Bosnia.
What a surprise you were! Like most people, I assume, I’ve heard so many negative/scary comments about the country that it was never on my radar of places to visit. However, after traveling, the city called Mostar, was brought to our attention on more than one occasion. Most notably, because of one very important landmark, The Old Bridge.
Croatia.
Oh Croatia, your islands are beautiful, your water is clear and warm, and your old towns are classic.
If you go to Croatia, go on a sailing trip. It’s the best way to see all of the islands and take full advantage of the Adriatic Sea. Also, Croatia is likely the only place I would recommend visiting during the high season. We were at the tail end (late September/early October) and all of the shops and restaurants were closing, the towns were so quiet you had to whisper, and most of the main tours weren’t running. A HUGE bummer if you fly all the way there and can’t go to the Blue Grotto or the Cave Bar, so be sure to do your research beforehand.
Munich Oktoberfest. How to Have a Successful Experience.
“Cloudy with a chance of cleavage.”
A little history.
Munich’s Oktoberfest began life as a wedding for the Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to princess Therese from Saxony-Hildburghausen (hence the name of the Theresienwiese) on October 12, 1810 and attended by the local community. Today the Munich Beerfest traditionally takes place during the sixteen days up to and including the first Sunday in October.
Innsbruck.
Once in Innsbruck, we went to the store, bought food for three days and didn’t leave our apartment.
I know this is probably starting to feel like a theme, but we haven’t truly relaxed since Budapest three weeks ago. It was time.
We stayed in a beautiful alpine apartment in Mutters, 15 minutes outside of Innsbruck. Only a 20 minute walk down to town, but the weather was windy and stormy so we decided to hunker down. We cooked, watched movies, updated resumes, applied for jobs and drank mimosas. A much needed break and relaxing two days before heading off to Oktoberfest!
What comes to mind when you first think of Austria??
“The hills are alive… with THE SOUND OF MUSIC!”
That’s right. The Sound of Music was filmed in Austria, near Salzburg. Sadly, I couldn’t talk Michael into going on “The Sound of Music” tour, so instead we ‘tried’ to relax. (Big surprise, I know).
After biding farewell to my parents, we made our way to Interlaken. Michael has been to Interlaken on three other occasions, but always speaks so highly of it that I knew we had to make a stop there for some adventuring.
Canyoning with Outdoor Interlaken — Full video below, but the highlights can be found at 1:15, 3:10, 4:00, 6:50, and 7:20. That last one still makes my stomach flip!!
Zermatt.
Zermatt is known for one major attraction. And in my opinion, it’s one of the most popular attractions in the world, at least for mountaineers (or mouseketeers). THE MATTERHORN! Zermatt wasn’t in our original itinerary for Europe, but my parents were heading there after Cinque Terra so we decided to tag along.
Hiking Cinque Terra in Two Days.
Most travelers, including myself, dream of hiking Cinque Terra. If you’re in Italy, it’s a must-do at least once in your life. Here is my experience, and suggestions for next time…
Portovenere.
Cinque Terra has been on my Bucket List for a long time now. So, naturally, when my mom and step dad said they were coming to Italy and hiking Cinque Terra, we HAD to meet them! Plus, it had been seven months since I’ve seen them and some Mother Daughter time was long overdue!!
Michael and I started in Portovenere, which I highly recommend. It’s on the southern end, past the last towns in Cinque Terra.
Venice.
Like everywhere else in Europe, the last time I visited Venice was 15-years ago. I remember it being so beautiful and romantic, wishing I was older and excited to come back one day with my love.