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

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 – 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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