Mellowing out in Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs, Ohio. Haven't been there?



In the circle of people I have come across in almost-two-year period in central Ohio, they would tell me that this is one of the places left that I needed to visit. "You'd feel at home there," they would say.



Sure enough, on an almost perfect Spring day, the family and I drove west, to a small village that would transport us to a familiar place. Not that there is anything wrong with Ohio, my friends, but we did feel like we were 'outside' of Ohio during our sojourn in this hamlet.



Yellow Springs has the soul and vibe of a small liberal (okay, even crunchy) college town. The small walkable downtown area is quaint, practical (think hardware store on Main Street), and down right vibrant. A young man was playing guitar on the sidewalk; stores had their doors open; children and dogs skip along with treats in hand and paw.



The art scene is alive here, as well as the eat-local mantra. Restaurants and cafes were hopping on this sunny Sunday, serving freshly grown, locally sourced ingredients. On the way into town, we stopped by the infamous Young's Dairy. It was too early (for us) to try out their homemade ice cream, but not too early to say hello to several goats and cows that roamed the kid-and-family friendly property.




Just down the street, on the way back toward Columbus sits Clifton Mill, our lunch destination. Although this other mill has a special place in my heart, Clifton Mill has its own charm with a gorge underneath that is worth a visit on its own.





Our time was limited, so we had to turn around and missed visiting the natural preserve areas in and around Yellow Springs that are supposed to be beautiful with bike trails, hiking trails and gorges. There is sure to be a next time. Soon, I suspect.

Cincinnati, Part I

We took the slow way to Cincinnati.



I hardly ever make a hotel reservation the day of our arrival, but this time I did. The head cold that turned into something a bit more made it uncertain whether we should attempt a little road trip. But the weather was fine, and the travel bug in me had been very bothersome of late...so to Cincinnati we went.



It was a brand new territory for all of us. Sadly, our daughter knew more about Cincinnati from reading and watching Kit Kittredge than anything else! We were determined to make it a pleasant drive (knowing that we could make it a short 2-hour trip the quick way), going first down to the first capital of Ohio, then southwest toward the Queen City.

The landscape changed about an hour into our journey. Rolling hills, corn fields, and big old barns peppered our views. We stopped for a picnic lunch at the Seip Mound, which also happened to be a rest area with picnic tables and well kept grounds. We had visited another of these interesting Hopewell sites before, so it was fun to see another.



Then we crossed the mighty Ohio river into Kentucky, only to cross it again a few minutes later when we entered the city from the south side. Our hotel was smack in the middle of downtown, right across from the fountain square. We gave up our car and did not need it again until we checked out 24 hours later.



Downtown Cincinnati had a quaintness to it. The streets are smaller (than Columbus), and there seemed to be a lot of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the fountain square. We wanted to visit the National Underground Railroad museum before they closed for the weekend which was also a quick block and a half walk from our hotel.



If you are a foreigner like me, you would learn a lot in a short period of time about the whole anti-slavery movement, the history of slave trades in the US, and beyond. It's an intense experience - probably a bit too much for our 7 year-olds. But my husband and I agree that it's never too early to teach children the importance of equality.



Just outside the museum entrance, several quotations are imprinted into the stone walk way. Our son asked for a piece of paper and a pencil. I want to write these down, he said. I want to remember them.

One of the quotations he chose was this:

"Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth." ~ George Washington.

Never too early, like I said.

"North Market", Bangkok Style

When "Cool Columbus" is away from Columbus, I am still determined to bring you something interesting, from near and far.

This time, I am taking you through the Jatujak Market in Bangkok (also known as JJ Market), which is somewhat the equivalent of the North Market in Columbus...just, well, very Thai, and a whole lot bigger.



First, we have to have garlic. Thai food would be dismal without these bulbs! Check out all the different kinds.



Then, we need grilled pork (with Thai sticky rice). And all sorts of other grilled meats, fruits, vegetables, you name it, it's there being grilled. The place is constantly in action with the vendors cooking right here and now. Fresh food, the fast way. Not to be confused with fast food.



And of course, Thai fruits...including these durians that are either loved or loathed. I happen to love them.



There are also prepared foods everywhere you look. These are huge pots of curries.



There is also plenty of fresh seafood off the boat.



And chestnut being roasted the Chinese way (with hot pebbles).



And meats, butchered right before your eyes.



Every time I come back here, I wish I had a stomach many times larger than what it is. Each stall of food vendor offers something so very different, and so very comforting and nostalgic for me. My senses go a little insane smelling and seeing everything together in one place. It's rather overwhelming, albeit in the best possible way.

Field Trip: Grand Rapids Michigan

There is one happy Jeni's taster, and she does not live in Ohio!



We are visiting family in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
At some point along the way, I heard that Jeni's can be found at this lovely store on Wealthy Street, not too far from the family's home.

So we went on a treasure hunt, and found these lovely tubs of goodness.
They even offered some tastings from flavors in the back on the store!
I am happy to say that I have now tasted the new Olive Oil flavor. Love it.

I am glad that our neighbors to the north get to experience a slice of heaven that was born (and raised) in our fair state.

A little glimpse of Boston

I have never really been a tourist in this city before. When you live in a place for a while, it becomes home, and you move about your home the way it's most convenient and comfortable for you.

For instance, this may be the first time that I am actually staying at a hotel in the middle of Boston. Though familiar to the area, I could not help but feel, well, like a tourist today.


So please enjoy some of these photos I took during my 4 hour walk from Commonwealth Ave. to Newbury Street, to the Boston Public Garden to Beacon Hill.

Boston is a very bike-friendly city. We should take after this, Columbus!

Dunkin' Donuts is everywhere here.

This sign made me happy.

Happy geese at the Public Garden.

A side street in Beacon Hill

Fall foliage

The John Hancock building

The Boston Public Garden, an oasis in the middle of the city.

We are only scratching the surface of this place!

Fieldtrip: Cambridge, MA

Cool Columbus is taking a field trip this weekend, back to my old stomping grounds: Cambridge, Massachusetts.

I spent a lot of my formative years here, and feel very at home, even after many years of being away. It was great to hop on the 'T', even with that strange, yet familiar smell of the subway station.

I also love being part of the crowd that feels so familiar to me (even though I am older than those around me now). Harvard Sq. and its soul has not changed one bit. Even the chess master is still here, waiting to be challenged. Maybe our son will be sitting opposite from him one day!