Retreat to Lewes

So this isn't really a trip, considering that I've been to Lewes, De a zillion times for cruises and for the annual Coast Day event that I've volunteered for in various ways in years past. But we did get to go do some stuff, so I thought I'd add it. It was during the week, I had just gotten new tires on my car (yay!) so I felt good and safe driving to lower Delaware. UD has a southern campus where the ship docks and I think two buildings for classes and research. We went to the Viriden Center for the retreat, which consisted of a morning session that covered the new calender system. We had lunch, discussed it a bit more then broke for the afternoon. Since Jeboleth couldn't take time off from work to come down, I was on my own. One of my co-workers that I've known since 2001 was there with her two small kids and her husband. So we decided to go tour Cape Henlopen State park.

We went up into the WWII towers, and could see to the ocean. These towers were built to defend the US in case the Germans were to make it across the Atlantic during the war. They still stand and are now tourist spots to take photos of the area. We walked around the other area of the beach, looking at the bunkers, abandoned machinery, and came across a few deer. They were nestled into the branches of some trees and stood there a while munching away on the grass until they realized they had an audience. It was a nice afternoon, not too hot and not too chilly. We wrapped up with heading back to think about what to do for dinner. But I got hungry first and headed out on my own for sushi (of course) at Sakitumi in Rehoboth Beach. They had some very tasty food, and some bizare menu items too, not exactly sure if I would try them all but it was interesting to see a variety on the

menu. After dinner, I went back to the room at the Viriden Center, wrapped up my things for the night, packed up my bags and set my alarm. I got up early and drove back to Newark. It was a very short trip. It would have been a bit more fun with Jeboleth there, but he couldn't come, and it would have been more fun if the the rest of the group did something together as well. But I did get some good sushi and oh, yes, I stopped at Marshall's to do a little shopping and found a sweater. I've since gotten rid of it, but it lasted for the winter. Not sure why so many folks head down there, but it is a haven for shopping, beach and and such. Ah well. I enjoyed my time with my friend and my sushi. :)

Welcome to Aberdeen, Scotland that is...

When I tell people around here that I spent a weekend in Aberdeen with friends and it was so awesome and we had such a great time, they stare at me. Blinking. Then I have to clarify, Aberdeen, Scotland. Not Maryland. Not that the Maryland one might be cool too, I've driven past the exit on 95 a zillion times, but in Aberdeen, Scotland, it is on the ocean. There are castles like Dunnottar that date back to before 1700 and was graced by the likes of William Wallace and Queen Mary, not to mention some pretty darn good sushi! I am not kidding, the place has kick-butt sushi restaurants! We met up with some friends who live there in Aberdeen and spent a great time touring. We stayed at the Atholl hotel, which was far exceeding the standards of any hotel I've seen. Very nice staff, comfy bed, clean, and hand towels in the bath!! Beyond just being beautiful, they were so helpful. Anyone heading to Aberdeen, this is the place to stay, short taxi ride from the train station and a short walk into town. Very nice. We loved out stay, and even got to see a great movie, The Guard, which was seriously great and it is too bad it was limited released in the US. And the sushi, YUM! We went to dinner at one little place that I can't recall the name, oh it was Yorokobi bi CJ, and then the next day we found, Yo Sushi!, a cool sushi bar that had little sushi plates on a conveyor belt... yes a conveyor belt... that passed in front of you and you selected what you wanted. We were there on blue plate day, lucky for us. (they were all one price so we didn't need to take out a second mortgage to have lunch...) Aberdeen was a cool city, if you're in the UK, and in the area, I recommend it. Hit the beach too! If we would have had more time we would have spent more time there and gone to the amusement park, but we just didn't. So much to do and just not enough time, but we did manage a few things...

Outside Blackfriar Pub

All of us at Dunnottar Castle

Jeboleth in the tide pools at Dunnottar Castle

Yo Sushi! Yummy...

Bon Voyage party

Ah, so before I rush off to the cruise to the Pacific, a bunch of us had a little gathering at the local pub for a little Bon Voyage party for me. It was awesome. Lots of my friends showed up and friends from my different friend groups mingled and had fun with conversation and cocktails. Or at least I did, seeing as the ship is dry. Funny, I do not drink much or even often, but the moment I am told I am not allowed to drink, I want a drink. I think its the "you're not allowed" symptom, where I must do what I'm told not to do. :D The fun gathering lasted about 2 hours, and I enjoyed every second of it. I will sincerely miss these fine friends while I'm gone on my 25 day adventure. I am looking forward to much of the cruise, the activities and the dive in ALVIN, but even that can't match the feeling of acceptance and love that I get from being at a small crowded table with a group of people that I love. Gosh that was too sappy! Anywho, it was a very wonderful evening. And of course, from last evening's fabulous news of our new president elect to this evening, I'm just in complete elation. My only question is, can Mr. Obama just take office tomorrow instead of Jan 20th???