tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78725009004827707942024-03-12T18:08:13.411-07:00Exploring the world with two kids...Sunset in Alaska.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-12576382709387225852015-05-07T11:24:00.002-07:002015-05-07T11:54:15.691-07:00Spain July 2014<br />
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Birthday week for Sue is about to begin with the whole family. We already had a ton of fun in London with them, but now we are meeting up with the boys and girlfriend to my younger brother.<br />
We took the fast train from Paris to Barcelona with my parents and it was really fun. OK, some don't like having their picture taken at hour 6 of the 8 hour train ride. Oh well ;) <br />
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My older brother is a travel blogger and has a site called <a href="http://www.goseewrite.com/#" target="_blank">Go, See, Write</a>. Costa Brava is one of his favorite places in the whole world. So, we all had very high expectations. Luckily, they seemed to be met and early on in the trip we understood why this was a favorite spot for him.<br />
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We found this gorgeous home called <a href="http://www.massaline.com/" target="_blank">Mas Saline</a> with the most fabulous couple who hosted us there. When I say hosted, I mean they greeted us upon our arrival and made sure we had absolutely everything we needed and stopped by to say goodbye on our last day. <br />
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We stopped for gelato every chance we got and it was always amazing.<br />
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We also stopped to have our first fish pedicure. You must try it once in your life. It is the strangest feeling, but your feet end up crazy soft when it's over.<br />
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Every town had amazing charm from the <span style="line-height: 1.4em;">coastal village of Pals to </span><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">the medieval </span>village of Torroella de Montgri, which were close to the home where we stayed.</span><br />
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Girona is a wonderful town full of cafes and shops. You could spend all day here just strolling through the town. Keep in mind that the siesta is not an urban myth. Stores close down like clockwork for 2-3 hours every day. It seems like a nice tradition for the locals, but when you have a bunch of women who want to shop, you need to plan your day accordingly.</div>
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The world’s largest collection of Dali’s work are in three locations in
Costa Brava - Figueras, Portlligat and Pubol, which together are
known as the “Dali Triangle.” You cannot leave Costa Brava without visiting at least a couple of these places. We went to his home and the museum in Figueras and they were both quite amazing.<br />
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It was a fabulous birthday week for my mom and the family created some great memories in an amazing part of the world.<br />
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Copyright 2015Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-12329131738628769132015-05-06T12:02:00.002-07:002015-05-07T10:42:27.080-07:00Paris
July 2014<br />
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Paris is one of my favorite
places to visit. The beauty of the city is hard to describe and every
time we go I love it even more. We decided to rent a little (very
little) apartment in the 11th arrondissement and it was quite an
experience. We also happened to be there during one of the hottest weeks of
the year and we had no A/C. So, this gave us a great excuse to explore
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Here is our youngest in our tiny little kitchen.<br />
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We ate at every little cafe we came across and the food was quite extraordinary. I have always found most of the people to be rather sweet and wanting to help you with the language as long as you show a little humility. We had one man stop us on the street when we were trying to figure out the subway system and after a lot of hand gestures and laughing, he just gave us four tickets to use (from his wallet). So sweet!<br />
We also had one of the most entertaining cab rides I have ever had from the train station when we met a hilarious Parisian who is an aspiring rapper. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and loved every minute of it.<br />
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We decided we wanted to visit Claude Monet's home in Giverny and found this great <a href="http://www.viator.com/tours/Paris/Giverny-and-Monet%27s-Garden-Bike-Tour/d479-3588MONET?aid=se1" target="_blank">bike tour</a> through a company we have used before called Viator. We rode through town and stopped to pick up all of our picnic supplies. We followed a couple who spoke French fluently and basically just copied everything they bought. I think one of the girls thought of that and it was brilliant.<br />
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We found Monet's house and the water lillies!!</div>
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It was a little warm, so we took a lot of breaks in the shade.<br />
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It was a long bike ride, but every turn was prettier than the last. <br />
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I love this little French boy blowing bubbles who was walking slowly in front of us enjoying every last bubble.<br />
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When we were back in Paris, we decided to seek out a book store that I have always wanted to visit, <a href="http://shakespeareandcompany.com/" target="_blank">Shakespeare & Company.</a> Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookshop in the heart of Paris, on the banks of the Seine, opposite Notre-Dame. If you like bookstores, you must stop here. I could have spent all day there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.notredamecathedralparis.com/" target="_blank">Notre Dame</a> is really a must see if you are visiting Paris. I think that is all that really needs to be said about it. Just go. You will be in awe. <br />
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I never feel like we have enough time in Paris. We will just have to come back again soon!<br />
Next stop, Spain...<br />
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Copyright 2015Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-46410601929020442182015-05-06T09:19:00.001-07:002015-05-07T11:43:29.525-07:00LondonJuly 2014<br />
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To celebrate my mother's 70th birthday, my family was going to meet up in Spain for a week. But, we decided to take our time getting there since we flew into London with my parents. We would meet up with my older brother, younger brother and his girlfriend in Spain.<br />
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We started our adventure in the middle of London. We rented a fabulous <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/477737" target="_blank">apartment</a> through Airbnb just outside of town for four days and it was a great decision. It was spotless and housed the six of us perfectly.<br />
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When I was younger, we lived in London for 18 months, so my parents were very familiar with the city. With than in mind, we thought we would try to do some things that they may not have done before. Our first adventure was a guided tour, <a href="http://www.viator.com/tours/London/London-Rock-Music-Tour/d737-5081ROCKMUSIC?aid=se1" target="_blank">London Rock music tour</a>. It was really fun and well worth the touristy feel for the day. Everyone has to visit Abbey Road at least once in their life.<br />
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I have always wanted to visit the Globe theater. Of course, the original Globe theater burned down in the 17th century, but American actor and director Sam Wanamaker spent over 20 years to rebuild it as close to its original design as possible. The production that week was <a href="http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre" target="_blank">Julius Caesar</a> in the theater adjacent to the Globe named aptly enough, the Sam Wanamaker theater. We had dinner before the show at the restaurant next door, <a href="http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/your-visit/eating-and-drinking" target="_blank">The Swan</a>, and they brought our bill in a book. Loved it. The production was in the evening and completely lit by candlelight. It was amazing.<br />
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Also, if you are visiting London you can't miss seeing the Crown Jewels at the <a href="http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/admissionsprices/toweroflondonadmission" target="_blank">Tower of London</a>. It's worth the wait.<br />
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You must also stop at one of the many pubs for a pint or a spot of tea and see all of the sights you can possibly fit in to the time you have there. It's one of my favorite cities to visit. Our girls absolutely love it because they don't have to try to speak another language and well, it's London!</div>
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Next stop, Paris for us and Bruges for my parents...</div>
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Copyright 2015Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-6267617514438549562012-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:002012-03-07T13:40:58.024-08:00RomeRome is such an amazing city. We were there briefly a few years ago, but had a chance to stay for a few days last summer. We stayed right in the middle of town and loved our hotel - <a href="http://www.hotelmascagnirome.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Mascagni</a>.<br />
We had so much to see... so, let's get started.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRfG7K_FW6c/T1fO7mGIxxI/AAAAAAAAAns/IDf3iOzr4w4/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRfG7K_FW6c/T1fO7mGIxxI/AAAAAAAAAns/IDf3iOzr4w4/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Of course, the girls wanted to see the crypts and catacombs. So, we took them to the Capuchin crypts in the center of Rome -- don't miss it. It was quite disturbing and amazing at the same time. Touring them is unlike anything I have ever done before and probably unlike anything I will ever do again. They do not allow photos or video inside the crypt, but you can read about them <a href="http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/cappuccini_ing.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
This <a href="http://www3.sympatico.ca/tapholov/pages/bones.html" target="_blank">blog</a> does a great job of capturing the crypt though (and they have some amazing photos as well).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also visited the Catacombs right outside of Rome... It was quite fascinating. The girls were a bit disappointed though -- no bones. Read <a href="http://www.thedimensionzone.com/paranormal/most_haunted_roman_catacombs.htm" target="_blank">here</a> to see why.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DtURyptva4/T1fP8epXkVI/AAAAAAAAAn0/Gv83E0D5a9w/s1600/IMG_2992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DtURyptva4/T1fP8epXkVI/AAAAAAAAAn0/Gv83E0D5a9w/s320/IMG_2992.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Then, it was on to other parts of Rome. We decided to visit the Vatican and take a guided tour. This was a great decision since the crowds can really make the journey unpleasant without some knowledgeable guidance, especially with kids. Splurge on the <a href="http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do" target="_blank">Vatican tour</a> - you will be glad you did.<br />
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We also bought an all day bus pass to explore all of the ruins of Rome. You can hop off and on throughout the day. The kids liked this. You must stop at the Trevi fountain and toss a coin in the fountain (with your back to the fountain, of course).<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then, it's off to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Steps" target="_blank">Spanish steps</a> to one of my favorite new discoveries in Rome -- the <a href="http://www.keats-shelley-house.org/" target="_blank">Keats Shelley house</a>. It is at the bottom of the steps and very small. But, if you love Keats or Shelley like my husband and I do, you must stop here.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One last piece of advice... eat gelato every day!! I'm serious. You will thank me later...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnYO4txQJrU/T1fQVpFROmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/4fLbnspTXj0/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnYO4txQJrU/T1fQVpFROmI/AAAAAAAAAn8/4fLbnspTXj0/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ciao!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Copyright 2012Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-339555005178912732011-10-13T13:34:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:37:19.546-07:00Positano, Italy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was our first trip to the Amalfi Coast. We found this lovely B&B (<a href="http://www.lafenicepositano.com/">La Fenice</a>) right on the outside of town. Positano accommodations can be grotesquely expensive and although this B&B is not right in the middle of town, the walk to town is gorgeous and takes 10-15 min. Here's our daughter taking the stroll to town...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The room rate was 180 euro per night (cash only) for 4 people and that included a fabulous breakfast made each morning by the hosts. I talked to many people who have visited Positano and this was a great deal. My favorite review of the property was this one:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">If you are looking for a 5 star luxury hotel experience with snowy white bed linen, fluffy towels, bathrobes and expensive toiletries then La Fenice is not a place for you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">La Fenice is perfect for what I imagine Positano to be... perfect in its simplicity: basic amenities; very clean but mismatched towels and linen (adding to it's quirkiness); lovely, clean airy rooms with lovely tiles, old world furniture... ours had a huge balcony with full view of the Mediterranean Sea. Bliss." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">I could not agree more. What La Fenice lacked in luxury it made up for in charm. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Here was the view from our room:</span></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We decided to take a boat charter to the island of Capri for the day. You must do this if you are visiting the Amalfi Coast. Don't miss the Blue Grotto tour. You might feel like they are ripping off the tourists a bit here as each of the "boats" charge to take you into the Blue Grotto, but that is the only way you can get inside. It's a once in a lifetime experience, so go for it!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a dip in the Mediterranean afterwards... what could be better?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHYMI2Oh5fk/TpdIHmSzjLI/AAAAAAAAAlo/JWK5-kmePMk/s1600/198688_2271944475593_1158087807_3872689_268366_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qHYMI2Oh5fk/TpdIHmSzjLI/AAAAAAAAAlo/JWK5-kmePMk/s320/198688_2271944475593_1158087807_3872689_268366_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Constantino and his family were the hosts at La Fenice and he offered to make our dinner plans every night. Most of the restaurants in the area offer complimentary shuttle service, which is highly recommended. We tried one of his favorite restaurants called <a href="http://www.dacostantino.it/">Constantino's</a> (no relation, he insists). This was quite an experience. The food is fabulous and the family who runs the restaurant are extremely friendly and entertaining. The girls loved it, too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuB5intCuUI/TpdJVCymr7I/AAAAAAAAAlw/lW6r8eGI1MQ/s1600/IMG_2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuB5intCuUI/TpdJVCymr7I/AAAAAAAAAlw/lW6r8eGI1MQ/s320/IMG_2824.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Positano is a fabulous town. We spent 3 days here and thought that was the perfect amount of time for us. Others might want to extend their stay to 5-7 days and really embrace the laid back and relaxed feel of the Amalfi Coast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Copyright 2011Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-68056927659863908902011-10-07T11:10:00.000-07:002011-10-14T13:04:14.304-07:00ParisThis was our second trip to Paris with the girls. This was actually the "second chance" trip since our first visit there was underwhelming. I have so many friends who absolutely love Paris and I get it. It is a gorgeous city with fascinating history, art, food and culture. However, I always judge a place by its people. I have found that Parisians, in general, are just rather unpleasant. So, if you can look past that and carry on, you will have any amazing time. We did!<br />
We stayed on the Left Bank at the <a href="http://www.hotelleftbank.com/">Hotel Left Bank</a> in St. Germain, which I highly recommend. Book the suite on the top floor. It is a bit more expensive than their other rooms, but it's so worth it. It is the perfect size for a family and you get a fabulous view of Notre Dame. Ooh, la la.<br />
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The Left Bank is not as touristy as other areas in Paris and the restaurants and hotels are generally less expensive. But, you can walk to almost all of the sights. If not, the subway system is great. We took the subway to the Eiffel Tower after dark with the girls and felt very safe.<br />
Now, if you are in Paris and don't visit the Louvre, you are crazy. We booked a tour of the Louvre through <a href="http://www.parismuse.com/">Paris Muse</a> and it was fantastic. If you are visiting the Louvre for the first time, especially with kids, you should really book a personal tour. It's an "investment," but well worth it! Your guide will whisk you through the highlights and engage your children throughout the tour with a "scavenger hunt."<br />
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We absolutely loved our tour guide, Davinia and my opinion of Parisians was slowly turning around, except she was a Brit! Oh well.<br />
If you want a more manageable museum, you should also visit the <a href="http://www.musee-orsay.fr/en/home.html">Orsay museum</a> on the Left Bank. It is housed in a former train station... a bit odd, but a real gem.<br />
Of course, you cannot leave Paris without a visit to the Eiffel tower. We decided to go at night to see it lit up. The girls loved it at the top of the hour when the lights starts to blink and everyone cheers. It's a celebration every hour!<br />
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The lines are much shorter late night, so make this visit on your 1st or 2nd night when your body clock is still confused. We traveled from NYC, so visiting the Eiffel tower on our 2nd night there at 11pm was no problem for the girls.<br />
You must also visit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilique_du_Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur,_Paris">Sacre Couer</a>. You will get a great view of Paris from the highest point in the city.<br />
One of my favorite sights was the "<a href="http://french-news-online.com/wordpress/?p=681#axzz1a7Wbhw5r">love bridge</a>" that we crossed from the Left Bank every day... People have written their names on these locks and thrown the key into the Seine. There are hundreds of them and it just puts a smile on your face...<br />
OK, I do love Paris!<br />
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Copyright 2011Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-87310297837113518122011-10-04T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:55:42.027-07:00Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ3ZVSY3tv0/TotGC_NrBbI/AAAAAAAAAjw/9X2H3P58G9M/s1600/IMG_2456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQ3ZVSY3tv0/TotGC_NrBbI/AAAAAAAAAjw/9X2H3P58G9M/s320/IMG_2456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We went on an incredible trip to Canada with my entire family in June. We started in <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/waterfront/">Vancouver</a> and travelled east by train on the<a href="http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_US/routes_and_packages/all_routes_map"> Rocky Mountaineer</a>. It was quite an amazing trip with stops in <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/en_fa/">Whistler</a>, Quesnel and Jasper. We rented vans and drove to Lake Louise from Jasper. I am embarrassed to admit that I never really thought much about visiting Canada, but this trip really opened my eyes. The scenery is gorgeous and the people are rather delightful. Whistler was probably our favorite spot. The girls loved doing the zip line with their grandparents and uncles... We will have to head back when it is a winter wonderland. Lake Louise is stunning. We were lucky enough to stay at the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/lakelouise/?cm_mmc=icppc-_-CLL%20-%20Chateau%20Lake%20Louise%20-%20Canada%20-%20Brand-CLL%20-%20Branded%20-%20E-_-google-_-fairmont+lake+lousie&OVMTC=Exact&site=&creative=7597264260&OVKEY=fairmont%20lake%20lousie&url_id=37279070&gclid=CIn63_DIz6sCFSOAgwodfjn0UQ">Fairmont</a>, which is right next to the lake and has wonderful views.<br />
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Copyright 2011Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-65746929579538660712011-05-05T16:39:00.000-07:002011-05-05T16:43:17.481-07:00Summer is almost here!We are in the midst of planning our summer trips as school is coming to a close for the year. We have two very different trips planned for this summer... the first trip is Canada. The girls grandparents have organized a week-long adventure with the help of a great company called <a href="http://www.jetsetworldtravel.com/">Jet Set World Travel</a>. It will be an on the road family reunion with my entire family. It should be an amazing trip as we explore to Canadian Rockies on the <a href="http://www.rockymountaineer.com/en_US_CA/">Rocky Mountaineer</a>. Everyone I know who has been to Whistler has said it is one of their favorite places. We can't wait!<br />
Our second trip is to Europe... Switzerland, France and Italy. We will be there for almost 2 weeks and have decided to take trains for the entire trip. Actually, we were inspired by my brother's upcoming <a href="http://www.UltimateTrainChallenge.com/">Ultimate Train Challenge</a>. If you aren't "friends" with him on Facebook, you should <a href="https://www.facebook.com/michaelhodson">do it now</a>! He has been on an almost 2 year long trek around the world. We aren't really sure if he is ever coming home. We would love any tips or suggestions you might have for these cities: Paris, Naples, Positano, Rome and Montreux.<br />
Tip: Did you know that many of the "child discounts" end at age 12, especially in Europe? If you can swing it -- get exploring with your kids now. It's never too early.<br />
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Copyright 2011Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-89998638169108902322011-03-14T11:47:00.000-07:002011-03-14T11:47:09.739-07:00Yes, you can (have a blast traveling with your kids)!We love traveling with our kids and do get some interesting comments from people... This article by one of our favorite travel sites, Ciao Bambino, sums it up perfectly. The time is now... get out there and travel WITH your kids... You will be so glad you did!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ciaobambino.com/ciaobambinoblog/index.php/2011/03/traveling-with-kids-10-misconceptions-about-family-travel/">Click here to get inspired to take your kids with you!</a><br />
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Copyright 2011Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-64488027578622315002010-09-09T13:34:00.000-07:002010-09-09T13:34:31.962-07:00Great tips!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/TIlExum15GI/AAAAAAAAAjE/H7AkPyUKdyg/s1600/469x264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/TIlExum15GI/AAAAAAAAAjE/H7AkPyUKdyg/s320/469x264.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thailand/travel-tips-and-articles/75907">Travel tips</a> that everyone should read by Lonely Planet... one of our favorite blogs.<br />
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Copyright 2010Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-85615714591257238752010-08-19T09:25:00.000-07:002010-08-19T09:25:56.228-07:00Florida and the Caribbean<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d5467314d444d354d44513d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox photo album" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d5467314d444d354d44513d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=neverblue&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own photo album - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center">This <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/all/" target="_blank">photo album</a> created with Smilebox</td></tr></table><br />
Copyright 2010Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-83951066445367959072010-08-19T09:03:00.000-07:002010-08-19T09:05:51.090-07:00Fall vacation planning, anyone?Some great <a href="http://www.ciaobambino.com/ciaobambinoblog/index.php/2010/08/10-great-fall-family-vacations/">vacation ideas</a> from our friends at Ciao Bambino!<br />
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#1: Banff, Canada<br />
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They have a lot of great activities for kids throughout the day and<a href="http://experience.hawkscay.com/dolphin-connection"> dolphins on site</a>.<br />
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It was close enough to Key West that we drove down for dinner at <a href="http://www.antoniaskeywest.com/">Antonia's</a> one night... great Italian food.<br />
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</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-72378112198886272372010-07-28T12:09:00.000-07:002010-07-28T12:10:01.383-07:00Miami, Keys and cruise in the Caribbean.We arrived in Miami a few days ago with the girls. We stayed a couple of nights in Duck Key at Hawks Cay resort (review coming soon) and headed out of the Port of Miami on Norwegian Epic (review coming soon). We will have many stories and pics soon. Stay tuned...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leaving Miami</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-65721612710268927082010-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:002010-04-22T11:10:15.659-07:00Rancho Mirage, CAWe took the girls to the <a href="http://www.rancholaspalmas.com/">Rancho Las Palmas resort</a> in Palm Springs/Rancho Mirage for a couple of days during spring break. It is a really great resort, especially with kids. The lazy river was their favorite part -- ours was that kids under 12 eat for free. Seriously! Who does that anymore? Now, we did skip their Easter brunch there because it was outrageously expensive and we decided to check out The River (the outdoor mall across the street). It's hard to beat The Cheesecake Factory... yummy! If you are visiting Palm Springs with kids... consider Rancho Las Palmas... it is so fun!<br />
Here's a tip from our daughter's teacher, Mrs. Warner that we followed: Eat at <a href="http://www.dcarlositaliancafe.com/">D'Carlos Italian Cafe</a> near the resort... shhhh! Don't tell the tourists -- it's a secret and it is wonderful. The owner is really cute, too.<br />
Also, make sure you stop by <a href="http://www.livingdesert.org/">The Living Desert</a>... that was really fun, too.<br />
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Copyright 2010Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-10426340832096258272009-11-26T17:15:00.000-08:002009-11-26T17:24:46.331-08:00Beach cleanup for Thanks'giving' 2009Our family has started a tradition of volunteering on Thanksgiving and this year we spent the morning cleaning up a beach in Encinitas called Moonlight ~ our favorite. We had so much fun and our girls loved the comments they were getting from the people on the beach. One surfer came up to our youngest daughter and said, "Are you picking up trash today?" When she said yes... He said, "You're awesome!" Both girls had a big smile on their face all day... Well done, girls! Happy Thanks'giving'!<br /><br /><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="0" bgcolor="#ffffff"><tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d5449324d6a517a4f54673d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="303" alt="Click to play this Smilebox collage: Happy Thanksgiving!" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d5449324d6a517a4f54673d0d0a.jpg" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=neverblue&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img width="386" height="46" alt="Create your own collage - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border: medium none ;"/></a></td></tr><tr><td align="center"><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/Collage" target="_blank">Make a Smilebox collage</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />2009Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-13340415777635167562009-07-18T08:40:00.000-07:002010-04-22T11:13:43.587-07:00Costa RicaJuly 2009<br />
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We just returned from our trip to Costa Rica and it is a fabulous place to take kids. We landed in Liberia, which is the smaller airport in the north versus the major airport in San Jose. We found it was less expensive than flying into San Jose and closer to the areas we wanted to visit. We decided to split our trip between the Arenal volcano/jungle area and the beach communities of Samara and Tamarindo. <br />
Out first stop was Leaves & Lizards, a wonderful cabin retreat near La Fortuna/Monterrey area. The owners are an American couple who moved to Costa Rica. We took our new Flip with us this time, so enjoy some short videos along with pictures of Costa Rica... Pura Vida!<br />
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We took the red eye in and had a 4 hour drive on our first day -- I would not recommend doing this unless you can sleep on a plane, which my husband and I cannot. We did not have a great map and got lost a few times. But, we eventually found our way and discovered that we are spoiled with the roads in the US because many roads in CR are not paved. The main roads are actually pretty good, but the back roads can be a challenge. Make sure you rent a 4 WD. Also, we opted to buy the full insurance from the car rental agency. Unless you bring a copy of your auto insurance plan or your credit card companies coverage, they will not let you rent a car without their insurance. I would recommend it anyway because you never know what is ahead of you and why worry...<br />
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We absolutely loved Leaves & Lizards... our daughters thought they were in heaven... We had a great view of the Arenal volcano from our cabin.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNMjMDagiI/AAAAAAAAAfU/oKA0pKqAIo4/s1600-h/DSC_0198.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360212148915700258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNMjMDagiI/AAAAAAAAAfU/oKA0pKqAIo4/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNMjAOrOGI/AAAAAAAAAfc/r6ZQG0vx-2s/s1600-h/DSC_0023.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360212145741707362" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNMjAOrOGI/AAAAAAAAAfc/r6ZQG0vx-2s/s320/DSC_0023.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
They have 11 horses, 2 dogs, 1 pig, 1 parrot, 1 cow and 10+ chickens. The girls loved washing Ms. Piggy and feeding her our leftovers at night... <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNNLMRDfSI/AAAAAAAAAfk/soQjhh2NSUY/s1600-h/DSC_0193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360212836167679266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNNLMRDfSI/AAAAAAAAAfk/soQjhh2NSUY/s320/DSC_0193.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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We ate breakfast there every morning (all baked from scratch) with their parrot, Lorita (who loves pancakes) and headed out on our adventures... Debbie and Steve are the owners and are wonderful people, along with their entire staff. I just can't say enough wonderful things about this place.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNL3oDiHKI/AAAAAAAAAfM/B524ucjDY4g/s1600-h/DSC_0207.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360211400518147234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNL3oDiHKI/AAAAAAAAAfM/B524ucjDY4g/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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We decided that our first adventure would be the canopy tour/zip line. Our 8 year daughter was a little hesitant, especially when the guide told us to pee before we left because they do not like to wash the harnesses. OK... we will find el bano pronto ;-) Our 10 year old was very independent all day... we would turn around to see where she was and she was already gone... <br />
The canopy tour company was called El Mundo Adventuras -- right outside of La Fortuna... Awesome place... The guide who worked with our 8 year old daughter was Muerte (j/k)... I think he tricks some gringos with that one though! He was kind of disappointed when I asked him his name and he said, "Muerte" and I said, "Your name is death?" We did call him Muerte all day (after we realized we weren't going to die ;-)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNOHIM8TbI/AAAAAAAAAgM/HtuKeCyFlnY/s1600-h/DSC03698.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360213865868840370" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNOHIM8TbI/AAAAAAAAAgM/HtuKeCyFlnY/s320/DSC03698.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNPYkcoT7I/AAAAAAAAAgs/YPA5iKi8_2I/s1600-h/DSC_0069.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360215265020235698" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNPYkcoT7I/AAAAAAAAAgs/YPA5iKi8_2I/s320/DSC_0069.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNPYW2oioI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Lg8r8G8sQSI/s1600-h/DSC03762.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360215261371206274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNPYW2oioI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Lg8r8G8sQSI/s320/DSC03762.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNPYO5v5QI/AAAAAAAAAgc/8UbBsL5zrLA/s1600-h/DSC03669.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>The next day we went with a wonderful guide, Enrique to visit the Rio Frio on the border of Nicaragua. We took a boat trip through the rainforest and saw some amazing creatures. We saw the Jesus Christ lizard (who walks on water), howler monkeys, white faced monkeys, caiman, many rare birds, bats and so much more. It was an amazing journey. We even sat through a rather intense rainstorm while eating lunch... rainforest style.<br />
Here is the Jesus Christ lizard in action:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHmwnApI/AAAAAAAAAhU/p8nVeCa87KA/s1600-h/DSC_0155.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216073094759058" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHmwnApI/AAAAAAAAAhU/p8nVeCa87KA/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHR2qecI/AAAAAAAAAhM/GHCuQhh-Z00/s1600-h/DSC_0124.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216067483007426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHR2qecI/AAAAAAAAAhM/GHCuQhh-Z00/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHA-0ijI/AAAAAAAAAhE/jxfwbe2c9FY/s1600-h/DSC_0120.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216062953818674" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQHA-0ijI/AAAAAAAAAhE/jxfwbe2c9FY/s320/DSC_0120.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQG4LKL6I/AAAAAAAAAg8/tH7NjOpDSVs/s1600-h/DSC_0118.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216060589649826" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQG4LKL6I/AAAAAAAAAg8/tH7NjOpDSVs/s320/DSC_0118.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 213px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQGnhandI/AAAAAAAAAg0/j9VqNlrLI1g/s1600-h/DSC_0106.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216056119598546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQGnhandI/AAAAAAAAAg0/j9VqNlrLI1g/s320/DSC_0106.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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We stopped at The Springs resort on the way back to Leaves & Lizards to eat and soak in the natural hot springs... very posh place, but your typical resort. You do not really get the feel of Costa Rica and the people if you stay in the high end resorts... But, it was a good lunch and the hot springs cannot be missed... at least for an afternoon.<br />
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We took the girls to visit a working Tico farm with a local Tico family. The husband and wife (Eric and Nayu), along with their 2 young daughters run a working dairy farm. It was fascinating. We milked cows, made our own cheese from the milk, fished in the small lake on their property, made homemade tortillas, went horseback riding and relaxed in hammocks throughout the day. Their daughter even caught a baby armadillo, which was quite a sight to see. Their life is truly extraordinary. The pace is slow and they are happy. If you have seen the new study that just came out that names Costa Rica as the happiest country in the world... when you visit, you really see why. They just have an ease and contentment about themselves. At first glance, you see that they are poor, but they do not value material possessions like many other countries such as our beloved, America. They live off the land and have a sense of community that is to be admired. It was quite an education for all four of us.<br />
Riding horses:<br />
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Milking the cows:<br />
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After our amazing 4 days in the rainforest, we headed out to Playa Samara. If you are familiar with Costa Rica at all, you always hear about Tamarindo. But, the locals all know the secret -- Tamarindo is built up and very "Americanized" while Samara is a hidden treasure. It was very quiet and beautiful. We stayed at the Hideaway Hotel -- another hotel owned by an American couple who have relocated to CR. It was lovely and very inexpensive. Here is one of the howler monkeys right outside our door that would talk to us every day...<br />
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We ate where the locales ate in town and the food was very good. The people were very kind and we enjoyed our solitude on the beaches.<br />
The first full day we were there, we decided to rent a boat with local guides and go in search of dolphins... we were not disappointed... it was a very small boat with lots of big waves... But, we found the dolphins and they put on quite a show... much better than any we have ever seen at Sea World!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQuHzUcBI/AAAAAAAAAh0/I7kEEJNNYtk/s1600-h/DSC_0236.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360216734799523858" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmNQuHzUcBI/AAAAAAAAAh0/I7kEEJNNYtk/s320/DSC_0236.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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We stopped at a local "zoo" in Playa Samara. It was really more of an animal sanctuary that a wonderful lady runs (on donations only)... The lady who runs it brings animals in with the intention of setting them back into the wild eventually... if possible. Some were brought up by humans and cannot be returned to the wild, but she can release most of them... awesome place and an amazing lady! <br />
Here is Pancho -- one of our favorites at the "zoo." He will go back into the wild someday, too.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzSy86FfYlD1cVcvGBv06i6oICW7z8ziM7EEpnkirgYPeuBGVtDFj3J4HTCVuqx9CAbqA5KeU5u3u01s2gFEw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Now, we did want to check out Tamarindo and see what all the buzz was about... We decided to meet back up with a great Canadian family, the Prices that we met at Leaves & Lizards. They were staying at the JW Marriott... This is a really nice resort and we wanted to be pampered for a couple of days... it was really fun... The Marriott is about 8 km outside of Tamarindo and you need to drive to town.<br />
We do see why surfers love Tamarindo -- it is a great surfers town... Very busy town center and lots of Americans... We did find a really cool coffee shop right outside of town called Cafe Cafe... Blink and you will miss it... But, we loved it... and really enjoyed seeing Tamarindo... But, we were glad we were staying at the Marriott outside of town.<br />
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</a>Copyright 2009Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-66965645100907554842009-06-28T08:24:00.000-07:002009-07-18T16:18:09.566-07:00Beaver Lake, ARJune 2009<br /><br />My parents have a house at Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas. It is a beautiful part of the country. We had a great time... and my roommate from college met us there from Dallas with her family. Once you get used to the humidity and the bugs during the summer, you will love the lake...<br /><br />Here is one of our fun boat trips:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzEbxdj8QVpj-bUeTJGM8z-NbY3ZsZnMVB_hMxSA-pqNAnuis6kHChnuW2SYqe6H9QN9SirLqWD9c_SIHdSag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />My brother having a catch with his two doggies in the lake:<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOxJWct3i1-uiJgq0Ux_gAazMV39vAAnYBKie_OmCxIfw3Wn6v1X3mWkSHp41VbcOIRzh-EwuzShF2jJu1BQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORhsXpGI/AAAAAAAAAfE/XpHb-mTUYHw/s1600-h/IMG_0686.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORhsXpGI/AAAAAAAAAfE/XpHb-mTUYHw/s320/IMG_0686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359932569533523042"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORT_yJPI/AAAAAAAAAe8/vgpWJS93VPY/s1600-h/IMG_0675.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORT_yJPI/AAAAAAAAAe8/vgpWJS93VPY/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359932565856855282"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORP9WdxI/AAAAAAAAAe0/MKTNYVjZKAc/s1600-h/IMG_0646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJORP9WdxI/AAAAAAAAAe0/MKTNYVjZKAc/s320/IMG_0646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359932564772910866"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJOQ2YTn4I/AAAAAAAAAes/_GUtuA-sUlQ/s1600-h/IMG_0640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJOQ2YTn4I/AAAAAAAAAes/_GUtuA-sUlQ/s320/IMG_0640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359932557906648962"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJOQs-DPGI/AAAAAAAAAek/K8PrddQVwok/s1600-h/IMG_0654.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SmJOQs-DPGI/AAAAAAAAAek/K8PrddQVwok/s320/IMG_0654.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359932555380604002"></a><br />Copyright 2009Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-56377345481155943532009-03-12T10:20:00.001-07:002009-03-12T10:22:34.264-07:00Next Stop -- Costa Rica!We are planning our first trip to Central America this summer -- specifically, Costa Rica! We are planning a 10 day trip and spending half the time on the beach and the other half near the Arenal volcano... <br />We found a great airfare flying from LAX direct to Liberia ($260 round trip per person -- crazy!). We also found an amazing hotel called <a href="http://www.leavesandlizards.com/">Leaves & Lizards</a> for the "jungle" part of our trip.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SblDzMODKgI/AAAAAAAAAbs/i5AY6-ta7Mo/s1600-h/The_Porch_Leaves_and_Lizards_Arenal_Volcano_Cabin_Retreat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SblDzMODKgI/AAAAAAAAAbs/i5AY6-ta7Mo/s320/The_Porch_Leaves_and_Lizards_Arenal_Volcano_Cabin_Retreat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312351782192753154" /></a><br />Any suggestions for a beach hotel? We have many friends who have been there and have their recommendations, but we wanted to see what others thought... <br /><br />Copyright 2009Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-27074506773210291552008-08-28T12:48:00.000-07:002008-08-28T13:05:15.068-07:00Wild Animal ParkSan Diego, CA<br /><br />Our youngest daughter turned 8 this month and wanted to take the photo safari at the Wild Animal Park in San Diego. It was an amazing day. We took a partially covered jeep throughout the Out of Africa and Asia exhibits and had the chance to hand feed a rhinoceros and giraffe. It is a once in a lifetime experience and I highly recommend it for the young and old (minimum age is 8 yrs. old).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcCjwnJkOI/AAAAAAAAAT8/K5wO76WMi7I/s1600-h/DSC_0068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcCjwnJkOI/AAAAAAAAAT8/K5wO76WMi7I/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239659504836645090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcCkZFKTbI/AAAAAAAAAUE/bkSCDYp4xV0/s1600-h/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcCkZFKTbI/AAAAAAAAAUE/bkSCDYp4xV0/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239659515699940786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcD98JKopI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ZMSnqRnI7Yg/s1600-h/DSC_0129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcD98JKopI/AAAAAAAAAUM/ZMSnqRnI7Yg/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239661054120338066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcEOs9KFKI/AAAAAAAAAUc/YZNQAbHmEiM/s1600-h/DSC_0101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcEOs9KFKI/AAAAAAAAAUc/YZNQAbHmEiM/s320/DSC_0101.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239661342101214370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcD-LmQULI/AAAAAAAAAUU/lgE5gctLKp8/s1600-h/DSC_0137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SLcD-LmQULI/AAAAAAAAAUU/lgE5gctLKp8/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239661058268876978" /></a><br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-19268124668815193792008-08-17T10:17:00.000-07:002008-08-17T16:16:23.242-07:00Savoca, SicilySummer 2008<br /><br />We decided to jump right into the stereotype of Sicily and take the "Godfather" tour... it was really interesting. We went to the town (Savoca, population 120) that they filmed the wedding sequence and the scene that Al Pacino asks the padrone for the hand of his daughter Apollonia. The village was chosen to stand in for the less-photogenic Corleone: also off-limits because the real Mafia were none to keen on Coppola's project. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiJ3LxuNI/AAAAAAAAATU/V4vsmebb-V0/s1600-h/DSC_3524.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiJ3LxuNI/AAAAAAAAATU/V4vsmebb-V0/s320/DSC_3524.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235542488389892306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiKVi6yMI/AAAAAAAAATc/7wFUA2Et9G4/s1600-h/DSC_3513.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiKVi6yMI/AAAAAAAAATc/7wFUA2Et9G4/s320/DSC_3513.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235542496540018882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiLfGBHfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/fp9qQHwZrCU/s1600-h/DSC_3520.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiLfGBHfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/fp9qQHwZrCU/s320/DSC_3520.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235542516283022834" /></a><br />The lady who owns the bar (Bar Vitelli) was in the scene with Al Pacino when he came to ask for the daughters hand and that bar was also the place that the wedding party walked to for the reception. She is still there greeting visitors today. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiLBc82MI/AAAAAAAAATs/XAM7bFmOpDA/s1600-h/DSC_3517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiLBc82MI/AAAAAAAAATs/XAM7bFmOpDA/s320/DSC_3517.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235542508326148290" /></a><br />We visited Bar Vitelli, tasted their famous granita and my husband sat in the same chair that Al Pacino did over 30 years ago... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiK3-cz2I/AAAAAAAAATk/lnt6-ec48KQ/s1600-h/DSC_3514.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SKhiK3-cz2I/AAAAAAAAATk/lnt6-ec48KQ/s320/DSC_3514.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235542505782300514" /></a><br />It was fun. The girls didn't really see the significance, but they will someday (when they can watch the movies). <br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-14600116448097526322008-08-09T10:15:00.000-07:002008-08-14T17:12:45.218-07:00Ephesus, TurkeySummer 2008<br /><br />Ephesus was the biggest sleeper from our trip. It was fantastic. We had no idea what to expect and we were so pleasantly surprised. We went to visit the ruins at Ephesus to begin our day. The ruins are impressive and more intact than any we have seen until this point. The library was gorgeous (shown at the end of the road). And, the amphitheater was amazing. They still have concerts here... Elton John, Sting and many more have made the trip to play this historic venue (that holds 50,000-60,000).<br />We also visited the House of the Virgin Mary. It is believed that several years after the death of Christ, St. John brought the Virgin Mother to Ephesus and built this house for her (the actual building has been restored to what they believe it looked like from the structure they discovered). They have even discovered a baptism pool on the grounds. It is believed she lived in this house until she died at the age of 64. It was a beautiful place.<br />We also went to a carpet making demonstration, which was fun. We were quickly educated on the art of handcrafting carpets out of cotton, wool or silk.<br />All in all, Ephesus was one of our favorite stops.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYIl33gI/AAAAAAAAASE/aXE1UIi1xrc/s1600-h/DSC_3453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYIl33gI/AAAAAAAAASE/aXE1UIi1xrc/s320/DSC_3453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568554627784194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYa_4W5I/AAAAAAAAASM/q4mAUb66Xyc/s1600-h/DSC_3455.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYa_4W5I/AAAAAAAAASM/q4mAUb66Xyc/s320/DSC_3455.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568559568706450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYUfQMrI/AAAAAAAAASU/jYfGP3z7tYE/s1600-h/DSC_3464.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RYUfQMrI/AAAAAAAAASU/jYfGP3z7tYE/s320/DSC_3464.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568557821244082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RY7vYOJI/AAAAAAAAASc/bjRnlh8c2R4/s1600-h/DSC_3471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RY7vYOJI/AAAAAAAAASc/bjRnlh8c2R4/s320/DSC_3471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568568357861522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RZDAyDVI/AAAAAAAAASk/hcIHvjdIp94/s1600-h/DSC_3484.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RZDAyDVI/AAAAAAAAASk/hcIHvjdIp94/s320/DSC_3484.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568570309905746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RnJcfjCI/AAAAAAAAASs/yVKYOu0Mvqg/s1600-h/DSC_3482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3RnJcfjCI/AAAAAAAAASs/yVKYOu0Mvqg/s320/DSC_3482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568812554914850" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Rnr-gdxI/AAAAAAAAAS0/Bx4dq-gKb7M/s1600-h/DSC_3486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Rnr-gdxI/AAAAAAAAAS0/Bx4dq-gKb7M/s320/DSC_3486.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232568821824386834" /></a><br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-47357759324416593902008-08-09T09:45:00.001-07:002008-08-14T17:29:45.924-07:00Santorini, GreeceSummer 2008<br /><br />Santorini is quite an amazing place. Santorini is essentially what remains of an enormous volcanic explosion, destroying the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island. What was left behind was this gorgeous hilltop and this small island surrounded by the Aegean Sea. With that in mind, the main way to reach the island is by sea and head up the one road either by bus, donkey or cable car. We chose bus to go up and donkey to go down. The bus ride going up was a bit scary at times, but the donkey ride down was for the pure adventurer. So, after spending the day on the island and visiting a couple of quaint villages, having lunch, a stop at the black beach and some shopping, we headed to the donkey station. It wasn't until we actually sat on the donkey that our daughter decided she would not be going down the hill this way. So, instead of heading back up to catch the cable car (which would have been the wise choice), we decided to walk down the long, winding stone path -- with the donkeys... It was a memory! You can actually see the zig zag path on the hill that we took down in the last picture shown below.<br><br />Resting by one of the many churches -- great breezes up here <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Kk5zAQFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/b6UOhyHzZEk/s1600-h/DSC_3357.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Kk5zAQFI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/b6UOhyHzZEk/s320/DSC_3357.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561077413232722" /></a><br />Enjoying the view<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KlKy_Z_I/AAAAAAAAARE/-R16GVHFfpI/s1600-h/DSC_3362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KlKy_Z_I/AAAAAAAAARE/-R16GVHFfpI/s320/DSC_3362.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561081976580082" /></a><br />Black beach on the east side of the island <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KldB-BQI/AAAAAAAAARM/_h19I_Wc1ZY/s1600-h/DSC_3384.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KldB-BQI/AAAAAAAAARM/_h19I_Wc1ZY/s320/DSC_3384.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561086871241986" /></a><br />Black beach -- it was a bit chilly<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Klpyo84I/AAAAAAAAARU/iJ1O3xv8fsE/s1600-h/DSC_3387.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Klpyo84I/AAAAAAAAARU/iJ1O3xv8fsE/s320/DSC_3387.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561090296607618" /></a><br />The front door to one of the homes -- it's a little bigger than our 7 year old. <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KlzmapNI/AAAAAAAAARc/rtHtfN2Bgl4/s1600-h/DSC_3376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3KlzmapNI/AAAAAAAAARc/rtHtfN2Bgl4/s320/DSC_3376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561092929692882" /></a><br />A great view at the top of the hill (our ship is in the background) <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K6e_AhUI/AAAAAAAAARk/uk7bJtMY490/s1600-h/DSC_3406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K6e_AhUI/AAAAAAAAARk/uk7bJtMY490/s320/DSC_3406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561448172946754" /></a><br />Gorgeous view <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K6sKdo-I/AAAAAAAAARs/mNJr_mey0jI/s1600-h/DSC_3425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K6sKdo-I/AAAAAAAAARs/mNJr_mey0jI/s320/DSC_3425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561451710653410" /></a><br />The donkey station <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K62sr96I/AAAAAAAAAR0/W6p54nzmyf0/s1600-h/DSC_3427.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K62sr96I/AAAAAAAAAR0/W6p54nzmyf0/s320/DSC_3427.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561454538553250" /></a><br />The zig zag road we walked down to return to the ship<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K7EdN5NI/AAAAAAAAAR8/bwDlWKXnoGE/s1600-h/DSC_3435.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3K7EdN5NI/AAAAAAAAAR8/bwDlWKXnoGE/s320/DSC_3435.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232561458231764178" /></a><br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-80714367653609022112008-08-09T09:38:00.000-07:002008-08-14T17:22:13.883-07:00Olympia, GreeceSummer 2008<br /><br />It was great timing to visit Olympia -- a week before the Olympic games in Beijing. The ruins of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Olympic_Games">Ancient Olympic games</a> were breathtaking. A few that we saw included the temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the temple of Hera and our favorite, the ancient track. It was pretty amazing to stand (and run) on the same ground that the original Olympians competed on in 776 B.C.<br><br />The Temple of Zeus <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JQk2pbzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nETLHmbyF1k/s1600-h/DSC_3291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JQk2pbzI/AAAAAAAAAQM/nETLHmbyF1k/s320/DSC_3291.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559628682358578" /></a><br />The marble blocks where the winners were crowned. <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JQ4U_Y8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/raiWHJRHh2M/s1600-h/DSC_3299.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JQ4U_Y8I/AAAAAAAAAQU/raiWHJRHh2M/s320/DSC_3299.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559633909900226" /></a><br />The walkway and arch that leads to the stadium<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRHUw0CI/AAAAAAAAAQc/dyVpHvA2a_g/s1600-h/DSC_3303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRHUw0CI/AAAAAAAAAQc/dyVpHvA2a_g/s320/DSC_3303.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559637935476770" /></a><br />Ready to race<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRPyvLJI/AAAAAAAAAQk/_1s9Id1VT7s/s1600-h/DSC_3321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRPyvLJI/AAAAAAAAAQk/_1s9Id1VT7s/s320/DSC_3321.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559640208682130" /></a><br />Running and crossing the finish line on the ancient track <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRZHr_5I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7O_vkqVFzL0/s1600-h/DSC_3313.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3JRZHr_5I/AAAAAAAAAQs/7O_vkqVFzL0/s320/DSC_3313.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559642712473490" /></a><br />Cooling off on the hills for the spectators <br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Jb43jg4I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/RCiEdGURcls/s1600-h/DSC_3316.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3Jb43jg4I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/RCiEdGURcls/s320/DSC_3316.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232559823033435010" /></a><br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7872500900482770794.post-1329943534994771702008-08-09T09:32:00.000-07:002008-08-14T17:23:11.879-07:00Corfu, GreeceSummer 2008<br /><br />Corfu was really interesting. We took a tour of the summer estate of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_of_Bavaria">Queen Elizabeth of Austria</a>. She had a very tragic life and the statue of Achilles seemed quite appropriate to be on the grounds -- one in his glory and the other at his fall. The home was very modest by royal standards. She was apparently a very discreet Queen.<br />We made a stop at a tiny village that had a great view of an even tinier island called Mouse Island. We tried some Greek beer at this stop that everyone said we had to try since it is a local favorite. It does not have alcohol or taste like what we know as "beer," it is more of a really sweet lemonade/tang type drink. It was really good. They say it is great for motion sickness, which we needed with all the hairpin turns we took on this tour.<br />We also made our way to Corfu City and stopped for some ice cream and espresso. It was a really gorgeous town square.<br><br />The view from the Queen's estate.<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HcxzqepI/AAAAAAAAAO0/MA3WEZtqky0/s1600-h/DSC_3263.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HcxzqepI/AAAAAAAAAO0/MA3WEZtqky0/s320/DSC_3263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232557639294679698" /></a><br />Statue of Achilles<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HdVsPugI/AAAAAAAAAPE/WaLlUM9iMQ0/s1600-h/DSC_3261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HdVsPugI/AAAAAAAAAPE/WaLlUM9iMQ0/s320/DSC_3261.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232557648927242754" /></a><br />Mouse Island (in the background)<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HyMFaEmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/-h4muBbjRkY/s1600-h/DSC_3270.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HyMFaEmI/AAAAAAAAAPU/-h4muBbjRkY/s320/DSC_3270.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232558007125676642" /></a><br />The town square in Corfu City<br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HdIV1HBI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vC120SHMUCw/s1600-h/DSC_3236.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__Z2MwXKq2-4/SJ3HdIV1HBI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vC120SHMUCw/s320/DSC_3236.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232557645343562770" /></a><br /><br />Copyright 2008Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11446517387329121369noreply@blogger.com0