Well, it’s almost been 3 years since I’ve updated this blog. Life changed quite a bit, and maybe one day I will write about those changes. I no longer live near the Rocky Mountains, but I think about them daily. Despite that, one constant that never waivers is my love of traveling and hiking. So here’s a photo from my recent trip to Germany. After some touristy sightseeing in Berlin, we headed to the town of Gengenbach in Germany’s dense Black Forest. There, I was able to stretch my legs after a long freeze-thaw winter in Ottawa. And boy did it feel good.
Category: Travel
Cinque Terre
Leaving Venice was bitter sweet. It’s such a beautiful place with room for more exploration. But it was time to continue the adventure and head to the coast.
We boarded a fast train to Florence, transferred to a regional train, and spent another couple of hours heading to La Spezia. It may have been a 5 hour plus transit day, but I love taking the trains through Europe. As we zipped through the Tuscan countryside and sped past the mountainous Parco alpi Apuane, it dawned on me that two weeks in Italy wouldn’t be nearly enough to uncover even a fraction of its many jewels.
12 Things to See and Do in Venice, Italy
So it’s time to head to La Spezia to wander the five towns of Cinque Terra. I’m currently speeding along the Tuscan country side on Italy’s fast train, reflecting on the last few days. Venice was an incredible whirlwind that imbued my senses with the curiosity and awe often found with traveling to new destinations. Although I have felt jet lagged the entire time, adrenaline has kept me going to see and experience some of the amazing things Venice has to offer. Only have 2 days? Here are 12 things to do.
First stop, Venice!
I’m slowly recovering from jet lag.
Jet lag you say?
Well, two days ago, Robbie and I boarded a plane en route to London Heathrow, transferred to Gatwick, and then flew to Venice… Venezia… the City of Lights, or Bridges, or Canals.
Packing for an All-inclusive Vacation
So what exactly should you pack for an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico, Cuba, or any of those one-week destinations that North Americans flock to during winter months?
This is the question I asked myself prior to my recent trip to Mexico. I usually forget what I pack for vacations and find myself spending far too long deciding whether or not those shoes that I never wear in my day-to-day life will finally come in handy on the beach, or if I should bring that icebreaker sweater to a 30 degree location “just in case”. Should I bring something nice for those nights out or fancy dinners, or keep it casual? I decided I would jot down everything I brought to Mexico along with a note whether or not I used it. Also, as I’m trying to minimize the stuff I bring while travelling, the rule was to pack everything in a carry-on only pack, with a small day pack for the plane or day excursions off the resort. To give you some ideas, here’s what I packed. Obviously it’s from a male-minimalist-who-can’t-seem-to-minimize-his-packing point of view…
HIKES & HAMSTRINGS 