Let's go to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day!

I decided to pull out my photos of our trip to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day. We went to Ireland in February of 2003 and loved it there. It was the first time we were on a escorted tour and we both thought it was wonderful. We went with a tour company called Brian Moore but there are lots of tour companies to choose from. I think an escorted tour is a wonderful way to see this beautiful place. So here's a few of my photos. The top one is of me at the famous Blarney Woolen Mills. I bought a beautiful wool sweater here and I still have it, their knitwear is incredible.

I just loved the character in every town we stopped in............

This is at the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen. Look at how high they are. Our guide told us about people being blown off the cliffs. Go here to learn more.

Everywhere we went the scenery was amazing.............

This is my sweetie kissing the Blarney Stone. I walked all the way to the top and just couldn't bring myself to lean over that edge, it really freaked me out. LOL

These photos are in Shannon, Ireland. I loved Shannon and Dublin. We also went to the Waterford factory where they make all the beautiful crystal.

This photo is of me at the Cliffs of Moher again. Yes, I was cold(it's very windy there) and it was before I wore contacts so that is why you see me in glasses in these photos.

It just amazed me of how old everything was. That castle was pretty chilly too. LOL

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed our quick little trip to Ireland on St. Patrick's Day, it is a magical place and the people are so warm and friendly. HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

P.S. We have the luck of the Irish on our side here in Cincinnati today. The weather is going to be sunny and in the 70's. I will be outside!!

TRAVEL TUESDAY ~ CHARMING INNS

I have been sadly lacking with my Travel Tuesday posts. All I can say is that I have been lazy. Putting together a travel post takes some time because I always want to make sure I double check my facts etc... Sometimes when you travel things get a bit fuzzy after awhile and you need to check out details. So anyway after reading my good buddy Donna from Cottage Days and Journeys post about her wonderful stay at the Inn at Evins Mill, I just knew I had to post a Travel Tuesday about one of my favorite ways to travel, staying at charming inns or bed and breakfasts. I usually go to two references when I am planning a trip to a B & B. The first is Select Registry, which is a list of distinguished inns of North America or one of Karen Browns guides. Both are good references when you are looking for a charming inn. A word to the wise though, some inns have shared baths so make sure you ask or read that you have a private bath. But other then that, staying at a small inn is a wonderful experience. Breakfast is usually included and so are some light snacks in the late afternoon.
So on to the first inn, the White Lace Inn. This inn is located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin which is also in the area called Door County. This inn is located in town but alot of the inns that are located in Door County are close to the lake. My sweetie and I stayed here and really enjoyed it, the second photo is the room where we stayed. There is much to do in Door County and I have heard it compared to Cape Cod. Just follow my links to either Door County or White Lace to learn more and also check out Select Registry and Karen Brown. I am going to try and be less lazy about Travel Tuesday and contiue to highlight some charming inns, it won't be every week like I used to do but it'll be at least once a month.

Look at how pretty this is in the snow. I'm not a snow person but this looks like a picture postcard. They must get alot of snow because I do remember that their fire plugs were really tall so the fireman could find them.

Here's a photo of the White Lace in autumn. Don't be afraid to try a charming inn or bed and breakfast. Most offer much more in charm and good food than the average hotel.

Travel Tuesday ~ Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Sea

I know it's been forever since I have done a Travel Tuesday and I've missed taking trips. So today we are going on a cruise. This particular ship is not even out on the sea yet but it is creating alot of buzz in the travel business. Why? Well, I am glad you asked. The biggest talk centers around the massive "Central Park" at the center of the ship that has trees, live grass and outdoor restaurants. Royal Caribbean will be launching a new line of these ships in the coming years with the Oasis to come out in 2009. The Central Park area will run the length of a football field down the center of the ship and will be lined with five decks of cabins and will be open to the air six decks above. If it's raining outside of the ship it'll be raining in the Central Park area also. Below are pictures of what the ship will look like. Okay so why am I so excited about this ship? Well, it will be something new and interesting and the ship will be a destination in itself. I am a big fan of Royal Caribbean and I do hope I get to see this beauty someday.


There will be 254 cabins with balconies that overlook Central Park and you can people watch all day and night.
During the day the Central Park area is designed for a quiet peaceful area to hang out but at night there will be alfresco dining and outdoor concerts.
The park will be surrounded by five or six restaurants and bars. One of the bars is being billed as the first moving at sea bar. It's called the Rising Tide and it will slowly glide up and down three decks from the base level of Central Park downward to the lower levels of the ships. It'll be a big ship weighing in at 225,000 ton and able to hold 5,400 passengers. It's amazing to me that these ships are so massive. Just a note, big gigantic ships are not everyone's cup of tea. I know that. I've been on small ships and I've been on big ones and have enjoyed the different things that each one offers. Personally I just love to cruise. Hope you enjoyed a look at what's new and exciting in the world of cruising. Happy Tuesday!!

Travel Tuesday ~ World's Best Treehouse Hotels ~

This came across my work e-mail the other day and I thought it was just so fascinating. All of the information below is taken from Travel & Leisure magazine, a fun magazine to browse through. I think this would be so much fun to do someday. The article said that at the Tranquil resort in India, which is a coffee and vanilla plantation on 400 acres of rainforest that the chances are high that guests will find themselves surprised by howler monkeys(don't even think about asking me what a howler monkey is)who dance on the roof at night and have even surprised guests by coming into bathrooms unannounced. They could have at least knocked on the door. LOL
I just thought this was such a unique thing and this is one that I would do. I know this is a long post but I thought it was so much fun I couldn't pick and choose just a few. Hope you enjoy!



Tsala Treetop Lodge

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Why It’s Unique: Overlooking the Tsitsikamma Forest, the architecturally stunning stone-and-glass lodge has 10 secluded treehouse suites, each with floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows, log fireplace in the living room, private deck, and infinity-edge pool.
Access: Wooden walkways.
What to Do: During the day, explore South Africa’s Garden Route, which winds along the botanically rich Western Cape, or relax on the beaches at nearby Plettenberg Bay.




Sanya Nanshan Treehouse

Hainan Island, China

Why It’s Unique: Built into a stand of tamarind trees, the “Big Beach in the Sky” treehouse sleeps four in rustic accommodations steps away from the blue waters of the South China Sea. While the treehouse does have electricity, guests will have to walk 35 feet to a hot shower.
Access: Rope-and-plank suspension bridge.
What to Do: Visit the botanical gardens and temples of the adjacent 5,000-acre Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Theme Park, which includes a 354-foot statue of the Buddha Guanyin.

The Aviary ~ Lenox Massachusetts

Why It’s Unique: Located on 22 acres of parkland designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the two-story Aviary treehouse in the Berkshire Mountains features limestone wet room with an antique soaking tub, circular stairs leading to the second-floor sleeping quarters, and a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system.
Access: Ground-floor entrance.
What to Do: Sample the season’s bounty in Wheatleigh’s elegant Dining Room restaurant, or poke around the historic area’s local galleries, antique shops, and museums.

Tranquil Resort ~ Wayanad, Kerala, India

Why It’s Unique: Located in southern India on a private 400-acre estate complete with a working coffee and vanilla plantation, in the Kerala rainforest, the resort has a main lodge with eight well-appointed rooms. The 500-square-foot treehouse, built from coffee wood and equipped with a king-size bed, has a full bath, veranda, and the trunk of a flowering Royal Poinciana growing through the bedroom.
Access: Ascending stairs, rope bridge, and “water lift.”
What to Do: Relax by the pool, try a traditional ayurvedic massage, or take a tour of the working coffee and vanilla plantation.

Tree House Lodge ~ Limon, Costa Rica

Why It’s Unique: The 10-acre beachfront property, located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, features a sustainably built treehouse made from fallen trees, with solar heating, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a shower built around the crooks and roots of a massive 100-year-old Sangrillo tree.
Access: Hanging steel bridge.
What to Do: Snorkel or kayak off the nearby Punta Uva Beach

Ariau Towers Hotel ~ Brazilian Amazon


Why It’s Unique: Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, one of the largest commercial treehouse hotels in the world, is located 35 miles from the Amazon gateway city of Manaus. Accommodations include the President Lula “Tarzan House,” built at canopy level with its own private balcony, plunge pool, and Jacuzzi.
Access: Stairwells and wooden catwalks (which stretch for 10 miles and are flanked by incredible flora and fauna).
What to Do: Don’t miss the two 150-foot-high observation towers for clear views into the awe-inspiring jungle.

Cedar Creek Treehouse ~ Ashford, Washington

Why It’s Unique: Tucked 50 feet up in the air in a centuries-old cedar and bordering Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Cedar Creek Treehouse is outfitted with a sleeping loft, kitchen, and glass-enclosed observation room with indoor hammock.
Access: Winding stairwell.
What to Do: Take in even greater views from the recently added observatory—100 feet up a nearby fir tree—which looks out on majestic Mount Rainier. Or, drive 10 minutes for a day hike in stunning Mount Rainier National Park.

Hichchonbrook Island Wilderness Lodge ~ Hichchonbrook Island, Australia

Why It’s Unique: Hinchinbrook, a 96-acre national park with lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and coarse sandy beaches, has just one option for accommodations: the Wilderness Lodge, a secluded hideaway with 15 roomy timber treehouses, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, small kitchen, private balcony and bath, and easy beachfront access.
Access: Winding timber boardwalks.
What to Do: Explore one of the island’s 11 secluded beaches, and in the evening relax at the Wilderness Lodge bar.

Maravu Plantation ~ Matei, Fiji

Why It’s Unique: Maravu, which sits on Fiji’s 168-square-mile Taveuni Island, features a treehouse built in an ancient rain tree with sweeping views of the turquoise-tinged South Pacific, as well as interior comforts like leather and palm-wood furniture and an outdoor courtyard with an open-air shower and a Jacuzzi pool.
Access: Rising staircase.
What to Do: Relax at the resort’s spa with a massage or a hydrating coconut scrub, or explore nearby Bouma National Heritage Park’s pristine rainforest and 65-foot waterfalls.

Playa Via ~ Juluchuca, Mexico

Why It’s Unique: Located north of Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, eco-friendly Playa Viva is scheduled to open in November 2008. Three treehouse casitas will be completely built with sustainable materials; each will have a bedroom and full porch for dining and lounging, and the master development plan calls for a beach club, lounge, and 40-room boutique hotel, plus solar-generated electricity and hot water.
Access: Series of stairs, ramps, and bridges.
What to Do: Tour the resort’s 200 acres, 80 percent of which is a private nature preserve.

Travel Tuesday ~ Dinner in the Clouds ~ Europe and South Africa

Okay, so technically this is really not about one destination like I usually do for Travel Tuesday but this was so unique I couldn't pass it by without a mention. This is the ultimate in a dining experience offered by a company called Dinner in the Sky. They offer a six course meal served by a chef and three waiters on a platform suspended 160 feet above the ground by a crane. It looks to me like everyone is wearing some kind of seat belts but I'm not sure if that would make me feel okay about having a meal like this. I read in a magazine that for a seating of 22 it costs around $38,000 and that includes wine. It certainly is different and they do it in different areas of Europe and Dubai and South Africa. I'm not sure if I could do this. What do you think bloggers, if money was not an issue would you be game for this? I bet the view is fantastic. My sweetie has a good point though when I showed him this article. He said what happens if you need to use the restroom? My sweetie always likes to point out stuff like that. LOL Anyway, this is not technically a destination Travel Tuesday but more of something unique to do in certain destinations. Have a great Tuesday and hopefully I didn't give anyone any vertigo. :-) I told you it was out there...........or should I say up there?

Click on photos to get a better view.

TRAVEL TUESDAY ~ MOLOKAI ~ HAWAII

This church was built by Father Damien. It is called Our Lady of Seven Sorows. Father Damien took care of the people who had leprosy here.



Okay, so where has Travel Tuesday been? Well, I have been kind of busy with grandbabies and life and well just things. So I have decided to do Travel Tuesday once or twice a month for awhile. It depends how busy I am and I have a feeling the next few month are going to be full but that's okay because it's a good fullness.

So let's learn more with this little island. You might not even have heard of this island in Hawaii. It is a relatively undeveloped island, and no building is taller then a coconut palm and there is only one single stoplight. There's no mall, no neon signs, no elevators and no burger places. At least that is what their website tells me. I have never been here and it definitely sounds like it has a rugged beauty about it. Inland is the Molokai Outfitters Ranch. You can do mountain biking, horseback riding, archery, clay shooting, ocean kayaking and hiking. Their website also tells me that a must do here is the Molokai Mule ride, which takes you down the world's highest cliffs and along a 2.9 mile trail. The world's highest cliffs huh? On a mule?? Might hurt the your bottom a little or freak you out from the heights. LOL They also say that life here is slow and relaxed, it's rural and peaceful and it's like stepping back in time 50 years. The island is 38 miles long and 10 miles wide. I really think it would be worth the trip just to see the largest sea cliffs in the world. There are only a handful of places to stay on this island, with the nicest one being inland at The Lodge at Molokai Ranch. It really looks secluded and peaceful, a place to really get away from everything. Just look at the photos, this place is gorgeous! I hope you enjoyed your visit to Molokai. I'm not sure if I'll ever make it to this island but I would like too. Not sure where I am going for the next Travel Tuesday yet, been throwing Australia around in my mind lately but since I have not been there either it might be to somewhere I am familiar with. Have a great Tuesday!

TRAVEL TUESDAY~ LANAI ~ HAWAII'S MOST ENTICING ISLAND

Today we are traveling to Lanai, "Hawaii's most enticing island." Are these photos not amazing? The second one is of the Four Seasons Resort on the island. There are just a handful of resorts to stay on this small island. Celebrities like Lanai because the isolation provides relief from tourists and crowds. Beyond the resorts, the land is wide open for exploring, from Shipwreck beach on the northeast shore, to the nesting turtles on Polihua Beach, to the Luahiwa Petroglyphs in the South Central Lanai.

Lanai was once an island-wide plantation for the Dole Company, which grew pineapples there from the 1920's until the early 1990's. It's not a big island and all of my brochures only show two resorts, the Four Seasons, The Lodge and The Four Seasons Manele Bay.

There's plenty to do on Lanai, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, sporting clays, archery, 4-by-4 excursions, catamaran sailing and more. Don't forget to go to the summit of Lanaihale, the highest point on the island for the famous 5 island view.

Bill Gates was married here and he rented out all of the Four Seasons Manele Bay for his guests.

Lanai is a relatively secluded island and is only 13 miles wide and 18 miles long. Lanai has just 29 miles of paved road and no stoplights and only one gas station. Talk about getting away from it all. LOL I'm not sure if I'll ever make it to this island but it sure does look like a wonderful place to visit. Next week we are off to our last stop on our Hawaiian Tour. We are going to the island of Molokai. Aloha!

Spell check just loved all of these Hawaiian names. LOL