Category: Travel

Categories
Mackinaw Island Michigan Travel

The Wayfaring Gals Explore Mackinaw Island & Northern Michigan

At the Mission Resort on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Mission Resort on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we took a ferry in the morning to visit Mackinaw Island, which is a place I’ve always wanted to visit since I’m a Somewhere in Time fan. The ferry is less than a half hour to the island if I remember correctly. Once we arrived in Mackinaw, we booked a horse and carriage tour. Cars are not allowed on the island so horses are a mode of transport. The carriage tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the island (which is pretty small), and you get to visit Mackinaw State Park. It also snowed and rained that day, so we were fortunate to be in the carriage when it was snowing. It also made for a pretty picture. The park has an old cemetery which looked beautiful with the changing foliage and snow. The tour stopped at Arch Rock, which is one of the most famous rock formations on the island, so we were able to get a closer look. Also, we were able to pet the horses from our tour, but the mare kept lunging at me when I tried to pet her partner so I backed off (I don’t think she liked the red hair). 

The horse carriage tour on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

At Arch Rock on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had the tour drop us off at the Grand Hotel, and paid the ten dollars to go inside (which I recommend you do if you are not staying the hotel). The hotel is lovely, and you feel as if you were transported back in time. I enjoyed walking around and exploring. There is normally a Lost in Time festival this time of year, but it was cancelled. Some people still came out and dressed in their 1912 period clothing. Jane Seymour has been known to drop by for the festival in the past. There is bar at the top called the Cuppola where you can have a drink and take in a nice view. 

The Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.

We walked back to town and bought some fudge at Ryba’s Fudge Shop, along with other sweet treats like chocolate covered pretzels and coconut clusters. We headed to the Mission Resort where Somewhere in Time was also filmed. We had lunch inside the Mission at the Round Island Bar & Grill where the staff was nice, and the food was good. There’s a great view of the Adirondack chairs that face the lake that people like to pose in and post on social media. There’s a gazebo outside the resort that a scene in Somewhere in Time was filled if you want to check that out as well.

The view from the Mission Resort on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.

After that excursion, we walked back to town, had a beer at the Great Turtle Brewery, and did some more walking around to take in the beautiful scenery on the island. A trip to Mackinaw does feel like you have gone back in time and is a great getaway. I wish we had stayed overnight, but we went back to the mainland to spend the night in Harbor Springs (which is also beautiful). If you do visit to Mackinaw Island, spend the night at one of the beautiful hotels there, which will make you feel like you have gone back in time.

At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

Shopping for fudge at Ryba’s Fudge Shop on Mackinaw Island, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The Highland Hideaway bed and breakfast we stayed the night at also had a complimentary wine tasting. We were able to sample the wine we liked multiple times, and our questions were answered. I enjoyed the wine from the bed and breakfast, so I took a bottle of rose home with me. Outside you can enjoy the hot tub, which felt great in the crisp, fall air. I actually sat partially outside to cool off. The sauna is shaped like a wine barrel and you can detox in there. This place was like a dream come true after a hectic, but enjoyable day of sight seeing. It felt refreshing to relax at a beautiful place with such friendly staff. Our room had a fireplace which was like a dream come true for me. 

At the Highland Hideaway in Harbor Springs, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Wine tasting at the Highland Hideway in Harbor Springs, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we drove to the Traverse City area and went to pick up wine at Black Star Farms, which I highly recommend. There is a restaurant there and you can stay at the BnB (which we did not do). You can take a private tour of the estate, do a wine tasting, or eat fresh sourced food from the farm. The Leelanau Peninsula area is beautiful, and I recommend driving in that area and trying some of the wine. The area is beautiful and a great getaway, along with having some of the most amazing wine. 

At Black Star Farms Suttons Bay, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We also made a stop in Leland to visit Fish Town where we had a delicious lunch at a to go sandwich stand. Leland is about twenty miles from Traverse City. In the area along the Leland River, you can walk along the historic fishing docks (hence the name (Fishtown); and you can visualize what life was like in the early 1900s. This area is one of the only working commercial fishing village in Michigan. The weathered fishing shanties are now gift shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Make some time for a stop in Leland, and you’ll also feel transported back in time. 

At Fishtown in Leland, MI -Photo by Maria A.M

This was such a great trip that I had to break it down in three posts so it would not be an unbearably long post, and you can also break it down to one or two trips depending on much time you have. This was my first time visiting the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Mackinaw Island, along with some enjoyable stops in northern Michigan like Harbor Springs and Leland. I visited Traverse City area before and recommend a stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park as well if you have time. There’s so many great towns in Michigan so you can keep exploring and making more memories. 

At New Holland Brewery in Holland, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like our Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow. 

The loot from Michigan and Wisconsin -Photo by Maria A.M.

At the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Michigan Travel Upper Peninsula Michigan

The Gals Visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

At the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon, Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon, Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were off for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which I have always wanted to visit. Before we left Door County, we had breakfast sandwiches and coffee at the Bearded Heart Cafe, which had amazing food and drinks. I still dream about that bagel sandwich. My sister went to the Upper Peninsula last year without me, much to my disappointment. I was happy that she agreed to go again. I am still in awe of how beautiful and remote the Upper Peninsula is; it feels like an escape from life. 

At the “Library” in Houghton, Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had a long drive, about five hours to get to our destination. Our destination was Houghton, and when we arrived, we went to a brewery and restaurant called the Library which is in (you guessed it) an old library. It still has that feel with old books and memorabilia all over the place. I enjoyed the cherry beer I had with pizza, which was good. We stoped at Keweenaw Brewing Company for another fruit flavored beer; I had a peach fruit ale. My sister and I walked around downtown Houghton (there are some small businesses with fun shops and things) before heading back to our hotel where we could go for a swim and then relax with a drink before crashing. 

Driving through the Keeweenaw Peninsula in Upper Peninsula Michigan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we took a trip up the Keeweenaw Peninsula, which is the northernmost part of Michigan’s Upper peninsula, along side Lake Superior. It was probably one of the most scenic and beautiful drives I have taken of fall foliage. We stopped for a walk in Copper Harbor, which is a resort town that is a popular tourist destination. The area is known for its beautiful views of the lake. 

At Lake in the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park -Photo by Maria A.M.

One of my favorite places from the whole trip was the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon. The name of the mountains comes from the Ojibwa people since the silhouette had the shape of of a porcupine. We stopped at the Lake of the Clouds (which is the name of the lake between the two ridges) in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park, which gives you the best view of the mountains. I think the park looks best in the autumn with the different colors of the foliage. Be prepared to be in awe and enjoy the different overlooks as you head to the top. You can hike or take the ramps that go up. Pictures nor words do the Lake in the Clouds justice. It is such a beautiful place with amazing views. You will want to spend some time taking it in. Before you leave the park don’t forget to take your pic with the statue of the bear. Not sure why they didn’t make it a porcupine? 

At the ore dock in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After the park we went to town to get a hearty meat and potato filled pasty since that is the popular food to eat in the Upper Peninsula. I like pasties since they remind of empanadas, but they are more filling. One was enough to tide me over for dinner. Another relaxing evening swimming in the pool, then a drink before heading to bed.  

The moose jacks at Donckers in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we left for Marquette and stopped at Donckers for breakfast. I wanted to have the moose jacks even though they are for kids (they are so cute and good too). The food was delicious there. After breakfast, we walked along the harbor to see the famous ore dock, which was used to load ore onto ships (and are mainly found on the upper Great Lakes). It’s a pretty impressive structure. We walked around the downtown area to check out some of the local businesses and had to try the coffee. Cafe Allenatore had the best coffee we had on the whole trip. The owner serves Italian style coffee, and makes his own whip cream, chocolate, and uses local honey. 

The trail up Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Since we were in Marquette we decided to go for a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a good trail since there are ramps and stairs. I did not mention that it rains a lot in the Upper Peninsula and it is cold in October so bring winter clothes (I.e. a coat, hat, gloves, etc.) and an umbrella. We saw tourists that looked at us enviously in their jackets. It was raining when we went hiking so we were dressed for it and brought umbrellas. It was pretty windy at the top too, but definitely worth the effort since the view was amazing. The foliage’s changing colors was pretty spectacular, even with it raining and all.  

The view from Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, MI Photo by Maria A.M.

Presque Isle Park in Marquette, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Another place I recommend you visit in Marquette is Presque Isle Park. The park is on a peninsula that extends into the lake, offering beautiful views of Lake Superior. You can bike or walk trails in order to check out the overlooks. I recommend driving around the park too since it looked like a fall wonderland (or walk if you have the time). I was surprised at how lovely this park was. It is definitely a hidden gem. 

On the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise in Munising, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had to drive a couple hours to get to Munising in order to go on the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise (which is the best way to see the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore). The shoreline contains sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and forest. Thankfully we went on the right day since tours were cancelled the next day due to high waves and choppy water. The cruise is two hours, one hour out and then another hour to head back. Even though it was raining and cold, I had a great time. My sister advised we sit on the right (she took the cruise before) since that side has the best views. You can sit on the top of the boat or stand outside if you prefer, we did go outside but had to come in to warm up since it was wet and cold. The rocks have beautiful colors and you can see various shapes in the formations. Sunset is a great time to see the rocks since that is the cruise my sister took. When we went it was grey and raining so it didn’t matter. The Pictured Rocks are a must see when in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. 

On the Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise in Munising, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After the tour we were so happy to warm up in our hotel’s jacuzzi since we spent most of the day outside in the rain. It felt great to relax with a glass of wine after a great day of exploring. 

At Falling Rock Cafe in Munising, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning, the Wayfaring Gals went to check out a local breakfast spot: Falling Rock, which is also a book store. We are fans of having a huge breakfast to tide us over for a while, and  recommend having a breakfast sandwich since they are pretty large. After breakfast, it was another drive to go to Kitch-iti-kipi which means “ Big Spring.” It is Michigan’s largest fresh water spring and part of a state park. The park is west of Manistique and the pass you purchase works for other parks for the day. There is a raft on a cable that you can pull across the pool to get some amazing views of the spring. The water is crystal clear and blue, which is calming and even mesmerizing. It is a recommended destination to visit when in the Upper Peninsula, as is our next stop. 

At Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula -Photo by Maria A.M.

Tahquamenon Falls are two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. They are both located in the eastern Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. The water is brown or amber colored due to the tannins leached from cedar swamps, which the river drains. You can hike to both sets and get some different views of the falls. There are also hiking trains through the forrest there. The falls are stunning and we posted a video on our Facebook page that you can check it. They look unreal. 

At Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

As a reward for your hiking, you can visit the brewery there, and enjoy food and a tasty beverage. I enjoyed the peach beer while sitting by the fire place (I’m sure you guessed that it rained that day too). After the falls, we crossed the Mackinaw Bridge and entered the Michigan mainland again. We spent the night in Mackinaw City with the intent of visiting Mackinaw Island the next day since it was already late in the day when we arrived. We were sad to leave the Upper Peninsula of Michigan since it was beautiful, peaceful, and remote. There were not that many people there, which was a nice change of pace. Pictures and words do not do the place justice; you have to experience it. I myself want to go back to revisit places and explore new ones. 

At Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub in Paradise, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like our Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At Kitch-iti-kipi in Palms Book State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, MI -Photo by Maria A.M.

Categories
Door County Travel Wisconsin

A Weekend with the Wayfaring Gals in Door County

On Zig Zag Road in Door County -Photo by Maria A.M.
On Zig Zag Road in Door County -Photo by Maria A.M.

My sister was working in Door County, Wisconsin for the fall season, so I decided to meet her in order to spend a couple days there. I had been there this past summer and enjoyed the area. I only went for the day this past summer, so I knew I wanted to return in order to explore more, especially during the fall once the leaves changed color. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon (Door County is about a four to five hour drive from my place). Once arriving in Fish Creek where my sister was staying, we went to a gallery that had out door sculptures in order to walk around and look at some art. I could not believe how beautiful the foliage was. Door County in the autumn is just something you have to experience. I cannot even imagine how crowded it must have gotten on the weekends when the world was normal. It was nice to not deal with the crowds while enjoying the scenery.

At Cave Point County Park in Door County, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After that we headed to Cave Point Park, near Jacksonport, for a hike during my favorite time of the day when the lighting is magical, that twilight hour before the sun sets. It was interesting to see how the landscape of the park had changed from the summer to the autumn. The park is on Lake Michigan and is famous for its limestone ledges and underwater caves. The waves were so huge that I did get splashed when walking along the lakefront. It was definitely more peaceful, wave wise, during the summer when many people even swim there, or sit on the ledges by the water (which you definitely couldn’t do that day). There are trails you can hike, or walk along the lake. I enjoyed walking along the trails into the forrest area to look at the changing color of the leaves. It felt great to go for a hike after being in the car so long. The park is a must see when in Door County! 

At Cave Point County Park in Door County, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

That evening we went to Glacier Ledge for delicious drinks and food. I recommend the lavender sake martini, cauliflower with cheese for an appetizer, steak for dinner, and a pumpkin tart for dessert. The staff was also so nice. My sister and I sat at the bar area with a nice view of the outdoor area that has a fire pit. There is a store next door where you can get cheese, fig spread, and various meat to make yourself a nice lunch, or have a picnic outside. I recommend Glacier Ledge since it was a nice and relaxing dinner. 

A lavender sake martini at Glacier Ledge in Door County, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we went to Washington Island. On the way to the ferry, we visited Anderson House, which is a popular stop in Ephraim, Door County. The house is full of graffiti. There is a gift shop there but I did not go in since it was closed. There is also a gallery across the street. It’s a popular stop for photos and hopefully you can check out the gift shop too. I recommend getting chai or coffee at Kick Ash Cafe before you take the ferry to Washington Island. The cafe used to be a church, and has great atmosphere if you want to stay and hang out. Continuing on our way to the ferry, we drove along Zig Zag road, which looks beautiful in the autumn with the changing leaves and winding roads. The ferry is a pretty short ride (I think 30 minutes) and you can bring your car (which I recommend). 

At Anderson House Shop and Gallery in Ephraim, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

One we arrived on the island, the first stop was to see the beautiful stave church or the Stavkirke that is modeled after Borgund in Norway. The project began in the 1980s, inspired by islanders’ Scandinavian heritage. There is another stave church in Door County on the Lawrence University campus that you can visit, Boynton Chapel (it’s in my Instagram feed). Boynton Chapel is a recommended place to visit when in Door County as well. Stave churches are an architectural style modeled after twelfth century churches in Norway that used wood as a material (like the Viking ships). When I visited Norway years ago I fell in love with the style. Who doesn’t want to go to a church with dragon heads on it? When visiting Washington Island, I recommend seeing the Stavkirke. 

The Stavkirke on Washington Island, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

On the island you should visit School House Beach, and make sure you don’t take any of the rocks with you. I don’t recommend stacking them either, just leave the place as you found it. The water at School Beach is clear blue and the rocks are smooth limestone. The trees with the changing leaves make a beautiful tranquil place that I suggest you check out. 

At School House Beach on Washington Island, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After that, we visited Nelsen’s Hall of Bitters where you can have a shot of bitters, which makes you a real islander. It’s a historic landmark (was established in 1899). It is the oldest continuous running tavern in the state of Wisconsin (it operated during Prohibition). The owner prescribed bitters for stomach ailments since he had applied for a pharmacists’s license. We took our shot and joined the club!

At Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub on Washington Island, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

After we returned to the mainland, we visited a beautiful park, Ellison Bay Bluff County Park that has some fantastic views of the lakefront along the limestone cliffs. It is the second largest park in Door County. There is a stairway that leads to the viewing site. Door County has some great parks you can go hiking and enjoy the beauty of nature. Sister Bay was on the way back to Fish Creek,  so we stopped and walked around, enjoying the Halloween decor. The famous restaurant with the goats, Al Johnson’s is there. There are goats that eat the grass on the roof of the restaurant. The place is great for breakfast and lunch since it closes early (3 pm). You can sit out doors later though. 

At Sister Bay in Door County, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

We ended an amazing day with some wine from Door Peninsula Winery which makes “Hallowine” for Halloween. The bottle contains the story behind the wine. You can visit the winery, and they sell wine and cocktails outside. There is also a distillery there if you want spirits. I like the Hallowine with apple warmed up since it reminds me of cider. We got matching Hallowine mugs to enjoy our drink in. We stayed in Fish Creek for the evening, and walked to the lakefront to watch the sunset with our wine. Fish Creek is a nice area that I recommend staying in. It’s charming with great shops and places you can eat at. The Halloween decor around the town was charming when I visited, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy a trip to Door County during any part of the year. It’s a great weekend getaway!

Hallowine at sunset in Fish Creek, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like our Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At Ellison Bay, Door County, WI -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Alexandria Baltimore Maryland Travel Virginia West Virginia

Heading to the Eastside: Part Two: Alexandria Here I Come!

At George Washington's Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.
At George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day of my trip out east (read the first part for more info) we were off to Baltimore, which is about an hour away from Gettysburg. My friend and I first stopped at Fort McHenry Monument, made famous when it successfully defended itself from British naval invasion during the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key was inspired by the victory and wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Fort McHenry Monument in Baltimore, Maryland -Photo by Maria A.M.

After that stop, it was off for a quick breakfast, and then I headed to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. My visit to Poe’s home was the reason I wanted to stop in Baltimore since I’ve been a fan of his work since I was a child and was first introduced to the Cask of Amontillado. I bought the tickets in advance, which gives you the place to yourself for 45 min. The place is quite small and you don’t need the full time. There is information in each room you can read over, and then the guide will answer any questions you have. Poe lived in the house with his aunt and cousin Virginia (whom he later married). Poe was poor and did not live in a wealthy area, so his home is in an economically down trodden neighborhood.  Poe’s room is at the top of the house and is very small due and has a sharp pitch. Poe is buried nearby at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground where you can pay your respects to him (which I definitely did). 

Edgar Allan Poe House in Baltimore, Maryland -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Edgar Allan Poe’s home in Baltimore, MD -Photo by Maria A.M.

Afterwards, we visited the Fell’s Point neighborhood in order to walk around the harbor and check out some of the fun stores like Sound Garden music store. After some window shopping, I had a vanilla cold brew with sake at a coffee shop close to the music store. The cold brew with sake was delicious (I know it sounds weird). When I walked along the harbor, I passed the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, which showcases African American contributions in maritime history. I learned that Douglass lived in Baltimore for a time. After some time walking around, it was time to hit the road and head to Alexandria, which is about an hour away from Baltimore. 

Edgar Allan Poe is buried at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground in Baltimore -Photo by Maria A.M.

After checking into the hotel, we headed to the downtown of Alexandria, which was ten minutes away. I wanted to walk down King Street where all the shops and restaurants were, which then ends at the harbor area. Queens Street has such beautiful homes; it reminds me of Jones Street in Savannah. While on Queens Street, I had to check out the famous narrowest house in the country, Spite House which is only seven feet wide. The homes are various colors, which adds to the appeal of them (for me). In the same area is Christ Church where George Washington went to church (the church is closed, but you can peak inside through the windows). You can still walk the grounds. While in downtown, I had to get cupcakes at Lavender Moon, which were delicious. Dinner was at an Italian restaurant where I was able to get some pizza. My friend and I continued to walk off some of that rich dinner along the harbor.

The Spite House (or narrowest house) in Alexandria, Virginia -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day I bought tickets to Mount Vernon to see George Washington’s home, which was my reason for the visit to the area. Due to COVID, much of the re-enactments and characters dressed in period costume was much smaller. I advise that you need at least a half day to a full day once things resume back to “normal.” A lot of times there are festivals and events in the tents outside the grounds too. You probably want to go during the week to avoid crowds. There are different guided tours you add to your admission ticket. I took a tour of the interior of the house, which I recommend you see.

At George Washington’s Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.

George Washington’s father built Mount Vernon around 1734, and George would expand the place in the 1750s and 1770s. Once Washington moved there with his wife, he lived there for the rest of his life. The estate is now 500 acres while it was 8000 acres in Washington’s day. In 1858, the estate was saved from ruin by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, which is still running the place to this day.  

An inside peak of George Washington’s home in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.

Presently, guests are not allowed to go upstairs in the home, just the first floor, which was beautiful. I love the colors found in the rooms, either on the wall or on the furniture. It was great to see Washington’s office with his glasses, pen, and books. He had a chair that would fan the person sitting in it, which was quite modern for the time. I had read a biography on the president last year so it was a great experience to see his home and visualize him there. 

The famous dentures of George Washington, which are at Mount Vernon in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.

The grounds are quite extensive, and you’ll need the map to see the various parts. I did my best to see it all. Washington is also buried there so you can pay your respects at his tomb. You can walk down to the harbor and see where some of the farming was done, and as well as where the slaves lived. There is also a memorial to the slaves that lived and died at Mount Vernon. Washington’s will asked that his slaves be freed upon his death, but many could not be since they were tied to the Custis estate.

The Slave Memorial at Mount Vernon -Photo by Maria A.M.

 Along the grounds, there are people dressed in period pieces from various professions, like the blacksmith or a seamstress, and they are happy to answer your questions. Normally, there are farm animals displayed in areas like the stables. After walking the grounds, you are led to the visitor’s center where there is an exhibit on Washington, chartering his whole life. You can see his dentures on display, his sword used in war, and various artifacts from his and Martha’s life.

George Washington’s Office at Mount Vernon -Photo by Maria A.M.

You can’t miss the gift shop since there are some great souvenirs like Mount Vernon wine. You can purchase whiskey from Mount Vernon Distillery, which is made the old fashioned way like it was in the eighteenth century; no modern machines are used. You can visit the distillery as well to take a look. There are tastings on the weekends if you want to come back and sample the whisky. I ate at the Mount Vernon restaurant to end the experience there, and enjoyed the food I had: peanut soup and a lobster roll. There is quite a lot of see at George Washington’s home so I just had a relaxing evening that involved drinks. I had a great time at Mount Vernon and definitely recommend you visit when you are visiting Alexandria!

George Washington’s Tomb at Mount Vernon -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day it was time to head back since it was a long drive. I stopped at the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia, which I did not know existed. I decided to have lunch there since breakfast was a coffee and pastry. Then it was off on the road again. I enjoyed this road trip and don’t regret traveling. I saw some amazing historic sites that I had wanted to see for quite a while. Now that it is fall I will have to hit the road again!

The World’s Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Lavender Moon Cupcakes in Alexandria, VA -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Gettysburg Pennsylvania Travel

Heading to the Eastside: Gettysburg Here I Come!

At the Lincoln Statue in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Lincoln Statue in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

I decided to take a last minute road trip to Gettysburg, Baltimore, and Alexandria, Virginia. I originally took the vacation time with the intention of going to Portugal, but that was canceled due to current circumstances going on in the world. I didn’t want to do a staycation, but needed to take time off for my mental health (I work in Employee Relations and this year has been the worst with employee complaints). I asked a friend that hasn’t been working to tag along. I was able to get great prices on booking.com for Gettysburg and Alexandria (if you don’t stay in the downtown it is cheaper). I used Pinterest for ideas on what to see after googling top sites in each city that I planned to visit. I knew Baltimore would be a pit stop to see Edgar Allan Poe’s home and burial site. I also knew George Washington’s Mount Vernon was a must see in Alexandria. Since Americans can’t go overseas to many destinations, I decided that I will make the best of it by exploring the US.

At Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

I woke up extremely early in order to hit the road so I could knock out the drive to Gettysburg in one day. I lost an hour due to time change, and I do not like to drive when it is dark out. My friend packed some wraps so we didn’t stop at the rest stops too long. I made it to Gettysburg after 5pm and decided to go out for a nice dinner since I was tired and needed a good meal. I wanted to eat at Dobbin House Tavern, which was built in 1776, making it the oldest structure in Gettysburg. The place was also believed to be a stop on the Underground Railroad. The wait staff dresses in colonial period clothing and you can sit under canopied tables, which is very cozy. I recommend the French onion soup as it was amazing. I had some appetizers while my friend had crab cakes, which I was able to try and recommend as well. The food was delicious and our service was great. After dinner, we walked around downtown Gettysburg, and then headed back to the hotel to relax.

The french onion soup at Dobbin House Tavern in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day was a busy site seeing day. The Gettysburg National Battlefield Park was closed so we couldn’t book a tour. I started at the Gettysburg National Cemetery, which was created for the Union casualties of the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place from July 1-3, 1863. There is a monument there in tribute to Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address at the consecration of the cemetery. This is an important site that honors the soldiers that died during the historic battle (even though soldiers that died in the Spanish-American War and WWI are buried there). Next door is Evergreen Cemetery where the civilians of the town are buried (i.e. Jennie Wade whom you will learn more about). Across the street is the Gettysburg Battlefield where you can see various monuments that different states erected to honor Union soldiers. There are artifacts displayed at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center.  

At the Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg. -Photo by Maria A.M.
The Gettysburg National Cemetery -Photo by Maria A.M.

Nearby is the Jennie Wade House, which honors the only civilian that died during the battle. Wade’s home has been preserved (you can see the bullet hole that passed through the door and killed Jennie) to give people an idea of how people lived during the Civil War. We received a brochure that led us through the house where we could take our own self-guided tour (we had to reserve the time in advance). It’s a good way to see an old home of someone that wasn’t wealthy and how many lived during the Civil War era.

The Jennie Wade House in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

I took a short car ride to see Sachs Covered Bridge, which was used by both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. It has been reported to be haunted so it is a popular stop for the ghost chasers. The bridge was built in 1854, and cars are no longer allowed to cross it. I’m a fan of covered bridges and have visited the Bridges of Madison County, so I had to take a look at Sachs Bridge.

At Sachs Bridge in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

After seeing the bridge we took another ride through the Gettysburg National Military Park to see the Pennsylvania Monument (which is quite impressive) and some other memorials there. The park is massive and there are so many monuments. I recommend taking a tour since I had to improvise. There are also many reenactments done there if you are into that. We had dinner and drinks at Appalachian Brewing since I am a beer fan, and like to visit different breweries when I travel. It was Taco Tuesday so I had to take advantage of that. Our hotel had an open swimming pool so it was great to go for a swim before ending the evening.

At Gettysburg National Military Park -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day was less hectic. I had a delicious blueberry lavender latte at Eighty Two Coffee to start the day off right, and then it was off to the Battlefield to explore another section (I wasn’t kidding when I said it was huge). After that venture, I decided to see former President Eisenhower’s Home. I took a stroll around the outside area since the inside was closed. The grounds are pretty and it was worth at least seeing the outside. The place was renovated in the 1950s and Eisenhower retired there in 1961. The property was gifted to the federal government in 1967, but Mamie requested to remain there during her lifetime. The home was taken over by the park service after Mamie Eisenhower’s death in 1979.

Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

 My next stop was on the wackier side with a visit to Mr. Ed’s Museum and Candy Emporium. I loved the outside since it was decorated for Halloween with grounds you can walk across and enjoy. There is an area for children, a gazebo, and elephant tea pot museum in a building that looks like a teapot. The inside is a candy store that sells products made there like fudge and truffles with other souvenirs and fun items. I bought my nieces both a unicorn that grows in water. The back has a museum dedicated to all the elephant nick knacks the owners have collected over the years. This place is so out there that I loved it!

At Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

At Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium in Gettysburg, PA -Photo by Maria A.M.

Make sure you take time to visit downtown Gettysburg for some shopping and good eating. You have to see the bizarre Lincoln statue at the center. I also enjoyed Fourscore Beer Co. My favorite was the passion fruit mango beer I tried, it was delicious! The food was good too. There are plenty of ice cream shops if you are a fan. Make sure you walk around, eat some good food, and support the small businesses in downtown Gettysburg.

Enjoying Downtown Gettysburg -Photo by Maria A.M.

I was originally going to write one post but it was becoming quite lengthy so I’m splitting the trip into two posts. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address Memorial in Gettysburg National Cemetery -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Jordan Middle East Travel

Wayfaring Gals Jordanian Adventure

At Petra in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Treasury in Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

We landed in Jordan pretty early in the morning (we flew from Cairo). You can buy a Jordanian visa when you enter (and thankfully pay with your credit card). Jordan is an expensive place to visit since the country has a stronger currency than the US dollar. I should have ordered currency, and brought it with me instead of using the ATM at the airport (I was hit with a lot of fees). We did not take a tour there, but decided to do it alone since we only had a few days, and had researched that Jordan was much safer than Egypt for women to travel.  My sister rented a car at the airport, and we had a three hour drive to our hotel in Ma’an where Petra is located. Since we only had a few days in Jordan, we were only able to spend a day at Petra. Our two other days were at a Dead Sea resort. Even though we were so exhausted, we pushed ourselves to go to Petra the same day we arrived in the country. We wanted to leave in the morning since we had another long drive back up north.

At the theater at Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

When we got to Petra there was a large celebration going in since the site had over a million visitors that same year. My sister and I decided to hire a guide since we had limited time there so we wanted to make the most of it. Plus as women, we wanted to have a male escort (we had a lot of negative experiences with men in Egypt). Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and took us on a two and a half mile hike, advising on the best views and giving us the history of the settlement.

At the Royal Tomb at Petra in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The area where Petra is located has been inhabited since 7000 BC, while the Nabataeans settled around 400 BC (the people that built Petra). Petra was the capital of their kingdom. The structures at Petra were carved from sandstone hills and mountains. The site was a major trading hub, which gained the Nabataeans wealth. By the first century, it became a Roman client state and eventually incorporated into the Roman Empire. The city declined in importance as sea trade routes were established, and then there was a major earthquake. The city became abandoned by the early Islamic era. It was rediscovered by 1812 by Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, and later became a major tourist attraction. Petra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and considered one of the New7Wonders of the World.

At Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The hike to the site is lovely, and when you pass a narrow gorge, it gives you a peak of the Treasury, the most famous site at Petra. The Treasury was hewn into a sandstone cliff. As you go further on the trail, there is a massive theater that was cut from a hillside, where you will see of view of tombs. The Royal Tomb is incredible. The tombs were cut into the mountains, made from sandstone that is rose colored and captures different colors. The valley opens up with a beautiful view of the ancient site. We walked up to Hadrian Gate where you can see columns that are still standing from the Great Temple. The Bedouin are waiting to offer you refreshment if you get parched. They are a group of nomadic Arab people that are at Petra selling their goods, drinks, snacks, and will take you on camels or mules around the place. They will even do your eyeliner in the style they wear. They make pretty purses and fun camel souvenirs (unfortunately I had no time to shop).

The Bedouin at Petra, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

My sister and I stayed past sunset then had to leave since the place was closing. You can also visit Petra at night where candles will guide you. I’m sure it is also very beautiful. When we got to our hotel we had a beer on the rooftop and watched the fireworks at Petra. It was a great way to end an amazing day that was full of wonder. The pictures do not do Petra justice; it is amazing! I can see why it is considered one of the wonders of the world, and definitely recommend you visit.

At Petra where the tombs are, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we checked out of our hotel after breakfast, and were off to the Hilton Dead Sea Resort. We only stopped for gas since we were uncomfortable as female solo travelers. We were so happy to arrive at the resort since it is out of a dream. Security was pretty intense to get inside so it made us feel safe to be in this protected bubble for a couple of days. The pool area is beautiful and looks out into the Dead Sea. We were happy to just be in the pool and unwind after such a busy vacation. The resort was our couple days to relax before heading home, and back to the real world. The pool had a bar where we were able to get tropical drinks. We ate at an Italian restaurant later, and then went back to room to watch Disney movies (the only movies we could find in English) since we were exhausted after the long drive.

At the rooftop of the Tetra Tree Hotel in Ma’an, Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we went to swim in the Dead Sea since we wanted to see how it felt to float in it. We even took our book in the water to show that you just float along, and relax without any flotation devices. After some fun in the sea, we went back to the pool since it was heated. Breakfast was epically amazing with such a wide variety of food that we weren’t hungry until dinner time. We had burgers by the pool with some wine, enjoying watching the cats run around. I do recommend you bring bug spray with a higher concentration of DEET since the insect repellent I bought in Egypt would not keep the flies away (they were a big nuisance and why I would not give the place full stars). They do not spray for bugs there, so you will be bombarded by flies. Otherwise, the food, scenery, and pool area were all amazing, and a much needed place to relax.

Floating in the Dead Sea at Dead Sea Hilton Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning we checked out early since we had to return the car first at the airport. We were stopped by police at a checkpoint, but the officer let us go since he didn’t speak English (it was pretty scary). The security to get into the hotel was intense, and we had to wait to even leave. At the airport, our bags were searched by security, but our line was much shorter since we went through as US citizens. We had enough time to eat breakfast at a café. However, we were upset since we could not take water we bought at the airport on the plane. In order to go to our gate there was another checkpoint that you could not leave (no bathrooms there either). We wanted to buy water since we took Royal Jordanian, and they did not pass out water on our way to Egypt so we figured we would bring our own. The flight back was direct but thirteen hours. It seemed like forever. I was so grateful to get home and have someone pick us up. I was pooped, and just wanted to go to bed!

Infinity pool at Dead Sea Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

This was such an amazing trip, and I feel such a sense of gratitude that I was able to visit Egypt and Jordan. The world is in a scary place right now, and I’m sad that I cannot plan any trips. I hope this changes, but I understand that precautions must be made. This really was the trip of a lifetime, and writing these posts has helped me while I’ve had to stay indoors due to social distancing. Writing has also helped me relive happy memories, and be hopeful that happier times will return.

Enjoying the view at the Dead Sea Resort, in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.

If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At the Dead Sea Resort in Jordan -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Africa Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer Part Three: the Gals Explore Egypt!

At the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The day the tour spent in Luxor was one of the days I was most looking forward to since we were going to the Valley of the Kings. New Kingdom pharaohs had their tombs cut into the rock there (Luxor was called Thebes before). I believe over sixty tombs have been discovered. Unfortunately, most of the tombs were robbed long ago, with a major exception being King Tut’s tomb, which was discovered much later. Your entrance fee comes with admission to three different tombs. We were able to purchase optional excursions to go to King Tutankhamun’s (or Tut’s) tomb, as well as Ramses VI’s (which was amazing!). Ramses VI’s is the most beautiful tomb, since much of the paint was been preserved and the colors are vibrant and striking. His tomb is pretty large with a winding stairway that leads you into the tomb. The tomb was started by Ramses V and then completed by Ramses VI. The paintings in the tomb are well preserved, and emphasize astronomical scenes, and images from the Books of Day, Night, and the Heavens (respectively).

At the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
King Tut’s Mummy on Display at the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

You can also go to King Tut’s tomb, which I still recommend seeing since his mummy is there and the frescoes are also well preserved. The tomb is much smaller, but was hidden from grave robbers (though it was still opened after being sealed). It was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and the contents are at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The murals show Tut meting Osiris and Nut in the afterlife. Another painting shows mourners carrying Tut to his tomb. There is also a painting where Tut is surrounded by Anubis and Hathor, both holding Ankhs. The colors are also quite vibrant and beautiful. Plus no visit to Egypt is complete without visiting Tut’s tomb, so it is an optional definitely worth taking.

King Tut’s Tomb at the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At the Temple of Hatshepsut near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

One of my bucket list items was to see the Temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh’s mortuary who reigned in the eighteenth dynasty. It is close to the Valley of Kings, and located beneath the cliffs of Deir-el-Bahari. Her temple is dedicated to the god Amun. Hatshepsut’s temple is unlike any ancient Egyptian structure, and resembles a more classical style with its colonnaded terraces. The sculptures in the temple tell the story of her divine right to rule as pharaoh, since she was a woman, Hatshepsut had to justify her reign. Sadly, many of her sculptures were destroyed by her stepson Thutmose III after she died since she prevented him from ruling. There used to be an Avenue of Sphinxes that led to the temple, but there is just one sphinx of Hatshepsut left. The temple is also aligned to the winter solstice, which highlights various elements like the statue of Osiris (I’m sure it is busy there during this event). The temple is breathtaking and a must visit site if you are in Luxor!

At the Temple of Hatshepsut near Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Hatshepsut herself was the second woman to become pharaoh. Hatshepsut was the daughter, sister, and wife of a king. She married Thutmose II, and after carrying a daughter, could have no more children. It is believed that she ruled over twenty years as pharaoh, and is considered to be the first great female rulers. She had a prosperous and successful reign with a long era of peace. Ever since I read about her in high school, I have wanted to visit her temple, and am grateful to have had this experience.

Lunch with a local family in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Delicous eggplant dish made by a local family in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Following the temple, we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Amenhotep III, which are not in great shape. The pharaoh’s temple was there, and little remains of it. The stop was brief and then we were on our way. After that we had lunch with a local family again. Our host was a teacher, and his wife made us a delicious meal. I really enjoyed the babaganoush, fried eggplant, and mixed veggies. We got back to our resort later in the afternoon, so we sat by the pool and decompressed by reading. Later, my sister and I had some wine at the roof top bar, with a beautiful view of the sun setting on the Nile. Such an amazing day!

At the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day it was off to the Temple of Karnak, which is a massive complex of temples and buildings in Luxor.  Construction began in the Middle Kingdom and went all the way into the Ptolemaic era; around thirty different pharaohs contributed to this religious complex. Karnak was the center of religious life in Ancient Egypt, and part of the city of Thebes back then. The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most beautiful parts of the temple, which was built during Queen Hatshepsut’s reign. It is over 50,000 square feet and has 134 columns. Our guide gave us a couple hours to explore after taking us around. The Temple of Karnak is a massive structure and absolutely beautiful, and I believe it is one of the most visited sites in Egypt.

The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Kristina found the fertility God Amunmeen at Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next stop was the Luxor Temple, which was constructed around 14000 BCE, and is dedicated to kingship; some believe that is where the pharaohs were crowned. The temple has colossal statues of Ramses II at the front gate. There is a processional colonnade of Amenhotep III, and sun court dedicated to him as well. There is also an avenue of sphinxes there that would have connected Karnak to Luxor long ago. This temple is also worth checking out when in Luxor.

At Luxor Temple in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Later that day we enjoyed a delicious meal at a restaurant in downtown Luxor. I tried a camel burger, which was surprisingly good, and had my favorite beverage in Egypt, mint lemonade. Our guide Mike bought the group some handmade camels as a good bye gift, and for being a great group. I thought this was very sweet, and have my camel displayed in order to remind me of the trip. After our delicious meal, we went back to the hotel to relax by the pool, and then have a glass of wine at the rooftop bar again.

At the Avenue of Sphinxes in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were up early to go through airport security shenanigans once again to fly back to Cairo. Our guide actually saved us from being taken by security to have our stuff searched. That is why I recommend taking a tour; you have someone that is local and speaks the language to look out for you. As a woman you are also incredibly vulnerable in a country where women don’t have many rights. It was a short flight back to Cairo, but took up most of the morning. The group offered an optional excursion to see the earliest pyramids in Memphis and Saqqara, but it was pretty expensive and the group only had time to have a quick, light lunch. Since we barely had breakfast, my sister and I wanted a more substantial meal, and to have an easier pace since it was our last day in the country.

Even camels enjoy mint lemonade, in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

 We had lunch back at the Hotel Mercure where we originally stayed at in Cairo, and ended up hiring a driver to take us to Coptic Cairo in order to see some of the oldest churches in the world. In order to enter the area, you have to go through a metal detector and have your bags scanned. Our driver didn’t enter, but told us to meet him at the front at a specific time. The Hanging Church is one of the most famous churches, which was built in the 3rd or 4th centuries. There are some beautiful mosaics in the courtyard. The holy family allegedly stayed in the area when fleeing Herod, and you can visit the site where churches were built in commemoration: Saints Sergius and Bacchus Churches. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is also in the area, which was built in the 12th century. St. George’s Church is quite beautiful as well. You can wash your hands at St. George’s well where the blessing of the water led to miracles. Since all the churches are close, you can easily visit them all. There is also a Coptic Museum, which has some important artwork from the church. The churches are beautiful and worth seeing, but since my sister and I were alone, we felt vulnerable since we would be followed when walking (I had a boy touch my back when I was taking a picture in a church) so we dedicated to go back to the hotel, and relax the rest of the day.

At Hanging Church in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At St. George’s Church in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

We had dinner with our group at the hotel, and said farewell to everyone. We thanked our amazing guide Mike for looking out and taking care of us all during the trip. We had a very early flight to Amman, Jordan the next day. We scheduled a cab to pick us up at 3:30am to take us to the airport (we were stopped by police, but thankfully let go to continue on to the airport). Thankfully, the airport was uneventful and we were able to fly out of the country with no issues.

With our guide Mike in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

I had an amazing time in Egypt with G Adventures, and really liked our group (the fact that it was small was great). I was happy to leave Egypt since it is a difficult place to be a woman, and you have to go everywhere with a male escort if you are not wearing a headscarf and very conservative clothes. The trip really opened my eyes, and gave me a deep sense of gratitude for my circumstances. Egypt has always been a bucket list place for me to visit due to my love of ancient Egyptian culture so I am glad to have accomplished that goal.

Sunset from Hotel Mercure in Luxor, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about our time in Jordan, which is the last part of our trip; so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

St. George’s Well in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Aswan Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer Part Two: the Gals Explore Egypt!

At Abu Simbel in Egypt, near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
At Abu Simbel near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we flew early in the morning to Aswan, the most southern city in Egypt. Traveling in Egypt is pretty tiring since there are so many security checkpoints (at least three). Since we couldn’t check into the hotel early, we stopped at Philae Essence Palace where you can purchase essential oil. Many fragrance companies get their essences from Egypt, and there were oils that replicated many popular perfumes. I couldn’t resist getting a couple, along with lotion made with camel’s milk that is supposed to help your skin look younger (we’ll see). It was a fun way to kill some time before we were able to go to our hotel in Aswan. I was happy to spend the rest of the afternoon at the pool.

Wayfaring Gals Sailing on a Felucca on the Nile -Photo by Maria A.M.

Dinner was with a local Nubian family on Elephant Island (where a Nubian village is). We had dinner with Mohammed, which was prepared by his wife. We took a felucca to get to the village. It was so relaxing since the sun was setting, and there were some fantastic views (we saw Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island from a distance).  The food was delicious! Egyptian food uses eggplant for many dishes, and stews are made with a tomato base. I was a big fan of the eggplant stew with rice. After the lovely dinner we took a faster boat back to the mainland, and after a long day, it was great to get a good night’s sleep.

Sailing on the Nile to Elephantine Island in Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Nubian cuisine -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we had to be up at 4am in order to journey to the middle of the desert to visit Abu Simbel, the famous set of temples built by Ramses II; the smaller one was dedicated to his favorite queen, Nefertari. The site is near the Sudanese border of Egypt. The temples were carved out of the mountain in the 13th century BC to commemorate Egypt’s victory at the Battle of Kardesh. The statues of Ramses represent him in the different stages of his life. The Great Temple is also dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The site had to be completely moved and reconstructed in 1968 due to the building of the Aswan High Dam. Abu Simbel is absolutely amazing; it’s something you just have to experience to understand.

With our amazing group at Abu Simbel in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The inside of the temple is incredible as well. The colossal statutes of Ramses in the interior link him to the god Osiris. There are bas reliefs on the walls that depict famous military conquests, while other parts depict Ramses connection to the gods, and as well as to Egyptian deities. The temple is positioned on an axis that on Oct and Feb 22 (king’s birthday and coronation days), the rays of the sun illuminate the sculptures on the back wall, so the site is crazy on these days (visit at your own peril).

With the Goddess Hathor at Abu Simbel -Photo by Maria A.M.

Nefertari’s temple is smaller and dedicated to the goddess Hathor. The ladies in our group dug Hathor since she is sometimes represented as a cow or has the ears of a cow (we all have those days when we feel like a cow). She is a primeval deity that other gods derived from, and is mainly associated with women (and represents many other different things). The statues of Ramses and Neftari are the same size, which is rare in Egyptian art (the wives are usually represented as much smaller than the pharaoh). Like most sites in Egypt, there is a market where you can haggle and shop, but since we stayed until the last minute in the temples, we had to walk super-fast in order to meet our group on time. You have to leave the temples early since the road there gets closed, which is why the tours get there so early.

The small temple at Abu Simbel, near Aswan, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Inside Ramses’ temple at Abu Simbel -Photo by Maria A.M.

After getting back to Aswan, we checked into our Nile cruise ship, the Princess Sarah, where we would be sailing for the next three days. I had low expectations (took a day cruise in Vietnam that was rough), but was pleasantly surprised that the boat was nice. On the rooftop there was a bar and pool, with a covered seating area where you could talk and just enjoy the view. We docked in Aswan, and would not leave until the next day.

At Philae Temple in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next morning, we took an optional excursion to the Temple of Philae on an island of Lake Nasser. The temple was another place that had to be relocated due to flooding before the Aswan High Dam was completed. Philae was believed to be a sacred place, and the temple was dedicated to Isis, the Egyptian goddess of love and beauty. The temple was thought to have been built around 380 to 362 BC. The story of Osiris is told on the temple walls. Early Christians scratched out many of the ancient gods, and you can see Coptic graffiti defacing the temple. Inside you can go into the inner sanctum of the temple, where the holiest of holies would be. Outside there is a smaller temple dedicated to Hathor. The grounds are beautiful, and you have to make time to walk around the temple complex. Again, pictures do not do the place justice. After walking in and outside the temple, we went to the café to have a Turkish coffee and just enjoy the beautiful view.

Interior of the Temple of Philae -Photo by Maria A.M.
In the inner sanctum of the Temple of Philae in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

We went back to our boat and were off on our cruise. That evening we stopped at Kom Ombo Temple. The temple is a double temple since it is dedicated to two gods; one side to the crocodile god Sobek, one of the creator gods of the world (and the god of fertility). The other side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The temple is symmetrical with two sets of halls, courts, and sanctuaries. The temples were built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, though the site had already housed a temple built during the New Kingdom. There is a Crocodile Museum next door where you can see some of the mummified crocodiles found on the site.

The crocodile god Sobek, at Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Mummified crocodiles at Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum -Photo by Maria A.M.

The evening ended with a party on the ship where we were entertained by a belly dancer; she even gave the group a lesson, which was fun. Than we got to see a whirling dervish type of dancer who held up his lit up skirt, all the while spinning (for a pretty long time too). It was pretty impressive.

Belly Dancer on cruise ship in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day was a free day where we could sleep in and relax; there were no planned activities. We still made ourselves get up for breakfast since we were enjoying the three included meals a day on the ship (and the food was really good). It was also my sister’s birthday. Kristina wanted to be in Egypt during her birthday since she hates being home during her annual solar rotation day. My sister was serenaded in Arabic, sung the longest Happy Birthday song ever, and a special birthday cake was brought over to her. She also enjoyed free drinks courtesy of her big sister. Our amazing guide Mike arranged all this. My sister said it was her favorite birthday ever, and a great way to end our time on the Nile cruise ship!

Kristina’s birthday cake -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about our time in Luxor since that is where the cruise ended, and we went to the Valley of the Kings; so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Salesmen trying to sell their goods along the Nile -Photo by Maria A.M.
View from a cafe near Philae Temple, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Africa Cairo Egypt Travel

Walk like a Wayfarer: the Gals Explore Egypt!

The Wayfaring Gals at the Great Sphinx of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
The Wayfaring Gals at the Great Sphinx of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The Wayfaring Gals decided to go to Egypt with G Adventures since it was the tour that offered the most excursions my sister and I wanted to see. We also did not want to take the overnight train from Cairo to Aswan since we heard horror stories. This trip had airline travel through Egypt, saving us time to see more. I also had to see the Temple of Hatshepsut (a female pharaoh), and Abu Simbel was included (which is normally an expensive optional that runs from $300 and up). G Adventures Egypt Upgraded is more expensive than the normal Egyptian tour since it has better accommodations, airline travel, and more included excursions (though not all are). I also like that G’s maximum group size is fourteen so you are not waiting for masses of people to get on and off buses. Flight to and from the country is not included either. I definitely recommend a tour if you are a woman traveling to Egypt and even then to go with a man. My sister and I could not go anywhere alone without being harassed by the men. It was very annoying. We dressed conservatively as well, but our guide said it didn’t matter because we were not wearing veils. Egypt is not a safe place for women traveling by themselves.

At the Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The first night we flew in we did not feel like doing anything but showering and sleeping since we had a ten hour flight to Amman, and then transferred to Cairo. A guide from G Adventures met us at the airport to help us navigate visas (you can buy one beforehand or at the airport), and he suggested how much currency to change over. The exchange rate is pretty good with American dollars. In hindsight I would have taken out more since not a lot of places take credit card in Egypt, and there are fees with taking money out of foreign ATMs. We were then taken to our hotel, the Mercure Sphinx in Giza where we just enjoyed our rest.

Kissing the Great Sphinx at Giza, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we were up bright and early to visit the pyramids of Giza. The tour started at the pyramid of Khufu, which is the largest one. The pyramids are the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that are still standing. It is believed that construction began around 2560 BC during the fourth dynasty when Khufu was pharaoh. Our guide Mike gave us information regarding the history of this particular pyramid and pharaoh, and then let us wander around. We didn’t know we couldn’t walk around so were bombarded by men trying to sell us things, take pictures of us, and ask to be in our photos. By the way, don’t let anyone take a picture of you since they’ll want money and won’t return your phone (it’s a scam). We met up with a guy from our group, Lucas, who walked around the pyramid with us. It was much more peaceful when you left the front, and the men didn’t approach us as much (just to try to sell us something and not ask for our hands in marriage).

Camel Ride Time in Egypt! -Photo by Maria A.M.

On the next stop, our guide arranged for us to go for a camel ride. You don’t realize how high up you are until you are on one. They are mean too…mine kept biting the blanket on my sister’s camel. We rode the camels to where we had a good view of the pyramids. The other two pyramids are of Khafre and Menkaure (the smallest of the three main pyramids). Khafre’s complex also consists of the Great Sphinx of Giza as well, which is thought to represent the pharaoh himself. I found the Sphinx to be amazing and loved how you see the pyramids behind the mythical creature. The pyramids are probably one of the most amazing sites I have seen…words and pictures do not do them justice!

At the Papyrus Shop in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

After a busy morning, we ate lunch at a restaurant our guide took us to. I loved the babaganoush (type of dip made from eggplant) and kofta (type of meatball). I really loved lemonade with mint, which I drank whenever I could in Egypt. It’s so refreshing! Afterwards, we stopped at a Papyrus shop, which is a government regulated shop so the goods are authentic and prices cannot be manipulated. I wanted to get something that is not available at home and unique to the country. I bought a piece with Ramses II offering lotus flowers to the Goddess Isis, while my sister bought one with the sky goddess Nut.

A treasure picked up in the Papyrus Shop in Cairo, Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

After lunch we drove to the Monastery of St. Macarius the Great, founded in 360 AD, which is between Cairo and Alexandria. The crypt of St John the Baptist was also discovered at the monastery. We had a monk give us tour of the monastery, pointing out the highlights and significant artifacts. The Christian churches in Egypt are now guarded by the police and army due to the damage done after the revolutions.  This was a beautiful, peaceful place and a perfect way to end a busy day.

At the Monastery of Saint Macarius, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.

Afterwards, we checked into our hotel in Alexandria and after such a busy day all I wanted was some R&R. This hotel had the best wifi since you could even have it in your room. Most hotels in Egypt only have wifi in the lobby and it’s not good. My sister has an international phone that is unlocked so she bought a sim card and hot spotted me. My recommendation is that you travel with an unlocked phone so you can do that since the wifi is not good in Egypt. I am going to skip over our day in Alexandria for the sake of the length of this post, and that I don’t think it is a needed place to visit when in Egypt.

The Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

The next day we went back to Cairo to visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which has an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. I have been a huge fan of ancient Egyptian history and mythology, so it was an amazing experience to see some of the treasures from my books in person. A new museum is being built that will be bigger and better organized so a lot of artifacts were moved there already. I would have loved to see the new museum, but it was still an enjoyable experience to see the old one. The new museum will be much better organized and catalogued.

I really enjoyed the exhibit dedicated to Tutankhamun (King Tut), where you can view the objects found in his tomb. Our guide pointed out a bust of Queen Hatshepsut, where I couldn’t resist doing my Rosie the Riveter pose. The museum has statues of the pharaohs that built the pyramids of Giza: Khufu, Menkaure, and Khafre. There is also a section devoted to the controversial pharaoh Akhenaten who was married to the famous Nefertiti. You can spend hours getting lost in this museum; it’s definitely a must see when in Cairo! No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing this museum!

Doing my best Rosie the Riveter at the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.
Our guide Mike showing us a statue of a scribe that is also on Egyptian currency, at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo -Photo by Maria A.M.

My next post will be about Aswan in southern Egypt so stay tuned for more exciting adventures! Also, let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

At the Monastery of Saint Macarius, in Egypt -Photo by Maria A.M.
Categories
Chicago Illinois Michigan Travel Wisconsin

Enjoying the Midwest: Part Two

In Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

This post is the third (even though it says part two) in my series on exploring the Midwest. It’s for people like me that live in a big city like Chicago, don’t have much vacation time this summer, but want to get out in order to explore. Here are some ideas for weekend getaways you can take here in the Midwest that are three to five hours drive from Chicago.

At the River Place Shops in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth is probably one of the quaintest towns I have visited here in the Midwest. The city is known for its Bavarian style architecture, and looks like a town from a German story book. The town is along the Cass River in Eastern Michigan, and a five hour drive from Chicago.

At Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I started my visit with a trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, which I learned is the world’s biggest Christmas store. It is huge, and I probably spent on hour there looking at all the ornaments and Christmas villages. I had to find the Halloween stuff, which they thankfully had (you can never have too many Halloween decorations). You can also order personalized Christmas ornaments. The owners are religious so you will most likely get a tract with your purchase, and the store advertises as a Christian centered store. The outside of the store is fun as well. There is a replica of the chapel where Silent Night was performed in 1818 in Austria, and other fun photo opportunities. If you love Christmas then this is the store for you.

Inside Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

In town, I started off my visit at the River Place Shops, which is an outdoor mall created in a Bavarian style. As you leave the shopping area, you walk across the bridge, and there is a great view of the old covered bridge. Even though the bridge was built in 1979, it was constructed using traditional timber framing techniques. On the river you can see the steamboats you can take a tour on, as one of the recommended things to do in Frankenmuth is take a wine and chocolate tasting on a river boat.

At Frankenmuth Brewery in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

I did get a chance to visit Frankenmuth Brewery where I got to do a tasting and try the food. My friends and I decided to share nachos and mac and cheese, which went perfectly with the beer. I was able to try Rummelstiltskin, the Dunkel, and the Hef Blonde Ale. My favorite was the Belgium Boom Sour Ale. I recommend you do a sampler so you can try a variety of beer. The brewery also rotates through seasonal varieties as well.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.

Frankenmuth also has shops and a local museum you can visit. I spent a day there, but wished I stayed overnight (I especially wanted to see Bronner’s Christmas Store lit up at night). There are restaurants that specialize in German food as well. Imlay City is not too far so you can visit a lavender farm if you have not done so (it’s beautiful). If you are missing the big city, Detroit is about an hour away. However, if you want to visit a town out of fairy tale then Frankenmuth is the perfect place for you.

At New Glarus Brewery in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

New Glarus, WI is a two and a half hour drive from Chicago, and is also a great place if you want to get out of the city for a day or two. It is small and quaint like Frankenmuth. New Glarus is known as Little Switzerland, since as you might have guessed, the town was founded by Swiss immigrants from Glarus, Switzerland in 1845.  The town is proud of its heritage and celebrates many Swiss holidays and festivals throughout the year. I wrote about the brewery in my previous post, and recommend you stop there if you are a beer fan. The outdoor area is beautiful, and the beer is tasty.

At New Glarus Brewing in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Downtown New Glarus is meant to look like a small Swiss village with its Alpine architecture. I ate the best Reuben sandwich I ever had at Glarner Stube, which is known for its Swiss cuisine. The brewery gave me a token for a sample size beer from New Glarus Brewery to use in a restaurant in town, so it was accepted at Glarner Stube. A friend also recommended Toffler’s Pub (I’ll have to check it out it on my next visit). I walked around town checking out the stores like Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus (where you can sample the fudge), Hawk’s Mill Winehaus, and other shops around the downtown area. Fat Cat Coffee Works is great for an iced coffee or tea stop. I couldn’t resist picking up a scone to take home, and recommend that you pick up one of the delicious baked goods.

At the Maple Leaf in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

Some of the delicious treats at Fat Cat Coffee in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

The last visit of the day was to the Swiss Historical Village to get an idea how the town used to look since it replicates an 1850 Swiss settlement. The village consists of reproductions of some the buildings like the church, or buildings that were set to be turn down but were preserved from the nineteenth century. There are still bees in the old Bee House. The village consists of fourteen buildings that are filled with historical artifacts in order to give you an idea of immigrants lived and worked. If you’re a history nerd like I am, you’ll enjoy a visit there.

At the Historical Swiss Village in New Glarus, WI -Photo by Maria M.

There is also a New Glarus Woods State Park if you want to go for a walk or hike, as well as other attractions in town based on your interests. New Glarus is a nice getaway that includes a scenic drive through the Wisconsin country side whether you are coming and going.

At Grant’s Home in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

Galena is a great place to take a weekend getaway here in Illinois. The town has many well preserved buildings from the 19th century so it is like taking a trip back in time. Civil War general and the eighteenth president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant’s home is there, so I suggest a stop there (and taking a tour). The home was donated to Grant as a reward for his service in the Civil War, and constructed from 1859-60. You’ll get interesting facts about Grant and his family from the tour guide.  It was made a memorial to Grant in 1904. If you want to visit more historic sites, there are other recommended places like the Elihu Washburne House, Dowling House, and the Old Market where you can get a better idea of life in the nineteenth century in Galena.

On a tour of Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you want to do some wine tasting then I recommend a trip to Galena Cellars Winery and Vineyard, which has been in the Lawler family for three generations. You can taste wine in the tasting room, and/or take a tour of the vineyard. There are also wine pairings with chocolate, or cheese as well. It is such a beautiful place, so if you are looking for wedding venue this would be a great spot (and I’m not into weddings). There is also Galena Brewing Company and a distillery if you prefer other alcoholic beverages, or want to continue trying different libations when in the area.

At the American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

There are many fun places to eat in town, and I recommend you go have ice cream at American Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor, which makes you feel like you are at an old time ice cream shop. The ice cream is good, and the ambiance is great. There’s also a popcorn and fudge shop nearby as well if you need more snacks. Galena is also known for its antique shops as well so you can take a look while walking around the downtown area.

At a ghost tour in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

If you like ghost tours you can take one in Galena. Your guide will be dressed in nineteenth century garb, and take you on a tour of the area explaining the history, and many of the places that are allegedly haunted. There are different companies that you can choose (the one I went with is not in business any longer). Ghost tours are also a fun way of learning about local history and tales. It’s also an evening activity you can do before going out for drinks.

At Grant’s Home in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

Galena is a great getaway, and a trip there will take you back in time. It’s also a beautiful area since it is hilly and green, which was was a great change of pace from being from the flat land of Chicago. I can see why it’s become recommended place you should visit in Illinois.

The view from Galena Cellars and Vineyard in Galena, IL -Photo by Maria M.

These are some of the places I have enjoyed visiting to get away from the big city life. Let me know if you have any suggestions. If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.

Some of the great photo ops you can take at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, MI -Photo by Maria M.