I am so behind in posting about our travels but I wanted to share a few photographs from our brief time in Athens (with a bonus layover in Amsterdam)! This was all the way back in February and I wanted to do one post of the entire trip but as soon as I took a look at our photos I knew that I needed more editing time. So this will be part I (part II will feature the gorgeous lands of Tuscany).

Despite it being one of the coldest months in Athens, our few days in February actually turned out quite lovely weather-wise. It ended up being in the low 70’s and with all the walking we did that temperature was perfect. But given that almost everything on the islands was shut down we skipped Santorini and Crete to stay in and around Athens – with the compromise that we would definitely someday soon make a trip to those gorgeous islands.

Our hotel was right next to Acropolis hill so we woke up a wonderful view. The above is actually taken from the top of Mount Lycabettus which offered a remarkable view of the city. Of course the very first thing we did in Athens was eat some delicious pita and tzatziki (delicious) and then the next morning we walked up to the Acropolis. I am sure most of you know this but the Acropolis refers to the actual settlement on the hill, not any of the buildings and includes multiple ruins, most notably the Parthenon.

Stairs leading up to the Propylaea – the gateway/entrance.

Above is the Temple of Athena Nike – built around 426-421 BC to honor Athena Nike, the goddess of victory.

Erechtheion- 421-206 BC and dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. On the side there you can see six Ionic columns, and on the south, the famous “Porch of the Maidens”, with six draped female figures (caryatids). Those are actually replicas and 5 of the original caryatids and now in the Acropolis Museum at the base of the site. However, one remaining caryatid is at the British Museum in London, yet to be returned from when Lord Elgin stole it in the 1800s. Which, don’t get me started on that. Everything that they took should be returned to the Acropolis Museum so that anyone who travels all the way to Athens can see the columns and friezes.

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What better day to share the colorful photos from my recent Puerto Vallarta, Mexico trip than Cinco de Mayo? I couldn’t have planned it better myself :)

Seriously, there is so so much to love about Mexico but if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I’d say its gotta be all the color! Almost all the walls are at least half painted in vibrant hues of yellow, turquoise, pink, etc. Here in Utah, you really have to search and document where all the colorful walls are if you want to use them for photo backdrops or what have you, but in Mexico, every corner you turn, theres a colorful backdrop right there!

It’s hard not to want to just take pictures while you’re roaming the streets, especially in a place that has such a laid back, shopping feel and is right on the ocean, like downtown Puerto Vallarta. Even my husband was happy wandering up and down all the streets (and taking pictures!!).

We didn’t spend a whole lot of time downtown, and we didn’t eat any meals at any local joints there, so I have very little in the way of recommendations of things to do, see or eat in the city. I really just wanted to share some happy, colorful photos and say how much I enjoyed our time there on this Cinco de Mayo. So click through if you’d like to see more!

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Ok can you even?! Look at the stunning scenery in France. It is beyond beautiful in every way – the landscapes, the trees, the architecture, the history, the food, the art – everything! If you ever have the opportunity to go to Europe in the fall I insist you take it! Last year we went to Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia (with quick stops in Croatia and Slovakia) and it was absolutely divine. This year we were lucky enough to spend a week in October traveling in Paris and the Loire Valley. Given the beauty surrounding us we took a lot of photos and that is partially why I am only now, months later, sharing the photos with you all.

What more can I say about Paris besides it absolutely lived up to my expectations? I really did not expect it to given the hype surrounding that city and my own high expectations but I adored it. I am by no means an expert on it given we only spent a few days and I have tons of more things I want to see chief among them Musee de l’Orangerie, Bibliothèque Mazarine, and the Centre Pompidou. But on to what we did see and do!

We stayed right next to Les Invalides which includes museums and monuments relating to the military history of France as well as the resting place of the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. This was also very close to the Eiffel Tower.

Just as stunning at night and even more romantic! We spent a few hours walking along the Seine and strolling through the Tuileries Garden.

At the Louvre! If you have been there you know that the castle itself is as magnificent as any of the art that resides inside it.

Click through if you want to see even more!!
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Despite the title, this was not really a beach vacation. No lounging on the beach getting a glorious tan and sipping virgin pina coladas or whatever your drink of choice is. However, we saw a ton of beautiful beaches so the title remains accurate.

Before this trip when I thought of Rio de Janeiro I didn’t immediately think of beaches. Sure I knew it was a seaside city but I didn’t realize how huge of a seaside city it was. There are miles and miles of beach and tons of different beaches with different vibes. Plus, they are stunning beaches. Look at that sand!

This was right next to our hotel in Barra da Tijuca and actually my favorite beach of the whole trip because it was not crowded at all. Not that any of the beaches were too crowded since we went in the non-tourist season (for reference, the main ones we frequented and that I would highly recommend were: Barra, Leblon, Copacabana and Ipanema).

As I was combing through our photos from this trip I almost wondered “did we actually do much of anything?” It was definitely our most low-key trip to date. Mainly because it was 60s and fairly rainy, plus the sun set a little after 5 so the days just felt really short. But it was actually really nice. Not a lay on the beach all day laid-back vacation but definitely chill. The one thing to warn anyone who wants to go to Rio about is that this city is huge and a lot of things are not close together. I really think we spent a lot of time in cabs getting from place to place.

This is Rio. Pretty awesome right? Ocean, city and forest all in one. This is just one of the magnificent views we encountered at Christo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer). And while the statue itself is pretty impressive the views are just outstanding and definitely the best part of the trip up Corcovado mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park.

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Well we had our fiesta on Saturday but maybe you’re having one tonight or this weekend? I hope so! If you’re not already planning one, I give you full permission right now to bust out the pina colada ingredients, make some papel picado banners, and shake a maraca even if it’s just by yourself! Also, Mexican food. YES!

Speaking of Mexico I thought today would be a great day to share some colorful pictures of my recent trip to Cabo San Lucas. My awesome husband worked really really really hard this year and his work took us and several other top-notch employees and their wives on an AMAZING getaway.

We soaked up the sun para-sailing and jet skiing (where we saw dolphins and seals!), we danced all night, drank lots of pretty drinks, took a semi-scary walk through town, napped on the beach in cabanas (where we caught a glimpse of a whale!), drove Razors right by the ocean, ate some exotic dishes and got sunburned. It was the best. Ever.  Click through to see lots of colorful pictures and get in a fiesta mood!

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