The Essence of Big Sur

Ironically, I find myself back in Big Sur this weekend. My first road trip after moving to CA took me through Big Sur in November 2006.

From my private jacuzzi on my back porch at my room (one of the new Pacific Rooms) at Ventana Inn & Spa, I can see miles of staggeringly beautiful coastline and ocean cliffs. Here I feel peace. Here I see truth. Here I can eat amazing truffle pasta hand-made by Chef Dory Ford, and sip wine to my hearts delight in the clothing-optional Japanese Hot Baths. Here I can have my body wrapped in grapes and be massaged until my heart aches no more. And here I can hike through the forest and see the famous Circle of Redwoods at Ventana and know that there is good in the world.

Apologizes to Quito

It's been way too long since my last post. Many fabulous trips have come and gone and while the memories will always remain, I have neglected to give them their proper attention. So Mr. Quito, please accept my apologies. If it wasn't for Mr. Mansour and the lovely Veronica--who met at my Tastefully Simple party in 2006--I wouldn't have even visited you!

The hike to your 12,000 ft volcano was amazing. I really enjoyed sipping your cocoa tea (which I managed to smuggle back into the USA), and I was able to capture that John Jones "Ofoto Moment" on the Equator. But I must be honest, you could have warned me about the Otavalo Market. I mean, really? The market by the Hilton was a million times better and I wasn't confined to a 6 hour bus trip. Storm tropping three malls with two attorneies looking for the perfect Tribu purse took less time. Yes. really.

Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. Jones