Travel Bug Tuesday

The Majestic Grand Tetons

| Melia Alexander

Happy Travel Bug Tuesday!

One of the things I love most about road trips is the opportunity to take a side road towards wherever you’re headed when the itch strikes. Which is kinda hard to do when you’re on an airplane, and which is exactly what we did on a road trip to Yellowstone National Park.

Instead of heading due east from Mountain Home, Idaho, we took a more southerly route through Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for a chance to peek at the Grand Tetons. Was it ever worth it! (You can read more about Grand Teton National Park here.)

There are moments in time when you can’t help but take in the sheer majesty of the world we live in. For me, this was one of those moments. The weather was perfect, and the mountains were nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. Definitely a diversion Mr. Alexander and I will remember. Which also makes me a firm believer in having a road map that’s also flexible!

Have you had an unexpectedly breathtaking vacation moment? Please share!

Happy Travel Bug Tuesday,
Melia

 

Seattle’s Gum Wall

| Melia Alexander

This week’s Travel Bug Tuesday takes us to Seattle, Washington, one of my fave places in the Pacific Northwest!

After lunch near Pike Place Market, we visited a tourist attraction in the city that was, I think, also the most interesting spot for germ-breeding. And for the record, if SissyLu hadn’t insisted on making the walk over, I probably would’ve. I’d never heard of anything quite like it!

Check this out:

IMG_4655I have no idea how the wall of gum was created or why, but it’s strangely amazing in a germy sort of way.

I mean, people actually had those things in their mouths before pulling them out to stick on the wall. Fascinating and gross at the same time. . ..

And, yeah, I admit, I kinda wished I had a piece I could’ve stuck on, too! 🙂

What interesting tourist spots do you have where you live?

Happy travels,
Melia

At Port Defiance

| Melia Alexander

Welcome to Travel Bug Tuesday!

A little while ago, my SissyLu 2 was in the Pacific Northwest for work. And since I hadn’t seen her in what felt like *forever*, of course I made the ten-hour round trip drive to spend an afternoon with her! What can I say? I kinda like her a lot. 🙂

We ended up exploring the Seattle area a bit, and I totally loved not knowing what was around the next corner. That’s the fun of it! And by driving awhile, we ended up at Port Defiance. Check out the pics!

It always amazes me how quickly time flies when I’m having an awesome time! And the drive was so worth it to touch base with SissyLu 2 again. Makes me wish she lived close enough were I can drive to see her every so often. Ah, well. Perhaps one day. . ..

How far would you go to spend a short amount of time with your sister/brother/parents?

Tuesday hugs,
Melia

 

Van Gogh’s France

| Melia Alexander

Happy Travel Bug Tuesday!

Several years ago, Mr. Alexander and I took a trip to France. While I absolutely adore Paris, I also wanted to explore more of the country on this trip. So we did! (Yes, Mr. A does love to indulge me!)

These were taken in Auberge Sur Oise, where Van Gogh last lived. I was immediately taken by the stonework throughout the town. So pretty! Looking at the pictures now, I still get goosebumps. . .. Or maybe I need to turn the heat up this morning. *grin*

No, seriously, it was such a fun trip with my best friend – one of those magical never-to-be-forgotten kinds. And I’m so glad we did it.

Come and share your fondest vacay memories!

Happy Travels,
Melia

Gazing at the Stars. . ..Hawaii-Style!

| Melia Alexander

Welcome to Travel Bug Tuesday!

When I think about Hawaii, I think about Mai Tais and beaches and warm weather. But star-gazing? Nope. Wasn’t even on the radar of  things-to-do-in-Hawaii. P4180003So when Mr. Alexander suggested it on our last trip over, I thought I didn’t hear him right. Hawaii had mountains that high up?

It took a bit of convincing but the guy’s got his ways! 😉 P4180012I found myself boarding a small tour bus one afternoon and we made the trek over the mountains. Note: when planning such a trip, do not drink two Mai Tais before boarding. Trust me on this. . ..

The tour included dinner and a trip to the P4180007observatory at the top of Mauna Kea. And was it COLD up there. Remember the whole Hawaii and beaches thing? I hadn’t packed more than a couple of bikinis. Not to worry. The tour company provided heavy jackets for us to use. Which isn’t much of a look over a bikini, but whatevs.

And because the air’s so thin, oxygen bottles are available for guests if needed. *slowly raises hand* (Remember the Mai Tais?)

P4180011Then it was time to star gaze. Wow! There’s an entire galaxy out there! I know! You’re surprised, right? 😉 For the first time ever I got to lay eyes on Saturn through a high-powered telescope. While there are no photos to prove this, I have the image firmly embedded in my brain. It was truly amazing!

Have you traveled somewhere and discovered something truly surprising about it? Please share!

Happy travels,
Melia

To the Falls!

| Melia Alexander

Welcome to Travel Bug Tuesday!

This week’s spotlight is on one of my fave spots in the Pacific Northwest: Multnomah Falls. It’s best to get there early since parking can get tight, particularly in the summer. Here are some pics from our last trip over:

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Multnomah Falls really is a cool place to drop by and visit. And it’s so worth the hike up to the top! So if you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend this scenic stop.

Happy travels,
Melia

Bellagio Fountains

| Melia Alexander

It’s Travel Bug Tuesday! This week, we head back to Vegas, site of the absinthe adventure. But we won’t get into it, but if you’re really curious, you can check it out here.

Honestly, I heart Vegas! Where else can you hit pieces of Italy, France, Medieval England, and Hollywood on one street? The entertainment is fantastic, whether it’s a show or street performers. Vegas has something for everyone.

One of the funnest regularly scheduled shows is the Bellagio Fountains. (No, I’m not giving you deets on it since any Google search will get you tons of info!) Following this year’s conference, a group of us Entangled Publishing authors had to stop by and see it one evening.

Check these out:

I know, I know. The pics don’t do it justice! Especially when the show is set to music. Guess that means you’ll have to make a trip over to check it out yourself, huh? 🙂

Happy travels,
Melia

Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lovers Point)

| Melia Alexander

Welcome to Travel Bug Tuesday!

As a child growing up on Guam, I loved hearing the local legends. My writer-brain  must’ve been developing even then, because I found the story of Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lovers Point) the most fascinating.

The story’s pretty simple: Boy meets Girl. Boy loses Girl to Spanish Dude. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGirl says, “What the . . .. Hell, no.” Then she takes off with Boy while being chased by Spanish Dude and Girl’s dad. The two lovers run through the jungle and over hills, dodging the mob of peeps as they try to get away. But when they got to the edge of the cliff . . .. Well, you can probably guess what happened. But if you want the full story, you can find it here.

On my last trip to Guam, I visited Two Lovers Point. The weather was perfectly warm, with a slight breeze coming off the Pacific. The sun shone as tour buses brought in Japanese visitors. And I was there with Mr. A. We stood at the observation point and stared out at the ocean, a vast expanse of blue that stretched until it met the sky. There was a moment when I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have to choose between living the life you want, or not living at all. Could I do what the two lovers bravely chose to do? The legend does make one wonder!

If you’re ever fortunate enough to visit Guam, do check out Two Lovers Point. It’s an island must-see!

Happy travels,
Melia

 

Travel Bug Tuesday: One Night in Vegas~How it Ended

| Melia Alexander

(If you missed last week’s post on the adventures of erotic historical romance author Delilah Marvelle, click here.)

When I found Delilah I knew the evening wasn’t over. After all, we’re talking about Ms. Marvelle!

The two of us crossed the bridge away from the hotel-with-the-bar-that-served-the-evil-absinthe. All the while she gushed about her *awesome* experience. Bartender . . . Other dudes . . . Learned a lot . . . Research . . . Everyone so nice. . ..

Me: Glad you had a good time. Watch your step.
Delilah (looking at the stairs like it was the most brilliant thing she’d ever seen): I want to go for a run. Let’s go for a run! Now!
Me: Not a good idea.
Delilah (pouting): Why not?
Me: It’s the middle of the night, the strip is packed, and we’re not in running gear. We need to wait ‘til morning.
Delilah: We could change.

And that was pretty much the tone of the conversation, which included her hitting me up to go dancing, or to head to another bar. All this wrapped around exclamations of how *amazing* she felt. And giggles. Lots and lots and LOTS of giggles.

Glad one of us felt that way. I just wanted to get her back to the room.

We finally entered the casino doors to our hotel, so I thought we were in the home stretch. Not quite.

Now, it probably wouldn’t have been such a surprise if I’d actually visited the casino at night, but did you know half-nekkid girls dance on these elevated stages on the casino floor? Even in six-inch heels their legs were right about eye level with dudes (and dudettes). How were Blackjack players supposed to concentrate on their cards? No wonder the casino raked it in.

I stared. Couldn’t help it. Unfortunately, neither could Delilah.

Delilah (pointing as she made a beeline away from me): I want to dance with them!
Me (grabbing her hand and practically dragging her): I should let you. Then I could take pictures and post them. But there’s a good chance you’ll get arrested. We need to get you to the room.

That dragging thing? Did it the entire way through the casino. Along with some serious whining about just wanting to have some fun. Seriously.

Once in the elevator, she insisted on pushing the button for our floor. I figured it was harmless.

And then a pleasant, elderly gentleman entered the elevator. You know the kind. Like a grandpa with kind eyes who’d play ball, and make you peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and tell you all about the old days. Got that picture?

Delilah (to same gentleman): What’s your room number?
Gentleman (Pauses. . .. Absorbs her question, then turns me): Gee, they usually ask you what you’re doing tonight, first.
Me (cringing): Yeah. Sorry about that. She’s not well.
Delilah (laughing so hard she’s doubled-over): I’m fine, I’m fine.

Sure. About as fine as propositioning grandpa. Thankfully, our floor was before the other guy’s.

At the end of the night, I finally got her to bed. Took away her phone for a bit so she wouldn’t drunk-post anything. That was a trick and a half. She giggled like a child then finally, finally went off into la-la land looking ever-so-innocent.

So much for her being a grown-assed woman who could take care of herself. . ..*sigh*

Any guesses how many bags of Peanut M&M’s that Jessica Adams, the heroine in my debut book, MERGER OF THE HEART, would’ve consumed? Here are your choices:

Although I gotta admit I’m curious about absinthe, about what Delilah thought was so *amazing* about it. Since I’m headed back to Vegas later this year, I wonder if curiosity will override my good sense? Any bets out there?

Happy eating,
Melia