Three Must Haves For A Road Trip

Tow-truck driver pushes my car towards a tow truck in Norwalk, Calif.

I imagined music blasting from my car’s speakers and wind blowing in my hair during my first solo road trip, not smoke bellowing from the vehicle’s hood and tears pouring down my face. However, the latter happened thanks to my car breaking down on the way home to Monterey, Calif., from San Diego. 

It took a few days and hundreds of dollars to get the car fixed and back on the road. However, the process could have taken much longer and cost more money if I didn’t have the following: 

1-A mechanic I trust. Granted, it’s hard finding such a gem. But once I did, I took my car to a mechanic in Monterey for an oil change before heading out on my road trip. I’m glad I did. The mechanic noticed that in addition to needing an oil change, my car needed oil and coolant leaks repaired. If he didn’t inspect my car and point out these problems, I doubt my car would have made it down to San Diego, where I was scheduled to attend a conference.

2-Roadside assistance. When my car broke down on the journey back home to Monterey, I called USAA Roadside Assistance, which arranged for a tow truck driver to pick me and my vehicle up and drop us off at a nearby vehicle-repair shop. The tow was free.  And, that was one less phone call and bill I had to worry about.

3-My own “Car Talk.” Sure, I could have tried calling “Car Talk,” a show on National Public Radio where the hosts help listeners solve their car troubles. But, I already had car gurus in my circle of family and friends. As a result, I knew who to call for advice when my car broke down: my dad and the mechanic in Monterey. Sensing that I was overwhelmed, my father told me to save the tears for later and develop an action plan. When it seemed like the car dealership tasked with fixing my automobile was taking it's sweet time to finish the repairs, my dad recommended that I call the car company’s customer service center to speed things along. And, when the dealership told this car novice what repairs my car needed, I ran them by my dad and the mechanic in Monterey to see if the repairs were really necessary or just an attempt to nickel and dime me. 

Has your car ever broken down on a road trip? 

Best,

Kristina

Moving Mondays: Find Support On Facebook

(Update: A description of Moving Mondays was added on Monday, Aug. 29, 2011.) 


*Moving Mondays is a post about issues military families face as they get stationed around the world. Tune in each Monday for tips and stories from military families and other experts aimed at helping your next move go more smoothly. If you’re part of a military family and have a moving-related question, or if you have tips or stories you would like to share, send a brief email to mytravelingtroop@gmail.com for consideration.


Are you trying to find a family doctor at your new duty station? A kid-friendly restaurant? Or, perhaps you need advice on launching your small business? Check out Facebook, where groups of military personnel, spouses and veterans are poised to provide you with recommendations.

Earlier this year, for example, I joined Military Moms in Monterey -- a Facebook group of military moms living in the coastal California city. I’m glad I signed up, because I can turn to the group if I need help finding new family-friendly activities or events in the area. I can also count on the group to give me recommendations on anything from doctors and veterinarians to restaurants and museums. The other benefit? Military moms in the area post answers and recommendations quickly. 

Another Facebook group, called OMC Military Spouses Network, appears to offer similar help -- although you don’t have to be a mom to join. Also, I recently discovered Military Artisans of Monterey -- a place on Facebook for military spouses and veterans who own small businesses to network.

Is there a Facebook group that helped you learn more about your duty station? Or, did you start one to help military personnel, veterans and their families? 

Cheers,

Kristina

P.S. Speaking of Facebook, My Traveling Troop finally has it’s own page! There, you will find updates and tips from My Traveling Troop about moving, living and traveling around the world. Click here to stop by and say hello!

More of a Twitter fan? You can also find me on Twitter. Search for travelingtroop or click here so we can chat!

When Life Gives You Lemons

A tow truck arrives in Norwalk, Calif., to haul my car away
after it breaks down during a road trip.

Motorists on Interstate 5 waved frantically and pointed at my car while traveling at least 65 miles per hour. I rolled down my window and one guy yelled that he saw fluid leaking from the bottom of my vehicle. Luckily, I was approaching an exit and made it to the Lowe’s home improvement store parking lot before smoke and steam started to bellow from the hood of my car.

The first thought that raced through my mind was “Where am I?” I was a couple hours into an eight hour drive to my home in Monterey, Calif., from San Diego, where I was attending a blogging conference. I walked over to the Lowe’s and saw the address of the store displayed on a window. I was in Norwalk, which I later discovered was about a ten-minute drive from Anaheim.

I called my father. He lives on the East Coast. Therefore, I didn't expect him to swoop in and save me. However, he is knowledgeable about cars and I thought he would be able to give me advice on how to proceed.

At some point during our conversation it dawned on me that it was Sunday, and most vehicle-repair shops are closed. It was unlikely that I could get the car fixed and head home that day. Tears streamed down my face. I was stuck in a place I had never been to before. Also, I was on my first trip without my daughter and I was only mentally prepared to be away from her for a couple of days. Now, I’d be away from home at least another day. Plus, her first day of school was approaching and I was afraid that I would miss it.

Sensing my sadness, my father gave me great advice: “Save the tears for later and develop an action plan.” So, I did. I arranged for a tow truck to take my car to a vehicle-repair shop. Then, I scrambled to find a car-rental company that was open. 

Once the tow truck hauled my car to a repair shop and I hopped into my rental car, I toyed with the idea of treating myself to a day at Disneyland. After all, the car-rental office was just down the street. And, an afternoon at the happiest place on earth -- only blocks away -- was bound to cheer me up. However, I decided against that idea, figuring it was best to wait until I got the bill for my car repair before doling out money at an amusement park.

Then, it occurred to me that an old high school friend lived an hour and a half away. And, she still lives in the city we went to high school. I haven’t been back to Escondido since my brother graduated high school years ago. So, it would be a trip down memory lane to return.

I gave my old high school friend Samantha a call, and she graciously allowed me to stay at her home for a few days while my car was getting repaired. I spent that time hanging out with her, visiting other friends that I hadn’t seen in years and checking out places that I used to hang out. I even drove by the house my family used to live at in Escondido.

Samantha and I visited Escondido High School,
where we attended school and first met.

I missed my husband and daughter terribly, but three days and hundreds of dollars later, I was able to make it home. And through it all, I made the best out of the situation by hanging out with good friends in a city I used to call home. As the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Or, as a wise military spouse recently told a gathering of military bloggers, “When life gives you lemons, add vodka.”

Cheers,

Kristina

Moving Mondays: Tips For Hosting Visitors

*Moving Mondays is a post about issues military families face as they get stationed around the world. Tune in each Monday for tips and stories from military families and other experts aimed at helping your next move go more smoothly. If you’re part of a military family and have a moving-related question, or if you have tips or stories you would like to share, send a brief email to mytravelingtroop@gmail.com for consideration.

Move to a new city and you’re bound to get visitors, especially if you relocated to a fun or scenic locale. My Traveling Troop, for example, moved to picturesque Monterey, Calif., earlier this year and we’ve already had a number of friends and family visit us. In fact, our daughter’s godparents and their little girl just wrapped up their stay with us earlier today.

With all of the visitors we’ve hosted over the past few months, My Traveling Troop developed a few strategies that helped keep our guests happy and eager to return:

My friend Samantha was treated to peonies, a bottle of Evian water
and a note welcoming her to Monterey.

1- Surprise your guest with a welcome gift in their room. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Something simple like fresh flowers or a nice bottle of water, or even something practical like a set of travel-sized toiletries, will make your guests feel like they’re at home. Add a handwritten note or card welcoming your guest to your home and new city for a personalized and thoughtful touch.

2- Research local attractions and restaurants before the guests arrive, and create a few itineraries that might work during their stay. Preparing ahead allows you and your guests to spend more time having fun versus sitting around and wondering what to do each day. Clayton and I usually have a few tried and true local attractions we like to take guests to such as Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the main drag in Carmel-by-the-sea. We always have a list of restaurants located near these local haunts in case our guests want to dine out. Also, we try to keep in mind our guests’ interests and needs when we create the itineraries.

3- Don’t be afraid to explore a new attraction with your guest. It will help prevent you from getting bored after the third or fourth visitor arrives. Besides, visiting new attractions helps you get to know your new hometown.

4- While itineraries -- either written, typed or just thought out -- can be helpful, make sure to factor in time to relax. Also, stay flexible. You want your guests leaving refreshed, not feeling like they need a vacation after their vacation.

5- Make sure you take care of your errands and grocery shopping before your guests arrive. That way, you can focus on relaxing and having fun instead of scrambling to figure out how to fit in your to do list.

Where do you like to take your visitors? Are there tips and strategies that help you plan for each round of guests? 

Cheers,

Kristina

Under Dressed In Carmel

My Traveling Troop’s dirt-covered Jeep felt under dressed rolling into Carmel-by-the-sea, Calif., Saturday. Apparently, no one warned it that the town would be packed with glamorous and rare automobiles either cruising down the main drag or posing in their respective parking spaces in anticipation of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Sunday. 

Next year, my dear car, we'll get you all dolled up and then you can have your turn in the spotlight.

XOXO,

Kristina

A Hotel Stay Without A Kid

I recently stayed at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Since it was my first trip without my daughter, I tried to relish having a spacious room all to myself. However, the extra space just made me miss her even more. 

That said, I couldn't resist staring out the window and enjoying the view. 

The view of the Coronado Bridge stretching across the bay and towering above the sailboats and Navy ships was certainly fit for a Navy wife like me.

Have you ever traveled without your kids?

Cheers,

Kristina

Sightseeing In San Diego

Most of my time during a recent trip to San Diego was spent meeting bloggers and attending panel discussions on such issues as blog design and peer networking. However, I somehow managed to squeeze in some sightseeing during the two days I was in the city.

Each morning, I left the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, where I was staying, and strolled along the waterfront for ten minutes until I reached the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, where I was attending the BlogHer conference. Along the way, I gazed at the water and imagined what it would be like to pull up in a yacht and check into one of the hotels lining the water.

One afternoon, I explored the nearby Gaslamp Quarter -- which was filled with restaurants and shops -- because I was on the hunt for souvenirs to take back to my husband and daughter in Monterey. Thankfully, I found San Diego-emblazoned coffee mugs, t-shirts and other items at San Diego Trading Co.

On the way back to my hotel, I noticed the Chuck Jones Gallery and immediately popped inside when I noticed a sign that said “The Art of Dr. Seuss.” I grew up reading the children’s books of Theodor Seuss Geisel, who wrote under the Dr. Seuss pen name. The Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish and How the Grinch Stole Christmas! were some of my favorite books as a child, and I was curious what kind of Dr. Seuss art was on display in the gallery. 

I was treated to limited prints of illustrations by Dr. Seuss that I recognized from How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and other books he wrote. The color of the prints were vibrant, just like my childhood memories of thumbing through Dr. Seuss books.

Once I was done with my trip down memory lane, I noticed a limited print of a scene from Oh the Places You’ll Go. I bet my daughter, who will live in or travel to different countries as a Navy child, will enjoy the book.

The Art of Dr. Seuss exhibit also includes limited prints of paintings or “secret works” by Dr. Seuss that the public didn’t get to see until after he died in 1992, Kate Bowerman, a Chuck Jones Gallery art consultant, told My Traveling Troop. 

The exhibit will be on display until the end of August, Bowerman said, and it’s free to walk around the gallery admiring the limited prints. If you’re a Dr. Seuss collector, limited prints are available for purchase.

Are you a Dr. Seuss fan? What Dr. Seuss book is your favorite?

Have you ever been to San Diego? If so, what are your favorite things to do and see while you’re there?

Cheers,

Kristina

Moving Mondays: Military Families Weigh Where To Live In Monterey Area

*Moving Mondays is a post about moving-related issues that military families face as they get stationed around the world. Tune in each Monday for tips and stories from military families and other experts aimed at helping your next move go more smoothly.

If you are part of a military family and have a moving-related question you need help tackling, or if you have tips or stories you would like to share, send a brief email to mytravelingtroop@gmail.com for consideration.

Once my husband, who is in the U.S. Navy, got orders to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., we immediately wondered where should we live. While Monterey was definitely an option, there were also such neighboring cities as Carmel-by-the-sea, Pacific Grove and Seaside to consider. 

My Traveling Troop isn’t the only military family that has pondered this question, and we won’t be the last. With both NPS and the Defense Language Institute calling Monterey home, the students who attend these schools and their families will also face the question: Should we live in Monterey or elsewhere? And, should we live in military housing or civilian housing? 

Each family has unique needs, likes and dislikes when it comes to housing. As a result, I asked military families in the area to share with My Traveling Troop and yours where they chose to live and why. Hopefully, they’re answers will help military families about to move to the area narrow the choices down and make a decision that is right for them.


Cheers,
Kristina

Carmel:

Charming shops like Cottage of Sweets line Ocean Avenue,
the main drag in Carmel-by-the-sea.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

A beautiful beach awaits locals, tourists and military families
at the end of Ocean Avenue in Carmel-by-the-sea.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

“We chose to live in Carmel during our NPS tour. We loved the quaint downtown area, amazing array of chef owned and operated restaurants, and of course the location. The most decisive attribute for us, however, was the schools. The Carmel Unified School District enjoys a well-deserved excellent reputation and we have been very happy with the caliber of teachers and class sizes. That isn't to say that living in a tourist destination/vacation home locale for the wealthy and advanced in age doesn't have its drawbacks. The trade offs are older, smaller homes and no sidewalks. And we have had to be selective about which restaurants we frequent since some are more kid-friendly than others. With all these weighed though, we feel we made the right decision.”  

-- by Allyssa Garcia Calhoun, an Air Force wife and stay-at-home mom of two.   

Monterey

Cannery Row in Monterey is a waterfront district filled with shops and
restaurants. (Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

Monterey's El Estero Park features a lake with paddle boat and picnic
opportunities and the Dennis the Menace playground.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

“My family chose to live in Monterey, because we wanted to spend more time as a family having fun rather than sitting in a car. We can walk to Cannery Row, a waterfront district that is steeped with history and filled with shops, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms and an aquarium. We can also walk or take a short drive to Pacific Grove, which has a charming downtown filled with shops and restaurants too. Moreover, we can easily access the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail -- a beautiful path that our family can walk, jog or bicycle on while enjoying views of the ocean. In addition, there are plenty of playgrounds, both big and small, in Monterey too. Overall, we’re happy with the city we chose to live in and the extra time the strategic location has given us to spend as a family.” 

-- by Kristina Doss, a Navy wife, mom, journalist and founder of My Traveling Troop.

“Off base, we can walk to our local library (which has wonderful events), the farmers’ market, the post office and Trader Joe's. We have a great park nearby. Being out in town I feel more connected to the art community and other local events, and for a brief stint we feel a little more like a civilian family, which is fun. We still have tons of military friends, and I can see that on base there is a nice community and instant friends for the kids. But I love the quaint old neighborhood with old growth trees and idyllic trails. I feel like I'm experiencing the area differently this way.” 

-- by a military-family member living in Monterey.

Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove boasts a number of attractions, including
Lovers Point Park -- a popular spot for having a picnic,
climbing rocks or gazing at the ocean.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

Carrie and Burke Eltringham, a military family living in Pacific Grove,
enjoying time in stunning Big Sur -- just a half hour drive away.
(Photo provided by Carrie Eltringham)

“When (my husband) Burke was accepted by the Marine Corps to attend NPS, we flew up to beautiful Monterey to look for homes. Over the course of a couple days, Burke and I looked at many homes in Monterey, Pacific Grove and Carmel. We both fell in love with the sleepy town of Pacific Grove, and that's where we ultimately chose to rent a townhome. Pacific Grove has a very small town, ‘wave at your neighbor,’ feel to it. The town boasts several attractions such as Lovers Point Park, monarch butterflies at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, Point Pinos Lighthouse and breathtaking views from the recreation trail. At any given time, you can hear the sea gulls or see the seals turning flips in the water. If you are a foodie, Pacific Grove houses many of Monterey County's finest restaurants such as PassionFish, Peppers Mexicali Cafe and Red House Cafe. With Pacific Grove’s Lighthouse Cinema right down the block, Pacific Grove is a wonderful place for a walkable ‘dinner and a movie.’ Burke loves the proximity to the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf Links (5 min), NPS (10 min) and Peppers Mexicali Cafe (walking distance). I love the security, relaxing pace and the distance to the recreation trail. We love living in Pacific Grove and our only complaint is that we will only be here for 18 months!” 

-- by Carrie Eltringham, a Marine wife and director of sales and marketing for WellBeing Hygiene, a small touch-free hygiene services company based in Georgia.

Seaside

Seaside Beach offers stunning views of towering sand dunes.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

Monterey can also be seen from the shores of Seaside.
(Photo by Kristina Doss for My Traveling Troop)

“We bought a house because at the time the housing market was near the all time low, and we thought it would be a great financial investment. So far, it has been. We chose Seaside because of the affordable housing and proximity to NPS. We looked at other houses in other cities, but we were out bid on the houses. In a way, Seaside chose us. I like Seaside because it is close to stores, NPS and the beach. It is also far enough away that i don't have to sit in too much traffic, or pay the higher property tax of Carmel and Monterey. There are many parks near the house too, where we love taking the dog to run and my child to play on the swings.”

-- by Teresa M., a Navy wife from Texas and stay-at-home mom to a son.

“We moved here from overseas, so were very concerned with where we would live once we got here. Since housing costs are high in the area, we knew military housing was best for our large family. I'm very pleased with our choice to live in Doe Park in Seaside, Calif. The houses are new and clean, the neighborhood is safe and friendly, and my kids love the parks and sidewalks.”

-- by Chelsie Mullett, an Army wife, mother of 3 and owner of Chelsie Mullett Photography (www.ChelsieMullettPhotography.com)


(Are you a military family living near Monterey? Would you like to add your family's city of choice and the reasons behind it to this post? Email me at mytravelingtroop@gmail.com Thanks!)

Digital Sisterhood Network Interviews My Traveling Troop

While at the BlogHer conference in San Diego, I attended a panel discussion where speakers such as Ananda Leeke -- founder of the Digital Sisterhood Network -- discussed the importance of gathering online friends to create a community of support. 

As a journalist, I have a hard time leaving a panel discussion without asking a few questions and getting to know at least one of the speakers. Therefore, I was grateful Ananda was willing to chat with me after the panel discussion ended.

Ananda, I discovered, is a woman with many titles and accomplishments. She is a lawyer turned innerpreneur, author, coach and blogger. I also discovered a few more questions later that she is an artist-in-residence at the National Navy Medical Center in Maryland and a supporter of U.S. military families. It’s always a delightful surprise to learn how people’s lives are touched by or connected to military families, even if that connection isn’t apparent at first. 

The other surprise? Ananda is also a great interviewer, which I learned when she turned the tables to ask me a few questions about my blog. Click here to listen to the interview. I'm blushing, because it was the first time I’ve ever been interviewed!

Many thanks to Ananda for giving a new blogger like me a chance to share with the online community my dream of helping military families on the move through My Traveling Troop!

Cheers,

Kristina

Military Bloggers At BlogHer

Back row (from left to right): Kristen of www.aurorababies.com, Kristina of
www.mytravelingtroop.com, Stephanie of lawyermama.com and
www.bluestarfam.org, April of marineparents-blog.com and
www.etsy.com/shop/taprilcrosier, Erica of
guidetomilitarytravel.com and www.travelswithsam.com,
Annie of navywifediary.com, Shannon of Sassy Lemonade at
www.etsy.com/shop/sassylemonade, and
Stephanie of www.k12.com

Front row (from left to right): Jayne of meateatingmilitaryman.com,
 Claire of halfheartedhousewife.com, Molly of yumamom.com,
www.mollyblake.com and www.bluestarfam.org, Jenelle of
www.rellasbellas.com and rellasbellas.etsy.com,
Tiffany of www.aurorababies.com, and Amber of goodnight-moon.org

I recently attended BlogHer, a two-day conference in San Diego for women who blog. Each day, panels of experts shared tips on everything from how to improve your blog design to scoring freelance editorial work from busy editors. 

My goal throughout the conference was to learn how to turn my blog into a resource for military families. As a Navy brat turned Navy wife, I know a lifestyle of moving, living and traveling around the world can be both rewarding and difficult. As a result, I want to help military families enjoy the amazing moments and provide them strategies to make the difficult parts easier. 

By the end of the conference, I discovered tips that will help me reach my goal. Thankfully, I also walked away with an extra bonus: new friends in the military community.

From left to right: Stephanie of lawyermama.com and www.bluestarfam.org,
Annie of navywifediary.com, Jenelle of rellasbellas.com and rellasbellas.etsy.com,
Molly of yumamom.com and www.bluestarfam.org, and
Kristina of www.mytravelingtroop.com

On the last day of the conference, a group of bloggers gathered for an hour to share the joys and struggles they faced as members of military families. They also shared the lessons they learned along the way. It was certainly refreshing to meet people who understand a lifestyle that can be filled with frequent moves and separations from loved ones. And, it was inspiring to be around women who find beauty in the opportunity they have been given to see the world -- or, at the very least, different parts of the United States.

Even more amazing: on top of living a military lifestyle, these women find the time and energy to actively pursue their passions in life -- whether it's crafting, writing, charity work or running a business -- and blog about them.

I have a feeling that the hour I spent speaking with these women will grow into a lifetime of friendship and support. If you, dear reader, are interested in tapping into this network of support, I encourage you to check out the ladies’ blogs. 

Cheers,

Kristina

Moving Mondays: To Be Continued

A few months ago, I started sharing highlights of My Traveling Troop’s journey moving to Monterey, Calif., from Alexandria, Va., and the lessons we learned along the way. Each Monday, I wrote about topics ranging from the things I wish we did before moving away from Virginia to our effort to make our daughter’s birthday special despite it falling on the same day that the movers arrived.

The story of our 3,000-mile move is nearing the end. However, I still plan on writing a post each Monday about moving-related issues. Stay tuned for tips and stories from fellow military families and other experts aimed at helping your next move and ours go more smoothly.

If you are part of a military family and have tips you would like to share, or you have a question you need help tackling, send a brief email to mytravelingtroop@gmail.com for consideration.

Cheers,

Kristina

Weekend Trips To San Francisco

San Francisco is easily one of my favorite cities in the world. Just the sight of the city’s skyline jutting out from the bay is enough to make me swoon. Of course, there is more to see, experience and love about San Francisco. The city is packed with attractions to visit. Also, the people, culture, food and entertainment options are diverse.  Walk down a street in this city and you are bound to run into someone playing an instrument or two. I doubt I’ll ever get bored here.

Jord Peck, a one-man band, performing for a crowd
on the streets of San Francisco. For more info
about his music and performance schedule,
visit http://jordpeck.com/home.html

With My Traveling Troop living about two hours south of San Francisco, it’s not unusual for us to take impromptu weekend trips there. 

A couple of weeks ago, my dad, stepmom and sister visited us from out of town. Having spent the previous weeks showing visitors Monterey, I was thrilled when my dad, stepmom and sister said they wanted to spend a day in San Francisco. With a city packed with attractions, the question loomed: how much can we see in a day?

The answer, my friends, lies in Crissy Field. While there, you can picnic, walk, jog, bike, play or just stand there and enjoy sweeping views of the city’s skyline, the bay and three San Francisco landmarks -- the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts Theatre and Alcatraz Island.

The day we visited Chrissy Crissy Field, the sun soared high above San Francisco, highlighting the vibrant red of the Golden Gate Bridge. We were also treated to a sight we didn’t expect: windsurfers riding the choppy waves between the bridge and Alcatraz Island. Amazing.

As we walked towards the Golden Gate Bridge, we noticed a building at the foot of the bridge and discovered it was Fort Point. The fort was built between 1853 and 1861 to help protect the San Francisco Bay area from a Naval attack, according to the historic fort’s website. The fort witnessed the Civil War, earthquake, bridge construction, reuse for World War II and preservation as a National Historic Site, the website says. Today, you can walk through the building and admire the beautiful brick work, cannons and up close views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Next stop for my family was Chinatown. Famished, we quickly walked through the gateway arch in search of a place to eat. Then, it was time to peruse the shops selling everything from shoes to parasols.

Our day in San Francisco may have come to a close, but I knew I’d return a couple weeks later. After all, my husband planned on running the San Francisco Marathon -- hills and all!

My Traveling Troop arrived in San Francisco last Saturday, the day before the race. Taking advantage of our hotel’s location in Union Square, we spent most of the afternoon shopping in the area’s department stores and boutiques. Then, we visited a playground nestled in a peaceful section of Chinatown so our daughter Bella could freely roam.

The race took place last Sunday. Bella and I cheered for Clayton at the finish line. The area was decorated with vibrant blue lanterns and boasted views of the Bay Bridge, which connects San Francisco with Oakland.

Clayton still standing and smiling after running 26 miles.

Have you ever been to San Francisco? What are your favorite places to visit or things to do there?

Cheers,

Kristina