I had the best Thanksgiving weekend 🦃 which included the adventure of flying with my son from Falcon Field in Phoenix, AZ to Sedona, AZ. The red rocks from the air were stunning and landing on a mesa was surreal!🧡 Breakfast at the delicious Mesa Grill 🍳, a hike on the airport vortex, and then back in the air! Sedona is one of my favorite places. I have seen Sedona from a hot air balloon and it’s such an elevated experience from a plane!
When I want to see the Northern Lights, I plan my dream Aurora Borealis vacation to Norway, Canada, Alaska, or Iceland. Of the 6 times I have seen these magnificent lights, 3 have been in Missouri above my house! The best time was November 11, 2025. The Northern Lights were seen across much of North America that evening, as far south as Florida and Texas. This was due to a powerful G4-rated geomagnetic storm that was caused by coronal mass ejections (aka CMEs) from the sun. Our gift from that storm was the Northern Lights—green, pink and red, complete with pillars and a few emotional tears.
I am going to let the pictures speak for themselves. Taken with my iPhone 17 Pro Max, night mode from my neighborhood in O’Fallon, Missouri. I went out twice that night to capture the beauty of the lights!
Yes, this was a very big deal for me.
A friend told me that I would thoroughly enjoy the Japanese toilets and want to come home and install one! I’ve used a bidet before in Europe, however, the toilets in Japan are on another level. I never had a cold tushy because of the heated seat, and the controls on almost every toilet I sat on had a whole host of options. From pressure controls to noise cancellation, these toilets are high tech, clean, and comfy! I usually do my business in the bathroom and get out; but I could have read a 900 page novel with each bathroom trip.
Yes, they still have washiki (squat) toilets but I didn’t see many of them this time compared to 29 years ago. And why would you want to squat when you can sit and warm up??
This whole toilet experience caused me to research bidets. Did you know that the modern electric bidet was a 20th century invention that was developed in the USA by Arnold Cohen who was helping his father with a medical condition? Where the heck are these toilets today in the U.S.? Well Mr. Cohen licensed the patent to the Japanese company, TOTO, and there you have it! Funny enough, I have a TOTO toilet but it doesn’t do anything except flush.
Bidets in homes are mandatory in Italy and Portugal. While not mandatory in Japan, I read that approximately 80% of homes have an integrated bidet-style Washlet. A Washlet is a high-tech TOTO toilet seat with lots of bells and whistles, essentially a spa for your tush—hygienic, warm water washing, heated seats, and air dryers (not the hand kind). Many of these toilets have self-cleaning nozzles, automatic opening lids (see my first video), and deodorizers. Come to think of it, no public bathroom I visited ever smelled bad.
At first I was nervous about pressing buttons..I didn’t know what surprise awaited my rear😳. However, it didn’t take long before I was experimenting. By the end (pun intended), I would have brought home a washlet as a souvenir. It could have been my emotional support potty on the airplane!
Side note, unless you’re using the lobby restroom in a hotel, not many bathrooms have paper towels to dry your hands. Some may have a token air dryer, but many don’t (a smaller portion don’t have soap). It’s common practice to bring your own towel in your bag to dry your hands in a public restroom. We ended up buying a Hello Kitty washcloth to use.
I already miss the toilets—my tush hasn’t been the same since.🚽❤️
One encounter that resonated deeply with me during this trip was a lesson in the Japanese art of calligraphy, known as “shodo.” This practice is truly memorizing as it is more than just writing; it is an expression of artistry, philosophy, and spirituality that has evolved over centuries.
Japanese calligraphy is rooted in the Chinese characters (kanji) and Japanese syllabaries (kana). Its roots are influenced from the 7th century cultural exchanges with China.
Shodo emphasizes the beauty of brush strokes, the flow of ink, and the harmony between the artist and the paper. Each character conveys emotion through a meditative experience, promoting mindfulness and focus. And that’s exactly the way I felt as I was trying my hand at Shodo.
First, we had to prepare for the lesson.The tools included:
We are so lucky that one of our Japanese friends is a shodo sensei (teacher). According to our friend, kanji characters are designed to be written with the right hand. I gave it my all as a left-hander, but it wasn’t easy.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Japanese calligraphy has a deep cultural significance. It accompanies poetry, spiritual writings, and meaningful life events. In addition, it is a common practice during New Year celebrations when people write phrases to invite good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Shodo also plays an important role in Zen Buddhism, where it’s seen as a form of meditation. The act of writing is intended to manifest the essence of one’s thoughts and beliefs, making it both a reflective and creative practice. And, I truly felt that way while I was practicing.
The most meaningful souvenir I brought home is my calligraphy artwork—words like peace, love, and beauty—memorialized on paper…an opportunity to learn from a Japanese calligrapher. Kuniko gave me so much more than a souvenir; it was a gift…a rare chance to slow down, practice mindfulness, and be inspired by beautiful art.
Our final day in Toyama was a fun fusion of art—through glass, food and clothing! Unforgettable experiences that left us with lasting memories.
First Stop: The Toyama Glass Museum🪷
We began our day at the stunning Toyama Glass Museum, a haven for both local and international artists. The museum’s impressive collection showcases a variety of glassworks, including breathtaking pieces by the renowned artist Dale Chihuly. His intricate designs and vibrant colors truly captivated our senses.
Lunch: An Exquisite Teppanyaki Feast🥢
Next, we indulged in a culinary adventure featuring teppanyaki, where skillful chefs prepared the most succulent fillet we had ever tasted. The meal began with a warming bowl of soup, followed by a savory medley of fresh vegetables, and then the expertly grilled steak.
Cultural Touchpoint: Kimonos! 👘
To wrap up our day, we participated in a traditional kimono experience. It was fascinating to learn about the evolution of this beautiful garment; while modern kimonos typically feature just three layers, centuries ago, they boasted an impressive twelve layers, each serving its own purpose and signifying status. Adorning ourselves in these elegant fabrics allowed us to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage, making for a truly immersive experience. They also styled our hair!
After soaking in all that Toyama had to offer (including the hot springs), we embarked on the return journey aboard the bullet train🚄. The two-hour ride back to Toyoko was spent writing this post!
My friends married in the Japanese city of Toyama. I was fortunate to attend and witness the beautiful cherry blossoms 🌸 that spring. After close to 30 years, we are heading back to that part of the country. 🗾
Where is Toyama on the map? It is across Japan’s main island of Honshu, nestled between the Japanese Alps on one side and the Sea of Japan on another. This picturesque city of approximately 400,000 people is starkly different from the other locations on this trip. In 2025, The New York Times ranked Toyama #30 on their annual “52 Places to Go” list.
The day began at Ueno Station (Tokyo), where we boarded the train for a scenic two-hour ride across the island and through the Japanese countryside. The changing landscapes, with lush greenery and quaint villages, set the perfect tone for our soon-to-be adventure.
One of our friends met us at the Kurobe station and carted us away to our first stop—Kurobe Gorge Trolley Train tour. The starting point for this ~2 hour round trip tour is Unazuki Onsen, a charming hot spring town. Due to an earthquake in 2024, the trolley train goes as far as Nekomata station (fun fact—this station is the only one in Japan with a “neko”/cat in its name).
The Trolley Train took us on a scenic journey through beautiful gorges, deep valleys, and snow capped mountains, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the area. The leaves are just starting to change—another week and the colors will peek. The views were breathtaking and each picture was postcard-worthy.
After the train ride, we checked into our charming hotel, Unazuki Yamanoha. The traditional Japanese style rooms and ambiance made me feel part of the culture.
As the evening approached, I was eager to experience something quintessentially Japanese: an onsen. So, I slipped into my yukata (like a robe only better!) and made my way to the female side of the onsen. Relaxing in the natural hot spring baths was blissful as the warm waters eased the tension in my tired legs and provided a moment of true peace as we gazed at the mountains. And yes, you are wearing your birthday suit in the water. (Tattoos must be covered, if even allowed, and we washed thoroughly before entering the water.)
Dinner was next on the agenda, and I was excited to indulge in local cuisine—still wearing my yukata! The hotel buffet featured fresh seafood and seasonal produce, and rice that Toyama is famous for.
To cap off this incredible day, I treated myself to a 90-minute massage in the traditional Japanese style (fully clothed in my yukata). It was an experience I would highly recommend.
Stay tuned for more adventures in this beautiful part of Japan! I am too relaxed (and exhausted😴) to write anymore tonight.
When my friend asked me where I wanted to go in Japan, Hiroshima was at the top of the list. In my view, it’s essential to remember the past in order to learn from it and shape a better future.
After we returned from Miyajima Island, we headed for a special lunch. I am gluten-free plus I cannot eat seafood due to an allergy. It takes some work to avoid both in Japan but my friend had me covered. She found the one Okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima that can make it gluten free! Ken-San, the chef, has a wheat allergy as well. He even wears a mask when cooking so he doesn’t breathe in all the wheat.
I love Okonomiyaki and miss it terribly since I went gluten free. Ken-San used a separate pan and rice flour instead of wheat flour. He even shared stories (translating via our phones) about his family. His mother is a A-Bomb survivor. She was 9 when the bomb was dropped but she was protected by the side of the mountain. However, she has an auto immune disease that makes moving very painful. Her disease was caused by the after effects of the radiation.
FYI- Okonomiyaki is a Japanese teppanyaki pancake-like dish consisting of wheat flour batter and other ingredients (cabbage, meat, seafood) mixed in and cooked on flat griddle. It’s served with a special sauce.
After lunch we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. If you visit Hiroshima, I can’t stress enough how important it is to experience this museum. Before entering, there is a sign for parents and teachers, encouraging them to prepare children for the exhibits. Adults—take that same advice and prepare yourselves. It is informative, moving, and, at times, very difficult to digest, but the museum is essential for understanding the full impact of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Artifacts from the time (including children’s clothing), personal stories of survivors, and detailed historical accounts bring the past to life in a way that is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. When the bomb was dropped, 200,000+ people perished that day or after due to radiation exposure. Some died years later from diseases caused by the bomb. Ken-San recommended a Japanese documentary called Silent Fallout and talked about how we were all victims of the atomic bomb—including those in the USA. We know this first hand due to Cold Water Creek where I grew up in Florissant, Missouri.
Next we went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This beautiful park is dedicated to the memory of the lives lost during the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945.
The focal point of the park is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which stands as a haunting reminder of the destruction the bomb brought to the people of Hiroshima. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few structures that partially survived the atomic bombing. Built in 1915 as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it was a symbol of Hiroshima’s industrial and cultural life. On that fateful day, the bomb exploded approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) above the dome, making it one of the few buildings close to the hypocenter that remained standing.
The Atomic Bomb Dome is a powerful symbol of remembrance and peace.
We all felt the weight of history pressing down as we moved through the memorials. While the people of Hiroshima continue to inspire hope, it’s up to all of us to advocate for a world without war.
From Himeji we made our way to Hiroshima via the bullet train and checked into the Grand Intelligence Hotel near the station. After a bite to eat at a popular restaurant called Caffe Ponte, and ice cream cones 🍦 that put all other ice cream cones to shame, we fell into bed!
We were ready to go by 8:00 am, taking the train to the ferry station for the short ride to Miyajima Island.
I don’t know how this trip could get any better…but it just did. As we approached, the famous floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine came into view. During high tide it appears to float on the water, during low tide, roll up your pants and walk out to touch it (we did!)
The deer greeted us upon arrival (don’t touch them!) and we hired rickshaw drivers to show us around. Fun experience with our “drivers”, Keigo and Akimu.
After wading out to touch the torii and take pictures, we high tailed it back to the beach as the tide was starting to rise. We then toured Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip: Arrive early during low tide to touch the torii! By the time we were touched it, we were the only ones left in the sea and the tide was rising quickly.
Itsukushima Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to the iconic floating torii gate, the stunning shrine was originally built in the 6th century and dedicated to the goddess of seas and storms, Benzaiten. Surrounded by a traditional Japanese gardens and set against the backdrop of Mount Misen, Itsukushima Shrine is a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The vibrant vermilion structures, exquisite craftsmanship, and picturesque setting made this one of my favorites (I have been saying that a lot!).
Now, let’s talk about the food! Miyajima is famous for its delicious local specialties, particularly grilled oysters, everything lemon, and momiji manju—maple leaf-shaped cakes 🍁 filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. Strolling through the streets, we found charming vendors selling these treats, along with everything lemon.🍋
Part 2 in Hiroshima, and a much heavier topic, continues in the next post.
Shrines and temples—and now a castle!🤍
I had never been to the city of Himeji but my Japanese friend said it’s a must. She was right—it’s an absolute must! Tucked away in this charming city is a stunning fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site that is steeped in history and magic, making it one of my favorite places to see. Let me tell you a fairy tale that is Himeji Castle!
Built a long long time ago (14th century, although disputed) in the far away land of Himeji, where feudal lords roamed the hallways and *Sachihoko protected the castle from fire…
What we see today is mostly from the early 1600s and the castle is nicknamed, “Shirasagi-jo” or “White Heron Castle.” There is a definite WOW factor with the white plaster exterior making it look like a heron gracefully taking flight!
There are some 80 buildings within the castle complex, linked by winding paths and gates. We actually climbed to the top of the main keep exploring each floor and it’s original use along the way. There are even some ghost stories to shiver at! FYI, be prepared to take off your shoes and those steps are steep!
The views are nothing short of breathtaking and the Nishinomaru Garden surrounding Himeji Castle is enchanting.
Travel there: We took the JR line from Kyoto and walked down the main street, looking at the castle the entire time. Seriously, you can’t get lost. The only “lost” you’re going to get is in the beauty of this fairy tail castle!
The end.🧚
*Sachihoko = mythical Japanese creatures that have the head of a tiger and the body of a carp fish. They were used as roof ornaments on castles like Himeji to protect them from fire 🔥.
Just a short train 🚄 ride from Kyoto, then a 10 minute peaceful stroll through a neighborhood, and voila—you will find Byōdō-in, a Buddhist temple built in the late Heian period. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built in 998 as a temple for the powerful Fujiwara clan.
The stunning Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do) was constructed later in 1053 to serve as a mausoleum for Fujiwara no Yorimichi. It’s considered a National Treasure and adorned with exquisite carvings and gold leaf accents. This hall is shaped like a phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and eternity. We admired the hall from across the pond and could see the Amida Buddha statue, which stands over 3 meters tall (close to 10 feet). Although we were too early to go inside, they say it is surrounded by beautiful murals.
To say this is an architectural marvel is an understatement. The design, the intricate artwork, the serene gardens…it all works together and the result is stunning. Over the centuries, Byōdō-in has survived fires and disasters. It is so important, it can be found on the 10 yen coin.
Don’t miss Byōdō-in if you go to Kyoto…you will never regret your visit.
Also, on the short walk back to the train station, grab a drink at the most serene Starbucks I have ever been to!
Note—here is where we stayed in Kyoto: Via Inn – Loved all facial products they set out for their guests to use!
We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha early evening and we stayed for the sun set, adding a mystical element to our visit.
At the base of Mount Inari in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a visually striking Shinto shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates donated by individuals and businesses seeking blessings for wealth and success. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and prosperity and dates back to 711 AD.
We didn’t have time to walk the entire 2 hour path up the mountain, although it’s open 24/7 (Kayoko said there are bears) but we did journey through a tunnel of hundreds of the vibrant orange torii gates, each inscribed with the name of the donor and the date of the donation. Next time we will explore more of the trails through the forest.
The complex is expansive and we encountered various smaller shrines, stone fox statues (messengers of Inari), and breathtaking views of Kyoto as the sun went down, a finger nail moon came out, and soft golden light illuminated the torii gates and surrounding trees.
There is a deep cultural significance to Fushimi Inari Taisha and we were able to observe the rituals performed by worshippers, such as ringing the shrine bell or making a wish at the main altar (toss a coin in the box, bow 2 times, clap 2 times, pray, and bow). FYI photography is not allowed at the main alter in any of the shrines.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is visually and spiritually unforgettable. I may have walked around for an hour with my jaw dropped in wonder.
Also, make sure to check out the food vendors outside of the shrine—I had a fresh strawberry wrapped in chocolate mochi with a chocolate cream inside the mochi! 🍓🍫
We spent two days in Kyoto, a city that makes me feel like I stepped back in time…way back in time to its founding as the imperial capital in 794. Thanks to the Japanese Shichifukujin (Seven Lucky Gods), much of the city was spared from bombing during WWII.
Sitting in a basin surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, Kyoto is literally bursting with shrines, temples, gardens, 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and historic neighborhood like the geisha district of Gion. It’s a special place that continues to steal my heart 🧡.
Sigh…where to begin? So much has been written about each of the places we visited. Pictures don’t do them justice. Nor can I post the hundreds of pictures I took (yes, hundreds). Therefore, I’ll share a bit about what I found special about 4 of these breathtaking attractions, two per post.
Let’s start at Kinkaku-ji. This was my second time awing this unbelievable temple officially called Rokuon-ji. I could see it 1,000 more times and it wouldn’t change the way I feel about it. And it’s not just me that thinks that way—it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Special Historic Site, a National Special Landscape, and one of the 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The original Golden Pavilion is thought to have been built in 1399, with the gold designed to stamp out any negative feelings toward death. When the sunlight hits the temple, the shadows on the water produce a mesmerizing mirror effect.
Next stop—Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple founded in 778 CE by Enchin Shonin, with the present buildings constructed in 1633 by order of Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu. Pure Water Temple”, as it is translated to English, nestled at the basin of Mt, Otowa in Eastern Kyoto.
With over 1200 years of history, it belongs to the Kita-Hosso sect of Japanese Buddhism. We took the train and then walked 20 minutes, uphill on narrow roads, passing by souvenir shops, to the entrance of this masterpiece.
After visiting Sensō-ji we went to the Tokyo Skytree—a 2,080 ft tower that opened in 2012. It’s the tallest structure in Japan and serves both as a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo (fyi Sumida is the name of the river running through the city). Fun fact—it’s also the 3rd tallest structure in the world after Merdeka 118 and the Burj Khalifa.
We went back to Tokyo Station and shopped until our dinner reservations.
After Meiji Shine, we continued our tour and the day kept getting better and better, even as the rain fell…
After stops at the Imperial Palace and Odaiba, we ate a buffet lunch at a local hotel by the airport. Then we went to my one of favorite places in Asakusa, Tokyo—the Buddhist temple called Sensō-ji. Built in the 7th century, it is Tokyo’s oldest temple and draws some 30 million visitors each year. It is also known as the Asakusa Kannon.
The grounds are as colorful as they are stunning and it’s difficult to capture the beauty with my camera. The entrance is called the Kaminarimon or “Thunder Gate”, and showcases a massive paper lantern painted in red-and-black tones symbolizing thunderclouds and lightning.
What’s the difference between Shinto and Buddhism? It was explained to me while we were in high school by my friend, Kayoko, and I have referred back to this teenage explanation many times—Shinto is Japan’s native religion that focuses on this life while Buddhism centers on the afterlife and enlightenment.
Interesting observations: When you travel to Japan, it’s best to bring your own hand towel in your bag. This towel can is used to wipe your hands after you wash them in public restrooms as many times there are no paper towels nor dryers. 
Our day concludes on the next post…
We arrived on Thursday afternoon, October 23, 2025, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated. This is my third visit to this wonderful country, and it never ceases to amaze me. There’s a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern life at every turn. From the first glimpse of Mt. Fuji as we landed at Haneda Airport to the tranquility of the Japanese gardens, this remarkable destination truly takes my breath away.
Without a doubt, the highlight of my experiences in Japan is the warmth and kindness of its people. Their emphasis on group harmony, politeness, respect, and cleanliness creates incredible interactions each time.
I have the privilege of being friends now for 44 years with my childhood penpal, Kayoko, and her family. We are staying with her while in Tokyo this time. I am grateful to have this immersive cultural experience.
After setting in, we went to a neighborhood yakitori grill, where we kicked off dinner with champagne (Kanpai!) and a 6 course meal of different part of the chicken on a skewer. Then it was off to bed after being up for over 24 hours.
Friday was a very full day on our Tokyo Panoramic Tour, one of the best ways to start to understand a city. From first thing in the morning until dinner, we learned about the history and culture while visiting the Meiji Jingu (Shrine), the Imperial Palace, Odaiba, Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree. We capped off the evening with a delicious tonkatsu dinner by the Tokyo station.
I will break up this day with a few posts, below are more details about the Meiji Shrine.
Getting ready…getting excited…and time to go back after 29 years!🇯🇵
We flew into Denver and drove 4.5 hours to see my niece perform her summer musicals at Post Theater in Crawford, NE. We stayed in Chadron, NE—which is a short 1 hour 40 minute drive from our hotel to Keystone, South Dakota. This town lies just outside the entrance of Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
I visited Mount Rushmore as a kid in the summer of 1980–it was one of my favorite vacations. Mom, Dad, my sister and I piled into my dad’s pick up with a camper attached to the bed of the truck. We drove the 15+ hours from St. Louis, Missouri through the Badlands, stopping to see such iconic sites as Mitchell’s Corn Palace, the Flintstone’s Bedrock City in Custer, and watched a reenactment of Wild Bill Hickok’s murder in Deadwood. We camped along the way.
I remember the awe I felt as a 12 year-old seeing those gigantic president faces carved on Mount Rushmore.
That sense of wonder was experienced again today with my husband, who has never been to Mount Rushmore (he also got a new state in the process!). You enter the Memorial through The Avenue of Flags, a walk way representing the 50 U.S. States, the one district, 3 territories, and two commonwealths. It was built to commemorate our bicentennial celebration in 1976 and leads visitors to The Grand View Terrace and Presidential Trail.
Here’s a quick history lesson/timeline of the things I re-learned on this visit:
1. Mount Rushmore’s history is complex and controversial. It includes the gold rush, displacement, and broken treaties. The Black Hills, where you find Mount Rushmore, belonged to the indigenous peoples of the area, specifically the Lakota Sioux. While Mount Rushmore received its name from Charles Rushmore, a NY attorney who inspected mining claims, the original name was Six Grandfathers, a sacred site used for prayer and spiritual ceremonies. The mountain symbolizes the Lakota’s ancestral deities associated with the six cardinal directions – North, South, East, West, Above (sky), and Below (earth).
2. Early 1920s: South Dakota’s historian, Doane Robinson, suggested the idea to sculpt presidents into the side of a mountain to bring in tourists, although the original site was in another area called The Needles.
3. 1927: Sculptor, Gutzon Borglum was chosen and work began to find the right mountain. They settled on Mount Rushmore.
4. The Chosen 4: The four U.S. Presidents on Mount Rushmore were chosen for founding (Washington), growing (Jefferson), preserving (Lincoln), and developing (T. Roosevelt) the U.S.A.
5. Oct. 31, 1941: Construction completes after funding challenges, the looming WWII threat, and the death of Borglum in March. FYI—his son, Lincoln, took over for his father to finish. While it looks complete to me, I watched the film in the visitor’s center where they said it best—the the faces may be defined but it’s rough around the edges, which a metaphor for the USA—while we have accomplished and overcome so much, we are still sculpting our history. How we choose to do that is up to us.
A note on facilities—we found the parking, The Lincoln Borglum’s Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Cafe, and the grounds to be extremely convenient, clean, accessible, and the park staff friendly! For those with a gluten sensitivity, the cafe even has two options for GF bread 🤯
Bonus words—I love the details as to “why” these presidents were chosen. Here are their voices:
Fascinating (and mysterious) Fact—
Borglum’s grand plan included an 800 foot staircase ascending the Mount Rushmore to the Hall of Records, a large room within the mountain, to house important U.S. documents such as the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Also, there would be busts of famous Americans and a list of U.S. contributions to the world in science, industry and the arts.
The plan was abandoned for a variety of reasons and what remains today is the hall’s 18-foot-tall doorway that looks like the entrance to an ancient tomb of an Egyptian Pharaoh and small chamber (75 feet long with a 35-foot-tall ceiling), located behind the head of Lincoln.
If you’d like more details, including what is housed there today😊, here is the full story on the park’s website.
I can’t get enough of this amazing island in the Caribbean, where sunshine☀️ is the best daily vitamin. A quick trip gave me the opportunity to explore some of their famous beaches this time around…and let’s just say there wasn’t a beach I didn’t like!
Blue Bay Beach💙🩵 – this is an easy one because it’s where we stay. The Brass Boer rents Palapas for the day (make a reservation) and it’s a treat worth splurging on.
The next day we drove about 10 minutes from Blue Bay, passed a Flamingo preserve, and went where The Beach Boys sang it best… “There’s a place called Kokomo, that’s where you wanna go to get away from it all. Bodies in the sand, tropical drink🍹melting in your hand, we’ll be falling in love🩵 to the rhythm of a steel drum 🥁 band, down in Kokomo…”
Kokomo Beach has swings! Careful getting out there as it’s a bit slippery. Then there’s a short pier and a floating deck we swam out to as well. This beach was one of my favorites. I felt like I really could get away from it all!
In addition, there’s a dive shop with finds from the USS Erie, a ship that was torpedoed and beached off Curacao during WWII on November 12, 1942.
This is my 4th time visiting the beckoning red rocks of Sedona and if I can help it, it won’t be my last. There are few places where I could actually live vs visit…Sedona ranks right up at the top of the list.
Sedona has 4 vortexes—energy sources concentrated in specific areas that impact spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Although not proven scientifically, there are several sites around the world that also claim vortex status— the Great Pyramid in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Stonehenge, Bali, Uluru/Ayers Rock in Australia to name some of the more popular ones. Whether you believe it or not, it’s a magical town, where buildings must blend into their background, the food is top notch, hikes are unforgettable, and the red rocks take your breath away.
This Mother’s Day, I had the opportunity to meet both of my sons in Phoenix (one already lives there) and we drove two hours to Sedona. While we didn’t have a lot of time, we got some of our favorites in. And, most importantly, we spent time together. It couldn’t have been a more perfect weekend.🧡
We stayed in a place that was new for us—The Wilde Resort & Spa. I would highly recommend it. Wonderful grounds with hammocks, cornhole, fire pits, swimming pool with bar, hot tubs, an onsite spa (Victoria got out the hiking knots!), and restaurant. I will definitely stay there again.
I really wanted to eat at Elote Cafe when we arrived but reservations book up months in advance. Luckily, they had a cancellation when I called and we kicked off the weekend at one of the best restaurants in town. Don’t forget to get the Elote Dip!
We stopped for lunch at Mesa Grill —the airport’s restaurant (make reservations!). This is one of our very favorites…the table side guacamole 🥑 is some of the best I have ever had at a restaurant
Here are a few pictures from when I have been in Sedona previously…
So many pictures, and I cannot post them all. Here are a few other important sites in the capital of Catalonia. Catalonia is an autonomous community of Spain. Catalan is the official language in Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Valencian Community (also called Valenciano), along with Spanish.
Christina’s Journey Journal 