Travel Memories Flood Back at Christmas

a gratuitous self-promotion . . .

One of our photos from Italy has been entered in a photo contest.

Our photo is currently number 12 out of 467 photos.

You can vote by clicking here

Remember a 10 is good!

Feel free to e-mail the link to friends and loved ones!

*smile*

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Every year when we decorate the tree one of our favourite parts of the process is the travel ornaments. For the past while when we travel we always buy at least one ornament (or three) to commemorate the trip. When we put each one on the tree we talk about the trip, where we were, what we did, and the memories flood back!

This guy was one the of the first. We picked him up on a trip to Nova Scotia to visit my sister. Somewhere we have a sail boat which commemorates our time in Halifax and a light house (with a bit of Cape Breton tartan) which Rose sent us as well.

This 'festive' lobster is from Peggy's Cove - also from our trip to Nova Scotia.

This one was from our week camping trip in Algonquin Park. We had the best time canoing, hiding from the bears, hiking, enjoying the outdoors, and yes, shopping in Huntsville!

This bunch of grapes is from our trip to Sonoma. We rented a house in the Russian River Valley and spent our time touring wineries, visiting art studios, hiking, and enjoying the amazing food! Hmmm - I think that we need to go back!

Here you see two ornaments which are commemorating two trips we have taken with my mother and sister. On the left is the Golden Gate Bridge which we bought on a trip we took with them to San Francisco. We also rented a house in the Russian River Valley and spent a wonderful time visiting wineries, touring, shopping, and enjoying some great times together.

On the right is Pinocchio. If you ever visit Lucca in Italy you will find that Pinocchio is quite common as the author who first created the character lived just outside the city. We picked this ornament up during our trip to Italy in 2006.

While this glass version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa commemorates our trip to Italy in 2006, we actually bought it during a trip to Pennsylvania last December. This was nothing but a shopping excursion to a state where there is no sales tax on shoes or clothing. We LOVE that!

This ceramic ball depicts the Duomo in Florence Italy. We bought this in 2006 when we were returning to the amazing Tourist House Ghiberti after spending an amazing afternoon at the Uffizi Gallery.

This ceramic ornament depicts the mission in Santa Barbara. I bought it this spring when I was at San Juan Capistrano. I suppose I could have 'bought' that mission but got this one instead because Paul and I would be together in Santa Barbara later in the week.

If you have ever been to Chicago you might recognize this lion. He is one of a pair that 'guard' the entrance to the Art Institute of Chicago. We celebrated Paul's birthday there two years ago (thank you air miles!). We spent a long weekend there with mom visiting galleries, shopping along the Magnificent Mile, and enjoying some incredible food. We also toured the Field museum and saw a performance of Wicked.

Last Christmas was spent in New York. Again we spent an incredible four days visiting galleries, touring, shopping, eating incredible food, and even found time to catch an off Broadway show and see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

Hmm there seems to be a pattern here . . .

This summer mom, Paul, and I ventured to Maine where we rented a cabin on Deer Isle, just outside of Stonington. This was a different type of trip - aside from the incredibly long drive to get to Maine, we took things easy. We relaxed at the cabin, ate lots of seafood, visited some galleries and artists studios, and just enjoyed being in this beautiful part of the world.

While Stonington is best know as the home of one of Maine's largest working lobster fleets, it is also one of the premier spots for sea kayaking; hence Santa in a sea kayak. We weren't about to let ol' St Nick have all of the fun. We enjoyed a guided kayak lesson and tour, as shown in the second ornament. I received some more ornaments for Christmas that also commemorate the trip, they will make their appearance NEXT year.

Finally . . .

This ornament does two things . . . it is from my friend Palma so it commemorates my quick jaunt to Palm Desert this fall and it is 'Italia 2008' which represents memories to come when Paul and I head back to Italy in May/June 2008.

YEAH

Comments

[Palma]

I love the Kayak! I 'm sure you will be able to add to the Italy stash in May! I know JUST the place!

[Jerry]

I can't wait! Palma. We'll have to find somehting for Paso Robles and Savannah as well.

[Kayte]

Oh, I just love this post. We have been to all the places except the Deer Island one...it felt like I was on vacation again. We bought ornaments all those places, too, but chose different ones, so that was interesting to see what you both chose! Thanks for sharing, this was such fun!

[Jerry]

Kayte - it is funny the things which bring back the memories isn't it. You would believe the megnet collection on the fridge. At least I think that there is a fridge under there somewhere . . .

[Gail Hecko]

Jerry, I refer many travelers to the Tourist House Ghiberti. They are so nice and even send a follow-up email to me to make sure everything went well. Absolutely great customer service.

Such fun ornaments!

[Jerry]

I agree Gail - we truly enjoyed our stay there (I wish it has been longer!).

We have been gathering so many ornaments over the past few years that we need a second tree! LOL I mentioned it to Paul the other night nad received a 'look'.

[Michelle]

I just love seeing everyone's Christmas ornaments and learning the stories behind them :)

Hope you're having a lovely holiday season...and buon anno!

[Erin]

I love learning the history behind beloved Christmas ornaments. I buy at least one special ornament each year as well. This year it was a David Ortiz ornament -- don't laugh! And a silver Champagne flute to remember how much fun we had throwing our holiday party. I love your idea about picking up ornaments while vacationing though. I may have to adopt it for myself.

[Jerry]

Sognatrice - there are those who have 'fashion' trees. Not us - we have memory trees.

Erin - there is nothing wrong with having your favourite jock on the tree. It is nice to have ornaments which mean something rather than those which merely look pretty.