Author: Laura Irwin

London 2016: Day 2

Laura Irwin

Despite the 5 hour time change and jet lag, I woke up promptly at 5:15 AM (which happens about 360 days a year).  Breakfast didn’t start until 7, so I had some time to ease into the day.  After breakfast, I was out the door for a Sunday morning walk.  I meandered my way through back streets in the general direction of St. James’s Park.  Almost all of the flowers in the park were in full bloom.  I walked through the park towards Buckingham Palace.  Along the way, I found a group of large pelicans and a family of geese, perfect photographic subjects. As I was walking, I could hear a bass drum occasionally in the distance and decided to find out where it was coming from.  I discovered a whole group of what appeared to be “guards in training” going through training exercises across the street from the park.  Pretty impressive to watch!

St. James's Park
St. James’s Park

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London 2016: Day 1

Laura Irwin

If you know me at all, you know I am not a city person.  I hate the crowds, the noise, the fast pace… pretty much everything about a city.  So it may come as a surprise that I picked London as my vacation destination.  Especially since I was just here last year for a couple of days and spent a week here three years ago.  I know it’s a bit of a contradiction, but as much as I hate cities in general, I love London.  I think it’s the combination of history (I’m not a history person either, so another contradiction…), music, and culture that continues to draw me back.  The British scones certainly have a bit of pull as well!

St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral

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Turks and Caicos 2016 – Day 6

Laura Irwin

A very windy final day on Grace Bay!  The waves were crashing this morning as I set out for my beach walk.  I didn’t make it as far as I have previous days because I couldn’t find much hard-packed sand to walk on.  Breakfast this morning was at Bay Bistro, located directly on the beach at the Sibonne resort, right next door to The Sands.  I walked over and enjoyed French toast while I watched the waves roll in.  Despite the winds, the water was still a beautiful green (with some whitecaps mixed in).  After breakfast, I quickly slathered on the sunscreen and made my way to the pool.  The beach was way too windy to be comfortable.

Grace Bay Beach at Sunrise
Grace Bay Beach at Sunrise

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Turks and Caicos 2016 – Day 5

Laura Irwin

My last full day of vacation (don’t worry… I plan to squeeze in a few hours of beach time before I leave tomorrow!) started with another long sunrise beach walk.  I decided to give Shay Cafe another try for breakfast, and I’m glad I did.  The breakfast sandwich was served on a huge, flaky croissant.  Together with the iced coffee, it managed to tide me over ‘til dinner.

Grace Bay Beach
Grace Bay Beach

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Turks and Caicos 2016 – Day 1

Laura Irwin

Paradise. That’s the only word that comes to mind to describe Turks and Caicos. Warm weather, sun, and sand. Exactly what this trip is all about. This is my third visit to TCI, and a week of relaxation, sun, and reading is just what I need. I have thought about visiting other islands (Grand Cayman was a top contender for this trip), but in the end, I love Grace Bay Beach (the main “resort” beach in Providenciales) and the familiarity of visiting a place I love.

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The Boston Harbor Islands

Laura Irwin

Can you believe that after almost 20 years of living in the Boston area, today was the first time I visited the Boston Harbor Islands? Sure, I’d heard of them, and I know plenty of people who have visited, but today was the first time I explored them myself.

Boston Skyline from the Harbor Islands Ferry
Boston Skyline from the Harbor Islands Ferry

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A Day in the White Mountains

Laura Irwin

Having spent a good amount of time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire growing up, I enjoy returning to the area whenever I get a chance.  While many people opt for the shopping mecca of North Conway, I prefer to visit the “quiet side” of the mountains in the area around Franconia Notch.

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