Our plans, decisions, and adventures
We hadn't intended to spend much time on Prince Edward Island (PEI) this visit since it hadn't impressed us over 40 years ago. More accurately, the impression that it left on us was mostly not great--everything a bit kitchy, Anne of Green Gables merchandise references and attractions everywhere--other than the beautiful red beaches and cliffs.... Continue Reading →
We did a one-month house sit in a small town called Rose Bay about 20 minutes west of Lunenburg or an hour and 20 minutes west of Halifax. It turned out to be a wonderful base from which to explore the many towns and beaches, nooks and crannies, that we could reach within an hour... Continue Reading →
We chose Moncton as our starting point for two reasons: one, we would finish our trip almost four months later with a housesit in Moncton and two, we found a great deal for a rental car through Turo for the entire trip. Unfortunately, within a day or two of booking our flights, the Turo deal... Continue Reading →
An intro to our Atlantic Provinces trip.
In April 2024, we traveled from Olympia, Washington, slowly meandering through the Kootenay region of British Columbia, including towns like Nakusp, Nelson, and Grand Forks. The journey included visits with friends, scenic campgrounds, bike rides, and a memorable family gathering.
Iceland was the final destination on the Europe 2024 trip, allowing for a brief but flexible exploration. We opted for a car rental to discover the South Coast, visiting stunning waterfalls like Urriðafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skógafoss. We also enjoyed Reykjavik's lively downtown, including architectural sights and the tranquil Tjörnin Lake.
The journey aboard Hurtigruten's Coastal Express, from Bergen to Kirkenes, offered a close-up exploration of Norway's stunning coastal fjords. Key highlights included brief stays in Bergen, Ålesund, and Tromsø,. The voyage showcased Norway’s landscapes and culture.
We took a train from Vienna to Prague, where the trams varied from modern to retro. Our hotel was conveniently located, making it easy to explore. Despite some rain, we enjoyed the sites, like Prague Castle and the vibrant local scene. We also checked out awesome sculptures and hidden gems throughout the city.
During our visit to Vienna, we enjoyed exploring the city's central areas, including Stephansplatz and Hofburg Palace. We appreciated the convenient location of our hotel and tried local cuisine like Wiener Schnitzel. Sightseeing included Schönbrunn Palace, beautiful architecture, and unique sites like the Hundertwasser House, all easily accessed on foot or with various transit options.
After six weeks in Spain, we traveled to Budapest for five nights, organizing visits to iconic sites in walkable areas. Highlights included the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle, Matthias Church, and experiencing ruin bars. The trip concluded with a scenic evening Danube cruise, offering a different view of Budapest's stunning architecture.
The Europe 2024 trip focused on a six-week house-sitting and puppy-sitting in Oliva, Spain. With a beautiful condo near the beach, we enjoyed a relaxed routine of cooking, swimming, and caring for a playful poodle named Wally. Family visits led to celebrations, day trips, and exploring local sights, including Alicante's castle.
Just left: Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Now: Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada
Up next: TBD
Life: Phase Next 