January 2, 2011. The day I wrote my first blog about being diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Little did I know then about what life would look like 13 years later.
Blog!
iPhone Photography of the Streets Of Southern Spain and Portugal
If only these streets could talk…
During a recent vacation, I found myself simply engrossed and enchanted by the cobblestone streets of southern Spain and Portugal. Hundreds of “snapped” photos found their way onto the camera roll of my iPhone 14 Pro Max. Each time I would try to imagine the lives of the people who lived on the streets where I was capturing these images. Were these people happy? Did this roadway have significance in history? How different were the lives of these residents than mine? If we somehow could do a “time traveler” experience – would we find our worlds to be similar or vastly different? Yes, I went “deep” with my thoughts. But, you only need to feel the cobblestone beneath your feet to let your imagination wander and wonder.
When I returned home, I realized I had hundreds of photos that chronicled our vacation – a large majority were streets, doors, and windows. Here are some of my favorite “snaps” of the streets, It is shameful that I didn’t take the time to learn more about these regions before we landed in Madrid. But, I am determined to study these areas now. And by all means, if you have any information about these places – please let me know in the comments. (Historical or ancestry links welcome.)
TOLEDO, MALAGA, MARBELLA, RONDA, and CADIZ
Toledo – A walk through a most important historical time for Spain
Toledo is a walled city where you can still walk through the doors that once welcomed carriages with royalty and soldiers protecting the area. It also is the home to the fictional, but in my mind very real, Don Quixote (a novel by Cervantes and the inspiration of the musical – Man of La Mancha). It is almost as if Cervantes’ words come alive as you walk from street to street. Toledo is an extraordinary place. Put it on your travel list. And wear shoes that are for walking on cobblestones! I would not recommend driving a car in this city. Take public transportation (e.g. Renfe train) or hire a car service, such as Daytrip.
Tip:
An empty street can be just as wonderful to photograph as one that is bustling with people.
CADIZ, SPAIN
Cadiz is a town we knew nothing about until…we found out that Real Madrid and FC Cadiz were playing during the time we would be visiting. Whoosh! We were off to Cadiz and collectively, our family thought it was AMAZING! A very walkable city – this place is chocked full of history, great music, shopping, and sports! Plus, you feel like you are at the end of the world because of the way the sunset hits the Mediterranean Sea.
RONDA, SPAIN
When it comes to a town that must have stories to tell – I think of Ronda, Spain. Orson Wells once called this place home.
This small city/ large village is atop a mountain. It takes about an hour to drive from Marbella to Ronda – up a very, very, very windy road – but it is worth the effort. There is a train and you can hire a car service or Uber – but be warned. These roads can be treacherous in the fog, rain, or at night (if you don’t know where you are going.)
However, once you arrive in Ronda you will be glad you endured whatever inconvenience you had. The views go on for miles. Plus there are bridges and olive groves that make this city so picturesque and worth the 100+ photos I took. Even the oldest bullfighting ring is in the town center – and that too, had cobblestone and tile features.
Tip: Know that unexpected photography opportunities may be on top of steep mountains!
MARBELLA – MALAGA
It is probably unfair to group Marbella and Malaga together. Each has their own unique vibe. Marbella is more quaint with a few attractions, but mainly shops, restaurants, and streets where families meet, children play, and couples walk hand in hand. Some celebrities do call Marbella their second home – but we didn’t spot anyone that we recognized. No biggie. We live in Los Angeles – the epicenter for celebrity spottings.
Marbella is famous for the “cute factor”, too – including the decorated bikes that adorn their streets. They share this “thing” with Malaga. I for one was in love with the idea of repurposing old bikes as art! ( Wouldn’t it be nice if we could adopt this trend in the United States!)
Malaga has much more energy when compared to Marbella. When we visited Malaga it was almost frenetic. We figured out this was because the Christmas lighting festival was to begin that day. Thus, the streets were all aglow! Malaga also has numerous art galleries in its central district. The creativity spills out onto the streets with beautiful sculptures, fountains, gardens, and building designs.
TIP: Malaga is the birthplace of Picasso. The museum that was once his home is across from a lovely city square.
NORTHERN PORTUGAL- PORTO, AVEIRO, COSTA NOVA, and NAZARE
PORTO-GAIA
Porto- Gaia are gorgeous! But be warned – this city is nothing but serious walking up and down hills that are STEEP. (Wheelchairs will have a challenge, for sure.) For those who do not want to walk these steep areas consider UBER (easily available) or staying closer to the river where the landscape is flatter. Also, note that “rules of the road” are loosely followed. So look before you walk across any streets! You also can use one of the numerous boats that travel around the city and between Porto and Gaia. Parking is INSANE, so don’t drive here. Really – use an alternate way to arrive and leave. You will thank me for this piece of advice later.
AVEIRO – COSTA NOVA – NAZARE
One cannot help but make a comparison between Venice, Italy, and Aveiro, Portugal. That is because of the “barcos moliceiros” that line the rivers/canals that flow through this city. I can’t say enough positive about Aveiro and the nearby area of Costa Nova. Charming. Delightful. Safe. Quiet. And during December – heavenly! I understand that summertime is hot and wall-to-wall tourists – so I am glad we visited in December.
The ribbons on the streets below signify a university student having completed a course. The houses with stripes are from Costa Nova.
NAZARE – Where 100 Foot Waves “Visit”
If you are a fan of the HBO documentary- The 100 FOOT WAVE – then you must put Nazare on your list of places to visit in Portugal. While there, don’t forget to take notice of the streets that hold so much history of this fishing village. These are proud people with deep religious roots and the church dedicated to fishermen is a very humbling reminder of the dangers of these seas.
Obidos a medieval castle
Obidos is very pretty to photograph. And, we happened to visit on a day it was misty rain. The cobblestones were exceptionally wet, but I think the photos came out far more interesting than if it was a clear sunny day.
Tip: Your pictures don’t need to be perfect. Just meaningful to you. These are the moments that are important to you – capture them, enjoy them, and save them.
LISBON
Last but not least I want to highlight the streets of glorious Lisbon. Here in southern Portugal, you find streets filled with motorcycles, tuk-tuks, people walking about, and artwork- including the iconic work of Arturo Boralo II .
This is another city that is hilly and hard to traverse – but worth it. We hired a driver and his covered tuk-tuk (good call as it started to rain) – to cover as much ground as we could in a short amount of time.
A Life Lesson
When we travel we sometimes look at the grandness of our adventure. The well-known landmarks, museums, or restaurants. But, I want the intent of this blog to remind you to stop and enjoy the simplistic elements of your surroundings – including the streets that are filled with history and life lessons.
Tip: BACK UP YOUR PHOTOS – DAILY
Enough said.
About these photos.
The photos in the blog are unfiltered, not retouched (other than cropping), and my own. Please do not snatch them, borrow them, or think they would make a great addition to your content without expressed permission from me – Louise Sattler.
Comment:
Please feel free to comment, share your tips, and give me guidance about the history of this area. I am a lifelong learner – so go ahead and comment!
Thank you!
TRAVEL TIPS for VISITING SPAIN
¡Me encanta españa! I love Spain! The land of fine wine, olives, Don Quixote, tapas, Picasso, and so much more!
Preparing and taking nearly a month-long trip was quite a feat – especially when it came to the coordination of trains, planes, boats, and automobiles. Many blogs will tell you advice on how to book a flight or a hotel. I want to give you some insight for the ‘stuff’ you may not have put on your “to-do” list.
TEN TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO SPAIN
Before you set foot on the plane (or train, ship, or car…) consider the following ten suggestions:
TIP 1 – PACK SMART
I believe in packing smart. There is no need to pack for a trip to Europe your entire closet. Instead, try to pack with intention. Bring some clothes for the various kinds of climates. Are you planning on walking the streets – think cobblestones- almost everywhere – so don’t pack high heels! Common sense shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals should do the trick! Try to pack a coat that doubles as a good and foul-weather jacket. Gloves, hats, and scarves are an excellent addition during the colder months. (And remember, if you forget something there ARE stores in Spain!)
TIP 2- BRING EUROS
Convert some American dollars to EUROS before traveling. Surprisingly, many taxi drivers, restaurants, and “tiendas” only accepted efectivo (cash). This was especially true in smaller villages.
TIP 3- BRING AN ELECTRICAL CONVERTER
Spain (and Portugal, among other European countries) do not have outlets the same as the United States. Their electrical current is different as the United States runs on 110 current while Spain uses the voltage of 220V. So, purchase a converter and bring it with you (carry-on luggage).
We used this one – an inexpensive and reliable option!
TIP 4- GO VIP
Chances are you are on limited time for your trip – so why waste it waiting on long lines? Skip the queues and treat yourself to a VIP experience, such as a guided tour of the PRADO MUSEUM or the Royal Palace. If nothing else, pay a little extra to skip the line and grab an audio headset.
TIP 5 – SEE FLAMENCO! (See below for MY recommendation)
TIP 6 – RIDE A TUK-TUK
We treated ourselves to a tuk-tuk tour in Madrid and loved every second. It was a highlight of our trip! A tuk-tuk is an electric vehicle that resembles a golf cart on “steroids”. It is an efficient and economical way to get around a city and enjoy the sights and sounds of an area. Having a knowledgeable driver is a bonus. So, on our inaugural European tuk-tuk ride, we not only received a quick history lesson but also our driver, Fernando, meandered streets that were off the regular tourist trail. This meant we got to see how “the non-tourist population of Madrid” lived. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute and would highly suggest grabbing one of the hundreds of tuk-tuks throughout Spain.
Book a tuk-tuk for your stay in Madrid here.
Note: A tuk-tuk may not be accessible for those who use a wheelchair. There are different types.
TIP 6: TRAVEL BY TRAIN
In the United States, we often jump in our cars to go from place to place. But, in Europe, the train system is much more extensive and a very popular mode of transportation. It also is cheap and easy to use. We took the train from the ATOCHA train station to both Toledo and Malaga, Spain. The RENFE train has comfy seats, is kept very clean, and is equipped with ample bathroom facilities. Note: There may be an issue for people with mobility to access the train- so, please check and plan ahead for help on and off trains at certain stations.
TIP 7: LEARN SPANISH PHRASES and KEYWORDS
If you are traveling to a foreign country that does not speak your native language (e.g. English) – then do yourself a favor and learn a few phrases and words to communicate. Truly- ten phrases and a few courtesy words for please, thank you, and you are welcome – could make a huge difference. There are so many ways to learn, especially Spanish! And, as an extra support be sure to download a translation app, too!
TIP 8. EAT WHERE THE LOCALS EAT
There are so many amazing places to eat – and so little time!
But here are some of my favorites that we explored during our journey throughout the middle and southern parts of Spain:
Madrid: TAPAS (small platters of foods that are so yummy)! There are so many great places to get tapas in Madrid. One of our favorites was near Plaza Mayor – Meson del Champinon
And the San Miguel Market is wall-to-wall tapas, too.
THIS MARBELLA RESTAURANT WAS THE FAMILY FAVORITE:
THE FARM.
This place is extraordinary and has some of the best food I have EVER enjoyed. We treated ourselves to the Flamenco dinner show that runs a few nights a week. Usually, a combo dinner and show means they are both good -but not great. However, in this circumstance BOTH the food at THE FARM and the FLAMENCO performance were AMAZING!
So, do check out THE FARM, located in the heart of old-town Marbella. Be sure to order the pumpkin soup if it is on the menu! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!
THE BEST SOUP EVER
TIP 10: SNAP and WRITE
Snap those photos as one of the most treasured souvenirs you will ever have. And be sure to write down your thoughts and memories. In years to come you will be glad you did!
Enjoy these photos from Madrid, Malaga, Cadiz, and Marbella!
Coming up soon will be additional photo/ essay blogs including about..
TOLEDO, SPAIN, AVEIRO/ COSTA NOVA, PORTUGAL, and hints for traveling to Spain and Portugal if you have special needs.
I am asking for a special holiday favor…
As we say goodbye to yet another year, I want to take a moment to wish each of you a very happy, healthy, calm, and peaceful 2024.
And ask a favor.
I know our world has been “upside down” for an eternity. No sooner did we catch our literal “breath” from a pandemic – than thousands around the world (and at “home) were subjected to unfathomable acts of violence against humanity – especially towards innocent children.
“Never Again” seems like an empty phrase.
This much I know…that as a psychologist many of our children (young and teens) are distraught. They are withdrawn or expressing BIG FEELINGS because they are trying to make sense of a world that is overwhelming.
They are scared, confused, and most definitely robbed of a childhood where they can feel carefree and safe. In many ways, we have failed children around the globe. And the increased need for childhood mental health services just highlights how huge a problem we have.
So, I am asking for a HUGE FAVOR…
Please make an effort during 2024 to take the time to show kindness towards a child outside of your immediate family. Perhaps become a mentor or volunteer in a school or at a local organization, help collect school supplies or food, offer a teen a job or donate to a child-centric charity. Perhaps even help a child by helping their parents. An hour to babysit may seem like nothing to you but for a mom who needs a break – this could be HUGE and give a child much-needed additional attention.
And most of all – listen. Take the time to listen to the kids in your community.
I hope that together we will be able to give the children of our world a chance to experience CHILDHOOD versus an expedited ADULTHOOD.
Thank you for reading this message. Please add your ideas or share how you will be helping a child or children this coming year.
And thank you for caring.
Wishing you the very best –
Louise
Thank you, Jackie Z.
Jackie Zeman was a shining light. You couldn’t help but notice her when she came into a room. Sadly, the world gained her as an angel this past week. And, I am so thankful that our paths crossed.
I first learned about Jacklyn Zeman when she appeared in General Hospital (GH) as the popular character, Bobbie Spencer. This show was my “guilty pleasure” – faithfully watching it throughout high school and college. I loved her as “Bobbie”. She was feisty, fun, and a “ginger” – and you know- “gingers unite”!
As my life became too busy to watch “the soaps”, I would try to stay abreast of GH news by reading online stories or skimming the Soap Digest I bought at the local grocery store. But, then a funny twist of fate happened just a few years ago- I walked into a friend’s private event and literally found myself seated next to Jackie. We immediately hit it off! We talked about a variety of topics, including fashion and the reason we were there- to celebrate our friend Margaret McSweeney of Kitchen Chat TV and the recipient of special recognition at the March 2020 Taste Awards. And of course, there was a fair amount of chatting and showing of photos throughout the night of her family – she was a very proud grandmother.
I recall this event vividly as it was the last one I attended before the Covid pandemic put a lock on all of our lives. Jackie was one of the last people I saw before we were all “housebound.”
After the pandemic restrictions lifted, Jackie and I met up again – this time at the pre-event party for the 2022 Indie Series Awards. She had been starring in THE BAY – a show produced by Kira Reed Lorsch – a friend we both had in common. I was definitely the outsider – but was so honored and thankful that Jackie and Kira made me feel so comfortable at the party and introduced me to many others there. The night was full of laughter and a very messy pizza. In fact, the pizza became a bit of a running joke.
Sadly, in all the time we were together I never stopped to snap a “selfie” of us together. But, a few candids did make my camera roll. I love this one of Jackie who was simply engaged in great conversation with friends.
Life is made up of little moments. Snapshots in time. And if you are lucky- it will be filled with people who are clever, full of humor, and make you feel that you matter. Jackie was that person.
Jackie, I didn’t know you well – but I am so happy that our paths crossed and we shared some memorable moments. You were fun, funny, and kind. And you will be missed by many.
Mission POSSIBLE – How to help a child become more flexible with their daily routine ( From the “Both Sides of the Table” series)
NO! NO! NO! yells a child as he is flailing on his first-grade classroom floor! The teacher is bewildered as all she did was ask the child to come to the reading circle. Instead, of compliance, her request was met with this volatile reaction. Yesterday, the same child ran around the classroom to avoid participating in a group activity. Clearly, change does not come easy to this student.
These scenarios are real – taken from just a few of the many, many, many accounts I have heard from teachers (and parents) of their students and children who have major challenges with transitioning from a preferred to a non-preferred activity. Routine schedules are essential for many of these kiddos and any alteration is met with objection.
To offer support to the adults who are faced with the monumental task of helping a child in their midst how to learn to pivot in the course of their day – I am offering this article as a kind of “roadmap”. Included are directions on how to create a few strategies to help calm or prevent the seismic behavioral eruptions that can occur when a child with an atypical response to change or flexing their schedule is expected to comply.
Keep in mind that this child is not intentionally being bad, but, perhaps doesn’t have the tools to easily negotiate from activity to activity.
The techniques you will find below are not difficult to implement if used consistently.
Here are the steps to how to create and activate a visual chart system that offers signals for transitions within a child’s daily schedule.
- Create a list of your child’s or student’s daily activities. This will be important as you will assemble a deck of cards with each activity on a card.
- Step 2 is to create a DAILY ACTIVITY CHART that communicates to the child their daily routine. For a younger child or one who cannot handle a board with a schedule of more than one or two activities – you can use a simpler alternative version -the CHOICES chart.
- When you decide on which DAILY ACTIVITY CHART is best for your child / student then you can assemble it. Be sure to chat with the child/student that this chart is to help them feel understood and that you know that change is difficult. Validate that they have “big feelings”. Allow them the time and space to process that there will be modifications to their regular routine. Be sure to let them actively participate in the process by having them help to create their Daily Activity Chart. Listen to their concerns and apprehensions. Assure them they are not being punished.
- Next, once the chart has been created, introduce the child/student to the variety of activity cards that will fill their schedule. Demonstrate how the cards can be positioned and are in the order of events for the day. Then show them the transition cards and how they can be used to to help as a signal that a change will happen. If possible, practice with the chart and cards before using them in “real time.” Consider doing role play – where the child can be the “teacher”.
- Note, also there are charts and cards that can be used to communicate FEELINGS and NEEDS. These are additional to the DAILY ACTIVITY CHART– and very helpful for a child to use when they don’t have the ability to express themselves fully. (Or they want to be stealth about signaling their needs – such as a request for a 3-minute “brain break”)
- Also you can invite the child / student to suggest any activities, needs, or feelings that are not part of the “deck”. (Especially older students.)
- Next there are cards for the adults to communicate to the class or an individual- such a QUIET or 1-2-3-TIME
- Data Collection is the last step. This is when you can determine if there were positive outcomes as a result to implementing these “tools”.
MATERIALS NEEDED
- Poster board or paper
- Tape or velcro.
- The cards can be copied and printed or laminated. I sent mine out as jpegs and made into 4 x6 inch photo quality pictures.
- Below you will find copies of the charts and samples of the cards I have created (thanks to Canva). You may download them for free.
If you wish to download the entire set of templates and cards- scroll to the bottom of the article and press the DOWNLOAD ALL CHART TEMPLATES button and the DOWNLOAD ALL CARDS button.
Lastly, let me know if these techniques/ charts/ cards work and if you have anything to add?
STEP 1- CREATE A LIST OF ACTIVITES
STEP 2 - CREATE THE DAILY ACTIVITY CHART
Once you identified the activities that your child / student will encounter during the day – create their visual schedule. I have created some examples for you in this blog.
This schedule template is blank with two columns and several rows. You will see that the columns are named USUAL SCHEDULE and CHANGE TO SCHEDULE. You can name your columns anything you wish – I just happened to use these titles.
NEED A SMALLER CHART?
Sometimes a full-day schedule may be overwhelming for a child to handle. If this is the case we can modify the presentation to a smaller sized chart.
An alternate is the chart called – CHOICES. Let us suppose that a student doesn’t want to do math or reading. They are both nonpreferred activities. But, by giving them a choice of which one to do first – they may feel empowered and will more likely complete the tasks.
You also can have a “deck” of activities and have the student pick two of the cards. All the cards in the deck are tasks that need to completed, but the student will feel that they get to determine their destiny by opting their top two choices.
ALTERNATE CHART:: CHOICES
The student is handed a CHOICES chart. They are asked to select two cards from a deck of four options. You can add preferred and nonpreferred activities to the deck or all of one kind (preferred or nonpreferred.) You can opt to have less or more options, as well.
Here is an example of a blank CHOICES CHART.
STEP 3: Be sure to include the child / student as part of the process.
STEP 4: Introduce the DAILY ACTIVITY and TRANSITION CARDS
SAMPLE ACTIVITY CARDS
About the Activity Cards:
These cards are of common actinides and SIGNALS for TRANSITIONS.
Here are some of the cards I constructed, but you are more than welcome to create your own!
REMINDER: The full deck is available at the bottom of this article.
STEP 5: ADDITIONAL "ADD-ONS"
“ADD – ONs ” include charts and cards that allow the child/ student to convey their FEELINGS and/or NEEDS.
Communication is key to helping a child cope
with change.
SIGNAL CARDS for the GROWN-UPS to USE
There may be times when an adult (parent or teacher) needs to use a cue card to relay information. Such as giving a three-minute “warning” that an activity is about to change.
LAST STEP: DATA COLLECTION
How do you know if these techniques are working?
Whenever you start a new “strategy” to help modify and/or regulate behaviors – you probably want to keep track of the effectiveness of the program. Realize, however, that you can expect an “uptick” of negative behaviors after you start. Why? Think of it this way. Have you ever wanted to start a good behavior – such as exercising daily -and then you realize after the first day it is HARD work! So, you want to quit! That is what may happen for a short time here, too.
To combat some of that “backsliding”, consider using praise (lots of it) for any attempts the child makes to comply with following the system (transition). Also, a token economy (tangible incentives like stickers, privileges, etc.) can be very helpful with a child “buying in” to this new system.
Be sure to document each day so you and your child can see the changes- hopefully for the better. An easy way is to just use /// marks as a way of tabulation each time that the child uses a chart successfully. And an XXX mark for when the chart was “in play”, but the child did not respond as expected. Use the chart below to help collect data and see if progress is being made or if you need different strategies or interventions.
Negative behaviors can be considered as 1)Non-compliant,2)Aggressive, or 3)Disruptive. Examples of these could be: 1) No, I won’t do it, 2) No I won’t do it and I will rip up the chart, 3) No I won’t do it and I’ll yell and have a major meltdown to disrupt the classroom environment and have everyone stop and pay attention to me.
DATA COLLECTION CHART to DOWNLOAD and an EXAMPLE.
THE CARDS IN THE DECK
SAMPLE ACTIVITY CARDS
SAMPLE TRANSITION CARDS
SAMPLE CARDS for the I FEEL CHART
SAMPLE "NEED" CARDS
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I hope that the content of this article helps families and educators who are looking for techniques and actual hands-on tools which calmly allow a child to adapt to transitions.
I welcome any of your suggestions or feedback on these. Also, I am always curious if you enjoy the information and articles on this blog.
Which are your favorites?
What would you like to see more of here on LouiseSattler.com?
Use the comment section below to let me know your thoughts!
Thank you-
~Louise
Special thanks to Ava Parnass
Rock Painting
This is going to be one of the most random posts I have ever made. But writing about painting rocks seems far better than the reality of what is happening in our world. So, allow me a few minutes of fun and a chance to tell you about my new hobby.
The HOW? WHY? WHERE? WHAT?
During the Covid-19 Pandemic – when we were all “housebound” and staying miles away from each other, I discovered a group on Facebook – San Pedro Rocks. Apparently, this large-ish group of people were making a sport of hiding rocks around various fun locations in San Pedro, California. Especially near the waterfront, marina, and parks. It was a way to get fresh air without being around people who weren’t in your “safe pod”.
And as fate would have it, I found a few rocks just by happenstance – but didn’t pay much attention to the “sport” of rock painting and hiding.
Then one day I discovered I had some spare paint and a few flat rocks in my garden. What the heck! I had leftover transfers from my DIY furniture and some paint – I could make a few rocks! After more than a couple of tries (it is an art form, after all), I then hid them among some bushes in the “key areas” listed on the Facebook page and waited to see if anyone posted that they found them. And they did! Instant gratification that my rocks were now “Facebook page worthy!”
So, I decided to create a few more painted rocks – and then more and then more! And, as long as I was decorating rocks I might as well look for more myself. This time with purpose! And I did. And I found quite a few. I only kept the one pictured here (the fish) because it was too cute to hide again! (By the way, the rules of the club are that you keep it or hide it again- your choice!)
You may ask, Are there any substantial benefits to joining a rock club? Yes, there are!
For starters, looking for and hiding rocks gave me a reason to get out of my house, socialize, and walk a bunch of steps! I have met some very nice people along the way. I also was able to use my brain for something new – and that was refreshing!
And I learned that every rock I found seemed to tell a story. There are rocks made by the little kids in the neighborhood who want to participate alongside their parents and grandparents. They add cute stickers and make lots of rainbows! And then there are the retirees who love it when people find their rocks- they take this endeavor very seriously! A few people are actual “artists” and their designs are AMAZING!
And just in case you think this is a local fad – check out the over three thousand reviews of this SINGLE ROCK PAINTING project kit!
Here are some of the designs I created (again using paint and some transfers). I hope that if you have any rock painting tips you will throw them in the comments.
And, as always I wish you the very best. Plus, this week I am adding – may there be peace – worldwide.
MENTAL HEALTH POSTERS – free downloads
As a psychologist, I am dedicated to the mental health of children and their families. I created these posters and you are welcome to download them for personal use (not sales, not distribution).
Discover Lake Louise, Canada
There are few places on this earth that leave me speechless. Lake Louise is one of them. The water is my favorite color- teal blue. On the day we arrived, the sky was overcast and then turned to a brilliant blue – with hardly any clouds. There is a walk from the parking lot and Fairmont Hotel around the lake to a “beach” and then a bit further to an area called the “Tea House”. Most of the terrain is smooth and paved, however, the further you walk the more likely you will encounter some bumps along the road- literally.
A Canada Park Pass is required to visit, as is either a bus fare or a parking fee for your car. There are ample bathrooms at the lake and a few miles from this area awaits cafes and shops for tourists to visit.
The only sour note I have to share is being declined from dining at the Fairmont’s breakfast establishment (the sitdown restaurant vs. the quick grab-and-go cafe.)
The restaurant at the Fairmont at Lake Louise is apparently for guests only unless you hit it at a lull. We tried to have breakfast at the restaurant and were told to come back several hours later. I still am confused why we were turned away from having a quick breakfast at 7:15 a.m. from an empty restaurant. It had always been a dream of mine to eat at sunrise on the shores of Lake Louise. Well, I guess not every dream comes true!
So the lesson is to pack a meal and drinks and enjoy a picnic at one of the most loveliest places to dine – on the banks of Lake Louise!
For those of you who are yearning for a bit more outdoorsy activities – there is a gondola and other activities and attractions near Lake Louise. Also, there are other area lakes that are stunning in beauty and worth a visit. Sadly, these many were “off-season” and closed when we visited.
To learn more about Lake Louise and the Banff, Alberta area please visit this website.
Enjoy the photos- but please don’t “snatch them”.
Discovering Banff, Canada
This past week hubby and I arrived in Banff, Canada to take in the area sights. I had always wanted to visit the Canadian Rockies, including Banff and my namesake body of water- LAKE LOUISE! This blog will focus on the attractions and parks within Banff – including the Sulphur Summit, the Cave and Basin, the downtown region, and the Bow River waterfalls and trails.
Before you venture out – check out the Park Pass requirements for Banff and all parks within Canada.
Downtown Banff
Downtown Banff has a feel to it similar to Lake Placid, New York or Park City, Utah. It is a small town that caters to the needs of tourists. From their very efficient transportation system (ROAM) to the helpful visitor center. Museums, parks, stores, and lots of restaurants help to create Banff’s amazing vibe. Plus, it is bordered by magnificent mountain ranges. However, the true “secret” to Banff is its wonderfully kind and generous residents.
Below I listed my favorite places that we visited in Banff. While they are in no particular order – I will say that the gondola ride was indeed a huge highlight of our trip!
Bow River Falls
The Bow River Falls can be easily accessed from the downtown main street – Banff Avenue. There are also entrances near some of the hotels on the perimeter of the park. It is a lovely place for a walk and to get acclimated to the elevation of Banff before venturing to even higher elevations – such as at the Sulphur Summit. This attraction is FREE! A little preview video I created is below.
Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola and Hot Springs
The Banff Sulphur Mountain is home to a spectacular gondola, viewing platform, small educational center, theater, and restaurants. Nextdoor you will find the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs. Both are worth taking the ROAM #1 bus to visit and spend quality time relaxing, learning about the Banff National Park, and enjoying the vistas!
Link to learn more and obtain tickets
The Hot Springs was a ton of fun and thankfully not much of that “rotten eggy smell” – common among natural springs. Phew! Instead we found a very pleasant place to relax and meet people from all over the globe! The hot springs has bathing suits and towels for rent along with lockers and showers.
A few things to know about this area: 1) When you go to the Hot Springs bring sandals as it is a communal locker room and is a bit slippery 2) The ticket to the Hot Springs has an add-on option that is worth the few extra dollars – entry to the Cave and Basin (across town). 3) When riding the gondola know that it is steep and if you are afraid of heights you may wish to reconsider. However, I felt totally safe and never scared. It was an exhilarating ride up and down the mountain. If you wish to take the Sulphur Mountain trails know that bear spray is required and for obvious reasons- bears are the owners of the mountain and people are simply guests!
Once atop the summit, you will find paths to go even higher! But, these paths require walking up and down wooden steps and on ground that can be uneven. Thus, not conducive for a person with special mobility needs – such as a wheelchair.
Note: We did not eat at any of the restaurants at the summit. But, people do say that the Sky Bistro is extra special and the buffet at the Northern Lights offers a wide selection of food.
Banff Cave and Basin
The Cave and Basin truly was the biggest surprise of our trip. I was expecting a rather drippy, dark, and damp cave. It was not at all! And we went on a rainy day! Instead, we found a super accessible and inclusive attraction that was very interesting and great for all ages! I want to give a shoutout to the gift shop buyer- the items at their store were very unique and reasonably priced!
To get to the cave take the ROAM #4 bus from the Banff downtown main hub.
Recommendations & Tips
Banff restaurants represent cuisine from around the world. While we sampled many of the local establishments – one made our “we would come back” list!
This eatery is fabulous! And, I must not be the only person who thinks so – because there was a long wait if you didn’t have a reservation. Hubby and I circumvented the line by eating at the bar. Here we met bartender, Derek G. He is a prime example of the nice, kind, and helpful Banff residents! I saw many traditional Greek dishes being served and each looked AMAZING. We opted for the Greek Bowl. It was exceptional and if I had more time in Banff, I would have returned – again and again!
Check out the local Rundle United Thrift Shop!
This place was filled with great finds. I scored three wool scarves (new!) for only $5 each. Books, home goods, and much more filled this store located at the end of Banff Avenue (and close to the trail for the Bow Water Falls).
I feel compelled to give a few random travel tips.
- The busy season starts in late May/ early June. Plan accordingly as there are only so many buses and hotels in this area.
- Check out Lake Louise and other main attractions EARLY in the day – before the hordes of people arrive. We arrived by 7 am and it was very busy by 11 am.
- Bring Canadian money if traveling from outside of Canada. There were some places that did not take credit cards or non-Canadian money.
- Dress in layers. The weather seemed to change every hour! The morning in late May was quite chilly only to be 40 degrees warmer by lunchtime! Rain was on and off throughout our week in the Alberta province.
- If you are flying WESTJET know that the international terminal for this airline is not the same as the national gates. We spent an hour online to check in bags only to find out we were at the wrong part of the airport. A 15-minute walk got us to the right place – but all could have been avoided if there was better signage from the rental car return building.
- Visit other places en route to Banff- such as Canmore ( a charming town about 20 minutes away) and of course, Calgary. In this city, you will find the home of the 1988 Olympics. Also, the Calgary Stampede happens every summer in this little city- so plan your trip with care if you don’t want to be in the thick of huge crowds!
