Newport, Rhode Island

April 15th is my sister Sara's birthday.  This year she would have turned 31. I felt it was important for my own healing to do something special, and not just sit at home in my sadness.  One thing that is always therapeutic for me is travel, and so I decided to honor/celebrate her life by doing that and went to Newport, RI, with my friend Audra.  Thankful that I did.  Such a beautiful city and a great way to spend the day.

 Definitely a cute town with lots of restaurants and shops.  Wonder how fast you can get these little cars going? Hmm, drive one up to Boston?

Newport has approximately 25,000 residents, sits on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its mansions.  Nowadays some of these are used as parts of the University "Salve Regina" and I don't think any are single family dwellings at this time

I discovered that my Grandma actually lived in Newport, during WWII, when her father was working  making torpedoes for the war.  Sounds a bit scary.   Didn't realize I had family history in the area.  Doubt either of these were the home they lived in.

 It being the off season still we were fortunate to stay at Hotel Viking for quite a discounted price.  The place is huge!!! and has been around since the 1920's.  Our room was a suite with a living room area, and bedroom with two queen beds, and two bathrooms all decorated in New England charm.

Looking out on the water...

 First day was definitely a bit overcast.  But lucked out and had beautiful, sunny weather the next.

 Pardon, Monsieur... Which way did you say?

An explanation of who  Rochambeau was.

 Enjoyed some of the local flare.   You can put money in this statue for a children's charity.

 And sampled some of the local brew

 The cliff walk.  Beautiful day for it.  Such a great spot and so neat to look out upon the Atlantic and see nothing but ocean for miles and miles.

 view along the cliff walk.  Such a lovely spot to spend her birthday.  Was very happy that the sun was shining.  I actually wore sandals and a t-shirt!!

 Decided to be brave and put my feet in the water.  Felt just like bath water : )  Ok, not really was Frrrigid and I only lasted a minute or two.

Scattered some of Sara's ashes at this spot along the cliff walk.  Such a beautiful spot to be able to do so and a wonderful way to remember her today.  

Ending the post with a link to the song "The Trapeze Swinger" by Iron and Wine.    Sara had mentioned it as her favorite song shortly before she died.  Seems an appropriate way to sign off on this entry, a trip that wouldn't have happened this week if it wasn't for her.