Virtual Vacation Swap

Ok, this is my kind of vacation - no packing, no airline hassles, no worries about leaving the critters behind. Let's go!

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?

Maryland. I was born in Havre de Grace, when my dad was in the service. My folks moved back to New Orleans before I was 2 years old, so I have no memory of my time there. I'd love to do a combined trip of MD/DC.



2. If you could visit any country in the world, which would it be and why?

Besides Thailand, I'd love to visit Norway. My parents were very good friends with a couple who were born in Norway and we grew up with their wonderful and large extended family. If they are any indication, Norwegians are big-hearted, fun-loving, partying people. Then there's the mountains and fjords - that would be a very spiritual experience to be able to experience that. And I would buy Hartshorn powder, which is an ingredient for the best fruit salad I've ever had and I can't find this anywhere in the US. And the cheeses and desserts! And, of course, the yarn. And I could wear my lovely alpaca scarves (just not at the same time).



3. Have you ever driven across several states/provinces/countries?

We usually drive from the prairie to New Orleans whenever we go to visit. It's a very enjoyable drive and I look forward to the drive as much as I do the rest of the trip.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you considered exotic? Where was it?

I've enjoyed my vacations in the tropics, but when you grow up in America's largest sauna (aka "South Louisiana"), the steamy temps, afternoon rainstorms, bugs the size of Delaware, and gigantic vegetation is not exactly novel. The place I considered the most exotic was Vancouver, BC (hi, Li!) and Victoria and all places in between. It was such a wonderful blend of cosmopolitan city, water, breath-taking scenery, indiginous culture, museums, hiking, great eating, friendly people. Living below sea level most of my life (New Orleans), then moving to the prairie gives me a deep awe and appreciation for mountains. But the mountains were lush and green, the quality of the light was remarkable, the mysterious waters that sprouted hundreds of islands, and the totems everywhere were the most exotic experiences! And the smell! Balsam, honey and crispy sea air - it's what I imagine heaven will smell like!

5. What was your favorite travel vacation and why?

Sarasota, FL has the best and most perfect beaches, great food, and overall ambience. It was the most satisfying vacation I think I have ever had. The sights, sounds and even smells are so imprinted in my brain that I become deeply relaxed whenever I even think of it.

And, of course, Vancouver. We stayed in a quaint little hamlet called Horseshoe Bay. It was the kind of place you can imagine yourself living in forever:




6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state? Explain.

One of the great things about living in New Orleans was that we frequently "played tourist" everytime we went to the French Quarter, or the river front, or the restuarants, or the zoo, or the aquarium, or Mardi Gras...well, you get the picture. This is whether we had out of town guests, or just living everyday life:



Kansas...ummm not so much. There's a lot of generic shopping, good barbeque, a couple of interesting art museums and you can drive out to the newer suburbs and see lots of cows. I'll take you all on a virtual tour in an upcoming blog.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comber or amusement seeker?

I can be any of these, depending on where I am visiting. Add "rock collector". I always bring back a rock from wherever I visit. Much to Mr. Criquette's chagrin. He just doesn't get it.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn?

It's a tie between merino and alpaca.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn?

Novelty yarn, cheap acrylic, anything without bounce and some give. I also really dislike mohair.

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet?

Scarves, scarves, and more scarves. Sometimes hats and cat beds.

11. What do you pack to knit or crochet when you go on vacation?

As much as possible! That's one reason I love to drive rather than fly. I bring at least three different WIP's so I don't get bored, as well as a new project to cast on.

12. What other crafts do you/would you like to do other than knit or crochet?

For the past 18 months, all I've done is knit, except for a couple of small needle-felted projects. I like to do origami sometimes.

13. Are you allergic to anything?

Cigarette smoke and many perfumes. Also, most candles will give me an allergic reaction.

14. What is your favorite color? Least favorite color?

I wear a lot of black, turquoise, periwinkle, violet, and lavender. I also love lime green, deep cobalt blue and butter yellow. I don't care for most really bright colors or pastels. I really don't like beige, tan, or muddy colors.

15. Sweet or savory? (treat, not personality)

When we go on vacation, we ALWAYS pack Cheezits and cookies - ginger, molasses, oatmeal/raisin, chocolate chip, etc. Also bananas and Snickers bars!

So there it is. I can't wait to see where I'm going!