maiki and I took the NL to SF and then a bus to Lands End. I am always excited to see the ocean!
The second part of our trip was to Japantown where we had snacks, shopped and ate a late lunch at Udon Mugizo.
On the way back we walked in the garden level of the Salesforce tower.
We drove to Monterey. First on the list however was to visit the Clover Bakery on our way south. Also part of this pilgrimage involved going to the Mitsuwa Marketplace where Kinokuniya books also resides. It is great fun!
Many unexpected things happened on day one including having AAA come out and jump start the rental car’s battery and then getting a new rental car. Next discovering our hotel reservation was not what we reserved and then finding a new hotel in Pacific Grove. We laughed about it being April Fool’s Day but were ultimately thankful for the location of our new hotel. We had an excellent dinner of ahi tuna and found this alligator in a shop window. 
After breakfast we walked by the coast and saw the deer and harbor seals that hang out in this fenced off area. We remembered them from last time and was happy to watch a young seal navigate the shallow waters.
This is the coast by our hotel in Pacific Grove. It is so beautiful and Emma could not wait to get to the shore to look for rocks and tide pools. The weather was cool but the 20 mph winds made it freezing. I was a happy popsicle.
Our days largely consisted of eating and then going back to the breathtaking ocean that was always near with some rest stops at the hotel. I think that the water is so beautiful in Monterey but the added bonus is watching the sea otters in the waves. They are so cute.
It was never not cold and we quickly dismissed the idea of kayaking in Moss Landing or even riding in the pedal boats at the park. We were happier getting warm drinks and eating yummy food and limiting our outside activities to walks to and from the coast or looking in boutique shops. Our last dinner was a great little taqueria we would love to return to. All in all we had great food and it was very pretty scenery.
Hi, I have not posted in quite a while. Emma has decided that she is okay with my publishing of images with her in them; it has been an ongoing discussion. Here are a couple of recent pictures we have taken. Recently she confessed that she loves my blog and doesn’t want me to cease posting here. 
It is my last day in Florence. My flight is at noon so I savor my remaining hours.
I had saved a croissant and Nutella from the day before and the concierge of my hotel makes me a cappuccino. I sit on a folded towel in the chair on my balcony because it is a little damp from the rain and dwell on my amazing trip.
I decide to walk to the Market Centrale to get a sandwich for travel. The stalls outside are already set up.
Inside it busier than I expect but less people than when I visited at lunch on my last visit.
I say goodbye to my little room and head to the airport.
Day seven was a day of rest and relaxation. Day eight was the day we left the castle and it was a rainy one.
We normally ate all of our meals outside but that morning breakfast was enjoyed inside this room.
Our drive back to Florence followed the Arno river.
I checked into a new hotel for the night.
The room is small but has a cute balcony.
I decide to go out and make the most of my last full day in Florence. This includes getting sorbetto at two different places. I eat four flavors: pear, lemon, grapefruit and raspberry.
I take advantage of the rainy afternoon to finally visit the Duomo. Because it is free to the public the lines are usually epic.
Inside I cannot get enough of the dynamic floor.
The marble designs of the exterior are so entrancing. The peachy pink and green are so beautiful.
The neighborhood by my last hotel had many vintage shops.
Even this cafe was called the Vintage Cafe.
My last dinner in Florence was beef stew. It was warm and comforting. I went to bed early to prepare for a long day of travel.