Gondola Ride
More about Souvenirs
I’ve been thinking about souvenirs and how to stop bringing so many back from trips. I have decided that the following are even better than souvenirs because they don’t last (at least for me) and therefore won’t require packing!
Chocolate:
Fruit from markets:
And of course gelato!
Decluttering Travel Souvenirs
For me the fun of travel begins with research and the library is a great place to find travel books as well as history books about cities and countries. I also like using apps to listen and practice words and phrases in the language I’m learning. I know I’ve made progress when I can read signs and billboards while on my travels. But then I’ll hear children speaking to their parents and realize that they already know more words than I ever will in their language.
I also like to leave extra room in my suitcase for the souvenirs I want to bring home, although I’m trying to limit my souvenir buying. This is especially true since I have brought back some purchases that I haven’t used and have no place to keep them.
Luckily there are things you can’t take with you (like gelato), so you have to eat them right away!
So now I have more than one drawer stuffed with travel souvenirs like key chains, postcards, ticket stubs and refrigerator magnets. Are they valuable memories or just clutter? I did find a use for some of my key chains by displaying them on an earring holder:
Sometime soon I will look at these souvenirs and decide whether or not to keep them. At least in the future I can focus on enjoying the experience of travel through photos and memories and let them replace the clutter. I will really try to do this!
Views of Prince Edward Island
When I visited Prince Edward Island I was interested in seeing all the places that I remembered from reading the Anne of Green Gables series. But I also wanted to see the island and find out if it was as beautiful as I thought it might be. It turned out to be one of the most memorable places I’ve seen! There were charming lighthouses and red cliffs and I enjoyed visiting Charlottetown and learning the history of Prince Edward Island. There were also lovely scenes like this away from the towns.
Although it was summer I needed a light jacket more than once, especially in the evening…
Here’s another post I wrote about this charming place: Simply Prince Edward Island.
Reflection from Rome
A Walk in Rockport
Last fall I was on a family visit to Massachusetts (my hometown is Lexington), and one afternoon I went to Rockport for a walk. It was a bright sunny day and perfect for seeing both the water and many of the interesting shops there. Since it was autumn the flowers looked like this:
I found some unique shops too – the candy store was one of my favorites!
But looking at the water provided some of the most charming views.
I’m really looking forward to visiting there again as soon as possible!
Cherry Blossom Time
This is the first time that I’ve gone to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. and it was beautiful! The cherry blossoms were simply spectacular, and walking around the Tidal Basin was quite an adventure. There were enchanting views of tree after tree in full bloom. Lots of other people were walking on the paths but there were plenty of opportunities to see the blossoms and take as many pictures as you wanted. It was a cloudy day and chilly as well, but since snow had been predicted it was a relief to just have cloudy skies with no precipitation. I bought a wool hat at Union Station to wear for the day and it helped me stay warm. Too bad I didn’t buy some gloves as well! I couldn’t help but take hundreds of pictures and my hands were cold, but it was worth it.
I’m not sure how far I walked but this was one of the views from the path:
Some of the trees were quite old and had interesting trunks.
It was a day I’ll always remember. I’d like to go back next year, preferably on a warm, sunny day!
Viewing the monument
Fluffy blossoms
Blossom drama
Winter to Spring
There have been some interesting variations in the weather this January. First it was cold and snowy, then it got warm and over the weekend there was a tornado warning. Now it’s cold again and it might snow in a few days. After all this I’m hoping for an early spring! I’m going to Florida (Orlando) in a few days and it will definitely be warmer than it is here. I’ve checked the extended weather forecast and it should be warm and sunny while I’m there. I’m looking forward to seeing some flowers too. They are always so cheerful and provide a hopeful reminder that spring will be returning, and the sooner the better!
What it looked like last week with snow:
Flowers that will (hopefully) be here soon…
Bright color
Colorful flower
Spring flowers
So cheerful
Welcome spring
Tulips
A Little Snow Before Christmas
Last weekend we had some snow and since it’s December it seemed like a good time for it. After all, it’s almost Christmas. However, when the sun came out a few days later it warmed up and now the snow is gone. That one cold, snowy Saturday turned out to be a perfect time for staying home, writing Christmas cards and having a cup of hot chocolate! I’m also enjoying the displays and decorations I’ve seen this month that are so cheerful for the holidays. These pictures are of scenes that I’ve admired from past Decembers. Sometimes it’s nice to stop and simply enjoy the season, especially when a little winter weather comes your way.
Festive scene
Flower arrangement
Indoor trees
Simple decorations
Shiny ornaments
Holiday wreaths
Colorful arrangements
Merry Christmas!
Canyon Views and Wildflowers
This time I’m talking about Red Canyon in Utah. I passed it on the road to Bryce Canyon and it looked so interesting I stopped there for a look around on the way back from Bryce. Red Canyon has some moderately easy walks and hikes, so I walked on one of the shorter trails. I liked this because I wanted to enjoy the views and take pictures without having to think about steep drop-offs! I even saw some wildflowers along the way, which I always enjoy wherever I am. Red Canyon had free admission and parking so I’d like to spend more time there the next time I’m in that area.
Some of the views:
Along the trail
Where does this go?
Walk up to this…
Trail sign
Drive through this!
And of course the flowers.
