Come Fly With Me

Rain or shine, London is always worth exploring. Marianne and I ventured out to do a little shopping, explore the sights and have a nice dinner.

We just love walking the streets and experiencing the rich architectural heritage of London.

Excitement was in the air, Prince Harry was in London to reconcile with his Father. Marianne and I could not resist walking over to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and grandeur of British royal history.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

The guards at Buckingham Palace are infantry soldiers ,known as the King’s Guard. They provide day and night security for the palace. Sadly, we were not there for the Changing of the Guard ceremony that involves s formal handover of duties with marching bands and music.

Leaving Buckingham Palace gave us a sense of royalty, with it’s grandeur and cultural significance of the palace. We were a bit disappointed that we did not see Prince Harry or King Charles.

We left Buckingham Palace, to enjoy a walk through Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a 350-acre Royal Park in Central London, known for its’s green space which hosts major events like concerts and the Winter Wonderland festival. We were now in pursuit to discover a new area in London that we had never been to before for dinner. Marianne and I embraced the London drizzle, one step at a time.

We were delighted to arrive at this charming restaurant in the picturesque neighborhood called Little Venice. This neighborhood is home to quirky waterside cafes, cozy pubs and enchanting restaurants! We were thrilled to have found this unique restaurant!

MILAN

After our London trip, we worked to Milan. We did not have any set plans for our layover. We decided to explore Milan, ultimately we were in search of outdoor markets. We hit the jackpot! The street fair was filled with all kinds of gems.

It certainly was a grand day finding treasures! Since our hands were full, it was time for a delicious Italian dinner!

”Mangia bene, ridi specco, ama molto!

EAT WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH!

Marianne and I decided for our last 2025 trip to Athens, we would venture out to bask in the sun at the Aegean Sea. Athens is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, which is an arm of the larger Mediterranean Sea.

It was about a 30 minute Uber ride to a beach close to Athens. We arrived at Glyfada Beach, which has a sand-and-pebble-seabed paired with clear waters.

It was very hot day for hanging out at the beach, so we decided to walk around and take in Glyfada, the seaside suburb on the Athens Riviera. It’s known for its luxurious shopping, dining and vibrant nightlife. We came upon this modern marina.

After getting a bite to eat and wondering the town, we headed back down to the water and came across the most spectacular spot to end our day at the Aegean Sea.

Best place to unwind by the sea!

A perfect moment: the Aegean, a cool breeze, and a refreshing cold beer. This is what paradise tastes like!

Marianne and I then decided it was time to head back to Athens to take in the gorgeous sunset at the Acropolis. This is definitely one of our happy places.

Monastiraki Square was booming with people. The heat did not scare the people from coming out.

We made it to the Acropolis just in time to witness the gorgeous sunset. Happiness is watching this beautiful sunset and being left with a peaceful heart.

Before calling it a day, we needed to find a nice place for dinner.

Nothing beats a Greek Salad with a slab of fete cheese. The simplicity of the ingredients and freshness in Greek food, and of course the prominent use of olive oil creates a delectable meal.

The night life in Athens was starting to boom. However, these two sun-kissed girls had to call it a night. Marianne and I were so grateful for the simple joys of today. Greece is not just a destination, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

Our second trip in August was to Paris, the city that always brings us happiness. Marianne and I had the afternoon to ourselves to take in this magnificent city to discover new places. We were meeting our crew for dinner to celebrate one of our crew member’s retirement.

STRAVINSKY FOUNTAIN

We turned a corner and came upon this whimsical fountain called the Stravinsky Fountain. It’s an exuberant display of color and motion. The fountain has 16 colorful, mechanized sculptures, it’s a masterful interplay of water, movement and color.

There is always something new to discover in Paris!

We then found the perfect cafe to watch all the Parisians walk by.

With not a minute to spare, we met our crew for dinner to celebrate Mike’s retirement.

We ate at a charming classical French restaurant, starting with escargot and ending the dinner with a celebratory sparkling dessert for Mike.

There was one more thing to do in Paris before Mike was officially retired. He needed to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle one more time. As luck would have it, across the street from the restaurant is Paris’ highest skyscraper hotel, the Hyatt Regency.

The Hyatt Regency gave the ideal stunning view of the Eiffel Tower twinkling. It was a perfect way to end our day. The Eiffel Tower twinkles for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour after nightfall, until 1145pm.

No matter how many times, we see the Eiffel Tower twinkle, it evokes a feeling of magic and awe! The tradition of illuminating the Eiffel Tower dates back to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The tower was adorned with electric lights to celebrate the event and has continued to do so. It’s a symbol of hope, joy, and celebration and a testament to the enduring magic of the tower.

As Marianne and I see it, the world is a book, and Paris is one of the most beautiful chapters!

Marianne and I were happy to be back in Athens. We couldn’t wait to start our day by eating a mouthwatering Gyro.

These gyros never disappoint…so delicious! Once we finished our gyros, we set out to wander the streets in the Plaka area, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis.

After meandering in and out of the shops, it was time to find a cool place for a refreshing drink. It was a hot day in Athens!

To our good fortune, we came upon an outdoor cafe with misters to cool us off. Marianne shined with her talent as a mixologist. Our drinks were refreshing and really hit the spot.

”Cheers to the perfect cold drink!”

Escaping the heat and unwinding with a cold drink was the perfect way to enjoy our afternoon in Athens.

We enjoyed our shopping experience in Athens which allowed us to take part in the authentic daily life and centuries-old traditions of Athenians.

Marianne and I came across this fascinating store across the street. Wow….talk about overcrowding merchandise. I would have loved to talk to the proprietor. Can you imagine closing up that shop in the evening!

It was now early evening. Marianne and I were anticipating the awe of seeing the Acropolis at night and beholding the stunning sunset.

Soaking up this special time before walking up to the Acropolis with the golden hour glow!

We made it to our special place to take in the gorgeous sunset!

Together , we make every sunset unforgettable!

Greek food is simple yet delicious, rich in flavor and steeped in history! Great way to end a fun day in Athens!

The city of Athens is twinkling below, while the Acropolis stands tall, illuminated like a beacon of history. Seeing the Acropolis lit up and the beautiful sunset was truly magical!

Good night Athens, til we meet again!

It was a beautiful day in London, so Marianne, Jennifer and I decided to enjoy a cold beverage at a special place.

TATTERSHALL CASTLE

The Tattershall Castle is a former ferry with pub food and drinks, moored on the Thames with views of the London Eye.

What a view of London! Sitting by the river with a cold beer , watching the city go by – can’t be beat!

The Monkey Puzzle Pub

It was time for dinner. We decided to check out the Monkey Puzzle Pub near our hotel. My burger was absolutely delicious!

Great end to a great day! However, In the middle of the night, we received word that our flight had cancelled back to New York. We would be staying in London one more fabulous day.

We started our day off by going to breakfast at St. Christopher’s Place. St. Christopher Place is a square full of shops and restaurants. It has a village like feel.

Nothing on our agenda! We put our heads together and came up with a plan to take the train to Richmond, England.

We rode the train for an hour to get to Richmond. Richmond is a quaint town, where many scenes of the show “Ted Lasso” are filmed.

After walking and exploring in all the fun shops and boutiques, we decided it was time to find the bar that Ted Lasso would frequent on his show.

It felt like Ted was going to walk down the street and join us for a beer!

We had a great day in Richmond experiencing this great town bursting with life! We can see why the London borough of Richmond was named “happiest place to live in Great Britain.”

So grateful for our time in London. Our greatest souvenirs are all the laughs we share in every adventure we take.

Marianne and I were so excited to be celebrating freedom and friendship in Athens, the capital of Greece. Athens is a city rich in history, culture and delicious food.

Our 1st stop was at Sabbas to enjoy a delicious gyro for lunch!

A gyro is a Greek dish of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, thinly sliced and served in pita bread with vegetables and a tzatziki sauce. So yummy!!! Great start to our day.

One of the top shopping spots in Athens is at the Monastiraki Square. It is a flea market full of fun shops selling all kinds of souvenirs. The atmosphere was vibrant and a perfect place to soak in local culture. A great mix of old and new!

Monastiraki is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, located in the heart of the city! Standing in the middle of the square, you can see a blend of historical eras and architecture.

We couldn’t believe we were in Athens celebrating the 4th. We didn’t need fireworks to know how special this day is.

Marianne and I were so excited to see the Acropolis in the distance behind us on a limestone hill high above the city. It is a famous ancient site, most renowned for the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, which sits atop the hill.

Marianne and I decided to spend 4th of July evening taking in the breathtaking view of the city, while rejoicing in the beautiful sunset from the Acropolis. Walking to the Acropolis from Monastiraki Square roughly took us 20 minutes walking uphill on paved roads and gravel, with sections of steps and uneven terrain with marble surfaces. The rewards at the top proved to be immense.

We made it to the top and found the perfect spot to witness the remarkable sunset which took place at 8:51pm.

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, a breathtaking scene unfolded at the Acropolis. The sky ignited with a display of vibrant colors.

Getting ready to leave the hill, we were overcome by The Parthenon, bathed in golden light against the dark sky . It truly created a spectacular vision.

It was time to end our night with a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.

The Greek Salad was divine!

Seeing the Parthenon at night definitely left us with a memorable impression. Truly a sight to be hold in all its glory. Celebrating freedom under the Grecian skies was very special! Our hearts still beat red, white and blue, even in the blue and white of Greece! Happy 4th to you all!!

Fete De La Musique In Paris

The Fete de La Musique also known in English, as Music Day, was held June 21, the summer solstice. It took place all over France. To our good fortune, with my SFO buddies, we were in Paris on this special day!

We started our day by taking the train to the Lourve to listen to music. It was early in the day, so we did not get to enjoy the big concert at the Louvre, which would start at 9pm. However during the day, they still had music being played on the stage using big speakers for all us music fans to hear.

We took cover under a shady tree and listened and sang along to some classic rock from the US. In Paris, the Fete de la Musique is an all day affair. The city truly comes alive in the evening as the sun goes down. While some of the concerts and performances start earlier in the afternoon, the atmosphere intensifies after dark, with music filling the streets, squares and parks until late into the night.

It was time to move on and wonder the city to find musicians performing!

It was a very warm day in Paris, nonetheless, we did not let the heat deter us from having fun!

We ventured over to the Luxembourg Gardens. The gardens are split into French and English Gardens. The Gardens offer a haven of peace in the heart of the city.

We never stopped looking for the music, laughing all the way!

We found shade at the beautiful Medici Fountains The fountain is in a shady corner of the Luxembourg Gardens built in 1630.

The night excitement was getting well underway, more crowds and music was being performed in the streets and courtyards. It was light out til past 10pm. It was a perfect night for dancing.

It was a grand day shared with special friends at the Fete de La Musique in Paris.

WALKING, SHOPPING AND EATING IN PARIS

Jennifer and I were happy to be going back to Paris on our next trip. We had nothing planned, only to get out and enjoy walking the streets of Paris.

First stop, Maison Louvard, the birthplace of the crookie in Paris. A crookie offers magnificent blend of a crisp croissant and a half baked cookie dough.

Deliciousness in every bite!

Now it was time to shop! We went into vintage stores to see what treasures we could find. All I can say is my hands were full at the end of the day!

Have you heard of the Labubu craze?? Everyone wants one, but they are nowhere to be found. Labubu is a brand of collectible plush toy monster elves. It got popular when pop stars and tv personalities started showing them off on their purses and backpacks. I had a mission to get my great niece Emily one. We heard they could be found at Popmart in Paris. Jennifer and I located one on the map and walked over. We turned the corner to see a huge line outside of Popmart. We knew everyone was eager to get their hands on a Labubu. Of course, we joined the line. After about 20 minutes, we noticed people were coming out of the door looking very happy or very disappointed. We couldn’t wait to get inside. A French woman in front of us understood our English and kindly turned around and said, “Popmart had no Labubus to buy, people were in line to pick up their reserved orders.” So disappointed, but not completely deflated, Jennifer and I stayed in line determined to get a glimpse of one of these labubus and maybe to our good luck find one we could still buy. After about 20 more minutes, we were let inside.

Our nice French lady was correct, there were no labubus to be seen or to be bought. So what does two defeated shoppers do?? We go find a cozy place for a cold beer and a bite to eat.

Cheers to a great day in Paris!! Paris certainly knows how to plate happiness!

Our first 2 trips in June were to Italy. It has been almost a year since we have been back to Rome, one of the oldest cities in the world and the 3rd most visited city in Europe. We were elated to be back!

Being in Rome, especially in 2025 is a unique experience due to it being the Jubilee Year, which brings larger crowds and a festive atmosphere. The Jubilee Year is a Holy Year for Catholics, occurring every 25 years. It’s time for spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and the remission of sins. Of course everyone hopes to get a glimpse of Pope Leo.

VILLA BORGHESE

Since is was a warm day, we decided to stay away from the tourist attractions and go to a park. which we had never been to before. Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in Rome, containing a number of building, museums and attractions. It is a famous park known for its beautiful water features, including fountains and a lake. It reminded me of a small version of Central Park.

One of the most enchanting spots in Villa Borghese is the lake. Marianne and I enjoyed the charm of the lake by watching the rowers.

After the park, we stopped to enjoy a scrumptious pizza.

On the road again, we had fun walking the streets of Rome, soaking in its atmosphere, admiring ancient architecture and discovering hidden gems. Afterwards, we met the crew back at our hotel for a much needed cold beverage. Marianne and I then wondered the nearby neighborhood to find a quaint Italian restaurant.

La vita e una combinations di pasta e amore. (LIFE IS A COMBINATION OF PASTA AND LOVE!)

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35 YEARS OF COMMITMENT

American Airlines presented me a plaque and a 35 year pin, which consists of 3 diamonds and a ruby. A lifetime of stories at 30,000 feet. Cheers to 35 years of wings, wonders and unforgettable journeys.

✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏✈️🌏

MILAN

Our 2nd trip in June was to Milan, one of the richest and most fashionable places in Italy. Marianne and I decided to visit Milan’s canals, known as the Navigli, which are a historic network of navigable waterways that once connected the city to the surrounding rivers. Today, the Navigli district is a popular area for its restaurants, bars and shops.

After visiting the canals, we walked the nearby neighborhood and found a charming bakery with delectable treats and breads. To our delight, we tasted the most delicious olive bread sticks. We even made a trek back to this bakery to buy more of these yummy olive bread sticks to take home.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped at an Italian restaurant to indulge in one of the most classic Italian pasta dishes, La Carbonara.

Carbonara is a pasta dish made with cured pork, hard cheese, eggs, salt and black pepper. It tasted rich and creamy!

Adventures in Italy have come to an end, but the memories will last forever!

The best journey takes you home! We are ready, bring on the passengers. It’s time for us two to go home.

May 24, 2025 was a very special day. It was Marianne’s Birthday! Jennifer and I decided to surprise her in London with a walking tour of the hidden pubs of London. It was a day full of laughter, fun, learning and beer!

Before our tour, we stopped in at Nespresso to get a much needed caffeine boost.

TIME TO DISCOVER LONDON’S HIDDEN PUBS!!!

We met our tour guide Will in the area of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Our group consisted of 11. All from the US. Now it was time to explore tiny backstreets and courtyards and pause for drinks in four historical pubs. Will gave us a wealth of information of London’s history along with beer recommendations.

THE COCKPIT PUB

The 1st pub we stopped at was The Cockpit, a relaxed tavern dating back to 1865. I was not the best student, regretfully, I ordered the wrong beer. To my delight, we had plenty of time at this pub to get it right. We learned that some beers are colder than others. You just need to know how they are poured!

We continued on our walking tour exploring the neighborhood’s winding streets steeped with history to get to our 2nd pub, The Punch Tavern.

THE PUNCH TAVERN

The Punch Tavern is one of London’s most historic Gin Palaces on Fleet Street since 1840s. The pub had many beers to pick from, however the pub takes pride in stocking 90 different gins. It’s a haven for gin lovers!

Jennifer had a delicious gin and tonic!

The fun continues!!

Today we cherish and celebrate Marianne!

We loved walking the streets of London to discover new building along with the hidden pubs.

THE GEORGE

The George, our 3rd tavern, is a lively and historic pub offering a warm welcome in the heart of central London.

We were feeling a sense of joy, camaraderie and a connection to British culture. Time was ticking and we still had one more pub to enjoy!

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

The World Turned Upside Down is a sculpture by artist Mark Wallinger on the campus of the London School of Economics. It was revealed in 2019. The sculpture, measuring 13 feet in diameter. The World Turned Upside Down is a famous ballad from the English Revolution. One of the meanings of this sculpture is seeing the world from different and unfamiliar points of view.

THE SHIP TAVERN

Our 4th and final pub was The Ship Tavern, nestled in the edge of the tranquil Lincoln Inn Fields. The Ship is steeped in history and dates back to 1549. The pub had a warm inviting atmosphere with historical decor and enchanting candlelight.

Raising a glass to a brew-tiful day in London!

From London with love and a pint of beer with new mates!

We made it back to our hotel to continue Marianne’s birthday celebration. London was the perfect place to celebrate another great year. It was truly the ultimate playground for Marianne’s birthday celebration. We were blessed spending Marianne’s birthday in this incredible city!

Cheers to you Marianne for days filled with love, laughter and all your favorite things!

Marianna and I decided to be official tourists and signed up with a group to tour the Park Guell. Park Guell in Barcelona was initially envisioned as a luxurious housing estate, inspired by the English garden city movement, but ultimately became a public park. It was designed in 1900 by Antoni Gaudi and planned to accommodate 60 wealthy families. After housing project failed, the park was offered to the city and opened to the public in 1926.

Park Guell is a park located on a hill in the Garcia district of Barcelona.

The park offers breathtaking views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea from it’s elevated vantage point!

The Park follows an architectural style inspired by nature and colorful mosaics and is Antoni Gaudi’s greatest creation.

We were so thrilled to have had the opportunity to take in the beauty of this iconic park.

It was now time to leave this grandiose park and walk down the big hill. Walking up to the park was definitely an endurance challenge and coming down was a truly a pleasure.

This isn’t just food, it’s our daily dose of happiness.

Before going back to our hotel, we went by the Sagrada Familia. It is truly an exceptional temple, which is also the work of the genius architect Antoni Gaudi.

Experiencing Gaudi’s masterpieces left us awestruck and amazed. Learning about the history and significance of these sites gave us a deeper connection to Barcelona and Gaudi’s legacy.