100 Days in Europe Days 49-55: Santorini to Rome

by Dawnielle Jacobson | Jul 5, 2016 | Destinations

Day 49

Santorini Sunset

The Greek island of Santorini is known for its fantastic views at sunset. The town of Oia is the best location because of its unobstructed views to the west. I was fortunate to have two beautiful days on the island to experience these brilliant sunsets. Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 50

Santorini Sunset Cruise

The island of Santorini is on everyone’s list of must-see sights when visiting Greece. The island and the surrounding sea is truly beautiful, but the tourist towns of Fira and Oia can get really crowded, especially when a cruise ship arrives in port. The perfect solution is to charter a private sailing tour in the caldera (the blown out part of the volcano that has filled with water). Seven of us hired a boat, captain and 1st mate for a 5-hour cruise “vacation” away from the crowded towns. It was fantastic! Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 51

Rome, the Roman Forum

I’ve flown a few hundred miles back west and have arrived in the Eternal City! Rome is one of my favorite big cities because it really is compact… not sprawling like London. Visiting the ancient Roman Forum is a great way to begin our adventures in Rome. Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 52

The Colosseum

When I was a kid I saw the film “Dr. Dolittle” and I remember the doctor singing “I’ve seen the Colosseum in Rome and the Acropolis… but I’ve never seen anything quite like this (referring to talking to the animals). In the course of one week I’ve seen both landmarks too. Bella! Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 53

The Vatican Museum

This place is huge and always crowded. There over nine miles of artwork in the chapels, rooms, and passageways of this former Vatican Palace, which has been the home to many Popes. Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 54

The Sistine Chapel

Did you know that in 1508 when Pope Julius II asked Michelangelo to begin work on the ceiling, Michelangelo wanted nothing to do with it because he was a sculptor and had never even dabbled in the art of fresco. Over the course of 4 years he learned! Click the picture to watch the video.

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Day 55

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world. The Holy Door has been unsealed and opened by the Pope to begin a “year of mercy”. Typically, the door is opened only every 50 years. The last time it was opened was in 2000. Have you ever seen the Holy Door opened at the Vatican? Click the picture to watch the video.

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Your Adventure Starts Here!

100 Days in Europe Days 42-48: Greece

by Dawnielle Jacobson | Jun 28, 2016 | Destinations

Day 42

Delphi

About 2500 years ago, kings and other important people traveled to this remote area to have their “fortune” told by an oracle who was induced into a trance by the locale. Delphi is a great way to begin a trip to Greece… off-the-beaten-path, historic and no tourist hubbub. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 43

Epidavrous Greek Theatre

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Day 44

Mycenae

The Mycenaeans ruled much of present-day Greece from 1700-1100 B.C., then they mysteriously disappeared. This is the site of their capital city and royal palace where up to 30,000 people resided. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 45

Politics in Greece

Greeks are in an uproar again about their county’s poor financial standing with the EU. Most Greeks are fed up with the financial cuts the government has place on their lifestyles. I filmed this peaceful demonstration in Syntagma Square from the rooftop of my hotel.

Often the news media spins this sort of gathering as “riots in the streets” and civil unrest. Not so here, 4 or 5 blocks away, no one was aware the demonstration was happening. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 46

A Stroll around Santorini

The village of Oia is located at the northern tip of the volcanic island. For me, it is the best choice for a hotel or guesthouse here rather than other locations on the island. I hope you enjoy the pics from my stroll around Oia. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 47

Annie Adare, local guide in Volterra, Italy

I recently visited with Annie Adare, my friend and local guide in Volterra, Italy. After many walking tours with Annie, I finally got around to writing a proper review on Annie’s Trip Advisor page. If you know Annie, take a minute and write a review or leave a comment.

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Day 48

Donkeys in Oia

There are 336+ steps down from the village to the harbor and beach here in Oia. On my trek down, I encounter 20 or so donkeys standing near the bottom, ready and waiting to bring weary tourist back up the stairs. They were bored and hot and had nothing better to do than take a “dump.” For me, it was a “fragrant” and dirty walk. You can bet I dove in the water the first chance I got! Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Your Adventure Starts Here!

100 Days in Europe Days 33-41: Ireland

by Dawnielle Jacobson | Jun 9, 2016 | Destinations

Day 33

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge stretches across to a small island on the very northern tip of Ireland. It was used in years past by salmon fishermen to reach this strategic location where the fish rounded this point on their migrations.

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Day 34

The Ulster Way

The Ulster Way is a coastal footpath along the north coast of Ireland. I walked a section near the Giant’s Causeway. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 35

The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge video. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 36

The Great Hedges

This beautiful country lane is considered one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. This highly acclaimed stand of beech trees ranks among the top five “tree tunnels” in the world.

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Day 37

Kylemore Victorian Walled Gardens

Kylemore Castle was built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a new home for him and his wife. The Victorian Walled Garden was placed nearby and contains plants and flowers introduced to Ireland before 1901. It is a quiet and beautiful respite from the tour buses in the parking lot! Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 38

Doolin, Co Clare

Doolin is a little village on the west coast of Ireland. All my tours stop by here for a night of good music and craic.

On my jog this morning, I ran across this view looking toward the Cliffs of Moher.

Life is slow in Doolin, everything slows down and takes a rest.

McDermott’s Pub is my favorite place for music and craic.

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Day 39

The American Cemetery-Florence

MEMORIAL DAY IN THE USA- Remembering the young American men and women who sacrificed their lives in battle so that we can live a life of freedom. God Bless America! Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 40

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Castle was built in 1867 by Mitchell Henry as a new home for him and his wife. Later, the property was sold to a group of Benedictine nuns who consecrated the chapel and opened a boarding school for girls. Click the picture below to watch the video.

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Day 41

Taking a break and heading home for a few days.

Click the picture below to watch the video.

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