Ep 014 Relationships, RV Life, and World Travel with Annabelle and Christian of Swept Together
Summary: Rhode Island Polo, coffee, and beer, plus how do you strengthen a relationship when you are traveling all the time, doesn’t that usually add tension? These are some of the topics covered this week, as we discuss our time in Rhode Island and are joined by Annabelle and Christian from Swept Together Podcast for one of our favorite interviews.<br> Rhode Island has been an amazing state to visit so far, with only one week, this has become one of my favorite stops. Rhode Island has a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Everyone we have run into has been friendly (unless you count drive through workers) and welcoming, to both us and our dog.<br> Our very first day we drove just a few minutes to <a href="http://www.nptpolo.com/?e=inner2&itemcategory=65714&extype=1150">Newport Polo</a> and watched our very first Polo Match. If you have never gone to a polo match, it is highly recommended. We drove into Rhode Island, escaping rain in Connecticut, and were welcomed by cool breezes, sunny skies, and perfect temperature.<br> We decided very last minute to check out the match, we had exactly enough time from when Zach proposed we go to change, grab drinks for a cooler. and have a few minutes to set-up and explore before the match began. The environment there was very festive, but in a laid-back sense. Most were in groups, everyone had coolers, and some even had tents and tables for a thorough tailgating type of experience (actually, they gave out a prize for a group that “had the most fun tailgating party”).<br> We set-up in a great spot, and really enjoyed our time watching the match and drinking a few local brews. Newport even won, so we felt celebratory, even though we are not even close to being local.<br> If you are ever near Newport Rhode Island, we highly recommend you go to experience the culture. You do not have to buy tickets in advance (we didn’t) but you can buy tickets and learn more online.<br> Speaking of culture, we were told by several people to check out the Gilded Age Mansions in Newport. We did a drive-by tour one night, and we have walked along the Cliff Walk and it was definitely a good suggestion. These mansions are breathtaking. I hope, in our remaining week here, to check out one or two of the official tours before we leave, but even just going by the neighborhood by foot, bike, or car will allow you to see quite a lot. Taking the <a href="http://www.cliffwalk.com/">Cliff Walk</a>, will send you right behind many of the mansions.<br> Getting through a week without coffee is something I am still mastering. I’ve mostly switched to tea, although I’m not really sure if there is much of a benefit if any. Even with reducing my coffee intake, I still love checking out local coffee shops, so this past week we went to <a href="https://m.facebook.com/CoastalRoastersCoffee/">Coastal Roasters</a> and worked at one of their outside tables for a couple of hours. I loved everything about this coffee shop. The people behind the counter were friendly and really seemed to enjoy the day (which was beautiful), they had great music playing, and amazing coffee. I had their peanut butter and honey latte, and I might be a little obsessed. If I can convince the husband, I will be back several times this coming week.<br> For several episodes, our podcast had a common theme, where to find good BBQ and where to find good Beer in whatever location that week found us in. Unfortunately, we are a bit north for amazing BBQ, it can be found, but it is almost always a style from another state. Yes, the sea food more than makes up for it, but we have taken to trying to cook more at home for the next few weeks.<br> Beer however, we have managed to experience quite a sampling of Rhode Island beers in our very short time here. I have loved seeing how much the craft brew scene has grown in the last several years. Once upon a time, I was mainly a wine drinker, but I almost never choose wine now,
