Don’t Take Life, or Travel, Too Seriously

Life in general, and especially travel, can be overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting. There is a temptation to get caught up in the minutia of daily activities, the worry about missing out on something special, or just generally feeling like something might go wrong. It isn’t easy, but we all need to lighten up a little bit and let ourselves be childlike in our adventures. If we could all view our lives, our travels, the things that we do and the places that we go with the unabashed wonder of a child who has been let loose on a playground, we would all enjoy them better. How many times have you stood in a line, whether to get on a plane, get into an attraction, or waiting for a popular restaurant and found the people around you angry, pushy, and basically rude? Do they truly believe that if they try and make everyone around them as miserable as they are that somehow their experience will be better? There are times when we see people that are this intense that we want to just mess with them a little.  Tell them that they are in the wrong line, that they don’t have the proper reservation, anything to mess with their minds a little. Perhaps that wouldn’t be nice, but this week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge is Cheeky and maybe a little mischief would wake these people up and let them realize that life is to be enjoyed, not just rushed through. One of the things that we enjoy are seeing whimsical signs or different things that remind us to keep the child inside of us alive as we travel. Here are some photos of signs or other things that remind us to smile and enjoy life. How do you keep your inner-child alive?

Troll Statue Outside of a Store in Reykjavik, Iceland
Family Fun Restaurant in Cochabamba, Bolivia
Dona on a Merry-Go-Round in San Francisco
UFO Crossing Sign in Roswell, New Mexico
Whimsical Creations in the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany

The following are a series of signs outside of restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Definitely Silly
Perhaps a Little Hokey
Truth in Advertising

 

Details of the Basilica in Quito, Ecuador

We had heard that we could get wonderful views of Quito by climbing to the top of the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional, so we made sure to put that on our itinerary. The architecture of the church is truly fascinating and some of the most interesting items are the grotesques, which aren’t gargoyles, but instead are native animals of Ecuador. Seeing the iguanas, turtles, caimans, and other creatures jutting from the stone walls was definitely interesting and unique. In other ways, it is a typical basilica similar to any that you find in Europe and around the world.

Church Grounds
View from the Basilica
Carved Details
Clock Tower
Jutting Animals
Front of the Basilica

In addition to the architecture, the stained glass windows are truly stunning. On your way to the tower, you get great views of the main cathedral as well as a closer view of the windows. In order to reach the tower, you must cross a rickety wooden platform and then climb a ladder. You aren’t done climbing at this point and our fear of heights kept us from getting all of the way to the top, but we did get the amazing views that were promised.

View above the Cathedral Pews
Animal Features
Stained Glass Windows
Wooden Walkway
Clock Tower Up-Close
Walking the Grounds

This week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge is Peek and we are hoping that you get a good peek at the details of the Basilica.

View of Quito
Looking Up from the Roof
Beautiful Window
So Much Detail
Colorful Altar
One of the Ornate Doors

Autumn is Magical in the Colorado Mountains

Autumn is our favorite time of year to get into the mountains and go hiking. The weather can be cool and it is possible to get snow at times, but when the sun is shining and the leaves have turned golden, it is truly spectacular. We enjoy autumn everywhere and the different tapestry of colors that you find. Autumn in Colorado is a little unique from other places where the trees turn a dark gold, orange, and vibrant red. Those colors are beautiful and we definitely enjoy seeing them, but in Colorado, the Aspen trees turn a brilliant gold. When the sun hits the bright yellow leaves on a clear day, the trees almost seem to glow. So, for last week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge, Glow, we have chosen some photos from Beaver Creek.

View from Beaver Creek Trail
Golden Landscape
Surrounded by Glowing Trees
Beaver Creek Mountain
Hiking in Autumn