- Seaside dining at “Le Cesar” on Plage Keller in Cap D’Antibes France. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
The South of France is my favorite place in the world. In particular, the little town of Antibes. This beautiful city was inspiration for Monet, Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald. Last week on A Traveler’s Library, author Vera Marie Badertscher showed a photo of a view through a window during her travels. That photo started me thinking about great views during my travels and my mind drifted back to Provence. I captured the photo above during one of my most memorable “wow” moments, and perhaps what I would call one of the most perfect moments of my life.
This photo was from a small restaurant, Le Cesar, on a stretch of beach known as Plage Keller. The beach is on the Cap D’Antibes, or a small cape that extends beyond the town of Antibes-Juan les Pins, on the French Riviera. The best way to get to the beach is along a walking path that takes you along the coast, past the waves crashing onto the rocks, for about 15 minutes. The first view of the restaurant is breathtaking. Literally. The blue water of the Mediterranean, the bright yellow umbrellas and lounge chairs, the pretty blue glasses on the tables, and the yachts anchored off shore are right out of a movie set.
I sat for several hours that afternoon, enjoying a delicious lunch, the slight breeze off the water, the warm spring sun, and the conversation of two other women traveling with me. There have been untold times in the years since then that I have closed my eyes and transported myself back to that afternoon when the world simply disappeared for a while. When I look at this photo, I can almost feel the sea breezes. Those are the moments that make me eager to pack my bags and look for the next “wow” moment, and perhaps a new favorite place.
Tags: Beaches, France, Photo of the Day, Travel Photos
The keepsake box holds an assortment of great finds. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
About three years ago I decided to start saving all of the key cards that I get when I check into a hotel room. Back in the day, I used to collect matches, but it is hard to find those anymore. I decided that the key cards would be perfect — and probably a bit safer in the long run. There are some really colorful cards out there. They usually have the hotel’s name on the card and they tell a story of where I have traveled. I quickly realized that those cards piled up, so I needed something for storage. I found a clear shoebox and put them all inside.
A little while later, I was trying to figure out what to do with an assortment of other “things” I had picked up on my travels and realized my box would make a perfect keepsake box. I put all of those stickers I collect and never know what to do with on the outside and then started filling up the inside with more key cards, ticket stubs, lapel pins, little knick knacks I pick up for who knows what reason, airline tickets to unique places, and money I’ve collected from around the world.
Key cards from hotels are reminders of great stays. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
One day, my grand-kids discovered the box. They love going through it and looking at the pictures on the cards, asking about the pins, looking at the money. They are still young, so I hope as they grow up it will inspire them to want to travel as much as I do. Right now, I probably get as much enjoyment out of going through the items every so often as they do. I wish I had kept those types of items earlier, but now I find myself holding onto every ticket stub (there are some really unique ones out there) and getting excited when I check into a hotel and am handed a really cool key card.
Ticket stubs from around the world are fun and colorful. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Taking something home from a trip doesn’t have to be expensive and collecting the items can even become a family project. Each item is just a little reminder that can take you back to that place, to that moment, when you experienced something out of the ordinary — perhaps your own “wow” moment. After all, we travel to experience the unique and to carry the memories with us.
Tags: Family Travel, Family Vacation, Treasures from the road
The Caledonian, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Photo courtesy Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Every day there are exciting changes in the luxury travel and consumer markets. I’ve updated the news section with some of the developments in the luxury world. Read about the new Fairmont Hotel in Amman, Jordan; a Waldorf Astoria in Scotland; a gourmet menu courtesy of Mandarin Oriental on board select Lufthansa flights; Coach products honoring the Chinese Year of the Dragon; and many more new offerings in the luxury market.
Take a few minutes to check out some of the news on WanderWithWonder.com. View the News page here, then read about the latest in Food, Wine and Spirits; Hotels and Resorts; Luxury Goods; and Restaurants.
Want to always keep up to date on the latest news and follow along as we Wander With Wonder looking for life’s “wow” moments? Be sure to subscribe to WanderWithWonder.com by clicking here.
Tags: News
Cartouche from Cairo. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
One of my favorite finds during my travels is a unique piece of jewelry. While I tend to gravitate toward earrings, I think one of my favorite pieces is the cartouche I purchased in Cairo, with my name on it in hieroglyphs.
The story surrounding my quest for jewelry in Egypt is as much a part of the appeal as the actual necklace. When I first arrived in Cairo, my guide took me to a tiny shop that we reached after winding our way past all the aggressive vendors at the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Egypt, Gifts, Jewelry, Souvenirs, Treasures from the road
Carillon Tower at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
I took this photo looking up into the Carillon Tower sitting next to the Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is one of the most unique structures you’ll see anywhere. Stark, straight lines, shooting up into the air, surrounded by trees in the midst of this peaceful garden, almost seems too much of a contradiction, but somehow it works.
It stands 59 feet tall and consists of 16 copper-clad columns. It was completed in 2007 as a gift from the Anthony family to the gardens. The Anthony Chapel next to it is equally impressive. Both are frequent sites for weddings and reunions. The bells in the tower ring out throughout the day and can be heard from all over the garden.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is located on a 210-acre peninsula on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. There are fabulous walking trails around the gardens that let you enjoy the incredible array of plants and flowers. For those who can’t walk to enjoy the gardens, Garvan offers a guided golf cart tour for an additional charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit online at http://www.garvangardens.com/ for all of the details on the gardens and the Carillon Tower.
Tags: Arkansas, Botanical Gardens, Hot Springs, Photo of the Day
Travel is all about making memories for me. Wherever I go, I try to soak up the culture and then take something unique back from the place with me to remember it later. I want to share with you a few of the treasures I’ve found along the way in my special “Treasures from the Road” series that I will present every Sunday.
For my first treasure hunt, I thought of the holidays, given that it’s that time of the year. I don’t have a perfect designer Christmas tree. Instead, it is covered with ornaments that my family and I have collected during our travels around the world. What a great way to help preserve memories of those excursions. Let me share a few.
- Nativity ornament from Germany. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
Tags: Christmas, Gifts, Souvenirs, Treasures from the road
Quite literally, the old cliqué applies with today’s photos: a picture is worth a thousand words, and thousands of years. I’ve chosen two photos that capture the culture of two ancient civilizations: the Mayan civilization in Mexico and the ancient Egyptian civilization in Egypt.
Temple at Tulum, Mayan Riviera. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
This photo captures the intricate carvings in the rock in the remains of a Mayan temple in Mexico’s Mayan Riviera south of Cancun. For many centuries, the former bustling royal city of Tulum was covered with heavy jungle growth until it was discovered, excavated, and now on display for the throngs of tourists that visit each day. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Egypt, Egyptian culture, Mayan Culture, Mexico, Riviera Maya, Tulum
Allison Inn in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Photo courtesy Allison Inn
The Allison Inn and Spa sits on a hillside surrounded by vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. About 25 miles from downtown Portland, it offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Oregon’s wine culture.
I visited The Allison on a chilly February day. I had flown into Oregon to visit with my sister, and she and I eagerly drove to the Inn, looking forward to a place to relax, enjoy great food and wine, and catch up. We found that and so much more awaiting us. The Allison opened in 2009 in the small town of Newberg and has quickly gained a reputation as one of Oregon’s star properties. It’s obvious from the moment you arrive. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Fine dining, Luxury Inns, Oregon, Oregon wine, Romantic Inns
St Augustine, Florida. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham
St. Augustine, Florida’s cuisine reflects the city’s diverse and colorful history. There’s no better way to get to know the oldest city in the country than to take one of the guided food tours offered by City Walks, combining food and history with the sights and sounds of the modern city. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Culinary tours, Florida, St. Augustine
St. Augustine's Pirate and Treasure Museum. Photo courtesy St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
St. Augustine’s Pirate and Treasure Museum was one of those unexpected finds that makes traveling fun. I was thrilled to find several wow moments while visiting there recently.
A new attraction in St. Augustine, Florida, the Pirate and Treasure Museum is across the street from Castillo de San Marcos, the city’s famed fort. I almost didn’t visit the museum, fearing pirates would be a little kitschy for a well-traveled adult. I was glad I visited, though, and recommend it for visitors who want a unique look at this interesting era in history. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Family Travel, Family Vacation, Florida, Museums, St. Augustine
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