May 19th, 2015

Tanya's Daily Scoop
TRIP COUNTDOWN
Next Trip Departs in: 4 days

Travelin' on my Mind

Hey, we made it to another Tuesday! WooHoo!

And of course you know that here at Travelin' Cousins, it's not just any Tuesday - it's Travelin' Tuesday!!!
Only 3 more days until the weekend, and it's not just any weekend, it's the extended version - Memorial Day Weekend!!

Do you have anything fun planned? 
Going on a little getaway? 
We want to hear all about it! 

I happen to be going up to Mendocino, for an extra extended weekend! 


Hey, if I extend a regular weekend then why wouldn't I extend an already extended one?! 

Anyhow, Dave and I have been doing this trip up to Mendocino for about the past 5 years, turning it into an annual trip 2 years ago and it's been GREAT each and every time! 
We absolutely love it up there!

First visit 2010 - recovering from torn MCL

Visit in 2013

Visit in 2014

We fly into SFO (San Francisco), usually spend some time in good 'ol San Fran, and then drive up north for another 3-4 hours until we reach the coastal town of Mendocino! 
I would so totally live up there - but I've gotta first convince the army (my household family).

So, I guess I should finish unpacking from this past weekender get-a-way to Catalina Island and get some laundry done today! Good idea huh?! 

I'm also very excited about the upcoming trip with Elisa to Eastern Europe!! 
While Elisa has definitely taken the lead on the planning of this trip, I've been super happy with her findings and suggestions. 
At first I have to admit that I was a bit worried that we wouldn't be doing or seeing as much as I'd like or that I would be putting on an itinerary - BUT I was sooo wrong! 
Elisa has shared every step of the way and I've thrown my two cents in every now and again. 
It's been a lovely surprise to have someone plan the exact same way that I do! 
I've NEVER gone on a trip without being the sole "planner". 
But since I'm thrilled and so happy with how she has organized our days - I really didn't feel the need to step in very much. 
I know that when anyone steps into my planning/plans it drives me a bit CRA CRA (crazy).

So while this is entirely new for me, I say "go at it cuz!" I'm trusting you!
Please take a look at all the great detailed info that Elisa has shared in her column today on all the stops and sights that we will be seeing in Prague!!

By now, I'm sure you already have figured out that I am completely addicted to all things TRAVEL! 
So while Dave and I were in Avalon this past weekend, I got to thinking about next year (2016)...

I know that we were already planning on a biking trip to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland for Dave's Birthday.

Credit: Ray Devlin Photography

But I got to thinking...
Maybe we do THAT trip in August as a combo with our Anniversary trip. And MAYBE we go back to the Azores (read about my 2015 trip to the Azores HERE) with the kiddos on another supreme adventure! 
And this time add a road trip through Northern Portugal, Spain, and France! 
Oooooh yea I like the way I think!!

Dave and I discussed the idea, and all the wonderful possibilities. Then I shared it with the kids yesterday and they LOVE IT!

So that pretty much sounds like a plan. An awesome plan - but that's 2016.

I still have 3 more trips before I even head back east and then on our Eastern European Rail Trip!

1. Mendocino

2. Lake Tahoe

3. San Francisco

And just to let you know how last night went...
IT'S OFFICIAL - Dave is on the Board of Directors for the International Peace Choir. He was voted in last night and I am now the Secretary (as a favor).

Anyhoo, travel was also discussed at the associates meeting. They mentioned both of the America Sings festivals for 2016. One being in Orlando, and the other being in Washington DC. 
Well like I mentioned last week - neither of these trips work for me/us. 


So for the first time EVER, I abstained from voting for either, as we will NOT be doing them on either of these mentioned trips. 

Washington DC was voted in and we'll see what happens..
I must say though - no matter how cynical it may sound, I hope the trip falls through and that we (the IPC) can choose another trip for 2016.
One that we can go on!

Okay folks, that's about it for my travel update. 
I'm already at 8 trips so far for 2015, with lots more to come. 
But as for the rest of the day, I've gotta take Cosette to her horseback riding lesson, and take Dominic to his classes later tonight. With plenty more to be done behind the scenes.

Looking forward to meeting you back here again tomorrow for an all new Daily Scoop!
-T

PS please don't forget to vote for us!
One click everyday is all it takes for us to be #1!
 

Elisa's Daily Scoop

Travelin' Tuesday - Preview: Prague Trip in June 2015

Yay!! It's Travelin' Tuesday, the day we chat about upcoming trips and travel adventures.  

Over the past month, I've shared a lot with you about our Milestone Birthday Eastern Europe Trip.  Our page is up to date with our travel route map starting in Prague to Krakow to Budapest to Bratislava to Vienna and then back to Prague.

We have purchased all of our rail tickets; accommodations are set; our sightseeing itinerary is in place, day by day - I think we are in excellent shape - wouldn't you agree?!

So, today, I thought I would focus on some of the Key sights we plan to see, starting in Prague.  For the next four weeks, I will do the same for each of the other 4 cities we will be visiting.

PRAGUE:
I love this website: PRAGUE.EU
There is tons of information and photos.  I took many of my descriptions below from this site.

Old Town Hall with Astronomical Clock
The Old Town Hall was established in 1338 as the seat of the Old Town administration. The oldest part of the complex consists of a beautiful Gothic tower with a bay chapel and a unique astronomical clock – known as the Orloj.

Every hour between 9 am and 11 pm, the twelve apostles appear. The Gothic Revival eastern wing of the Town Hall was destroyed during the Prague Uprising on May 8, 1945 and was never rebuilt. There is a guided tour which includes the historical halls, the tower and the underground areas.

In front of Astronomical Clock at Prague Tower (visit in 2014)

Charles Bridge
Prague’s oldest bridge was built to replace the Judith Bridge that had been badly damaged by floods in 1342. The Stone, or Prague, Bridge, called Charles Bridge since 1870, was begun in 1357 by Charles IV and was completed in 1402. The bridge is built of sandstone blocks, flanked at each end by fortified towers (Lesser Town Bridge Towers, Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928, 30 statues of saints were carved to decorate the bridge, the most famous of which is the statue of St John of Nepomuk.

Charles Bridge

Lunch Cruise on Vlatava River
One thing I wanted to do while in Prague was to take a lunch cruise on the Vlatava.  I didn't get to do it last time I was there in 2014.

So, this time, Tanya and I will definitely be doing this!!

Here's a description from the link above:
"The Prague Lunch River Cruise takes in some of finest attractions in Prague, in a most relaxing and enjoyable manner.Many of the sights in Prague border the river, so as we sail up stream, passing under Charles Bridge and through the lock, participants will enjoy unique views of this beautiful city, including of Prague Castle, the Prague Parliament, the Lesser Town, the National Theatre and Vysehrad Park.

This excellent value cruise includes a good 3 course hot and cold buffet dinner, with a wide range of food choices.

The interior of the boat is air-conditioned in the summer and heated in winter. Therefore, you can choose to dine at your reserved table inside or move to another table up on deck; this is a river cruise for all seasons and weather conditions.

The bar on board offers a range of beers, wines, spirits, and hot and cold soft drinks.

As you enjoy the food and the sights, live music provides gentle entertainment. Sit back, relax and enjoy the cruise."


Doesn't it sound amazing!!!

Prague Castle - Cathedral of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adalbert
This Gothic cathedral is considered the spiritual symbol of the Czech state.  It was founded in 1344 on the site of the original Romanesque rotunda. 

The construction took nearly 600 years and was finally completed in 1929. Its impressive interior is home to such wonders as the beautifully decorated St. Wenceslas Chapel with the tomb of St Wenceslas, the crypt where Czech kings are buried, and the Crown Chamber, where the Crown Jewels are kept.

Gianna & Kelsey looking out on the Vlatava in Prague in Spring 2014

Church of Our Lady Victorious (Infant Jesus of Prague)
This Early Baroque building, dating back to 1611, was rebuilt from 1634 to 1669 by the Carmelite order. The church is famous for its statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague, originally from Spain and donated to the Carmelites by Polyxena of Lobkowicz in 1628. 

The Infant Jesus has two crowns and about forty-six robes. His vestments are traditionally changed about ten times a year according to the liturgical season. A small museum was built for the clothing and other religious objects.

Church of Our Lady Victorious

Petrin Lookout Tower
Petřín Lookout Tower, one of the most prominent landmarks of Prague, was built as part of the Jubilee Exhibition in 1891 as a loose copy inspired by the Eiffel Tower (at a ratio of 1:5). It is 63.5 metres high, and 299 steps lead to its peak, which is at the same altitude as the real Eiffel Tower. The view from its top overlooks not only the whole city, but on a clear day you can see nearly all of Bohemia.

Petrin Lookout Tower (courtesy Trip Advistor)

Wenceslas Square
This square is the commercial and administrative centre of the city as well as the site of important social and historical events. Here you'll find cinemas, theatres, banks, hotels, restaurants, dozens of small and large shops, and administrative centers. 

The square was created during the founding of the New Town by Charles IV in 1348. Today it is dominated by the National Museum (1885 – 1891) and Josef Václav Myslbek’s statue of the national patron St Wenceslas from 1912.

The bronze equestrian statue of St Wenceslas at the Wenceslas Square is one of the most famous sculptures in Prague made by Josef Václav Myslbek.

Our trip 2014 in front of St. Wenceslas bronze Statue

Well, folks, these are a few of the highlights of the sights we will be visiting during our three days in Prague!!

Can't wait to tell you all about what we have planned for Budapest next Tuesday!!!

And folks, please check in on Tanya's side - lots of great information about her upcoming trips to: 
1. Mendocino

2. Lake Tahoe

3. San Francisco

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-E
xoxo