Trapped by snow in Long Beach!

A last minute work trip came up and I was to go down to Long Beach on Tuesday night and return on Wednesday. Crazily enough a huge storm front came in and snowed out the Antelope Valley closing all freeways and entrances to the area, so I was unable to come home until Thursday. It turned out we were able to get a bunch of work done, which was great, but we got soaked to the bone (there was only rain by the coast) and had to extend everything for a night. This wasn't so bad since work paid for everything, but just sad that I couldn't get home to Brad and Mooshu!

Anyway, I did get to stay another night in my hotel. This would normally be of no particular interest except I was so impressed by this little place (as opposed to the ghetto version I stayed in on my trip to Pittsburgh) that I had to comment. I stayed in Marriott's Residence Inn - and it was everything I could have asked for (and more) -- with a full mini kitchen (including stove), and the ideal ammenities (24 hour gym, wake up call, pool and hot tub), it also a free breakfast (a pretty nice one too, not just continental) and even a fireplace in the room -- for only $139 a night! Now that is how an inn should be done! My only minor complaint was that the water wasn't very hot and the beds were a lot harder than I generally like, but those are all items of personal preference so I can't complain. I totally recommend it and would stay there again!

My rental car and experience with Enterprise on the other hand...

NYC - what is it about you?

Ooh, now another offer for next summer - a possible trip to NYC with some girlfriends! I love that idea too! Though I am thinking that one might have to wait. If I do get into Carnegie Mellon for grad. school, then Pittsburgh is only about a 6 hour drive to NYC -- perfect for a weekend getaway or whatnot. I am really hoping I get in so I have the chance to visit all the fun places on the other side of the country (Chicago, NYC, DC, Nashville, etc.)!

Summer 2009 Travel

So I am starting to plan what my vacation will be for 2009. So far I have 2 options, which really is at least 1 more than I can afford or take time off for. Not to mention that'll be right before I head off to Grad. School, so who knows if I'll even have any money at all? Why oh why is there never enough time or money to do all the things I want to do? Perhaps one of these days I may seriously contemplate going to work for the Travel Channel or something like that so I can have my cake and eat it too.

Anyhow, Tyler and Sue are FINALLY getting married next summer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (near Cancun). They want everyone to stay with them at an all-inclusive 18+ resort for a few days. Good news, there is great diving and lots to see in the Cancun area. Bad news, if paying for an all-inclusive, why would I want to pay extra to go do other things? I suppose it depends what type of traveler you are, but I am not the type that likes to just lie around and sunbathe (for starters because I don't tan, at all) for days at a time unless I am scuba diving. I would rather spend my time exploring a place there is a good chance I may never return to again. Thus, I am contemplating just getting a separate hotel nearby and save all the over the top expenses added onto an all-inclusive. On the other hand, my parents swear that all-inclusives are the way to go, so we'll see.

On another note, my "2nd parents" invited me to join them on a dive boat for a week in Jamaica next year. I've always wanted to do one of those as they are the best way to improve your scuba skills. After all you are diving 4-5 times a day for a week straight. Not to mention no need for cooking, making your bed, etc. Plus plenty of time in between dives to TRY to get a tan. OTOH, there is really no sightseeing to do.

So I'm torn... really wishing I could do both.