Holidays | The Perpetual Passenger

The Land of Wine and Mustard

April 25, 2015 · by Nikki

Here’s a funny story:

The first time I ever met my friend Jess was on New Year’s Eve, when our mutual (and awesome) friend Ashley invited her to my place for some festivities. She showed up with a bottle of wine… coming from Burgundy (huh?). Up until the last few times I saw Jess before heading across the pond, she still insisted on drinking Burgundy if it was a wine night (which it usually was). We didn’t know much about the wine, except that it was French. And it was kind of awful.

A few years ago, Frog Prince and I decided to take a mini-vacation. We first wanted to see Rome, but the tickets were too expensive. After scouring flight search engines for days, we opted to stay in France, and he planned a 5-day trip to the region of Bourgogne (pronounced Boor-GON-Yuh). Known for its great wine, stunning castles, and beautiful countryside, I was looking forward to seeing (and tasting) what Bourgogne had to offer.

It wasn’t until we arrived and were looking at postcards that it hit me: Bourgogne = Burgundy! The whole time we were planning this trip, I never put two and two together. But once there I did drink a lot of Burgundy wine. And none of it was awful.

So, dear Jessica, this one’s for you. Some wine cellars, some castles, and even something from Dijon, the home of spicy mustard. 🙂

: Les Hospices de Beaune (where the pretty roofing coloration that is often seen on Burgundy wine labels come from)

: The beds at the hospice, where they treated patients with wine. No, seriously.

: Baby grapes!

: Where the wine is at!

: Best year ever? Yes.

: Wine cave (no tripod)

: I know that ghost in the back!

: Sorry, got a soft spot for cathedral architecture.

: Monastery

: Awesome water wheel!

: Castle!

: Romantically deserted cafe

: Just a cute street

I have to say, the food in Bourgogne was just as good as the wine, and I definitely learned a lot about wine (though it was really just a drop in the bucket, considering all there is to know!). And you know what that means… #16 is officially crossed off the list!

And since I don’t like to underperform, I went ahead and crossed off #18, too. There were plenty of castles, and I explored the heck out of ’em. 🙂

I Know What You Did Last Summer

September 2, 2013 · by Nikki

As is customary, I am ridiculously late in posting my favorite photos from our trip to Kos last summer (yep, last summer). But I just wouldn’t feel right posting pictures of my fabulous trip to Spain last month (and it was fabulous) without first showing you how I spent last year’s “summer holiday.”

Charlie vs. Waldo: The Story of an Advent Calendar

December 31, 2012 · by Nikki

Before this post becomes too outdated, I wanted to share a unique little yuletide trinket I found here in France, that roused both nostalgia for my upbringing in the States and appreciation for the French in my life. Read More →

Things I Learned: in Kos

September 14, 2012 · by Nikki

A good indication you’re in a Greek seafood taverna

When in doubt, hop on a plane to a Greek Island. You won’t be disappointed.
Bee stings do hurt.
I am not allergic to bees.
Beach + sun beds + the ability to order food and drinks while sea side = paradise
I already knew that I needed meds to be on a boat, but now I know how to recognize puking passengers and distribute meds accordingly.
A sunburn-free holiday is the best holiday.
A 3-island boat cruise on the Arch Angel Michael departing from the port in Kos Town is not a bad way to spend a day.
Taking the Katerina for the above-mentioned boat tour probably would have been better, though.
When in Kos, Shrimp or Prawn Saganaki is a must.
Making friends with the guy in the Red Sox shirt may result in two free shots of Jager.
Local live music is never a bad idea.
Driving a four-wheeler is fun!! (I could very well be late to the game on this one)
The Oromedon Restaurant in Zia is great for sunsets, not so great for vegetarians.
I suck at pool (wait… maybe I already knew that).
The island of Kos is a holiday hotspot for Brits.
That means tons of bars have big screen TVs and are otherwise equipped for football (soccer) games.
If you’re hungry on Kos, look for a Taverna.
If you don’t find a Taverna, be prepared for less-than-mediocre meals from kitchens that offer everything from nachos to indian food… on the same menu.
Donkeys really do make hee-haw noises. At all hours of the day or night.
I like to wear the color yellow.

Three Holidays, Three Countries

January 12, 2012 · by Nikki

For me, the “holiday season” has always consisted of three important holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve/Day. 2011 marked an interesting year for me, in which I spent these very special holidays in very different locations.

Of course there’s no where in the world to celebrate American Thanksgiving than in the United States, so that’s where I went! This trip was in conjunction with the surprise 50th birthday party we threw for my dad (which you can read about here), and my 10 year high school reunion. Take a look at our Thanksgiving table as we prepared for the big feast:

Tigger (who occasionally travels with me) is eyeing the turkey!

For Christmas, Santa brought family to me and delivered my Father on Christmas Eve! We spent 4 days walking all around Paris (and I mean ALL around), and I acted as a poor excuse for a tour guide to my guest, who was also a first-time visitor to The City of Lights.

A chilly, grey day in front of the Tour Eiffel

And lastly, to ring in the New Year, my wonderful Frog Prince invited me to join him and his friends in beautiful Cadaqués, Spain — about an hour north of Barcelona. The sites were beautiful, the running was difficult (so much wind!), and the company was great. How could I ask for more?

Not a postcard - a snapshot by the sea!

Hoping everyone had a great holiday season and is having an equally excellent start to the new year… as for me, I’ve got big plans for 2012. Watch out, world! 😉