2014 Travel Plans

Travel plans for 2014 are shaping up and they are a “departure” from our normal destinations.  In September, I am heading for a part of eastern Europe that is relatively less traveled—Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia (the Adriatic Tour).  Three of seven countries that were previously part of communist Yugoslavia.  My friend, Wanda, and I paid a visit to a consultant with the Rick Steves’ travel headquarters last summer; fully intending to walk away with a tour booked to Ireland.  Once we discovered the less touristy and beautiful Adriatic tour, we were sold and never looked back.  [Photo of Mostar, Bosnia – photographer unknown]

Thinking a European trip was not his cup of tea, the hubby decided to remain at home with our new puppy.  He is still staying, but as we are learning about the locations and sights, the next trip overseas I know he will be coming along.  In fact, we plan to book a Rick Steves’ tour through Italy someday.

Half the fun of the trip is traveling with a Rick Steves’ group which focuses on an energetic pace, staying at family-run boutique hotels (one night we stay at a castle in Motovun), and eating with local families or family restaurants.  It is all about experiences rather than just visiting touristy sights.  [The itinerary is listed below on the left side of the blog.]

My travel partner, Wanda, is a very talented artist and we both plan to sketch and paint the scenery as we travel.  A whole new color palette from the one we normally use in the Pacific Northwest.  And she is such fun to be around.  Really looking forward to our adventure together.

Three weeks away from home—I hope the husband and dog remember me.