I got REAL mail today!

Tavira, Algarve, Portugal.
Originally uploaded by Katherine H.

Recently, my friend Gail introduced me to what was sure to become a new addiction for me -- postcrossing.

For a lover of words and photography and travel, how could I not love the concept of exchanging postcards with people from around the world?

So far, I've sent postcards to Finland, Missouri, Japan, and California. And today, my first postcard was waiting for me in my mailbox all the way from Portugal.

I think the allure of the exchange hearkens back to my childhood. I had several pen pals when I was young: Sabine in Austria, Autumn in Pennsylvania, and Laura in Salt Lake City. I still have a box in my basement that has some of their letters. Of course, you know what all this means, right? I just want to travel even more!

Upon Reflection: 2008

My friend, Heather, posted a series of lists on her blog that summarized some of her "doings" for 2008. It inspired me to post my own spin on 2008--in a travel-related way--of course.



Places I traveled out-of-state in 2008:
1. Redlands, CA
2. Oceanside, CA
3. Alhambra, CA
4. Nashville, TN
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Island Park, ID
7. Claremont, CA
8. Denver, CO
9. Salt Lake City, UT
10. Idaho Falls, ID



Places I traveled within the state of Oregon in 2008:
1. Astoria
2. Vernonia
3. Nyssa
4. Prineville
5. Grants Pass
6. Klamath Falls
7. Roseburg
8. Madras
9. Mill City
10. Oakridge
(And so many more...)



Places I wish I had written more about on my blog:
1. The Mission District, San Francisco, CA
2. Golden Gate State Park, San Francisco, CA
3. Community Garden, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA
4. Claremont, CA
5. Central Market, Los Angeles, CA

Places I hope to write about on my blog during 2009:
1. Vancouver, BC, Canada
2. Southern California (sensing a theme here?)
3. Friends coming to visit me in Oregon :)



Highlights from my travels during 2008:
1. Denver Art Museum
2. Claremont Evaluation Workshops
3. Bikes-to-Rwanda photography exhibits
4. Wild strawberry picking in Island Park
5. Catching up with friends (and food faves) in Utah

What will 2009 bring? Where will 2009 take you?