Welcome to Budapest ~ old world charm, stunning archicture, gorgeous views, delicious food, and wonderful people. Budapest is known as the Star of the Danube.
Transylvania & Dracula
Exploring Transylvania, Peles Castle, Brașov, and Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle).
Romanian Doughnuts, Boards & Wine
Food adventures in Bucharest including Romanian doughnuts, meat boards and a lot of wine!
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital city of Romania and is called Little Paris. Stunning architecture, welcoming people, and an old town centre to wander through made my visit unforgettable.
Ooh La La Luxembourg
Luxembourg and it’s capital, Luxembourg City was fabulous! Luxembourg is in Western Europe surrounded by Belgium, Germany and France. Medieval castles, hiking, viewpoints and a Louboutin shoe store! I rolled into Luxembourg City doing the milk run on a train from Poland. I met a fellow Canadian from Toronto on […]
Pretty Vaduz
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and the prettiest place I’ve been. Liechtenstein is the world’s wealthiest country and is landlocked between Switzerland and Austria. There are ~ 5,500 residents in Vaduz. Liechtenstein has mountains, vineyards, hiking and castles!
The Country That Doesn’t Exist
There is a little strip of land between Ukraine and Moldova called Transnistria that is often referred to as “the country that doesn’t exist”. Welcome to the country of Transnistria and it’s capital city, Tiraspol. I took a bus from Chisinau, Moldova to Tiraspol, Transnistria and had a 10-hour visa […]
The Chisinau Vibe
Moldova is a small country in Eastern Europe located between Ukraine and Romania. I arrived in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, on my birthday after splurging and buying myself a birthday scarf in the airport. I found a lovely apartment in Chisinau. One of my travel tips is to step […]
The Incredible Sofia in the Balkans
Located in Southeastern Europe is a small country called Bulgaria. Sofia is the capital of this Balkan nation. It has over 2,000 years of history, mountains, rivers, a rich heritage and ketchup chips! Before I write about the gorgeous sites in Sofia, I have to gush over the fact that […]
San Marino and The Three Towers
Nestled within Italy, there is another country! What? The Republic of San Marino is only 61 sq kms and has a population just over 30K. The capital, the City of San Marino, is located on top of Monte Titano, which is a mountain in the Apennines. The city itself has […]
Westminster Abbey
Well colour me happy! I walked in Westminster Abbey and pictures are now allowed. I did not have my camera (because as far as I knew pictures weren’t allowed) and I had to make do with my iPhone. Pictures have never been allowed before in the Abbey and I will […]
London
One of my favourite places. I see the same things over and over and it never gets old. Park Plaza Westminster Our central London hotel is found on the lively South Bank Our central London hotel, conveniently situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, features contemporary design throughout […]
Highlander & The Night Train
And just like that we were making our way to London! Eilean Donan Castle Dating all the way back to the 13th century, this castle is alongside the road from Inverness to the Isle of Skye. Three lochs meet here ~ Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh. The castle was […]
Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye. Sigh. A bigger sigh. It is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago and spectacular. Breathtakingly beautiful at every turn, there are so many things to do and see here. The Skye Boat Song is about the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie from Benbecula to […]
Isle of Harris & Isle of Lewis
Off the west coast of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis and Isle of Harris form the main island in the Outer Hebrides and are two parts of one island. The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands and I have to return and see more of them. Kirklea Island Suites […]
Culloden House & Battlefield
Culloden House is THE place to stay in the Highlands. I’m already planning to go back to the Highlands with my Mom and stay here at Culloden House again along with a stop at Windsor Castle to see the Queen’s ledger stone. Culloden House Discover The Luxurious Culloden House At […]
Inverness
This is my favourite place in the world! Scotland, Inverness, Culloden, the history, the world of Jamie Fraser and Outlander, I love it here. Inverness is known as the happiest place in Scotland. Inverness is in the Scottish Highlands and two historic battles took place here ~ the Battle of […]
St. Andrews
Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) Hello Lallybroch from Outlander! We stopped here on our drive from Edinburgh to St. Andrews. I was extremely disappointed that Jamie Fraser was NOT there. St. Andrew’s is the HOME OF GOLF. It all started here in 15th century Scotland … Old Course Hotel Escape to the […]
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and jam packed with history. The view is different because Edinburgh’s buildings were constructed using the Craigleith Sandstone and the grey brown tones are everywhere you look. I love the vibe of Edinburgh and the colour! We booked all our hotels a year out […]
Edinburgh Out & About With Andy
Edinburgh Cab Tours We did a day out with Edinburgh Cab Tours ~ Andy took us to Tantallon Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, Royal Yacht Britannia, North Berwick and the Harley Davidstore store. Andy also stopped at a couple unplanned Outlander filming scenes! Tantallon Castle Built in 1350, today Tantallon Castle is […]
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo The 2022 show was my second time seeing the Tattoo and this is a MUST DO if you are near Edinburgh in August. This show is amazing!! I was hoping that Highland Cathedral would be played tonight and it was. The Tattoo is held in […]
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the birthplace of RMS Titanic. The visit to Belfast resulted in A LOT of great food and beer! Malmaison Belfast This boutique hotel in Belfast city centre is located in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter. The stunning Italianate building houses […]
Bushmills
From Galway, with a stop at Sean’s Bar, we headed to County Antrim and Bushmills. The Bushmills Inn Quietly luxurious boutique hotel on the Causeway Coast Set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat for those who crave the unconventional, […]
Galway
Galway Girl by Steve Earle Well, I took a stroll on the old long walk Of a day -i-ay-i-ay I met a little girl and we stopped to talk Of a fine soft day -i-ay-i-ay And I ask you, friend, what’s a fella to do ‘Cause her hair was black […]
Cork
Cork is known as Ireland’s foodie capital ~ bring it on! Cork County is the biggest county in Ireland with so much to see and do. It has the most pubs than any other county in Ireland. The Montenotte Hotel The Montenotte Hotel is a family run hotel and a […]
Dublin
Dublin is the capital of Ireland, our first Irish stop and this wine lover discovered a liking for Guinness. Sláinte Clontarf Castle Hotel Dublin’s Leading Castle Hotel Celebrate, chill out, or relish in a little of both. The Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin, Ireland is a perfect blend of a boutique […]
Munich
Close to the Bavarian Alps, this region is beautiful. Munich is Bavaria’s capital in Germany and the home of Oktoberfest. The next Oktoberfest starts on September 17 and well … we were a little early and missed it. Getting here was a gong show. The flight from Stockholm to Munich […]
Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and was founded as a city in 1252. The island of Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town. There are more moose per square mile in Sweden than in any other country. I asked at one restaurant if they had moose and he didn’t […]
Europe I’m BACK!
The summer shenanigans of Jackie & Myrna have begun. After COVID, rescheduling, cancellations, flights being cancelled 2 weeks ago and being rebooked on different connection flights, we have arrived. A KLM flight from Edmonton to Amsterdam got us so far and we took different flights to Stockholm. An enjoyable time […]
Belgrade
Dating back to the 4th century, Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and was the capital of Yugoslavia. Belgrade means the White City because the fortress looked white from the river. It is at the junction of the Sava and Danube rivers. There are many historical sites, fabulous food, and […]
Dalmatian Coast and Peninsula of Istria
Croatia truly is one of the most beautiful places ~ the coastline along the Adriatic Sea is stunning. Croatia consists of 4 regions: Croatia Proper ~ central part where the capital of Zagreb is located Slavonia ~ inland eastern Croatia Dalmatia ~ most of the coastline of Croatia stretching from […]
Zagreb, The Capital of Croatia
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and it is gorgeous! There are so many things to see and do in Zagreb. I believe most people head to the coast of Croatia, but Zagreb is not to be missed. My flight was from Sarajevo to Zagreb. The Zagreb airport was probably […]
Montenegro
Doesn’t it just sound exotic and sexy? Montenegro. I imagine old movies, suave gentlemen and romance. Located on the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is nestled between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. The capital city of Montenegro is Podgorica. The town of Kotor is on the Bay of Kotor and […]
Lovely Ljubljana
Slovenia and the capital city of Ljubljana. In my mind I always said L-Jub-L-Jana, but it’s pronounced “loo-bee-ana”. Ljubljana is a beautiful city and the flowers in the rubber boots is by far my favourite picture from here. I arrived by train from Zagreb, Croatia and it was the last […]
Stunning Sarajevo!
Sarajevo is the captial city of Bosnia and Herzegovina and it quickly became a favourite city for me. I loved every moment in this fascinating city. There is so much to see and do – highlights are Old Town, the Tunnel of Hope, the old Olympic Park, learn the meaning […]
Fabulous Herzegovina!
Herzegovina is the southern and smaller of the two main geographical regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The scenery was beautiful and this was the area where I fell in love with Bosnian Figs! Old Stone Bridge in Konjic The Old Stone Bridge in Konjic has connected the banks of the […]
Srebrenica
Srebrenica genocide: “A failure of civilization” – Pope St. John Paul II I clearly remember the events in Srebrenica in 1995. Throughout my travels so far, there are 3 places I’ve visited that have shook me up and will forever stay with me ~ Auschwitz in Poland, S-21 in Cambodia […]
Pristina, Kosovo
The Kosovo War was fought from February 1998 to June 1999 and ended when NATO intervened. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is now recognized by 97 member states of the United Nations. Pristina is the capital city of Kosovo. Getting to Pristina I travelled 77 km by bus […]
The City of Statues ~ Skopje, Macedonia
Skopje stands out as one of the coolest places I’ve visited. Located in the north of the Republic of North Macedonia, Skopje is known as “The City of Statues”. Approximately 80% of Skopje was destroyed in an earthquake in 1963 and has been rebuilt. The architecture is amazing, people are […]
The Isle of Wight
I had no plans to go to the Isle of Wight and it was something to do between the 100th Anniversary of Armistice / Remembrance Day celebrations in London and departing on my Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Cruise back to my side of the pond. I’m so happy I made […]
Hiking “The Raad ny Foillan”
I took a little jaunt around The Raad ny Foillan (Manx Gaelic for “The Way of the Gull”) on The Isle of Man. This coastal route is a 160 km hike around the circumference of an entire nation! A must do if you enjoy hiking, spectacular scenery and the water. […]
Queen Mary 2 ~ Sailing Across The Atlantic Ocean
I always, always wanted to sail on Cunard and cross the Atlantic Ocean. A Transatlantic Bucket List Item The RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is Cunard’s flagship and the only ocean liner in the world. I sailed from Southampton, UK to New York, USA from Sunday, 18 November to Sunday, […]
Where Is MY Highlander?
Soulful bagpipes, soaring mountains, fields of purple heather and songs for every occasion. Scotland is a magical place. I left the Isle of Skye and headed to Inverness. I had been there before on a cruise stop in 2009 and I absolutely love the Highlands. I feel at home. This […]
The Isle of Skye
I want to live here, in Scotland, in the Highlands, on the Isle of Skye. I travelled to Glasgow by train and rented a car for a couple weeks. I really wanted to go to the Isle of Skye and back to Inverness. I began my Highland adventure by driving […]
Culloden House ~ Inverness
Culloden. During my road trip to Inverness, I spent the night in Room 11 at Culloden House, an historic house with ties to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Uprising of 1745-1746. I love all things Scotland, especially the Highlands and Culloden. I was ecstatic staying at this hotel. Culloden […]
Dalzie Apartment ~ Peinmore House ~ Isle of Skye
During my week long stay on Isle of Skye, I rented a wonderful apartment that is in the wing of the larger “Peinmore House” just a short 5 minute drive outside of Portree and centrally located in Isle of Skye. Peinmore House is a 19th century house that was once […]
The Other Side Of The Road
Driving on the other side of the road? Nothing to it! I’ve returned the rental in one piece, no scratches, no dents and everything still where it’s supposed to be! My first time driving in the UK was not so successful. What Do You Mean I Shouldn’t Be Driving In […]
the first 100 days
Canada 🇨🇦 Iceland 🇮🇸 Greenland 🇬🇱 Norway 🇳🇴 Sweden 🇸🇪 Latvia 🇱🇻 Lithuania 🇱🇹 Belarus 🇧🇾 Poland 🇵🇱 Luxembourg 🇱🇺 France 🇫🇷 Switzerland 🇨🇭 Liechtenstein 🇱🇮 Czech Republic 🇨🇿 Slovakia 🇸🇰 Hungary 🇭🇺 Ukraine 🇺🇦 Moldova 🇲🇩 Transnistria 🔷 Romania 🇷🇴 Greece 🇬🇷 Macedonia 🇲🇰 Kosovo 🇽🇰 Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Serbia 🇷🇸 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 Croatia 🇭🇷 Slovenia 🇸🇮 San Marino […]
Chernobyl ~ Inside The Exclusion Zone
Touring the exclusion zone at Chernobyl was a day I won’t forget. It is overgrown, thriving with wildlife and vegetation and has an eerie beauty throughout. Hearing the stories of the people and seeing the abandoned areas is an emotional experience. On 26 April 1986 a systems test resulted in […]
Vacation From My Travels
Today marks 70 days on the road for me and I’m enjoying a vacation from my travels. I know that sounds silly and who could possibly need a break from doing nothing but travelling around doing whatever you feel like doing? I do! I’m tired and my heart and soul […]