Travel Archives -

The Biltmore Estate in all of it’s Glory

December 11, 2012 By admin 3 Comments

I had a couple of things on my hypothetical bucket list for 2012 and one of those things that I listed was to visit the Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina.

I checked off that little dream of three years yesterday, as I had the rare opportunity to make a quick over nighter and join Brian on a business trip he needed to be to in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

View from the back of the house deck….hmmmm some view…some deck!

I finally get why they call the mountains SMOKEY…the fog and clouds were like smoke..beautiful in an odd way!

Never mind that it was raining cats and dogs and that I wasn’t able to pull out my good camera and had to shoot everything with an iPhone 5. That is just the story of my life at every destination.

Why the Biltmore Estate?

This house is the largest in the US, covering over 125,000 square feet or roughly 4 acres of house.

Of course, you can’t take photos there but I squeezed a few out along the journey where appropriate or not …I am a rebel I guess:).

I spent most of the afternoon wandering from room to room wondering if I had stepped into Downton Abbey that takes place during approximately the same time this was built.

Owned by the Vanderbuilts who have a summer cottage (Mansion) in Newport, Rhode Island, The Breakers, that we like to visit in the summer, this was their country home, owned by the son of the railroad magnet.

The family still owns the house today and it rivals anything in Europe. You could call this American royalty at best.

I took this photo of the deck…but notice the one below is almost identical that I took at the Ufizzi Gallery in Florence this summer. So much European influence….love it.

Florence-

The house is well kept and maintained as a historic preservation by the grandson’s family and the surrounding acreage makes up a tremendous amount of Asheville.

Wild geese were all over the property!

The Vanderbuilts loved the homes in France in the Loire Valley, which happens to be the exact location that we missed on our trip a couple of years ago due to a schedule change and were built to rival those chateaux. Still crying about my French bad luck!

The Biltmore is busiest at Christmas time as the house is unbelievably decorated for the holiday season.

(These two photos shot by Romantic Asheville where you can view professional photos of the Christmas home.

This photo is of the Atrium in the front lobby of the home.

I made my inaugural trip to North Carolina last year when my daughter was looking at Wake Forest as a potential college of choice.

I loved the surroundings of the south, but man alive, I am still taken back by the foreign language that they speak down there and the kindness of the people everyone.

Perhaps we have lived in the East to long, but I am always shocked at how friendly people are in the south. They just talk and talk and talk. I do too….a perfect fit!

This was in the hallway of the basement leading to an indoor bowling, swimming and gymnasium.

The accent took a little getting used to also, it is so thick in “these ol’ parts of the country”.

A little gingerbread Biltmore House in the kitchen

The other thing that is so shocking, was the fact that they are so Christian. We are Christians, so I was elated, but they have no issue just bringing it up in conversation and sharing the good news. Wow- that is the difference with the agnostic East Coast that we live in. People just don’t talk in those terms usually. It was refreshing.

Rich in European elegance, this home is a must see and better yet a must stay in the inn nearby on the property.

I will definitely go back with a couple of daughters in tow…The Biltmore Estate is not to be missed.

Filed Under: Angela, Travel

St. Tropez, France….To Die For

October 11, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

A couple of weeks ago, I made the bold statement that Tuscany may be my favorite spot in the world. Today, I am going to take back that statement and say that St. Tropez, France is definitely in the running for a top spot.

It is no denying that I loved every single minute of my brief stop there.
I have always wanted to go to the French Rivera…but mostly with my husband…. but must say my 12 year old and my 74 year old father are a close second.

Snuggled deep in the wine country, I found everything about my seacoast experience to enlighten the senses. The French food, the open air markets and the laid back lifestyle that people seemed to embrace certainly calls for a return….real soon.

Because school had started in France, this bustling, summer hot spot for the rich and famous was slowing down. Yachts of every size were in the waterfront and I had to question “Who were the owners and how come we weren’t friends?”

The alleyways were filled with French apartments and houses that seemed to scream to me…”This is a simple life here with minimal stress.” I could certainly get used to it’s Mediterranean climate and the smell of the water.

St. Tropez was home to the infamous Bridgette Bardot who vacationed there in the summer with her parents…She made it famous by inviting her starlet friends to the Riveria and Pablo Picasso used to have a home and paint from this classic fishing village.

Infact, many of the masters painted some of the very classics that I love from this area of France that they called the area of LIGHT. For an artist, the light was what made their masterpieces…well masterpieces. You can still find painters galore using watercolors and oils up and down the water front.

Ice cream and Gelatos continued to be part of our experience even after leaving Italy. The entire French rivera is such a different experience than Northern France and coastal Italy. I am definitely determined to spend some more time in this area.

Simplicity rocks St. Tropez!

I love this shot…..

Infact, I loved this pick on the map….It comes highly recommended!

(Everything but the top shot was shot with my Nikon d800…which was a dream to shoot with over there……yes, I finally decided to do some editing. The top shot…my iPhone)

Filed Under: Angela, France, Noah, St. Tropez, Travel Tagged With: european trip, french fishing villages, st. tropez

Florence Via my iPhone….My Life is Disoriented

September 24, 2012 By admin 2 Comments

It’s official…my life is disoriented!

I go to bed at 7:00pm and wake up at 3:55am…no reason not to blog at 5:16 am.

Jet lag remains….I still feel that my head is uneven and my path is well….not clear.

So let’s dream about Florence for a bit. Let’s take a brief tour now that I am at home and get caught up…shall we?

This was my second trip to Florence, I spent my 40th Birthday there a couple of years ago. It was raining cats and dogs. This visit was absolutely perfect and I still felt 40…sort of!

It was overcast which made for some dramatic photos even on my iPhone.

We spent the day at the Academia seeing my favorite naked David. This sculpture is perfection on every level.

You are not supposed to photograph there and they are very strict…I am a rule breaker…occasionally…. and snuck this out on my phone. I love it.

We had the most delicious lunch and you know that is saying something after I have mentioned how much I hate the food. Don’t judge…

I am a bruchetta lover though…and could eat that at every stop…

We took in the views and the bridges which also are my favorite spots.

This photo of the infamous bridge was actually taken through a window at the famous Ufizzi Gallery where we toured early Renaissance art.

I still love how it turned out.

We hung out late into the night where it appeared we were the only people there.

And continued to eat Gelato morning and night….

Some people have asked did I not shoot with my new camera? Are you kidding…of course I did…Yes, indeed 2000 photos….too lazy to edit right now and I wanted to shoot the entire trip through an iPhone for fun as well. Bloggers have to endure that the iPhone just doesn’t shoot people well at night!

It is not hard to fall in love with Florence over and over again! I could move here…forever….and live happily ever after….I will return! Missing you already!

Filed Under: Angela, Homeschool, Italy, Travel

Q & A About Europe

September 10, 2012 By admin 2 Comments

Question and Answer session for Europe

Why I am here?

This trip was actually a Mediterranean cruise/ business trip that has been in the works for over a year.

One of our top clients at our travel agency has a group here and I agreed last year to help my dad last year with the group. Our client travels every year with us and I have escorted him to NYC, Dubai and Egypt. He has has about 30 people with him.

Then….
The group grew and included 8 of my parent’s friends that I knew growing up in our neighborhood who want to travel exclusively through Italy prior to the trip with both of us.

Knowing that they wanted to do a private Italy tour really tempted me and I agreed to lead the group.

How long is the trip?
For me 21 days total, for the people I am with some are 23-30 days.

Why is Noah here with me?

Because I homeschool, I want to have all of my children visit Europe for what I consider to be the “GRAND TOUR”. This itinerary is similar to what Hillary and Chase did and really covers the renaissance and ancient history like no other.

It was also an excellent opportunity for Noah to spend time with his grandfather who lives in Utah. Each of my kids have done one Europe trip with him.

The answer is I could kill two birds with one stone.

Am I here FREE?

Absolutely not! We invited my only sister who is 7 years older me and has never been to Europe to join us. Where my father my pick up many of my costs, she benefitted this time around.

I did use Marriott points for many hotels…God Bless my husband who made that possible.

Has it gone smooth?

Without a hitch to this point. I was a tad bit nervous in Italy at some points. hoping that our suppliers would show up or that a transfer for luggage would arrive, but everything went great.

I outdid myself on my Italy itinerary and I am darn proud of it. Oh the possibilities!

Have I spent a lot of money?

Yes? Usually when I travel, I do it as cheap as possible without killing myself, meaning I ride the trains or subways as opposed to transfers etc. I probably wouldn’t hire a guide in some areas. In Rome, I did the guiding myself. In Florence, we hired. We hired transfers, we have seniors with us and it was just easier.

I could have saved probably 2000.00 if I wasn’t traveling with an over 65 crowd. The other side is, the trip has been first class! I have to say it makes a lot smoother when some one is doing everything for you. It is a trade off!

Will I come again?

Yes, I am going to regularly start bringing groups to Italy next year. For who ever wants to come with me. Will it be this expensive? No way! Will it be a blast? Absolutely! I love it and could come every year!

What if you want to come to Europe but not in a group?

Let me book it for you through my travel agency!

Do I feel guilty for leaving the rest of the crew at home?

Absolutely not! I would have taken every single person who could of gone and at this time of the year,the only one who could do it was Noah!

Plus, I get the opportunity to spend time with my father which is a rare treat every year!

Filed Under: Angela, Homeschool, Italy, Noah, Travel

Tuscany via my iPhone Sneak Preview

September 6, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

I can’t lie today! People often ask me what my favorite place in the world? And I often say, you can’t compare apples to oranges! There are so many places that are number 1 in my mind….and it might change next week!

That is the truth, how can you possibly narrow it down to one spot?

Today, I am going to narrow it down to one spot…..at least for today!

TUSCANY!

Siena and San Gimignano are absolutely two of the most beautifully preserved places in the world!

This was my life today…..blessed!

And you might ask now…Why are you shooting it with your iPhone? Oh boy…I am using both my camera and my iPhone….but my processing time is limited right now.

Enjoy…Simply Amazing!

Filed Under: Angela, Italy, Noah, Travel

Rome via iPhone…..Love it!

September 3, 2012 By admin 2 Comments

This was a brief look at my life yesterday via my iPhone….rain was on and off and I wasn’t about to ruin another camera body!

Perhaps my most favorite city in the world……Rome!

Filed Under: Angela, Homeschool, Noah, Rome, Travel

4th Annual Little Kids Trip

August 23, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Last week, we celebrated our 4th Annual Little Kids Trip.

Remember the original trip to Chicago and historic Nauvoo, with a stop in Iowa- our previous homeland, was bauched this June due to Brian’s schedule.

This year we were almost out of summer time fun so we had to be a little creative. We decided on a day in Baltimore and two days in Orlando. The kids were just as excited and it cost us a whole bunch less than years past!

We spent a day in the inner harbor at the Museum of Science while Brian made a stop at the hospital.

They have a great science museum there and I found the volunteers delightful!

We had a blast playing with all of the inventions!

Later that night, Brian took Noah to Red Sox game and Lizzy and I hung at the hotel and watch The Lorax….my new favorite movie.

Great one on one time with the kids….we love these little guys!

Day 2- Off to Sea World! More to come!

Filed Under: Angela, Baltimore, Brian, Elizabeth, Little Kids Trip, Noah, Travel

Hiding…& Newport, Rhode Island

August 6, 2012 By admin 2 Comments

“Where have I been?” You might be asking……

In hiding,

Am I exhausted? Yes, right now I am.

Do I need serious sleep? Completely deprived right now.

Am I sick of Summer? Not sure how to answer that, but looking for some schedule and me time.

But…..

I have finally found the spot in the world that I want to continually vacation for summer family reunions.

I have been searching for a local spot, summer after summer, that I would repeatedly want to return to with my children and create a tradition.

For years, we have tested out nearly every great spot from Bar Harbor to Orlando. We have tried Martha’s Vineyard, Hilton Head and everything in between.

I just wanted one spot that we all want to return to.

I wanted that spot to be Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard…..I really did…..but…. drum roll…

Today, I told myself, “I think it is going to be Newport, Rhode Island,”….. as I departed our vacation in Newport, this is the spot. We have been there half a dozen times, but only once with the whole family intact and it was Christmas…In addition, it is only 2 hours from my home…..

Elizabeth, will have many decades to continue to enjoy it. Here she is this afternoon flying kites.

Hillary is bummed….it took 18 summers to find it. I told her not to be in despair, she will bring the future husband and children there…….eventually….in the far off future.

I have finally found the spot that works for us without having to be a Romney, Marriott or Kennedy, and NO! We didn’t stay in that house in the photo above….I wish.

Since in order to really enjoy some of the destinations I wanted to select, you have to have the right set up for crying out loud and be married to the right famous cousins.

But….Newport works!

I finally could envision a destination that will become tradition.

I love Newport, I fell in love the first year we moved here. But now I really love it.

More to come tomorrow- or maybe the next day….Hey c’mon it is summer…cut me some blogging slack

Filed Under: Family Vacations, RI, Things to do in Rhode Island, Travel Tagged With: Family Vacations, Mansions, Newport, RI

Life is always Magical

July 3, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

We left the beautiful Casa Monica and headed straight to Orlando. Brian took the day off and we ventured to the land of high price and ridiculous spending- Magic Kingdom.

95 degrees in Florida is only hot when you are at Magic Kingdom surrounded by 10,000 of your closest friends. I wasn’t complaining because I heard my Northern friends were in a pressure cooker hitting temps well above 100 from Virginia up to Yankee territory.

Elizabeth has a been a die hard Winnie The Pooh fan since birth and the fascination hasn’t stopped. She selected Magic Kingdom for the sole purpose of meeting up with him once again.

Both parents agreed that it was clearly worth ninety dollars to book the character lunch with the Pooh characters not just to meet them, but to get some reprieve from the heat in an air conditioned room. Money well spent.

I realized at that point I will be decorating a nursery at my home for her children in Pooh decor. Where most kids were younger at the lunch, Liz was full on mesmerized with the chance to meet her favorite characters for the umpteen time.

I have to admit it was a tad bit odd to be there only just with her. We kept saying “What would life be like with one child?” It was perfect being able to have just one on one time but realized that she quickly missed being surrounded with the usual brood from home who spoil her rotten. Each of the kids have their own unique relationship with her. Her and Noah are simply best friends and I think she missed the friendship that they share being close in age.

We loved spoiling her rotten.

We also found that we weren’t so rushed around the park having to hit every single ride since she wasn’t so concerned about the teen rides so to speak. Plus the heat just zapped everything out of you.

By nine o clock, she was trashed and we found that we were talking her into staying to watch the electrical light parade etc.

All a sudden Brian and I hit a second a wind and we were headed to Peter Pan, she was begging us to leave while 100,000 people watched the fireworks in the park, we quietly floated to the parking lot.

What a perfect day with our youngest daughter. I hope there are many more one on one adventures with her.

I am not sure how Walt did it or continues to do it? But I am a big pushover for anything Disney. I love the magic of Disneyworld on every level.

We listed off all of the experiences we have had at Disney with our children and just marveled about how fast the time has past.

I think these memories will always stay with us. Time is moving so quickly and you simply can’t slow it down. Life is so magical on every level!

Filed Under: Angela, Brian, Disney, Elizabeth, Florida, St. Augustine, Travel

Behold Historic Homes- St. Augustine…Eye Candy

July 2, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

After our walk on the beach in St. Augustine, we experienced my favorite part of the day!

We toured the historic district by car, wish we would have done it by feet, but Elizabeth was drop dead, nearly asleep in the back seat of the vehicle.

Most of the houses here were fantastic, built near cobblestone streets and infused with elements of architecture that you don’t get much of anymore.

The whole 20 minutes reminded me of how much I love architecture and design. Simply one of my favorite college classes at BYU that I ever took.

In that class, we studied all of the prominent types of architecture showcasing different houses from all over America, and I swear, one by one, I have stumbled upon those American houses we studied. Many of them to be found in Salem, MA, Charleston, SC and Newport Rhode Island and I checked off another this weekend.

The first home in America, so they say, was in this Spanish colony. This is the Gonzalze-Alvaraez home. It has been occupied since the 1600′s.

(Photo Source: http://st-augustine-historic-home.com/historic-st-augustine.htm)

This is my new favorite door of all times- definitely adding it to my door collection, that may soon become a new photo book.

I simply fell in love with this house. I wish I would have had my real camera. Whaaaa! But really the iPhone gave it the rustic, weather beaten look that I craved.

Turn the corner and look who the neighbors are- they aren’t living to shabby in this classic home.

But then surprise one street over, you get this spanish influenced home.

The whole 20 minutes was a treat for the eyes and thrilled the soul. I have all the more reason to visit St. Augustine, Florida again and there are plenty more historic homes to photograph and behold. I love keeping my options open.