The Historic city of Queretaro, Mexico is a paradise, filled with all the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells you could hope for.
Tag Archives | travel
The Learning Curve of Overseas Living
If you’re ever planning to live in a foreign country – either on a temporary basis or as a full-time resident – there will be many things to learn and deal with. As US citizens, we are so blessed with many environmental, technological, and socio-economical advantages that populations the world over cannot even imagine. So […]
How to Take a One-Day Road Trip from Arizona to New Mexico
Love the freedom and flexibility of a road trip? We do, too! And anytime is one of the best times for active boomers to take a scenic driving adventure in the Great Southwestern states of New Mexico and Arizona. The weather is always nice and is easily accessible. By taking the major east-west Interstate 40, […]
Our Arrival in Panama
Our Arrival in Panama Our morning started off with a continental breakfast; fresh-picked papaya and pineapple, a French baguette, and strong Panamanian coffee. In the distance, sea-faring vessels are waiting their turn to go through the Canal. Tropical breezes are pleasant, but in a few hours the billowy clouds will produce refreshing afternoon showers. This […]
One Day — 5 Whitewashed Spanish Hill Towns
Whitewashed Spanish hill towns are light, they are bright, they are historic, they are the world-famous hill towns of the Andalusía Region of southern Spain. With their gleaming white-washed homes and businesses, noteworthy churches, ruins, and narrow streets leading to delightful shops, restaurants, and museums, they make a day trip by car a highlight for […]
7 Things We Learned on our Recent Trip to Europe
Rushing around in Victoria BC Rushing here to see that . . . snapping a quick pic for FB . . . then off to the next place . . . all the while trying to ignore the jet lag . . . These are just a few of the 7 things we learned on […]
How to Plan a Trip to London, England
Ah, let’s plan a trip to London! One of the most beautiful and iconic cities in the world! And, when traveling overseas, it’s one of the easiest places to get around. This city with its notably modern and historical skyline has so much to offer. But what if you would like to go there, but […]
Living a Simple-Happy-Better-Life
Closets full of clothes – some that hadn’t been worn for at least a year . . . furniture that no longer fits your décor . . . household items that have been passed down from other family members – all taking up precious space somewhere in the house or storage unit. We love living […]
Steps to a Happy “Retirement”
Seriously, retirement may not be in your best interest. And not everyone who retires loves the idea of not having to go to work, so why not take steps to a happy retirement. However, because right now you’re in the middle of a dreadful week . . . and the stress and long hours have […]
Florence – the City of the Italian Renaissance
What is it about Florence (or Firenze) and the Italian Renaissance that keeps calling us back? Even when our travel agenda is not targeted on Italy, we still make it back to that country because we look forward to going to Florence. Getting off the train at the Santa Maria Novella train station, we felt […]
Preparing for Extended Periods of Travel
It’s fun to enjoy extended periods of travel, distant countries, sightseeing historical places, and eating in Irish pubs, French cafés, and Italian pasticcerias. The benefits of culture, history, determination, and foreign language are immeasurable. But once you’ve made the decision to go, how do you prepare for extended periods of travel? A standard suggestion for […]
From Disneyland to Champagne Country – Exploring the French Countryside
The word “Disneyland” conjures up images of crowds of tourists, many with mouse-eared caps and fairy wands, scurrying about to get to the next amusement ride. However, it can be a great staging site for exploring the French countryside. This picturesque region of France is also a tranquil setting of swans and lily pads, […]
Exploring Costa Rica’s Iconic Pacific Coastline
When we left the lush rain forest and geothermal area of Arenal to explore Costa Rica’s iconic Pacific coastline, we drove two-and-a-half hours to Liberia, the second largest city in the country and the hub for the northwestern coast. When we reached Liberia, we exited the freeway and headed south towards the Pacific beach towns. […]
Destination: Experiencing An Epic Latin American Adventure
Next week, Ron and I will be heading out for a Latin American adventure to experience one of our long-dreamed-about destinations in Mexico and Latin America. We’re very excited about getting away for a few weeks on a Latin American adventure and exploring the cities, rainforests, and colonial highlands of three countries, Mexico, Costa Rica, […]
Italy: Learning to Cook Slowly in Umbria
Several years ago, Shelli and I became acquainted with Walks of Italy, one of the premier tour companies available today. We have toured with them many times throughout Europe, and have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Last year, Loredana from Walks introduced us to the Pineli family, and Fontanaro Organic Farms, in […]
Umbria: A Family Escape in the Heart of Italy
Umbria: A Family Escape in the Heart of Italy If you’ve ever wanted to discover the heart and soul of Italy outside of its splendid cities, a family escape in Umbria is for you. Like its more famous neighbor, Tuscany, this agricultural region of central Italy is also dotted with Etruscan ruins, iconic hillside villages, […]
Celebrating in Belize – Summertime and Livin’ is Easy
Ah, Belize, . . . summertime and the livin’ is easy . . . . err, that is, if you’re a teacher who has summers off. Next week, my husband and I will be jetting off to a Caribbean island known as the world’s second largest Great Barrier Reef – Ambergris Caye (pronounced “key”), Belize. […]
Los Cabos Golf Resort: Home Away from Home
The Los Cabos Golf Resort is a charming Mexican get away in Cabo San Lucas. If you’re anything like my husband and me, half the fun of getting away is planning the trip. And then, after you arrive at your destination, enjoying the place you’re staying in. But what if the hotel or resort isn’t […]
Amsterdam – Venice to the North
The fresh, cool sea breezes on our faces . . . the tinkling bell sounds warning pedestrians of oncoming bicycles . . . the buttery smell of waffles baking in the open-air markets. Welcome to Amsterdam – Venice to the North, one of the most diverse cities in the world. Amsterdam was our final destination […]
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
What do drinking games, dancing young people, and Pope Francis have in common? The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, Italy. When we visit Rome our go to hotel is the Mecenata Palace Hotel which is located atop Esquiline Hill. The hotel is directly across the street from the Basilica, and our requested room […]