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Heather
Welcome back to my Travel Bucket List Series. I hope you have enjoyed the destinations I have highlighted throughout the year. Today my series continues with a river cruise down the Danube River during the holiday season. The European Christmas Markets have been high on my list, and what better way to see them than on a river cruise with AmaWaterways luxury cruise line. I was delighted to see the cruise line had partnered with Adventures by Disney for a few of these sailings. We cruised with AmaWaterways and Adventures by Disney last fall when we toured the Rhine River. It was a spectacular vacation, and I look forward to this sailing soon.
Where does the Adventure Begin?
Before the start of the cruise, we plan on spending a few days exploring Budapest, Hungary. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and the ninth-largest city in the European Union. The city is split in half by the Danube River, Buda on one side and Pest on the other. Budapest’s central area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Hungarian Parliament and the Buda Castle. We want to be close to the cruise terminal, so we plan to stay at the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel. It is near the river and the downtown area. The hotel has 357 rooms and suites, most with a stunning view of the river.
First, a walking tour of the Buda, the western part of the city. The must-sees are
- Buda Castle- the Royal Palace
- Matthias Church-Catholic Roman church built in 1015 A.D.
- Fisherman’s Bastion- Built in the 19the century as a look-out tower.
- Budapest Castle Hill Funicular is a railway that links the Adam Clark Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge at river level to Buda Castle above.
Next on the list, a Tuk Tuk tour of the eastern part of the city, Pest. I look forward to seeing
- St. Stephen’s Basilica-A Roman Catholic basilica named after Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose mummified right hand—Hungary’s most sacred treasure—is housed in the shrine.
- Vajdahunyad Castle- considered the most romantic castle in Budapest.
- Hero’s Square- noted for its iconic statue complex featuring the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars and other important Hungarian national leaders, as well as the Memorial Stone of Heroes.
- Shoes on the Danube’s Bank-A memorial to honor the Jews massacred by Fascist Hungarian militia during World War II.
- Hungarian State Opera House
After a whirlwind couple of days in Budapest, we board our home for the next week on one of AmaWaterway’s beautiful ships and set sail to beautiful Vienna, Austria.
Vienna is home to 20 or so Christmas Markets. One of the biggest is at Marie-Theresien Platz. There are 70 booths full of handicrafts, gift ideas, and food. In addition to all the shopping, there are children’s rides, live music, and more.
Another must-do, visit a Heurige. A Heurige is a traditional wine tavern. I love authentic experiences like this.
Other points of interest in the city of Vienna:
- Panoramic tour of the city.
- Schonbrunn Palace- main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers.
- Strudel Making at the Palace
- Visit Naschmarkt – large outdoor market
- Ice Skating in Vienna
After two days in Vienna, it is time to move on to the town of Durnstein. Durnstein is famous for ruins and wine taverns.
A tour of Dürnstein includes the famous ruins of the castle Burgruine Dürnstein. There are incredible views from the castle of the river, vineyards, and villages. Then it is back on the ship to enjoy sailing through the Wachau Valley. I am sure this will be just as spectacular as sailing through the Rhine River Gorge.
After a beautiful sail along the river, the next stop is Melk, Austria. Our visit to Melk will include:
- Melk Benedictine Abbey- contains the tomb of Saint Coloman of Stockerau and the remains of several members of the House of Babenberg, Austria’s first ruling dynasty.
- Marmalade making
- Dance lessons
- Wine tasting
Salzburg
The last stop in Austria is Salzburg. Here we will explore the Salzburg Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Monastery, and Old Town, as well as the hidden alleys and shops that line Getreidegasse in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown. Oh, how do a visit to the beautiful Mirabell Gardens and other significant sights made famous from the movie The Sound of Music sound?
The Salt Mines of Hallein is among the oldest mines in the world that are open to the public. Take a raft through the underground salt mines and zoom down a mineshaft slide—all while learning the rich history of Austria’s “white gold.”
Passau, Germany
Our cruise takes us into Germany to the city of Passau. How does a tour led by a local expert dressed in 18th-century period clothing sound?. Then, experience a marzipan-making activity that will satisfy your sweet tooth—with enough yummy delights made to take some home!
Vilshofen, Germany
Our trip wraps up in Vilshofen. Vilshofen has a unique Christmas market in that it is a floating market along the Danube. Before heading to Munich to catch our flight, I plan on spending at least one day here exploring the market. It looks too beautiful to pass up.
So, what about you? Are you ready to add the Danube River cruise to your bucket list of destinations? Or perhaps a trip to Greece or Ireland is on your list? Wherever you choose, I hope you have the adventure of a lifetime.
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Whether we like it or not, winter is upon us. Two weekends ago, it was 70 degrees in Massachusetts, but then the following weekend, we received a couple of inches of snow. Mother Nature reminded us that if we plan on taking our running or walking outdoors this winter, we need to be prepared.
Don’t think you can run or walk outside in the cold? Think again. With the proper attire and these eight tips, we can all safely run (or walk) in the cold.
Tip 1 – Track the Weather
I am a planner and need to make sure all my workouts, whether it be a run, walk, or a strength training session, be written in my planner. When running in the winter, I look at the forecast for the week and plan accordingly. If the forecast shows a warm-up at noontime, I will arrange my day so that I am running at noon. Does the weather call for a Nor’easter? I may switch up my days and do a workout in my home, safe from the driving wind and precipitation.
Tip 2 – Dress for Success
The rule of thumb, dress as it were 20 degrees warmer outside. Once you start going, your body will warm up pretty quickly. You want to protect yourself, but you don’t want to overheat either. Once I warm up, I often take off my gloves and hat. Also, consider lined running pants for those temps under 40 degrees. These running pants happen to be my favorite.
TIP 3- Proper Running Shoes
You’ll need shoes that offer more traction and support. Your cold-weather running shoes should have outsoles with grippy lugs. If your shoes do not have grippy lugs, you can order these running traction cleats to slip over your shoes as pictured above.
Tip 4- Warm-Up in the House
It is essential to do some static stretches before heading out. It would be best if you were warming up your muscles before any workout. It helps prevent injuries. If your muscles are warm and limber, the cold will not be such a shock, and your run or walk will feel more comfortable to start.
Tip-5 Shower Immediately
Do not, I repeat, do not stay in your cold, sweaty clothes. You will catch a chill. Washing the sweat off the body is vital for hygiene, and massaging your muscles with the water from the shower can help keep lactic acid from getting trapped in sore muscles.
Tip 6- Treat Yourself
Reward yourself for all your hard work. It is not easy to get out there in the cold. Perhaps treat yourself to a nice latte or hot chocolate after your run. Perhaps at the end of a long training cycle, get a massage or pedicure. Having something to look forward to is a great motivator.
Tip 7-Run with a friend
Make plans to run or walk with a friend. If we have someone counting on us, we are more apt to get out the door.
Tip 8- Have a goal
Another great motivator is to have a goal. Goals keep us driven and focused on the result. Think of how good we feel when we reach our goals. This is what keeps me motivated all winter long.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I may be a little late to the party, but my Love of Week is essential oils. Though people have been using oils for a while, I had started using them until recently. I suffer from seasonal allergies. I have tried many things and have quite a routine in the morning. Earlier this year, my sister recommended I try essential oils. I ordered myself a diffuser, some oils marketed to help with allergies, and gave it a try. I am happy to report; I LOVED it!
I bought the diffuser on Amazon. I decided on the VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser. I wanted something quiet, with an extended mist output and a diffuser acting as a cool-mist humidifier.
- It is a 500 ml diffuser that runs up to 14 hours on low mist mode and 7 hours on high mist mode.
- It is quiet and turns off automatically when the water runs out.
- It has a high/low button to choose the proper setting time.
- The diffuser has soothing LED lights to act as a night light.
- Made from BPA-free material.
As for oils, I went with a company called Revive.
I wanted something that was 100% all-natural. As you can imagine, some companies market their products as 100% all-natural, and they are not. All of REVIVE’s Oils are 100% pure therapeutic grade, free from any additives, adulterants, fillers, synthetics, or dilutions. REVIVE also has a 100% money-back guarantee. I love companies that stand by their products.
I started with the Peppermint, Lavender, and Lemon to concoct my own allergy-fighting blend. As I learned more about the oils, I discovered REVIVE makes the blends for you. I am currently using the Allergy Relief oil at night. It consists of Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Peppermint, and Lavender. It eases congestion and soothes allergies. On the days I work from home or hanging around the house, I diffuse Energy or Lemon. REVIVE Energy is a blend of Lavender, Sweet Orange, Osmanthus Extract, Amyris, Litsea, Ylang, Ylang, and Violet. Lemon is an antioxidant and has antibacterial properties to help detoxify and boost the immune system. Since I began using essential oils, I have seen significant improvement. I still take a daily allergy med and perform a sinus rinse, but I feel better overall since I started diffusing the oils.
I have a number of other blends. I have one for headache relief, one for sleeping, and one for digestion. All of them have worked pretty well, some more than others. I find with my headaches, I have to time it right or else it is too late.
What about you? Do you use essential oils? I would love to hear your thoughts.
A couple of years ago, if you would have asked if a winter destination was on my bucket list, I would have thought you were crazy. I am not a fan of cold temperatures, nor do we ski, snowboard, or enjoy playing in the snow. However, a couple of friends went to Wyoming with Adventures by Disney during the winter, and it looked amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. There were other things to do besides skiing and snowboarding. With the right clothes, we could brave it! It is not like the snow is foreign to us. We are New Englanders! Now that we have decided to go, the question became when. I was hoping for the week between Christmas and the New Year. Well, then 2020 became a horror movie, and that got put on hold. We have quite a few things scheduled for 2021, so it looks like it maybe 2022 before we go. In the meantime, here is destination number 8 of the Travel Bucket List Series- Winter in Wyoming.
How to get there? – From Boston, we will fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is made up of Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. The majority of our time will be spent in Jackson Hole, but the first stop, Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
An hour away, Yellowstone is part of the National Parks system and was the first National Park in the United States. Yellowstone is made up of 3,500 square miles and spreads into three states, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It has enormous canyons, forests, alpine rivers and geysers, the most famous of all, Old Faithful. It is home to plenty of wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, wolves, bison, elk, antelope, and more. Here are a few fun facts about Yellowstone.
- It is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
- It has more than half the world’s geysers (Over 500).
- There are 67 species of mammals in Yellowstone.
- There are 290 waterfalls.
- It has roughly 1,000-3,000 earthquakes a year.
We will stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins for the first few nights of our trip. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2019. It consists of premium rooms, suites, and cabins. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a deli.
As I mentioned above, we do not go skiing or snowboarding. So what exactly is there for us to do in Yellowstone in the winter? I found several activities.
Old Faithful Winter Day Tour- with Snowshoeing
From the hotel, board a snow coach and make your way toward the magnificent geyser. Old Faithful was the first geyser in the park to be named back in 1870. It is highly predictable and erupts every 44 mins to two hours since 2000. It is a must-see. Along the way, the coach stops for wildlife viewing and at such sights like the Fountain Paint Pots. Once at Old Faithful, you have a couple of hours to explore and take in the magnificent wonder. There are several ways to explore the basin. You may walk or grab a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes and have some fun. I am excited to snowshoe.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Very few visit this area in the winter, and it is touted as one of Yellowstone’s best-kept secrets. The only way to see this area in the winter is by snowmobiles or snow coach. The trees are covered in snow, the snow is deep, and from everything I read, it is all so very magical. There are several things to see here, such as
- Steamboat Geyser: The world’s tallest active geyser, In the Back Basin, you’ll find the world’s tallest active geyser. Eruptions are rare and unpredictable, so I hope we time it just right.
- Porcelain Basin: This is home to Ledge Geyser, which erupts at an angle, and the ever steaming Black Growler Vent.
- Back Basin: a forested version of the Porcelain Basin and home to the Steamboat Geyser.
Winter Wildlife Tour
As a family of animal lovers, how could we not put this tour on our list? This tour explores the Northern Range, where there are wide open grassy valleys that, in the winter, are covered with less snow than other locations in the park, making it a bit easier to get to that food source. It is home to bison, elk, coyote, wolves, eagles, bighorn, and many more.
Another must go for me while in Yellowstone is a photography tour. Using a handpicked itinerary, it takes you through Yellowstone and shows you how to capture the best photographs.
Jackson Hole
After a few action-packed days, it will be time to head back to Jackson Hole. We plan to stay at The Wort Hotel. The Wort Hotel is Jackson Hole’s finest boutique hotel. It has 55 rooms, including five sophisticated western-themed suites.
Located in the center of town, the hotel is on the list of National Registry of Historic Places. It is within walking distance of numerous shops and bars.
Things to do in Jackson Hole
Oh, what to do first? With the Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River right there, the outdoor activities are endless.
Sunset Sleigh Ride– Take a sleigh ride along the Snake River as the sun sets over the Teton Mountains. The ride includes a stop at a Tipi Camp where a roaring fire and appetizers and drinks are served.
Sleigh Ride through the National Elk Refuge– thousands of elk migrate to the refuge each year, and the sleigh ride gives plenty of opportunities to see these animals up close and personal.
Snow King Mountain– Known as the in-town playground for adults and kids alike, this mountain resort offers skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and its winter cowboy coaster. There is something to do for everyone.
Jackson Hole Playhouse – The dinner shows here are not to be missed. I hear the food and entertainment are excellent.
Iditarod-Style Dog Sled Excursion– When we were in the Yukon, we experienced summer dog sledding. Since then, I have wanted to try it in the winter. This is a must-do for my family and me.
Granite Hot Springs– Relax in the steaming, rejuvenating waters of the Granite Hot Springs. Take in the beautiful Gros Ventre Mountains and the towering pines that surround you as you float, swim, and soak in these natural hot springs.
Snowshoeing at Grand Teton National Park– The park offers a two-hour guided snowshoe hike that meets at Taggart Lake Trailhead. Listen as a range talks about winter ecology and snow science.
After seeing all that Wyoming has to offer in the winter, I know we will be inspired to come back in the summer. I guess that means the travel bucket list continues to grow. Not a bad thing, right?
Are you interested in my other bucket list trips? Check them out and leave a comment as to which one you would like to experience first.
A few weeks ago, my best friend and I took off for a girl’s weekend down the Cape. Cape Cod for all you non-locals. Specifically, we stayed in Truro. Truro is just south of the northern tip of Cape Cod. It has a population of roughly 2,000 people. In the summer, the population is between 15-20,000 people. Truro is approximately 26 square miles. It is important to note that half of the land area of the town is the National Seashore. More on the seashore later. With it being the last weekend in September, it was reasonably quiet, but we managed to find plenty to do.
Accommodations
The Crow’s Nest Resort consists of spacious suites with full kitchens, air conditioning, fireplaces, jacuzzi tub/shower unit, washer/dryer, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, and much, much more. There are 24-hour maintenance and housekeeping. Though with COVID, there were no housekeeping services.
Each suite is steps from the ocean. It is a perfect place to see a sunset over Cape Cod Bay. All the second-floor suites have a private balcony over-looking Pilgrim Lake and the Atlantic dunes, perfect for experiencing a spectacular early sunrise.
Full Bath #1 
Bedroom2 
Kitchen 
Living room 
Bedroom 1 
Full Bath #2
As you can see, there was plenty of space for the both of us.
On our first full day, we headed down the road to the town of Provincetown, MA. Provincetown is located on the tip of Cape Cod. It is known for its beaches, harbor, charming shops, art galleries, restaurants, and more. It is a big vacation spot for the LGBTQ community, as Provincetown celebrates individuality and freedom of expression. It also has a rich creative history as the oldest continuous art colony in the United States.
Commercial Street is the main road through town. It is lined with restaurants and shops. We had lunch overlooking Provincetown Harbor, browsed the many stores, and listened to street entertainers. It is not uncommon to see drag queens out and about advertising their nightly shows. This weekend we saw next to none, as many of the shows have been canceled due to the virus. However, we did spend some time listening to a gentleman sing along with this phone for about 30 mins. He was quite entertaining.
After a day of dining and shopping, we took a ride out to Race Point Beach. It is part of the National Seashore. It is known for having some of the best sunsets on Cape Cod. Would you agree?
While waiting for the sunset, at least 50 seals swam by, not too far off from the shore. They are so cute, but this being Cape Cod, we know our shark friends are not too far behind.
The next day we slept in and spent the entire day hanging at the resort, eating, drinking, and crafting. I worked on my 2019 scrapbooks, and she worked on her own projects. It has been a long since we had nothing to do but craft. It was so much fun!
On our last day, we decided to take our time going home—our goal, to hit up some of the other beaches on the National Seashore.
The National Seashore was created in 1961 by President Kennedy. It has 43,607 acres of ponds, woods, and beachfront. It has 40 miles of seashore along the Atlantic-facing eastern shore of Cape Cod that includes Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown. There is so much to do and see at the National Seashore; the beaches are just a small piece.
From the Head of the Meadow Beach, we stopped off in Wellfleet Harbor. We were looking for a coffee shop and came upon the harbor. It was a beautiful spot.
Nauset Light Beach was our last stop of the day. This beach has special meaning for my family. My aunt’s ashes were scattered here almost 10 years ago. It is also the home to the Three Sister’s Lighthouses. Being one of three sisters, we like to think these were built for us. LOL!
Sister 3 
Sister 2 
Sister 1
The Cape Cod coast is known for dangerous waters primarily due to shifting sandbars. Between the years 1850 and 1980, it is believed that approximately 3500 shipwrecks occurred along the Cape and Islands coastlines. In 1836, Eastham’s people petitioned for lighthouses to be built to assist their loved ones coming back to the Cape. The lighthouses were built and named the Three Sisters because they looked like three ladies in white dresses and black hats from out at sea. These ladies have had quite the journey. You can read about it here.
Nauset Light Beach, like much the National Seashore, has seen significant erosion over the years. I was taken aback at just how much of the dunes have eroded. The average erosion along the seashore is just under 4 feet a year. Nauset Light Beach averages almost 6 feet a year. To put things in perspective, take a look at the photo below.
Incredible, right? It makes me so sad to think this will not be here forever.
We spent about 45 minutes hanging out on the beach. Every so often, a seal would swim by. My friend and I always joked that we never see anything exciting, like a shark. Well, never say never.
Why yes, that little fin is a shark fin. People were yelling for others to get out of water. Crowds were forming to watching the predator. It was quite a sight. I am happy to report that no one got hurt. However, it is important to point out that National Seashore is known for its seals and sharks. There are signs posted everywhere, along with first aid kits.
Don’t let the sharks scare you. Just follow the rules, heed the warnings and you will be fine. The Cape Cod and the National Seashore are worth the risk! 🙂
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse as to what makes the Cape a perfect girl’s getaway. No matter the season, there is always something to do and see.
Fall is my absolute most favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, falling leaves, the smells, and more. I love attending craft shows, festivals, and harvest fests. Unfortunately, most of these events have been canceled due to the virus. Though the fall may look different this year, I can assure you there is still plenty to do and see this season. Here are five fun fall activities to do this season.
Apple Picking
One of our family traditions is apple picking. With over 80 pick your own orchards in Massachusetts, each a bit different, it is hard to decide where to go. We have a family favorite, Honey Pot Hill Orchards, in Stowe, MA. Back in September, we headed over to Honey Pot for our annual tradition. We had to make a reservation and wear our mask, but otherwise, things were the same. Oh, and the cider donuts, just as good as the year before.
Go for a Hike
Inspired by my friend Karen, we started to explore many of the Massachusetts state parks and wildlife sanctuaries this summer. Summer is a great time to visit the parks, but fall is even better! With cooler weather and the leaves starting to turn, going for a hike is the perfect fall activity. This past weekend we hiked the Natural Bridge State Park and Bash Bish Falls State Park. We could get our daily dose of vitamin D, some exercise, and enjoyed some great views.
Leaf Peeping
Why not spend a day driving around looking at the fantastic foliage. Depending on where you live, there is still plenty of colors to see. I suggest researching routes in your area and picking a few stops on the way. In western Massachusetts, Jacob’s Ladder Trail Scenic Byway is a perfect route to follow. The byway starts in Russell, MA, winds through the small towns of Russell, Huntington, Chester, Becket, and Lee, providing views of the Westfield River along the way. It ends at the Lee/Lenox town line in Berkshire County.
Support Local Towns
Our economy has taken a hit over the last six months. In particular, small local businesses have bee hit hard during the pandemic. These businesses need us now more than ever. Why not head to your local coffee shop and grab a hot drink. The holidays are around the corner. Perhaps get a head start on your holiday shopping and see what the local retailers have to offer. We spent yesterday walking the streets of Stockbridge and Lenox, MA. We grabbed some coffee, visited a local chocolate store, poked around a country store, and found a Christmas gift for our nephew. With the fall decor on the buildings, a chill in the air, and the color exploding around us, it was a perfect fall afternoon.
Curl Up with Good Book
Sometimes the universe sends us a sign. If you are like me, you are always on the go. And why not? There is so much to do and see in this world. If there is one thing this pandemic had shown me, it is sometimes okay to slow down. It is okay to stay home and do nothing. Why not put on a hoodie, grab a blanket, a book, and a warm drink, and head outside. Find a comfortable spot for the next couple of hours and read. Not into reading? Then how about sitting in a comfortable place and just be.
Whatever it is you choose to do this fall, I hope you have an amazing time.
Our tour of Massachusetts state parks continues with a visit to Ellisville Harbor. Located in Plymouth, Ma (more specifically the village of Ellisville), Ellisville Harbor State Park is a nature preserve and recreational area. It is approximately 100 acres and is on the western shore of Cape Cod Bay. Ellisville State Park consists of red pine forests, rolling meadows, a salt marsh, and a barrier beach.
Ellisville Harbor has a rich history. It has been reported approximately 2,500-5,000 years prehistoric Native Americans fished and hunted on these grounds. Back in the 1500s, it was a farm owned by the Ellis and Harlow families. The inlet is said to have been formed in the 1700s, presumably broken open by a storm. Henry David Thoreau wrote all about the salt marsh in his journal on June 15, 1857. The harbor was once a busy loading spot for ships taking timber to Boston and for local fishing. At 600 acres, the area had two Native American sites, and in 1980 the area was declared an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. (ACEC) In 1991 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased 100 acres of the ACEC and created the Ellisville Harbor State Park.
The park is open sunrise to sunset, and parking is free. There is a mile-long trail that leads down to the beach. Along the route, we were surrounded by the red pine forest. As we got closer to the ocean, we could see the salt marsh.
Once to the shore, we saw a beautiful view of Cape Cod Bay. The beach was rocky, but perfect for finding sea animals and other interesting things.
We had fun walking the beach, finding crabs, driftwood, lobster traps with rope, and more. We even saw a seal!
If ever in the area make sure to stop by Ellis Harbor State Park. You will not be disappointed.
This post may contain affiliate links, and I may earn compensation when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.
I love to read. I always have and, at times, can’t get enough of it. After hours of reading for class, I would curl up with a good book to relax, even in law school. Once I had kids, my reading slowed down a bit. I could no longer read at the beach or in my back yard when the boys were running all over the place. I was so tired at night; I would fall asleep 3-4 pages into the book. I also found my attention span was not there. I would be reading, and my mind would drift to all the other things I should be doing. Or I would easily become distracted by something, anything. I could go months without reading a book. Then I discovered Audible.
Per their website, “Audible is an online audiobook and podcast platform owned by Amazon.com Inc. The service allows users to purchase and stream audiobooks and other forms of spoken word content; this content can be purchased individually or under a subscription model where the user receives “credits” that can be spent on content monthly, and receive access to a curated on-demand library of content. Audible is the United States’ largest audiobook producer and retailer.”
Audible has been a game-changer for me. A friend introduced me to the streaming service about three years ago. I started to listen to audiobooks on my commute to and from the office. It was a great way to decompress before arriving home for the night. It was a game-changer when training for my 1st marathon back in 2017. A 20-mile training run in December was a bit more manageable when listening to a James Patterson novel. It allowed me to reacquaint myself with many of my favorite authors. I love using this app so much I listen when cooking, cleaning my house, at the grocery store, and more. Since 2017, I have read 104 books on Audible.
How does it work?
Audible has two memberships. There is their monthly membership, Audible Plus. It includes access to unlimited streaming and listening from the Audible Plus Catalog. The second membership is Audible Premium Plus. This includes everything in Audible Plus, with the bonus of 1 credit per month to be used to redeem any title from our Premium selections. Also included in this membership is a 30% discount for any additional content you purchase from the Premium catalog. I have the Premium Plus membership and pay $14.95 a month. In addition, Audible offers additional credits, three at a time, for $35.88. That is $11.96 per credit. New releases are often much more expensive than $11.96. I have taken advantage of this many times over the years.
Is this the only way I enjoy my books? No! I still read books, whether it be on my Nook or a physical book. I make sure I switch between the two during the week. It is essential for brain health to read the written word. Audible has enabled me to embark on my second reading challenge. In 2019 I challenged myself to read/listen to 25 books. I read 32. This year I have set a goal of 50 books. I have read 38. With 12.5 half weeks left in the year, I have plenty of time to reach my goal. A few of my favorite authors have or will be releasing books this month. Half of them I pre-ordered on Audible and half on them on my Nook.
- Return to Virgin River by Robyn Carr
- Didn’t See That Coming by Rachel Hollis
- A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
- The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly
It is going to be a fun few months reading all my favorites.
Whar are you currently reading?
My Travel Bucket List Series continues with destination number seven, Germany. Last fall we sailed along the Rhine River and made three stops in Germany. We fell in love with the country and its people. We knew we wanted to come back and explore this beautiful country. Germany is known for beer, pretzels, nice cars, castles, and ties to World War II.
Munich
Our German adventure starts in the city of Munich. Munich is the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany and is the 3rd largest city in the country. It was here that Hilter joined the Nazi Party and became its leader. The city was heavily bombed during WWII, where 40% of its buildings were destroyed. Munich has some of the largest breweries in Germany and is known for Oktoberfest. Today, the city is the center of the banking industry.
With so much beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and museums, one could easily spend a week or more in this city. We plan on spending 3-4 days. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski came highly recommended. It is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Munich. It has rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa.
One of the best ways to see Munich is a walking tour. Highlights of the tour include:
- Karlsplatz Square to see the Karlstor Gate- famed city wall
- Siegestor Gate
- Holy Ghost Church
- Munich City Museum
- Jewish Museum
- St. Peter’s Church
- Old Town Hall
- New Town Hall
- Marienplatz (Old town)
In addition to the walking tour and all the beautiful things we will see above, we want to eat at the Ratskeller. The Ratskeller is a large cellar restaurant. It dates back to the 1900s with regional dishes and good German beer.
We will continue with our stay in Munich and venture 10 miles north to the medieval town , Dachua.
Dachau Concentration Camp opened in 1933 initially to hold political prisoners. It eventually became a prison for Jews, Germans, Austrian criminals, and finally, foreign nationals from countries that Germany occupied or invaded. There were 32,000 documented deaths at Dachau and many, many more undocumented.
Before leaving Munich and heading toward Rothenburg, our travels will take us to Neuschwanstein Castle.
To all my Disney loving readers, this castle should look familiar. Walt Disney used it as inspiration when constructing Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland in California. Neuschwanstein Castle is a masterpiece. It is one of the most visited castles in Europe, and I can see why. It is what fairytales are made of. Though, in researching the castle, happily ever after did not exist here. You can read the history here.
Now we can’t leave Munich on an empty stomach. Dinner at Hofbrauhaus, I hear, is a must. It is labeled the World’s Most Favorite Tavern. It was built almost 500 years ago and reservations are highly recommended.
Nuremberg and Rothenburg
Next in our German adventure is the city of Nuremberg. It is the second-largest city in the Bavarian state. Notably known for the Nuremberg Trials after the second world war, Nuremberg was chosen to hold these trials due to its history with the Nazi party. It was here after Hilter rose to power, the Nazis held their rallies. The Nuremberg Laws were passed, which revoked German citizenship for all Jews and other non-Aryans. By the end of the war, much of the city was destroyed.
There are a few things I have on our list to do in Nuremberg. First is a visit to the Palace of Justice, where the famous trials took place.
A visit to Old Town Nuremberg is a must. I love visiting the walled cities in Europe. We plan on seeing Nuremberg Castle, Saint-Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and the Toy Museum.
Of course, our visit to Nuremberg would not be complete without some German Food. I have found several culinary tours, and one in particular, sounds amazing. The tours take you through the cobblestone streets of the city where we sample meats, cheeses, and potatoes. In additon, learn the history of gingerbread and pretzels. Sounds good, right?
From Nuremberg, we head north the Rothenberg and check into the Hotel Herrnschlossen. The hotel is an 11th-century castle. My kind of hotel!
Rothenberg is a northern Bavarian village. It served as the inspiration for the village in Disney’s 2nd animated film, Pinnochio. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, it certainly looks like it belongs in a storybook. On our list of things to do in Rothenberg are:
- Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
- St. James Church
- Marketplatz
- Rathus
- Pretzel Making
The night walk with a Night Watchman is a must. In medieval times, the Night Watchman roamed the city at night to keep its citizens safe. Meet up with the Night Watchman as he takes you through Rothenberg at night.
Bamberg
Bamberg is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city has Europe’s largest intact old city wall. There are so many things to see in this city. I am not sure if I have allotted enough time. We may need to add a half a day or two. Some points of interest to explore are:
- Bamberg Cathedral
- Altes Rathaus
- Altenburg Castle
- Klein Venedig
- Bamberger Kreuzweg
Berlin
Last, but certainly not least, is Berlin. Berlin is the capital and the largest city in Germany. It is known for its history and its cultural flare. There is so much to see, do, and eat!
First is a walking tour of the city. I love walking tours as I feel you see more of the city, and it is a great way to get great photo ops. A walking tour in Berlin includes the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Museum, and Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz, to name a few.
Did you know that Berlin is known for its street art? My husband has a degree in art, and this is something he would enjoy. A private street art tour is high on our list.
Above I mentioned Berlin is a city of culture. Another must on our list is Museum Island. Museum Island is another Unesco World Heritage Site in Berlin’s Mitte District. It consists of several museums, such as the Altes Museum, Bode-Museum, and Pergamonmuseum. Again, my fear is we will not have enough time to see it all!
As you can see, Germany is a beautiful country. There is much to see and do from its storybook towns, fairytale castles, rich history, food, drink, and culture. I hope you will agree that this country is Bucket List worthy.
See you on my next adventure!
Last fall, The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Disney’s flagship resort, opened a new lounge. Inspired by Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’s live-action version, the Enchanted Rose is not to be missed. The lounge had only been open a couple of months when my friends and I stopped in for a drink. It is stunning. The decor and atmosphere are magical and do what Disney does best; it tells the love story between Belle and the Beast.
The lounge divides into four sections. First is the garden room. It takes its inspiration from the forest that surrounds the Beast’s castle.
The inspiration for the outdoor patio is the Beast’s garden terrace. It overlooks the grounds of the Grand Floridian. It is a perfect place to enjoy a drink after a long day in the parks.
The library is my favorite area in the lounge. It is decorated in French furnishings, and you may see a familiar face or two.
The main bar area has an enormous chandelier that symbolizes Belle’s yellow gown.
My friends and I sat right next to the main bar area. We had come from tea at the Garden View Tea Room and were quite full. However, we had to give the drinks a try.
The menu has small bites, such as the House Flat Bread, Artisan Cheese Platter, Truffle Fries, etc. Their signature cocktails caught our eye. The Enchanted Rose has two tableside cocktails, Envy and Love. The presentation was fantastic. Here is our server making the Love cocktail. Make sure to turn it up to hear the “story,” she tells.
I chose the Lavender Fog for my drink. My drink is made with Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Rothman Crème de Violette, English Breakfast Tea, vanilla, and cream. It was a bit strong but good.
One of my friends was Cast Member at Disney and knew the manager in charge of opening the lounge. He was there, and we spent some time chatting with him. It was fascinating to hear what it takes to open an establishment such as this. I would say Disney hit it out of the park.
