This is another place I never, ever thought I would visit, but here I am. Enjoying another adventure with the big guy.

We are staying at a great place a few miles from the city walls. Views of the Adriatic Sea can be seen everywhere. Our first night there we took a sunset dinner cruise. The sun did not disappoint. And we got to see the lights of the city come on and brighten up Dubrovnik.

We always enjoy seeing and experiencing different wine regions, and on Saturday we took a drive an hour north to experience 2 different wineries. But first we stopped at the town of Ston. Not only are they well known for their oysters, but also for having the 2nd biggest wall, next to the Great Wall of China.

The first winery we visited was Winery Milos. Ivan Milos was the winemaker, taking over from his father a few years ago. Their family have been in the region for over 500 years, and making wine that long. The only time they stopped was when the communists took over the city, and his dad did not want to give the Russians the satisfaction of having his wine. Their grapes are organically grown, and on the sunny side of the hill facing west. Plavac is a small grape that they use for their wines. They harvest in late August, and produce 50,000 bottles a year. Ivan poured us 3 tastings, including one from 2007. Aged 4 years in the barrel, 2 years in the bottle. To say it was unbelievable would be an understatement. Very smooth, and very light for a red wine. We bought 2 bottles.

The 2nd Winery was indeed a mom and pop place. Genevieve was our lovely hostess. Her family has been doing this for 150 years. Not only does she make wine, but brandy and olive oil as well. She also served us a great lunch of sea bream and home grown tomatoes. The fish had been caught by her husband that morning. So delicious, and prepared using her olive oil. I bought a bottle.

Another day and a half to explore. Always new things to see.

We are staying in the Castle Buda area of the city. Our room overlooks the Fisherman Bastion which was the fish market during the Middle Ages. It frames the Castle and St. Matthias church. It is also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary. It was built during the 13th-15th centuries, with a very gothic style in architecture. During the Turkish period it had been converted into a Mosque. This beautiful church was where I attended Easter Mass. The service was a celebration. There was a string ensemble, full choir, all sung in Latin, incense, and close to 2 hours. I have to say I loved the pageantry, and it was a great end to Lent.

Monday was the big guys birthday. We had scheduled a wine tour/tasting for later on in the day. Julianna was our tour guide, and took us to Etyek, a small village with a population of only 5,000 people. We were to experience 3 small family owned wineries in this white wine region. During WW1 more than half of the vineyards were destroyed, and during WW2 even more. When the Russians took over, the wine makers could only produce about 100 liters of wine. Anything more became theirs.

The first Winery was Anonym and the wine maker was Aaron, the second one was Nada Bormuhely, with Peter being the wine maker. They produce white, rose, Pinot Noir and are just starting a sparkling wine. They rent the land to grow the grapes, or buy from other sources. They use no irrigation to force the roots to go deep and totally rely on the rain. Harvesting happens in September, but it depends on the winemakers decision, with every year being different. 2 years in the barrel and one year in the bottle. At our last winery, Debreczeni-Ferenczi, Carmen was our most gracious host. Not only did we taste his wines, but he served us a delicious 3 course authentic dinner.

I fulfilled the promise I made so long ago. Another place, another area, another adventure. #Hungary #Budapest #twobrokekids

Another Easter, another adventure. This time we are in the country of Hungary. Some place that I have wanted to visit for a very long time. We are staying in the Castle District on the Buda side. Again, we can walk to the places we want to see.

This city took some serious damage during both the World Wars. With the Nazi withdrawal, Communism dictatorship took over. In 1956 the people rose up against the Soviet occupation, but were defeated. The country was under Communist government until 1989. On October 23rd of that year, the Hungarian Republic was proclaimed. You can see the Russian influence with in the architecture of the building. Very industrial looking very plain. As our driver told us, “we were told how to build.”

A most beautiful place was St. Stephen’s Basilica. Construction began in 1905. The main altar was bare because of Lent. No holy water, no candles to light. These were to be blessed that night at Mass.

The main religion is Roman Catholic. However, there are approximately 100,000 Jewish people living in Budapest. Their synagogue is the 2nd largest one next to the one in New York. I wanted to take a tour, but being Saturday, and their Sabbath, and Passover, it was not going to happen.

We walked the Chain Bridge over the Danube River. Both sides of the bridge are protected by two stone lions. It was blown up in January 1945 by the retreating German Army, and rebuilt and completed by 1949. The weather was spectacular so we took our time going across it and just stopping to look at the beauty of our surroundings.

That night we took a nighttime/candlelight dinner cruise on the Danube. You see the city differently, and all it’s beauty all lit up. Lent was definitely over. Yeah, me!

Again, #twobrokekids. #MondayBlogs

The sights and sounds of the streets is something I enjoy. I had a lot of time on my hands while the big guy was working so, I did most of this by myself. It’s a good thing I like to walk around and take in the cities I visit, because you learn a lot.

Madrid is a very bustling place, where getting any type of transportation is as easy as crossing the street. Walking, bicycles, motorcycles, and lots of taxis. Uber is not really there. The cab drivers protested against them about 6 months ago, taking their cars and blocking major intersections. It basically shut down the city. There are street vendors around, some are allowed to be selling their wares, and some are not. The ones that shouldn’t, have a kind of street code with each other. If they see the police anywhere nearby it can either be verbal or a whistle. No matter what they are selling, it can be picked up or hidden very easily.

I saw a lot of fur being worn by the women in this city, not only at the two weddings I saw but just walking around day by day. And on all ages. Not since my days working at The Broadway Fashion Valley have I seen so many minks. “Designer Dresses and Furs. This is JoAnn how may I help you?” If I ever go back, I know where I can wear my moms.

One last thing….families and friends enjoying being together. Laughing, eating, drinking, and conversation.

#TuesdayTravels #TravelingwiththeSilverFox #twobrokekids

If there is a wine region to see and experience in the countries we visit, we will be there. On Friday, we went on a wine tour with the wonderful Rio as our knowledgeable guide.

The drive out to the winery’s we were to visit was full of olive trees. Old ones with double trunks, and young ones with the skinny trunks. 50% of the worlds supply of olive oil comes from Spain, but Italy has the greater production. Also, almond trees. The nuts are used to make marzipan.

The first place Rio drove us to was the medieval town of Chinchón. Bodega Del Nero was the first Winery we were to tour. It was established in 1870 and the 150 year old building is still being used to produce their wine. Our guide was Roberto, a 5th generation wine maker. He didn’t speak English, so he spoke in Spanish, and Rio translated to English. They own their own vineyards outside the town, and handpick the grapes. They grow the vines in clay soil, and the fermentation process is in clay barrels, the traditional way instead of in steel vats. They hold 4,000 liters and are very porous. The cleaning of the insides of these pots is very meticulous and takes a skinny person to go inside to clean, and to be very careful not to cause any damage. Any knick will make them unusable again. Roberto paired our tastings with local cheeses.

The 2nd Winery we went to was Bodega de Jesus Diaz in the town of Colmenar de Oreja. The Winery is housed in a former 16th century Franciscan convent. Antonio was our winemaker. White wines, 10,000 liters, are fermented in clay pots, red wine, 5,000 liters, are fermented in cement vats. The biggest production is their white wines. These are all stored in a building from 1840. Way down in the cellar are the riddling racks for the sparkling wine they produce. Since the weather was so pretty outside we did our tastings on their patio. Again, Rio interpreted to English for us who are Spanish language challenged. While opening up the sparkling wine, Roberto used an instrument to lop off the top of the sparkling wine. Our samples were again paired with local cheeses and meats.

It was a wonderful experience. I love to see how the different regions produce their wines. A lot of the winery’s in these countries are tucked away in small towns. So, not only do you get to hear about the locals make their wines, but you get to hear about their villages. Everyone wants to share and answer your questions. And Roberto and Antonio happily poured their delicious wines.

#MondayBlogs #twobrokekids

It’s all about the churches. As I have written before or stated before, I love going into old churches. I can spend a good deal of time in them. Looking at the statues, the paintings and reading about their history. I imagine what it must have been like when they were first established, the music that was played, the smell of the incense…..which at times you can still smell the lingering odor. And these past couple of days did not disappoint.

The big guy found a church for me to go to on Sunday that was about 20 minutes away by cab, and they had a noon mass in English. The Basilica of Jesus de Medinaceli or its formal name, Basilica de Neuestro Padre Jesus de Medinaceli. This church was built around the statue of Padre Jesus Nazareno sculpted in the 17th century. The Duke of Medinaceli erected the the chapel for this statue in 1689. The image almost did not survive the Spanish Civil War, but his survival has inspired quite the devotion. Got to mass early enough to be able to walk around to see the beauty of this church. And of course it was in Spanish. I know the mass well enough to know what is going on, accept for the sermon. Even in a language I did not understand, it was short and to the point.

Yesterday, I took a cab to the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Teal de La Almudena. The church is dedicated to the Virgin of La Almudena, patron saint of the city. Legend has it that during the Moorish occupation, the Christians hid the statue in the fold of a wall at a grain store nearby. Not wanting to leave her in the dark, they lit candles at her feet before covering closing up the site. King Alfonso VI of Castile had heard about the statue, and after conquering the Moors, promised to return to look for the image. He asked the faithful to pray to find the image. In 1085 she was found, with the candles still burning at her feet. In 1993, Pope Saint John Paul II consecrated and dedicated this Cathedral. Her beauty does not disappoint. She is surrounded by paintings depicting the life of Jesus. I said my rosary in the crypt below which has its own beauty with paintings and side altars. After all of that, I went out to walk more of the streets, take in the sights and listen to my surroundings.

Traveling with the SilverFox Spanish Style

Having a husband that works in Europe, Wales specifically I never know where I will end up when I am over here visiting. This time around I am in Madrid….for a whole week. The big guy has business and I get to explore this colorful city.

This past weekend we went exploring all around the place, as much as we could. They have a huge monument to Christopher Columbus. Also, statues to the Catholic monarchs that funded his voyage. It was interesting that the names of the sailors that accompanied him on that voyage are engraved there. Spent some time at the square, Puerta Del Sol that dates back to the 14th century. It is a most popular one, and the scene of many demonstrations which we saw on Saturday. I asked someone what it was about, and he told me it could be about anything. The upcoming election that is pitting the conservatives against the liberals……hmmmm, that sounds familiar. Or he said it was probably the cab drivers protesting about the Uber drivers. About an hour later they were gone, having made their point.

Got to see the Real Madrid stadium where the crowds were just leaving after seeing their team play. The people didn’t look to happy since they lost. Out of all the championships they have won, they are most proud of the fact that they have over 10,000 season ticket holders.

On Saturday night, we did a Tapas tour. Natcho our tour guide took us to 6 different neighborhoods of Madrid so we could sample the local food and and and soak up the atmosphere. One of them was called The Letters because the literary people use to live there, and another one was The Universidad, because of the college students.Meats, cheeses, a dish that he referred to as a tortilla, but resembled a frittata was full of potatoes, cheese and butter. Because of the different cultures and unique neighborhoods he told us that there are 13,000 different bars and restaurants in the city.

We are very close to the Puerta de Alcala, the most famous monument in Madrid. It was commissioned in 1778 by King Charles III for his desire to endow the city with a worthy entrance.

A new week begins, and for me more exploring.

#MondayBlogs #twobrokekids

Yesterday, I met with Santa Claus in his village here in Rovaniemi. First off, what a village he has. It was exactly like you thought it would be. Very picturesque, snow everywhere, all the trees decorated. Children laughing, sledding, making snowmen. It was indeed Christmas.

When entering Santa’s house, you are greeted by elves along the way. You walk along a winding path, deep into his home before you get to see the man in red himself. I had Charlee write a letter to Santa for herself and Drew. I promised her that I would give it to him myself. And I did. He held it against his heart and told me he would read it later. He was indeed a jolly ole man, with a wonderful twinkle in his eye.

Today I will be crossing the Arctic Circle in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Charlee is hoping that one of them is Rudolph.

With the big guy being over here we try to go places we would probably never get to visit. Christmas Marts are one of them. We have been to Vienna and Berlin, this year the suggestion was made to go to Finland….Santa’s Village to be exact…Rovaniemi to be exact. Yes, it’s bitterly cold, snow on the ground, snowing right now, and who would come here in the dead of winter. Well, me. I figure if I go to Arizona when it is in the triple digits, why not. And as my mother use to point out, common sense was never one of my strongest traits.

Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus, 4 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Finland’s northern most Provence, Lapland. A population of 63,000. It also houses the University of Lapland and the University of Applied Sciences. It is also the Gateway to the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis. In December it averages just under 6 minutes of sunlight.

Yesterday we walked around this charming little town, enjoying the Christmas lights on all the trees, and everything decorated. Little huts were up with the locals selling their wares. When talking with people, they always ask where we are from. Always a good conversation starter.

Today, I am off to see Santa and where he lives with Mrs. Claus. This will bring out the child in me.

Through the eyes of the child. That is how I looked at the city of London. Been here many times, but I saw it differently this time.

On the last leg of their trip, we decided to go to see the cites of this city, and because Charlee wanted to see where the Queen lived. She loved the double decker red buses, that she referred to as “bunk buses.” So, after driving to Reading, we took the train to Paddington Station, “where the bear lives, GoGo.” Her little face was pressed up against the window the whole ride. Took the underground to Piccadilly to get the hop on hop off bus. A great way to tour a city. You see everything. We stopped off at Buckingham Palace. Charlee loved the guards, but she couldn’t understand why they were not waving back at her. And she asked about their hair. I explained it was their hats. All during this time, Drew was just taking all the sights and sounds in. His little face watching everything. We walked to wear the guards on horses were. She waved again, wanted to pet the horses, and when we got ready to leave, Charlee didn’t want to go. When I asked why, she said, “I want to see the horse poop.”

Could not wait to go on the big Ferris wheel. It was a beautiful day, and you could see everywhere. She was hoping to see all the way to Arizona. I told her to face West and look real hard, and just maybe she could. It seems all of London is under construction, even Big Ben was covered with scaffolding. But at least she got to see the clock part. Had lunch on a boat on the Thames, asking why the water was yellow. “Did someone pee in it?” What is up with my granddaughter and bathroom functions.

Did all of this in about a day and a half. And we walked everywhere. Her little legs keeping up with all of ours, Drew in the stroller. But what a perfect way to see the city of London. Through the eyes of a child. Through the eyes of my Charlee, and the innocent eyes of Drew.