Over the summer my sister and I began talking about going on another multi-day hiking adventure. We have hiked in Italy in 2020 and in Spain in 2021 and loved both holidays.

The weather in November can be temperamental in Europe and we only decide at the last minute to hike from Salerno to Sorrento in six days. We are very much looking forward to hiking along the famous Amalfi coast.

Spectacular sea views

The coastal path meanders mostly high above the sea with spectacular views. The first day we find a beautiful and peaceful spot high in the hills. It is three o’clock in the afternoon, the sun is shining and the bees are buzzing around us. The sea sparkles beneath us and it is a perfect spot to rest our tired legs and enjoy a mandarin. We could stay here the rest of the day, but we still have some way to go down to the town and we can already see the sunset drawing nearer. With the change to winter time we start early on our hikes so we get to our destination around 4pm, before sunset.

The views are always beautiful. And one day, when we get caught in a bit of rain and cloud, even then the views do not disappoint. Clouds race past us and we can hear the sea crashing below us. The narrow path clings to the steep coastline. The colours of the hills are mesmerising as they appear and disappear in the clouds. When the sun comes out again, everything seems washed clean and sparkles even brighter. We zip open our rain jackets, shake off the drops from the rain covers and continue with new-found joy.

Daily hiking

It takes our legs two days to get used to continuous exercise. Every day we have our share of uphill sections and downhill sections. We love the autumnal Mediterranean forest. The yellow leaves of the chestnut trees add some beautiful colour to the views. We walk through olive groves and lemon tree plantations. Small villages sometimes have only one way streets. The locals in their small cars seem to have perfected the system of honking in front of corners and easily sneaking into alleyways or yard entrances to make way for oncoming traffic. To us it seems like a well-orchestrated game. And it adds urban adventure to our otherwise hiking days through nature. During our hiking day we meet very few people.

Ravello

On our way to Amalfi we pass through Ravello. It is a beautiful town resting high on a rock ledge overlooking the coast. The views from either side are spectacular and one classy hotel sits next to the other making the most of the scenery and the views. We slow down and soak up all the Mediterranean charm. The cobblestone alleys are so beautiful. Around every corner there is a new view, a new pastel coloured villa and a new garden to spot. We enjoy our lunch sandwich in the main square in front of the church. There is a lot going on around us. After quiet sections in the hills, we enjoy the liveliness of the town. Some boys are playing football and two cats are eagerly waiting for us to drop some prosciutto. It is warm in the sun, but not hot. We sit here for quite a while, rest our legs and soak up the atmosphere.

Amalfi

We first see Amalfi from high above. The town nestles in the narrow valley right by the sea. It feels like thousands of stairs lead down to the lively pedestrian street in the centre.

Our apartment has sea views and partial views of the town. We watch the sunset from the balcony and love to just put our feet up for a bit. The prospects of pizza and lemon ice cream push us to abandon our spot and go out and explore. When hiking we value central accommodation, more so than on other holidays. After a long hiking day it feels so good to not have to walk far anymore. We stroll around the town a bit, before we settle down for dinner.

The view as we hike out of Amalfi the next day is so beautiful. We stop while going up because of the exertion, but also because looking back is a treat. The white houses sit close to each other and spread across the hillside. The sun shines and the Mediterranean sparkles. Our legs might be a little tired walking up the hill, but the sunshine and views are giving us so much strength and joy. Ready for a new hiking day…

Sentiero degli dei

The ‘sentiero degli dei’, the path of the gods, leads from Agerola towards Positano and offers more spectacular views of the coast. At first, it is still a bit cloudy, but by midday the sun has finally pushed through. Birds are soaring above us, the silky silver sea glitters in the sunshine. Some of the higher mountains are wrapped in clouds, but the views along the coast are wonderful. We enjoy this day so much. The cliff’s edges create such spectacular views. And then Positano comes into view.

Positano

Positano lies in a wider valley. It does not feel quite as cramped as Amalfi. Once more we hike into the town from above. What a day… what views… After a shower and getting dressed in our nice clothes, we feel ready to discover a bit of the famous town. We stroll along small lanes, window shop a bit and talk about the next day.

Later we are sitting at the beach in the darkness, the moon is shining over the Mediterranean and the street lamps in our back give a golden glow to the alleys. We enjoy a restoring pizza and treat ourselves to some lemon ice cream afterwards. We are sitting outside and enjoy these relaxing hours before falling dead tired into our beds.

On we go…

During the day we mostly hike along the steep coastline. Up and down is our constant companion. Sometimes we walk over stones, and then we have to battle thick bushland. The path does not seem used a lot in sections. A few flowers are still blooming. The strawberry trees look especially beautiful with their small flower buds and bright red fruits. The Mediterranean landscape is giving its all before winter is going to hit.

We have been lucky with the weather for four days. It is November and a day of rain is to be expected. Clouds are drifting in and out. Sometimes we cannot see the sea below us and then all of a sudden the coastline reveals itself. Even after it stops raining, water keeps dripping from trees and our trousers and shoes stay wet from the overgrown path. The muddy path and rocks are slippery and we change our route a little to avoid the steeper sections and keep more to the paved roads.

The blue sky and sunshine in the afternoon are so beautiful, especially after the rain. Over one last hill and then suddenly the island of Capri lies before us. We continue our path towards it. The bay of Naples stretches in front of us. Over on the other side lie the islands of Ischia and Procida and to the right the majestic Vesuvio rises. Our apartment has a view of Capri and we admire the sunset from the warmth of our place.

Sorrento

Our last hiking day presents itself again from the best Italian sunny side. The trail goes mostly downhill, it is not as strenuous as previous days. We enjoy a restaurant lunch in a small seaside hamlet right by the beach. We take off our boots and stretch our legs sitting on rocks by the sea. This feels like a vacation day and we could just stay here for the rest of the day.

Sorrento, our final destination, is a beautiful destination. The colourful houses and pallazzi shine brightly in the afternoon sun. There are a lot of people around, but after days of hiking we like it. The small alleys of the old town are filled with souvenir shops and it is fun to walk around and browse.

The sunset with a view of the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvio is so beautiful as the sky turns pink in the fading daylight. It is such a lovely end to our trip. We find a nice little restaurant in one of the back alleys and celebrate the end of a very nice week.

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This Singapore flight will be a special one: my husband will join me. The last Singapore flight before Covid was special because my mother joined me. And now, two and a half years later I am back in this lovely city.

Changing out of my uniform and into a summer dress brushes my tiredness aside and we are ready to explore nearby Chinatown. It is slowly getting dark and the lights along Pagoda Street begin to glow. We walk with the crowds and enjoy the sights, the smells, the many impressions. It is Friday night and the streets and restaurants are full. The Depavali festivities are in full swing at the Hindu Temple and shoes are lining up outside. Everything is steeped in colours, lights, smells of flowers and music. The first evening we are stopping at the Maxwell Food court for dinner and stroll a little around Ann Siang Hill afterwards. What a wonderful start into our Singapore layover.

Saturday, 15^th October. Jetlag is hitting us and we are awake early. Around 6 o’clock we walk to the Marina Bay for the sunrise. The rooster in the little park next to our hotel is greeting the morning. The colours before the sunrise at 6.48am are incredible. There are a few people out with their cameras and joggers and bikers stop at the Merlion for a quick photo before they continue on their way. We sit here for a while and admire the changing colours behind the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the lotus flower of the ArtScience Museum. It is so beautiful. In all the years that I have come to Singapore, I have never seen the sunrise. What a lovely gift this morning.

We continue our walk along Clarke’s Quay. Four otters cross our paths on their way back into the river. This morning is a wildlife morning in Singapore; first the rooster and now the otters. The city is slowly waking up. There are more people around now and more cars. But it is still so peaceful and quiet. Before heading to the metro to go to Little India we stop for a coffee to fight the tiredness.

Since the Mustafa Shopping Centre only opens at 9.30am, we have a little stroll around the Indian quarter. The temple is already busy with worshipers and little carts sell freshly woven flower garlands. Little trucks deliver goods in the streets, the first shops open, people set out to work or on their weekend routine and tourists stroll by.

Mustafa Centre has not changed at all. Our first stop is the fabric section in the basement. I find some fabric for dresses for my mother and myself. The next summer dresses are waiting to get sewn. I could spend hours in the densely stocked section. There are so many fabrics, colours, materials to peruse. Of course, we also have to stop in the grocery section. Here, lots of Singaporeans are in the middle of their weekly grocery shopping. The carts are piled high. And it is a sight to observe the general buzzing of activities.

Walking from Little India to Arab Street is not that far. There is a lot going on in the little streets around the mosque. The sun is shining and it is pretty hot. We stroll through the small back alleys looking at the graffiti and enjoying our time in this lovely city. It is already early afternoon as we head back to the hotel for a little siesta.

The day is not over yet. After a small siesta we feel refreshed and ready for the rest of the afternoon. On our way to Gardens by the Bay we pass the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and also the adjacent shopping mall. I am happy to see that it is as busy as before the pandemic. Some things do not change much.

The garden is of course busy at the weekend, but a little further from the Supertree Grove it is quieter. We stroll along the paths, sit down in the shade every once in a while and look for a good viewing spot for the light show once it starts getting a little darker. We chat and time passes quickly until a voice suddenly says “welcome to the light show at Gardens by the Bay”. Although I have seen it several times already, I am always amazed by the lights, the music and the general atmosphere. We love it.

It is already 8 o’clock by the time we are walking to the Lau Pa Sat Food court. The smoke rises from the Satay grills outside, people are queuing at the best stalls and the search for a free table can be challenging. We find again some delicious food, a refreshing lime juice and keep telling each other what a wonderful day we have had. We managed to pack so many highlights into one day.

On Sunday we sleep a little longer, which feels nice and still allows us to make the most of our second day in Singapore. We hop on the MRT and go to the Botanic Gardens. After the thunderstorms last night it is very humid today. It only takes a short walk for our shirts to cling to our bodies. So many people put down picnic blankets in the shade and enjoy time with their friends and family.

We continue on to Symphony Lake. The turtles float leisurely in the water or sit on the water’s edge. A male Asian water monitor swims along the shore and attracts the attention of us humans. They look so otherworldly and especially the males are so big. I am always on the lookout for water monitors when I pass the lake here.

The Orchid Garden is always worth a visit. To walk amidst the colourful flowers is so beautiful: yellow and white, orange and red, pink and purple, big or small… We stroll along the paths, sit whenever we find a nice bench with a bit of a view. The humidity in combination with the jetlag is demanding. The back part of the Garden had been under renovation for the last couple of times I visited Singapore. Now it is finally reopened and we are walking through the houses and among the boardwalks. Different orchids, bromeliads and palm trees grow here and create and ever-green jungle.

On the way back to the city centre we get off the train in Bugis. It is so convenient that there are Food courts all over the city. The white Colonial buildings glow in the bright sunlight. On the walk back to the hotel we stop in an air-conditioned mall. It feels so good to cool down a little.

Before flying back in the evening we go on one last stroll through Chinatown. We had such a wonderful time together in Singapore. It was so much fun to show him all my favourite spots. Thank you, Singapore.

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Popular among flight attendants and therefore hard to get… after many years I finally manage to grab one of those coveted Cape Town rotations and cannot believe my luck.

Hiking to Lion’s Head

It is 11am by the time we reach our hotel at the waterfront in Cape Town. Sunshine and clouds grace the sky and the temperature is a lovely 18 degrees Celsius. It would be a shame to go to bed now. Signal Hill is towering over the houses in the near distance. One of my colleagues also still feels energised despite the night flight and we decide to meet up and go for a hike.

We walk through the streets in the direction of Signal Hill. The Hill rises steeply in front of us. Behind the houses grows a small band of Eucalyptus trees followed by meadows covered in flowers. It is spring in South Africa and everything is blooming in yellow, purple, pink and glows in the sunlight. Butterflies soar past us. Big black beetles knock their bodies against rocks to attract partners with the sound.

The amazing views follow us all along the hike: the sea, the bay, Robben Island, the stadium, the different areas of Cape Town, the Table Mountain. We talk, we walk, and we stop in awe and admire the view. What a day.

Past Signal Hill we follow the path and continue on to the impressive Lion’s Head. The steep rocky hill rises right in front of us. The wind is our constant companion blowing coolly and strongly in from the sea. After a while we reach the rocky part with ladders and big steps.

The neighbouring Table Mountain is covered in clouds by now and we are happy to be hiking the smaller hill with the amazing 360° view from the top. Wisps of clouds fly by and we cannot believe our luck to be standing on top of the hill just a few hours after landing in Cape Town.

After climbing down the rocky part we take the path to the parking lot and order a taxi for the way back. The first rain drops start falling as we reach the road. Perfect timing.

Even though I went to bed later than I had planned to after our delicious dinner with the whole crew, I feel energised and excited for the tour to the Cape of Good Hope.

A day trip to the Cape of Good Hope

I already love the drive out of the city. The colonial houses of Downtown Cape Town give way to suburbs, vineyards, and then beach towns. There is so much to see and the time to Boulder Beach passes quickly.

A colony of around 2000 small South African penguins lives on the pristine white beach. Several groups stay on the beach and occasionally jump in the water for a swim. A few prefer the shade of the shrubs. Some are still sitting on their eggs, others care for their youngsters.

The contrast of the black and white animals against the white beach and turquoise water is amazing. Of course, there are a number of tourists on the boardwalks, but I could stay here all day and watch the penguins.

A second boardwalk follows the coastline through the shrubs. The vistas are so beautiful. At times it smells sweetly of flowers and then more pungent of penguin guano. From time to time I spot penguins hiding in the shade.

I have seen penguins now on Galapagos, in Australia and South Africa. I love the sweet little creatures.

The Cape region is home to a growing number of baboons. Shortly before entering the Cape National Park we encounter a baboon traffic jam. A group of them is occupying the road and they let us pass only reluctantly.

The vegetation is in full spring mode here as well. The area is more arid and without trees, but so beautiful. The salty spray of the massive waves crashing against the rocks lies in the air.

The Cape Point lighthouse sits high on the rock and the views are spectacular as we climb up. Here Indian and Atlantic Ocean meet; warmer water from the north hits colder streams from Antarctica.

Colonies of cormorants breed on the Cliffside. It is very green and wet from the spray. The colours, the contrasts… It is so beautiful.

There is a trail to the Cape of Good Hope. Little black lizards lie on the rocks. The flowers are blooming around us. Sea lions lie on rocks out in the sea. Here, there are once again many people. The sign for the Cape is a popular photo spot. Have I mentioned already that the views are spectacular?

From here we take the car back to Cape Town. Along the coast in the National Park we see antelopes and ostriches. It is our own little safari. The blue ocean spreads until the horizon to our left.

What a day! Again we meet for dinner and spend a lovely evening in good company.

The colourful beach huts of Muizenberg

Wednesday is our departure day. I want to use the time until 2 o’clock in the afternoon and drive to the beach in Muizenberg. We passed through here yesterday and I want to explore some more.

The Uber driver drops me off right at the parking space for the beach. Surfers are on- and offloading their boards. The waves are quite busy and so is the beach. I have come here mainly for the colourful beach huts right on the beach. In the centre of Muizenberg they are nicely renovated and painted. A little further off they are more in need of renovation. I imagine that they are not used as changing places as much anymore.

I am taking my shoes off and walk through the fine sand. The water is refreshing, I love listening to the waves, soaking in the sunshine, the good air, the wide views…

The path from Muizenberg to St. James follows the waterline. It is gorgeous. The waves crash into the rocks. I stop in a café by the railway station for breakfast and relax.

So this was my wonderful time in Cape Town. I had the best time and enjoyed myself so much. It is a wonderful feeling when you have built a destination up in your head and then it delivers and it is simply magical.

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My morning starts with a relaxed breakfast on my small hotel room balcony. After a fully booked flight of 11 hours and 11 minutes and a short night due to jet lag and nine hours’ time difference, this is exactly what I need. My initial idea before coming to LA was renting a bicycle… The blue sky, the sunshine… It is so inviting. From the hotel in Torrance it is a quick 2 kilometre ride down to the coast. The palm trees already allow me to dream of the Pacific Ocean. And then, over the last little hill and there it is: the blue stretches out in front of me. What a beautiful day for a bike ride.

At Redondo Pier I join the bike path along the coastline. The beach front houses form one long line to my right with the vast beach and ocean to my left. It is Friday and there are quite a few people biking, running and dog-walking. Surfers and beachvolleyball players are the majority on the beach. Only few people sunbathe and swim.

As I draw nearer to LAX airport, the noise of the planes taking off gets louder. I can see the planes flying over my head and out over the ocean. I wonder, where are they going??? It is fun to see the company logos and guess the destination.

This section of the beach is pretty empty. The bike path meanders through the sand. At times it feels like I am the only one on the beach. I love to cycle here and I cannot seem to stop.

At the Marina del Rey the path takes me a little away from the sea. It smells of eucalyptus. The big trees provide a bit of very welcome shade. A hummingbird flies past.

After a short while the Pacific Highway takes me back to the waterfront in Venice Beach. The promenade is very busy. Shops have their displays outside, tourists stroll by, musicians and artists perform, houses are colourfully painted… I stay on the bike and love the meandering path through the palm trees. There is so much to see. I slow down and take it all in.

I cycle all the way to the Santa Monica Pier. The fair is well visible from afar and the closer I get, the smell of sweet pop-corn and cotton candy grows more intense.

I could go on and on today. However, I also need to cycle back and return my bike. On my way back I find a lonely pair of palm trees in the middle of the sand and I have a rest in their shade. I had bought some additional water and some snacks in Venice Beach. Until here it had proven to be difficult to find a spot in the shade. They were often already occupied. But now I make the most of it and stay for quite a while. The blue beach, the yellow sand, the vast sky… It feels so good to stay here, read a bit and simply look out over the ocean.

Around 3 o’clock clouds start rolling in. It gets to the point in Hermosa Beach where it looks like it is going to start raining any second. However, it does not and so I stop at the pier and stroll around a bit. Having a look at the touristy shops and observing people is fun and a nice closure of the day.

I had such a lovely beach day today. The bright sun, the blue sky, the yellow sand, the blue ocean, the green palm trees….

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I have had the dream of visiting Petra for a long time. This July the opportunity finally presented itself with a day off in Amman and I simply had to go. The journey to get there was a long one though.

This five day short-haul tour dropped me right me in the middle of the crazy and unpredictable European aviation summer. The days were long and sometimes chaotic, but I was lucky enough to have one of the best crews and we stuck together. We got rewarded with layovers in Nice, Madrid and Amman.

Nice

A morning stroll through Nice makes me forget the hardship of the day before. The sun shines from a clear blue sky, it is warm and there are already lots of people in the city centre on this lovely Saturday morning.

My first stop is breakfast in a small café. I enjoy a coffee and pain au chocolat and watch the world go by. I cannot stop myself from smiling as I take in the city and all its French charm. The Mediterranean sparkles in the sunlight; I walk through the market, marvel at the beautiful houses and draw enough energy from this gorgeous scenery for the rest of the working day.

Madrid

The next morning I basically repeat yesterday’s routine, but this time in Madrid. First, I have breakfast in a café on the way to the city centre. A coffee and an ensaimada give me much needed sustenance.  Then I follow the streets wherever they take me. I marvel at the opulent houses along the Gran Vía, drop into a shop here and there; observe the masses of people taking advantage of the beautiful Sunday weather. The streets are decorated with rainbow flags for the Gay Pride Parade and everything looks so cheerful. A small Flamenco band plays a birthday song for a lady standing on her balcony. She is discreetly wiping her tears of joy away as her family members down in the street cheer with balloons and people passing by clap rhythmically. There is so much to see and absorb. I walk until my feet are tired and then take the metro back.

Amman

“Let’s see what’s going to happen…” is the motto of this short-haul rotation. But eventually we make it to Amman, Jordan. A trip to Petra has been a dream of mine for a long time. Even though we are late coming in to Amman, two of my colleagues and I grab our pillows and provisions for the day and meet our driver outside the hotel at 7am sharp. As much as I love looking out the window when I travel, today all I want is sleep. On the upside, our three hour drive passes very quickly this way.

Petra

After a short coffee break we meet our guide outside the entrance gate. The sun is burning and I am very happy that I bought a sun hat in Madrid the day before. Having a guide was a good decision. He points out so many things to us and explains what it means. The capital city of the Nabatean realm lay strategically at the crossroads of the caravan paths connecting Egypt, Syria and the Southern Arabic Peninsula. I find it fascinating to think how this sprawling valley must have looked like during the height of their power.

Walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge is wonderful. The high rosy walls are impressive and provide us with cool shade. And then suddenly, there it is… the famous treasury. The portal peeks through the narrow opening and then unfolds in all its glory.

The masonry work is so beautiful. Because of the heat there are not too many tourists and we have time to admire, take photos and relax in the shade. Camels are lying in front of the building and make for a perfect photo. Many locals offer us rides, but we prefer to walk. People tell us how happy they are that tourists are finally coming back after two very difficult covid years. It still seems though, as if the ratio of guides and rides is a mismatch to the number of tourists.

We continue along the “street of graves”. Souvenir stands line the road and the occasional breeze makes the heat bearable. The big facades of the graves are what are best preserved of the Nabateans. The houses were destroyed by earth quakes and erosion.

We scramble up the side of the valley and enjoy the beautiful view of the theatre and the road passing it. It is very impressive to see the stone portals up close, peek into some of the more modest cave graves and generally enjoy being in this beautiful place. A few fig and pistachio trees grow here and there. It is the only green in an otherwise very arid place. The Nabateans developed and maintained a very intricate system of water canals from the higher plateaus into the deeper valleys.

At the Qasr el-bint we say good-bye to our guide and turn around. We slowly walk back to the treasury, have a close look around us once more, take photos, marvel at our surroundings… The air in the valley is hot and flimmers in front of our eyes, but still we are all three immensely happy that we made the trip.

One final stop at the treasury is a must and we observe the colourful scenery unfolding in front of us. You can buy souvenirs, take camel or donkey rides; people pose for the best photos. I buy a bottle of cold water because the sun is still burning down on us.

On the way back we talk about flying, about our lives, about what we have seen today. It is never difficult for us to find something to talk about. Crews are special in that way. And so time passes quickly and we are back at the entrance gate where we rest in the shade a little until our driver picks us up again.

The landscape is very arid. Sometimes in the distance we spot a green oasis and a village. As we get closer to Amman we get hit by the afternoon traffic, but it has been such a wonderful trip, we do not even care. To close the day in style we stop for a delicious dinner and then head back to the hotel.

What an incredible five day tour, with such a highlight at the end of it. Petra, as a colleague of mine put it, “is worth every sleepless minute”.

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My sister has been working near Boston for a few months and so I jump at the chance to request a Boston rotation over the weekend. We immediately agree on doing a two day coastal sister road trip in June. I am so excited!!

Newport, Rhode Island

Early Saturday morning we meet outside of the city and head south to Newport, Rhode Island. Time passes quickly as we are busy catching up and looking outside the window. We are really lucky with the weather. The forecast had only promised around 23 degrees and clouds, but we are definitely enjoying 30 degrees and no clouds whatsoever. Masses of locals flock to the beaches while we go on the Cliff Walk.

To the left the blue beauty of the Atlantic Ocean stretches to the horizon and to our right one sprawling estate park with an enormous mansion is followed by the next one. There is so much to see and observe…. We walk, we talk, we stop for photos… We are having a wonderful time. The sun is shining from a cloudless sky and it is hot. Cormorants are sitting out on the rocks and occasionally waves crash against the shoreline. What a beautiful day!

A seafood lunch is obligatory today and we have a recommendation from a colleague which is right at the seafront in Newport at the beach. We quickly look on the internet what a “Quahog” is and then decide to go for clams. The view from the veranda is the perfect backdrop for our delicious meal.

The mansions along Bellevue Avenue from the Gilded Age are spectacular. We already admired them from the Cliff Walk. Thanks to the traffic we slowly drive along so that we have enough time to see the street fronts as well. The Ocean Drive afterwards is just as beautiful. The view of the sea, the boats, the houses… We stop every once in a while for some photos, get out of the car, smile at the view and the weather.

It is so beautiful to drive along the coast. Sometimes we catch glimpses of the water. The houses are often stunning, big and white with blue shutters. We cannot get enough of the views and the colours. There are so many different shades of blue.

Providence, Rhode Island

In the late afternoon we drive up to Providence for the WaterFire Festival. The city centre is very busy ahead of the lighting of fires on the river. Small handicraft stalls invite us to stroll along the three rivers.

It is still light and we wander around the city, eat an ice cream, enjoy the sunset and wait for the fires to get lit.

Soft music is playing as the boats glide along the river and the fire pits are lit by torches. The atmosphere is magical and we find it hard to leave for the camp ground in Mansfield.

What a day we have had! We could not have asked for more.

Plymouth, Massachusetts

On Sunday morning we are greeted once again by sunshine and a blue sky. After a leisurely breakfast we drive to Plymouth. We both agreed that it would be a shame to be in the area and not stop in Plymouth, where the pilgrims set foot in 1620.

We walk around the waterfront and have a look at the Mayflower II, the replica of the first pilgrims’ ship and Plymouth Rock, the stone that the pilgrims allegedly first set foot on. The town is quaint and we like to stroll around. We stop for a juice and smoothie along the main street. In this heat this is just what we need.

Southshore, Massachusetts

Our next stop is Scituate and as it is midday we start by having a delicious seafood lunch. The terrace looks out over the water. There is a constant stream of boats going in and out of the harbour. It is Sunday afternoon and it seems that lots of people make the most of the sunshine. After lunch we stop for ice cream on the way to the car. We sure make the most of this weekend. It is just so beautiful. A sea gull is trying to manoeuvre a big fish and swallow it before the other sea gulls notice. It is not successful and drops its lunch back into the sea trying to fight off the others.

One wish of mine was to stop by one of those typical New England lighthouses. The one in Scituate fulfils it 100%. The white shines beautifully against the blue sky. The view out over the Ocean is gorgeous, wooden houses adorn the shore line and people are either out on their boats or on the beach. The sun is burning and makes the water sparkle and glitter. There are no words…

Hull Peninsula, Massachusetts

One last stop is on the Hull Peninsula. From here you are supposed to see the skyline of Boston as it is on the southern edge of the Boston Bay. The view of the city is partially obstructed by an island, but we nevertheless love walking along the beach and looking out over the water. A few clouds are rolling in now and we love the occasional shade. It has been a spectacular New England road trip. It is so wonderful that we got the opportunity to share this together.

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It is my first time visiting Denver, Colorado and I am very much looking forward to my layover. Before even coming to Denver I have already chosen a hike which is accessible by bus. I do not want to hire a car for the day. On our way from the airport to the hotel I already spot the snowy Rocky Mountains from the bus. I cannot wait for tomorrow.

In the morning I catch the early bus to Boulder and get to marvel at the beautiful mountain range again as we get closer and closer. Soon I step off the bus and walk the first kilometre to the trailhead. I relish the sunshine and blue sky. It’s already warm and promises to become a wonderful hiking day. The striking flatiron rocks tower above the fields and the parking space is filling up. It is a sunny Sunday and lots of people make use of the cooler morning hours. I do not mind the people, it is too beautiful and there is enough space for everyone.

The path to the Royal Arch is a cul-de-sac and so I meet a few hikers already coming back. The trail goes up and down, over rocks and along small paths. I move along the 2000 meter line and the view into the plain towards Boulder and Denver is spectacular. Up ahead on the mountain I can spot the rugged rocks of the Flatirons. It smells of conifer forest and the calls of the breeding hawks pierce the silence every once in a while. It is warm and wonderful in the sunshine. The peace and quiet of the forest feels wonderful after a full flight yesterday.

The stone arch is truly impressive. The orange-red rocks are glowing in the sunlight. There are always a number of people here taking photos and having a break. But other than that it is not as busy as I had feared it would be. Almost every hiker has a dog with them, some are tiny and need to be carried most of the way, others are big and need no help what so ever.

The chipmunks are not bothered by the commotion. They run over the rocks and jump into the trees. They are shy and never sit still for long. I love them.

Back at the Flatiron Trail I pass between the 1^st and 2^nd Flatiron. There is a real climbing section. It is fun and well worth the effort. There are a few climbers around because the area has a number of sign posted climbing routes. I love the clinking sound of the climbing gear against the rock. The trail continues in steep serpentines up the mountain. I walk around the 2^nd Flatiron rock and there they are: the snow-covered mountains. Like a white chain the mountain range stretches to the horizon. The view is impressive. I do not want to stop for a longer break though. 150 metres of altitude are still left until I reach the highest point of today’s hike.

Up on the ridge at 2260 metres I find a spot under a pine tree with a view of the Rocky Mountains. The wind is chilling so that I happily put on my jacket again. With my trail mix and a banana I enjoy the panorama view: on the one side I see the Rockies and on the other side the plain stretches as far as the eye can see. I sit and rest for quite a while. There is no one around and I enjoy the solitude.

I descend on the other side of the mountain. The first part is so steep, I would rather continue uphill than having to concentrate hard in order not to slide down on the loose forest floor. I am happy that I am wearing my light hiking boots. The additional ankle support feels good. After a little while I switch onto a flatter trail and I gladly continue down the mountain. The Canyon Trail crosses a small stream from time to time. It is a lot greener down here. Flowers and cacti grow along the path and butterflies soar past me. In general the vegetation is very dry here. I read somewhere that Denver prides itself on 300 sunny days.

After 13km I am back at the Ranger hut and the parking space. I climbed and descended 850 altitude metres and can really feel my legs. A colleague suggested stopping at a nearby café and that is exactly what I do. An ice tea and relaxing in a Muskoka chair on the terrace feels wonderful after this beautiful hike. I do not feel like returning to the concrete jungle of Downtown Denver just now. I much rather stay in the quieter suburban area of Boulder. It is exactly for these occasions that I carry a book with me.

The bus takes me back to Denver and after a stop at the supermarket all I really want is my hotel room, a shower and dinner on the bed. I had a wonderful day today. The mountains, the sun, the nature, the hiking of sticks and stones…. Beautiful. I would definitely return and explore some more of the amazing Colorado nature.

Der Beitrag Hiking in Denver erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

A rotation with a day off in Nairobi certainly needs to be properly celebrated. You could say that the best plans are made at the pool bar in the evening with a cool drink in your hand. We decide on the details and in the end we are five colleagues who set out for a two day safari trip to Amboseli National Park the next day.

The Drive

The long drive is already an adventure. There is so much to see on the Nairobi-Mombasa road. The landscape is slowly changing. We pass through market towns and overtake a lot of trucks on the way.

Finally we turn onto the gravel track and the gate to the park is not far off now. For a brief second we spot some snow between the clouds. The mountain is there, but still hiding. The drive is an adventure. It feels a bit like a rollercoaster but I cannot take my eyes of the beautiful savanna. It is pretty dry here and the thorny bushes are only interesting to the grazing goats. The Maasai villages are surrounded by thick thorny bushes protecting them against wild animals.

An abundance of wildlife 

Once inside the park gate we soon come across the first animals: elephants, gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, warthogs, giraffes, so many different birds, baboons, ostriches and so many more. It is spectacular. It is spring and the baby animals jump around everywhere. The stripes on the little zebras are still a little brown. Wildebeests certainly are not the most beautiful animals of the savanna, however even their little ones look cute.

The water flowing down the mountain collects in swamps and a lake. Elephants stand up to their bellies in the swamp and feed off the grass. Flamingos adorn the lake and fish. In the lower lying parts of the park palm trees form a real forest. We are mesmerized by the spectacle in front of us.

Before we reach our lodge we pass through an abandoned lodge. It suffered from severe flooding roughly ten years ago and was subsequently abandoned. Now nature has taken it back: zebras pass between the huts and the buffalos use the lake access.

After a delicious lunch at the lodge we relax a little in the garden. Everything is lush and green and the gazelles graze close by. A short and heavy thunderstorm clears some of the oppressive heat. Hopefully we are going to see the mountain in the afternoon. All I wanted for this trip was to see Kilimanjaro. But Amboseli is famous for the abundance of animals and it does not disappoint. I am so happy I went on this little adventure.

Our afternoon drive

The damp earth smells delicious. It is still slightly overcast as we set out on our afternoon drive, but the Green is vibrant. We are standing most of the time and enjoy the views out of the roof of the car. We are amazed at the herds of animals grazing as far as the eye can see. What views.

We regularly check on the clouds surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro. And finally, after an hour the clouds slowly start lifting. We cannot believe our luck and the sheer beauty of the mountain as more and more of it emerges from the clouds. Two lionesses stroll in the distance and the famous umbrella acacias look so beautiful in front of the mountain.

From now on until we return back to the lodge our eyes keep shifting back to Kilimanjaro every once in a while. The mountain has to be the secret hero of the park. At the same time it is sad to see that there is not a lot of snow left on the top.

We pass a small group of elephants with their two little ones. Our guide estimates them to be about a month old. All baby animals are cute, but elephants have to be on the top of the list. They are so sweet as they discover the world around them and stop for a feed every once in a while.

The hippos are standing in the swamp. They are such amazing creatures, slowly munching on the grass. We love to slowly drive along the small roads, observing everything that is going on around us.

In between there are so many birds: big pelicans and crowned cranes, marabous and ibises, small singing birds and egrets. With all the bigger and more spectacular animals the birds almost fall a bit short.

We are really tired after such a spectacular day. The African concert of cicadas and other insects is just beautiful to fall asleep to. I dream of animals roaming the grasslands and am excited to get up at 5.45am for the morning drive.

Our morning drive

Our driver greets us with the fact that Kilimanjaro is clearly visible without a single cloud in the way. Driving out of the lodge compound and seeing the mountain stretch out in front of us with the pink morning sky leaves us speechless.

Already yesterday we heard talk of a cheetah with her four cubs being in the area. Today we want to try and find them. The car in front of us stops and we ask what they are observing. The family has spotted three lionesses very well hidden in the brownish grass. Today the road takes us closer to the green band of trees and bushes stretching out in front of the mountain. The colours and contrasts are so beautiful: brown and dry grass, lush green trees, the dark brown mountain and the blue sky.

A movement in the distance alerts me to something. We stop the car and there she is: the cheetah and her four little ones. The cubs are difficult to distinguish as they run around and play with each other. She is walking around a little, being alert, paying attention to her surroundings. We do not get tired of observing them. A few cars stop next to us and join us. After a little while she takes her cubs and vanishes in the bushes. What a spectacle. And we got to see it.

The sun has climbed over the low clouds on the horizon.  As we drive on we find a giraffe delicately picking leaves off the bushes. She slowly moves between the trees, directly in front of the mountain. It is a picture for a post card.

The three lionesses, which we have seen before in the distance, are now crossing the road in front of us. They are so beautiful, so graceful as they trot along the road. I am repeating myself in saying: what a wonderful safari.

After a delicious breakfast we start heading back to Nairobi. It is a long drive and we are flying back home tonight. We meet the elephant herd with their two little ones again before we leave the park. A giraffe says goodbye, a hyena lies next to the road and gives us a lazy glare.

What a beautiful Safari

We saw so many animals. The sheer masses of zebras, wildebeests and gazelles roaming the savanna were spectacular. Our group was lovely and we had lots of fun. It has been a dream of mine to see Africa’s highest mountain and Amboseli National Park did not disappoint. Five hours later we are back in Nairobi. A shower and siesta later I am ready for the flight back home. Thank you for an unforgettable safari!!

Der Beitrag A View of Kilimanjaro erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Winter is dragging on and I have some free time in March. The idea of escaping the frosty temperatures has been forming in my mind for a while now. So when a friend of mine invites me to Buenos Aires I jump at the opportunity. I book a 13 hour flight, I look up how to get to the city, transfer money to pick it up once I am there and download an offline map. It does not need lots of preparations to start this journey.

I love discovering the different neighbourhoods of the city. Belgrano, Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta and so many more, whose names I cannot remember. A lot of places feel quite European and it is easy to see these influences in the architecture. I love the mix of South American and European. Everywhere I turn there is so much to see and discover. And when it gets too hot there is always a restaurant or café nearby for a refreshing stop. I love speaking Spanish and

After a few days I have gotten to know the area around the apartment in Belgrano and I feel quite at home. A quick metro or bus ride brings me to anywhere in the city and from there I can explore further.

Recoleta

A walking tour through Recoleta gives me a first impression of the city. The beautiful buildings remind me of Paris. I love learning about the history of the city, about the influence immigration has had on the society, architecture and cuisine and today‘s trials. One thing I notice directly is the green. The streets are often lined with trees and little parks or plazas are to be found throughout the city. 

After the walking tour I stop in a small café and I observe the world passing by. It is lovely to sit in the sunshine and enjoy the warm temperatures.

San Telmo

The Sunday market in San Telmo is a big event. Small stalls line the Calle Defensa on both sides. Different handicrafts are being sold and it is fascinating to see what the stalls have on offer. We meet a few friends and dive into the crowds. The iron market hall of San Telmo Mercado hosts a whole variety of food stalls and small restaurants. It is hot and crowded and I love the atmosphere. We manage to get a table and settle down for a refreshing drink.

The Bookshop

One thing I really want to see is the El Ateneo Splendid bookshop. It is housed in a former theatre and still displays all the Art Décor charms of its former glory. Browsing in a bookshop is pure pleasure for me anyways, and the theatrical atmosphere adds to it. The café on the former stage area is just as spectacular as the book shelves along the ranks. The view from up here is wonderful. I love it here.

Palermo

For dinner we usually go out. There are so many restaurants to choose from. The popular steak places are just as good as some of the smaller places. Palermo has so many bars, cafés and restaurants to offer that my 10 days do not suffice to experience everything.

Palermo seems to me to be the busiest of the neighbourhoods that I have visited. Older buildings are interspersed with more modern buildings. And the cobblestone streets add to the historic charm. Many graffiti adorn buildings and make walking down the streets a very colourful experience. The next ice cream place is never far away and so a delicious dessert is always just a short walk away. Before dinner we often stop for a drink somewhere. And an empanada always makes for a delicious snack during the day.

The view

One night we go to a bar with a rooftop terrace close to the Río de la Plata. The sun is slowly vanishing behind the cityscape turning everything golden. And in the other direction the moon is shining over the river. It us almost full moon and the water shines silver. As it gets darker the lights on the other side of the river in Uruguay become visible. Buenos Aires seems vast from up here. The whole city stretches in front of us. The lights in the surrounding buildings shine and the Obelisque down the street changes its colours frequently. We are having a wonderful time up here.

The parks

There are so many parks in Buenos Aires. I love botanical gardens for the tranquillity they provide. Almost all benches are occupied but I find one and settle down with my book. The iron and glass hothouse peeks through the green trees and ads so much charm to the place. The green shade provides a comfort from the piercing sunshine and I rest for quite a while.

The floralis genérica is in a small park. The huge steel flower opens in the morning and closes its petals in the evening. I enjoy the shade sitting on one of the wooden sunbeds for quite a while. My stay in Buenos Aires is very relaxed and unrushed. I observe the birds and butterflies around me; I read my book and observe the goings on around me.

There are so many more parks with ponds and they get especially busy in the afternoons and on the weekends. The reserva ecológica costanera sur is another one of these green gems. I sit by the river a bit and follow the precise navigation of a huge cargo ship into the harbour. The name of the citizens of Buenos Aires is „porteños“ and shows exactly how important the port is for the city. On my walk along the shore I spot a lizard along the path. That reminds me so much of the botanical garden in Singapore.

La Boca

La Boca is a neighbourhood to the south of the city and maybe best known for the football club Boca Juniors. I am interested not so much in the football but in the colourful houses, the history and artists of the area.

The moment I exit the bus at the waterfront I get engulfed in the noise and the heat and the colours. The walking tour starts right by El Caminito. You can take your photo with either Maradona impersonators, with the National Football Trophy or Tango dancers. There are handicrafts on offer and restaurants’ terraces line the streets. Tango performances happen right here in the middle of the street.

La Boca was the first port of arrival for many immigrants. Lots of houses were built from old parts of ships and then sprayed in bright red, yellow, green or blue.

I get quickly swept up in the atmosphere and love the tour.

Tigre

Tigre makes for a lovely trip from the capital. The delta is green and lush, and the brown rivers and canals form a contrast to the blue sky and green nature.

On a river cruise I learn that the houses on the islands are served by supermarket, ambulance and trash picking up boats. It is great fun to explore the canals and see the houses along the shore.

My main pleasure is sitting by the water and reading or simply looking out over the water. The only downside is the mosquitos. After a long winter I have forgotten all about mosquitos and their bites quickly remind me of how annoying they are.

The evening I spend on the rooftop terrace of my rental apartment. The sky slowly grows dark, birds are chirping and the periphery is fringed by palm trees. Stars are twinkling above and I enjoy the peace and quiet. It was a wonderful idea to get away from the city noise for a night.

It was a spontaneous decision to fly half way across the world to discover a new city, visit a friend and enjoy some lovely summer days. Buenos Aires offered me so much and I am so grateful for the experience.

Der Beitrag A Winter Escape to Buenos Aires erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

A change in my flight roster brought me this 2 day trip with a layover in Paris. Because pick up is already at 12.30pm I want to be very early. A quick train ride into the city centre brings me to the Opéra Garnier. Paris by night. It is still pitch black. The moon is high in the sky and the opulent chandeliers shine through the big windows of the foyer. Paris is slowly waking up and is on its way to work. A few cafés are opening and offer coffees and croissants.

As I get off the Metro at the bottom of Montmartre I can spot the first glimpses of pink between the houses. I climb one of the smaller staircases and meet joggers, dog walkers and students.

At the top of the stairs in front of Sacré-Coeur I join a small group of people, who are also waiting for the sunrise. At first the rose strip along the horizon is very subtle. With time it grows in intensity and the view over the city is so beautiful. Church towers, the Dôme des Invalides and the Eiffel tower rise from the rosy city centre. The old streetlamps offer a perfect photo opportunity against the beautiful morning sky. And the monumental Sacré-Coeur stands behind us looking over the cityscape.

It is cold and my fingertips are frozen. But then the first edge of the blood-red sun appears and climbs up quickly into the cloudless sky. The sunrise seen from Montmartre is magical. It was very much worth it to get up at 6.30am. Suddenly everything is brightly lit and the day can really begin. I am so happy to be here.

As the sun rises I stroll through Montmartre. I have never seen the Place du Tertre so empty. Two waiters arrange the chairs and get things ready for the day. The small streets, normally full of tourists, are still empty. I relish the silence and mingle with the Parisians on their way to work. A few delivery vans race over the cobble stone streets and it gets busy in front of the kindergarten. Other than that it is still pretty quiet.

At the bottom of the hill I debate on what I could do next. It is only 9 o’clock and I still have some time. The metro gets me back towards the centre and I get off close to Les Halles. In the beautiful Boulangerie Stohrer I buy a pain au chocolat and I eat it in the sunshine. The blue sky is magnificent. The sunrays do not yet reach the streets, but the day promises to be a beautiful one. People are sitting in front of the Bistros wrapped in blankets and enjoying their breakfast. I debate for a moment whether I should join them, but then I decide to stroll around the city a bit more. The sunshine is too inviting.

I follow the Seine to the Notre Dame. Work is in progress. I can hear the construction noise coming from within the cathedral. It is a little warmer now in the sun and I decide to walk along the Northern river bank towards the Louvre. It is so beautiful in the sun. The tin roofs shine; the water sparkles and the bridges form a black contrast against the bright sunlight. The Musée d’Orsay stretches along the other riverbank. I walk the full length of the Louvre and take a right into the Jardin des Tuileries. Without the iconic green metal chairs the little pond looks very different compared to summer. A swan slowly swims among the ducks. Behind the encased Obelisque I can spot the Arc de Triomphe.

Now I am turning back to the Opéra Garnier. The golden peaks of the Printemps shopping centre shine in the sunlight. The train leaves every 10 minutes. That is perfect for me. I get back to the hotel and I even have some time before my work day starts.

I have had such a wonderful morning in Paris!!

Der Beitrag Sunrise over Paris erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.