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fabermemorialrink · 7 years

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some mistake, part 5

When exactly is something going to happen in this story, you may ask. Soon, but the pacing will be super weird, I tell you. In other news, to answer a question that I am too dumb to understand how to tumblr-reply to, this story isn’t yet on AO3 because it’s very unfinished, but hopefully someday I’ll get it together! Thanks for reading so far!!

Derek’s first year at Phillips Andover finally draws to an end, and it's as he’s locking his dorm room closed that he takes a deep breath and decides that yes, he's got this. He can make it through the next three years.

Summer passes in a blur of lazy days spent lounging at the Met trying to find inspiration for his summer writing assignment and hot afternoons on the balcony looking out on the city. Derek rides four different airplanes and swims in two different oceans; he visits family down the east coast for the Fourth of July and hits up Chowder in early August to see all the local sights in the Bay Area. Chowder takes him to San Francisco where they walk along the wharf and gawk at fish at the aquarium. He drinks milk tea full of custard and eats enough egg tarts to last a lifetime. They go surfing and Derek manages to trip while underwater, causing Chowder to go into heroic lifeguard mode even as he's shrieking barely censored profanities in alarm. C helps him pick out a tiny orange crab keychain for Dex that Derek wraps protectively under several layers of tissue paper.

Derek returns to New York to hang out with his parents before their schedules de-sync again. Mama takes him to the ballet while the other two are busy. He goes with Mom to Central Park where they eat ice cream and people-watch for an entire day. Dad decides they should try a glassblowing class together while he's not needed for a few blessed days at the company. Derek makes a clear paperweight with a golden-red heart, like a flame suspended in crystal. It's pretty and pointless and it makes him think of Dex, who'd hate to know what Derek's comparing him to. He wonders what Dex is doing for the summer. Is he working somewhere else, or still doing his odd jobs in the forest? Derek can imagine him working in a hardware store half the week and on the docks for the other half, plus baby-sitting duties on top of it all. Dex has never talked about his family, but he seems like he would have siblings. Derek's never asked if Dex is home-schooled, though he suspects it might be the case. Why else would he have so much time to spend in the woods? He figures he'd have learned by now if Dex went to Andover High. Maybe he attends the technical school in town?

There are a lot of things he still doesn't know about his best friend. It's sad, he realizes as he watches sunset dip into twilight over the skyline. He knows little things, like Dex's favorite cookie and that he likes all bugs except mosquitoes, and that he knows how to ask for a glass of water in French and Russian. He knows that Dex is afraid of the undertow in one of the forest's brooks, and that he has a collection of odds and ends that's been bestowed upon him by the forest crows (which Derek maintains is the most YA protagonist shit that he's ever heard of).

But none of the big stuff. Where Dex lives, what his parents do, how many siblings he has. What his hobbies are and what his dream job was when he was a little kid. Whether he's ever broken a bone or his favorite Halloween costume or the first person he gave a real valentine's card to in middle school. Who he is when he's not with Derek. Who he is when he's not in the woods.

Derek doesn't even know Dex's real name.

That's a part of the rules though. Derek knows that, but it doesn't stop him from wanting.

Early at the start of sophomore year, Derek finally takes Chowder into the woods with him. Chowder waffles between being excited to meet Dex after so long and wary of all the rumors that still float around the school.

“Do you think Dex knows about all the ghost stories?” he asks as they trek across the field. “Do you think he’s ever seen a ghost?”

“Even if he has, he probably wouldn’t admit it to me,” Derek says. It seems like the kind of thing Dex would remain tight-lipped about. Dex can talk for hours with Derek about fly fishing and carnivorous plants and the nitrogen cycle, but important subjects like Dex’s birthday and rumored exorcisms have him clamming up before Derek can even think of an objection.

“Maybe he’s shy because he thinks we won’t take him seriously! Nursey, you’ve gotta tell him that I won’t laugh at him. I mean, unless he does something hilarious. He sounds like a funny guy.”

Derek isn’t sure where exactly Chowder got that idea from, but Chowder does have a hidden streak of schadenfreude under his naturally caring personality. He and Dex probably have that in common. Derek’s been chirped enough times by both of them for injuring himself whilst just trying to live his life.

Shit. What if they get along too well? Not that Derek’s jealous or anything. He just doesn’t wanna get ganged up on by these two terrors.

They enter quietly, with Chowder making a suppressed fuss over every cool thing they see. Derek brings him to his hollow tree, where they huddle together trying to listen for ghosts, or birds, or any other sign of life. Nothing appears, as always, so they lie there trying to decide if they should take digital photography or sculpture next year.

“But think of how sick it would be if you woke up and were like, ‘oh I sure would like some wheaties-’”

“C, wheaties, really?”

“ ‘-wow am I glad I can eat out of this mad awesome bowl I made in sculpture with my buddy Chowder!!’” Chowder’s New York accent is so exaggerated it warps into Jersey, Appalachian, and leprechaun by the time he's done.

“Okay, but consider this: you, fifteen years in the future, sitting at your desk coding or some shit. You look to your right, it's to a stunning framed photo of your beautiful spouse and your beautiful kids. You look to your left and see a gorgeous photo of yours truly that you keep on your desk to remind you of what a hella cool idea it was to let me convince you to take photography!”

“Pretty convincing, but why does ‘hella’ always sound so wrong coming from your mouth?” Chowder ponders, which is when Dex pokes his head into the hollow and observes them needling each other about regional slang, Chowder starting to put Derek in a headlock.

“Yeah, I think I'm gonna go,” Dex says blandly, ducking back out as Derek tries to pinch behind Chowder’s knees.

“No, wait, hold up,” Derek gasps out as Chowder lets him slip free. He falls to his knees, about to introduce them to one another when Chowder releases him like deadweight and springs to his feet outside the tree.

Chowder opts for a wave at the same moment that Dex reaches for a handshake, and they wind up swaying their hands around in that dance of indecision, until they settle on some sort of awkward introductory fistbump mush. Derek clears his throat to pretend he isn't laughing. Without further delay, Chowder jumps right into his spiel, full speed ahead.

“Hey, Dex! Nursey’s told me all about you. You can call me Chowder! I know you have these, um, special rules, but I swear I won't break them, so I hope we can be friends too. Not to pressure you or anything! Acquaintances is fine! People in casual acknowledgment of each other, or whatever! It's all good!”

He finishes by tossing up his arms in a mix of declaration - here I am! the famed chowder! - and apology, which Dex watches with a sort of baffled fascination in silence. He looks somewhat overrun, Chowder drops still after his stream of crescendoing words, and Derek has flip-flopped from being afraid they'd like each other too much to being terrified they won't like each other at all.

But Derek’s told Chowder all the rules before, made him promise to remember every single one or Dex would blow his fuse and murder them both, and it pays off, because all Dex does is take a deep breath before meeting Chowder’s greeting with his own slightly flabbergasted one.

“Hey...Chowder. Nursey talks about you all the time. But I didn’t realize you were, uh. So exuberant?” Dex scratches at the base of his skull, watching Chowder like he might solve him if he looks long enough.

“Oh my god, it’s too much, isn’t it? Shit, sorry, I know, I know, I'm way too excited, but like, Nursey’s my closest friend here? I still feel like the ‘new guy’ with everyone else, and you’re his best friend, and I just thought it’d be ‘swawesome if we could also be...something? I should just shut up, sorry-”

“No! No, ch- calm down,” Dex says, biting back the ‘chill’ that Derek is positive he was about to let slip. Derek cackles internally, expressed as a smirk, and Dex glares at him before continuing. “You’re fine. I just don’t hang out with people much. Besides this guy,” he says, jerking a thumb and Derek, and how he manages to make it sound both fond and contemptuous is impossible to understand. “I need to adjust, but it’s not a big deal. You're kind of refreshing.”

Chowder goes from raincloud to solar flare in under a second, beaming at Dex so brightly that the redhead staggers momentarily under his light. “Really? I mean, since you mostly talk to Nursey, and he’s a huge dork-”

“What,” Derek interjects.

“-I mean, I love him and all, but…”

Chowder stops to give him a pointed look, which Dex notices with a stifled laugh, and he claps C on the arm.

“Yeah, I know,” he says, the lines of his frame finally loosening up. “I’m with you on that one.”

Derek eyes them suspiciously. “Yo, are you two just here to slander my name, or-”

“Oh! I brought you a burrito!” Chowder interrupts, swinging his backpack around to present his prized offering to Dex, who accepts it with an unholy gleam in his orange demon eyes.

Chowder had wanted to bring a gift for their “host” because it’s only polite, and Derek has learned by now that Dex, despite being a self-professed unadventurous white American, will eat basically anything Derek offers. Junk food, spicy food, vegan food; “anything but bugs” seems to be the general rule. Regardless of his height and a fair amount of muscle from what Derek can make out under Dex’s loose flannels, Dex’s poor dietary choices can't be doing him any favors.

“Wow, thanks,” he says blankly, trying to absorb the burrito through its foil wrapper with his stare.

“Go ahead; we’re down to chill while you eat,” Derek says, and Dex tears into it, dropping to sit up against the roots of Derek’s tree. He's toting a canvas bag that he dumps in favor of food.

“What's in the bag?” Derek asks.

“Garbage,” Dex replies. “No, seriously, I was picking up litter,” he says when Derek tries to sneak a peek after that unsatisfying answer. True to Dex’s word, there's nothing but wrappers and styrofoam and cigarette butts.

“Whoa, that's great! Nursey says you’re really into nature and science, but I didn't know you were such an environmentalist!” Chowder, squatting next to Dex, bounces on his heels.

“It's not quite like that,” Dex says, words only a little muffled by all the food he’s crammed in. “I'm not planning to study this at college or anything, but- it's just something I do. I take care of the forest.” He scrunches his mouth on one side as he tries to find the words; Chowder waits patiently until he starts explaining. Both of their hands soon join in the conversation as Dex gives Chowder an overview of what he does in the woods all day. Derek watches as they string together movement and sound, orchestrating words with every sweep of their arms. There’s poetry in it, but Derek is content to let the words flow through him without trying to capture them.

He lets them talk without giving much input, happy to sit back and see where things go. Around him, the forest is quiet and light, an island of respite from outside. Conversation between the other two runs easy, a comfortable air already settling around them, and Derek lies down to rest his head on Chowder’s shin. He feels almost completely at ease.

He doesn't realize he's dozed off for a short while until he’s woken by the sound of his name from Dex’s mouth.

“Y’know, I'm, uh- I’m glad Nursey has you at school. He was- I think his first semester was hard for him. But you’re actually normal and nice, unlike all those dyed-in-the-wool old money jackasses. And me, who lives in the fuckin’ woods.” Dex’s voice is wry, but truthful, and Derek studiously keeps his eyes shut so Dex doesn’t stop talking. It feels slightly disingenuous to be listening in like this, but when else will he get the chance to enjoy Dex being the secret sap that he is?

Chowder, perfect as he is, hasn’t moved at all since Derek passed out on his leg. He keeps his legs still, though Derek can feel that his upper body must be moving as he speaks. “No, you're super cool! Living like a book character from one of those outdoorsy survival books like The Hatchet? And you're really nice too!”

“I’m really not,” Dex says around a smile; Derek can tell as much even with his eyes shut.

“Even better, then,” Chowder declares. “It's good to have at least one friend who’s kind of a dick.”

Dex’s laugh slips out, raucous and surprised, and Derek bites his lip to keep from laughing himself. “That's a role I can play,” Dex replies warmly, and for the first time in his life Derek is truly, legitimately glad he came to Andover, if only for the chance to meet these two.

With a loud yawn Derek visibly rouses, stirring on Chowder’s shins. He meets Dex’s upside-down gaze and crosses his eyes even though it makes him dizzy, just to see the way Dex’s mouth twitches as he raises an eyebrow.

“Good nap?” Chowder asks.

“Of course; you're the best pillow I could ask for,” Derek replies, and both his friends snort.

“Don't sugarcoat it, Nursey. I know I'm all bones down there,” C says, nudging Derek with his knee to drive the point home. “Good thing you woke up. I was just about to ask Dex for camping tips! He lives in the woods, you know. Oh, you probably do know - have you seen his house before?”

Derek, stretching his arms wide enough to almost punch Dex in the side, finally lifts himself off Chowder as he tells him, “C, he doesn't actually live in the forest. He just spends like 85% of his time here.”

“Ha, yeah, what he said,” Dex says hurriedly, taking another bite of his burrito. “This is really good; thanks, C,” he mumbles, cramming the rest in and tossing the tin foil ball into his rubbish bag.

Chowder goes supernova when he notices Dex using Derek’s nickname for him, and dives into an extended analysis about the burrito places he's encountered so far in the northeast, and how they can never compare to the ones back home. Dex, used to Derek’s rambling, impassioned treatises about food, flashes him a knowing smile and settles in to listen.

When sunset draws close, Dex walks them to the field. Derek stays behind a minute to dig up a few pieces of trash Dex didn’t notice: glass shards and what looks like a crumpled dryer sheet. Carefully, he wraps the glass pieces so he doesn’t cut himself and jogs to catch up with C, who is saluting Dex goodbye and starting to walk swiftly backwards out from the trees.

“Hey, wait for me,” Derek calls, but Chowder shakes his head, yelling back, “I’m not gonna get stranded in pretzel prison again!” as he hustles across the grass at an alarming rate while waving at Dex.

Derek resists the urge to pull a face, but Dex notices his displeasure anyway, asking, “Pretzel prison? What the heck is that?”

“Team movie night. Coach always buys these unsalted wheat pretzel sticks and someone gets stuck with the responsibility of eating them. Usually it’s last one through the door; C learned this the hard way.” Derek wrinkles his nose, then gets an idea. “Hey, you wouldn’t happen to-”

“I’m not going to pretzel prison for you, Nursey.”

“Weak.” Dex bats Derek’s thumbs-down away, his face a ruddy pink. Odd. “Why do you look like a Valentine’s Day candy display?”

“Shut up, that’s why.”

“Ooh, nice burn,” and when Dex just rolls his eyes, Derek decides it’s time for his customer satisfaction survey. “So, um, Chowder’s cool, right? You guys had a lot to talk about.” A flutter of worry lands on his chest at the thought of them somehow hating each other, regardless of any evidence saying otherwise.

“Yeah, he’s really- uh, he’s great. How do you handle it? He’s so...dazzling,” Dex hisses. He looks overwhelmed still, a tinge of pink on his cheeks. He keeps glancing away from Derek to return another little goodbye wave to Chowder, who's shuffled backwards quite a ways on the soccer field, waiting for Derek despite his fear of low-sodium snacks. Dex’s gaze won't hold for long though, and keeps skittering back to rest safely on Derek, who doesn't make him act like a shifty corner dealer. Suspicious.

“Holy shit, you have a crush on Chowder,” Derek accuses when he realizes the truth.

“I don't have a damn crush-”

“Your face is fluorescent pink right now, you liar-”

The color only worsens. “He gave me a hug, okay? I haven't hugged anyone in years, and he's good at it, so sue me.” Dex’s choppy robot arm movements aren't doing him any favors. “And you know I turn red at everything; it doesn't mean anything, Jesus.”

“Years?” Dex's family must not be big on physical affection. “You should've told me. I could hug you.”

“Why the hell would you hug me?”

Derek fixes him with his sternest frown. “You're clearly hug-deprived; it's my duty to fix that.”

“It's really, really not. Stay back, Nursey, don't you come any cl- aaaurgghhh!”

It's unintentional, of course, but when Derek latches on for a hug and unavoidably knocks them to the ground, Dex lands in a painful heap on a cluster of roots and rocks, and he groans miserably into Derek’s shoulder.

“Shh, shh, there there. I'm here now.” Derek uses one hand to pet gently at Dex’s hair; Dex wriggles anemically in his grasp for a moment before sagging into the ground, his face still buried in Derek’s shirt. He’s solid under Derek’s weight, all his sharp corners leaving Derek comfortably uncomfortable.

“Thanks. Now please leave.”

Derek already knows he’s going to be turned down, but he can’t help asking on the off chance that one day Dex decides to accept, so as they walk to the treeline he asks, “You sure you don’t wanna come crash movie night? We’re watching Toy Story 3. It’s supposed to be incredible.”

“They made a third one?” Dex looks pleasantly surprised, but he shakes his head. “You know me; I’ve got wood to chop and fires to extinguish. Maybe next time. Good luck on your math test tomorrow.”

Maybe next time is better than all the other previous rejections. Someday perhaps it’ll become a yes.

“Alright, Smokey Bear. I’ll save you some pretzels.”

By the time Derek catches up with Chowder, Dex has retreated back into the forest, but Derek is left pondering one glaring oddity about his friend that he’s wondered about before.

It’s been over a year, but Derek has never seen Dex cross the treeline before. At the very most, Dex will linger right at the edge of the wood, but Derek has never seen him step foot on the soccer field. That, he could attribute to some kind of superstition, but what he really wants to know is...

Does Dex actually live in the woods somewhere?

His stories - the ones about Bitty the baker and his boyfriend J, about Lards and Cam and April and the party girls - mostly seem to happen in the woods. Could it be that they all reside in some kind of wilderness commune?

Dex talks more about his friends than his family, and Derek would assume that Dex just has a shitty home life, or terrible parents, but the few times he does mention them in passing during vague anecdotes of his childhood, he always sounds fond. Sometimes he seems envious of the good relationship Derek has with his parents, but as if he misses them. Maybe his parents passed, or there's some other complicated situation with his folks, but Derek doesn't know how to ask without making Dex feel trapped and on edge, so he continues to keep his mouth shut and wonder about all the sad possibilities.

Because there are times he wants to ask more, wants to press his luck and tell Dex, hey, you're my best friend and I'm here for you; you can tell me anything. Like when Derek asks why Dex has such strong feelings about the fishing industry, or where he grew up, because sometimes his inflection and the draw of his vowels doesn't quite match any of the Massachusetts accents Derek’s used to.

Or when Dex traces those three letters on his hatchet, KAP, and his eyes go dark and wistful before shuttering when he notices Derek watching.

But Derek is patient, and if he needs to wait a lifetime until Dex is comfortable enough to tell him all his forest-kept secrets and the memories he holds close to his heart, then he will. He will wait until they're both ready.

#nurseydex #nursey #dex #chowder #omgcp fic #some mistake #hey i love the frogs

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sirrongirl · 5 years

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Road trip to Tahiti

Saturday, March 2, 2019

We decided last night that we will make the drive down to Monterey. The weather might not cooperate, we’ll make the best of it. Five of us, plus dog, pile into the car and head south from San Francisco. Our first stop is the Folktale Winery. There is a very light mist in the air. That doesn’t seem to bother the many people sitting outside enjoying their wine. As we approach the entrance we are welcomed with a glass of bubbly wine. We have a choice of doing a tasting of 5 kinds of wine, ordering by the glass or the bottle. Muzi, Mallory & Michelle opt for the tasting, Tom chooses a glass of full bodied red, and I stick with the bubbly. Just bring the bottle please. We ordered some cheese, meats, roasted nuts, and breads. Just then, then rain started to really come down. Quickly everyone picked up and moved indoors. We got a priority for seating since we were waiting for food. Having the dog could have been a problem. I grabbed my bucket of wine and headed inside. I found myself behind a huge great dane puppy. It was about 6 times taller than Dylan, so I guess dogs are allowed! We settled around a quant carved wood table and continued enjoying our wine, food, and conversation.

We continued on to Monterey, the Cannery Row area. We walked around the very cute town. There was a fish restaurant on the center of the plaza selling clam chowder, which we sampled. The rain started up again, so we left the sea otters and seals playing on the beach and had another glass of wine at Carmel Ridge wine shop. This time, we hid Dylan in her carrier, until we saw the German Shepard enjoying the wine shop company.

Our hotel was the Monterey peninsula hotel. Three beds were waiting for us. That last glass of wine didn’t agree with me. Too much acid, and I was feeling it. I decided to skip dinner and stay back at the hotel with Dylan. My request was to bring me back some Chocolate Milk. I took my acid reflux medication, put my feet up, and watched Rick Steves the rest of the night. We never did make it to the outdoor hot tub, not much fun in the rain.

Sunday, March 3, 2019 Our hotel offers a continental breakfast. Mallory was sure that meant dry cereal so she found a place for a proper brunch. When I went to check out, I found the selection of pastries looked fresh and tasty. There was fresh fruit, coffee, juice. It would have been enough for me. Instead we drove to Crema, who’s logo shirts all say “Find your happy place”. I remember seeing the same logo in Cuba. We left the dog in the car this time. We could hear her barking for us as we walked the 2 blocks to the restaurant. Returning, we found her sleeping on the front seat.

We head to the Monterey entrance of the 17 mile drive. There is a $10 charge per car full to drive the 17 winding miles through Pebble Beach Golf Resort to Carmel. We drove along the golf course which hugs the Pacific Ocean. We stopped often for pictures and to walk on the beach. Dylan has been to the beach before. We like to walk her at Metro Beach. She doesn’t mind the sand, but she doesn’t like the surf.

We enjoyed time at the Pebble Beach Visitors Center. The lodge, the gift shop, the hotels were very nice. Tom doesn’t have his golf clubs, but if he did… Mallory says we’ll make another trip here in the summer. Although it’s expensive, Pebble Beach is a public golf course. It’s not impossible to play here, especially for a single to walk on. Harry Ganas has played here. Tom says he’d love to play here sometime with Harry ( who is his favorite golf partner).

Capitola was the next stop. I loved this town. I could spend some time here right along the ocean. Muzi found a dog friendly restaurant. Usually dog friendly means seating outside. Not possible today with the rain. We put Dylan back inside the carrier and went to Margaritaville hoping for some fresh fish. I ordered garlic prawns, which came with the heads on, and lots of spice. Not what my acid sensitive system likes. I had to bail on the margaritas and stick with water. Once again. I was surprised to see dogs inside the restaurant. Highway 1 is the picturesque winding road that mostly hugs the Pacific Coast. Today with the clouds, the rain, and the fog, the view was not at its best. Mallory, Michelle and Dylan all fell asleep while I sat in the center back singing. We drove H1 all the way back, with our last stop in Half Moon Bay. We stopped in the dog friendly brewery. Again, outside not possible. As we approached the door — a sign told us “NO PETS INSIDE” so quickly into the carrier she goes. We found a table, put the carrier on the floor and ordered beers all around. No problem! As we have been driving the last two days, I’m making notes of areas to check out for rentals next winter. I’d like to stay here about a month, but I’d like my own place. I don’t think we could afford anything in the city, but within an hour would be possible. Close to the BART or CAL Rail would be even better. If not, we’d borrow the car we are leaving here for the month.

Monday, March 4, 2019 I have a meeting with Dr. Alicia Knee, DPM today. I found her online. Reading all the reviews, there wasn’t a single bad one for her. I’m not looking forward to a cortisone shot in my foot. My DPM at home has wanted to inject my foot since my first appointment. I keep putting it off, but my foot hurts so much I’m ready for the shot. I’ve been wearing custom orthotics and a toe spacer. They do help, but when I walk it feels like I’m walking with a large bolt under the ball of my foot. My second toe has been fixed in a curved position for a week now. The pain feels like my toes are on fire. It hasn’t stopped me from walking, which is the only exercise I actually get. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other refusing to give in to the pain.

Did I mention the doctor was a professional dancer? She is also gorgeous, with the posture of a ballerina. She examined my foot and said I need surgery to correct whats going on. She says my big toe needs a fusion to stop the progression of the deformity the is changing the shape of my foot. The second toe needs a “shortening” procedure in order for it to lay flat again. Dr. Knee tells me she is not going to inject anything into my foot, and adds, if any surgeon suggests that, find another doctor. If she injects cortisone into my foot, it could cause the ligaments to collapse meaning immediate surgery would be necessary. This means a non weight barring recovery time of 6 weeks. That means crutches. I have a frayed rotator cuff and advanced arthritis in my left shoulder that requires a shoulder replacement. Not just any kind of replacement, a posterior placement which is a specialty procedure. No, Donna can’t just have any run of the mill replacements…they need to be “special”. I just saw a specialist at University of Florida in January that delivered that news. Dr. Knee doesn’t think foot surgery is a good idea until I can use crutches. She asked me to consider which procedure I feel needs to be done first. In the meantime, she is sending me to a fit specialist to get new shoes. The sketchers I love need to be replaced with something that has a 4” rocker plate in the front and a built up metacarpal pad.. I think that means “ugly shoe”.

I need to call this entry “All my shoes are black," because that is my new shoe wardrobe This shoe shopping was nothing like my last excursion. When I was given the orthotics and toe spacer I was on my way to stay with Mallory in New York. The new Canadian owners of Lord and Taylor decided to close the flagship store on fifth avenue. They sold the beautiful building to WEWorks. No more beautiful Christmas Windows at Lord and Taylor. They had a huge closing sale and I spent an entire day there looking for shoes that would fit the new insoles and the toe spacer, and still look good. I thought I was buying my last new shoe wardrobe. The prices were good, I bought quite a few pairs and had to borrow a suitcase to get them all home. Little did I know that I would be doing that again, today, at “On The Run”. I need a shoe that has a stiff sole from the ball of the foot to the toe. Unfortunately, all the shoes I own, especially all the ones in my suitcase here in California, bend. I wasn’t given much choice of colors or styles. Mark and Tim., the fit specialists, spent almost two hours with me. I walked out owning 2 pairs of the ugliest shoes I have ever owned, and one that isn’t so bad. Definitely the most expensive shoes I have ever worn. Mark tells me I may find the shoes so comfortable my foot won’t hurt and thus avoid surgery. I’m thinking, I’ll bet you say that to all the girls Mark! Trouble is, the cutest pair is on a higher platform than I usually wear. That may bother my hip, so I have to walk around in them inside to decide. If they work out, they do come in red, so that might be a plus.

Mallory runs a “shoes off” house. She’ll have to make an exception for me. I was told I can NEVER walk barefoot. I plan to wear a pair of the uglies only inside, like slippers, so Mallory won’t mind. I wonder if I needed to get a doctors note to be allowed to wear my shoes indoors? I’m not sure I can give up the feeling of sand between my toes. Walks on the beach are not a daily event, yet anyway. I’m sure once in a while it will be okay?

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newstwitter-blog · 7 years

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New Post has been published on News Twitter

New Post has been published on http://www.news-twitter.com/2017/02/07/cnn-20-destinations-travel-experts-say-everyone-must-visit-2/

CNN: 20 destinations travel experts say everyone must visit

Here they share are their favorite destinations, and why they think they shouldn’t be missed.

“Wayag has hundreds of thickly forested limestone karsts and islands, resulting in sheltered bays with white sand beaches and coral reefs,” he says.

There aren’t any villages, let alone tourist accommodation, and guests can only really arrive by boat, adds Travers.

“I’d definitely recommend climbing to the lookout point on the western side of the main Wayag Bay. It’s not for the faint of heart (picture a 30-minute ascent through forest and over jagged limestone), but there are the most staggering views of paradise at the end.”

Visit Egypt without the crowds

“I’d highly recommend going to Egypt now,” says Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent.

“I traveled there at the end of 2015 and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these sites with few crowds. For instance, at Abu Simbel, I was in Ramses temple and had it all to myself for a few minutes.

“As I was climbing up the narrow staircase into the center of Cheops Pyramid, there were only a few people that I had to sidestep. It’s a very different experience doing that when the crowds (and heat) are at full force,” says Kent.

Bathe in Tbilisi’s Abanotubani District

Move over, Istanbul. There’s a new European city brimming with East-meets-West culture and natural sulfurous waters that give Cagaloglu Baths a run for its money, according to freelance photojournalist Sarah Freeman.

“I suggest visiting the Georgian capital’s bath quarter: Tbilisi’s Abanotubani,” she says.

Situated on the south side of Metekhi Bridge, its low cupolas house baths where water bubbles from the earth at about 90 F (32 C).

“When I went, I sipped on Turkish tea and indulged in a massage by one of the mekise (masseur).”

Watch animals in Namibia

“I’d suggest heading to Skeleton Coast, Namibia,” says Lucy Jackson, co-founder and director of Lightfoot Travel.

Wild and eerie, this remote desert “seeps into the soul”, she says.

“I’ll never forget the sight of the Namib Desert sand dunes crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. Flying over the Hoanib River by Cessna, it’s easy to spot giraffes and elephants beneath,” Jackson recalls.

“Afterwards, I always grab a drink on the beach, where water laps at my feet and there’s a shipwreck just behind.”

See the Northern Lights in Canada before they go dormant

Canada is celebrating its 150th year since Confederation so the country is offering free admission to its national parks for the entire year, says Hannah Tydeman-Klassen, founder and director of Curio Trips.

But as most people flock to the bright blue lakes and snow-capped mountains of Banff National Park, she recommends heading to the Northern Territory of Yukon (where Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Revenant” was filmed).

It also provides a chance to catch the world’s greatest natural light show, the Aurora Borealis.

With scientists predicting 2017 as the last year before the Northern Lights enter a dormant phase, “this really is the year to see them,” she says.

Find spider monkeys in Minas Gerais

“I think it’s time that Minas Gerais in Brazil gets some attention,” says Matthew Lapolice, luxury travel manager at Absolute Travel.

It’s home to the mining heartland of the country and the financial capital Belo Horizonte.

Yet there’s another side to the state where travelers can experience untouched wilderness, a flourishing art scene and delicious cuisine, he says.

“I recommend staying at the restored 18th-century farmhouse Reserva do Ibitipoca.

“From here it’s possible to explore the nearby national park on foot or horseback. Keep an eye out for the exceedingly rare wooly spider monkey — the property’s owners have really focused on conserving the Atlantic Forest, the animal’s home.”

READ: The world’s most spectacular floating hotels

See dozy dolphins in Komodo National Park

“I suggest heading to Komodo National Park in Indonesia, where [in a hidden cove] a pod of dolphins rest at night,” says Eddie Widnall, founder of Ultimate Indonesian Yachts.

“There’s nothing quite like sleeping outside on the boat with the sound of the dolphins beneath.”

Then there’s Tomolol in Misool, where it’s possible to swim through cathedral-like caves and stalactites into a blue lagoon with limestone walls, he says.

“Some have century-old paintings while others are coated in orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants.”

Visit untouched beaches in Vilanculos, Mozambique

“I didn’t know much of anything about Mozambique before I went,” says Kristin Addis, CEO, Be My Travel Muse.

There was very little online about this coastal country in southern Africa, she says.

“When I traveled there I was blown away by the gorgeous white sand beaches that were mostly free of tourists.

“Each day in Vilanculos, the sand bars appear when the tide goes out. It was great watching fishermen grabbing their catch and locals playing soccer in the sand.”

Explore the glaciers and hiking trails of Greenland

When most people think of Greenland, snow and ice comes to mind, says Matthew Karsten, adventure travel blogger and photographer at ExpertVagabond.

But summers are actually quite pleasant along the coast: rolling hills, green tundra, and wildlife everywhere, he says.

“I’d suggest spending a day walking the ice cap near Kangerlussuaq, go on a wildlife safari, or trek for 10 days across Greenland’s Arctic Circle Trail,” Karsten adds.

Learn to surf at Nosara in Costa Rica

The province of Guanacaste on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is a haven for surfers, according to ExpertVagabond’s Matthew Karsten.

Many surf towns can be a bit crowded. “That’s what’s great about this place — the small town of Nosara doesn’t get as many visitors,” he says.

The nearby beach of Playa Guiones boasts enough waves to keep both beginners and experts happy.

For non-surfers, yoga classes and horseback riding are popular activities too.

MORE: Sleeping with the fish: Underwater hotel on remote African island

Ride the rails between Belgrade and Montenegro

Mark Smith, train expert at Seat61, says the 296-mile journey between the Serbian capital and Montenegro’s Adriatic coast is one of Europe’s most spectacular train rides.

“I think it’s absolutely epic. It summits at over 3,000 feet above sea level in the breathtaking Montenegrin mountains,” he says.

“It’s also an engineering marvel with 254 tunnels and 435 bridges, including the world’s highest railway viaduct,” adds Smith.

And it all costs just $22 a ticket.

Discover something wild at Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka

The oldest and largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu allows travelers to track the elusive leopard and sloth bear, says Skandha Ponniah, marketing manager for SriLankaInStyle.

Even better, it all happens in relative serenity, as the park remains mostly untouched and unknown.

“The roads require four-wheel drives and a driver who knows how to use one, so I’d suggest exploring the area with a tented safari camp such as Kulu Safaris or Leopard Trail,” suggests Ponniah.

“Be sure to park off at the banks of a villu (a shallow natural lake filled with rainwater and surrounded by open grassy plains). Then just wait for the animals to come by for a drink.”

Cycle and sample clam chowder in San Francisco

Will Swinburn, senior first officer at British Airways, recommends picking up a bike from one of the many friendly cycle shops in San Francisco.

“Cycling past the ferry building and piers along the harbor gives a great feeling of the maritime history of the city,” he says.

It’s always worth dropping into Pier 39 for a bread bowl of clam chowder and a drink, then heading onwards to the Golden Gate, Swinburn suggests.

“There are many great lookout points en route to take in the bustling bay.

“Cycle down the last bit of the bridge and veer towards the right at the end down the steep hill to Sausalito. This town is beautiful — and the perfect vista point for fog city itself.”

Pretend you’re James Bond in Jamaica

“Jamaica is such an amazing destination. There’s stunning scenery, fabulous food and an unbelievable musical history,” says Matt Vlemmiks, head of product and commercial at Elegant Resorts.

Days can be spent hiking in the mountains with a Rastafarian guide who will take travelers to secret waterfalls or off to explore stunning coffee plantations, he adds.

Vlemmiks recommends staying at Strawberry Hill, where guests can see the city’s twinkling lights beyond the mountains while hearing faint reggae beats.

Or head over to Goldeneye to channel James Bond. Ian Fleming used to live where the property is situated and wrote many of the Bond novels there.

READ: Bara Bangal, the Himalayas’ most remote village

Discover an eco retreat in Kenya

“It’s not a hidden gem to some, but I’d recommend Segera Retreat in Laikipia county, one of the 47 counties in Kenya,” says Michelle Karam, founder of Travel Junkie Diary.

The property sits on 50,000 acres of land, run and owned by conservationist Jochen Zeitz.

“The retreat is nothing like I have seen before. It’s a place to reflect with nature and solitude, a place where guests learn about the community and Kenya’s wildlife,” adds Karam.

The focus is on a sustainable way of travel using solar energy, recycling and growing food in-house.

“The property educates farmers how not to overgraze, bringing the wildlife back to life by building man-made waterholes and adding rangers to protect the animals from poaching.”

Watch baby turtles in Blanchisseuse Beach, Trinidad

Katelyn Smith, founder of The Remote Nomad, suggests heading to Blanchisseuse Beach in Trinidad surrounded by rolling hills and lush palms.

“It’s quite the drive and public transit is not an option, so travelers should make sure to rent a car or have a local driver,” she says.

“The beach itself is a great spot for surfing. Across the road I’d recommend grabbing some ‘bake and shark,’ a popular local dish, along with the local brew, Carib.”

Depending on the time of year, travelers might even get a glimpse of the baby sea turtles hatching, she says.

One tip: Slang is everywhere, even on on public signs. Spot a sign saying “no liming?” It means no “hanging out” or “chilling” in that spot.

Catch the sunrise over a whispering volcano

For an extraordinary experience, it’s hard to beat visiting the ninth-century Buddhist monument of Borobudur, says Sophie Marchant, travel editor of LuxuryExplorer.com. Overlooking the Kedu Plain in central Java, “this spot fills me with awe,” says Marchant.

“I stayed at Aman’s Amanjiwo, which I definitely recommend. I woke up at 4 a.m. and climbed the summit for unbelievable views of Kedu as the sun came up over Mount Merapi, a whispering volcano.

“I’d suggest bringing a picnic to eat at the nearby waterfall. My guide (from the hotel) took me there.”

Trek through the mountains of India

Maxine Headley, Smith24 travel expert, says she really wants to dispel myths surrounding India: that it’s difficult to travel around and that visitors are likely to get sick.

“I don’t know where all the negativity comes from,” says Headley.

For a different take on the country, Headley recommends experiencing a Shakti stay up in the Himalayas where there are fewer hotels, and more nomadic journeys into the Indian mountains where days are spent adventuring and nights are in a series of base camps under the stars.

“I loved trekking trough through beautiful orchards, treading canyons and stopping to take in and admire the Buddhist temples with giant gold statues dotted around the landscape.”

MORE: The world’s top 25 tourism destinations

Sleep under the stars in Kenya

Nicky Brandon, director of sales and marketing and Africa travel expert for Ker & Downey, advises heading to Kenya’s Northern Frontier for a truly off-the-beaten-track journey.

She recommends a stay at Sasaab. In addition to game drives, travelers can go quad biking, ride camels and do safari walks.

“I believe the village visit here is the most authentic and genuine experience. Go way out and sleep under the stars at a private fly camp.

“Also keep an eye out for the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and beisa oryx,” says Brandon. These animals are unique to this region in Kenya.

Go for a peaceful walk in Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

People don’t really think of walking in Hong Kong, but the city’s great for it, says Charlie Stewart-Cox, Cathay Pacific general manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa.

There are fantastic hiking tracks and mountain paths — both inside and out of the city, says Stewart-Cox.

“I particularly enjoy a soothing walk on Lugard Road, Victoria Peak. Sections of the path are on the cliffside, meaning it offers the best views of the Hong Kong skyline,” he says.

The entrance for Lugard Road is adjacent to the Peak Tower.

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