Oregon Trip

If you are looking for a destination abundant in nature -- including lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and a scenic road along the coast -- then Oregon located to the north of California in the United States is an excellent choice. In terms of area, Oregon is slightly larger than the United Kingdom. 

We did a four-day trip to Oregon and these are the places we visited. 

Day 1: 

1. Multnomah Falls: Multnomah Falls was our first spot, a 30-minute drive from Portland. This 620 ft cascading waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, has a hike to the top. The views on the way up are glorious. The sources of the waterfall are the underground springs from a mountain and the spring snowmelt. 

The falls are generally crowded and for a good reason. There's another waterfall called the "Bridal Veil" waterfall nearby.

2. Vista House: A place to stop by if you want to stretch your legs after driving along the scenic highway. It has informative exhibits along with a gift shop. The architecture is elegant but I was more fascinated by the breathtaking Columbia River gorge. 

3. Mount Hood and Trillium Lake: While travelling through the scenic highway offers multiple glimpses of Mount Hood, stopping at Trillium Lake provides a wonderful opportunity to photograph this majestic snow-clad mountain rising above the tree line. One can also do other activities at this getaway such as Kayaking, hiking, and camping overnight. 

My understanding of gut bacteria and how it impacts us (and other health questions)

- Based on my understanding and research so far. Will add more information as I come across it. 

A 2-day Seattle Trip

 Seattle Downtown Sightseeing - 2 days

13th Sept 2023

Morning

- Pike's Place: One of the first few places that would show up if you search for Seattle sightseeing. This is situated next to the waterfront and you will find fresh fruits and vegetables, a fish market, restaurants, and a lot of souvenirs. 

Don't forget to try the Russian Bakery Piroshky Piroshky. I ate a Smoked Salmon pate there. 

- First Starbucks Coffee Shop: It has retained the old Starbucks logo but from what I have heard the menu is the same as any other Starbucks. Always crowded! 

- The Gum Wall: It was once named the second germiest tourist attraction in the world. All you gotta do is stick the chewing gum on the wall. God knows who decided to make this a tourist place 😂

- Wings over Washington: This is a 4D ride that takes you virtually through the different state parks in Washington State. A unique experience as if you are seated in a helicopter, this is definitely worth visiting. 

Evening 

- The Spheres by Amazon 

- Kerry Park: You get nice city views from this park

- Sculpture Park: A serene place with multiple sculptures surrounded by the waters to spend your evening

 

14th Sept 2023

Morning 

- Space Needle: This is an observatory deck that I skipped but clicked. 

- Chihuly Glass Garden: Located beside the Space Needle, it is an art gallery consisting of glass artifacts that shouldn't be missed at all. Mesmerizing to look at the different glass designs. There are some pieces for sale as well but be ready to shell out $1000 or more. 

Evening: 

Snoqualmie Falls - This is located at a half-hour drive from downtown. Waterfalls are always a treat to watch and the abundance of trees next to the falls adds to the beauty of the landscape. There is also a hike here. 

Bonus: 

New York Trip (7th Sept - 10th Sept 2023) in pictures

Day 1 - 7th Sept 2023

Niagara Falls & Maid of the Mist boat ride

Day 2 - Reached NYC at 4pm 

- Empire State Building 

- Times Square 

Day 3 

- Statue of Liberty 

- Financial District: Charging Bull, NY Stock Exchange

- Lunch at Halal Cart 

- 9/11 Memorial 

- Central Park: Sheep Meadows, Bethesda Terrace 

- Brooklyn Bridge 

- Dinner at Joe's Pizza

If one is in New York, they should also definitely try out the Bagels. We visited a place called Leo's Bagels. There are plenty of options to choose from and one wouldn't complain about the portion size. 

Road Trip Southern to Northern California in Pictures

We had planned to travel along the CA -1 (Pacific Coast Highway). However, parts of the highway were closed but we still had loads of fun visiting these places. It was extremely hot in California a couple of days before the road trip but thankfully the weather God decided to be generous and we were blessed with very pleasant weather during the road trip. 

Here are the stops and the stunning views along our road trip. 

1. Morro Bay - Finally explored the Panoramic mode of the phone because of the wide landscape 😆

2. Paso Robles - Street photos: A wonderful stop mid-journey. The place is famous for its wineries and olive groves. 

3. Carmel by the Sea - A must-stop place. Simply walking on the streets of this place is fun. 

We then did a tour of the 17-mile drive which surprisingly has 17 spots. It is a scenic drive through the Pacific coastline which lies in the Monterey Peninsula of California. The next few photos are from the 17-mile drive. 

4. The Landscape

5. Pebble Beach and the Restless Sea

6. Lone Cypress Tree

7. Pescadero Point - Ghost Tree

And a few other snaps: