Travel Fantasy – Tropical Beaches

This week I’ve been sharing a lot of what I’ve been wrestling with the past couple of months, and I really appreciate the encouraging comments I’ve received! As we head into the weekend, I thought it would be fun to lighten things up a bit around here.

Although the weather in my area has been unseasonably warm, I have been absolutely daydreaming about being on a tropical beach all winter. I want to feel the toasty sun on my skin and dive into warm water breaking on the shore. My dad lived on the island of Maui for almost 6 years and I loved being able to visit him. All I really had to worry about was my plane ticket and how much I should pack. He lives much closer now (which I’m happy about), but I’ll always cherish that time and the experiences I was able to have while he was there.

So, if you want to make my dreams come true. Buy my a roundtrip ticket to a beautiful island paradise, set me up in a sweet ocean view room, and send me down to the sand to watch the sunset. We’ll be friends forever. ;)

What travel fantasies are you having a hard time kicking?

Daydreaming

I can't stop thinking about exploring a new place with my guy. Discovering street cafes, local music, and beautiful parks as we walk about a city. What city do I have in mind? One that requires a plane flight to get there. And that's all.

What are you daydreaming about today? 

(Photos taken in Ireland in 2011) 

Travel Fantasy: River Floating in Bern, Switzerland

I realize Autumn started last week, but California is generally pretty late to the cold weather game. Our evenings have been getting a little bit cooler, but we are still seeing mid-to-high seventies and low eighties during the day. Since I've been unusually bummed about Summer ending, I've been trying to hold on the this warm weather for as long as possible...


That leads me to today's travel fantasy: floating down the River Aare in Bern Switzerland! Hopping into the clear, crisp river has been a long standing tradition for locals. They hike up alongside the river, barefoot and empty-handed, to a launch point upstream. Once they are in, the strong current quickly takes them back downstream. Since the water flows from melting glaciers, it is shockingly cold (62 degrees!) and is said to literally take your breath away.

Experienced floaters naturally head toward to middle of the river to avoid tree branches, yet know that they need to start swimming back to the side well before the last hand-rail. Amateurs, on the other hand, need to heed the advice of others (since there are no signs, suggestions, or directions for getting in and out):

• Begin swimming toward the side of the river well before the last hand railing, the current will get you there faster than you realize 
• If you get caught in a whirlpool, let the water take you all the way to the river floor and then launch yourself up from there once you reach the bottom (-_-)
• Float down the river at least twice, so that you are a bit more used to the temperature and are (hopefully) a little less afraid of dying 

Floating through a capital city is an amazingly unique experience that doesn't present itself often. I'm sure I would be an absolute basket case fearing I was going to miss the last hand rail and end up in the dam, but I also know that it is an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity that I wouldn't want to skip.

Would you float down the Aare River? What is a travel fantasy of yours? 
(Photos: Full Aperture)

We've Made It to Malmo!

Hello friends! After a LONG travel day, Robbie and I have made it to Malmo, Sweden (it's after 7pm, local time)! We actually flew into Copenhagen, Denmark because it is a much larger airport and it is only a 15 minute train ride to Malmo. We met up with our friend Ian at the airport, and are all navigating the train system together. Ali and Elijah will be picking us up at the station in Malmo and taking us back to her parents house.

Ali and Elijah have been to Malmo before, so they're excited to show us around. They already have a few favorite spots in mind, so we will be able to get a jump-start on exploring. I'm hoping to get a good nights sleep tonight, so that I can beat jet lag from the start (fingers crossed). I'm not sure what our plan is for tomorrow though; we'll probably walk around, take in some sites, and eat delicious food. Oh man, I can't believe we're already here!!!

Have you been to Malmo before? Any must "sees" I need to know about?

Goodbye Friends!

Today Robbie and I are boarding a plane headed for Europe (yikes)! I can't believe the trip is already here; I've been anticipating this day for months! I'll be posting as we arrive to our next destinations so that you can keep up with our itinerary (plus, it'll help the moms know where we are :).

Since the idea of creating four weeks of posts was super intimidating, I've decided to re-post some of my favorite posts. You many not have seen them before, so be sure to check in regularly.

Ciao!

p.s. There are probably going to be a LOT of exclamation points in my updates. Please know that I am very excited about this trip, so these are genuine. :)

I'm Ready

We leave for our trip on Monday and I could not be more thrilled. We've been spending months preparing, finding places to stay, researching the cities we'll be visiting, and thinking of the final details. There is still much to do before we take off (including finding the right shoe), but overall, I feel ready. I'm ready to sit in a street side cafe and watch people pass by. I'm ready to bite into a delicious pizza in Naples. I'm ready to discover the history of our world. I'm ready to explore.

Wanderlust: Positano, Italy

With less than a week left before we leave, my mind is swirling with all of the small details that need to be taken care of. I need to make sure all loose ends at work are tied up, we need to make sure there will be enough medication for Zoey while we're gone, I need to make photocopies of our passports and itineraries; the list goes on and on and makes me feel a little crazy.

When I am starting to feel overwhelmed, I just need to take a deep breathe, think of some place beautiful, and remind myself that I will be there soon. Positano, Italy is the perfect place to mentally escape. It is a quiet hill town right along the water in Southern Italy. Just looking at the lit-up city brings a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Have your ever been to Positano? 

Only 7 Days Left!

With only a week left before we leave, my brain is having a hard time focusing on anything other than my trip. Over the weekend, we spent time preparing by studying up on our destinations. I was able to find my travel journal from our last trip to Europe in 2009, and it was so fun to look back on those memories. Here is an excerpt from our stay in Rome.

Day 3 - July 3, 2009
I've woken up early (5:30am local time!) to the sound of movement. There are cars and trucks alive and well in Rome this morning. The temperature is cool, but I can feel that it is going to get warm. We are going to see the Colosseum today and I am excited. I'll write more when we get back!

For dinner, we found a little restaurant in an alley, down a side street. It was so delicious! They gave us complimentary bruschetta, we ordered mozzarella & prosciutto on baked bread as our appetizer. For dinner, I had the gorgonzola gnocchi and Robbie had the salmon and spinach pasta. The food was great and the setting romantic. We were at a two-person table, eating by candlelight, on a cobblestone road. It was amazing and perfect all at the same time; or it was as though I was living in a movie. This is what I mean by this being surreal. I can hardly believe this is happening to me. I would have never imagined I would be doing this in my lifetime. 

Unfortunately, I placed large expectations on myself to write long, detailed descriptions of each place and ended up losing momentum half way through the trip. I remember trying to play catch and feeling overwhelmed, which is too bad. I'm going to do my best to write down images and memories I don't want to forget, but I don't want to stress myself out over it.

Do you keep a journal while you travel? Does it enhance your trip or way you down?

The World Awaits

Now let's go and experience it. 

Name That Place!

Doesn't this place look wonderful? I can already imagine splashing around in the warm water, soakin' up the sun.

Can you be the first to guess where this fantastic place is?

Update: The correct answer is... Krka Falls, Croatia! Julie A. was the closet with "Croatia or Slovenia" posted on the Short Story Long Facebook page. Congratulations Julie, here is your virtual high five!

Oh my...

Good heavens to Betsy, this place looks amazing! I love the calm of a lake in the early morning hours; it feels so peaceful. I would love to spend a weekend in a cottage like this, enjoying my surroundings, turned off from technology. I can already smell the fresh air and wooden stove...

(Floda, Sweden via All Things Europe) 

Wanderlust: Munich, Germany

Guys, wanderlust has hit me again (then again, I'm not sure it ever goes away). As the weather heats up, my mind heads straight to summer and all of the fun things it brings. Last week I was talking to a co-worker about vacation and he described the summer trips he took to visit family in Germany. He talked about the jovial nature of Munich's people, the warm weather that lends itself to evenings spent in city centers, and the celebratory nature in which people embrace their friends and neighbors. After talking with him, I started jonesin' (BIG TIME) for a trip to Munich. It would be a great opportunity to check out a Beer Garden, and I'm sure I would be drawn to the city's rich history and beautiful architecture. Now to decide, would a visit during Oktoberfest or a summer Beer Garden be best?

Have you traveled to Munich? Would you choose a beer festival in October or a community eat out in July? 
(Photos: All Things Europe / Twin City Photos)

A Different Look at Italy

When I think of Italy, iconic images of sun soaked vineyards and beautiful cathedrals come to mind. That is why this image in Tuscany is so striking...

The lush green pathway and fog drew me in instantly. It makes me want to grab my guy's hand and walk along this road together, letting it lead us along the way.

(Photo: All Things Europe)

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a small village in upper Austria with a population of less than 1,000. Nestled between a lake and a mountain range, visitors are guaranteed breathtaking, panoramic views. Hallstatt is known for the production of salt, and even boasts the world's first salt mine. This salt production helped create a strong economy that has continued to this day. Until recently (i.e. last century) it was only possible to reach Hallstatt via boat or narrow path, and even then the landscape made it difficult to visit Hallstatt regularly. No matter how difficult the logistics of visiting may be, people make it a point to visit throughout the year. The beauty of its landscape is powerful and awe-inspiring. So awe-inspiring, in fact, that a Chinese real-estate firm intends on building a replica of the entire village!

Have you ever visited Hallstatt? Any specific recommendations?
(Photo: Beautiful Places to Visit)

Camping

Today marks the first day of Spring! Spring is not my favorite season, but it does have some undeniably great qualities. I love fresh blossoming trees, longer days, and how quickly life starts to stir. Since Spring follows a dark, cold, and barren season (one of my favorites though!), people start to come out of their homes at the first sign of sun. Farmer's markets get fuller, bike rides become more common, and fun summer trips begin to be planned. One activity I hope to take part in at least once this Spring/Summer is camping. I love being in nature, sitting around a campfire, and smelling the fresh air around me. For some, camping is not a relaxing vacation, but I am thrilled when I get to sleep in a sleeping bag and tent. It reminds me of my childhood and makes me feel adventurous!

Do you enjoy camping? Are you starting to plan any summer trips?
(Photo: via AWellTraveled Woman)

Ire-ophile

The word for people who have a "positive predisposition" for all things French are called Francophiles. These are people who love French food, French decor, the French language, etc. Here is my question... is there a similar term for individuals who have that same type of "positive predisposition" for Ireland?

I have been thinking about Ireland a lot lately. You could probably tell by this post and this post.  Maybe it's because our trip was almost a year ago, or because the landscape was incredibly beautiful, or because I miss actually having a winter. Whatever it is, it has me wanting to go back. I've been daydreaming about discovering the Irish countryside, and spontaneously making plans as we go.

Is there a certain place you daydream of? 
(Photo taken in Ireland in 2011)

Wanderlust - Four Seasons, Thailand

This week has been kicking my butt. It is the last week of the semester and I have some major assignments due (assignments I should have been working on before this week). After I submit my work, my schedule will be much lighter and I'll be able to fully settle into the holiday spirit.

In the meantime, as I'm faced with mounds of writing I can't help but daydream about a relaxing vacation. Wouldn't it be wonderful to feed elephants off of your porch, or get a massage at the edge of a tropical jungle? Oh goodness, that sounds lovely...

Are you daydreaming about any particular vacation destinations? How do you relax after a stressful week?
(Photos: Four Seasons)

Wanderlust: Ireland

A friend of mine is currently traveling in Ireland. She spent a few days in Dublin and has since headed out for her "Irish road trip". Reading her stories and keeping up with her travels is making me feel reminiscent of my own trip.

One specific memory weighs heavier on my mind than others. It was our our last night in Ireland and we found a small restaurant that served breakfast for dinner (my favorite)! We settled into the small space, drank warm beverages, and enjoyed each other's company on the last night of our adventure. The restaurant was not traditionally Irish, but it was full of charm and spirit. It made me feel as though I was sitting in my own community, enjoying the company of my neighbors. It was a genuine experience I hope to hold onto and encounter again. 

Are there any travel memories you can't seem to shake? What destination are you currently dreaming of?

(Photos taken in Dublin, Ireland in 2011)

Travel Fantasy: St. Privat du Dragon

Check out the beautiful homes you can rent in the French countryside of Auvergne.  Two friends, Caitlin and Marianne, purchased a small collection of farm houses in the southern region of France, and converted the farmhouses into rental properties.  They boast simple amenities that allow visitors to be immersed in the local culture, rather than polished decorations.

Wouldn't you love sitting on the porch, smelling the sweet lavender, eating delicious cheese?  

(Photos courtesy of French Farmhouse Holidays)

Summer Dreamin'

As the weather continues to warm, I can't help but think of the gorgeous island of Santorini, Greece. It's beautifully white-washed buildings and inviting sea below are drawing me more and more each day.

Who wouldn't want to sit back and watch the wind with a cold drink and greek salad?

What destination are you dreaming of today?

Thank you Theodora for the dreamy pictures!