How to spend a day in Bergen, Norway We spent a day in Bergen at the end of our Viking Homelands cruise with Viking Oceans. We had taken a short walking tour with Viking the previous day which gave us overview information and our bearings so we knew what we wanted to do with our full day. Bryggen When you see these colorful, iconic buildings along the harbor they may … [Read more...]
Tallinn, Estonia with Viking Ocean Cruises
Tallinn, Estonia - A UNESCO World Heritage site Tallinn, Estonia is probably one of the longest victims of bullying in world history. First it was the Danes and King Valdemar taking over in 1219. Next thing the Germans showed up and invaded, then it was back to being part of Sweden, then ceded to Russia and declared independent in the 19th century. But the Germans came back in … [Read more...]
What surprised travel bloggers
Good or bad - what surprised travel bloggers? Travel bloggers and surprises are a frequent combination. In order to be willing to travel to the extent it takes to maintain an active travel blog you have to go so many places and do so many activities that it's hard to escape being surprised occasionally. Surprises aren't all good, they aren't all bad and they often are due … [Read more...]
Kizhi, Russia
A brief history of Kizhi, Russia Kizhi, Russia, on the shore of Lake Onega, has the Kizhi Pogost UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three buildings (2 churches and a bell tower) earned the distinction because of their architecture, how they bear tribute to the carpentry skills of Northern Russians and their harmony with their surroundings. This area of Russian is Keralia and … [Read more...]
Marriott Singer Island – a great place for a Florida getaway
Looking for a Florida getaway? The Marriott Singer Island, Florida is a recently renovated, all-suite beachfront resort perfect for families - kids through grandparents - weddings and girlfriend getaways. It's basically the Easy Button to get to with its close proximity to Palm Beach International Airport and Interstate 95. Blonde recently visited to do reconnaissance for … [Read more...]
Our packing tips for women (especially if they’re Baby Boomers)
Packing tips for female Baby Boomers In our 14 years of traveling together we have developed some useful packing tips for female Baby Boomers. Our tips are for women who like comfortable, attractive clothes and shoes not purchased solely as designated travel clothes (think Columbia or ExOffico). We rarely buy clothes without thinking if they will be useful for the types of … [Read more...]
The Summer Palace of Catherine the Great
The Summer Palace of Catherine the Great The shore excursion to the summer palace of Catherine the Great took us by surprise on day two of our Waterways of the Tsars cruise with Viking River. Maybe further along in the cruise, when we would have already experienced the opulence of Russia’s Tsars, we would have been more prepared for such a level of autocratic … [Read more...]
Planning for the Waterways of the Tsars cruise with Viking River
Preparing for Waterways of the Tsars with Viking River Cruises If you're going on Waterways of the Tsars with Viking River there's a good chance that it will be a wonderful once in a lifetime trip. Russia isn't easy to visit the way so many countries in Europe are. We would never have tried to navigate Russia on our own. Viking River has had a longstanding … [Read more...]
The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg with Viking River
The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg is its own meticulously created gem. Located in a small 18th century palace (if there is such a thing) and only in existence since 2013 it has smaller crowds and better access to the exhibits than larger museums. The museum is a project of The Link of Times Foundation which is primarily funded by … [Read more...]
The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia and their mating habits
Magellanic Penguins of Patagonia The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia look like they're waddling around the set of a Charlie Chaplin film on a crusty no-nonsense island on the edge of nowhere. They look comical, pompous and very busy. They bray and sound frustrated and indignant - possibly because they are. On a cruise Blonde took through the Strait of … [Read more...]