Posts

Showing posts from 2013

Paris Perfection - 50th Birthday

Image
La vie est belle! Life is beautiful! My friend, Jodi, turned 50 in 2008, so we left behind family and went to Paris.  The ultimate girls getaway.  Paris is full of perfect moments, visiting the Eiffel tower, climbing up to the bell tower in Notre Dame, going on a night river cruise down the Seine, and eating the perfect  crêpe at a streetside stand.   Yes, it is crowded and hectic.  Some areas have long lines and impatient clerks, but those moments, those perfect moments, give Paris it's reputation as such an amazing place.   For Jodi's 50th birthday, we indulged and had a leisure three hour lunch in the Eiffel Tower at 58 Tour Eiffel Restaurant. The food was amazing and beautiful.  The service was sublime.  For a few short hours, we felt like we were at the top of the world.  Then we went to the Paris Opera.  My French came in really handy when a sweet older lady at the ticket office got us same day tickets after I explained about us being there for my friend's

Chichen Itza - Mayan Magic

Image
                                         Bix a bèel? ¿Cómo estás? How are you? I spent three weeks in the Yucatán as a volunteer English teacher with my friend, Jodi,who is also a teacher.  We worked for Hacienda Chichen, a four star resort, teaching their staff of Mayans.  It was a fascinating adventure into the magic of Mayan culture and their rich history.  Visiting during the summer of 2012, made it extra exciting.  Many around the world were wondering about what would happen when the Mayan calendar ended.  We became friends with a Mayan Shaman who told us that the world would not end, but the world would come into greater understanding and kindness.  The Mayan people were kind and friendly.  I was startled by the difference in the standard of living of these people and the tourist who passed through.  The inequity was dramatic.  It was a privilege to volunteer and try and help their community.  I gained much more from them though through my experience.   Haciend

Québec City - Gem of North America

Image
Bonjour!  Je me souviens. Hello!   I remember.  Québec is probably the best kept secret in North America. What a gem!  I have traveled all over Europe and Asia, but I found Québec City to be so charming and so French!  I am a High School French and Spanish teacher and was thrilled to use my French. The people were so warm and friendly.  I fell in love with the quaint old city that began in 1608. The historical walled city was fascinating and easy to explore.  The traditional food was fabulous.  My favorite restaurant was "Le Lapin Sauté", a quaint old restaurant that served great dishes of rabbit and duck, along with delicious traditional desserts.   "Je me souviens" is the motto of  Québec.  I will always remember Québec and definitely visit again. Québec Toursim    http://www.quebecregion.com/en