by Debbee | Mar 9, 2019 | Colorado, Winter
Two weeks ago, we returned from a wonderful, six-day ski trip in Breckenridge, Colorado.
Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a number of memorable family ski vacations to Steamboat, Snowmass and Aspen in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains. Another trip took us north of the border to Whistler, Canada, where we skied glaciers. But, this is the first time just hubby and I went on a ski trip together.
When my husband retired last fall, I knew the best ‘present’ I could give him was a ski trip out West. He loves to ski and is quite advanced. But, there’s limited opportunity within a few hours drive of Pittsburgh.
Originally, we had hoped two of his brothers and their wives would join us. That would have given my husband companions to ski more advanced, black diamond trails — something way beyond my skill set and comfort level.
When neither couple was able to come along, I worried that Mr. Buzz wouldn’t truly enjoy himself if he was limited to skiing with me on easy and intermediate terrain. But, you know what? Much to our surprise and amazement — I skied the best I ever had!
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by Debbee | Feb 2, 2019 | Iceland
With all the arctic weather outside, I worked inside to create a family photo album of our summer vacation to Iceland. My original intention was to give copies to the boys as Christmas gifts. That’s when I realized I also never finished sharing the last leg of our 10-day adventure exploring Iceland.
Right now, it’s much colder here in Pittsburgh than it ever got in Iceland during our July trip. That includes while floating in a glacial lagoon! Today, it’s a balmy 17 degrees in Reykjavik after dark, while in sunny Pittsburgh it’s minus 7 — before the wind chill. For those unfortunate souls in places like Chicago and Minneapolis that must sound like a tropical heat wave!
Summer is indeed the time for exploring Iceland; when the temperatures are moderate, there are 20 hours of daylight, and roads are accessible for traversing the land of fire and ice.
However, the winter months are an excellent time to research and plan an Icelandic vacation. It’s a small, sparsely populated country with limited infrastructure to support the huge influx of summer visitors. Accommodations should be booked far in advance — whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb or even a campsite. If you decide to circle Iceland on the Ring Road as we did, it’s absolutely essential to determine driving times between destinations and secure room reservations soon.
In Journey North to Whale-Filled Bays, we finished day six driving up the Trollaskagi Peninsula to overnight in the charming harbor town Siglufjorour. Today, we’ll head south to the remarkable Snaefellsnes Peninsula and finally, Reykjavik and the infamous Blue Lagoon. (more…)
by Debbee | Jan 5, 2019 | Greece
I’ve started the massive chore of putting away all the holiday decorations and tableware. My least favorite thing to do all year! Right now, I’m taking a break to sail away (in my memories) —- back to a dream Greek island cruise in September.
Other than perhaps Hawaii, the trip to mainland Greece and cruise was the most romantic, relaxing, luxurious, and fun vacation of our lives.
We had a ball!
Not only were we celebrating our big-something birthdays and milestone wedding anniversary, but also ‘practicing’ for pending retirement. A big life change for my hardworking husband; several weeks after returning home from Greece. We feel extremely blessed being able to enjoy retirement sooner rather than later. I retired a year ago from my part-time consulting and started blogging. But, I was lonely at home without B around. Now we are on our next life adventure together.
Come onboard and sail on a Greek island cruise into the sunset with us.
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by Debbee | Nov 27, 2018 | Christmas, Quebec
Last year, my husband and I decided to give each other the gift of making merry in special holiday places, instead of things.
About mid-December, we headed north to magical Quebec City for four fabulous days. Have you ever been? It’s très French, one of North America’s oldest European cities, and is packed with incredible restaurants and little shops.
It’s also the most beautiful holiday setting at Christmastime. I even got to visit with the jolly ‘ol elf himself — Pere Noel (he’s bilingual by the way)! Magical Quebec City is the perfect destination for a massive dose of holiday spirit during the Christmas season.
Since my blog was brand new a year ago, very few followers were on board and saw this three-part travel log. So, today I’m taking you back with me to visit Canada.Then we head south for a quick stop in Charleston for Thanksgiving; another enchanting old city to celebrate the holidays and make merry.
Let’s begin with a Christmas Card from Old Quebec City. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and curl up by the fire — or under a cozy throw.
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by Debbee | Nov 3, 2018 | Greece
On our third day in Greece, we took a day trip to Delphi. Home of the famous oracle, Delphi’s history began in the dawn of time and myths of ancient Greece.
According to mythology, Zeus sent out two eagles from the ends of the universe to find the ‘navel’ of the world. It was Delphi where the two met.
For many centuries, Delphi was the cultural and religious center of the Hellenic world.
Delphi was not a city, but a sanctuary centered on the worship of Apollo. It was also at Delphi where legends say Apollo defeated a large python.
Prophecies by the oracle were bestowed on both rulers and ordinary individuals. And, appreciative city-states and pilgrims built treasuries and monuments to express their gratitude. Many epic festivals and athletic events also took place in a grand stadium and theater at Delphi.
Today, visitors flock from all over the world to walk the Sacred Way at Delphi. Come explore the site and artifacts with me. Then, we’ll head back to Athens for another day of exploration.
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by Debbee | Oct 20, 2018 | Greece
Visiting ancient Athens has been high on my bucket list since I was in seventh grade. That’s when we studied Greek and Roman mythology, culture and history.
There were a number of years in my youth when I wanted to be an archaeologist. Really!
My husband and I have been talking about taking a Greek vacation for at least the past decade. But, Greece’s economic situation and civil unrest led us to travel elsewhere.
About a year ago, we began planning a trip in earnest. We decided a vacation to Athens, and a Greek Island small ship cruise, would be a wonderful, romantic way to celebrate our milestone anniversary and big-0 birthdays. The perfect gift to each other!
So last February, we booked flights and a seven-day Windstar Cruise, Treasures of the Greek Isles. We also added four hotel nights in Athens prior to sailing, and a daytrip to Delphi, for a 13-day holiday.
Come along on Part 1 of our dream vacation to explore and savor ancient Athens.
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