06-26-24 LET'S GO - TWO CARS - FAMILY OF SEVEN - ORMOND BEACH - GREAT WEATHER - COOL KIDS !!!!

THE BEACH - THE PLACE - THE KIDS - THE FOOD - THE LAUGHS - ALL GOOD

Nothing makes you appreciate what shows up in your path as you wander down the road of life like kids and family. I must brag on my family - I have two amazing 40-something kids who make their parents proud every single day. They are both hard-working, successful people who have grown up to impress. I have the opportunity to see this quite often. However, as all Vagabonds know, travel with anyone, particularly kids, has ups and downs. The comic Jim Gaffigan captures the essence of the downside with some funny takes on traveling with his five kids.

I cannot agree with Mr. Gaffigan. It's all about attitude. There are several aspects of kids on vacation - they are usually loud, demanding, and intensely interested in a world they have yet to experience. So, you must have an attitude that enjoys loudness and kids always in motion. Watching my seven-year-old read all day fills his grandmother, known as Ya Ya, with immense pride. She is an obsessive reader with a book always close by 24-7. I read too, but, I'm not ridiculous! Then, of course, the latest addition to our family, our fifteen-month-old grandson had a blast. The beach, the laughter, and the love all around ensured that the boy completely enjoyed himself on his first trip to Ormond Beach. And yes, he was loud and involved.

For a "crew" with Grandma and Grandpa, their kids, and their kids' kids, you're going to need a nice three-bedroom for sleeping, eating, and having lots of fun on the beach. And a nice oceanfront balcony doesn't hurt. I highly recommend Ormond Beach to ensure your posse enjoys the beach, the sun, and the water. It's more exclusive, without the crazy stuff that happens on Daytona Beach to the South. My daughter-in-law, a very smart Nomad, found the perfect place - The Ormondy Condominium - with three bedrooms, three baths, and a large oceanfront balcony. She found it through VRBO . Traveling requires some creativity to get it right! The place had just been completely renovated with comfortable beds, large bathrooms/showers, and nice furniture in well-designed spaces.

In all honesty - everybody in my family LOOOVES the beach! I do not. The inactivity of lying on the beach on a hot day is just something I have never enjoyed. My primary job on this trip was the never-ending trips to  Publix about a half mile from the condo. It worked to perfection - they all went down to the beach to enjoy the nice breeze while I was always coming and going to get various groceries as needed. There was one trip with my daughter-in-law. That was a unique experience - Oat Milk and many other "special" food items to ensure her kids don't end up in the emergency room! LOL!! When I wasn't in transit, I simply enjoyed a nice glass of Pinot Gris on the balcony.

So, the clan loved every minute of our trip to Ormond Beach. Never a dull moment and minimal crying. LOL! 

D.L.Stafford

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There's only one group to put on the record player when you're discussing Beach Music - The Beach Boys! I concur with a great quote by the actress and musician  Zooey Deschanel - "I remember having this friend in school who said she didn't like the Beach Boys. And in that moment I knew we couldn't be friends anymore." 

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this innovative group in the early seventies at Tully Gym at Florida State University with my girlfriend, now wife. Back then you could bring your own bottle of wine! My My - things have indeed changed! In honor of all Vagabonds who love the beach - The Beach Boys perform on The Ed Sullivan Show - 1964 - I GET AROUND!

06-19-24 THE SUN, THE SEA, THE VIBE, THE PLEASURE, THE ROMANCE - JUST TAKE YOUR ONE & ONLY TO THIS PLACE

PORTUGAL IS MAGICAL & ROMANTIC

One of the interesting things about travel in Europe is the size and diversity of the countries. The United Kingdom is 40 times smaller than the United States. Italy is about the size of New Mexico. Spain is one of the largest countries in Europe - about the size of Texas. Greece is smaller than Louisiana. France is 18 times smaller than the US. And Portugal, one of the smallest countries in Europe, is about the size of Maine. So, what do all these comparisons mean? Traveling in all of these countries is easy and immensely pleasurable. You spend far less time traveling and far more time exploring all of the ancient and modern places in European countries.

Areias Do Seixo Hotel

santa cruz Portugal

Today's post is about a special place for romantics who love to relax and enjoy being with and exploring with their significant other in one of the most interesting parts of the world. If you want glitz and glamour don't go to this place. If you desire unique beauty and pleasure - sign up and go. The  Areias do Sexio is not cheap.  However, IMHO, it is worth every penny. Even though I stress Value and Excellence in this travel blog, sometimes all Vagabonds have to go above and beyond, especially for a special occasion with the one you love. We went in early May six years ago and the prices were respectable. Mid-fall, when the weather is still pleasurable,  is another good time to go for lower prices. 

So - What To Do?        

Just look out the floor-to-ceiling glass from your Love Room, your Tree Room, or your Land Room and you will see one of the most compelling ocean views ever created by nature. If you like walking in nature, put on your walking shoes and enjoy. You can rent a bike and ride through an enchanting habitat. I'm not a surfer, but, if you are so inclined, you can rent a surfboard and hang ten! You might want to reserve a spot with The Body & Mind Studio for Yoga, Pilates, Massage, and other activities for a holistic approach to physical and mental balance. They have a very cool restaurant, Noah Surf House, which serves up delicious choices of interesting cuisine. And, at the end of the day, head to the Rooftop for some flavors from the sea and a nice wine to enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic and watch the stars come out.  It's Romantic to the nth power! 

As an architect and an obsessive traveler, I look for places with great design, comfort, interesting food, and things to do. The Areias Do Seixo Hotel has everything you may desire to ensure your time there is distinctive and pleasurable. The hotel, the seashore, the natural environment and the people serving you will ensure your visit to this interesting country will be memorable.

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.”  Paula Bendfeldt

D.L.Stafford 

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This week's tune was written by the great Bob Dylan in 1997 and is performed by the great Garth Brooks. It is one of the most romantic songs ever written and it has been recorded by many great artists. This arrangement by Garth, accompanying himself with only an acoustic guitar, is one of the best versions I have ever heard. I hope you enjoy it - TO MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE.

06-12-24 - PORTUGAL - NOMADS CAN LIVE LARGE IN A UNIQUE HOTEL & ENJOY THE ALENJETO REGION

I am an architect. I love great design. I passionately love modern design. This place, The Ecork Hotel, shows the elegance, and minimalist grammar of great modern architecture. In addition to the sophisticated design, this hotel is the perfect place to lay your weary head after a day of enjoying the Alentejo Region.

This boutique hotel, with only fifty-six rooms, has it all - great design, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, spa, Turkish Bath, sauna, gym, rooftop bar, and one of the most interesting environments to explore and enjoy. Portugal is the largest producer and importer of cork in the world, and it is seen everywhere at Ecork.

From Ecork Hotel's Website:

"Among cork oaks, holm oaks, and native vegetation, it is the ideal destination for those looking for a sensory experience associated with the comfort, flavors, and colors of the Alentejo landscape. Here you will find the ideal conditions to enjoy a sabbatical break, as a couple or with the whole family. Regardless of the company, a peaceful and relaxing stay is always guaranteed for leisure or business."

Of course - All Wanderers need stuff to do. Walks, massages, swimming, day trips, etc., etc.. Ecork delivers everything. Whatever you and yours want to do, this hotel can provide. Take a quick short drive to the World Heritage City Evora, a member of the Network of Oldest European Cities. Additionally, the hotel is about an hour from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Like all large cities, there is a lot to see and do. 

This hotel, in one of the most unique environments I have ever seen, is on my Top 10 List of places to stay before you die. And its price? A Suite Deluxe - from $108 / night - complete with a gorgeous interior,  comfy bed, large shower, and nice terrace to enjoy the views. You also have access to the luxurious spa. 

So, get crackin' and enjoy this hotel and one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Next week we enjoy a very cool hotel on the Atlantic coast.

D.L.Stafford

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This week's tune is by the multi-award-winning British Folk Rock Band - Mumford and Sons. With innovative writing and performing this band turns out great power rock with a folk underpinning. They take rock music to a completely different place for their loyal listeners. We had the pleasure of hearing them along with 9,000 of our closest friends at Red Rock Amphitheatre about thirty minutes from Denver. Just copy th link below. The blog people are not cooperarting this week.

https://youtu.be/rGKfrgqWcv0?si=G_jsVyLJCJQIj2M0

06/05/24 - A very wise traveler once said - “I followed my heart and it led me to Portugal.”

OUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN PORTUGAL - WHEN YOU'RE TRAVELING WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE, JUST POUR SOME LOCAL VINHO AND ENJOY ROMANCE AT ITS BEST.

We had enjoyed a trip to the amazing country of Greece on the island of Santorini. If you want to read about that beautiful and interesting place just click - Santorini! The people, the food, the buildings, and the colors of this romantic island make travel a truly pleasurable experience.

We took a fairly quick flight from Athens to Lisbon, rented a car, and drove to the cool, inexpensive Convento Hotel in the small fishing village of Olhao in the Southern region of Algarve. We checked into a large double room with easy access to a small light-filled courtyard and a rooftop pool with views everywhere. This place confirms this blog's always-opined viewpoint of travel - All Vagabonds must travel for high pleasure at low cost. Our first-rate designed room is $165 in today's high-cost world.

There we were! A shorefront boutique hotel with views to die for. Beautiful sand, beautiful waves, and the sound of nature with my one and only. Plus, there are many things to see and do in this small village with beautiful buildings, some great museums and restaurants everywhere. 

After three nights of pleasure in Southern Portugal, we headed north to one of the most interesting areas of Portugal to enjoy a first-class stay in an absolutely modern hotel just outside the ancient city of  Evora. I'll give some thoughts and opinions on this place and hotel next week.

 

When in doubt all Wanderers must just get up and GO!

D.L.Stafford

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“I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” - Mark Twain

Travel Tune of The Week - From one of the greatest drummers in the world of jazz - Buddy Rich and his Big Band perform a classic jazz tune written by Weather Report - Birdland. We had the distinct pleasure of hearing Buddy Rich and his band perform this classic and many other great tunes while in architecture school.