A reminder of an important notable... As my travel buddy hubby takes in the views from the top of El Faro, Mazatlán TAKEN: DECEMBER 2nd, 2019 |
Yesterday, we hopped the jitney and headed downtown with the express interest of touring the Queen's Staircase.
These amazing sixty six steps are a major landmark here.
Historians tell us they were hand-carved by roughly 600 slaves, who used pick axes and hand tools to cut their way through solid limestone. The entire staircase took over 16 years to complete.
It was only decades later that the impressive staircase was then named in honour of the over 60-year reign of Queen Victoria, “who had signed a declaration to abolish slavery on her ascension to the throne in 1837.”
We also toured Fort Fincastle, to which the staircase provided the escape route.
Constructed in 1793 from cut limestone, protected the harbour from pirates. The original cannons (3-30lb and 2-20 lb) though rusted from the salt air, are still onsite. We really enjoyed the heritage and history of our visit.
From the center of town and back, we feel those more than twelve thousand steps were very well spent.
The magnitude of what took all those years and 600 slaves to carve, is eerily present when you walk around the bottom of the limestone chasm. TAKEN: APRIL 12th, 2024 |
No one around. and nothing but the sound of the waves (and each other) to keep us company. TAKEN: APRIL 11th, 2024 |
I'm not exactly sure how my travel buddy hubby and I got so obsessed with adventure, but I remember the day when we opened a savings account specifically to fund our travels. It was in the late fall of 2011.
The first couple of years we travelled in mid winter, then we discovered if we traveled in late November and early April, we could get two passport stamps for the price of one in February. Then, I discovered the holy grail of travel called Black Friday, and our long weekend mid-winter getaway was added to our line up.
Aside from the first couple of trips I booked with an agent, I don't think I have ever paid full price since I took over the task.
The jaunt we are on now had me book our round trip airfare on December 29th, 2023 for a sneeze over $300 each. The house we are renting had just gone on the market, so I knew we would be one of the first tenants to stay. I don't believe we will be able to travel here for the reduced dollar value I paid, ever again.
Always keen for the deals I find, my husband simply goes with the flow. With my work life as hectic as it is, I knew that this go round was going to be about peace and quiet for me. When you look at the photo I am sharing, you can see I am getting exactly that. Aside from that private island off in the distance, there is no one around but us.
So, to be fair to the quiet my husband has had to endure, today we are going to head to the curb, grab the jitney for a $1.25, and head into town for lunch. That said, it will be interesting where we land for grub.
I just checked the port schedule and there are a Carnival, MSC and Norwegian cruise ships at the dock.
Meaning only us, and over 12,000 other peeps looking to get conch fritters.
The one thing I do know?
None of them peeps are coming back to the house for a cold been after lunch!
Well, it’s that time of year again.
When after months of waiting, I arrive at my destination of choice to celebrate another trip around the sun.
This year has me nicely perched next to the ocean, in a luxury home we've rented, in the Bahamas.
Once again, I packed a #petrocanada glass so I could watch the sunset ...and have a drink with my Dad. TAKEN: APRIL 10th, 2024 |
Yesterday was an OK travel day. The airports are always hectic but we have learned to navigate them with a ton of off the cuff comedy and a boatload of patience. Afterall, I know where I am going to land, and I realize that in itself is a privilege most never get to experience.
As our taxi zipped along the highway next to the beautiful blue green ocean, I felt myself become overwhelmed with emotion. I found myself fighting back tears. Tears of joy.
Joy that we can afford to travel as we do, and joy at the best life I have been obviously blessed to be living.
In a nutshell, I will leave you with this. Life is short people. When in doubt, please always refer to Rhondi Rule #779:
Make sure you don't celebrate your 75th birthday.... by living the same year 75 times!
Give me a minute.... I want to tell you how I really feel! TAKEN: APRIL 8th, 2022 |
It's that time of year again, where I look to the jar of nuts I have squirreled away all winter and decide how many of those precious gems I am going to spend on each venue, creating a great 2024 concert season.
Since starting my newest position two and half years ago, I have gotten into the habit of transferring the monies I am paid to do site visits and inspections into a savings account. Knowing full well, that those dollars/nuts will be earmarked for more bucket list tickets.
Because he is in such demand, and focuses primarily on playing football stadiums, my No Shoes Nation buddy won't be headed north of the boarder anytime soon. So, I knew eventually hopping a plane to see him perform was going to be a must.
Then, shortly after Jimmy Buffet passed, and he and fellow parrot head Zac Brown decided to join forces for their Sun Goes Down Tour. I immediately began making plans to head to into downtown Chicago for our wedding anniversary in June.
Though not a concert, the next tickets to be added here will be for my hubby. A 1pm start on June 14th at Wrigley Field (Cubs vs Braves) TAKEN: MARCH 21st, 2024 |
I have always appreciated all types of music, but for the last six or seven years, I have found myself gravitating to the channels offerings country on my Sirius satellite app. Suffice it to say, not many were surprised to discover that we landed in Nashville.
I think what might surprise most, is that all tickets purchased for my country music quartet were purchased with less than a month of them all landing on stage. All (except Chapin Carpenter at the Ryman Auditorium) were purchased off Ticketmaster - resale.
Now, I am not proud of what I paid for the tickets, with Old Dominion being the least expensive at a little over $100 each, and Chris Stapleton being the most expensive at just over $1,500 for the pair.
My first three experiences, were so high energy that I headed for the exit with little to no voice from yelling so loud, the fourth (an intimate acoustic presentation) moved me to my musical core. All of them left me completely and unequivocally entertained. Honestly, concert dollars very well spent!
I have always been an avid concert goer, and no genre is off limits. For instance, when we were in Nashville, we toured the Country Music Hall of Fame and explored some of the roof top honky tonk's on October 9th. Then, walked back to our condo off Broadway just in time to sit on our balcony and watch the sunset.
On a whim, I logged onto Ticketmaster and purchased two stage left Jonas Brothers tickets at Bridgestone Arena (where the Nashville Predictors play). With less than an hour left before they hit the stage, we took our ten minute walk to the venue. They too brought down the house.
Ramping up to perform (Joe's hit) Cake By The Ocean to a packed Bridgestone Arena. TAKEN: OCTOBER 9th, 2023 |
Anyway, I remember having a conversation with my brother this summer and he felt the need to point out that my dogs were a luxury. Though I understood his point, I told him that 'my dogs were a necessity that my husband and I couldn't live without'.
Which in a nutshell, aside from being a mega fan, is why I clicked the Ticketmaster button and bought the Stapleton tickets; exactly three days later.
My dogs a luxury? Nope.
It is my concert going habit that wins his specific label. All the monies spent on tickets, hotels, flights, food and spirits?
THEY... THEM....THOSE. Will always be the biggest luxury of my life!!
Last week, when I posted photos of my Canadian Thanksgiving travels on social media as they were happening, I was proud to share that we had included experiencing the spectacular 'Mother Church' of country music in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
What I was somewhat surprised to admit (after leaving the building) was that my amazing and intimate musical experience presented at the Ryman Auditorium was simply mind blowing!!
My beautiful exterior shot from across the street, and our third row balcony seats preshow. (No video or photography is allowed once the show starts.) TAKEN: OCTOBER 8th, 2023 |
He's right, this is hallowed ground filled with her spiritual sounds. It truly is a sacred place for any music lover, celebrating all music genres in every sacred pew.
Oh, and the Mary/Shawn duo literally brought down the house.
The entire evening was... Simply, unforgettable.
Poor Miya Maria. She drew the short Canada Day photo op straw. (Don't feel too bad, she had a chunk of roast chicken as her reward!) TAKEN: JULY 1st, 2023 |
When the Canada Day long weekend was
approaching, it is safe to say my Weather Network app was getting ten times more screen action than
everything else installed on my phone.
I will compare it to a flip of the coin scenario.
Rain we stay in town. Sun we stay at the cottage. Well, sunshine prevailed for
the entire weekend marking the fact that I officially got moved in.
It has been several years since I have lived
here for 100% of the season. I am glad to be back and am very grateful that this is the first time
in my entire career, that I only commute to the brick-and-mortar office with the
fancy sign out front just once a week.
When I changed jobs a year and a half ago, I
negotiated that I would work from home two days a week. Two led to three, then
three led to four. I am hoping by the end of the year, everything will be done via ZOOM.
Though I manage my time well and my boss is
pleased with my productivity, my workdays definitely last longer when working
from my home or cottage offices. Why? This doggie daycare/obedience school thing-a-ma-hoochie I am running has a very strict schedule that must be adhered to.
So, I start an hour earlier everyday to
ensure our 9:30am and 2pm breaks get rid of any excess energy, and they will sleep
at my feet for the duration. With two puppies and a high energy senior on point,
I need to keep them on track, or all hell breaks loose.
I am serious when I share that I will be working
away and balls and toys start getting banged into my legs or dropped at my feet and I must firmly say,
“Stop... It isn’t nine thirty yet!”
And believe it or not, they stop and settle until
my phone pings that it’s time for recess. I’m not complaining just reflecting. Never
a dull moment, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Well, maybe the shitty internet connection because of all the rock that surrounds me, but that’s a post for another day.
As I mentioned in my A-Z Challenge posts, my husband and I had a milestone anniversary to celebrate the first week of June, so I booked us into a boutique hotel close to the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
In years past we had spent a week in Negril, and a couple of years later a week in Runaway Bay, both over an hour from the airport. The last thing we wanted to do on a romantic four-night getaway, was to spend time riding an overcrowded resort bus.
So, we both agreed Montego Bay was an experience we hadn’t had, and with our excellent flight times and the super cheap price tag, it was a travel no brainer.
Anyway, because we were staying at a 140 room hotel that offered very few resort-like activities, it would be on us to amuse ourselves.
Because we both love to snorkel that was an early morning given. I love kayaking so I was pumped, however, my husband had never had any desire to try... So he was left to sit on the beach.
For 90% of our visit the sky was overcast, and it was perfect. (As we ran 40+C with the humidity without direct sunshine.) TAKEN: JUNE 9th, 2023 |
Day one, out I went. It is hard to describe how amazing it was with the planes flying over me while I paddled. When I returned in, I asked if he wanted to try and he worried he would lose his new glasses. (Lamest excuse ever but I respected his decision.)
Day two, out I went again. When I returned, he commented on how
fast I was paddling and how far I was going (code for me to tell him more so he would have the confidence to try). I explained that they weren’t tipsy at all. If he kept
his core in the centre of the floating plastic entertainment center, he wouldn’t fall
out.
Day three, he decided to try. By now, I knew when most of the planes were overhead to offer him the best experience. I brought my phone in my waterproof camera case that morn, as I knew this was a pretty big milestone for him. Before we knew it, over an hour had passed.
I don't know about you, but I love trying new things (except when it comes to food). I won't put myself in harms way but I definitely like living in the travel moment. So as silly as this may read, I am proud of my husband for going out of his comfort zone.
Kayaking may not be a big deal to most... But I love that we both had a blast touring around in the clear waters of Montego Bay!
Helllloooooo Rhondi! TAKEN: FEBRUARY 6th, 2018 |
As any of my avid readers know, I live for, and love to travel.
People often ask how we can afford to hit as many destinations as we do, and it is simple. We set a budget for the year and stick to it. Any online deals I come across are simply a much appreciated bonus.
One of the best deals EVER, was booked on Black Friday in the fall of 2017.
Five days and four nights, all inclusive, on beautiful Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas. Less than a three-hour flight and an oceanfront king room, for $805pp via West Jet.
Anyway, not knowing much about the island, other than Baha Mar was usually out of our price range, I figured I should research. My first entry into Google, things to do in Nassau Bahamas included the date ranges of our mid week stay.
I immediately discovered that the filming of the morning show Live with Kelly (Ripa) and Ryan (Seacrest) was being filmed live at the Atlantis Resort while we were there. I filled out all of the online paperwork to get free tickets, including submitting our photo which was a prerequisite; and the tickets arrived via email a couple of days later.
We arrived early, in the hopes to get near the front but little did we know the seats were filled from back to front and we were in the very last row. Not a problem, as that gave me the ability to stand on my chair and take great photos.
As the show was about to start (you can see Kelly signing an autograph above) I held up my camera and began to yell my name.
RHONDI… RHONDI…. RYAN it’s RHONDI...OVER HERE.
How shocked was I, when he toward me and yelled back HELLLLLO RHONDI!
And just like that, I got what I would classify as my only great photo, whilst acting like a member of the crazy paparazzi culture!
Definitely a travel moment I will remember forever!!
My hubby walking the beach (with me and my Blackberry) taking in this great vibe. TAKEN: FEBRUARY 2012 |
In September 2021, the morning my husband was to be admitted into Toronto General Hospital, he sat on the sofa in our hotel room and sang a loud 'Three Little Birds' with Bob Marley. Needless to say, he was understandably emotional and scared.
As we walked hand in hand to the hospital at dawn, I promised him that our first adventure once all of this was behind us, would be to get him back to Jamaica; his very favourite travel destination.
“The line between disorder and order lies in the logistics…” ~ Sun Tzu
The dynamic duo chillaxin' taking in the beautiful topography. TAKEN: APRIL 6th, 2023 |
When you’re traveling as far as we did for four nights, to ensure you can experience as much as possible, there needs to be a lot of planning involved.
Our first step being getting us from the airport to the hotel. When we were leaving LAS and headed to grab a taxi, a group of guys heading up the escalator yelled down in tandem, “YOU GUYS NEED TO DOWNLOAD UBER!”
I wanted to yell back, “didn’t
your mother teach you not to get into cars with strangers!?!” Instead, we just smiled and waved back.
Unlike some, I refuse to install apps
on my phone that house my credit card information. Therefore, using Uber, Lift,
or Samsung Pay has never been something I have ever entertained.
What we did include in our carefully planned trip, was a car rental for the day to take a road trip and save on the large fees tour companies charge.
We knew we wanted to hike Red Rock Canyon. What I missed when hatching the plan was that we needed a
reservation to enter; as they only let so many cars in the park at one time.
Rather than trying to reschedule
our logistically planned ‘just in time’ day, we made the best of the situation at hand
and enjoyed the views from the periphery, before heading toward the Pat Tillman Bridge and the Hoover Dam.
The fact that when back on the road we went over an hour out of our way, went south instead of north on 215 taking us toward LA... Before my driver would listen to me telling him we were going in the wrong direction?
Not even worth mentioning! #yagottalaughaboutit
When the kids were growing up, there was never an abundance of extra cash lying around for me to get to celebrate my birthday. So, when the nest finally emptied, I decided that every year I would take a birthday trip.
The first couple were week long jaunts but then I discovered I could have a higher end experience for less if I crammed everything into a long weekend.
Below is a neat snapshot and snippet of the my born day adventures since 2015.
2015: A quaint cliff top resort in Samana, Dominican Republic
This Gran Bahia was an amazing experience but not a resort meant for those with mobility issues.
One of the main reason I selected it was to walk (daily) the "Bridge to Nowhere" seen below...as taken from my poolside deck chair.
Great food, Salsa dancing at night, and loved experiencing the beautiful Barcardi Island with friends.
Great shot of the 4 km Bridge to Nowhere TAKEN: APRIL 2015 |
Sayulita is a village on the Pacific coast backed by the Sierra Madre mountains, known for its beaches and strong surf.
For this bornday trip, we rented a house with an infinity pool and were joined by friends as well as Jukebox. To this day, my husband says it is still his favourite spot. I snapped this pic in the morning after hiking to Playa de Los Muertos.
In all of my adventures, this is the most time I spent in the ocean. Almost all day everyday. My son was the only one that really got the hand of surfing. I traded my surf board in for a boogie board mid week,
A great time was had by all!
Heading back from Playa des Los Muertos. What a view! TAKEN: APRIL 2016 |
Darin, my hubby and I enjoying a bevie at the Big Band Stage. One of my favourites for the entire weekend. TAKEN: APRIL 2017 |
Out on our balcony, we were joking that there was a storm coming. I said, 'it was the Toronto Raptors landing!' TAKEN: APRIL 2018 |
Jukebox taking in the eerie surroundings of the fallen twin towers. TAKEN: APRIL 2019 |
Born April 9th (seen here at 4 weeks of age) I named her Miya. Because she was Miya Birthday Present! TAKEN: APRIL 2021 |
Me standing on the retaining wall at the Southern most point. Too impatient to wait a couple of hours in line! TAKEN: APRIL 2022 |
By 6pm we had walked well over 24,000 steps. Highly recommend staying at Paris. We received 5 star service. Thanks Air Canada! TAKEN: APRIL 2023 |
My husband went back to work yesterday, so I will be flying solo around the house until Friday night.
It goes without
saying that sitting around all day was out of the question, so my first self assigned task was to productively
purge my clothing dressers, closets, and totes; you read that right, plural.
What started a three-pile exercise (out to the cottage, neatly bagged for donation, and the third for disposal) resulted in a day that proved to be cathartic as well as seriously eye opening. So much so that it genuinely resulted in me motivating myself for change.
Long term readers may remember it was ten years ago on this exact day that I decided I was going to get back in shape, and the ‘quest for my waist' began.
I hadn’t been through menopause back then, so I suspect my results a decade later will take an altered approach, not to mention considerably more work.
As a goal-oriented person, I knew I would need a way to focus. So, my personal target is to wear this wee ditty around the pool, for my birthday trip to Las Vegas in April.
These beautiful colours were last worn by me in Miami in 2018. I am truly hoping to end our five year hiatus! TAKEN: JANUARY 4th, 2023 |
Now before you start rolling your eyes, know that I am not doing this out of vanity.
Rather you should know that I am truly uncomfortable in my skin and need to make a change. Purging my clothes just gave me the motivation I needed. This over weight just simply must go!
...Now, I’m not talking 200 pounds.
I am looking to lose the extra twenty pounds that have slowly crept back and are comfortably squatting on the midsection of my body. No matter what I do, those suckers seem to want to stay indefinitely.
I'm not joking. They are stuck to me as comfortably as Jeffrey Dahmer was living in his grandmothers' basement, and today I decided that was no longer an option.
How serious am I?
When I finished my chores, I hung her up in my dressing room next to my mirror, where I will see here every time I enter the room to get dressed. As extra reinforcement, I have taped a picture of her on the front of the fridge.
Oh, and just to be clear. This isn't a 2023 resolution. It is a much needed personal solution using a colourful (albeit memorable) two piece object as a healthy reminder of my task at hand.
Wish me luck!
I don’t know about you, but I am happy to shut the door on the past year and look to the coming year with a genuine amount of hope and sincere optimism.
Personally, it has felt like I have been in mourning for the majority of the year. I didn’t write nearly as much as I had hoped because my heart was absolutely aching with both hurt and despair. Trust me, in spite of my mantra, it hasn't been something I would ever be able to laugh about.
Professionally, after taking the last three months of 2022 off to help my husband heal from a life saving surgery, I started the year with a new career challenge that has proven to be an excellent move for me. As I look toward retirement, I love that I am mentoring and team building with an amazing group of young, very upwardly mobile, professionals.
With the past year in the rearview, I have great hope for 2023. All the best in the coming year everyone. Cheers, and thanks once again for reading.
~ Rhondi
PS: For the first time, for my annual 'remembering' post, as I reminisce electronically, you can click links to journal offerings that you may have missed.
PSS: Enjoy!
Most significant moment (centre): The sudden passing of my closest friend and confidant, Brian ‘Smartie’ Smart. Who left us Easter weekend 2022. I am truly heartbroken, and the loss of his presence will be missed forever.
Our
motto: If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way. TAKEN: DECEMBER 26th, 2022 |
Well, we woke up this Boxing Day morn and it was still snowing.
Filled with great food and good
cheer, we headed to bed just after midnight, with the general intention that
we would sleep in. Well, the holiday Gods and our canine cohorts had other plans for us.
With little motivation and the pups primed to play, I focused on preparing a fresh pot of coffee. My man then settled downstairs to watch curling
and I in the living room tackling a jigsaw puzzle. All I can say is that I knew after
three days straight of snow removal, I did NOT want to shovel today!
Anyway, as I have acknowledged here before, we live in a sleepy little town where everything is a fifteen-minute walk and a five-minute drive. We’ve owned our home and lived at this same address for more than twenty years.
Though we tend to be somewhat private people, we live in an amazing neighbourhood of likeminded peeps that embrace a true sense of community.
When my husband was medically bound to use a walker last fall, it was my neighbour to the left (whose home you see above) that arrived from work on a Friday night and immediately fired up his gas-powered leaf blower on steroids to give a gal a hand to ensure our end of season cleanup could be completed.
So, knowing we were experiencing record breaking snow fall levels, my husband announced we would repay his good will. Not because it would be expected... but more for these eight little words.
Would you want to come home to that?
Happy Holidays everyone - and remember to always pay it forward. Because a small gesture from you, could make the world of difference to someone else.
#thatisall
I planned our most recent road trip to the Outer Banks using only Google Maps, AirBnB and Hotels.com; and I was generally surprised at how much effort and research it actually took.
Suffice it to say, my husband was so disconnected from the party planning process that his only action item was to type the address of where we were spending our first night into the GPS the morning we left. That said, our ten-day trip, like all our adventures was a whirlwind.
The first day was a very long one, especially for my Annie and her anxiety. So much so, that by the time we pulled into the parking lot in the Hampton Inn in Hagerstown Maryland, she bolted out of the car. Good thing we’d finally arrived... Because she was NOT getting back in!!
Next day we travelled to where we anchored with food and fixings at our house in Nags Head North Carolina. The pups settled in much better there, and their first trip along the ocean beach was truly a sight to see. Definitely worth the headache of taking longer to arrive than it would have, had we left them at home.
The one thing I will admit is that because we could only get the house within our budget for four nights, I decided to extend our coastal stay by heading up to Ocean City (via the 28.4km Chesapeake bridge and tunnels) for that Friday night and then heading to Mansfield Pennsylvania the next morning.
In hindsight, this was a tad too ambitious and far more costly than originally expected. Changing our original intent almost doubled the cost of our trip, and that path saw us hit with a whopping $400+ for the only pet friendly room I could find on the interstate; on a Saturday night.
Our only saving grace was that the pups were so exhausted from their ‘Outer Banks Shenanigans’ that they literally slept those two days home - allowing us to zoom zoom north and stop less frequently.
Once home, my husband was having trouble visualizing the trip I had planned, and what geography we'd actually covered. So, I poured us a glass of wine and we sat down at my home office computer.
With all of my receipts containing proper addresses, I produced this killer 'Google de Milo' map offering him a visual, which perfectly illustrated the many more than two thousand miles we travelled.
What a ride!
If travel is truly art, then my Google deMilo road map proves it! TAKEN: OCTOBER 2022 |