Tour de France, Apotheose

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We’ve visited many chateaux and churches throughout this trip.  Our fascination stems from the architecture, engineering, craftsmanship, decoration, size, and history of each of these places, not to mention the sheer amount of work that has gone into building and rebuilding them.  Especially in southern France, which suffered from the 100 Years War with England,… Continue reading Tour de France, Apotheose

Tour de France Troiseme Partie

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Jeanette and Allen left Paris for home after 10 days of travel so we were on our own. Rain had started as we cabbed to the nearby Gare Montparnasse train station.  Our next stop: Bordeaux! (Read parts 1 and 2 here:    https://retirementadventureblog.com/2025/09/22/tour-de-france/    and https://retirementadventureblog.com/2025/09/24/tour-de-france-parte-deux/ With the TGV travelling at speeds over 300kph (196 mph!) we… Continue reading Tour de France Troiseme Partie

Tour de France, Parte Deux.

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Another day in France, another highlight: Mont Saint Michel!  About 1.5 hours from our hotel in Bayeux, the drive took us on tiny local roads past sunflower fields and more windmills and many cows sprinkled between white stone houses and fortified farms, and yes, more windmills.  Eventually we saw Mt St Michel across the field: … Continue reading Tour de France, Parte Deux.

How Ya Goin’?

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Christina’s appearance on this trip had purpose: she was travelling to Australia to attend her friend’s wedding, as were we.  Christina and Emma were friends since before high school and we are friends with Emma’s parents.  Thus a trip to the Antipodes, mostly New Zealand, and then to Australia where we headed next. https://retirementadventureblog.com/2025/03/01/kia-oro-new-zealands-north-island/ Upon… Continue reading How Ya Goin’?

New Zealand: Finale (aka Part 3)

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There is a reason for keeping on top of writing while travelling: the days go almost as fast as my memory disappears!  The last few days of our South Island NZ tour wrapped up with more amazing scenery and laughs from our tour mates and guides (who are now our mates).  I’ll try to remember… Continue reading New Zealand: Finale (aka Part 3)

New Zealand: the South Island, Part 2

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It’s been a week since we arrived on NZ’s South Island and I love it!  Previous week’s adventures written here: https://retirementadventureblog.com/2025/03/07/new-zealand-the-south-island-in-two-or-three-parts/   We’ve been blessed with outstanding weather and a wonderful group on tour.  The food is good and abundant and laughs abound on the hikes and on the van.  This day,  Saturday, started cloudy with sprinkles. … Continue reading New Zealand: the South Island, Part 2

New Zealand: the South Island (In Two or Three Parts, Part 1)

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Ok. I’m here less than hour in Queenstown, NZ and already I’m in love.  With Queenstown.  Such a vibe: laid back, earthy, with glitzy houses hanging off the mountainsides that encapsulate the city.  Fancy hike, bike, and ski shoppes line the streets with pubs and bakeries in abundance.  Young and old fill the streets, shopping… Continue reading New Zealand: the South Island (In Two or Three Parts, Part 1)

Kia Oro! New Zealand’s North Island

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Kia Oro! This Kiwi greeting as we arrived in New Zealand was everywhere: “hello, have life, goodbye, cheers” all rolled into one.  And yes, we are blessed to be travelling.  And, oh my goodness, I’m in New Zealand!  This has been a dream of mine forever and now it’s reality.  We’ll be traveling NZ for… Continue reading Kia Oro! New Zealand’s North Island