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To Lustenau we go

Posted on July 21, 2023 by Laureen2014

After Germany, we had the pleasure of galavanting anywhere we wanted with Rachael and Cameron. Cameron suggested Bregenz on Lake Constance, Central Europe’s third largest lake. Apparently, this was a popular destination with no hotel to be found, so we opted for a town called Lustenau located on the bottom of the Rhine Valley. Sounds good! It lies on the Rhine River and just across the river from Switzerland. We found a swanky, modern hotel on the outskirts of town in a business park. Luckily for us, just a hop, skip and a jump away was a very nice Italian

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Where in the hell is Erlangen Germany?

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Laureen2014

Skipping Slovenia for Villach cut our travel time almost in half toward our next destination – Erlangen, Germany. That was a good thing. Despite express trains to Salzburg and then to Munich, our day started with an early walk to the station in Villach at 8:30 and ended with check in at Grauer Wolf Hotel at 4:30. Thank goodness we had long enough layovers to make all our train connections, especially in Munich, where we had to walk from the furthest end of the third furthest track from the terminal to get to our next train at the other side.

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Have you heard of Villach?

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Laureen2014

When planning our trip, we wanted to go to Slovenia en route to Germany, but instead, Sean found a quaint town called Villach in Austria. It did not disappoint. We arrived in Villach on 6/30, a lively, pretty quaint town on the River Drau. We stayed in an airbnb very close to the town center, full of cafes, shops, restaurants and beauty. Lots of walking and admiring. On our first day, we planned on visiting a nearby lake, but the weather did not cooperate for us. Since it was rainy, instead, we had a nice, relaxing day strolling through the

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La Dolce Vita

Posted on July 7, 2023 by Laureen2014

We arrived in Torrita di Siena, Tuscany via train on 6/26. It was the smallest train station so far. No escalators, elevators, stores, or people. Just us. Or sweet host, Viviana, offered to pick us up, and we gladly accepted the ride to her farm. Yes, this was our R&R leg of the trip – a Tuscany farmhouse. Warning – a lot of images of beauty to share with you. The farm was everything I expected, and much more. You’ll see. Willow trees, grapevines, rustic brick farmhouse, rolling hills, mountains in the distance, walnut trees, roses, animals, and the sound

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Benvenuti in Italia

Posted on July 5, 2023 by Laureen2014

Another plane ride, just a short one over to Rome on 6/26. We got into a taxi and in an expected remark from Sean, he said to the driver, “ok we only have 2 hours, so show us everything in Rome!” The driver gave him a blank stare. On to Gianicolo – Janiculum hill to get a quick panoramic view of the city. It was something! After a Jason Bourne jaw-clenching ride through very small bumpy roads, we reached the largest fountain in the city – Trevi Fountain with lots of tourists. Our driver definitely knew the shortcuts. I didn’t

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Hola Barcelona!

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Laureen2014

We arrived at the Barcelona train station on Friday, 6/23 at 11:30 am for the weekend. Our airbnb was some 2 miles away, so we decided to get some more exercise and walk the streets. The architecture is a mix of old and new, the new is called Catalan Modernism. Little did we know that 6/23 is the Festival of Sant Joan which is the same as our 4th of July celebration. It’s their celebration of the summer solstice with loud booms, fireworks and louder booms late into the evening. Lucky for us, we had an incredible view from our

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Segovia on the Correct Day

Posted on June 24, 2023 by Laureen2014

Since we messed up the first time, getting to the train station to Segovia was a breeze. It was like a groundhog moment. Segovia is located in the center of Spain on a rocky bluff surrounded by rivers. Its neighborhoods are separated by cultural communities, Moors, Christians and Jews, who lived and worked together during the 16th century manufacturing boom. So much history and diverse architectural styles. Lots of pedestrian paths, terracotta colors, flower pots in windows, mountain backdrops and beauty everywhere you turn. A central plaza with vendors selling fruit, clothing, flowers and more. Points of interest Aqueduct of

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Europe 2023

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Laureen2014

Austins go to Europe! This is the first for Laureen and a repeat from years ago for Sean. Planning for months, we departed from the Asheville airport on 6/19, each with a backpack for 4 weeks. Traveling like youngsters with enthusiasm, but with older backs/knees, and staying in Airbnbs. No hostels. First stop – Madrid, Spain Stayed in a charming rooftop apartment in a lively Las Letters neighborhood in Madrid, boasted as the quintessential tourist area. Many bars, restaurants, night life and people. Like true backpackers, we traveled via feet, metro, high speed train and only one taxi. No ubering

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Spending Time With Nature

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Laureen2014

We decided to spend our Easter Sunday at the nearby duck pond.  Instead of hunting for eggs, we explored nature.  Picture this.  An osprey swooping in from high above and beautifully gliding on the surface of the water eager to spear fish.  Distant baby osprey chicks chirping from way up high in the trees.  You can just imagine their mouths wide open anxiously waiting for mom to feed them.  Ducks splashing, diving, flapping, thrashing about during their preening time.  Somewhat annoying but definitely interesting.  Duck families with adorable fluffy ducklings going about their day looking for food.  Little turtle heads

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Finally, TP!

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Laureen2014

I have been searching for toilet paper for the past 2 weeks with absolutely no luck.  Down to 1 roll.  You know this hasn’t been easy for me since I am still not comfortable winding up and down store aisles.  This morning, I trekked out to the store at 7 am and was determined to come home with TP.  Victory! Thank you Walmart Neighborhood Market!

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