Half Moon Bay

"The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears, or the sea."- Isak Dinesen 

As my time in California winds to a close, I decided to visit one of my favorite places in the Bay.  My mother and I took a day trip to the gorgeous coastal town of Half Moon Bay .

Growing up in the Bay Area prepares you for the dense fog and grey weather of the San Francisco area. Perhaps that's why I adjusted so quickly to the dreary days in Scotland... Regardless, you know you're getting close to Half Moon Bay when you look out your window and see thick clouds gathering over the mountains.

Driving into the Bay 

There are a number of great ways to spend a day in the seaside town, but we decided to start our day with a coastal walk.

Relaxing by the Ocean

The Coast Line of Half Moon Bay

Along the coast is a Half Moon Bay culinary institution. Sam's Chowder House is an exceptionally wonderful restaurant featuring some of the best fresh seafood in the area. Sam's has won a ton of awards, but you would never know it from the laid-back look and vibe of the place. I make an effort to come eat here every time I'm home since it never disappoints.

The unobtrusive but completely delicious Sam's

I always try to sit out back whenever I eat here because the views are great. Even on dreary fog soaked days the patio is warm and inviting.

The view from the patio

I highly recommend making a visit to Sam's if you're even remotely in the area.

The back patio of Sam's

 My mom and I always order the world famous Sam's Lobster Rolls. These lobster rolls have been ranked as one of the top 5 lobster rolls in the USA and they're the only ones worth having on the west coast.

Momma

The lobster is cooked perfectly and is so fresh. The sandwich is lightly buttered with a bit of celery mixed in with the overflowing lobster. It is heaven. It's the perfect amount of food and is always top notch.

I already want another

The only difficult part is figuring out how to eat it. I subscribe to the "I'm going to shove the entire thing in my mouth and see what happens" approach. 

Featured Fashion: Earrings, Watch

 After gorging ourselves at Sam's, we headed down to one of my favorite spots in the Bay, the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay resort. Fun fact: the wedding in American Pie was filmed here. The hotel itself is gorgeous, but I just love the location. I love just sitting by the fire pits on the cliffs.

The Ritz in the distance

Cliffs

Windy Day on the links 

The gorgeous patio of the resort

Half Moon Bay

 I loved walking the cliffs in the fog and wind. There is something so invigorating about sea side towns.  I am going to miss being able to drive out to Half Moon Bay once I permanently move to the East Coast in just over a week. I can't believe it's almost time to leave...

Saying Goodbye to Half Moon Bay 

Cheers! 

Italy

"The name of Italy had magic in its very syllables."- Mary Shelley 

Our next stop was the Eternal City- Rome.

 We spent the majority of our time in Rome eating or drinking. I rotated my meals between pizza and pasta, red or white wine, and all the gelato in Rome. The food was absolutely spectacular. I have always been fascinated by ancient Rome so being able to walk through all of the sites I've studied and read about was so incredible.

Lunch, the Colosseum, and the Capitol 

Ruins of Ancient Rome

Rome was also the last place that the four of us experienced together. Sarah had to fly home to start work and Gioia had to go to a wedding in Northern Italy.

Friends! 

Rome did have a downside for me though. My wallet was stolen our second to last night. All I'm saying is the Trevi fountain better grant my wish... it's the least Rome can do for me :)

Making wishes

 We toured Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. I found St. Peter's to be the most beautiful church on our trip. I was worried that I wasn't going to like Rome very much, but despite getting my wallet stolen, I really did enjoy the city.

After Gioia and Sarah left us, Kelsie and I took a train up to Monterosso in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre was unbelievably gorgeous and a great break from the touring we had been doing. Two days swimming, eating, and wandering the coast was a welcome break from the stresses of traveling.

Italian Riveria 

Soaking it all in 

Waterproof cameras are so fun  

Paddleboarding is hard

This is much more my speed 

Last night in Italy

Italy is gorgeous and I cannot wait to tour Tuscany sometime soon.

Ciao!