tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133502592024-03-13T00:17:40.593-04:00BLUEPIE ON THE ROAD!For me, life is about passion. Doing what you love, creating what you love, listening to your instincts and following them.
If you share this philosophy with others, then it's contagious. Don't take no for an answer, just have a plan and figure out a way. No excuses.
Go for it.BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-24122823822225002812021-05-27T15:10:00.000-04:002021-05-27T15:10:32.390-04:00SEDONA , ARIZONA 2019<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">A Sacred Retreat in the Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">December 4 & 5 2019</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And so begins the Multidimensional Goddess Retreat with our guides Deva and Sharon.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.wayofthesacred.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.wayofthesacred.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are hardly words to describe the beauty of Sedona for a first time visitor to this land of Red Rocks! We were grateful for a beautiful day in December. The sun shone bright and all that was needed was a light jacket for the 58 degree temps. Driving through this red rock vista was nothing short of jaw dropping. I wondered if we had somehow lost time and had actually flown in on a spaceship to another planet.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I was spending almost a week with a group of like minded souls-Lisa, Stacy, Nikki, Christina, (Deva, and Sharon, our guides) for an adventure of spiritual practice, hiking the expansive lands, eating delicious healthy meals and, of course, we devoured luscious chocolate and did a bit of shopping.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">My adventure began flying out of Newark airport, NJ with my friend Lisa. We arrived in Scottsdale AZ and stayed with my other beautiful friend, Stacy, whom I later adopted in spirit. We had a lovely dinner and then hit the hot tub!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2885" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 912px) 100vw, 912px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00536.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00536.jpg 912w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00536-300x355.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00536-800x947.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="912" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2883" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-1440x2160.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-1440x2160.jpeg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-300x450.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-800x1200.jpeg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fullsizeoutput_cf53-scaled.jpeg 1707w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2884" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00535-scaled.jpg 1707w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The next morning Stacy made us pancakes and gave us the gift of a guided meditation! We walked the golf course the surrounds her home and were in awe of the clean mountain air!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2882" height="1440" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-1440x1440.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-300x300.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-150x150.jpg 150w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920-800x800.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_4920.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At 1:30 PM we packed up the car and headed to Sedona. Our adventure for the next 4 days would be guided by our spirited friends Sharon and Deva. Our small group of seven stayed at a gorgeous creekside retreat, Junipine, off of Highway 89A. We took advantage of the blazing fire, the rolling stream, the scent of evergreen and the enormous red rocks right outside our door.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2927" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6600.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2924" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6596.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2925" height="1192" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597-1440x1192.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597-1440x1192.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597-300x248.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597-1536x1271.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597-800x662.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6597.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">On our first night, we feasted on amazing homemade chili, salad, salsa, chips and chocolate for dessert! (thanks Sharon!) Our special evening ends with a prayer circle and the making of prayer ties.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">December 6, 2019</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After a yummy frittata breakfast and a packed lunch of burrito rice, beans, cheese and snacks and we are off to hike these powerful mountains. We drive through the red rocks in silence to observe and surround our senses with the beauty that engulfs us on both sides. Hunter mountain and the Medicine Wheel are scared spaces in Sedona. Yes, the Vortex of Enlightened presence. Waves of compassionate to all beings is the message this area represents. This is the land of scared stupas. We are visiting the Amitabha Stupa. stupas are one fo the oldest forms of sacred architecture not he planet and haver graced the earth for over 2600 years.. We walk about a half hour up the mountain and spend the remaining couple hours in reverence and quiet reflection. The sun is shining and the skies are deep blue. We are grateful for this space and for Mother Earth.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2900" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00665.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2902" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00667.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00667.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00667-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00667-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00667-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2887" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00564.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2888" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00573.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00573.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00573-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00573-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00573-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2889" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00579.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00579.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00579-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00579-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00579-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2890" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00584.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00584.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00584-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00584-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00584-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2891" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00587.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00587.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00587-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00587-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00587-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2892" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00589.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2893" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00594.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2894" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00601.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00601.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00601-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00601-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00601-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.tara.org/stupas/sedona-arizona/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.tara.org/stupas/sedona-arizona/</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Soon afterwards we enjoy our picnic lunch against the most awe inspiring view one can imagine. If you have not been here yet, it’s almost impossible to describe the powerful energy that runs through your body.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2895" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00613.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2896" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00630.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So, to sustain this feeling, we head to Synergy Lounge and Kitchen, for chocolate, of course! – A lovely organic coffee/chocolate cafe in the heart of Sedona. They offer, organic coffee, herbal Elixers, Kratom, CBD, and local artist events. Hot chocolate and good friends make for a perfect combo!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2950" height="768" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/P1080352.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/P1080352.jpg 1024w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/P1080352-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/P1080352-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://synergysedona.love/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://synergysedona.love</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And, what would the day be without a little browsing at Tlaquepaque! This is a shopping area designed by Frank Lloyd Wrights son, Lloyd. It’s decorated and festive for the holidays packed with cool galleries and shops. A perfect way to spend the rest of the afternoon. I can’t resist a rose quartz necklace, so I indulge. Stacy buys some crystals too. The most fun thou, was trying to pronounce and spell Tlaquepaque!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2897" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6533.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.tlaq.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.tlaq.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We take goofy photos of ourselves and then have dinner at the Secret Garden, a cute cafe where we order appys and drinks for 1/2 price. As luck would have it, it is also First Fridays so all the galleries are open. We chat it up with artists and gallery owners. Heard some amazing powerful healing stories! Enough to write a book about!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2898" height="953" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534-1440x953.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534-1440x953.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534-300x199.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534-800x530.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6534.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Meanwhile, back at the ranch-we opt for a chill night and Sharon, Deva, Stacy and I have our own PJ party. We chat, eat chocolate, and of course, balance our chakras with Stacy’s new crystals. Yea, we are all good now.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">December 7 2019</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I’m up early for another day in ugly Sedona! After our delish breakfast and some caffeine, we pile in Sharons van and we are off to another sacred vortex – Bell Rock and Courthouse Rock. We literally lay down of the rocks and Deva leads us into a 20 minute mediation as the sun shone on our faces and warmed out hearts. This is how to experience the magic of Sedona.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2905" height="806" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679-1440x806.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679-1440x806.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679-1536x860.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679-800x448.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00679.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2903" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00669.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next stop is a visit to Rachels Knoll.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2904" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_5837-2.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2901" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6569-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s hard to leave here but alas, we must. We enjoy our packed lunch (hummus wraps, an apple and energy bar- yum!) overlooking lush green canyon/golf course views.( I secretly wanted to play a few holes, but couldn’t jump that far down!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2909" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00711.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2908" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00710.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sharon and Deva have held out a surprise for us today. After a short stroll we lay down our blankets on the red rocks once again and are treated to a crystal bowl healing session. It’s agreed, zoning out, is good for the soul! Mission accomplished.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2907" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00695.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But the magic does not end there. At 3 pm we head off to Crescent Moon Rock to view the infamous Cathedral Rock at Buddha beach. If I didn’t have my camera, I think I would have gone mad! We sit along the nearby flowing river journaling, mediating and just being in nature and in awe of the magnificence of this mountain. The sun is starting to fade and the air is a bit cooler than we we arrived but my heart and soul are warm. I’m good. Still not believing what I am seeing. Someone pinch me please!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2906" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6574.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2912" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00740.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2910" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00724.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00724.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00724-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00724-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00724-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yes, we are all tree huggers! Deva is hugging this one for us!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2960" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00750-1.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00750-1.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00750-1-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00750-1-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00750-1-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And Nikki can’t stop smiling!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2917" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00769.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00769.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00769-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00769-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00769-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2918" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00770.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So, of course, a visit to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Crystal Magic and the Crystal store. Some of us have Aura readings and we all check out the crystals and purchase a few for gifts. I’ve never seen so many precious stones in one place!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.crystalmagic.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.crystalmagic.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dinner at Chocolatree was another special treat. This place just oozed with love and had a vibe like no other. Not to mention that the food was incredible! Just wish there was one in New Jersey! If you go to Sedona, do not miss this place!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2920" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6582-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Veggie Burger!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2921" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6583.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Biggest Burrito I’ve ever seen!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2916" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6578.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://chocolatree.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://chocolatree.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">December 8 2019</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Private early morning meditation by Stacy for me! Yeah! Followed by a sweet smoothie bowl! (blend frozen fruits of your choice, banana, 1/4 avocado, – blend and add almond milk to desired consistency. Place in a bowl and add walnuts, dried cranberries, granola, chia seeds, cinnamon, etc.. too yummy for words! I made this at home and also added cacao powder and a teaspoon of almond butter) (yeah, I need to write a recipe book!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2923" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6585.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we spent the day on our own and walked Upper Sedona. Stacy and I did some shopping and visited her friends Stephanie and Rob who live in Sedona. So fun to meet them, their cats and dogs and check out their 12 foot Christmas tree! We also did some Buddhist Chanting. Another treat!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We shared dinner tonight at an excellent Thai place – “Uptown Thai”.. My curry bowl with tofu was perfection. We ended with a chill evening pulling tarot cards. Always something new to learn about yourself.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2952" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/79295292_10216014547296947_3525089039482880000_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/79295292_10216014547296947_3525089039482880000_n.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/79295292_10216014547296947_3525089039482880000_n-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our closing ceremony with Deva and Sharon was powerful and healing. We burned our prayer ties in the fire to let go of all that no longer served us. Later we shared our reactions and asked what out spiritual names were.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stacy- Daisy</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Deb – Dancing under trees</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lisa- Whispering Bear</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Nikki- Jasmine dew drop</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Christina- Rosalynn.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We had a few laughs about out newly found names too!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2955" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6598-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">December 9</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today is check out day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After breakfast, we spent a quiet morning relaxing by the fire and learning EFT technique ( tapping) with Sharon. Very informative and healing. We had planned another short hike but due to the previous days rain, we opted out. Instead, we walked to the river, threw in our roses and had a small ceremony of our own, watched some kayakers and took a few photos.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So hard to say goodbye to this land and awesome friends, but no crying aloud. Just hugs and a farewell to clean mountain air and all the beauty that goes with it.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2928" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6620-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stacy and I take off back to Scottsdale but on the way we stop at Airport Mesa, another jaw dropping vista overview for a picnic lunch.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2930" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00782.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2931" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00783.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stacy meets an older couple with a dog and asks what her name is. Of course, its Daisy! Yup, the universe is talking to us and lets us know that we better take notice. On the drive back, we also see a sign on the highway – Daisy Blvd. We go to the food store “Sprouts” and see a bunches of daises. (these signs keep coming for the next couple weeks)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2958" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00801-1-rotated.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00801-1-rotated.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00801-1-300x449.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00801-1-1027x1536.jpg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/DSC00801-1-800x1197.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2957" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6635-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our “Daisy”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2899" height="426" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568-1440x426.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568-1440x426.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568-300x89.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568-1536x455.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568-800x237.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/IMG_6568.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So, the Sedona adventure has come to a close but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you Deva and Sharon for all the love and goodness that you shared to make this a beautiful trip for all us sisters! Looking forward to more healing journeys!</p></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-65203582612653007402021-05-27T15:04:00.002-04:002021-05-27T15:04:23.878-04:00COSA RICA 2020<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Clear Vision Costa Rica Retreat 2020</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I have this beautiful life.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 18, 2020- Tuesday, Arrival Day- Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s time to escape New Jersey and fly off to nature lovers paradise. Myself and yogi friends, old and new, will be soaring above the clouds to land in the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3157" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7243.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thanks to Danielle Wilkinson (our wild child), our leader, special soul, and owner of <a href="https://www.aquarianyogacenter.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://www.aquarianyoga.com</a> this dream is coming true. She brings forth a spiritual connection and vision for all of us to share on this retreat week together, not to mention insane fun!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3230" height="1871" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-1440x1871.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-1440x1871.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-300x390.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-1182x1536.jpg 1182w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-1576x2048.jpg 1576w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-800x1039.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7382-1-scaled.jpg 1970w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3191" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7177-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We have days and nights of wide, long beaches to walk and soak in gorgeous Pacific sunsets. Santa Teresa is a surfer lovers dream come true. Guaranteed waves. Yoga, mediation and adventure, sunshine, good friends and food- what’s not to like?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I’m ready! After our flight to San Jose we take a short 20 minute hopper plane and we make <a href="http://santateresa-beachfront.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://La Casona and Palm Grove</a> our home for the next six days.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are 2 houses on the premises. Oceanfront. Jaw dropping. Tropical. Period. Can we move in forever, please?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3196" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7354.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3187" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844-1440x962.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844-1440x962.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844-1536x1027.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844-800x535.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC00844.jpg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3128" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf-1440x962.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf-1440x962.jpeg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf-1536x1027.jpeg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfbf.jpeg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3161" height="835" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1-1440x835.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1-1440x835.jpeg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1-300x174.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1-1536x891.jpeg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1-800x464.jpeg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc1-1.jpeg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3160" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1-1440x962.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1-1440x962.jpeg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1-1536x1027.jpeg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfb7-1.jpeg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3224" height="1424" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7427.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7427.jpg 1068w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7427-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7427-800x1067.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1068" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our adventure explorers soul seekers include Danielle, Kenny, Cherylee, Helena, Brenda, Hyacinth, Amanda, Patty, Jim, Cate, Savitri, Stacy, Glen and myself. (+Katie and Chris)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3183" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89042345_3246729792003720_5554518695239221248_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89042345_3246729792003720_5554518695239221248_o.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89042345_3246729792003720_5554518695239221248_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89042345_3246729792003720_5554518695239221248_o-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chris and Katie greet us with a Mango/Peach welcome drink and sliced pineapple. Katie is the owner of <a href="https://www.yogabohemianj.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://yogabohemia.com</a> and our host/ Badass. She is love and light in the flesh. Chris is our talented soulful personal chef who will now proceed to spoil us for life.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3176" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe9.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe9.jpeg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe9-300x400.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3215" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7440.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3166" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87423655_10222461775958036_5161025976401920000_n-1.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87423655_10222461775958036_5161025976401920000_n-1.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87423655_10222461775958036_5161025976401920000_n-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87423655_10222461775958036_5161025976401920000_n-1-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I look up at the sky. Did I just see God smiling down? A few of us walk through the open glass doors to the huge pool surrounded by flowers and fauna towards a winding stone path to the ocean past the Yoga Shala.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3162" height="1616" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc2-1.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc2-1.jpeg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc2-1-300x449.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc2-1-1027x1536.jpeg 1027w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc2-1-800x1197.jpeg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We hit the beach for a swim in the Pacific.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3199" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7259.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3200" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7252.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3202" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7230.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are then served a beautiful meal on a huge hand carved wooden dining table.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3185" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7140.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">– Chris explains that our meal is a typical Costa Rican plate. We have salad, rice, beans, and stir fried mushrooms , peppers and onions with plantains or chicken. Beautiful herb teas of every color. Oh Yum.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Later we share out thoughts and dreams in an opening circle. We are now officially united.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yeah. I am not in New Jersey anymore.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 19, 2020 – Wednesday Day 1</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Every morning we are invited to sunrise mediation on the beach at 6:30 AM. A time to go inward, listen to Mother Nature roar in and out, silent reflection, golden sun. Time for journaling, collecting small stones and sea glass. Our goal for the day- “Choose a stone that speaks to you and your intention”. As we carry this with us, we are reminded of the strength of our words felt deep within our hearts. ( look close- these stones actually spell LOVE)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3167" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_d003.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_d003.jpeg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_d003-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_d003-800x600.jpeg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Later tonight, these stones will blend with the Pacific Ocean and our intentions will be given to the earth.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3198" height="982" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321-1440x982.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321-1440x982.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321-300x205.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321-1536x1048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321-800x546.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7321.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3171" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87261713_4123318801027586_4730539673452019712_o-1.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87261713_4123318801027586_4730539673452019712_o-1.jpg 768w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87261713_4123318801027586_4730539673452019712_o-1-300x375.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3197" height="1671" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-1440x1671.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-1440x1671.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-300x348.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-1323x1536.jpg 1323w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-1765x2048.jpg 1765w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340-800x929.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7340.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">8:00 Am- We are blessed with a beautiful meal prepared by Chris’s loving hands. Refrigerated oats with mango and coconut, hard boiled eggs, and fresh tropical Pineapple, Watermelon, and Mango! . Divine and Delish!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3203" height="1258" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208-1440x1258.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208-1440x1258.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208-300x262.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208-1536x1342.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208-800x699.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7208.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">9:30- 11:00 AM- Its time for Yoga! Kundalini and Yoga Flow Combo on the Shala with our talented teachers, Danielle, Cate and Sivitri. We move our bodies and still our minds. Pure Bliss.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3293" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88360933_3246731282003571_891631315114262528_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88360933_3246731282003571_891631315114262528_o.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88360933_3246731282003571_891631315114262528_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88360933_3246731282003571_891631315114262528_o-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3173" height="626" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe1.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe1.jpeg 928w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe1-300x202.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe1-800x540.jpeg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="928" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Time for lunch Tacos! (I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like taco’s!) Crazy good.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3188" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7149.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Its Tico time in Costa Rica!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The rest of the afternoon we are off to explore the town or whatever our hearts desire. The waves, the surf- (our expert surfer dude Kenny, can always be found catching a wave!) or the funky laid back town of Santa Teresa. Some us enjoy a massage under tropical trees at the shala, great coffee or a surf lesson!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3164" height="780" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc8-1.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc8-1.jpeg 780w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc8-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc8-1-150x150.jpeg 150w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="780" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3178" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfef.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfef.jpeg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfef-300x400.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3216" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7434-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3222" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cff1-1.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cff1-1.jpeg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cff1-1-300x400.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3221" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87482236_10222461779998137_462969110544777216_n-2.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87482236_10222461779998137_462969110544777216_n-2.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87482236_10222461779998137_462969110544777216_n-2-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3169" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87438195_10222461802518700_6940088553816719360_n-1.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87438195_10222461802518700_6940088553816719360_n-1.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87438195_10222461802518700_6940088553816719360_n-1-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3193" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7205-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3189" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7150.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">As the sun begins to set, we share a beach cacao meditation with Danielle and then a special cacao ceremony led by the beautiful Hyacinth. We are smudged with sage and walk towards the beach as she drums and we sing medicine songs. We give thanks to the great spirit and Mother Earth for all our blessings. Hyyacinth’s gifts award all of us with inner peace and nourishment for our minds, bodies and soul. We sip our medicine and feel the power within reaching deep into our souls and shared energies.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.earthmedicinehealing.com/about" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.earthmedicinehealing.com/about</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3172" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe2.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe2.jpeg 443w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe2-300x650.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="443" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The music of the ocean, the gentle breeze brings us back to reality and soon its time for another fabulous meal! Local fish, Beets, Veggies and Potatoes. Simple and Delicious! Thank you Chris and Katie for your warm, open hearts.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We chat is up a bit and then its time to sink into our comfy beds and dream of the adventures that day 2 will bring!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 20, Thursday – Day 2</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After our sunrise meditation, we are treated with another mouth watering breakfast. There is a bakery in town that makes Empanada Croissants with spinach and cheese. (and other goodies). Okay, so I have literally died and gone to heaven. This is truth.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The energy from this sustains me throughout the day, which I will soon need because today we ride on ATV’s to Montezuma waterfalls! I hop on with my new bestie Amadma for the 45 minute ride. (including photo ops on the way to practice tree pose!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3177" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfec.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfec.jpeg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfec-300x400.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3228" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7194.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3229" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7195.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3192" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7185-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3190" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7161-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3175" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe7.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe7.jpeg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfe7-300x400.jpeg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3223" height="1424" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7190.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7190.jpg 1068w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7190-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7190-800x1067.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1068" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Once there we enjoy Ceviche and salad for lunch at Bar Y restaurant on the beach.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3207" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7413.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Montezuma is a tiny, quaint village perched at the edge of the sea known for its magnificent waterfalls, natural beauty and abundant wildlife. It definitely puts your happy face on.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.costarica.com/montezuma/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.costarica.com/montezuma/</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The ocean breeze and blue skies accompany us. Life is good! Pura Vita! A bit of shopping in town for some T-shirts and jewels seals the deal.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3206" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7416.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The hike to the waterfall is about 20 minutes. Not bad going down- (up will be another story later!) We jump off the cliffs like the badasses that we are. Choose your cliff! 10, 20, 30 feet? Then climb up the rocks to get back. Success. Check!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back at the Shala, we are treated with a special guest, Daniel, who leads us thru a somewhat challenging hip opening Yin class. To help us forget the possible discomfort of holding, Daniel tells ancient stories as we stretch our bodies. It works. I leave feeling happy and healthy.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dinner is on our own tonight. I get lucky and share the last amazing croissant empanada with Hyacinth. Happy camper. Happy Yogi. Now I can go to bed and dream of moving here to open a bakery shop.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 21, Friday – Day 3</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Is this all we do on a Costa Rican Retreat?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Eat healthy luscious meals, drink fruit smoothies, sleep in luxury, practice yoga on the beach, share giant hugs in circle, read good books, journal to empty our crowded brains, swim in blue/green waters with colorful fish, ride the waves, experience new adventures, meet the locals, have great conversations, meditate, enjoy 80 degree weather, dance and sing, get massages, stare at sunsets for hours, snap photos of igauanas, lizards and monkeys, and eat chocolate from the gods?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yup. Thats what we do.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you have a problem with that, well then I guess you have a problem.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today was also Zip lining canopy tour day through the rainforest, photos of sunsets, an Alchemy Identity workshop with our always joyous lovely Brenda- ( Who are you?), and another kick ass dinner – Pork chops or Vegan sausage, beets and onions with mango sauce, Sriracha and BQ sauce.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3236" height="641" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87384306_10156655299231556_7128490734524563456_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87384306_10156655299231556_7128490734524563456_o.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87384306_10156655299231556_7128490734524563456_o-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/87384306_10156655299231556_7128490734524563456_o-800x534.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yeah, just another day in paradise. Hey, somebody’s gotta do it.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 22 Saturday – Day 4</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I wake every day at 6 a.m. I do this at home too. I like peace and quiet in the early morning hours, like to watch the sunrise and hear the birds sing. But here, I get up early for other reasons. In Santa Teresa I am surrounded by Mango trees and Papayas. Coconut Palms and Howler monkeys. Apples and limes. Fresh Pineapple. The sound of ocean waves. Sand in my toes and the sun on my face. Can I package this up and bring it home?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3124" height="962" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4-1440x962.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4-1440x962.jpeg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4-1536x1027.jpeg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4-800x535.jpeg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc4.jpeg 1616w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today, most of us leave early and and hop in our private van to the island of Tortuga. It’s snorkel boat trip day! After hearing about possible rough waters, we switch gears and head to another piece of land (we’ve named it Gilligan’s Island) to wait for further instructions. But, who cares? We are in heaven! We spend an hour or two swinging on a rope, collecting shells and swimming in the blue waters.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3182" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87719175_3246729642003735_711829754877050880_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87719175_3246729642003735_711829754877050880_o.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/87719175_3246729642003735_711829754877050880_o-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our guides are the sweetest and most accommodating. We are served fresh pineapple, watermelon slices and a few Imperials to share!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3226" height="1424" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1068px) 100vw, 1068px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7431.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7431.jpg 1068w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7431-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7431-800x1067.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1068" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Before long we get the green light and we are off to Tortuga to swim with the fishes! Yellow, blue, green, stripes and polka dots! I get my gear and jump in. Me and Patty hold hands and explore the deep blue sea. Others spotted a giant turtle. Life is good underwater too.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3163" height="780" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc5-1.jpeg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc5-1.jpeg 780w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc5-1-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fullsizeoutput_cfc5-1-150x150.jpeg 150w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="780" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3245" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88423279_3246729322003767_6779063177553379328_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88423279_3246729322003767_6779063177553379328_o.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88423279_3246729322003767_6779063177553379328_o-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3218" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7366-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3212" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7387.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3210" height="1882" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-1440x1882.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-1440x1882.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-300x392.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-1175x1536.jpg 1175w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-1567x2048.jpg 1567w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-800x1046.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7404-scaled.jpg 1958w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3194" height="1542" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-1440x1542.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-1440x1542.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-300x321.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-1434x1536.jpg 1434w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-1913x2048.jpg 1913w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381-800x857.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7381.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3181" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 961px) 100vw, 961px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88240545_3246729402003759_1625761824387366912_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88240545_3246729402003759_1625761824387366912_o.jpg 961w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88240545_3246729402003759_1625761824387366912_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88240545_3246729402003759_1625761824387366912_o-800x599.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="961" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lunch on the island is next- fresh tuna, roasted potatoes and veggies. Super Delish. More swimming or shopping. Coconut drinks in the shell. And, of yea, I take a walk on the beach with an 8 foot peacock. Just another day in Costa Rica.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3208" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7412-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3180" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88964676_3246728895337143_495155853159038976_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88964676_3246728895337143_495155853159038976_o.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88964676_3246728895337143_495155853159038976_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/88964676_3246728895337143_495155853159038976_o-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After the glorious boat ride back to paradise, Danielle leads us in a meditation on the beach followed by a powerful Shamanic journey at the Shala. Loved ones appear, tears flow, hugs follow. The journey continues …. thank you Danielle!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Soon afterwards, appetites are up again and we devour another special dinner of fresh local fish, Congor (that you can only catch here I believe) cooked in butter and garlic. We are so spoiled.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3204" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7424-scaled.jpg 1920w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Some of us go out, but I hit the sack after a quick swim. I need to process and absorb, sleep and dream.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 23, Sunday Day 5</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I won’t let my brain know that this is our last full day here. I instruct her to stick that thought in a drawer way in the back and I move forward.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I sit on the beach with Stacy feeling the energy of the powerful ocean before me. I breathe in the waves and let go of fears and expectations of others. I float off to another dimension. Have I landed on another planet and someone forgot to tell me?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today is chill day. Time for self reflection. Hugs. Laughter. Stories. Smiles. Dreams. Yoga. Breath. Sand, Swims. Massages. More incredible food from mama earth prepared with love by Chris and Katie.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Oh, did I forget to mention horseback riding on the beach at sunset?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3205" height="1008" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 756px) 100vw, 756px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7429.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7429.jpg 756w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7429-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="756" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3184" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89057686_3246728338670532_6744677342964088832_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89057686_3246728338670532_6744677342964088832_o.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89057686_3246728338670532_6744677342964088832_o-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/89057686_3246728338670532_6744677342964088832_o-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I almost chicken out but in the end, my warrior self comes through. Yeah!! I ride. I weave through the forest and the beach over rocks and water on Shapita, my horse. She’s a beauty. Our guide, Glen, Kate,Savitri, and another guest Allison join too. As promised the glorious sunset arrives as we approach our villa.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Let go of comfort zone. Check.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There is no way life can get better than this. But it does.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">tonite we gather on the beach for a Dharma talk with Katie. Who, by the way, is not only beautiful, strong, and smart, she has a way of making everyone feel special. Her greeting is always “Good morning sweet soul.” I love that and will now steal those words.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">She explains her journey and shares the knowledge she has gained so that we may all find love, peace and beauty in our hearts. We learn the meaning of Bhakti Yoga. The Union of Self Realization. Be like salt,(be humble) be like a chicken, (see the good in others) be like a crane, (be patient) be like yourself( be the seeker). Also, we go over the six pillars of practice. Now it’s time to continue on our own journey. We will not always be able to live on the beach surrounded by sweet souls. The real world is sometimes challenging. But now I have the seeds. They will grow. They will sprout. My heart will fill.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Speaking of filling- Its time dinner! Roasted Cauliflower, broccoli, mashed yams with ginger. Okay Chris and Katie can you fit in my suitcase?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And the finale tonight- Yoga and then the Fire ceremony on the beach with a massive star filled sky. Magic. Period. Thank you Mother Earth and Father Sky.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-3292" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88978642_3246728018670564_974744197921767424_o.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88978642_3246728018670564_974744197921767424_o.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/88978642_3246728018670564_974744197921767424_o-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thank you Danielle for your vision and endless love. Thank you Kenny for your open heart, hugs and ears. Thank you Katie for your smile, wisdom and generous heart. Thank you Chris for your hands that prepared loving food from momma earth. Thank you Cherylee for sharing your space and your heart -my roomie! Thank you Jim for your enthusiasm and stories of lands far away. Thank you Cate for just being you. Perfection. Thank you Sivitri for your soothing voice and gentle yoga practice. Thank you Patty for your presence, your abundant nature and swimming with the fish with me! Thank you Brenda for your endless joy and love of life. Thank you Helena for your presence and warmth. Thank you Stacy for gentle heart and conversation. Thank you Glen for saying you are happy everyday! Thank you Hyacinth for your beautiful gifts and sharing them with all of us.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 24 Monday Day 6</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">This is a day I’d rather not write about so I won’t. (but I will say the hopper plane back to San Jose was actually smooth and fun!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3227" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7453.jpg 1899w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3233" height="1207" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447-1440x1207.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447-1440x1207.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447-300x252.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447-1536x1288.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447-800x671.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_7447.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I enjoy my last yummy breakfast or maybe its dessert! Sliced bananas with drizzled hazelnut sauce and coconut flakes! (Oh yeah, I am stocking up on jars of this chocolate concoction back at the NJ ranch!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3219" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7446.jpg 1899w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It feels odd that sand is no longer between my toes. 🙁</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Farewell Costa Rica and beautiful friends – until we meet again you will be forever in my heart, soul and dreams! (with sand!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I have this beautiful life that I share with friends and I am grateful.<img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-3231" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/IMG_7282.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-31179523209954568612021-05-27T14:51:00.000-04:002021-05-27T14:51:24.634-04:00YELAPA, MEXICO<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2019/02/17/a-spiritual-journey-to-yelapa-mexico-way-of-the-sacred-feminine-retreat-for-badass-goddesses/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">I slept in a treehouse in Yelapa, Mexico- Way of the Sacred Feminine Retreat (for Badass Goddesses.)</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 15px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Saturday -February 2, 2019- Day One-</span></li></ul><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2690" height="914" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371-1440x914.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371-1440x914.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371-300x190.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371-800x508.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371-1080x686.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4371.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /></figure><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2548" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4386.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our Goddess Guides, Deva and Sharon!</span></figure><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2545" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4369.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">How does it get better than this?</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It is February. Most likely about 3 degrees. It is not a fun time to be in New Jersey. So, why shouldn’t I get on a plane where there are long stretches of beach and sun and margarita’s? No reason I can think of. Which I why I am so happy that I booked this trip a month ago. I am on my way to Yelapa, Mexico with my good buddy and soul sister Lisa. We are headed to our retreat center: <a href="http://www.yelaparetreat.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://www.yelaparetreat.com</a> (Yelapa is small beach town in the Cabo Corrientes, Jalisco. It lies in the southernmost cove of the world’s seventh largest bay-Bahia de Banderas)</p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2711" height="965" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1-1440x965.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1-1440x965.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1-800x536.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1-1080x724.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4382-1.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are meeting up with other soul seekers- Carole, Cathy, Stacy, Ashley, Anita, Leslie, Lisa and Deb (yes, 2 debs, 2 Lisa’s) – and Deva and Sharon, our goddess guides, who will lead us to this beautiful, colorful land far away from sleet and snow. The connecting flight into Dallas, TX finally brings us to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I can handle this. I strip off the down jacket and replace it with a sarong. We meet up at the Los Muertos pier and try the chips, salsa and guacamole at a local pub. With the sun shining on my face, I am, at once, transformed into a happy camper.</p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2709" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4363.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The Beach in PV</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But the fun doesn’t really begin until we hop on the water taxi to our destination. Yelapa. ( It’s $25 US dollars or 250 pesos for a round trip ticket and takes about 45 minutes)</p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2558" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4402.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Taxi please!</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2705" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51719693_1005809616274940_2082164943548841984_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51719693_1005809616274940_2082164943548841984_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51719693_1005809616274940_2082164943548841984_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51719693_1005809616274940_2082164943548841984_n-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The water taxi to Yelapa</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2717" height="1224" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1-1440x1224.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1-1440x1224.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1-300x255.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1-800x680.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1-1080x918.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52005823_10218358958831499_4175256971093475328_o-1.jpg 1560w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our Donkeys who will take our luggage.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We arrive at the dock at 6pm. (but who even looks at a watch at this point?) We all have tons of luggage but we don’t have to carry them along our 20 minute walk on the beach to the jungle. The donkeys and the mules will do that for us! (Yes, I forget to tell you – we are sleeping in the jungle with all of nature’s creatures!) Deva and Sharon show us our living quarters for the next week. Me and Lisa pick a treehouse! (that was on my must- do list!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2565" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0107.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">My manifested Treehouse!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2576" height="866" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431-1440x866.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431-1440x866.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431-300x180.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431-800x481.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431-1080x649.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4431.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our New Address! at Los Naranjos Eco Retreat Cente</span>r<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><a href="http://www.yelaparetreat.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">http://www.yelaparetreat.com</a></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2600" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0154.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The Entrance to our home for the week.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After settling in and making sure there are no snakes or scorpions in our beds, (not!) we stroll through the jungle and find our way to dinner, all prepared by two beautiful woman with love.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2572" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4420.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We share stories, sit by the fire pit and get to know our sisters. I fall asleep in my tented bed and listen to the dogs bark and roosters do whatever they do. I feel like I am at girl scout camp. This is a good thing. I liked being a girl scout back in the day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2656" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4509.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Time for Bed!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2655" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4508.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our front porch. Sit, chill , journal.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 3- Day Two- Sunday</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our first full day in Yelapa begins with a 7:30 am snack of fruit, fresh squeezed juice and granola and then its yoga on the deck in the jungle followed by brunch at 11:00 Am. ( Gee, life is hard, and we have to do this everyday. Oh my.)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2683" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4548.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Food of the gods!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2644" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4488.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2574" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4425.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Picked from the trees!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2702" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51454127_1005809959608239_1269912930531409920_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51454127_1005809959608239_1269912930531409920_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51454127_1005809959608239_1269912930531409920_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51454127_1005809959608239_1269912930531409920_n-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our Goddess Deva leading the way!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2703" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51666018_1005809836274918_9132210840601100288_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51666018_1005809836274918_9132210840601100288_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51666018_1005809836274918_9132210840601100288_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51666018_1005809836274918_9132210840601100288_n-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">And, of course, Goddess Sharon and her beautiful music!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2713" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52043247_10218358947031204_716012494677606400_o.jpg 1536w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2694" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0145-1.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Yoga in the jungle anyone?</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Now that we have had such a hard day, its time to get to really get to work. Our guides, Deva and Sharon are taking us to a private beach so we can swim, chill on the beach after a walk through town. Well, it IS a long hike to the beach! And some of it it uphill! But, it’s worth it. I am in heaven with my camera capturing moments that take my breath away. We pass “Oasis”, the yoga, massage, art studio, restaurant/ bar along the way. (and yes, I will be getting a massage there at some point!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2693" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4385.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Oasis! Yoga, Art and Massage!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2691" height="682" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379-1440x682.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379-1440x682.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379-300x142.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379-800x379.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379-1080x512.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4379.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2556" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4398.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">This is how you get around in Yelapa!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2554" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4394.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2555" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4396.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The view along the path to town.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After all those laps, we are getting a bit hungry so, of course, chips, salsa, guac and ceviche are in order! But first, its a stop to see the “Juice Lady” for some fresh squeezed mango or celery or whatever your heart desires on the way back to the jungle.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2651" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4501.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Yeah, and an adult beverage for me.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2564" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0105.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> A visit to the JUICE LADY!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2603" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4438.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">AND– our very own special friend, Mama Sita, who Ashley is pet sitting while we are here. She even does yoga with us!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">As the sun begins its descent we sit for dinner at 6:00 pm and then we gather by a blazing fire to share and manifest some more goodness. This is actually the real bones of this trip. We sing songs as Deva and Sharon play their lovely and powerful music. We share space with no judgement where everyone is heard. We bond. We chant. We heal. Connect. Cry. Laugh. Tell stories and learn. We learn about how powerful sisters are. How powerful we are. How the universe works when you let go and let it do its job. We come to understand energy. It’s everything. We set the intention to heal, return to our True Nature & restore our relationship with the Earth.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 4, 2019- Monday- Day 3</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yoga on our private deck in the jungle!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we focus on pranayama breathing and get lost in the simplicity of life.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2642" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4480.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2588" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0131.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">The path to yoga deck!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2701" height="720" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51438027_1005814749607760_3845141025899151360_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51438027_1005814749607760_3845141025899151360_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51438027_1005814749607760_3845141025899151360_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51438027_1005814749607760_3845141025899151360_n-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">We dine in style and in nature!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are free to spend the remaining hours of the day to wander the lush grounds. Yup, heaven!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2593" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0144.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image is-resized" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2658" height="408" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 545px) 100vw, 545px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4511.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="545" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our natural pool a few steps up on the jungle path.</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2589" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0132.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2591" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0138.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2657" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4510.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> The patio near the natural pool</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2582" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0122.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Our hang out area!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2664" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4523.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Yup- Chill time for our sweet Stacy!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2583" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0123.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Outdoor Kitchen!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">It’s a short 5 minute walk to the beach across the river..</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2652" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4505.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> SPOILED!</span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After dinner, we have the ceremony of the “Maidens”. Tonite we honor Brighid the Hearth Goddess of Ireland. You can read about Brighid here :</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/brighid-hearth-goddess-of-ireland-2561958" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.thoughtco.com/brighid-hearth-goddess-of-ireland-2561958</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">This ceremony is part of the Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother and Crone, which we will continue with the next two days. <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/maiden-mother-and-crone-2562881" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.thoughtco.com/maiden-mother-and-crone-2562881</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It is certainly a very moving and spiritual night to for all us Goddesses to remember and embrace!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 5, 2019 Tuesday- Day 4</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We gather for another amazing morning, waking up to the sound of roosters and birds and a mouth- watering breakfast. But today, we experience another treat! The hike to the waterfall! It is not strenuous but there are a few scrambles to the top. It is a peaceful 2 hour hike and well worth the trek and then it’s time to dive in!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2700" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51832497_10156311320283335_6055481666304999424_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51832497_10156311320283335_6055481666304999424_n.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51832497_10156311320283335_6055481666304999424_n-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Our Furry friend, “Mama Sita” goes on the hike too!</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2616" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0158.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2597" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4432.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2628" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0205.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Tonight is the Mothers Ceremony! So beautiful and we enjoy a special treat from Ashley who gives us all a personal channeling. We sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="wp-image-2598" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4433.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><figcaption style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.9em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 0.25em; text-align: center; width: 804.0761108398438px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Ashley the tree hugger!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2699" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52123746_10156311319903335_9123703661438959616_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52123746_10156311319903335_9123703661438959616_n.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/52123746_10156311319903335_9123703661438959616_n-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></span></figcaption></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"></figure><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"></figure><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"></figure><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Goddesses – Me (Deb) and Lisa!</span></figure><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><figure style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 6,2019 Wednesday- Day 5</span></figure><figure class="wp-block-image" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2646" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4492.jpg 2048w" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Lisa getting a henna tattoo on the beach.<img alt="" style="border-bottom-left-radius: inherit; border-bottom-right-radius: inherit; border-top-left-radius: inherit; border-top-right-radius: inherit; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" /> (we all followed her lead!)</span></figure><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2634" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4467.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After a full day, we enjoy a superb dinner of Beets, carrots, salad, mashed sweet potatoes and breaded fish followed by passion fruit cake!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After dinner, we are looking forward to another ceremony. This time it is the Crones ceremony! </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 7, 2019 Thursday- Day 6</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today another chill day…massages at Oasis and the beach, of course!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2560" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/DSC_0086-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tonight is the our final ceremony: The powerful Goddess walk. And tears since its our last night together for some of us.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2687" height="675" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51641750_1005814506274451_5146756020575404032_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51641750_1005814506274451_5146756020575404032_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51641750_1005814506274451_5146756020575404032_n-300x211.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51641750_1005814506274451_5146756020575404032_n-800x563.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="960" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Goddesses- Anita, Deb, Deva, Ashley, Lisa, Sharon, Lisa, Deb, Carole, Cathy, Stacy and Leslie.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 8, 2019 Friday – Day 7</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our last delish breakfast, and we are off- back to the real world (for some of us). Lisa, Cathy, Anita and I get lucky and spend one more night in Puerto Vallarta. We catch the water taxi back and spend the night at the Hotel Posada De Roger. Beautiful!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://hotelposadaderoger.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://hotelposadaderoger.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2676" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4542.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2667" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4530.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> Treehouse- NOT!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2695" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4531.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> We enjoy the pool and the town. Eating and shopping! Towards evening, there is a special street celebration. All the shops are open with complimentary margaritas and live music. There is no way we can pass up the beautiful jewelry, clothing and home goods! Prices are great too!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We enjoy a Fab dinner at Roberto’s- Coconut shrimp and lobster! Nothing to complain about in Mexico!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2681" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4546-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2673" height="768" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4538.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4538.jpg 1024w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4538-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/IMG_4538-800x600.jpg 800w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">February 9, 2019 Saturday – Day 8</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Breakfast and more shopping in town and Uber back to the airport. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Goodbye Treehouse, goodbye, beach, goodbye yoga, laughter and tears, goodbye army ants, goodbye fresh squeezed juice, goodbye MamaSita, goodbye dear Goddess sisters! Until next time. Farewell to an amazing week full of adventure and love!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Thank you to Sharon and Deva for leading the way to love!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.wayofthesacred.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.wayofthesacred.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2697" height="408" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51457113_1005812346274667_5505332794189938688_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51457113_1005812346274667_5505332794189938688_n.jpg 960w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51457113_1005812346274667_5505332794189938688_n-300x191.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51457113_1005812346274667_5505332794189938688_n-800x510.jpg 800w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p></figure></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-52983751952348185152021-05-27T14:35:00.000-04:002021-05-27T14:35:38.982-04:00CUBA 2017<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2017/08/20/cruise-to-havana-cuba/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Cruise to Havana Cuba!</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">August 20- 26 2017</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Never thought it would happen. Never even had a desire to go there. But, it happened. A cruise with my cousins was in the works. Norwegian called. I answered. It was so worth it. If you want to go back in time, go visit Cuba. And so it begins. Ocean bound. Norwegian Sky.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2507" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0111.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" />Before we cruise thou, we take a 2 day stop in South Beach, Florida! Blue skies, beach, street strolls and Margaritas! A good way to start vacation.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2518" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/76444214-4E8F-4EE6-BE7B-105A0BA4AE2E.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2517" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5CDE2784-2274-43CA-B36E-9A0CCD8FC216.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2520" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/5C0EBF22-3D57-4C63-9975-0B8587346C5C.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2519" height="959" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442-1440x959.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442-1440x959.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442-1080x719.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2442.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Onward to breathtaking views as we sail into Havana!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2515" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0139.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2513" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0134.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2514" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0136.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The terminal Sierra Maestra San Franciso leads us to the streets of Havana Cuba!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2487" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0011.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We dock in Havana, but only for a day and a half. It is definitely a trip back in time. The town center filled with old churches and amazing architecture and of course, the 1950’s cars!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2527" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0079.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2524" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0019.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2489" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0028.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2488" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0020.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2486" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0009.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2496" height="1685" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090-1440x1685.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090-1440x1685.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090-300x351.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090-800x936.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090-1080x1264.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0090.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2506" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0124.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2504" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0112.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" />It just would not be right to pass up the most famous drink served in Havana- The Mojito! (The local beer at an outdoor cafe was not bad either!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2503" height="2161" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109-1440x2161.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109-1440x2161.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109-1080x1621.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0109.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2502" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0108.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2501" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0107.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2497" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0091.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">During one of my downtown strolls, I am super surprised by a statue that unbeknownst to me, comes to life!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2510" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0128.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2512" height="1744" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131-1440x1744.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131-1440x1744.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131-300x363.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131-800x969.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131-1080x1308.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0131.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2511" height="1536" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129-1440x1536.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129-1440x1536.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129-300x320.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129-800x854.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129-1080x1152.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0129.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Havana is filled with color and beauty!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2505" height="2001" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117-1440x2001.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117-1440x2001.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117-300x417.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117-800x1112.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117-1080x1501.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0117.jpg 1813w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2490" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0034.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2525" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0041-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">SO much else to see!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2528" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0092.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2500" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0106.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2499" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0105.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But the highlight of Havana was the Hotel Natcional!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2492" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0045.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2493" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0047.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2530" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2465.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2529" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC_0057.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Incredible history and we saw a show there for only about $20 including a free drink.. Front row seats – equal to a NYC Broadway performance! OUTSTANDING! Of course, at the end they asked if anyone would like to come up on stage and dance. Well. Yes. Of. Course!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2533" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2498.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2532" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2482.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2531" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2471.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our cruise ended with a stop over in the Grand Bahamas Resort owned by Norwegian. Relaxing Beach, Fun. Oh yea. Time to snorkel and drink Margaritas.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2535" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2572.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2534" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/IMG_2569.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-5115297585395392792021-05-27T14:27:00.000-04:002021-05-27T14:27:32.270-04:00SCOTLAND 2018<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/20/edinburgh-scotland-day-1/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Edinburgh, Scotland Day 1</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">April 25 2018 Wednesday Day One!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Trip planned. Ready. Set. Go.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">My friend, Marianne and I have a few trains to catch (me from NJ) before we can even get to JFK International Airport. Eventually, we will land in Edinburgh, Scotland!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="IMG_3546" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1947" height="2025" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546-300x151.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546-1440x724.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546-800x402.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3546-1080x543.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">I take the train to Penn Station to meet her in NYC and then its the LIRR to the Jamacia hub and the Air Train to JFK airport. This is the quickest and cheapest way to go. We got the tickets for the LIRR ahead of time ($10 RT) Then you need a Metro Card to use the Air Train.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="IMG_3547" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1948" height="1692" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2699px) 100vw, 2699px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547-300x188.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547-1440x903.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547-800x502.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3547-1080x677.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2699" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Leaving early enough is a good idea. You never know how trains will run. We have plenty of time so a bite to eat at the airport is the plan. Buffalo Wild Wings is not out fave spot but salad works. A glass of wine tops off the meal, but $14 for wine! That’s New York for ya.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="IMG_3429" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1840" height="1584" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429-300x118.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429-1440x566.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429-800x314.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3429-1080x425.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">We fly Delta and luckily get a seat between us for our 7 hour flight which takes off at 10PM. Free meal and drinks await! I’m a happy flyer!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">At long last we arrive! We take the Air Link bus (right outside the airport) to Center City and Shandwick Place. Its only 4.50 (pounds now) and takes about 1/2 hour. We are staying at the Principal Hotel in Charlotte Square. The weather is perfect and the Hotel is beautiful! We cannot check in yet so we go for a walk to Waterstone’s bookstore and cafe for lattes and scones. (caffeine is essential to stay awake this will be a long day!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="IMG_3416" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1817" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3416-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"> </p><div class="gallery galleryid-1713 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail" id="gallery-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: auto;"><dl class="gallery-item" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 33.33000183105469%; padding: 0px 9.157608985900879px 18.32880401611328px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 265.3396911621094px;"><dt class="gallery-icon landscape" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.428571429;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/img_3415/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" height="150" loading="lazy" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3415-150x150.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(207, 207, 207); box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="150" /></a></dt></dl><dl class="gallery-item" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 10px; max-width: 33.33000183105469%; padding: 0px 9.157608985900879px 18.32880401611328px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top; width: 265.3396911621094px;"><dt class="gallery-icon portrait" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.428571429;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/img_3414/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" height="150" loading="lazy" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3414-150x150.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(207, 207, 207); box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%;" width="150" /></a></dt></dl><br style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;" /></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Next, we decide on the Hop On, Hop Off bus. Yes, its touristy but its a good idea when you have to stay awake longer due to the time change and long flight. We walk down Prince Street and find the ticket booth by the bridge where the bus leaves from. (easy!) and also decide to purchase tickets there for the Edinburgh Castle (at a discount) which we will do another day. The tour is about 1 1/2 hours long and very good. The driver is also our guide and fills us in on history along the way. We now have a “lay of the land” for Old Town and New Town. It’s a great walking city and very easy to get around. At the last 14th stop on Royal Mile we get off and of course need to find a pub! This is SO NOT hard as there are dozens! We decide on “NO 1 High Street Pub” and have a glass of wine (yes, its time) and hit a few shops along the way.<img alt="IMG_1232" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1765" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232-300x534.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232-1440x2565.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232-800x1425.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1232-1080x1924.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="359" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1203.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto; text-align: start;" width="431" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 19px; text-align: start;"><img alt="" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1204-150x150.jpg" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="400" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-size: 19px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><img alt="" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" height="400" loading="lazy" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1205-150x150.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><img alt="IMG_3513" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1922" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3513-1080x810.jpg 1080w" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><img alt="IMG_3518" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1929" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3518-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" width="480" /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><img alt="img_1201.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1733" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2715px) 100vw, 2715px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869-300x455.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869-1440x2183.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869-800x1213.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1201-e1525706268869-1080x1637.jpg 1080w" width="422" /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><img alt="img_1212-e1525374398370.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1791" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-300x373.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-1440x1788.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-800x993.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-1080x1341.jpg 1080w" width="515" /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">After a long day, we walk back down Price Street and finally check into our lovely hotel. It’s heaven. (this trip was btw, booked thru Expedia, hotel and flight) Everyone is so helpful. They even give us a convertor plug since both of ours do not work.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_3486" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1835" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3486-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_3487" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1839" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3487-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_1237" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1789" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1237-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_1235" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1779" height="2886" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5141px) 100vw, 5141px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1235-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5141" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Next, its off to dinner around the corner at Contini. Recommended by the hotel staff. Great Italian restaurant. Added plus a handsome waiter from Greece. We dine on appys, Risotto, pasta and of course, wine. Are we in Italy or Scotland?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_3431" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1844" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3431-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">An adult beverage after dinner at the hotel bar.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="IMG_1242" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1807" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1242-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">We asked the bartender who this guy is….no one knows!<img alt="IMG_1239" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1799" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1239-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">It’s been a long day. Time for ZZZZZZZ’s in our comfy Scottish beds!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><article class="clearfix post-1713 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-scotland" id="post-1713" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 50px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1226" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1737" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1226-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; 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margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2018-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;">OCTOBER 19, 2018</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/19/off-to-the-highlands-and-lock-ness-day-2/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Off To The Highlands and Lock Ness- Day 2</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 26, 2018 -Day Two</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Before leaving the USA, we booked a day trip for the day with the Hairy Coo Bus Tour through the Highlands of Scotland. Got lucky again with beautiful weather. Blue skies, sunshine and white puffed clouds wake us this morning.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We meet up at the Deacon Cafe (Uber) at 8 AM, only a 5 minute ride to the Royal Mile. There are about 25 of us for the tour. Out driver, John, is hysterical. A thick heavy Scottish accent carries us through the day as he tells tales of Mary Queen of Scotts and beheadings! We laugh and listen to Scottish music and other favorites of Johns’s, like the Game of Thrones. This will be a long day as we plan to return at 8:30 PM.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3435" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1728" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3435-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3545" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1946" height="3743" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2637px) 100vw, 2637px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545-300x426.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545-1440x2044.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545-800x1136.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3545-1080x1533.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2637" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1253" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1871" height="3648" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1253-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our first stop is the Deanston Distillery for the whiskey tour. Marianne and I opt to skip the tour and have coffee, sandwiches and scones instead. Others, however, have no problem downing a few ounces of Scottish whiskey at 10 AM! We chat with a young couple from NYC (of course!) She is a research scientist at Columbia and he is an actor who plays Aaron Burrs son in the broadway play Hamilton! (we meet up with them later in the day too on the boat tour).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1263" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1890" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1263-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1249" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1858" height="3648" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1249-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1247" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1851" height="3648" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1247-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="img_1244.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1845" height="3559" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2801px) 100vw, 2801px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476-300x381.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476-1440x1830.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476-800x1016.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1244-e1525461826476-1080x1372.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2801" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are now driving thru the Central belt of Scotland. Everything is GREEN! Sheep are everywhere! It’s breathtaking. We pass huge stainless steel sculptures of Kelpie Horses on the side of the road. I am feeling like I may have a stroke since we don’t have enough photo stops but I do the best I can and take deep breaths</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1330" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1738" height="262" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330-300x123.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330-1440x589.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330-800x327.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1330-1080x442.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="IMG_1283" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1915" height="359" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1283-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="IMG_1346" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1812" height="359" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1346-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="IMG_1289" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1926" height="292" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289-300x137.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289-1440x657.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289-800x365.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1289-1080x493.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1345" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1804" height="359" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1345-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><article class="clearfix post-1953 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-scotland" id="post-1953" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the drive through <span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Callander</span> , John points out the best hardware store ever!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1276" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1907" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1276-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Another stop is at Glen Cove for a photo shoot! Yeah!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1378" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1742" height="4669" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378-300x456.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378-1440x2189.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378-800x1216.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1378-1080x1642.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And, of course, the final destination awaits! A boat tour to spot the LOCK NESS MONSTER! (This is where you use your imagination.) We walk the grounds in town too to see some sites and enjoy a Scottish IPA on board ship!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1366" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1878" height="2812" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4752px) 100vw, 4752px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366-300x178.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366-1440x852.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366-800x473.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1366-1080x639.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4752" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1367" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1881" height="5472" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367-300x534.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367-1440x2565.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367-800x1425.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1367-1080x1924.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1358" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1854" height="2467" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358-300x135.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358-1440x649.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358-800x361.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1358-1080x487.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /><img alt="IMG_1361" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1863" height="5472" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361-300x534.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361-1440x2565.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361-800x1425.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1361-1080x1924.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1368" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1884" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1368-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1357" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1852" height="2911" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4787px) 100vw, 4787px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357-300x182.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357-1440x875.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357-800x486.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1357-1080x657.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4787" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Of course, it wouldn’t be a day without seeing the Hairy Coo’s!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="img_1306.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1945" height="3032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2474px) 100vw, 2474px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697-300x368.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697-1440x1765.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697-800x980.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1306-e1525462937697-1080x1324.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2474" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1302" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1943" height="3519" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257-300x344.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257-1440x1650.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257-800x916.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1302-e1525463360257-1080x1237.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our awesome tour guide and driver John sharing some food!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1301" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1942" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1301-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" />The last hour or so of the tour, we stop for ice cream, play some silly game of John’s called Busokie and see a huge double rainbow! This is the way to see Scotland!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Finally we reach Edinburgh and its time for dinner at Babas, at our hotel.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We order wine and small plates and share. Turns out to be the best meal of the week. Roasted carrots, cauliflower, hummus and pita. Unbelievably delicious! A+ to the chef!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3437" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1761" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3437-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3436" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1760" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3436-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">A nightcap at the hotel bar! Goodnight Scotland, until tomorrow!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3511" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1918" height="3170" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565-300x315.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565-1440x1510.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565-800x839.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3511-e1525463960565-1080x1132.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; 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border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2018-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;">OCTOBER 18, 2018</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/18/edinburgh-castle-day-3/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Edinburgh Castle – Day 3</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 27 Saturday 2018</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Up ar 8:15 AM. We are off to see the Wizard! Umm..I mean Castle! It’s a massive stunning fortress of stone and bricks. The defender of the nation and home of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tatoo. The stronghold is the most besieged place in Britain providing sanctuary for many kings and queens. Countless treasures are protected by the castle walls. Smell the gunpowder at the One O’clock Gun fires if you wish. And just happens to be around the corner from our hotel, the Principal. We have a great view.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Since we had purchased fast track tickets ( no waiting on-line) the first day we arrived, it was easy. Just a short walk (up a big hill, but not too bad) to the castle. (Go early we arrived at 9:30AM..the crowds thicken about noon) We had a bit of rain but not much. Raincoats and umbrellas were needed thou since you explore inside and outside. An audio guide was a good idea too. And yes, we saw the crown jewels! (Nothing compared to my jewel box at home.) A good morning exploring the grounds.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3463" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1801" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3463-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Peaked in at the Witchery but decided not to partake. Pretty cool inside thou!<img alt="IMG_3462" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1798" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3462-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3455" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1784" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3455-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3450" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1777" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3450-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3444" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1769" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3444-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" />And given the cold temp (about 40 degrees) we opted to buy warm hats and indulge in a cappuccino in the Castle cafe.<img alt="img_3443.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1767" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3443-e1525627482957-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" />After leaving the Castle, ( stayed about 3 hours) we walk along Royal Mile once again and checked out the bagpipers and St. Giles Church.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3476" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1818" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3476-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3474" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1813" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3474-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Then it was time for glass of wine at the Advocate! Cool pub but aren’t’ they all?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3482" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1828" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3482-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back to New Town for a walk down Rose Street (so beautiful) by our Hotel.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3485" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1832" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3485-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" />And then its off to the Georgian House for a tour. (a highlight of the trip for history buff Marianne!) We really enjoyed the short movie there and the rooms showing how life was there back in the day!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3549" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1950" height="3697" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2537px) 100vw, 2537px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549-300x437.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549-1440x2098.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549-800x1166.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3549-1080x1574.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2537" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After a long day, we check back at the hotel to get ready for the next event- The GHOST TOUR! It’s also free (optional donation and so worth it!) We meet in front of the Royal Mile Coffee house on High Street at 7PM. They have tours at 5, 7 and 9:30 pm. It runs about 2 hours and covers a lot of area. The tour guides are acting students and they really do put on a good show. We hear stories of murders, beheadings, cannibalism and other criminal acts. We end up at the graveyard! I hope I don’t have nightmares tonite!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3488" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1842" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3488-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">For some odd reason, we are now both craving pizza! A walk along Rose street we search the pubs for a bite to eat, but find out that food is no longer served after about 8:30 Pm in the pubs, only adult beverages. Luckily, we find GUSTO around the corner from out hotel. It’s perfect and they serve pizza! We are happy travelers now. Life is good in Edinburgh and so is the pizza.</p><article class="clearfix post-1954 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-scotland" id="post-1954" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3494" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1868" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3494-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Good Night Edinburgh!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/18/edinburgh-castle-day-3/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline-block !important; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"><span aria-hidden="true" class="pipdigicons pipdigicons_fab pipdigicons-facebook" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2018-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;">OCTOBER 17, 2018</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/17/mary-kings-close-literary-pub-tour-museums-day-4/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Mary Kings Close, Literary Pub Tour, Museums….Day 4</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 28, Saturday , 2018</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At noon we get a glimpse into 17th century tenement life in Edinburgh, just a 5 minute walk down the Royal Mile. Four hundred years of history, myth’s, legends and stories of the deadly plague epidemic are just some of the tales told on our one hour guided tour. <a href="http://www.realmarykingsclose.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">www.realmarykingsclose.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Mary King’s Close is a great contrast to the splendor of the castle. A walk though a perfectly preserved “close” ( a very narrow street) takes you inside former homes of real families who lived in “Auld Reekie” ( the “real” in the name is due to the people discussed in the tour being genuine inhabitants of the close, thanks ot local records).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The conditions that these people lived in were horrifying, to say the least. Worth a trip inside to see what it felt like to live in those times. Not that you would want to!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="img_3559.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1961" height="2502" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3444px) 100vw, 3444px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944-300x218.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944-1440x1046.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944-800x581.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3559-e1525703867944-1080x785.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3444" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afterwards, Marianne visits the Palace of Holyroodhouse, home of Scottish Royal history ( history buff satisfied!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="img_35581-e1525703778539.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1960" height="3602" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2490px) 100vw, 2490px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791-300x434.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791-1440x2083.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791-800x1157.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_35581-e1525703804791-1080x1563.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2490" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I opt for the Writers Museum (free). Much enjoyed. Studied some history and read some works by on Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Muriel Spark.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3510" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1916" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3510-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The sun is still shining, so walking the Royal Mile is once again in order. So is stopping in at the Albanach for a pint and to continue people watching and warm up a bit.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3515" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1925" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4032px) 100vw, 4032px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3515-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4032" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We reserved dinner for 5:30 at Chaphraya on Rose Street in New Town. If you t go, be sure to reserve! Great Thai food with many vegetarian options too. Beautiful inside with great views and outdoor seating when its warm.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">www.chaophraya.co.uk/edinburgh</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3516" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1927" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3516-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And finally, its time for our EDINBURGH Literary Pub Tour! (booked ahead online) Once again , a bit chilly at 7pm. So glad I bought a hat and gloves! The tour was definitely worth it. I think it was about 10 US dollars. We meet up on Royal Mile and the tour is about two hours ending at Cafe Royal in New town. Our guides were very talented, smart and funny and scary! It was drinking, thinking and entertainment! A good time had by all as we visited 3 pubs during the evening. <a href="http://www.edinburghliterarypubtour.co/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">www.edinburghliterarypubtour.co</a><a href="http://www.edinburghliterarypubtour.co/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">.uk</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We met lots of interesting folks during our walk. A couple of guys doing a walking tour thru the highlands for a week. They will hike in the frigging cold and sometimes thru rivers! Yikees! Brave. But the bravest and most fun of all was meeting Anna. A gorgeous, adventurous, 20 something from Argentina. We chatted at the Cafe Royal, our last stop on this cool pub tour as we shared some adult beverages (she drank her first shot of whiskey!) She had studied in Paris and was also learning another language. But the best was hearing of her solo travels. “Did you ever hear of couchsurfing” she said. “Yup”, I answered. Well, that was how she rolled and to top it off, she hitchhiked through the Scottish Highlands the previous day! I gave her my card and hope she gives me and Marianne a buzz. She has never been to NYC so we are hoping to give her a tour. And she can stay in one of Marianne’s spare rooms, not the couch!</p><article class="clearfix post-1955 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-scotland" id="post-1955" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3526" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1936" height="4032" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3526-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; 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box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2018-10" style="box-sizing: border-box;">OCTOBER 16, 2018</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2018/10/16/buses-trains-planes-memories-of-scotland-day-5/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Buses, Trains, Planes, Memories of Scotland. Day 5</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 29 Monday 2018</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Boo- Hoo. It’s time to leave this beautiful city. Up at 6:30 AM , we have time to catch the AirLink bus down the street from our hotel – a 10 min walk to Shadwich Place for the 8:15 bus. (same way we came here) Its 4.50 pounds (we paid cash) and only a 1/2 hour direct to the airport. Our flight is not till afternoon so its chill time once we get there. Here are some of my favorites shots from this great trip! (with my new Canon G7 X Mark II camera that I am loving BTW!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The night of the Ghost tour!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3525" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1934" height="2915" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525-300x289.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525-1440x1388.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525-800x771.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3525-1080x1041.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Castle and the Moon!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1409" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1885" height="3072" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409-1440x809.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409-800x449.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1409-1080x606.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="5472" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gotta google the story of Maggie Dickson! She was hanged for killing her infant child and lived through the hanging!- (so. of course they had to name a Pub after her!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/d/maggiedickson.html</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3421" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1827" height="3024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3036px) 100vw, 3036px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421-150x150.jpg 150w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421-300x299.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421-1440x1434.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421-800x797.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3421-1080x1076.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3036" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Crazy beautiful architecture!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="img_1403.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1873" height="4841" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671-300x473.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671-1440x2269.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671-800x1261.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1403-e1525639463671-1080x1702.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /><img alt="IMG_1212" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1791" height="3815" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3072px) 100vw, 3072px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-300x373.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-1440x1788.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-800x993.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_1212-e1525377067393-1080x1341.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3072" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_3434" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1725" height="3774" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3024px) 100vw, 3024px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434-300x374.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434-1440x1797.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434-800x998.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/img_3434-1080x1348.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3024" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So worth the buses, trains and planes to visit this beautiful city with my good friend..</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Until next time Scotland!!!</p><p></p></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></article></div></article></div></article></div></article></div><span face="Lato, Arial, sans-serif"></span><p></p></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-69187750880805310282021-05-27T13:58:00.002-04:002021-05-27T13:58:45.865-04:00ITALY 2008<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: white; font-kerning: none;">Takeoff –Newark to Milan to Venice</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 40px;"><span style="color: red;">Day 1 April 2008</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Its year # 7 for Deb and Dolores most excellent adventures!….After many emails and discussions, the destination for our yearly girlfriend getaway is finally decided: Italy. Not a bad choice. Better than Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn NY.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">My first trip to Italy. Thursday April 24, 2008 we board Continental flight 44Y from Newark at 5pm and take off at 6:30pm arriving nonstop in Milan at 8:30am. Now I am on Italian time! </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">After a good snooze stretched out among 3 seats in a wide plane, I arrive somewhat coherent. Good thing because this is only the beginning of the journey. Now we drag luggage to the bus terminal outside the airport and hop on for an hour ride to Milan Central train station. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Destination: Venice. Since Rick Steve’s is now our guru,( we saw him speak at the NYT travel show in NYC previous to this trip) we follow his advice in this large crazy station. FIND THE YELLOW TICKET MACHINES!… ahhh,,finally after much searching and pushing buttons while still half asleep, the machine spits back to tickets to Venezia San Lucia.</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Eurostar is filled but we do manage to get first class seats, which guarantees your body is on the train, not a place to sit! (we do luck out thou and get 2 seats, others were piled on the floor near the bathrooms!) So, at 11:05AM we are off and after 3 1/2 hours we arrive. The weather is perfect- about 65 degrees. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">Oh my God, am I really in Venice?</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/25/planes-trains-buses-and-boats-to-venice/"><span style="color: red;">Planes, trains, buses and boats to Venice!</span></a> </b></span></div>
<span style="color: red; font-kerning: none;"><b>Day 2</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We drag luggage again but this time out of the train station and into the sight of the glorious canals of Venice. My first new word: “Vaporetti”. Yes, its a boat. #51 to be exact, which will take us to the island of Lido where will be be staying for 2 nights at the Hotel Des Bains. A Vaporetti is not a water taxi, although similar. Difference is: You are jammed in with about 50 other people (and their luggage) and it costs 6.50 euros as opposed to 80 euros for a water taxi for two or so bodies. Dolores is being stepped on and pushed. I don’t care. I’m in Venice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A quick ride and we arrive in Lido and decide we will walk to our hotel even thou we hae no idea where is it. But alas, a roadside beer stand awaits us in the distance. Yes, after a cold adult beverage we will be able to walk better and think more clearly. And find our hotel. It’s amazing. Am I on “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous”? Directly across from the hotel, sits the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea, (which of course we dip our toes in). </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But enough of breathtaking oceans, we dump our suitcases and head out in search of Rick Steve’s recommended Osteria pub crawls. We are very thirsty by now. A free shuttle boat (of course),compliments of the Hotel takes us back to the mainland. There is no need for a map. Walking the alleyways of Venice is part of the experience. I cannot compare this to anything but it does remind me somewhat of Boston Mass. North End. Fish shops, cheese shops and meat hanging on hooks. Dolores may faint if she sees any more pork chops and I may do the same soon as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> I am on overload from sighting scores of leather bags! Its a good thing the first pub- Osteria Al Portego- is in sight and it worth the trip from Jersey! It’s jam packed with people, mostly 20 somethings inside and out. Wine is served from wooden kegs for .80 euros. Drink up! Yes, another please! And a few slices of bread, cheese, olives and whatever else is in that case- yes, we are very happy in Venice in our first pub on the tour. The rest of the evening is spent doing more of the same, sampling sardines and red peppers and more vino, of course.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> But the highlight is seeing St Marks Square in a vast space against a midnight sky and listening to the most amazing orchestra with crowds of others wondering the same thing. Am I really in Venice? Someone pinch me please, but don’t wake me up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/day-3-venice/">Venice</a></b></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-kerning: none;">Day 3</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Its Saturday morning. We sleep too late and miss our free breakfast. Bummer. And must check out of the Hotel Bains.. But its off to the mainland once again to find our next bed for the night. The Fontana Hotel- originally built in the 18th century and restored in 1984 overlooks campo San Zacarria- smack in the middle of the Venetian canals. Due to some room confusion, we are given another room and even save 50 euros! This means more euros for vino! We wander about through a labyrinth of narrow passageways called “calli” and then have lunch at a small outdoor pizza cafe, not bad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Next begins the search for the Trajhetto. This is the cheaper version of a Gondola ride. Instead of going thru all the canals for many $$$, this just crosses the canal for 50 cents. Dolores has been talking about since her last trip to Italy! A very quick ride but we take photos and get to share the Trajhetto with amazing looking Italian men! Every turn we take is a photo op. The famous Rialto Bridge. And who ever thought that hanging laundry could be so breathtaking!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> I am in heaven and cannot believe the beauty of all that surrounds me. Life is good. So, onward to explore the churches. First is San Polo SE. Inside- the Assumption of Mary by Titan and Bellini’s Madonna and Child, among others. The Basilica’s Maria Gloriosa Del Frari is next. (I light a candle for my sweet cousin Diane who went to heaven the day before my trip- I love you and will miss you) Having a hard time comprehending the massive collections of art and beatuy. We recall that our guru Rick says that the best way to view art is not in a museum but in a real church setting. So we obey, of course. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">All of this magnificent beauty is making me dizzy (stendhalized!) so a cold brew at an outdoor Blues Bar in the brilliant sunshine is just what the doctor ordered. I ask Dolores again for the 6th time today. Why do we live in NJ? More strolling amongst tall ,dark handsome men and we literally need to hold each other up so we don’t faint. We walk back to the train station and purchase our tickets for Sundays trip to the next leg of the trip- The Eurostar and 3 connections to Cinque Terra. But the night is still young so how could we not imbibe in a few more “bacari’s” (wine bars) amongst the back alleys of Venice? </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">A quick peak in one storefront brings us the most unusual experience. A local storekeeper who speaks no English (at a Cava or Enoteca), sells vino in large barrels. He fills up a 1.5 liter bottle for us for 3 euros! This should last us a while. Well, maybe. Stumbling along, we belly up to the bar at Cantina Vecia, a very livley Chichetti bar. We nibble on crostini and those great tiny glasses of vino, of course. Yes, life is good. Before we call it a night- have no idea what time it is anyway- we eat dinner in a great Chinese place..seafood salad, pizza- who knew? A sambuca and gelato for dessert and finally- bed at 2am!</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: 40px;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/day-4-venice-to-the-italian-riviera/" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 40px;"> </a><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/day-4-venice-to-the-italian-riviera/" style="font-size: 40px;">Venice to The Italian Rivier</a>a</span></b></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Day 4</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After no sleep for me at all- (Dolores snores!)..we are up at 6 am and amazingly out the door by 7am. After a quick croissant at our Hotel, we pay our bill (108 euors for the night) and RUN with luggage again to the Vaproretta- boat #42. It leaves literally within seconds and we are saying goodbye to Venice and hello to an 8:45 am Eurostar.( Venezia S Lucia to Firenze to Pisa Centrale to Manorola.) And finally we are in Cinque Terra! (Rick would be proud!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> The Hotel ca d’andrean in Manorola is only a short walk up a not too steep hill. A few minutes from the sea, this hotel is lovely. Outdoors, lemon trees & olive trees sit stand tall among tables for a view from our window. Inside the lobby, a fireplace and a cafe. I need to take a breath to savor the moment. Cinque Terra, famous since Roman times for their white wines , has a special charm. The five villages that they are famous for, stretch out among eighteen kilometers of the rocky and irregular coast of eastern Ligurai. They are linked by a network of different paths, which we will be hiking for the next 3 days. This is the place that Rick Steve’s found in 1978 as a college student backpacking through Europe. He declared it a “Back Door” Region and many guide books later, the rest is history..Today it is a national park so the beauty can be preserved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> We buy a Cinque Terra card for 10 euros and this gives us access to all the trails in the villages. There are no big hotels here ,no cars allowed, no museums. Only sea and sand. Yipeee! Since we had a long day, we decide to take the shortest hike today- its only 20 minutes to Riamaggiore (a haven for artists) and its a small pathway called the “Via dell’Amore” (the road of love) . After only a few minutes, the view is breathtaking at a gorgeous lookout. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And we stop for a beer, of course, as we look down at the blue green sea. Tons of photos follow.We walk thru a tunnel into a tangle of colorful homes. I am sure I must be dreaming. We walk back to Manorola and have an excellent dinner in town at Trattiora II Porticciolo. linguine and pesto…( this region is the birthplace of pesto – made with basil, cheese, garlic olive oil and pine nuts) …yes, I am sure now I am dreaming…</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/day-5-cinque-terre-dreamin/"><b>Day 5- Cinque Terre Dreamin’</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After a late start with full backpacks of fruit, cheese, salami, crackers, and our water bottle filled with homemade wine, we head out for our hike towards Vernazza. It is not short or as easy as we expected. It should take a couple hours, but we are in no rush. </span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hey, I’m in Italy, not New Jersey on the turnpike!. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But first a stop in the hilltop town of Cornelia. There are 370 steps that zigag to the actual town. Dolores is a bit tired so we walk the winding road instead and it is well worth the trip. So quaint, so lovely. We stop at a wine shop, galleries, boutiques, cafes and just breathe in the clean Mediterranean air. Once again, Rick does not steer us wrong! Backpacks on and we hit the trail to Vernazza. The views are indescribable. We are high above the sea and the sun is shining – the weather is perfect for a hike. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Arriving at 4pm we stop at an outdoor cafe and I still cannot believe I am here. Color is everywhere. Vernazza’s one street connects the train station and melts into the vineyards. Like veins on a grape leaf, paths and stairways stretch upward from Main Street to this watercolor huddle of houses. Line of laundry are strung from one painted home to another. At 6 PM the sun glazes and sparkles in the sea. I am warm from the sun, but not hot. People are relaxing and enjoying the slow pace. Church bells ring. I gaze at terra cotta homes and boats near the dock painted in every primary color that exists. No one rushes in Italy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After a stroll through the town we stop at the “Il Pirata delle 5 Terre” to check out the menu…sorry they tell us…only 5 tables and need a reservation 2 weeks in advance..We see why, the food looks amazing- of course, they knew Rick Steve's too! We decide on Ristorante Incadase de Piva- a rare bit of old Vernazza off the main drag. The best mussels I’ve ever had! Take the train back to our hotel, hit a local pub for a nite cap, buy t- shirts for the guys and chat with some folks from England. Fun time..Hit the sack at 1:30 am….hope D does not snore tonite!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/29/day-6-more-hiking/">Day 6- More Hiking!</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Given that the skies are a bit gray today and it is somewhat drizzling, we purchase a train ticket ( remember to get them stamped!) from our town of Manorola to Monterosso al Mare for the last days hike. This is the biggest resort town and the only one with a sandy beach. And also cars, hotels, paddle boats and crowds under umbrellas. There are coves, refreshing waterfalls, and natural and dangerous high dives tucked in along the coast. It is breathtaking. (so far we have not seen one ugly thing on this trip!) Some folks don’t care for the bigger towns as much but we think we’d stay here next time( if we are lucky enough to return!)..There is a lot to do and see. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">After more strolling we have lunch (more mussels for me of course!) – some great minestrone soup too. We stop for wine tastings and I buy my son Brian a bottle of Limonicino liquor, which Italy is known for. With our stomachs full, it’s time to hit the trail. .A bit late at 4:30 pm but darkness also arrives late..Ahhhh…Bella vista!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> The remains of a castle are first on the route and then it goes up to the top of the promontory to its decent on the other side of Vernazza. Some parts of the trail are still wet from the morning rain. There are terraces created on step slopes with dry stone walls built in the old times. The hills are covered by a mix of spontaneous vegetation, the typical “macchia Mediterranean”, small vineyards, olive trees, and bright lemon plants- the renowned lemons of Monterosso. Speaking of which, I spot some lemons ahead on the path (we’ve been trying to snatch one for days!) and scream back to D that we may be able to grab it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">But lo and behold, as we turn the corner, it is a lemonade stand in the middle of the trail! An old Italian man, lemon trees framing his face, inquires in broken English ” would we like some lemonade or better yet Lemoncello!..Of course, this is worthy of a stop to chat. He dips the rims of glasses with sugar and for 2 euros, we are drinking lemonade in Italy on top of a mountaintop. Gee, I really miss New Jersey now! And he has stories to tell. Turns out he likes the good ole USA and even George Bush. (this part I don’t get). Regardless, he gives us his address and wants us to send him a postcard from the Empire State building..of course we will comply.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> I finally drag Dolores away and its On Di ah mo!..After so many twists and turns of stunning cliffs and Mediterranean blues, we stop for a picnic lunch and are the envy of passing hikers. No one else has bread, cheese, salami and homemade wine! We’ve been hiking for about 2 hours now not including our time stopped for lunch and breaks… and the upcoming vision of Vernazza cannot be described in words, only ahhhhs..</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> A day to remember and the best hike of all the villages. We catch the train back to Manorola, eat an awesome dinner in town and chat with some folks from North Carolina…a professor at Wake Forest. Turns out he is crazy about the New York Times and spends 20 minutes telling me how much he likes it..he reads it every day and adores the Op-Ed page..Gee, how about that? ( I'm happy to chat with a fan since I work there!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/04/30/the-fashion-capital-milan/"><b>The fashion capital – Milan!</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Day 7</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wednesday already? We are up early for a change- have to be to catch the 10:20 am train from Riomaggiore and the 10:55 am to Milan. A quick “stand up” cappuccino and fresh pastry right from the oven at a cafe near our hotel smells as good as it tastes. Now we are old pros at trains, so we go for 2nd class- no different from first- for 33 euros. Get lucky too- great seats and a handsome young Canadian gent, Paul, to share our compartment with. Have some good conversation and he’s fun to chat with. We arrive in Milan at 2:00pm and our hotel, the Westin- (yes, staying in style!) is right down the street, which is a good thing since D’s suitcase is now close to 50 lbs. (and are backpacks are growing in weight too). Ahhhhh….heated towel racks and chocolates on the bed! Heaven….</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">No time to linger thou- we are off to see the fashion and finance capitol of the world… First stop- the famous shopping Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the Piazza Duomo with designer stores- Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, even Mercedes (I snap a photo for my son Greg.) This galleria is magnificent! It looks like a museum. Domed ceilings and works of art and stained glass everywhere. Right smack in the middle, of course- a McDonalds McCafe! It’s mobbed too. Where else can you get a cappuccino in Milan for 1.40 euros? And the pastries are to die for! Milan is after all about wordly pleasures! It’s not about looks, it’s about lifestyle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> The rest of the day is spent mastering the subways and looking for the hot night spots. We finally find the area along the canal where D had read all about the happy hours pubs and wine bars. Some are barges that are restaurants. We stop at a jazz bar too with great music and lots of lively college kids. Later, close to our hotel, we make our final stop of the nite at a very expensive indoor/outdoor bar brimming with Milan fashionistas!..young yuppies dressed to the nines sipping on margaritas or whatever. Me and D have on raincoats and Jersey style waistpacks..Don’t fit in at all but who cares! Not I…it’s fun people watching and I’m in Milan for God” sake! After we pay 10 euros for one glass of wine (ouch) the bartender gives us a free Limonichino! Time for bed- its 2 am…tomorrow is another day…and our last!</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; color: blue;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/the-last-dance-may-day/"><b>The last dance…May Day</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Day 8 </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">May Day! Oh no…empty streets? We did not realize that it’s a major holiday here today..lots of things are closed, like the LaScala opera house that we had planned on seeing..( never did get to see the “Last Supper” either- need to get tickets months in advance) but we will trudge on anyway and we do get to enter the 3th largest cathedreal in the world- The Duomo. Awe inspiring with doorways from the 17th centruy, the central balcony from the 18th. We are glad we took the audio tour (4 euros) . The vast interior overwhelms the senses. Impressive pillars, vaults and streamlined arches enhanced by light that floods the splendid stain glass windows..</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> I am really stendhalized now! Well, it’s hard to top the Duomo experience but while strolling empty streets we wander into a massive street fair for May day! Vendors, music, homemade foods of every type..D enjoys the sausage sandwiches as much as we both enjoy the small cups of homemade wine for one euro. ..People are everywhere dressed in costumes and singing in the streets: International Workers’ Day (a name used interchangeably with May Day) is a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labour movement. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">May Day commonly sees organized street demonstrations by millions of working people and their labour unions throughout most of the countries of the world – though, as noted below, rarely in the United States and Canada. Communist and anarchist organizations and their affiliated unions universally conduct street marches on this day.</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"> But there’s more- next stop: we luck upon the Castello Sforzesco- the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. A castle! <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello_S"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; -webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 122, 204); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castello</span></a> S forzesco Amazing! They don’t have these in NJ! </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">The rest of the night is spent wandering the streets and the metro and visiting happy hours. Part of the time we are lost but hey, we are lost in Milan! We pass Leonardo DaVinci’s home and many churches in the dark. A final walk back to out hotel at a very late hour- yikess- in bed about 3am! Six AM will come very shortly…</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><b><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.wordpress.com/2008/05/02/day-9-more-buses-and-planes/">Day 9 – More buses and planes!</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Arrivederci to Bella Italy! Goodbye lemon trees!</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> The adventure of a lifetime is nearly over. We stumble to the Milano Central bus station at 7AM, which is thankfully only a ten minute walk as we drag our 1200 lbs of luggage and backpacks. (should have packed the cute Italian men in there too!)</span><br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"> The 7:30AM to Malpensa airpot is an hours ride. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> We hope to arrive at the terminal on time to check in, and alas..we make it! After some duty free shopping we are off to Newark, NJ and back to the real world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I ask Dolores one more time- Why do we live in New Jersey? She doesn’t answer. She’s snoring on the plane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> ps…Thanks Rick! We’ll be back….:)</span><br />
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BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-34445351742870989002021-05-26T16:51:00.000-04:002021-05-26T16:51:50.315-04:00Costa Rica 2016<article class="clearfix post-471 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-costa-rica" id="post-471" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/17/roses-of-abundance-yoga-retreat/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">“Roses of Abundance” Yoga Retreat Begins!</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px 10px 10px 100px; text-align: justify; width: 393.1793518066406px;"></div><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px 10px 10px 100px; text-align: justify; width: 393.1793518066406px;">“Roses of Abundance” Yoga Retreat<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />United Airlines Flight # 1082 from Newark NJ brings me to Costa Rica for a much needed spiritual yogic journey. My beautiful, angelic yoga teachers Krystle and Claire will be leading the way for our healing, blissful practice- Roses of Abundance- not to mention, insane fun!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0963" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1216" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0963-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After a 6 hour flight with my friend Zophia and a cab ride close to midnight, we settle in at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in Alajuela, CR in Cabin #7 with comfortable beds and dreams of abundance!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">(* sidenote- I fainted on the plane in the aisle on route to the ladies room for no apparent reason. I was fine- seems like the altitude got the best of me! Apparently, **** happens even on spiritual journeys!!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">You can reach these beautiful women at the sites below for an unforgettable yoga retreat!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">http://crystalclarity.wixsite.com/krystleclear</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">http://www.theblissvibe.com</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/17/roses-of-abundance-yoga-retreat/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; 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color: #222222; text-decoration: none;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer></article><article class="clearfix post-472 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-costa-rica" id="post-472" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2016-05" style="box-sizing: border-box;">MAY 16, 2016</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/16/day-one-organic-breakfast-farm-tour-yoga/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Day 1 – Organic Breakfast, Farm Tour, Yoga</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Day One- Organic Breakfast, Farm Tour, Yoga<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">What’s not to like about awakening at 6:30 AM from a comfy bed and walking down a path of magnificent, colorful tropical flowers to the smell of fresh baked bread? Well, I guess that would be a heavenly organic breakfast of papaya, eggs, fig jam, pineapple, passion fruit, watermelon and a steaming hot cup of herbal tea! This is what awaits you at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge on a daily basis! Not to mention, beautiful smiling faces! Our group of connected yoga souls consist of seven. Me, (Deb) , Zophia, Ed and Lisa, Alexa, and our incredible, OMazing teachers, Claire and Krystle. Our Welcoming Yoga & Life Intention Meditation before breakfast was a perfect way to start this spiritual journey!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1423" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1178" height="2448" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3264px) 100vw, 3264px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1423-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3264" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0936" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1192" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0936-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After a relaxing break in our room, we look forward to a tour of this sustainable farm by Isahmel, our sweet handsome, informative tour guide. For 2 1/2 hours he fills our brains with the history of the farm and of Costa Rica.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0946" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1204" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0946-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Finca Luna Lodge is dedicated to producing the healthiest food for their guests. They practice “regenerative” agriculture unusual to most farms.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We pass through luscious vegetation of in this amazing lush tropical rain forest. We can’t get enough of the scent of hibicus and lemon trees.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We taste the fresh herbs of holy basil, peppermint, oregano. Spices of cardamon, black pepper, turmeric are tasty too. There are 90 species of tropical fruit tress. We eat Raw Cacao directly from the tress! Its magical in the rainforest jungle.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1400" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1281" height="3264" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2448px) 100vw, 2448px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1400-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2448" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1405" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1286" height="3264" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2448px) 100vw, 2448px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1405-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2448" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0966" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1219" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0966-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We savor the moments. We treasure the time together listening to birds, monkeys and frogs!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0983" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1229" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0983-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Attention: back at the lodge its time for our daily 2pm afternoon luscious fresh fruit Smoothie! Today is Pineapple and Papaya!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1997" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1457.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">As the sun sets in late afternoon, we all walk the path to the yoga pavilion for an AbunDance Vinyassa Flow and experience heaven on earth with Krystle and Claire as they guide us to another level of consciousness. We work our bodies through gentle movement and stretch our arms and legs to the heavens. Insence and sage flood the air. We breathe and we move with each other in harmony with the earth, the forest, the flowers and the nectar of the fruits beside us.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1998" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_1010.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And if that is not enough for Day One, we feat on a heavenly organic dinner with veggies and fruit<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />harvested right from the farm! They do not serve wine or beer but you are welcome to bring your own- which, of course, we do! Our group of beautiful souls share good food, stories and laughter. Its been more than a good day..</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">8PM – We practice New Moon Meditation under purple star filled skies.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I decide to set an intention/insight for each day here.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Today my insight is JOY.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But it just would not be right if we didn’t jump into the hot tub after that, would it? So, of course we do! (no brainer)<img alt="IMG_1384" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1268" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3264px) 100vw, 3264px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1384-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" />Sweet Dreams!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Here is some history of this most amazing eco-farm: MUST READ!!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />http://fincalunanuevalodge.com/discover /who-we-are/</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="thumbnail.large.8.1486652278.4-farm-tour.jpg" class="wp-image-1055 alignleft" height="5" loading="lazy" src="https://bluepieontheroad.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/thumbnail-large-8-1486652278-4-farm-tour.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; float: left; height: auto; margin: 0.5em 1.5em 1em 0px; max-width: 100%;" width="4" /></p></div><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/15/day-2-omg-its-zip-line-day/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Day 2- OMG…It’s Zip Line Day!</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Day 2- OMG…It’s Zip Line Day!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The morning sun breaks through the clouds and its time for yoga at 8AM..<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Today we practice lengthening, stretching and breathing with the monkeys singing in the distance.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1089" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1373" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Breakfast soon afterwards- Perfect nourishment for what awaits ahead.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Some journal writing back at the cabin and then its time to get crazy!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1422" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1378" height="2178" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2514px) 100vw, 2514px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221-300x260.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221-1440x1247.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221-800x693.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14221-1080x936.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2514" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">http://arenalecoglide.com/en/</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We leave on a small van for an adventure that I was not sure I was ready for, but apparently the stars have aligned for me to get geared up and ZIP thru the trees! Many trees actually. This is not a zip line adventure for wimps!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1056" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1260" height="2848" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1056-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4272" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The canopy Ecoglide Arenal Park is located 3.5km west of the Catholic church in La Fortuna de San Carlos, it was built according to the standards required by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and the National Insurance Institute.It consists of two wires traveling in parallel, one slip and complementing the other two pulleys separate cable for the safety of our visitors.It consists of 13 cables and 15 platforms, most of which are located in the trees so that visitors can have more contact and closeness with nature, flora and fauna of the rainforest.Within the tour managed to find the Tarzan Swing to enjoy full insurance, this involves swinging from a platform into the forest, where reached to 38mts high ropes tied to security.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The course is divided into 3 sections, the first consisting of 8 wires and 9 platforms with length of 210mts long and an average height of 25mts, which are being fully immersed in the rainforest.In the second stage you’ll place the Tarzan Swing. And the third has 5 cables and 6 platforms with lengths ranging from 100m up to 430mts, the largest burst of adrenaline and fun that continues to jump back to Tarzan.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1051" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1259" height="2848" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1051-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4272" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But we are are nearly pro’s by the days end. ( I skipped the Tarzan swing but everyone gave it a shot- it was fun to watch thou!)<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am having some light bulbs moments, realizing I am afraid of pain and not wanting to let go of this fear. I have a pinched nerve in my neck and although its not debilitating, its always there. I am not trusting my body enough to just let go. So, I was a bit tense zip lining but once I “let go” and looked at the treetops, I relaxed and enjoyed.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I am glad I went, I didn’t fall off or screw up and now I can brag to my grandkids that I Ziplined through the rainforests of Costa RIca!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_8138" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1242" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_8138.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_8138.jpg 1280w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_8138-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_8138-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_8138-1080x1620.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1280" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After all that exercise, we definitely needed a recharge- Our meal at Finca Luna was spectacular!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We end the night with Gentle Rose Yoga, a dip in the spring water pool, and then hit the sack in our cozy beds.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1387" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1271" height="2448" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3264px) 100vw, 3264px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1387-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3264" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today’s intention is RELEASE FEAR.</p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/14/day-3-an-incredible-mothers-day/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Day 3 – An Incredible Mother’s Day</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Day 3 – An Incredible Mother’s Day<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Its Mothers Day-</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">I am a mother of two sons and 5 amazing grandkids. This is a special day. I am not with them today but, I must admit, I had an incredible Mothers Day! Krystal and Claire made it so special for all of us! They organized a beautiful yoga practice in honor of Mothers Day. The theme was “Inspired Circles” for the circle of life. We spoke of our mothers, their names, their history, and the impact they had on our lives. We celebrated their laugher and their tears. We cried, we grieved, we hugged. We shared love. Our souls connected.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1388" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1171" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388.jpg?w=768" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1388-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="768" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It is incredibly powerful to share space with people who accept and love you for who you are. No judgements or worries. Only love and gratitude. No complaining!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This becomes our motto for the week!- if we do complain, we notice it and replace it with gratitude. (thank you universe!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Today a gentle breeze touched us as we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast of yucca patties, luscious fresh fruit, eggs , coffee or tea.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1457" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1416" height="3264" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2448px) 100vw, 2448px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1457-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2448" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">It was also a silent breakfast. I loved it. Sometimes we talk too much so it is actually a welcome treat. Bird sings daily day and night in their special language. I love the ones with the brilliant cadmium red and yellow bellies, but they are only visible when they take flight. The air is light and heavy at the same time. Every so often it reminds me to breathe in and breathe out.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">It’s mother nature speaking with gratitude and the presence of the mind. The leaves and the trees are talking to each other. I am reading a biography about Georgia O’Keefe. I breathe it in. This is what Costa Rica does to you.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Today we also go on the Sacred Seed Tour and a Medicinal Herb Walk:</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">SACRED SEEDS TOUR</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The Sacred Seeds Sanctuary at Luna Nueva is a dynamic collection of medicinal plants that protects and celebrates not only biological diversity in Costa Rica and the tropics, but also the diversity of cultural knowledge related to these plants worldwide. Our Sacred Seeds garden currently houses over 300 tropical medicinal plants. In a world where 50 to 200 species become extinct every day due to deforestation, over harvesting, or other human activity, the sanctuary aims to preserve the genetic material and cultural use of these plants.The winding path of the sanctuary brings the visitor through three different sections of environmental diversity representing the various cultural groups of Costa Rica; indigenous, Afro-Caribbean, and European descended Ticos.We offer a guided tour of the Sacred Seeds Sanctuary.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">After seeing all the varieties of plants and herbs, it is not hard to realize that God gave us all we really need to be healthy. Period. Another light bulb moment not to be ignored.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_0975" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1224" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0975-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_0957" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1211" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0957-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_0951" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1206" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0951-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">So, here’s to Mothers on Day 3! – We practice Roses and Thorns Yoga in late afternoon in the heavenly yoga pavilion and then enjoy another fab organic dinner of pasta, veggies of every color, cauliflower soup, salad and a homemade brownie for dessert!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="13139209_10156858372495576_3678847854456778460_n" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1191" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13139209_10156858372495576_3678847854456778460_n.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13139209_10156858372495576_3678847854456778460_n.jpg 720w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/13139209_10156858372495576_3678847854456778460_n-300x400.jpg 300w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="720" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Later on in the evening a few of us took the Rainforest Mysteries Trail Hike:</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">A mile long trail laid out in the secondary rainforest near the main lodge. We enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest at night. You may see kinkajous, sleeping birds, translucent glass frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, or perhaps lizards or snakes. You never know – the creatures come out on their schedule, guided perhaps by the phases of the moon and whether it has just rained. We feel the rainforest at night -a great mystery on this planet Earth.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Today’s Insight is LOVE.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/13/day-4-la-fortuna-falls-baldi-hot-springs/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Day 4- La Fortuna Falls & Baldi Hot Springs</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Day 4- La Fortuna Falls & Baldi Hot Springs<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A brilliant orange ball rose between the mountains and the trees at sunrise this morning. This is what you witness when your body arises at 5:30 AM from your comfy bed. Every morning in Costa Rica shares this wonder.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Our peaceful, yet rejuvenating, yoga class with Claire and Krystle begins at 8AM. This too takes place between the mountains and the trees and the valleys. We hear birds sing and look for monkeys in between OM’s and breath. This just doesn’t happen mornings in New Jersey, no matter how hard you try to visualize!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1085" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1363" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1085-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our breakfast is amazing always. Can hardly get enough fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh baked bread!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But the best is yet to come as we are off to La Fortuna Falls for an afternoon of diving into waterfalls!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1024" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1304" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1024-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Arguably the most visited waterfall in the whole country, La Fortuna waterfall has attracted travelers from all over the world for years.Dropping 75 meters into a bright blue pool, La Fortuna waterfall in Arenal paints a perfect postcard of the Costa Rican jungle and is usually one of the highlights of an Arenal trip for its beautiful views and scenery.Sitting just 6 km outside of the town of La Fortuna and at the base of the Cerro Chato volcano, the waterfall makes for a great day trip for travelers of all ages.The water is fed by the Tenorio River that goes through the rainforest in the Arenal area until it reaches a cliff to create this waterfall. Visitors can get several different views as they make the somewhat arduous hike from the visitor’s station to the base of the fall.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1039" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1318" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10391-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Getting there was a feat in itself. We climbed 500 steps up (and yes, 500 steps down later in the day) but the view was incredible and the Falls spectacular. We swam in warm waters, climbed on rocks and took silly pictures of each other. There was nothing to do but BE. Time to reflect and time to meditate.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1023" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1303" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1023-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1027" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1307" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1027-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="Version 2" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1320" height="3329" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4247px) 100vw, 4247px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401-300x235.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401-1440x1129.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401-800x627.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_10401-1080x846.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4247" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1035" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1315" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1035-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1017" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1298" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1017-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1022" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1302" height="4100" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 2913px) 100vw, 2913px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022-300x422.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022-1440x2027.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022-800x1126.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1022-1080x1520.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="2913" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But all that swimming does bring on an appetite so its off to lunch in the town of La Fortuna. Our tribe of eight shares chips and guac, veggies quesadillas, yucca and beers. Yes, we have entered the eternal gates!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">A little shopping afterwards doesn’t hurt either. Colorful bags and scarves nearly float thru town.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Shopkeepers with big smiles are friendly and helpful.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At this point we can’t imagine our day could be more perfect than it already is- but we are wrong. We head to one of the most amazing, unique places I have ever seen! The Baldi Hot Springs Spa and Hotel.<img alt="IMG_1059" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1336" height="434" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4439px) 100vw, 4439px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059-300x203.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059-1440x977.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059-800x543.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1059-1080x732.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" />Baldi is located in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica on a privileged site at the base of the imposing Arenal Volcano and sorrounded by exuberant nature, is the largest resort of the world with its 25 pools of thermal water, rich in minerals and healing properties. Grab your bathing suit, swim up to a pool- take your pick, they are all different surrounded by lush trees, singing birds and waterfalls. Added plus- swim up to a bar stool inside the pool..Perch there for a while and enjoy a refreshing margarita!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1063" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1340" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1063-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1060" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1337" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1060-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1331" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1349" height="2848" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1331-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4272" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We spend 2 hours here in paradise and then have dinner inside the hotel. Good food, wine, friends. Yup, God must be here. I’m sure she is.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1418" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1372" height="2848" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_14181-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4272" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back at the ranch—-</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Relaxing yoga nidra – internal blosseming.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />sweet dreams.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_1091" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1375" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3522px) 100vw, 3522px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091-300x294.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091-1440x1413.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091-800x785.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1091-1080x1060.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3522" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Todays insight for me today is Gratitude.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2016/05/12/day-5-making-cacao-and-closing-ceremony/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Day 5 – Making Cacao and Closing Ceremony</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Day 5 – Making Cacao and Closing Ceremony<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Alajuela, Costa Rica</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Alajuela, Costa Rica</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />8 AM–Morning Yoga -Sunshine bliss vibe asana!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1089" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1373" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1089-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">9 AM—Our usual amazing breakfast!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">But the real treat today was making Cacao!….Oh YUM!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">After seeing the CacaoTrees on the Farm- (There are more than 300 and most are over 30 years old!), we learn how to make chocolate the way ancient civilizations did and also the modern way. We will partake in the ” Drink of the Gods”!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1081" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1361" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1081-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1080" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1360" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1080-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">First we roast and then grind fermented cacao beans. For the grinding we an use an ancient “metate” or grinding stone, thought to be almost a thousand years old and carved by indigenous people from volcanic rock. Once the task of grinding is completed, we add the desired spices and flavors to our drink, selecting from New World ingredients such as Vanilla, Jamaica or Allspice, Spicy Chile, and Achiote or Annatto.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Drinking the chocolate with different flavors is a unique experience. It’s spiritual and mystical to enjoy the healing powers of chocolate. And then to top it all off, we make chocolate with spices and ingredients from the farm and eat the organic chocolate!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">As the sun dips below the treetops, I relax in this lush green forest, overlooking large green, red and yellow leafed plants with pink flowers. I sit and sip tea and realize how much my mind craves silence.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1075" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1357" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1075-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1070" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1352" height="4608" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3456px) 100vw, 3456px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1070-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3456" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">At 4pm we gather together for our Cacao closing ceremony in the yoga pavilion. “External Blossoming”. A special scared afternoon.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_1398" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1371" height="2848" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4272px) 100vw, 4272px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_13981-1080x720.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4272" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But, of course, after all the chocolate, we still want PIZZA!<img alt="IMG_1086" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1364" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_1086-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" />Yup- at 7PM , our last night in the rain forest, we have a special wood oven pizza celebration with salad , green soup and a glass of wine at the pool as the sun sets.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">The stars own the sky tonight, so we all climb up the tower on the property and get a closer look. I’m not sure how many stairs we take to get to the top. The stars are a brilliant white against the pitch black sky. It feels as if we are on the top of the world and in a sense we are. Thank you God.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">When I land back home in New Jersey I wonder if I will be able to re-create this magical, spiritual land in my minds eye? At home there is noise from TV’s, cell phones, air conditioners and lawn mowers. I need Enya, Solitude and Tree Pose! I breathe in the gentle breeze and look towards Father Sky for answers. Then I sit and listen.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><img alt="IMG_0987" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1231" height="3456" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4608px) 100vw, 4608px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0987-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4608" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">This week of healing at Finca Luna Lodge has brought me peace of mind, gratitude, wisdom, and a stronger body. I shared food from the earth, stories and laughter with amazing beautiful soulful friends. Friends who will be part of my life from now on, I am sure.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Todays Insight is Abundance.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"> </p></div></div></div></div></div></article>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-55273409852181591442021-05-26T16:30:00.000-04:002021-05-26T16:30:56.985-04:00CHICAGO 2013<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Frozen Fingers, Frozen Toes -The Windy City-Day 1</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;"> January 2013</div><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Frozen Fingers & Frozen Toes in the Windy City- Day 1<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Chicago, IL</div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"></div><div style="box-sizing: border-box;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6455" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1563" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6455-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Chicago, IL</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Day 1<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A quick getaway was in the cards and Chicago was on my bucket list for the longest time. So the bags are packed- thankfully with my down coat and warm boots! Anytime is beautiful in Chicago but winter adds another layer of clothes and challenges. Although I may have been a bit whiny about the sub zero temps, the Chicago folks are not! They seem to hardly notice but, of course, they are so bundled up you can hardly see their faces. North Face must make a bundle here!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">OK- no more whining-</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_0754" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1593" height="2347" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3264px) 100vw, 3264px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754-300x216.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754-1440x1036.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754-800x575.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_0754-1080x777.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3264" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">My friend Gisela who is brave enough to drive to JFK airport NYC, picks me up at my door at 4AM and we are off. There is no traffic so its a breeze to speed over the Outerbridge Crossing in Staten Island. No problems on the Verrazano Bridge in NY either. We reach the parking garage within an hour and they shuttle us off to the airport for out flight on Jet Blue. Which by the way was quite a deal. $69 bucks each way! We are in the air at 7:15 AM reading our travel books and before you know it we are in the Windy City!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">( BTW- Do you know why it’s called the Windy City? It’s not because of the wind-<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />“If you had always assumed that Chicago earned its nickname as the Windy City from the chilly gusts coming off Lake Michigan, you would be wrong. The city is windy, according to most local legends, because of the hot air bellowing from politicians.” )</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So- we land and the pilot announces that the temp in the Windy City is ONE degree!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I nearly have heart failure but good thing I did not- needed the energy for the six block icy walk to the hotel.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6461" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1569" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6461-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6456" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1564" height="2725" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456-300x204.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456-1440x981.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456-800x545.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6456-1080x736.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you want to save time and money, take the subway Blue Line to Jackson Station and then the Red line to Chicago Station from the airport. It’s about 45 minutes or so. And will take only $2.25 from your wallet as opposed to over $50 for a cab. But, if you are with rich famous people, a cab would be fine.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our hotel, the Residence Inn on Magnificent Mile rocks! It especially rocks since I used my Marriott points and so it cost me nothing to stay for 3 nights! And to top it off, our room is ready at 10:30 AM! (normally a wait is in order till 4pm) I needed to thaw out since my fingers nearly fell off on way to the hotel. And yes, I had gloves on.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Since we bought a Metro Card at the airport- $20 for 3 days- Gisela and I are set and ready to head downtown. We take the #147 bus and decide on lunch and a much needed adult beverage at the famous Millers Tavern. A 1925 establishment that has great food and of course famous T-shirts.<a href="http://millerspub.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Welcome to Miller’s Pub</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="DxG2Awjl5P" frameborder="0" height="338" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-scripts" scrolling="no" security="restricted" src="http://millerspub.com/embed/#?secret=DxG2Awjl5P" style="border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); max-width: 100%; position: absolute;" title="“Welcome to Miller’s Pub” — Miller's Pub" width="600"></iframe></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6494" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1590" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6494-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6498" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1592" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6498-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After much nourishment, we are ready to ride the famous LOOP elevated rail around the downtown area. It’s a good way to get a feel for Chicago. We see Grant Park where the Skating rink is. I am amazed that folks are actually flying around on skates in below zero temps!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="grant park chicago" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1561" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64521-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next stop- we depart the subway and visit the famous Billy Goat Tavern:<img alt="IMG_6463" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1571" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6463-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Remember the Saturday Night Live Skit? Cheezburger, Cheezburger, Cheezburger?</span><img alt="IMG_6462" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1570" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6462-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><article class="clearfix post-490 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago category-usa" id="post-490" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/31/old-town/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Old Town, Chicago- Day 2</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Old Town<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Chicago, IL</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Chicago, IL</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Not easy to wander the streets of Chicago when you fingers are falling off but we did manage to get to the Old Town Ale House, which of course, was on my to-do list. No question about it. A subway trip gets us there in no time. I would have loved to see more of Old Town (northern area) which is a great area to walk around, but that will have to wait till next time- in the summer!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6382" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1517" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6382-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">However, the Ale House was not only famous – the La Premiere Dive Bar since 1958- but filled with walls and walls of paintings of political porn by local artist- Bruce Elliott . We lucked out too because he was sitting at the bar throwing down a cold beer!</p><blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="AHUpMf67DU" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; line-height: 1.6;"><a href="http://www.theoldtownalehouse.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Home</a></p></blockquote><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="AHUpMf67DU" frameborder="0" height="338" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" sandbox="allow-scripts" scrolling="no" security="restricted" src="http://www.theoldtownalehouse.com/embed/#?secret=AHUpMf67DU" style="border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px); max-width: 100%; position: absolute;" title="“Home” — The Old Town Ale House" width="600"></iframe></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6375" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1510" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6375-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6389" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1523" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6389-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">As a lover of the Blues, there was no way I was leaving Chicago without filling my soul with my favorite music. Before leaving NJ, I stumbled across the Green Mill Jazz club. On Saturdays they had free shows at 3PM. No brainer. http://greenmilljazz.com/ We arrive plenty early and it was a good thing since the place was nearly packed! I was assuming it would be a hole-in-the-wall with three guys in flannel shirts drinking Bud lights, but I was so wrong!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6388" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1522" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6388-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Gisela and I order a glass of wine and surprise- the show starts and it’s a comedy show of the finest kind. Very political, very funny and mostly devoid of Republicans, I believe. Learned a few new curse words too. Highly recommend for a good time. Funny ****.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After all this, we are in need of food to fill our bellies. Of course we have no desire to eat normal food that we can get anywhere so upon a recommendation from the nice girl at the subway stop who looked up directions for us on her IPhone, we go to her favorite place, which happens to be right across the street!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Demera- an Ethiopian restaurant. What a treat! we order Messob and it so tasty. Spicy veggies and meats that you pick up with some type of bread to eat and your fingers. No forks necessary. http://demeraethiopianrestaurant.com/<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">As I am quite stuffed, a walk back to the subway is in the plan and we are off again for the finale of the night. Awesome LIVE Blues at the “Blue Chicago”on Clark Street in River North. Real Blues, real people who connect with the audience. Yup, this is what I came to Chicago for and this club did not disappoint! http://www.bluechicago.com/home.html<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Check out the website and listen to the blues!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6390" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1524" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6390-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Crash into bed at 12:30 AM..It’s still cold outside!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/31/old-town/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline-block !important; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"><span aria-hidden="true" class="pipdigicons pipdigicons_fab pipdigicons-facebook" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-family: "pipdigicons brands"; font-size: 15px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; 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box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-family: "pipdigicons brands"; font-size: 15px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 5px; text-rendering: auto; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;"></span></a></div><span class="commentz" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-size: 11px;"><a data-disqus-url="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/31/old-town/" href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/31/old-town/#respond" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer></article><article class="clearfix post-491 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago category-usa" id="post-491" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2013-01" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JANUARY 30, 2013</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/30/time-for-art/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Time for Art in Chicago- Day 3</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Time for Art!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Chicago, IL</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Chicago, IL</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After another hearty, delicious , free breakfast at the Marriott, we are off and out in the cold once again. We take the bus to the Art Institute of Chicago. A nice ride down Magnificent Mile. It is open at 10 am and we are there shortly afterwards. (One small hiccup, however, nearly ruins the day. Gisela discovers that her wallet is missing from her bag- a quick taxi ride back to the hotel saves the day. It had fallen out of her bag while we used the lobby computer! Thankfully, it was still on the chair and the day was saved!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6396" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1526" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6396-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The museum was outstanding! Lots of great lighted space, amazing artwork and sculptures. Great gift shop too, of course- Must always check out the gift shops! We were even allowed to take photographs which surprised me. Be sure to put this museum on your bucket list. Well worth it.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6414" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1541" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6414-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6398" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1527" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6398-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2007" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6488.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2006" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6482.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2005" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_6409.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Once again, in need of food and drink, and since we are close, we decide to walk back to the Billy Goat Tavern. Geez- something about old historic funky places, I guess that we can’t ignore. Or was it those famous hot dogs? I also cannot resist the famous Billy Goat T-Shirts, so I get three so a few special guys I know.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the way we are finally able to take a few photos since the temp has climbed to about 20 degrees and I can actually now push the button on my camera without too much discomfort. We pass Grant Park, the skating rink, some cool sculpture’s the fabulous architecture and of course the famous Bean! A photo opp is absolutely a must! Incase you don’t know the Bean is a metallic sculpture that reflects the Chicago skyline. Awesome.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="the bean chicago" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1559" height="2678" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3930px) 100vw, 3930px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491-300x204.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491-1440x982.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491-800x545.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_64491-1080x736.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3930" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6445" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1557" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6445-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6442" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1555" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6442-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Another short bus trip and we are walking in the side entrance of the John Hancock Observatory. We are told by a wise woman on the bus to go up to the 96th floor and have a drink at the restaurant/bar instead of going in the front door and paying an entrance fee. Of course, you must buy a drink there. No brainer. The view is beyond spectacular! Since we arrived at 500 pm, we got the best of both worlds- daylight and nightfall. A perfect combo. We have a 360 degree view of the windy city while we sip a cabernet. The distant views are breathtaking. We can see for miles and miles. (don’t seem to be able to spot New Jersey though!) Even the ladies room had floor length windows -</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">( another wise tip from the bus lady<img alt="IMG_6465" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1572" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6465-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6467" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1573" height="340" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467-300x160.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467-1440x766.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467-800x425.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6467-1080x574.jpg 1080w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;">It’s very hard to leave our little perfect table near huge glass windows, but alas, we must. The night is young and there is more Chicago to explore.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Last stop of the evening- a subway ride to, of course, another blues club! How could we not?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This time it’s the Kingston Mines. Found it in the guide book. Very cool, Very blue.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />We hit the sack at 11:30 dreaming of the sights and sounds of our last night in Chicago.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;"><img alt="IMG_6473" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1578" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6473-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Tomorrow is another day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; 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float: right; font-size: 11px;"><a data-disqus-url="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/30/time-for-art/" href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/30/time-for-art/#respond" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer><article class="clearfix post-492 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-chicago category-usa" id="post-492" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2013-01" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JANUARY 29, 2013</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2013/01/29/is-it-day-4-already/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Is it day 4 already?</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Is it day 4 already?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Chicago, IL</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Chicago, IL</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Boo- Hoo….We will be on a plane back to reality late tonight. But, in the meantime, there is still time to wander and see some more of Chicago!.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Today after another great breakfast (gotta love the Marriott), Gisela and I are off to check out the art galleries in the River North section. This time we walk since its not that far from out hotel. It is, however, still friggin frezzing! (but who is complaining? lol)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6488" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1588" height="4000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6488-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="3000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6485" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1585" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6485-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So, now there is good news and bad news. The bad news (should always get that out of the way first IMOP) most of the art galleries are CLOSED on Mondays! Who knew? None of the guide books nor the front desk at the Marriott mention anything about this. This was a huge bummer, since I was really looking forward to it, and being the girl scout that I am, I always do my homework. Somehow, this got lost somewhere. But, the good news was that we did get to see a few and also checked out a very cool Paper Store in the area. Lots of creative ideas to float about in my head!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next stop the Chicago Cultural Center. Never thought it would be so amazing! This should have been the first stop on Day One. It’s not only a place to view great art but also there are tons of information on what to do and see in Chicago. Even the ceiling here was a piece of art! A must see if you go to the Windy City.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="IMG_6489" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1589" height="3000" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 4000px) 100vw, 4000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6489-1080x810.jpg 1080w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="4000" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Finally, I must bid farewell to Chicago (until my next visit in the summer!) but before we take the train to the plane, we stop once again for a great brew and lunch at Miller’s Pub. It seems only fitting and full circle. I have all my brochures ready for next time and I can’t wait.<img alt="IMG_6443" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1556" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443.jpg 2048w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/img_6443-1080x1440.jpg 1080w" style="text-align: start;" width="480" /></p></div></article></div></article></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-70748486007004546092021-05-26T16:04:00.001-04:002021-05-27T13:57:50.972-04:00SWITZERLAND AND GERMANY 2012<header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Germany & Switzerland -Day 1</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 18, 2012 </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Onward to Germany and Switzerland! I am with my BFF Dolores for our next annual adventure.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But this time I get a treat and fly first class to Frankfurt. The word “spoiled” now takes on a new meaning. Immediately upon sitting in my wide comfortable seat, I am asked what wine selection I would prefer! And dinner is served! -seafood, rice, collard greens, bread, ice cream, the list goes on. I am too full and too tired to talk.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">However, I do sleep a bit and before I know it, we are in Frankfurt on bus number 61 platform 16 outside the terminal. It’s a pretty <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>quick 45 minute ride and then a short walk to our hotel Maingau.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2277" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0124.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2276" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0087.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We are given a good map and directions by a passerby. Voila, we arrive! Since we are unable to check into our hotel, we stroll the <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>cobblestone streets instead, admiring the churches and numerous beer gardens and pubs. We find a supermarket café and enjoy a sandwich and a cappuccino.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After crossing the “Main” (river), we find a cool square with lots of pubs and churches. (Dom Romer)- so much to see!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2345" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0079.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2342" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0071.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2343" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0072.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2344" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0077.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2278" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0016.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2279" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0022.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2281" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0045.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Later in the day we have dinner in Klaane Sachsehauser ( Old Town) at Dauth Schneider. I am loving the <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>homemade noodles with salad and asparagus soup. Dolores opts for spareribs and sauerkraut. Frankfurt rocks!.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">To wrap up the day, we have a nightcap nearby and enjoy chatting with the bartender who speaks nine languages. He is only about 22 years old..How does a person know 9 languages at such a young age? Impressive.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Soon enough it’s time for bed! More streets to walk tomorrow.<img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2311" height="481" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058-1440x1082.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058-1440x1082.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058-800x601.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058-1080x812.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0058.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2310" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0057.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="427" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2282" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028-800x534.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0028.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2280" height="511" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024-1440x1150.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024-1440x1150.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024-300x240.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024-800x639.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024-1080x862.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0024.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Marketplace and Irish pubs- Day 2</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 20, 2012</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Up early for a great breakfast in our hotel then we are off to Aldi‘s for some provisionals. Crossing the bridge to Dom Romer we wander some more and make a stop at Die Kleinmarkthalle where they sell fruit, veggies, spices, food and soaps. Lots of shops to check out and then we enjoy a glass of wine and pretzels in the square. </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2284" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0062.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2347" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0109.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2348" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0111.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dinner tonight we spend at a tapas bar near our hotel. A bottle of wine, calamari, cheese, bread and potatoes. Yup, life is good.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Afterwards, We cannot pass up an Irish pub on the way to our hotel it’s noisy but Irish coffee always hits the spot.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2285" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0026.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;">It’s late and I need sleep and earplugs.</span></p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">The Train to Munich Germany- Day 3</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 21, 2012</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">9:30 AM</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Train to Munich!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We get our tickets at Deutsche Bank. It’s a combo for the train to the main train station and the train to Munich. Unfortunately, we did not realize that buying them three days in advance cuts the cost considerably. Live and learn.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So we pay about €95 each for one way. It’s a three hour trip second class. The train is great and there is a café bar. Easy to find the train track and our car number 22. I am a bit train sick but I push through and carry on!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Our hotel- The Trip Hotel- is around the block from the train station. Pretty nice. It’s nap time for me while Dolores checks out the town . We go to the carnival and the Froehling Fest. Fun stuff. Riding on a merry-go- round that serves beer! They don’t have these in NJ!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2292" height="896" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1-1440x896.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1-1440x896.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1-300x187.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1-800x498.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1-1080x672.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0205-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are two large beer halls and they are extremely full. We were unaware that we needed reservations, so we are unable to get in. But the weather is fine so we move outdoors. I have beef matzah ball soup and Dolores has pork .</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2291" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0204-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">A bit later we do get into the beer tent. I have never seen such a crowd. It’s actually scary! Everyone is wasted, dancing on tables and spilling beer. We somehow manage our way in to listen to the band. A good time is had by all and we are still alive without being trampled to death.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2289" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0207.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2290" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0219.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2293" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0210.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Time for bed again! I’ll take a Tylenol and some ear plugs. Thank you good night</p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">The famous Hafbrauhaus, Germany- Day 4</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 22 2012</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">An early lunch today at Augustine Keller . Excellent meal. About a 15 minute walk from our hotel. Beautiful grounds.Soup and salad for me and duck for Dolores.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2306" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0135.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2305" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0134.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2304" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0133.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2303" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0132.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2302" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0131.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2301" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0129.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2300" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0128.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s raining so instead of walking to the museum in the rain we decide to go and get <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>our train tickets to Fussen ( 40 euros for both of us) and also to Frankfort. (113 euros )</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">As I write this now we are in the famous Hofbrauhaus having huge mugs of beer. The walk from Old Town was beautiful with lots of churches. We meet two nice gentleman from Austria and share a few mugs and have a nice chat. We actually had so much fun we forgot to eat so of course this calls for a falafel sandwich at </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">11:30 PM. Nighty night. <img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2312" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0161.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2307" height="524" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155-1440x1178.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155-1440x1178.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155-300x246.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155-800x655.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155-1080x884.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0155.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2308" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0159.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2309" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0160.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Eat, Drink, Shop and Be Merry- Day 5</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 23, 2012</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lunch today after shopping is at the Viktualienmarkt in Munich, an outdoor area with long tables. Nice place to get a fish sandwich on a roll and check out all the goodies to eat and buy.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2313" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0060.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2314" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0066.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2315" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0068.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Of course, we cannot leave Germany without going on the carnival <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>merry go round again. The test is trying not to spill your beer. Later in the day we go to the Hippodrom Tent which is the beer garden. We eat chicken and noodles and once again drink giant mugs <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>of beer.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2316" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0227.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2317" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0209.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Dolores is pulled onto the dance floor by an old German gent who refuses to take no for an answer. She is forced to dance. It’s hysterical. She dances like Elaine on Seinfeld.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2294" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0231.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">On the way home its time to go to the Carnival!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2404" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0239.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2405" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0240.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We also check out the beautiful churches take a look inside to calm down!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Also a good ides to say a few prayers that we will not have hangovers the next day. Once again it’s a late night in time to hit the sack.</p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">Fussen, Germany- Day 6</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 24, 2012</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we take the train around the corner from our hotel at 11:15 AM. We are on the way to Fussen, Germany.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We buy cheese, olives, ham and French bread for the train ride today. This time I am not “Krank”( sick ).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Even though it is April we noticed snow on the ground during the train ride to Fussen!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At 2 PM we arrive at our Hotel Fantasia. It is a lovely old building. The decor is mostly purple walls and tables etc but modern with a large lounge and dining area with free Wi-Fi . Our room has two twin beds and a Tempur-pedic mattress. Probably the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2323" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0343.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2322" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0341.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2321" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0293.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2319" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0245.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We gather information about our next days trip to the castle from the hotel clerk who is very helpful. Out for short walk to check out the shops and I am glad to find a shoe store. I got a bit freaked out when I saw the snow and realized I was wearing sandals. So I purchased hiking boots for €50 -it was a good deal and worth the money.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After dinner at our hotel we walk the streets again for photo ops. It’s golden hour and I am able to get some great shots of this picturesque town..I’m in heaven! (and even catch a rainbow!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2328" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0288.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2329" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0292.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2324" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0271.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2330" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0274.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There is a beautiful river and mountains but the highlight of the day it’s our visit to an Egyptian shop.It smells like incense inside and it is owned by a Muslim gentleman. He is very excited that we have stepped into his shop and he offers coffee lattes, cookies and figs, which are amazingly tasty! He speaks to us of politics, Bin Laden, Al Qaeda etc. He tells us he loves the American people but does not like our government. We are about to leave when suddenly he decides to dress us all up in robes and scarves and take photos with him. What an experience!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2320" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0291.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Of course we feel obliged to purchase something from his shop so we decide on a bar of soap. However one bar was €10. Ha ha, obviously the coffee was not free! But he was a good man and we had an unusual experience to say the least. Well worth it!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s always a good idea to get a little silly too!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2331" height="2160" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259-1440x2160.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259-1440x2160.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259-300x450.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259-800x1200.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259-1080x1620.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0259.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2332" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0260.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Onward. We check out a wine bar and bakery store. We meet a cute bartender looks like a movie star. Later on we indulge in some Thai food and then head back to the hotel to pack up for the next day and the castle!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2333" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0266.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2334" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0268.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ahhhh…sleep!</p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">The Famous Neuschwanstein Castle-Day 7</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">April 25, 2012 Wednesday</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we will visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. It’s a short bus ride from our hotel and as we wait we meet a lovely woman, <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Katherine,from Canada who is about our age and backpacking by herself for seven weeks.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2335" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0319.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2336" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0325.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2339" height="958" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312-1440x958.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312-800x532.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312-1080x718.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0312.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The castle tour is about 30 to 45 minutes and it’s quite a task to get to it. The bus takes us to the ticket booth which is a 10 to 15 minute ride and then we choose a horse and carriage ride up to the main entrance.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2337" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0335.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2341" height="1009" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322-1440x1009.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322-1440x1009.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322-300x210.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322-800x561.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322-1080x757.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0322.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lovely. It’s a beautiful sunny day and we are actually warming up. The rules are that you get in line according to your ticket number. We take a guided tour and learn a lot of history then visit the restaurants and souvenir shops in the castle. After the tour we walk up the hill to Marien bruche For a breathtaking view of the other side of the castle.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2340" height="960" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0318.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">There are other hikes too if you wish to explore further. After a sandwich we are back on the bus headed to Fussen. In a couple hours we will be catching the 4 PM train back to Frankfurt. We have a good seat for the 5 Hour ride and then spend our last evening at the airport Sheraton. Time for dinner at the Sheraton tavern and then bed- again a late night at 2 PM.<img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2338" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0345.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h1 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;">First Class- Day 8</h1></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">April 26, 2010</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Our first class flight awaits!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Back to the real world, back to New Jersey and the Turnpike!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Germany will be missed!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">I even got to see Santa Claus- guess he was doing some early shopping early and needed a nap!<img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2407" height="369" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189-1440x830.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189-1440x830.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189-300x173.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189-800x461.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189-1080x622.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0189.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2406" height="427" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187-1440x960.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187-800x533.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/DSC_0187.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-43343440394006987832021-05-26T15:35:00.000-04:002021-05-26T15:35:12.725-04:00ONWARD TO ALASKA 2010<p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">July 13, 2010</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Newark NJ to Seattle to Alaska…</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Dolores and I will begin our 9th trip together. Yes, the “most excellent adventure awaits !”<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />This year it’s a cruise on the Royal Caribbean’s “Rhapsody of the Seas.” We will leave standby flight at 7:10 AM Wednesday, for a two night stay in Seattle and then it cruising time!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2193" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3246.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2192" height="424" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050-1440x954.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050-1440x954.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050-300x199.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050-800x530.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050-1080x716.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3050.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">We will visit Victoria, British Columbia after stopping in Juneau and Skagway. I’m all packed and ready for take off!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Seattle-</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">July 14, 2010</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">A delayed flight on the runway,- boo hoo- but we finally take off at 8:30 AM and arrive in Seattle six hours later and check in to Comfort Suites on Roy Street.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> A quick stop at the grocery, is a must to purchase Alaskan local beer ( additional fortitude needed to carry on!)</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">A toast to Alaska and we are off to Pike Peak’s market.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2196" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2858.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2194" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2854.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"> A great lunch at ” Lowells” is in order . Salmon sandwiches are delicious, as is the Mannys Ale.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2195" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2857.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">After a bit of a walk, we stroll upon Bastille day at Café Campaign, a street festival boasting Parisian food, wine, beer and perfumes. They are presenting a “Party for the Revolutionaries”. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2201" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2899.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Burlesque dancers, local bands, and Can Can girls! (We even get lucky and spot a cute French guy to gaze upon.)</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2200" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2886.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2199" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2881.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Since we are are too full to stuff our faces, we wander further along to Post Alley. If you are up for it you can nosh on bagels, listen to local bands, and sample wines and beers. I can’t help but spot the the awesome T-shirts there. They are pretty funny -the back of one shirt says” Girls Taste Better!” Here is the clue- The name of the store is called “The Tasting Room”.</span><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2198" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2871.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Soon we are heading towards Miners’s Landing by Elliott Bay to the ” Fisherman’s Restaurant” on the waterfront. We sit outside and check out the cheesy shops that sell souvenirs.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2202" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2904.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2203" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2907.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">We take goofy photos of mummy women , the indoor carousel and pirate stuff. And soon its onward to Pioneer Square to walk a bit. We find the underground tour but we are 15 minutes late so it’s not going to happen. Instead we stop at a bar with live jazz music and Creole New Orleans food. </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">I order rice and beans and Dolores has crawfish. We take a Pedi cab bike for $10. It’s getting late so it beats walking. Dolores It’s still hungry so we find the Five Point Café at 11:30PM. Yup, a roast beef sandwich and potato salad! It’s now time for bed finally it’s been a long day. Nighty night.</span></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Seattle, WA</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">July 15, 2010 Thursday.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">We check into The Marriott Spring Hill suites on Yale street and have breakfast in the dining room.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Upon returning I realize the zipper on my suitcase is broken so now there is no choice but to go to the Ross Department store in town and purchase a new one. Can’t have all my stuff falling out of the suitcase!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">But too many hours shopping! UHG!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Later, a relaxing shower calms me down and we head out to the Sci-FI museum and music experience- ( to meet a few SCI FI friends!)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2204" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2912.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2205" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2918.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2206" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2924.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Afterwards, we enjoy a stop at the “Living Room Bar and Café in Seattle at 1355 Olive St.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2217" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2940.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">We listen to piped in blues music and enjoy a glass of Cabernet.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">It’s hot but we eat olives and take goofy pictures of the room and ourselves.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2216" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2936.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Next stop “The Buck” on Capitol Hill. Very unique . There is a maniquin with one arm in the ladies room. It’s Northwest cabin style atmosphere. Dolores has a gin and tonic I have vodka and OJ at three bucks apiece goes well with our salsa and chips.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2207" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2944.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2215" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2943.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Last stop of the evening is the “Knee-High Stockings“speakeasy tavern.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.kneehighstocking.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.kneehighstocking.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">and then Linda‘s for a nightcap and three dollar sliders. Very cool, very young, good music.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.lindastavern.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.lindastavern.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Time for light outs!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Tomorrow we sail!</p><article class="clearfix post-717 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-alaska" id="post-717" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 50px;"><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 16, 2010 Friday</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s finally cruise day. I am up at 4:10 in the a.m. once again. We enjoy a full breakfast downstairs at the Marriott, pack your stuff and we are out the door by 11:15 AM and on the shuttle to the cruise.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The process to get on the ship is well organized and easy and we arrive in plenty of time. We stroll the ship loving the gorgeous weather! Time for a dip in the pool, a beverage and some dancing on the deck!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2208" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2947.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2209" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">By evening we are ready for a nice dinner in the Edelweiss room. We order the wine package- a bit pricey- but hey this is what they do. Before dinner we see the comedy show. So worth it!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/at-sea/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline-block !important; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"><span aria-hidden="true" class="pipdigicons pipdigicons_fab pipdigicons-facebook" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2010-07" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JULY 14, 2010</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/bald-eagles/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Art Auction- Day 5</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 17, 2010.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we are at sea. I slept for 10 hours! We spend a few hours a the art auction which was very nice. Bonus points for the free champagne!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2218" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2957.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pool and hot tub, check!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Captains meet up and dinner, check!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2220" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2968-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2214" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2969.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We dance the night away in the Viking lounge.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Tomorrow we will be in Juneau Alaska!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; 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box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-family: "pipdigicons brands"; font-size: 15px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 5px; text-rendering: auto; transition: all 0.25s ease-out;"></span></a></div><span class="commentz" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-size: 11px;"><a data-disqus-url="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/bald-eagles/" href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/bald-eagles/#respond" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer></article><article class="clearfix post-719 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-alaska" id="post-719" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2010-07" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JULY 14, 2010</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/skagway/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Juneau, AK- Day 6</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Juneau, AK</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 18, 2010 .</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">After an early breakfast in the Windjammer Café, we pull into the port at Juneau. Beautiful,massive evergreens envelope us!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2227" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2980.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fun facts about Juneau</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The tongue is national Forest is the largest temperate rainforest in North America, covering nearly 17,000,000 acres including nearly all of Alaska inside passage.The old growth trees of Tongue can be between 200 to 700 years old.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I spot my first bald eagle. No words.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At 12 noon we dock at Juneau. It’s a short 10 minute walk and then a 12 minute shuttle to the Mendenhall glacier. We are mendalsized!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2221" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2976.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2222" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2998.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2223" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3003.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We hike to the falls on the Nugget Falls Trail. Amazing.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2224" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3025.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2225" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3031.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At 3:15 PM we are on our way to the Alaskan brewery for some free samples (well not actually free $1.50 each)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2226" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3036.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back in town for a delicious bowl of chowder soup at the Hanger In The Wharf on the harbor.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2228" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3042.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2272" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/IMG_3078.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We walk through town quickly and head back to the ship at 7:30 PM to get ready for the captains invite for free drinks and Appy’s. A quick dinner at the Windjammer and a Broadway show later. It’s been a long day. We actually hit the sack at 11 PM.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2262" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3190.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /> July 19, 2010 Monday.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we are off to see Skagway. We go to the National Historic Park Klondike Gold Rush to get our passport books stamped and see a showing of a movie inside about the gold rush.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2236" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3058.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Of course, we make a stop at the Morehouse Brewery in Skagway -great local beers -Chilcoot IPA. We write out postcards and stay about an hour.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">For more info on this area:</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/historyculture/skagwaydistrict.htm" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/historyculture/skagwaydistrict.htm</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2243" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3074.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">This is where the “White Pass“ train ride is. However we decline as it is $120. Ouch!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2234" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3063.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2233" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3060.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Onward to the Mascot Saloon -it’s a re-creation of the time period. Very cool to see and lots of history. They have original beer bottles and cigar boxes that they found underground.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2237" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3067.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2238" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3068.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2239" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3069.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">A walk to the Gold Rush Brewery is in order. It’s about 2 miles at the end of the town. Beautiful scenery nearby, but the place was empty and the beer was flat! However, the walls were cool you could write your name in magic markers- felt like kindergarten!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2232" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3055.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2246" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3086.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2247" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3088-2.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Next stop is the famous Red Onion Saloon and Brothel.. Very authentic and we feel like we are back in the day. We snack on chips and beers and take a photo with a waitress dressed in a corset with giant boobs. The men smile at her a lot!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2249" height="596" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094-1440x1341.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094-1440x1341.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094-300x279.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094-800x745.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094-1080x1006.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3094.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2260" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3096-1.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;">But alas we must go back to the ship by 8 PM.Dinner dessert , Champagne auction and piano music. Chocolate covered strawberries included!</span></p><article class="clearfix post-720 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-alaska" id="post-720" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2230" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3046.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Time for bed!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/tracy-arm-fjord/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline-block !important; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"><span aria-hidden="true" class="pipdigicons pipdigicons_fab pipdigicons-facebook" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2010-07" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JULY 14, 2010</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/at-sea-2/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">Tracy Arm Fijord-Day 8</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">July 20, 2010</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Oh my God it’s an early day! Up at 3:45 AM!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">……to get a view of the amazing glaciers in Tracy aArm Fjord.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Stunning doesn’t even begin to capture the beauty of this land.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Tracy Arm Fjord is covered in ice and perfectly sculpted by ancient glaciers.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Waterfalls cascade down 3000 foot high granite wall. It is about 35 miles long as it leaves through the Tongass national forest of Alaska.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2253" height="1024" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133-1440x1024.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133-1440x1024.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133-300x213.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133-800x569.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133-1080x768.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3133.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2252" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3114.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2251" height="877" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106-1440x877.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106-1440x877.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106-300x183.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106-800x487.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106-1080x658.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3106.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2250" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3104.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" />The Sawyer glaciers at the end of Tracy Arm are said to be Alaska’s most dramatic. Framed by mountains on either side they are often bathed in a light mist that amplifies the blue hue of ice.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2254" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3140.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2255" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3143.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2256" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3146.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2257" height="1420" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151-1440x1420.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151-1440x1420.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151-300x296.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151-800x789.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151-1080x1065.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3151.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I have hot chocolate outside on the windy deck and try to take it all in. When will I crash?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></p><article class="clearfix post-722 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-alaska" id="post-722" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/victo/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">A Day at Sea- Day 9</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Pool day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Read.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sleep.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Chill.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Repeat.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2209" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_2953.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2258" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3134.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2263" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3199.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; 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caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2010-07" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JULY 14, 2010</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2010/07/14/british-columbia/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.2s linear;">British Columbia, Canada- Day 10</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">British Columbia Jul 22, 2010<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />British Columbia, Canada</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">British Columbia, Canada</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The shuttle to downtown Victoria, British Columbia takes us to the Royal British Museum. There is rich history inside the walls of the wild land shaped by earth, ice and water. Open since 1886 and preserved to share the human and natural histories of this province. What a treat!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>royal British Museum is a place to slide back in time to the Ice Age and chill with a woolly mammoth. You can see how the fur trade touched and forever changed the lives of the first peoples in British Columbia .climb aboard Captain George Vancouver ship as she anchors in Nooka sound. Imagine life on a remote Homestead, Or a salmon cannery , or at a sawmill or in one of British Columbia is early underground hard rock mines.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2268" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3223.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And a look at the famous.. Empress Hotel!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2266" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3207.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-2265 size-large" height="1440" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3205-e1535821734561.jpg 1536w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1080" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Lunch at The Canoe – a 19th century heritage landmark on Victoria’s downtown waterfront.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2269" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3231.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Soon, we are off to Chinatown and Big Bad John’s. Bra’s hanging from the ceiling and walls! Fun place.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2270" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3239.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2271" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/IMG_3240.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2273" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/1072C841-D926-44D7-BA71-91C6AB64ADB8.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back to the ship and back to the real world!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Awesome time on Royal Caribbean!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></p><p></p></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></article><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p></p></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></article></div></article>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-32571116891155897422021-05-26T14:31:00.001-04:002021-05-27T13:58:08.838-04:00THE JOURNEY BEGINS- SWITZERLAND TO FRANCE! 2009<p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Newark, NJ</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Mercredi (Wednesday june 3, 2009)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">On the evening of June 3, 2009, my travel partner in crime, Dolores, and I board flight #80 on Continental Airlines for our eighth girls getaway trip together (husbands banned). We have since come to realize that adventure vacations are far more exciting than watching reruns of “Lost”. And we are hoping, by the way, that we do not crash and end up on an island with the “Others”.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">By 7:30 AM we will arrive in Geneva, Switzerland. From there we will make believe we are rich, rent a car, and drive along the coast of the South of France sampling cabernet along the way, then board a first class train to Paris. Our plan is to eat large chocolate crepes with whipped cream on the last night there. Not bad for two Jersey girls who frequent Irish pubs.<span style="font-weight: 700;">Geneva, Switzerland</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0660.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto; text-align: start;" width="575" /></p><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0661.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto;" width="1024" /><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Jeudi -7: 30 AM ( Thursday, June 4)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Great flight, safe landing. First order of business at the airport is to get our train tickets to Avignon- $180 francs for two. We book the 8:17 AM for the next day. We also get free Geneva transport cards for buses or trains for our travel in Geneva. Which we use for our ride to our first night of lodging at the Hotel Bel Esperance, a B & B owned by the Salvation Army. Which, by the way is not what you may think. This Hotel is not for young hippies! ..It’s really nice, clean and absolutley perfect! The staff is awesome and a real bargain!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.hotel-bel-esperance.ch/hotel-sympa-geneve/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">https://www.hotel-bel-esperance.ch/hotel-sympa-geneve/</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2014" height="817" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hotel-accueillant-centre-ville-geneve.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hotel-accueillant-centre-ville-geneve.jpg 1200w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hotel-accueillant-centre-ville-geneve-300x204.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hotel-accueillant-centre-ville-geneve-800x545.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/hotel-accueillant-centre-ville-geneve-1080x735.jpg 1080w" style="text-align: left;" width="1200" />Since check in is not until 2 PM, we drop off our luggage and then stroll the beautiful Lak Leman on the left bank of Geneva. We take photos of glacial rocks, the Genoa ship and Venetian sailboat</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0656.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto; text-align: start;" width="575" /></p><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0658.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto;" width="1024" /><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">We sit under colorful umbrellas while men play music in the streets. A Panni sandwich at a carnival in the Old City hits the spot.</span></p><img height="768" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0676.jpg" style="-webkit-user-select: none; cursor: zoom-in; display: block; margin: auto;" width="1024" /><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Later we we sit and stare at a Richard Gere look -a -like sipping red wine wishing he would invite us for dinner.</span>Geneva is very clean but very expensive. The businessmen and women are dress to kill! We arrive at our hotel to check in at about 4PM. A quick shower and we are off again to explore the nightlife. Stopping at the Red Fish, we sample excellant tapenade and more French wine.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Dinner at the “Chez Ma Cousine” -for a 1/2 chicken- Tres Bien!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.chezmacousine.ch/site/fr/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">http://www.chezmacousine.ch/site/fr/</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2015" height="582" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 524px) 100vw, 524px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/chez_ma_cousine_restaurant_geneva_switzerland2.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/chez_ma_cousine_restaurant_geneva_switzerland2.jpg 524w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/chez_ma_cousine_restaurant_geneva_switzerland2-300x333.jpg 300w" style="text-align: left;" width="524" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Finally- sleep at midnight. I dream of Richard Gere and wake up really happy.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Geneva, Switzerland</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">CROSSING THE BORDER TO FRANCE- THE SALEVE </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Vendredi- Friday 10AM. June 4 2009</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">After a delicious free breakfast in our hotel, we are off to find the train station Cornavan to be sure we know where it is for the following day . We take the #16 tram and then the # 8 bus to the mountain top for the tram – 10 francs and worth every cent!- to Saleve. 1118 meters up! Very cool!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2025" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0694.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2035" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0696.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2032" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0689-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /><a href="https://www.telepherique-du-saleve.com/">https://www.telepherique-du-saleve.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Breathtaking views from the top. Of course, our trip would not be complete without food and wine. We have our small bottles of wine, cheese (swiss, of course), strawberries and a loaf of french bread. We go for a small hike while we are on top of the world. Life is good. We are happy. It’s hard to leave the top of the world, but we must.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2018" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0698.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">A bus trip back into town brings us back to reality. We decide on a boat trip – Dolores loves boats!- around Lak Le Man.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">The plan was to take it to Cologne, a small Bohemian town, but we had the times wrong so after the trip across the lake we WALKED there instead. Up hill two miles! Not a good idea! (But we do meet a 4 legged friend along the way.)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2034" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0713.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2020" height="527" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712-1440x1185.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712-1440x1185.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712-300x247.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712-800x658.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712-1080x889.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0712.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">The town was beautiful but nothing was open. We could not even get a beer! A cab back to the lake and a bus to our hotel was the only way now as our legs no longer served us well. It was time to settle our bill by 9pm so we could take off early AM</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2027" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0714.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /><span style="background-color: white;">However, the night was still young so we wind up at an awesome street fair. Dancing in the street is the norm. We indulge, of course. And then eat amazing seafood and goat cheese galletes (crepes) from a street vendor. A glass of red wine goes with out saying.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2029" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0719-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2028" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0718-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Given that it’s hard to go to sleep in such a beautiful city, we are forced to roam the streets again and now we end up at an Irish pub to indulge in a few Smithwicks, well…it happens.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">.</span><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2031" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0685-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2030" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0680.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /> </span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Dolores finshed the night off with a McDonalds burger and I have ice cream. We remind ourselves we are on vacation and are allowed to be totally irresponsible. At 12:45 am we are finally tired and our Geneva beds are heavenly</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Avignon, France- on the road in our rented Renault</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Samedi- June 06, 2009</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Amazingly, we wake before our alarm at 6:15. Already packed, we are out the door at 6:45 with a breakfast in our belly and packed sandwiches and fruit for lunch. The #16 Tram takes us to the train station on time. It’s a nice, comfortable, $80 trip to Avignon. We arrive in France and rent our Renault- nice and new but unfortunately with a dent, which cause us a slight but aggravating delay.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2045" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0779.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Although we get lost on the way to our Hotel Saint Louis (between Isle sur la Sorgue and Thor) we at least headed in the right direction. But, hey getting lost is a good thng! Infact, this time it was the best thing that could have happened.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.hotel-saint-louis-provence.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">http://www.hotel-saint-louis-provence.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">We stumble upon an amazing 12th century fortified convent- The Chartreuse de Bonpas – located on the border between the Comtar Venaissin and Provance in the Rhone Valley, which is also a splendid vineyard. We take a free tour,stroll the french style gardens and the old pond which was transformed into a pool in the 1960. Places here are very mysterious! Of course we buy many outstanding bottles of wine. Dolores and I were very thirsty after all that driving.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/monuments/chartreuse-de-bonpas" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">http://www.avignon-et-provence.com/en/monuments/chartreuse-de-bonpas</a>Next stop- Gordes!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2039" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0741.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2041" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0747.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2036" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0724.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">There are hardly words to describe Gordes. It is a lovely traditional Provencal hilltop village with cobblestone streets and winding roads that lead to churches and castles. An understatement to say it’s extremely photogentic and magical. For me, although it is considered a tourist travel spot, it absolutely captured the essence of the south of France. It was just heaven to stroll the streets, have a glass of French wine at an outdoor cafe and take photos of the breathtaking views. We felt like we were on top of the world. Don’t miss Gordes!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2047" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0725.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2042" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0755.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2044" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0761.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2043" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0756.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Finally, after our day on another planet, we really do need to eat. There was absolutely nothing in Thor, but an amazing dinner was had right at our own hotel. Bon Appetite and Goodnight finally at 2AM!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bonnieux, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Sleeping in France!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Dimanche, June 07,2009</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">It’s really a bad thing when you sleep late on vacation, especially when you miss the most famous marketplace in the South of France!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Well, almost missed. The plan was to get up really early and spend the day browsing the world famous marketplace in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2049" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0790.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Called the Venice of Provence, it’s history is known for water, water everywhere, but now antique market days are a huge part of it’s tourism on Sunday and Thursday. So, it is Dimanche and instead of rising at the crack of dawn as planned, we wake at 10:30am, ( no sleep night before!) A rush out the door barely dressed finds us finally there an hour later. Oh well, we did make it and it was as amazing as we were told.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2048" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0785.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">I buy 10 bars of sweet smelling French soap, Herbs de Provence, tapenade and whatever else I can carry, not to mention all the cheese and bread and local produce I can stuff into my mouth. So, if you go, be sure to sleep the night before, get up early (the market opens at 9am) and park behind the post office in town- parking is a nightmare but don’t let that stop you- this market and its surrounding beauty is a must see!</span>(ps..read ” Peter Mayle’s- A Year in Provence)</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Year-Provence-Peter-Mayle/dp/0679731148" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">https://www.amazon.com/Year-Provence-Peter-Mayle/dp/0679731148</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2057" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0781.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2050" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0793.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Next stop- another must see, is the Lavender Museum at 84220 Coustellet, Provence.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.museedelalavande.com/en/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">http://www.museedelalavande.com/en/</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Besides the obvious sweet smell of lavender, here Dolores and I learned everything you could possibly need to know about lavender. We learned how its distilled, how/where it grows, the different types. Did you know that Lavender is used for medicinal purposes but Lavandine is not! There is so much here and its so beautiful. Movies to watch too! Of course, we packed our bags filled with fine lavender gifts…ahhhhh….</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2067" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0813.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2066" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0812.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2064" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0810.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2059" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0809-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /><span style="background-color: white;">Onward we go- We drive through a small village Fountaine de Vauclues, of course its beautiful but no time to stop- bummer- our destination is now the photogenic village of Roussillion. You need a serious camera here and I am so glad I have one! There is no modern development here, only an enormous deposit of ochre giving the earth and its buildings a distinctive red color.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2060" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0823.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Its light is heaven to see early morning or late in the day. Cafes abound on these brilliant orange paths and we of course stop for a glass of Cabernet every chance we get. Not only is it very artsy, but Roussillion was also Europe’s capital for ochre production until World War 2. Insanely beautiful. I still dream about it.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Well, now we know that night will fall soon and we have no place to sleep. But who cares? We are in the south of France! But seriously, it would not be a good idea to drive in the dark. I am already shaking as Dolores navigates ditches on the side of the road! I read the maps and try to pick out a town that looks like it may have hotels and places to eat. The decision is made. We will stay in Bonnieux.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Turns out to be one of the highlights of our trip. We stay in a funky hotel/restaurant where no one speaks English. Love it! Nothing fancy which suits us just fine.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2061" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0824-1.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Infact, as we pull up outside, a naked man sits on the balcony of the room below where will lay our heads on the pillow. Interesting, but he does not scare us off. For 40 euros a night (huge huge bargain!) we do lay our heads on the pillow of the “Josephine” room of the Hotel La Flambay. We have comfortable beds and a tiny bath but who cares!.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">We have plenty of room for all our stuff- as we have already accumulated too much. First thing is to celebrate with a glass of wine and turn on the Ipod – all of our French songs await. There is much dancing too be done now!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Soon afterwards we head out to explore before the sun sets. Of course we have coffee, tiramisu, flambee on a nearby terrace overlooking a castle. These things never happen in New Jersey, so we are quite happy and content even if naked men roam about.</p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: justify; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Travel to Aix de Provence<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Bonnieux, France, Day 6</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Bonnieux, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Lundi June 08, 2009</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">Today in Bonnniex, we do manage to get up early but after a very late night. Only about 3 hours sleep. At 10:45 AM we are devouring probably the best croissants on the planet at a small bakery in town. The town itself is quaint, quiet, lovely. We visit the church, buy bee pollen capsules for energy, stop at the local grocer ( always our favorite activity) picking up fruits, veggies, & yogurt for our cooler.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2076" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0829.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2069" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0830.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">We have a long day ahead as our plan includes heading out to the famous Aix de Provence that we read so much about. The drive is fine until we reach the crossing of the mountains. Yikess- narrow, winding and a bit scary. However, we make it to the post office in Luberon to buy stamps for our postcards. Then we hit pay dirt and find a winery and gardens in Pertuis. Oh Tres Bien! We taste and buy everything. The gardens are beyond amazing. Did we die and go to heaven?</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2073" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0836-2.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2070" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0831-1.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">Onward to Aix. After many roundabouts, horrendous traffic, Dolores freaking out,</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;">(I think she failed parking on her driving test) we search frantically for the Cezanne Walking Trail that I have been dreaming of for weeks. There are squares of gold in the street with his name on but we cannot find his fathers hat shop, the schools where he studied, the church he was baptized in, nor the house where he died. We do see one fountain but that’s it!</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2074" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0843.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2075" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0845.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">None of the buildings have any historical markings, I am beyond disappointed. I traveled timezones for a glimpse of my favorite artists history. So, I try to stop crying and we move on to a beautiful street fair. I learn later that the visitor center in town is the only place you can get a Cezanne map. Make sure you do this!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">The town is nice but we figure we must have missed something. Aix de Provence was not what we expected.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;">The drive back is not nearly as scary and once again a surprise stop takes us to the ABSINTHE STORE. It’s incredible! We see a movie about the history, sample 5 different liquors plus a rose champange. Excellant! An American woman runs this store with her husband. I get her email and vow to stay in touch.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2077" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0901.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: left;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2078" height="640" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0902.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="480" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Back at the hotel, we have an outstanding dinner of fish soup and salmon and too much wine. Dolores tricked me and ordered a liter (only 9 euros!) So, of course, I had to drink it. Can’t let French wine go to waste. That would be a sin wouldn’t it?</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase;"><div class="addthis_toolbox" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: left; font-size: 11px;"><span class="p3_share_title" style="box-sizing: border-box;">SHARE: </span><a aria-label="Share on Facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/travel-to-aix-de-provence/" rel="nofollow noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline-block; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Share on Facebook"><span aria-hidden="true" class="pipdigicons pipdigicons_fab pipdigicons-facebook" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; 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display: inline-block; font-family: "pipdigicons brands"; font-size: 15px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 5px; text-rendering: auto;"></span></a></div><span class="commentz" style="box-sizing: border-box; float: right; font-size: 11px;"><a data-disqus-url="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/travel-to-aix-de-provence/" href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/travel-to-aix-de-provence/#respond" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; text-decoration: none;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer><article class="clearfix post-143 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-france" id="post-143" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 50px;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2009-06" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JUNE 3, 2009</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/nice-is-oh-so-nice/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Nice is oh so nice!- </a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Nice is oh so nice!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Nice, France Day 7</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Nice, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Mardi- June 9, 2010</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Today we are on our way to Nice, so Au revoir Bonnieux! Before we leave, we stock up on postcards and have a cafe au lait at our bakery in the sun. As it is hard to leave, we take one last walk in the green hills and take magnificent photos. With a quick stop at the post office, more euros (180) at the ATM we are off for another adventure.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2080" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0849.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2079" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0848.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 19px;"><br /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 19px;">This time, however, we check the map and ask a store clerk for an easier way over the mountain, one that hopefully does not include ditches on the side of the road. Luckily we can head towards Camillion to avoid crossing the mountain range. Once again the gods are with us and we stumble upon another gem right in town- a winery! La Cave de Bonnieux to be exact.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2082" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0858.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Lavender fields and yellow flowers surround this magnificent winery. Not to mention more wine tasting and more French wine for our suitcases. The prices are great and we fill our own bottles from wine in barrels with hoses! This is way to cool to pass up of course.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Finally we hit the road- the Autoroute A7 that is towards Nice. A stop for lunch at about 2:30 pm finds us at the Auto route rest stop. It’s crazy- the food is unbelievable! This is certainly not our definition of fast food. We have an amazingly fresh chicken salad sandwich with real chicken and fresh baked bread. And to top it off they offer fine wines!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Who knew? This is certainly not Newark, NJ. After this lovely driving break from the Auto route, we finally reach Nice, France. The Mediterranean is so many shades of blue it takes my breath away.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2088" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0869.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /><span style="background-color: white;">Young people are playing volleyball on the beach, the weather is perfect. Convertibles abound along the main drag that we drive on. I am surprised though that it looks somewhat like Seaside Heights, NJ! Old bars and little hot dog type stands run along this road.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Of course all the large hotels are here too, but they nothing fancy nor art deco looking. However, one block in it’s a totally different story. Now, we feel like we are in Nice. Outdoor cafes cram the ctiy streets. Colorful umbrellas, music, the smell of fresh baked bread and steamed mussels fill the air. High heels pound the payment along with sneakers. Nice is nice, Nice is fun, lively, and exciting.<img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2084" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0862.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">But now its time to park the car. Oh no!- but luckily we find a lot- the “Louve”- and walk from there to find a hotel around the block. The Hotel Nouvel looks good and the price is right too. For 110 Euros we have a clean room with two twin beds, a bathtub, and a terrace with an open window. Lovely!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2086" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0865.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" />So, Since there is no time to waste, we are off for a happy hour in town. We stop at a small outdoor cafe, Les 3 Diables (three devils), for a much needed cold Heineken and people watching.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2085" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0864.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">We will need the extra energy to now go back to the car and drag the remaining luggage to the room. Remember we bought all the wine along the way! And of course Dolores is famous for buying new things for inside her suitcase.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">But after two successful trips, our hungry bellies need a good dinner. There is no question that it will be mussels in garlic and butter and a good bottle of wine. Heaven! An after dinner drink at a small pub finds us listening to Beatle songs. Lights out finally at 2AM on our comfy beds.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2087" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0867.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /><span style="font-weight: 700;">Antibes, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />June 10, Mercredi</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Never thinking that returning a rented car at Eurocar would be scary, Dolores and I now have altered our opinion on parking garages. We spin, and turn in circles 6 levels up wondering if we will ever see daylight again. Our little stick shift foreign car nearly stalls on our ascent up.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">We roll backwards and we pray, sure that we will either owe 12,000 euros in damages or we will be found dead in our rent a car never to return to New Jersey again.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">But we somehow manage to avoid death and are able to plan the next adventure- our daytrip train ride to Antibes!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">It’s only a half hour from Nice so no problem getting there. The deep blue Mediterranean is the first thing we see as we step off the train. This doesn’t happen in Colonia, NJ so I am more than happy. The first thing we notice is Fort Caree. It’s massive and dominates the landscape.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2091" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0872.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><span style="background-color: white;">We walk towards Old Town with its original ancient walls and narrow cobblestone streets crammed with stores, cafes and restaurants all along the water. And of course we don’t miss the colorful Provencal Market in the center of town.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2092" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0873.jpg 2048w" style="text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2093" height="480" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0874.jpg 2048w" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; text-align: start;" width="640" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">All so pretty. We savor a delicious lunch at a small cafe. I try something new. A veggie Gullet- tomatoes, mushrooms, and cheese in a buckwheat crepe. A Beire tops the taste buds. I am a now a happy camper.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2096" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0877.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2095" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0876.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2094" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0875.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2097" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0879.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">On the to- do -list is also a visit to another famous artist! With 3 or 4 levels we enter the 17th century Château Grimaldi, home of the Picasso Museum which, in 1946, also was Picasso’s home for six months.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">When he finally left he gave all the works he had created here to the Château. Besides his famous paintings and drawings, we are surprised to also see colorful plates, pottery and outdoor sculptures..</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2100" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0888.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2103" height="2010" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892-1440x2010.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892-1440x2010.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892-300x419.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892-800x1117.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892-1080x1508.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0892.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">For only 6 euros, it was a destination well worth the short wait in line. Although there is much to see here, one of the best is simply the views. Beautiful Chuches, the magnificent Mediterranean. What more could we ask for? Well, of course, there is shopping.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">We will, after all, be heading to Paris so Dolores was in desparate need of a fancy, smanchy skirt for the city of lights. After strolling a few more streets and a quick beer at a small cafe, we head back to Nice.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">I am exhausted and decide to try and rest up a bit but Dolores heads off to the department store to look for her coffee plug pot. (its a long story- check Eyewitness News for updates) Yea, success..now we are both happy campers!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Back at the room, we try to figure out how in the world we will fit massive amounts of bottled wine into our suitcases for the return trip home. We were so excited to buy it, we forgot that small fact. I spend too much time packing and repacking worried that all of my clothes will be wine red when I open my suitcase at home.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">But who really has time to worry now. We are in France and there are French bistros to go to! We have dinner at 10PM at a perfect outdoor restaurant.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Pasta with pesto for me and Squid for Dolores. She is the more adventures eater. They are both amazing and the people watching is more than half the fun.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 19px;">Another late night counting sheep. But they are French sheep, so it’s all part of the adventure.</p><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px; text-align: start;"><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/rail-europe-to-paris/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Rail Europe to Paris!- Day 9</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Rail Europe to Paris!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Paris, France Day 9</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Paris, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />June 11, 2009- Jeudi</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Who can sleep when they know they are going to Paris for the first time? Not I, for sure. I am up at 6:30AM, showered and ready to leave our beautiful room in Nice at 8:15 AM.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We catch the 9:41 to Paris at the Gare Lyon train station once again and use the machine to print our tickets and then validate them. ($120 US dollars) A must or you will go nowhere!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Yipeee, we are on the correct train #6174. And we are going first class! Reclining seats and a table. Not bad for two Jersey girls. We arrive in Paris at 15:19 ( 3:19pm).</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I am excited, overwhelmed and wish I had a week here. But, alas only two nights so I must explore quickly but remember to also live in the moment. We have an idea of what we will do and see but really haven’t planned anything. No time.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We will stay in the Best Western Grand Hotel De L Univers</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.hotel-paris-univers.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">http://www.hotel-paris-univers.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://www.raileurope.com/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bd1515; text-decoration: none;">https://www.raileurope.com</a></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><div class="pipdig-post-sig socialz nopin" style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: center;"></div></div><footer class="entry-meta entry-footer" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: left; 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float: right; font-size: 11px;"><a data-disqus-url="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/rail-europe-to-paris/" href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/rail-europe-to-paris/#respond" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; text-decoration: none;">LEAVE A COMMENT</a></span></footer><article class="clearfix post-146 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-france" id="post-146" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 50px; text-align: start;"><header class="entry-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><div class="entry-meta" style="border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lato, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="date-bar-white-bg" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; padding: 0px 10px; position: relative; top: -7px;"><span class="entry-date updated" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><time datetime="2009-06" style="box-sizing: border-box;">JUNE 3, 2009</time></span></span></div><h2 class="entry-title p_post_titles_font" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Lora, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin: 5px 0px; text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;"><a href="https://bluepieontheroad.com/2009/06/03/happy-birthday-to-me/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; text-decoration: none;">Happy Birthday to Me!- Day 10</a></h2></header><div class="clearfix entry-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.5em; max-width: 100%; width: 100%px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;"><tr style="box-sizing: border-box;"><td align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.428571429; padding: 8px; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div style="border: 2px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-sizing: border-box; margin: auto; padding: 10px; width: 393.1793518066406px;">Happy Birthday to Me!<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Paris, France- Day 10</div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Paris, France</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Vendredi June12, 2009</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ahhhhh…Paris! Just writing and saying the word makes my heart sing. Yes, the city of lights. It is a city for the senses, and one you can never get enough of. From the train we take a cab to the Best Western Grand Hotel De L Universe.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I am in Paris and can hardly breathe! With only one day here we pop the cork on a bottle of wine, toast Paris and head out to explore the streets.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2115" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0905.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">With much to cram in, our first stop is the Notre Dame Cathedral (full name: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, “Our Lady of Paris”) It is a beautiful cathedral on the the Île de la Cité in Paris. Begun in 1163 and mostly completed by 1250, Notre Dame is an important example of French Gothic architecture, sculpture and stained glass.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2106" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0908.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />The Notre Dame is the most popular monument in Paris and in all of France, beating even the Eiffel Tower with 13 million visitors each year. But the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point for Catholicism in France – religious events of national significance still take place here.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">A stroll through the Latin Quarter brings us to an outdoor cafe for a glass of French cabernet.This famous Left Bank neighborhood, so named because the numerous university students in the area spoke only Latin to their professors until the French Revolution, preserves an authentic Parisian atmosphere of old. We move on and later, the aroma of freshly baked baguettes entices us to make a mental note to stop for a cafe au lait later on in the day.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2107" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0915.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Of course the Arc de Triumph is massive, hard to miss.The arch is a site of memories, current events and celebrations. The lists of the dead will move you. And the cars that drive around the monument will terrify you! Standing in a direct line between the Louvre and the Grande Arche de la Defense , the monument links the past with the present and offers amazing views. A truly impressive landmark, 50 meters (164 feet) high and 45 meters (147 feet) wide, Paris would not be Paris without it!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2111" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0938.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2120" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0941.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Someone please pinch me! We take corny photos, I walk around in a daze not really sure that I am here. I poke my head in the Mercedes store and then must go in and buy a cap for my son, who adores those luxury vechiles..</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2121" height="890" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952-1440x890.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952-1440x890.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952-300x185.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952-800x495.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952-1080x668.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0952.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Then more corny photos. And then of course more walking. We stroll past the Luxembourg gardens- also closed. But a peek was better than nothing. Of course, I salivate to see the Louvre but with only one day we can’t do it all-( a great excuse to come back!) so we hop on the Metro and explore whatever we can drink in.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2110" height="2040" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923-1440x2040.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923-1440x2040.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923-300x425.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923-800x1133.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923-1080x1530.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0923.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I even spot a couple who just tied the knot! In Paris yet along the Champ Elysees! Could not miss this shot!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2117" height="2133" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1-1440x2133.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1-1440x2133.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1-300x444.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1-800x1185.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1-1080x1600.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0920-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">By late afternoon we are exploring the incredible Opera House which is like stepping into another world. It’s massive interior and staircases leave one breathless.Although slightly smaller in scale than its predecessor, the Théâtre de l’Académie Royale de Musique, the Palais Garnier is a building of exceptional opulence.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">It seats an audience of roughly 2,200 under a central chandelier which weighs over six tons, and has a huge stage with room to accommodate up to 450 artists. The style is monumental and considered typically Beaux-Arts, with use of axial symmetry in plan, and its exterior ornamentation.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2119" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0931.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We pass the Parthanon building- a greek government building and take a few quick photos. Dolores has waited a few years to go back to the Fragonard Parfumeur shop that she visited once, so onward we go to explore the scents and naturally buy something expensive.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2116" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0918-1.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">We have dinner at an Argentinian restaurant that stirs the senses once again. We sit a a table with other travelers and enjoy conversation and other languages. Yes, the gift of travel abroad is priceless.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">And of course, how can one forget Montmartre? A city in itself. Quaint, lively, historic, fun and nearly on top of the world. The view is incredible. Montmartre is a hill 130 metres high, in the north of Paris in the 18th arrondissement, a part of the Right Bank, primarily known for the white-domed Basilica of the Sacré Cœur on its summit and as a nightclub district.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2123" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988-1440x1080.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988-300x225.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988-800x600.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988-1080x810.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0988.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The other, older, church on the hill is Saint Pierre de Montmartre, which claims to be the location at which the Jesuit order of priests was founded.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Many artists had studios or worked around the community of Montmartre such as Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Montmartre means ‘mountain of the martyr’; it owes its name to the martyrdom of Saint Denis, who was decapitated on the hill around 250 AD. Saint Denis was the Bishop of Paris and is the patron saint of France</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2122" height="1444" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-1440x1444.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-1440x1444.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-150x150.jpg 150w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-300x301.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-800x802.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982-1080x1083.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0982.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Eiffel tower- I must laugh- we spotted it from a distance and it looked so close, we decided to walk to see it. Twelve thousand steps later, it was still miles from our touch!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">Ah…so close but so far….Another hop on the metro, (hoping we get off at the right stop…) We do, although I hardly know how we made it there. I feel like I am in a movie now. AM I REALLY HERE??? I make Dolores take a photo so I can prove it to myself someday when I am 93 and don’t remember a damn thing.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-2113" height="1920" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" src="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966-1440x1920.jpg" srcset="https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966-300x400.jpg 300w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966-800x1067.jpg 800w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966-1080x1440.jpg 1080w, https://bluepieontheroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0966.jpg 2048w" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="1440" /></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">At the end of the night- (where ,by the way, it does not get dark until 10PM -at least in June anyway) , I announce that since it is my birthday, I want to eat a French dessert crepe with gobs of chocolate and cream at an outdoor Paris cafe. Dolores will not argue with me on this at all- why would she?</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">So, given that there are only 3 million cafes to choose from, we easily settle in with all the other Parisians and make believe we are we speak fluent French, are sophisticated and worldly, even though we are wearing American sneakers instead of French heels!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">But, I could care less. I will eat a to- die- for Strawberry French Crepe covered in whipped cream shortly . We order and my wish arrives. But a surprise comes with it. A sparkler has inserted itself into my French Crepe! Our cafe table is is as bright as the City of Lights!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I am amazed, thinking for sure that Dolores must have alerted our waiter in her best French accent that it was my birthday!</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">I gaze her way waiting for her surprise announcement, but she is as puzzled as I am. Instead she looks at her watch, tells me it is 11:59 PM and shouts “Happy Birthday Deb!”</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box;">My heart skips a beat, and then it is 12:00AM Paris time. I am one year older and in Paris. I look at the table next to me. They have a sparkler in their French Crepe too!…Ahhhh…another birthday or do all desserts come with sparklers?<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />In Paris, I suppose they do.</p></div></article></div></article>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-56325297838723155482021-05-26T11:48:00.004-04:002021-05-26T12:16:38.934-04:00URBAN HIKING IN NEW YORK CITY MARCH 2019<p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">There is nothing like going for a nice hike in the</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">woods. But, there is also <b>nothing</b> like</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">New York City!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> So, forgo the mountains for a day.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Instead, make it an Urban Hike!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">That's what a friend of mine and I did on a beautiful</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">sunny day in February. We got in our exercise, covered</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">lots of ground and subways and explored some of the cool places that only </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">NYC has to offer..</span></p><p style="color: #81888b; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We took the train from New Jersey to Penn Station and</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">hopped on the nearest subway. If you are not familiar</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">with the NYC subway system, you can download an app on</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">your phone and it will tell you the exact trains to take</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">to your destination. Not scary!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">First stop....</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We head to the Brooklyn Museum to see the much talked</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">about "Frida Kahlo" exhibit. I am beyond excited. Frida</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">is one of my favorite artists and since I just recently</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">returned from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Frida was</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">everywhere in my heart and soul!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.brooklynmuseum.org" target="_blank">www.brooklynmuseum.org</a><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Brooklyn museum was a breeze to get to from the</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> 34th and 7th Ave subway station and Frida was worth the trip!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teX3AdctMcM/YK5lOuwaJ1I/AAAAAAABQjw/yBiv4t2ay9gqzLhREDNVSI1wyQIq_FfEACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4568.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1239" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-teX3AdctMcM/YK5lOuwaJ1I/AAAAAAABQjw/yBiv4t2ay9gqzLhREDNVSI1wyQIq_FfEACLcBGAsYHQ/w388-h640/IMG_4568.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-align: left;">We were not allowed to take photos, except for a one spot so, of course, we had to be rock stars with Frida.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLOnjZCHJtE/YK5lb_ld2mI/AAAAAAABQj0/4lNsSaGfoiAx1FGx3QB09MwQApbZhVG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1868/IMG_4603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1868" data-original-width="1494" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLOnjZCHJtE/YK5lb_ld2mI/AAAAAAABQj0/4lNsSaGfoiAx1FGx3QB09MwQApbZhVG8gCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/IMG_4603.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srfwu2RDjb8/YK5lyT0Zt4I/AAAAAAABQkE/K7Qs5PweGqYPI-NOkzvI3M9kEFtAJyy-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4566.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-srfwu2RDjb8/YK5lyT0Zt4I/AAAAAAABQkE/K7Qs5PweGqYPI-NOkzvI3M9kEFtAJyy-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4566.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #21262a; font-family: verdana; font-size: large;">And then- there is more to see at the Brooklyn museum</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">than Frida!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">So, DO NOT MISS, the "Dinner Party" exhibit</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">by Judy Chicago. Amazing work! You have to see it to get</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">it.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2IdBzE6YGE/YK5l-ZnFH8I/AAAAAAABQkI/VPYnzKJfYjENXX_AMRexnCrDH8P99-1FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/Image%2B5-26-21%2Bat%2B9.49%2BAM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2IdBzE6YGE/YK5l-ZnFH8I/AAAAAAABQkI/VPYnzKJfYjENXX_AMRexnCrDH8P99-1FQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/Image%2B5-26-21%2Bat%2B9.49%2BAM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/t-magazine/judy-chicago-dinner-party.html" target="_blank">www.nytimes.com/2018/02/07/t-magazine/judy-chicago-dinner-party.html</a><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We stopped in the museum cafe before leaving for a</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">quick lunch and then we were off again!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Second stop...</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens is right around the</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">corner. Since it was February, there was not much in</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">bloom but it was still a good walk around the grounds.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">It was smaller than we expected and a bit disappointing</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">but only because it WAS winter.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> However, we were able to</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">go inside and see some really incredible indoor plants.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"> The ancient Bonsai trees were amazing. Plus lots of</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">rooms that invite you to explore different climates- the</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">desert, the mountains, etc..very cool...worth the trip</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">(but go in the nicer weather when all is in bloom</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">outdoors.) You can easily see everything here in a few</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">hours.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV33-FgQBsw/YK5mjssRIgI/AAAAAAABQkU/VDYy8gIUxPgrphZvSLEaAkwiENMuO7YQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1534/IMG_4581.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cV33-FgQBsw/YK5mjssRIgI/AAAAAAABQkU/VDYy8gIUxPgrphZvSLEaAkwiENMuO7YQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4581.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz93UMa9gsM/YK5m2hLxffI/AAAAAAABQkc/Qf1Of52LuKIN0tAfDwMnW_rr91FnRXCGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4580.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz93UMa9gsM/YK5m2hLxffI/AAAAAAABQkc/Qf1Of52LuKIN0tAfDwMnW_rr91FnRXCGACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4580.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Third stop....</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">We take the subway from the Museum/Gardens to Wall</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Street. We were getting a bit thirsty so a stop at one</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">of our favorite historical pub, Fraunces Tavern on Pearl</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Street, was obviously a no brainer.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otgn3gNOc9Y/YK5nOA_emxI/AAAAAAABQkk/iepQ17hgrYIfWbRR48lmPosxD2i4gTNOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4596.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Otgn3gNOc9Y/YK5nOA_emxI/AAAAAAABQkk/iepQ17hgrYIfWbRR48lmPosxD2i4gTNOACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4596.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And a stroll down beautiful historic Stone Street !</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP1ZoMP0LRs/YK5nhDcZiyI/AAAAAAABQks/joUdMc6LN18U_xRzhZZU62OaUrdCaTr-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4595.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP1ZoMP0LRs/YK5nhDcZiyI/AAAAAAABQks/joUdMc6LN18U_xRzhZZU62OaUrdCaTr-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4595.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">I also hang out with "Fearless Girl"!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">You can read all about her history here:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/buisness/archive/2017/03/fearless-girl-wall-street/519393" target="_blank">www.theatlantic.com/buisness/archive/2017/03/fearless-girl-wall-street/519393</a><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #21262a; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWzbOXhxY94/YK5nx8rXlnI/AAAAAAABQk0/jb_v8UKf_sYf4qJPoEcBeZfO6tJDUcmiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4594.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWzbOXhxY94/YK5nx8rXlnI/AAAAAAABQk0/jb_v8UKf_sYf4qJPoEcBeZfO6tJDUcmiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_4594.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">And finally, what would a day in New York be without a ride on the Staten Island Ferry! We ride back and forth just for the fun of it and to see NYC at night. It’s a stunner for sure. It’s free.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB6LQ2ffTX8/YK5n9cWm7xI/AAAAAAABQk4/bKyTwpD52por3sXiozXSyapjzvG-KjjIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4599.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="2048" height="406" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB6LQ2ffTX8/YK5n9cWm7xI/AAAAAAABQk4/bKyTwpD52por3sXiozXSyapjzvG-KjjIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h406/IMG_4599.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">One more subway ride, our train from Penn Station to New Jersey, and we back home from a well spent day exploring the best city in the world!</span></p>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-6583300803243542092013-05-20T07:55:00.000-04:002018-03-28T12:04:15.882-04:00Art Show Update!Two Art shows in two weeks! Fun and Success!<br />
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It's been a busy May....<br />
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My first art show at the Westerhoff School of Art and Music in Metuchen was shared with my artist friends from Mickey Warings ongoing art class. We meet every thursday and are always learning something new and fun. We shared stories, snacks, and great music from a local guitarist who was amazing, and of course, a love of art. A great day that ended with a treat- An outstanding piano concert by Dr. Hollly Roadfeldt. Very special!<br />
Thanks Mickey for being a great teacher, friend and a huge inspiration.<br />
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And to top it off, I had another special night---- my second exhibit was at the Barron Art Center in Woodbridge, where I entered three of my favorite collages. A nice surprise was a third place award from Mayor McCormac for "Tea Time"! A great evening with many talented artists and friends...<br />
Looking forward to more art and inspiration- it's everywhere if you want it....<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-13006332830454168572013-04-23T19:21:00.000-04:002018-03-28T12:05:35.555-04:00Artisan shows coming up in May!It's that time of year again!<br />
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Last year I was part of the Westerhoff School or Music and Arts art exhibit. It was a great space and a great time meeting friends, old and new.We sipped refreshments, snacked on homemade biscotti and listened to wonderful guitar by a local musician.<br />
Everyone enjoyed the local children's music performance and, of course, the walls were adorned with beautiful art!<br />
Something wonderful happens when all these ingredients are met. It's about filling your soul, expressing your vision and enjoying the people who share your passions. Not to mention, it's fun!<br />
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So...time to do it again Sunday May 5th 2013 from 1-3pm.<br />
Hoping all interested will mark their calendars and join us for an artistic afternoon at the Westerhoff School in Metuchen, NJ<br />
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<a href="http://www.westerhoffschoolofmusic.com/art.asp">http://www.westerhoffschoolofmusic.com/art.asp</a><br />
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And there's more!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfu0K1sU2Q4/UXaDJo1cHmI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/RvOSe8MeSRw/s1600/IMG_5361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>For the first time I will also be exhibiting some of my collage work at the Barron Arts Center in Woodbridge NJ. The exhibit is open to the public May 1- 9 2013 with an artist reception on Thursday May 9 from 5-7 pm. Gallery hours are M-F 11-4 pm, Sat & Sun 2-4 pm.<br />
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I am really looking forward to another exciting evening with friends. Hope you can stop by to say hello!<br />
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(ps...I'd love any comments here on my blog so I don't feel so lonely!)<br />
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Here is a sneak peak of one of my favorites "Blue Moon" and the poem I wrote that inspired the collage.<br />
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BLUE MOON</div>
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So, I painted my moon blue.</div>
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It wasn’t the color of the stars that night, </div>
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or the taste of a juicy orange in my mouth that made me do it.</div>
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It wasn’t the music of John Lee Hooker or the bird </div>
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that flew past my nose while my brush was in hand.</div>
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It wasn’t the voice in my head that noticed something was not quite right,</div>
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or even the stroke of the cat who jumped on my lap.</div>
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It wasn’t that fact that I didn’t remember algebra from 7th grade.</div>
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Nor the memory of the scream of my firstborn as he decided to enter the world.</div>
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It certainly wasn’t my red lips as I sucked a cherry popsicle.</div>
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It could have been my breath as I inhaled the sweet scent of lilac.</div>
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But I don’t think it was.</div>
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Maybe an invader from Mars had something to do with it.</div>
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But I doubt it.</div>
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I know the moon had its own ideas that night, </div>
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but I didn’t steal from her.</div>
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I just wanted a blue moon.</div>
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And now I have one.</div>
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-65453830941974057742013-04-16T12:11:00.002-04:002021-05-27T13:54:51.914-04:00PANAMAOnce a year, it's a girlfriend getaway for my friend Dolores and myself. So this April 2013, (our tenth year of adventures) we choose Panama. Only a six hour flight but yet seemingly a world away.<br />
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A beautiful countryside with even more beautiful people. I never saw so many smiling faces in one place. We saw the Panama Canal, the Old City of Panama City and also traveled by plane to the mountains of Boquete. We hiked, visited a coffee planation, jumped in a cool river to swim in the 85 degree heat, ate lots of good food and consumed probably too many adult beverages. But they were very refreshing!<br />
So this is just the short version here with a few photos. I also took many photos and keep a travel journal so I can recall all the good times upon my return.<br />
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The world is a big place and I have lots more ground to cover!<br />
Until next time......<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-8288895249401773862013-03-29T15:49:00.001-04:002013-03-29T15:49:36.063-04:00Practice makes perfect!Well, at least that's what I hear! No matter, I am continuing on with my watercolor obsession and hope to make progress in the days ahead. Just got a delivery from the UPS guy and now I have some new, very large 22 x 30 sheets of Fabriano Artistico rough watercolor paper, a couple new paints and a great new Russian Blue Squirrel mop brush. For most folks this is not too exciting, but for an artist, it's over the top to have the right tools for the job!<br />
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Now I can't wait to get throw on the music and go into my art room and drift off into another zone. Soon I will be taking an online art class with a very cool artist, Vinita Pappas. <a href="http://www.create38.com/">www.create38.com</a> I love her work and her style. I dream about be able to paint at her level and create lots of new work from all the travel photos I have taken over the years. <br />
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This will make me a very happy camper!<br />
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Here a a couple of practice drawings of figures I did last week. These I learned from another artist I admire, Lucy Willis. I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there! Life is good when you follow your passions.<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-61304458017981976422013-03-21T15:49:00.003-04:002013-03-21T15:49:36.453-04:00Fabric Obsessed...etc...Yes, it's true...<br />
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I have many obsessions. I suppose it may be a sickness, but that's okay by me. I am, for the most part, painting watercolors on a daily basis now , but of course, I still have a thing for fabric. No one has to drag me into a fabric store. There must must be some type of radar system that is directly hooked up to my brain. The colors, the textures, the patterns! Someone take my credit card away please!<br />
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Of course, no one ever does, so I am piled up with shelves of wonderful fabrics that I will turn into all kinds of cool things. Hey...I say don't fight it, go for it. It means you are moving in the direction of your passion. And isn't that what life should be really be about? Of course! Otherwise it is boring and it becomes someone else's life. I am happy living my own life. Thank you very much.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-swxc7y-4tNs/UUpGHT5YMkI/AAAAAAAAM7w/vce7dRU8C80/s1600/DSC_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>So...I must say I found the most gorgeous fabric the other day. Chinese letters - on a stunning red background - is now a pillow cover. The pillow back in a white / black lettering of Confucius sayings... (ahh...wisdom!)<br />
There is nothing better than filling up a couch or bed with tons of original, soft pillows! Sink in and dream on!<br />
(available soon at <a href="http://www.bluepiedesigns.etsy.com/">www.bluepiedesigns.etsy.com</a>) along with many others!<br />
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BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-2354599463950905522013-02-15T12:33:00.000-05:002013-02-15T12:33:13.502-05:00Learning to "See"Whew!<br />
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It's been way too long since my last post! A lot has happened and life is full of challenges to be sure.<br />
Some good, some not so good. The good news is that the first half of 2012 was amazing- visiting many art museums and galleries - the bad news was the second half was challenging. Physically and mentally.<br />
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After six months of dealing with discomfort and pain due to a "pinched nerve" that I thought at times would be with me for life, I found out that miracles happen. It amazes me still how the human body heals itself with the right ingredients. And I am so thankful and grateful to have my life back to be able to create, play, have fun and laugh again.<br />
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So, enough whining and onto the more important things in life! A passion for all things ART!<br />
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Partly due to the curse of being a Gemini, I am always changing things up, running wild, and exploring various art forms. This is not a bad thing but it does, however, cause brain cells to run about, knock into each other and cause havoc. Sorta alike a runaway train without a conductor. But, I manage to put the brakes on when needed.<br />
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As of late, I am obsessed with not only collage ( a true passion that seriously overtakes the brain), but also I have returned to exploring and hopefully mastering the challenging but incredibly beautiful transparency of watercolor painting.<br />
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Truthfully, I do not think I ever really had it right. But due to continuing my weekly art classes, reading art books, and studying online, I think I have finally found my voice and my style!<br />
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A blank piece of watercolor paper is sometimes hard to face. But, if you learn a few tricks, loosen up and let go it seems to get easier. Although, I can copy just about anything, I have a harder time visualizing on my own and deconstructing a photograph or outdoor scene into a pleasing composition. So this is my goal and I will succeed! (never say you will try, say you will, for it is desire that takes you there)<br />
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In the coming weeks, months, (and forever!) I will be practicing learning to "see". For it is this that truly makes one an artist. I have figured this out in taking a photograph. Composition through a lens comes easy to me. Now I have to translate that "eye" to my paintbrush.<br />
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I am excited about my new journey and I love a challenge. So here I come 2013- even thou I am a bit late in the game.<br />
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I'd love to hear how you like my first try at "loosening up" the edges, blending color and having fun with watercolor again. I think I may finally be on the right track, with or without a conductor.<br />
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Thanks- until next time~<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-87964894631675353392012-08-14T17:45:00.001-04:002012-08-14T17:45:46.550-04:00The Book Lover ProjectSometimes ideas come from all sorts of places. Most times, I find them in my dreams. It's amazing I get any sleep at all!<br />
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So, recently I've been thinking about greeting cards. Who doesn't love getting them? Someone is thinking of you, sending you sweet thoughts and wishes. But what happens to those sweet words once they are read? Most likely they are thrown in the trash. Horrors! Personally, everything in Bluepie Design headquarters gets reused or recycled, of course! The greeting cards I receive are either saved (from special people) or cut up for collage projects. So, I figured there must be a better way.<br />
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I have always been a fan of an object having multiple uses. I remember this from my son's architecture program- form follows function. So, why can't a greeting card fall into this category?<br />
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And so, the Book Lovers project was found. A greeting card that is not only a card, but also a unique work of art and a gift! Certainly not to be discarded in the trash!<br />
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All of my bookmarks are unique hand painted drawings or collages on both sides of heavy watercolor paper.<br />
So far, I have made about 6 of them. I will be sending them to friends and relatives for birthdays, anniversaries, inspiration and special occasions. Perfect for book lovers! ( and cookbook lovers too!)<br />
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I am also planning on making up sets of 10 with assorted occasions to sell on my Etsy site soon.<br />
(click picture for a larger view)<br />
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So, what do you think?<br />
Till later----<br />
Gotta go dream up some more ideas at Bluepiedesigns!<br />
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Here's a few for you to check out!<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-40320172578778431052012-06-12T17:46:00.002-04:002012-06-12T17:46:40.731-04:00Bluepie Cafe....Experimenting with watercolors.....so- if there were a Bluepie Cafe, this is what is may look like....<br />
ummm...maybe someday!<br />
I would imagine it as a unique cozy place for sharing ideas, art, writing, tea, coffee, music, good wine, ethnic snacks, poetry, good books and friends...what's not to like at the Bluepie Cafe?<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-85262465579844462802012-06-02T21:07:00.002-04:002012-06-03T09:21:56.570-04:00Read all about it! Every once in a while, I get sidetracked and start a new project. Well, of course, this is nothing new!<br />
A few months ago, the brain cells kicked in with an idea for using old newspapers. I used to work at the New York Times and love newspapers! So, I came up with making placemats from them with old or new articles. I started calling them "Convo" PlaceMats or "Read all about it". But I am still not sold on what to call them. However, they are very cool in my opinion anyway. And, everyone I've showed them to or given as gifts loves them. I have used all different themes and each one has a front and a back. Some continue the article on the other side. So, while you are eating your meal, you also have something to read!<br />
They are stuffed a bit to make them sturdy, sewn along the edge with a zigzag stitch and covered with a special plastic coating to make it waterproof.<br />
Of course, I will be expanding on this idea too and making these from other pieces like children's art work, vintage maps, poetry, artwork, homework papers with an A+, old taverns, travel, history etc. whatever- the list is endless.<br />
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And they are really fun to make too. If you want me to make one for you, just let me know and I'll see what I can come up with. I will be collecting more papers and more ideas in the months to come. I welcome any ideas from you too..<br />
Here are a few I've made already: (click on pic to enlarge)<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-18965166050227140162012-05-10T21:08:00.002-04:002012-05-10T21:08:31.063-04:00I love trees!Continuing with my transformation of photos to paintings.....<br />
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Here is one from an old photo I took of some Colorado birch trees. I'm liking it!<br />
Would love any comments- thanks for looking!<br />
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<br />BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-87846836810086194052012-05-01T20:56:00.002-04:002012-05-01T20:56:52.401-04:00In Decorating Mode.....I got sidetracked and picked up a paintbrush do paint some Chinese letters on watercolor paper. Spray painted a couple of old frames black and voila! Two new pieces of framed art for over my bed.<br />
So here is it:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Lastest artwork-handpainted Chinese letters in goauche..letter on the left means to create, to inovate, originality. Letter on right means to live, survive to be alive, flexible and moving! Good reminders for starting my day!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asQQvw08FXI/T6CGItBayCI/AAAAAAAAM1k/eKMDJP7Gp80/s1600/IMG_5541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asQQvw08FXI/T6CGItBayCI/AAAAAAAAM1k/eKMDJP7Gp80/s320/IMG_5541.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-65316485734677733172012-04-06T17:00:00.000-04:002012-04-06T17:00:12.261-04:00New Painting!Collage Class is over- boo-hoo..However, my new class is Gouache Painting! Loving this too. I have practiced this medium before but never really understood all the qualities and different techniques involved. It is absolutely my favorite way to paint. Rich, opaque, full of color saturation. Much easier and more fun to manipulate than watercolor. It even reminds me of oils which I practiced for many years.<br />
So, here is my first assignment- "What do you see from your window?" I love the colors and I'm happy with the results! I'd love to hear what you think.<br />
Until next time....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJHpqdG4g3Y/T39ZEQnyNFI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/pjmdbVhqmsM/s1600/DSC_0398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJHpqdG4g3Y/T39ZEQnyNFI/AAAAAAAAM1Y/pjmdbVhqmsM/s320/DSC_0398.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>BluepieDesignshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12257375311766141553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13350259.post-20518761114592185592012-03-18T16:34:00.000-04:002012-03-18T16:34:33.174-04:00Confessions of a Bag Lady!As I continue my art class on collage, another new collage has been added to my collection. This time the piece had to be in 3D and the theme was a storefront. Well, of course, since BluepieDesigns already has a for real ETSY storefront at <a href="http://www.bluepiedesign.etsy.com/">www.bluepiedesign.etsy.com</a> and is all about bags (well other things too), the decision was easy. I decided to use one of those well constructed designer shopping bags. I happened to have a COACH shopping bag, so what could be more perfect?<br />
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After cutting out the front window I filled it with handbags hanging from a clothesline using tiny wooden clothespins. The inside background were magazine ads of some women sitting in chairs with their handbags. A few other details inside and out completed my store. I'm liking it!<br />
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I added the Bluepie name, of course, on the top and the name "Deborah" that I pasted on the front was actually taken from a photo of a clothing storefront I snapped in Milan Italy a few years ago. So how cool is that?<br />
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Here's a view of the front, inside and back.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77AzjEz6jlg/T2ZFgz3sOSI/AAAAAAAAM1I/Rm0TsoubEr8/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-77AzjEz6jlg/T2ZFgz3sOSI/AAAAAAAAM1I/Rm0TsoubEr8/s320/DSC_0285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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