Munich Christmas Markets
This blog post is for those clinging to Christmas, like me. Our Christmas tree is still up and will likely stay that way for another few weeks. But as I tuck away the stockings and other holiday paraphernalia, my thoughts wander back a few weeks to our quick jaunt to Germany to enjoy the Christmas markets in Munich. I am a massive fan of Christmas markets and have been to several European cities over the years in search of the very best. So far, I have done Vienna, Copenhagen, Sweden, Finland, and Budapest. However, Germany is unique because it is allegedly the birthplace of the Christmas market, dating back to 1434 in Dresden. These markets offer handicraft stalls, food, and glühwein (mulled wine), but my favorite feature is the atmosphere. From the simple white lights strung along the wooden stalls, laughter ringing through the air, and revelers bundled up in their winter attire – these markets look, smell, and feel like the holiday season. Our recent move to Egypt had me longing for some holiday cheer, and a direct Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Munich felt like the best remedy for the winter blues.
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Climbing Croagh Patrick
Now that we have all recovered from our first Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations since 2019, I wanted to share a little bit about the real Saint Patrick and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. Locally known as “The Reek”, Croagh Patrick is the fourth largest peak in Ireland at 764 m (2,507 ft) and overlooks Clew Bay in County Mayo, located just outside of Westport. According to local legend and historical accounts, Saint Patrick climbed to the mountain’s summit and spent 40 days fasting and praying as he banished snakes and evil from Ireland in 441 AD. The mountain has since become a holy site of worship and pilgrimage, with some opting to hike barefoot just as Saint Patrick did as a sign of penance and atonement.
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Flying with Bébé
I want to dispel a nasty rumor that has been going around for many years now. Have you ever heard the one about not being able to fly with your baby? Or, maybe had friends talk about not traveling for a year or more because flying with a baby is too hard? Let me put my hand up in a stop sign right now. For all the new jet-setting mamas out there, YOU CAN 100 PERCENT TRAVEL WITH YOUR BABY! I have traveled transatlantic and domestic with my little lady beginning at 2.5 months old, and she is now one. She has taken a total of 14 separate flights (six of which have been international). Since we now have a mini frequent flyer on our hands, I hope to offer some helpful hints to new mamas planning their next vacation because you deserve it!
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Cahernane House Hotel - Killarney, Ireland
Killarney has always held a special place in my heart. My first introduction to this Irish village was through the song “Christmas in Killarney.” My love for the ballad led to a Christmas trip in 2014 filled with music, laughter, and realizing Christmas is NOT the time to travel to Ireland. I had no idea five years later I would call Dublin home, and while COVID put a slight damper on my Ireland trips, the lifting of restrictions has every single weekend from now until August booked to see as my sights possible. My first weekend leaving Dublin county led me back to Killarney, and to one of the most spectacular hotel stays I’ve had in Ireland at Cahernane House Hotel.
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Walk the Great South Wall - Dublin
Ireland’s “Lockdown 2.0” has me trading in my stilettos for sneakers and embracing the great outdoors, as indoor activities have ceased once again. Unless they included being cooped up in the house finding another series to binge on Netflix. The lack of indoor activities has led to several outdoor excursions that yours truly may not have participated in otherwise. A recent adventure took me and my sneakers out to the Great South Wall in Dublin.
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To Travel or Not to Travel?
The travel and tourism industry has plummeted during the global pandemic. According to the Washington Post, air travel is down 95% from a year ago, and the average U.S. domestic flight has 17 travelers on board. As COIVD-19 restrictions begin to ease across Europe and the U.S., some of us are beginning to wonder, can summer travel can be saved? Or, when will we be able to travel again? It is a tricky question because many of us are scared while others are ready to jump on a plane tomorrow and try to resume normal life.
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Escape to the Blue Lagoon
Many of us are heading into nearly 60 days or more of quarantine, and while I am going a little stir crazy, I found that revisiting some old travel memories is helping ease the monotony. Let me transport you out of your living room and into the warm aqua tinted waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.
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Snow Covered Stopover
Since our relocation from Kabul to Dublin, the 24 to 48-hour trip is quickly becoming my travel go-to. Quick weekend jaunts are like a tapas restaurant. You can try bite-size portions without having to commit to a full meal. Last weekend, we were swept away by the beauty and wonder of Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Koala Cuddles
Our Sydney stopover lasted all of 72 hours from touchdown to back on the plane to New Zealand. The stop was a bit selfish, to be honest. While many fellow travelers told me to head straight to New Zealand and not make a pit stop, I was torn between FOMO (fear of missing out) and also flying to that side of the world and NOT making the stop.
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Tranquil Tuscany
Some travelers want to spend hours on the beach. Others may find their solace on trails in the mountains. Or, perhaps the constant buzz of city life as you whiz from one place to the next. There is a famous quote, “vacation to find yourself.” If you need me, I’ll be in Tuscany.
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