I am always asked what has been my favorite trip? That is really a hard question because each trip brings special memories from the people we meet to the events that occured during that trip………
Green tractors bring a smile to my face!
In the early morning of July 26th, we found ourselves heading to the airport to catch a flight to St. Louis, Missouri, the starting point of our road trip. After picking up our car, we headed to the Historic District of St. Charles.
The St. Charles National Historic District is the site of the first permanent European settlement on the Missouri River and of the embarkation of Lewis and Clark’s journey of exploration along the Missouri; it is also the first state capitol of Missouri. Today, you will find many old buildings with plaques that describe what the building was once used for along with many unique shops and restaurants.
Mary Beth and Bob were the main reason for visiting St. Charles. We met them during our river cruise on the Danube in 2022 and we promised we would stop by if we were ever in their neighborhood…well, we weren’t exactly in their neighborhood but we were close enough to our next stop! Lexi was quick to greet us and share her toys. Simba, the cat would remain in hiding the whole visit just as any good cat would do! We spent the afternoon catching up and enjoying a great visit with this wonderful couple.
After an afternoon of catching up, we enjoyed the best meal ever at their favorite restaurant, Paul Manno’s Cafe, and what a treat it was with great food and excellent company. As we ended our meal, we made our promises to see each other again one day.
On our way out of town, we made a little detour to check out The Gateway Arch National Park
Next stop: Gatlinburg, TN
After getting postponed due to the devastating Tubbs fire in 2017 and COVID in 2020, we finally made it to Safari West this year!
We parted ways after a full day at the Safari and a delicious lunch celebrating our birthdays (Rica and I share the same birthday). Jay and I stayed at Hotel La Rose in Santa Rosa, which was ironic because we had arranged to meet our friend Rose for breakfast the next day.
I haven’t seen Rose or her son Evan in 9 years. Evan would be the great, caring, and talented young man I remembered him to be. He is also a published short story writer. We had a wonderful day remembering about our dear friend Don and all the crazy things we did in our day!
My goal for the next few years is to catch up with friends I “talk and email to” but haven’t seen in years, as well as those who invited us and I promised to see one day…Watch out, Rochelle…we could be stopping by real soon to learn how to milk the cows!
We made it back home safe and sound but for a couple of days I could not figure out what I was supposed to do, I felt lost without the itinerary. I kept waiting for Tod to ask me if I am going to have fish, chicken or vegetarian? Then I realized it was time to get back to the real world!
Tod, You’re simply the best, Better than all the rest, You’re better than any TD I’ve ever met. It’s been an honor traveling with you. I hope we cross paths again one day.
Gabriele and your great crew, Marco, Kyle and the”Muscle Man” Mytnes (sp?) along with Nick and Julia who had the duty of pulling and carrying all the spare parts no matter where we went, I will never forget you. Congratulations Gabriele on your upcoming wedding!
Dario, the man who always got us where we needed to be safe and sound rain or shine
And of course, my favorite still photographer, Ula. It was a pleasure meeting you. Wishing you all the best in everything you do.
We even got to meet and share a meal with Ulla, Trafalgar’s Chief Operating Officer
Mia, Kelsey, Dee, Lottie and the entire marketing team, thank you for the experience of a lifetime. The trip was magnificent every step of the way and your wedding planning skills are just as perfect. It was an honor to meet all of you and I really hope to see you again one day.
Though I never met them in person, I would like to thank the US based Trafalgar staff, Dalila Sanchez, Haley Sheffield and Katie Birtles, who worked with me by phone and email to get all my stuff together as we were away on a Trafalgar trip when I found out I won!
I am honored to be selected as one of the 15 Prizewinners out of 10,000 entries.
~ The trip was Simply Perfect ~
Dolores & Jay
The Cool Group
To new acquaintances & lasting friendships..
Tonight, we will board the bus as a group and watch a video one last time..
We will toast each other, sign souvenirs, enjoy one last meal together, have one last photo/video session and wish each other farewell as we dance the night away once more…
As we go our separate ways, fond memories will last a lifetime. I truly hope this is so long for now and not goodbye as I really hope to meet you again one day.
This morning, a Local Specialist lead us on an unforgettable walking tour at Plitvice’s multitude of lakes and waterfalls. The crystal-clear waters reflecting green, grey and blue against the lush landscape was spectacular. We also walked along wooden pathways, absorbing the irresistible beauty of as many as 16 upper and lower lakes and caves that are all magically connected by waterfalls. This exquisite beauty, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder is a must see.
Meet Millie, the newest videographer !
After a short bus ride to the hidden gem, we found ourselves looking down at a magnificent village called Rastoke. This spectacular watermill town has cascading waterfalls running over it, around it and through it.
I could live here!
As we head back to the bus, we found the crew getting ready for one more photo opportunity before we left this wonderful setting
After dinner, we found them in the courtyard still working and still smiling!
What a way to end a beautiful day
This morning, we headed to the walled island of Trogir, about a 30 minute drive from Split. The little town is accessible by bridges so no boat ride today. Our Local Specialist walked with us through a town that is packed with charm, scenic views, and lots of great looking restaurants and gelato shops. This quaint town is great for lovers of art and Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque architecture.
You can walk from one end of this town to the other in five minutes, if you move fast but you would not want to do that as it is a very charming little place. It is also a place we were told we could NOT get lost but half of us got lost just the same. At least we were all traveling in packs so it would have been easy to spot us if we did not find our way back to the bus.
Ben and Kendy are both Prizewinners from the Philippines. Their travel guests could not get visas to travel. Luckily, 4 days into the trip, Ben’s wife Twinie (yes, she’s a twin!), got her visa and she was able to meet up with the group. Kendy’s friend however never got her visa . Kendy has been featured as the most traveled single guest for Trafalgar in the past so the record continues!
After our walking tour, we boarded our bus and headed for another hidden gem with a quick roadside stop for lunch! The hidden gems are always a part of Trafalgar tours and you never know what’s ahead. One thing for sure, the landscape along the way was simply beautiful so I was sure we were in for a nice surprise!
Today we headed to the island of Hvar, one of the most beautiful islands in the Croatian archipelago. We got on a catamaran from Split harbor accompanied once again by the very hard working film crew.
We explored the historic Old Town of Hvar on foot with our Local Specialist, who happened to be the mother of our Local Specialist from yesterday!
It was the perfect day for soaking up the stunning views of the 13th-century Venetian hilltop fortress, and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral.
Even the dogs were enjoying the sun!
After 2 hours of walking, we needed a break so we all lined up for Gelato compliments of Mia..Some of us chose flavors such as dark chocolate with lavender while some chose a flavor to match their outfit!
After our walking tour and gelato, it was time to explore on our own. Six of us however stayed with the film crew for interviews. They were trying to get all of us on the patio of this little charming cafe but Jay and I ended up at a different cafe and ultimately concluding our interview on a side alley sitting on quaint little steps enjoying our Cappuccinos! We had to make pretend sips as we talked as if no cameras were in front of us to make sure the cute little heart designs in the cup stayed intact. I was also having a hard time saying “Hvar” with the silent H and rolling R’s. What a fun and memorable day for sure!
Before we left home, we had to turn in videos answering several questions that were sent to us. One of our segments was with us sitting on our neighbor Randy’s tailgate and his wife Shannon filming us as we were saying “We are heading to the Balkans”. The crew wanted to re-create this scene but this time, we will be saying “We made it to the Balkans”.
After everything was said and done, we took some time to take a dip in the Adriatic Sea, yes, it was COLD
As the day comes to an end, we wait for our catamaran to take us back to Split after enjoying another perfect day!
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