Caroline

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Caroline

Travelling ... is there anything better? Okay so getting through airport security is a hassle and you practically need a university degree just to figure out what you can and cannot bring in your carry-on. That aside, the feeling of seeing or experiencing something new cannot be beat. So far, I have been very fortunate to be able to carry out this dream of mine ... and hopefully there are many more trips to come in my future!



North America » Canada » Quebec » Île d'Orléans August 24th 2013

This was our last day in Quebec city as well as being the day that we would have the drive home to endure (that one is never as much fun!). This meant that we would try to cram in a couple of things before leaving but all the while remaining mindful of the time as we did not want to get home too late. We had resigned ourselves to the fact that we would not be taking a scenic route home because it would just take too much time ... unfortunately. Our first stop would be at Ste-Anne de Beaupré to see the basilica. Asley had never seen a church this big and he was quite taken with the paintings in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. And there definitely was reason to be taken with them! I ... read more
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North America » Canada » Quebec » Québec City August 23rd 2013

After a full day of sitting in a car yesterday, today would be the exact opposite for us. After an amazing night sleep (Asley and I are ready to hit the hotel boutique to buy a mattress and pillows!!), we headed towards Old Quebec. The sun was shining brightly and the weather was perfect. We strolled the streets and took in the atmosphere of this beautiful city. We stopped for a lovely breakfast and a bowl of café au lait called our names as we got a bit tired in the afternoon. We popped into little shops, did a bit of souvenir shopping and I of course got quite a few photo opportunities. It was a perfect day and we could not have asked for better to introduce Asley to Quebec city. And if you are ... read more
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North America » Canada » Quebec » Québec City August 22nd 2013

This was our first real trip for Asley and I .... apart from a couple of days at my brother's cottage. What Asley had often expressed was that what he really wanted to do was go somewhere where he could just drive. Ironic considering that he drives for a living. First of all, going to Quebec City was somewhat of a spontaneous decision. But when your boyfriend texts you and asks whether you want to go to Quebec ... there is not a lot to think about ... yes yes yes. Add that Asley had never been and that we were both in need of a bit of a break ... it was a no brainer that we needed to do this. The last time I had been to Quebec City was in 1997 ... so ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 25th 2013

I am truly at a loss for this trip to actually write down and say what my mom and I have both done during the day. We went into it with nothing truly planned and to use my mom's common phrase ... we just went where the wind took us. I am normally much more verbose about my trips but like I have said before we have just relaxed during our time in Paris. For me, I've have had the chance to just hit up some of my favorite little corners and discover some new ones at the same time.... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 23rd 2013

As I mentioned in a previous post, I was well overdue for a vacation. Both mom and I have certainly been taking full advantage of being away and have been getting some much need rest and relaxation. We have been (and very uncharacteristically so ...) sleeping in later than usual and we have enjoyed watching French movies as we wind down the day. Having travelled many times with my mom, we both just love wandering around and actually usually get more pleasure in being in less crowded areas and jut enjoy being "off the beaten track". Although being in Paris means that you have to see the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, we have found much enjoyment in going through the small side streets and just discovering what there is to be discovered. Our ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 21st 2013

Our morning started again with a cafe creme at the Bistro Dupleix. Could we be becoming regulars? We then walked underneath the bridge that links the Dupleix and La Motte-Piquet Grenelle metro stations. Every few days, there seems to be a market that installs itself there and this morning was one of those days. It was one of those typical markets that have the farmers with their incredibly beautiful fruits and vegetables as well as vendors plying their wares. There were definitely some very delicious things that were quite tempting including a very yummy looking boeuf bourguignon. We then hopped on the subway and headed towards Les Invalides. We were able to walk along the grounds and see the beautiful golden dome glistening in the sun. From there, we hopped on the subway again and headed ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 20th 2013

First of all, let me just say that I have never slept so well in a long time. My head hits the pillow and I am gone until the very next morning. I definitely needed the vacation and had been looking to the break for a while now. Paris is doing me some good. Today was one of those days with no real purpose. Just some aimless walking around in Paris. Although there are definitely things that need to be seen and to be done in Paris, my mom and I have just as much pleasure just stopping at a random metro station and exploring the neighbouring streets. And that's the day that we had in store ... We started the day with a cafe creme at Bistro Dupleix which is just up the street from ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 19th 2013

Today the weather was a little bit colder than the last couple of days and it varied between sunny to rainy. That did not however dampen our efforts to continue our visit of Paris. We started by heading to the Trocadero to once again see the Eiffel Tower and see if the line to climb was reasonable early in the morning. It had been quite short the afternoon of the day we arrived but I think that everyone has the idea to hit it up first thing in the morning. As it was quite long, we decided to try another time and just head towards the Cimetiere Pere Lachaise instead. But first we stopped at the Au Rond de Point and had lunch of steak, fries and salad. I almost had to wear one home seeing ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 18th 2013

After an early bed time and a late rising (which means we went to bed at 9 pm and we woke up at 9:35 am!!), we were definitely rid of jet lag. We took our time getting ready and then slowly headed out to grab the subway. We made a wrong turn and ended up discovering the streets around the hotel. Our first stop would be the Charles de Gaulle - Etoile subway stop to go see the Arc de Triomphe. Having been to Washington Square Park in New York, my mom had a notion of what the Arc would be like. She of course was quite surprised to see how much bigger it was. We definitely took our time just enjoying the surroundings and the beautiful Parisian sun. We then headed to the subway station ... read more
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Europe » France » Île-de-France » Paris April 17th 2013

Two years ago to the day, I was getting on a plane to realize a dream of taking a leave of absence from work and travelling for an extended period. That trip started in Paris and ended in Paris and it took me through France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. It was therefore ironic that I ended up on that exact same flight to realize something that I had wanted to do for a long time ... have my mom travel with me to Europe. Although my parents have had the opportunity to travel to a number of places, this would be the first time for my mom to cross the Atlantic. And iconic Paris is, in my mind, the best place to start! Our journey over the pond was relatively uneventful but we were definitely sleep ... read more
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