UK: Over Hill and Dale: Mother Nature’s Gift

UK: Over Hill and Dale: Mother Nature’s Gift

Nestled within the rolling hills of God’s own country; the sentiment of awe was felt here first. The small village of Lofthouse lies within Nidderdale, virtually untouched by the modern man and only ever visited by the off-chance camper and the ramblers that stumble across it by fortunate accident. The village is heavy with the … Continued

Sarajevo Roses

Sarajevo Roses When my husband and I hoisted our backpacks and headed for our three-month European honeymoon, we had no plans beyond our one-way tickets to Thessaloniki, Greece. We were drawn to the freedom of having no plans, reservations, or appointments and enamored with the idea that everything we needed–tent, clothes, camera, notebook–fit neatly into … Continued

France: Burning Waves

The word “burning” normally brings about visions of fire, of heat and of light. Of licking flames, flickering tongues momentarily illuminating a warm brick hearth or charring wood until a bed of glowing embers is born beneath. The word “burning” does not normally haunt the same descriptions as do “dark” and “wet”. But if ever … Continued

Scotland: Rest and be Thankful

In the distance the late morning mist embraced the tip of Ben Nevis like a lover. The sun tried feebly to break through the dark clouds and the rain came down in a lazy drizzle, oblivious to the fact that it was my birthday and the sun should have been given a chance. I refused … Continued

The Charming Seaside Town of St Ives

Located in the far southwestern county of Cornwall, the town of St. Ives is one of England’s best coastal towns to vacation at and is gaining popularity on the international scene as well. It was even named the best seaside town of 2007 by the Guardian Newspaper. The charming town is located right on the … Continued

A Day in Salzburg Austria

A Day in Salzburg Austria As I walked up the wooded beaten path up to the top of the hill I was greeted by the cool refreshing air of early morning. Forests, with their green leaves and unyielding presence, always had a special place in my heart. It is during times, when I am surrounded … Continued

Budapest: This Buda’s For You

The minivan motored over an elegant stone suspension bridge, up a hill and arrived in Buda at what had to be a former Habsburg hub. I looked out the closest window and saw an especially stately palace adorned with marble statues, wrought iron gates, towers and spires. The tour guide began to speak, and I … Continued

Scotland: The Heather and the Fern

A pile of travel diaries sits on my desk. Most are mine, two are not. My grandfather’s 1937 and my mother’s 1951 diaries augment my stack. All New Zealanders of Scottish descent, it is 150 years since our ancestors emigrated but we have all felt the pull to Scotland. The cat jumps on my desk … Continued

Sailing and exploring Peloponnese

  The Peloponnese is a mystical peninsula in Greece that many Greek gods and heroes used as their playground. Today, many historical sites such as temples, cities, palaces and fortresses are scattered across the landscape as far as the eye can see. Alongside the historical sites, snow capped mountains dominate the skyline along with vineyards, … Continued

Rome, Delicious Home

In the heart of Trastevere, I heard a heavy Roman accent bounce off the bright colorful walls of the near-empty Via dei Salumi. I could now clearly distinguish the circular sound of the plastic ventilator as it moved the summer warmth inside the cozy apartment that had once belonged to June, my dear grandmother. After … Continued

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