In my first Lounge Ruminator episode for 2020, Meaningful Travel, I reflect on my trip to the United States with @NTKF, particularly how I attempted to make the most of it through journaling, communication with locals and a more thoughtful approach to photography. š
This Micro Monday, I recommend that you check out @Bruce. I havenāt come across many people who put as much effort into making detailed, comprehensive responses in their online conversation as he does.
I really missed these two while we were away on holiday. Thankfully my mum agreed to look after them!
Quick Australia Day / Invasion Day Thoughts
To serious matters, our first full day back at home is on Australia Day / Invasion Day. After a fantastic time away trav...Back in Australia and all is well on the breakfast front! (@NTKF hates Vegemite though.)
Weāre heading back to Australia now. Walking through security checks at the airport is always great funāthe best form of people-watching. How people fail to follow the most basic instructions from customs staff is beyond me.
My Favourite Part of the United States
Yosemite National Park is absolutely sublime. Apart from idiotic tourists around every corner doing ludicrous and even d...German hilarity at SFMOMA
Californian contemporary art
BREAKING NEWS: @NTKF AND MARTIN SUCCEED IN ORDERING A NORMAL-SIZED COFFEE IN THE UNITED STATES. INTERROGATION OF STAFF BEYOND THE DISPLAYED MENU REQUIRED…
Of the cities that @NTKF and I have visited in the US, I think that San Francisco is the most beautiful.
Two Brief Conversations: Alcatraz Attendant and Ohio Man
Alcatraz Attendant (As we waited in line for our audio guides…) Attendant: Two Australians? Natasha: Yes, how did...Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Co.!
Driving down from Twin Peaks in San Francisco
Church of 8 Wheels!
A Brief Conversation with a Shopkeeper in San Francisco
Martin: Hello, how are you? Shopkeeper: Hi there, Iām good! Tell you what, Iām visiting where youāre from very soon! My ...The Long-awaited Pilgrimage to Cupertino
Along with @NTKF, it was great finally to visit Apple Park, 1 Infinite Loop and the famous Apple Garage, feat. the lovel...A Brief Conversation with the Attendant at Monterey Express Wash Laundromat
Attendant: Have you heard of Brokenwood Mysteries? Martin: No, I havenāt. Whatās that? Attendant: You havenāt?! Brokenwo...For fancy dogs: public bowls in America now accept Apple Pay.
Today we stopped at Ragged Point to check out an elephant seal birthing site. Incredible š®šš„
Due to a ārecallā on the rental car that we were supposed to receive this morning, we were given a free upgrade by Hertz. Iām not complaining.
LAās Crown Jewel: Griffith Observatory
Today, @NTKF and I wrapped up our tour of Los Angeles, starting and ending the day with visits to Griffith Observatory. ...I will always remember Los Angeles as the city where, no matter what time of day it was and no matter which way you were facing, the Sun was always in your eyes. āļø
Since arriving in the US, the most amusing thing that Iāve experienced is seeing the looks on peopleās faces (in service situations) when I have to provide my first name. Iāve had to resort to pronouncing it in an American accent in order to be understood. š
We sit down at a 24-hour restaurant in West Hollywood called Kitchen 24 and Semisonicās Closing Time starts to play.