Michaela James's Blog

Have you heard more and more about Blue Zones lately?

Those five magical areas of the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives.

If we don’t live in …

Sardinia, Italy
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Okinawa, Japan
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Ikaria, Greece
[image error]Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
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Or … Loma Linda, California[image error]

– are we doomed to die in our seventies?

As far as I can tell, there’s no literal fountain of youth in these places. It’s all about what they eat and how they live.
My husband and I have, in the last year and a half,...

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Where is it?

Newport, central coast in Oregon.  Roughly 3 hours’ drive southwest of Portland airport.

267, N.W. Cliff, Newport, Oregon 97365.  Easily found – thank you google maps, and plenty of parking nearby.

[image error]Mid-September and a little cold and wet. Nothing this English, Wellie clad, girl isn’t used to!

How much moola?

Room rates range from $130-$235 depending on your room choice and time of year.  Two-night minimum for Saturday nights.  Breakfast is included in rate.

[image error]Plenty of cash right under the reception counter, but strangely they wouldn’t let us use it to pay for our room!

Motivate me!

Easily done if you’re a reader, writer, lover of books or all the above.  If you’re not, you’ll love the location.  Sylvia Beach hotel sits on a bluff above Nye Beach and the Pacific Ocean.  Cascading waves and soft sand as far as the eye can see.  The house was built in 1912 and has enough nooks and crannies to make you feel like a kid again.

[image error]Fun and fitting artwork in the hotel lobby.

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Why this hotel when there are countless others?

A visit to Sylvia Beach isn’t simply a hotel stay, it’s an experience!  Famous authors names adorn the doors, but it’s so much more than that.  How many hotels offer you a well-stocked library with stunning views and a cozy fireplace?  One floor up and you’ll find a book filled mezzanine equipped with half-finished puzzles.  This unique hotel, truly more of a guest house, comprises of 21 literary themed rooms.  Cheesy?  Far from it.  Each room has been thoughtfully and tastefully decorated to reflect the era and essence of your chosen author.  The JK Rowling room has a collection of wands, a broomstick and, very necessary for Oregon and Scotland, quidditch goggles.  Don’t be alarmed to discover moaning Myrtle peeking out from behind the toilet and fluffy the three-headed dog guarding your bed.  The Agatha Christie room, aside from offering a great view of the Pacific Ocean, has clues for you to solve a mystery.  Hemmingway’s room has a stuffed head on the door, and Jules Vern’s bathroom resembles the balloon from Around the World in Eighty Days.

[image error]The JK Rowling room. I think we’ll be forgiven if we call it The Harry Potter Room!
[image error]We stayed in the Mark Twain room. It, along with the Agatha Christie and Colette, are considered Classic rooms. They have ocean front views, fireplaces and private decks.

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[image error]I read Mark Twain by day …
[image error]… and Mark Twain by night.
[image error]I was extremely diligent in arranging my bubbles! Had to take a photo of my first time in a claw-footed tub! It met all my expectations and yes, that teapot accompanies us on all our travels.

Shock me!

There are no elevators, Wi-Fi, televisions, in-room phones, or radios, (does anyone even listen to radios anymore??).  A thoroughly spoiled cat, possibly Mrs. Norris, struts about like she owns the place.

[image error]The Hotel cat, exhausted after strolling through her domain!

Pushed a little from my comfort zone?

The onsite restaurant, ‘Table of Contents,’ offers family style dining.  Dinner is served promptly at 7pm (very Downton Abbey) and is simply delicious.  Four courses at a Prix-fix.  I informed the front desk two hours prior (as requested) of my entre choice.  Strangers were sitting at our table and, I think, we were expected to converse with them!!  We managed quite well.  Our dinner companions were very nice.  Only one of the six was a tad opinionated.  A great way to break the ice is to play, “Two truths and a lie.”  My husband and I revealed a truth which initiated raised eyebrows and side long glances.  It’s out now so I may as well tell you … we regularly, and thoroughly, enjoy audio books!

[image error]The ‘Table of Contents’ hotel restaurant.
[image error]Quinoa and bean cakes – so good!

Anything to tempt me from this quaint hotel’s doorstep?

Yaquina Head Light, formerly known as the Foulweather Lighthouse is a fifteen-minute drive away.  It’s the tallest lighthouse in Oregon standing at 93 feet.  There is a $7 fee to enter the park and an additional charge to enter the lighthouse.  Plenty of gift shops nearby and Nana’s Irish pub serves a freshly made Shepherd’s pie, which tastes even better when accompanied by a pint of Guinness.

[image error]From the mezzanine, I could just see the tallest light house in Oregon!

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Should I bring the littles and four-legged friends?

Four-legged friends are not allowed at the Sylvia Beach Hotel.  I told you that cat was spoiled.  Children most certainly are and under twelves stay in their parents’ room at no additional charge.  The JK Rowling and Dr. Seuss room will earn you serious parenting points.  The beach is a kid’s paradise, and maybe all that sea air will wear them out enough they won’t miss the television.  A seven-year Oregon resident, and coincidentally one of our four children, says Newport boasts the best aquarium in Oregon.  The Oregon Coast Aquarium, equipped with crabs the size of a small house, is open every day except Christmas.  Entry for adults is approx. $23, 13-17 years, $20 and 3-12-year old’s, $15

What ‘others’ say about the Sylvia Beach Hotel

The hotel is worn and needs updating.  My thoughts … It’s an old building, and that’s all part of the charm.

How are we expected to check our emails with no Wifi?  My thoughts … It’s called an iPhone.

The Tolkien room is disappointing to true fans.  My thoughts … apologies but nothing to base that on so maybe go with ‘others’ on this one.

Tips before you go.

Book well in advance.  Especially if you want to sleep with that three-headed dog!

Don’t panic at the room’s conspicuously absent coffee pot.  On the third floor adjacent to the library, you’ll find a small kitchen with fridge and coffee/tea making facilities.  Pop back in the evening for hot mulled wine.

Bring rain gear and get out on that beautiful beach whatever the weather.

No hairdryer in the rooms so if you want to look pretty, bring your own.

If you can, and funds allow it, stay two nights.  You’ll want time to snuggle in the library and explore Newport.

This hotel is ideal if …

You love books.

You don’t hyperventilate when disconnected from modern technology.

You want to relax and unwind.

You want to impress your spouse with a romantic getaway.

You’re in need of a girl’s weekend, perhaps book club buddies, with sun (just kidding!) sand, ample books and plenty of wine on hand.

[image error]The ridiculously cozy library on the third floor. Perfect setting to appear pensive and intelligent!

#authorlife #oregoncoast #booklovers #sylviabeach #teaandtravel

The post The Sylvia Beach Hotel – Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast for Booklovers appeared first on English Trifles by Michaela James.

It’s hard to think of England without tea drinking coming to mind.  Not all English people love tea but I don’t know any who don’t!

Our consumption of it could be described as excessive.  If you’ve watched British television, been to England or know an English person, you’re aware. It fixes everything for us.  It is our comfort and our joy.  If we’re worried or stressed, the answer is always a cup of tea.  If we’re happy, putting the kettle on adds more happiness.  We’ve been drinking it since we were children and like many addicts, the caffeine has little to no effect.  My sister takes a cup of caffeinated tea to bed every night.

England’s love affair with tea took hold during the 18th century.  Ideally, it’s accompanied by biscuits (cookies) or even better, a slice of cake.  An afternoon tea takes it to a whole new level.  As in a three-tiered server boasting sandwiches, scones and miniature cakes.

This is how the English make a good pot of tea …

Bring the kettle to a rolling boil

Swirl some boiling water around the tea pot to warm it – discard this water

Place tea leaves or tea bags in pot

Pour boiling water over tea

Cover tea pot with a cosy to keep it warm

Brew for 2 – 5 minutes

Now here’s the ongoing debate … Do you pour the milk in the cup before or after pouring the tea?  I pour the milk in first because it saves me using a spoon to stir.  I know that sounds lazy but trust me, if you knew how much tea I drink, you’d understand me eliminating that step.

Now here’s something I do feel strongly about.  The cup!  Coffee and hot chocolate are great out of a ceramic like stoneware or earthenware, but I think tea is best served in fine bone china.  My husband and I cherish our Dunoon china mugs.

Tea etiquette, very useful if you treat yourselves to a fancy afternoon tea out, or just want to have fun with friends, will be in a future blog.  Plus, I’ll be sharing my favorite items to put on that three-tiered server.

Until then, let’s carry on and drink tea.

 

The post Anyone for Tea? appeared first on English Trifles by Michaela James.

Why the love affair with Jane Austen?  The fact she was a literary genius may have something to do with it.  Like Dickens, she was an avid observer of folk, which enabled her to create characters that have, to put it mildly, stood the test of time.

I’ve read all her books and seen many of the movies but I confess, I esteem one of her stories considerably higher than the rest.

Pride and Prejudice.  I’ve read the book many times, listened to it on Audible and don’t even ask how often I’ve watched the movie.

I know I’m not alone in my love of Pride and Prejudice but let’s be clear which version to watch.  Two words …  Colin Firth.  He is Fitzwilliam Darcy and anyone else is simply an imposter.  The same must be said, be it with a little less passion, for Jennifer Ehle.  Keira Knightly is a good actress but Elizabeth Bennet, she is not.

The BBC released Pride and Prejudice as a six-part mini-series in 1995.  The producer, Sue Birtwistle, never had a doubt about casting Colin as Darcy. (Sue also produced Emma with Kate Beckinsale.  I prefer Gwyneth Paltrow’s portrayal.)  The, I think, brilliantly written screenplay is thanks to Andrew Davies.  (Andrew is also known for Bridget Jones’ Diary, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason and Vanity Fair in 1998).

Have you, like me, longed to walk up to the Bennet’s home in Longbourne?  In reality, the residence is named Luckington Court and is located in Luckington, Wiltshire, about two hours west of London.  Back in 1995 the owners of the home kindly allowed the BBC to commandeer it for ten weeks while filming.

The cute little village of Meryton where Lydia and Kitty go in search of the Militia is in fact the village of Lacock.  It’s just half an hour south of Luckington – I feel a road trip coming on!

Mr. Darcy’s modest abode, Pemberly is Lyme Park, almost four hours north of London in Cheshire.  Its exterior came the closest to Jane Austen’s description of the home.  The interior shots were filmed at nearby Sudbury Hall.

I believe America’s love of Austen shows great character and depth.  There’s no violence, crude language, sex or nudity and yet we can’t get enough.  We delight in the romance between Darcy and Elizabeth, we swoon at his wet shirt and smile geekily when they stop being silly and give in to true love.  We feel the sexual tension between them and yet there’s one solitary kiss at the very end.  Now that’s good casting and exceptional writing.

This will not be my last blog about Austen.  There’s so much more to be discussed.  I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Which is your favorite book and movie?  Do you disagree with my thoughts on Keira Knightly?  If they do a remake of P&P who would you choose for Darcy and Elizabeth?  Or should they make a sequel? (was not impressed with Death comes to Pemberly!)  It must be with Firth and Ehle – why not, they’re holding up very nicely!

The post There’s always time for Austen appeared first on English Trifles by Michaela James.

Eyebrows are raised and mocking glances exchanged.  I’m un-phased by this reaction from my loving family.  I can’t help my enthusiasm and exuberance.  Many fellow Americans understand.  To see a narrow-cobbled street, a thatched cottage or seventeenth century church evokes emotion.[image error]

To my family, it’s common place, it’s routine, it’s normal.  But this English girl has lived in the US for the last 26 years.  I’m sure I used to take it for granted when it was all I knew, it was home.  Reno, Nevada is home now and the landscape is … somewhat different.  I love living in the US and I love my hometown but England’s countryside and history now fills me with romantic nostalgia.

I know I’m not alone.  Whether you love Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, etc … or just love tea, I believe we have a lot to share and cherish.

This blog is about my love of tea, how I make it and the best places to find it.  I’m going to share my favorite English places, movies, shows, foods and whatever else comes to mind, with you.  I would love to hear about your favorite English stuff and customs.  And of course, how you drink your tea.

Here’s to English Trifles!

With love,

Michaela

 

The post Me, Michaela & I appeared first on English Trifles by Michaela James.