Life is a patchwork of experiences
Poppies have become a symbol of remembrance throughout the British Commonwealth
In 1915, Canadian physician John McCrae wrote a poem after a friend died in the Second Battle of Ypres in World War I. He noticed how quickly the poppies grew among the crosses that marked the graves of the fallen and used that as his inspiration for the poem.
Since that time, the poppy has come to represent Remembrance Day throughout the British Commonwealth.
Continue reading “Remembering With Poppies in London – A Photo Essay”
I love to visit London any time of year, but the Christmas holiday season is one of my favorite times to visit because there are so many fun and festive things to do in London in December.
Christmas Markets, decorated trees, sparkling lights, and holiday concerts galore. On my December trip to London, I found the city wrapped up in all things Christmas.
There is always a lot to do in London, and this time of year, even more so. So after spending ten days getting into the holiday spirit, this is my list of all the festive things I did in London in December.
Continue reading “Loved These 25 Festive Things To Do in London in December – No Bah Humbugs Here”
I am sharing my personal Orient Express experience to inspire your next luxury holiday train trip. Let this detailed review inspire your next luxury experience.
Exotic destinations, quirky sleuths, and twisting story lines are all hallmarks of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novels. Her most famous story undoubtedly has to be “Murder on the Orient Express,” which takes place on the luxurious and legendary train traveling from Istanbul to London. That same elegant train experience and legendary service can now be experienced again as you travel on the Orient Express from Venice to London, like I did.
This post was recognized by the North America Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) in 2017 awards competition with a Bronze award in the Luxury and Resort Travel Online Publication category
Continue reading “Luxury Without Murder – My Orient Express Experience”
A Baltic cruise was an easy way to see this part of Northern Europe. I am sharing my Baltic cruise excursions as I independently explored each port stop.
I cruise for many reasons: to get some me time, to get pampered, and to enjoy unending views of the ocean are just a few of them. I also cruise to experience new destinations, which was why I chose this particular Baltic cruise itinerary. I have long wanted to visit the Scandinavian countries and the Balkans, and this cruise made that wish come true.
Continue reading “Discovering Northern Europe With My Baltic Cruise Excursions”
Sharing my visit to Highclere Castle. This is all about my real Downton Abbey tour.
“What IS a week-end?”
The Dowager Countess of Grantham as played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Downton Abbey series delivered many pointed one liners that defined her indomitable character. This is one of my favorites.
Downton Abbey would not be the same without Maggie Smith, nor without the backdrop of the imposing structure of Highclere Castle, the real life estate that stands in for the fictional Crowley home.
With only one day in London, this is how I made it a perfectly English Day!
I enjoy visiting London, and try to schedule a long stopover in between flights to other points in Europe if I can. On a recent visit, I had a perfectly English day in London!
Continue reading “Have Only One Day in London? I Made It a Perfectly English Day!”
I love visiting London and in this month’s podcast I share tips for visiting the UK’s most vibrant city.
Podcast link: Exploring London
London is one of my favorite cities to visit and these are some of my favorite London photos and London photo spots that show off the city’s unique personality.
London is one of my favorite cities to visit. It’s busy and vibrant and easy to get around in. The city also offers great opportunities for fun photography. These are some of my favorite London photos that showcase those experiences that make this great city so special for me. Continue reading “Discovering Photogenic London – Some of My Favorite London Photos”
In this Regal Princess cruise review I share my detailed expereinces on this beautiful Royal Class ship, including lots of photos.
I was lounging in a deck chair with an Irish coffee in hand, tucked under a cozy blanket and watching a movie on the big screen as the sun set behind me.
I do not think of myself as a princess – quite the contrary. But occasionally, I do like being treated like one. For a little while, it’s nice to have someone else make my bed, cook my meals, and bring me a specialty drink when I am in the mood for one.
A cruise gives me all this and more. I love being on the water. I love the feeling of the gentle rocking of the ship under my feet. I love staring at the ocean and watching the sunshine play on the waves. And I love feeling and smelling the salty breeze when I am on deck. Being on a ship gives me a sense of serenity that I don’t normally feel when I am on land.
Continue reading “Cruising Like a Princess – A Complete Regal Princess Cruise Review With Photos”
My annual recap after an incredible year of travel all over the globe.
“….changes in latitude, changes in attitude….”
This was certainly a year for the record books for me as I travelled across latitudes from the Antarctic all the way up to the Arctic. I can’t believe how many bucket list trips I was fortunate to indulge in. I have become very spoiled by all my travels this year, and I am very appreciative of the many opportunities I’ve had to see so many special places around the world.
