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Fear Conquering & Paragliding in Lima, Peru

Our day began with what (we thought) was going to be a leisurely stroll along the sea cliffs of Lima. 

We had heard about the veil that hangs over the city, we were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful blue day ahead of us.

Reaching the cliffs, the first thing we noticed was not the view, but the … CONTINUE READING >>

Has the election got you feeling like you’re on the edge?
Well here’s a way to step off and fly!

Paragliding in Lima Peru

Our day began with what (we thought) was going to be a leisurely stroll along the sea cliffs of Lima.

We had heard about the veil –the Garúa — that hangs over the city, a veil that makes it seem that rain is always impending even though it literally never does rain. So we were pleasantly surprised at the beautiful blue day ahead of us.

Reaching the cliffs, the first thing we noticed was not the view, but the paragliders sailing high above the sea. Surprisingly, it was me, not David, who began the “I dare yous.”

David was not biting. Even when I triple-dog-dare him, he insisted he’d be more valuable “filming me safely from below.”

Right. I was on my own on this one.

After inquiring at the ticket booth, I was handed the most incredibly scary waiver I’d ever seen. In a nutshell, it read:

If you die, we are not to be held responsible. By signing this you agree that you were not coerced in any way to do this terrible thing.

Feeling it was too late to turn back – I had already goaded David too much and I had face to save – I signed my name and got in line.

The waiting was the hardest part. I watched the launching/landing area with rising fear. Most of the launches were as smooth as Mary Poppins’ sensible-shoes-and-umbrella takeoffs, but it was windy enough that some of the parachutes would prematurely catch air, causing some disturbing (and painful looking) backwards pulling action.

I was starting to panic. (People do this every day and do not die, people do this…)

Decibel's text reaction to Mommy paragliding in Lima Peru

To inject some humor into the situation, I fired off a text to middle daughter, Decibel — it’s important I keep The Spawn on their toes.

It’s getting harder and harder to faze them.

Decibel’s text provided the comic relief I needed to calm down. I turned to share it with David and lo, there was Triple-dog-dare Boy next to me in line. He had caved! Yes!

As I always do, I insisted on going first. I KNEW if anything went off the rails with David’s takeoff, I would never have the guts to get off the ground.

Getting ready to paraglide in Lima Peru

I persistently peppered the pilot and prep team with questions while they harnessed me in.

What is this strap for?

Did you double check the buckle?

Why is this so loose?

How am I attached to the pilot?

What keeps me from going upside-down?

And the kicker:

To my pilot: You’re going to be holding on to me, right?

Pilot Jorge: No, I will be steering.

Oh. Right.

It was no wonder that, with all of my questions, David ended up taking off before me. And it was as bad as I had imagined it.

I don’t know much about the science behind paragliding, but it looked as though his parachute prematurely caught the wind and that intense, rapid counteraction proved necessary.

RUN! Yelled his pilot. RUN!

But David’s feet were no longer on the ground. Not having a language in common with his pilot, he did the only thing he could (RUN!), in a very Wile E. Coyote-off- the-side-of-a-mountain fashion.

He was RUN!ing like a maniac in mid-air with two guys hanging on to his harness trying desperately to pull him back to Earth!

His feet touched the ground just long enough to run right off the cliff.

And disappear.

My breath caught in my throat as I imagined him cartwheeling down the cliffs attached to a stranger, stopping only for those brief moments when his parachute needed to untangle itself from the occasional twig. I couldn’t shake the Looney Tunes imagery.

Then, like the phoenix rising from the ashes, first the parachute, then David rose into view. Sweet relief was quickly followed by blinding fear.

Lima's Parque del Amor from above on a paraglider

To my pilot: I don’t want to do this anymore. Let me go back to the line.

Pilot Jorge: We already fly Berrrrronica.

Oh. Right.

WOW!

My feet were firmly off the ground.

Paragliding in Lima Peru - I got the orange one!

It was amazing. Lima spread out before me in a way that could only be seen by paraglider.

Or seagull, I suppose.

I can’t say I ever fully relaxed (my legs were sticking stiffly straight in front of me the entire ride), but it was easily one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done.

Paragliding in Lima Peru

And surprising.

Everything I experienced up in the air was the exact opposite than I expected (leading to more persistent peppering of questions to my pilot); the faster we went, the smoother the ride.

The higher we went, the safer I felt.

It was actually quite tranquil up there.

The landing, however, was everything I expected.

Pilot Jorge, now catching on to my fear level (you can watch this all go down in the video above): We will be landing now. All you have to do is standing.

Me: So I don’t do anything, I just stand up.

Pilot Jorge: Yes. And we will be okay.

Me: I feel like we’re sideways, are we sideways?

Pilot Jorge: No. We are okay. We are going very slow.

Me: What? It doesn’t feel slow. (petrified laugh) No. Ayhhhhhh!

Ground crew: (something really fast in Spanish)

Me: Do you have me? Ayhhhhhh! (to myself): STAND UP! I can’t stand up!

Pilot Jorge: Is okay, is okay.

Me: THAT WAS SO FUN!

Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Want more Lima? Click here to see more of our antics!

YOUR TURN: How’d I do? Are you ready to give paragliding a go?

The Big Apple’s Best Bargain

New York City is expensive! To help with some of that cost we want to pass along the best deal anywhere in the city. How about a boat tour of the harbor and an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty… for free? CONTINUE READING >> 

New York City is expensive!

Not only to live in, but to visit as well. So to help soften some of that cost we want to pass along what we think is the best deal anywhere in the city. How about a boat tour of the harbor and an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty… for free?

We’re not kidding, just climb aboard the Staten Island Ferry any time day or night, since it runs twenty four hours a day seven days a week, and never pay a penny. We’ve done it many times.

While the ferry is free now, it wasn’t always. In the early days it was a nickel a ride, and went up to fifty cents before the fare was waved in 1997 in an election year bid for votes from Staten Islanders by Mayor Giuliani. Since then the route has been fare-free, even though it costs the city over five dollars per passenger for each crossing.

The Staten Island Ferry began in 1817 as a part of the Richmond Turnpike Company, but historical records reveal that the Native American tribes living on Staten Island traveled back and forth by boat to Manhattan and New Jersey long before any Europeans arrived in the New World.

In 1838 Cornelius Vanderbilt bought the company, and his name has been famously associated with the ferry ever since. It was as a young boatman in New York harbor that he was nicknamed Commodore, a moniker which stayed with him for the rest of his life.

During the Civil War the Union used two of the ferries, the Clifton and Westfield, to assist in a blockade against the Confederate Army. After helping to capture New Orleans, they moved on to fight in Texas where the Westfield was sunk and the Clifton captured.

In 1905 the City of New York assumed control of the company and made it a part of the New York City Department of Transportation. This means that the service is considered more like a road than mass transit.

But none of this history lesson matters when looking for a little free fun on the water in the City That Never Sleeps. So for the Big Apple’s best bargain we always head down to the Whitehall Terminal on the southern tip of Manhattan, right next to Battery Park.

For the best view of Lady Liberty choose the starboard, or right hand, side of the boat. It’s not hard to tell where to go, it’ll be where about eighty percent of the other passengers are. On the way out the route first passes Governor’s Island on the other side. This little isle has quite a history of its own.

During the Revolution and War of 1812 it was armed with fortifications for the city, then later as a Coast Guard installation. In between the island was more than doubled in size by dumping the excavations from digging the subways.

Now it serves as a green space getaway for city dwellers, complete with its own faux tropical beach.

By the time the ship gets far enough out in the harbor for a good look at the statue, so many people are usually on that side the boat is listing. The view of the Statue of Liberty is not as close up as the tourist boats, but remember, for the price it can’t be beat.

And it is certainly close enough to get a good photo op. (Don’t forget to zoom in.) Right next to Liberty Island is Ellis Island, certainly not as impressive from afar, but every bit as historically significant, if not more so.

Usually when we reach Staten Island we just disembark and then turn around and get right back on for the return trip. Everyone is required to leave the boat and go inside to get back in line for the next ferry. It’s no big deal because there is never more than a half an hour wait.

Depending on the time of year though, there is another of the city’s best bargains right by the dock, The Staten Island Yankees. This minor league baseball team is often called the Baby Bombers because they are the single A level affiliate to their parent team the Bronx Bombers. They could also be so named for their much smaller admission fee.

As fun as it is to see these young hopefuls striving to make the big leagues, perhaps the most exciting thing about them is their stadium, Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. That may be a mouthful, but the view over the outfield wall is an even more amazing eyeful.

Watching the sun set on the world’s most famous skyline is worth every penny of the dozen or so dollar ticket price, no matter who is on the field.

After the game, or if it isn’t baseball season, the view of the skyline on the return trip is even better. Every time we can’t help but join the groups of onlookers watching the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan loom as we approach the terminal, no matter how many times we’ve done it.

This incredible backdrop has also made the Staten Island Ferry a very popular setting for filming movies, including Working Girl, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and the recent Spider-Man: Homecoming.

We can see why, no set or soundstage could possibly top it, but for us it is just the best cheap date in the city.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Got any other amazing deals to pass along? Tell us about them in the comments.

Hunting the Big 5 with our Camera – Safari South African Style


As luck would have it.

The phrase doesn’t necessarily refer to good luck; sometimes it can preface a lament of ill fortune.

In the case of our photo safari in South Africa, as luck would have it, we were about as (good) lucky as anyone could get… CONTINUE READING >>

The GypsyNesters in Kruger National Park in South Africa

As luck would have it.

The phrase doesn’t necessarily refer to good luck; sometimes it can preface a lament of ill fortune.

In the case of our photo safari in South Africa, as luck would have it, we were about as (good) lucky as anyone could get.

Elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa

When we set out on Viator’s Best 3-Day Kruger Park Wildlife Safariwe packed our camera into the backpack excited at the prospect of seeing the Big 5.

Especially rhinoceros, since the endangered giants had eluded us in Tanzania.

There are only about 20,000 white rhinos left in the world, and about half of them live in Kruger National Park, so there is no better place to see them.

A rhino covered in birds in Kruger National Park in South Africa

And see them we did, dozens of them.

We saw them on the very first afternoon, and every day of the three-day tour.

We were closer to rhinos than we ever dreamed possible.

In fact, on the last day we were feeling fairly strongly that we might have been too close.

Baby Rhino at Kruger National Park, South Africa
Soooo cute! Look at his little bump of a second horn!

On our way out of the park we came upon a family of rhinos, so we stopped to watch as the momma and baby leisurely strolled across the road in front of us.

Meanwhile several other cars pulled up to take a look, which made the dad downright disturbed as he felt that he was being cut off from his family.

An angry male rhino in Kruger National Park, South Africa
He’s HUGE! And unhappy.

At that point the two-ton beast stepped into the center of the vehicles and got pretty protective, rocking back and forth and staring down each of his mechanical adversaries.

The nearest car to him was a tiny compact that weighed less than half of the gridlocked huge, horned creature.

The big guy could have crushed it in a second, and, and the driver was obviously distressed… with good reason.

Yet the car behind them seemed oblivious to the situation, so our fantastic guide, Phineas, who was feeling the tension, backed us away slowly, opening a path for the rhino and helping to defuse the situation.

The big fellah did an imposing, and less than graceful, backwards walk into the bush before turning to catch up with his family.

WATCH: We captured the whole rhino ordeal on video. It was hairy!

An elephant crosses the road in Kruger National Park, South Africa

As intense as that situation was, it wasn’t the highlight of our safari.

Day two would take that honor.

We set out early for an all-day game drive and immediately came upon more rhinos, then drove deeper into the park and found gorgeous giraffes…

Giraffes grazing on trees in Kruger National Park in South Africa

…and several giant elephants.

Elephants in Kruger National Park in South Africa

A herd of elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Baboons groom each other in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Next we came upon a troop of baboons. There were at least thirty in the group, including several babies.

One looked to be brand newborn, perhaps only a day old, and we caught it nursing while the mother carried it along.

So cute!

A baby baboon clings to its mother in Kruger National Park in South Africa
Just look at that little baby’s face!

Phineas put his sixteen years of guiding experience to good use by spotting animals that we never would have seen on our own. This is why we say that the best way to see wildlife is by looking for Africa Tour Packages.

Our guide, Phineas, on our Kruger National Park Photo Safari in South Africa with Viator

Driving in Kruger National Park, South Africa

He also utilized his ability to speak 12 languages – from Afrikaans to Zulu (and German and English) – to talk with other guides about where to find animals, especially the elusive big cats.

As much as we were focused on rhinos, without a doubt lions are the main attraction at Kruger National Park.

However, they can be a bit reclusive so it is not uncommon for visitors to miss seeing them.

When he heard that two lions had been spotted Phineas hurried us to the area, only to find several other groups looking without any success.

After surveying the situation, he broke off from the pack and spotted the pair of predators lounging under a tree about a quarter of a mile away.

It was one of several times that we wished we had a tripod to get a better shot, but we made due steadying the camera on the truck.

While everyone else was looking for the cats further down the road, Phineas had a hunch that led us right to them.

Once we had enough time watching the lions undisturbed, Phineas kindly went back to alert the other guides to their location (it’s cool to be the ones in the know!) and headed off to lunch.

With lions, rhinos, and elephants already marked off our list in the morning, we needed only two more sightings to complete Africa’s Big 5.

An African Buffalo in Kruger National Park in South Africa

The five animals were chosen because of their desirability to hunters, and their dangerous nature.

They are considered the most aggressive and likely to attack or kill humans.

The next one for us to see, the African buffalo, came soon after our meal.

That left us with only the leopard to complete the set.

A hippo surrounded by birds at Kruger National Park, South Africa

Throughout the afternoon we saw more and more elephants, until we were calling this the day of a hundred elephants.

We also spotted even more rhinos, a jackal, crocodiles, hippos, wildebeest, a myriad of birds, zebras, a few warthogs, steenboks, and endless impalas… but no more cats.

Steenboks and impallas in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Steenboks and impala – Phineas calls them “fast food” – the impala even has the Golden Arches on his flank!

Not that it mattered, with so much to see we had pretty much forgotten about leopards.

A giraffe eating from the treetops in Kruger National Park in South Africa

In fact, we were pretty thrilled because we had observed, and photographed, all of our GypsyNester Big 5: giraffe, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant, and zebra.

A zebra at Kruger National Park, South Africa

So as sundown drew near we headed for camp excitedly discussing what a great day it had been.

Beautiful sunset at Kruger National Park in South Africa

Then we crossed a bridge about a mile from camp and spotted a spotted cat slinking along the riverbed.

A river in Kruger National Park, South Africa

It was a leopard, meaning that we had seen all of the Big 5 in one day!

A leopard in Kruger National Park in South Africa

Phineas assured us that we truly were incredibly lucky, since this almost never happens.

A hornbill in Kruger National Park, South Africa
A hornbill at our camp.

By spending three days in the Park, we felt relaxed with the pace of our explorations.

It helped that the park has all of the necessary accommodations within its boundaries, which saved time and made us feel more connected to our surroundings.

Our cabin at Berg-En-Dal camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the evenings, we sat on the patio of our cabin at the camp at Berg-En-Dal listening to the sounds of wild animals filling the air.

Pretty sweet, and hardly roughing it, with comfy beds and air conditioning, plus a full service restaurant featuring dining under the stars.

Our cabin and patio at Berg-En-Dal camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa

A kudo pot pie at the Berg-En-Dal camp restaurant in Kruger National Park in South Africa

In keeping with our exotic surroundings, the first night we ordered wild kudu cooked in a pot pie, and as a schnitzel.

We had never heard of kudu, but our verdict was that they are quite tasty.

Phineas explained that they are a large antelope that is very prevalent in the park, and sure enough, he hunted some down for us the next day.

A kudu in Kruger National Park in South Africa
The non-shaggy kudu
A kudu on Kruger National Park in South Africa
And the fancy shaggy kind!

At Kruger National Park in South Africa, we ate lunch while watching elephants and hippos in the nearby river!

The restaurant at the Kruger’s Lower-Sabie camp could be the best lunch location we’ve ever experienced.

Seated on the balcony overlooking the Sabie River, we watched hippos, elephants, crocs, and kudus visit for a drink or a bath.

There’s no beating it.

An elephant walks by a river in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Certainly these critters can be dangerous.

To ensure that there aren’t any unwelcome wildlife encounters, all of the camps in the park are fenced off to keep out razor-sharp toothed visitors.

It’s kind of like we humans were the ones in the zoo.

The sun turns into a big round ball every evening in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Every evening, the sun turned into a huge, perfectly round ball.

In addition to our time in Kruger, the drive back and forth from Johannesburg gave us a chance to learn about the history of South Africa and an opportunity to see a good bit of the country’s landscape.

The journey took us through vast, open farmland, rolling foothills, and forested mountains, which was not what we expected to find.

A warthog crosses the road between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park in South Africa
And the animals kept showing up – warthogs are faster than we imagined!
Vervet monkey in South Africa
A vervet monkey in a village along the way.

Phineas discussed everything with the knowledge that living in a place all of his life brings.

He was equally comfortable conversing about South Africa’s origins, politics, Nelson Mandela, and the nation’s rise from apartheid, as he was explaining the ecology and wildlife.

Taking a different route back to Johannesburg gave us the chance to pass through the mountains that we had seen from below on the way over.

Along the road from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park in South Africa

Pilgram's Rest in South Africa

We drove along Bushbuck Ridge, stopped off for an amazing panoramic view from God’s Window, headed over Robbers Pass, and had lunch in the well preserved old mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

We considered this all a bonus because the tour really was all about the animals.

As Phineas told us when we were entering the park on the first day, “It’s not a zoo, you never know what you’ll see.”

Well, as luck would have it, we saw it all.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Big thanks to Viator for providing this wondrous adventure! As always, all opinions are our own. To see more about this tour, click here.

See all of our adventures in Africa!

YOUR TURN: So how about our Phineas? Is he a font of knowledge or what? What is YOUR personal Big 5?

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Boost Your Business: Hire an AdWords Consultant Today!

Investing in a Google AdWords consultant isn’t just about outsourcing your digital marketing efforts—it’s about investing in expertise, strategy, and tangible results… CONTINUE READING >>

Imagine this scenario: you’ve spent months crafting the perfect ad campaign for your business. You’ve poured your heart and soul into creating compelling copy, selecting eye-catching images, and targeting your audience meticulously. Yet, despite your efforts, the results are underwhelming. Your ads are seen but not clicked, and your budget is draining faster than anticipated. Frustrating, isn’t it? This is where a Google AdWords consultant can be your saving grace.

Why You Need an AdWords Consultant

Let’s be real here—you’re an expert in your business, not in deciphering Google’s ever-changing algorithms or understanding the nuances of PPC (pay-per-click) advertising. That’s where an AdWords consultant comes in. Think of them as your secret weapon in the digital marketing battlefield. They live and breathe AdWords, constantly updating their strategies to keep up with Google’s latest quirks and algorithm updates.

Remember the word “allowed”? Just like in a race where you’re allowed a pit stop to refuel and recalibrate, an AdWords consultant allows your business to pause, strategize, and optimize your campaigns effectively. They analyze your current setup, identify bottlenecks, and fine-tune your ads for maximum impact. This pit stop isn’t just about a quick fix—it’s about crafting a sustainable strategy that propels your business forward.

The Treasure of Expertise

AdWords consultants aren’t just tech-savvy marketers; they are the superstars of the digital advertising realm. They bring a treasure trove of expertise and experience to the table, accumulated through years of navigating the complex terrain of online advertising. Like any seasoned professional, they understand that success isn’t just about running ads—it’s about crafting compelling narratives that resonate with your audience.

Think of your AdWords consultant as a coach who trains your ads to perform like Olympic athletes. They analyze your competition, fine-tune your targeting, and optimize your bidding strategies to ensure that every dollar you spend brings you closer to your business goals. Their expertise isn’t just about clicks and impressions; it’s about translating those metrics into tangible results that boost your bottom line.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Running a business is like sailing through uncharted waters—you face challenges at every turn. Maybe your ad click-through rates are plummeting, or perhaps your competitors seem to be outshining you at every corner. This is where the strategic prowess of an AdWords consultant shines brightest. They thrive on turning challenges into opportunities, leveraging their deep understanding of digital marketing to steer your campaigns towards success.

Consider the word “superstars”. Just like how sports teams have superstars who elevate the game with their talent and experience, an AdWords consultant brings star power to your advertising efforts. They know the tricks of the trade, from crafting compelling ad copy that converts to optimizing landing pages that seal the deal. With their guidance, your ads transform from mere digital placeholders to magnetic beacons that attract and engage your target audience.

The ROI Gamechanger

At the end of the day, it’s all about the ROI (return on investment). You’re not just looking for clicks—you’re looking for conversions, sales, and growth. An AdWords consultant understands this implicitly. They are driven by results, constantly monitoring your campaigns, analyzing data, and making informed adjustments to ensure that every dollar you spend delivers a substantial return.

Think of your Google AdWords consultant as an investment rather than an expense. They’re not just managing your ad spend; they’re maximizing it. While you focus on steering your business towards greater heights, they’re behind the scenes, fine-tuning your campaigns to capture qualified leads and drive sales. It’s a partnership built on trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to achieving measurable success.

Empowering Your Business

In a competitive digital landscape, standing out isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Your business deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered by your target audience. An AdWords consultant empowers you to do just that. They bring clarity to the complexities of online advertising, guiding you through the maze of keywords, bidding strategies, and ad formats with ease.

Consider the analogy of “treasure”. Just as treasure hunters meticulously seek out hidden gems, an AdWords consultant mines your data for valuable insights that drive strategic decisions. They uncover opportunities that you might have overlooked, identify untapped markets, and position your ads where they yield the highest returns. It’s about unlocking the full potential of your advertising efforts and discovering new avenues for growth.

Taking the Leap

Now that you understand the pivotal role of an AdWords consultant in transforming your digital marketing efforts, it’s time to take action. Don’t let your ad campaigns languish in obscurity or fall victim to trial-and-error tactics. Hire a Google AdWords consultant today and unlock the true potential of your business’s online presence.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your existing campaigns, launch a new product line, or scale your business to new heights, an AdWords consultant is your strategic ally in achieving these goals. They’re not just there to manage your ads—they’re there to elevate your entire digital marketing strategy.

In conclusion, investing in a Google AdWords consultant isn’t just about outsourcing your digital marketing efforts—it’s about investing in expertise, strategy, and tangible results. It’s about partnering with a seasoned professional who understands the nuances of online advertising and has the skills to navigate your business towards success. So, what are you waiting for? Boost your business today—hire an AdWords consultant and watch your ROI soar!

Lights, Camera, Action at The Palace of Versailles

There’s nothing quite like an afternoon of opulence at the Palace of Versailles.

After a short drive out from Paris, we bypassed the waiting crowds and walked right in.

It was almost as if we belonged in a crib like this… CONTINUE READING >> 

The Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

With the television series Versailles gaining in popularity, we thought that we would revisit the foremost French château for another look around.

The gates of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

Besides, there’s nothing quite like an afternoon of opulence at the Palace of Versailles.

After a short drive out from Paris, we bypassed the waiting crowds and walked right in (see how we pulled that off here).

It was almost as if we belonged in a crib like this… almost.

The Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

The Palace of Versailles from the gardens near Paris, France - GypsyNester.com

Truth is, it was a little before our time.

The Château de Versailles became the royal residence in 1682, when Louis the Fourteenth moved out of the Louvre in favor of the country house and gardens that had served as his father’s hunting lodge since 1624.

If you have watched the show then you know that major renovations were in order. One simply can’t rule properly from a hunting lodge.

The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France - GypsyNester.com

From our point of view it looks as though the redecorating was quite a success! No wonder Louis is known for his furnishings.

We were particularly enthralled by the Hall of Mirrors, and the artwork on the ceilings, but every room made it quite obvious that it was good to be king… that is… until there is a revolution.

The Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

The royal beds at the Palace of Versailles
The royal beds – nice, eh?
Inside the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

But the rise of the republic did not vanquish the palace, even though many of the furnishings were hauled off by angry mobs — no cake for them — it has been restored to its previous glory.

Versailles continues to play host to political functions by hosting heads of state in the Hall of Mirrors, and housing meetings of the Sénat and the Assemblée whenever revisions or amendments are made to the French Constitution.

The garden at Versailles near Paris, France

Statue of man and lion in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

Nearly as impressive as the interior, the grounds have to be seen to be believed as well.

After all, what is an emperor’s country château without a garden?

We wouldn’t have to answer that question, because Versailles has the backyard to end all backyards.

Even in late autumn, we were easily engulfed by its lovely, lush repose.

Just have time for one day in Paris? Here’s what to do!

Fountain of horses in the gardens of Versailles near Paris, France - GypsyNester.com

The gardens of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

Almost two thousand acres of trees, flowers, fountains, ponds, statues, and perfectly trimmed hedges forming designs and mazes, all with string quartet music perfectly piped throughout.

No kidding, no matter where we walked it always sounded like they were right behind the next tree.

The gardens of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France

Over time the gardens fell into a state of overgrowth, but now the Petit Parc – Louis XIV’s pleasure garden – is being restored to the same condition that it was in at the end of his reign in 1715.

Statue of La Seine in the gardens of Versailles near Paris, France
La Seine

And these are no made for TV reproductions either, this is the real deal.

Talk bout reality TV.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

DELVE DEEPER:
Just have time for one day in Paris? Here’s what to do!
See where we stayed in Paris
Want to see our full collection of odd art at the Louvre?
Head deep inside the Catacombes de Paris
Take a peek inside the Arc de Triomphe
Check out more about Notre Dame Cathedral
See more of our antics at the Eiffel Tower
Want more Paris? Click here!
Check out all of our adventures in France!

YOUR TURN: Is Paris at the top of your must-see list? Or have you already checked it off? What would be YOUR first stop in Paris?

Utterly Unexpected Palo Duro Canyon

It isn’t hard to keep your social distance out on the lone prairie, in fact it might be harder to find someone to get too close to. Still, there are some big surprises and here’s one of the biggest! Out of nowhere the Texas prairie drops one thousand feet down into the second largest canyon in the United States. CONTINUE READING >> 

Fall just might be the perfect time to visit this little known gem in Texas.

We know everything’s big in Texas, and the Lone Star State is full of surprises… but this was one BIG surprise!

To make it even more surprising, we didn’t find it in Big Bend National Park, or even in that southwest part of the state where mountains are a part of the landscape.

No, the impressive Palo Duro Canyon is right smack in the middle of the plains of the panhandle. Out of nowhere the prairie drops one thousand feet down into the second largest canyon in the United States.

If we hadn’t known what we were about to encounter our jaws would have hit the ground. They almost did anyway.

Driving toward the rim we couldn’t help but think about what early settlers rolling across the smooth, open prairie in their covered wagons must have though when they hit the edge.  “This is too easy, nothin’ to it. We’ll be in Caiforn… Holy $#*%!!!! What in the Sam Hill is this?”

It was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River during the Pleistocene era, when melting Ice Age glaciers provided massive torrents of water. Thousands of years later, in 1934, this incredible geologic wonder became Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Soon after that the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corps, built roads, trails, cabins, and campgrounds that still serve the park’s hundreds of thousands of visitors.

On our recent autumnal visit we found nary a drop of the water that carved through the layers of rock through the ages, but we did find amazing colors in the resulting formations. These are very reminiscent of the Grand Canyon.

Even in the fall it can still be pretty hot, so we spent most of our time driving the miles of roads that took us over the edge and down the slope of the canyon wall then in a loop along the floor.

We did stop for a couple short hikes, one led to a formation called the painted rocks, where fairly recent erosion has exposed a large cliff of red-orange stone.

The other took us to a stone that natives had used for grinding roots, mesquite beans, and various seeds for food.

Over the ages the process wore down obvious holes in the rock that allowed archeologists to make the discovery.

Soon after that we encountered a good sized flock of wild turkeys. With the heat and lack of water, these were the only wildlife we saw all day, but we guess that they would have made a fine meal too.

When we drove back up on the rim, we stopped in for a quick look through the visitor’s center and then another short walk that took us to an overlook with a panoramic view of the entire upper portion of the canyon.

From there we got a long distance view of the park’s most famous landmark, Lighthouse Rock, which made us feel okay about skipping the six mile trail that would have given us a close up view. With that, we felt that we had done a pretty good job seeing most of the sights.

Amarillo is only twenty five miles to the north, but we decided to stay in the closer town of Canyon. This smaller, and definitely quirkier, little enclave proved to be a good choice.

It is home to West Texas A&M University, and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum on its campus, along with a couple interesting eating establishments that we can heartily give two thumbs up.

Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner was fun, with model trains circling the ceiling, but our favorite for both the food and its unique combination had to be Pepito’s Mexican Restaurante & Auto Sales.

We have a strict rule to never stop in Texas without getting our fill of Tex-Mex. However, we can’t say that we’ve ever considered getting our burritos and Buicks in the same place, but we can declare that at least the food was fantastic. No word on the wheels

On our way back to the main road in Amarillo the following morning, we made a quick pit stop at the RV Museum. The collection is on display at Jack Sisemore Traveland, which is the oldest RV dealership in the state.

Jack began collecting vintage trailers, campers, and motorhomes back in 1986, and has managed to gather quite an impressive array that embody the past century of Recreational Vehicle development.

After spending most of the last ten years in our three motorhomes, we couldn’t help but be intrigued, and were definitely not disappointed.

Right off the bat we were greeted by a 1915 Ford Kampkar. The body was actually made by Anheuser-Busch and fitted on to a Ford chassis, creating what was one of the first motorhomes, rustic as it may have been.

As we moved on, we encountered over a dozen other iconic models including the very first Airstream from 1935, a 1967 VW hippie bus, a 1976 FMC that was owned by Max Factor, and the 1948 Flxible bus featured in the Robin Williams movie RV.

One of the coolest things about this museum is that we were not only able to view these babies from the outside; the interiors are also open and impeccably restored. We could have spent all day, but had to get going.

As we pulled back out onto the highway it seemed more than fitting that we were traveling along the course of Route 66.

We certainly got our kicks.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Best Private Tours in Spain for the Whole Family

Spain is a fantastic destination for a family vacation and here is why we think a private guide is the best way to see as much as possible on your trip…
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Spain is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. We know this because we got three generations of ours together there two years ago for Veronica’s big birthday celebration. (We won’t say which one.) We will say that it was so great that we are now thinking of doing it again, even without a birthday to celebrate.

Everyone had a wonderful time but one thing we learned on that trip, and will do better this time, is that a little bit more planning ahead will be a good thing. Last time we all just did whatever popped into our heads, hit the beach, go biking, swim, eat lots of great food, or just relax. However, we do feel like we might have missed out on a lot of the local attractions by not taking a tour.

So this time we are looking for a good guided excursion. We have, and I imagine you have too, heard about free tours in many popular places, but with the broad range of ages we have traveling together, from toddlers to seniors, we have decided that a private tour will be much better way to see all of the things we want to see.

By hiring a private guide in Spain we will be able to customize our tour to see only the things that we are interested in, while skipping some things that we might not care as much about. Even better, we will have the flexibility to change things up in the middle of the tour if something comes up. This way, if the little ones start getting tired, we can rearrange the schedule so that they can drop out early while everyone else still gets to visit everything that they wanted to see.

We can also schedule it for what ever time works best for us, such as not being out and about when nap time comes around, or staying out too late. That sounds like a fantastic way to avoid grouchy grand-babies… and grandparents.

Plus we get private, one on one attention from the guide. Everyone can ask questions and have the time and privacy to dig for deeper, more meaningful answers. So if we want to stay a little longer in one place and a little less in another that’s not a problem. What a great way to see and learn more about Spain.

It also means that it is just us, our family, in the group so everyone can be more relaxed and never feel crowded or herded around like the big groups often do. And another huge benefit, it is way easier to keep track of the little ones so no one wanders off or gets lost in the crowd. We feel like that peace of mind alone is more than worth the price.

Now the main thing that is left for us to do is decide on a destination. We are thinking about Madrid, Toledo, or Segovia.

Toledo sounds great. It first became prominent as a Roman city around two hundred years before Christ. It went on to become the capital of the Visigoth Kingdom, and later the seat of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain from 1516 to 1556.

Clearly there is more than enough history to fill several tours so we will have our work cut out for us picking the highlights, but we know that certainly the Castle of San Servando, the Alcázar, the Baños de Tenerías, and the Historic Old City of Toledo must be included.

Oh, and we certainly can’t leave out the incredible Cathedral of Saint Mary of Toledo, which is generally considered to be the ultimate example of the Gothic style in Spain. Construction began in the year 1226 and lasted until Columbus was first sailing to the New World.

But let’s not overlook Segovia. This smaller city near the mountains is famous for its historic buildings and three main landmarks. The nearly two thousand year old Roman aqueduct runs right through the center of the city and remained in use until 1973; The cathedral, which is one of the last ones in Europe to be built in the Gothic style; and the Alcázar of Segovia, which was one of the models used to design Cinderella’s Castle by Walt Disney, are all intriguing.

There is also the smaller church of San Miguel de Segovia that has a huge place in history since it is where the coronation of Queen Isabella took place in 1474, as well as several other landmarks worth visiting

But Madrid is too hard to pass up. So even though Veronica and I have been there before, we can guarantee that there is a whole lot we missed because we only spent one whirlwind day exploring. That is the main reason that we want to have the Madrid Tour Experience.

We walked by many of the highlights, such as the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral, with the enormous Plaza de la Armería between them, but wished we had a guide to explain the history and background of them.

We also saw the Cibeles Palace, now used as the Municipal Hall, and the famous El Retiro Park, with the glorious Palacio de Cristal glass palace, but again, without a guide there is so much we missed.

Plus, there are so many more amazing sites in the Spanish capital city awaiting us, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Plaza de España, and the Mercado San Miguel, that a good guide can show us and help us see as many as possible.

That is why we are sold on taking private tours in Spain. And whether you have a dozen people over three generations like we do, or just a handful, we are sure you will be sold on it too.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Give a Gift He will Remember, Give Him Chicago!

Giftory is the best website for choosing experiential gifts tailored for men. They have done the hard work of gathering and evaluating every experience available, so you can count on the quality and value of any choice you make…. CONTINUE READING >>

Every now and then we stumble on to something that perfectly describes our attitude about something. That is one reason why we were so happy that we discovered Giftory.

They believe that the best gifts are experiences, not things, and we couldn’t agree more. That is why we are so excited to find their Chicago experiences and pass that excitement on to you.

Choosing the Best Experience

We love Chicago, so choosing from these adventures won’t be easy, but it will be a pleasure. Many of them are perfect for the man in your life, and most are pretty great for you to join him in the fun if you like. So whether he is an active, push the envelope kind of guy, or a laid back, quiet evening of fantastic food and entertainment type, Giftory has a whole bunch of unique ideas that will certainly give him an experience to remember.

Just jump on to their website and look through the vast array of unforgettable possibilities that will create memories to last a lifetime. They are easy to find, just pick a category and take your pick. They cover everything from over the top exhilarating exploits such as skydiving or bungee jumping, to lower key relaxing escapes like cooking classes or sunset cruises.

Speaking of cruises, a river cruise is without a doubt the best way we have ever found for seeing downtown in the Windy City, but lunch or dinner out on Lake Michigan is pretty darn good too. We absolutely loved our leisurely architecture cruise on the river through the business district however, if you think that your man might be up for something more adventurous then the Extreme Speedboat Thrill Ride looks like a high speed adventure that will rev up any guy.

Other exciting options include zip-lining through the treetops, throwing axes (yikes!), or exploring Lemont Quarry Lake in pedal boats, kayaks, or canoes, or my personal favorite a Tall Ship Fireworks Cruise.

Give the Gift of Great Food

Is your special guy a foodie? If so there’s plenty to pick from on the Giftory website. He would most likely love Chicago’s finest dining experience at a Michelin Star restaurant, or the ultimate Chicago wine tasting tour, really splurge and get him a Private Chef Experience.

For the less fancy appetite a VIP Deep Dish Pizza Tour of the city, or better yet a Craft Brewery Tour on the bus that looks like an old fashioned beer barrel might fill the bill.

Or maybe he’d rather learn to cook his own gourmet meals. No problem, there are plenty of hands-on cooking classes ranging from learning to make the perfect gnocchi, to creating fabulous French macaroons, to mastering the art of making and rolling Sushi.

Send Him Back in Time

Is he a history buff? Then the Prohibition Walking Tour or the Speakeasy Bus Tour ought to be right up his alley. Or for the more romantic, choose from several catered picnics including a Mystery Picnic Experience that works like a scavenger hunt across the city.

This is why Giftory is the best website for choosing experiential gifts tailored for men. They have done the hard work of gathering and evaluating every experience available, so you can count on the quality and value of any choice you make.

So if there is any occasion coming up for any man in your life we can’t think of any better way to find the perfect gift than Giftory.

I wish I had a birthday coming up.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com