I detest insects. I can’t help it. I like spiders, snakes, dogs, cats, cows, chickens, monkeys, and sheep, but not insects. They tend to bite me…a lot. So, I generally do my best to avoid them. My windows are kept closed if there’s no screen, and I wear Off! or a citronella wristband (so fashionable)Continue reading “Natural Beauty: Worth the Bite”
Category Archives: The Great Outdoors
Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 2 The How-To)
In my previous blog post, I wrote: Whether you’re away on vacation or just living like a local on “staycation”, whether it’s your virgin visit or you know the place like a pro, find alternate ways to enjoy the place you’re visiting. You have the opportunity and the choice to do something beyond the ordinary,Continue reading “Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 2 The How-To)”
Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 1 — The Paris Staycation)
Summertime in Paris can sometimes be a real grind for American tourists. It’s the pinnacle of high season when the majority of families coordinate their kids’ vacation with time off from work. If going with the flow isn’t your strong suit, the energy can be unbearably crushing. Most museums can be inundated with tourists fromContinue reading “Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 1 — The Paris Staycation)”
The French DON’T Hate Americans
I’ve wrapped up a Rick Steves’ Paris and the Heart of France tour as an assistant guide, and I feel blessed to have been on tour with Julie. As an American ex-pat raising her children in the Burgundy region of France, she has so much insight into the French psyche, customs and history. And havingContinue reading “The French DON’T Hate Americans”
Travel — Moving Your Body and So Much More
The last few days have moved me in unanticipated ways – physically, intellectually and emotionally. From Paris, we headed south and stopped by Guedélon, a 13th century-style castle being currently constructed, using tools, techniques and materials of that time period. It is one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. I’m a visual learner. AtContinue reading “Travel — Moving Your Body and So Much More”
Light Bulb Moments in the City of Light
As an assistant tour guide, my job is to first and foremost help the tour members however I can, answering questions when I can, offering recommendations when needed, making sure there are no stragglers and that no one gets left behind, passing our tickets/brochures/what have you, finding out who wants what for dinner, setting up/cleaningContinue reading “Light Bulb Moments in the City of Light”
Senses Working Overtime
If there are two things I know about myself when I travel, it’s that for my own health and mental wellbeing, I need to get on local time immediately, and that I need to exercise. Last night, despite wanting to sleep right away, I powered through until about midnight and then went to bed soContinue reading “Senses Working Overtime”