Travel Memoir ~ The French Alps

Travel Memoir ~ The French Alps

Journeys with EileenDiane

A friend and I traveled to France off season (fall) and loved it. We spent time in Paris, took a train to Geneva where we had arranged a car rental and then we headed for the majestic Alps.

Our trip included Albertville (stopped there for lunch), then onto Chamonix for several days, followed by stays in Val d’Isere, Megeve and Annecy. Let me share my memories of two favorite spots, which were our journey’s highlights: Chamonix and Annecy.

Chamonix:

We stayed at the terrific Albert 1er  which was central to the town with gorgeous views of Mont Blanc. Upon our arrival, we shopped for a picnic: bread, local wine (a Gamay and an Apremont) and cheese (triple crème) and enjoyed our fabulous goodies on our balcony surrounded by incredible beauty.

Taking the cable car to Aiquille du Midi above the town is a must. The cable car ride is thrilling and the view is spectacular. You are among the mountains and clouds. It is an awesome experience that will stay with you long after your visit. There is a small cafe where you can enjoy coffee and a snack while enthralled by the view.

A favorite pastime in Chamonix was walking about, marveling at towering Mont Blanc, stopping to enjoy coffee and a pastry, sitting outside, taking in the view. A favorite restaurant was Atmosphere, on the Arve River. The meals were superb, capped by fabulous meringue desserts.

For a different view of Mont Blanc, take the tunnel under the mountain which connects France and Italy (the Aosta Valley). Great way to spend a day, explore the area (very narrow streets) and indulge in Italian cuisine.

Annecy:

Called “The Venice of the Alps,” you will enjoy walking about the many canals and exploring this beautiful city. Walk the cobble stoned streets, stop for a pastry and take in the beauty all about. Check the schedule and browse and shop at the local markets. The variety of foods is quite incredible. As you walk about, stop and take photos of the Palais de l’Isle, which is one of France’s most photographed attractions. It is a local museum, only open in warmer months.

As you walk about, you will discover many terrific restaurants. Two dishes to try are the local Savoyard Fondue and Raclette. Once after eating a fondue and looking at the dessert menu, a woman at an adjoining table advised us not to have ice cream for dessert, as it would not go with the cheese fondue we had just eaten. Who knew? While both dishes are traditionally Swiss, the French have made them their own. Bon Appetite!

All that was needed was a sense of adventure, a smattering of French and a small French phrase book. People were friendly and helpful, cuisine marvelous, weather was great and the fall colors spectacular and no crowds. Off season travel has its advantages.

Travel well and often.

Travel Memoir ~ Paris, France

Travel Memoir ~ St Malo, France

Travel Memoir ~ St Malo, France

Travel Memoir ~ St Malo, France

Journeys with EileenDiane

I went to Brittany’s magical St Malo in an off season (late fall) and loved the area. My journey was before the Internet was widely used and prior to cell phones, hence, no Trip Advisor or other on-line travel guides. It was a marvelous experience exploring the city and its environs, using my very basic French plus a small French phrase book.

 

Each morning, I’d walk along the shore, smell the sea air and be immersed in the fog and dampness. You can walk to two little islands at low tide. Note:  always check the tides ~ or you will get stuck there!. Later, walk about and explore the ramparts which surround the old town.

 

Walking about the cobbled streets of the old town, I discovered several marvelous restaurants. One in particular was special. It has a blazing fireplace and an enticing menu. The Quiche as I recall was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. The red wine was terrific as was the dessert: a fabulous meringue pie with Calvados. The atmosphere was quiet and I marveled as I was able to understand other customers speaking French (unlike in Paris where everyone spoke very rapidly). An elderly lady entered and the staff immediately went to greet her and assist her to a table. That simple gesture is a favorite memory of St Malo and its’ wonderful people which has stayed with me for more than twenty five years.

 

Other restaurants were also very good as were the local wines and desserts and pastries. The Breton crepes are every bit as delicious as you imagine. The word sublime comes to mind.

 

I took a local bus to Mont- St- Michel and spent most of the day exploring this spectacular place. The medieval religious and military architecture is amazing. The view from the top of the Abbey is incredible and well worth the long walk. I had a late lunch (fabulous pate and local red wine) on site. Going off season the weather may not be great (it was foggy and damp) but it’s also not crowded. It is a must-see on your visit to France and yes, it is very crowded in the summer months.

 

Working for the airlines and flying stand-by, I took many vacations off-season which I grew to appreciate. I shudder when I see photos of long lines of people waiting to get into museums or top attractions. It is so much more enjoyable to travel off-season … true, the parks may not have flowers but … it’s a trade-off … and you, fellow traveler have to decide your priorities.

 

Travel well and often.

 

Travel Memoir ~ Paris, France

Travel Memoir ~ The French Alps

The Armchair Traveler

The Armchair Traveler

Journeys with EileenDiane

When you desire to take a journey but circumstances prohibit you from doing so, what to do? Become an armchair traveler …

  • Immerse yourself in your dream destination (France, Italy, Montana, Nepal…pick a place you have always dreamed of visiting) …
  • Check out your library or book store for photo books, historical non-fiction or fiction set in your dream place …
  • Prepare special dinners (or a party!) with the foods and wines of the area …
  • Learn a foreign language …
  • Listen to music that transports you …
  • Find movies set in your special place …
  • Too many places to narrow it down to just one destination?
    • For ideas, peruse “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” and “1,000 Places to see in the United States and Canada Before You Die” …
    • Each month, pick a different destination to immerse yourself …
      • Find the place where you feel most comfortable …
      • Discover new places …
    • Most important, have fun and be creative as you journey to a favorite spot … even if for now, it is a dream …
taken from a Windjammer … early AM
Gorgeous Beach …
On a clear day …
All Aboard … your adventure awaits
Cats ~ Photos ~ Quotes

Cats ~ Photos ~ Quotes

Journeys with EileenDiane

“Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.”  Jim Davis (Cartoonist)

 “In ancient times cats were worshiped as gods; they have not forgotten this.”
Terry Pratchett (Author)

“A cat has absolute emotional honesty. Human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.”  Ernest Hemingway

 “Cats have it all: admiration, an endless sleep and company only when they want it.”
Rod McKuen (Poet)

 “What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Charles Dickens

 “The smallest feline is a masterpiece.”
Leonardo da Vinci

 

 

A Beautiful Black Cat ~ Shadow

Tips: Traveling Cross County Solo with a Cat

All She Needs Is Love ~ A Cat Tale

Cross Country with Shadow ~ A Cat Tale

Bozo Was the Perfect Name ~ A Cat Tale

 

Travel Memoir ~ Outer Islands, Hawaii

Travel Memoir ~ Outer Islands, Hawaii

Journeys with EileenDiane

No trip to Hawaii is complete unless you visit the Outer Islands. While Oahu (Honolulu, Waikiki) has many areas to explore and beautiful beaches, while in this Pacific Paradise take your time to explore the other islands. You will find yourself using the words “awesome, magnificent, gorgeous” to describe the natural beauty.

My first trip to Hawaii, a friend and I decided to take a 4 day tour of the Outer Islands. It was fabulous and we saw all of the major sights and fell in love with the beauty of the islands and its people. I went back to Maui, my favorite, two other times. And once in Oahu, I took a one day tour of the Outer Islands.

Maui, “The Valley Isle,” is mystical from its beautiful beaches to the moonscape like landscape of Haleakala Crater and National Park, to the marvelously, windy road to Hana. If you go for sunrise, it is a memory that will last forever. Take time to explore historic Lahaina and Wailea and you will soon discover your favorite spots. The western part of the island has spectacular beaches, especially Wailea.

I still remember floating in the water one morning. A friend had decided to leave late morning while I chose to get a late night flight. We were standby (airline staff). She came running along the beach looking for me, saying that only the late morning flight was now available and all flights were full through the next day. I never dressed and packed so quickly. We did get boarded on the late morning flight and spent the afternoon in Waikiki, laughing as only stand-bys can when getting on an almost full flight. Waikiki was more crowded than Wailea, but I will always recall floating at Wailea, not having a care in the world, until my friend found me.

Kauai, “The Garden Isle,” is spectacular. Take a helicopter or boat tour of the incredible Napali Cliffs. Rent a jeep and tour the island. Waimea Canyon is a must-see. It is nick-names the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Go swimming in the magnificent Hanalei Bay on the North Shore. Take a day sail or dinner cruise along the magnificent Napali coast.

Hawaii, “The Big Island” is a super destination for those who love to fish. A must see is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take in a Hula Luau show.

Each of the islands has its own unique characteristics. You can plan in advance based on your favorite activities (swimming, surfing, dining, golf, diving, hiking, etc.) or take an exciting one day overview tour while vacationing in Oahu and decide which island(s) you want to further explore. Each island is memorable and very diverse. You will create memories that will last a lifetime as will your memories of the Aloha Spirit.

Travel well and often.

Travel Memoir ~ Oahu, Hawaii

 

Travel Memoir ~ Oahu, Hawaii

Travel Memoir ~ Oahu, Hawaii

Journeys with EileenDiane

Working for an airline and living in NYC, I planned escape trips to Hawaii several times a year, particularly during the winter months. The first time I arrived at Honolulu, I was greeted with a lei and immediately fell in love with the island. It was night, the air had a beautiful fragrance and the lights on the mountains in back of Honolulu were twinkling. It was rather magical.

I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and was enthralled. I checked out other hotels for future visits and fell in love with The Wakikian. I stayed there several times. It was a  fabulous “tike-style” hotel, wedged in between the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Ilikai. I fondly recall its fabulous open air bar, the Tahitian Lanai, with the most incredible Mai-Tai’s and a very good restaurant, with the best Coconut Cream Pie. After its demise, I stayed at various other hotels in Honolulu, but always missed the “tiki-style” hotel and its beautiful tropical gardens.

Yes, the beach is spectacular. Go surfing or go for a ride in an outrigger canoe. Or take a day cruise along Waikiki or a cocktail or dinner cruise on a catamaran. Take in the beauty of the ocean, Diamond Head, the mountains and the Aloha spirit.

Rent a car and drive about the island. Stop at the North Shore beaches and, depending on the season, enjoy watching the surfers and/or give it a try. The water is far, far rougher than Waikiki. Go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. The spectacular colors of the fish will stay with you for a long time. Stop and tour the very moving USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

A favorite activity for me was taking a scenic glider ride. It is spectacular. If you want, the pilot will let you “fly” it for a bit, which is fabulous. There is a marvelous sense of quiet, except for the incredible sound of the wind. It is thrilling to be soaring in a glider, above a beautiful landscape. I highly recommend it and enjoyed doing it several times.

Stop off at the Polynesian Cultural Center as you drive about the island. Have fun learning the hula dance. Hawaii is far more that beautiful beaches. Here, you can explore and learn the history and culture of Hawaii and other Polynesian Islands.

Yes, it is touristy, but do go to a luau. It’s great fun, with marvelous entertainment. And at some of the luaus, you can be a part of the performance.

Kalakaua Ave was and still is the main avenue, with numerous shops and restaurants. I am sure that the International Market Place has seen many changes but would still be the place to browse.

While Honolulu and Waikiki have seen many changes, I remember marvelous people who truly radiate the Aloha Spirit. It is a state of mind, which you can bring home with you. You will long remember the generosity and friendliness of the Hawaiian people. It is a gorgeous island paradise, with many lasting memories, all to be treasured.

Travel well and often.

 

Travel Memoir ~ Venice, Italy

Travel Memoir ~ Venice, Italy

Journeys with EileenDiane

Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” is an incredible journey from the moment you arrive. I have fond memories of taking a private water taxi from the airport to the hotel in the city. My friends and I laughed saying it was like something from a James Bond movie.

 

Venice is also known as the “City of Bridges” or the “City of Canals.” A few hours in Venice and you will understand why. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

Venice is a beautiful city to explore, on foot. Expect to get lost on the many narrow streets and bridges. Take a ride in a gondola. Tour the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. Enjoy a cappuccino or dine on St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). Take the vaporetto (local water bus). Go to Murano Island for authentic glass pieces.  I have 3 glass cats from there that I love.

 

I have been to Venice several times, in fall and winter. Venice is gorgeous when misty. It envelops the city and you find that you are in a marvelously mystical place.

 

One evening, friends and I went for dinner at a restaurant on the other side of Piazza San Marco and then cross a bridge or two. The dinner was leisurely and very good (great local wine: Verdicchio). When we were leaving the restaurant, the waiter told us that the Piazza was flooded. I asked if there was a way around that and was told no, but not to worry.

 

One friend had been to Venice when it had similarly flooded and explained that chairs were put up and we would cross the Piazza on the chairs. I was dubious but thought OK, when in Venice…..

 

Cane chairs had been set up on the Piazza, closely next to each other. We held hands and had to climb from one chair to the other, as there were arms on the chair. It was not easy to navigate. About half way across, several of us laughingly said “enough of this,” and we walked (make that waded) across the Piazza to our hotel. Two guys rolled up their slacks before wading through the water. My boots never did quite dry out, but a piano bar at the hotel plus some grappa warmed us as we attempted to dry out.

 

Tip: always check weather and high tides when venturing out to explore or dine.

 

I was there once with my mother and a beautiful black and white cat started to follow us. My mother called the cat “Venny” and he would always be waiting outside the hotel for us, as my mother would feed him (waiters were very accommodating). The cat looked quite well-fed and probably always found travelers to feed and pet him.

 

Venice is a unique place and I have many treasured memories. It will always be a special place for me, whether I went solo or with friends. The wine and cuisine are superb, quite different from southern Italian (though I love that also). And thanks to the Venetians, I learned to accept what is – if a flood, we’ll manage. And getting lost can usually be quite serendipitous.

 

Travel well and often.

Travel Memoir ~ Rome, Italy

Favorite Restaurants ~ Los Angeles area

Favorite Restaurants ~ Los Angeles area

Journeys with EileenDiane

Crème de La Crepe

A terrific restaurant for breakfast, lunch, Happy Hour, Dinner;  French food; marvelous selection of crepes and so much more; very good champagne, wine, cappuccino and deserts (Crepes Suzette is great!). Several locations, highly recommend the restaurants in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. http://www.cremedelacrepe.com/

Cheesecake Factory, Redondo Beach

This location has a terrific outdoor patio, looking over the Redondo Beach Marina. Good place for brunch, meet friends, enjoy sitting outside …http://locations.thecheesecakefactory.com/ca/redondo-beach-3.html

Fritto Misto Italian Café

Very good place for fabulous Italian food; nice wine variety; extensive pasta selection, including a marvelous Sweet Potato Ravioli in a sage cream sauce with wild mushrooms; home-made desserts, cappuccino. https://www.frittomistoitaliancafe.com/

Hennessey’s Tavern, Hermosa Beach

Great place for breakfast or drinks / dinner later in the day. It’s on the beach, sit outside or upstairs and watch beach volley ball and the activity on The Strand as you indulge   … https://www.hennesseystavern.com/hermosa_beach.html

Marmalade Café, Malibu

Nice place for lunch when you want a good salad, sandwich, burger or pasta There are other locations, but this one, in a small shopping center is a favorite.  https://marmaladecafe.com/locations/malibu/

Parker Lighthouse, Long Beach

Nice menu, you will enjoy sitting outside, taking in the splendid view, including the Queen Mary.  http://parkerslighthouse.com/

Paisano’s Pizza, Hermosa Beach

The Best Pizza west of NYC! NY Style pizza and good southern Italian favorites; NY style cheesecake for desert. http://www.paisanospizzahb.com/

Tea at Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Have fun trying new restaurants and foods when you travel. Enjoy discovering new restaurants and coffee shops and returning to your favorites.   Bon Appetit!

Travel well and often.