Journeys and destinations...

In the summer of 2024, we traveled 375 kilometers west from Germany to reach a charming city called Bray-Dunes in the northwest of France. This region, part of French Flanders, is steeped in history and characterized by its distinctive culture, shaped by its proximity to Belgium and the North Sea. Here are the top highlights of the area: Bray-Dunes This was our base for the short stay. The name "Bray-Dunes" originates from the extensive sand dunes that surround the beach. The beach became bustling when the sun was out but was far quieter on cloudy days. Although the evenings were chilly, we enjoyed sitting on the beach after dinner, watching the seagulls and witnessing sunsets that, for us, were among the most stunning of 2024. Zuydcoote We made a stop here to explore the war ruins, which I had previously marked on Google Maps. The area features remnants of bunkers and a couple of shipwrecks scattered along the beach. The history embedded in these ruins was both fascinating a...

In the autumn of 2023, after exploring Toronto , reconnecting with family and friends, and marveling at the iconic Niagara Falls , we flew to Calgary. The flight from Toronto took about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, we rented a car from Calgary Airport and began our scenic drive to Lake Louise, which is around two hours away. We were filled with excitement as we anticipated experiencing Canada’s famous national parks. We chose to stay at the Lake Louise Inn, a charming hotel located in the picturesque village of Lake Louise. This spot is perfectly situated as a hub for exploring nearby national parks such as Banff, Yoho, Glacier, and Kootenay. Entry to these parks requires a park pass, which we had purchased in advance and displayed on the car dashboard—a necessity for passing checkpoints. The Drive from Calgary to Lake Louise Leaving Calgary, the expansive prairies slowly transitioned into the towering Rocky Mountains. Along the way, charming mountain towns like Canmore and Banff made for ...