years of adventure
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Past Adventures

The Adventure Awaits!

Welcome!  We can't wait to take you to with us around the world!
​
Look for upcoming posts by The Aventura Kids about cities and countries we've visited together, plus practical tips from Mom to help parents plan their own family adventures!  Dad may even check in from time to time with cool historical facts and/or bike routes!

Waking Up in Odeceixe, Portugal!

3/28/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture
Good morning, Odeceixe!

​What do we hear on a sunny March morning in the Portuguese countryside?

Chirping!  Lots and lots of chirping from nests of swallows just feet away from the balcony where we sip coffee.  At least eight nests full of tiny baby birds are chattering while their excited, attentive parents coast nearby on the morning breezes.
​

​The view is idyllic. Directly below our cottage we see the typical white walled houses of the Portuguese Algarve, each with its windows outlined in bright yellow, blue, green or maroon.

Some houses are newly painted and refurbished while others are dilapidated, like the abandoned house just across the tiny stone street.
​

Odeceixe is not dying.  If anything, it appears to be a town in the midst of rebirth.  

This is a story we hear a lot in Portugal.  The economy is improving.  People feel optimistic and excited about their future.  Natives are proud to be Portuguese.  Outsiders feel confident about investing in the country.  It’s a good time to visit.

In the distance echo sounds of hammers, saws and construction... a family-style, community kind of construction involving a few men, some makeshift scaffolding and a bucket of paint.  

There are no corporations in Odeceixe. The town has thankfully not been swallowed up by Starbucks or Burger King.  

Instead we find just a handful of mom-and-pop style restaurants and one tiny market that seems about ten feet long and ten feet wide. 

"How late are you open tonight?" my husband asks its young proprietor.  

"Seven," he replies and looks at the long line of customers waiting to purchase goods from his tiny store.  "Or maybe, a bit later." 

The dark haired man smiles. Business is clearly going well for the only grocery store open in town.  

This sleepy neighborhood feels as though it's just on the cusp of waking up for the summer.  April 1... that's the date we see posted on signs in windows throughout the village.  Odeceixe will officially come alive for the year on April 1.  
​
Picture
Beautifully maintained church in Odeceixe, Portugal.

Adjacent to the AirBNB we are renting sits a tiny church whose bells chime once every fifteen minutes between eight AM and ten PM.  It's topped by a surprisingly adorable shiny black rooster with red painted feathers.  

​
If the health of a town can be measured by the loveliness of its church, it’s easy to see that Odeceixe is doing just fine.  The exterior is in great condition with a new red tiled roof and beautiful white paint lined in gray.

Just behind the church on the hill behind the church sits a tiny graveyard... its carefully tended gravestones naming those who lived and loved here in the past.  
​
​
Picture
Beautiful Odeceixe cemetary.

Just past the graveyard there is a  horse.  Yep.  A horse.  He's pretty sweet too, always quietly watching passersby over the wall of his backyard with big, sad eyes. Someone should write a children's story about this lonely, thoughtful Portuguese horse. 
​
Picture
This guy keeps an eye on things...

Looking further across the valley beyond the white houses, we see rolling green fields and a small winding river making its way out to the sea.  Its water is clean and tranquil, no trash or litter anywhere.  

This is a theme.  Even in the smallest towns we’ve visited, cleanliness is paramount.  Whether rich or poor, Portuguese people take great pride in keeping their towns and villages clean.  

(In Lisbon, a metropolis just 2.5 hours away, an elderly granny yells at our 12 year old son in Portuguese.

"I don't know what she was saying exactly," he explains, "But she was pointing toward the trash can so I went and threw my bag away.") 

Beyond the tiny village, its rolling green fields and winding river, you can see low mountains rising.  Covered in brush, bushes and Eucalyptus trees they rise gently and gracefully - topped with a long narrow stand of tall Eucalyptus trees that look intentionally planted, maybe as a wind break.
​
Picture
A stand of Eucalyptus along the horizon.

Bright, blue skies overhead are streaked with long, thin cirrus clouds I’m certain I’ve read about in a high school science class twenty-five years ago. They look like jet streams, but there are too many of them and all heading in different directions.  
​
Picture
Cirrus clouds above Odeceixe.

What will we do today? We wonder aloud in the unhurried fashion of people on vacation; people who have - for the first time in months - slept in.

Shall we walk down the long trail to the Praia de Odeceide, the rugged beach with black hued cliffs edging up to the Atlantic?  Should we head into the mountains to determine if that unusual shape on the horizon is, in fact, an ancient castle or the ruins of a church?  How about a road trip south to explore more of this spectacular Algarve region?

Or we could just linger here in the Portuguese sunshine a bit longer before heading out to find a perfect lunch of fresh fish, cheese, olives, wine and crusty bread? 

​
Yes, please.  Yes to everything.

​
Life is short.  Get out there and choose your own adventure! :)
Picture
Blissed out and ready for the day!
​Did you like this post from the Years Of Adventure Travel Blog?
If so, feel free to share or re-post!  ​​​​​​​​​​​​
4 Comments

Taste of Travel #5: Playa de La Concha, San Sebastián

3/21/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture
Playa de La Concha, San Sebastián

​Our family discovered Playa de la Concha in the Basque city of San Sebastián for the first time in 2014 when the Aventura children were still tiny.  Little Angel, just four years old, flung off her sandals and ran with delight across its golden sand toward the bay.  

"I LOVE THIS BEACH, MOMMY!" she trilled.

We'd flown from California for a home exchange in Biarritz, France just on the opposite side of the Spanish border. To our surprise and disappointment it was gray and rainy in southern France every single day.  The house was damp and dark. Its bathroom towels smelled mildly of mold.

"Let's drive across the border," suggested my husband Señor Aventura.  "We may find better weather in Spain."

"That's hard to believe." I wrinkled my forehead, trying to imagine how driving just thirty minutes south could make a significant difference in the weather.

Lo and behold, he was right!  As we made the easy, scenic drive between Biarritz and San Sebastián the clouds actually seemed to part and then gently melt away. 
​
Picture
Beautiful, sunny day at the Bahía de La Concha!

We arrived to find the sun shining upon the exquisite beach, Playa de la Concha, that takes its name from its shell-like shape.  

"Look Mom!!!!  Sand!!!  Real sand, not pebbles!!!" exclaimed The Scientist, who was feeling homesick for California.

"Yay!!!  We can make sand castles!!!" exulted his brother Soccer Dude. 

The children raced forward, eager and delighted.  My husband and I stretched out the threadbare beach towels we'd found in the French exchange house, laying down on the sand.  

"Finally, it feels like vacation!" I smiled.
​
Picture
2014 - Making sandcastles at La Concha!

We ended up returning across the border four more times during that two week stay in Biarritz... even to celebrate The Scientist's July birthday.  

"I like it here at this beach so much," he confided.  "I want to spend my birthday in San Sebastián and go to that amusement park on top of the big mountain!"

​
Picture

(We returned again in the summer of 2017 to celebrate Señor Aventura's 43rd birthday.  It's a destination that draws one back, again and again.)

There are a million things to recommend about the lovely city of San Sebastián - pintxos, shops, culture, art, musical performances, bars, Michelin star restaurants and world famous cheesecake.  We adore their aquarium, worth a blog post of its own!


Here is a taste of the iconic beach that first captured our hearts... covering five of its 'must-see' aspects.  La Playa de La Concha and its spectacular surroundings should be on everyone's bucket list!


Playa de La Concha 
Picture
View of the Playa de La Concha from Monte Urgull.

The beach at La Concha is every sunbather's dream.  At approximately 1350 m long and 40 m wide, there is plenty of soft sand where friends, families and singles can play, picnic and sleep. During our various trips to this beach I've seen young couples flirt over paddle ball, teams of players diving into volleyball, children chasing each other in games of tag, topless sunbathing, and people of all ages strolling.

Playa de La Concha is a perfect place for young children because although it's situated on the Atlantic Ocean it's protected from rough water and high surf thanks to tall mountains that surround La Concha Bay.

The waves are gentle and mild and the beach itself is enormous.  Your children will have plenty of space to run and play without worry of getting knocked down by a wave hitting the shore.  Our kids have spent long hours there making drip castles and digging tunnels.
​
Picture
2017 - Soccer Dude hard at work.

For adventurous youth and adults, a nice floating dock is anchored in easy swimming distance.  It features a diving board and a slide, so strong swimmers can entertain themselves by heading out to the dock and diving off the board into the middle of the sea or having fun on the waterslide. 

​In 2014 our children watched this activity enviously from the beach. By 2017 their swimming skills were strong enough to reach the dock.  They spent hours diving and sliding!


​La Concha is magnetic for people from all over the world, so it isn't surprising to hear a relaxed mix of French, Spanish, English, Italian, German, Russian and Portuguese floating gently on the air toward the water. 

There are also typically street musicians (buskers) perched above the beach on the nearby boardwalk. The sounds of jazz may waft into your afternoon daydreams.



Isla Santa Clara
Picture
Isla Santa Clara in the Bahía de La Concha

The tiny island of Santa Clara looks like it should come straight out of a Robert Lewis Stevenson novel.  It's not hard to imagine a pirate ship docked just off of the sands of its Playa de Santa Clara or buried treasure hidden somewhere in the densely forested cliffs. 

Although never officially inhabited, Santa Clara has served many purposes over time - maybe even as a 16th century quarantine for people dying of plague! It's sad to think of abandoned souls looking longingly across the bay toward their homes and families as they took their final breaths.

Even now Santa Clara has an air of mystery and pathos... yet remains pristinely beautiful.
​
Picture
2017 - Aventura kids in front of Isla Santa Clara with lighthouse in background!
​
Whether you arrive by boat or swim there you'll be charmed by Santa Clara's unusual lighthouse, a terrace bar where you can order tasty beverages while looking out across the bay full of little white boats and picnic tables where you can enjoy a true feast!

​
Monte Urgull
Picture
Monte Urgell (mountain, L) with statue of Christ of the Sacred Heart overlooking San Sebastián

The view of Playa de La Concha and Isla Santa Clara from the top of Monte Urgull is nothing short of awe-inspiring. You will not regret the short, steep hike up the mountain to achieve this world class panorama!
​
Picture
2014 - View from Castillo de la Mota fortress on Monte Urgell.

While at the top take a brief tour of the Castillo de La Mota fortress dating back to the 12th century AD. It was rebuilt many times as a defensive base to help protect San Sebastián from various invasions (mainly by the French) over many centuries. ​
​
Picture
Christ of the Sacred Heart overlooking the Playa de La Concha

The Castillo was declared a Spanish National Historical and Artistic monument by the king nearly a hundred years ago (1921) and the land around it was turned into a public park for all people to enjoy. 

In the 1950s a special statue of the Christ of the Sacred Heart was commissioned and placed in the center of the castle as a beacon. At 12 meters high this graceful statue can be seen easily from across the Bay and makes a truly striking figure on the horizon!

​

Monte Igueldo Amusement Park 
Picture
2014 - Monte Igueldo Amusement Park

To the left side of Playa de La Concha and Playa de Ondaretta sits Monte Igueldo, an imposing mountain with a breathtaking view!

​For more than a century Monte Igueldo has offered various forms of fun and entertainment for locals and tourists.  In 1912 a Casino was built which later (1925) turned into an elegant ballroom where wealthy guests could dance the night away.

This casino and ballroom has more recently been converted into a 4-star hotel along with an amusement park featuring various rides and attractions geared to young children. With 20 attractions including the "Mysterious River", "Terror House," "Boat Pond," a carousel and bumper cars, families or groups of friends can easily spend several happy hours at this fun park and then enjoy a snack while checking out the phenomenal view!
​
Picture
View from Monte Igueldo

Historic Boat Races
Picture
Training for the annual race!


San Sebastián takes pride in its annual regattas held once a year at the end of the summer in the Bahía de La Concha. 

Inspired by a historic tradition of fishing boats racing each other to shore to sell their catch, these races began formally in 1879 as part of an annual festival and have continued ever since.  For the first two Sundays in September, eight boats race to the finish line.

Originally wooden fishing boats were raced but over the past 130 years the competition modernized and now racing boats are made of kevlar and carbon fiber.

An annual women's regatta was launched in 2008, and its excited audience is steadily growing!

For a few days the sands of La Concha and the nearby boardwalks function as a stadium from which onlookers with binoculars can spectate and rejoice.  ​Visitors flock from all over Europe to cheer the boats on from the beach.  This event is sometimes called the 'Olympics of Rowing'.  Such fun! 

​
La Concha at Night
Picture

​Lastly, a little romance...

By night the Playa de La Concha is lit by gorgeous gaslamp streetlights that line its raised boardwalk.  Whether you stroll barefoot under the stars on the sparkling sand or above it on the promenade, there's something more than magical about the Bahía de La Concha in the moonlight.

For these reasons (and a million more) we highly recommend visiting the Playa de La Concha in San Sebastián!  
​
​
Life is short.  Get out there and choose your own adventure! :)
Picture
​Did you like this post from the Years Of Adventure Travel Blog?
If so, feel free to share or re-post!  ​​​​​​​​​​​​
4 Comments

Taste of Travel #4: Spectacular Mallorca Beaches

3/14/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
The perfect destination for your Spring vacation?

The weather in Spain has begun to warm up a bit!  March temperatures in Catalunya are now in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-19C) and although we're still getting sprinkled with rain here and there, buds are flowering on many of the trees I pass by during my daily morning walks.  The sun is shining nearly every day and the massive swarm of green parrots that have made Barcelona their special home chirp away ecstatically for hours as if to shout, "We've made it!  Winter is over!"
​
Picture
Spring has arrived in Barcelona!

Semana Santa is fast approaching... that special week before Easter each year when schools close, we give prayerful thanks, and many people take off for vacation!  Almost every conversation I have with friends right now revolves in some way around Spring Break: where we are going; where they are going; where we all went last year... where we'd love to go in the future!

One great place to head during Semana Santa in Spain is Mallorca!
​
Picture
Lovely Mallorca at dusk.

Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic Island chain, which has been a self-governing region of Spain since 1983. Along with the other islands in the group including Menorca and Formentera, Mallorca is an incredibly popular tourist spot... and has been so for literally thousands of years!  The island has been settled in one way or another since 6000BCE! 

Over the millennia Mallorca has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Moors. It even played a major role in the Spanish Civil War, when it was a major seat of Republican power until Franco's Nationalists (assisted by the Italian air force) forced them out completely in the Battle of Mallorca. 

These days, Mallorca is known worldwide for its exquisite beaches, warm summers and mild winters. Celebrities and artists continue to flock to this lovely island in search of inspiration, rest and relaxation.
​
Picture
It isn't hard to see the allure Mallorca has for people all around the world!

Mallorca is such a popular destination for European tourists that it is sometimes jokingly referred to an extra German state (since there are so many German tourists that visit each year)! 

To our family, Mallorca seems to provide Spain with the same kind of paradise-like vacation spot that Hawaii represents for the United States.  Mallorca is a truly wonderful place to get away, unwind and enjoy the beach!  In fact, there are over 30 fantastic beaches to check out in Mallorca!

In this week's Taste of Travel we'd like to recommend two of our favorite beaches for your Semana Santa or spring vacation!


Cala de Deià
​
Picture
Follow the signs to this special place!

My husband and I first glimpsed Cala de Deià while watching a TV miniseries based on John Le Carré's suspenseful novel... "The Night Manager."  In one scene an intense confrontation takes place at an outdoor family luncheon held right above the sea.  This scene is particularly scary because it juxtaposes the insanely idyllic backdrop with a brutal armed invasion. As a viewer, you feel taken off guard and vulnerable while watching!  

Not long after we watched the miniseries Señor Aventura explained to me that the scary scene had been filmed at a Mallorca beach he'd like to visit someday, the Cala de Deià.  

So, on our first family trip to Mallorca we made this beach a family priority! 

Thickly wooded pine trees overlook it and you actually have to take quite a hike down a long paved road to reach this secluded spot.
​
As it turns out there is no sand at Cala de Deià.  It's a tiny beach made of shingles, pebbles, rocks and gravel - all of which are surrounded by high cliffs.  ​
​
Picture
Wooden shingle beach surrounded by steep, high cliffs and thickly wooded forests.

There are really two main attractions at this beach.  First, the water is extremely clear!  Visibility is great and you can see fish swimming around even in the shallow areas.  We noticed plenty of people with snorkeling gear at Cala de Deià.
​
Picture
Cala de Deià

The other attraction is the restaurant to the left of the beach "Ca's Patro March" which hovers above the water on the side of the cliff.  With luck you can enjoy a wonderful afternoon there feasting on fresh seafood and traditional Mallorcan dishes, along with wine, gelato and homemade dessert.  (Reservations recommended.)  ​
​
Picture
Ca's Patro March

​Honestly, this is an exceptionally romantic spot!  If you happen to be there without three children, that is... 

"Someday we should come back here, just the two of us!" smiled Señor Aventura.

Picture
Great place for a date!

Worth it for the views alone, the food is also quite tasty at the oceanfront restaurant and we found the service to be very friendly and accepting... even though we arrived at sunset with cranky, tired kids who were 'starving!' after their swim in the sea. Two hours later our family left with full tummies and everyone smiling!!!
​
Picture
A wonderful way to watch the sun set upon Mallorca!

You won't soon forget your day trip to Cala de Deià and Ca's Patro March!  What a magical combination!

​
Caló des Moro


Picture
Caló des Moro, Mallorca

Visiting Caló des Moro involved quite a trek from the little village of Biniarix where we were staying in Mallorca.  In fact this superb beach is located on the exact opposite end of the island - near the town of Santanyí!  We learned that it would require a 90 minute drive in each direction for us to visit the beach in our car... which is quite a bit more time than we'd typically spend driving to reach any California beach!

Which underlines with emphasis just how FANTASTIC and special the Caló des Moro is... not only was it worth every second of our 3 hour total drive from Biniarix but we would have made the trip again and again - eagerly! - if we'd had more time in Mallorca.

The Caló des Moro is one of Mallorca's most priceless hidden gems.  With crystal clear, turquoise blue waters and a pristine, private location it's worth every bit of the real effort required to reach this stunning cove. 

Picture
Worth the effort!

All of the parking near the beach itself is limited to residents only, which undoubtedly helps to control the number of tourists who flock in warmer months to experience this treasure. The locals are pretty serious about "No Parking" and there are a lot of signs posted emphasizing that you will be towed.  We've also heard unsubstantiated tales about punctured tires... they're pretty serious about not parking there.

So, we found free parking about a mile away and hiked toward the water.
​
Picture
Taking the long road to the beach!

The trail we took was very uneven - in fact, I'm not sure it was a real trail at all! We later learned that there was a much easier path... which is a good thing because the route we took was on loosely packed dirt up a staggeringly high cliff that took real focus to navigate with three children. I would not recommend it to families with young kids.

"Don't get too close to the edge!  Stay on the trail!  Watch where you step!" I called anxiously as I followed behind Little Angel, Soccer Dude and The Scientist.  

"I'm more worried about you!" smiled my husband with care, thinking about my longstanding back injury.  

After a rigorous, sweaty hike we at last reached the edge of the beach and our jaws collectively dropped open in total awe.  It was even better than we'd imagined it could be!
​
Picture

Honestly, who needs to go to the Caribbean when you can find a heavenly beach like this just a 26 minute flight from Barcelona? The azure water and pale sand - both pristinely clean - look as though they've popped right out of a tropical fairytale!
​

Picture
Pointing the way to the hidden beach!

​It would be so easy to pass an entire perfect day in a place like this... although by the time we arrived in the afternoon there were only a few more hours of light. Little Angel and I waded and splashed along coast while Señor Aventura and our boys swamfurther out in the water to explore hidden caves where they found frogs and baby octopi!
​
Picture
Little Angel wades into the crystal clear water.

The sandy part of the beach is very small with some large rocks dividing it into sections. During summer months the beach can become so crowded that there is literally nowhere left to sit!  For this reason we recommend experiencing the Caló des Moro in the Spring (Semana Santa) or during the Fall (October) to fully enjoy the exquisite beauty of the place without the hassle of big crowds.  

We smiled to hear so many different languages being spoken along the beach... German, French, Spanish, English, Dutch and even Portuguese!  Everyone together, just chilling out and enjoying the day!
​
Picture
Beach goers relaxed near the cliffs and caves, and atop the small sandy beach.

Later during our dusky walk back to the car we discovered that there is another nearby beach (Cala S'Almunia) very nearby... but it is more of a beach for divers and less for swimmers.  Much less beautiful!  
​
Picture

A word of caution - nude bathing is allowed at both of these beaches and our children got a good giggle out of seeing an elderly couple walking without clothing on the beach. 

"Look Mommy! That old lady is naked!" laughed Little Angel before I could shush her.

"Oh my gosh!  Look away!" shrieked her brothers who were simultaneously horrified and delighted. 

Also, it's a good idea to keep in mind that neither of these wild beaches have facilities (e.g. no bathrooms or restaurants) as they are both well off of the beaten path.  We recommend bringing in your lunch along with anything you may need for personal hygiene. Sadly, neither Caló des Moro or Cala S'Almunia is wheelchair accessible. 

However if you're okay with these realities and still looking for a great outdoor adventure, we give the Caló des Moro top marks!  It's one of the top three most beautiful beaches I've ever visited in person!
​

Life is short.  Get out there and choose your own adventure! :)
Picture
Wow. Just WOW!!! Spectacular!
​Did you like this post from the Years Of Adventure Travel Blog?
If so, feel free to share or re-post!  ​​​​​​​​​​​
1 Comment

Taste of Travel #3:  A Perfect Day in Paris

3/7/2018

3 Comments

 
Picture
Whether bright skies or rain, Paris always shines!

​The weather doesn't have to be sunny in Paris for this spectacular city to shine!  We spent five late-February days there last week (windy, snowy, cold) and had a genuinely splendid time!

There are probably a million ways to enjoy one special day in Paris but if you have just one day to devote to the city, here is what we'd suggest...
​


1) Start your day with coffee and freshly baked croissants
​
Picture

​Historically speaking, croissants were invented in Turkey or Austria... but who can deny that the French have absolutely perfected them?  Start your day with a leisurely stroll to one of the boulangeries on every single block of Le Marais.  So many options! 

​You can purchase fresh homemade croissants, pain au chocolat, gorgeous raisin rolls, tiny quiches... or warm baguettes straight out of the oven! Should you choose to dip a flaky, buttery treat in your mug of café au lait, who are we to say "Non"? 
​
​
​
2) Take in breathtaking city views from the top of Sacré-Coeur
​
Picture

Now that you've fueled up on pastry deliciousness, challenge yourself with a brisk climb! Charge up the 270 steps up to the basilica of the Sacré-Coeur church which sits on top of Montmartre... you'll be richly rewarded by the view!  Many people spend hours relaxing on these steps with their friends or lovers, whispering together and dreaming in a way that is perhaps only possible in Paris at sunset.

(Not up to climbing today? No worries, you can catch a funicular too!) 

The views of Paris from this vantage point are unsurpassed as this is the highest point in the entire city. Seeing the street grid of this well-organized metropolis from the top of Montmartre will also give you a much better grasp on the 'lay of the land' as you begin your special day. 
​
Picture
Beautiful Paris on a sunny, cold morning in February.

Don't forget to peek inside of the Sacré-Coeur church itself while visiting but do keep one hand on your wallet as this is a very popular area for travelers and pickpockets alike!  

Finishing touches were put on the Sacré-Coeur basilica in 1914, just as World War I was beginning. The name means "Basilica of the Sacred Heart" and this lovely white building was consecrated in 1919 after the end of that awful war. At just over 100 years young, Montmartre's Sacré-Coeur and its vistas will inspire you!


​
3) Wander through the Musée D'Orsay for a few perfect hours
​
Picture
Snow outside the Musee D'Orsay

Now that you've breakfasted and gotten some exercise and inspiration, why not see what all the fuss is about?  For only 12 euro (kids under 18 are free) you can spend an hour or an entire afternoon expanding your soul in this gorgeous museum on the banks of the River Seine.  

Built in 1900 inside of a former railway station, this museum offers a quality of light and spaciousness in a way that other museums rarely manage to achieve.  Featuring a very diverse collection of paintings and sculptures alongside an incredible group of Impressionist and post-Impressionist works, there is plenty to see and experience within its walls.
​
Picture
Wandering through the Musee D'Orsay

The Musée D'Orsay offers a top-of-the-line experience.  The best of Monet, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh and Seurat can all be found here... along with countless other priceless pieces!

"I love this place Mom!" breathed Little Angel as she gazed at her favorite Renoir.  "When I grow up I want to be an artist and have my paintings in a place just like this."

"This is my favorite museum in Paris," 
agreed Señor Aventura. "It's the perfect size and has so many fantastic paintings. I really like the way they are displayed, too."
​


4) Recharge with dinner and wine at Chez Denise
​
Picture
The Scientist and Los Extraordinarios are delighted by dinner at Chez Denise!

Reservations are recommended at this traditional, welcoming French restaurant in Les Halles. Once featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" show, the special brasserie La Tour Montlhéry- Chez Denise is authentic and worthwhile. With an ample chalkboard menu full of hearty food, sumptuous sauces and excellent wines, you will not be disappointed! ​
​

The men who run the restaurant may seem a little bit gruff at first but warm up quickly, especially if you try to speak even a little French.  By the end of your meal it will be all smiles and laughter!

"Can we get Escargot?" begged Soccer Dude, and so we did... ordering snails, salad, beef with bacon, and three types of fabulous fish. Wine comes by the bottle or the carafe and freshly baked bread with butter is brought to the table in plentiful baskets. ​
​
Picture
A famous French delicacy!

I myself feasted on a "saumon braise sauce moutarde" that nearly made me weep because it was so good. That wasn't just luck though. All seven of us around the table devoured our meals and waxed rhapsodic about the flavors.

"My only wish is that I had two stomachs," I sighed with a wistful smile, wishing I had room to soak up just a little more of the mustard sauce with a crust of bread.  The food was THAT good! 
​


5) Complete your day with a decadent gelato flower at Amorino
​
Picture
So much beauty at Amorino!

Created by two Italian friends, Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi, Amorino is not your every-day ice cream... although you can definitely eat it every day!

Careful to use only the highest quality ingredients in their original gelatos and sorbets, Amorino offers options for guests who prefer an organic and/or vegan lifestyle. 

Eight year-old daughter Little Angel and I were both enthralled by the creation of the signature Amorino ice cream cone, which involves gently forming petals of gelato in the shape of a multi-colored flower with a special kind of scooping tool.  I'll be honest, I ordered the 'Chantilly' whipped cream just because I wanted to see how it would look on top of my ice cream flower!  (Didn't hurt that it was sooooo tasty too!)
​
Picture
An Amorino gelato flower with Chantilly!

As people who pride ourselves on being gelato 'experts' we were blown away not just by the look of this dessert but also by its quality, texture and taste.  The Amorino caramel flavor is the best I've ever tried... even in Italy! What a great way to wrap up a perfect day. 

Life is short.  Get out there and choose your own adventure! :)
Picture
All smiles!
​Did you like this post from the Years Of Adventure Travel Blog?
If so, feel free to share or re-post!  
​​​​​​​​​​
3 Comments
    Picture

    Meet Andrea

    Hi! I'm Andrea, a 42 year old mom of three from California! I was an elementary and middle school teacher for 20 years (off and on) and now I'm a writer living with my family in Barcelona, Spain!  We started to travel the world with our kids when they were 3, 5 and 7 years old. Six years later, they're fantastic travelers! My posts aim to give you ideas about how to experience new cultures, foods, languages and adventures with your kids... all on a careful budget!

    Destinations & Travel Tips
    ​

    Finland
    France
    Italy
    Portugal
    Spain
    The Netherlands
    United States
    ​

      Want More Adventure In Your Life? 

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Categories

    All
    Finland
    Italy
    Portugal
    Spain
    Travel Tips

      Have Travel Questions? We've Got Answers!

    Submit

    Past Adventures

    January 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    November 2015

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Past Adventures