Galena, IL Getaway – A Photoblog
With four children/teens, life has been busy. This past weekend, however, we found ourselves in the unique situation of being “home alone” as all four kids were attending a winter retreat. Long anxious to explore the surrounding areas outside of Chicago, we took off – our destination Galena! Please enjoy the photoblog of our weekend away. According to Forbes Magazine, Galena is “…one of America’s prettiest towns.” I would have to agree. We were surprised by the rich history of this town and so much more. We found beautifully preserved brick buildings dating back… 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
End Abductions Now – An Update!
You may remember I wrote a post almost two full years ago about our friend, Eric. We met him in Mexico while we were living there for four months, studying Spanish, and working alongside a local church. Here is my previous blog post: End Abductions Now! My Story. Though his home is in Michigan, he has been living in Playa del Carmen off and on since January, 2013, when his wife abducted his two sweet babies while on vacation. We had the opportunity to see Eric once more when we returned to Cancun/Playa… Read More
Secrets the Vine, Cancun, Mexico
2016 Update: We visited Secrets the Vine for our second time in August and this time we stayed 3 nights. Here is a quick photo update on this beautiful resort. This resort has remained almost exactly as we remember it, so there is no need for a detailed update…other than to share a few additional photos. What a fantastic resort, especially for adults, singles, and quick weekend getaways for friends and family. The Vine is in a fantastic location with easy bus or taxi access to the main shopping areas in the hotel zone. Almost… Read More
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Maya
August 2016: Updated photos from our most recent visit: This July and August, we spent a full week at Secrets Maroma and just loved it! From the most stunning, white sand beach to the exquisite dining, it is now one of my favorite resorts in all of the Riviera Maya and Cancun area. Here is a quick synopsis: This is a lovely, active, fun resort set on one of the most gorgeous beaches in all of Mexico. It is laid back and relaxed, but also offers an active, energetic vibe. The dining… 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
The Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, translated “Five Lands”, is located on the Italian Riviera, just west of La Spezia and an easy train ride away from Florence. It is made up of five beautiful seaside villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. Colorful homes cling to steep terraces, fishing boats float in azure water, and brave villagers dive from rocky cliffs into the cold sea water. While you could definitely spend a few days here, we chose to visit Cinque Terre in one day, and it was definitely doable, given the fantastic transportation system, a… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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