Memories of Mexico

 

The Mayan Riviera, We did this vacation in 2010. We need to go back.

Tulum

The Mayan Ruins

Cenotes

Cancun

Barcelona

The last leg of our two week vacation. We took the train from Madrid o Barcelona.

My first impression of Barcelona was that it was a more modern city. And then I found the Gothic section, I loved this area.

The city is infamous as the pickpocket capital of Europe, and it did not disappoint. I bought a dummy wallet  for the trip and it was taken on our way to the airport. So please be careful if you go. It is still great to visit, and guys don’t forget the beach.

The Ancient City of Toledo

Home of El Greco and the famous Don Quijote  De La Mancha

Another walled city that to this day may still be closed if needed. We will be back to see this awesome city again.

After Avila on our way back to Madrid, I knew we were not going to miss this one

The Imperial City, where Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived and still are living.

The Walled City Of Avila

A surprise stop from La Granja to Toledo. I was so happy I made the side trip.

We drove two hours from La Granja to Avila.

The Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

Very close to Segovia is La Granja

We stayed here for the night at Parador de la Granja. Very nice group of hotels that refurbish old buildings and castles with modern amenities. There are also several family owned restaurants that are amazing.

The gardens were designed by the same person who did Versailles.

Segovia

A couple of hours drive outside Madrid is Segovia. Known for its aqua ducts and Alcazar of Segovia Castle ( Inspiration for the Disney Castle}

When you have the opportunity  to go to Madrid, I highly  recommend renting a car and drive to the neighboring cities.

More of Madrid

Viva España

Madrid is one of my favorite cities ,” Yo amo España”

 

 

 

After Italy we actually  flew from Pisa to Paris and stayed for two days. The flight from Pisa is much cheaper than flying from Rome so we saved five hundred dollars and got to see Paris again

Palacio Real de Madrid

Plaza Del Sol  never sleeps, it’s always active. Next stop Segovia.

Because It’s Leaning

After Florence we took another train ride to Pisa, we had to see the Leaning Tower.

Last picture in Italy, we’re heading for Spain via Paris.

Memories of Florence

An Inspiration To The Best, Florence

View of Duomo, After Rome there was the beautiful City of Florence

Ponte Vecchio

View from the top of Duomo

The  steps to the top

Painting on the dome

My Roman Holiday

The second leg of this trip brought us to Rome for 3 days.

I went on and did a little Angel’s and Demon’s tour. Castel Sant’ Angelo

A Bernini Fountain, Fontana del Tritone.

Inside the Pantheon

Had to run a few blocks to see this before the church closes, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa by Bernini

Piazza Navona

Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo

The original Pieta by  Michelangelo inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

And of course to another country,  The Vatican

Memories

The City With The Ability to Slow You Down–Venice, Italy

San Marco

View from the Bridge of Sighs

We took this vacation in 2014, Venice for the first two days.

A labyrinth of buildings around the canal. I Love Venice.

Back to London

Changing of the guards at Windsor  Castle

View from the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica

Tower Bridge

Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

On Buying the Next Ten Years…

View from Ponte di Rialto, Venice, Italy

 

I lived paycheck to paycheck for the last 30 years. I am aware of my situation so I started an automatic deduction of $150 from my bi-weekly earnings. Now, even if I spent everything, I have somehow set something aside for travel.

I have decided to travel to a new destination at least once a year while I can.  The whole process of preparing for travel keeps me in vacation mode. I am now actively researching and anticipating my next destination while the budget grows.