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 →
Atlantic Canada: Moncton to Wolfville
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 →
O Canada: The Atlantic Provinces
An intro to our Atlantic Provinces trip.
Road Trip: The Scenic Kootenays
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.
A Brief Layover in Iceland
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.
Exploring Norway’s Fjords
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.
Prague: History, Culture and Sculptures
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.
Vienna: A Perfect Stop on Our Journey
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.
Two Sides of Budapest
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.
Oliva: Our Costa Blanca paradise for six weeks
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.
Valencia: Parks, Beaches, Culture and History
We arrived in Valencia by train from Barcelona and grabbed an Uber for the short drive from the train station to our hotel. Valencia has a beautiful green space that meanders through the city and contains many recreational and cultural buildings. Referred to as the Jardine del Turia (Turia Gardens), parklands replaced an empty riverbed... Continue Reading →