Santiago, Chile Photoblog

Our first stop on our three week anniversary adventure was Santiago, Chile, one of the most developed cities in South America.  In addition to fighting its way into the spotlight, it is a culturally rich city full of energy and world class chefs creating new and delicious Chilean and Peruvian specialties.  That was a huge surprise to us. But as much as we love exceptional food, we fell in love with the hearts of the Chilean people even more.  It’s hard to describe the thoughtfulness and care we encountered wherever we went. … Read More

Ritz Carlton Santiago, Chile

Welcome to Santiago and the luxurious Ritz Carlton.  This was our first stop and we stayed for four days.  The staff was excellent, always courteous, thoughtful, and helpful.  We loved the location of the hotel, as it was walking distance from great restaurants and shopping.  There was also public transportation (El Golf Metro) right outside, and taxis were plentiful, so the whole city was easily accessible. The lobby is charming, decorated in rich, warm traditional wood tones and a lovely marble floor. Adjacent to the lobby is a marvelous, sizable yet very… Read More

Arakur Ushuaia Resort and Spa

This beautiful resort is set high above the city of Ushuaia, with spectacular views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding snow capped mountains.  It does not have the most appealing outer appearance, but once you enter the front doors, everything is different – just gorgeous. While the Arakur is only fifteen minutes away from downtown where you can find excellent dining and activities, the resort’s panoramic setting is set apart from the hustle and bustle, instead offering quiet relaxation in a comfortable setting.  Think wood, stone, marble, leather, and comfy… Read More

Torres del Paine, Patagonia

“For our honeymoon, we’d love to go to Patagonia!”  These were the words my clients shared a few years ago that first sparked my interest in the region.  Even as a travel agent for more than ten years at the time, I had absolutely no knowledge of Patagonia.  No one had ever requested this destination before, so I knew I had my work cut out for me.  I was excited albeit a little nervous! As  I researched, planned, and created an itinerary for this special couple, I realized I had stumbled upon… 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

Fairytale Prague Photoblog!

Prague is one of the most charming of all thirty countries we visited during our Round the World journey!  It’s magical and the fairytale like castle transports you back in time as you wander through narrow, winding, cobblestoned streets packed with a myriad of people from all walks of life!  Take a peek… Prague’s Astronomical Clock Stunning Architecture.  Can you believe the second photo is a Starbucks?!  I can easily say this was the most beautiful Starbucks we have ever seen. And take a look at the Lesser Town Bridge Tower.  What… 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 of… 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

Our Getaway at the Goldmoor Inn in Galena

We have lived in the Chicago area for just over 9 years now and really love it.  That said, we realized that while we took a year off to travel all over, we had yet to see some of the beautiful places in our own backyard.  So…we decided to explore and based on recommendations as well as a thorough Internet search, we chose to explore Galena, IL, a short 2 and one half hours drive from the western suburbs of Chicago. We wanted to choose a quaint, unique bed and breakfast for… Read More