Memphis

I loved Memphis. The BBQ….the buildings…the people. I am so glad Christopher and I decided to stop there for dinner. We didn’t have the chance (or pocketbook) to visit Graceland, but we thoroughly enjoyed Memphis BBQ and chatting with some of the locals at the BBQ Restaurant.

Petrified Forest National Park

I have taken a rather long break from blogging because Christopher and I just went on our third road trip. We visited a lot of amazing places so be prepared for quite a few posts about our latest adventure.

Christopher and I decided to explore a more southern route this time around. Our first night was spent in Holbrook, Arizona, right outside of the Petrified Forest National Park. Neither of us are desert people, but we enjoyed taking pictures of the “Painted Desert” and hiking through the petrified forests.

I would probably never go out of my way to visit the park, but it was an interesting stop.

How To Plan a Road Trip-Part 1

In a little over two weeks Christopher and I will cram in my little car for our third road trip in one year. Since I have become somewhat knowledgeable in the art of planning and executing road trips, I thought it would be fun to do a three part series on how you can plot your own adventure. Here are a few steps to aid in your initial planning:

1. Determine your destination and your route. Note that from the Pacific and Atlantic and back will take about three weeks if you drive roughly six hours a day. Is there a certain place you really want to visit? Google Maps is an excellent resource to show you what destinations are achievable in your time-frame.

2. Set a budget. Will you be spending your nights in five-star hotels or roughing it in a tent? How much money does it take to fill up your tank with gas? Will you be packing sandwiches every day or running through drive-thrus or dining in only the very best restaurants? How much will you put aside for souvenirs? These are all incredibly important questions to consider before you starting booking.

3. Check out guide books and websites for interesting places to visit during your trip. Websites such as Yelp and AAA have been invaluable.  

I hope this will help you to begin the initial planning of your own road trip. Next time, we’ll discuss where Christopher and I stay.

Spring and Summer 2013 Movie Review

This type of post was pretty popular last time, so here is my Spring/Summer movie review. 

 

Image from yahoo/movies.com

The Great Gatsby: I honestly do not understand why so many critics disliked it. Christopher and I loved this movie, could not stop gushing about it and even re-read the book together on our last road trip. The casting was spot-on, the sets and costumes were fantastic and the movie very closely followed the plot and script of the book. One thing enjoyed in the movie was more explicitly witnessing a friendship develop between Nick and Gatsby. Some people complained that they did not like that Nick was speaking with a psychologist in the movie. I thought it was perfectly logical. If you had seen your best friend shot, would you not also seek psychiatric help? Do me a favor and rent or buy this movie. Even if you were never a Gatsby fan, you will at least love admiring all the 1920’s fashion.

Image from yahoo/movies.com

Star Trek: Into Darkness: This was an excellent, excellent movie. It was definitely more plot-driven than the first, but equally as wonderful. It was the perfect balance between action and emotion. Also Benedict Cumberbatch is just wonderful. I love him as Sherlock and I thought he was a fantastic *spoiler* Khan. Go to your local cheap theater right now and prepare to be entertained.

Image from fandango.com

Monsters University: This movie was tad predictable, but adorable nevertheless. Fans of the original Monsters Inc. will appreciate the humor and nods to the original movie. My little brother both enjoyed the movie. I would recommend it as the perfect summer kid’s movie. 

There you have it ladies and gents. I am unlikely to see any others except maybe Despicable Me 2 (what can I say, I love minions). Until next time!