Tripping out with the TravelingLovebirds

Barcelona... our first adventure!!

As we welcomed this amazing city in our 10 hour tired jet lagged lap, we were unbelievably underestimating what city were about to take on. As a home cook and a foodie, to my delight I was pleasantly surprised to open my balcony window up to one of the most famous food markets in the world...St Josep’s Boqueria. As surreal as it was, I tried my best to take each aisle in stride, not eating  everything in sight. One piece of sound advice, your eyes might be bigger than your belly, so meander and look at each stalls. What we found at the start of when the market opens compared to the peak hours, prices change so be mindful of what you want and go back, get that item with no regret. If you get lucky to see the market wake, your heart and memory box will
as well!! Stand still, listen to the merchants calling out, vendors talking amongst colleagues, that’s the heartbeat of this market. Simple reminder, don’t try to get adventitious on a typical Sunday, the merchants want a day off,the markets closes. There are alternatives Sant Antoni Mercat but we didn’t have a chance to venture to with limited tune & so many stones to turn over in Barcelona.Trust me,that stone untouched,will create the stories and make the memories for you and your fellow traveler..

Immerse yourself in the culture!

When you travel, its hard to get break free of your own ways, step out of your comfort zone, walk in and speak a different language than you do daily, but the rewards of your efforts can be remarkable. I have traveled to the top of Stockholm down to the Almafi coast side in Italy but when you are wandering down a typical cobblestone drizzled alley and the owner of his restaurant or the street vendor; who (fortunately isn't like the U.S.) is selling his merchandise with such pride, its hard to turn away. When you travel "turning away" is a gesture of being uncomfortable, the unwillingness to see through another perspective, try a delicacy that is true to the heart and soul of that town. Much of European towns; especially Italy, wear their heart & soul and pride on their sleeves. Traveling along souvenir and ceramic lined shops or lemon soaked stalls selling their prized limoncello, immerse yourself with that culture. More times than not; as you wander and stumble; you fall upon a food paradise or lively entertainment. These people who are performing; they are selling their culinary craft or music in which they live and breathe aren't in the streets to gain sympathy. They are spotted polishing their craft, whatever it may be.
As an American; I have fortunately learned to adapt. Adapt to the sounds, the town speed, its pride and joy, they respected time of "shutdown". The hardworking families that most Americans encounter along the way aren't gearing up for a performance; but living their life. As a well minded American and traveler; respect their behavior, their way of life. They appreciate tourists recognizing the town that means so much, but they aren't their for your entertainment. Just a thought you might have of next time you want to capture a moment in your travels because that vendor appreciates the kind gestures, more than you may think.

In your own backyard

Jacuzzi Winery, Sonoma CA

When you travel, one thing should come to mind...excitement! Discovering new alleyways in a city, meeting a street vendor oozing out with pride.... trying a special delicacy as you wander down a street.All this sounds like something you dream for, wish as you daydream at your desk at work; but in reality all this is at your fingertips. These pictures look like a long lost family winery deep in the Tuscan valley and it looks as Chris and I have been trekking along steep hills and valleys; to get to this specific place deep in the woods, but really these locations will surprise you its here; locations that with great drive and the rush of anticipation, you can explore with the spectacular views and experience.....
Life can be stressful, chaotic and overwhelming,

but we are lucky enough to live in beautiful San Francisco Bay. 

The packed freeways at rush hour or the endless lines at a 

red line will never outweigh the pure beauty that the Bay has

 to offer. Wherever home is to you, search, wander, stumble 

upon and open your eyes to whats out there; because when 

mindful about your plans; you can truly find a sanctuary a

nd it might be less than a mile away!

Muir Woods, Marin CA

Starting from scratch

Epernay, France

Rhone River , Germany

Bavarian Countryside

Big Sur, California

 

 

 

 

I am a kindergarten teacher, I am on my feet all day chasing after kids. My boyfriend Chris is sitting in electrical engineering meetings all day.... to get us through the exhausting, endless days; we think of the one thing that puts a grin on our face....TRAVEL! Now, travel isn't for the faint at heart, in order to make the most, you must step out of your comfort zone and through it all be open to change!

Chris and I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel for the past decade. Only just recently, I have realized, why not start a travel blog, we have traveled to the most stunning of beaches in Greece, the endless wineries in the heart of Tuscany and wandered through the rugged cobblestone heavy streets in Tallin, Estonia!

We will give you insight on our travels that once was and excitement on the upcoming trips and , where we explore, eat, immerse ourselves in the cutures unknown.

Come along with us and we all can get lost in Lalaland together

You ever heard the expression.. "Wheres your fire?... what drives you?". I luckily have recently realized where my strength comes from and how I can ultimately find peace,sense of self, motivation & love.... TRAVEL ! I'm beyond grateful to in less than a month and a half travel across the pond, seek new adventures, connect with family, discover a culture & reconnect with my main squeeze, UncleFuncle. Life has brought us some strengthening times, full of ache and chaos, but any good person that wants to discover a new shade of reality will see through the rough patches to the end zone, that time my friends is now! It is the time I have a ticket to paradise. Now the image of a Mai Tai on a beach with cool wind in my hair is ideal, but its truly not me. What excites me most on travel is discovering the unknown, the people on the side streets that work endlessly because they don't know any other way, the guy peeling back an artichoke in a Sicily market or the vendor claiming to have the "Freshest fish" in town in Sorrento. My favorite is when you are lucky enough to encounter a man full of family pride; enough to make a tear of joy trying to sell his grandma (nona's) homemade pie or ravoli, or whatever town favorite is. All I know is that life can bring upon stress, confusion and anxiety, but if you have a bag packed, eyes wide open for exploration and a grateful heart; you already won in travel!! I can hear the vendors calling out with pride all their families specialties, I can see the endlessly working man, hustling produce throughout the market & then just see us, the Bershaws; living in the moment!

Take a step back

So I havent written on this blog in many many years, but after a recent adventure I have come to understand myself with more curious mind, more spirited soul and stronger heart. I came to understand that life is something, one should cherish. We should take opportunities as they come; try new things, step out of your comfort zone and just breathe. To get to share my life with this guy really makes me as grounded as I never thought I could be. I currently have rekindled my love of art. For the past year, I spent each and almost everyday in my kitchen; dont get me wrong, that is my sanctuary. But I just realized that in my life; to maintain a balanced life; I can have many sanctuaries, that better me; inspire me and keep me focused. To wake up each day, deal with work, always have your life as something that drives you. You may have to encounter some ridiculous people who displace their stress, or anger on the world around them, you may have to deal with those kind of people; but that is not your life, that is just a curve ball that someone may be strengthening you to be a better person, just live. Live a happy life, with sanctuaries; travel schedules; dinner recipes, or events in your future; but just live. If you lucky enough; you may catch yourself with a grin because if you are able to find peace then you know you can live in the moment; with a grateful heart.

HEART!

You know those people in your life that just makes you laugh, smile and feel stronger because you know them, I'm talking to and about the best man I knew~... my pampa... Gus:)... As agreat grandfather, determined and strong, he was such a devoted partner in his relationship; (pretty sure he didn't care too much about the ring...lol)..he worked his time, did probably beyond what was called for him; he always seemed to want to go beyond because he never felt obligated ....check this...he wanted to; I can honestly say; his determination as a sweet and gentle friend to many; I keep so close to my heart each and everyday... I've realized life gets tough with age, bills, stress, chaos to the everyday lifestyle; but I'm truly grateful to have been brought up by good genuine, honest & driven people that might have overwelmed by life, but can laugh at the end the day. They have taught so many life lessons that will lead me to greatness; sometimes at the end of the day, they have taught me to have HEART and live in the moment, especially Gus... he said do your best, try to keep a smile throughout it all, God I miss that man!.love him!