No Longer a Kayaking Virgin

Almost a year ago I attended a service auction where you donate a service, receive "Money" for it, and can then bid on services provided by other participants. Jas offered up the "service" of taking the highest bidder on an adventure or his or her choosing, and I was the highest bidder. I know that I am kind of a wimp in the heat, so I decided I'd like to do something in the water....Kayaking! So. It has been hard to coordinate, but over a year later, we finally went kayaking last weekend.

I don't have any pictures from this part of the adventure, because, well, there is water involved so we left the camera behind. I will include a link to the kayaking group we went out with. They allow you to go with them free up to three times, and then ask you to join their kayaking club after that. I definitely recommend it for anyone in the NYC area. But it is best if you can get there by car. Here is a link to the Sebago Canoe Club for more information. I had never been kayaking, so was a little nervous I would get out to sea and not be able to get myself back. But the guides were very considerate, and I feel like I picked it up fairly quickly.

I do have a few pics that Jas, my host-with-the-most, took on our post-kayaking adventure. We picked up his mom somewhere in Brooklyn, and then went to his sister's place somewhere in Brooklyn to clean up for a late lunch. His sister was very kind to let us crash at her place for awhile.

We walked through the most non-New York City neighborhood of charming Victorian homes to a nearby Afghan restaurant. Here are a few pics from the meal. . . .

This was the yummiest appetizer! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It is basically a deep-fried shell with pumpkin-paste inside. (Sounds good right? Well. There is a reason I don't write about food for a profession.)



This was a sampler of beef, lamb and chicken with rice. They were all yummy. But I think I liked the lamb the best.



Here is Jas with Mommy . . .



Here is Jas laughing at one of the many anecdotes I shared at lunch . . .



After lunch, Jordan (a welcome addition to our kayaking crew and childhood friend of Jas) said he was really craving ice cream with sprinkles from an ice cream truck. And low and behold his wish came true . . .



Here is a pic of probably the most beautiful child in Brooklyn (in yellow) with her sister who Jas thought looked kind of mean . . .





After lunch we crashed back at sisses apartment. Jordan did not move from this position for about an hour. The poor guy was tired (as was I--picture me sprawled out on a nearby couch). And while it may look like he is in a compromising position (hand-in-lap) it is actually just the angle.



And finally, here is a farewell photo to thank Jas for taking me on a most excellent summer adventure. Because this expression sums up how I anticipate he will look when he reads this blog entry.