Guess where we are?! Visiting these goofballs in their new digs!
Lena, Gil, and I had kind of a crazy Tuesday. Elliott’s leave/vacation was over after two wonderful weeks here in the U.S., and it was time for him to get on a flight back home to Sicily. We drove to Norfolk early in the morning with Elliott to see if he could get on a military flight. After hours of waiting, he got one of the last available seats on the plane! We were sad to see him go, but grateful that he was getting back for free instead of having to buy a last minute ticket or drive up and down the East Coast looking for another military flight home. Whew!
We finally hugged him goodbye around 8pm, and I put my two exhausted children into the car. And then we hit the road for North Carolina! Three-and-a-half hours later, we pulled into the Arthurs’ driveway in Durham… after a whole day on the road and approximately 7 hours in the car with two children two years old and younger. I was very glad to get a big hug from my friend Becca… and then go to bed!
It’s so good to see these wonderful friends after so many happy memories in Sicily. We’ve been catching up over spilled cereal and battery-operated trains, as two moms do. I love their new house (with all their familiar dishes, toys, couch, etc.), and it’s so fun to see them in their new life.
Any recommendations of fun things to do in the area? I am really looking forward to my first taste of Carolina BBQ!
Oh, I love that area! I lived there after college. I’d recommend the Carrboro downtown area for lots of good food and pleasant walking. Have fun!
Thank you, Lydia! We’ll have to do this next time, I guess. I wanted to do more exploring but ran out of time!
Hi Becca!
I live in Durham now since I’m in law school at Duke and there’s a ton of great stuff in the area! I agree with the comment above that you’d love Carrboro right by Chapel Hill–they have a good farmer’s market if you’re still here on Saturday! In Durham, I love Nanataco and there’s delicious BBQ (and hush puppies and spicy creamed spinach) at Q Shack right next door. Some of the best food comes from food trucks though and my favorite, KoKyu, is often parked outside Fullsteam Brewery, which is also a great place–kids and pets allowed! And, of course, Duke’s campus is gorgeous (though it’s no U.Va. :)) Hope y’all enjoy your time in the area!
Lucy
Loved the Q Shack and Duke’s campus! I heard about Fullsteam brewery and REALLY want to go there next time. Love that kids and food trucks are allowed!
Hi Becca, Check out the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. We have family in Cary and we were recently there, we celebrated my son’s 6th birthday at the Museum – he loved it, especially the remote control boats. I just found your blog while searching for fun ‘playground’ birthday ideas for my daughter who is turning 3. Your family’s life in Sicily sounds very exciting and adventurous. We’ve always wanted to show our kids more through travel. You sound like a great mom :) Have fun while in the states.
Thanks so much for this kind comment, Melissa! Sadly we didn’t get to go the museum this time, but the Arthurs did go there a few weeks later for Lucas’ 3rd birthday and they LOVED it. Maybe next time on a longer visit!
I wish I had known you were in naughty NoFo. I would have come hugged you at the airport.
We’ll be in and out of there again, never fear… never fear…