tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53463341152764917802024-03-14T05:23:23.805-07:00Buddha BelliesBuddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.comBlogger510125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-47311524227181527232015-11-10T16:16:00.000-08:002015-11-10T16:16:42.972-08:00Mike's Birthday CelebrationWe celebrated another birthday with another terrific sushi/Japanese food celebration. We decided to try one of Portland's oldest Japanese restaurants and it was worth the wait. We ordered a little bit of everything including a chef's selection sushi platter and our own selection of sushi as well as a terrific mackerel oshizushi (press box sushi), agadashi tofu, tempura, and of course some karage. It was a wonderful meal and the sushi was terrific. <div>
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Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-11086215040596762112015-09-21T11:38:00.000-07:002015-09-21T11:38:02.482-07:00Desert Botanical GardenWe spent a lovely morning strolling through the <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://www.dbg.org/" target="_blank">Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden</a></span></i>. The garden opens at 7AM everyday, and as early as 6AM for members. The summertime heat is no joke and we were done touring the garden by 10AM. It was peaceful, full of incredible desert flora and a great place for inspiration (if you are into succulents as much as we are). If you're ever in this part of the Southwest, we highly recommend it.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21497922156/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cacti"><img alt="Cacti" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5831/21497922156_17ef15ce10_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20901696554/in/dateposted-public/" title="Desert Scenes"><img alt="Desert Scenes" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5742/20901696554_fb903e84ef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20901373224/in/dateposted-public/" title="Garden Background"><img alt="Garden Background" height="641" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/623/20901373224_8eed178977_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21497921686/in/dateposted-public/" title="Desert walkway"><img alt="Desert walkway" height="554" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/588/21497921686_3dbf01b3dd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21336305138/in/dateposted-public/" title="agave plants"><img alt="agave plants" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5750/21336305138_84403161c7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21498243556/in/dateposted-public/" title="Desert Scene"><img alt="Desert Scene" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5797/21498243556_5fd5d509de_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21532827511/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lovely seating area"><img alt="Lovely seating area" height="548" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/650/21532827511_593bb1fb54_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21524149775/in/dateposted-public/" title="Classic Cactus"><img alt="Classic Cactus" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/618/21524149775_6252fc56aa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21532828161/in/dateposted-public/" title="Desert Bloom"><img alt="Desert Bloom" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/682/21532828161_cdb1de6a0d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21337213319/in/dateposted-public/" title="Butterfly"><img alt="Butterfly" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5788/21337213319_bf60f1461d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21532828511/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cactus Bloom"><img alt="Cactus Bloom" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5683/21532828511_8ee72dcd7b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-2772587160556578192015-08-31T12:34:00.000-07:002015-08-31T12:36:54.854-07:00Our summerWe've had an amazing summer with a record number of hot days. It finally rained over the weekend and by Monday everyone seem to be ready for the fall. Not us, we are thoroughly enjoying the hot evenings, the crowds that come into the city for events and the hopeful outlook summer brings. Other than trips up I-5 to see the newest member of our family we haven't traveled more than 100 miles outside the city all summer and we couldn't be happier. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20314171083/in/dateposted-public/" nbsp="" title="View from McCormick Pier"><img alt="View from McCormick Pier" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/601/20314171083_3f21c39e0d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20747241158/in/dateposted-public/" title="The Steel Bridge"><img alt="The Steel Bridge" height="584" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/565/20747241158_8027355ed6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20935203965/in/dateposted-public/" title="Riverfront"><img alt="Riverfront" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/781/20935203965_0e9476fb35_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20908940346/in/dateposted-public/" title="Flags at Waterfront"><img alt="Flags at Waterfront" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/706/20908940346_d1462c5d31_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20935207645/in/dateposted-public/" title="Cloudy sunset"><img alt="Cloudy sunset" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/769/20935207645_57712cc428_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20747241608/in/dateposted-public/" title="Movement along the Esplanade"><img alt="Movement along the Esplanade" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/624/20747241608_82a5ffa46e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20314169763/in/dateposted-public/" title="Esplanade"><img alt="Esplanade" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5660/20314169763_fd59fc63b8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20747237808/in/dateposted-public/" title="Waterfront at Night"><img alt="Waterfront at Night" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/636/20747237808_2da6db3921_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20312599454/in/dateposted-public/" title="Old Town"><img alt="Old Town" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5799/20312599454_a4d5ee2d11_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20925458792/in/dateposted-public/" title="City Liquidator"><img alt="City Liquidator" height="494" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5725/20925458792_82f4661b4d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20747240258/in/dateposted-public/" title="Smokey Sunrise"><img alt="Smokey Sunrise" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5809/20747240258_96bb94bf9e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20312601734/in/dateposted-public/" title="balcony chilis"><img alt="balcony chilis" height="732" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/681/20312601734_9416fa13f3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21040767905/in/dateposted-public/" title="Customs Building Flag"><img alt="Customs Building Flag" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/570/21040767905_946872c2ac_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20314170653/in/dateposted-public/" title="NW Park Blocks"><img alt="NW Park Blocks" height="579" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5647/20314170653_19d836eb81_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20942583691/in/dateposted-public/" title="NW Portland Apartment"><img alt="NW Portland Apartment" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/710/20942583691_3a587b645d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20925456002/in/dateposted-public/" title="Hazy Water Towers"><img alt="Hazy Water Towers" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/661/20925456002_5e18b52b02_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21048383691/in/dateposted-public/" title="Trinity Episcopal Cathedral"><img alt="Trinity Episcopal Cathedral" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5670/21048383691_bba0736ec6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/21014532086/in/dateposted-public/" title="Stained Glass"><img alt="Stained Glass" height="694" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/675/21014532086_e22012c59f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20908942836/in/dateposted-public/" title="Le Happy"><img alt="Le Happy" height="772" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/780/20908942836_9ea96f1555_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20908940886/in/dateposted-public/" title="BA Birthday Lunch"><img alt="BA Birthday Lunch" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5718/20908940886_daeb1f7832_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20748456099/in/dateposted-public/" title="Fogo De Chao salad bar"><img alt="Fogo De Chao salad bar" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5743/20748456099_b99ba03b81_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20942585571/in/dateposted-public/" title="Traditional Musicians"><img alt="Traditional Musicians" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/726/20942585571_0bbfb453c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20747239088/in/dateposted-public/" title="Lotus"><img alt="Lotus" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/602/20747239088_8e2b9aedc8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20748453389/in/dateposted-public/" title="Garden Pond"><img alt="Garden Pond" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5667/20748453389_4436eceffd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20314171913/in/dateposted-public/" title="Moon rising over the garden"><img alt="Moon rising over the garden" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/640/20314171913_78a923aa00_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-7727944190591830732015-08-04T15:47:00.001-07:002015-08-04T15:47:15.248-07:00Life-As of LateJuly 2015 was busy, exciting and filled with so much joy. We started off with a low-key 4th of July where we watched the fireworks from the esplanade and was thankful to live in such a lovely city. It has been a hot summer and we couldn't be happier—summer is just the best.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20289532862/in/dateposted-public/" title="Steel Bridge Sunset"><img alt="Steel Bridge Sunset" height="542" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/394/20289532862_f81826b9ef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> <a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297921025/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sunset Big Pink"><img alt="Sunset Big Pink" height="678" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/306/20297921025_c800c00a5f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109897578/in/dateposted-public/" title="Sunset Waterfront"><img alt="Sunset Waterfront" height="580" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/458/20109897578_b274978f15_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20289537332/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brasserie Montmartre"><img alt="Brasserie Montmartre" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/318/20289537332_345700d14f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297925295/in/dateposted-public/" title="Brick Buildings"><img alt="Brick Buildings" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/272/20297925295_8419022261_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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We added a new member to the clan and we are all over the moon! Our little family dynamic will be forever changed for the better and everyone is utterly in love.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109900478/in/dateposted-public/" title="Mike watching Vinh watching Mike"><img alt="Mike watching Vinh watching Mike" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/384/20109900478_b84be07c5e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109897338/in/dateposted-public/" title="The cute little family"><img alt="The cute little family" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/455/20109897338_cb596f30fb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20271664546/in/dateposted-public/" title="Vinh"><img alt="Vinh" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/330/20271664546_c7cdd0dbbd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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We've been strolling through the <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.lansugarden.org/" target="_blank"><b>Lan Su Chinese Garden</b></a></span></i> to keep cool (sometimes you need a little nature to balance out all the concrete).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297921695/in/dateposted-public/" title="Roses and the Pond"><img alt="Roses and the Pond" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/20297921695_726ce1b0d5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109896738/in/dateposted-public/" title="Blooming Lotus"><img alt="Blooming Lotus" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/544/20109896738_c7cdd0dbbd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297924675/in/dateposted-public/" title="Details"><img alt="Details" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/424/20297924675_bc7179b152_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20271670606/in/dateposted-public/" title="Bridge"><img alt="Bridge" height="532" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/305/20271670606_ca9d8f6064_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109896388/in/dateposted-public/" title="Water Views of the Lan Su"><img alt="Water Views of the Lan Su" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/20109896388_6c8630aeca_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20109897208/in/dateposted-public/" title="Views of the Lan Su"><img alt="Views of the Lan Su" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/397/20109897208_4512e749f6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19675281424/in/dateposted-public/" title="Garden Path"><img alt="Garden Path" height="542" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/301/19675281424_6de7dbf8bc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19676950123/in/dateposted-public/" title="Garden Flora"><img alt="Garden Flora" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/468/19676950123_d95c6f4aa4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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On the hottest day of the year we celebrated four blissful years of marriage at one of the many <i><b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://parkkitchen.com/" target="_blank">restaurants we have been wanting to to try</a></span></b></i>! The food was fantastic and was the best salted cod fritters we've ever had. Has it felt like four years since we tied the knot? Yes, but only in the best ways!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19675278964/in/dateposted-public/" title="Park Kitchen"><img alt="Park Kitchen" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/19675278964_fcd1db2e72_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20289534312/in/dateposted-public/" title="Park Kitchen apps"><img alt="Park Kitchen apps" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/361/20289534312_ec9194474b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297922295/in/dateposted-public/" title="Park Kitchen dinner"><img alt="Park Kitchen dinner" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/452/20297922295_e15f370da7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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In between all of this we've been watching our herbs and plants double in size, eating comforting soups and enjoying that magic hour light. Hope everyone is having a magical summer!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20303887321/in/dateposted-public/" title="Herbs and Food"><img alt="Herbs and Food" height="400" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/537/20303887321_1cd2a13c13_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/20297920065/in/dateposted-public/" title="Views"><img alt="Views" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/20297920065_134fa5fe63_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<br />Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-29406788754932736092015-07-01T12:45:00.003-07:002015-07-01T12:47:57.154-07:00Life, As of LateJune was a whirlwind, because May was so busy we felt as if we have been catching up for months. The annual <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.rosefestival.org/" target="_blank">Rose Festival</a></span></i> brought back the naval ships and fleetweek. It was nice to see so many people out and about, and enjoying the amazing weather. We have really enjoyed summer showing up early with great sunrises and sunsets. We set up our little balcony garden and enjoying lots of warm walks late into the evening. For Father's Day we enjoyed a seafood (<i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="https://instagram.com/p/4M6kdxBakv/?taken-by=buddha_bellies" target="_blank">escargot-centric</a></span></i>) brunch to start the summer off right. Looking forward to enjoying more of the summer, because it just began.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18905491760" title="Fremont Bridge at Sunset by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Fremont Bridge at Sunset" height="609" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/487/18905491760_e4162e98f5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19087537302" title="Alphabet District by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Alphabet District" height="500" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3861/19087537302_56a9d4b96f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19087556782" title="View from Washington Park by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="View from Washington Park" height="758" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/352/19087556782_46e1e87b5c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19066998066" title="Washington Park Entrance by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Washington Park Entrance" height="552" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/364/19066998066_b52d51ca0f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19096477301" title="Rose Festival Ships by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Rose Festival Ships" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/311/19096477301_d622a5b002_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18905473450" title="Mirror Tower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mirror Tower" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/304/18905473450_4caf90bee3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19096477851" title="Steel Bridge by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Steel Bridge" height="400" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3881/19096477851_45def1266d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18905574898" title="Urban Gardening by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Urban Gardening" height="532" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3886/18905574898_73ffe50fac_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18472509373" title="Chili Peppers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chili Peppers" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/402/18472509373_8f148be518_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/19066977426" title="Father's Day Brunch by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Father's Day Brunch" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/552/19066977426_3d4028798a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-45330105537258465762015-06-01T14:34:00.001-07:002015-06-01T14:34:18.348-07:00Life, As of Late<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18172140450" title="Baby Shower Spread by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby Shower Spread" height="616" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/451/18172140450_9010976e37_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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This year's May was filled with mamas, babies and puppies—pretty much the perfect way to move from spring to summer. In between Mother's Day we hosted two baby showers, one in Portland and one in Seattle. In between baby showers, we've been eating more Japanese food than usual, possibly due to the warm weather. Hope everyone is having a great spring, summer is right around the corner! How is it June already?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18333879036" title="Tri's Baby Shower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tri's Baby Shower" height="532" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/363/18333879036_674dd17022_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18173704909" title="Baby in hat by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Baby in hat" height="532" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8873/18173704909_b948bebf43_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18333449216" title="Suki Boston Terrier by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Suki Boston Terrier" height="532" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7795/18333449216_152209ae99_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18361421441" title="DSC_9095 by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_9095" height="783" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/530/18361421441_b00026428d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18355834582" title="Koji Mother's Day by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Koji Mother's Day" height="400" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7762/18355834582_62d4108ca2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/18172057478" title="Yuzu food by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Yuzu food" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8770/18172057478_0795f002dd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-46735651677462852142015-04-23T16:09:00.000-07:002015-04-24T09:21:50.975-07:00Scenes from Birthday Weekend<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the last five years we have traveled somewhere to celebrate my birthday, but this year we decided to celebrate at home in Portland and it was one of the best birthdays in memory. We celebrated for four days with special dinners with family and friends, eating whatever sweets I wanted, a relaxing massage, equally relaxing walks around the city and exploring places we've wanted to check out for awhile. It was a bonus that the weather was nice and sunny. </div>
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The day started with a surprise new camera lens, which I quickly used to document turning a year older. Mike's gift wrapping skills have gotten so good I didn't want to open it!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16628270503" title="Mike's wrapping by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike's wrapping" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/16628270503_675e5f4d6f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We started the day with brunch at the always busy <i><a href="http://www.tastynalder.com/brunch/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Tasty & Alder</b></span></a></i>, John Gorham's modern steakhouse. We've eaten at his other beloved restaurants Toro Bravo and Tasty & Sons, and we were not disappointed. It was an epic brunch with the best house chili infused tequila Bloody Mary; radicchio, bacon lardons, and a six-minute egg (they had me at six minute egg); Korean fried chicken; Wagyu steak frites; and the Carlton Farms pork schnitzel. They even surprised me with a birthday chocolate potato donut.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17062262099" title="Tasty Beverages & Donut by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tasty Beverages & Donut" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8784/17062262099_b3963dd38f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16628269573" title="Raddiccio & 6 minute egg salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Raddiccio & 6 minute egg salad" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16628269573_4e1884157d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17247920481" title="Steak & Frites by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Steak & Frites" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7689/17247920481_32691cf425_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We then roamed around enjoying the wonderful spring day, admiring the city's architecture and getting used to my new camera lens. We purposely selected high protein brunch items in order to have energy to walk up the street in search of cake and french pastries.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17041047097" title="Art Deco Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Art Deco Building" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7704/17041047097_54256aa91e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17246903702" title="Sweet Shops by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet Shops" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8684/17246903702_4b73df7342_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17246727482" title="Downtown Stroll by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Downtown Stroll" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7660/17246727482_a43697a6af_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17060920130" title="Doc Martin HQ by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Doc Martin HQ" height="708" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7665/17060920130_b0e5b562f9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17062263249" title="Pemco Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pemco Building" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7636/17062263249_43440e0e5b_c.jpg" width="524" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17222495186" title="Bocci by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bocci" height="559" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8795/17222495186_557b3e16b2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17060917950" title="Neighborhood Details by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Neighborhood Details" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7685/17060917950_dc86e98b97_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17247921391" title="Musgo Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Musgo Mural" height="422" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8726/17247921391_c28ea7980e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17222494356" title="Old Town by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town" height="668" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8742/17222494356_6b80547d2b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17248474845" title="Pints by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pints" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8815/17248474845_8cdc0874b1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We decided to take advantage of the terrific weather and wandered into the <i><a href="http://www.lansugarden.org/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Lan Su Chinese Gardens</span></b></a></i>, a place near and dear to us because it was where we got married. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17248477815" title="Boathouse by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Boathouse" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7697/17248477815_918c6300fd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17041044827" title="Chinese Garden Windows by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinese Garden Windows" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17041044827_a3835d471e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16628270773" title="Garden Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Views" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7662/16628270773_83d10f08c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17246727742" title="Chinese Garden Blooms by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinese Garden Blooms" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7663/17246727742_eefdeb05cb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17246727702" title="Chinese Garden Details by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinese Garden Details" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7659/17246727702_d60f6bb6bd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17060920000" title="Garden Photo by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Photo" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8803/17060920000_8bfac6d95a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Soon it was time to meet up with my parents for dinner at one of our favorite Italian Restaurants, <i><a href="http://www.piazzaportland.com/language/english/index.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Piazza Italia</span></b></a></i>. After a day wandering around we were ready for a week's worth of carbs and wiped our plates clean. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16626269794" title="Piazza Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Piazza Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7706/16626269794_e09d1082f7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17247045152" title="Piazza Pasta by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Piazza Pasta" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8745/17247045152_b65844c4bd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The following day we enjoyed another terrific breakfast at the <i><a href="http://www.imperialpdx.com/portland-penny-diner/#ppd-information" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Portland Penny Diner</span></b></a></i>. Opened only Monday-Friday until only 3pm, I decided it would be the perfect place to meet my girlfriends for a birthday lunch, where we were treated to the yummiest birthday lemon bar. And since it was my birthday I decided to treat myself to some delicious locally roasted coffee at <i><a href="http://www.heartroasters.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Heart Coffee Roasters</span></b></a></i> and it was well worth the somewhat high price. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17060920030" title="Downtown Food Carts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Downtown Food Carts" height="471" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8825/17060920030_20f43ba9c0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17060919840" title="Latte Art by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Latte Art" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8787/17060919840_31b6ddd5dd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17041045517" title="Penny Diner Breakfast Sandwich by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Penny Diner Breakfast Sandwich" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8735/17041045517_dd45ddb1c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17062263899" title="Heart Coffee Shop by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Heart Coffee Shop" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/17062263899_497088364b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Soon it was time to head back downtown to meet friends for our quarter-annual birthday celebration at the amazing Paleo/Gluten-Free/Vegan Asian restaurant <i><a href="http://departureportland.com/menus/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Departures</span></b></a></i>. The crispy squid was amazing, so amazing we took one bite and immediately placed another order. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17041044927" title="United States National Bank by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="United States National Bank" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8826/17041044927_c31622b11c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/17246729792" title="Crispy Squid by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Crispy Squid" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7663/17246729792_5140be3c50_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16628268923" title="Departure Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Departure Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16628268923_ec1afd799f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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My birthday weekend continued on with my favorite Abu Shiro ramen at the east side's only Japanese izakaya <i><a href="http://www.marupdx.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Yataimura Maru</span></b></a></i>, some time at a garden center surrounded by blooming spring flowers, and my mom's insanely good eggrolls noodle bowls. </div>
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It was such a wonderful birthday that I am already looking forward to getting another year older and celebrating all over again!</div>
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Love, Anne</div>
Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-6874017521575079172015-03-18T15:23:00.003-07:002015-03-18T15:23:58.329-07:00San Francisco Travel Post<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this month we traveled down to San Francisco, which quickly became one of our all time favorite cities. The minutes Mike landed we started eating our way through the city, starting with super trendy <a href="http://www.katanayausa.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Katana Ya</span></i></a> ramen, especially since it was just a block from the hotel. The Katana Ya ramen with fried chicken and deep fried gyoza was the favorite.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650024657" title="Hotel View by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hotel View" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8606/16650024657_3e3da0f1d8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16831461136" title="Katana Ya by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Katana Ya" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/16831461136_a825a42bef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669737928" title="Katana Ya Ramen by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Katana Ya Ramen" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/16669737928_b163748c02_c.jpg" width="800" /></a> </div>
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The following day we decided to head towards the Embarcadero, watch the ferries and have a terrific Peruvian dinner. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16671194829" title="Embarcadero Pier by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Embarcadero Pier" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7625/16671194829_c3f67b8a97_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234968794" title="Ferry at Embarcadero by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ferry at Embarcadero" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16234968794_691bb4a5d5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669737918" title="La Mar by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="La Mar" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/16669737918_dc54714acd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><img alt="La Mar Restaurant" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16856288881_648c7af782_c.jpg" width="800" />><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16857322515" title="La Mar Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="La Mar Appetizers" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/16857322515_b356ffbcd4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Our Union Square hotel was situated in the heart of the City, where we had access to the beautiful neighborhoods of Nob Hill, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill—and best of all—Chinatown.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16671198639" title="San Fran Hills by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="San Fran Hills" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/16671198639_804bb3fd63_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16237358473" title="Hilly San Francisco by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hilly San Francisco" height="610" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/16237358473_0bb2b3f7d7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234965714" title="Telegraph Hill by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Telegraph Hill" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8629/16234965714_959e725de5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16671195979" title="Busy Streets of Chinatown by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Busy Streets of Chinatown" height="678" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16671195979_ab33b2ebb0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16237366513" title="New Years Parade by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="New Years Parade" height="627" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16237366513_542599d1d9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16831473576" title="Golden Gate Bakery by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Bakery" height="570" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8661/16831473576_6484c81193_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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It was harder than usual to find a dim sum restaurant that served food from steam carts; there were a surprising number of dim sum restaurants that were mainly take out. After getting our fill of har gow and shu mai we headed up the hills to seek out the views from <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://sfrecpark.org/destination/telegraph-hill-pioneer-park/coit-tower/" target="_blank">Coit Towers</a></span></i>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234966194" title="Coit Tower Walk by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Coit Tower Walk" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/16234966194_b9a97e661b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16857326495" title="Coit Tower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Coit Tower" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7639/16857326495_6a3f5d6de4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669945470" title="Oakland Bay Bridge by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Oakland Bay Bridge" height="463" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/16669945470_41465dcd95_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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After roaming around in the neighborhoods all day, we decided to head to the Mission District where we joined the masses soaking up the sun at <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://sfrecpark.org/destination/mission-dolores-park/" target="_blank">Dolores Mission Park</a></span></i> and had some of the best pizza at <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://pizzeriadelfina.com/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Delfina</a></span></i>. After roaming around the Mission District for a bit, we decided to head back to the Union Square and bar hopped until it time to eat again at <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.izakayaninja.com/" target="_blank">Izakaya Ninja</a></span></i>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16237355463" title="Delores Park by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Delores Park" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16237355463_b3960efa53_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650024417" title="Pizzeria Delfina by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pizzeria Delfina" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/16650024417_83bb7293a9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16235465484" title="Jones Restaurant and Ninja Izakaya by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Jones Restaurant and Ninja Izakaya" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/16235465484_d35721f262_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669940910" title="Ninja Izakaya by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ninja Izakaya" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16669940910_666918a494_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The next day we decided to check out San Francisco's Ocean Beach neighborhood, explore the <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutro_Baths" target="_blank">Sutro Baths ruins</a></span></i> and walk through Golden Gate Park. The weather couldn't have been better. We ended the night at <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.burmasuperstar.com/" target="_blank">Burma Superstar</a></span></i> for dinner in the Outer Richmond neighborhood. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650032237" title="Ocean Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ocean Beach" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8599/16650032237_7e967ebece_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16237364253" title="Ocean Beach, San Francisco by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ocean Beach, San Francisco" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7607/16237364253_5c61e3c1ef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234974784" title="Ocean Beach Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ocean Beach Beach" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7610/16234974784_cd0324971d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669745758" title="A day at Ocean Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="A day at Ocean Beach" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7590/16669745758_16c81313d3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16831460896" title="Sutra Baths by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sutra Baths" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7625/16831460896_996239dfae_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669737598" title="Sutra Baths area by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sutra Baths area" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/16669737598_34ab67c9d3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16669949380" title="Mike at Sutra Baths by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike at Sutra Baths" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16669949380_959f47f3ba_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234965854" title="Ocean Beach Area by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ocean Beach Area" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8637/16234965854_b41fffa1f7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650036697" title="Golden Gate Park Windmills by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Park Windmills" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16650036697_7a5bf51de9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16670323748" title="Golden Gate Park by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Park" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/16670323748_5b32d6ff6e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650024707" title="Golden Gate Skate Park at Sunset by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Golden Gate Skate Park at Sunset" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8561/16650024707_0c9af4c0c2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16650031377" title="Burma Superstar Noodle Salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Burma Superstar Noodle Salad" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16650031377_fac2f9367a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We love how diverse San Francisco is, especially when it comes to Asian food. Luckily we were able to meet up with a good friend who loves ramen as much as we do and drove us out to her favorite <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://himawarisanmateo.com/" target="_blank">ramen restaurant in San Mateo</a></span></i>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234966044" title="Himawari Tei Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Himawari Tei Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/16234966044_fbf0b5b56d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br />
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And before we knew it our time in this magical city was over. Lucky for us, we'll be back annually, if not more. What we'll miss is the interesting architecture and incredible skyline—all that gold rush money really brought on a golden age of architecture and engineering.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16856289041" title="Financial District by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Financial District" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16856289041_82dd9b4686_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16832045746" title="Financial District Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Financial District Buildings" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8646/16832045746_028d6d227a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16856288521" title="The Financial District by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="The Financial District" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16856288521_f0fd306bc1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16234976794" title="Full Moon by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Full Moon" height="1024" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7650/16234976794_4e0efab2f1_b.jpg" width="681" /></a></div>
Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-15969136719474142282015-01-05T15:18:00.000-08:002015-01-06T09:24:45.325-08:00Life, As of Late (Way Late)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here we are in 2015 and we're just now doing December 2014's Life, As of Late post. Every year the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a complete blur. This year it seemed the minute Thanksgiving was over our calendar filled up with holiday events. This time of year moves so fast, we find it hard to capture it all and still enjoy the precious time with friends and family, so we found ourselves rarely pulling out our phones or camera to snap a few photos.</div>
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By the time Thanksgiving arrived, we were pretty exhausted by life and the following picture pretty much sums up our main goal during the long weekend.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15586830764/" title="Thanksgiving by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Thanksgiving" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15586830764_3f6e22fe6d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16023426247/" title="TG Snacking by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="TG Snacking" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7526/16023426247_d02fd1b0a2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We also discovered we have primo seats for the annual <a href="http://pdxpipeline.com/monthly-event-list/2014-portland-macys-holiday-thanksgiving-parade-route-photos-info/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</i></span></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16023423767/" title="Madison Marching Band by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Madison Marching Band" height="532" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8578/16023423767_7a318c29ea_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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As well as primo seats for daily weather occurrences.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16183371636/" title="Moody Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Moody Views" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/16183371636_b9da451a5a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16208429102/" title="Night and Day by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Night and Day" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7511/16208429102_d9fcc0822a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We spent a nice mellow Christmas holiday relaxing and enjoying the how festive Portland is during this time of year. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16023425397/" title="Christmas Time Downtown by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas Time Downtown" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16023425397_aa92d6b81a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15586832454/" title="Christmas Day Stroll by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Christmas Day Stroll" height="486" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/15586832454_f5a51805e2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We then headed up north to meet some new family members and enjoy a leisurely weekend with family doing what we do best - eating and playing games.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16208429552/" title="Holiday Feasting by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Holiday Feasting" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7500/16208429552_998f75b32b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16023142199/" title="All Day Feasting by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="All Day Feasting" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7564/16023142199_170575cd79_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16183372456/" title="Holiday Eats by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Holiday Eats" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/16183372456_5d39d25c4c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16023425747/" title="Strolling Matthews Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Strolling Matthews Beach" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8576/16023425747_c7172bdea5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Just like that the holidays were over and we're into 2015! 2015! Shouldn't we all be riding hover crafts by now?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/16021881860/" title="Happy Holidays by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Holidays" height="730" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/16021881860_7ba1921d2e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-60458524429859071862014-11-13T09:50:00.000-08:002014-11-17T08:53:49.433-08:00Life, As of Late (More Inlife and Less Online)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello, Anne here. By now you may know I am the main contributor, writer and editor of this blog; and Mike is my favorite prop/subject. We both contribute to our <a href="http://instagram.com/buddha_bellies" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">Instagram</span></i></a> account, and yes, it is can be confusing, but if you knew us at all—it would seem quite normal.</div>
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You may have noticed the blog posts are fewer than years before, with many more images than descriptions. In the last 5 years the intention of this blog has changed so much, and sometimes I'm not quite sure what this blog is about. We attempted a blog re-vamp, but life, school and work got in the way, and now it looks as if that has been put on the back burner indefinitely. However, at the end of the day we still love our little blog here—the ultimate definition of a web-log. We have used the blog to go back and piece together small events that led to bigger things. It has given us reason to get out and enjoy, what seem like insignificant, tiny moments in life. We understand this blog doesn't always represent reality, just the parts we want to share. One thing we can say is we will continue to enjoy the life we have created, capture and share when we can and only if we want to. Life is to be lived, and we want to make the most of it, so we may disappear from here from time to time because of life. <br />
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Over the last month, we celebrated Mike's birthday with three terrific dinners. The first one—a family dinner at one of our favorite restaurants—was celebrated without a single photograph taken. We found that we wanted to be present and enjoy every one's company that night. We had nice cozy <a href="http://viatribunali.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>pizza Halloween dinner</i></span></a> and a <a href="http://departureportland.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>sushi dinner with the most spectacular view</i></span></a>. Life remains happy and content as the weather changes daily—maybe, dare we even say—partly because the weather changes daily. We've learned a key to our happiness is being able to appreciate each and every day because tomorrow will be different. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15139966144/" title="Pizza Shears by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pizza Shears" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7577/15139966144_59ac357605_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574085639/" title="Via Tribunali Birthday Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Via Tribunali Birthday Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7462/15574085639_28cdcc77cb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574086199/" title="Pioneer Place Mall by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pioneer Place Mall" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15574086199_73bddb4c9b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15761486112/" title="Pioneer Square by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pioneer Square" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15761486112_cc0ef718b5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574764497/" title="Robert & Tim by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Robert & Tim" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15574764497_ea51458fca_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15767999025/" title="Departures Birthday Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Departures Birthday Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/15767999025_f3a6f4c2bd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15761488282/" title="Dreamy Sunset by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dreamy Sunset" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/15761488282_d0e7f57478_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15146781143/" title="Fog by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Fog" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15146781143_a07b86a9af_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574764417/" title="Sun by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sun" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15574764417_6c4e16abb9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15575125620/" title="Leftover Via Tribunali by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Leftover Via Tribunali" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15575125620_9d1f7c71d4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574514308/" title="Autumn Moon by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Autumn Moon" height="477" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7564/15574514308_1596ff4d6b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15764324701/" title="Old Town Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town Buildings" height="430" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5616/15764324701_46fede4828_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15140519683/" title="Chinatown by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinatown" height="477" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15140519683_8cba77f911_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15574765577/" title="Park Block Elephants by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Park Block Elephants" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15574765577_2089485b6d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15139969014/" title="Downtown Autumn by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Downtown Autumn" height="531" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15139969014_7f97f53cb5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-31062941355789238002014-10-27T15:30:00.000-07:002014-10-27T15:30:52.833-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459205837/" title="U-Pick with Mike by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="U-Pick with Mike" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15459205837_d674d10cdf_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">There's a eastern belief that autumn is a time of disruption<span style="color: #0000ee;"> -</span> the wind comes in, stirs everything up and creates a bit of chaos. The past month we've experienced a bit of that disruption, but we're trying to stay positive and forge on. After seeing the terrific murals of Phoenix's Calle 16, we were happy to discovered a <a href="http://www.forestforthetreesnw.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>mural project</i></span></a> right here in Portland. We're celebrating some hard work that led to some good news and new opportunities. We're taking every chance we can to roam around and admire the terrific architecture found all over the City - currently we're in love with all Art Deco buildings in the downtown area. As the weather changes, we're staying home more, being thankful for the beautiful life and home we have together. We're trying to strike a balance between family, friends, school, each other, work and play. It's a constant juggling act, but something that is important to us.</div><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459615380/" title="21st and Alberta Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5611/15459615380_55a840cd41_c.jpg" width="800" height="402" alt="21st and Alberta Mural"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459209637/" title="7th & Couch Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15459209637_5215d5c31c_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="7th & Couch Mural"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15458545899/" title="18th & Alberta Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15458545899_c70c4754d9_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="18th & Alberta Mural"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15645395945/" title="Mural at the Know by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15645395945_bc823eb960_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Mural at the Know"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15646014592/" title="Vault Martini by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15646014592_07488b01bc_c.jpg" width="800" height="486" alt="Vault Martini"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15621475036/" title="Trio by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15621475036_5b01c8a071_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Trio"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459053358/" title="Victorian Detail by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5600/15459053358_fca453cb1e_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Victorian Detail"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15645198445/" title="NW PDX by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15645198445_9369e72953_c.jpg" width="800" height="486" alt="NW PDX"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459053968/" title="Urban Pantry by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5603/15459053968_28e7769e6c_c.jpg" width="800" height="585" alt="Urban Pantry"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15458542279/" title="Strutting in NW by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15458542279_f9b70c9928_c.jpg" width="800" height="486" alt="Strutting in NW"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15024439824/" title="Mixed Architecture by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15024439824_6c64f68b17_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Mixed Architecture"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15024440784/" title="Downtown Art by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3954/15024440784_3b88bfe01a_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Downtown Art"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15642497581/" title="Berg Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15642497581_091ee9b30c_c.jpg" width="800" height="486" alt="Berg Building"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15642495341/" title="Simple Deco Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/15642495341_62690ecc82_c.jpg" width="800" height="491" alt="Simple Deco Building"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459208077/" title="Koji Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5605/15459208077_e58361c406_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Koji Dinner"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459611610/" title="Sunrise by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15459611610_47dedcfac5_c.jpg" width="800" height="423" alt="Sunrise"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15645199235/" title="Loft Stills by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15645199235_bc82f8467d_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Loft Stills"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15645200595/" title="Balcony Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15645200595_d75ece7c40_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Balcony Views"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15621476206/" title="Moon Rising by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15621476206_2a3bc5d100_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Moon Rising"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15458544349/" title="Corn Maze by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15458544349_e9bfb0e268_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Corn Maze"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15459204727/" title="View from the Corn Maze by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15459204727_5b0a125c55_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="View from the Corn Maze"></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-72030074213434045912014-09-29T08:23:00.000-07:002014-09-29T08:27:06.806-07:00Arizona Vacation Round-Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
We made a quick trip to Arizona to visit family, celebrate some birthdays and get our desert heat on!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15361281305/" title="Arizona Desert and Cacti by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Arizona Desert and Cacti" height="539" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15361281305_894c551973_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15361281075/" title="Arizona Desert by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Arizona Desert" height="477" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2946/15361281075_c1b7db5957_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15358094651/" title="Cacti in the AZ desert by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Cacti in the AZ desert" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15358094651_243cdcda3c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15338257946/" title="River Rocks by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="River Rocks" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/15338257946_f9b8fa6a8f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15338805996/" title="Mike & AZ Cactus by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike & AZ Cactus" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3914/15338805996_985d8a71d6_c.jpg" width="532" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174580110/" title="Desert Landscape by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Desert Landscape" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/15174580110_2349cfaae5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174744897/" title="Orang Tree by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Orang Tree" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15174744897_91e44e98be_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15175153730/" title="Arizona scenes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Arizona scenes" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/15175153730_7e04deeb08_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Before visiting we searched high and low for some uniquely Arizonian food and we hit the jack pot with<i> <a href="http://www.themissionaz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">The Mission Restaurant</span></a></i><span style="color: #990000;"><i> </i></span>in Scottsdale. Their tacos were teeny tiny, but filling as hell. Topped with pickled cactus and spicy red peppers, these were some of the best tacos we've ever had. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174736787/" title="Mission Tacos by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mission Tacos" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15174736787_f6f757ef35_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174689378/" title="Tiny Taco by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tiny Taco" height="616" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15174689378_4f19963209_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Not authentic Arizonian, we did find a gem in the suburb area of Mesa at <a href="http://www.gelatodolcevita.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Gelato Dolce Vita and Grocery</i></span></a>. We read they had stellar pastas, charcuterie and gelato. Unfortunately, even though we went straight there from the airport, we weren't able to try their homemade pastas, but their sandwiches, charcuterie board, and gelato was fantastic!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15361272085/" title="Dolce Vita Italian Deli by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dolce Vita Italian Deli" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15361272085_959dab1a4c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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This trip was all about family and we were fortunate enough to be there for special birthdays, which included a yummy lunch at famous <a href="http://barriocafe.com/_index.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Barrio Cafe</i></span></a>. We arrived early to check out some of the murals in the area, and found the most interesting cluster of murals were right around the cafe itself. The food was amazing. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174508179/" title="Barrio Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Barrio Mural" height="495" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3880/15174508179_be67f54fb4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174682468/" title="The Barrio Cafe Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="The Barrio Cafe Mural" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/15174682468_d5c993642c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15360960802/" title="Photographing the barrio by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Photographing the barrio" height="539" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15360960802_52cb0112d4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174573170/" title="Calle 16 Artwork by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Calle 16 Artwork" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15174573170_2051567b46_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15338251826/" title="Calle 16 Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Calle 16 Mural" height="575" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15338251826_cee465df7b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174737617/" title="Calle 16 Neighborhood Mural by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Calle 16 Neighborhood Mural" height="494" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/15174737617_58c72edb3d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174737477/" title="Mural on the Barrio Cafe Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mural on the Barrio Cafe Building" height="557" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/15174737477_59543c2bbc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174681888/" title="Barrio Cafe by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Barrio Cafe" height="625" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/15174681888_0a99b50ffb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15360954002/" title="Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Appetizers" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15360954002_b26e690851_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174682978/" title="Barrio Beverages by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Barrio Beverages" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/15174682978_975444eacd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174739207/" title="Barrio Torta and Enchiladas by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Barrio Torta and Enchiladas" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3868/15174739207_258b2d5f98_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15358086361/" title="Silvia's Specialties by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Silvia's Specialties" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/15358086361_feb91cf3a1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174739767/" title="Birthday Celebrations by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday Celebrations" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3926/15174739767_c67c243552_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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It was a terrific visit, and we even got to enjoy a summer monsoon and the beautiful sunsets they create. Until next time Arizona, we love you!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15174579810/" title="Monsoon by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Monsoon" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15174579810_3e1363a30e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-20413448666713878212014-09-25T15:31:00.000-07:002014-09-25T15:31:43.662-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a bit surprising to us that since we've moved downtown we haven't run into many people we know; until we heard from friends who work downtown that they saw us walking around, but didn't say hello because we were busy looking up at the buildings. Then as we were sorting through our pictures we realized, we do take lots of pictures of the buildings that surround us. Portland doesn't have the largest downtown area, but it is jammed packed with some of the most beautiful buildings. We just love the fire escapes, brick facades, terra cotta, arched windows, leaded glass, old billboards, glass towers, water towers - its all very inspiring to be around. Tucked inside many of these buildings is some pretty amazing food too. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167490460/" title="Red Stone by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Stone" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15167490460_ecb9f37600_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15354255965/" title="Pre and Post War by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pre and Post War" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2944/15354255965_27ab7d18e6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15331161426/" title="Brick & Terra Cotta by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Brick & Terra Cotta" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3860/15331161426_f1ba6a5335_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15354187832/" title="Downtown Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Downtown Buildings" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2943/15354187832_8b5748602e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15351290071/" title="FIre Escapes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="FIre Escapes" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15351290071_2001668096_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15353930352/" title="Postal Art by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Postal Art" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/15353930352_e3f60956f6_c.jpg" width="768" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167775480/" title="Park Area Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Park Area Buildings" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/15167775480_3087254d6f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167672217/" title="Old Town by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/15167672217_fcf0951f68_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167618768/" title="Steel Bridge View by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Steel Bridge View" height="641" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2947/15167618768_60f00c0e66_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15331167376/" title="Honeyman Hardware Lofts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Honeyman Hardware Lofts" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/15331167376_be22c5b57c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15353877552/" title="Brick and Fire Escape by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Brick and Fire Escape" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2942/15353877552_ed66924c89_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167955558/" title="Pearl District Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pearl District Buildings" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/15167955558_255161d562_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15351006551/" title="Art Deco Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Art Deco Building" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/15351006551_0d583e4501_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167768907/" title="Tilt Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tilt Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/15167768907_2de4dc37f9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15353874932/" title="Old and New by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old and New" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3856/15353874932_73dccca551_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15354194715/" title="Electric Company by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Electric Company" height="548" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3929/15354194715_1cb33e9d5f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167724628/" title="Bocci Playing by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bocci Playing" height="479" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/15167724628_3c71b96daf_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167683458/" title="Outdoor Dining by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Outdoor Dining" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15167683458_a979ae8b02_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15354191105/" title="Street Scape by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Street Scape" height="649" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2948/15354191105_d16d5f7239_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167618108/" title="Townhomes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Townhomes" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/15167618108_1cf9ee1eaa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167502509/" title="Spring Sunset by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Sunset" height="560" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/15167502509_1cb4ff3627_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15331230246/" title="Mirror Tower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mirror Tower" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/15331230246_e4c759eafe_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15354194915/" title="Water Tower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Water Tower" height="559" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/15354194915_ac9c704ae8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167542209/" title="Happy Mike by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy Mike" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/15167542209_d9e2e5e403_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/15167545199/" title="Grilled Squid by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grilled Squid" height="671" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/15167545199_e61497f1c2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-68091228282802745242014-08-19T14:17:00.000-07:002014-08-21T16:07:21.195-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: justify;">What a terrific summer we're having! It's been sunny and hot for the most part, and yes us PNW people are obsessive about the weather, it makes all the difference in the world when the sun is shining and its actually HOT during the summer months. The heat and sun also makes for the most beautiful sunsets, which we've been enjoying every evening. The hot weather has also made a huge difference in the local berry production, and we're eating our weight in fresh picked berries!<br />
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During the summer months Portland jam packs events in and we've stuck close to home simply because there's so much good stuff to do and no need to go too far. One of our favorite weeks of the year - <a href="http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/the-five-commandments-of-burger-week/Content?oid=13213589" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Portland Burger Week</i></span></a> had us trekking all over town to try various $5 Burgers and it was so much fun. Hope everyone is getting out and enjoying the last weeks of summer because its the best season of the year in our humble opinions, and would gladly press rewind to do it all over again!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14963511962/" title="Thunderstorm Clouds by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Thunderstorm Clouds" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14963511962_4e7ab0931e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14777167079/" title="Kitchen and Cooking by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Kitchen and Cooking" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14777167079_63089a66b4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14777244038/" title="Glass House by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Glass House" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14777244038_03c3a14235_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14993635982/" title="Belated and Early Birthday Cake by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14993635982_492bd7f53d_c.jpg" width="800" height="542" alt="Belated and Early Birthday Cake"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14807395678/" title="Banh Cuon by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14807395678_e554c7d51b_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Banh Cuon"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14973774142/" title="Chinatown Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinatown Building" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14973774142_f13c761d0e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14960740911/" title="Hot Pot Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hot Pot Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14960740911_cffc2e8919_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14960739081/" title="Old Town China Town by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town China Town" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14960739081_c594bfd800_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14963512302/" title="Chinatown Alfresco Dining by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chinatown Alfresco Dining" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14963512302_5266bbcf3c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14960741531/" title="Fifth Avenue Food Carts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Fifth Avenue Food Carts" height="567" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14960741531_aa63ed0850_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14963512592/" title="CareOregon Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="CareOregon Building" height="486" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14963512592_8877ba492e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14940853886/" title="Brick Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Brick Buildings" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14940853886_4c8f4e6b6e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14777181260/" title="Burnside Brewery by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Burnside Brewery" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14777181260_50406fc57b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14963513312/" title="Bar Bar Burger & Salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bar Bar Burger & Salad" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14963513312_fd68ede111_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14940850686/" title="Smallwares by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Smallwares" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3913/14940850686_b164519b05_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14963851735/" title="Pistils Nursery Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pistils Nursery Building" height="630" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5584/14963851735_912603e7b6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14777242898/" title="North Light by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="North Light" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14777242898_1fcbdcfe30_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-67184696260545540352014-07-29T09:08:00.000-07:002014-08-22T08:37:49.287-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14668936051/" title="Scenes from Arcadia Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Scenes from Arcadia Beach" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14668936051_7e70fd4d76_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14692029463/" title="Arcadia Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Arcadia Beach" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14692029463_49c4bc7b6a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14485480409/" title="Beach Homes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Homes" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14485480409_9484a513a3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14813348168/" title="beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/14813348168_c3266de0d0_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="beach"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14485465490/" title="Beach Snacks by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Snacks" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14485465490_88cfd3563d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14669817874/" title="Hawaiian BBQ by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hawaiian BBQ" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14669817874_c6828d2a64_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14485503328/" title="Cherry Picking by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Cherry Picking" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14485503328_66be90c425_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14550514189/" title="Loft Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Loft Views" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3899/14550514189_2ff5e45695_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14584088557/" title="Beer Bike by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beer Bike" height="567" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14584088557_f27cc176f5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14767387911/" title="Fullers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Fullers" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14767387911_ac942337f8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14583853870/" title="Pancetta for Carbonara by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pancetta for Carbonara" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14583853870_642881d481_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14747562976/" title="Pancetta by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pancetta" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14747562976_a009b4c28d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14768197914/" title="Mochi, Piccola and Mama by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mochi, Piccola and Mama" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5577/14768197914_aae98f1dfa_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14583914789/" title="Carbonara Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Carbonara Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14583914789_fcbfb5d7c9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14768207434/" title="Dinner with the Zuccolos by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dinner with the Zuccolos" height="489" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5572/14768207434_2a485f196a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14790427603/" title="Grilled Pork Noodle Bowls by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grilled Pork Noodle Bowls" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14790427603_029fc48e7f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">Oh Summer, what a glorious season you are! We've been spending our weekdays preparing then recouping from the weekends, just the way summer should be. Summertime to us means day trips to the coast; lots of deliciously simple meals prepared, cooked and eaten outside; and summer fruits! Summertime Portland is a big tourist destination because the City is so beautiful this time of year, and there is so much to do. Life is good. Hope everyone is having a great summer!</div>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-3004671461523480462014-07-21T17:32:00.001-07:002014-07-21T17:32:53.820-07:00Memorable Meals: Shiro's Sushi <div style="text-align: justify;">
Upon deciding to go to Seattle, we immediately made dinner reservations for <a href="http://www.shiros.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Shiro's Sushi Restaurant</i></span></a> in Bell Town.We may not have known where we were staying or how we were getting there, but we knew what we would be eating once we arrived. </div>
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Shiro opened the first sushi bar in Seattle in 1970, and although Shiro is no longer there, his appreciation for the freshest ingredients and the abundance of the Pacific Northwest makes this restaurant a must for any sushi lover any where in the US. We've had our fair share of sushi all over the world, and we can say without reservation that this meal, at Shiro's, was the best sushi we've had stateside. </div>
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The doors open at 5pm and the line for the sushi bar starts around 4:30pm. Shiro's does not take reservations for the sushi bar, so we made regular reservations for when the doors open at 5pm and scored the last two seats at the bar. We selected the Chef's choice Omakase tasting menu and ate and ate until we were satisfied.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14559735185/" title="Shiro Line by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Shiro Line" height="606" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3846/14559735185_3866bef4b6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373131259/" title="Sushi Bar by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sushi Bar" height="563" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3895/14373131259_14e9462cd9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We requested no blue fin tuna or endangered tuna be served, but we were ok with local albacore tuna. Pictured is the belly and loin.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14559736275/" title="Albacore by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Albacore" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/14559736275_c2712b0d06_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Flounder, Japanese Snapper and Seared Flounder Fin.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14559735095/" title="Snapper by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Snapper" height="559" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14559735095_562b852092_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Local Baby Squid legs and tube.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373135478/" title="Octopus by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Octopus" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14373135478_a1d6d42297_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Smoked Herring Roe - tasted like smoked jellied tobiko.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14556343001/" title="Herring Row by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Herring Row" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14556343001_e965999190_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Live Sweet Shrimp.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14559734655/" title="Sweet Shrimp by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet Shrimp" height="580" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14559734655_02a9d08a41_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Fried Shrimp Heads.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373136238/" title="Crispy Sweet Shrimp by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Crispy Sweet Shrimp" height="568" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14373136238_97d02f6fab_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Santa Barbara Uni, elevated with the addition of truffle salt.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14556341891/" title="Uni by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Uni" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14556341891_1461fa7841_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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It seems everyone at the sushi bar was having omakase, so it was interesting to see what the other two sushi chefs were preparing for their diners. When we saw our neighbors receive a piece of king crab, we had to request a piece. Still warm from the steamer, it was sweet, succulent and a total homerun. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14579831273/" title="King Crab by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="King Crab" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14579831273_349dc84729_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We have been waiting years to try Shiro's and it was completely worth the wait. Chef Shiro came to the Seattle looking for its unique availability of geoduck and seaweed, and brought with him his high standards of providing only the freshest ingredients he could find to his customers.That tradition and passion can definitely be seen today.<br />
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Shiro's Restaurant<br />
2401 Second Avenue<br />
Seattle, Washington<br />
206.443.9844 </div>
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Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-78557816142024020632014-07-03T12:03:00.000-07:002014-07-07T09:00:16.927-07:00I-5 High-5: Sly & Robbie's Seattle Show<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last weekend we hopped on the Portland to Seattle <a href="https://www.boltbus.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Bolt Bus</i></span></a> and bolted on up to Seattle to see Jamaican music legends <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sly_and_Robbie" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Sly & Robbie</i></span></a>. Even with the limited amount of time we had, we made the most of it by catching the first bus of the day and arriving in Seattle just in time to get in line for famous <a href="http://www.salumicuredmeats.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Salumi's</i></span></a>, a specialty salami shop started by famous NYC chef Mario Batali's father Armandino Batali. Open only Tuesdays-Fridays 11am to 3pm, we were finally able to try Salumi's famous artisan salamis. We decided to start our day by splitting the meat and cheese platter ($18), a hunk of their shelf stable pancetta and a Salumi Muffo (their take on a muffaletta). It was truly worth the wait.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14558897582/" title="Salumi Line by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Salumi Line" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14558897582_2b0b634e09_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14559736475/" title="Salumi Meat & Cheese Plate by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Salumi Meat & Cheese Plate" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14559736475_ba0a127ee5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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After a terrific breakfast/lunch we walked up a few blocks to the ID (International District) and did our usual Seattle to-dos with visits to Japanese $1.50 store <a href="http://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/english/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Daiso</i></span></a>, and had some yummy treats and a nice bowl of beef soba noodles at <a href="http://www.uwajimaya.com/stores/seattle" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Uwajimaya's</i></span></a> food court. After a few hours we were ready to drop off our bags at the terrific <a href="http://www.hotelmaxseattle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Hotel Max</i></span></a> and head to Bell Town for a dinner reservation at a much anticipated sushi restaurant. The rest of the evening was a blurr of lots of walking, more eating and drinking, Pride weekend on Capital Hill, an amazing show at Neumos and a final 2am meal of <a href="http://www.hot-mamaspizza.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Hot Mama's Pizza</i></span></a>. Pretty good for the first 18 hours!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373134489/" title="Courtyard by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Courtyard" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14373134489_8573b1b048_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14556344951/" title="Kushibar by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Kushibar" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/14556344951_cd743cf5d8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373133909/" title="Mike by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5037/14373133909_758cb66b99_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14579833153/" title="Kushi-yaki by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Kushi-yaki" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/14579833153_711417eac1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373051910/" title="Serious Pie Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Serious Pie Building" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14373051910_244515d270_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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With Hotel Max's proximity to <a href="http://www.pikeplacemarket.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Pike Place Market</i></span></a>, we made an obligatory visit. We had very particular items we needed to purchase. Going to Pike Place Market on a Saturday during any summer month is complete madness, so we bee-lined to <a href="http://www.pikeplacechowder.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Pike Place Chowder</i></span></a>, grabbed a quick chowder and got out as fast as we could.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14556539991/" title="Pike Place Market by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pike Place Market" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14556539991_fcdabd1970_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373133789/" title="Pike Place Chowder by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pike Place Chowder" height="601" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/14373133789_4a2fd4e851_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373136468/" title="Seattle Farris Wheel by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Seattle Farris Wheel" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14373136468_09afef06b5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We ate a few more meals and headed back to Portland full, happy and still dancing. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14536658186/" title="Local 360 Biscuits and Gravy by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Local 360 Biscuits and Gravy" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3888/14536658186_7ffa819542_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373051520/" title="Shanghai Garden Mu Shu Pork by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Shanghai Garden Mu Shu Pork" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14373051520_04c6870fee_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14373134168/" title="Shanghai Garden Hand Shaven Noodles by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Shanghai Garden Hand Shaven Noodles" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14373134168_7ab228a72f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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Thank you Seattle - you were fun as ever and delicious as usual! <br />
<br />Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-22193423634207907072014-07-01T20:27:00.000-07:002014-07-02T11:22:50.632-07:00Memorable Meals: Portobello Vegan Trattoria<div style="text-align: justify;">
There aren't many vegan restaurants in Portland that are worthy of celebrations, and due to that fact we have eaten at <a href="http://portobellopdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Portobello Vegan Trattoria</i></span></a> numerous times. However this time was different, we were celebrating a wedding! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14367467789" title="Wedding Ceremony by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding Ceremony" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3887/14367467789_97b10ef1df_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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After the short and sweet morning ceremony, we enjoyed a 4-course tasting menu that had us thinking vegan makes for a great wedding menu. Who can resist beautifully cooked and arranged vegetables? The tasting menu portions were perfect and the flavors were absolutely terrific. Honestly, it had us looking at Portobello in a new light and we look forward to our next visit - who's birthday's next?</div>
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The stuffed figs appetizers were amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14574171013" title="Stuffed Figs by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Stuffed Figs" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14574171013_50ac7bb0e4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Starters of Beet and Asparagus Salad & Squash and Carrot Soup.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14367620637" title="Starters by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Starters" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3890/14367620637_65c8ae850a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The pasta and grain course was particularly good and was difficult to decide which dish to have. The Tomato Gnocchi, Artichoke Risotto, Mushroom Cavatelli, or Roast Corn Ravioli? They were all delicious.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14552492414" title="Gnocchi by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Gnocchi" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/14552492414_2a20143efc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14550668581" title="Pasta Course by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pasta Course" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3854/14550668581_fdbbdb5df9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14550672221" title="Spring Veggie and Corn Ravioli by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Veggie and Corn Ravioli" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14550672221_3461298b75_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We wiped our main course plates clean. Trumpet Mushrooms and Pesto & a Portobello Steak.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14367400910" title="Mushroom Entrees by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mushroom Entrees" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3876/14367400910_294064efe2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The dessert course included many of Portobello's vegan ice creams, including in root beer float form, but we stuck to more adult desserts with the best Strawberry Basil "ice cream" we've ever had, a Berry Tart and a Peach Panna Cotta. All three desserts were terrific. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14530991966" title="Dessert Course by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dessert Course" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3853/14530991966_cb84dd1999_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14554076765" title="Peach Panna Cotta by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Peach Panna Cotta" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3918/14554076765_f64ccbd78c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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We don't think it simply was because we were celebrating such a joyous occasion that Portobello, a restaurant we've eaten at many times, was so delicious this time; but it was by far the most memorable meal we've had there so far.Cheers!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14552492734" title="Dinner Reception by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dinner Reception" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/14552492734_8db4942e1d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-54116728279900772682014-06-24T15:58:00.000-07:002014-07-22T12:17:32.631-07:00Life, As of Late Since moving to a more central and walkable part of Portland we have become full-on pedestrians. We still have our bicycles, but have preferred to walk. It's much easier, more peaceful and allows us to soak up the energy of the City, which is pretty terrific. June has been a busy month, Mike survived another school term and we survived the Portland Rose Festival, in fact we enjoyed it more than ever this year. The Starlight Parade was a particularly fun event we stumbled upon while out getting ice cream. <br />
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The weather has been so nice, we find ourselves getting out a lot and enjoying the insane number of restaurants and bars that now surround us. We're also getting our loft situated and plan to make more meals at home now that we have come up with some great storage solutions, but mostly we've been walking and walking and walking. We took a few days off to enjoy a week-long summer vacation before Mike heads back to school for summer term, and spent most of it simply exploring on foot of course. It's been a good spring and great summer with so many events occurring within walking distance.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312739220/" title="Vertible Quandry Patio by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Vertible Quandry Patio" height="405" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14312739220_23aec8b782_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312737230/" title="Lownsdale Park and Portlandia by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lownsdale Park and Portlandia" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14312737230_bf2c2e81cd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14476282536/" title="Lownsdale Square by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lownsdale Square" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/14476282536_89cbdedb15_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312787179/" title="4th Avenue Financial District by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="4th Avenue Financial District" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/14312787179_0689a0a577_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312785989/" title="Views of Keller Fountain by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Views of Keller Fountain" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14312785989_7e196a6948_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14476284166/" title="Keller Fountain by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Keller Fountain" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5037/14476284166_9282c00266_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14498089974/" title="Courthouse and Courtyard by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Courthouse and Courtyard" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/14498089974_b05b78b2c8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14499391825/" title="Lower Financial District by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lower Financial District" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2933/14499391825_6861028e95_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14498087564/" title="Sandwiches by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sandwiches" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/14498087564_3c6b21bfdb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14519504133/" title="Dragon Boat Race Day by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dragon Boat Race Day" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/14519504133_49206c114c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312787398/" title="Flag Catcher by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Flag Catcher" height="548" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14312787398_caee365ee0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14498213362/" title="Waterfront Park by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Waterfront Park" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3915/14498213362_1a9b885202_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14476282086/" title="Father's Day by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Father's Day" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14476282086_125f6772fd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312790559/" title="Director's Park & Studio Building by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Director's Park & Studio Building" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/14312790559_9513a153df_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14496002821/" title="Summer Ramen by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer Ramen" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/14496002821_a161dffd51_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312736720/" title="Stone Buildings by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Stone Buildings" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/14312736720_a7b2438c87_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14498208702/" title="Cider Summit Festival by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Cider Summit Festival" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/14498208702_16acf78b2f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312933827/" title="Parish Fried Chicken Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Parish Fried Chicken Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3842/14312933827_661b786ce2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14476284866/" title="Street Signs by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Street Signs" height="486" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/14476284866_23ddccf403_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14495999181/" title="Old Town Hotels by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town Hotels" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/14495999181_241597ec95_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312789668/" title="Micro-lofts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Micro-lofts" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14312789668_7f8bb9ed4f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312786239/" title="Old Town by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town" height="486" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14312786239_6818acaa2e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14498212462/" title="Strawberry Cupcakes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Strawberry Cupcakes" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/14498212462_d158a58066_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14312785418/" title="Old Town Sunsets by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town Sunsets" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14312785418_fbe3892da6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-60938321816471137722014-05-27T16:09:00.000-07:002014-05-27T16:09:21.981-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life, as of late, has been a bit random...as seen by the collection of photos from the last month. Springtime in Portland just can't be beat. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14286073384/" title="Steel Bridge Skyline by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Steel Bridge Skyline" height="560" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3739/14286073384_b2852f5971_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14099907049/" title="Sakura by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sakura" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2908/14099907049_dd76c1aff7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14099906179/" title="Dining by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dining" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/14099906179_a9cf3d9fc2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14284568972/" title="Neighborhood by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Neighborhood" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2925/14284568972_2d96701a4d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14286580235/" title="Greenery by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Greenery" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14286580235_7d98ae7173_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14100027267/" title="Donkey Basketball by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Donkey Basketball" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/14100027267_effa1f42cc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14283253121/" title="Establishment Condemned by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Establishment Condemned" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/14283253121_dd2ccbbdd1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14100027027/" title="In Memory by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="In Memory" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/14100027027_8a382d62a5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14099906409/" title="Daily Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Daily Views" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/14099906409_25b36385a4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14286581145/" title="Andina Lunch by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Andina Lunch" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/14286581145_36cb5c3d93_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14099938508/" title="Local Events by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Local Events" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/14099938508_294716dcb6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14099906609/" title="Around the Hood by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Around the Hood" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/14099906609_368a4cd775_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<br />Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-45531826230532059542014-04-28T14:33:00.001-07:002014-04-28T14:33:56.656-07:00All Cats Go to Heaven20 years ago I casually adopted a black cat with golden eyes and named her Cleopatra. She grew up with me and was there for it all. Last week she stopped eating and 5 days later passed away in my arms. I thought since we share so much of our lives here, it would be wrong not to mention such a significant event in our lives. She did appear several times on the blog - <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/looking-ahead.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></i></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/summer-shake-ups.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></i></a> and <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/looking-ahead.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #990000;">here</span></i></a>.<br />
<br />
Her presence is so do dearly missed. She was such a talkative cat and literally said good morning to us every day. As she aged Cleo definitely became more and more demanding, but also more and more rewarding. She turned many non-cat people into cat people. She was sweet, mischievous, obedient and loved showers in the kitchen sink. Farewell my sweet kitty, I will forever remember you.<br />
<br />
Anne<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13988333796/" title="Hanging out in the garden by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hanging out in the garden" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/13988333796_713e325d75_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/14011907504/" title="Chilling on the windowsill by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Chilling on the windowsill" height="663" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5294/14011907504_0b18d0dfdf_c.jpg" width="800" /></a> Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-13043359288274024522014-04-17T09:25:00.000-07:002014-04-17T09:27:33.697-07:00Life, As of Late<div style="text-align: center;">
{unpacking}*</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904016225/" title="The Move by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="The Move" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/13904016225_d6f1702bf0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*my dad labeled our furniture to help mike learn vietnamese and they survived the severe man-handling of the movers!</i></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{setting up the essentials first}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904055045/" title="Beverage Center by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beverage Center" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/13904055045_5cd935f7bf_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{still haven't hung anything up - loving the blank white walls and wonderful light we get}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904079225/" title="Too many nick nacks by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Too many nick nacks" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/13904079225_3b97f93463_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{outdoor space}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904018695/" title="Balcony Plants by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Balcony Plants" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/13904018695_a83cae27bc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{exploring the new hood}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904469734/" title="Late Evening in Old Town by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Late Evening in Old Town" height="554" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/13904469734_838be60d0b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904434294/" title="Neighborhood by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Neighborhood" height="486" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/13904434294_bdd3debc23_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904053705/" title="Bus Station Wavy Wall by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bus Station Wavy Wall" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/13904053705_bac0ef6226_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{insanely yummy birthday dinner at this insanely <a href="http://www.screendoorrestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>yummy southern restaurant</i></span></a>}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904435904/" title="Birthday Dinner Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Birthday Dinner Appetizers" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/13904435904_f559316992_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904433944/" title="Screen Door Birthday Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Screen Door Birthday Dinner" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/13904433944_b2141b7bd4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{best birthday gift ever}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904468254/" title="Mike by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/13904468254_a3325f25de_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{post dinner sweet fix at one of our <a href="http://pixpatisserie.myshopify.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>favorite spots in the city</i></span></a>}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904015025/" title="Dessert Time by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Dessert Time" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/13904015025_0c06de96af_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904016035/" title="Tigre and Incognito by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tigre and Incognito" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/13904016035_262f7523f5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{this ship reminds us of our <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/majestic-ha-long-bay.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>incredible cruise at one of the wonders of the world</i></span></a>}</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904828765/" title="SS Legacy by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="SS Legacy" height="571" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/13904828765_7cfe478897_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904424004/" title="Un-Cruise Adventures by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Un-Cruise Adventures" height="486" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/13904424004_e3565de215_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{springtime trees before the leaves fill-in completely}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904828195/" title="Spring Tree by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Spring Tree" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/13904828195_a84c541ea1_c.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{mornings on the willamette river}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904016965/" title="Morning Willamette by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Morning Willamette" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/13904016965_cc1f98b188_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{start of our day}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904111663/" title="White Stag Sunrise by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="White Stag Sunrise" height="727" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/13904111663_a45c5a9387_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
{end of our day}</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13904471244/" title="Blood Moon by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Blood Moon" height="588" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/13904471244_c57ac7ac80_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-27952536814755964682014-04-07T15:23:00.002-07:002014-04-09T08:28:35.136-07:00Maui Photo Diary<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's start with the <a href="http://www.mauigoldcondos.com/vacation-rental-home.asp?PageDataID=68581" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Bliss Beach House</i></span></a> we rented in Kihei, because it was BEAUTIFUL. We had our own pool, was only 2 blocks from a quiet and wonderful walkable beach, the kitchen sink oh that kitchen sink (and the whole open kitchen area too), the game room, the amenities (everything you would need for a day at the beach: gear, chairs, bags, towels, etc.) and the care the owners took to make it really feel you are living at the beach on MAUI!Thank you Bliss Beach House, you made our time in Maui extraordinary!</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632603723/" title="Beach House by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach House" height="430" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5057/13632603723_9b6d81af28_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632571395/" title="Kitchen by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Kitchen" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/13632571395_371f81b284_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632935734/" title="Beach House Bedroom by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach House Bedroom" height="430" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/13632935734_f9f862dacc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632599323/" title="Lanai & Beach Bags by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lanai & Beach Bags" height="430" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/13632599323_a07b9b3f34_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632575665/" title="Beach House Pool by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach House Pool" height="430" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/13632575665_2b17bc26f2_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631623465/" title="Game Room by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632576775/" title="Beach House Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632594603/" title="Sunset Beach Walk by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631623465/" title="Game Room by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Game Room" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/13631623465_5e162db3b7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700733795/" title="Bliss Beach House Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bliss Beach House Beach" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/13700733795_4f325e4d01_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700734405/" title="Tuan on bliss house beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tuan on bliss house beach" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/13700734405_080e5f0716_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700754443/" title="Bliss Beach House Beach Sunset by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Bliss Beach House Beach Sunset" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/13700754443_262653c35e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We got up at 3:30am to make the dark trek up to Halekala Crater in hopes of seeing the sunset. It was cloudy and raining so we couldn't see much, but that was ok because we were able to see "up country Maui", have a terrific rustic breakfast, was by the pool by 9am that morning and had our first beach day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632573185/" title="Grandma's Coffee House by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grandma's Coffee House" height="430" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/13632573185_deae290e82_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632932914/" title="Grandma's Coffee House Lucky Cat by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grandma's Coffee House Lucky Cat" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/13632932914_b4b8562da1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632933384/" title="Grandma's Coffee House Benedictst by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grandma's Coffee House Benedictst" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/13632933384_5df4ac9df8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632573345/" title="Grandma's Coffee House Omelettes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Grandma's Coffee House Omelettes" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/13632573345_0dd1bed57f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631982694/" title="Enjoying the pool by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoying the pool" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/13631982694_f2675c3104_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632924864/" title="Ulua Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Ulua Beach" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/13632924864_ef3fd29afd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631600473/" title="The gang's first beach day by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="The gang's first beach day" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/13631600473_b0104f2632_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631650633/" title="Hammock Time by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hammock Time" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/13631650633_bcd203428f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a> <br />
<br />
The next morning we got up at a more reasonable hour to take in the northern peninsula and check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakalele_Point" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Nakalele Blowhole</i></span></a>. After we had a terrific lunch at <a href="http://www.starnoodle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Star Noodle</i></span></a>, everyone's favorite was the Filipino Bacon and Eggs. I could eat this whole meal again.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632597783/" title="Nakalele Blowhole by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Nakalele Blowhole" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/13632597783_c4ab34a926_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632931294/" title="Hiking Down to Nakalele by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hiking Down to Nakalele" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/13632931294_25fc25256d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631623433/" title="Nakalele Blowhole by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Nakalele Blowhole" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/13631623433_bc2b5ecb55_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632934364/" title="Down at the Nakalele Blowhole by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Down at the Nakalele Blowhole" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/13632934364_3e0ef61752_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632931944/" title="Having fun at the Blowhole by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Having fun at the Blowhole" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2915/13632931944_a2d127ff40_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631582215/" title="Rugged Nakalele Area by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Rugged Nakalele Area" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/13631582215_a6f4314047_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632929314/" title="Nakalele Blowhole Coast by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Nakalele Blowhole Coast" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2913/13632929314_e1136abda9_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632600733/" title="Heart Rock by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Heart Rock" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/13632600733_55411883e6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632565475/" title="Coconut Water by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Coconut Water" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/13632565475_c635beffea_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632925824/" title="Star Noodle by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Star Noodle" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/13632925824_4223b4909b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632926144/" title="Star Noodle Ramens by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Star Noodle Ramens" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/13632926144_6cffef9a45_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632603413/" title="Filipino Bacon and Eggs & Fern Salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Filipino Bacon and Eggs & Fern Salad" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/13632603413_64935600f7_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632574255/" title="Garlic Noodles and Karaage by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Garlic Noodles and Karaage" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/13632574255_9b38337f60_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632926944/" title="Pickle Plate and Brussel Salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Pickle Plate and Brussel Salad" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/13632926944_c114330d79_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632926234/" title="Star Noodle Desserts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Star Noodle Desserts" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/13632926234_1fae107ac5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The next morning we all got up and hit the road to Hana. The road to Hana is all about the journey on the 2-lane highway, 1-lane bridges along a rugged coastline with bamboo forests, waterfalls, lush hillsides and a black sand beach. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631593785/" title="Northern Coast by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Northern Coast" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/13631593785_7280b4ca4e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700735405/" title="Views from Road to hana by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Views from Road to hana" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/13700735405_97bcc9e7e0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701085524/" title="Red Blooming Flower by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Red Blooming Flower" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/13701085524_226b0585a4_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13632596543/" title="North Coast Surfers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="North Coast Surfers" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/13632596543_80c7366335_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631617613/" title="Photobombing Parents by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Photobombing Parents" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/13631617613_7160ea93c6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631575945/" title="Taking Photos along the road to Hana by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Taking Photos along the road to Hana" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/13631575945_d0253d8280_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700755483/" title="Hiking through Bamboo Forest by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Hiking through Bamboo Forest" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/13700755483_d342069ba5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700755973/" title="Inside the Bamboo Forest by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Inside the Bamboo Forest" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/13700755973_2d2e051731_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700758563/" title="Photographing the bamboo forest by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Photographing the bamboo forest" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/13700758563_effd368d2f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631921654/" title="Tri in the bamboo forest stream by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tri in the bamboo forest stream" height="667" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/13631921654_a175a79379_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701085774/" title="Black Sand Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Black Sand Beach" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/13701085774_3543750e32_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631636305/" title="Black Sand Beach on the Road to Hana by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Black Sand Beach on the Road to Hana" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/13631636305_3a673bbe9e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700760543/" title="Smooth Stones at Black Sand Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Smooth Stones at Black Sand Beach" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/13700760543_3bb755764d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701089384/" title="North Coast Black Sand Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="North Coast Black Sand Beach" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/13701089384_2b4942ce5c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631640795/" title="Beach Plants by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach Plants" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/13631640795_fa218858cd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631638833/" title="Lava Tubes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lava Tubes" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/13631638833_d7e9886080_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700736685/" title="Lava Tubes by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lava Tubes" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/13700736685_06d2a7e58c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The next morning we went snorkeling at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molokini" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Molokini</i></span></a>, a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic crater. It was amazing. We saw eels, tons of humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii's national fish) and gorgeous colorful coral. From the boat we saw whales breaching and a turtle. By the way, snorkeling and mustaches do not go together. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700739335/" title="Snorkeling at Molokini by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Snorkeling at Molokini" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/13700739335_dd1a2f508a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700761313/" title="Headed out to snorklet Molokini by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Headed out to snorklet Molokini" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5225/13700761313_7433070707_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We were back in time to check out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahihi-Kinau_Natural_Area_Reserve" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Ahihi Kinau Natural Area Reserve</i></span></a> and the interesting lava fields at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Perouse_Bay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>La Perouse Bay</i></span></a> before heading to an amazing sushi dinner at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Perouse_Bay" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Koiso Sushi Bar</i></span></a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701087824/" title="La Perouse Bay by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="La Perouse Bay" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/13701087824_c9a01ea029_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700750475/" title="Playing on the lave rocks by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Playing on the lave rocks" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3781/13700750475_31ac8bbafd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631950754/" title="Mike checking out the lava fields by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike checking out the lava fields" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/13631950754_55f4340642_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700773783/" title="Koiso Sushi Bar by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Koiso Sushi Bar" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/13700773783_74285a243c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700741015/" title="Koiso Sushi Bar Beverages by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Koiso Sushi Bar Beverages" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/13700741015_637514fdab_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700731805/" title="Omakase Parts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Omakase Parts" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/13700731805_f42d667f31_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631590995/" title="Omakase Dinner by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Omakase Dinner" height="532" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/13631590995_2af166431b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700742495/" title="Unkimo & Aji by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Unkimo & Aji" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/13700742495_65cec65ae3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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By this time we were ready for more relaxation and that meant a full day at the beach. We rummaged through the beach supplies and headed to Big Beach just south of us to sit in the shade, try some body boarding, enjoy the gorgeous Maui ocean water, eat BBQ and take naps. If we lived in Maui, we'd live close to this terrific public beach.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631665843/" title="Big Beach Landscape by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Big Beach Landscape" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/13631665843_64a1ceca0c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701091744/" title="Activities on Big Beachi by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Activities on Big Beachi" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/13701091744_a8002e0948_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701092974/" title="Perfect Day at Big Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Perfect Day at Big Beach" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/13701092974_16cf652b74_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700774073/" title="Body Boarding at Big Beachi by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Body Boarding at Big Beachi" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/13700774073_99fa041bc8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631637135/" title="Big Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Big Beach" height="283" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/13631637135_d62369cddd_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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As a special treat we took Mom to a magic show, she loves magic shows. The Parlor room was adorable, the little theater allowed for close-up entertainment of old-fashion slight of hand type magic and the two magicians/comedians were terrific. It was very entertaining and something we'd suggest to anyone to do if they're in Maui. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701093584/" title="Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/13701093584_130c443167_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700769133/" title="Comedian-Magicians by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Comedian-Magicians" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/13700769133_4727387e0a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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We needed more relaxation so we booked a couples massage that was heavenly. We then headed into the fancy area of Wailea to have lunch and do a bit of shopping. We found Maui restaurants very clever with their Pacific Island twist, so nutmeg honey butter & sweet bread or blackened swordfish rueben sandwich anyone? The blue crab salad was pretty terrific too. We had dinner plans so we stayed south and checked out Makena Beach. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13703091303/" title="Starters by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Starters" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/13703091303_0e1f75a1ff_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701094574/" title="Lunch by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lunch" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/13701094574_98cae717fb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701101054/" title="Lush grounds at Makena Resort by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lush grounds at Makena Resort" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/13701101054_d5c184d496_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700776183/" title="Makena Resort by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Makena Resort" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/13700776183_455913199a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631591523/" title="Turtle Ice Sculpture by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Turtle Ice Sculpture" height="532" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/13631591523_df38bca6f1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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The next day we had to check out of the beach house and head into Lahaina for a final night on this amazing island, which wouldn't be complete without a luau at the <a href="https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Old Lahaina Luau</i></span></a>. But first one final morning walk on the beach. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631615503/" title="Punahoa Beach by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Punahoa Beach" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/13631615503_fb9e62de7f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700753995/" title="Parents at Old Lahaina Luau by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Parents at Old Lahaina Luau" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/13700753995_f0255fc989_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700754803/" title="Luau Grounds by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Luau Grounds" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/13700754803_6b7968884a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701096914/" title="Unveiling the kalua pig by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Unveiling the kalua pig" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5105/13701096914_925018ede3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631643523/" title="Kalua Pig by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Kalua Pig" height="532" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5167/13631643523_577ef232ca_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700747595/" title="Sunset at the Luau by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunset at the Luau" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/13700747595_e0961a398b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700777493/" title="Old Lahaina Luau all you can eat and drink by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Lahaina Luau all you can eat and drink" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/13700777493_f48436f6bb_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701104384/" title="Luau Entertainment by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Luau Entertainment" height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/13701104384_a381a7efed_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631607185/" title="Luau Attire and Big Banyan Tree by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Luau Attire and Big Banyan Tree" height="800" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/13631607185_20c57703e4_c.jpg" width="532" /></a></div>
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That night we walked down the beach and tossed our leis in the water in hopes of coming back soon. The next morning we leisurely got up and headed into Lahaina for one last stroll around this cute old plantation town. Sundays there is an art fair held at the town's Banyan Tree Park, which is amazing. This whole park is made up of 1 banyan tree. We had another mahi mahi themed breakfast and bid farewell to the <a href="https://www.gardengatebb.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast</i><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></a> <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13701097904/" title="Lahaina by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lahaina" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/13701097904_01929da186_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13631632853/" title="Mahi Mahi Benedicts by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Mahi Mahi Benedicts" height="532" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/13631632853_d648cd11d6_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700749245/" title="Garden Gate B&B and Coco by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Garden Gate B&B and Coco" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/13700749245_e711764f2b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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On the way to the airport, we had to stop for one last fresh fruit juice. Oh Maui how we loved our time there and will be back as soon as we check out one last island - Hawaii Big Island we're looking at you next!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700770183/" title="Olowalu Juice Stand Produce by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Olowalu Juice Stand Produce" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/13700770183_bf75e56d44_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13700746905/" title="Olowalu Juice Stand by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Olowalu Juice Stand" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/13700746905_a0957ff7a0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-3570614767878752532014-03-11T10:17:00.000-07:002014-03-11T10:23:58.080-07:00Life, As of Late <div style="text-align: justify;">
It's been a crazy couple of weeks. It all started with apartment hunting right after the holidays, which led to 5 offers, pros/cons lists of each place and a final decision to downsize by nearly 500 Sq. Ft! Then there was a snow storm the weekend we were planning to move, which cancelled the move; the unpacking of way too much stuff in a space that can't hold it all; a massive and furious moving sale, plant dig and numerous trips to donation drop offs; and finally being able to celebrate missed birthdays and dinner parties. In between it all, midterms and now finals! There were days we couldn't look beyond the next 24 hours and we couldn't imagine when the moving would finally end, but we're all moved into our new place and living among boxes until we can come up with creative and stylish storage solutions. Although it was a move we were forced into, we couldn't be happier in our new home. </div>
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This kitchen will be greatly missed for its massive size, its insane amount of storage and the many great meals we prepared for family and friends.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13071158584/" title="Old Kitchen by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Kitchen" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/13071158584_2dd3fcd8c6_c.jpg" height="532" width="800" /></a> </div>
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This cupboard took us two weeks to pack up! Every time we opened up the cupboard and tried to envision where we'd put all this in our tiny new kitchen, we'd have mild heart attacks. It all currently lives in a large box on the kitchen floor with no clue as to what we're going to do with all this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13071154164/" title="Spices Cupboard by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Spices Cupboard" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3535/13071154164_bf877749db_c.jpg" height="486" width="800" /></a></div>
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We traded all that space, quaint neighborhood and living with a yard for these views (and we haven't missed or regretted the decision).</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070947333/" title="Old Town Views by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Old Town Views" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3157/13070947333_5c461c3aa6_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a> </div>
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After turning in our keys at 11pm on a Tuesday, we had late night happy hour burgers at our beloved neighborhood spot <a href="http://www.lompocbrewing.com/fifth-quadrant/"><i><span style="color: #990000;">5Q</span></i></a>. We remember dreaming of this place on our travels during days when we just wanted a beer and a burger. It felt ceremoniously appropriate to spend our last night in the neighborhood here. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070827525/" title="5Q Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="5Q Appetizers" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3356/13070827525_86599f704f_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13071162894/" title="5Q Burgers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="5Q Burgers" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/13071162894_da5f875412_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a></div>
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We finally made a trip to the grocery store, but for such things as cleaning supplies, wood furniture shims and cat food. On the way there, we saw notoriously long<span style="color: #0000ee;">-</span>wait <a href="http://www.screendoorrestaurant.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Screen Door</i></span></a> had no one in line. We decided, at the last minute, to stop for dinner, and now we understand why this Southern food restaurant is always so packed. Our beef brisket and fried chicken dinner was absolutely delicious, plus their wall of house pickles was an inspiration for our new kitchen. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070829935/" title="Screen Door Dining and Rose Apple Salad by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Screen Door Dining and Rose Apple Salad" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2651/13070829935_14e91c3cf9_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13071154354/" title="Smoked Beef Brisket and Fried Chicken Plates by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Smoked Beef Brisket and Fried Chicken Plates" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/13071154354_cf162edaa6_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a> </div>
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We've been living in our loft now for 3 weeks. Just recently were we able to go home after work, instead of back to our old home to pack and move more things. Which meant we finally had an opportunity to explore our new neighborhood and was overjoyed to find out our <a href="http://www.losgorditospdx.com/locations/perla/"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>favorite taqueria</i></span></a> in the city just opened up a spot only 7 blocks from our new place! We're going to be eating our way through their menu.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070834855/" title="Los Gorditos by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Los Gorditos" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7441/13070834855_88172e7f7d_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a></div>
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We're also ridiculously close to the new <a href="http://www.worldfoodsportland.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>World Foods Market,</i></span></a> which we were surprised to find reasonably priced general produce and fresh foods, but their pantry items - no so much. They also have fancy specialty foods, which we think we'll indulge in from time to time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070835775/" title="Lemon Plum resized by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Lemon Plum resized" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/13070835775_80b4e4a088_c.jpg" height="532" width="800" /></a></div>
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Our first evening out with friends in a long time was to amazing little bar <a href="http://tanukipdx.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Tanuki</i></span></a>. This bar is definitely of another realm, specializing in Okinawan drinking foods. The food was insane! We opted for the highest price point Omakase (Chef's choice) and almost immediately the food started flying at us. It was dark, there was drinking snacks in front of us, good company and Japanese horror movies on screen, needless to say we only capture a few photos before giving up and digging into our meal. </div>
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Pictured are light Korean beers Hite, fish sauce caramel corn (insanely good); trio of salads (octopus, jellyfish and seaweed; and kimchi bacon and blue cheese buns. Not pictured, but part of the meal was buttered trout over rice; braised duck and shaved brussel sprouts; hanger steak; pork cheeks; house kimchi; edamame; soy sauce squid jerky; spicy cinnamon tea quail eggs; crab legs in herb sauce; fresh oysters; broiled mussels with manchego cheese; miso soup; and probably a few more items we simply can't remember. There was so much and it was all insanely good.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070945113/" title="Tanuki Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tanuki Appetizers" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3264/13070945113_c9e09f75b8_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070944643/" title="Tanuki Trio Salad and Kimchi Bacon Blue Cheese Buns by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Tanuki Trio Salad and Kimchi Bacon Blue Cheese Buns" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2711/13070944643_69d27b7efb_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a> </div>
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The weekend wasn't over yet, we still had a belated birthday celebration, this time in the form of a brunch at the <a href="http://thecountrycat.net/#about"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Country Cat</i></span></a>. Right on par with our meal at the Screen Door, the Country Cat's food was comforting and delectable on this rainy late winter/early spring morning. The food is whole hearted American breakfast bumped up 10 notches. The usual breakfast suspects were there - Cast Iron Skillet Fried Chicken ($15), the spoon bread was so yummy; Chili Pork over Grits ($13); Insane Pork Fat Biscuits & Gravy ($11); and Chicken Fried Steak ($12). The Proud Mary (their version of a Bloody Mary) was delicious as well. Oddly enough the only plate a picture wasn't take of was Anne's Braised Beef Hash, with chunks of braised beef the same size of the home fries ($12). </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070836475/" title="Country Cat Birthday Brunch by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Country Cat Birthday Brunch" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3284/13070836475_d9bdf5f37d_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070836625/" title="Cast Iron Fried Chicken and Chili Pork & Grit Plates by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Cast Iron Fried Chicken and Chili Pork & Grit Plates" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3282/13070836625_2e69534796_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/13070837155/" title="Biscuits & Gravy and Chicken Fried Steak Plates by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Biscuits & Gravy and Chicken Fried Steak Plates" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/13070837155_ec9b9f8461_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a> </div>
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It was so nice to have a weekend to relax, enjoy a meal not out of a plastic container and finally talk to our family & friends about something other than moving. So, what's everyone been up to?Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5346334115276491780.post-30268289742557761902014-02-16T12:31:00.000-08:002014-02-17T10:11:06.745-08:00Neighborhood Places We're Going To Miss<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have lived in the same home for 8 years, and over those 8 years we have seen the neighborhood change dramatically. We were so lucky to find a home that was smack dab in the middle of numerous evolving neighborhoods with so much to offer. During the recent snow storm, we quickly realized how lucky we have been to be within walking distance to so many terrific restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, pubs, grocery stores, shops and galleries. But that's what makes Portland such a great city, there's many many more places we'll be exploring in our new neighborhood.</div>
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We wanted to give our current neighborhood a proper send off with an ode to the <a href="http://www.zillasakehouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>best sushi/sake bar</i></b></span></a> in town, the most <a href="http://www.donpancho.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>amazing Mexican butcher</i></b></span></a>, the cutest <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anzen/155499971174089" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>locally owned Japanese grocery store</i></b></span></a>, a <a href="http://www.torobravopdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>tapas bar with the best burger</i></b></span></a> we've ever had, <a href="http://provencepdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>French pastries</i></b></span></a> to die for, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gravy/173849352625936" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>best breakfast joint</i></b></span></a>, a <a href="http://www.tumbleweedboutique.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>clothing boutique</b></i></span></a> to drool over, and how could we forget our two favorite places of all, or <a href="https://multcolib.org/library-location/albina" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>our homes</i></b></span></a> away <a href="http://www.portlandrerun.com/3/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>from home</i></b></span></a>. Thanks for so many great memories. </div>
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Others we'll miss include <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/free-house.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/miss-delta-anniversary-dinner.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/our-favorite-restaurant-of-2012.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/cedos-falafel.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/las-primas-peruvian-kitchen.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/natural-birthday-dinner.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a> (not once but <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/natural-celebratory-dinner.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>several times</i></b></span></a>), <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/tasty-n-sons.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/samurai-blue-sushi-restaurant.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/bollywood-theater.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/lovely-fifty-fifty.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>...wow, and <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/cruz-room-taco-lab.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/restaurant-review-japanese-bistro-hana.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, and <a href="http://www.buddhabelliesblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/little-big-burger.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>. Just to name a few. But don't worry we'll be back, we still need to try <a href="http://oxpdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, <a href="http://podnahspit.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>, and <a href="http://cocottepdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>this place</i></b></span></a>. </div>
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Recently we visited two of our go-to places and we'll miss having them so close, that's for sure. First up is the <a href="http://www.radioroompdx.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i>Radio Room</i></b></span></a>, just minutes from our house with great drinks, eclectic food menu, friendly attentive staff and we really like the owners. Also, home to one of favorite bar burgers and the most addictive green chili poutine! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485408954/" title="Radio Room by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Radio Room" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/12485408954_8a7c163e5b_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485408234/" title="Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Appetizers" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/12485408234_b9d5c9f0fa_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485059413/" title="Entrees by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Entrees" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/12485059413_cc7fb9ab54_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><br />
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Another local spot even closer to us is the<a href="http://www.grainandgristle.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><i> Grain & Gristle</i></b></span></a>. We've had breakfast, lunch, drinks and dinner at this place. Heavy comfort food at reasonable prices and their 2-fer nightly specials can't be beat!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485405924/" title="Beverages by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Beverages" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/12485405924_6100b857c0_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485406834/" title="Appetizers by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Appetizers" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/12485406834_32752f62c7_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29990232@N05/12485059253/" title="Entrees by Buddha-Bellies, on Flickr"><img alt="Entrees" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/12485059253_4a52745c0c_c.jpg" height="400" width="800" /></a><br />
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We're already stalking spots in our new neighborhood, and hope they're as good to us as these have been. And by no means is this list complete...so many more we didn't mention. Buddha Bellieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04366359744948068581noreply@blogger.com0