Olympics

I am a sucker for the Olympics. Although I watch some television, when the Olympics come on the television every two years I could watch them for hours. I have spirit for my country but will gladly cheer on any Olympian. Perhaps it is because I was a competitive athlete for so many years, I realize how much effort the athlete put into their sport.

This particular Olympic games I especially like the P&G ads which thank the Olympians' moms. Every person has a mom. I have not seen any Olympic athlete reach the podium by themselves. Each athlete has a coach, a mentor, a friend or a rival and their mom which helped them get to that podium.

The Olympics seem like a time when we focus on what mankind can achieve by physical and mental strength and now with the help of new technology.

If nothing else remember the Olympic motto- "Citius, Altius, Fortius." These three Latin words mean "Swifter, Higher, Stronger." Regardless if you are an Olympian or not each person can strive to do whatever they do better than they did before.

Wineries South of San Luis Obispo

With the long weekend, I had the pleasure of going wine tasting. Our first stop was Edna Valley Vineyard. Their tasting room has an amazing view.

Currently, the yellow in the field is mustard which helps to fertilize the soil. My favorites were the 2008 Pinot Gris and 2007 Viongier.

Second stop was Chamisal Vineyards formally known as Domaine Alfred. Don't worry it's the same wine under a different label.

Their stainless steel chardonnay was pretty good. For those that don't know wine is aged in oak barrels but this chardonnay was aged in a stainless steel drum. I enjoyed their chardonnay with a hint of grapefruit. It was slightly bitter but still good. Beware their tasting portions are big.

Finally, the day came to a close with Tolosa Winery. It practices sustainable wine growing!

They have an outdoor seating area where you can watch the planes land in the San Luis Airport or just enjoy the afternoon sunshine. All of their wine is good. They have No Oak Chardonnay, same concept as stainless steel chardonnay, too.

Check out their cool 10th anniversary bottle!

Spotlight on Shin's Sushi & Fremont theater

Sandwiched next to the old Fremont theater with its signature neon colored sign, Shin's is a busy sushi bar. On the weekend it is populated by college students who noticeably come in waves every hour. I have always thought it would be a prime date location. Go to sushi and then swing next door for a movie at the theater. The Fremont is beautiful with it's Art deco painted walls and ceiling. I admit I have never tried this date idea but it has a great place for me to catch up with friends.

Best part about Shin's is their birthday celebration. An Asian happy birthday song is played for at least a full two minutes. The lights are dimmed and the disco ball spins. They have been known to take your picture with a Shin's frame. Old pictures still line the walls on the way to the bathroom. In summary, if you want to embarrass your friend for their birthday go to Shin's.

Personal favorite order- meso soup, spicy tuna roll, and a cucumber roll.
My friend loves their tea. Did I mention it is really affordable?

Their All In Combo. (Yum)

Wineries in Napa

After turning 21 I happened to be near Napa so my family and I ventured up there for a weekend. The pictures correspond to the winery listed below.

Mumm Napa - excellent champagne and the view is spectacular.

Groth - for red wine. It was so good.

Domaine Chandon - informative champagne tour and nice atmosphere. There are gorgeous old oak trees on the property.


Darioush - Beautiful architecture. It seems to be the place where the young and beautiful check each other out.


Sterling Vineyards- Ride a gondola and reach a tasting area inspired by villas in Greece. You can see most of the valley from here. Castello di Amorosa is across the way.


Castello di Amorosa - It is a castle! Do I need to say more? Tastings are in the cellar after wandering this authentically built castle. Apparently, they have fantastic Halloween parties.

Coming Back

It has been almost two years since I posted here! Tons of things have happened. I guess it is that thing called life. Sadly they have gone undocumented. I am going to make a sincere effort to put a few drops down on this blog. I find it easiest to see where I have come from in an attempt to understand where I am going.

Perhaps to all you strangers it will serve as a means to finding something else about yourself. To my friends enjoy and may we travel down more roads together.

Peace be with everyone.