I’ve lived in the Northeastern US my whole life so when I say I’m going to the west coast I basically mean anywhere on the other side of the Mississippi River. Despite the fact that I lump half the country into one region in my mind, I am in awe of the majesty that exists in the larger than life Western US.

So adding some westward travel onto the beginning of my trip to Thailand, for me, was a no-brainer. I will be starting off in Colorado, doing some hiking and maybe (hopefully) getting the chance to see snow one more time before I go live in the tropics. Next is California where I will be soaking up the sun (and probably burning) in San Diego and Los Angeles. I’m excited to visit some of my favorite breweries, dance the night away at a wedding and visit with old friends. Finally, I fly north to Seattle to spend a week with my sister and make some last minute arrangements (my large suitcase that I shipped to her was 8 pounds over the flight limit so I will need to do some finagling). We will be cooking a magnificent Thanksgiving meal which will be my send off before I leave America for good (ok, a year).

As incredibly excited as I am to begin this trek, I have spent the last week or so realizing how much I will really miss the Northeast, Boston, my home. I love that dirty water, so they say, but I’m definitely ready for some clear blue oceans and the Charles River will still be here when I return.

Classic New England fall activites

A beautiful view of the charming Charles

Watching the sunset and looking back at Boston from the South Shore

Enjoying the results of a Boston Blizzard