2023 Year in Review
This was an exciting year and the beauty of travel is you can always find new and interesting things in familiar places as much as you can visiting new sights. This year we trekked, journeyed, and voyaged 81 days, over 78,000 air miles which is equivalent to circling the globe three times, visited 60 cities, 10 countries, 3 continents to include some countries twice…It just never disappoints and looking back feels like we never left home this year! Now that is the real beauty of travel!
Winter: Anniversary Celebration & Bucket List
Our first vacation of the winter started out as a driving trip to celebrate our 20th Anniversary to one of our favorite quaint spots in the US, Kiawah Island, SC. It is one of the most beautiful locations on the east coast just about an hour drive outside of Charleston where you will be met with tree covered drives, low country charm and beautiful golf courses. We love to pamper ourselves at the Sanctuary Hotel, appropriately named, where charm and grace are on full display. This year I surprised my husband with a round of golf on the Ocean Course where many major golf championships have been played. While I was being pampered in the spa my husband enjoyed his round with his caddy learning about the course history and where to hit and not hit. I think there may have been more shots hit where he wasn’t supposed to be but it didn’t seem to dampen his experience not to mention the squall, they played through coming down the last three holes I was able to see him coming up the 18th hole sitting on the veranda where the course stretched along the Atlantic Ocean. It was nothing short of spectacular and another course checked off my husband’s bucket list. Spring: ASTA, Budapest, Belgrade, France, Türkiye, Greece, Spain & Portugal
Spring would find itself to be a very busy period more than our normal travel schedule. I can honestly say in all of our travels we actually had a first in that we flew together to Amsterdam and from there my hubby went one way for work in Zurich and I went to Budapest for work! We did meet back in Budapest a few days later to continue our journey to Belgrade, Serbia for my brothers second wedding celebration before taking a little time off to enjoy Normandy & Paris. Who said work has to be boring!
I have to mention I was in Budapest to attend the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) where they kicked off the 2023 Global River Cruise Expo with guest speaker Wolfgang Puck. The welcome dinner was held at the Hungarian Railway Museum which is a MUST for a railfan visiting Budapest.
Thought River Cruising wasn’t for you…think again! River Cruise ships are floating luxury hotels sailing down the most beautiful rivers around the world directly through the heart of some of the most iconic cities throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Egypt and U.S. You can enjoy movie theaters, pickle ball to having bikes available so you can cruise around on your own, yoga, indoor & outdoor pools, are all available on these vessels not to mention great cuisine from the local areas where you are sailing. There is something for everyone and an amazing way to plunge yourself into local cultures.
Hubby finally caught up with me which was our third time in Budapest and thought we had seen most of what the city had to offer only to be pleasantly surprised yet again. This is what makes travel and coming back to a city with such a diverse history so interesting. We had a great time in Budapest and our stay at the Kempinski Hotel was wonderful.
We are off to Serbia to attend a wedding but not before exploring Belgrade and the surrounding areas. Built at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is rightly known as “the Gate of the Balkans” and “the Doors to Central Europe”. Serbia’s capital is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Ruins of a Neolithic settlement have been unearthed nearby, while the first settlement on the site of the modern city was the Celtic town of Singidunum, which was built in the 3rd Century BC. The city changed hands with the arrival of Romans in the 1st Century, only to be conquered by Slavs in the 6th Century. Throughout history many nations have fought over it – Hungarians, Ottoman Turks, Austrians – resulting in the city being razed to the ground and rebuilt as many as 38 times throughout its history. In 1841, Belgrade became the capital city of Serbia.
We ventured out of the city to visit Monasteries of Fruska Gora while exploring the town of Karlovci Sremski for a Wine Tasting. That’s never a bad thing! On the slopes of Fruska Gora Mountain, there are as many as 17 medieval monasteries. Our next stop was to a city by the name of Novi Sad which truly is as a gem among Serbia’s cities. Also known as “the Serbian Athens” and “the Gibraltar of the Danube”, its architecture and spirit have been shaped by various nations throughout its history. Novi Sad is a university center and a city of youth, a fact recognized by the two important titles bestowed on it in the 21st Century: The European Youth Capital 2019 and the European Capital of Culture 2022. The city’s easy-going spirit, which is increasingly attracting people from all over the world, is so endearing that you will find it impossible to resist.
We had a fabulous time visiting the cities of Novi Sad, Ada and of course Belgrade while staying at the Saint Ten Hotel a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World where the comfort level, food and service could only be described as amazing.
We are now off to continue our journey to Normandy, France!
Bonjour from Bayeux! Located close to the D-Day Landings beaches, the medieval city of Bayeux is a living history. Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic art, and the world-renowned Tapestry, listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register, bear witness to the opulence of the Duchy of Normandy. As the first town to be liberated in June 1944, Bayeux is an ideal base to visit the beaches and other sites of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. In the narrow-cobbled streets of the historic town center you can stop to admire some of the many elegant 17th and 18th century mansions and town houses.
There is so much to see and do in Normandy and be prepared for emotions to fill you throughout the visit. Our first stop was the German Cemetery which our tour guide made a special visit and stop as she felt strongly that people should know there was sacrifice and loss on both sides as not every member of the German military was a Nazi and forced to fight a war they didn’t want. I don’t know why but I am very glad she did because this set the stage for the day…
One of the most touching tributes in the German Cemetery was an icon on the narrow gate as you entered. It was designed so that only a single person could step through and see the image of the Soldier, God and then the soldiers spirit rising. Once you stepped through the narrow gate there was a statue in the middle of Mary, Joseph and a cross with a poem, written in German underneath. The translation of the poem can be found if you look it up but it loosely says that God will be the final judge. The cemetery of La Cambe is located near Omaha Beach. With around 21,000 German graves and is the largest best-known German military cemetery in Normandy. In contrast to the Allied cemeteries, the setting is simple creating a serenity that urges the living to live in peace. The names are engraved on dark stones laid flat on the ground and when a name is unknown, the marker simply says “A German Soldier”. The immense size of the site is broken by groups of granite crosses and it is surrounded by 1,200 maple trees symbolizing reconciliation between all people and opened in 1969.
Our next stop was Sainte-Mere-Eglise where the liberation of Europe from German occupation began in spectacular fashion for the inhabitants. A miscalculated drop brought paratroops raining down onto the village square, where their chutes were lit by the light of a house fire! Private John Steele would become one of the best-known paratroopers, as he was left dangling from the pinnacle of the church tower.
Built on the very spot where American troops landed on June 6th, 1944 the Utah beach museum tells the story of D-Day in ten sequences, from its preparation to its conclusion and success. The first beach to be stormed by the Allies on that morning, Utah Beach was chosen to establish a beachhead in the Cotentin region in order to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep-water port. At the end of the day, more than 23,000 American soldiers landed to fight a titanic battle and liberate France. Today, the Utah Beach Landing Museum preserves the memory of these men. Thanks to a complete chronological tour, you can immerse yourself in the history of the D-Day landings and discover a collection rich in objects, vehicles, equipment, and testimonies. When you leave the site, you will understand both the strategic choice and reasons for success at Utah Beach, but you will also have contributed to the preservation and transmission of the memory of these extraordinary men.
The next stop was Omaha Beach where two thirds of the seaborne troops from the United States were launched against a four-mile-long beach overlooked by steep bluffs and the place they call ‘Bloody Omaha.’ The western end of the Omaha sector consists of 30m-high cliffs which were attacked directly by some men of 2nd Ranger Battalion using rocket fired grappling irons. Their mission, to ‘jump’ the German artillery position there and silence it. In 22 minutes 180 of the 225 at the Pointe du Hoc had hauled themselves to the top. All was devastation, a wilderness of human destruction by air and by sea – and the guns gone. The 155mm artillery pieces in open turntables had been withdrawn earlier for safe keeping a kilometer inland. However, by 8:30, two of the Rangers had discovered them unattended and put them out of action – ‘mission accomplished’ – but a two-day battle followed.
The last stop and possibly the most emotional was the American Cemetery. There are 26 military cemeteries representing all nations across Normandy, but the most famous and visited overseas military cemetery in the world is the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. No trip to this region is quite complete without a visit to this solemn and poignant place. The site of 9,388 headstones in serried ranks overlooking the beach they called ‘Bloody Omaha’ is deeply moving. On high bluffs and flanked by cliffs, it takes an effort of the imagination to realize that somewhere so peaceful and beautiful had seen intense bombardment and mortal combat.
As you make your way down the mall, you will notice that almost every headstone is engraved with the serviceman’s name, the date of his death, the unit in which he served, and the country where he was conscripted (or volunteered). 307 have no name. The 7m-high bronze statue is a stark reminder of the youth of the Fallen – their average age is just 24. It watches over the central mall which leads to the circular chapel, flanked all the way by marble headstones. Behind us, sadder still, is the Wall of the Missing, listing the 1557 whose mortal remains, at the time of its creation in 1953, had been lost. We were lucky to have been there for the ceremony to lower the flag which both my husband and I could barely watch through the tears streaming down our face. What an amazing emotional day filled with both pride and sadness for the sacrifice so many young men made preserving our freedoms.
The next day trip from Bayeaux was to the long awaited and yes, another bucket list must see, to Mont-Saint Michel. This magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey, and its surrounding bay count among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay. Set in a mesmerizing bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the mount draws the eye from a great distance. The story of how the mount came to be a great Christian pilgrimage site dates back to the early 8th century, when Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea. From 966 onwards, the dukes of Normandy, followed by the French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel.
From all of our visits to Normandy…Bayeux has to be one of our favorite towns, and Villa Lara has been the perfect home for us. The staff was friendly and welcoming…the property couldn’t be any closer to the center of town as we could see and hear the bells of Notre Dame De Bayeux ringing.
Off to the “City of Lights” which never disappoints no matter how many times you have been to this beautiful city. We have made countless trips to Paris and each time we try and stay in different neighborhoods to discover new spots like a local! Of course, we always have to go back to our favorite places around the city and even got to enjoy a quick visit with one of my clients on their first trip to Paris. It’s always nice to see the city through someone else’s eyes and enjoy their excitement for the first time.
We stayed at Maison Albar Hotel Le Pont-Neuf which is a perfect central location and walking distance to the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. We enjoyed a visit to the Muse De Orsay, which was also in walking distance not to mention close to all of the shopping and dining. We enjoyed our 19-day journey to Hungary, Serbia and France which had a little work and a lot of fun! Now, it’s time to go home and prep for our next trip which would find us traveling to Türkiye, Greece, Malta, Spain & Portugal.
Spring is still in the air…the next adventure is calling and someone must step up! Ok, we volunteer!
First, a BIG shout out to Air France as our Delta flight was delayed over 4hrs from Atlanta which meant we would miss our connecting flight to Istanbul. Delta would not assist in rescheduling our connections in addition no flights were available to depart Atlanta in time. Once we finally took off, I received an email from Air France, they rebooked us on a different flight once we arrived in Paris. By time we landed in Paris we were going to miss the rescheduled connection. We quickly worked our way to the AF Agent desk to notify them that we just landed but won’t be able to catch our connection. An Air France Agent was so nice…not only did she keep us updated on her progress but she even brought us water and after she rebooked us on a great connection without any major layovers. Plus, she gave us meal vouchers…viva la France!!! What service for something that wasn’t even created by Air France. They rose to the occasion and we are forever fans…not that we weren’t before but now even more so! In addition, we can say we now have been to Bucharest, Romania and this is where the next nightmare begins as we made it to Istanbul later that evening but not our luggage. Apparently, our suitcases wanted to take a few day trips while in Romania but oh well, nothing to do but deal with it and not let it ruin the trip. This is exactly why I tell all of my clients to take a carry on with as many changes of clothes that will fit.
This would be our 4th time in Türkiye and we love coming back over and over again. Did you know that Türkiye ranked 6th in the world with 52.5 million visitors in 2019 and 47 million in 2022, according to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data. There are 53 Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul alone featured in the latest 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide. Türkiye is one of the world's most historically rich countries. Since its acceptance by the UNESCO convention in 1983, nineteen World Heritage Sites in Turkey have been listed. In addition, 84 sites await consideration on the tentative list.
We set sail from Istanbul through the mediterranean which we just have to do every few years as this is one of our favorite parts of the world to cruise. Our first stop would be Izmir which is in Turkey’s western region and known as the “jewel of the Aegean seas.” With 8,500 years of history and the extensive cultural legacies left by 32 civilizations, it is the third largest city in the nation. One of the seven wonders of the world was in Izmir. The Temple of Artemis in the Ancient City of Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient times.
Christians believe that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the Virgin Mary came to Selcuk with the apostle John (St. John the Evangelist) and spent the last years of her life here. That’s why the House of Virgin Mary is considered as one of the holy pilgrimage places in Turkey. The House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus was found by Lazarists from Izmir in 1891. In 1952, the Vatican declared that the Virgin Mary House as a sacred pilgrimage place. Every year on the 15th of August a great ritual organized by the Vatican on the day of Mary’s ascension.
Since we had already been to Ephesus and The House of Mary twice before, we decided to enjoy time with our dear friend Osman who is with Keytours one of our preferred suppliers. He took us around the ancient site of Smyrna located in the middle of Izmir, we walked through local markets, and had a beautiful lunch on the harbor but not before he and my husband enjoyed eating mussels from a local vendor that came directly out of the water. I can only imagine these were amazing given the look on both of their faces!
Next, we would set out for Santorini which would be our 4th time. If you follow my posts you will recognize from previous visits our tradition leaving Santorini is to walk back down stairs from the top of the island to the sea! The scenery on the way down is spectacular with the exception of sharing the stairs with the donkeys! No need for further explanation other than watch your step! Santorini is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Its main attraction is the rolling landscape and seascape. All these were caused by a volcanic explosion in 1630 BCE. The top of the island was blown off, in the process forming a caldera. Sunsets at Santorini are nothing short of magical. The skies turn to beautiful pink and purple which is visible from most hotels on the island.
Kali mera from Argostoli!!! This would be our next island which is a hidden gem. We visited the Holy Monastery of St Gerasimus, San Gersimo Winery for a tasting of their famous Robola wines, Drogarati cave, Melissani Cave and got to drive through the island and see some amazing views.
The Island of Kefalonia having survived Italian and German occupation and the Greek civil war was hit by an earthquake and in a period of 28 seconds the island actually rose 60 centimeters and, in the process, demolished almost every man-made structure on it. Entire villages were flattened and survivors who made their way to the capital city of Argostoli hoping to find shelter and help were shocked to see the entire city, which had contained massive government buildings constructed by the Venetians and the British, flattened as well. The earthquake caused over 100,000 Kefalonians to leave the island for the United States, Canada, Australia and other faraway places while the rest remained to pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes and businesses
The next port of call would be Valletta, Malta where we spent a lovely day strolling around this ancient island and visit to St John’s Cathedral to see the famous ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio which was described as the painting of the 17th century. Spectacular! The story of Malta can’t be told without mentioning the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck. In the New Testament, the event took place on the island in 60 A.D. Legend has it, St. Paul was on his way to Rome to be tried as a rebel when he was caught in a giant storm. The wreck happened around St. Paul’s Bay where he swam to shore to take refuge in a cave. The Maltese people showed him great kindness after St. Paul cured the governor’s father of a fever. From this point on, Malta converted to Christianity and St. Paul still serves as their defining symbol.
Our next stop on the cruise would be Barcelona where we had a welcomed guest finally arrive onboard… our luggage! Yes, after seven days we finally received our luggage and actually had gotten used to wearing minimal changes of clothes. I can honestly say, Oceania was amazing as they provided free daily laundry service while we waited for our bags.
When you travel to Barcelona a must do is a visit to the heart of Catalonia to visit Montserrat. It is a holy mountain and a symbol of Catalan identity. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year and is considered holy and magical place. The name Montserrat means “Jagged or serrated mountain” because of the sharp looking peaks of the mountain. According to legend, angels came down from the sky and serrated the mountain with the golden saw to create a throne for the Virgin Mary.
Our next stop would be Alicante where we walked to the top of the Castillo de Santa Barbara which overlooks the entire city. Alicante is a place well-known for its 'old' inhabitants. There were several conquerors, including Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. The Romans dubbed the city 'Lucentem,' which translates as 'City of Light.' The Moors erected the Castillo de Santa Barbara in the 10th century and is one of Europe's largest medieval fortifications.
As we sail up the coast of Spain, Malaga would be our next adventure . This is one of the world’s oldest cities and was founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BC and named Malaka. That means that its history spans about 2,800 years! Malaga used to be under the rule of the Roman Empire, the Arab Caliphate and the Castilian crown. This is also the birthplace of Picasso if you are looking for a fun fact. Malaga has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
Next along the Iberian coast was Cadiz, a city founded in 1,100 BC by the Phoenicians. Cadiz was the oldest inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in western Europe. We would spend the day venturing out to Seville where its lineage has been recognized by UNESCO as the city boasting three World Heritage Sites. They are the Seville Cathedral, Alcazar Palace, and the Archivo de Indias.
Our last port of call would dock in Lisbon, Portugal, a city everyone has on their bucket list. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities of Europe. Archaeological evidence suggests the city has been inhabited since prehistoric ages. Historical records take back the city’s history to 205 BC when it was first invaded by the Romans. The Romans called it Olissipo then. There is so much that can be shared but just know there is something new to see wherever you walk, the food is amazing no matter where you eat and the people and shopping will not disappoint. I could go on and on about this beautiful city but all I can really say is you have to see it for yourself.
From Lisbon we took a day trip to visit Porto but not before we stopped at a few interesting sites along the way. First, was Obidos to visit the castle that has been around since the Moorish era. The castle as it exists today dates to King Denis’s rule and has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. In the 1950s, it was turned into an upscale hotel. The castle’s medieval structure is very well preserved. Visitors can walk along the stone walls and take in a view of the village as the royalty did long ago. Obidos is a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, a rare honor acknowledging a city’s quantity, quality, and diversity of literary accomplishments and pursuits. Books are well integrated into every aspect of life in Obidos — libraries, museums, galleries, residences, public spaces, and markets.
Next would be Nazaré which is an old fishing village that dates back to the 17th-century. Sitio da Nazare, the promontory that sits north of the village, owes its origin to the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré and, in particular, to the miracle of Dom Fuas Roupinho. Today this little village is known for its big waves and surfing. The Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara received worldwide publicity when, in 2011, rode the biggest beach-breaking wave in the world, about 100 ft high, at Praia do Norte. He won the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award and entered the Guinness Book of World Records. Like him, surfers from around the world visit Nazaré every year to venture into the sea.
No visit to Portugal would be complete without time spent in Porto. This city is believed to have been inhabited since the 8th century BCE. The earliest evidence of settlers in Porto dates back to the end of Bronze age near the 8th century BCE, near the present-day Morro da Se. The ancient village of Cividade was known to be the place where the settlers had first settled. The site was demolished in 1940. The “Historic Center of Porto” along with Luiz l bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar have been deemed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The historic center holds several of the most important monuments of Porto. The area is rich in Portuguese architecture and is a joy to behold.
Porto is well known for its gorgeous cathedrals and churches. The Sao Bento train station in Porto is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. This 20th century railway station in the Center of Porto is an architectural marvel. Sao Bento translates to Saint Benedict in English. The three-story building has a U shape and is built in geometric rigor, in the Beaux-Arts style. It is built primarily of ceramic. Porto is known as the city of bridges and is the only European city with 6 bridges, and all six of them run over the Douro River.
The next day we ventured to Sintra which is classified as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1995 in the category of “Cultural Landscape”. Cabo da Roca, or Cape Roca, once known as the "Rock of Lisbon," is about 16 km (10 miles) from Sintra, and is a must-see. Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Portugal, but in Europe.
Another beautiful location was Cascais which lies west of Lisbon, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The old town of upscale Cascais is built around a lively marina, and features many gorgeous beaches, restaurants, cafes, and shops. What an amazing day and so much seen. I can say we rested very well that evening upon our return but well worth the effort. Besides, we can rest at home we are here to get lost in the culture and country!
Our last day in Portugal would be a trip I have been anticipating for a very long time. Fatima would be the highlight of this day and in case you don’t know the story I will summarize briefly. Fatima is the most important pilgrimage site in Portugal. This is where an apparition of Mary appeared to three shepherd children, six times over the course of six months, culminating in the Miracle of the Sun, which was witnessed by over 70,000 people. These events draw many millions of pilgrims and visitors to Fatima every year, and at the site of the apparitions, a massive religious complex has been constructed. Within this complex is a beautiful Basilica, a colossal church, a sprawling plaza, and the tiny chapel Mary instructed to be built. It was simply amazing and another bucket list check for places to visit!
Summer in Provence, Baguettes, Fromage & my Birthday…
Spring is behind us and late summer would have us feeling like we haven’t been anywhere this year. So, what do you do, find another place to visit which would find us spending late summer in Provence. Well, it is finally time to leave and anyone who knows me knows I will not board a plane without a carry on because a luggage delay WILL not ruin a vacation and by the way husbands are not exempt from this rule! Always nice to have an uneventful trip as we arrived in Nice on time, took the train to Marseille and a short car ride to Istres, Provence which would be our home away from home for the next two weeks.
Before I get into the details of this trip there are a couple of things that should be explained up front as there is no need to mention each day. Yes, we ate fresh baguettes and fromage every single day. Getting fresh bread each day is like going to your mailbox and it was amazing. Every little village has a market and yes, we stopped and invested in the local community. Ladies, always take your husband because you need a bag man to make these stops. Maybe some ear plugs would also be helpful so you don’t have to hear the whining but the shopping is amazing. Just remind him of all of the golf balls that have been purchased!!! I will simply go through the daytrips and leave the rest to your imagination.
Off to Aix-en-Provence which is a city of refined elegance on show in its constantly bustling streets and squares. History here is the drama of everyday life a pleasurable shopping trip is combined with its noble heritage, a drink on a terrace with beautiful architecture and a stroll around town with baroque splendor. Every fountain holds a secret; each mansion house has a story to tell. The country houses are adorned by parks and gardens as they were over the centuries. Aix-en-Provence is a canvas of joyful impressions, of colorful festivals, festivities and traditions, Provencal markets, delicious sun-filled delicacies, walks in the countryside and relaxing activities.
Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments.
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux-de-Provence attracts 1.5 million tourists a year, while it has a permanent population of only 400! Many of the houses still make for fascinating ruins which evoke the conditions of medieval times when the village’s population was as many as 4,000. Les Baux can only be visited on foot, which is the best option anyway, to truly discover the many architectural features of the village, some of which are listed as historical monuments by the French government and have been carefully restored. These include St Vincent church, the town hall, various Renaissance townhouses and chapels.
Best birthday ever…enjoying time with my family, walking through the Mucem and strolling the streets of Marseille, while having a delicious Tunisian lunch! Marseille is a book in and of itself but should always be visited.
Alpilles, between Avignon and Arles, nestles a gem of a city: Saint-Remy de Provence. Private mansions from the Renaissance and the 18th century, beautifully restored homes, chapels and convents line the winding streets of the historic center. Shaded boulevards, squares adorned with old fountains and the terraces of the cafés and restaurants are all invitations to enjoy the Provencal way of life. The town, which witnessed the birth of Nostradamus, was and still is a source of inspiration for many artists.
The Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole, is an example of Provençal Romanesque architecture and is famous for having taken in and inspired Vincent Van Gogh in 1889 (this is where he painted 150 of his most well-known works) where he lived as a patient. There you can see the reconstitution of the famous patient's room. A circuit "Promenade dans l'Univers de Vincent Van Gogh" shows you the places that inspired him for his paintings and takes you from the ancient Roman site Glanum to the Estrine Museum.
Miramas le Vieux is a rare and rather dramatic example of a mediaeval village perche (hill village) on the edge of the Camargue and the Crau, two of the otherwise flattest regions of western Provence.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, this enchanting city is a must-visit for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking architecture, charming cobblestone streets, Avignon is just waiting to be explored. From the iconic Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the vibrant local markets bursting with aromas of fresh produce and fragrant herbs, Avignon offers a unique blend of culture, art, and gastronomy.
Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region, and one of the most beautiful in France. Its houses and buildings of white stone root themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain, its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets leaves every visitor intoxicated by its charms.
Situated between the Alpilles, the Camargue and the Aix-Marseille route, Salon de Provence is surrounded by magnificent countryside where the olive tree is "king"! The oldest part of Salon is built on a small foot-hill, over-looking the narrow streets. You can visit the "chateau de l'Emperi" which was the former residence of the archbishops of Arles. Rebuilt in the 13th century, this medieval fortress is today in perfect condition as it has been restored and maintained with the utmost care. Salon is one of the oldest villages in Provence and it was the village of the famous clairvoyant scholar Nostradamus. His house is in the old district and it is now a museum which details his life and unique personality. His birthplace was St Remy, he died in Salon.
Every person who loves to travel should make Provence a summer destination. There really aren’t enough, or even appropriate words to describe what this was like. I can say this was a bucket list that I didn’t even know existed because of the way you feel at every turn or stop. I was a little saddened to leave but grateful for the experience. Time to head back home but not before a wonderful lunch in Antibes and an amazing Turkish dinner in Nice which would bring our summer to an end. Au Revoir!
Fall into Asia…Vietnam & Cambodia
The fall would find me visiting an area that I have always wanted to see and even though this was a working trip I could not pass up experiencing Vietnam and Cambodia! Hanoi, Vietnam would be our first stop. This is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where you can find the exotic chic and dynamic face of Asia, in harmony with French colonial charm. First stop lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien or as the Vietnamese call it “Bun Cha Obama”, where US President Barack Obama and Chef Anthony Bourdain ate in 2016.
Dinner was served at Ly Club set in a splendid early 20th century French villa in the center of big city, the Ly Club takes its name from the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225), one of Vietnam’s glorious periods of cultural and artistic development. The club’s menu reflects the embrace of both traditional and innovative, pairing the flavors of East and West in a unique and constantly evolving menu.
UNESCO-listed Halong Bay is truly beautiful and today we got to explore it in style by land, air & sea. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a breathtaking scenic flight over Halong bay. Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, the 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a boat. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of "Ha Long", meaning "descending dragon". After a long day we boarded a traditional boat for an overnight cruise. On the cruise we enjoyed a lovely dinner before retiring to our cabins on this unique overnight accommodation.We woke up to stunning views of Halong Bay, and took part in a Tai Chi session with gorgeous scenery all around us. As we sailed, we admired the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea, and we even entered one of the vast caves. Simply AMAZING!!!
The next stop on this exotic adventure would be Nam Hai and its idyllic location on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast. Nam Hai offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and a breezy respite on the country’s most celebrated beach.
We then took a walking tour which included stops at several famous landmarks beginning with the 17th century Chua Ong Pagoda before moving on to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall to see the Jinshang Temple. A short walk took us to Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old ancestral house before taking a stroll over the famous Japanese covered bridge, dating back to the 16th century.
After lunch, we explored the countryside near the town of Hoi An with a different means of transportation - the classic sidecar! The drive took us to a totally different side of Hoi An to experience the beauty of wild nature in this memorable adventure around the area. Taking in the fresh air and letting the picturesque landscape amaze us - the endless green fields, canals, the peaceful river was dotted by little houses of local fishermen. We enjoyed our stay in Hoi An and made a quick stop in Danang to see the Dragon Bridge before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Saigon.
Filled with electric energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, Saigon’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future.
Today we enjoyed a city tour starting at the War Remnants Museum, where Vietnam’s government assembled presentations - some of them very graphic - of wartime hardships and atrocities. After what I can only describe as an emotional breakdown which I was not prepared for along with the other visiting travel advisers, the tour continued with a stop at the Reunification Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975 to end a war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and three million Vietnamese. We continued our tour rickshaw style through the new part of the city and the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, to the Saigon Opera House, a commanding building completed in 1901. Shelled during World War II, it was used to shelter French citizens fleeing North Vietnam in 1954, the year Vietnam earned its independence from France. Tonight’s dinner was served at Mandarin Restaurant. Sourcing only fresh, top-quality ingredients, their cuisine captivates the light nature yet bold flavors of Vietnamese food. Together with the chef's superior garnishing technique to reserve the eroding tradition in fruit and vegetables carving, Mandarin restaurant delivers each and every dish its finest in both taste and style. A favorite of many to include former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Off to Cambodia and to Angkor which is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings. After visiting 3 temples it was time for lunch at Spoon Restaurant a Social Enterprise connected to "SPOONS Cambodia Organization". This Organization enables underprivileged Cambodian young adults to become self-supporting through education, training, and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. We love supporting sustainable businesses! After lunch we visited a local artist Channy Chhoeun at his home and art studio as he shared his story and inspiration behind his paintings. Very inspiring testimony…
We closed out this exploration filled day with a traditional Cambodian dinner and a show which brings ancient Khmer culture to life. The perfect ending to an AMAZING trip and can honestly say was not disappointed! Seasoned travelers should put these two beautiful countries on their must-see list and experience the warmth and pride of these cultures.
Winter in Germany & Spain:
After working so hard in the fall, which my husband calls propaganda, we actually decided to start our vacation visiting my family in Germany before we absorbed the warmth of Spain for a couple of weeks. It would be an opportunity to spend time with family, do a little Euro shopping (not sure my husband considers this a “little” euro shopping) and of course daily visits to the Christmas markets. There are over one hundred Christmas markets that take place in Berlin every year.
We visited The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on the Sunday we were in Berlin which is the symbolic center of West Berlin and one of the city's most popular sights. The original West Tower was partially destroyed during a bombing by the Allied Forces in 1943. Its striking ruin now rises into the sky as a memorial for peace between nations. Sunday blessings as this is one of my favorite churches and have spent my childhood visiting often. There are many events that take place here and we had the pleasure enjoying an evening service that included a visit by an American church choir. We also attended a Bach Cantatas, Organ Recital and Choral concert on Saturday.
We took a day trip outside of Berlin to the beautiful city of Potsdam, Germany. Filled with Prussian pomp and splendor, a heritage of great architects and scholars and a focal point during the Cold War: Potsdam offers breathtaking dimensions of culture and history. 300 years ago, Potsdam was transformed into one of Europe's most splendid royal cities.
Palaces as far as you can see…If you love palaces, you will be spoiled for choices. Potsdam has the highest number of Palaces per inhabitant in Germany. Prussia’s kings and prince electors created a fascinating retreat comprising palaces and parklands. Many parts of the overall ensemble were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1990. The biggest World Heritage Sites in Potsdam are Sanssouci Park with its famous palace of the same name. New Garden where world-changing decisions were made. Babelsberg Park which is the masterpiece of Peter Joseph Lenne and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. Apart from the park areas there are a lot more UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be explored. The entire cultural landscape impresses with its authenticity and uniqueness and the numerous influences from Italy, France and Holland which merge here.
After a great time in Berlin, we headed off to Murcia, Spain for our first stop where we would visit several smaller cities to include Cartagena. Founded over 2000 years ago by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal, Cartagena owes its long-standing importance to its protected harbor. The city experienced its heyday during the Roman Empire, followed by occupation by the Visigoths, Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs until it was conquered in 1245 by King Alonso X. Every culture has left its mark in the city, from the Roman amphitheater, the second most important on the Spanish peninsula to churches, the 18th century rampart of King Charles III which encircles the old town and the castle of La Concepcion.
Situated on the southeast coast, Murcia is a capital city that is rarely at the top of the itinerary for travelers outside of Spain, which means it's relatively crowd-free. Yet it deserves to be seen, from city streets lined with striking architecture to a coastline laced with sandy beaches backed by mountains and hopefully soon to be our second home.
Next stop was a quick flight and trip to Palma De Mallorca to surprise my BFF who was vacationing with her family from Germany. Thank goodness I made last minute changes to our itinerary to make sure we stopped in to see her. You never know why God puts you in places at the right time but life is short…make the best of it! While we have been here before, we couldn’t leave this time without exploring the Tramuntana Mountain Range which is one of the most visited attractions and the main mountain range of the Balearic Islands. The Serra de Tramuntana is a natural spot with an area of 63,084 hectares, of which 1,123 are marine. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Tramuntana Natural Park is one of the greatest examples of the perfect integration of the human footprint with nature, offering as a result a very interesting combination of culture, heritage and nature.
Off to Madrid where we would spend our Christmas at the fabulous Hotel Fenix a Grand Melia Hotel and a Member of The Leading Hotels of the World…Feliz Navidad! We arrived Christmas Eve and just walked around the neighborhood where were staying before returning to our hotel for some tapas. We would spend Christmas Day simply walking around the city doing a 7-mile loop taking in its beauty while it was quiet before the hustle and bustle of Spain’s capital would come back to life.
Before exploring Madrid in depth, we took a day trip to enjoy a day full of history, culture and culinary delights in Segovia and Avila. Segovia is a charming and fascinating city nestled in the heart of the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. This unique city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural wonders with its UNESCO World Heritage status and rich heritage, Segovia is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Avila will always be associated with the image of its city walls visible from far away, they are among the best-preserved and most complete in Europe. They protect a medieval World Heritage City of cobbled streets, interesting churches, delicious local cuisine, and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.
The next day would find us visiting one of the most interesting cities I have experienced, Toledo, Spain. Named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, Toledo is an outstanding museum city whose rich heritage owes almost everything to the Jews, Muslims and Christians who lived there, working and observing their religion side by side. Each and every one of the cultures and the peoples who have passed through Toledo gave the city a present made up of a rich architectural and artistic heritage. The city walls, erected during the Roman era, were reconstructed and given their current appearance by the Arabs. Many gateways mark the route of the walls, but Puerta de la Bisagra, which leads into the historic town and bears the coat of arms of the Imperial City, is the only one to have kept its Medieval architecture.
The Toledo Cathedral is simply the most magnificent cathedral I have ever seen and I have been in some of the most iconic in the world from the Vatican to Notre Dame in Paris to the Dome in Cologne but nothing was quite like this church. It was built in the Gothic style between 1226 and 1493 on the site of a Visigothic church erected during the reign of King Reccared. The sacristy contains a valuable collection of paintings by El Greco, Luca Giordano, Van Dyck and Goya. The side chapels are works of art in themselves: Nuevos Reyes, Santiago, the choir stalls in the Renaissance style, the Mozarabic chapel, the chapter house, and much more. In all of our travels, I have never seen anything quite like this glorious structure.
Also, a must see in Toledo is the Church of Santo Tome which is home to the artistic gem: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” by El Greco.
Madrid is officially one of our top favorite cities! Rising amid the central sierras of Spain, this is the late-night city of Dalí, Hemingway, Ronaldo and Picasso. Bursting from the center of Spain like a star, Madrid is a capital of culture, home to some of the world’s finest paintings and artistic neighborhoods filled with creativity. The Spanish capital is one of the most populous in the European Union, a cosmopolitan city where people of over 180 nationalities live together. You can find all the markers of a major European city here — including a royal palace to include must-try local delicacies. The best way to experience Madrid is to bounce between the traditional and the alternative, so you can appreciate the city’s historic legacy alongside its contemporary creativity. Anyone in search of culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado, Reina Sofia or Thyssen. Walking around Madrid means coming across iconic spots such as the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Via full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain. There is simply too much to explain and can only summarize this as you have to see it to believe it. The beauty of the city combined with the cultural and culinary experiences makes it, in my opinion, one of the top European cities easily rivaling Rome, Paris and London.
From here, the view of 2024 looks spectacular. 2024 is going to be a perfect opportunity to do something NEW, something BOLD and something BEAUTIFUL! I have stopped saying there is no way to top the previous years’ experience but I know one thing, I will never stop trying! We have been blessed to live at a time when we can still experience the past while enjoying the future and today’s travel just keeps getting easier and easier. Until next time, Bon Voyage!
Winter: Anniversary Celebration & Bucket List
Our first vacation of the winter started out as a driving trip to celebrate our 20th Anniversary to one of our favorite quaint spots in the US, Kiawah Island, SC. It is one of the most beautiful locations on the east coast just about an hour drive outside of Charleston where you will be met with tree covered drives, low country charm and beautiful golf courses. We love to pamper ourselves at the Sanctuary Hotel, appropriately named, where charm and grace are on full display. This year I surprised my husband with a round of golf on the Ocean Course where many major golf championships have been played. While I was being pampered in the spa my husband enjoyed his round with his caddy learning about the course history and where to hit and not hit. I think there may have been more shots hit where he wasn’t supposed to be but it didn’t seem to dampen his experience not to mention the squall, they played through coming down the last three holes I was able to see him coming up the 18th hole sitting on the veranda where the course stretched along the Atlantic Ocean. It was nothing short of spectacular and another course checked off my husband’s bucket list. Spring: ASTA, Budapest, Belgrade, France, Türkiye, Greece, Spain & Portugal
Spring would find itself to be a very busy period more than our normal travel schedule. I can honestly say in all of our travels we actually had a first in that we flew together to Amsterdam and from there my hubby went one way for work in Zurich and I went to Budapest for work! We did meet back in Budapest a few days later to continue our journey to Belgrade, Serbia for my brothers second wedding celebration before taking a little time off to enjoy Normandy & Paris. Who said work has to be boring!
I have to mention I was in Budapest to attend the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) where they kicked off the 2023 Global River Cruise Expo with guest speaker Wolfgang Puck. The welcome dinner was held at the Hungarian Railway Museum which is a MUST for a railfan visiting Budapest.
Thought River Cruising wasn’t for you…think again! River Cruise ships are floating luxury hotels sailing down the most beautiful rivers around the world directly through the heart of some of the most iconic cities throughout Europe, Asia, South America, Egypt and U.S. You can enjoy movie theaters, pickle ball to having bikes available so you can cruise around on your own, yoga, indoor & outdoor pools, are all available on these vessels not to mention great cuisine from the local areas where you are sailing. There is something for everyone and an amazing way to plunge yourself into local cultures.
Hubby finally caught up with me which was our third time in Budapest and thought we had seen most of what the city had to offer only to be pleasantly surprised yet again. This is what makes travel and coming back to a city with such a diverse history so interesting. We had a great time in Budapest and our stay at the Kempinski Hotel was wonderful.
We are off to Serbia to attend a wedding but not before exploring Belgrade and the surrounding areas. Built at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Belgrade is rightly known as “the Gate of the Balkans” and “the Doors to Central Europe”. Serbia’s capital is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Ruins of a Neolithic settlement have been unearthed nearby, while the first settlement on the site of the modern city was the Celtic town of Singidunum, which was built in the 3rd Century BC. The city changed hands with the arrival of Romans in the 1st Century, only to be conquered by Slavs in the 6th Century. Throughout history many nations have fought over it – Hungarians, Ottoman Turks, Austrians – resulting in the city being razed to the ground and rebuilt as many as 38 times throughout its history. In 1841, Belgrade became the capital city of Serbia.
We ventured out of the city to visit Monasteries of Fruska Gora while exploring the town of Karlovci Sremski for a Wine Tasting. That’s never a bad thing! On the slopes of Fruska Gora Mountain, there are as many as 17 medieval monasteries. Our next stop was to a city by the name of Novi Sad which truly is as a gem among Serbia’s cities. Also known as “the Serbian Athens” and “the Gibraltar of the Danube”, its architecture and spirit have been shaped by various nations throughout its history. Novi Sad is a university center and a city of youth, a fact recognized by the two important titles bestowed on it in the 21st Century: The European Youth Capital 2019 and the European Capital of Culture 2022. The city’s easy-going spirit, which is increasingly attracting people from all over the world, is so endearing that you will find it impossible to resist.
We had a fabulous time visiting the cities of Novi Sad, Ada and of course Belgrade while staying at the Saint Ten Hotel a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World where the comfort level, food and service could only be described as amazing.
We are now off to continue our journey to Normandy, France!
Bonjour from Bayeux! Located close to the D-Day Landings beaches, the medieval city of Bayeux is a living history. Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic art, and the world-renowned Tapestry, listed in the UNESCO Memory of the World register, bear witness to the opulence of the Duchy of Normandy. As the first town to be liberated in June 1944, Bayeux is an ideal base to visit the beaches and other sites of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. In the narrow-cobbled streets of the historic town center you can stop to admire some of the many elegant 17th and 18th century mansions and town houses.
There is so much to see and do in Normandy and be prepared for emotions to fill you throughout the visit. Our first stop was the German Cemetery which our tour guide made a special visit and stop as she felt strongly that people should know there was sacrifice and loss on both sides as not every member of the German military was a Nazi and forced to fight a war they didn’t want. I don’t know why but I am very glad she did because this set the stage for the day…
One of the most touching tributes in the German Cemetery was an icon on the narrow gate as you entered. It was designed so that only a single person could step through and see the image of the Soldier, God and then the soldiers spirit rising. Once you stepped through the narrow gate there was a statue in the middle of Mary, Joseph and a cross with a poem, written in German underneath. The translation of the poem can be found if you look it up but it loosely says that God will be the final judge. The cemetery of La Cambe is located near Omaha Beach. With around 21,000 German graves and is the largest best-known German military cemetery in Normandy. In contrast to the Allied cemeteries, the setting is simple creating a serenity that urges the living to live in peace. The names are engraved on dark stones laid flat on the ground and when a name is unknown, the marker simply says “A German Soldier”. The immense size of the site is broken by groups of granite crosses and it is surrounded by 1,200 maple trees symbolizing reconciliation between all people and opened in 1969.
Our next stop was Sainte-Mere-Eglise where the liberation of Europe from German occupation began in spectacular fashion for the inhabitants. A miscalculated drop brought paratroops raining down onto the village square, where their chutes were lit by the light of a house fire! Private John Steele would become one of the best-known paratroopers, as he was left dangling from the pinnacle of the church tower.
Built on the very spot where American troops landed on June 6th, 1944 the Utah beach museum tells the story of D-Day in ten sequences, from its preparation to its conclusion and success. The first beach to be stormed by the Allies on that morning, Utah Beach was chosen to establish a beachhead in the Cotentin region in order to capture the town of Cherbourg and its deep-water port. At the end of the day, more than 23,000 American soldiers landed to fight a titanic battle and liberate France. Today, the Utah Beach Landing Museum preserves the memory of these men. Thanks to a complete chronological tour, you can immerse yourself in the history of the D-Day landings and discover a collection rich in objects, vehicles, equipment, and testimonies. When you leave the site, you will understand both the strategic choice and reasons for success at Utah Beach, but you will also have contributed to the preservation and transmission of the memory of these extraordinary men.
The next stop was Omaha Beach where two thirds of the seaborne troops from the United States were launched against a four-mile-long beach overlooked by steep bluffs and the place they call ‘Bloody Omaha.’ The western end of the Omaha sector consists of 30m-high cliffs which were attacked directly by some men of 2nd Ranger Battalion using rocket fired grappling irons. Their mission, to ‘jump’ the German artillery position there and silence it. In 22 minutes 180 of the 225 at the Pointe du Hoc had hauled themselves to the top. All was devastation, a wilderness of human destruction by air and by sea – and the guns gone. The 155mm artillery pieces in open turntables had been withdrawn earlier for safe keeping a kilometer inland. However, by 8:30, two of the Rangers had discovered them unattended and put them out of action – ‘mission accomplished’ – but a two-day battle followed.
The last stop and possibly the most emotional was the American Cemetery. There are 26 military cemeteries representing all nations across Normandy, but the most famous and visited overseas military cemetery in the world is the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer. No trip to this region is quite complete without a visit to this solemn and poignant place. The site of 9,388 headstones in serried ranks overlooking the beach they called ‘Bloody Omaha’ is deeply moving. On high bluffs and flanked by cliffs, it takes an effort of the imagination to realize that somewhere so peaceful and beautiful had seen intense bombardment and mortal combat.
As you make your way down the mall, you will notice that almost every headstone is engraved with the serviceman’s name, the date of his death, the unit in which he served, and the country where he was conscripted (or volunteered). 307 have no name. The 7m-high bronze statue is a stark reminder of the youth of the Fallen – their average age is just 24. It watches over the central mall which leads to the circular chapel, flanked all the way by marble headstones. Behind us, sadder still, is the Wall of the Missing, listing the 1557 whose mortal remains, at the time of its creation in 1953, had been lost. We were lucky to have been there for the ceremony to lower the flag which both my husband and I could barely watch through the tears streaming down our face. What an amazing emotional day filled with both pride and sadness for the sacrifice so many young men made preserving our freedoms.
The next day trip from Bayeaux was to the long awaited and yes, another bucket list must see, to Mont-Saint Michel. This magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey, and its surrounding bay count among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay. Set in a mesmerizing bay shared by Normandy and Brittany, the mount draws the eye from a great distance. The story of how the mount came to be a great Christian pilgrimage site dates back to the early 8th century, when Aubert, bishop of the nearby hilltop town of Avranches, claimed that the Archangel Michael himself had pressured him into having a church built atop the island just out to sea. From 966 onwards, the dukes of Normandy, followed by the French kings, supported the development of a major Benedictine abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel.
From all of our visits to Normandy…Bayeux has to be one of our favorite towns, and Villa Lara has been the perfect home for us. The staff was friendly and welcoming…the property couldn’t be any closer to the center of town as we could see and hear the bells of Notre Dame De Bayeux ringing.
Off to the “City of Lights” which never disappoints no matter how many times you have been to this beautiful city. We have made countless trips to Paris and each time we try and stay in different neighborhoods to discover new spots like a local! Of course, we always have to go back to our favorite places around the city and even got to enjoy a quick visit with one of my clients on their first trip to Paris. It’s always nice to see the city through someone else’s eyes and enjoy their excitement for the first time.
We stayed at Maison Albar Hotel Le Pont-Neuf which is a perfect central location and walking distance to the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Latin Quarter. We enjoyed a visit to the Muse De Orsay, which was also in walking distance not to mention close to all of the shopping and dining. We enjoyed our 19-day journey to Hungary, Serbia and France which had a little work and a lot of fun! Now, it’s time to go home and prep for our next trip which would find us traveling to Türkiye, Greece, Malta, Spain & Portugal.
Spring is still in the air…the next adventure is calling and someone must step up! Ok, we volunteer!
First, a BIG shout out to Air France as our Delta flight was delayed over 4hrs from Atlanta which meant we would miss our connecting flight to Istanbul. Delta would not assist in rescheduling our connections in addition no flights were available to depart Atlanta in time. Once we finally took off, I received an email from Air France, they rebooked us on a different flight once we arrived in Paris. By time we landed in Paris we were going to miss the rescheduled connection. We quickly worked our way to the AF Agent desk to notify them that we just landed but won’t be able to catch our connection. An Air France Agent was so nice…not only did she keep us updated on her progress but she even brought us water and after she rebooked us on a great connection without any major layovers. Plus, she gave us meal vouchers…viva la France!!! What service for something that wasn’t even created by Air France. They rose to the occasion and we are forever fans…not that we weren’t before but now even more so! In addition, we can say we now have been to Bucharest, Romania and this is where the next nightmare begins as we made it to Istanbul later that evening but not our luggage. Apparently, our suitcases wanted to take a few day trips while in Romania but oh well, nothing to do but deal with it and not let it ruin the trip. This is exactly why I tell all of my clients to take a carry on with as many changes of clothes that will fit.
This would be our 4th time in Türkiye and we love coming back over and over again. Did you know that Türkiye ranked 6th in the world with 52.5 million visitors in 2019 and 47 million in 2022, according to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) data. There are 53 Michelin starred restaurants in Istanbul alone featured in the latest 2023 edition of the Michelin Guide. Türkiye is one of the world's most historically rich countries. Since its acceptance by the UNESCO convention in 1983, nineteen World Heritage Sites in Turkey have been listed. In addition, 84 sites await consideration on the tentative list.
We set sail from Istanbul through the mediterranean which we just have to do every few years as this is one of our favorite parts of the world to cruise. Our first stop would be Izmir which is in Turkey’s western region and known as the “jewel of the Aegean seas.” With 8,500 years of history and the extensive cultural legacies left by 32 civilizations, it is the third largest city in the nation. One of the seven wonders of the world was in Izmir. The Temple of Artemis in the Ancient City of Ephesus was regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient times.
Christians believe that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the Virgin Mary came to Selcuk with the apostle John (St. John the Evangelist) and spent the last years of her life here. That’s why the House of Virgin Mary is considered as one of the holy pilgrimage places in Turkey. The House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus was found by Lazarists from Izmir in 1891. In 1952, the Vatican declared that the Virgin Mary House as a sacred pilgrimage place. Every year on the 15th of August a great ritual organized by the Vatican on the day of Mary’s ascension.
Since we had already been to Ephesus and The House of Mary twice before, we decided to enjoy time with our dear friend Osman who is with Keytours one of our preferred suppliers. He took us around the ancient site of Smyrna located in the middle of Izmir, we walked through local markets, and had a beautiful lunch on the harbor but not before he and my husband enjoyed eating mussels from a local vendor that came directly out of the water. I can only imagine these were amazing given the look on both of their faces!
Next, we would set out for Santorini which would be our 4th time. If you follow my posts you will recognize from previous visits our tradition leaving Santorini is to walk back down stairs from the top of the island to the sea! The scenery on the way down is spectacular with the exception of sharing the stairs with the donkeys! No need for further explanation other than watch your step! Santorini is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Its main attraction is the rolling landscape and seascape. All these were caused by a volcanic explosion in 1630 BCE. The top of the island was blown off, in the process forming a caldera. Sunsets at Santorini are nothing short of magical. The skies turn to beautiful pink and purple which is visible from most hotels on the island.
Kali mera from Argostoli!!! This would be our next island which is a hidden gem. We visited the Holy Monastery of St Gerasimus, San Gersimo Winery for a tasting of their famous Robola wines, Drogarati cave, Melissani Cave and got to drive through the island and see some amazing views.
The Island of Kefalonia having survived Italian and German occupation and the Greek civil war was hit by an earthquake and in a period of 28 seconds the island actually rose 60 centimeters and, in the process, demolished almost every man-made structure on it. Entire villages were flattened and survivors who made their way to the capital city of Argostoli hoping to find shelter and help were shocked to see the entire city, which had contained massive government buildings constructed by the Venetians and the British, flattened as well. The earthquake caused over 100,000 Kefalonians to leave the island for the United States, Canada, Australia and other faraway places while the rest remained to pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes and businesses
The next port of call would be Valletta, Malta where we spent a lovely day strolling around this ancient island and visit to St John’s Cathedral to see the famous ‘Beheading of St. John the Baptist’ by Caravaggio which was described as the painting of the 17th century. Spectacular! The story of Malta can’t be told without mentioning the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck. In the New Testament, the event took place on the island in 60 A.D. Legend has it, St. Paul was on his way to Rome to be tried as a rebel when he was caught in a giant storm. The wreck happened around St. Paul’s Bay where he swam to shore to take refuge in a cave. The Maltese people showed him great kindness after St. Paul cured the governor’s father of a fever. From this point on, Malta converted to Christianity and St. Paul still serves as their defining symbol.
Our next stop on the cruise would be Barcelona where we had a welcomed guest finally arrive onboard… our luggage! Yes, after seven days we finally received our luggage and actually had gotten used to wearing minimal changes of clothes. I can honestly say, Oceania was amazing as they provided free daily laundry service while we waited for our bags.
When you travel to Barcelona a must do is a visit to the heart of Catalonia to visit Montserrat. It is a holy mountain and a symbol of Catalan identity. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims each year and is considered holy and magical place. The name Montserrat means “Jagged or serrated mountain” because of the sharp looking peaks of the mountain. According to legend, angels came down from the sky and serrated the mountain with the golden saw to create a throne for the Virgin Mary.
Our next stop would be Alicante where we walked to the top of the Castillo de Santa Barbara which overlooks the entire city. Alicante is a place well-known for its 'old' inhabitants. There were several conquerors, including Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors. The Romans dubbed the city 'Lucentem,' which translates as 'City of Light.' The Moors erected the Castillo de Santa Barbara in the 10th century and is one of Europe's largest medieval fortifications.
As we sail up the coast of Spain, Malaga would be our next adventure . This is one of the world’s oldest cities and was founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BC and named Malaka. That means that its history spans about 2,800 years! Malaga used to be under the rule of the Roman Empire, the Arab Caliphate and the Castilian crown. This is also the birthplace of Picasso if you are looking for a fun fact. Malaga has a rich cultural heritage and is home to several museums, including the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
Next along the Iberian coast was Cadiz, a city founded in 1,100 BC by the Phoenicians. Cadiz was the oldest inhabited city in Spain and one of the oldest in western Europe. We would spend the day venturing out to Seville where its lineage has been recognized by UNESCO as the city boasting three World Heritage Sites. They are the Seville Cathedral, Alcazar Palace, and the Archivo de Indias.
Our last port of call would dock in Lisbon, Portugal, a city everyone has on their bucket list. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities of Europe. Archaeological evidence suggests the city has been inhabited since prehistoric ages. Historical records take back the city’s history to 205 BC when it was first invaded by the Romans. The Romans called it Olissipo then. There is so much that can be shared but just know there is something new to see wherever you walk, the food is amazing no matter where you eat and the people and shopping will not disappoint. I could go on and on about this beautiful city but all I can really say is you have to see it for yourself.
From Lisbon we took a day trip to visit Porto but not before we stopped at a few interesting sites along the way. First, was Obidos to visit the castle that has been around since the Moorish era. The castle as it exists today dates to King Denis’s rule and has been named one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. In the 1950s, it was turned into an upscale hotel. The castle’s medieval structure is very well preserved. Visitors can walk along the stone walls and take in a view of the village as the royalty did long ago. Obidos is a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, a rare honor acknowledging a city’s quantity, quality, and diversity of literary accomplishments and pursuits. Books are well integrated into every aspect of life in Obidos — libraries, museums, galleries, residences, public spaces, and markets.
Next would be Nazaré which is an old fishing village that dates back to the 17th-century. Sitio da Nazare, the promontory that sits north of the village, owes its origin to the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré and, in particular, to the miracle of Dom Fuas Roupinho. Today this little village is known for its big waves and surfing. The Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara received worldwide publicity when, in 2011, rode the biggest beach-breaking wave in the world, about 100 ft high, at Praia do Norte. He won the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Award and entered the Guinness Book of World Records. Like him, surfers from around the world visit Nazaré every year to venture into the sea.
No visit to Portugal would be complete without time spent in Porto. This city is believed to have been inhabited since the 8th century BCE. The earliest evidence of settlers in Porto dates back to the end of Bronze age near the 8th century BCE, near the present-day Morro da Se. The ancient village of Cividade was known to be the place where the settlers had first settled. The site was demolished in 1940. The “Historic Center of Porto” along with Luiz l bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar have been deemed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1996. The historic center holds several of the most important monuments of Porto. The area is rich in Portuguese architecture and is a joy to behold.
Porto is well known for its gorgeous cathedrals and churches. The Sao Bento train station in Porto is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. This 20th century railway station in the Center of Porto is an architectural marvel. Sao Bento translates to Saint Benedict in English. The three-story building has a U shape and is built in geometric rigor, in the Beaux-Arts style. It is built primarily of ceramic. Porto is known as the city of bridges and is the only European city with 6 bridges, and all six of them run over the Douro River.
The next day we ventured to Sintra which is classified as UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 1995 in the category of “Cultural Landscape”. Cabo da Roca, or Cape Roca, once known as the "Rock of Lisbon," is about 16 km (10 miles) from Sintra, and is a must-see. Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in Portugal, but in Europe.
Another beautiful location was Cascais which lies west of Lisbon, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The old town of upscale Cascais is built around a lively marina, and features many gorgeous beaches, restaurants, cafes, and shops. What an amazing day and so much seen. I can say we rested very well that evening upon our return but well worth the effort. Besides, we can rest at home we are here to get lost in the culture and country!
Our last day in Portugal would be a trip I have been anticipating for a very long time. Fatima would be the highlight of this day and in case you don’t know the story I will summarize briefly. Fatima is the most important pilgrimage site in Portugal. This is where an apparition of Mary appeared to three shepherd children, six times over the course of six months, culminating in the Miracle of the Sun, which was witnessed by over 70,000 people. These events draw many millions of pilgrims and visitors to Fatima every year, and at the site of the apparitions, a massive religious complex has been constructed. Within this complex is a beautiful Basilica, a colossal church, a sprawling plaza, and the tiny chapel Mary instructed to be built. It was simply amazing and another bucket list check for places to visit!
Summer in Provence, Baguettes, Fromage & my Birthday…
Spring is behind us and late summer would have us feeling like we haven’t been anywhere this year. So, what do you do, find another place to visit which would find us spending late summer in Provence. Well, it is finally time to leave and anyone who knows me knows I will not board a plane without a carry on because a luggage delay WILL not ruin a vacation and by the way husbands are not exempt from this rule! Always nice to have an uneventful trip as we arrived in Nice on time, took the train to Marseille and a short car ride to Istres, Provence which would be our home away from home for the next two weeks.
Before I get into the details of this trip there are a couple of things that should be explained up front as there is no need to mention each day. Yes, we ate fresh baguettes and fromage every single day. Getting fresh bread each day is like going to your mailbox and it was amazing. Every little village has a market and yes, we stopped and invested in the local community. Ladies, always take your husband because you need a bag man to make these stops. Maybe some ear plugs would also be helpful so you don’t have to hear the whining but the shopping is amazing. Just remind him of all of the golf balls that have been purchased!!! I will simply go through the daytrips and leave the rest to your imagination.
Off to Aix-en-Provence which is a city of refined elegance on show in its constantly bustling streets and squares. History here is the drama of everyday life a pleasurable shopping trip is combined with its noble heritage, a drink on a terrace with beautiful architecture and a stroll around town with baroque splendor. Every fountain holds a secret; each mansion house has a story to tell. The country houses are adorned by parks and gardens as they were over the centuries. Aix-en-Provence is a canvas of joyful impressions, of colorful festivals, festivities and traditions, Provencal markets, delicious sun-filled delicacies, walks in the countryside and relaxing activities.
Arles is a good example of the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization. It has some impressive Roman monuments, of which the earliest – the arena, the Roman theatre and the cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries) – date back to the 1st century B.C. During the 4th century Arles experienced a second golden age, as attested by the baths of Constantine and the necropolis of Alyscamps. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Arles once again became one of the most attractive cities in the Mediterranean. Within the city walls, Saint-Trophime, with its cloister, is one of Provence's major Romanesque monuments.
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages of France, Les Baux-de-Provence attracts 1.5 million tourists a year, while it has a permanent population of only 400! Many of the houses still make for fascinating ruins which evoke the conditions of medieval times when the village’s population was as many as 4,000. Les Baux can only be visited on foot, which is the best option anyway, to truly discover the many architectural features of the village, some of which are listed as historical monuments by the French government and have been carefully restored. These include St Vincent church, the town hall, various Renaissance townhouses and chapels.
Best birthday ever…enjoying time with my family, walking through the Mucem and strolling the streets of Marseille, while having a delicious Tunisian lunch! Marseille is a book in and of itself but should always be visited.
Alpilles, between Avignon and Arles, nestles a gem of a city: Saint-Remy de Provence. Private mansions from the Renaissance and the 18th century, beautifully restored homes, chapels and convents line the winding streets of the historic center. Shaded boulevards, squares adorned with old fountains and the terraces of the cafés and restaurants are all invitations to enjoy the Provencal way of life. The town, which witnessed the birth of Nostradamus, was and still is a source of inspiration for many artists.
The Monastery of Saint-Paul de Mausole, is an example of Provençal Romanesque architecture and is famous for having taken in and inspired Vincent Van Gogh in 1889 (this is where he painted 150 of his most well-known works) where he lived as a patient. There you can see the reconstitution of the famous patient's room. A circuit "Promenade dans l'Univers de Vincent Van Gogh" shows you the places that inspired him for his paintings and takes you from the ancient Roman site Glanum to the Estrine Museum.
Miramas le Vieux is a rare and rather dramatic example of a mediaeval village perche (hill village) on the edge of the Camargue and the Crau, two of the otherwise flattest regions of western Provence.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, this enchanting city is a must-visit for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking architecture, charming cobblestone streets, Avignon is just waiting to be explored. From the iconic Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the vibrant local markets bursting with aromas of fresh produce and fragrant herbs, Avignon offers a unique blend of culture, art, and gastronomy.
Built on the foothills of the Monts of Vaucluse, facing the Luberon, Gordes is one of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region, and one of the most beautiful in France. Its houses and buildings of white stone root themselves into the sharp cliff of the mountain, its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets leaves every visitor intoxicated by its charms.
Situated between the Alpilles, the Camargue and the Aix-Marseille route, Salon de Provence is surrounded by magnificent countryside where the olive tree is "king"! The oldest part of Salon is built on a small foot-hill, over-looking the narrow streets. You can visit the "chateau de l'Emperi" which was the former residence of the archbishops of Arles. Rebuilt in the 13th century, this medieval fortress is today in perfect condition as it has been restored and maintained with the utmost care. Salon is one of the oldest villages in Provence and it was the village of the famous clairvoyant scholar Nostradamus. His house is in the old district and it is now a museum which details his life and unique personality. His birthplace was St Remy, he died in Salon.
Every person who loves to travel should make Provence a summer destination. There really aren’t enough, or even appropriate words to describe what this was like. I can say this was a bucket list that I didn’t even know existed because of the way you feel at every turn or stop. I was a little saddened to leave but grateful for the experience. Time to head back home but not before a wonderful lunch in Antibes and an amazing Turkish dinner in Nice which would bring our summer to an end. Au Revoir!
Fall into Asia…Vietnam & Cambodia
The fall would find me visiting an area that I have always wanted to see and even though this was a working trip I could not pass up experiencing Vietnam and Cambodia! Hanoi, Vietnam would be our first stop. This is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where you can find the exotic chic and dynamic face of Asia, in harmony with French colonial charm. First stop lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien or as the Vietnamese call it “Bun Cha Obama”, where US President Barack Obama and Chef Anthony Bourdain ate in 2016.
Dinner was served at Ly Club set in a splendid early 20th century French villa in the center of big city, the Ly Club takes its name from the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225), one of Vietnam’s glorious periods of cultural and artistic development. The club’s menu reflects the embrace of both traditional and innovative, pairing the flavors of East and West in a unique and constantly evolving menu.
UNESCO-listed Halong Bay is truly beautiful and today we got to explore it in style by land, air & sea. Upon arrival, we enjoyed a breathtaking scenic flight over Halong bay. Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, the 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a boat. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of "Ha Long", meaning "descending dragon". After a long day we boarded a traditional boat for an overnight cruise. On the cruise we enjoyed a lovely dinner before retiring to our cabins on this unique overnight accommodation.We woke up to stunning views of Halong Bay, and took part in a Tai Chi session with gorgeous scenery all around us. As we sailed, we admired the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea, and we even entered one of the vast caves. Simply AMAZING!!!
The next stop on this exotic adventure would be Nam Hai and its idyllic location on Vietnam’s culturally rich central coast. Nam Hai offers a portal to three extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage sites and a breezy respite on the country’s most celebrated beach.
We then took a walking tour which included stops at several famous landmarks beginning with the 17th century Chua Ong Pagoda before moving on to the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall to see the Jinshang Temple. A short walk took us to Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old ancestral house before taking a stroll over the famous Japanese covered bridge, dating back to the 16th century.
After lunch, we explored the countryside near the town of Hoi An with a different means of transportation - the classic sidecar! The drive took us to a totally different side of Hoi An to experience the beauty of wild nature in this memorable adventure around the area. Taking in the fresh air and letting the picturesque landscape amaze us - the endless green fields, canals, the peaceful river was dotted by little houses of local fishermen. We enjoyed our stay in Hoi An and made a quick stop in Danang to see the Dragon Bridge before heading to the airport to catch our flight to Saigon.
Filled with electric energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, Saigon’s dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future.
Today we enjoyed a city tour starting at the War Remnants Museum, where Vietnam’s government assembled presentations - some of them very graphic - of wartime hardships and atrocities. After what I can only describe as an emotional breakdown which I was not prepared for along with the other visiting travel advisers, the tour continued with a stop at the Reunification Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975 to end a war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and three million Vietnamese. We continued our tour rickshaw style through the new part of the city and the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street, which figured prominently in Graham Greene’s famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, to the Saigon Opera House, a commanding building completed in 1901. Shelled during World War II, it was used to shelter French citizens fleeing North Vietnam in 1954, the year Vietnam earned its independence from France. Tonight’s dinner was served at Mandarin Restaurant. Sourcing only fresh, top-quality ingredients, their cuisine captivates the light nature yet bold flavors of Vietnamese food. Together with the chef's superior garnishing technique to reserve the eroding tradition in fruit and vegetables carving, Mandarin restaurant delivers each and every dish its finest in both taste and style. A favorite of many to include former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Off to Cambodia and to Angkor which is one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Stretching over some 400 km2, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. They include the famous Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations. UNESCO has set up a wide-ranging program to safeguard this symbolic site and its surroundings. After visiting 3 temples it was time for lunch at Spoon Restaurant a Social Enterprise connected to "SPOONS Cambodia Organization". This Organization enables underprivileged Cambodian young adults to become self-supporting through education, training, and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. We love supporting sustainable businesses! After lunch we visited a local artist Channy Chhoeun at his home and art studio as he shared his story and inspiration behind his paintings. Very inspiring testimony…
We closed out this exploration filled day with a traditional Cambodian dinner and a show which brings ancient Khmer culture to life. The perfect ending to an AMAZING trip and can honestly say was not disappointed! Seasoned travelers should put these two beautiful countries on their must-see list and experience the warmth and pride of these cultures.
Winter in Germany & Spain:
After working so hard in the fall, which my husband calls propaganda, we actually decided to start our vacation visiting my family in Germany before we absorbed the warmth of Spain for a couple of weeks. It would be an opportunity to spend time with family, do a little Euro shopping (not sure my husband considers this a “little” euro shopping) and of course daily visits to the Christmas markets. There are over one hundred Christmas markets that take place in Berlin every year.
We visited The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on the Sunday we were in Berlin which is the symbolic center of West Berlin and one of the city's most popular sights. The original West Tower was partially destroyed during a bombing by the Allied Forces in 1943. Its striking ruin now rises into the sky as a memorial for peace between nations. Sunday blessings as this is one of my favorite churches and have spent my childhood visiting often. There are many events that take place here and we had the pleasure enjoying an evening service that included a visit by an American church choir. We also attended a Bach Cantatas, Organ Recital and Choral concert on Saturday.
We took a day trip outside of Berlin to the beautiful city of Potsdam, Germany. Filled with Prussian pomp and splendor, a heritage of great architects and scholars and a focal point during the Cold War: Potsdam offers breathtaking dimensions of culture and history. 300 years ago, Potsdam was transformed into one of Europe's most splendid royal cities.
Palaces as far as you can see…If you love palaces, you will be spoiled for choices. Potsdam has the highest number of Palaces per inhabitant in Germany. Prussia’s kings and prince electors created a fascinating retreat comprising palaces and parklands. Many parts of the overall ensemble were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1990. The biggest World Heritage Sites in Potsdam are Sanssouci Park with its famous palace of the same name. New Garden where world-changing decisions were made. Babelsberg Park which is the masterpiece of Peter Joseph Lenne and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. Apart from the park areas there are a lot more UNESCO World Heritage Sites waiting to be explored. The entire cultural landscape impresses with its authenticity and uniqueness and the numerous influences from Italy, France and Holland which merge here.
After a great time in Berlin, we headed off to Murcia, Spain for our first stop where we would visit several smaller cities to include Cartagena. Founded over 2000 years ago by the Carthaginian Hasdrubal, Cartagena owes its long-standing importance to its protected harbor. The city experienced its heyday during the Roman Empire, followed by occupation by the Visigoths, Vandals, Byzantines and Arabs until it was conquered in 1245 by King Alonso X. Every culture has left its mark in the city, from the Roman amphitheater, the second most important on the Spanish peninsula to churches, the 18th century rampart of King Charles III which encircles the old town and the castle of La Concepcion.
Situated on the southeast coast, Murcia is a capital city that is rarely at the top of the itinerary for travelers outside of Spain, which means it's relatively crowd-free. Yet it deserves to be seen, from city streets lined with striking architecture to a coastline laced with sandy beaches backed by mountains and hopefully soon to be our second home.
Next stop was a quick flight and trip to Palma De Mallorca to surprise my BFF who was vacationing with her family from Germany. Thank goodness I made last minute changes to our itinerary to make sure we stopped in to see her. You never know why God puts you in places at the right time but life is short…make the best of it! While we have been here before, we couldn’t leave this time without exploring the Tramuntana Mountain Range which is one of the most visited attractions and the main mountain range of the Balearic Islands. The Serra de Tramuntana is a natural spot with an area of 63,084 hectares, of which 1,123 are marine. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Tramuntana Natural Park is one of the greatest examples of the perfect integration of the human footprint with nature, offering as a result a very interesting combination of culture, heritage and nature.
Off to Madrid where we would spend our Christmas at the fabulous Hotel Fenix a Grand Melia Hotel and a Member of The Leading Hotels of the World…Feliz Navidad! We arrived Christmas Eve and just walked around the neighborhood where were staying before returning to our hotel for some tapas. We would spend Christmas Day simply walking around the city doing a 7-mile loop taking in its beauty while it was quiet before the hustle and bustle of Spain’s capital would come back to life.
Before exploring Madrid in depth, we took a day trip to enjoy a day full of history, culture and culinary delights in Segovia and Avila. Segovia is a charming and fascinating city nestled in the heart of the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. This unique city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural wonders with its UNESCO World Heritage status and rich heritage, Segovia is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Avila will always be associated with the image of its city walls visible from far away, they are among the best-preserved and most complete in Europe. They protect a medieval World Heritage City of cobbled streets, interesting churches, delicious local cuisine, and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere.
The next day would find us visiting one of the most interesting cities I have experienced, Toledo, Spain. Named a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986, Toledo is an outstanding museum city whose rich heritage owes almost everything to the Jews, Muslims and Christians who lived there, working and observing their religion side by side. Each and every one of the cultures and the peoples who have passed through Toledo gave the city a present made up of a rich architectural and artistic heritage. The city walls, erected during the Roman era, were reconstructed and given their current appearance by the Arabs. Many gateways mark the route of the walls, but Puerta de la Bisagra, which leads into the historic town and bears the coat of arms of the Imperial City, is the only one to have kept its Medieval architecture.
The Toledo Cathedral is simply the most magnificent cathedral I have ever seen and I have been in some of the most iconic in the world from the Vatican to Notre Dame in Paris to the Dome in Cologne but nothing was quite like this church. It was built in the Gothic style between 1226 and 1493 on the site of a Visigothic church erected during the reign of King Reccared. The sacristy contains a valuable collection of paintings by El Greco, Luca Giordano, Van Dyck and Goya. The side chapels are works of art in themselves: Nuevos Reyes, Santiago, the choir stalls in the Renaissance style, the Mozarabic chapel, the chapter house, and much more. In all of our travels, I have never seen anything quite like this glorious structure.
Also, a must see in Toledo is the Church of Santo Tome which is home to the artistic gem: “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” by El Greco.
Madrid is officially one of our top favorite cities! Rising amid the central sierras of Spain, this is the late-night city of Dalí, Hemingway, Ronaldo and Picasso. Bursting from the center of Spain like a star, Madrid is a capital of culture, home to some of the world’s finest paintings and artistic neighborhoods filled with creativity. The Spanish capital is one of the most populous in the European Union, a cosmopolitan city where people of over 180 nationalities live together. You can find all the markers of a major European city here — including a royal palace to include must-try local delicacies. The best way to experience Madrid is to bounce between the traditional and the alternative, so you can appreciate the city’s historic legacy alongside its contemporary creativity. Anyone in search of culture will find some of the most important museums in the world, such as the Prado, Reina Sofia or Thyssen. Walking around Madrid means coming across iconic spots such as the stunning Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor with 400 years of history, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, the famous Gran Via full of shops, or the four tallest towers in Spain. There is simply too much to explain and can only summarize this as you have to see it to believe it. The beauty of the city combined with the cultural and culinary experiences makes it, in my opinion, one of the top European cities easily rivaling Rome, Paris and London.
From here, the view of 2024 looks spectacular. 2024 is going to be a perfect opportunity to do something NEW, something BOLD and something BEAUTIFUL! I have stopped saying there is no way to top the previous years’ experience but I know one thing, I will never stop trying! We have been blessed to live at a time when we can still experience the past while enjoying the future and today’s travel just keeps getting easier and easier. Until next time, Bon Voyage!