The great adventure of 2024 was a trip with our friends to Europe. This post will not follow my regular pattern for travel posts, and we used a travel agent to arrange our trains and hotels Rail Bookers, but it should be helpful if you are planning a trip to these countries. Our travel agent was Pam from Unwindwithbliss.com. Preparation German Language Learning Duo Lingo - I primarily used this app because it was convenient to do during my walks with the dog. That said, if I’d been really serious about learning the language, I would use another option to supplement Duo. I spent about 7 months prepping with Duo Lingo, and while I am able to pick up on bits and pieces, I don’t feel that comfortable speaking it in general - only words and a couple short phrases. Rocket Languages - I accessed this through our public library and downloaded an app. I didn’t use it much and regret not doing so as they use native speakers and not the weird AI generated voices of Duo Ling...
I have always wanted to visit Boston and Salem, so we FINALLY made it happen this August. Visiting at the end of August, doing a lot of the tourist-y stuff during the week is definitely the way to go. The crowds were low Wednesday, Thursday, and most of Friday (the beginning of the Labor Day weekend). Hotel We stayed at the Boston Marriott at Long Wharf . It’s not a cheap place to stay, but the location is fantastic if you are here to see the historical places in Boston. It’s across the street from Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall and next to the New England aquarium and harbor cruises. The Blue Line from the airport drops off at the hotel, as well as all of the tour trolley stops. Walking into the North End/Little Italy is also very easy. Food I don’t even know where to start here, so I guess I’ll go chronologically. I knew that I wanted 1) a lobster roll, 2) clam chowder, and 3) cannoli. Check, check, and check! Note, for Wednesday - Fri...