Oct., 4, 2023 

Paval and Laila, our newfound friends, showed us around their beloved spots in Prague. Although they live in the picturesque town of Lipno nad in the south part of the Czech Republic, nestled by a lake, they maintain a cozy apartment in Prague. This city retreat serves as their home base when they visit their daughter or, as it happened, when hosting us.

Nestled in the heart of this enchanting city, Smetana Hall has witnessed centuries of artistic expression. Our evening in this elegant venue transported us through time, as the melodies of Mozart, Handel, Vivaldi, and my personal favorite, Pachelbel's Canon in D, echoed through its hallowed halls. Built in the early 20th century, Smetana Hall stands as a testament to Prague's rich cultural heritage. Its walls resonate with the legacies of renowned composers and performers, adding an extra layer of magic to our experience. 

Sept. 22, 2023

It had been 26 years since our last visit to Radom, Poland, to see our dear friend Monika. Little did we know, this trip would unfold into an unexpected adventure. Despite Radom not being a typical tourist spot, Monika, along with her daughters Aga and Ala, showcased the town's hidden gems. From savoring mouthwatering traditional Polish BBQ on the first night to immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of a local bar, where everyone knew Monika and every moment was a delight. We found ourselves mesmerized at an Argentinian Tango party, attempted some dance steps, and enjoyed the local areas vibrant festivals, from potatoes to apples. Monika's warm introduction to her family, friends, and the charming town of Radom made this reunion an unforgettable experience. We arrived with plans to explore other places, but we never left Radom,  proving that you can never tell where you will come across unexpected joys when your on the road.  

Also a big thank you to nurse Monika Chmielewska-Zioło for nursing Lisa’s eye infection back to health with traditional Polish remidies.

Sept 23, 2023

What a night - our friend Monika, a passionate classical dancer, invited us into the enchanting world of Milonguero and Argentinian Tango. Watch us navigate the dance floor with out colliding with the graceful movements of the elegant dancers who surround us.  Language barriers fade away as those with English proficiency graciously introduce themselves, making every step a delightful experience."

Sept 29, 2023

Had an amazing night in Radom, Poland, catching up with my friend Monika, whom I met 34 years ago in 1989 during a European tour. We both worked at an international farm camp in Friday Bridge, England, and later explored Scotland and Wales in a Renault 4 panel van #vanlife. In 1996, my wife Lisa and I visited Poland with our 18-month-old daughter Quinn to reunite with Monika and her husband. Now, 27 years and three more kids later, we're back to meet Monika's wonderful daughters Agnieszka (Aga) and Alice.

Oct 3, 2023

Old Friends, New Discoveries: Wiemar  Expedition

Our journey this week took us from Poland to Leipzig, Germany where Lisa and I caught up with her friend Heike, whom she met during a caravan tour in Ireland five years ago. Heike generously adjusted her holiday plans to show us around Weimar, a charming city with a rich history. With Heike and her daughter Sophia as our guides, we explored Weimar's cobblestone streets, rode horse-drawn carriages, and learned about the city's stories. It was a day filled with reconnecting, exploring hidden spots, and making fresh memories on the road.

Leipzig: Bridging Divides and the Fall of the Wall

During our time in Leipzig, we delved into a unique chapter of history. Leipzig, a city that dared to keep its ties with the West alive amidst the post-World War II tensions. We found ourselves right in the midst of it all, staying in the heart of the University district, where the echoes of anti-GDR protests still lingered in the air.

Our home in Leipzig, the Ishvari Suite at the Spirit Lodge, was a charming haven. The room features an enormous round bed that was very comfortable but but sadly did not rotate.  The kitchen boasted a whimsical tree adorned with twinkling crystals, and the bathroom, with its sculpted wood counters, felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Our host, Heike, and her warm-hearted family, took us under their wing, guiding us through Leipzig’s rich history. They led us to an eye-opening exhibition chronicling the rise and fall of the GDR. The depth of the stories we encountered was overwhelming, bringing us face to face with the struggles faced by families like Ines and Klaus Peter's, who shared their personal tales of hardship and resilience.

Listening to Ines and Klaus Peter speak of their experiences, from the frustrating wait for basic amenities to the bitter winters endured in cramped living conditions, was profoundly moving. Their narratives shattered our preconceived notions, making the subtle differences between East and West glaringly obvious. It was a transformative experience that broadened our perspective, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of adversity. Leipzig, with its history etched in every corner, became more than a destination; it became a living testament to the power of connection and the triumph of the human spirit.

October 6, 2023

About 30 years ago, Lisa and I embarked on our honeymoon in Thailand. During a trek out of Chiang Mai, we encountered a group of German dentists, and among them, Horst became a close friend. A couple of years later, with our daughter Quinn at nearly 2 years old, we visited Horst and met his soon-to-be wife, Stephenie, affectionately called "Stuffie" by Quinn. Subsequently, Horst and his brother Max visited Canada, followed by their parents en route to an adventure in Alaska.

After all these years, with both Horst and us having raised two grown children each and approaching retirement age, we still maintain contact. Our recent reunion revealed changes—Horst is now with a new partner, Sybille, and his father has passed away. Despite the shifts, we had a meaningful conversation with his mother and met his daughter passing through Mannheim after a vacation. It's remarkable how connections endure over decades. We spent hours with Horst and Max, exchanging stories and discussing the future, confident that our paths will intersect again somewhere on the road.

Oct 10, 2023

Embarked on a swift day trip from our Mannheim base to Ladenburg, a charming medieval town nestled south along the Neckar River. Renowned as the birthplace of the automobile, Ladenburg boasts the Carl Benz Museum and offers a delightful atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing beer excursion."

Oct 14, 2023

Today, Lisa and I had an amazing adventure in Basel, where the weather was absolutely perfect. We kicked off our day in the charming French town of Saint Louis, staying in a cozy Air BnB. A quick bus ride later, we found ourselves in the stunning Swiss city of Basel, known for its high-end living. 

What struck us as incredibly unique was the border situation – imagine strolling down a street where one side accepts Euros and the other side Swiss Francs, yet they all happily embrace card payments! After sipping on refreshing Swiss beer, we crossed the Rhine River using the iconic 'Middle Bridge' into the German city of Weil Am Rhein. Here, we enjoyed snacks with graceful swans, and the Rhine proved so clean that German tourists were leisurely floating along its currents.

To cap off our day, we strolled back to our French abode on foot, gearing up for the next leg of our journey using BlaBla Car. Stay tuned and we will tell you how our first trip via BlaBla Car goes.

October 13, 2023

Traveling on a shoestring budget led us to explore alternative transportation options, and our first experience with BlaBla Car exceeded all expectations. Using the Rome2Rio app, we discovered this economical gem that connects travelers with drivers heading in the same direction.

After inputting our destination and timing preferences, the app led us to Emmanuel, a driver en route to Milan's airport from north of Basel. We made a unique request: could he swing by our B&B in Saint Louis, France, instead of picking us up in Basel? Much to our delight, he agreed, and at 7 am, he arrived promptly.

Our journey with Emmanuel was nothing short of spectacular. We traversed the breathtaking Swiss Alps, making a delightful pitstop at a café overlooking Lake Como. Although Emmanuel's route didn't take us all the way to Milan, he dropped us at a local train station.

Here, we faced a nail-biting moment while purchasing train tickets. The train was about to depart, and the app denied our transaction due to the tight schedule. With the conductor looming and a potential €120 euro fine hanging over us, we held our breath. Miraculously, we escaped the fine, saved €5.50 in train tickets, and pulled into Milan Central.

Relieved and elated, we celebrated our budget travel victory with a glass of Prosecco and a delightful lunch at one of our favorite Milanese restaurants. Afterward, we hopped on another regional train, heading to Turin Central, where we met up with our friend Valter who wisked us away to the charming town of Chieri.

Our BlaBla Car adventure taught us that budget travel not only saves money but also adds an element of excitement and unexpected twists to the journey. Here's to the joy of exploring on a budget and the wonderful people and experiences we encounter along the way

Palermo, Sicily is often described as a blend of grime and beauty, reflected in the pink and black colors of their football team, Palermo FC. The pink symbolizes the beauty and abundance of Sicily, while the black represents the grime and darkness.

Upon our initial arrival in Palermo, the presence of littered streets, deteriorating buildings, and tumultuous traffic struck us. However, as we moved beyond these initial impressions, we began to sense the pulsating energy and distinctive character that define the city.

Despite our initial safety concerns about Sicily, we quickly adapted and explored the city with confidence. Engaging in its vibrant nightlife—marked by lively streets, dynamic street performers, and numerous restaurants and cafes—we found a Palermo experience that we highly recommend adding to your must-travel list.