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.
Tour de France
Julius Caesar wrote “Gallia est omnia divisa partes tres” in the 1st century BC. Remember your high school Latin? That’s all I recall despite 3 years of Sister Clarice’s efforts. I then had one year of self study French in senior year. I don’t remember any of that either. Seems Dan and I share a… Continue reading Tour de France
How Ya Goin’?
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)
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
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)
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
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
Aloha! Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu
We left a very snowy and extremely cold winter in the Adirondacks to spend a few days with our warm, cuddly grandbabies. There’s nothing like hearing baby laughter from these squirming bundles of love! But warm sunshine beckoned and my bag had been packed for weeks. Neither snow nor sleet or fog or gloom of… Continue reading Aloha! Kauai, Hawaii, and Oahu
Romania II: Transylvania
Monday morning! Our luggage was sent ahead while we transferred to the Bucharest train station. The horrible rain/hail/wind event never materialized though it was cloudier and cooler than the last 10 spectacular days. The train station was a tad run down, as was the train, but the ride was smooth as we traveled over the… Continue reading Romania II: Transylvania
Romania I: Bucharest
We crossed the Danube at Ruse, Bulgaria to enter Romania. The water was as high as ever so luckily we did not take a river cruise. Despite it being Friday afternoon and with construction we crossed easily and breezed through immigration. Freight trucks were not so lucky, some waiting on average 24 hours to cross. … Continue reading Romania I: Bucharest
My new reality 