Last weekend Erin and I went our separate ways for a few days. She headed north to Seattle for a comic book convention, and I headed east to Philadelphia for the annual TESOL convention. We both got to be nerds for a few days, and we loved it.
Here are some highlights from our trips!
Erin in Seattle!
Erin stayed with my Dad in Columbia City. There is access to the light rail just a couple blocks from his house – Seattle’s transit system – so she could easily get downtown for sight-seeing, and to the convention center where the comic book festivites were being held. My Uncle Andrew and Uncle Rico also live here, and Erin and Uncle Rico went out for a day of sight-seeing and shopping.
First stop Seattle Aquarium:
And some yummy clam chowder for lunch! Makes me hungry just looking at it!
No words needed.
Erin also had a chance to stop by and see my grandparents. She had cuppa and a hot cross bun. Yes, like the nursery rhyme.
I really wish that I had been able to join her up to Seattle – but it conflicted with my trip to Philly for the TESOL convention. We are planning a road trip in early May. Our plan is to get outside of Seattle, so Erin can enjoy other parts of Washington too – like Mt. Rainier, and the wine region in the eastern part of the state, as well a forced camping trip to my favorite childhood spot on the coast.
Rachel in Philly!
While my main reason for the trip was to attend the TESOL convention, I discovered that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Philly! The people were friendly, the city was easy to get around, and there was such diversity in the food available! I had yummy Middle Eastern food one day, and of course a Philly cheese steak!
(Side note – I’ve made multiple food references in this post, and included one food picture- I am a Parr!)
The conference was great – lots of interesting sessions, and I attended a MIIS alumni dinner one night. It was good to network, and catch up with what other TESOLers are doing!
Declaring Excellence in Education! Go TESOL!
I spent over 10 hours at the conference on Thursday and Friday – returning to my hotel only to crash – but Saturday I headed out for some sight-seeing before my flight home.
A view from the conference center:
Not a great piture of me…but it was a self portiat, so what did I expect. At the City Tavern – at one time a venue for the Philadpelphia Elite and the founding fathers to meet and discuss.
Philly has a large and expansive China town. Here’s the entrance:
And of course the liberty bell!
Things have been busy since we’ve been back at home, and we are looking forward to the weekend for some rest and relaxation!