NEW YORK CITY & VERMONT, 2002
In April of 2002, a few of us at the Hotel for Basque Easter had a little bar-talk and made plans to go to New York City in the Fall. We would celebrate Gracie's 50th even though that didn't happen until 2003.
Ten of us went to NYC for 3 days, and from there 6 of us (what would eventually become the "Vermont 6") went on to Vermont to "hike" and I use that term loosely.
It was a wonderful trip. One that we continuously talk about.
HAWAII 2004
In 2004, Begoña had to attend a conference in Hawaii. She asked Candida and me to tag along and from that point on we were her "conference posse."
When I asked if we would be going to listen to her speak, I was told, "Hell, no!" Instead Candida and I would have cocktails poolside.
Begoña didn't think it was a very good conference; Candida and I thought it was the best!
MY SURPRISE 60TH BIRTHDAY, 2005
In August of 2005, Anna Marie told me that she would like to take me to Napa Valley for a couple of days for my birthday. Of course, I jumped on it. Little did I know that she and Jeanette had planned a weekend with some of my friends from northern California to southern. It was shocking! I would later tell people that it was good thing I didn't have any heart issues. In two months I would undergo having a stent placed to clear a 98% blockage of my main artery!
CHICAGO 2007
In 2007, Begoña had yet another conference to which she invited both Candida and me. This time it was in Chicago.
Great town, nice people, wonderful ambience.
We missed our plane for the return trip but I managed to get on a later one leaving Candida and Begoña behind. We still laugh about my sincerity as I uttered "...are you sure you don't mind?" as I ran towards to plane.
SANTA BARBARA w/VERMONT 6, 2010
In August of 2010 the Vermont 6 decided to meet in Santa Barbara for the weekend. We also celebrated Jeanette's 60th Birthday.
It was a wonderful weekend--lots of kicks and giggles. We even toured the Santa Barbara area (including Montecito and State Street) in this jeep-limo and rode bicycles.
NAPA VALLEY w/VERMONT 6, 2011
In August of 2010 the Vermont 6 decided to meet in Santa Barbara for the weekend. We also celebrated Jeanette's 60th Birthday.
It was a wonderful weekend. We toured the Castello di Amorosa winery, had a cooking class at the Culinary Institute and had quite the discussion not only about our day but OLD Chino gossip.
EDAD - Every Day A Drive
In 2011, Begoña suggested we go on a road trip. We would fly to Montana, drive through the state, through Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and then on through Wyoming and South Dakota.
I questioned why I said yes, but as it turned out, it was truly a wonderful trip and I absolutely LOVE Montana. I definitely want to go back and recommend it to anyone who will listen!
NANTUCKET 2014
In 2014 the Duharts (and some friends) went to Nantucket for their vacation. Anita asked if I would like to go with her and Cyprien and I recall Bea even talking to me about it.
Half-way through the trip Bea let me know that I just jumped on the bandwagon (without being asked). To this day she swears I was not invited. Hmmm!
I love Nantucket--it is quaint and charming. Our "home" was absolutely beautiful in a picturesque setting not unlike all of the other homes we saw.
WASHINGTON DC 2016
In 2016 Washington DC hosted "Innovation by Culture" and honored the Basques. It was held on the Washington Mall and many groups from all over the US performed.
This is a highlight of what we saw over the course of the first week of a two-week festival.
BASQUE COUNTRY 2017
I met JP and Linda in the Basque Country in October of 2017. They spent 3 weeks in the Basque Country before going to London to spend their daughter's 21st birthday with her. Christina was attending Roehampton University in London for a semester. They asked if I would like to join them and I jumped on it. I went to the Basque Country for five days--just enough time to see most of my cousins.
This video encapsulates those five days.
LONDON
After five days in the Basque Country JP, Linda, Christina and I flew into London. We were there from Monday night to Sunday morning. Johnny and Julie met us; they flew into London directly.
We saw many places, had great meals and in general a wonderful time!
Oh, and we celebrated Christina's 21st birthday.
I love London!