Amsterdam ~ Anne Frank House

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Monday, July 13th ~ Amsterdam

Anne Frank House/Museum

Anne Frank House/Museum

Everyone had warned us about the LONG lines to get into the Anne Frank House. Our hotel encouraged us to go first thing in the morning or suffer the consequences which would probably translate into waiting in line for 3-4 hours.

They officially open at 9:00 every morning, so we thought that arriving by 8:30 would be OK. Our friendly concierge advised us to go earlier, so we were IN LINE by 8:00, a full hour before opening time.  Continue reading →

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Amsterdam ~ Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Sunday, July 12th – Amsterdam

I Amsterdam sign in front of Rijksmuseum

I amsterdam sign in front of Rijksmuseum

I was like a kid on Christmas morning pawing through my newly reunited suitcase this morning choosing fresh clothes. After living in the same jeans and t-shirt for the past 48+ hours, I was almost giddy to feel clean once again.

But that was this morning and it is now Sunday night in Amsterdam and I’m gathering my thoughts, reflecting upon our day.  Continue reading →

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Amsterdam ~ Bikes, UNESCO canals, color, and a bit of debauchery

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Saturday, July 11th ~ Amsterdam

Amsterdam - It's all about bikes, canals, tulips, color, fun, and a bit of debauchery.

Amsterdam – It’s all about bikes, canals, tulips, color, fun, and a bit of debauchery.

We had a rather slow-paced day today due to limited sleep last night. I initially seemed to pass out and got a solid four hours, woke up at 12:30 this morning, wrote yesterdays blog post, and then could never go back to sleep. Perhaps a combination of wondering where in the world our luggage had disappeared to, as well as being about nine time zones from home and a bit upside down may have been factors.

Checking in with British Airlines our lost luggage claim showed that they were searching for it, but somewhere still to be found. I’m trying to stay jovial, but the thought of loosing my new wardrobe that my dear friend Terri had helped me put together, as well as Tim’s clothing was wearing on me (pun intended).  Continue reading →

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Amsterdam – Two people and zero luggage

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

Friday, July 10th ~ Amsterdam

Ready to leave for the airport (see our

In Los Angeles, ready to leave for the airport (see our “carry on” luggage)

Well, I guess the travel gods got a good laugh this time. Tim and I have boasted for the past several years that we can travel with carry-on luggage only. And we do, or at least DID, until this trip.

I packed the same way, with one of those small black roller board “carry on” size suitcases for each of us as well as a small back pack style (rucksack) to carry our electronic gear, toiletries and a few small items we want to keep with us on the airplane.  Continue reading →

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Amsterdam, Here we come!

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph

It seems like forever since we have traveled. But in reality it has only been a few months. I’m so excited to be on our way again.

In case you missed my “planning” post, you can click HERE to get an overview of our much-anticipated trip.

We are all checked in, through security, and patiently waiting in the KAL Lounge at LAX for our 4:55 departure on Air New Zealand.

When I think of The Netherlands several pictures come to mind; wooden shoes, windmills, canals, tulips, Hans Christian Andersen and a little boy with his finger in the dyke. I can’t wait to explore, camera in hand to see how many of these classic images I can capture.

I hope you will decide to tag along with us as we explore Amsterdam, Belgium, Paris and the rivers of France!

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful to once again be heading off on another wonderful adventure.

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Get off the sofa – Get out of the huddle

Posted on June 27, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
Children of Guatemala

Children of Guatemala

Dear friends,

As many of you know who have followed our blog for any time, Tim and I are passionate about our beloved Guatemala. We have become involved with several NGO’s who are doing amazing work to help those who have not had the privilege of being born into a 1st world country.

It is with great pride that I am about to introduce you to a family that I am very impressed with. I was only introduced to their work a few short months ago. I so sincerely hope that you will take the time to watch this video that gives you an idea into what kind of work they are doing.  Continue reading →

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Kimberly Crest House and Gardens ~ Redlands, California

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
Kimberly Crest Mansion

Kimberly Crest Mansion

Kimberly Crest House and Gardens ~ Located in Redlands, California along Interstate 10 between Los Angeles and Palm Springs. The property is a registered California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stroll through the Italian style gardens, view the statuary and koi ponds, tour the grand mansion and the Carriage House Museum. It is also a popular wedding venue. Continue reading →

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LA Arboretum ~ Arcadia, California

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
How magnificent is nature?

How magnificent is nature?

It has been a few years since we visited the LA Arboretum and we are due for a return. One of the many things that stood out for me was seeing the peacocks proudly display their brilliant plumage.

“… 127 acres of plants, natural landscapes, wildlife and historic buildings. You will discover plants and trees from all over the world as you wander along paths and learn about California history on your journey through the garden.” ~ Arboretum.org

Click here for hours, location and admission fee information. Continue reading →

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Memorial Day remembrance from Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, France

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach

American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach

Last year we visited Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in France coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing. We were humbled, thankful, teary eyed and deeply saddened all at the same time. I thought it only fitting to repost our visit to this historic site while we here in the USA are celebrating Memorial Day. Continue reading →

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Picture of the Day ~ Morača Monastery in Montenegro

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Tim and Joanne Joseph
12th century Morača Monastery in Montenegro

13th century Morača Monastery in Montenegro

One of the best known monuments in Montenegro is the medieval Morača Monastery. The name in Serbian is Манастир Морача. Located in the valley of the Morača River in Kolašin, central Montenegro it was founded by Stefan Vukanović in 1252.   Continue reading →

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