As soon as I found out I was headed back to Ireland, I immediately knew the places I wanted to revisit around Galway. Obviously I would take my family to some live Irish music in Galway, visit the Cliffs of Moher and bicycle around the Aran Islands (been there done that). But as for other ideas, my … More The Enchanted Forest and Castle of Cong
Have you ever been to a place that is so beautiful you cannot even comprehend its existence? A place that leaves you speechless? A place that makes you wonder about the people who live there and how this is their reality? The Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland is one of those places for me. Imagine … More Biking the Aran Islands… Again!
I was just reading through my 2014 Year in Review and laughing at my concluding thoughts on what 2015 would bring. Boy oh boy I was so incredibly wrong! Like in your face wrong. “As for 2015, it will be the year of the wedding and the year of focusing on our life in China. It … More 2015: My Year in Review
The last time I was in Galway for a hot second, we didn’t get to see much of the surrounding area so I was excited to see more of the famous rugged landscape of the western coast of Ireland. Before coming to Ireland, my sister and I booked a two-day tour pass with Lally Tours … More Connemara: Bogs, Fjords and Kylemore Abbey
In September, I spent two weeks in one of my favorite countries in the world… Ireland! Usually I never return to places I’ve visited internationally (except Chiang Mai) so I felt very lucky indeed to be back in the Emerald Isle. It is really interesting to go back to place you have already been and have a completely different … More Back in Ireland… Hurling and History in Galway
After living abroad and traveling the world in short bursts, I can attest that there comes a point during travel when you have reached your peak. (Sometimes but not always a literal peak like the Tongariro Crossing) Although the time it takes to reach that pinnacle of experience varies, I can say that I usually reach my … More New Zealand 8: A Wellington Hen Party and reaching my travel peak
For more New Zealand posts Click Here That 4:30am wake up call came way too soon after a fitful night of sleep at Blue Duck Station. Jolted awake by the sheep bleating of M’s alarm, I groaned and rolled over, determined to stay in my warm bunk bed forever. But it was time to conquer the … More New Zealand 7: The Tongariro Crossing… a Tale of ice picks and wet socks
We fell asleep easily in our warm bunk beds after a long night around the fire and woke up to the stunning scenery of Blue Duck Station. I elected for an afternoon activity and was finally allowed to sleep in for the first time in several days. It felt so good to rest and slow down for a moment. Bus … More New Zealand 6: Horseback Riding and Lamb Cuddling at Blue Duck Station
It’s been so long since I’ve blogged but I have an excuse! We bought a house! It is so pretty and cute and I love it. We close on June 30th so things are a bit mad. But that’s life. Back to to New Zealand! We left things off at an exciting day exploring the … More New Zealand 5: Hot Springs and Cliff Swinging in Rotorua and a very blue night
We are going on an adventure! Where? To the wonderful world of Hobbiton! When choosing our daily activities with the Stray Bus on our North Island tour, I knew I HAD to visit this famous movie set. Yes I may be a nerd but movie sets are so fascinating especially for a movie as aesthetically stunning … More New Zealand 4: I’m Going on an Adventure… Hobbiton and Lake Aniwhenua
Kirsten Captures 