Every time I read this book to Olivia *in short intervals as she doesn’t sit still these days* I get inspired to travel. Back in our old days of youth, Antz and I would spontaneously book a trip and I wouldn’t care about itineraries or putting together a tight budget. We’d charge it or eat ramen noodles for a month *we went to Venice, Italy with $200* in the name of travel and adventure. Now-a-days with upcoming preschool tuition, kitchen remodeling plans and trying to break free from the plastic chains, it’s much more complicated to plan a trip. We just spent 2 days *disappointingly in town* but it was nice to ring in the New Year at the W *and cross it off my List*. So now I am thinking of what travel deals can I snag for the rest of the year? I’m considering San Francisco or Palm Springs for Liv’s birthday but it sucks that I rarely find airline or hotel deals for that weekend since it’s the first weekend of June *which is the peak season for travel destinations* Then I’m crazy dreaming of spending our 10 year anniversary in Hawaii in August. I’m also thinking of how lovely it would be to visit our niece and nephew, Evelyn & Dion, while they are in Paraguay with the Peace Corps. The flight lands in Peru so we could meet up and go to Manchu Picchu *how amazing!* However, how likely is this with a soon to be 2 year old? My biggest issue with traveling to Paraguay is how long would I survive without Target or Jamba Juice? On top of all these crazy travel wishlists, I would LOVE to see Björk live and she has confirmed 5 shows this year in Spain, Portugal, Poland & Russia.
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| Biophila album cover |
I saw an incredible Travel channel show about Lisbon so now I’m dying to go to Portugal and Spain.
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| So quaint and off the beaten track |
If we lived in New York our flights would be 30% less. Another roadblock I encounter is, I’m very preferential to certain airlines. Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue are my top choices. I have flown the full spectrum from the cheapest *and ghetto* Air Trans flight to New York *they lost my luggage and we had a 4 hour delay in Chicago cause something broke on the plane, NOT GOOD!* Then I was fortunate enough to get bumped up on Virgin Atlantic into first class. After flying in coach for so many years, it’s hard to consider going back. Antz has flown the most luxurious business class on Singapore Air *3 times*
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| His first flight to Singapore, this is the only time in our 15 year history I’ve seen him beardless |
So I’m constantly at odds with traveling Luxe *less often* or on a budget and go more places.
Here’s my 2012 wishlist:
March 20th *for my 35th birthday*
June 2nd *for Liv’s 2nd*
June 9th *Björk show*
Porto, Portugal. Primavera Sound Porto
*Bonus: Beach House, Wilco & the XX*
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| It looks like Venice |
August 18th *our 10 year wedding anniversary*
December 25th *Christmas vacay*
That’s not asking too much, right? I’ll be happy if we make it to just two of these locations.