Category Archives: All of Our Travels

Gaudí’s Park Güell

When Antoni Gaudí obtained the degree of architect, Elies Rogent, director of Barelona’s Architectural School quipped: “We’ve either given this degree to a lunatic or a genius. Only time will tell.” 

For many people, when you think of Barcelona, images of Gaudí’s Park Güell come to mind. You might not know its name, but you’re probably familiar with photos taken from its famous viewing terrace. The colorful tiles of the iconic serpentine bench and the fantastical gatehouses in the foreground with Barcelona’s rooftops and the sea beyond. It’s synonymous with Barcelona and it’s no surprise it’s one of the top five tourist attractions in the city. Continue reading Gaudí’s Park Güell

Our Interview With Family Adventure Podcast

We were recently interviewed by Family Adventure Podcast. It’s a great podcast that aims to inspire families to travel and dream big. We were a little nervous, but Erik is very easy to talk with and we had a lot of fun. Please be sure to check it out. For those families looking to be inspired or hoping for some travel tips, Family Adventure Podcast has a lot of other great interviews to check out on their site and their podcast is available on iTunes as well.

Listen here: Episode 51 – Taking the Scenic Route!

Barcelona’s Not So Gothic Quarter

It may be a surprise to learn that much of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (Barri Gótic) is not what it seems. During the latter half of the 19th century and just prior to the International Exhibition in 1929, the heart of the once drab medieval quarter was completely transformed through a massive restoration project. A new Neo-Gothic Quarter was created using real Gothic stonework reconfigured around seven real Gothic buildings, but it also included several new buildings constructed in the Neo-Gothic style. The quarter was essentially reinvented as a tourist attraction to help project a positive image of the city for the International Exhibition. Continue reading Barcelona’s Not So Gothic Quarter

Barcelona Cathedral

The Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu) is one of the finest Gothic buildings in Barcelona as well as one of the largest and most impressive religious building in all of Spain. It is located in the center of Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), near the famous Las Ramblas. Continue reading Barcelona Cathedral

The French Village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a tiny Provençal village in the Luberon region of Southern France. The region is known for being one of the most stunning and scenic parts of a country known for its beauty. The spectacular countryside abounds with vineyards and orchards and is well-known for it’s many picturesque hill-top villages. Continue reading The French Village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

The French Village of Roussillon

Roussillon is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France and a “must-sees” in the Luberon region of Southern France.

One December day, we set off from Avignon to visit this picturesque town. As soon as you arrive in the village of Roussillon, you will be charmed by its atmosphere. Not surprisingly, the houses of the village are painted like an artist’s pallet from the pigments of the old ochre quarry. A glory of red, yellow, orange and pink façades. Continue reading The French Village of Roussillon

The French Village of Gordes

Gordes is truly stunning town and one of the jewels of the Luberon region of Southern France.  One can’t help but use the word citadel to describe the city of rock built on – perched on – this mountainside, keeping vigil on the fields and farms stretched out below us.

We set off from Avignon one chilly January morning to visit this magical town.  Below is a photo essay of the lovely little village of Gordes. Continue reading The French Village of Gordes

The French Village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an enchanting village in the Luberon region of Southern France. Little bridges cross the river and canals. Ducks and the occasional swan doze on the banks. Water wheels are still seen throughout the city with quiet, mossy blades delicately tracing out time in the old city, relicts from silk and paper manufacturing ages ago. Continue reading The French Village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Most Beautiful Villages in Provence

As we walk down the Rue de la République toward the Avignon Central Train station, the air is cool and crisp. We snuggle into our winter coats to keep warm. Christmas lights are strung over the road and as we pass several bakeries the smell is intoxicating. The early morning sky is lit with red and orange as we stand on the platform where we will catch the shuttle train to the TGV station on the outskirts of town, where our rental car waits. The ride from the central station to the TGV is quick – 10 minutes at most. Outside the front of the shining post-modern train station are several rental car companies. We’ve arranged a car with Europcar today – a cute little Renault Twingo.L-Isle-sur-la-Sorgue_39 Continue reading Most Beautiful Villages in Provence

Snapshot Our of Life in Avignon

Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city in the very popular Vaucluse region and is set on banks of the Rhône river. The city is steeped in history, painted with brilliant light, and crowned with gorgeous, Provençal blue skies. Avignon is simply lovely. Continue reading Snapshot Our of Life in Avignon