Tag: walking

Las Vegas,NV

Place 77 – Day 12: Las Vegas , NV – Downtown Vegas & Incredible Steak

Kim & Curtis Hale

A Perfect Night

We had an incredible night last night.

We pulled up in a campsite in the Valley of Fire, with no electricity, and it was great!

There were a couple of big dogs next to us, huge wolf like dogs, that kept howling which was amazing.

We had a bit of a chat with the guy next to us and had a walk around the place.

We had an incredible night sleep, after we also had a big walk at night time, in the silence, taking in the night stars.

Back to Vegas

We got up and got on the road back out to Vegas.

We had to drop off the bike that Tom rented, as well as the RV.

We stopped at a dump site and had the fun of dumping the waste from the RV!

We did all ot that successfully and then drove onward.

The trip was pretty uneventful.

We stopped in and got breakfast at a bar next to where we dropped the bike off. The breakfast was huge, but just what we needed.

We left the breakfast spot and headed on.

We had a good run and then a tire on a truck next to us exploded, which was scary but nothing bad happened!

We dropped off the RV and took an uber to downtown.

Downtown

We are staying in downtown for just one night, so we took Tom to the hotel we stayed at before which we really enjoy.

We had a relax for a bit and then walked out and down Fremont St with Tom.

We showed Tom the sites and then did a little bit of gambling, just you have to! We won $10, too. We went back and watched a bit of TV before getting ready to go out.

Andiamo Steakhouse

We had to take Tom to the steakhouse we went to here before, so we took him there and ate far too much..we each had a steak as well as steak tips for a starter to share, 2 sides and they give you a couple of free meals too, for some reason, soiit’s incredibly filling!

We walked off the food and did a bit more gambling and won some more money!

TV Relax

We watched a bit of TV together and just relaxed, enjoying some electricity!

We leave tomorrow, as does Tom, so the trip is coming to an end, though it was incredibly fun!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

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Vancouver, BC

Place 72 – Day 166: Vancouver, BC – Sniffles

Kim & Curtis Hale

Curtis’ Day

Curtis had a plan to look at an issue for someone in the morning, which is what he did.

He then continued to do some project work from yesterday.

After his daily team meeting, Curtis had a bit more time to do project work and then had to go into the boardroom to test everything in there and setup for the big company wide meeting that was taking place in there.

The test went went and so did the meeting with just a few hiccups in general and none on the Vancouver office side, which was excellent!

After the meeting, Curtis finally had lunch, did some tickets and finally finished off some project work.

Curtis got a beer and drank that whilst completing an off board and then walked home.

Kim’s Day

When Kim got in she started on a few emails before heading into a meeting to talk about catering options for a couple of upcoming functions. It was great to have clarification and fresh eyes!

The rest of the day was much of the same, Kim reconciled payments around other ad hoc tasks like getting the post, trying to return an item for someone and sending outgoing mail.
Kim then had a food delivery and ran that over to the meeting.

It must have been good because 1 by 1 everyone came and told Kim what an amazing meal it was!

Kim then spent about an hour and a half trying to send things via FedEx, it took 3 attempts online and 2 phone calls to get it sorted.

After this Kim continued with the reconciliation a d took a quick break to set up the friday afternoon drinks. Then after that Kim sent out an invite and some information in regards to some diwali celebrations.

Sniffles

We got back home and caught up on some YouTube videos before Kim left for training.

Kim’s Training

Kim’s training this evening went so well. She did 2 run throughs of her routine and was able to add a move back in after falling over in practice doing in.

Kim did not want to have a mental block for the move so she threw it in during the second run and stuck it which is amazing!

Kim also watched 2 other peoples routines and they were spectacular!

Curtis was playing games whilst Kim was out and was feeling bad for himself…He seems to have gotten more of a cold even though he thought he was getting better! He started to get a runny nose and more of a sore throat, unfortunately.

When Kim got back home, we watched a bit more TV and went to bed. We need to be up at a good time tomorrow!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Vancouver, BC

Place 72 – Day 106: Vancouver, BC – Broken Fridge

Kim & Curtis Hale

Curtis’ Day

Curtis arrived at work and as soon as he walked in, he was asked to help the new hire with setting up his laptop etc.

Curtis spent around 30 minutes doing this and then after that he grabbed some coffee and emptied/refilled the dishwasher as it was finished and there was a lot of stuff piling up.

As soon as Curtis got back to his desk, someone said they had returned from Maternity leave after being off for over a year! Noone knew about this, so it was a bit of a rush and Curtis had to help finding a desk for them, too.

Once Curtis was finished with that, he had someone’s laptop to setup on their desk and ensure that their monitor worked with it as expected.

Finally, 1.5 hours after starting his day, Curtis was able to sit down.

He got some admin done, read through messages/emails and then got on with a few things.

He researched about an issue someone was having and then decided that he would download a new version of windows to test that for their issue.

As he was doing that, he was trying to get the virtual machine working from a couple of weeks ago, for the last time! He was given a code which was meant to fix it and it worked, but he then had to transfer it to another laptop.

It hit lunchtime and Curtis had a well earned break and then went right back to it.

Curtis got a bit of work done and then there was a large meeting at 14:00-15:15.

For the rest of the afternoon, Curtis ensured he was able to get the virtual machine running how it was meant to, tested more and confirmed that it was working!

He gave the person access and let them know how to access. He is glad that is finally done.

Kim’s Day

When Kim got in today she remembered that she hadn’t put through the weekly order so she got that done right away for a delivery for tomorrow morning!

Kim then thought that there was no harm in asking if they could deliver today and they said they would arrive by early afternoon! Success! In the meantime she had to run out and grab milk as the full bottle on Friday was suddenly empty!

Kim then went into the kitchen to find a puddle coming out from the drinks fridge so called that in for a repair. As last week was so busy Kim put of saving a of her receipts so she spent a bit of her morning scanning and saving the receipts and ensuring that any online / emailed invoice were saved also.

Today one team got the go ahead to order the next 4 weeks worth of catering, which was very exciting for Kim as she was then able to set up the online portal for ordering food. She arranged this with the vendor and they had it up and running in a record breaking time!

While organising catering for the next 4 weeks, Kim noticed that the monthly social talks were happening at the end of this week so she sent out a reminder for people to sign up.

Just before Kim went on lunch the fruit arrived, which was amazing! She unpacked it and had a nice chat with the delivery man. Kim then just sat in the kitchen for lunch before returning to listen to all of last weeks missed calls.

The drinks list for the drinks in the fridge finally came through last week so Kim went through it and organised a trial run of different beverages to see which ones people prefer.

Kim’s colleague noticed that she was being charged by a certain delivery website when it shouldn’t be hitting her card. She and Kim then called the company, spent 25 minutes being on hold and getting nowhere before being hung up on and then another 25 minutes being on hold and getting the issue sorted.

Cleaning & Pizza

We got back home and just did nothing for an hour and then did some cleaning. We sorted some laundry, vaccuumed the floor and wiped down the kitchen sides.

Once we had done that, we started to get hungry and, as has been a common theme, we forgot to take any meat out for dinner so we just had a frozen pizza & mac & cheese.

We caught up on some TV & Youtube videos and that was pretty much our evening. Short and sweet.

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Vancouver, BC

Place 72 – Day 59: Vancouver, BC – Canada🇨🇦 Day Festivities!

Kim & Curtis Hale

Music, Lemonade & Japanese Curry

We knew that there were festivities in the city today, so we walked down there, after Curtis had a morning nose bleed and then breakfast!

We got down to Granville Island which had some sort of party happening but it was rather busy and there wasn’t much going on, so we walked to the city instead. There was a giant flag, though!

The first stop was at Starbucks for a coffee and then we walked on to the Vancouver Conference Centre.

We got into the area where some things were happening and looked at the food trucks. There wasn’t much else going on in this area really, other than a couple of music stages and for some reason, the North American Irish Dancing Championships.

We walked out of here and into Canada Place, which had some more activities happening. There was a kids section with a few games and also an Armed Forces section.

We moved on from Canada Place and came across a lemonade stand, so we had to get one! It was just OK.

We walked around some more and then got hungry and fed up of the large crowds, so we walked towards our home and found an Asian supermarket which had a Japanese Curry place inside it!

Curtis got a ‘deluxe curry’ which was chicken katsu, katsu potato & shrimp katsu with rice and curry!

Kim got a chicken katsu curry.

The food was pretty great! We were going to stay in the city for another 6 hours, but we were very tired and there wasn’t much else to do, so we went home.

Firework Hunting

We sat and watched some TV until 22:20 when the fireworks were due to start and then we went outside to see if we could see them.

Unfortunately, they were just a little too far away, but we did some some fireworks in the end. And we did get a great photo or two of the city!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Las Vegas,NV

Place 77 – Day 7: Las Vegas,NV – Goodbye Car, Flamingos & Wandering The Strip

Kim & Curtis Hale

Goodbye Car

We got rid of the car this morning, driving it down to the airport for 11:30.

We dropped the car off and grabbed a Lyft to take us down to Mandalay Bay.

Exploring The Strip

We hadn’t really explored the inside of all the big, main, hotels, so we thought we would do that as a nice easy, relaxed day.

We walked around Mandalay Bay, Excalabur, New York New York, Flamingo and a few others, spanning over a few hours!

In the flamingo we saw a few actual flamingos, too!

We walked for a while and then stopped for a nice Italian coffee at Illy.

We then went to look around in the mall at a few things and then got a Lyft back home.

Dinner

We had a jacket potato for dinner, covered in a chili con carne, and then watched some TV and the movie A Quiet Place. This movie was pretty good, but certainly made us sweaty!

A Quiet Place

Rating:- 9/10

That was our day. We were out for a while but didn’t really do much, but it was great. Nice and relaxed. Tomorrow is our final complete day in Vegas.

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Seattle,WA

Place 73 – Day 2: Seattle,WA – Wrong Starbucks,Public Market & Wine Tasting

Kim & Curtis Hale

Free Bus Tickets

We went down to the city for a walk around, as well as some things we had planned.

Firstly, we left the house and waited at the bus stop for the bus to arrive. Whilst waiting for the bus, a lovely lady gave us a box of Sugar Babies, an American candy, as she said we have to try them. We can confirm, they are delicious!

The bus was late and, when we got on, we had our $2.75 each ready.

The bus driver was kind enough to give us tickets for free!

Wrong Starbucks

We first went to Starbucks as the first Starbucks was opened in Seattle!

We didn’t think it was much different, other than the logo.

Curtis had a nitro cold brew, which he’s been wanting to try for a while. Kim had a cloud caramel macchiato.

The nitro cold brew looked like a Guinness, but tasted just like coffee that has gone cold. Kim’s caramel macchiato was good, though!

We later realised we had gone to the WRONG Starbucks and the first one was actually down the street, right where all the people were queuing. Guess we’l be heading there tomorrow.

Gum Wall

We walked down a side street and saw a wall completely covered in chewing gum. This wall is world famous and, for some odd and disgusting reason, people stick their chewing gum on the wall and people come along and take photos of it. That being said, here is a photo;

History & Information Of Gum Wall | Seattle,WA

– Wikipedia.org

Public Market

We walked to the public market for a wander around. Being Saturday, it was absolutely rammed but great fun!

There are all sorts of things at the market.

There are food stalls, drink stalls, people selling homemade items, a bakery or two, wine tastings, model car shops & BBQ areas!

Fish Stalls

Seafood Restaurants

Wine Tasting

We found a wine tasting place and thought ‘why not?’.

For just $5, we each got to try 6 wines of different types. White, red and Rosé wine.

The man serving us was very knowledgeable, funny and helpful. We sat and played connect 4 with an incredible view whilst we drank some wine.

Northwest Tastings | Seattle,WA

Rating:- 10/10

Home Time

We wandered around a bit more and then found a bus stop to catch a bus home.

Our ticket was valid still so we were still able to ride for free!

We got back to the apartment and Curtis watched the Leafs game whilst Kim did some laundry.

Food Run

After the game, we went to get something for the next few dinners from the supermarket. We met some really nice people at the store, too, which was lovely.

Thai Green Curry

We decided on Thai green curry for dinner, so we made that when we arrived home.

Dinner was delicious! We then watched some TV before heading to bed as we have another fun filled day tomorrow!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Vancouver, BC

Place 72 – Day 3: Vancouver, BC – Stanley Park & Vancouver Seawall

Kim & Curtis Hale

Getting Ready

We were up by around 10:00 and had some cereal, chocolate milk & coffee for breakfast.

We got showered and ready to go and found the instructions on how to get to Stanley Park, which is where we wanted to visit today.

Stanley Park

We walked for about 25 minutes to get to Stanley Park. It was pretty much a directly straight walk again, which helped a lot.

We got to the park and it was pretty busy, but still very beautiful! It was cold outside but there was a good amount of sun which made it great weather.

We walked around the park for a bit and just chatted.

View Of The Park Lake

View From The Park

Some Totum Poles

It seems there were more totum poles which where actually very cool looking.

Seawall

We walked from the totum poles to the seawall. The seawall expands across most of the park and is a great walk. The sun was still beating down on us so we walked around for a bit longer and got all the way to the lighthouse at the end.

The Lighthouse

Walking Back

We made the loop around back to the entrance and walked back to the apartment.

We watched some TV and then Curtis watched hockey.

Shopping For Tops

Whilst Curtis watched hockey, Kim went for an expore around some shops to try and find some more winter/autumn adequate tops.

Kim found a whole shopping mall, so had a great time wondering around those for a while.

Kim came back, empty handed, but perfectly just as hockey finished!

Pho & Banh Mi

We smelled a Vietnamese place during the day which is right down the street from us, so we just had to go for dinner!

We went there and Curtis got a chicken pho whilst Kim had a banh mi.

Doesn’t Look Pretty But Is Delicious

One Saigon | Vancouver, BC

Rating:- 7/10

Fantastic Beasts ‘2’

We sat and watched the 2nd fantastic beasts’ film in the evening.

All in all, it was ok, but a bit confusing and not too interesting, really. Nothing in comparison to the first film.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald

Rating:- 6/10

And that, was our evening. We also got accomodation and transport booked for our trip, which was also a good thing!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Portland,OR

Place 71 – Day 1: Portland, OR 🇺🇸 – ‘Merca!

Kim & Curtis Hale

Early Morning

It was an early morning start for us, getting the remaining items packed and getting ready.

We skipped breakfast, showered, said goodbye to Linda and walked down to the central bus station to await our bus.

We went to the cafe there and got a cappuccino each. The bus arrived shorty after to take us to the airport.

Flight 1 – Victoria > Seattle

Breakfast

We arrived hassle free at the airport and got checked in.

We went right to Tim Hortons to try out the breakfast. We had a farmer’s wrap each, which was just ‘meh’.

Security

After we relaxed for a bit, we breezed through security, though we did both get ‘randomly’ selected and put through the machine, but of course we had nothing. They also checked out one of our bags!

Waiting

Once we were through security, there was nothing to do but wait. We sat an waited for a few hours and then our plane was delayed for a little, but nothing drastic.

The Flight

We flew with Alaska Airlines, who we have not flown with before so were a little unsure.

The flight itself was great. The plane was tiny, with two chairs on each side of the aisle!

Our Tiny Plane

We had no problems on the flight and, as it was only 25 minutes, we were up in the air and back down again in a flash!

Flight 2 – Seattle > Portland

Customs/Immigration

After landing in Seattle, we had a couple of hours before we had to get on our next plane.

We went through customs/immigration easily and the officer there was incredibly friendly and nice.

Security #2

After that, we had to go through security before transferring and, of course, one of our bags got checked again…

Plane Train

We hopped on the ‘plane train’ to the correct terminal, got a Starbucks coffee, and waited for our flight.

The Flight

This flight was very busy, but it was fairly painless. We did also get a free alcoholic drink, even though it was only a 45 minute flight! Curtis got a beer and Kim a wine, but we had to drink it by the time they came round to get the rubbish!

Alaska Airlines

Rating:- 8/10

Train

We exited the plane and, as we had no checked bags, left the terminal easily.

We walked to the train platform to get a ticket for the train and waited the 10 minutes for it to arrive.

We sat on the train for about 50 minutes before getting off one stop too early and hopping back on just in time to ride the one (long) stop more.

MAX Light Rail | Portland, OR

Price:- $2.50 for 2.5hrs Travel

Accomodation

After the train, it was a short walk to our accomodation. We are in a hostel/guesthouse but we are staying in a private double room (shared bathroom).

The place is certainly nice, but maybe just a little old. It does the job and is pretty comfy!

HI Portland Northwest | Portland, OR

Current Rating:- 7/10

Chipotle

We went out to get a quick dinner, which ended up being burritos from chipotle. We were pretty disappointed.

It was bland and all just fell apart.

It worked for food, but not sure we’d go back.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Rating:- 2/10

Walk Around Portland

We walked around Portland for a bit, not doing anything in particular, just walking around at night.

We got back and just chilled, watching some TV and catching up on things we haven’t watched. We have also been planning what we will be doing in Portland as we planned to come here for a concert but it was cancelled!

This Time Last Year!

Mr & Mrs Hale

Victoria,BC

Place 70 – Day 5: Victoria,BC – Frozen Fountain & A Great Evening

Kim & Curtis Hale

We went up to a bar/restaurant we had been told about my Mark and Jill as their daughter works there, so we made the 40 minute walk, in the -3°C (feels like -9°C) weather.

There was a bit of snow on the ground but nothing really.

As we were walking, we saw that the fountain outside parliament was frozen, which looked awesome, so we had to check it out.

We then headed back to our destination. When we arrived, firstly, it was nice and warm. Secondly, Kim asked to see the person we had come to see and and she had finished her shift for the day, so we were unable to see her, which was a shame.

We did get a got choclate though, which was a result and it was tasty too.

We then braved the cold again to head back towards the apartment with a stop at the supermarket.

We got some items for dinner as Kim was cooking tonight!

We got back and Curtis watched two periods of the Leafs game whilst Kim made hunter’s chicken for dinner.

We ate our dinner and then it was time too brace for the cold again and go down to the city to see our friend Brody, who is Canadian but we met him in New Zealand.

On the way, the fountain was frozen but it now had a light around it which made it look even more awesome!

Once we found the bar, we also found Brody, got a drink and just chatted and chatted and chatted. We had an amazing evening, even planning to do something really awesome within the next month, hopefully.

Brody kindly gave us a lift back and then it was very late and very much bedtime.

This time last year!

– Mr & Mrs Hale