TRAVEL Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

Fabulous Photos Friday: In the Blue

July 18, 2014 By Tam Warner 22 Comments

To celebrate my husband’s rapid recovery from A DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT (see the category An Unexpected Journey, Lung Transplant here on my blog!), his clearance to travel internationally, and to scuba dive (snorkel first, of course), I have decided to feature photos from our home in Cozumel, of our beloved ocean, above and below, and some of our wonderful friends! PS Our home, Villa Coronado, is on Vacation Rentals by Owners at www.vrbo.com/368692. I call Villa Coronado my Blue House, not because it is blue (it is not), but because of our view of the bluest water anywhere!!!!!!

The roof hammocks, one of my favorite places to hang!

cor 14 sunset from water — An amazing sunset in the making, taken while I was out snorkeling.

Gorgeous Octopus on Paradise Reef at night

Randy and I swimming with whale sharks!111111111111111111111111111111 — Randy and I swimming with whale sharks!

See the whale shark just behind us? — See the whale shark to the right?

Just a little fun on the sand — Wes loves to run in the sand underwater!

Hey, Randy's at Coconuts again!111111111111111111111111111111111 — Hey, Randy’s at Coconuts again!

On the Felipe! — That’s me, in the Felipe!

Wes running...Alexandra falling backwards. I don't know. — Wes running…Alexandra falling backwards. I don’t know how….

coz 08 jun dolph dolphin — A close, personal friend!

A beautiful sunset — A beautiful Cozumel sunset

Come and visit Villa Coronado in Cozumel! Villa Coronado, is on Vacation Rentals by Owners at www.vrbo.com/368692. Bienvenidos!

Fabulous Photo Friday: Thai Buddhism Iconography

July 11, 2014 By Tam Warner 13 Comments

The images of Thai Buddhism will stay with me forever. The Golden, intricate figures and images are somehow soothing, awe inspiring, and even sacred. They are steeped in antiquity, history and worship. Look at the peaceful faces of the Buddhas, and the sometimes fierce aspect of the protectors. I do want to return to Thailand to see them all again.

pn 14 bc buddha — Phang Nga Cave Reclining Buddha

pn 14 buddha cave figure — Buddha in Wat Tham Suwan Khuha, aka “the monkey cave”

pn 14 buddha cave figures — Cave Buddhas surrounding Family Urn

Alexandra and I were blessed. — Alexandra and I were blessed by monks of Wat Traimit

Protectors of Emerald Buddha — Protectors of the Emerald Buddha

Face of the Buddha — Face of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

bk 14 5 headed serpent protects buddha — 5 Headed Serpent protecting Buddha at Grand Palace

Buddha giving blessing — Buddha’s Blessings

Randy: 10 months post transplant!

July 8, 2014 By Tam Warner 25 Comments

Fellow dons and college roomies! — Fellow dons and college roomies, Balboa Island

10 months ago, my husband, Randy, went through the struggle of his life: a double lung transplant. It happened FAST. Life is precious. Want to know more? Transplant: An Unexpected Journey.

Randy and I just returned from an unbelievably wonderful and enjoyable trip…we flew into Orange County (John Wayne Airport) and drove up the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping in Santa Barbara, Carmel, Big Sur, Monterey, Moss Landing, San Francisco, and all the way to Shelter Cove, CA! Then we headed to Lake Tahoe to round out the 3 week trip. We saw old friends and beautiful new scenery along the way, and Randy, 10 months post double lung transplant, really advanced his recovery!

Randy and Charlie in Santa Barbara — Randy and Charlie (one of our “second sons”) in Santa Barbara

When the trip first started out, I believe he was a bit tentative, and he had every right to be. 10 months ago, when Randy woke up from his double lung transplant, he could barely lift his index finger, he could not speak, and certainly he could not walk. He has traveled a long road since then, and this trip helped him, not only with physical challenge, but with his confidence.

Randy ordered walking sticks before we left, to be delivered in Shelter Cove. They were never delivered, so Randy fashioned walking sticks out of redwood tree branches he found on the ground. We walked beaches, casinos, vista points, streets, hills, steeper hills, and a lot of stairs! Every day seemed to add to his abilities, and now that we are home, he finds that he is much stronger, and better able to navigate. It is amazing what a little physical challenge can do! And there were plenty of them! Here’s a recap of activities:

Santa Barbara has to be one of the most perfect spots on earth (in our humble opinion!)

San Luis Opisbo and the Madonna Inn!

Big Sur, big sounds and a big ocean! Big Elephant seals were a highlight along the way.

Big Sur's Elephant Seals — Big Sur’s Elephant Seals

Carmel never fails to charm! The downtown area is just perfectly quaint and full of art!

At the Hog's Breath — At the Hog’s Breath

Beautiful Monterey and its incomparable aquarium!

Monterey Bay is full of Humpbacks, seals and dolphins!

Where there are whales.... — Where there are whales….

Chinatown, always a San Francisco Treat!

Shelter Cove is as remote as it gets, and the Avenue of the Giants is nearby!

Lake Tahoe was full of fun: rafting, beaching, renting a boat, going on a helicopter tour, and enjoying fireworks on the water on the 3rd, and over the water on the 4th!

2 lakes, Cascade and Fallen Leaf from the helicopter

t 14 jill don tam ran — Happy 4th with friends!

It was 1500 ft down to the beach, and back up again! Randy is rocking!

And I must leave you with the most beautiful image of all: Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe!

Suzanne’s Birthday Surprise: Dinner at The French Laundry!

July 7, 2014 By Tam Warner 2 Comments

GUEST BLOG BY SUZANNE STAVERT OF Adventures of Empty Nesters! Check out her blog!

I love surprises! I love to receive them, to observe them and to create them. Recently, I was the recipient of the most extravagant and very unexpected surprise. A surprise of gargantuan proportions! My husband invited me to the dinner of my dreams at The French Laundry!

It truly was the fantasy meal and ultimate dining experience of my life, and it was every bit and more than I could have ever imagined. I honestly felt like the most honored guest at a spectacular, gastronomic feast.

The French Laundry is located in Yountville, in the Napa Valley, in Northern California. The building is quaint and the downstairs dining room has low coffered ceilings (which makes it very cozy) and soft lighting (which makes everyone look great). We were greeted by our hostess in the restaurant’s courtyard even before we walked through the famous blue door with: “Are you the Stavert party?” “Yes” “Happy Birthday!”. As I looked at Craig with my “Yes we are taking a photo face” we smiled for the camera and now I have this gorgeous photo to enjoy forever!

As we were escorted to our table, I was wished Happy Birthday by no less than three servers on our stroll to our adorable, two-seat antique table in the corner. With butterflies of excitement and such personal attention, the evening was so meaningful!

This was my Superbowl, my World Series, my World Cup. The pinnacle of the restaurant world and for this midlife adventurer and food lover, a dream come true.

We were each presented a lovely and lengthy menu made of ivory colored parchment placed in a long blue folder. The menus were embellished with “Happy Birthday Suzanne” typed across the top. Are you kidding me? No I am not. The greatest restaurant in the United States (maybe the world) singled me out on this magical night. AMAZING. At that early point in the evening I was already delightfully satisfied with my time at The French Laundry.

Oh… but we were just beginning!

We were given the choice of either the “Tasting of Vegetables” or the “Chef’s Tasting Menu”. Craig and I decided to order one of each so we could experience every course that was available to us. I knew that I would be taking photos as discreetly as possible and since the room was lit almost entirely by candlelight, I wasn’t sure how many of the photos would be acceptable to share with all of you! Not all of the photos I took represented the dishes in all of their glory, so I will share with you a sampling of the very best photos.

There were seven impeccable and refined savory courses and approximately five magically prepared dessert courses. They were all executed, presented and choreographed like a beautiful dance. Near the end of the meal it was difficult to keep an accurate accounting of the sweet delicacies, so my descriptions are a little sketchy. Most certainly the bottle of champagne also contributed to the culinary euphoria and lack of memory. Each course was very tiny and delicate and consisted of only a few glorious bites. That being said, the dishes were almost indescribably delicious and I was already full by Course #5, but I managed to rally and enjoyed every single course!

Here are a few of the delicious, artistic, masterpieces! They were all truly a work of art in every bite.

The “Assortment of Desserts” – Fruit, Ice Cream, Chocolate and “Candies”

This was the “funfetti” birthday cake served halfway through the dessert courses. Unbelievable! Only The French Laundry would have custom made plates to enhance this colorful and pink (my favorite color) birthday surprise!

Oh… but we are not done yet!

My goal was to attempt to give you a flavor (pun intended) of our glorious birthday dinner at The French Laundry. There were several dishes not represented, not that I didn’t adore each one, but this way it entices you to make a reservation and experience this remarkable restaurant as well! As I wrote this post, I enjoyed reminiscing and recalling (as best I could) all of the details of the meal. It is said that “success is in the details”. This is so absolutely true for this exquisite restaurant in the heart of Napa Valley. I would do it again in a heartbeat, but until that special time comes again, I will be content to sit back and recall the most wonderful dining experience of my life. I am indeed a very lucky girl!

Fabulous Photos Friday: Lake Tahoe

July 4, 2014 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

Ah, we are still in fabulous Lake Tahoe, with adventures still in front of us, but we have been having a lot of fun this week! River rafting, boating, beaching…and going up in a helicopter! Enjoy these photos of this awesome region!

It was 1500 ft down to the beach, and back up again! Rock and roll Randy! — It was 1500 ft down to the beach, and back up again!

t 14 ski runs and clouds — Storm in the mountains

PS: I have officially fallen in love with Geese.

Adventuring on Lake Tahoe less than a year after Randy’s Double Lung Transplant

July 2, 2014 By Tam Warner 8 Comments

Adventuring on Lake Tahoe, lake tahoe, emerald bay — Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is wonderful. I usually get altitude sickness, but this time, I didn’t . A little short of breath, yes. After all, it is 7,000 feet up from sea level, and I live mostly at sea level. Randy’s been a little breathless, too, but he checked his spirometer numbers (a lung capacity exercise) and those numbers are even better than they were in Dallas a few weeks ago. I think the fresh air and walking for the last couple of weeks have really exercised both him and his lungs. He is still a little weak, but that’s to be expected. Eleven months ago he couldn’t even walk, and now he’s walking some steep hills and a lot of stairs. Good for us both!

TRAVEL

This was my Superbowl, my World Series, my World Cup. The pinnacle of the restaurant world and for this midlife adventurer and food lover, a dream come true.

Oh… but we were just beginning!

The “Assortment of Desserts” – Fruit, Ice Cream, Chocolate and “Candies”

Oh… but we are not done yet!

City Pass is the Best Way to Tour a City