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Exploring Chicago

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Opted to take it easy on the first day in Chicago after arriving late at night. We started the day with bagels and coffee at the in-house Starbucks and then planned to explore the river walk and visit the famous “bean” before heading to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in the evening. The river walk was a pleasant stroll with plenty of stairs, offering great views of the bridges and the tour boats cruising up and down the river. The city’s skyline was genuinely striking, featuring a mix of old and modern architecture. We then went to Millennium Park to see the “bean” (officially named Cloud Gate); although the walk was quite hot, it was still tolerable.

Did I mention how beautiful the gardens and planter boxes are all over the city at night? All the streets twinkle at night, with lights around all the trees. The vibrant colours of the flowers and the carefully curated landscaping create a magical atmosphere, drawing in locals and visitors alike. It’s like walking through a fairytale, with each street corner revealing a new enchanting scene. As the night falls, the city transforms into a mesmerising display of natural and artificial beauty, making a stroll an unforgettable experience.

Despite the crowd of tourists, we were back in our room by 2:30 pm to rest and catch up on some work.

Our dinner at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse was excellent, as expected. Due to the large portions, we shared a variety of dishes, including crab cakes, bone-in ribeye, three different types of mashed potatoes, and mushroom balsamic. Although full, Ian couldn’t resist a dessert and opted for the Mint & Chocolate Chip Bombe instead of the signature 23-layer chocolate cake.

We turned in early and had a good night’s sleep.

And away we go…

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After taking self enforced break in 2019 from international travel (to take stock and reflect on 7 trips in previous 2 years). I like everyone I never dreamt of a world wide travel shut down and an upheaval that would change the world forever. Happy to say the Bromans (Emi’s family name for the Bowman’s and Browns) are all set to make a monumental memory making return to travel.

Planes trains automobiles and the odd cruise ship 15 people and 100s of hours planning. This will be epic.

In 2020 G’ma was all set for a Disney Cruise with the grandkids. So after couple push backs and additional grandchild we are on our way. Jack (2) will be taking his first OS trip.

Much to the chagrin of the grandkids all the parents are coming as well.

Look out Florida not since 2015 have we all been on one trip.

The logistics and planning are done so off we go Friday 9th Sept 22.

Thanks to Sarah Sam Chris Mark Elesha Charlie and Loryn for planning and booking everything. All I have done is plan a train trip from New Orleans to LA, one hotel and one flight LAX to Las Vegas for myself to meet back up with some of the crew.

Sam Chris and Sarah have me sorted for the rest which great enjoying not being chief planner and travel agent. Just pack my bag, docs and turn up to the airport on time.

Five families with the goal of one week together in Walt Disney World to recreate 2016 trip. Then each group heads off on other side trips meeting back up at various times during the month.

This will prob be last opportunity with the older grandkids about to embark on their own lives with Uni etc. It will be hard to corral everyone again so we are planning making this most of this opportunity

There has been a long count down (Brown gets the creative genius award) for creating the best count down tool for the kids (and Sarah lol)

Jack thinks seeing Mickey means turning on a screen. Wait until he see the mouse in person. Fun fact he is same age as Ollie was for the last ‘all in family’ trip.

Hawaii-Miami-Disney Cruise- Walt Disney World- Sunset Limited overnight train (2n) New Orleans to LA- Las Vegas-Home.

Feeling very grateful for time ‘way back when’ all I could do was dream about travel that I set about making it happen in my future.

and …. planted the travel bug in every member of the next two generations.

Exploring our backyard – Sydney Australia

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During these unprecedented times where all international travel is not just out of the question it is not even allowed. After putting myself on an international travel ban in 2019 to recharge the travel batteries COVID-19 dealt an unexpected blow to my significant international travel plans for 2020. What does one do? Wallow in disappointment and feel sorry for ourselves or think of other ways to build on our adventures just more of the ‘near’ and less of the ‘far’ adventures. Being a positive ‘make the most of it’ person it was straight into planning what travel this year could look like for us.

Sydney city was always just there and a place we slipped in to have dinner or a days shopping but never had the time to explore at a tourists pace. So out with Calgary Canada and in with Sydney Australia.

Not quite our Canada trip but looking forward to a few days in the city of Sydney. Time to explore the places we never have time to…and visit all our favourite eateries and add some new favourites. Booked in to the centrally located Hilton Hotel and charged up the opal cards and we were away for a few days of exploring our own backyard.

Our first morning was spent wandering around the botanical gardens before an amazing leisurely lunch at Bistecca all complimented with great wine chosen for us by the resident sommelier. This lunch from beginning when phones were locked in the pigeon hole to end with the most delicious house brewed coffee the whole experience was first class and brought back memories of our wonderful steak at Benjamin’s in New York City all those years ago.

Our second day was another fantastic day exploring our place. After quick train ride from Town Hall station to Milsons Point Station. Our day really got the day started with breakfast at Ripples at Milsons Point followed by a leisurely walk across the coat hanger (Harbour Bridge) before exploring the The Rocks area and all the QBV has to offer. Then ending our day with what could be the best Chinese food at China Doll at finger wharf Woolloomooloo. No wonder this is considered one of best city’s in the world.

Day three we managed to walk further than any other day while explored Darling Harbour and Barangaroo before a long lunch at one of our favourite places on the quay at Oyster Cove Bar . Nothing like oysters, beer and a couple of bloody marys for good measure. We were pleased that we didn’t have far to walk after lunch to catch the tram the three stops from Circular Quay to Queen Victoria Building (QVB) stop which was located in front of our hotel. It was afternoon off with a late coffee run and no dinner required.

Our last day in downtown Sydney just had to include a ferry ride to Watson Bay for a delicious seafood chowder and time for reflection on our ‘near adventure’ over lunch. Doyle’s on the Beach closed out our eat fest and we may spend next few weeks balancing out the scales again but boy oh boy it will be worth it.

Let hope the ‘far adventures’ can resume again next year in a safer world – in the mean time Australia has so much to offer if you can take the time to slow down and enjoy it. Tomorrow we farewell the centrally located Hilton Hotel (QVB tram stop out the front) I am sure we can sneak in one more baguette for breakfast at Metrople cafe in QBV building on way home. It might not have been the travel adventure I had planned for our Canadian trip to the Calgary Stampede but it sure was an adequate replacement. #canada2021 #adventuresnearandfar #wheretonext #northorsouthorwest #backtoreality #worktotravel

The Magical Wedding

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In November 2018 we flew into Orlando for Chris and Sam’s wedding in the place where the magic is everywhere you look. Walt Disney World was the obviously wedding venue when the proposal took place in Disneyland a couple years ago.

This was a wonderful time at this 6 person wedding. No stress carefree day where everything was perfect for the best photos and making loads of memories.

After the newly weds jetted home we spent a week exploring parts of Florida we hadn’t seen before

Celebrated a memorable Thanksgiving lunch at Cracker Barrel. We weren’t the only ones it was a two hour wait to be seated even with a booking.

Edit: Little did we know that as we touched down in Sydney this would be our last overseas trip for over two years. Covid changed the world and how we travel. At one point I wondered if we would ever be able to travel again with any sort of freedom.

The Louvre and Gardens

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After an early night, we enjoyed fresh rolls and noodles in our room for dinner. Then, we had a long breakfast at the hotel before setting out.

We began our day in Paris by figuring out how to take the metro to ‘The Louvre.’ It was not difficult, mainly because we used the app and bought a packet of 10 train tickets from a machine at the station, which was only a few steps away from our hotel. We decided to visit the Louvre, provided the line wasn’t too long. Fortunately, we could get inside and purchase tickets within 10 to 15 minutes.

We explored all the museum floors, and there was so much to see. Although we missed the Mona Lisa, it’s understandable since it’s always crowded. We’ll save it for our next trip. We enjoyed our time until our legs started giving out, and then we headed inside the café to recharge our batteries.

After lunch, we visited the Tuileries Garden, a public garden between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde in the 1st arrondissement. We ended up walking much further than we planned, and we were exhausted by the time we reached the Concord metro station. We caught the train a couple of stops to get back home. Next time, I want to visit more gardens, covered walkways, and fewer tourist spots.

In Paris, it’s essential to take your time, spend time in cafés, linger over meals, and have pre-dinner drinks while watching the world go by. Allow more time in Paris than you think you will need.

Finally, we wrapped up the day with dinner in our room, a repeat of the previous night. A dinner of fresh baggettes, ham, cheese, and tomato just hit the spot.

au revoir Paris until next time…

Pont Du Guard, Lyon and home to Paris

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We had a good night, and after breakfast, we headed up the hill to explore the castle and walled city for a few hours before heading off towards Pont Du Gard and Uzé, where we had planned to spend the night. The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, Occitanie region. It is situated on a hill on the right bank of the River Aude, in the southeast part of the city. Although it had a somewhat touristy feel to it, we found that it was worth seeing. We spent several hours wandering around and even walked around the rampart, despite climbing more stairs to access it.

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel in the French city of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, Occitanie region. It is located on a hill on the right bank of the River Aude, in the southeast part of the city proper. It was worth seeing, even if it had a somewhat touristy feel. We spent several hours wandering around and even walked all the way around the rampart despite having to climb more stairs to access it. 

The drive from Carcassonne to Uzè was uneventful. We only stopped to get fuel once, buying a snack at the same time before getting back on the road. We stayed at Best Western Uzè, and dinner in the restaurant was good. 

Travelling to Pont Du Gard was easy, and there was plenty of parking. After wandering around in awe for a few hours, we hit the road to return the car (always a relief) in Lyon before checking into our air BnB near the station. We boarded our fast train back to Paris, took a quick taxi ride, and checked in with relief into our beautiful Hôtel Madeleine Plaza (after our fifth stay, it feels so much like home).

We planned a few more days exploring Paris before heading to Charles de Gaulle Airport to spend the night before flying home.

It was a wonderful trip and Mum’s last overseas travel, so I will treasure our memories and time together. It was pretty magical just watching her soak up all the history and just being there. We flew home with a stopover in Singapore and started thinking about where to go next.

Cahors and onto Carcassonne

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The 7th and 8th of October saw us hit the road from our night in Rocomodour after a walk around town which was interesting and still boggles the mind as to how hard it would have been to build such solid and long lasting buildings on a cliff.

Our drive through Cahors didn’t reveal much I am sure there is plenty to see there but I will have to find it next time as we want to get to Carcassonne before it was too late.

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel

Our Mercure hotel was a very short walk from the castle and walled city.  It was all we could do was check in decide on dinner in the hotel before flopping into bed.

We had a good night, feeling quite refreshed, and after hearty breakfast we headed up the hill to explore the castle and walled city for a few hours before heading off towards Pont Du Gard and Uzès which is where our next night was planned. 

The Cité de Carcassonne is a medieval citadel located in the French city of Carcassonne, in the department of Aude, Occitanie region. It is located on a hill on the right bank of the River Aude, in the south-east part of the city proper. It was worth seeing even if somewhat touristy feel to it. We spent several hours wandering around and even walked all the way around the rampart despite having to climb more stairs to access. 

The drive from Carcassonne to Uzès was uneventful and we only stopped to get fuel once buying a snack at the same time before getting back in the road.

We stayed at Best Western at Uzès and dinner in the restaurant was good even if we had a booking due to a bus load staying in hotel.  We are both starting to look forward to getting back to Paris where we can stay under one roof for more than a night or two.

Our hotel in Uzés

Rocamadour – a cliff-top village

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After goodbyes from Seb and family our Air BnB host for the past three days. They are a busy lovely family that made us feel very welcome. Au revoir   

We set off on the 4-hour drive south from Amboise to Rocamadour. The drive was uneventful and the weather is amazing it just couldn’t be more perfect.

After some confusion finding the hotel as it was through a very narrow archway and down a mostly pedestrian street. Mum walked in and checked about bringing in the car. The parking was located directly in front of the hotel

Rocamadour…the vertical village Overlooking the Alzou canyon, the medieval village of Rocamadour is a marvellous balancing act. The first shock is the place itself – in reality, a tiny village with a world-wide reputation – Built into the cliffside on successive levels, 120 metres in length, it clings high above a canyon through which flows the Alzou. Its houses, roofs and churches seem to be part of the rock itself. 

What genius conceived Rocamadour and built it? As early as the Middle Ages, Rocamadour excited people’s admiration. In the 12th C., pilgrims crossed the whole of Europe to come and pray here. The village housed the relics of Saint-Amadour (a famous hermit who sought solitude in Rocamadour). It was also the much-venerated sanctuary of the Black Virgin.

We checked in and rested for a while before dinner. Dinner was in the hotel restaurant our first restaurant dinner for this trip and it was very good I had ‘the duck’ mum settled on the lamb.

Hors d’ oeuvres, soup, main and cheese plate/dessert was too much but was all delicious. Tomorrow we will explore Rocamadour and then drive on to Carcassonne via Cahors which is an hour and half away. 

Mont Saint Michel and a glimpse of the Normandy Region

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One of the most breath-taking places in the world

After getting some work done- horse reports, invoices sent, spreadsheets updated and bills paid along with all other little jobs that I just do as part of my everyday. We were ready to hit the road to Normandy just to have a look we wouldn’t have time to explore the area but thought we could drive around. We headed for Bayeux and then onto Omaha Beach again all the while in the back roads through quaint little villages and beautiful scenery.

We stopped at Patisserie in Percy and purchased baguette for home and a couple filled baguettes for our lunch. This place smelt amazing and I could have taken everything home. It is the real France. We made it to Bayeux and I found Macdonald’s to pick up coffees to go with our baguettes. The baguettes were out of this world so yummy and I could have eaten another one. It didn’t realise until I was writing this post that Bayeux is the home of the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England. It is also known as the first major town secured by the Allies during Operation Overlord

Back on the road to drive across to coast to Omaha Beach. Omaha, commonly known as Omaha Beach, was the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. There are many places to visit but we just chose this one so we have look before heading back in time to visit Mont Saint Michel in the afternoon.

The day was a little cold at the beginning but the closer we got back to the Mont the clearer the skies for and warmer it was. By the time we arrived back at the Mont parking area, the skies were blue and it wasn’t cold at all. After parking the car we made our way onto the shuttle bus to take the 15 minutes to ride out to the mont. It was a pretty steady pace navigating through the horse-drawn vehicular, walkers and cyclists, although the main crowds have left for the day there were still plenty of people around. 

What can I say this place is one of the most mind-blowing places I have ever visited that includes Iguazu and Niagara Falls both natural wonders but this being man-made all with limited access due to tides. (Today there is a raised bridge to allow access at all times) was even more impressive. The sheer height of the structure makes you wonder how they ever built it. We spent a little time exploring it is very steep to walk around but we did what we could. It was great to be there with no crowds. I believe in the season it can be very very crowded especially in the middle of the day. 

We decided it was time to head for home we paid the 6€ (49.50aud) for a ride back in the horse-drawn vehicle it was starting to cool off but it was almost 6:30pm. Back at the car, we headed for home via the supermarket in Pontorson to pick up BBQ chook and some bread for dinner. After a welcome cuppa and sandwich, we fell into bed after a good day of exploring.

Tomorrow we set off to Amboise in the Loire Valley for a 3-day stay and looking at a Château or two or five

Château d’Amboise In the Loire Valley

France it is then…

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Didn’t make the hotel for the wifi for Japhite’s race but certainly had the taxi driver giving me peculiar looks when I started to cheer her on as she finished second which was fantastic. I didn’t mention I had my earpiece in so all of a sudden he had a mad woman urging on something or someone called Japhite without being able to hear the race lol. 

Our bags deposited at the hotel for out again for an activity to get us through to check in time. Walked to the Galleria Lafayette for coffee before visiting a supermarket for the makings of rolls and some fruit and cheese as we decided once we hit the room we didn’t want to leave again until tomorrow.

A rest before we truely begin our France trip 2018..

We slept most of the afternoon and night. I got some work done and watched the replay of the race again. We ate our sandwiches and we were all the better for the long rest.