Journey to Cam...elot?

This is a post contributed by our good friend, Erin Riccio. Who says the journey of creating a life isn't a traveling tale on its own? Here is part 1 of her trip to producing young Cameron Riccio...

Expedition: Pregnancy - Part 1

I was so excited to hear that “3 Troopin’ Travelers” was being resurrected. While I am not one to follow many blogs, this was a blog I read religiously. Mostly because I think the writers are some of the funniest, smartest and wittiest people. I know firsthand, since I lived with all of them at one point or another. Those were some of the best years of my life, except for when they would leave me to go travel the world. While I was home alone, scared of a rapist climbing in my bedroom window, they were off in places like Argentina, Morocco and Paris.


One of the last real trips I went on was to San Diego to visit Lil’ Boozie of the 3 Troopin’ Travelers. It was a quick, fun, last minute type of trip to reunite with a good friend. My journey was complete with a few too many drinks at an airport bar, a bar crawl, a trip to the Hotel del Coronado for some (more) drinks, and of course, some Domino’s pizza. Two weeks after I got home, I found out I was pregnant, and that is where my next journey began. A very sober, 9+ months with a messy, painful, ridiculously good-looking end. Since pregnancy the only trek I have been on lately, I decided to write about it for 3 Troopin’ Travelers.

My pregnancy was a breeze. I felt great, and loved watching my belly grow bigger and bigger. Even the hormones worked in my favor. Instead of being irritated and irrational like most pregnant woman, the surge in hormones made me overly happy, and giggly. I thought everything was 10 times funnier than it actually was. Anything remotely entertaining resulted in a full on fit of laughter. My husband, John, never felt so good. He started considering a new career as a standup comedian. Things were great. So great, that it’s difficult to remember the first 3.5 months, when everything made me sick, and I threw up every day. I want to be pregnant again one day, so I am trying to erase that part from my memory.

The best part of my pregnancy excursion, aside from being a walking miracle, was all the weird food I gave myself free reign to eat. I wanted to eat barbecue potato chips dipped in ketchup? Don’t judge, I am having a “pregnancy craving”. I ate a whole pizza by myself? Well, I am growing a human life in my belly. I ate a giant pot of Kraft Mac & Cheese mixed with peas and carrots? Why not, my BABY is hungry. It was so fun! No one needed to know these were meals I would be eating anyway, in secret. Now I had no shame!

I could write all day about my love of strange foods, but I will cut myself off right there. In the conclusion of Expedition: Pregnancy, I will weave the tale of birthing a human. Stay tuned!

Drinkin' Booze in Santa Cruz

As part of my California-state tour, I jaunted up to Monterey this past weekend to visit some friends from my Glory Days.. high school.  As an aside, I had a layover in Los Angeles.  I barely buckled my seat belt before we touched ground in the big city.. what a joke.  Apparently it is quite difficult to get a direct flight into Monterey.  This made a lot of sense upon arrival as the size of the airport equated to the size of my elementary school, if that.  Many visitors to Monterey actually fly into San Jose International airport and rent vehicles to complete the hour long trip down to the peninsula.. just an FYI.

Anyway, I digress.  One of our leisurely activities consisted of visiting Santa Cruz to enjoy some delectable mimosas and Bloodys at a classy, little joint called 515 Kitchen & Cocktails.  We had intended on sipping our suds atop a roof-deck boasting sensational views, however, Mother Nature had other plans in store for us.  No big deal, the goal of the trip was to enjoy libations, which was clearly inevitable.  As we entered the 515, we walked upstairs into the dining room and were greeted.. or judged.. by a 20-something year old host that treated us as if we were a gang of vagabonds.  When you enter into a restaurant, doesn't the greeting generally go something like "Good afternoon, how many for lunch today?"  Well, this Judgy McJudgerson didn't get that memo.. his interpretation was more along the lines of "Excuse me, are you looking for the restroom?"

HA, joke's on you, Preppy Paul.  Not only are we staying, but we're probably going to get a little bit inebriated and unnecessarily loud.. after all, it was a reunion of sorts.  And that it was.  

Moral of the story:  If you're in Santa Cruz, visit the 515.  They make a hell of a Bloody Mary.  

Say Hello, Say Hello to Hollywood

Just recently, I had the pleasure of paying a long overdue visit to a friend from home that has resided in Los Angeles for the past 5+ years. My main concern in taking the journey was transportation. Although I do have a car here with me in San Diego, I'm not the most comfortable driver. So, I decided to look into train options. 

For anyone traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles or vice versa, I would highly recommend Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner service. Especially if you'd rather eat feces than sit in traffic (sorry for the graphic, but I know you know the feeling) or anticipate some sort of hangover on at least one leg of your trip. Allowing someone else to focus on the driving is always best in this scenario.  In my opinion, it is a logical and affordable alternative to driving.  Of course prices are subject to change, but when I rode, it was $29 each way.  I would have spent at least that amount on gas each way.. I'm assuming.. as well as an unquantifiable amount on stress and anxiety.  It makes quite a few stops, but still gets you to LA in about 2 and 1/2 hours.  Plus, it offers alcoholic beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and stunning coastal views for much of the ride.  If you hit the nail on the head, then you'll have the pleasure of riding under the leadership of a hilarious conductor.  This helped to cure my hangover on the way home.  Well, that and Dominos.

Anyway, my friend lives in West Hollywood.  I was sort of mesmerized by just the idea of being in LA as I'd never been.. we could have stayed in her apartment the entire time and I still would have been star-struck.  My one touristy request was to see the Hollywood sign.. I mean, why not?

What?  You can't see it?  It's close to the top of the hill - almost blends in with the clouds.  We took the photo from Mulholland Drive.  Weather wasn't the best that weekend, but I was quite intrigued by the clouds.  It doesn't take much..

If you've never been to the Los Angeles area, then I would highly recommend brunch at Hamburger Mary's.  While it's not unique to Los Angeles, the mimosas, Bloody Marys, atmosphere, and wait staff were top-notch.  I'd also suggest a stroll along Venice Beach.  They've both changed my life forever.  You'll understand once you've experienced for yourself.

Just a Brief Post from the Left Coast

Greetings from sunny San Diego! So what if I moved here for the fictional character of Ron Burgandy.. of course I didn't. It was actually all for Brick. Anyway, almost one week ago, I left everything I knew for sun, warmth and the security of no job. Pretty much all three of these factors have remained constant for the past 6 days.

Had I planned and prepared, I would have driven cross country and had plenty of adventurous photos to share with you all. Unfortunately, planning isn't really my thing. Things either happen on a whim or just sort of fall into my lap.. I shouldn't jinx myself. I ended up flying. On a half empty JetBlue flight. I had an entire row to myself. We didn't have to wait at all for the plane to taxi. Smooth sailing.. fast forward 20 minutes into the flight. Enter Pilot.

"Hi Folks, Thank you for joining JetBlue on today's cross-country flight from Boston's Logan International Airport to San Diego's Charles Lindbergh Field. One of the sensors in the cabin is flashing signifying that one of our doors hasn't been securely fastened. I assure you this is an anomaly, but to be safe, we'll be returning to Logan".

I knew the other perks of the flight were too good to be true. We remained grounded at the gate, on the plane, for 1.5 hours only for the engineers to determine there was some ice on the sensor. All's well that ends well, I suppose. I'd ride JetBlue any day, so long as I knew I'd have an entire row to myself. Keep up the good work, JB!

In any case, for those of you semi-familiar with San Diego, I'm living in Pacific Beach by Mission Bay Park. It truly is amazing.. expensive, but amazing. Once I purchase a working camera, I'll be happy to upload photos of paradise. But for now, I'll leave you to dream as I jaunt off to meet some strangers (soon enough, they'll be friends) for a vast amount of adult beverages.

Happy Friday wherever you are!

San Diego: A Whale's..

I couldn't resist. If you don't know the saying, then I'm sure you can come up with something creative. I'll give you a hint, essentially much of what I reference will be Will Ferrell inspired. Or a direct quotation from Zoolander.



Other than fictionally translating to the genitalia of a sea creature [except maybe in the case of the sperm whale], San Diego hands-down boasts one of the most awe-inspiring coastal landscapes in the west. It's the only cross-country destination I've visited more than twice, and the only city in which I've sported a bathing suit since my 10th birthday. Ok, ok - I jest. I never wore traditional swimwear in good ole Diego.

In the handful of times that I've had the pleasure of basking in the southern California sun - hoodie and all, I'd have to say that the most memorable visit was during the summer of 2005. Reason being, my two female friends and I met some strapping Australian lads at Petco Park while taking in a Padres vs. Reds ballgame. There's nothing like some Aussie spirit to really get you motivated.

Prior to meeting these fine folks, we made the drive of our lives. After having flown into Long Beach by way of Jet Blue, we were fortunate enough to be hooked up with a very cheap rental car courtesy of a friend of a friend. The exchange was very Sopranos-esque. I just realized that after Molly's scam reference in her most recent post, we're beginning to sound like a bunch of delinquents. I promise you that there is only a small degree of truth to that theory. In any case, we were afforded the opportunity of cruising down the Cali coast in a Sebring convertible. I realize those are no longer cool whips, but at the time, we were living the dream.

Having our way with the highways of California - including the infamous '5' / Pacific Coast Highway - we flashed our wheels through the affluent areas of surfer-saturated Huntington Beach, wealthy Newport Beach, and even wealthier Laguna Beach. Clearly, Laguna Beach was a large thrill for us as our trip happened to coincide with the height of the popular MTV reality series of the same name. I can't speak for myself, but I know that Tine & JazzFace were subtly keeping their eyes glued to the scene, hoping to get a glimpse of Lauren Conrad. We're kind of like Peter Pan - we'll never grow up [neither will this guy? - make your own judgment call on this one]..

In any case, if you ever get the chance to travel to SoCal, I'd highly recommend making this 2 hour journey. It didn't hurt that it was 85 degs and sunny from point A to point B. Of course, be sure to check out Long Beach rental car prices before you commit. Unfortunately, we can't trust past experiences / costs when considering today's flourishing economy.

Popular Neighborhoods in San Francisco

..and also somewhat practical. While this blog does serve to partially focus on remaining economically sound throughout your travels, San Francisco isn't exactly known for its reasonable prices. And not that I'm from or live in the area.. yet.. but I did get the scoop from a few locals on areas to explore & neighborhoods to consider if you're planning a potential west coast move. Much like myself.

Here goes, and if there are any San Franciscan natives or connoisseurs following this blog, feel free to chime in where necessary!

Marina District: A popular locale for 20 and 30 somethings, this area has been up and coming in recent years. I've heard that if you do feel a slight rumbling beneath you while in the Marina, then it's almost a guarantee that you may fall quickly into the depths of the perfect storm. Apparently everyone around here wears life jackets, helmets and floaties at all times. I hope you didn't believe that. Located approximately 10 minutes from downtown via the express bus, the Marina is quite accessible to other parts of the city. It also boasts a variety of gyms as well as an amazing running/biking route that extends down to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Nob Hill: Keyword here is 'hill'. While they're all over the city, I encountered about 3 of the steepest inclines my tiny legs have ever endured upon my walk from the BART to my friend's apartment. I felt like a baby dinosaur that couldn't regain its balance at about every step. In any case, its location is clutch. Close to downtown, a 20 minute walk to China Town / North Beach, and a 35 minute walk to the Wharf, Nob Hill is fairly central. You can also walk to AT&T Ballpark - it's just a bit longer of a journey. Many of the apartment buildings here boast roof-deck views of the city that are absolutely mesmerizing. Additionally, you won't struggle to find an eatery or social spot - I'd recommend the following:

• Uncle Vito's: Located at Bush & Powell (Union Square / Nob Hill), fantastic pizza and a city original since 1977.
  
• Cantina: Located on Sutter Street, this cocktail lounge exudes chic style. My vote is for one of its signature drinks, the Tuscan Sangria. If you want something with a lot more of a punch, then try the Laughing Buddha.. but beware, this bad larry is stronger than a bull on steroids.
  

North Beach: Surrounded by Chinatown and the Wharf, this area is similar to Boston's North End in that it boasts an Italian feel. Rich with history, North Beach is known for its jazz festivals, street fairs and parades. It was also the childhood home of Joe DiMaggio, and is a famous locale for movie sets as well as an area popularly frequented by writers and musicians. My two suggestions for bars of note include:

• Mojito - Located on Grant Ave, fabulous strawberry mojitos, typically features daily/nightly live music.
  
• O'Reilly's - Shocker, an Irish pub! Located on Green Street, and like I've said before, they're like mosquitoes in dark, wet, wooded areas.. yet, I'll never hesitate to enter into one.
  

Russian Hill / Polk Street: Located approximately 20 minutes walking distance from Nob Hill, Polk Street is known for its nightlife. Especially its section in San Francisco's affluent Russian Hill neighborhood. Nearly any night of the week, this area attracts a crowd. Do note that Polk Street does run into the Tenderloin which is a less safe environment than its Russian Hill counterpart. One bar to grab a stiff cock.. tail at:

• Tonic: Boasting an artsy feel with velvet couches and tables that make you feel like you're a Knight of the Round Table, this bar/lounge offers a cozy, yet stylish atmosphere.
  

As I said before, I'm by no means a qualified expert on San Franciscan neighborhoods, but those noted above do include a handful of areas that I had the pleasure of visiting during my stay in the City by the Bay. Insight from natives is absolutely welcome!

San Francisco: Don't Call it Frisco ... Seriously

It's a good thing that I learned this very important piece of information on my final day in San Fran. Fortunately, for the sake of potentially passing as a native, I didn't utter the phrase out loud, but merely repeated it time after time in my dome. It was kind of like that part in "Elf" when Will Ferrell [i.e. Buddy the Elf] states: "Francisco, now THAT'S fun to say. Francisco, Francisco", except I imitated it internally. Huh, ironic - the name he falls in love with is one in the same with a city that I now have an affinity for.. I should also mention that I have a strange affinity for elf culture. I could reference "Elf" all day, but I'll stop for now.

Also, to mark my status as an outsider, I made sure to listen to Scott McKenzie's tribute to the city by the bay, "San Francisco". I also wore flowers in my hair, and made sure to pack enough fresh fleurs for my stay.. ok, no I didn't.. but I did listen to the ditty en route to the west coast. I swear I had my ipod on shuffle.. I just might have hit repeat a few times.. or for 2 hours straight. Don't worry, I did the same thing on my flight to Omaha - thank you, Counting Crows. I will be sure to wear a bright red target on my back for all future trips.



Not only is San Fran one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited, but it is also one of the most expensive. While the majority of the city is walkable [if you're not in a rush, and if you're in decent enough shape to climb small mountains], my advice would be to take the BART & the MUNI instead of a cab whenever possible. I might have traveled 2.5 miles, and my cab fare came to $14.. I actually did experience pangs of pain upon transferring my cash from my pocket to the cabbie - and if you know me at all, then you know how much I HEART cabbies. I'm certainly not one to champion the public transportation system in Boston, but I do have to admit that it's a bit more straight-forward, intuitive, and reliable than what I'd experienced in San Fran. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the transit authority is the fact that the station agents are not actually helpful. Granted I'd only been in the city for a total of 4 days, every time I visited a station, getting any assistance from an employee of the underground became more of a challenge. Your best bet is to either plan ahead and gather correct change, or carry smaller bills so that you're not fooled by the way the ticket kiosks require payment.

Additionally, be familiar with areas that are considered tourist traps. Pier 39 is an area renowned for attracting outsiders. It's right on the Wharf and offers a plethora of bay cruises, the infamous seals & sea lions lazing on the docks, and a Disney World-like atmosphere with its variety of street performers, musicians, and jugglers. I have to admit that I did take the Bay Cruise Adventure out of Pier 39 to catch an up-close glimpse of the Golden Gate as well as a 360 degree view of Alcatraz.

Another popular tourist trap is the cable car. And again, it was inevitable that I'd find my way onto one before fleeing the city. It's $5 per ride, and in my opinion, is definitely worth riding at least once!

What can I say, like Molly with souvenirs, I'm a total sucker for major tourist attractions.. they're a part of history. At least I didn't purchase the cable car ornaments or magnets that were in my face at every turn.. MOLLY.

More to come on amazing areas and local hot spots to check out!