Louise Masin Sattler

Driving Route 66 to Celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary

Published on March 15, 2026March 15, 2026 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

At 66 years young, I’m thrilled to embark on an epic adventure along the legendary Route 66, stretching from the heart of Illinois all the way to the sun-kissed shores of California! The excitement of this journey is palpable, and I can’t wait to hit the road with my dear friend, Marji!

Together, we have crafted an extraordinary itinerary featuring stops at fun and quirky locations along the route! (Plus, we’ve included a few delightful detours – just for good measure!) Throughout our journey, I will be gathering information and resources for travelers who require different accommodations to travel “uniquely”. Whether someone needs easy walking paths, paved hiking trails, or amenities like braille signage and captioned informational films in museums or historical venues, I aim to gather inclusive travel information to share during our trip and after as a guide for all.

Read more about accessible tourism here.

STARTING POINT: the Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. Did you know there is a tall ship, The Windy, at the pier? Hop on and join the ships crew for a fun sailing experience!

Our journey will officially commence in Joliet, Ilinois and then promptly continue to Pontiac, Illinois, a town that takes great pride in its Route 66 Hall of Fame, especially for this anniversary celebration! Explore the website for a complete list of events here.

Before we depart from the Land of Lincoln, we can’t miss the opportunity to visit Springfield, the state capital and the historic home of Abraham Lincoln. I’m particularly looking forward to the fascinating vintage sign collection at the ACE SIGN COMPANY MUSEUM.

Missouri– The SHOW ME STATE

Before crossing the Mississippi River, we will take our first “side-trip” to Branson, Missouri. I am hoping we can catch a few good shows! The website: ExploreBranson.com seemed to have a wealth of information!

Kansas– not sure what to see here. Suggestions??

Oklahoma

Tulsa is our main stop in Oklahoma, and there is plenty to do and see in this thriving city. When the sun goes down, the Neon Signs illuminate! Plus, a great place to get some barbecue!

Texas (Panhandle)

Amarillo- You cannot drive on Route 66 without making the obligatory stop at the Cadillac Ranch. I understand it is BYOSP (Bring Your Own Spray Paint). Graffiti art on the various Cadillac cars is encouraged. Stay tuned for the video and/or photos!

Red sign displaying 'MISSOURI ROUTE 66 100 YEARS EXHIBIT' in white text.

Colorful illustration celebrating Route 66 in New Mexico, featuring the words 'New Mexico', '1926-2026', and '100 years', along with a depiction of a roadrunner and cacti.

Graphic celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in Arizona, featuring a vintage car and the text 'Arizona Route 66 Centennial 100 Years'.

New Mexico

This state is a treasure trove of Route 66 “must-dos”. From ghost towns, to Wigwam hotels, and even a stop at the Balloon Museum! There is no time to sleep in New Mexico or Arizona. Our focus will be on these destination points and the natural wonders that surround them!

Tucumcari
Albuquerque

A panoramic view of snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky, with a foreground of green shrubs and sparse trees, depicting a serene natural landscape. — The beautiful backdrop of Flagstaff, Arizona

Arizona

Holbrook
Winslow
Flagstaff
Kingman

I have written several articles about Arizona . Regardless, I am excited to go to Winslow and actually explore this little slice of Arizona. Made famous by the band, The Eagles, this verse in the song Take It Easy: “standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona”. That little corner has captured the imaginations of thousands of visitors each year and has become a popular “Instagram post”. In fact, in early 2026, over 45,000 “Insta” posts have been tabulated to have the hashtag #WinslowArizona!

Listen to the Eagles sing Take It Easy here

Next up- Flagstaff is located in a very pretty part of the state. We plan on making our way to the Meteor Crater and the National Petrified Forest (and the Painted Desert), too! I bet that these are optimal photography stops!

Once we hit Flagstaff, we veer off to Sedona. I have been before and it is FABULOUS! I am looking forward to taking the Verde Canyon train out of Clarkdale and through the rock formations of Sedona and nearby vistas.

Back on Route 66, we will go towards Williams, Oatman, and Kingman. But, we still have plenty of sites to see and novelty shops to discover!

California

Needles
Barstow
San Bernardino

We make our way to our final destination during the last day on “the route”.

LAST STOP: Santa Monica Pier

A sunset view over the ocean with a pier extending into the water, featuring a small building and decorative lights along the pier. — Santa Monica Pier, California (home sweet home)

What’s next? Well, if you read this far, please know that the content will continue throughout our trip. And the culmination will be a guide for people and families who need to travel uniquely, and how Route 66 accommodates and includes people with differences.

A colorful children's book cover titled 'My America, the Beautiful,' featuring illustrations of a diverse group of children celebrating with nature-themed elements and patriotic symbols.

Lastly, we will highlight the destinations by encouraging children to participate and expand their interest in reading. We’ll kick off this initiative with a book from my friends at Familius Publishing.

Discover the New Book ‘Making It Up’ by Author Christopher Mannino

Published on January 10, 2026 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

Say, YES! Say YES to pretending to be a pirate! Say YES to an invite to a tea party! Say YES to be willing to time travel! When it comes to playing with your child – treat it like a lesson in theater improvisation and say YES AND…!

I had an opportunity to talk with former theater actor, teacher and author, Christopher Mannino, about his new book, Making It Up – A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play. It is his 30th book – not too shabby! Unlike his fictional endeavors, this one delves into helping parents create memories with their children through the power of play. And he has had plenty of practice being the Dad of young children who happen to be living abroad.

Christopher, a TEDx alum, wants to emphasize to his readers that children are like sponges, constantly eager to learn. Parents simply need to be present and engaged in the moment with their children. Additionally, it’s important for all of us to learn how to pivot in our lives, particularly in how we connect with our kids.

As a psychologist who believes that children should play more on the playground and do less homework, I was thrilled to chat with Christopher about his journey as a parent, an author, and an advocate for parents and children to forgo the screens and simply create a safe space for play. He talks about the art of “anchoring” – creating a safe memory that brings an instant recall of joy. And just like improv – you don’t need many props (toys), if any. Just an active imagination and using the power of “YES AND…”

I would be remiss not to mention that Cory Reid, provided excellent illustrations honed important points and also provided some humor!

Below are two short videos of Christopher explaining “anchoring” and “YES AND…”. The link for the full interview (minus the bloopers), is also below.

ANCHORING ESSENTIALS

HOW TO SAY YES!

Some Amazing Takeaways From “Making It Up” for Parents and Professionals:

Say Yes and…
Say NO but…
Avoid questioning the intent
Stay in the moment
Don’t plan ahead
Toys are not necessarily your “friends”
Always carry your anchor

Smiling man wearing a hoodie, sitting in front of a wardrobe with various items visible in the background.

Christopher also shared some tidbits on his journey to becoming an accomplished author. It is a fascinating story of a young boy in rural America finding himself immersed in books, only to dream of becoming a writer. And he did!

Watch and learn about Christopher’s journey as an author, how and why he created Making It Up, and much more on YouTube. This is The full video interview with captioning capabilities. YouTube video

Check out these links to learn more about Making It Up – A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play!

FAMILIUS

AMAZON

ChristopherMannino.com

Instagram: @ChristopherMannino @CoryReid_Illustrator @FamiliusBooks

Your Annual Reminder to Check Your Neck!

Published on January 8, 2026January 8, 2026 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

It has been 15 years since I first shared my journey of undergoing surgery and treatment for an aggressive form of thyroid cancer, and I feel incredibly fortunate to commemorate another year in remission. On this anniversary, I seize the opportunity to write a blog post that encourages everyone who reads my musings to “check the neck”! You might wonder why; it’s because thyroid cancer has become one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers of this decade. I hope that this blog serves as a valuable resource for those facing challenges with their thyroid health.

A red flag waving in the wind with the text 'CHECK the NECK' prominently displayed.

What are the red flags for thyroid cancer and other conditions? Although each individual may present unique experiences, there are several common signs that medical professionals have documented as potential indicators that your thyroid may not be functioning properly.

Some symptoms of thyroid issues:

Feeling a bump or nodes in your neck
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty breathing
Hoarseness when speaking
Weight gain (or loss)
Fatigue
SPECIAL NOTE: Please refer to your doctor if you feel that something is “not right” or have any questions. This blog is to share my own experiences, which may be very different from yours.
This resource may be helpful to answer your questions.

In case you are curious…

To read my cancer story from the beginning, go here: HELLO, NOW GO AWAY!

Dos and Don’ts if you are going to the hospital: CANCER WARRIOR GODDESS

10th Anniversary Post (with links to many others)

Thanks for reading!

~Louise

Reflections on a Rollercoaster Year: 2025 in Review

Published on December 24, 2025 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

As the year 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the myriad of emotions it has stirred—including how this year was so confusing and unique! Yes, 2025 has been filled with incredible highs and serious lows for me, numerous friends, and family. Moments of joy have been intricately intertwined with episodes of heartache and challenge. Like 2020, I for one will be glad when we put 2025 “in the books”. I have had enough of this rollercoaster year!

Each year when I write my “retrospective blog”, I find myself searching for positives and negatives. This year, we traveled frequently, and that was a huge positive. We explored local to our Los Angeles home base and went across the Atlantic for a global adventure. We had an opportunity to ride the Alaska Railroad across the amazing 49th state, have fun in Las Vegas, explore areas on the East Coast, and see ancient ruins, museums, and other attractions in Europe. Along the way, we met or reunited with people who enriched our travel experience.

Once home, we began our search for a new furry family member. In November, we welcomed to our home a very large shelter puppy we named Baxter! Read his story here.

The highlight of 2025 came with the birth of our first grandchild. She has been one of the brightest lights in our year. And while others may post photos of their grandchildren online, I have opted to give my granddaughter the privacy she deserves.

While the year has been filled with fun, I am also keenly aware that many people have faced agonizing challenges. I recognize this has been a year of great loss and illness for many people we care about. Our hearts are with those who have faced hardship, grief, or uncertainty. Know that many care about you, including me.

And also as I write this, I feel it necessary to mention that the world has evidently become engulfed in chaos. I find it difficult to express my emotions about the current state of our “states” without resorting to screaming, so I will refrain from doing so. However, I hold onto the hope that common sense and compassion will eventually prevail in our world and hit our “collective” like a tsunami.

In closing, I wish for a happier, healthier, much kinder, and safer 2026. May all of our days be filled with love, joy, and laughter.

Below you will find a sneak peek of my upcoming blogs, including at least one giveaway!

xo,

Louise

A look ahead…

A 3D book cover of 'Making It Up: A Revolutionary Way to Bond with Kids Through Play' by Christopher Mannino, featuring playful illustrations.

Familius publications and I have partnered for a wonderful giveaway from a recent title they released. Stay tuned for this announcement in the next week or two!

A scenic view of a coastal town with colorful buildings, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear blue sky. The turquoise water gently laps against the shore, where boats are docked.

Where to travel in 2026? Let’s explore the possiblities together – suggestions welcome. (Email me here)

Adopting Baxter: Our Journey from Shelter to Home

Published on November 11, 2025March 12, 2026 by Louise Masin Sattler1 Comment

Sometimes, events transpire in your life that take you completely by surprise. One day, you find yourself in a home that has been without a four-legged companion for over a year, and the next, you’re buying food, bedding, and even selecting a name for a rescue puppy. His name is Baxter.

It all began when a friend shared her experience of stopping at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. She mentioned that visitors are welcome and that there’s even a program allowing you to spend extended time with a dog. Intrigued, I began researching this program. Hubby and I initially thought Kanab might be too far to travel, but then discovered that Best Friends has satellite facilities, including one in Los Angeles. There, you can adopt, foster, or become an Adventure Buddy, and we felt the latter option was the best fit for us. As an Adventure Buddy, you’re encouraged to take a dog out for a day of fun, ideally for two hours or more. By mid-October, after a thorough application process, we were matched with “La Santa,” an adorable pit bull mix. We cherished our time with La Santa, but ultimately, she wasn’t quite the dog we envisioned bringing home forever.

A happy brown pit bull mix named La Santa sits beside a colorful backpack with the text 'WE ARE ON A FIELD TRIP! YOU CAN PET THIS DOG! IT'S OKAY TO (BE EXCITED)' printed on it. — La Santa, Available for Adoption at the time of this article – Best Friends of Los Angeles.

Fast forward to a few days later when a local TV station announced that the Riverside (California) Animal Shelter was well over capacity. In an effort to increase their chances to be adopted, the Riverside Animal Shelter had transported dozens of dogs to other states, such as Washington.

So, out of curiosity, I went on their website, but I didn’t really see any one dog that captured my heart.

Another friend suggested that I check out our local shelter. I visited the website of a Los Angeles shelter and instantly spotted a dog that looked just like our beloved Bayla. In the same video featuring this adorable pup was another dog named Bamboo. It was love at first sight! Within minutes, I was slipping on my shoes, eager to “visit” Bamboo with my husband. Less than two hours later, we were finalizing his adoption!

Why this dog? Oddly enough, his photo and video appeared on nearly every page I visited on the shelter’s website! Moreover, he brought back memories of a dog we fostered many years ago who eventually went to the police academy. When we finally met him, his well-behaved nature and easy-going personality were reminiscent of Bayla! We discovered he was approximately 18 months old, brought in as a stray, fully grown, and likely a shepherd mix. However, there was one little issue – we were informed that Bamboo was part of a “bonded pair” with his companion stray, Bambi. Upon inquiring about Bambi, we learned she had been adopted – without Bamboo. (So much for being “bonded.”)

A black and tan shepherd mix puppy named Baxter sits on a tile floor, looking curiously at the camera. He wears a patterned collar and a leash is attached to his collar.

Close-up of a black and tan dog lying down, with Rottweiler markings and a relaxed expression.

Now I have a question – If you look at this sturdy black and tan shepherd mix with rottweiler markings and a black lab personality, do you think that his name should have been Bamboo? And what do you call him for a nickname- BamBam? I think not! Hubby and I deliberated for a very short time until we settled on BAXTER as his name. It seemed to fit him perfectly!

Guess what? He is not a young adult dog- but a puppy!!!

Surprise! Baxter isn’t 18 months old or fully grown; this 60-pound bundle of energy is actually a puppy—likely around a year old—and he may gain another 10 pounds (or more)! YIKES! He exhibits numerous puppy behaviors, such as rummaging through the hamper for our favorite clothes to drag around the house, eagerly tearing apart his new bed, and managing to snag just about anything off the counters, including a fresh pack of muffins! Plus, his anxiety poses a challenge, as Baxter goes BERSERK when left alone, even when crated with cozy blankets, new toys, and special treats reserved just for his crate time! HELP! It’s definitely time for a puppy trainer to guide us! (And if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments!). And don’t worry- we aren’t giving up on Baxter. He is just being a puppy – and hopefully will not have an affinity for our leather couches and chairs!

Traveling with Baxter

Many people have inquired whether we intend to stop traveling now that Baxter has joined our family. The answer is a resounding NO! While it may take some time for Baxter to adjust, or our travel plans might take on a different shape, we remain committed to exploring new destinations.

Baxter and I thank you for reading!

A black and tan puppy wearing a large pink donut-shaped collar rests on a tiled floor, looking relaxed and playful. — Baxter, sporting a “cone” after his neutering.

Coping with Unexpected Trip Changes

Published on October 15, 2025 by Louise Masin Sattler2 Comments

Today is October 13th. I should be in Bosnia-Herzegovina today. I should be visiting waterfalls and dining in the city of Mostar on local cuisine. And, I should be ending the day in Dubrovnik, Croatia, at a seaside resort where the sunsets are supposed to provide endless views.

Instead, I am home in Southern California. And, I have been home for a wee bit due to “trip interruptus!”. You see, when you get super duper sick while traveling, you have to make some tough decisions. Mine was to throw in the proverbial towel, get the first flight back home, and go directly to the emergency room, where I was treated with a bad case of “the yuck”. I will spare you the details. And, I also want to let you know two very important pieces of information about my trip home: 1) I masked 100% of the flight, and 2) Others around ME were coughing and sneezing, and they were not masked. In other words, my fellow passengers were putting my health at risk far more than I was theirs.

Although I am terribly disappointed and for several days was using the word, DESPONDENT, I am trying to see silver linings.

First, I must give KUDOS to my hubby and travel partner who took care of canceling most of the remainder of the trip without much help from me. This was his dream trip, too, and he was nothing but supportive of us returning home. He also brewed his own case of “the yuck”.

Secondly, a huge thanks to FAYE INSURANCE. Not only did they give me support and names of doctors to see while we were traveling, but they also assisted us during the “trip interruption” process. Working with them has been wonderful, and they took much of the stress off of us by making the claim process as painless as possible. I appreciated their being so responsive throughout my illness and upon our return.

If you recall a previous article I penned, I recommended travel insurance as a “must-have” when preparing for a trip. Well, we got a policy with Faye, and they went above and beyond expectations! When we reschedule the part of the trip we didn’t finish (and venture on others) – Faye will be getting our repeat business!

One lesson I learned from this experience is that health comes first, and to follow your “gut”. I now realize that I would never have enjoyed the last month of our vacation, given the seriousness of my illness. I let my intuition and common sense be my guide – and that was a very smart move.

Despite having to end our trip prematurely, all was not lost. We did have the opportunity to spend a glorious month traversing several countries and seeing so much! I even penned a few blogs about our experiences visiting Dublin, Barcelona, the Vatican, and Athens. Each blog includes information about accessible tourism. I would love it if you check them out!

In closing, here are a few photos we snapped and a video from the center plaza of Florence. (Gosh, I loved that city!) The captions will tell you the locations of the photos. Click on the photos for a detailed look.

Thanks for reading! And I promise, more travel blogs to come in due time!

Nightlife in Florence!

Top Tips for Exploring the Vatican’s Wonders

Published on October 13, 2025 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

Did you know that the smallest independent country in the world is Vatican City? It is home to under one thousand Catholics, mostly clergy, official members of the Vatican, and the Swiss Guard. Comprised of several major sites, including the home to the current Pope Leo XIV – the Apostolic Palace, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square, and the Vatican’s official museums. One can spend all day visiting the Vatican and not even scratch the surface of all it has to offer.

If you do visit the Vatican, please acquire tickets well in advance of your visit using a verified tour service. (It is ironic how many people will try to “rip you off” with fake tickets or pickpocket you within the walls of this holy establishment!)

***First impressions* *of the Vatican***

There is so much to take in when you enter the Vatican.

The grounds of the Vatican are huge. The buildings are mammoth in size! The skyline of domes takes your breath away! And the outstanding staff are very adept at receiving and watching carefully the 30,000 (or more) visitors they receive EACH DAY!

Tips for Traversing the Vatican

Visiting the Vatican may mean you are waiting and walking in very hot, humid, crowded, and noisy conditions. There are very few elevators, and air conditioning exists in only a few parts of this extensive campus. (I really can’t fathom the reasons for no AC in buildings where priceless works of art are housed!)

Also, opportunities to get drinks or use a restroom are pretty few, so come prepared. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes, but heed the warnings of the Vatican’s attire protocol – and dress modestly.

Photography is allowed and encouraged

Photography was encouraged by our tour guide. He explained that there is so much to see and digest during the tour that photographs will act as helpful souvenirs and reminders.

You can spend the day with Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo. These are infamous artists and not the Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Here is just a sample of some of the most magnificent art you will see during a standard tour. I understand there are some “behind the scenes” tours of more artwork that is just being housed in a “warehouse”, of sorts.

Here is a little trivia. The Mastiff Dog sculpture posted within this montage was broken by a tourist taking a “selfie”. It has been restored thanks to benevolent supporters from California.

TIPS:

1) Some tourists do not understand the concept of “personal space” – so be prepared for being “smushed”.

2) When you enter an exhibit, go to the back of the room and view the masterpieces from different angles.

3) The ceilings are full of art – don’t rush through the rooms without looking up!

Have you ever seen a ceiling like this?!

St. Peter’s Basilica

One of the largest Roman Catholic houses of worship in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica. It is beyond words to describe.

See the Vatican at Night!

The Vatican is stunning at night. St. Peter’s Basilica Square looks like it shimmers under the lights and moonlight.

General Vatican Ticket Information can be Found Here:

If your trip to the Vatican requires special accommodations, such as wheelchair access, please click here for detailed information.

Where to stay when visiting the Vatican?

There are many wonderful hotels and rental apartment companies (AirBnB and VRBO, for example). The reader may want to consider TripAdvisor, Expedia, or Booking.com for assistance with locating accomodations.

(FYI: We enjoyed staying in the Trastevere area of Rome.)

Do you have any recommendations about visiting the Vatican or other places within Rome? Feel free to comment below!

Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Athens

Published on October 11, 2025March 5, 2026 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

Greece was never on my “bucket list” of destinations. I thought about cruising to Athens and spending just a day there—enough to see the Acropolis, Parthenon, enjoy a meal in the Plaka, and return to the ship. However, I soon realized that one day is not enough to appreciate Athens’ rich history, culture, and stunning sights. The ancient ruins are important landmarks that showcase a civilization that shaped history. We stayed for four days, during which I learned a lot about Athens. While I could recommend many places to visit, I’ve narrowed it down to five, knowing that some readers may only have a day or two.

Special Note: I added to the bottom of my TOP 5 list a place I do not recommend.

Here are my TOP 5 places to explore when in Athens, Greece.

PARTHENON and
ACROPOLIS (I clump these together as they share “real estate”.) First, if you plan on visiting these two very historical sites and some of the most important “ruins” on this planet, you MUST go with a tour. Without one, you will be relegated to the back of the line and lost as to what is what once you arrive. We used Athens Walking Tours and had Antigone as our guide. She was very good keeping the group engaged by sharing her extensive knowledge. My “ADHD-self” appreciated that she fluctuated between being the “teacher” and a bit of a comedian. Just in case you weren’t sure – let me stress that I I enjoyed the tour very much. Confession, I was scared to walk the 200 steps from the base of this massive historical site to the actual ruins. Let me allay your fears. With the tour, you go a few steps – stop. Look around, snap some photos. Then go again. Maybe even walk a ramp versus steps. All in all, it is quite doable for able-bodied people (an elevator is there if you need assistance, just bring a note from your doctor or your handicapped documentation). Once you arrive at the crest, you are amidst some of the most awesome manmade relics known to mankind! TIP: Read up on the history of the Acropolis and Parthenon before well before you arrive in Greece. A little research may have extended my enjoyment even more. The Athens University History Museum is also in the area, and although we didn’t visit, we heard from many residents that it is worth spending some time checking out.

Street sign pointing towards the Archaeological Museum and History Museum with distances indicated, alongside another sign directing to the Acropolis.

The Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis of Athens, featuring the iconic Caryatids supporting the roof.

Close-up view of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, showcasing its ancient columns and nearby ruins, with scaffolding visible in the background.

3. PLAKA – This is an open-air market with a substantial number of good restaurants and cute shops. Warning… pickpockets also like this area.

A bustling market street filled with people walking, shops lining both sides, and a bright blue sky overhead. — PLAKA

View of a church entrance with an ornate religious icon and a decorative fence, surrounded by greenery and trees. — PLAKA

4. ‎⁨Vouliagmeni⁩ beach and lake. We took the BIG BUS for about 45 minutes to Lake ‎⁨Vouliagmeni. We got off a few times and then found our way to the lake. To actually see and enjoy the lake, you need to walk a very short distance from the road – downhill. Once you arrive, you can access the lakefront for a small fee (this gets you a lounge chair, swimming access, and other amenities). You can also eat or drink at the cafe and still enjoy a view of the lake.

5. SMILE GASTROTAVERN. This is a restaurant that has excellent, authentic Greek food. The BAKLAVA was simply the best I’ve ever eaten!

AND, SMILE GASTROTAVERN has one of the few handcap accessible bathrooms in an Athens eating establishment! Most restaurants in Athens have their restrooms either up or down a level from their main dining area. This makes using the restroom a challenge or not possible for someone with mobility issues. Only a handful of restaurants offer the same level of restrooms on their main floor with doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. TIPS: 1) Make a reservation and 2) Tell Zoey, one of the owners, I say hello!

Not recommended:

I am a “connoisseur” of casinos, especially slot machines. I love to play. Plus, the technology fascinates me! So, when I found out there was a casino in the Athens area, I wanted to check it out!

Sigh. Rarely do I post negative reviews. But, I feel compelled to give some insights to visitors to Athens about the Regency Casino – Mt. Parnes, so they have info I wish I had before wasting my time and money.

First, to get there is no small feat. From the center of Athens, it takes an HOUR. The casino is atop a mountain, and getting there depends on what is “working” – such as the tram, bus service, etc. Each day appears to be a different story as to the best method to access the casino. So, before you venture out to the casino, do yourself a favor and check out what methods of transportation are working. The Cable Car for the casino was not operating during the day I visited.

Once you arrive, know that you are asked a multitude of questions and MUST show your passport. No one voluntered to speak English, unless you ask. Also, the “documents” to register as a “player” are in multiple languages. Mine was in HEBREW! You are given a printout of “coupons” with no explanation. And they are in GREEK! No one offers you a translation or a QR code to get some additional info.

The casino is old. In fact, it looks like an industrial park. Plus, it has OLD slot machines, is not very clean, smells of smoke, and overall is underwhelming. The staff were rude and not helpful. I did not feel overly safe (and I was there mid-afternoon). I left within 20 minutes and was never so happy to get out of a casino in my life.

On a scale of 1-10, I give this casino a “2”- and that is because the view was pretty awesome. Please keep in mind that this is my opinion and is only based on my engagement with their slot machines. Other players may have different, even positive, experiences.

Explore Barcelona’s Iconic Architecture and Art Museums

Published on September 20, 2025October 17, 2025 by Louise Masin SattlerLeave a comment

Barcelona is a beautiful city, rich in history, and home to some of the most amazing works completed by renowned artists – including the architectural designs of Antoni Gaudí, the mastery of Pablo Picasso, Warhol, and the contemporary expressions of Banksy and Robbie Williams.

It was my intent to write a blog describing in detail the sights and wonders of Barcelona. But then I stopped. This is a VISUAL city. One that can be better described through photography than perhaps descriptive writing. So, I hope these photos will inspire you to visit Spain, wander the streets, and enter the galleries where these art masters’ treasures are on display for all to enjoy!

ENJOY!

Let’s start with Antonio Gaudí, since he has left the largest thumbprint on Barcelona. Gaudí’s work is stunning, albeit quirky, and is showcased in many of Barcelona’s famous places – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell, Casa Vicens, and Casa Batlló.

CATHEDRALS

BARCELONA has GORGEOUS Cathedrals and neighborhood churches. I will spotlight the two we visited. First, the famous Sagrada Familia is a combination of church and a tour de force artistic endeavor for Gaudí. One needs to get tickets in advance if you wants a tour of the Sagrada Familia. Frankly, I thought our formal tour was so-so, and perhaps doing a self-guided tour would have been better for me. I did learn some interesting facts, such as the cathedral won’t be completed for another dozen or more years! Tickets to enter are a must and sell out well in advance. So, don’t delay! Sagrada Familia Information and Tickets

Park Guell

Park Güell is a lovely, albeit very busy, park north of Barcelona’s city center. To truly appreciate all of the park, you will have to climb lots of steps. But, there is much to see without doing so, as well.

Tickets can be found here and one is encouraged to pre-book before visiting.

Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló

While there are many places throughout Barcelona where Gaudí left his mark, we found Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló extraordinarily unusual and impressive! Just check out these designs! Tickets may be found here: CASA VICENS and CASA BATTLO

Casa Vicens

Casa Batlló

So many thoughts, so little time. If you have visited Casa Batlló, please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I would love to know your review of this particular Gaudí attraction.

PICASSO MUSEUM

The day I set out for the Picasso Museum was also the same day Barcelona received about 9 inches of rain. I arrived at the museum’s front doors drenched, but determined to see Picasso while I was visiting Barcelona! It was worth it!