Travel Journey of the Week: Provence

Traveling in the spring is my favorite time to explore.  Since I’m moving my Spain trip to the spring, I thought I’d share another trip that is great to do before the hot summer days set in: Provence.  Share your experiences with us.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Provence.  If you’ve already written a post about Belgium, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/travel-journey-week-provence/ ‎

Travel Journey of the Week: Provence

If you’ve never been to Provence, here is a snapshot of a possible itinerary along with some photos.  I included the days of the week because seeing the markets of Provence is definitely a highlight.  Our home base was Avignon.

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	Destination	Sights to See
Sunday	Isle Sur la Sorgue	Market Day Waterwheels
	Gordes	Hill Town
	Roussillion	Ochre Cliffs
Monday	Pont du Gard	Bridge/Aqueduct
	Uzes	Drove Through/Lunch
	Nimes	Old City Roman Ruins
Tuesday	Aix en Provence	Market Day
Wednesday	Arles	Market Day Roman Ruins Forum Square Van Gogh Walk
	Camargue	Wetlands
	Maries de la Mer	Church

Travel Journey of the Week: Belgium

Yesterday’s post inspired me to take a closer look at Belgium.  I’ve only stayed in Bruges, but I’d like to know what else is worth a visit. Share your experiences with us.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Belgium.  If you’ve already written a post about Belgium, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/travel-journey-week-belgium/ ‎

Travel Journey of the Week: Belgium

Since I shared some sights in Belgium already, I’d like to provide a recommendation for a place to stay in Bruges.  A bed and breakfast is a great idea for a destination like this.  Meet some locals, talk with other travelers, taste the cuisine, and feel like you have a home in a new country.  B&B Marie Rose Debruyne is the perfect place to stay.  Here is why you should consider it if you are thinking of taking a trip to Bruges.

Friendly People-Marie-Rose and her husband, Ronny, have transformed their home to an artistic delight.  Even though it is a bit more modern, it still feels so homey.  Once we arrived, she fixed us a cup of hot tea and sat down with us to highlight all the sights to see on a map.  She made personalized recommendations based on what we were interested in.  If only we had more time to see it all.

Unique Accommodations-As soon as you walk through the massive door in the front you will be stunned.  Looking all around, you will see something new and stimulating to take in.  According to Marie-Rose, “On this piece of land there was a house as early as the 16th century. It was the only house in the street. 100 years ago our house was a local brewery.”  In 1992 they bought the home and renovated.  Her most recent project has been the house out back which she has turned into an apartment that can be rented for travel.  What an amazing combination of history and creativity.  And all of this for a price that can’t be questioned.

Good Location-Bruges can be a bit crowded at times.  The B&B is located in the Northern part of the city, just a short walk to the Markt.  Make sure you have a map while walking around because it is easy to get misplaced in this city.

*If you’d like to see more photos of Bruges, check out my portfolio.

 

Travel Journey of the Week: Cinque Terre

The switchover to my new blog is taking place.  There is still work to be done, but I’m getting there.  Today I’m dreaming of being in a different place after all the coding and other techie things I had to do.  Let’s take a trip to the Cinque Terre in Italy for a little escape.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Cinque Terre.  If you’ve already written a post about the Cinque Terre, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/travel-journey-week/ ‎

Travel Journey of the Week: Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre, Italy

Travel Journey of the Week: Louvre

I am mixing things up this week by providing a museum as our travel journey of the week.  The Louvre is filled with an unimaginable number of masterpieces.  Let’s share what we have discovered in the former palace.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Louvre.  If you’ve already written a post about Louvre, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week–louvre/

Travel Journey of the Week: Louvre

It is empty! What a beautiful time to see the Louvre.

Louvre Paris

This was definitely my favorite shot of the day. I love visiting places when no one else is there :).

Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco

I’ve only been to San Fransisco once, and I don’t think I got an accurate view of the city.  I was very excited to go, but I just needed more time to really dig into the bay area.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in San Fran.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco.  If you’ve already written a post about San Fransisco, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week–san-fransisco/

Travel Journey of the Week: San Fransisco

Since I’m not the expert on San Fransisco, I’ll just post a few shots and learn from what you have to share.

Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley

I’d like to dedicate this post to my Aunt Lori.  She is having dreams of cruising down the Rhine and taking in the German countryside.  Today we will take a journey to the river valley.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley.  If you’ve already written a post about Florence, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week–rhine-valley/

Travel Journey of the Week: Rhine Valley

Today, I will let my photos guide you down the river.

Bacharach, Germany

Travel Journey of the Week: Florence

I regret not getting very many photos of Florence on my trip a couple years ago.  It was a city that many had told me was THE place to go in Europe, and it just overwhelmed me.  Now that I think back, it feels as if my two days there were a blur.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in the city to see another perspective.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Florence.  If you’ve already written a post about Florence, feel free to share it in the comments section!

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week-florence/

Travel Journey of the Week: Florence

This week I’m going to focus on the art and architecture of Florence.

Travel Journey of the Week: Venice

I have a hard time deciding whether Paris or Venice is my favorite place in the world.  I think Venice is winning right now.  I’m hoping to tag on four days in Venice with my trip this summer so I can research for my book: Venice by Vaporetto.  I will be posting just as I did with Paris by Métro, but I will be focusing on the best sights and stops in Venice instead.  I can’t wait to start it!  I’d love to see your experiences with Venice.  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Venice.

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week-venice/

Travel Journey of the Week: Venice

This week I’ll share some of my artifacts from Venice trips since I’ve already shared my photos.  What do you do with your ticket stubs?

Here is a video for fun.  A free postcard will be sent to anyone who can tell me the name of the song playing in the background in the first scene.  I’ve always wanted to know what it is.

Travel Journey of the Week: New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the United States.  It is so different than any other place across America.  The mixture of cultures in this region has created something that can only be found in the delta.  Have you been to New Orleans or have thoughts about New Orleans?  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: New Orleans.

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/29/travel-journey-of-the-week-new-orleans/

Travel Journey of the Week: New Orleans

What do I think of when I think of New Orleans?  Food!  To mix things up a little this week, I’m sharing a recipe from The New Orleans School of Cooking.  If you are spending some time in New Orleans, taking a cooking class will definitely enhance your trip.  I learned so much about the cultures that have come together to create the famous dishes with their unique flavors.  The class offers history, humor, entertainment, and a tasty meal.

Recipe:

JAMBALAYA
Makes 12 Servings

INGREDIENTS:
¼ C. oil
1 cooked chicken, cut up or de-boned
1½ lbs. sausage

TRINITY:
2 heaping tsp. Joe’s Stuff or Creole seasoning
4 C. chopped onions
2 C. chopped celery
2 C. chopped green pepper
2 C. chopped green onions or tomatoes (optional)

1 tbsp. chopped garlic
4 C. long grain rice
5 C. stock or flavored water

For brown jambalaya: 1 – 2 tbsp. Kitchen Bouquet
For red jambalaya*: 1/4 cup paprika (*You may also use 2.5 cups stock and 2.5 cups tomato juice instead of 5 cups stock/flavored water.)

PROCEDURE:
Season and brown the chicken in oil, lard or bacon drippings over medium to high heat. Add sausage to pot and sauté with chicken. Remove the chicken and sausage from pot, leaving the drippings in the pot.

Sauté onions, celery, green pepper and garlic in the drippings until tender. Return chicken and sausage to pot. Add stock and Creole seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil. (If using Kitchen Bouquet for brown jambalaya, add 1 – 2 tbsp. For red jambalaya, add approximately 1/4 cup paprika, stock and tomato juice.)

Add rice. Stir and return to rapid boil. Stir again and remove the pot from the heat. Cover and let the jambalaya rest for 25 minutes. Remove cover and quickly turn rice from top to bottom completely. Add green onions and chopped tomatoes if desired.

For seafood jambalaya, add cooked seafood when rice is turned.

9th Ward, New Orleans

In the photo you can see the spray paint indicating number of deaths on the houses 5 years after the hurricane consumed the area.

This foundation once held a home and a family.

I’ve probably turned to food as my companion way too many times.

Travel Journey of the Week: Ireland

I know the topic is extremely broad this week, but it fits my thoughts.  I am in need of a place that offers healing and kindness.  When I was there for a long layover this past summer after I found out my mom was on life support, I felt rejuvenated and ready to handle any situation that stood before me.  My challenges are different right now, but I bet the affect of visiting the Emerald Isle would be the same.  Have you been to Ireland or have thoughts about Ireland?  Here is how you can contribute:

1. Each Sunday, a place will be set as the theme (it could be a city, landmark, national park, etc.)

2. If you are familiar with the place and would like to contribute, you will write a post and title it Travel Journey of the Week: Ireland.

3. Your post can be any medium that works for you; videos, photos, descriptions, itineraries, personal memories, poems, ticket stubs, etc.

4. Finally, be sure to provide a link back here so everyone can connect and share their own take on the place: http://liberatedtraveler.com/2013/09/15/travel-journey-of-the-week-ireland/

Travel Journey of the Week: Ireland

Ireland has such a unique place in my heart because it was my first trip abroad.  I went with my aunts, mom, and grandmother the summer before high school began.  I never knew people could speak English so differently than me, yet I felt so connected to them.  The places we saw combined natural beauty with unique architecture that I had  never seen.  I went home dreaming of my experiences and craving more.

Digital cameras were pretty much nonexistent then, but my dad let me take his good 35mm camera.  Here are some photos of the trip that I have scanned.  I apologize for the quality of the images, but I think they still get the point across.  Be sure to check out the captions to find out more.

Ruins of castles had to be one of the things I was most excited to see in Ireland.

After visiting Ireland, this became my all-time favorite flower: the lupine. I tried growing them at home, but it didn’t work.

The mist of the sea with the greenery was exactly how I imagined Ireland would look.

I felt so alive in Dublin after experiencing all the street entertainment. That limbo stick was on fire by the way.

Wow, they’ve got some old graves here.

The first place I ever saw on a trip that knocked the socks off me.

This looks nothing like Illinois.

I was so fascinated that they even had different toilets.

One of our stops included a visit to the stud farm. I didn’t know what a stud was before visiting this farm.

They don’t have screens on their windows. This boggled my mind.

We had to check out the wool and watch a sheep get sheared.

I’m a big fan of Aer Lingus, and I have flown with them several times since this trip.

I LOVED Dublin. I must go back.

These sculptures are so powerful. I knew nothing about the potato famine before my visit. Travel brings history alive.