Category: Holidays

Through the eyes of writing ~ blog 144

A Probe & Ponder Newsletter…December Issue

Exploring books, learning, travel, life experiences & adventure with author, Roberta E Sawatzky

Welcome to Issue #2 of my newsletter!

If you’re someone who’s curious, courageous, and eager to grow through fresh ideas, practical writing tips, thoughtful prompts, and real-life reflections, you’re in the right place. Here, I share my ponderings and discoveries with a community of readers and writers who’ve connected with me through my books—and who love exploring how writing shapes the way we learn, create, and experience life. Let’s dive in together.

My books: For ordering and book information visit my website.

What If…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. Between Here and Where? Embracing life’s transitions.

“A writer, I think, is someone who pays attention to the world.”
—Susan Sont

Books & Podcasts

Podcast:
I love travel and I love books. Needless to say, podcasts that combine those two topics catch my attention. My recommend for this month is from Books and Travel with Jo Frances Penn. You may recognize the name J.F. Penn, a prolific author of both non-fiction, and the ARKANE series. Born from her love of research, Penn hosts authors who books have been inspired by their travels. Episode #110 is titled Ahchemical History and Beautiful Architecture: Prague with Lisa M. Lilly. If you have never visited the amazing Prague, this interview will certainly whet your appitite to pay it a visit. Lilly shares how her visit to Prague inspired her latest book The Skeptical Man.

You just never know where your next book inspiration will come from–and I’m not suggesting you have to travel across the globe for that inspiration. Might I encourage keeping your eyes open in your own neighbourhood, city, or country? Like Lisa M. LIlly, you might just see a book scene unfold before your very eyes.

Book:
There are many tried and true practices as they relate to writing. However, how often do we reach for the latest and greatest book on the shelf, just to find that ‘magic bullet’, the one to make writing seamless. If only that were true!

I am finishing up reading a classic book on writing. Originally published in 1976, but updated several times, the latest revised update in 2006, William K. Zinsser’s book On Writing Well is full of treasures for new and accomplished writers. As I look back through the chapters, my pages are splattered with yellow highlighting. Let me share some of the nuggets that caught my attention from just the first chapter.

“Ultimatelly the product that any writer has to sell is not the sugject being written about, but who he or she is“. “But the secret of good writing is to strip every sentence to its cleanest components.” When speaking of style, Zinsser shares, “Readers want the person who is talking to them to sound genuine. Therefore a fundamental rule is: be yourself.” That one really spoke to me. One more quote. “I write entirely by ear and read everything aloud before letting it go out into the world.” This became clear to me when I was recording my audiobook What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles. I had read through the book more times than I wished, had a professional editor go through it multiple times, and shared it with three beta readers. I was told by folks much wiser than I in the field of editing that the first read through will catch 80% of errors, leaving a mere 20%. Not too bad, but not what I would be happy with. After two more read throughs, 0.8% of the original errors would still go unchecked. I was good with that. However, as I read my book aloud for the recording, I was shocked by how many mistakes I still found, simply by listening–by using my ear. Mr. Zinsser, you know your stuff! So, this is a high recommend book from a wise man.

Capturing holiday memories in a memoir can be both meaningful and fun. The following tips and story prompts are designed to help you bring your family traditions, special moments, and unique celebrations to life. Let these ideas spark your creativity as you begin writing your holiday stories.

Writing Tips (for the holiday season)

Start with sensory details
Focus on meaningful moments
Interview family members
Use photos and keepsakes
Write one memory at a time
Embrace both joy and challenge
Use prompts and story starters

Try these prompts to get you started:

Describe a holiday tradition that has been passed down through generations in your family. How did it start, and how has it changed over time?
Share the story of a holiday celebration that didn’t go as planned. What went wrong, and how did your family respond?
Imagine a holiday from the perspective of a gift waiting to be opened. What does it hope for, and what does it witness?
Describe a holiday season in the future or in a different setting (another country, another planet, etc.). How do traditions adapt?
Write about a holiday celebration that brought together people from different backgrounds or cultures. What did you learn?

Created with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot.

Writing Prompts (pictures from my travels):

“I remember a time when we drank exquisite cocktails and talked about…”
“This Christmas gnome made me smile because…”
“As I sat in the chill of winter, gazing over the lake, my thoughts wandered to…”

What am I up to?

Last week I attended yet another Winter Market and shared a book table with a friend. I don’t know about you, but this is not my favourite way to market and sell my books. To be honest, sales were basically non-existent, and my feet and back hurt from standing so long. Perhaps it’s the memoir genre, or my poor sales skills. HOWEVER, I spoke to some wonderful people and heard their life stories. They were filled with heartwarming experiences, reflections of sadness and tragedy, courage, and hope. For me, as I reflect on the day, it was a success. It reminded me that I write because I’m passionate about sharing life with others in a way that will encourage, uplift, teach, and bring joy. I write because I’m a teacher at heart and have learned so much through books. I write because it provides a creative outlet that causes my mind to slow down and reflect.

In November’s newsletter I shared my thoughts on what my next book might look like. I did think more about writing a fiction, tried to come up with some creative ideas for story lines…nothing! I absolutely love reading murder mystery and suspense books, but writing one is outside my wheelhouse. And my love of storytelling about real life is what brings me joy, and from what I’m told, my readers find joy in reading my books. So that’s my lane, that’s where my voice is truly me. I’m now three chapters into a new work…stay tuned for updates.

“You don’t write because you understand life; you write because you want to.” — Anaïs Nin

Happy Holidays from our home to yours.

The Joys of Spring: New Life, New Perspectives…blog 142

I love spring!
It brings renewed hope, freshness, new perspectives, and the reminder that after the darkness of winter, the promise of new life always returns. I cherish every part of it—rain or shine.

Spring is also the perfect time of year to celebrate those women in our lives who have had such an impact. Whether or not you are a mother, or provide support and love for others…I celebrate you!

A Symphony of Scents and Sights

I don’t know where you live, but here in British Columbia, my bike rides are filled with the sight and scent of flowering trees and shrubs in full bloom.

The white, pink, lavender, and purple lilacs make even the finest perfumes seem dull by comparison, blending harmoniously with the sweet, honey-like fragrance of the Oregon grape’s yellow blossoms. Riding through it all feels like gliding through a fragrant flower shop.

Sunshine, Scotch, and the Simple Joys

Spring feels like emerging from the cozy comforts of indoors to breathe in life’s freshness.

Time to clean off the patio chairs, lay out the bright cushions on the Adirondack chairs, pour a shot (or two!) of scotch, sit back, and smile at the sun. Pure bliss.

Nature’s Reminder: It’s Time to Begin Again

Spring speaks of new birth.
We see it all around us: buds opening, grass once buried now sprouting fresh green blades, chubby robins tending to delicate blue eggs, and trees becoming concert stages for returning songbirds.

But I believe spring also invites us—as humans—to embrace new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and personal growth. Each new beginning is as unique as the person experiencing it.

A personal win: an audio recording and a second book

On a personal note, I’m excited to have produced an audiobook from my first book What if…? Finding adventures through life’s obstacles.

AND I’m thrilled about the upcoming birth of my second book, Between Here and Where: Embracing Life’s Transitions.The cover design is complete, and the final edits—thanks to the amazing Darcy Nybo—are done. Next up: sharing it with a few beta readers, then on to publishing!

Looking ahead: travel, connection, and ocean breezes

I’m also looking forward to traveling and exploring over the next few months. The thought of spending time with family and friends—creating new memories and building on shared experiences—fills me with joy. Add in some time by the ocean, and my anticipation reaches epic levels!

Embracing change and finding hope

Of course, life continues to throw us curveballs. Change and transition are part of the journey—sometimes beautiful, sometimes challenging.

But even in the tougher moments, those changes don’t define us. They invite us to dig deep, hold onto joy, and let the warmth of past memories and hope for the future guide us forward.

They remind us to live with a sense of expectancy for the good that life still offers.

A few questions for you

So, I wonder—
What are you hopeful for as you witness the wonders of new life around you?

How are you growing and learning in this season of your life?

What thoughts linger in your heart on those joy-filled days—or on days when joy feels just out of reach?

PEI…Canada’s smallest province…Blog 139

It happens this time every year…I wonder where the summer went?

Where I live, summer was everything it should be: mostly blue skies, hot temperatures (ok, those days with temperatures in the high 30’s was a bit much), very little smoke from fires, travel, and a much slower pace of life.

I did a great deal of reading; some books for learning, some for inspiration, and others simply for entertainment. I took time to work on my next book (about life transitions, but no inspiration for a title as yet…ideas?), contracted a marketing specialist for my business, who lifted a massive weight off my shoulders making my summer so much more pleasurable.

In my last blog I shared the joy of discovering and learning about yoga and mediation. What I failed to learn is that when they say ‘listen to your body and let it guide you’, they mean it! The trouble is, sometimes your body doesn’t speak until the day after you pushed to do those 100 leg lifts after a nasty spill on a concrete sidewalk the previous day. Yup, all headway I made with my regular exercise program came to a full stop until my muscles and ligaments do some much needed healing.

This isn’t the first time I’ve done a number on my body…you can read about it in a previous blog.

Enough about the woes of my irresponsibility, let’s talk about travel. I have done a great deal of travel in the U.S. and Europe, but not as much in my own country of Canada. It is a vast area stretching over 4,700 miles (7,560 kilometers) from West to East, and crosses six time zones. We are surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

Each of the ten provinces and three territories offer their own beauty; according to National Geographic Kids, Canada is home to two million lakes (14% of the world’s lakes), 8,500 named rivers, 125 mountain ranges including the Rockies, the Appalachian Mountains, St. Elias Mountains, the Laurentian Mountains and the Purcell Mountains. Three of our provinces, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta constitute the great wheat-producing region of Canada and are a major source for petroleum, potash, and natural gas…and they offer the most amazing sunsets and sunrises.

I lived my teenage years in Ontario, Canada. School trips and camp experiences included brought us to a lush forested areas called Algonquin Park. This incredible park covers an area of 7,630 km² (or about 2,946 square miles). To give some perspective, Algonquin Park is larger than Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, or, around the same size as Delaware and Rhode Island, U.S….COMBINED!

It would take a life time to fully take in all Canada has to offer. To date, my experiences in my own country have mostly been in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. However, this summer I fell in love with Prince Edward Island. A friend is driving across Canada (taking several months to make the return trip), so I decided to meet up with her for a week in PEI.

What a beautiful place! We were welcomed with such warm hospitality, drove by fields of such varied crops, especially potatoes (and ate our share of french fries), and iron-rich rust coloured soil. We visited the Anne of Green Gable site, a favourite of my Mums, and marvelled at the amazing and inspirational talent of author Lucy Maude Mongomery. And the lighthouse…all sixty one of them!

For me the best of PEI was the beaches — more than 1000 km of coastline and 90 beaches! The long stretches of soft silky red or white sand, ocean so inviting it was impossible to resist at least walking along the waters edge, if not taking a dip in the clearn, refreshing ocean. Most welcome when the temperatures were high and the humidity even higher. Most beaches sported incredible sand dunes, however, over the past two decades, on-going coastal erosion is threatening the dunes, causing great concern to locals and Nature Conservancy alike.

If you are a lover of oysters, PEI would be a haven for you. Sadly, I am one of many deprived individuals who can’t partake of these gems of the sea, so I enjoyed them vicariously through my friend. I can’t remember all the varieties she sampled, but here are a few: Northern Belle, Lucky Limes, Rustico, Sweet Blue, and Colville Bay…her pleasure and delight was a joy to behold.

An amazing volunteer at the Summerside information centre told us about a series of concerts called ‘Under the Spire’, held in the Historic St. Mary’s Church, built in 1902 by Island architect William Critchlow Harris. Fortunately for us, we were able to get tickets for the next night. The Acadian sounds of Vishtèn Connexions were amazing, thrilling us with musical combinations of fiddles, keyboard, flutes, bodhrán, guitar, mouth harp, and of course, vocal harmonies that carried the words of their original works across the enraptured audience.

So much more could be said about this nature inspired, understated Island, but I’ll leave it up to you to discover when you go visit for yourself – I’m confident you’ll be as enraptured as I was.

Photographs by Me.

Travel-inspired meditation…Blog 138

Welcome to the start of my meditation journey! As someone new to this practice, I’ve often felt hesitant about diving into the unknown world of meditation—perhaps out of fear of what I might discover. However, my curiosity and the need to slow down my constantly racing mind have finally led me to embrace this new experience.

So how does mediation relate to my travel learnings? A great deal! In fact, I discovered that mediation actually created an opportunity for me to think back and dwell on some very special times in my life, from recent travels all the way back to my childhood. Let me elaborate.

In the meditation session, the ‘guide’ used imagery to walk us through a 30-minute practice:

Body like a mountain, Heart like the ocean, Mind like the sky.

Mountain, ocean, and sky…nature in all its beauty. However, what do these three images mean? I had to go back and do some research on this (remember, I’ve only been to one class so far). This is what I learned.

Body Like a Mountain: Symbolizes strength and stability, encouraging a grounded posture in meditation. Now, to go along with this was the imagery of a strong back and soft front. This speaks to balancing resilience and vulnerability, promoting courage and an open heart ready for connection and compassion. (Quite lovely!) Heart Like an Ocean: Represents depth and emotional openness, fostering boundless compassion and acceptance. Mind Like the Sky: Signifies spaciousness and clarity, allowing thoughts to come and go freely.

What was especially wonderful, was not having any issue calling up mental pictures of each of these – all from my life.

Mourne Mountains looking over the Irish Sea. (*Thanks Pexels free photos*)

During the meditation on body like a mountain, I vividly recalled climbing the Mountains of Mourne in Ireland as a young girl. I remember walking through the beautiful heather as it gently danced with the breeze coming off the Irish Sea. The vivid purple colours amidst tufts of green provided a soft cover between the rock surfaces. Of course, it would have been impossible to not allow the visual of a great deal of Irish Hare droppings to enter my mental scrapbook of memories. As a family, we would do day hikes on Slieve Donnard and Slieve Binnian (Slieve is Irish Gaelic for mountain). My grandparents lived in a small fishing village called Annalong…a view of the Mourne Mountains out their front door, and the Irish Sea out the rear. This was the playground of my father’s growing-up years.

The practice continued, and I was ready to stay in the memories of heart like an ocean for the rest of the day! If you know me even a little or have read previous blogs, you will know that the ocean is my happy place. Not surprising since I was raised in a seaside town called Bangor in Northern Ireland. There is something about being by the ocean that puts life in perspective. Sitting on a sandy beach or perched on rocks along the water’s edge can transport me to places of pure calm and peace. But the presence of the mighty sea can also unveil deep emotions that have been squashed, finally forcing their way to the surface, longing to be acknowledged and processed. A visit back to Annalong a few years ago provided a memory refresh of long-ago days sitting on the Black Rocks, just five minutes from my grandparent’s home. For me, however, there was more climbing than sitting – a successful day of rock climbing called for several bandaids (plasters as we called them), on scratched and bruised knees and shins.

Our travels have blessed us with many more open heart memories of moments sitting and walking along the ocean. Carvoeiro, Portugal; Cape Finisterre, Spain; Greystones, Ireland; Tofino in British Columbia; the South of France, and the beautiful Greek Island of Naxus to name a few. All call out to my heart refusing to be ignored, requiring a response to whatever bubbles to the surface.

Last but not least, a mind like the sky. Who doesn’t need clarity in their life? But how many of us actually make the time, and space for clarity to work its way through the noise of our endless thoughts. The focus this required for me was the most challenging. As already noted, I have one of those minds that is always thinking, planning, worrying, and just plain busy! The idea of seeing a thought, acknowledging its existence, then allowing it to pass by without stopping for a visit is easier said than done. Again the visualization really helped (not conquered – helped). Think of days lying in a field of daisies looking up at a clear blue sky, relaxing on a warm, soft sandy beach, or dressed in warm winter gear taking a break from making snow angels with your grandkids to notice the shape of the clouds amid a cobalt blue sky. Being transported back to such memories helped greatly in my endeavour to let the thoughts that started flooding my mind, pass by. But it took willpower to not reach up and grab them…I have some work to do on this one for sure.

What I learned is that meditation can provide a guided tour through inner landscapes and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or a beginner, curious like me, I invite you to give it a try. I’m looking forward to further exploring the strength of mountains, the depth of oceans, and the vastness of skies, all while discovering the hidden beauty in my everyday life.

Journeys Through the World: How Travel Has Shaped My Life…Blog 137

When I think about the top elements that have defined my life, travel has to be in the mix. You’d think writing about such a key part of my life would be easy, right? Not quite! How do you distil experiences from visiting 25+ countries over 65 years into one short blog? It’s an impossible task, but let me highlight some of those memories.

Early Adventures: From Annalong to Disney World‍

Imagine weekends in Annalong, that quaint fishing village in Ireland where my dad grew up. Fancy dress parades in lush English gardens of a grand old boarding house in the South of Ireland. Snacking on fish and chips at pebble beaches in Portsmouth and Bournemouth, England, while battling off hungry seagulls. As a young girl, I was thrilled when we “spotted” the Loch Ness Monster through the foggy waters in the Scottish Highlands.

After immigrating to Canada, despite tight finances, our family still managed to squeeze in vacations. My favourite memories are from beach front cabins where storms lit up the sky. We would huddle under blankets with umbrellas to guard against the leaky roof, giggling at the adventure of it all. And let’s not forget the epic trips to Disney World. Four days of mind-numbing drives were instantly forgotten as soon as we entered the magical realm of Disney, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Lessons from the Road: Life is Best Shared with Others

Travel taught me that life’s best moments are shared. For example, several years ago, I had a free afternoon during a business trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and I decided to visit Peggy’s Cove. I sat there, mesmerised by the vast Atlantic Ocean. But something was missing—I needed to share it. Thank goodness for cell phones! For an hour, I used texting and FaceTime to share the experience with my family, magnifying the moment a hundredfold. Every country I’ve visited—25 in total—I’ve shared those moments with loved ones. And that’s taught me one thing…

Strength in Relationships: Bonding Over Shared Experiences

Travel strengthens relationships like nothing else. Picture this: climbing 462 steps to the dome of the Duomo in Florence, getting scolded for touching the beautiful frescoes, and then laughing about it for years with friends. That one moment, amid the grandeur and awe-inspiring architecture, turned into a hilarious, bonding story.

Travel isn’t always about joyful moments; sometimes, it’s deeply emotional. On a trip to Ireland, Google Maps accidentally led us down Shankill Road in Belfast, a place marred by the bloody history of The Troubles. The murals commemorating atrocities triggered tears and a panic attack. But it gave my shocked son and grandkids a firsthand account of what life was like for me growing up. Conversations that followed were deep and transformative.

Talking Travel: Bridging Cultural Divides

One of the best ways to connect with people is through travel stories. For seventeen years I taught culturally diverse classes in Post Secondary Institutes. Domestic students who have travelled abroad tend to be more inclusive. When we discuss where we’re all from and share travel experiences, barriers come down.

I fondly remember a conversation with a German student about my Berlin trip in June 2018. My son and I travelled for research on remote workers, experiencing everything from Berlin Cathedral’s grandeur to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. That common ground opened many doors for deeper connections with other students as well.

Embracing New Perspectives: The Finnish “Why Not?” Attitude

Travel opens your mind to new ways of thinking. My first visit to Finland for a Global Colloquium was a revelation. The Finnish “why not?” attitude permeated their approach to life. Why not have a picnic in The Esplanadi Park with a glass of wine? Why not jump into a frigid sea in February? These attitudes transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace life more fully.

The Indelible Marks of Travel

From childhood through adulthood, my travel adventures have left an indelible mark on my psyche, values, and life choices. My husband of 45+ years eagerly adopted my tradition of yearly holidays, and our children grew up expecting family adventures. No matter the budget, we always found a way to explore new places, laying a foundation for an even healthier worldview.

We’ve even introduced friends to the joys of travel. For our 25th wedding anniversary, we planned a Mediterranean cruise and ended up immersing eight people in this adventure. That couple we first introduced to cruising? They’ve repeated the experience more times than I can count!

Looking Forward: The Future of Travel

Me, my mum, and my gramma enjoying a vacation beach day.

But what if access to travel changes? The COVID-19 pandemic brought this possibility into sharp focus. In recent times, travel certainly has become more expensive, and due to World events certain locations are no longer desirable or even safe destinations. However, this new reality makes travel a more treasured experience than ever before.

So, why not take advantage of every travel opportunity that comes your way? With a more intentional and purposeful mindset, I plan to share life adventures with family and friends any chance I can!

This blog is an exerpt from my book “What if…? Finding new adventures through life’s obstacles”

Travel with all your senses…Blog 136

I really enjoy spring and summer. There’s something wonderful about the bursting forth of new life, the many shades of green, and the blooming flowers that turn so intently, yet gently to smile at the sun. Who can blame them after a long winter’s hibernation?

Green truly is my favourite colour. Growing up in Ireland, the Emerald Isle, may have left a greater imprint on my psyche than I imagined. Even now as I watch travel shows or movies that feature my homeland, there is something deep inside that calls out to me, an internal connection that can only come from deeply seeded memories of years gone by. Memories of times spent roaming among the purple heather on the Mountains of Mourne, walking along the shores of the Irish Sea and climbing the boulder sized rocks close to my grandparent’s home in the small fishing village of Annalong. Long days filled with picnics, swimming, sandcastle building and simply lazing at Tyrella Beach in County Down. And not to be forgotten, swimming lessons in the frigid waters of Pickie Pool in Bangor; the water was so cold it forced the breath out of my young lungs, propelling me to the safety and warmth of the edge of the pool where Mum crouched with a cup of hot cocoa. I just needed to reach her!

Green, as I sit writing this blog from my deck in Kelowna, BC, my eyes again get to feast on the many shades of green: cedar hedges, maple trees, manicured lawns, tree covered hills, grasses in patio containers, and of course herbs, ready and waiting to add an element of freshness to my morning smoothies (or to be eaten by my youngest grandkids before making it into the house).

I’m currently reading “The Heartbeat of Trees” by Peter Wohllenben. To be honest, it’s not the kind of book I traditionally read, but when you have grandkids who are committed to learning about and preserving our planet, they have a tendency to open your eyes and truly take in the beauty and creation around us. And to realise how much we need nature to live healthy lives.

Early in the book, the author speaks to how being in the forest, among those stately and life giving trees, can benefit our very health. He says:

“It’s a good idea to give your nose, palate, and gut a break every now and again by going out into the forest and spending a good long time there. Everything that flows over your senses when you are in the forest is exactly the kind of compound your body is made for. If you take along a snack of natural, minimally processed food without additives, then your time spent forest bathing will be even more beneficial.”

As you know, my blog, Probe and Ponder is all about travel and learning. Now, I don’t travel for the sole purpose of education, although that certainly is an amazing byproduct of travel. But I do want to be intentional about being aware of what’s around me, of utilizing my senses. What am I seeing, what am I hearing, smelling, tasting, and feeling through touch?

Those who know me well will confirm that I can only fully see something when my sense of touch is involved (yes, even having to touch those sacred fresnos and statutes throughout Europe!). Needless to say, I was thrilled to read Wohllenben’s reflection on research regarding how touching helps us think. I get it!

So, as you head out on your travels this summer, let me share a suggestion from “The Heartbeat of Trees”.

“The next time you are walking outside, try touching a variety of objects. The feather lying by the side of the path is just waiting to be picked up. Even the slippery rock covered with algae offers unusual experiences of contact and motion.”

In other words, experience the forest, the seaside, the mountains the way you did as a child. Or, perhaps, rather than getting frustrated with the slow, exploratory ways the little ones in your life go for a walk, take a moment to look at the tiny bug walking along the sidewalk, explore the many beautiful shells strewn across the beach, stop and smell the wildflowers on the mountain side, help them gather the ‘nature’ they encounter along the way and bask in the moment shared with those who have not yet lost their sense of wonder.

Dear Artificial Intelligence (AI), can you plan my holiday?…Blog #134

Hello, all! 🌟 Have you ever contemplated the profound transformations our world has undergone throughout your life? It’s truly remarkable! I would suggest the latest change involves artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, I’ve embarked on an intriguing experiment with AI to delve into its capabilities. I’ve used it in business and in the classroom, so decided to bring it into my recreational life. So I posed the question:

“I’m planning a business trip to Lisbon but will be arriving 1 week early. Please plan 5 days of activities for a professional woman and her two adult granddaughters.”

Since I have been to the city on several occasions, I had an idea of what activities we would enjoy. So, after refining some queries and including specific requests, this is what my AI buddy gave me:

Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s Historic Heart

Morning: Start with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. Enjoy the intricate Manueline architecture and visit the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Afternoon: Explore the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Don’t miss the famous Pastéis de Belém for a sweet treat.
Extra Treat: After visiting the Belém Tower and before the Fado dinner, stop by A Ginjinha near Rossio Square to enjoy Ginjinha in chocolate cups.
Evening: Dinner in a traditional Fado restaurant in Alfama. Experience the haunting beauty of Fado music, a truly Portuguese art form.

Day 2: Art and Culture Day

Morning: Visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum to witness a fine collection of ancient and modern art.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods. Explore contemporary Portuguese art at Berardo Museum.
Evening: Enjoy a modern Portuguese meal at a rooftop restaurant with views over Lisbon.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra, Photo by Matej Simko on Pexels.com

Full Day: Take a day trip to Sintra. Visit the Pena Palace, explore Quinta da Regaleira and walk through the charming town. Lunch in Sintra’s historic center.
Evening: Return to Lisbon. Relax in your accommodation or enjoy a light evening stroll along the riverfront.

Day 4: Explore Lisbon’s Waterfront and Discoveries

Morning: Visit MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology for contemporary interests. Walk along the river in Belém.
Afternoon: Shop and relax at the LX Factory, a vibrant arts complex and shopping district in a converted industrial site.
Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Cais do Sodré, followed by a leisurely walk.

Day 5: Leisure and Relaxation

Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast. Visit the Estufa Fria greenhouse for a tranquil morning.
Afternoon: Enjoy a food tour or cooking class to delve into Portuguese cuisine.
Evening: Sunset cruise on the Tagus River for a relaxing end to your trip.

After providing some additional tips regarding the activities suggested (all very useful), the final message was…

“Enjoy your trip! Lisbon and its surrounding areas offer a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that’s sure to provide memorable experiences for you and your granddaughters.”

All this took approximately 15 minutes of response and refining…not a bad way to plan a trip!

What are your thoughts on AI and how you are implementing it into your personal and professional life? What are the benefits, and what do you see as the concerns?

Pictured above are the LX Factory (wonderful place), Oceanario (which AI should have included, and an amazing Fado experience we had in Old Town.

Let’s talk airport special assistance…Blog #132

I love writing about travel experiences — so many wonderfully amazing places in this world to visit. I’ve waxed eloquent (hopefully) about such magnificent places as the Acropolis in Athens, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or Skookumchuk Narrows in British Collumbia’s Sunshine Coast. And what can match the mystery of the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, or the wondrous display of a Creators sense of humour as schools of angelfish decided my freckles were bits of food just waiting for their tiny beaks to feed on me while snorkelling! Do you know how hard it is to laugh while wearing goggles — and how could I not?

What I have never written about are the journeys taken to get to these amazing places, and the hours spent in airports. Who hasn’t experienced the mad rush to make it to the gate before it closes, or endured hours sitting on hard benches while your flight has been delayed yet again. Or what about the seemingly miles of unending halls to navigate, and security that is compelled to aggressively dig through the carefully packed contents of your carryon luggage? (I know…it’s for our own safety)

*Sculpture ~ Vancouver, BC International Airport*

On our recent trip to Europe, my husband and I had the joy of spending time in no less than four airports, each way. At times the layovers were of a short duration, other times we had several hours to fill before boarding yet another plane.

We have travelled a great deal and feel very blessed to have done so, and mostly without incident. However, life changed greatly three years ago when my husband was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. We still wanted to travel, but the simple task of getting from one gate to the next very quickly became an insurmountable task…or so we thought.

On this trip, our amazing travel agent at Flight Centre added a request on my hubby’s ticket…’wheelchair required’. It was a game changer. At each airport, a trained and ever so gracious ‘assistant’ was waiting to take him from point A to point B with both speed and efficiency. Who knew there were so many back halls and corridors available to those with the necessary security clearance. The added bonus? We got to bypass all the lineups for security and passport control…it was amazing!

Have you ever tried to keep up with a wheelchair pushed by a licensed wheelchair operator while lugging two four-wheeled suitcases? (I’m sure they must take some kind of wheelchair driving course to move that fast) It’s not for the faint of heart, believe me. I achieved a week’s worth of exercise just trying to keep up. When time allowed, and it generally did, they would leave my husband (and me as the tag along) in one of the airport lounges available through my credit card, then magically show up just in time to get us to the next gate ready for pre-boarding.

In all seriousness, these amazing humans deserve more than they are probably paid and have earned our undying admiration for life. In leadership we talk about ‘servant leadership’, what we witnessed was such a lovely example of customer service servanthood.

Travel will never be as effortless for us as it was in the past, but having access to such assistance made all the difference in the world. There are many more amazing places in this world we want to visit — these airport angels are now an important element in making this possible.

Trip Saavy | Wheelchair and Guided Assistance | Arranging special assistance UK | Canadian Affair | Travelling with disabilities

‘Thank you’ Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Pexels.com

An Algarve morning walk…Blog 131

There is something beautiful about setting out first thing in the morning for a walk when traveling to far (and near) places, especially when the surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking.

For this blog I thought I would take you on a such a walk. The thing to remember when visiting some of these incredibly beautiful places in the Algarve, is that walking can at times more resemble climbing…so many hills! But, with every up and down comes a spectacular feast for the eyes!

On this particular morning, I walked down from where we were staying, along the narrow roads (yes, this was actually a road to access homes), and from between the buildings was treated to this view over the town of Carvoeiro, providing a glimpse of where my walk would be taking me.

Some of the homes, like this one, presented such character against the picturesque background. After the uphill, came the expected downhill. Something else to keep in mind, at this time of year there is quite a bit of dew overnight, so the cobbled surfaces can get a bit slippery…proper walking shoes are a must! This street wasn’t so bad, but on others the stones are so smooth and shiny from years of wear, a bit of moisture can make the walk as slippery as the black ice we encounter in Canada. All part of the unique experience of a morning walk.

Once I arrive in the heart of the town, I am met with this beautiful example of the Algarve’s glory. The beaches found in this part of Portugal are among the most lovely I have visited in all my travels. The combination of ocean, cliffs, rocks, and sandy beaches all add to the splendour boasted by the natural beauty — truly breathtaking. But why use words when pictures can say so much more…

Pulling myself away from the beach I continue my walk, up another narrow road that provides a spectacular view of the vastness of the ocean before me. Let me remind you friends, these pictures are all from one beach, one morning walk, one experience out of many!

Before heading back to our accommodations, there’s always time for a coffee on the beach, espresso of course (albeit decaf!). As I walk back up the hill I take a moment to pause, turn around, and once again take in the view…and gasp for air to make it up the rest of the steep incline 🙂

These two snaps are taken from the deck of our VRBO…great location to read, if you can pull your eyes away from the view, so distracting.

As we head home from this trip, our hearts are full after precious time spent in this splendour, and more importantly, with our family. Many more wonderful memories created.

Alaska, reliving the memories…Blog #125

A reminder sounded on my phone just now… ‘Boarding at 1 p.m.’

Today was the day we were to board the cruise ship for an Alaskan Cruise. Sadly, it’s not happening. Pneumonia decided to attack my husband’s lungs, so rather than soaking up the beauty of the Alaskan glaciers, we’ll be soaking up the beauty from our own deck.

When planning an adventure, part of the joy is the anticipation. We didn’t miss out on that. In fact, because we had taken a similar cruise several years ago, we had already been revisiting the memorable time we had exploring the magnificence of that area.

In a previous blog, I talked about taking time over the summer to reflect. For me, one way to do so is to look at pictures from past adventures, absorb every detail, relive the moments, feel the emotions, and let my mind remember and be there once again.

For our Alaskan cruise, I didn’t need to look at pictures to remind me of the moments, the emotions, the awe-inspiring creation all around. This is actually a good thing because I can’t find our pictures from that trip; I still had a Blackberry at that time!

First of all, the weather was perfect and the cooler temperatures were most welcome in the midst of a hot Okanagan summer. The scenery from the ship was simply breathtaking! And the glaciers…wow! Our cruise was at the end of July, and we were fortunate, (according to the Captain), to have perfect weather, the most calving activity they had ever witnessed, all presented under the deepest blue skies I think I had ever seen.

However, the most vivid memories that come to mind are the two excursions we took: kayaking on a glacier lake, and biking to Mendenhall Glacier.

We love kayaking, but to that point, our ventures were mostly on local lakes in British Columbia, with a couple of paddles around the coast off Vancouver Island, which were truly lovely. But never before did we experience the calm, turquoise waters of a glacial lake! I have since learned that the specific blue hue, the glacial blue can only be found in glaciers.

But it wasn’t just about the glacial lake–the guide reminded us to look up and around. What we saw appeared to be hundreds of golf balls stuck in the surrounding trees. We had no clue what we were looking at…until we saw the majestic eagles taking flight. What appeared to be golf balls were actually the heads of bald eagles! We were speechless. And seeing them in flight was truly a sight to behold. We learned that Alaska is home to over 30,000 bald eagles, many living in the trees around inland lakes. And we were blessed to see them in their natural habitat. Unbelievable.

What can I say about Mendenhall Glacier other than wow!!! Mendenhall flows from the Juneau Icefields into Mendenhall Lake. We were up close and personal as we biked along lakes, glaciers, mountains, and local swimming holes. Yes, kids were actually swimming in the lake then climbing out on the rocks to warm up in the intense Alaskan sun. The ride was about 14 km, nice and easy, truly affording us the privilege of taking in all the sights along the way.

Our final destination on that excursion? A brewery where we were treated to some of the most delicious beer from around Alaska, accompanied by an interesting presentation delivered by a knowledgeable local historian while we imbibed the rich brew.

What a wonderful trip down memory lane to revisit a world so different from our own. I can’t wait for our friends to come home and share the joys of their discoveries and adventures on the Alaskan cruise we will have to retake another time.

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