What to Do in Fresno?

Yes Fresno is the middle of CA farm country, but if I did move to Fresno, here are some things I could do:


1. RiverPark
Source of picture-http://www.panoramio.com/photo/9467241
North side of Fresno is the happening place with an outdoor mall and multiple chain restaurants. Reminds me of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga. Wish they had more small businesses. Paul, my hubby, wants to open a restaurant/bar and I don't know if he'll have much luck. Seems like chain restaurants rule here.

2. China Peak


I could always go skiing.I love the thrill of going down a mountain, even though what I consider fast is what many consider "slow" as I go down the intermediate blue runs. The trail map seems to have a good number of intermediate and advanced runs. I wonder what the conditions are like?

3. Yosemite

Since my hubby has turned me more into an outdoors person, camping and hiking in one of CA's natural treasures seems up my alley. I would love to hike to the magnificent waterfalls with my doggies. Hopefully I don't catch Hantavirus.


Until the next adventure, cutiee23




Links:
Riverpark
China Peak
Yosemite

Oh No...It's Fresno

That's what I first thought when I was driving up the 99. From the highway all you see are fields of bushes and miles of dirt. Arriving in Fresno on a Sunday after sunset didn't help either. City was dead. I hoped the morning brought better news...and it did.

Heading North

Another road trip for another interview. Next stop: Fresno

Cool names on the way off the 99:
Smoky Bear Rd.
The City of Pumpkin Center
Ming Ave.
Elmo Hwy.

Until the next adventure, Cutiee23

Air BnB: cheaper alternative to hotels

AirBnB <---click here to check it out

With all my recent travel, costs are adding up fast. I never realized how a simple weekend trip can get pricy...once you add the cost of flight, rental car, hotel, gas, food...etc. For my last trip to Oregon, I was lucky to spend one day @ a friend's house. For the other night, I used a new website from one of my fave blogs( Rent Food Broke). Air BnB consists of people who rent out spare rooms or even their whole house/apt. Depending on the area, you can get cheaper lodging and a local guide. They can point you to the best restaurants or give hints about living there. The second point is more important to me since I'm interviewing for residency.

As a woman traveler, I was concerned about safety, but after my first pleasant experience this past weekend, the website is now added to my arsenal of travel websites.

Here's important tips to maximize safety:

1. I prefer choosing hosts that have positive comments. The website is set up so only guests who booked via the website can leave comments after their stay. I doubt they can inflate their profile by adding fake comments.

2. Hosts (as well as guests) can have their phone numbers and facebook profile verified.

3. Profiles are key. You can at least get a basic idea of who you are staying with. The more info the better.

4. Don't hesitate to ask questions before booking.

5. I made sure my hubby and friend knew where I was staying and made sure to check in with them.

 Hope that helps save costs when you have to travel.

Until my next adventure,
cutiee23

Going Back to Cali...

My "new" theme song while I fly home....

I'm finally home after my weekend away in Oregon. Glad to be back, but I feel kinda tired.
I feel like an old lady...


For the next few weeks, most of my interviews are within a few hours from LA, so staying more local.

Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

Oregon Randomness, Part Deux

1. Got lost trying to drive back to Portland. Exited, looked at my gps, and found out I was on Murder Creek Blvd. Hurried the hell back to the freeway....
Btw,  History of Murder Creek, OR


2. 45th parallel, the halfway point between the equator and the north pole, lies between Corvallis and Portland in Shaniko, OR

LINK: Pix from here

3. There's a rest area that gives out FREE COFFEE!!! Speaking my language...
Oregon Free Coffee Program


Until the next adventure,
cutiee23

Oregon Driving 11.11.12

Because of lack of season and weather, many LA drivers don't really know how to drive in rain. I am fine with the rain..(i don't slow down too much because of it), but with a rental car with ubber sensitive breaks I was more vigilant and cautious. Luckily I didn't need to slow down as the speed limit on the 5 was about 55-60 mph with many people going about the speed limit. If I were in LA with my own car I would at least be going 65, more likely 70+.

*pics taken as I was driving..cell phone laws do apply in Oregon..oh wellz...


Random Fact: In Oregon, I am not allowed to pump my gas. Does that mean I need to tip the attendant???





 Until the next adventure,
cutiee23