The snow-covered mountains, the forest, the ocean… the flight into Vancouver is really something special. After 9 hours and 30 minutes of flight time I am very happy to finally be here.

Hockey Game

This evening I am meeting up with a colleague who I have been with in Chicago last week. He has an extra ticket and so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to see the Vancouver Canucks playing against the Colorado Avalanche. It is the time of recently announced tariffs against Canada. I have read about the booing during the performance of the American National Anthem in the newspaper and it happens tonight as well.

We are having a wonderful time sitting high up in the stands observing the game as well as everything that is going on around us. There are three fights and the stadium goes crazy. Sticks are thrown away, gloves come off, and sometimes even the helmets. It is quite the spectacle and since the Canadians win, everyone leaves the stadium happy.

Snowshoeing in Whistler

Today I take the bus up to Whistler. The scenic drive follows along the bay with lovely views of the mountains, the sea and I even spot a bald eagle sitting in a tree top.

It is freezing cold as I step off the bus and walk the short distance to the Trailhead. After renting my snowshoes, I head out to the trails. At first I follow a single track along a small stream. The water is trickling along between icicles and snow. I love the calm, the nature, the exercise, the new vistas around every corner. This is a true winter wonderland.

The trail goes up and down through the forest until I reach the Lost Lake. I walk a bit along lake. In the snow, it seems truly deserted and forgotten. Little by little it gets darker and the wind gets quite strong and chilly at times. By now my phone says it is -8°C and I am always glad when I am putting my gloves back on after having taken a photo. My fingers are cold and the camera battery is suffering from the cold too.

Every now and then I hear birdsong and it is simply beautiful. I only meet a few people on the long loop around the lake. It is not until I get closer to the rental shop that I come across a couple of snowshoe hikers. I really enjoyed the short hike and I was not too cold in my snow pants and ski jacket.

Before I take the bus back to Vancouver I spend some time in Whistler Village. It is all very tranquil and cute. People walk along the pedestrian zone with their skis and boards in their hands. I sit in a café with a hot chocolate and warm myself up again. What a beautiful day, but oh, was it cold…

Downtown Vancouver

On my second day off, I take the metro into Downtown Vancouver. I found a fabric store on Google and I want to check it out. Browsing the aisles with all the different fabrics is one of my favourite things to do. And I find a scrap for a sports t-shirt on the bargain table, so I am double happy.

Next up is a stop at the Public Market on Granville Island. The market hall has fruit and vegetables, meat and fish (so much smoked fish…), and a few food stalls as well. Perfect for my lunch. I sit by the window for a while, eating, enjoying the view of the water and the houses, and watching the seagulls. Afterwards, I buy myself a small loaf of sourdough bread with blueberries. What a delicious treat.

There are some very pretty little shops on the island. I stroll along, just enjoying the day. As predicted, the sun is coming out more and more. Although I am getting tired, I decide to walk to Stanley Park. The view of the skyline and the seaplane terminal is so pretty. I follow the path along the shore. The mountains rise on the other side, container ships dock in the harbour… three totem poles stand on the shore. It is such a lovely afternoon. I am taking a break in the sun on one of the many benches and I am so happy I got to spend two lovely winter days in Vancouver.

Der Beitrag Winter Wonderland in Vancouver erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

One night’s sleep to fight a bit the nine hour time difference and then I am ready for a new adventure. This time I do not want to go so far away, even though the Grand Canyon was an unforgettable experience in May. Today, I am heading north along the coast to San Luis Obispo. Many years ago, my mum introduced me to the Benni Harper books by Earlene Fowler. They are set in the fictional San Selina, which is based on the real San Luis Obispo. It is a modern Miss Marple series, set between ranch and wine country and a craft museum. And I want to see it all for myself.

Driving in LA is an experience: you are mostly stuck in traffic, but eventually you will get there and the highways are worth seeing with their six lanes and large intersections. I have to cross LA, but I am lucky and only get stuck in a traffic jam for a short while as I head off to the Hollywood Hills. It is always fascinating to read the names you know from films and TV series on the street signs. Chic houses stretch up the hillside in the distance and I can feel the freedom. The radio and some podcasts keep me company as I drive further north.

Driving to Santa Barbara

A little while later, I am driving down Malibu Canyon to the Pacific. The landscape is beautiful. Clouds hang over the ocean and the visibility is limited. It is still quite cool as I get out of the car for a moment and stretch my legs. It feels like a gloomy autumn day this morning.

In Carpentaria I park the car in a small parking lot. The sun is shining beautifully now and it no longer feels like autumn, but full summer. I walk towards the water between fragrant eucalyptus trees. Two small weasel-like animals run across the path between the bushes. The cliffs look impressive. There is a seal sanctuary here and pelicans, cormorants and seagulls have the small piece of beach firmly in their possession. The horizon stretches in front of me and I could sit here and watch the animals for a long time. What a beautiful day. And it is only 11am.

In Montecito, I stop at the supermarket and buy my lunch, which I eat on the beach in Santa Barbara. Many Americans have a long weekend with Independence Day on July 4th and so the beaches are already very busy on Friday. The Pacific is icy and there is no one in the water except surfers in their wetsuits.

I sit here for a while, eat and watch the hustle and bustle. It feels very relaxing. Since I am driving all by myself, I truly appreciate these breaks. Afterwards, I walk through downtown Santa Barbara. The Spanish-Mexican architecture looks cute and there are a few nice shops and restaurants.

San Luis Obispo

After all these stops I drive through to San Luis Obispo in one go. The highway partly runs directly along the ocean and the views are beautiful. Before SLO (I like the abbreviation) vineyards stretch on both sides of the highway. The verdant green forms a nice contrast with the brown hills rising in between. The hills are mostly covered with large pastures for cows and horses.

Tonight I am sleeping in a hostel in San Luis Obispo. Today I will test whether jet lag and a dorm bed go well together. The dorm bed was by far the cheapest. 4th of July weekend, summer holidays and the Californian coast are likely the reason why prices were this high.

After a short break, I walk into the historic center of the town. I like the small houses, colorful front gardens and lots of nice independent shops. Strolling along the streets and looking at the window displays is quite fun. A big concert is taking place at Mission Plaza and there are a lot of people. What a cute town. I am happy to be here tonight.

Morro Bay & the Otters

I am surprised to sleep until 5:30 in the morning. I think yesterday was sufficiently tired for me to sleep through the jet lag. The drive to Morro Bay is not very far. The clouds are still hanging low over the hills. A few cows graze in the seemingly endless pastures.

I park my car by the water and walk towards Morro Rock. It is pretty cool but walking feels good. The sun has not risen over the town yet and everything is still very quiet. The first anglers meet and go out in their boats, seagulls scream and I can hear the waves crashing on the sandbanks in the distance.

It is so wonderfully quiet this morning; few people are out and about. The top of the rock glows softly pink in the rising sun. I see a ray swimming among the seaweed. So far I have only seen rays in tropical waters. It is a somewhat unusual sight for me, but later I see a second one.

Sea otters float in the dense seaweed. Some are still sleeping, but most are cleaning themselves. They take morning washing very seriously. They lie on their backs and repeatedly roll through the water and clean their feet and fur. It is wonderful to watch them at work. There is a whole group that spent the night protected here close to the coast. I also hear sea lions in the distance. They lie on a small island in the harbour.

On the other side of Morro Rock is a long beach. Pelicans, seagulls and other seabirds stand along the surf. Everything has a slightly pink glow. I take my shoes off and walk along the beach. The breeze feels wonderful and I could walk forever, letting my mind wander… There are only very few people around and I love the feel of the wet, wave-like sand underneath my feet. What a beautiful morning.

For breakfast I head back to the hostel. I am sitting with two other travelers and we are having a nice chat together. Afterwards, I start on my long way back to Los Angeles. However, my first stop is already after a good 20 minutes. There is a lot going on in Pismo Beach today. It is Saturday and families are equipped with pavilions, umbrellas, coolers, chairs and will likely crowd the beach for the rest of the day.

A Swimming Stop

My journey continues south on Highway one. Today I listen to podcasts while driving and enjoy the view out the window. The sun shines brightly from the blue sky and the California heat is intense. I stop again longer in La Vista, just before Santa Barbara. The University of Santa Barbara is located directly on the cliffs. I park my car and walk down the stairs to the beach. I sit in the shadow of the cliff for a while and read. It is so tempting to jump in the sea that I climb up the stairs to extend my parking ticket for another hour. The water is cold, refreshing and I like to swim a bit. It is so tempting to spend the rest of the day here, but I still have to drive a few hours.

In Santa Barbara I stop again briefly in the city center and buy the dress that I saw yesterday in a surf shop. I like the change between city and nature this trip. Sometimes I am surrounded by people and then again it is just me and the summer landscape. A supermarket stop is also necessary. I buy provisions for the evening and especially for Sunday in Anaheim.

Malibu & Los Angeles

In Malibu, the proximity to Los Angeles is slowly becoming noticeable. The roadsides are full of parked cars. Surfers and families use the paths between the houses down to the beach. The day is slowly coming to an end and the sky and the sea are turning pink. It looks so beautiful out here. The houses are quite impressive.  I stop again briefly, but I do not want to stay for the sunset because I still have an hour of driving to get back to Anaheim.

I had two amazing days. I really enjoyed the time alone, the sea and the beaches, the small towns… The otters, the sea lions… the tranquility…

Der Beitrag Driving up the Coast from Los Angeles to Morro Bay erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

Two and a half days off in Los Angeles call for a bigger-than-usual adventure. I have written beforehand with colleagues and three of us plan to go on a road trip to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Death Valley.

On the Road

The flights to LAX are always long and tiring. But after a good night’s sleep we feel ready for the first stage of our trip. We rent the car in Anaheim and head east, out of LA. The sky turns bluer and the sun shines more brightly as we leave the smog of the city. We are exchanging stories and so time flies by.

Our destination today is Las Vegas via the Death Valley. The Highways are turning smaller and the landscape sparser. Only small shrubs are growing on the dry earth. They are still green from the winter rain and some flowers are blooming in orange, yellow and purple. It looks so pretty. Mountains are flanking the plain on both sides. The higher peaks still have some snow on the top. We stop and breath in the hot air.

We drive through what seems like a ghost town to us bordering a salt lake. The industry appears abandoned, pipes and factories are rusting away. Broken houses, boarded up windows… it all looks very desolate. We are fascinated and bewildered all at the same time.

Death Valley

Before we really enter Death Valley we need to fill up our tank. The gas station has a small general store and a motel, nothing much more. The warm wind is blowing across the dusty parking space. This time of year it is hot, but nothing like the searing temperatures of the summer with 50 degrees Celsius and beyond.

We pass the sign with “sea level” written on it. The landscape is incredibly beautiful. Every once in a while we stop to take pictures. We get out of the car, feel the warm air and enjoy the views into the distance. It feels amazing to be in the middle of this barren land.

There are quite a few people at the Mesquite Sand dunes. We stop as well, take off our shoes and walk a little into the sandy expanse. Coastal Los Angeles seems a million miles away. A little lizard sits among the dead branches and he is in the only sign of life right now. I can imagine that the desert comes alive at night. The sun is burning down on us and it feels incredible.

The road continues along salt lakes and a small oasis with palm trees. We drive out of the park and signs indicate that we have entered First Nation territory. And then we leave California and drive into Nevada. It is not far until Las Vegas now.

Las Vegas

Our first stop is dinner. While we wait for our burger and fries we look for an accommodation. After check-in, we walk to the nearby Vegas Strip. We are tired after the long day, but do not want to miss out on Vegas by night.

It is nine pm by now. The lights, the masses of people, the music, the different architectural styles… it is too much for us. So many impressions. The Eiffel tower rises in between the casinos. The water fountains in front of the Bellagio are dancing and swaying to the sound of the music.

The experience is crazy. And only the next morning do we go to a casino and do the Vegas thing and sit in front of one of the slot machines. Vegas is as over the top as I imagined it to be. What an experience. I think, I prefer the nature.

Before we head to the Grand Canyon, we stop at the “Welcome to Fabulous Vegas” sign. There is a bit of a line for the photo op and also a wedding couple with an Elvis impersonator. The „true“ Vegas experience.

Grand Canyon

We are driving to the west rim of the Grand Canyon. Passing the lake and the Hoover Dam, we cross into Arizona. The straight street reaches the horizon in the distance. We continue for quite a while and marvel at signs advertising „machine gun shooting“. It is a fascinating road trip. We see so much.

At some point we leave the bigger highway onto a smaller road. Our navigation says 50 kilometres until the Grand Canyon. Houses line the street, cattle signs point towards some agriculture. Joshua trees grow everywhere and the landscape becomes more dramatic with red rocks rising in front of us. We are so much looking forward to the Grand Canyon by now.

The area here belongs to the Hualapai First Nations. We leave our car at the big parking lot, pay the entrance fee and get on one of the shuttle buses. The landscape looks dramatic. The Colorado River flows down at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. At times the 450 kilometre long Canyon is 1800 metres deep. What kind of forces must have been at work over millions of years…? the colours, the depth, the rock formation… we are speechless…

At the second view point we sit down for quite a while. Of course, there are a lot of tourists around, but we do not even notice much. We take photos and we all agree that we could stay here for quite a bit longer. It is so amazingly beautiful. However, the way home is calling. With heavy hearts we say goodbye to the Grand Canyon and start our drive back.

The long drive back

Until Vegas we drive two and a half hours. We eat our dinner here and watch the beautiful evening sky as we turn west. The drive through the Mojave Desert is long and dark. Music carries us finally back to LA and by the time we drop our rental car near the hotel, happiness about our wonderful road trip battle with the tiredness.

It was such a spectacular trip. We drove many miles, across three US states, saw one of the Natural Wonders of the Earth and had overall an amazing time together.

This is a layover I will not forget so easily. Thank you!

Der Beitrag A Road Trip to the Grand Canyon erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

The flight is long and busy, but the reward is sweet. We are greeted by blue skies and sunshine in Denver and the forecast predicts the same for tomorrow. The snowy Rocky Mountains serve as a wonderful backdrop to the city and the flat landscape surrounding Denver. I am tired and at the same time I am looking very much forward to the next day.

Garden of the Gods

Making use of the jet lag, I rent my car early and am soon on my way out of the city towards Colorado Springs. It is still cold, even though the sun is shining. Temperatures range from -1 degree Celsius during the night to +16 degrees during the day, according to the forecast and I can easily believe that.

After an hour I pull into the parking lot at the Garden of the Gods. I was surprised at how much snow was still lying on the fields on the way. Here, snow is lying only in the shaded spots. I shoulder my backpack and head towards the red rocks.

The colours are amazing today: the blue sky is so intense, especially in contrast to the red rocks and the grey and brown landscape. Nature is still dormant and it feels like a step back into winter. However, in the sun it is really warm and I enjoy stretching my legs after sitting in the car.

There is a group of horned sheep grazing close to the road. They are unfazed by people and cars passing. It is beautiful to observe them for a while.

Canada geese sit on top of the rocks and make a lot of noise. The views towards the snowy Pikes Peak are beautiful and I sit on one of the rocks for a while and enjoy a bit of breakfast. There are quite a few people around as it is spring break. But I do not mind and rather enjoy observing a lady trying to take photos of her dog, who does not want to sit still and families climbing over the rocks.

As I leave the first big rocks behind me, I find myself walking alone through the bushland. Birds are chirping and I enjoy the quietness a lot. Two blue jays cross my path.  There is a road snaking through the park and quite a few people seem to opt for driving through the park, rather than walking. I cross the road on my way to another rock formation. It smells like pine forest and it is wonderful to hike through the park on such a beautiful day. I love the peaceful atmosphere, my thoughts roam freely while the sun is shining on my face. What a beautiful day.

Continuing my road trip

After roughly 10 kilometres I am back at the car. It was a nice little hike in the middle of my road trip. Back to Denver I plan on taking the longer road. The freeway is smaller, hillier and snakes through forests and fields. The few cars I pass are all bigger 4-wheel-drives. The winters are longer and snowier here. Signs warn of flash floods and wildfires.

For quite a while I follow a small river. Lots of fly fishers are standing in the water casting their lines. It is so beautiful to observe. At some point I stop at a parking space and sit in the sunshine for a while. Bees are flying by and the warm air smells like spring. I could sit here for a long time gazing out over the river, absorbing the nature around me. But I need to move on at some point…

A little further on, I cross the hills towards Denver and snow covers the fields again. I slowly cruise along the small highway and enjoy being able to take it all in even though I am driving.

I had debated for a while on whether to rent a car for the day or not and in the end I am so happy I did it. What a wonderful day it has been today. The sun, the colours, the quietness, the nature…

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

I have had quite a few flights to the US lately. This June layover in New York, I am particularly looking forward to. I have never been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and this time I want to go and see the Karl Lagerfeld exhibition “A Line of Beauty”. I have never been a huge fan of his and am well aware of the controversies surrounding his persona. However, as a sewist I am very interested in seeing some of his creations and the design process behind them.

In the morning, I take the Subway over to Manhattan and get off at the Grand Central Station. People are on their way to work and are rushing past me, but that does not keep me from admiring the beautiful ceiling for a moment. I am hungry and stop by a Bagel shop a few blocks away. The long line quickly progresses and soon I hold my ‘eggs on avocado’ bagel in my hand and find a spot outside to enjoy it. Now I feel ready for the day ahead.

Since the Met lies directly by Central Park, I use this opportunity to discover more of the huge green space. Often enough, when I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan I only make it until about Midtown before I head back.

Blue sky and some clouds make for excellent park weather. It is getting warmer also. I pass by the statue of Alice in Wonderland. There are so many dog-walkers, joggers, bikers, walkers and tourists…

The Met opens at 10 o’clock and the line is quickly growing. Luckily, I am quite far up and make my way immediately to the separate entrance for the Lagerfeld exhibition. I had read an article about one of his “première d’atelier”, the main seamstress, in the newspaper before and found her work fascinating. She features with other colleagues in a few videos illustrating the way from paper drawings to finished garment.

A girl standing next to me describes quite adequately how I feel. She says, “I like this” and points to the flowing dress with intricate pastel flowers, “And this, and this and this…”. She points to the rest of the dresses in the row. A little further a woman asks her friend standing in front of a line of dresses, “So which one would you wear?”. I feel inspired and would like to start sewing myself right now.

The museum is huge and I continue to walk through some of the other galleries. I do not have an exact plan, but rather stroll along and take it all in. There are so many different eras, and styles to see. It is such a beautiful museum and certainly not the last time that I have been here. I end my tour at the rooftop space. It is nice to sit down a little and have a drink. The view over Central Park is vast and the skyscrapers provide such a nice contrast to the green park.

My trip continues to Bryant Park where I stop for some lunch. It is such a lovely spot to sit here with so many others also having their lunch here. After my rest, I feel restored and ready for the Garment District. The Met exhibition was so inspiring and it feels wonderful to be able to browse the aisles at Moods and touch the different fabrics.

But now I really have to head back to the hotel. It is 2pm and I started my tour this morning at 7am. After having rested for two hours in the hotel, I go out again. This time, the subway takes me to Times Square. The lights, the ads, the masses of people. I am always amazed by this crazy urban space. Tonight I have a ticket for “Some like it hot”. The 1950s movie is one of my favourites and I cannot wait to see the Musical. It is beautifully done and I am so happy I went to see it. Having a day off in New York was the perfect opportunity for that.

What a day…. I am so tired taking the train back to Brooklyn. It was such a beautiful day full of exciting things. New York always has something special to offer, no matter how many times I have been here.

After a good night’s sleep, I feel restored for another day of exploring. Today I stay on the Brooklyn side and take the subway to Williamsburg. I buy another bagel and an iced tea and take my breakfast to a park at the East River. There is a small beach with an amazing view of Manhattan. This is the perfect spot for eating and reading. Sea planes are taking off towards the Hamptons and ferries criss-cross the river. It is quite busy.

Before heading back to the hotel I stroll a bit through Williamsburg. I like the small houses, the cafés and shops, the colourful grafitis. The sun is out and it is a beautiful day.

What a wonderful layover! An additional day in New York is something rare and therefore that much sweeter. I had a great time and enjoyed the mix of revisiting favourite things and discovering new sights.

Der Beitrag Another New York City Experience erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

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….

Der Beitrag Biking along the Beautiful Los Angeles Beaches erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

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.

Der Beitrag A New England Sister Road Trip erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

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?.

We have made it to our hotel. The storm is raging outside. Rain is pounding against my hotel room window. It does not look like this is going to end soon. The rain radar, however, promises an end to this storm in the late afternoon so that I can at least leave the hotel to get some dinner without getting soaked. And yes, I am lucky and the rain stops.

The next morning I wake up to a bright blue sky and I can barely believe my luck. It is only 7.30am but I set out on my morning walk through beautiful Boston. It is a wonderful feeling when the weather forecast is right with its prediction.

The squirrels in the park happily pose for a photo. The colourful trees form a perfect backdrop for them. Mist is still lying on the grass and the street lights glow in the early morning sunlight that is beginning to peak over the houses.

Historic Beacon Hill is so beautiful this early. The street lights and the lights over the entrances glow down the streets. Many of the entrances are nicely decorated with pumpkins and autumn wreaths. There are only very few people about this early. I feel transported back to another century. But instead of horse drawn carriages I hear the newspaper delivery man slowly driving down the street and throwing the newspapers out his window in the vage direction of the steps leading up to the houses.

Some of the beautiful town houses on Chestnut Street have plaques attached to them informing the interested passer-by on the former inhabitants. The narrow cobbled lane of Acorn Street is beautiful and the row houses line the street up the hill. Some streets are dominated by free standing mansions; others are lined with row houses. Every corner I turn there is something new to see and admire.

After a stop in a sweet little bakery I continue my walk towards the harbour. The sun is shining brightly now and it is getting warmer. In parts I follow a signed path and see some of the historic sights of Boston. The glass skyscrapers provide a contrasting backdrop for the colonial buildings.

In one big loop I walk back to the hotel. By now there are lots of people out doing their Saturday shopping, meeting friends for brunch or just hanging out in the park. By the time I reach my room my feet are pretty tired and I relish that I have at least 30 minutes for a power nap before I have to get ready for the flight back.

Bye, bye Boston. I had a lovely time.

Der Beitrag Beautiful Boston erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.

With the first light of day I get up and get ready for a morning stroll through Montreal. The jetlag always makes me wake up very early in North America. So why not make the most of it? It is still before 7 o’clock in the morning and I have the streets mainly to myself. The call of the seagulls follows me on my way to Le Vieux Montréal. The Saint Laurence River is not far. The sun is shining from a bright blue sky. It is still a little chilly in the streets, but the sunshine promises a beautiful day.

I like the grey houses. The doors and windows are often painted red, blue or green. Flowers adorn the windows. In the main pedestrian street most houses contain a souvenir shop or a restaurant. At this hour I am forced to contend with window shopping. There is so much to see. However, there are also a lot empty shops. Covid seems have taken its toll here as well.

On my way to the Quai d’Horloge I pass a pair of bright turquoise Muskoka chairs. I love them and for me they are the quintessential Canadian furniture. I continue my walk to the river. The white clock tower shines brightly in the morning sunlight. A few joggers and dog walkers pass by as I sit down on a bench with my book and read a little. The grazing Canada geese comment every passing dog with their loud chatter. It is so beautiful here. The sun shines warmly in my face and I feel very relaxed sitting here.

On my walk back to the Old Town I stop for a coffee to go. A nice spot in the sunshine is the place to indulge in some people watching. The streets are busier now with joggers, dog-walkers and people going to work. It is getting warmer as well.

A big loop through one of the residential areas brings me back to the hotel. I like the wooden verandas in front of the heavy stone buildings. A stop at the supermarket for some lunch before the flight back is the last item on my Montreal agenda.

Der Beitrag A Morning Stroll Through Montreal erschien zuerst auf Where in the world is... Susanne?.