Travel Junkie Monkey

Coming Home

2008-10-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

We are coming home shortly. We are exhausted waiting at the airport
for put transfer flight home. See you soon!

Our best meal yet at the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao Spain

2008-10-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

Espanya

2008-10-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hello there
This picture is in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Espanya. Spelled
in Catalan.
Barcelona is a Mecca for anyone who is an admirer of art,
architecture, food and fun.
An artistically inspiring city. We loved Barcelona. Especially the
pinchos and desserts.

Obama

2008-09-28T09:34:00.001-07:00

I should mention that every European we run into and converse with,
really wish Barack Obama wins the presidency of the United States.

They are really interested in American politics, and culture.

Eze

2008-09-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

We made it to Eze Mousey!

We were fortunate to be able to rent a car in Nice witout a
reservation. (note to self: always reserve a rental online beforehand)

Driving around Nice and Monte Carlo
Was so liberating after using public transportation for so long.
So we just drove around the coast and enjoyed the scene.

There is such a difference from Nice and Monte Carlo.
Monte Carlo has the fanciest cars and the wealthiest people.

We were also fortunate to visit Eze, which is a medieval village at a
mountain top with gorgeous views.

They also have a beautiful Chateau Hotel. So you can actually spend
the night there.

This is a great getaway for a special anniversary or wedding.

This place seemed romantic to myself.

Waiting in the Montpellier station

2008-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

So we had to wait for our connecting train for Barcelona in Montpellier.
We were travelling first class and now we are travelling in a second
class Spanish train. Big difference. While on the train I realize I
could have made my connection in Perpignan and had a longer first
class train ride, but this I should of figured out for myself since
unfortunately the people we have met in the ticket reservations don't
care about your travel, especially if you have a Eurail pass.
I notice that as soon as they find out you have a Eurail pass there
expression changes completely. I don't know if this is because they
are paid commission or they resent the fact that you got a discount.
I guess the other part that I hated the most about my overlay in
Montpellier was the fact that it was about two hours and forty five
minutes of safeguarding yourself as well as your belongings as there
are a lot of scam artists just hovering around scoping the place.
Probably looking for some unsuspecting tourist cought off guard to
swindle. It was just uncomfortable. Security was also scarce.

On a lighter note we should mention that our ride from Nice to
Montpellier was quick, comfortable and enjoyable. Mainly because we
were in comfortable first class cabins, but also because we met a very
delightful Danish expatriate living in Nice.
Our conversations with him were wide and of course included the topic
of the comming elections (as most Europeans are interested), but also
included History, world cultures, business and Real Estate.
So you can see how our four hour ride went by so fast.

Marcel is taking a nap now since this is a long journey.

We should arrive around nine pm tonight and will continue sending
updates.

Chic French Graffiti

2008-09-26T08:19:00.001-07:00

We are still on the train
Lots of beautiful picturesque sights as well as chic graffitti art all
over the place

On the train again

2008-09-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hi there
We are on the train again to Nice this time
Our train ride will be approx 6 hours
But it is so relaxing and picturesque
The girls like to hang out in the bar car

We met a nice couple the other day in Paris at the train station
What a small world because she is originally from San Diego now living
in North Carolina
They were working on a video blog called www.wines-france.com or
something like that
I will check it out
We also met a young girl from Ohio who was travellng all by herself
with the help of this website called www.couchsurfing.com
It's a website like facebook that helps you meet people from all over
who will let you crash on their couch. This is great for the young
teens or twentysomethings to travel and avoid youth hostiles and meet
locals
Lastly I want to tell you about our beer of choice for France for you
beer lovers. We have been drinking 1664. Apparently it is a popular
beer made in France, but Marcels fab is the Stella from Belgium.
Thanks to all of you who have visited the page and written comments
We get a lot of time on these train rides to check your messages and
comments
Take care and we will see you soon as this dream will be ending soon

Fondue. It's what's for dinner

2008-09-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

We are in Switzerland having a typical Swiss dinner including Fondue
and folk music

Geneve Switzerland

2008-09-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

We have just arrived in Geneve Switzerland

Brussels

2008-09-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Today we took the Thalys train to Brussels, Belgium
We stumbled accross a great little cafe that had the best samdwiches
and a beer
Now we are walking along these pebbled line streets and sightseeing as
tourists do

Sightseeing in Paris

2008-09-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hello there
As you can see we are still in Paris
Today we are on the Arc du Triumph
The view from above here is spectacular
2000 escalones pa subir

Skaters in Paris

2008-09-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

So we are walking rue de Rivoli when all of a sudden thousands of
skaters skate by for a while
We love Paris
Miss you all

Tour Eiffel

2008-09-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

On the eurostar

2008-09-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

On our way to Paris

Eurostar Station

2008-09-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

We are waiting for our train to Paris at the state of the art
international eurostar train station in London

Schedule Change

2008-09-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Because of our flight schedule and because we are such ad lib people, our schedule has been changed. We arrived a two days and a night late. There is so much to see in London we did not anticipate this delay and we will leave tomorrow with so much more we wanted to see.
We are headed to Paris tomorrow and hopefully we will let you know what is going on on this trip.
So far it has been unforgettable and incredible as well as Fun (according to Miss Mariela).
She is sitting on my lap as I write, as well as reading this out loud as I type.
We love you all and miss you lots.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hope you had fun.
I tried to call but ran out of batteries as well as not sure how to dile!
I have four mins left.
got to go
love
me

The British Museum

2008-09-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Tita!

London Natiral History Museum

2008-09-17T06:24:00.000-07:00

Khorsabad The Palace of Sargon

Eating at Harrods

2008-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

We are having dinner at Harrods in London

Big Ben

2008-09-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

2008-09-14T15:54:00.000-07:00

Our first picture on our trip in our command center in slc airport

Travel Plans to Europe

2008-07-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

So I'm really excited about traveling to Europe with my family. My husband and I had travel plans pre 9-11 and were scheduled to go to Italy on 9-18, tickets in hand and all. And unbelievably the terrorist attacked and you know the rest. Point is we did not go to Italy and I swore I would never go without my kids. Now my kids have grown up (8 and 11) and we are planning our trip to Europe together.
Ok, there are so many things to consider when planning a trip to Europe with your kids. I have come to find out that some hotels charge extra for the kids and some don't. Some start charging for kids over 2, some for kids over 12. So I have been carefully screening my hotels.
I have also figured that one of the best sites for hotels is http://www.booking.com/ This site has lots of alternatives other than hotels. First off, it has all or most of the hotes; main chains, mom and pops, bed and breakfast. But also has other options like apartments and such.
Now about travel tips, I really like the Rick Steves website. http://www.ricksteves.com/ I kinda found his show humorous as he gives lots of details. But when you have the pre travel jitters, you need all the details and help you can get. So I really value his input on this.
Something to consider. My husband really wants to drive on this trip to get to see small towns and be off the beaten track of the usual tourist destinations. But I just don't want him to get exhausted driving, so I have to figure a route where we can alternate between car and train if we really want to cover the most territory.
For us personally I have made an itinerary that I hope will work for us and that my husband will approve of.

Day 1 Depart for Europe
Your exciting European trip begins. Travel to London direct.

Day 2 Arrive London
Check-in to your hotel after 2pm then enjoy the day exploring London. Have a nice dinner, and visit a pub afterwards for a nightcap.

Day 3 London
We begin with a visit to Westminster Abbey, where English kings and queens have been crowned since 1066. We will take a Blue-Badge guided tour, which will include the Royal Chapels, holding the tombs of the monarchs, as well as Poets' Corner, featuring memorials to famous British literary figures. Our morning continues as we walk past the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before taking a Thames River Cruise, a relaxing way to view many of London's most magnificent sights. This afternoon we will visit the Tower of London, one of Britain's most fascinating and important historical structures, with macabre associations with the legendary figures imprisoned and/or executed here. Our visit will include the armories, a display of instruments of torture and execution and the Crown Jewels Exhibit. This evening we will spend time around Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, two of London's most vibrant and lively areas.

Day 4 London to Brussels
We board Eurostar and pass the English Channel to Brussels, capital of Belgium, which is over 1,000 years old and today the administrative center of the European Union. A city tour of this most beautiful European city will begin in the medieval square, The Grand Place which is surrounded by ancient guild houses magnificently decorated with soaring gables, ornate facades and incredible carvings. Here you will see the historic Town Hall, a Gothic masterpiece and the Maison du Roi as well as the Manneken Pis statue (the popular symbol of Brussels). A nice excursion on the Euro Cham as we head for the White Cliffs of Dover and Channel crossing to France. It's a short drive to Belgium and its capital, Brussels. See the medieval buildings of the Grand Place and the intriguing Mannekin-Pis and make sure you take the time to try some Belgian specialities - waffles, chocolate and beer!

Day 5 Brussels
While in Brussels you may also opt to tour Bruges and Ghent which has some of the best preserved Renaissance architecture in Europe. While in Bruges, enjoy the sights of many bridges, palaces, the Old Market square, and some of the art work in the Memling Museum. Ghent is a traditional Flemish university town,where Emperor Charles V was born. In the St. Bavo Cathedral you will have time to admire the superb Adoration of the Mystic Lamb“, a masterpiece by Jan van Eyck.

Day 6 Brussels to Paris
We board the high speen Thalys train and head for Paris, France. This afternoon we will take a Seine River Cruise, which will take us under many of Paris' graceful bridges, and past many important landmarks and monuments along both banks - a perfect introduction to the beauty of Paris. Sightseeing includes some of the most celebrated icons of Europe. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe or the Champs Elysées. Tonight, why not complete your Parisian experience with a French meal and a famous Parisian cabaret? (B) Or we can explore Mont St. Michel, one of the most enchanting sights in France. We will make the steep climb up Grande Rue, lined with 15th and 16th century houses, and explore the Mont, before we visit the Abbey, known as the "Marvel of the West." Ramparts encircle the church and a three-tiered ensemble of 13th-century buildings called La Merveille, which rise dramatically to the pointed spire of the abbey church. Our day continues into Brittany, where we will stop for a visit to Fougeres, a fortress town near the border of Brittany and the Loire Valley. We will explore the remains of the 11th-15th century Chateau de Fougeres, and those that choose can climb the castle's ramparts and towers to get a feel of what it would have been like to live and fight in a medieval castle. We continue to Tours, where we will explore the charming Old Quarter, including Place Plumereau, Charlemagne's Tower and St-Gatien Cathedral.

Day 7 Paris
This morning we explore the treasures of the Ile de la Cite, beginning with a visit to the ethereal and magical Sainte Chapelle, one of the masterpieces of Western architecture, commissioned by Louis IX. The tiny Gothic marvel features 15 of the most spectacular stained glass windows in Europe, which depict over 1,000 religious scenes. Our morning continues with a visit to the nearby cathedral of Notre Dame, begun in 1163 on a spot that had already been a religious shrine since Roman times. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been the scene of some of France's most momentous occasions, including the coronation of Napoleon. This afternoon we will explore the Marais Quarter, whose history stretches back to the beginning of the city. The Marais is a perfect place to take in the Parisian lifestyle and features magnificent shops and cafes, as well as La Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris. This evening, for a complete contrast, we will visit the modern Pompidou Center. This colorful combination of steel, glass, pipes and tubes houses fine collections of modern art. Walk around the elegant streets of Paris. Find a cute coffee shop and sit down and breathe the Parisian air. Have some crepes with it, why not?

Day 8 Paris
Our morning commences in the Place de la Bastille, where on July 14, 1789, an angry Parisian mob stormed the notorious prison and freed the prisoners. We continue with a visit to the Conciergerie, forming part of the huge Palais de Justice. This historic building served as a prison from 1391-1914, including those that awaited their execution during the Revolution. Highlights of our visit will include: the superb four-aisled Gothic Hall, the 11th century torture chamber and the 14th century clock tower. This afternoon we will explore the square with a peaceful name but a bloody history, Place de la Concorde. This square in the heart of Paris was the sight of the guillotine, which was set up for the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. The remainder of the afternoon will be free to explore Paris at your leisure. Might we suggest a stroll around the Tuileries Quarter, including the beautiful Jardin du Palais Royal?
Or, Our morning commences with an ascent of the Arc de Triomphe, a massive triumphal arch, commissioned by Napoleon, which today is a symbol of Paris and home to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We continue with a stroll along the Champs Elysees, Paris' most spectacular thoroughfare, which offers a beautiful look at Parisian life and architecture. We return to the Place de la Concorde, before strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries, the beautiful Neo-Classical gardens which lead to the entrance of the Louvre. We will enjoy a specialist-guided tour through the museum, which will include: Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, and many of the finest paintings and sculpture from Western Civilization. This afternoon we visit the Hotel des Invalides, an imposing building commissioned by Louis XIV for his wounded and homeless veterans. We will visit the Dome Church, built by Mansart for Louis XIV in 1676. The church is one of the finest examples of 17th century French architecture and is highlighted by the massive Tomb of Napoleon. This evening we will dine in and stroll through the Latin Quarter, a section of the city that dates back to the Roman times and which is generally associated with artists, intellectuals and political unrest, and a walk around the Sorbonne, Paris' oldest university.
We stop for lunch in Paris neighborhood of Montmatre and visit the local antique shops.

Day 9 Paris to Madrid
Today we travel accross the border to Spain and visit the magnificent capitol city of Madrid. Upon our arrival we will explore Madrid's Old Quarter, including: the Plaza Mayor, Madrid's most famous square, and the Puerta del Sol, where we will view the Kilometre Zero marker and Madrid's symbol, the Madrono. If time permits we will visit the Plaza de Espana, where we will view the monuments to Columbus and Don Quixote, before walking past the gardens and statues that lead up to the richly decorated Palacio Real, the home of Spain's Bourbon monarchs until 1931. Our afternoon begins at the Puerta de Alcala, the ceremonial gateway to Madrid erected by Carlos III, followed by a walk along the Calle de Alcala to the Plaza de Cibeles, featuring a magnificent fountain with a statue of the roman Goddess Cybele. We continue with a visit to the Prado, one of the world's finest art museums, featuring works by: Raphael, van der Weyden, Bosch, Rubens, Titian, El Greco, Caravaggio, and a fabulous collection of works by the Spanish masters, Velazquez and Goya. Our day concludes in the Parque del Retiro, once the grounds of Felipe IV's royal palace complex, where we will hire Row Boats and paddle around on the lake.

Day 10 Toledo
This morning we travel to historic Toledo, picturesquely sited on a hill above the River Tagus. Our day commences with a Walking Tour to explore central Toledo, with streets barely wide enough for a man and his donkey. During our walk, we will have the opportunity to visit spectacular shops that produce and sell Damascene gold jewelry, as well as medieval swords. Our day continues with a brief visit to the Iglesia de Santo Tome, where we will view El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Toledo is the capital of Sephardic Judaism and we will visit the Sinagoga del Transito, which features the most elaborate Mudejar architecture in Toledo. Our visit will also include the adjoining Museo Sefardi, with fascinating tombstones, costumes and sacred objects. We conclude our afternoon with a visit to the Toledo Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the Spanish church, and the seat of the Primate of all Spain. We return to Madrid for the evening.

Day 11 Toledo to Benidorm
We wind through the gorgeous roads to the coast of Spain and head to the mediterranean beach city of Benidorm.

Day 12 Benidorm
We can spend the day in the beach and enjoy the crystal waters of the mediterranean. As the afternoon arrives we can drive north to the small town of Benitachel, where a real estate boom of beach villas is exploding.

Day 13 Benidorm to Santander
We ride a train off the beaten path to the northern coast of Spain and spend some time in Santander, Oviedo and San Sebastian.

Day 14 Santander, Oviedo or San Sebastian
Enjoy the coastal city and visit neighboring towns of Oviedo to see the Gugenheim museum. Eat in San Sebastian and relax in the sun-drenched beaches of Santander - the choice is yours!

Day 15 Spanish Riviera to Barcelona
We travel south today through the rustic countryside of Pamplona. As we skim past the Pyrénées we reach Spain and our destination, vibrant Barcelona.

Day 16 Barcelona
Our included sightseeing tour is a great introduction to this celebrated city. See Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the 1992 Olympic Complex and the Gothic district. A chance to experience Barcelona's famed shopping street La Rambla and discover some of Spain's specialties. Tonight why not experience the passion of Flamenco dancing?

Day 17 Barcelona to Bordeaux
We return to France today, past medieval cities, golden fields and vineyards. This evening we reach the famous wine-producing town of Bordeaux.

Day 18 Bordeaux to Paris
Continuing north, we pass the chateaux of the Loire Valley and on to the splendour of Paris.

Day 19 Paris

Day 20 Paris to London

Day 21 London to Home

Ok so this is just a sketch and I'm not sure if this will pan out.
One thing to consider, make the reservations from home or once we get there?
I don't think this itinerary should be set in stone anytime soon.

A California Road Trip

2008-04-21T15:59:00.001-07:00

Shopping in China Town.

Over the Golden Gate Bridge.
Nappa Valley

In Calistoga's Solage Resort and SPA.

Complimentary Bikes for the family.

The Solage is a sophisticated Green Eco Friendly Resort and Spa.

Rocky Point - Puerto Penasco

2008-04-21T13:01:00.001-07:00

Cancun Mexico - The Mexican Riviera

2008-02-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

If you trully love the beach, then Cancun is the place to be. White sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical climate, aquamarine warm crystalline waters, colorful fish and so much to see. It's no wonder why the Mayan civilization called this home. Cancun is the Mexican Riviera and a must stop destination for any Travel Junkie.

When in Cancun you must visit Xcaret. A huge natural park with glorious exhibitions of beautiful species of animals living in their natural environments. An ecological park with dolphins, snorkeling, spectacular night show and so much more.

Xcaret also has its own all inclusive resort called Gran Flamenco Occidental. Link to come soon for this exotic destination. Take a gondola ride to the Xcaret park and enjoy great accomodations in the beutiful beach of Xcaret.
Kid friendly with lots of activities to choose from and live entertainment almost every night.

Big Bear Snow Mountain

2008-02-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

Big Bear Snow Mountain is a small ski community in Southern California. Home to Snow Summit and Lake Arrowhead this two hour drive from Los Angeles offers Californians a chance to get away from the Big City and breathe some fresh pine scented mountain air and enjoy the pleasures that winter snow have to offer.
Whether you make this a day trip or special getaway weekend, Big Bear is sure to offer your family lots of fun. Big or small there is lots to do in Big Bear Mountain.

Snow Summit has skiing classes, as well as snow boarding classes with lots of runs for every level of skiing.
Here are some great Big Bear links to help you plan your trip to Big Bear Mountain.

http://www.bearmountain.com/index_winter.php