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July was one of many largest months I’ve had in a very long time. Travels in three nations, tons of summer time enjoyable, good occasions with associates far and wide.
And the most important factor…Charlie I obtained engaged! The entire story is on my annual birthday publish, which I printed final week.
However let’s get on to this month — a month that started in Sardinia, moved overland to Lake Como, drove again to Prague, and obtained in a cheeky weekend to London as properly.
Locations Visited
Alghero, Stintino, Sassari, San Teodoro, Golfo Aranci, Capo Coda Cavallo, Tavolara, Olbia, Lecco, Bellagio, and Varenna, Italy
Prague, Czech Republic
London and Coulsdon, UK
Highlights
Getting engaged to Charlie in Lake Como will without end be the spotlight of the month! The proposal was great, it occurred in a backyard in Bellagio, and nope, it was not a shock. (Who surprises somebody with an engagement?! That appears loopy, for my part.)
We celebrated at a wine bar with a tagliere of meat and cheese, and glasses of Franciacorta (our favourite Italian glowing white wine) adopted by Barolo (my favourite purple) and Amarone (his favourite purple) and a ship trip to beautiful Varenna for the night.
Plenty of enjoyable in Sardinia. We started the month arriving in Alghero, a cool Spanish metropolis on the northwest coast of the island the place lots of people nonetheless converse Catalan! Whereas it’s a really touristy metropolis, I discovered it to be probably the most attention-grabbing place we visited in Sardinia.
The spotlight of Sardinia for us was our crusing journey off Alghero. The boat was one of many nicest small sailboats I’ve ever been on; Captain Andrea was an ideal chief and served us a scrumptious lunch; there have been about 12 individuals on board, which was excellent; we sailed to lovely coves and went swimming. Simply an superior chilled out day.
We additionally visited La Pelosa seashore in Stintino, famously one of many nicest seashores in all of Italy. It was lovely with shallow water that went out to date — although extraordinarily crowded! (Know that it is advisable e book a spot on the seashore prematurely, as they restrict guests. It’s fairly low-cost, I believe 3.50 EUR per individual, however do it early.)
Subsequent we headed to San Teodoro for just a few days, which looks like a well-liked Italian vacation city, and has attractive seashores. At some point we had a full correct seashore day with chairs (such an indulgence!) on La Cinta seashore, which I believed was even higher than La Pelosa. One other day we booked a scooter snorkeling expertise in close by Golfo Aranci, and for our ultimate day we took a zodiac boat journey to Molara and Tavolara islands.
A return to the mountains. We took the in a single day ferry again to Genoa and drove to Lake Como, about two hours away. Within the city of Lecco we took a cable automotive as much as the Piani d’Erna, on prime of mountains the place you’ll be able to hike and discover. It was 10 levels cooler — so great after roasting in Sardinia!
I believe this 12 months we’re realizing that we’re extra mountain individuals than seashore individuals.
After an evening in Lake Como, we drove again to Prague: a nine-hour journey. Oh, and the McRib is BACK in Germany!
Extra good occasions in Prague. Reuniting with my kitties is all the time a spotlight of the month! Man, three weeks is a very long time to depart them, despite the fact that they love their sitter.
We frolicked with associates, hit up some meals festivals, lastly tried a budget enterprise lunch on the 4 Seasons (glorious). And Charlie and I started researching wedding ceremony venues in earnest.
And this month we began swimming! There are just a few low-cost indoor swimming swimming pools close to us and we swam for practically an hour for about $2.50 every.
A stunning lengthy weekend in London. Charlie and I visited for a household party, and it was so good to see all of them directly (particularly after COVID wrecked our Christmas gathering!).
I are likely to do a number of the identical issues each time I am going to London, so this time I used to be decided to interrupt out of my routine a bit. Charlie and I went to see The Tempest on the Globe Theatre, which was such a humorous and unique manufacturing. (Professional tip: pull up the play in your telephone to observe alongside. It’s not a fake pas right here prefer it often is at reveals, and so they preserve the seating areas illuminated.)
Charlie and I additionally went to Dans le Noir, an expertise the place you dine in full darkness. Positively a novel factor to attempt as soon as! We additionally visited the V&A Museum and its Fashioning Masculinity exhibit. I used to be delighted to see Billy Porter’s well-known tux robe on show.
One other day, my pal Dylan and I went to the Peter Pan-themed afternoon tea on the Shard, which was so enjoyable and I extremely suggest for a novel afternoon tea in London. We ended the weekend with a pub meetup with a few of our London associates.
Challenges
The only worst second of the journey was once we have been driving from Alghero to Stintino. A lot of the inside or Sardinia is extraordinarily rural, and we drove previous limitless dry yellow fields. Then I caught a whiff. “Is that rubbish?” I requested.
Then we have been SMACKED within the face with probably the most putrid rubbish scent I’ve ever skilled. We noticed a dump truck unloading rubbish — the street between the 2 hottest locations in northwest Sardinia actually takes you previous a dump. It was near 100 levels out (38 C). Think about sizzling, boiling rubbish invading your nostril, your mouth, the pores of your pores and skin.
I really feel an incredible quantity of sympathy for anybody who has to work in these terrible situations.
Charlie obtained stung by a jellyfish on our crusing journey in Alghero. Alghero has some jellyfish-rich spots that may often be prevented, however even in a low jellyfish space, Charlie obtained stung on the chest.
Fortunately there was no want for anybody to pee on anybody — Captain Andrea had some sting treatments out there.
(Since this occurred, a brand new mural has gone up in our neighborhood in Prague — a mural of JELLYFISH! Charlie was miffed. I couldn’t cease laughing.)
We obtained a flat tire — then one other. We have been leaving Alghero on a Sunday and have been planning to go to Bosa, keep in an agriturismo within the inside for the night time, then head to San Teodoro the subsequent day. Effectively, the tire started ker-thumping as quickly as we left the property.
Right here’s a tip: don’t break down in Italy on a Sunday. And if it’s rural Italy on a Sunday, GOOD LUCK!!
Our agriturismo known as native mechanics, who got here to test it out, however apparently Charlie’s automotive has an uncommon tire dimension and so they didn’t have one that will match. All they might do was patch the tire. And naturally this course of took 5 hours, throughout which we labored at our agriturismo. The house owners very kindly made us some carbonara, despite the fact that they don’t often serve lunch.
5 hours later (our agriturismo man was yelling at them — YOU WENT TO LUNCH? How lengthy have been you at lunch??), the mechanics returned with a patched tire. We eagerly obtained again on the street.
quarter-hour in a while the freeway, ker-thump ker-thump ker-thump. AGAIN. 5 hours and that patch did nothing!! We contacted the agriturismo, who contacted the mechanics, and so they drove out and met us. They provided to tow us to Sassari and the tire could be repaired very first thing Monday morning.
Sassari is a little bit of a gritty metropolis with restricted touristic enchantment, however we really had an ideal night time there! We stayed in a improbable little guesthouse known as Album Boutique Rooms, only a great trendy oasis that feels luxurious however is definitely fairly low-cost. (The proprietor plans to develop to Alghero sooner or later and as soon as that’s there, it is going to be THE PLACE to remain in Alghero!) We had nice pizza at La Nicchia and glorious gelato at Naturalia.
The subsequent morning, the tire was fastened very properly, and we have been informed it might get us safely again to Prague. Since getting again, Charlie has had the tire changed.
Weblog Posts of the Month
27 Issues to Do in Rockport, MA, a Coastal Magnificence — Rockport is a city the place I’ve been going without end, and it has a lot of the quintessential New England attraction that guests come right here to expertise. You must go to it (and extra of the North Shore!).
This Month on Patreon
On the Adventurous Kate Patreon, I publish unique content material and never-told tales you can entry for $6 monthly. We even have a personal Fb group and members get free entry to the Ebook Membership every month.
This month’s large publish was about my Dans le Noir expertise in London — all the night eating at the hours of darkness, being surrounded by strangers, having no concept what you’re consuming, no concept even pour your self a glass of water. It was a extremely attention-grabbing expertise!
I additionally wrote an enormous replace on the place New Hampshire Manner is now. Extra on {that a} bit beneath. My Patreon individuals have been the one ones who’ve identified about my New Hampshire website over the previous 12 months.
Oh, and my Patreon individuals discovered concerning the engagement earlier than anybody else. 😉
Ebook Membership This Month
Our subsequent e book membership shall be on Sunday, August 28, at 1:00 PM Jap Time. We shall be discussing The Air You Breathe by Brazilian writer Frances de Pontes Peebles. You possibly can join the e book membership right here.
A fast be aware — this e book is 528 pages, however it’s value it. Begin now! And when you like Elena Ferrante’s work, you’re going to like this.
“Some friendships, like romance, have the sensation of destiny.
Skinny, nine-year-old orphaned Dores is working within the kitchen of a sugar plantation in Nineteen Thirties Brazil when in walks a woman who modifications every little thing. Graça, the spoiled daughter of a rich sugar baron, is intelligent, properly fed, fairly, and thrillingly sick behaved. Born to wildly completely different worlds, Dores and Graça shortly bond over shared mischief, after which, on a deeper degree, over music.
One has a voice like a songbird; the opposite feels melodies in her soul and composes lyrics to match. Music will turn out to be their shared ardour, the supply of their partnership and their rivalry, and for every, the one means out of the life to which every was born. However solely one of many two is destined to be a star. Their intimate, unstable bond will decide every of their fortunes–and hang-out their reminiscences.
Touring from Brazil’s inland sugar plantations to the rowdy streets of Rio de Janeiro’s well-known Lapa neighborhood, from Los Angeles in the course of the Golden Age of Hollywood again to the irresistible drumbeat of residence, The Air You Breathe unfurls a shifting portrait of a lifelong friendship–its unparalleled rewards and lasting losses–and considers what we owe to the relationships that form our lives.”
New Hampshire Manner Replace
New Hampshire Manner is my new New Hampshire journey web site! I talked about it in my birthday publish final week. I’d like so as to add just a little replace on NHW every month to the month-to-month recap.
Visitors is at the moment exploding, and I’m thrilled about it. I’m shocked and excited that New Hampshire Manner already ranks #1 for “issues to do in lake winnipesaukee” and “water parks in new hampshire”! I’m additionally #2 for “issues to do in north conway nh” and that’s particularly vital as a result of North Conway is a year-round journey vacation spot, not like Lake Winnipesaukee.
Fall is the most important journey season of the 12 months, particularly within the White Mountains, so my precedence proper now could be getting fall content material prepared earlier than foliage season hits.
Listed here are a few of my favourite posts that I printed this month:
A Information to Weirs Seaside, Lake Winnipesaukee — Weirs Seaside is the enjoyable, kitschy, household city of Lake Winnipesaukee. Bumper automobiles, arcades, boat cruises, and one of many nicest seashores on the lake.
27 Epic Issues to Do in Lincoln, NH — Lincoln is among the hottest cities within the White Mountains and makes a wonderful base for exploring the area. It’s particularly good for mountaineering, snowboarding, and scenic drives just like the Kancamagus Freeway.
12 Should-Go to New Hampshire Fall Festivals — New Hampshire REALLY loves fall, and there are some superior festivals it’s best to think about hitting up! I’ll possible be at Apple Harvest Day in Dover and NH Brewfest in Portsmouth this 12 months.
Most In style Picture on Instagram
In fact it’s this one which introduced the engagement! This was taken in Bellagio on Lake Como.
Instagram is the place I do probably the most updating dwell whereas touring, together with a number of Tales. You possibly can observe me on Instagram at @adventurouskate.
Trend Discover of the Month
I discovered this lengthy raspberry Anthropologie skirt on Poshmark over the winter. I find it irresistible SO a lot — the pleating, the colour, the polka dots, the asymmetrical hem — however I couldn’t discover any prime that actually matched. Every part appeared too informal.
Then I discovered this in my closet — an Specific shirt that I’m fairly certain I purchased within the early 2000s (!!) and I used to be able to donate it. So out of favor with it’s little frilly middle and satin pleated sides that it has come BACK into trend! And it labored! It was the right degree of dressy and the pleats added an echo to the skirt. Added these large teal Anthropologie flower earrings that I additionally discovered on Poshmark.
All of the extra motive to pair an previous merchandise along with your new objects to see if it really works earlier than donating it.
The one factor I would like for this outfit is an efficient leopard-print belt. Presently trying to find one in Prague, however my regular choices are “C&A, $12, it’s made from cardboard!” or “Dolce & Gabbana, $425, don’t breathe on it the incorrect means!”
What I Watched This Month
This month I attempted a Disney+ subscription to atone for a number of the favored movies I’ve missed! I really feel so out of the loop on the subject of Pixar and stuff.
My favourite was Turning Pink (as somebody who was a boy band-loving teenager with three finest associates within the early 2000s, OMG this was relatable). Encanto was a colourful delight with an ideal story and memorable characters. Soul was pleasant and so New York. Moana had the very best music.
This month I additionally watched Love on the Spectrum: the US version. I really like this light, respectful docuseries about individuals on the autism spectrum searching for love. Each individual is a delight this season, and there are some comfortable endings!
What I Listened To This Month
Beyoncé’s new album Renaissance is FANTASTIC. I’m not ordinarily an enormous Beyoncé fan however I like disco and 90s dance music so THIS is the album for me. I really like what number of multifaceted layers of Black and Queer historical past are on this album (not not like Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly).
Who Shat on the Flooring at My Marriage ceremony? might be probably the most ridiculous podcast matter I’ve ever seen. These two Kiwi girls obtained married on a ship in Amsterdam, and in some unspecified time in the future, somebody pooped on the toilet ground.
Now, it is a traditional closed thriller — no one may obtained on or off the boat! — in order that they put their detective hats to unravel it. It’s completely ridiculous. And I really like their cheery New Zealand accents.
What I Learn This Month
Good day, Molly! by Molly Shannon (2022) — Molly Shannon is finest identified for her characters on late 90s SNL, however what introduced her to that time? Effectively, a number of disappointment, really. When she was 4, her mom, child sister, and younger cousin have been killed in a automotive accident together with her father behind the wheel.
The heartbeat of the e book is Molly’s relationship together with her father, who liked her deeply, raised her and her sister the very best he may, however was an alcoholic and coping with a lifetime of guilt.
THIS BOOK. That is one in every of my absolute favorites of the 12 months, and never simply because my associates and I have been obsessive about Molly’s SNL characters as youngsters. Molly’s father is probably the most Dickensian character I’ve ever seen that wasn’t written by Dickens! So many tales of Molly’s pre-fame days are INSANE (She and a pal as soon as SNUCK ONTO AN AIRPLANE once they have been children and flew to a different metropolis! She and one other fan ran this wild rip-off in Hollywood claiming to work for David Mamet!).
I particularly suggest this one as an audiobook, as a result of it is advisable hear it in Molly’s voice.
You Can’t Be Severe by Kal Penn (2021) — Kal Penn has a narrative like no different — grandson of Ghandian freedom fighters, stoner comedy icon, one in every of only a few Indian main actors within the US, who took a sabbatical from performing to work for the Obama White Home. That is the story of his life, his successes, and his distinctive path.
Whew. I actually loved this e book, and particularly listening to about what his expertise was making an attempt to get work as an Indian actor within the early 2000s (spoiler alert: racist AF, time and again). And I’ve learn a number of Obama-era memoirs and liked listening to his facet of issues and matching it up with the others.
This e book obtained a number of consideration when Kal successfully got here out with it, saying he was engaged and sharing how he met his fiancé Josh, NASCAR aficionado. I appreciated studying it, however you’ll be able to inform he was SUPER guarded on this a part of the e book. Which is his proper, after all. It simply felt like he was holding himself again.
Honor by Thrity Umrigar (2022) — This novel tells a swirling story of girls in India. Smita, an Indian American journalist, is named to report on a narrative of a Hindu lady named Meena being attacked by her household for marrying a Muslim man. Smita swore she would by no means return to India, however she finds herself deeply concerned on this story and Meena’s life.
This was a extremely good e book and I appreciated the viewpoint — a girl who left India as a youngster after a traumatic expertise and tried to turn out to be as American as she may. So many books within the US about growing nations give attention to poverty porn and trauma, however I appreciated the scenes that occurred in Mumbai, studying a lot extra about this metropolis with its many layers.
My solely criticism was that the e book misplaced steam on the finish, and I believe the writer inspired the writer to make it into extra of a romance than was obligatory. And the dude in query, Mohan, is a little bit of a Manic Pixie Dream Boy (you understand, the right man with quirks who likes the principle character for motive).
(Aspect be aware: it was attention-grabbing studying this e book and Kal Penn’s e book again to again. Each books have a personality known as Pushpa Auntie. Kal talks about how his household known as her Pushy Auntie, which in lots of Indian accents turns into Pussy Auntie!)
Learn how to Preserve Home Whereas Drowning: A Light Method to Cleansing and Organizing by KC Davis (2022) — This can be a cleansing and organizing e book not like any you’ve ever learn, as a result of it focuses on neurodivergent individuals and people with anxiousness, despair, fatigue, ADHD, or lack of help. These are sometimes the individuals who battle with chores — “care duties,” as Davis calls them — and this e book is a mild, compassionate information to doing what you’ll be able to.
This e book isn’t focused for me, however I actually appreciated studying Davis’s method. We maintain a lot disgrace once we can’t preserve a home wanting presentable to somebody from the surface. As an alternative, give attention to small duties which might be inside what you might be personally in a position to do.
I additionally appreciated her method of tidying by dividing every little thing into classes: laundry, dishes, not as a replacement, doesn’t have a spot.
A Sensible Marriage ceremony: Inventive Concepts for a Stunning, Reasonably priced, and Stress-Free Scenario by Meg Keene (2019) — How do you intend a marriage with out going broke or shedding your thoughts? This e book is a means of getting you to plan a marriage that displays what you and your associate actually need (and might afford) with out capitulating to pushy relations, Instagram stress, or the marriage industrial advanced.
Just about everybody recommends this e book for the newly engaged and I believe it’s an ideal learn, if just a little redundant at occasions (Do what you need! is principally restated in dozens of various methods). I particularly appreciated the start, the way it encourages you and your associate to give attention to the sentiments and vibes you need and go outward from there.
Coming Up in August 2022
This month it’s time for ICELAND, Half II (or IV, technically?)! My pal Amanda from A Harmful Enterprise and I are going for 12 days, circling the Ring Street and past!
This, after all, comes out of my catastrophe in Could the place I unintentionally rented a guide car for my Iceland street journey, there have been actually no automated automobiles left within the nation, and I needed to go residence. However in just a few methods it’s labored out for the higher.
This itinerary is SO a lot better than the one I deliberate earlier than. For one, A NEW VOLCANO IS ERUPTING NOW! Amanda and I plan to hike to it on our first day, so long as it’s nonetheless protected to take action. And two new high-end sizzling springs have opened since my final go to: Hvammsvik, between Reykjavik and Snaefellesness, and the Forest Lagoon in Akureyri.
Each of us have been to Iceland just a few occasions, however we’ve by no means performed the Ring Street, so that is new territory. We’re including in just a few cool detours — the Tröllaskagi Peninsula and the Westman Islands — plus going whale watching, horseback driving on the seashore, taking a puffin-spotting RIB safari, and visiting tons of waterfalls and sizzling springs.
What are you wanting ahead to this month? Share away!
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