If You’re Lucky Enough to be at the Beach…..

If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach….you’re lucky enough.  Wanderology Girl starts her tour of some fabulous Florida beaches, and amazing  towns to visit this week. Make sure to follow where she is wandering, on her blog @ Wanderogygirl.com

Blessed to live in Paradise….

Bougainvillea is a beautiful, blossoming shrub that  announces spring is here in Florida. I took this shot wandering through town. This just makes me feel happy. Living in a tropical place is a blessing. There is sunshine and greenery all year round. I don’t have to wander far when I live in paradise. Where will you wander dear reader? -Wanderology Girl

To Only See Such Magnificence

One of the mysteries of wandering that I have discovered, is that, I find beautiful creations that only bloom in certain locals. What a down right shame it would be to only see such magnificence in a magazine or picture, quite another emotion to experience this worlds variety of miracles up close and personal. This little beauty is a living creation I won’t soon forget from the Florida Keys. What will you discover dear reader?

-Wanderology Girl

Wandered the Big Easy : Day 1 Hotel, Street Cars, & Beniget’s

                     

  I arrived in the amazing city of New Orleans, and  I ventured first to check into my hotel. I ran into a bit of trouble trying to find a place to park. Parking is one thing I had not planned out in advance. You want to park in secured parking to prevent property loss (as I was instructed by many locals). I finally found a lot a few streets over from the Hotel. It had a paid security guard who told me even with my car being in a security patrolled lot, I had a risk of theft. So I chose to take all my belongings I could, into the Hotel. I finally arrived at the Hotel . I stayed at The Lafayette Hotel.

The Staff was so friendly when I checked in. They gave me maps, and instructed me the safe streets to walk down. They told me streets to avoid, and even gave me a strong reminder not to walk down any dark streets or alleys on my expedition. I felt this advice very helpful. They guided me toward things that would be of interest to me. I was very thankful for their hospitality. I checked into my room it was beautiful. Not modern but historic feeling. Cozy and comfortable.

The Lafayette is in the heart of it all, on the fashionable Saint Charles Avenue Streetcar Line overlooking Lafayette Square across from Gallier Hall. The Lafayette Hotel offers guests New Orleans style and charm. It is a  1916 historic landmark, from Old World architecture, French doors and wrought iron balconies to marble floors, polished mahogany and English botanical prints. The ambiance is luxury.  The Lafayette Hotel is located close to the Historical Arts and Warehouse Districts. Only a short stroll away from all major attractions, it is within 5 blocks of the French Quarter, Superdome, Riverfront, and the Convention Center.

     After a relaxing night sleep I decided to head out get some breakfast and do some sightseeing. Many people I ran into gave great tips for seeing the city. One local told about Cafe’ Du Monde.The Original French Market Coffee Stand Since 1862 where they serve delectable French Benigets smothered in toppings and powdered sugar.

After Breakfast I decided to head down some of the streets in the antique shop  district. On my way I was thrilled by all the street artist and performers. I came across this gentleman playing his guitar. I had to stop and just listen for while. I was amazed to realize that by stopping and taking in life all around you , how you truly begin to feel part of things. I learned from this artist, not to hide your talent, and you are never too old to do what your love. i don’t know his whole story, but his story is definitely still unfolding, because he has wandered into something he loves to do. That is what I encourage my readers to do. Find your passion. Then do it! Don’t find excuses. Find reasons why you can, and have to live your dreams.Where there is a will, there is a way.

 

One of my favorite parts of visiting a few unique cities is their cute street car transportation system. They are icons for travelers that seem to scream a happy “Hello!” when with their charming bright colors and fun way to travel about. There is definitely an air of excitement in this city. It’s all about having fun here, and the Trolley is an innocent beginning to it all.

New Orleans Streetcars are a great way to get out and explore New Orleans. The historic New Orleans streetcars travel throughout the Crescent City on four different lines: the St Charles Streetcar route, the Canal St Streetcar route, the Riverfront Streetcar route and the Loyola Avenue/Union Terminal loop. So climb aboard and take a trip into the past on a New Orleans streetcar. The streetcars running along Canal Street, the Riverfront and the Loyola loop (red) are more modern than those running along the St. Charles Avenue route (green) and they have more conveniences. The red streetcars are fully air-conditioned with wider doors that allow for handicap access. The street cars only accept cash or passes. For unlimited streetcar riding I recommend that you purchase a Jazzy Pass. For information on purchasing passes go to the New Orleans RTA website.

     just wander back over to the WanderologyGirl Blog to see the rest of this fun adventure. Hope you are thinking about your dreams now. Where would you like to wander? What are your dreams? Write them down today, and try to do 1 thing to bring you closer to making that dream a reality.

                                                  -Wanderology Girl

                                                   

I Wandered into Heaven…Oops! I mean Seaside Florida

As I mentioned in my previous post, we need to strive to find out what our real dreams are… and then try ( my strongest virtue) to do them. It doesn’t mean we will always succeed, but if we don’t try, we will never know how far we could have wandered. When you open yourself up for opportunity, it seems to come to you. Stay open, good thing’s are headed your way. I was invited by a friend to stay  in Seaside Florida. An opportunity to wander too good to pass up.

I  surely felt I had died and went to Heaven when I arrived in Seaside, to stay in an adorable cottage by the sea. It’s a small little town with everything within walking distance. Another famous mode of transportation is bike rentals.

It feels like a step back in time, to innocence and charm. Did I mention the beautiful cobblestone streets? They are lined with colorful cottages. So quaint with picket fences.

The front porches are to die for. A cozy, breezy place to enjoy breakfast and read local events. Like concerts and activities right in town square.

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There is so much character in this little town. As I began to unwind and relax, I took an easy wander down these narrow little fairytale streets. They transport you into the most quaint center of town. It seemed like what life in a perfect world would feel like. The yummy cafes and restaurants tickle your taste buds. Treat yourself to some delicious gelato, or enjoy a snack from one of many lunch trucks.

I spotted some amazing places to do some souvenir shopping in boutiques that lined the market.

I bought a sweet T shirt with the motto of this little slice of Heaven on it. I think of Seaside and my memories of this astonishing place every time I wear it. The motto here is ” A simple, beautiful, life.” I certainly can’t argue with that.

When you wander down the steep incline of mounds of sugary, white, soft, sand and sea-grass, you find yourself gazing at waters, so crystal blue, you would think your in the Caribbean. The view is magnificent, breathtaking, beyond what I had imagined. This is a little jewel of a place.

Shopping is fabulous, food is wonderful. Historical facts so interesting. Like “The Truman Show” with Jim Carrey was filmed there. You can recognize some places from the movie. In early spring it can be chilly in the morning. Just grab a sweater and hot cup of herbal tea and head to the beach for some real tranquility.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34624-Seaside_Florida-Vacations.html. You can rent a sweet little cottage for as little as $149 a night. There are multiple rental companies in the area.

All I can say to sum up this magical little place is…. You must wander here sometime, and I promise you will be jumping for Joy! Live your dreams! Don’t just be a good starter of your wishes, be a good finisher!  Where will Wanderology Girl wander next…follow me to find out.