Stories - Travelling In My 70s

The Glacier Express: The Swiss Alpine Wonderland

Posted on November 16, 2023November 19, 2023 by Roberta Hill

I have recently published my book: “Unforgettable Train Journeys Across the Globe: Rails and Wonders.” You can order it on Kindle here. I thought I would share one of the chapters here with you. We never did the Glacier Express in Switzerland, but we finally did go on the Jungfrau Railway in 2010. The Jungfrau Railway in the Swiss Alps is a cogwheel railway known as the Jungfraubahn in German. It transports visitors from the picturesque village of Kleine Scheidegg to the Jungfraujoch, often referred to as the “Top of Europe.” The journey took us through tunnels and steep mountain…

Ageism – It’s A Matter of Time

Posted on November 11, 2023November 13, 2023 by Roberta Hill

Do I really look that old? As we were coming through security in Washington DC, the gentleman, a little older as well, asked me if I was 75. I answered no and asked him if I looked 75. Then I realized he was trying to be courteous as once you hit 75; you don’t have to take your shoes off going through security. However, I remained offended. Now I realize I’m looking older, but haven’t I got a great hairstyle and dropped 20 kilos? I don’t dress frumpy. I know I have a lot of flabby skin that I try…

The Dignified Dolmens of Carnac

Posted on October 28, 2023November 11, 2023 by Roberta Hill

There’s something about the “Standing Stones” that seems to fascinate everyone. Seeing them, such as the Dolmens of Carnac, is quite remarkable. I understand now that people are often disappointed in Stonehenge because of the over-tourism and limited access. It was different for me the first time I saw them as a younger child. But one doesn’t have to venture far to visit the more isolated stones of Avebury. In 2008, we were living in Geneva and looking for a holiday. France is always attractive, but driving can be somewhat of a nightmare with traffic jams no matter the season….

Rouses Point and Border Crossings

Posted on October 28, 2023October 29, 2023 by Roberta Hill

Yesterday, we drove down from Montreal to Rouses Point, New York State, to visit an old friend and have lunch together. I had utterly forgotten how close the US border is for us and how easy border crossings still are for us. At the main crossings, the lines can be rather long. The driving took about an hour, considerably less than a trip to Rawdon. We took a back road across the border and down to Rouses Point to avoid a significant crossing. Rawdon – The Perfect Day Trip From Montreal Rouses Point is a charming village in upstate New…

Good Grief Deer Lake Newfoundland

Posted on September 11, 2023September 16, 2023 by Roberta Hill

We managed to go around the world with 20 different flights and not have one incident, except for our first flight with Air Canada. Our suitcases didn’t make our connecting flight with United in Chicago. Deer Lake Newfoundland Air Canada took off on Thursday to visit Les Iles de la Madeleine knowing that for the past day and a half, the weather has been too fogged in to be able to land. Air Canada hoped the fog would lift when we got to Les Iles de la Madeleine. Of course, there was insufficient fuel to return, so we flew to…

Les Iles de la Madeleine here we come

Posted on September 5, 2023 by Roberta Hill

We were flying out to Les Iles de la Madeleine in a few days. It will be my first time, but Louise has been before and has been dying to return for a visit. It’s another one of these great package deals that we got, similar to the trip to Iceland. However, this one covers all our meals, including seafood or a fish selection for every lunch and dinner. This particular deal comes through the Quebec chapter of the CAA. Now, the ratings for CAA vacation packages seem very high. Unfortunately, so far, our experience has been less than great….

Is Niagara Falls Worth a Visit

Posted on August 18, 2023August 22, 2023 by Roberta Hill

Well, that’s a silly question. Of course, Niagara Falls itself is worth a visit at least once. Now I understand if you’re heading out there and not with kids, the town itself can be overly touristy, crowded, and garish. Its two casinos and the central area on Clifton Street look more like Las Vegas, even if it is one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Having been to Niagara Falls as a child in the winter and recently a couple of weeks ago, I have some recommendations. We stayed at a bed-and-breakfast just outside the main strip of Niagara Falls….

Cultural Travel: A Guide for Senior Women

Posted on July 16, 2023November 11, 2023 by Roberta Hill

I am working on an eBook with tips and thoughts on travelling as a senior woman. I am up to 50 pages and while a lot of editing remains, here is the first chapter for you. Chapter 1: Introduction to Cultural Travel for Senior Women Understanding the Benefits of Cultural Travel Cultural travel helps women over 60 and seniors deeply experience diverse cultures worldwide. It offers a chance to connect with locals, understand their customs, traditions, and way of life, and appreciate the diversity of our world. One of the key benefits of travel for seniors is the opportunity to…

15 of the World’s Best Botanical Gardens

Posted on July 6, 2023November 11, 2023 by Roberta Hill

We are sure to visit every botanical garden we can when travelling. While I do enjoy a lovely garden, Louise is “obsessed.” The Accès Montréal card is offered to residents of the island of Montréal, and as members, we get free access to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Needless to say, we visit it quite often, and I am very happy to see it made the list of the world’s best botanical gardens. TIP: the Montreal Botanical Gardens’ winter path is open daily from 7:30 am to 5 pm from December to May for everyone. Access is free to the site,…

Goodbye to NYC: Broadway, Museums, Tours etc.

Posted on June 12, 2023June 20, 2023 by Roberta Hill

It is time to say goodbye to NYC. Some of you have been wondering exactly how many shows and events I’ve attended during our stay in New York. I will have seen Broadway and off-Broadway shows. These include dramas, musicals, and dance. I’ve enjoyed every one of the shows, except for one. You can see a full list of my 20 ratings here. https://www.show-score.com/member/roberta-3110 I’ve been to Madison Square Garden to see Billy Joel. We’ve been to Carnegie Hall to see an intimate concert in the presence of conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin in the Weill Room of Carnegie Hall. We’ve been…