Our first few days in Istanbul have been rather challenging. Checked in the Grand Hyatt located in the Beyoğlu area of the Modern side of Turkey (still 600 years old,
Istanbul, Turkey – 2025
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EUROPE
Cappadocia, Turkey – 2025
OMG…when I came here in 2011, this was my favorite area of Turkey…and after 3 full days of exploring here…I’m certain it will remain my favorite.
Pamukkale, Turkey – 2025
Pamukkale is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.
Gocek, Turkey – 2025
Gocek ….located on the Mediterranean is famous for its natural beauty ….surrounded by 12 islands which create a natural harbor of almost round shape protecting it from the wind making it a “natural marina”.
Kalkan, Turkey – 2025
We all had the same reaction when our van pulled up to the Kalkan Villa…. WOW! The View is spectacular!
Switzerland …2025 let the adventure begin
Our trip from Austin to Lucerne was going well until we arrived in Philadelphia. Then all chaos broke loose.
Lucerne, Switzerland
When we were planning our trip to Switzerland, I asked Cissy where she wanted to stay in Lucerne ….a small city of 82,000
Glacier Express train thru Switzerland – 2025
We traveled by private car about an hour and a half south east of Lucerne to a small thermal spa town called Bad Ragaz.
Germany Summer 2025
Our cruise down the Rhine and Mosel rivers started in Basel Switzerland and floated us thru 4 countries…
Cologne Germany 2025
As we continued to float the Rhine River thru Germany for several days, we had the privilege of visiting some ancient castles
Amsterdam – BICYCLE TOWN
Arriving in Amsterdam was not the thrill I expected. Having visited this city multiple times in the past, I have always been fascinated with its amazing architecture…
Norway 2024 – Northern lights
If you’re ever lucky enough to see the true Northern Lights….you’re lucky enough!
Finland 2024
Spent 10 days exploring the Arctic Lapland province, in Northern Finland…mostly wilderness with national parks and ski resorts…although, currently no snow
Rome, Italy
The last 24 hours has been challenging but hilarious. Imagine if you can…. 2 old ladies running thru airports practicing our breathing😩.
Rome Spring 2024
What is it they say??? Rome wasn’t built in a day? How true! This amazing city is so full of history, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with AWE.
Split, Croatia
From the moment we walked off the plane, we were in shock. The drastic difference between the bustling, dirty, crowded city of Rome we had just left …arriving 1 hr later to an empty, brand new, clean airport in Split…
Hvar, Croatia
When we arrived on the ferry, 10,000 km (6,000 miles) from home, I immediately knew this is what I call a Postcard town….a place on this planet that whispers of tranquility with every breath…
Dubrovnik, Croatia & Bosnia
On the ferry ride over from Hvar, we were surprised to learn there are 1244 islands in Croatia. All beautiful!
Taormina, Sicily
Our time to explore Sicily included 3 days in Taormina and 3 days in Palermo….opposite sides of the island. It’s the largest island in the Mediterranean, but by Texas standards it’s a small island.
Porto, Portugal
Our warm welcome in Lisbon was another attempt by a taxi driver to rip us off….BUT we know the trick now … we had been told it would be approximately 8 to €10 to get from the airport to our hotel for the night…
The Douro Valley of Portugal
We made a couple of stops on our way to our final lodging. Amarante was a quaint little town that is often called “the city of love”.
South Ireland
Although I came to Ireland a decade ago for my birthday…. I was excited when my girlfriends and I decided to explore Southern Ireland this summer.
Last stop Dublin
Leaving Belfast, and headed to our final destination of Dublin for two days, we decided to take the seaside route and go through the Morin mountains. It was a beautiful drive. It only added an hour to our trip.
Exploring Castles
The next few days flew by quickly as we moved further north …from castle to castle staying at 3 of the most beautiful. We decided to try and visit
Cliffs of Moher & Kylemoor Abbey
Packed up and moving further north, we headed for the Cliffs of Moher. These 700 ft sea cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean are located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland.
Dromoland Ireland
Day of relaxing and rest…short coastal drive around the Skilleg peninsula…stopping at their famous chocolate factory…and admiring the beauty of the southern tip of the Ring of Kerry. Nice cozy dinner at the “house with a view” we leased, and early to bed so we could drive north to our next lodging
Happy Birthday to me!
Day of relaxing and rest…short coastal drive around the Skilleg peninsula…stopping at their famous chocolate factory…and admiring the beauty of the southern tip of the Ring of Kerry. Nice cozy dinner at the “house with a view” we leased, and early to bed so we could drive north to our next lodging
Malaga, Spain
All the countries we have visited so far serve olives with EVERY meal. I’m talking all colors… green, yellow, orange, red and black.
Bay of Cadiz, Spain
Today is the day… Cissy turns another year older. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CISSY🎉
Seville, Spain
Throughout the trip, Cissy and I have enjoyed the intoxicating smell of the Orange blossoms, but this city is the ultimate paradise.
Madrid, Spain
Everyone always told me if ever in Madrid to get my picture made with The Bear…so upon arrival to this bustling city,
Lisbon, Portugal
Short hop over to Lisbon Portugal…a metroplex housing 3 million vs Madrid at almost 6 million.
Sintra, Portugal
Most of my family and friends know that when I travel I like to visit places that are listed in my book “1000 Places to See Before You Die”.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
What is it they say??? Rome wasn’t built in a day? How true! This amazing city is so full of history, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with AWE.
Rome
What is it they say??? Rome wasn’t built in a day? How true! This amazing city is so full of history, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with AWE.
Florence
What do people immediately think of when Florence is mentioned… THE DAVID! So it’s no surprise that going to see Michelangelo’s famous sculpture would be a highlight of the trip for the kids..
Venice
Venice is a remarkably unique city… similar to Amsterdam with its canals and ancient architecture, but uniquely cozy and romantic.
Dian Turner
I believe traveling is the best classroom there is—no homework, no exams, just really good stories.