by Debbee | Jan 21, 2020 | Greece, Turkey
Wildchills in the single digits, grey skies, and missing my Sweet Scottie Dog, have me feeling a little down in the dumps. So, to shake off the doldrums, I’m clicking my heels and returning to the Aegean cruise that took us to ancient Ephesus.
Ephesus was a port city whose well-preserved ruins are now in modern-day Turkey. The city was once considered the most important Greek city and trading center in the Mediterranean. Throughout history, Ephesus was ruled by many civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians.
It was also a hotbed of early Christian evangelism.
Today, Ephesus remains both an important archaeological site and Christian pilgrimage destination. An UNESCO city, Ephesus is (was) also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Temple of Artemis.
Come along as we visit the Home of Mary, Apostle St. John church, and explore the extensive ruins of Ephesus. Then, return in the evening for a candlelight dinner set beneath the dramatically floodlit Library of Celsus.
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by Debbee | Aug 20, 2019 | Peru
When I last left you in Peru, Mr. Buzz and I were headed to the “Lost” City of the Inca, Machu Picchu.
As I explained in, Ingenious Inca Legacy of Peru Sacred Valley, hubby took the high and I the low route. While I traveled there via the tourist-friendly train that hugs the river valley, he went vertical — hiking the Andes.
Later that afternoon, we met high above the archeological site, as Mr. Buzz entered through the Sun Gate at the end of the Inca Trail. It’s the same route and entrance the Inca used hundreds of years ago.
That lofty perch afforded stunning views of the mountains all around us, and the ruins below. By then, it was late in the day and the site was nearly empty of tourists. That’s because most visitors are day-trippers from Cusco and had trains to catch.
Since we overnighted down in the valley, we were able to stay until closing time. As the sun continued to blaze hot, the Andes cast long shadows across Machu PIcchu. We used the elevation to take pictures from high ridges and terraces above the citadel. On our return visit, we walked among the structures for an up close look at the Inca’s amazing architectural and agricultural achievements.
Join me now, as I take you along both routes to Machu Picchu. Then we’ll explore the iconic and mystical landscape and ruins over two days.
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by Debbee | Aug 9, 2019 | Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
Mr. Buzz and I have been trying to enjoy a local excursion once or twice a week this summer. Recently, we spent a wonderful afternoon at the National Aviary.
Pittsburgh is extremely fortunate to have both a world-class zoo and aviary. They are completely separate and located in different parts of the city. When the boys were small, we went often. Birthday parties were held there. Many times, visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins joined us.
While vacationing this past June in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, we were awed by the diversity and beauty of nature and wildlife. In particular, was the experience of seeing so many rare and endangered birds; including the Andean Condor, Galapagos Penguin, and Blue-Footed Booby.
I get goosebumps and choked-up when I think about what an incredibly moving experience it was to see exotic birds up close, in their natural habitat.
Upon returning home, we realized it had been years since we’d visited the National Aviary — located right in Pittsburgh. Come see why so many birds of a feather flock here!
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by Debbee | Jul 26, 2019 | Colorado
Several weeks ago, my son and several friends met up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado to attend it’s annual hot air balloon festival.
Mr. Buzz and I enjoyed his photos so much, I thought you might enjoy seeing them too?
Years ago, when my mom was visiting, we attended a hot air balloon festival in downtown Pittsburgh. Part of the fun was walking around Point State Park, and watching the balloons inflate beforehand. We particularly liked the ones that took interesting shapes; like a giant Heinz ketchup bottle. Our favorite though, was an enormous polar bear, representing Isaly’s Klondike Bar. Did you know both Heinz ketchup and Klondike Bars originated in Pittsburgh?
Anyway, the balloons launched where the three rivers converge, rising dramatically over the city’s skyline. It was a beautiful summer evening and lots of fun. My old prints, however, are not blog worthy for sharing like my son’s.
How does the Fifth Dimension song go? Let’s go “…up, up and away…” in Steamboat’s annual hot air balloon festival.
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by Debbee | Jul 13, 2019 | Peru
Continuing on our adventure in Peru, we explore the natural beauty, indigenous culture, and Inca legacy of the Sacred Valley.
Many people just take a day trip or pass through on their way from Cusco to Machu Picchu. But, as we discovered, the Sacred Valley is definitely worth a couple of days (or more).
Inca archeological sites, cultural experiences, delicious Peruvian meals, and views of the surrounding Andes abound.
Besides appreciating its Inca ruins, the Sacred Valley is also known for its natural setting, rich flora and fauna, birdwatching, and adventure tourism.
Join me as our unique, privately-guided tour continues. Come to a Peruvian feast in an indigenous community, see how families work together to collect salt from ancient pools, and climb the Inca fortress, Ollantaytambo, for breathtaking vistas of the Sacred Valley.
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by Debbee | Jul 5, 2019 | Peru
We recently returned from a 19-day adventure south of the equator. Included in the Peru trip itinerary were Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco. A second leg of the vacation took us to a hacienda in Ecuador and on a Galapagos Islands cruise.
Several years in the making, planning and scheduling began in earnest last January. Our nephew, Zachary, a luxury travel advisor, worked with our destination wish list, budget and schedule. He partnered with a premium travel company to put together a dream vacation.
Peru: Land of the Incas was a nine-day, small group tour that includes many unique cultural experiences, luxury accommodations and a robust itinerary. To bridge the time between our Peru tour and five-day Galapagos Island cruise, we spent time in Ecuador’s colonial capital, Quito, and Hacienda Zuleta, a working ranch.
Let’s start where the Peru trip began, in Lima, and then head into the Inca’s Sacred Valley.
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