Memories - Travelling In My 70s

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…

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….

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…

Day 63 – The Most Amazing Taj Mahal

Posted on November 29, 2022May 30, 2023 by Roberta Hill

Every day of our trip, except for travel days, has been more impressive than the day before. However, I think today will be the pinnacle of the trip. I never thought I’d visit India, so the Taj Mahal was not on my bucket list. But once I knew we could travel through on our way to Europe, it became something I wanted to do. It didn’t disappoint. We’ve been quiet looking this time of year, perhaps because of Covid. There have not been many tourists or travellers to the various sites we have visited. The Taj Mahal There’s a long…

Ashok's Taxi Tours In many parts of Asia,How to be a celebrity

How to be a celebrity. Visit India Temples

Posted on November 29, 2022June 29, 2023 by Roberta Hill

How to be a Celebrity in Asia Many of the temples in India are visited by locals from very rural areas. They are not used to seeing Westerners, especially two elderly white women, alone. We received many stares, smiles, and requests to take photos with them. First would be the children, then it would be the women, and then it could be the whole family. In one instance, a young man who told us he was a soldier left his buddies to spend time taking with us. He called Louise “Auntie” and me “Gramma.” Before we could move on, others…

Day 37 – Coming Home to Wellington

Posted on November 3, 2022January 13, 2023 by Roberta Hill

It feels like we have come home. The typical Wellington Lookout stormy weather welcomed us. We relaxed most of the day at our dear friend Rebecca’s home right next to our old place. She drove us up to Khandallah Pharmacy, and the service woman said it had been quite a while since she had seen us. Our landlords had invited all of us for dinner. 37B – Ben and Becky, 37C (us), 37D – Rebecca and 37E – Ron and Lorraine. It was like we had never left.

God save the Queen, 1926-2022, RIP

Posted on September 8, 2022January 9, 2023 by Roberta Hill

The news of Her Majesty’s passing made me reminisce about past travels and adventures. RIP Many people think the monarchy is archaic and needs to go, but I’ve always been fond of her. Queen Elizabeth was an extraordinary public servant who worked diligently for 70 years. And that deserves to be acknowledged and respected. I remember celebrating her 25th anniversary on the throne back in 1977. I had just graduated with my MBA and was travelling in northern Europe alone. The celebration occurred when I travelled from Bergen, Norway to Newcastle, England. It seemed like a milestone then, and 50 years…