52 (photos)

A new idea for my blog is the "52 (photos)" project, where I will post one photograph for each week of the year.

I will hand pick random photos from my travels, accompanied with a description, or maybe a quiz, or perhaps even some poetry. Who knows? It will be whatever that picture inspires.

I realize I'm already off to a late start (hey, you can't teach an old dog new tricks!), so I will be squeezing in 2 photos for this first segment of 2009. I hope you enjoy.

Happy new year!!!

Wishing you many adventures in 2009,

Kristen

Back in Seattle - Brief Update

It's been a while since I've last posted. My apologies!

Last time I checked in, I was journeying on a USA Road Trip that brought me from Seattle to Las Vegas (and all around the south/west).

My two-month journey continued when I took a flight from Los Angeles to Dublin, Ireland, where I lived for just over a month with my sister. From there I took short side trips to Madrid, Spain, and then to Gent, Belgium.

Lots of Guinness, tapas, Belgian beer and chocolate!

Was back in Seattle briefly for two weeks, before heading out to Chicago to visit my family/friends for the holidays.

During my trip to my hometown, I thoroughly enjoyed eating deep dish pizza, touring the Irish pubs (made it to at least 8 or 9 of them!), and catching up with everyone.

In addition to Christmas and New Year's Eve festivities (where all 4 Gill kids attended the same party...talk about the stars being aligned!), I also got to be with my grandpa for his 93rd birthday!

Another tradition (for the past 15+ years ) is to meet with my friends to do our new year's resolutions. This year's theme (given to us by one friend's daughter) is "Let's Go!" Hey, I'm always up for "Go-ing!"

So, now that I'm back in Seattle, I shall update you on all my latest adventures, as well as share a few new ideas for my blog this year.

Wishing you all the best in 2009!

Adventure on, my friends, and "Let's Go!"

Kristen

Brazil Highlights

Highlights from my 2007 trip to Brazil. I need to go back to this country. Love it!

Sweet Relief in the Methow Valley

Here is a slideshow of the scenic Methow Valley, in eastern Washington state. A lovely area, where I mountain biked, hiked (and ran into a pack of mules!), and took lots of photos. A nice retreat from my hectic life in Seattle.

Aloha!

The trip to Hawaii was fantastic! I got to hang out with all of my favorite people: my oldest friend from Chicago, Eileen, Kelly, Tracy, my middle sister Colleen, and my college roomate Anna (who came all the way from Geneva, Switzerland). It was great to all be in one place.

Highlights from Oahu included:

• Hiking up to Diamond Head (we walked there all the way from our hotel, which added another hour each way)


• Snorkeling on the North Shore


• Seeing turtles coming in to rest on the beach


• Surfing Waikiki beach (my new surfer buddy friend even has video of me!)


• Going on an eco-tour and learning about all of the history, flora, fauna, and folklore of the island


• Partying until the wee hours (bars stay open until 4am here!) pretty much every night

Here are some pics:

On the way to Diamond Head

Sea turtle resting

The lovely ladies

Cubs fans...we're everywhere!

Brasil v Canada futbol game

Welcome the Newest Member of the EU...ME!!!

Just recently I received my Irish Citizenship, which means I can now become a member of the European Union. This has been quite a journey for me. I first tried applying for dual citizenship back when I was studying in Ireland during college. Since then, it has been well over 10 years of gathering paperwork, working with the Chicago office of records, getting things notarized in dingy Dublin offices, obtaining letters from country priests in the west of Ireland, and submitting everything, including an ugly mug shot, to the San Francisco Consulate. I have to give credit to my younger sister, who currently lives in Galway, for helping to round up the necessary paperwork from her end.

Next stop: applying for my Irish passport. No more waiting for that last-minute, expensive Brazilian visa! :-)

Now...I can't wait to inform my boss that I'd like to be paid in Euros. Hahahahaha!

Adventure On,
Kristen