City Bike

I love this bike from Schwinn. The only way it could possibly be improved is if they added an banana seat! http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=1027

CambodiAAA!

Lately I've become fixated on the idea of going to Cambodia. These photos by John McDermott, taken in Angkor right after a solar eclipse, give the old Buddhist temples such an incredible other worldly appearance. I am just dying to go and see it for myself! AND, in addition to having incredible history, Cambodia also has amazing white sand beaches (who knew!), which are just beginning to be rebuilt after the destruction inflicted by the Khmer Rouge.

Take a peak this web page for Veranda National Resort in the Kep National Park. The resort has lovely little bungalows with mountain and ocean views. However, the best part is that the prices start at only $25/night. http://www.veranda-resort.com/index.html.

So if I've peaked your interest and you are looking for a little more detail about what to do and see in Southern Cambodia check out this article from the NY times.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/travel/escapes/14talk-cambodia-t.html?ex=1352955600&en=f484f3a1a374a787&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Amaryllis

I cannot think of a more underrated flower than the amaryllis. For years I have perceived it as a totally boring, and somewhat tacky, bulb with no benefit beyond adding a little bit of color to a dreary Pittsburgh winter. However, I have had a totally change of heart, no I will go even farther, I have become totally obsessed with their versatility and low maintenance! They don't need soil to grow and they only need to be watered every one or two weeks. AMAZING! AND they come in more colors than just dull boring red. In fact, there are an amazing array of varieties and colors. I myself and currently obsessed with Lady Jane and Aphrodite. Lady Jane is a pretty girl who has a double bloom the color of rose with slight touches of white, while Aphrodite has a subtle pink wash to her petals and a red lining around her borders.

Aloha!

Recently I have been on a Hawaii kick. I visited there several years ago and was amazed by the diversity of the Islands, the People, and their way of life.

Check out this article by the frugal traveler with lots of great ideas and pictures for how to spend your time and only a little bit of money while in Hawaii!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/travel/27Hawaii.html?scp=4&sq=hawaii%20frugal%20traveler&st=nyt

Also, for the encouragement of daydreaming I have dug out some of the pictures from the last time I was in Hawaii. Enjoy!

Secluded freshwater waterfall

View during our dashboard tour of Oahu

The north shore of Oahu