Honey, I'm Home!

Well, I'm back from the great big city of LA.

Yes, it was sunny. Yes, it was relaxing, inspiring, enchanting. Yes, it was exotic and different.

But sometimes, there is just no place like home. I had a great time, got a sunburn, and now I'm happy to be back. I celebrated by going to Venti's new basement bar for a delicious Morrocan Chicken dinner and a drink. Did you know they have hard cider on tap? It really hit the spot. And I must say there were a lot more people than I expected to see on a Monday night in Salem. Maybe I need to revise my opinion about weeknight nightlife in Salem. Apparently, its just been hiding out in basements.

It looks like all you blogalicious bloggers have been very busy this last week. I've just been sitting here trying to catch up. Once I do that I think I'll have to comment on some of the interesting things I've read.

More Obsessing about Free Internet in Salem

I know I probably sound a little obsessive about free internet around here. Either that or you all just think I'm really cheap. Which I sort of am. At least about some things.

Here's the thing: I think having internet should be a given in this country. Sort of like free education and indoor plumbing. I would like it to be available wherever I go.

And it's not just about me being cheap and not wanting to pay for it at home. The real thing is that I don't really like to sit at home alone and work. I never have. During college I would do all my studying in the busy part of the library or in a coffee shop. So, even now, when I need to get some work done on my computer I end up going out in public.

Which led me to Venti's Wednesday night. I thought they would have WiFi. Somehow, they just seem hip like that. But no. They don't.

Although, when I asked, the girl behind the counter suggested I sit by the window and maybe I could pick up someone else's.

Sure enough! What do you know, I can get La Perla's internet from Venti's too. They must have a strong modem signal.

So, I'm really starting to think that I should take my computer there and give them my business since I have been using their internet from all over town.

I do eat there regularly, since they have the best tacos and tamales in town, but I should really patronize them more often.

Yum. More tacos. :)

Spring Break!

Although I have come to love Salem and all it has to offer me in my grown-up life, there is one thing still missing. Sunshine. Especially this year. This cold has got to stop. I can't handle it ANYMORE.

Therefore, I have booked a trip to Los Angeles for six days to visit friends and soak up the sun.

I'm sorry, Salem. You try so hard, but some things just aren't you. But don't worry, by the time I get back I'll be so happy to see your uncrowded streets and little dive bars. Your coffee shops that aren't Starbucks and your happy people. I'll love you even more for having left for a short while.

But I must go find some sunshine to recharge my solar soul.

Free Internet in Salem

Okay, so awhile back I wrote a post about coffee shops in town and mentioned their internet access. I think I should do an update on some of the internet spots I use. I don't actually have internet at home. Partly because I'm too lazy to research the best options available in my neighborhood, but mostly because I'm trying to pay off school loans on a teacher's salary. So, I rely on the goodness of merchants in town for supplying free wifi.

Coffee Shops:

• Blue Pepper - Very reliable internet access, plus desktops and a printer if I need to print (for a fee)
• Coffee House Cafe - Never had a problem with access or logging on, but I don't use it often
• The Beanery (Liberty St) - Extremely unreliable service (although you can sometimes access La Perla's internet from across the street in the Reed Opera Bldg if you sit in front of the Beanery).
• The Governor's Cup - Pretty reliable service. If it isn't working they are usually pretty good about resetting it if you ask.

Other Hot Spots:

• Boon's Treasury - Good access. Plus you can get a beer. :)
• Johnny's - Seems like good access, although I've only used it once. Good atmosphere, too.
• La Perla Tapatia (in the Reed Opera House) - Seems like it has a good strong signal. I've actually only ever used it from the sidewalk across the street, but it seems pretty reliable. I guess I'll have to go get a taco with my internet soon!
• Skipper's - I haven't tried it, but I saw a sign for it the other day. Plus they have an endless chowder bowl. Sounds like a winning combination. :)

If you know of any other great spots in Salem for free Wifi, let me know. Especially any outdoor spots for this summer!

(Sorry if you read this when it was halfway posted. I don't know what happened to the rest of my original post. It mysteriously disappeared.)