travel tuesday

Mont St. Michel

September 28, 2015easton_place

While staying in the Normandy region of France this past summer, my husband and I drove to Mont St. Michel, a small island just off the coast of France. Today there is a long bridge connecting the mainland to the rocky land mass and it's Gothic Abbey built atop it. There are shops, gardens, high stone walls and a grand church. You can read about it's incredible history here.

It was low tide the day we visited. Groups of tourist were walking around the outer sandy area of the abbey. There were even a few people riding horseback along the sandy surroundings. And though it was cloudy and a bit rainy, the sites were still incredible. I'd love to return someday when the tide is high so I could see the grand rock and it's buildings reflecting on the water.

Summer Holiday 2015: Normandy (where I stayed)

September 8, 2015easton_place

My husband and I stayed three nights in the countryside of Normandy, France. I wish we'd stayed for at least a week or longer. A return trip is definitely on my wish list. The region of Normandy is quite large. It is both country-living and coastal-living. The inn we booked, Auberge de la Source - Hôtel de Charme, is situated about 2 miles from the quaint coastal village of Honfleur. It is one of the most special places we've had the fortune of enjoying. Its location is the perfect place to vacation. Nestled in the farmland of Normandy, surrounded by lush gardens, old barns, livestock and farmhouses, this 15 room, 4-star inn is just moments away from the coast. The accommodations are quintessential French Country with its red gingham window treatments, sitting room complete with an iron daybed topped with a tufted linen cushion, wide-plank wooden floors, window boxes overflowing with pink and white flowers, and the welcoming gardens and grounds. The king size bed was incredibly comfortable, dressed in crisp white linens, plenty of feather pillows and a fluffy down comforter. Out of the 3 weeks of travel, my best nights sleep were here. At night, my husband and I opted to open the windows so as to be lulled to sleep by the trickling brook outside our window as well as the softly mooing cows in the distance. The cool night breeze was the cherry on top for an incredible night's sleep.

Each morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast spread of French cheeses, yogurt, sliced meats, soft boiled eggs, fresh juices, teas and coffee as well as an assortment of French pastries and breads. I resisted the breads, but I could tell from the look on my husband's face just how delicious everything was! The buffet-style meal also had an assortment of fresh fruits, butter, jams etc. It was the perfect way to start our day.

We sampled local foods, and explore Normandy each day, but we did stay in one night for dinner at the inn. I'm SO happy we did. It was one of the most delicious five course meals I've ever eaten. I didn't take photos of every course, but I will tell you each and every bite was amazing. My meal's starters included champagne and a cold, whipped, creamy tomato soup topped with one muscle (local fare), then THE most delicious goose foie gras I've every eaten. Main course was "pork three ways" over a vegetable compote, 4th course was a small salad with baked camembert, and dessert was a collection of fresh fruits, homemade sorbet, whipped cream, an almond crisp, poached peach, caramel crackle... basically summer fruits prepared to perfection with added goodies. Have a look through my photos. I dare you not to get hungry!

The final piece of this perfect vacation spot was the staff. Veronique, the inn's manager & front desk hostess was incredibly helpful and attentive, as was the dining staff and housekeeping. They all work together to create an environment that is both elegant, yet comfortable. While I felt like I was staying in a very special get-away, the inn also felt warm and inviting, never stuffy.

I hope you've enjoyed my little recap of this sweet hotel. If you find yourself planning a trip to Normandy, consider staying at Auberge de la Source - Hôtel de Charme!

Summer Holiday 2015: Amsterdam

August 7, 2015easton_place

This is the second year my husband and I have been able to take an extended three week trip to Europe without children. Don't get me wrong, I love my children and actually love traveling with them. That being said, they are teens now and would rather do their own thing in the summer. One spent seven weeks at his favorite camp while the other one spent six weeks studying at Cornell University in their summer program. Both were happy as could be and so were their parents!

The view from our Amsterdam apartment's dock.

The first stop of our three week journey was Amsterdam. We were originally suppose to stay for three nights, but my husband got a 24-hour bug/fever and so we left a day late. Sadly, once we arrived I got said bug and so Amsterdam wasn't really a great visit for us. Still, we did manage to walk around much of the city, enjoy the canals and relax. Not too difficult to handle. I especially loved the thin buildings lined up, looking like books on a shelf. Often buildings seemed to be sagging and even the windows followed suit.

I'm sure we'll visit Amsterdam again, and when we do, we'll be sure to stay longer and be healthy!

Travel Tuesday: Good Eats, Europe

October 21, 2014easton_place

Not use to seeing Crocodile, Zebra, Emu and Kangaroo on a menu like they offer at the Outback Lodge in Zürich, Switzerland — Not use to seeing Crocodile, Zebra, Emu and Kangaroo on a menu like they offer at the Outback Lodge in Z ü rich, Switzerland

This past summer Matthew and I spent 23 days traveling Europe. The majority of our time was in Ireland, France and Italy. On a spur-of-the-moment decision, we traveled up to Innsbruck, Austria where we spent two nights (more on that part of the trip at a later date). We took a scenic drive through Liechtenstein (a tiny and beautiful country) so we could have lunch in Zürich, Switzerland before finally heading back into Italy for our final 3 nights of vacation. It was an incredibly fun trip filled with delicious food and drink plus plenty of sweets.

While I didn't take the challenge to eat Zebra, Emu, Kangaroo or Crocodile in Switzerland, I did enjoy plenty of fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken and seafood during our travels. And I might have had more than one helping of gelato as well. My favorite breakfasts were had in Ireland where we were offered a hearty buffet selection of meats, cheeses, fresh fruit and pastries (though no pastries for me), plus we also ordered from the resort's menu where I enjoyed the best eggs and bacon along with perfectly prepared mushroom caps. And the silver pot of tea, that was frequently refilled, ensured a leisurely start to the day.

Italy offered delicious meals, but I believe the best lunches and dinners were had in France. The French know their sauces! And the seafood was incredibly fresh, as it was in Ireland, but the French seem to really know how to do everything just right. From salads to elaborate dishes, our palates were most happy in Provence! Here are a few shots of some of our favorite dishes. Enjoy!