Living the Dream in Retirement
When visiting Lake Louise, it’s hard to look away from the turquoise water surrounded by mountains in this breathtaking spot. Even so, it’s impossible to miss the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Though we were staying elsewhere, we couldn’t resist strolling around the hotel, landscaped grounds and stopping at their exceptional Lakeview Lounge for drinks, enjoying a spectacular view.
What a stunning place this is and worth seeing!
After hiking around Lake Louise, we grabbed snacks and a few much-needed, cold adult beverages at the Trailhead Cafe, sitting outside to enjoy the view. After that, I headed over to visit the gift shop.
As I was looking at items on display, I heard this odd, scrunchy (is that a word?) sound along the shelves on the wall.
I sensed movement.
In stealth mode, I discreetly began looking for the source……
This is what I found.
To enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh air, the gift shop leaves their doors open. I had a sense from the way in which the shopkeeper shooed him away that they’d encountered each other before.
Amsterdam is the one of the most unique and diverse cities we’ve ever visited. The architecture, houseboats, canals, flower markets, bicycles – unlike any place Spence or I have ever traveled. We are completely enamored of this special place and I’ve already started looking at a possible return trip in 2016 – fingers crossed. If you’ve never been, I implore you – visit Amsterdam!
On our European adventure, we started and ended in Amsterdam. For the first three days, we rented a houseboat, a unique and fun experience. I don’t think I’ve slept better in my life than being “rocked” gently to sleep. The canals are such an integral part of Amsterdam, as are bicycles and houseboats. The architecture was stunning and is unlike anywhere else in the world. Every moment spent in this lovely city was memorable.
Spence lived in Germany for a few years while in the Army and knew of these charming little towns and medieval-like villages. I fell in love with the flower boxes in seemingly every window. One day everything was shrouded in fog making it seem as though we’d been transported back in time, just magical and romantic. The food was exceptional – schnitzel, spaetzle and the beer! I only wish we could have stayed a bit longer.
Artsy photos I took in the Mont Blanc Tunnel, going from Switzerland to Italy.
Should just point out Spence is driving and I’m taking the pictures.
Arriving in Italy, we had no destination in mind. It was a Sunday evening around 6:00 p.m. and we needed a hotel when we came upon the charming coastal town of Lerici. Lerici is a town and commune in the province of La Spezia in Liguria, part of the Italian Riviera. After stopping at a small trattoria, Spence engaged the owner to ask for a recommendation. The gentleman was so kind and called the Hotel Doria arranging a room for us. Now to find it….we drove up the narrow streets, climbing ever higher. At last we found it and what a spectacular view, overlooking the harbor. There was a concert in town which we enjoyed from our balcony. Sunday nights the restaurant is closed but the man who checked us in brought us a lovely tray of meat, cheese and bread with a bottle of Chianti. It was a balmy night, so memorable. Here are my best of the best photos:
During our European trip, we stopped for a tour at Mercier Champagne Cellars. It was fascinating. Here’s a few facts:
Mercier is a Champagne producer based in the Épernay region of Champagne. The house, founded in 1858, produces both vintage and non-vintage cuvée. Mercier owned the original rights to the name Dom Pérignon but gave the brand to Moët et Chandon in 1927. Today the house is under the umbrella of the LVMH group and is the number one selling brand of Champagne in the domestic French market. (source Wikipedia)
