Hi all! I am writing you from the US! It’s great to be back. It is so weird that everyone speaks English. I was on the plane and a woman moved to let me go past her and I waved her on because I’m so used to using body language and the. I realized she could understand me when I spoke. No need for sign language! I also had major culture shock at the grocery store. There are so many choices!! I honestly didn’t know what to do with myself.
Our first stop in the U.S. was Napa. We headed into St. Helena to check out the house we rented. Oh my gosh! This house was insane! I wanted to move right in.
We shared the house with another couple and it was more than enough space!
I loved the huge wrap around porch overlooking the vineyard (yes, the house has its own vineyard!). I had my coffee out there and enjoyed some morning yoga alfresco!
The house also boosted an amazing pool, hot tub, fireplace, fire pit, BBQ and patio. It was the ultimate entertainment home!
The kitchen and bedrooms were spacious and we even had a room for Coops!
If you guys are in Napa, I highly recommend The Vineyard House on Air BnB!
The first day we did some wine tasting at Raymond winery. We went there back in 2010 so we knew what to expect. However, when we walked in we noticed that much had changed in the last five years.
For starters, we did our tasting in the Crystal Room, which had some interesting decor.
The wine was still good (and yes, we brought our baby tasting!). My favorite part was the outdoor walk in their garden and relaxing on the Queen’s Chair!
We were super excited to be in Napa to attend our friends’ wedding. They had the most gorgeous venue and, of course, the bride looked stunning!
We had the best time because a lot of our friends from NYC were in attendance so it was like a little reunion. It was so good to catch up with everyone!
Psssst! My dresses for the wedding were from Rent the Runway (affiliate link)!
Readers, have you used Air BnB before? Favorite place for a destination wedding?
Ok now I’m REALLY upset that we didn’t stop in! That house is incredible!! You guys look so happy and I love your dresses. I’ll have to remember that when I have another wedding…although I think we’re done for now. So glad you’re back in U.S. for a little bit. Enjoy!!
Not going to lie: the first time I came back to the US after a bunch of months in Argentina, I ended up standing in the middle of the local Walmart and crying with half happiness, half exhaustion. (A 35 hour trip is no joke.) I just couldn’t believe how EVERYTHING I had been craving for months was right at my fingertips, whereas it was either a) impossible to find in Argentina or b) would take me forever to procure everything from a thousand different little stores.
Also, for the language thing: this works better with Spanish, but I’ve made it a point to go to a Mexican restaurant as my “first meal” off the plane. That way, regardless of what I’m speaking, they’ll understand me. More often than not, I’ll find myself speaking Spanglish the first 24 hours off the plane.
That house looks amazing! What an awesome place to stay in Napa. Sounds like the wedding was a blast! The bride’s dress was so pretty. I have friends that always take their babies wine & beer tasting around here – in California it’s very acceptable to have both babies and dogs in wineries! 🙂
definitely taking notes down for that spot on AirBNB! It looks so beautiful. Wow!! The bride is so pretty and everything looked great, I am happy to see you back in the states even if you are on the west coast 🙂 love your dress too. Rent the runway is just fabulous.
Danielle @ Little Mama Big Life
June 10, 2015That house looks amazing!! Looks like you guys had a great time! I recognize that dress from Rent the Runway! You looked awesome in it!!
Allie
June 10, 2015Ok now I’m REALLY upset that we didn’t stop in! That house is incredible!! You guys look so happy and I love your dresses. I’ll have to remember that when I have another wedding…although I think we’re done for now. So glad you’re back in U.S. for a little bit. Enjoy!!
Sara
June 10, 2015Not going to lie: the first time I came back to the US after a bunch of months in Argentina, I ended up standing in the middle of the local Walmart and crying with half happiness, half exhaustion. (A 35 hour trip is no joke.) I just couldn’t believe how EVERYTHING I had been craving for months was right at my fingertips, whereas it was either a) impossible to find in Argentina or b) would take me forever to procure everything from a thousand different little stores.
Also, for the language thing: this works better with Spanish, but I’ve made it a point to go to a Mexican restaurant as my “first meal” off the plane. That way, regardless of what I’m speaking, they’ll understand me. More often than not, I’ll find myself speaking Spanglish the first 24 hours off the plane.
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness
June 10, 2015That house looks amazing! What an awesome place to stay in Napa. Sounds like the wedding was a blast! The bride’s dress was so pretty. I have friends that always take their babies wine & beer tasting around here – in California it’s very acceptable to have both babies and dogs in wineries! 🙂
nellie
June 12, 2015definitely taking notes down for that spot on AirBNB! It looks so beautiful. Wow!! The bride is so pretty and everything looked great, I am happy to see you back in the states even if you are on the west coast 🙂 love your dress too. Rent the runway is just fabulous.
Holly
June 12, 2015Wish I was with you at that great house in Napa … to babysit! My fav wedding destination is Hawaii, of course!
Lisa @ Lulus Big Adventure
June 13, 2015Beautiful pictures! And haha I’ve had that feelings many times — being surprised that people speak English. Always a transition 🙂