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Monthly Archives: September 2025

EXPLORING MAGICAL CARCASSONNE…A CASTLE OUT OF A STORYBOOK

Exploring Carcassonne is like being in a medieval fantasy novel. We booked a tour which started outside the Narbonnaise Gate. This was a great way to get an understanding of the history and features of this formidable fortified complex. The castle is very crowded during the day with visitors from…

WE LOVED THE “HOTEL DE LA CITE” IN THE ANCIENT FORTIFIED CITY OF CARCASSONNE! WINSTON CHURCHILL, WALT DISNEY, AND GRACE KELLY LOVED IT AS WELL!

I drew pictures of castles as a small boy and visiting the ancient fortified city of Carcassonne on a bike tour in 2013 was very special. I knew Marla would be intrigued as well. I booked Hotel de la Cite for our visit this year. At the time I was…

A LONG VAIL WEEKEND OF EXCITING DANCE PERFORMANCES, FINE CUISINE, AND A HIKE AT 10,330′

Marla and I were long overdo for a visit to Vail, Colorado, a true favorite of ours in the summer months. We had tickets for two evenings of dance performances during the Vail Dance Festival. We love staying at Manor Vail Lodge, within easy walking distance of Vail Village, Golden…

“IS PARIS TOO CROWDED?”

The press is full of stories about overtourism today. We all hear reports about huge crowds in the world’s beautiful cities. Paris tourism has been on a big upswing since 2024 when millions watched the Paris Olympics. The question is…”Is Paris too crowded and should…