Shadow Cat

Happy May 1st everyone. I am current working on a little project I am calling Shadow Cat.

In the morning our cat likes to hang out in the large window above our bed. She gets some sun, bird watches and leaves little cat nose prints on the dewy window.  I've decided to capture her shadow each morning as a little project.

I like the idea of having a little artsy ritual each day. My goal is to collect at least 50 of these images. I am capturing these through Instagram and using the Earlybird filter. The collage above was done with the Diptic app. You can follow me on Instagram (sophiamitchell) if want to see the daily photos.

Thank you Catherine Just and Tammy Strobel for the inspiration.

#55 - Attend a Sporting Event in Another Country

Here I am, pre-game, in my new FB Barcelona scarf at Camp Nou.

We are back from Spain. Two wonderful weeks exploring Madrid, Cordoba, Granada and Barcelona. I'll have more blog posts coming about our time there, but one of the things I am excited about is that I was able to check off another item from my life list; attend a sporting event in another country.

We figured out that FC Barcelona would be playing Valencia during our trip, so we scheduled our time in Barcelona to match the game day. We started looking for tickets before we left California, but would only find single seats, none next to each other. We left for Spain with the hope that more would be released while we were on our trip. If it happened we could pick up a pair of tickets seated next to each other, we would attend the game. If not, no big deal. We knew there would be plenty of other awesome things to see and do in Barcelona.

I am happy to report that a few days before the game we were finally able to get tickets. Hooray. We were sitting really high up above one of the goals in Camp Nou, which is the largest stadium in Europe. It seats nearly 100,000 people!

Inside Camp Nou. The Club's slogan is "more than a club."

Bob also got a scarf. Probably the only matching things we own.

The game was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed watching the players as much as the spectators. The game attendees took the play very seriously. I was amazed how quiet everyone was during the game play. I am used to baseball games where it seems the audience is more chatting with each other than watching the game. Any time there was a good play, the crowd would clap very politely. However, once there was a goal, the stadium went off! That happened quite a few times, as the final score was 5 to 1, with Barcelona winning.

Exuberant flag waving across the stadium.

Team group hug after a goal. Messi (#10) scored four of the five goals that night.

Final score, with Barcelona winning.

Overall, a fun evening and great way to get a taste of the local culture. I highly recommend checking out a sporting event when you travel. If you go to Camp Nou in the winter, be sure to dress warm and bring a little blanket. Sunflower seeds are the nibble snack of choice and can be bought from one of the many vendors on the walk to the stadium.  During the half time, everyone whips out their pre-made sandwiches and has an impromptu picnic. We grabbed a few potato sandwiches from a bar on the walk from the metro to the stadium and ate right along with everyone else at half time.

Finally, we listened to the team's fight song a few times on YouTube before we went so we could sing along. We only managed to get the "Barca, Barca, Baaaarrrrca" part down. Here is a little video clip from the stadium when the team came in. It gives a sense of the crowds and the enthusiasm ... and you can hear me chant "Barca" at the end.

One Backpack + One Purse = Two Weeks in Spain

In my last post I mentioned how I enjoy the planning and packing part of travel, almost as much as the actual trip.  Working at Le Travel Store for a few years in grad school taught me the importance of good travel gear and also packing lightly. Here is what I am taking to Spain.

Aside from my wool pea coat and what I am wearing on the plane, everything I need for two weeks is in these bags. This set up is designed to be completely carry-on, so there is no worry about my bag getting lost, and no wait for luggage when I arrive. It also makes it easy to navigate public transit, stairs and more.


The backpack that I am using is an Eagle Creek Continental Journey. The current version looks to be the Rincon. The backpack straps can tuck away in a zipper compartment and it can be carried from a side handle, so it looks a little more polished than a typical hiking pack. I have had this bag for over 10 years. It has served me well and logged many miles. I use a system of packing cubes and a packing folder to keep things organized and compact inside the bag.

Some people find it hard to believe that we can travel with just a carry-on backpack and day bag each. We travel under the assumption that we will do a little laundry while we travel. Also, go for layering pieces and colors that will work together. When in doubt, leave it out.
On the plane I wear pants, tee, light knit cardigan, light jacket, casual scarf, walking shoes and an inexpensive watch. Here is everything else in the bags.

 Clothing

• 2 pair pants (one nicer, one more casual)
• 3 layering tank tops
• 1 layering tee
• 2 long sleeve tees
• 1 button up shirt
• wool blend sweater
• 5 sets socks/underwear
• Sleep pants/shirt
• Warm scarf
• Warm hat + gloves
• Walking shoes
• Packable slippers (great for plane/train and around the hotel room)
• Wool pea coat (carried separate)

Health/Comfort

• Toiletry kit (Bob and I share most things so he takes half of the stuff and take the other half. All liquids are three ounces or less so we can do carryon)
• Vitamins and EmergenC packets
• Sunscreen + sunglasses
• First aid supplies in small ziplock (band aids, antiseptic wipe, hand sanitizer, Benadryl and pain reliever)
• Noise canceling headphones
• Inflatable neck pillow
• Collapsible water bottle

Other Items

• Journal + pen
• TrekDek (which doubles as playing cards) and six dice
• Bandana
• Two packable nylon shopping bag
• Petzel head lamp
• Compact umbrella
• Empty ziplock bags (2 small, 2 large)
• iPad + charger + adapter plug
• Camera + charger + extra memory stick
• Guide book + map
• Passport, credit cards, travel docs
• Money belt

Substitutions

 If I was traveling in summer, I would :

• Swap out the warm hat for sun hat
• Take sandals instead of extra walking shoes
• Add in swimsuit and sarong

 If it was spring or fall travel, I would add in a long black skirt as well.

So, that's everything. This combination has served me well traveling for one week or for two months. Let me know if you have any questions on my packing approach.

The Travel Buzz

We leave in a few days for Spain. I have that excited feeling that can only be described as the travel buzz. I am ready for the excitement of airports, navigating public transit, exploring cities, trying new foods, spending time with Bob, meeting new people, enjoying different landscapes and visiting museums. 

Planning the trip is always part of the fun for me, and I like planning my gear and packing too. I know ... kind of strange. But, I like to get as much taken care of up front, so I can be ready for the unexpected opportunities once we land. I am packing light, just my Eagle Creek travel back pack and a small day bag. When in doubt, leave it out.

Our itinerary includes Madrid, Cordoba, Granada and Barcelona in 16 days. We probably could have added more, but we find we like to pick a spot and stay for at least three nights to get a better flavor of the place. We will have one overnight train ride too, from Granada to Barcelona, which I am excited about. We will have our own little sleeping cubby. The only other overnight train ride I took was in India... I am sure just about anything will be calmer than that experience.

We will be in Spain for Valentine's Day and also our 100-month anniversary. Oh, and this trip is also a lead up to my 40th birthday. So much to be thankful for and so excited to finally be traveling again. I'll have sangria and tapas for your all!

Photo Credit: Ludovico Cera

Viajando ... and a Giveaway!

Updated to announce winners.

Congratulation Melissa, Cheryl and Nicole. Based upon the numbers selected by random.org, you are the winners. I will be in touch for your mailing address. Also, thank you everyone who entered. I enjoyed reading your comments!

Next month we are heading to Spain ... and boy are we ready for a vacation. Bob has been working hard on a project and I have been focused on getting my business up and running. Honestly, it will be great to get away for a bit. It sounds strange to say that, since we live in one of the most peaceful places in California. I guess what I am really craving are exciting urban landscapes, lively Spanish culture, different food, and the intoxicating travel buzz that comes with exploring new places.

I've reserved our lodging for two cities through airbnb. Check out the cute studio apartments we are renting in Madrid and Barcelona, the two cities that will bookend our trip. The week in between these two cities is likely to be a mix of hostels, Couchsurfing, or last minute decisions, depending what town we are in. Since it is the off season, I am comfortable not having all my bookings pinned down.

Anyway, this is all a long introduction to tell you about a special deck of playing cards that I plan to take on our trip. TrekDek is set of cards with the theme "Live Well. Travel Well."  Each card includes a "challenge" of some sort, something to get you to try something new while you are on the road. Here are some of the "challenges" that I may give a whirl when we are in Spain:

• Watch a movie at the local cinema.
• Arrive somewhere without having booked a place to stay.
• Buy some local music.
• Attend a locally-advertised event.
• Find a local bar and learn the national drinking game or song.

When I think of some of the more memorable travel experiences I've had, they are often the unplanned ones. Like seeing a string quartet in an old Venice church based upon a posted advertisement we saw, watching an over-the-top Bollywood movie in a cinema in Delhi, getting invited to a lamb roast in Chile from strangers we met on a boat, or watching a rugby in a packed bar in New Zealand. These cards are reminder to seek out the unexpected.

The best part about the TrekDek is that you can use them locally to inject a little adventure into your daily life ... and who can't use a little more adventure? 

If you would like enter for a chance to win a TrekDek, leave a comment below telling me about an unexpected joy you had on a trip. If you want to purchase your own set, you can head over to this web page.

One entry per person, and the contest closes 11:59 PM PST on January 8, 2012. I will use random.org and select one winner on January 9, 2012. Be sure to check back to see if you are a winner. Contest is closed. Please see the top of the post for the winners.

Good luck to you and may 2012 be full of adventure.

Appreciate the Moment

"It’s sad to me when I see people who are with their significant other or their children and they are not really understanding how critically important it is to appreciate that moment. Because that’s all life is. It’s little moments pasted together. The only thing that’s important in your life are relationships." - Peg Reiter, widow of Jerry Schad

I recently read an article in the San Diego Union Tribune about the widow of Jerry Schad and how she is coping after his death earlier this year. Schad was a legend in San Diego for his series of hiking guides which encouraged city dwellers to get out and explore the beautiful San Diego back country and even the urban canyons. The quote above, was from the closing of that article. It resonated with me so much and was a great reminder about prioritizing and capturing all the little moments of life.

As I reflect on all the adventures and projects that happened in 2011, I feel very grateful. From starting my own business, to checking things of the life list, to seeing a live seal birth, to great memory-making visits with friends and family. These just scratches the surface.

Needless to say, I am looking forward to 2012, to make more memories, to learn new things, to push myself, to say yes to things that are scary, and to enjoy the journey. Happy New Year!

Handmade for the Holidays - Gifts for your Sweetie

Welcome to my Handmade for the Holidays series. Today I am featuring some handmade items from Etsy sellers that might be a fun gift for your sweetie. This is my last post in my Handmade for the Holiday series. I hope you all have a great holiday season and are able to support artisans and crafters this season.

Eye Chart Print ($13)

CJ Prints makes a variety of fun prints that are a take on the typical eye chart. This one says "You are the cookies to my milk". Last year I got Bob one that says "You are the ketchup to my fries". Those of you who know me, know I really love ketchup. Lots of different themes and colors to choose from.

Felted Penguin ($22)

New Jersey-based AdoraWools makes sweet felted wool creations. I thought this was a particularly charming little penguin with an over-sized heart.

Gourmet Cocoa and Marshmallow Pops ($15/ four servings)

Nothing like a good cup of steamy cocoa and a warm blanket fire side to make for perfect nuzzling with your sweetie. You can always add a little Bailey's to your cocoa to make it more grown up . This gourmet cocoa kit is from Danielle's Sweet Shop has everything you need on a stick to make cocoa. Just swirl it in warm milk and enjoy.

Hans + Leia Key Chains ($30)

If your sweetie is a Star Wars fan, then this key chain set may be the perfect gift. Hand stamped and featuring a line from the Empire Strikes Back. You can choose aluminum, copper or brass. San Diego-based Spiffing Jewelry makes these, as well as a lot of other fun metal jewelry items.



Leather Journal with Heart Key ($29)

 How about a pretty journal to write shared memories of your time together. Each person takes turn writing a little note, memory or sweet thought in the journal. Bound By Hand is based in Santa Cruz and makes a variety of leather journals in different colors and styles.

Chocolate Saffron Romance Box ($28)

Red Ambrosia is based in Northern California and makes a variety of all natural luxury botanical items for massage. This kit contains body oil and love balm. Celebrate romance with this fun little gift.

There you have it. Some of my gift picks for the sweetie on your list. You can see all my other gift picks from the last six days by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom. You will find  gifts for kids, pets, map lovers, the guys, the girl and even gifts for the home. Happy shopping and hooray for supporting handmade.


Note: Photo credits belong to each of the Etsy vendors listed in this post.