Portugal Coast, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais

A few highlights we enjoyed on our way back to Lisbon from Sintra. First off, Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is the rugged, wild, windswept stretch of coastline that boasts the status of being the western most point of continental Europe. It was once thought to be the end of the world. This area has a lot of raw, untamed beauty, with craggy cliffs plunging into the ocean, rocks and wild grass swaying in the wind, and incredibly beautiful views in all directions. This is for sure a nature lover’s paradise!… Read More
Salzburg, Austria Photoblog

The Hills are Alive, Maria, and Captain Von Trapp (aka Christopher Plummer – one of my favorite actors) are the first things that come to mind when I think of Salzburg. Quickly following are Wolfgang Mozart and the delicious chocolate balls named after him, Mozart Kugel. But there is so much more to this charming city that will capture your heart. Let’s take a stroll together… The Salzburg River and Mirabell Gardens, where the famous Do Re Mi scene from Sound of Music was filmed. How about some shopping? We enjoyed strolling… Read More
Switzerland Photoblog

While Switzerland is known for its chocolate (yum!), cheese, watches, and even pocket knives (Danny’s favorite thing), there is no denying that it’s most famous for it’s stunning pristine scenery with views everywhere you look! In addition to this, beautiful mountainous Switzerland is divided into three different regions – German, French, and Italian with four official languages. It is one of the few countries where you can experience several cultures and languages in one visit. This makes it an appealing choice when you want to experience a lot and yet have only a limited amount… Read More
Catacombs of Paris

Hiding beneath the beautiful city of Paris are a labyrinth of ancient tunnels and chambers stretching out for miles. Did you know they existed? I didn’t. I was only familiar with the Catacombs of Rome. Thanks to my daughter, Mikayla, however, for educating us and asking to visit. The famous Catacombs of Paris were created at the end of the 18th Century, as a result of overcrowded cemeteries and improper burial techniques. As cemeteries began to overflow, unable to keep up with the ever growing population, rampant disease and contamination resulted, effecting… Read More
Paris Photoblog

Paris – the City of Love, the center for fashion, the place you go for exquisite and quite expensive gourmet dining. What are the first images the word “Paris” elicits for you? Is it the world famous Eiffel Tower? Notre Dame? Or is it the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? Maybe you dream about open air cafés and sipping on coffee as you people watch, or strolling down cobblestone walkways as you window shop for things you would never in a million years be able to afford. We enjoyed exploring Paris and… Read More
Feria de Abril – Sevilla, Spain

Over twenty years ago, a friend and I wandered into Sevilla at just the “wrong” time, hoping to find accommodations as we explored the south of Spain. I was on a month long solo journey through Spain and had met my new friend while visiting an old college friend in Madrid. Since we were both traveling alone, we decided to join forces and explore together for a little while. We hopped on a train and headed to beautiful Sevilla, both of us knowing very little about this destination, but hearing it was… Read More
A Photoblog on Siena, Italy

Siena is by far one of the most enchanting medieval cities we have ever visited. It is spectacular and charming and is nestled in the heart of Tuscany. I know I’ve said it before and I’m sure I’ll say it again, but the most advantageous way to explore a gem like this one is on foot for hours, over several days. Yes, Siena can definitely be seen and enjoyed in one day. It’s a relatively easy day trip from Florence. Once you realize how special it is, however, I’m guessing you’ll want to spend… Read More
Exploring Florence, Italy

Florence in a day? No way! While you can Google many sample 1-day itineraries for a visit to Florence (really, do it now), there is NO way you would even begin to scratch the surface of this beautiful city in such a short timeframe! I first visited Florence while backpacking through Europe over 20 years ago with one of my best friends. I had no idea how special Florence was, as I was not into art and architecture. I had no appreciation for it at that time. What a missed opportunity! I… Read More
A Snapshot of Venice, Italy

Venice. It’s such an extraordinary city. I’ve always thought of it as a romantic destination – so much so that when my best friend from college and I backpacked through Europe, I declined taking a gondola ride with her. I wanted my first ride to be with my husband. Isn’t that crazy? And yet…almost 20 years later, it finally happened! I got that first gondola ride, and it was indeed with my husband! Of course, this many years later, we also had our four kids with us, but it was still romantic…. Read More
Danny in Capri, Italy

Capri is one of the most beautiful place I have seen! Capri is very very small, and it is an island near Naples, Italy. Capri has great views, everywhere! If you climb up the mountain, there is an amazing hike you can take, and when you are at the top, you can look down on the ocean! It is so beautiful! Capri also has lots of alleys that have tons of houses lined up. Most of the houses are in the wall actually, well a lot where I was, that is what… Read More
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