I caught the wanderbug early in life (age 5) when my parents moved to Canada. My dad got his pilot license and in no time we were landing somewhere in northern Ontario every time we flew: enjoying the myriad of lakes, clean country air and starry nights far away from civilization; exciting memories of my childhood! Getting to our destinations in a fraction of the time it takes to drive, gave me fantasies whenever we had to travel somewhere by automobile. I imagined wings sprouting from the car and lifting off the ground high above the traffic, soaring like an eagle!
At 14 we moved to Costa Rica–the Switzerland of Central America–but it proved to be a disaster for our family. Little did I know that it would soon be the end of my family as I knew it. With my parents separation and my brother’s fatal car accident (in Canada) my life changed forever.
I have been back to Costa Rica several times and I’ve enjoyed many trips to Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, America and Central America through the years. Living in Germany and Scotland for a time when our children were young were unforgettable adventures, with trips to England, Holland, Belgium, Austria and France. It’s a wonderful world!
These days I prefer a home base and travel when the opportunity arises, which arose three times in less than a year. November 2012 we enjoyed a fantastic vacation visiting our daughter Jean in Seattle (a vacation for me but a working holiday for my husband).
Hanging out with Jean’s friends for Girls’ Night Out in Seattle–delicious vegan food served in a Canadian pub.
Our flight to Costa Rica in April 2013 was definitely a memorable trip: an escape from the last of the winter days to warm weather, tropical beaches, majestic mountains and a delicious variety of vegetables and fruit, plus my favourite dish rice and beans!! YUM!!
Gallo Pinto (pronounced guy-yo peen-to) is a scrumptious vegan Costa Rican, rice and beans speciality that our friend, Andres, prepared for us.
The cake below is an ad for a new restaurant in one of the fabulous malls in San Jose. Sigrid and I love shopping!
The National Museum in San Jose was very interesting with the huge mysterious stone spheres (Las Bolas).
The trees of Guanacaste are fascinating and look like something out of a fantasy movie.
What an unexpected surprise to enjoy yet another traveling experience to New York City in August 2013 with Jean! I had been there once before, but thought that would be my once-in-a-life-time NYC trip!
The Art Galleries were inspirational and I took a photo of the original Starry Night by Van Gogh.
Subways were fun with an amazing mosaic at the Museum of Natural History.
fashion with compassion 
Sad to read about your parents and brother. Difficult times that must have been.
I did not know you had actually lived so near my country and visited it. Well, the invitation to come to Amsterdam in May or September is open to you too haha.
I was struck by the photo of you and Jean and her friends. You look all so beautiful! Really all of you. That does not happen too often in a set of friends.
I really liked the subway art. And Van Gogh of course (I can hear Don McLean).
Greetje
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind words Greetje! I’ve had my share of sorrow in this life, but it has made me a compassionate person and I always feel for others who are going through tough times.
You have a beautiful country and I have very fond memories of crossing on a ferry from England to the Hook of Holland, driving through the gorgeous countryside and walking the streets of Amsterdam. The canals are amazing! I remember the white lovely lace valance curtains on windows. While gazing in what I thought was a shop was really someone’s living room – lol – in one of the small towns.
We also attended a spectacular floral exhibition (that happens every 10 years as I recall). Another special memory is a huge flea market and I bought some copper pots with blue delft handles and several lovely things made in Holland, including a miniature china tea set.
My husband remembers the nude beach which we were not accustomed to at that time (1982) 😉 it was quite shocking for first-time viewers. The quaint little holiday houses were so cute and charming, tiny but immaculate with beautiful gardens. WOW, memories are flooding back!! It would be wonderful to visit again!!
Have a good week my fashionable friend and thanks for your visit!
♥ carmen
LikeLike
Lovely photos Carmen!! I especially like those last two of you and Jean – so cute. I’ve done some traveling, but there are SO many more places I want to visit. Celeste 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Celeste! I’m sure we’ll run out of money and time before we see all what we’d like to see! 😦
I have two big ladybugs on my tote and so I thought that was a good backdrop for my photo. I like Jean feeding the seagull – lol.
♥ carmen
LikeLike
What great photos you’ve taken over the years.
Traveling is truly one of the best educational experiences a person can have. You are lucky to have travelled so often and lived in different locals.
bisous
Suzanne
LikeLike
Thanks Suzanne! It’s huge world after all. I’m really fortunate to have family and friends most places I go. Next, I hope to visit my cousins in Germany again. Jean and I plan to go to Vegan Avenue in Berlin. Great place for vegans and vegetarians!
♥ carmen
LikeLike
Some more photos of Costa Rica in my blog …
Flora and Fauna …
The Costa Rican Riviera
Tamarindo
Pura Vida!
LikeLike
Beautiful photos and outfits and ladies! I’ve been to Costa Rica…loved it and it sounds like you had a wonderful time also!
LikeLike
Thank you Sherry! Costa Rica is a beautiful country!
Have a great weekend!
Pura Vida!!
♥ carmen
LikeLike
That lovely post! I’m excited to think about how was your life, living in different countries, travel … You’re a fantastic woman with a great life experience. The photos of the post, are superb, and you will look gorgeous in all.
LikeLike
Thank you so much Josep-Maria! You bring a smile to my heart!!
Hope to see your beautiful country someday and get to meet you!! 🙂
I have family in Spain, that is one of the reasons I have been able to enjoy traveling, I usually stay with family or friends on these vacations. Hotels are too expensive and I could not afford it.
What a wonderful world!
♥ carmen
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post, Carmen. The world is indeed a beautiful place and those who can travel and see its wonders are so very fortunate. I am also very grateful to be able to see it . Sara
LikeLike
Thank you Sara! I know you have experienced many marvelous places and I enjoy the photos you share. I am very grateful too, it’s a real blessing!!
♥ carmen
LikeLike
I’ve been to almost all the same places as you–mostly with you! LOL! I’ve also traveled to Spain, and took my own trips to Germany and Costa Rica.
Since moving to the US, I’ve focused on exploring my new homeland. So far, I’ve been to Hawaii, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, Louisiana, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania! Of course I’ve explored Washington State, my adopted home, extensively. I love travel too and I think I’m ready for an overseas adventure soon.
I’d love to visit France and Germany again. Italy too! So many places. So little time.
LikeLike
It’s amazing to see how many places we’ve been to when we list them. You’ve been to some that I still hope to go to, like Hawaii and Spain. Adventures with you have always been fun!! Hope we get to visit Germany together and explore the Vegan Avenue in Berlin that you told me about!! Looks like we’ll have a good time!! ♥
http://www.happycow.net/blog/worlds-first-vegan-avenue-veganz-vegan-grocery-store-tour/
LikeLike
That will be so much fun!
LikeLike
A year after I wrote this post, our dream became reality! Vegan Street in Berlin which was only a dream is now a fabulous memory from 2015! ❤️
LikeLike