A simple change of scenery – and pace – can be therapeutic. Our week in Mariposa and then Occidental – both in Northern California, was just that for both Andrew and I. Despite very hot weather – the chance to slow down, take leisurely walks, read books, sleep with no alarm, and commune with nature … More Into the Woods…
Andrew and I made the decision over the last year or so that travel is so much a part of our DNA that we needed to take “calculated risks” – despite possible exposure to COVID – and keep exploring the world. Of course, we take guidance from Andrew’s physicians with regard to destinations that might … More Three Faces of Mexico
The final few days of our time in Australia were filled with lots of memorable experiences. I’ll do what I can to sum them up here. While I am less of an opera fan than Andrew, I felt it would be a grave injustice to pass up a night at the Sydney Opera House with … More Opera, Jewish History, and Zoo Animals!
The next day Andrew and I took off on our own as did Kathy. Kathy had a special interest learning about the indigenous people of Australia and some of the affiliated horticulture of the area, and we wanted to do some hiking and exploring some of the less touristy areas around central Sydney. Our plan … More So Much to See, So Little Time
When Andrew and I visited New Zealand in 2019 we jumped over to Melbourne AU for just a few days on our way home – to get a “taste” of Australia. Admittedly that’s akin to saying, “We visited St Louis, MO and got a taste of the United States”! In any case, this time we … More Hopping Over to Australia: Sydney
Noah and Dalia headed off to explore the North Island and we were very excited for them. Many of our fondest memories of our time in NZ in 2019 were at some of the places they planned to travel to, so we are glad they could do a similar exploration and we hope to hear … More Biking the Otago Rail Trail
This was our last day together with Noah and Dalia, as they were headed to the north island as we were headed to our biking adventure still on the South Island. We wanted them to see more of Queenstown attractions so we went to the upper part of Queenstown that is basically where the extreme … More Up in the Clouds Above Queenstown
Andrew and I had visited Glenorchy and done this beautiful trail in 2019, and we loved it so much we decided to bring our fellow travelers there to enjoy it as well. Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu & is the gateway to hiking trails and … More Glenorchy & Peaceful Hike to Lake Sylvan
As part of our overall south island itinerary we’d wanted to get as far south as we could to explore what the geography and habitats might be like. So we decided on an overnight trip that included a stay in Invercargill and an excursion to both Steward Island and Ulva Island – known for a … More Stewart Island and Ulva Island Rain Forest
On our trip to New Zealand in 2019 we were fortunate to be able to kayak in Milford Sound. That was an incredible experience as the majestic, still-snowcapped peaks surrounded us as we paddled around the pristine water. There was quite a bit of traffic in the sound – a couple of smaller cruise ships, … More Doubtful Sound: Magnificent Silence
Living La Vida Loca 