Around the World in 717 Days

CHANDLER, ARIZONA – When we left the United States in November of 2011 we were in search of an adventure. We didn’t intend on traveling for any finite period of time. There was no big list of countries that we planned to visit, and we definitely didn’t intend to circumnavigate the world. Every day we made decisions regarding which direction to head or where to spend the next week or month and every day we were surprised by what laid around the corner. The constant discovery and unending challenges and lessons are what made our trip worth continuing. Combined, they are why our journey lasted much longer than either of us (or our family and friends, for that matter) imagined.

Starting with Latin America, we traveled by land between Mexico and Read the rest of this entry »

Snapshot Series: Food Around the Globe

Yes, we need it to survive, but food is also something we live for, searching out specific cuisines and culinary experiences. When traveling food is also a tool for getting to know a country. It is a method to connect with local people. Food is even a source for gaining insights into cultures and their histories. While we may not remember every detail of every meal there are many that stand out; we can easily recollect where we were, who we dined with, the scents whirling around us and even who prepared it and served it to us. Food has a power over us. We travel for the food.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Cevapi

Grilled minced beef served with cabbage salad and somun (a spongy flat pocked bread) Read the rest of this entry »

Fêtes à la Française

BRAIN-SUR-LONGUENÉE, FRANCE – After spending three incredible days in Paris, the two of us hopped on a high-speed TGV train headed southwest for the Pays de la Loire. Near Angers, a tiny town of around one thousand people is home to our good friends, Sandrine and Benoit, and their two daughters, Charlotte (age 8) and Faustine (age 3). Here, we were to spend two and a half magnificent weeks relaxing in their great company celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year together.

In the more recent years before departing Read the rest of this entry »

The Parisian’s Paris

PARIS, FRANCE – As both of us had previously visited Paris and seen the main tourist sites before, our most recent time spent in The City of Light was a bit different. Besides seeing Montmarte for a nice panorama of the city, we avoided the typically visited destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, or the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, and instead spent our first three and last three days in France alongside the locals.

During our two visits, before and after the holidays, we attended Read the rest of this entry »

Snapshot Series: Châteaus of the Loire River Valley

BRAIN-SUR-LONGUENÉE, FRANCE – We took a few days out of our indulgent holiday schedule to explore the area in and around the Loire River Valley. Toting our trusty map on which we had hand-marked the locations of many of the castles, fortresses, and palaces (all labeled as châteaus in French) of the area, we set off to find and photograph each of these architectural marvels.

A special thanks goes out to our adventurous 8-year old co-pilot, Charlotte, for joining us on our second day of exploration. Merci boucoup, Charlotte!

Le Château de Fougères: Construction began on this fortress in the 11th century by the House of Amboise. Located directly on top of a swamp, it is one of Europe’s largest medieval fortresses, with 13 watch towers and 3 gated entries.

Le Château du Plessis-Macé: Originally built in the Middle Ages, this castle Read the rest of this entry »

Joyeuses Fêtes From France!

BRAIN-SUR-LONGUENÉE, FRANCE – Our time in France during the holidays has been a wonderful exercise in excess, a multi-day family affair celebrated with courses of deliciously rich food, never-ending drinks, socializing and then recovering only enough to start once again. We feel very fortunate indeed, but of course our family in the U.S.A. and friends around the world are always in our thoughts, especially at this time of year. Wherever you are we raise a toast to you and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!