginia Fouche Bolton,
one of the most iconic scenes of the city.

Poogan's Porch Restaurant.
Order the pimento cheese fritters
as soon as you cross the threshold
and not a moment later.

...and Poogan :)

 

Shopping on King Street.
Boutiques to antiques.


A woman making and selling sweetgrass baskets outside the
City Market. Sweetgrass baskets were first made by Lowcountry
slaves to collect rice and cotton in plantation fields.
Today, they are more a work of art
and can be looked at as a status symbol...


This big boy, 24"W x 36"H, sells for $24,000.
That's 24 with three zero's.

Market Pavilion Hotel's rooftop pool and bar.
This is... how you say... "perfection"?

Coconut Joe's Beach Bar & Grill on Isle of Palms.
I can't understand why their Jamaican wrap is so good.
I suppose it is the pineapple salsa and cilantro mayo.


A performance during the annual Spoleto Festival in the Spring.


One of my favorite views.
No, not the chardonnay (well, maybe the chardonnay...).
View of the United States Custom House
across the marsh from the Fleet Landing Restaurant.

So, Charleston my love, keep on doing what you're doing. You do it so beautifully.

See you soon,

Em

[photo sources: Access Hollywood, Trip Advisor, Charleston CVB, Charleston Sweetgrass, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Saudi Arabia

Three years ago, I would have never imagined that I would be sitting here not only blogging, but writing a post about Saudi Arabia of all places. The day I found out my dad was moving temporarily overseas to work on his dream project, our entire family spent hours on the phone together with an even 50/50 mix of emotions: 50% crying, 50% laughing. My first two questions were "Is it safe?" and "Is mom going?" The answers were "yes" and "hell no," respectively.

Although Saudi Arabia is a safe country, today it is still challenging for women to be independent and my mother, a redheaded business owner, is not an ideal candidate to live in an oppressive country. However, about half of the ex-patriots ("expats") that work for my dad's company, Parsons Corporation, choose to have their families move overseas with them. Luckily for the other half who live apart for a few years, Skype and Slingbox allow families to talk anywhere, anytime... and watch live cable. Saudi Arabia is 8-9 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (depending on daylight savings).

In addition to these modern luxuries, my dad and his friends have found a happy medium between the Middle East and the Western world in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia- a medium-sized port town located a few hours north of Jeddah on the beaches of the Red Sea. What did Rascal Flatts sing? "Flip flops, tans, and some white sand, I know the perfect spot"? Must have been singing about Yanbu.

The number one question I am always asked is how often we get to see him. Surprisingly and luckily, I see him as much and talk to him more often now than I did in college. His company flies him home twice per year and anywhere in Europe twice per year, so my mom gets to reap one of the biggest perks of having to live away from her husband: two-week trips over the pond. So far, she's gotten to check off France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Amsterdam is on deck this Spring. I hope to go visit one more time before he returns to the states (in the next year or two).

We email each other about as much as I text with my friends, so he can keep us updated on all of his thrilling and exotic happenings. A year as an expat in Yanbu goes a little something like this:

Pretend those camels are as abundant as cows in the Midwest
and you've got yourself farm animals along your drives out of town.
The Saudi people take much pride in their camels.
If you're asking yourself "I wonder if they have camel racing?"
You would be correct.
I quote Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities:
"Few things in Arabian culture are as exciting as the camel races."


I present to you: camel racing.

Time for business and speaking to investors during the Saturday-Wednesday work week.

Friday is the Kingdom's holy day, thus their weekends are Thursday and Friday,
the only country in the world that observes this.
He and his friends have coined, "TAIW: Thank Allah It's Wednesday."


An air view of dad's city center/waterfront development project.
They have in-house, full-time translators.


Family will want to come to you to go skiing at Ski Dubai,
an indoor, 22,500 square meters ski resort in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(skis, poles, and jackets provided onsite, so yes, everyone is matching).
Although Dubai is located on the Arabian Peninsula, it is not a part of Saudi Arabia.
Dubai is a city-state of the United Arab Emirates
(seven emirates in total make up the Southeastern corner of the peninsula).


Wearing an abaya, thobe, or jeans,
keeping the beaches tidy during Parsons' annual beach clean up.
Saudis strictly follow the principles of hijab (modesty).
Typically, women wear abayas, a black cloak that covers head to toe
and men wear a thobe, an ankle length robe-like garment with long sleeves.
It is not expected for expats to wear these.


The local grocery store: HyperPanda.
But plan accordingly! No shopping during call to prayer,
which is five times per day.

Dad was lucky enough to be selected as Santa 2012.
Some friends packed a Santa suit for the move for their children.

Two proud members and co-founders of Yanbu's
"Polar Bear Plunge Club" on New Year's Day.
Sign reads: "Air 81* Water 80*"
Daredevils.

Last August, dad celebrated his two year Saudiversary and will decide later this year whether or not to sign on for a fourth year. Our family has learned so much about this part of the world through his experience. To me, he is a living example of the expression, "follow your dreams and shoot for the stars," and lucked out with a loving, strong, and supportive wife. Mom and dad, you are my بطل (hero).

This post is in loving memory of my dad's neighbor's cat 

who is, as was explained to him in broken English, "finished."

[photo sources: Geographic Guide, Telegraph, dad, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Napa, California

If you know me, you know I love my chardonnay and it is suspiciously ironic that I was born in the heart of wine country. Anyways, twenty seven years ago today I greeted my first day of life in the beautiful Napa, California! The hospital where I was born sent the babies home that were born on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or the day after in a stocking. I made the cut!

Some volunteers for the hospital sewed this stocking for the babies.
These days it holds my birthday presents under the tree
and still has the note from the lady who made it attached.

We moved to Lawrence, Kansas, when I was two years old so my sister and I could grow up closer to my mom's family. I didn't have any memories of Napa nor had I been back since. Enter Christmas 2007. My parents surprised me on Christmas Eve with a trip to Napa and San Francisco and we we're flying out on my birthday! After picking up the rental car, my mom says she "left something at the airport" so we had to turn around. That "something" was Rhett! Woop woop!

After the shock wore off, mom gave us the grand tour of San Francisco/Napa and with our forces combined we turned Rhett into a wine drinker... which only took us a winery and a half.

On my 22nd birthday at the hospital where I was born.


I was surprised, and felt a little misled, to learn that fortune cookies are absent in China
and are said to have been popularized by various immigrant groups in California in the early 20th century.


Of course such a beautiful place would have such a beautiful saying on their welcome sign.

At a family favorite, Robert Mondavi.


A local artist, Veronica di Rosa, and my mom were colleagues when she worked for the Napa Valley Opera House, one of Napa Valley's most historic cultural icons since 1880.
Veronica called me the "Opera House baby," and thus began my career in the non-profit sector.

Because Napa is world-renowned as "Wine Country," it would be silly of me not give some fun wine-o facts in this post. I recently read in Real Simple (academic source, I know, but this sounds about right) that people will, on average, spend $2 more for a bottle of wine with a fancy name. And it would be easy to spend a lifetime learning about wine, but based on the many blank stares I usually see in the wine aisles, I think most of us just hope the taste is okay and the price is right. Many wine aficionados will tell you not to worry if you don't know much about wine and just get your basics down.

And now for a few fun factoids:

-The fermentation of the fruit happens naturally due to the chemical balance of the grapes and when yeast is added, it consumes the sugars and converts them into alcohol and fun.

-In Napa Valley, the wine makers grow mustard along with the grapes to add a pretty yellow touch of color to the vineyards.

-Many of the vineyards in Napa Valley are family-owned and do not export their products outside of the valley.

-Although many sparkling wines are referred to as champagnes, true champagne only comes from grapes from the Champagne region of France.

-Great artists have been drawn to designing wine labels, an art in itself... and that little extra something that helps us choose a bottle off of the shelves :)

Each row of vines is labeled with the type of grape it produces.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and don't forget to go enjoy a glass of bottled poetry before the holidays are over!

[photo sources: Napa Valley Opera House, Mrs. WRCIV]

Spotlight : Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Every 26th day of the month, I'm going to "spotlight" one of my favorite places. It may be far away or up the road, but somewhere I've thought worthy enough to go back through photos and type up a few words. A friend recently asked me for Costa Rica recommendations, so perhaps it could serve another purpose aside from a trip down memory lane for me. I could talk for days about any of these places, so if you're interested in more recommendations, please don't hesitate to ask!

It only makes sense to come out of the gates for my first spotlight post with a real winner and arguably my most favorite place on our planet earth. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is la creme de la creme. The standard for which all other tropical destinations strive to be. This tiny little place, located on the Central Pacific coast, has more natural variety in its pinky than other countries have in their entire body (figuratively speaking). More than 5% of the world's biodiversity can be found in Costa Rica- although it's only the size of Rhode Island- because of its latitude and variations in elevation.

I went to Costa Rica in 2009 for an internship at an impoverished school and to travel around the country. I loved each of the 10+ cities/towns I visited in their own ways, but (although my blog is sprinkled with a little bias) Manuel Antonio has that little extra something that pushes it to the top. Resorts and hostels, candlelit tables and street food, it's not one or the other. Every corner has its own personality, from surfer/hipster beach towns to mountainous rain forests.

Manuel Antonio is so nice, I went there twice. The first visit I stayed with some friends at Wide Mouth Frog, a fun and funky hostel in neighboring Quepos (recommended to us for budget travel to this area) and the second visit I stayed with my mom at Arenas del Mar, an incredible beach resort on the quiet end of the main beach in town, Playa Espadilla.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is the country's most iconic landmark. It's a bit touristy, like any amazing attraction would be, but for good reason. I've always described Manuel Antonio National Park as a zoo without enclosures. Spending just a few hours walking through the park you can see all of Costa Rica's famous critters (see photos below). I highly recommend hiring a local guide to explore the park. I've experienced the park with and without a guide, and having one made all the difference to learn more and point out things you might have missed otherwise. If you go in the morning, you'll have plenty of time to walk around, then spend the afternoon on one of the beaches inside the park (take a picnic, no food is sold inside).

Map at the park entrance

Bamboo grows abundantly all over the country

When I took this picture I couldn't tell why this white-headed capuchin monkey had
a lump on it's back, then I zoomed in on the photo and about fell to the floor.

Surprisingly small toucans

Smiley sloth

There are a handful of beaches inside the park.
This is the most popular, Playa Manuel Antonio.

  

Around Manuel Antonio

Of course the park is the main attraction, but you could also have a nice visit to Manuel Antonio and never even go to the park (but that's just crazy talk). The town is stretched along Playa Espadilla and hotels and restaurants back up into the hills, which make for the best sunset views. Many people who travel to Costa Rica plan to horseback ride, go on a canopy tour or "ziplining," hike to waterfalls, surf, relax on the beach, eat great seafood, etc. and all that can be done in or around Manuel Antonio. 

Shops along the main stretch of town


That's no butter knife

Horseback riding to Tocori Falls

With some friends at the base of Tocori Falls

"Sodas" are little informal food stands or restaurants that sell snacks and whatnot


One of the rooms at the Wide Mouth Frog

My mom walking along Playa Espadilla back to Arenas del Mar during my return visit
(she's not lost, everything is tucked in the trees)


View of the pool and beach at Arenas del Mar (there are only 38 rooms)

At my favorite restaurant, El Avion (no website = no link),
they turned a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane that was shot down
over Nicaragua in the 1980s into a bar.
The restaurant is built around it with some of the best views in town.

So that's that. My first spotlight post! The famous saying in Costa Rica is pura vida which literally means "pure life," and is evident in the happy people and easy living. Although tourism has significantly increased over the past 15 years, the country takes their land seriously and are cautious when it comes to over development. My house there had a poster that said, "Costa Rica: No artificial ingredients." So true. 

[photo source: Mrs. WRCIV]