travel photography Archives - Page 6 of 19

Gimel-les-Cascades

Gimel-les-Cascades is a small commune in the Corrèze region of France. Not in my France guide book, this tiny town is truly a hidden gem. It is a picture-perfect French village and was one of my favorite places in the Limousin and the surrounding area.

I was thankful to arrive around lunch time, as most everything closes between 12-2 in the Corrèze, and I didn’t have to contend with any traffic. As such, somehow, I managed to drive my giant rental car through the few narrow streets that we were wide enough for only one vehicle at a time.

There was so much to see in Gimel-les-Cascades including remains of castle La Rouche Haute, Church Saint Pardoux and its treasury, Chapel of the Penitents, the home of Gaston Vuillier, and of course the waterfalls for which Gimel-les-Cascades is named.

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Top Things to Do in Nashville

While most people have heard of Nashville, Tennessee, I imagine not as many have heard of Nashville, Indiana. Nashville, Indiana is a small artist community located in Brown County. A few years ago, Nashville was named as one of the 20 Best Small Towns to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine.

I stumbled across the town nine years ago during my year-long road trip around the USA and have wanted to return to stay at the nearby Story Inn which is rumored to be haunted. Finally, I made my return trip after going to Kentucky for the Derby.

I arrived Sunday night and stayed through Tuesday. Monday and Tuesday are very quiet days in Nashville. Some of the restaurants and museums are closed. I liked the quaintness, but for those who want more activity, visit on a weekend, as Nashville is a popular tourist destination and hopping.

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Memphis: A Three Day Itinerary

So, I have always felt that as an American, I needed to visit Graceland. I’m not sure why given I’m not an Elvis fanatic, but I finally decided to visit Memphis in between my trip to Dallas for my high school reunion and my trip to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. I was pleasantly surprised by Memphis and Graceland!

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A Guide to Graceland

A Guide to Visiting Graceland

So, I have wanted to visit Graceland for some time now. Don’t ask me why because I’m not an Elvis fanatic nor do I know much about him. But I feel as an American, it’s my duty see what all the craze is about.

Over the years, I’ve scanned Graceland’s website thinking I might get to Memphis soon. Tickets used to be a reasonable $30, but recently with a massive renovation to the complex, the price to enter has sky rocketed. Tours range anywhere from $41 to see the mansion only to $174 for the Ultimate VIP experience.

VISIT GRACELAND!

Things I Discovered About Sint Maarten

About Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is the Dutch side of the island. Saint Martin is the French side of the Island
The Dutch side is the southern part of the island and the French side is the northern part of the island.
Phillipsburg is for the cruise ships
Simpson Bay is for the airport
The area near the airport is not safe
Taxis need to be ordered, so showing up at the ferry dock without a taxi nearby is not a good choice
Maho Beach is famous for watching the planes land. What is enjoyable about this? Not relaxing! At least the sunset is nice
Airport Beach is long and good for walking, but see 7 above
The international line on the water between the Dutch and French side is marked by an anchor line with bikini tops hanging from it indicating the French topless area!

TIPS!

Top Things to Do in Saba

About Saba

Saba is a Dutch island in the Caribbean Sea. Only five square miles with a population of 2,000, this small island is known as the Unspoiled Queen. With little commercialization and no cruise ships, Saba is a tropical paradise!

Saba was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 but he did not consider the mountainous landscape important enough to colonize. From its discovery until 1816, Saba changed hands many times…from the Spanish, to the French, and to the Dutch who took final possession.

The island includes four small settlements, the world’s shortest commercial runway (1,200 feet), the tallest mountain in the Netherlands which is the potentially active volcano Mt. Scenery, and world class SCUBA diving.

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Hiking in Saba

Hiking in Saba on Our Dive Trip

A few years ago, I heard about an island called Saba in the Caribbean that had good SCUBA diving. I mentioned it to my dive buddies Rootie and Julie, and soon we ended up on a girls’ trip diving in Saba. I didn’t know, however, that there are a lot of opportunities for hiking in Saba. How perfect, we turned our dive vacation into a hiking trip too!

While we spent the mornings diving, we spent many of our afternoons as well as our last day on the island exploring. As such we got to hike many trails in Saba.

GO HIKING!

Venice in a Day

Venice

This was my first trip to Venice and frankly I had low expectations after I told many I was going in June. I got the “Oh it’s going to be so crowded and hot” comment over and over. Not fond of crowds, I was apprehensive. I spent 2.5 days in Venice with my friend Page, and I found myself pleasantly surprised by its rundown charm. I’m glad I visited the city before it sinks! Continue reading “Venice in a Day” →

Top Things to Do In and Around Lake Bled

Lake Bled is Slovenia’s leading mountain resort and deserves at minimum a day trip visit from Ljubljana. Nature lover and hikers, however, would enjoy at least a three day stay if not longer. A whole day can be spent just around the area and many side trip excursions are sublime. If visiting Slovenia, this area should not be missed!

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Things to Do In and Around Ljubljana, Slovenia

Things to Do In and Around Ljubljana

Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital with a population of 270,000, seems smaller than its actual size. Its central walking zone is compact and nearby the Ljubljanica River that bisects the city. Many bridges cross the river while cafes line its banks.

We were only in Ljubljana for a half-day, and it definitely deserves a whole one or more. But we were able to see several of the sights on our short walking tour before we relaxed at a riverside café.

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