I'm off to see the parent(s), grandmother(s), spouses, cousins, and assorted hangers-on.

Boise is likely to be cold and frosty.

Despite the chaos of the Thanksgiving travel day, leaving Phoenix seems relatively painless. The flight is on time, the crowd here is remarkably calm, all things considered. Apart from the standing room only bars in the airport, it could be any other travel day.

Labels: boise, idaho, travel, vacation

There is a wisp of snow on the ground, and it is awfully cold here. Fifteen degrees or something ridiculous last night.

Beers at the Lucky Dog after arrival, as usual. Wished Rob a happy birthday and then went to bed. I always seem to wake up hung over and looking like crap. The awful lighting in the bathroom of this hotel doesn't help.

My favorite place to stay in Boise, the Statehouse Inn, is getting a remodel. Soon it will be all boutiquy goodness, and get a new name.... Hotel 43. It needs it. I stay here all the time because the hotel is convenient and inexpensive, but it certainly has seen better days. The decor is early 90's, and the aforementioned bathroom is always cold and without water pressure.

Breakfast this morning at Goldy's Breakfast Bistro. Small and crowded, but with excellent coffee (served extremely hot, a plus) and good food. I'll be going back.

Shopping at Boise Towne Square again. Left wondering what's the point? The mall was strangely empty and run down, although I did drop some money at Banana Republic (new jeans, new belt) before fleeing.

Now to figure out where to take my mother for lunch.

Labels: boise, travel

Grandmother's house for Thanksgiving was quiet. Just my grandmother, oldest uncle, my dad and his wife, and me. Dinner was a wee turkey with dressing and the usual sides. The turkey was so small that I barely eeked out a sandwich later.

Afterward, there was college football, which I enjoyed watching, strangely. Highly unusual for me. Since my brief attempt at rugby, I think I understand American football a bit. However, the constant clock-stopping makes no sense to me. Pick the ball up and run!

Saturday was the flight home. I spent the morning in Boise, shopping and wandering downtown. It snowed! A little.

I stopped into my favorite haunt for lunch... Bar Gernika. The Bar is a little basque place in downtown Boise. They serve great food and decent beers on tap. I spent many an afternoon studying there (with a pint) during college, and it's still a great place to hang by the window. I ran into friends from high school, and enjoyed a pint of Guinness and their super croquettas.

Coming back a day early was excellent planning on my part. Today has been quiet, and a nice break before next week.

Labels: boise, thanksgiving, travel