Celebration at Sea – Day 5 – Fan envy

June 6, 2020May 29, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

May 4th, 2015

Today we visited the London Zoo, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and toured around the museum district! Kelly and I had a wonderful dinner out in the basement of Harrod’s while the kids went back to the house with Uncle Nick and Aunt Marta.

Here’s our day in pictures!

Char makes friends everywhere!

Pygmy Hippos! YES!

Char was really holding in her excitement!

Twins??

She almost fainted!

I love this one!

Twins again?

Chanelling his Freddie!

Sable got into the action, too – good thing we didn’t get kicked out for these hijinks!

Kelly and I had dinner at a restaurant in the basement of Harrod’s – every dish used truffles of some kind! It was pretty cool!

Tasty Truffle bread!

Look at all those truffles!

Celebration at Sea – Day 4 – Hampton Court

June 4, 2020May 29, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

May 3, 2015 My new home…

Hampton Court. Remember I said that I am huge royal history fan? Well, the court of Henry VIII is a historian’s dream! Today, we visited his most famous residence and had a spectacular day!

Hampton Court is multiple palaces in one – the original (a grand home originally built by Cardinal Woolsey in celebration and a showcase of the wealth gained by his favor with the Tudor court) is a gorgeous example of 15^th century architecture!

The “newer” portions of the palace, added on throughout the 17^{th &}18^th centuries, showcase the emerging style of the times with echos of Versailles.

We had WAY too much fun at Hampton Court – we explored the whole palace and the expansive grounds including the hedge maze. I cannot wait to go back!

Here is a photo diary of our day!

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Silly Kids

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Playing the Part…Charlotte and Kelton getting into character!

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My beauty in the hedge maze.

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Hampton Court has gorgeous grounds!

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So many beautiful gardens.

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Kelton and baby cousin, Sophia. Babies LOVE Kelton!!

Char pretending to be tipsy at the wine fountain. This fountain actually works at 4pm daily – the adults partook!

Char encountering another 16th century figure – we think the statue was depicting one who may be getting ready to void all his wine, but Char thought he looked like he wanted a kiss- Never a dull moment with this girl!

Pretty as a picture!

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Can you even imagine how OLD this whisteria must be?

Celebration at Sea – Day 3 – Princess Charlotte

June 2, 2020May 29, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

May 2, 2015. The birth of a princess.

Today was a special day for so many reasons! We hit the ground running and were in the city early – taking the Tube to the Kennsington Park area where we visited not only Kennsington Palace, but also the Princess Diana playground.

Mind the Gap, Charlotte and Sable.

Pouts in the Tube Station

This is rather an inside joke…in our house we call farting “tooting” – so you can see where the giggles came from!

Our visit to Kennsington Palace was extra special – news crews were lined up outside the entrance on baby watch as there was much anticipation for the birth of a new royal pronce or princess.

Royal Baby Watch, 2015

Beautiful Kennsington Palace.

While we toured the palace, it was announced that a princess was born and not long after, we learned her name – Princess Charlotte. If you know me, you know I LOVE royal history and might be a bit of a royal geek. So the fact that we were visiting Princess Charlotte’s home on the day of her birth with my own Charlotte was pretty cool!!!

My very own Princess Charlotte.

Adventure and fun times at the Princess Diana Playground!

The rest of the day was just as great – we visited the Tower of London – always a favorite! While we were waiting to get into the tower to view the Royal Jewels, Char decided to take a load off and sat down on the little fence right in front of a Royal Guard. He stomped his foot, stepped forward, and shouted in a very stern voice, “GET OFF THE FENCE”. He stomped his foot, stepped back, and proceeded his death stare like nothing ever happened! Charlotte was mortified – the rest of us were trying not to laugh hilariously!

Check out some of these amazing memories made on this day!

A little dress up time at Kennsington Palace!

Fun on the Tower walls.

I’m sure Kelton deserved it!

One of my favorite family photos!

Tower Bridge – I just love those gorgeous blue accents!

Tower of London.

Celebration at Sea – Day 2 – London Baby!

May 30, 2020May 27, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

May 1, 2015

Our first full day in London. We really packed this day!! We hit the ground running and visited Big Ben, the London Eye, Westminster and so much more!!!

We always try to book tickets for special places ahead of time – in this case, the London Eye! It was pretty cool!

The Tube station we got off was across the bridge from Big Ben – Char took these pictures as we crossed the bridge.

A Char taken family selfie!

The London Eye with my 3 favorite people in front of me.

At this time (and I haven’t been back to London since so I am not sure if they are still there) there were decorated sheep all over the city! They were so fun!

Westminster Abbey – expensive to get in to and not for littles – but we enjoyed a self tour and lunch in the basement!

Char loved this – the oldest door in Britain!

We have recreated this photo at Disney – One of my ALL TIME FAVORITE pictures ever!!

Stay tuned for Day 3 of our London/Mediterranean Cruise adventure!

Celebration at Sea – Day 1

May 28, 2020May 27, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

A couple months after I turned 40, my family and I took an amazing vacation to Europe to celebrate! That vacation was exactly five years ago and I am reliving those wonderful memories through Facebook and it makes my heart soar! I have wanted to revisit that vacation with all of you and thought this would be a great opportunity to do so.

A little information before we dive in….2013 was my very first trip to Europe. We went in March and spent roughly a week each in Paris, Argenton-sur-Creuse (French countryside), London and Scotland. We flew to Paris, stayed in the Latin Quarter, took the train to Limoges, it was a fabulous trip – we made so many amazing memories and we couldn’t wait to return.

Fast forward to 2015 and we decided to do a 16-night Mediterranean cruise to celebrate my 40^th. Well, who wants to sail the Med in February? So we found a Royal Caribbean ship (the Anthem of the Seas) that was debuting in May and we signed up!!!

We decided to rent a house in the suburbs of London prior to our cruise and invited Kelly’s brother and his family to join us. It was so much fun!!! Full of magic, charm, hiccups and adventure!

Join me as I relive this whirl wind trip with YOU and take a journey down memory lane to the most amazing vacation I have ever taken! If you want to see lots in the Med, take a cruise!!! It’s the way to go!

Our day one was April 30th 2015. We arrived in London after an overnight flight and got a taxi to our London suburb. The house was adorable – named Jubilee because it was built during Queen Victoria’s Jubilee year!

Here are a few pictures of our arrival day! We usually try to chill a bit on arrival days and we were also expecting the arrival of Nick, Marta and baby Sophia – we took some walks to get aquainted with the area and the kids and I TRIED to take the tube to the city, but we were all tired and bailed! hahahaha

Athens or Bust…BUSTED

March 12, 2020March 12, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Well – you know what they say? The best laid plans….or something like that!

My travel buddy and I were at our gate last night awaiting our 9:25 boarding time when all the craziness began. My phone started blowing up with calls, messages, texts. I had just been watching the President’s address and knew what was happening.

Immediately we went to the airline desk and these poor folks at KLM Air were gob smacked. They had no idea what was happening! With no time to think about anything other than the prospect of being “stuck” in Europe for 30 days or more, we acted quickly and with the only reasonable and responsible decision we could make. We asked to have our luggage pulled from the plane. As we are at the desk, they start boarding the plane.

A half an hour later “clarification” comes out that of course, US citizens would not be barred entry back on to US soil – but I know this game. Disney plays it. They don’t “close” the Magic Kingdom when it reaches capacity on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, they just make it impossible for people to get there by stopping or diverting transportation. I already have notification that my flight returning from Athens on Monday has been cancelled. So while I may not have been BARRED from returning to the US, I still may not have made it back without considerable time, anxiety, and expense. And while a month in Europe sounds romantic – and I want to do it someday with my hubby – now is not the time for a forced extended vacation.

One of my colleagues, Kerry Michel, wrote this not an hour ago and I couldn’t agree more….”Just some clarification, this ban does not apply to legal US residents (last line of the first paragraph) and does not apply to all European countries. I am in no way advocating travel to Europe for anyone, just providing accurate information, as that is key to making sure we understand the parameters of the Proclamation. Additionally, for those who do travel to said countries on the list, returns will be limited to certain airports with the appropriate screening tools before reentry is allowed. Those airports have not yet been identified; a list is forthcoming. So, flight changes may become necessary for some. Can you still be quarantined? Yes, absolutely, so make appropriate arrangements should you choose to travel to any of the Countries on the list. As I have been telling all of my Clients, this is a fluid situation and is literally changing every single day. Staying informed is the most important first step.”

And, informing my clients and attempting to stay on top of this living beast that is ever changing right in front of my eyes is my top priority.

So, while I sit here on hold (as I am sure I will be ALL DAY LONG taking care of clients who trust me and I will not let them down) I will get to Athens someday – and I feel for all those people abroad whose livelihood is being severely disrupted, but there is a time for stubbornness and a time for responsibility. Last night I had to draw the line.

Nuremberg – Our Last Stop

March 10, 2020February 25, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Our last stop and point of disembarkation for our Christmas Market River Cruise was Nuremberg, Germany. We had a pretty full day here touring before heading home the next day, but I would have loved more time!

Nuremberg envoked a range of emotions for me. Being a lifelong and enthusiastic student of history, this beautiful place is shadowed in the echos of Hitler and his reign of terror. I often marvel at the some of the cool locations I have visited and wonder dreamily whose steps I am following. But I STOOD where Hitler stood and it brought tears to my eyes. Life’s contemplations resurfaced and one begins to ponder this world. That’s pretty deep for a bus tour!

We continued on to the location of the Nuremberg Trials, then into the Old City…which is stunning!!! But there was that shadow….and it is hard to shake even now in reflection.

The Old City of Nuremberg, with its ancient castle on a hill, HUGE Christmas Market and warm and welcoming people, invited us in. I am a sucker for a castle, so we gladly toured it and enjoyed the views.

The inner courtyard of the castle.

A beautiful view from the great hall.

Nuremberg definitely had the biggest Christmas Market – and I would say, the best prices as well! We found a lot of our goodies there and enjoyed Nuremberg sausages and saurkraut, German ginger cookies, and my most favorite gluehwein was found at the Scotish cultural booth (amoung other nations represented in this small area of the Market) – it had whiskey in it and it was lovely!!!

Nuremberg has something for everyone! I can’t wait to go back and visit again!!!!

Corona-What????

March 9, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Do you have those places that are your unicorn destinations? I have a few….and mine are all based on history – if you have read any of my posts before, you know I am a history buff!!!! My tippy-top unicorn destinations are Rome (check), London (check), Greece and Egypt. And this week, I am going to Greece!!!

Last year, a friend and I took advantage of a great deal to Athens – 4 nights there, hotel, breakfast, flights – and springtime temps in the upper 60s! We can’t wait! But recently, there have been some hurdles – and you all know about COVID-19 or coronavirus.

My travel buddy and I decided (along with many of my clients traveling to Europe this spring) that we were not going to let this media frenzy hold us back. Now, there is a lot to consider, including one’s health and work situation (some jobs are telling people that if they visit Europe they will be forced out of work for 2 weeks post return) and of course, fear plays a factor for some. But not for us!!! And certainly, I would not advise clients to do anything that was counter intuitive for them, but my travel buddy and I are biting our thumb at coronavirus and going to Athens.

Stay tuned for some cool pictures, stories and tips!

Bamburg, Germany

March 3, 2020February 6, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

The vineyards continued as we sailed further into the Bavarian region of Germany. Bamburg is another city with much of its historical architecture intack and as it was built on seven hills surround the Main, the views from the cathedral and fortress were breathtaking!

This is the view from the hill that the cathedral sits on. This has got to be one of the most stunning photos I have ever taken!!!!

Bamburg is known for its famous mills and wine and a unique beer – smoked beer or Rauchbier! There is one particular pub in town that sells it and of course, we had to check it out! We poured over two of the famous hills of Bamburg, wound our way thorught the ancient old city streets, sipped Rauchbier in the Christmas Market and felt like we belonged!

Here are my favorite pictures from this beautiful stop on the Main.

A look into the village from one of the seven hills!

A look upwards towards the bell tower of the fortress.

Quaint neighborhoods are all around the old town.

I’ve heard that allowing vines to grow on the outsides of buildings is not good for the building (you can see these are cleverly trellissed). I don’t think these guys know that – and I’m glad – because it is beautiful!

My hubby trying out the smoked beer!

An iconic Bamburg view of one of the most famous mills.

I loves these details…this handsome little fellow holds back shutters.

Today’s My Birthday

February 26, 2020February 22, 2020 / Denise Smith / Leave a comment

Today is my birthday. It’s hard to believe I am 45 years old – but it’s true. It’s probably harder for my parents to believe!!!!

I have lead a blessed life so far and see many many more years ahead. I am healthy. My family is healthy. And my memories are beautiful and precious! To celebrate, I’m going to share my favorite pictures from the past few years – each one has a story and a special place in my heart.

I hope you are blessed with so many fabulous memories to look back on year after year!

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2015 – in front of Hampton Court

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Lighthouse Beach, Eleuthera, Bahamas

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2015 – Big Ben

San Gimignano in the mist…taken from my torre bedroom window

My sister, Becky, and I!

So much Caprese!

A gorgeous setting for a wine tasting at Palagetto

Touring the Colosseum

It isn’t hard to eat like a local in Italy. Lemon risotto – the most amazing risotto ever!

Culinary magic!

In Florence at the most adorable cafe right near the Duomo!

My hubby and I!

Cheers – again!

Fire and Ice…I love this picture!

Lined up for the toboggan ride! Quebec City, Quebec.

What a beauty!

I didn’t know she stuck her tongue out until I looked at the pictures that night!!! Notre Dame in the background.

Eiffel Tower!!!! 2019

Sea Lion Encounter, St. Maarten 2019

June 2018. Shortly after sunrise over Vatican City. I ache for another opportunity like this one….we were high tailing it to our private Vatican Tour so we could barely stop to smell the roses, but man, I wish I could’ve frozen time in this very spot. It was so peaceful and serene.

Pucker up!!!

February 2019 aboard the Symphony of the Seas. Sunset while docked off the coast of St. Marteen.

March 2013. Argenton-sur-Creuse. This was sunrise out the window of our charming 16 century townhouse at the end of the bridge.

I have a picture of my kids doing this SAME thing in London in 2013. It is fun to recreate special moments in different locations! EPCOT 2019

Symphony After Dark! Stunning!

Yes, these were BOTH for me!

Brother had to get into the action!

Photo from the top of one of the towers – San Gimignano, Italy

Try to blend in. Zurich, Switzerland – these are our “Polish faces” – my sister in law is Polish, and she said Americans smile too big in pictures – so this is how we imagine the Poles smile!

Prickly Pear blossom – so many foods are made from prickly pear – candies, licorice, jams and jellys, beer…you name it! But look at those thorns!!! Tuscon, AZ

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Sagrada Familia – needs no introduction!

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2015 – Barcelona cathedral rooftop. Spain

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Try a new form of transportation….Char and Sable on a Segway tour of the city – in Europe, kids can do many things they aren’t “allowed” to do in the US.

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Atop the battlements of Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George Castle)

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2015 – Outside of Jeronimos Monastery

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Malaga – breathtaking!

Scooting in Cinque Terre, Italy.

On board the Anthem of the Seas, moored off the coast of Nice, France.

Gibraltar – long lost cousins? Oh and behind Kelton in the distance? AFRICA!!!!!

Cousin’s Trip – Animal Kingdom 2016

Magic Kingdom 2017 – mom and dad’s second trip to Disney without kids!!!!

Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, Magic Kingdom 2018

Windsor, Char and Sable – you all haven’t met Sable yet, but this kitty gets around. She even has her own book series in the works!

Family photo taken by dad. Yes it was cold, rainy and windy – it was April in England!!!

Kelton’s hair resembled Albert Einstein’s a bit too much!! Madame Tussauds.

My beautiful rose petal and Hampton Court gardens.

Mind the gap. We got an Oyster Card and used all manner of public transportation throughout London! I love this shot of Char and Sable!

These adorable sheep were all over the city and the kids posed with them whenever possible! The sheep were dressed in outfits that represented the area where they stood.

Monte Alban behind me!

Seasoned crickets at the market – I tried one and it wasn’t too bad!

Mount Washington, New Hampshire

Ossippee Lake, New Hampshire

Swift River, Kancamagus Highway, White Mountains, New Hampshire

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Ossippee Lake, New Hampshire

The best welcoming committee EVER!!!

Near sunrise, the island of Oahu, Hawai’i

Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawai’i

Sunset Perfection!!!

Char playing her Ukulele at sunset…so perfectly cliche!!!

An evening toast to the good life. We are standing on the Old Stone Bridge in Wurzburg, Germany, marveling at the fortification in the background and enjoying a common daily activity.