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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Our Next Adventure!

So in yesterday's post I talked about the next (and perhaps last) city we'll be calling home - beautiful Seattle in the Pacific Northwest.  It's close enough to Oregon to feel like the "culture" that I'm used to, and yet far enough away from what's completely familiar to feel like a great new experience...  Thank you so much for all of your nice comments and emails!

Before we get settled into Seattle, we have a little adventure in store for us too:  Hong Kong and Bali!  When the possibility of a job change/move was first on the horizon a while back, I started dreaming up possible trips between jobs...that's how this whole adventure came about.  So now y'all know -- the possibility of returning to Asia was what inspired this post!   I hope you don't mind if I share a little glimpse into our itinerary. 

We'll be...

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...viewing the Hong Kong skyline and beyond from Victoria Peak...

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...observing some dragon dances...
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...taking a ferry to a nearby island to see this incredible Buddha...
(Notice how green it is.  I have only been to Hong Kong once before, but when I was there I was struck by this!  Yes, it's a huge city but it's surrounded by an incredibly lush landscape - 40% of Hong Kong is national park.  It's a stunning combination.)

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...eating lots of dim sum...

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...of course relaxing on the the stunning Bali beaches...
(although I can't think of many worse things than being in a swimsuit :( )

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...soaking up as much culture as we can within a few short weeks...

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...enjoying sublime serenity inspired by lush, terraced rice fields...

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...savouring incredible satays

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...exploring amazing temples...

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...and last but not least, shopping like crazy!
(thank you Meg for your incredible tips!)

Hopefully all of these changes explain why I have been delaying the opening of Linen Haus!  With everything up in the air the last few months I wanted to wait until we knew what life would look like in 2012.  I'll post more about that tomorrow.

Have you been to Hong Kong and/or Bali?  Or (like me) are you dying to go?
I'd love to hear!!

14 comments:

  1. Oh Barbara,
    You are SO many wonderful things on the horizon! A new move (those are exciting!) and a trip of a lifetime. I've never been to Hong Kong or Bali, but want to go when my boys are a little older. My soon to be 10 year old has a "thing" for all things Asian. I'm not sure where it came from, but he will start Mandarin next year (currently taking French) and I know seeing it through his eyes will double the adventure.

    Also, loved your comment earlier this week. So fun knowing you lived in Russian Hill. SF is my all time favorite city!

    xoxo Elizabeth

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  2. I might just have to hitch a lift in your suitcase! I've never been to Asia but we are hoping to make a detour to Hong Kong on our way to Australia so I am dying to see your pics!

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  3. What a wonderful adventure you have in front of you! I've never been to Hong Kong or Bali - although Mr. H has, he's been practically everywhere. I think that's a fantastic route to take from Germany to Seattle.
    I'll be emailing you later today so that we can connect.

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  4. am so excited for you!! Asia looks fabulous and I'm sure you will have fun...great experience for the kids too..
    looking forward to your move to Seattle and discovering all the fabulous ideas for a house there..
    best,
    maureen

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  5. Such beautiful images, Barbara! I know that you will have a wonderful time. Be sure and send pictures.
    have a nice day planning.
    Teresa
    xoxo

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  6. Oh Barbara, I'm so excited for you! What great news to read here! And what a great way to start this new year! I'm very happy for you, although I will miss you. It's strange that even though we never met before in real life, it feels like I know you a little more now.

    So you'll leave Europe, I do hope you will be back here soon to visit Bruges!! But hey, in the virtual blogging-world we'll never be far away! :-)
    Hope you'll have a blast in Bali and Hong Kong! Promise me you'll treat us with lots of photos and eye candy, ok?

    I hope 2012 have many exciting things in store for me as well, I'm hoping to move as well and that we'll be able to visit Italy again. It's been such a long time! Anyway, take care of yourselves, and enjoy your time in Hong Kong and Bali! It looks amazing there! Wish I could squeeze myself in your suitcase. LOL!

    Take care and I hope you'll let us know how life in Seattle will be. :-) I hope to visit that city as well...someday! ;-)
    Love, Inge x

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  7. Sounds like a perfect trip and an escape (it would be for me, anyway)! I have never visited either and one of my sisters lived in HK for many years, too..now in Connecticut..and I missed an opportunity there. It will be an indulgence of all the senses, for sure..enjoy it!

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  8. Sally and I will be vacationing in Asia with you - vicariously :-)

    What a fantastic way to transition to a new chapter in your life with your family. I can't begin to imagine the memories you will be making in your travels. May they be greater and more exciting than even you can imagine!

    Can't wait for the picture to begin!

    Cheers,
    John

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  9. Oh, I'm so jealous! How lucky you are to be able to experience all these different places and cultures. The beaches in Bali look amazing. I bet you are excited to be moving "home" though.

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  10. Hong Kong is wonderful!!! Haven't been to Bali, but I do think that you will love it. Congratulations. Mary

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  11. Sounds and looks wonderful. I have never been, but my son has and loves Bali

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  12. O'k, sadly we in Canada don't get you for a visit;)! However, your travels to Hong Kong and Bali will offer you a greater depth and richness that will no doubt colour your future success back home. Good for you!

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  13. Oh how fun! I bet you will find some nice fabric, color inspirations and accessories!

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  14. Congratulations! You certainly know how to transition from one home to another! I've heard Bali and Burma are "must see's" so they're on my list. I haven't been to Hong Kong either. What memories you have yet to make. Bless you and your family, during your great adventure!

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Thanks for your comments - I love hearing from you!