I offer two versions of our first traveling day to share the lesson I learned about attitude. We will encounter many unexpected hurdles this year. I am choosing RIGHT NOW to approach each challenge with a positive outlook.
The Noise of Clutter and Choice
It's getting quieter in this apartment, as we approach our move-out date. With less stuff, there is less choice. With less choice, there is less noise in my head.
The Religion of Wine in Rioja Valley, Spain
Spain has its own unique rhythm: lethargic in the morning, a burst of energy at lunch, a mass vanishing in the afternoon. It’s when the sun descends that Spain comes alive, fueled by hearty blends of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, and Garnacha....
Brief History of Oktoberfest in Munich, 1810
Did you know that Oktoberfest actually starts in September? Don your dirndl or lederhosen and join the locals for the kickoff parade! This post puts Oktoberfest in its historical context and points out a few traditions and foods you don’t want to miss…
Top 10 Fears as We Embark on our RTW
Our plan is starting to materialize and I find us wavering between moments of absolute certainty and times of doubt. Preparing for my future look-back, here are the top fears I have at T minus 100 days from initial departure...
Destination Everywhere
We are now "vagabonding", I believe is the term. It's a big change for us, with lots of unknowns. I don't know the arc of this story, yet, and I do not know how our characters will struggle, adapt, change. But I do know one thing: this chapter will be different from the previous 20 years...
Travel is ZEN
When I travel, I attain a sudden wellspring of patience and tolerance and humility that escapes me on the gerbil wheel of the daily grind. This short story explains the title of Travel Is Zen.
Travel is ZEN.
San Sebastian and Hondarribia
The best beaches in Basque Country are in San Sebastian and Hondarribia, on the northern tip of Spain.
Zumaia and Getaria
Within a short driving distance from San Sebastian are small coastal port towns like Zumaia and Getaria, with beautiful beaches and fantastic seafood restaurants.
Gorbea Natural Park and Otzarreta Forest
On our roadtrip to the southern part of Basque country, we took the scenic route through Gorbea Natural Park, where we sought the enchanted Otzarreta Forest with its mossy trees.
Rioja Valley, Spain
Rioja is wine country and our local expert guide, Inma from Rioja Wine Trips, helps us make the most of it. Through her patient teaching, we discover the religion of wine (hint: it's a meditation).
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small island that has served several purposes throughout the ages - monastery, fortress, and witch-hunting ground. The 240+ staircase to the top is a mini-pilgrimage, with crosses along the way to remind you to say a prayer or think of a loved one.
Guernica and snippets of the El Camino Way
Guernica is also infamous for the 1937 bombing by the Nazi German Luftwaffe, acting to support Francisco Franco's efforts to overthrow the Basque government. The small city was almost entirely flattened and perhaps a thousand people were killed. Picasso memorialized this horrific attack in a painting.
Bilbao, Basque Country
Bilbao is home of the Guggenheim museum, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. The city is also renowned for its Michelin-star restaurants, but $150 for a "tasting" lunch (per person) was hard to rationalize...
Getxo, Basque Country
Although located within the borders of Spain, the Basque region bordering the Atlantic ocean is a completely unique culture, with its own language and heritage. Getxo is a town located in the Biscay province of Basque on the outskirts of Bilbao and was once the residential neighborhood of the bourgeois industrialists of the early 19th century.
Road Trip Along a Portion of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
The West Coast of Ireland is famous for its dramatic cliffs, rocky shorelines, and massive wave action!
Road Trip from Athlone to Ireland's East Coast
Wicklow National Park is about an hour south of Dublin and the location of several commercial films, including Braveheart and Excalibur.
Ireland's Lovely Athlone!
If you like rainbows, castles, ancient Irish pubs, and friendly people, then Athlone has got it all!
Arizona: Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Ride
You know it's on your bucket list! When in Phoenix, a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert is a terrific way to learn about the desert
Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands National Park is probably among the most beautiful places of which you have never heard.