Amy Meyerson is a new to me author, but she has three other highly acclaimed novels. Water Lies was a fast paced and easy read. Here is my book review Water Lies by Amy Meyerson.
This novel was gifted to me by MB Communications in return for my honest review.
Motherhood
At its essence, this book is about Motherhood. But cleverly disguised as a murder-mystery. Set in the Venice Canals area of Los Angeles, with its posh homes and wealthy families, we meet Tessa. A young, pregnant mother navigating late stage pregnancy with a toddler in tow. One morning Tessa and her little boy are in a coffee shop. Tessa is feeling vulnerable in late stage pregnancy, and living in the Canal area doesn’t help. It’s like a fishbowl, where everyone knows what everyone else is doing…and they are judging. Or so Tessa thinks.
While in the coffee shop Tessa’s son Jasper has a tantrum, when he sees and calls out to a young women he seems to know. Gigi. Geee Geee! He calls over and over. Tessa has never seen this women and does not understand her son’s reaction. Tessa leaves the coffee shop with a visceral feeling that something is strange.
Murder?
Just 24 hours later, the same women in the coffee shop, is found dead in the canals. Despite the police and Tessa’s husband Gabe insisting it was just an accident, Tessa instincts are strong. The woman’s name is Regina, and Regina’s mother Barb also does not believe it was an accident. Barb flies to LA to begin her own investigation. Tessa and Barb will become an unlikely pair as they begin to unravel a strange and frightening scenario around Regina’s death.
Book Review Water Lies by Amy Meyerson
This thriller is fast paced and kept my attention, even though there were a few too obvious clues that I knew immediately would come back later in the story. That said, this murder plot is an interesting storyline that looks at all aspects of motherhood including infertility, pregnancy, birth, maternal instincts and mothering of adults. Additionally there are themes of family secrets, infidelity and friendship. The story includes introspection on IVF and the fertility as business, in the United States and the stigma around it.
****Four stars for Water Lies by Amy Meyerson, released on January 1, 2026
I absolutely love writing this blog post each year. Throughout the year I think about what experiences and places might make this list. And when it’s time to write – it’s a fun walk down memory lane as I reminisce about the previous year of travel. I hope it’s fun for you to read and enjoy the awards we bestow on our favorites and the best of the best (and a few duds too) from our year of travel; the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025.
2026 begins our 10th year of travel as part of The Grand Adventure. What a remarkable ride it has been. Not sure exactly what the next few years will bring…but we already have some things booked and are working on more.
We loved our time in Melbourne area of Australia
2025
What an incredible year. We have had a wonderful year of travel; both long stays and short, independent travel and guided. Though we prefer longer stays (and we had some good ones) we had a lot of short stays too. We visited the Cook Islands, Australia, Singapore, Bhutan, France, Luxemburg, Canada, Germany, Switzerland and 18 US States. Here are the winners of the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025!
Destinations – Ten Countries and 18 US States
Favorite Country – Bhutan and Honorable Mention Australia
Australia won this award two years ago and we visited AGAIN in 2025, but we have to give this coveted Ninth Annual World Travel Awards prize to Beautiful Bhutan for 2025. This amazing destination was a big bucket list item for me, and it did not disappoint. We used a tour company called My Bhutan and they took such great care of us. We loved it. Bhutan is likely a once in a lifetime destination given how expensive it is. But Australia is a place we will visit again and again and we are already planning to see that amazing country again in 2027.
Visiting Tigers Nest in Bhutan. Bucketlist.
Summertime in Australia
Favorite City – Bordeaux France and Honorable Mention Dijon France
We had a really long and amazing stay in France this year, basing ourselves for most of that in Bordeaux. A new to us city, surrounded by so many fun things to do. I think I could live in Bordeaux. The food, the wine, the history…it’s all there. We also visited several other French cities and we really loved Dijon. Small, manageable, historic and delicious. There is so much more to France than just Paris. I am so glad we had this long stay.
We loved our long stay in Bordeaux
I would like to spend more time in Dijon
Favorite Small Town – Duncan British Columbia and Stowe Vermont
We did two big road trips this year. The first one, from Seattle to Vancouver Island British Columbia; the second across the USA from Seattle to Maine. Both provided some wonderful adventures, scenery, culture and history. We found tiny Duncan British Columbia to be a marvelous surprise, peppered throughout the community with incredible and authentic totem poles. This was one of my favorite things we enjoyed on our BC trip.
Totem Pole in Duncan were so amazing
Stowe Vermont was also a lovely spot, and we spent several hours enjoying the fall colors in town as well as riding the gondola up for spectacular views.
Beautiful fall in Stowe Vermont
Favorite Island – Cook Islands and Maui USA
We always love a visit to Maui, one of our favorite places in the world. But 2025 introduced us to the Cook Islands. The island of Rarotonga made us imagine what Maui or Oahu must have looked like 50-75 years ago. Laid back, great seafood, kind locals and beautiful beaches; we would definitely return. Cook Islands was a first for us, so it’s place in the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards is a bonus.
The beach at our resort in the Cook Islands
We never get tired of Maui
Most Expensive Country – Bhutan
Bhutan, which wins the favorite country award for 2025, is also very expensive. You need a guide to visit Bhutan due to government regulations designed to preserve its culture and environment. While independent travel is possible within certain areas, a guide and driver are mandatory for all tours beyond the cities of Paro and Thimphu to ensure adherence to these regulations and to provide an immersive cultural and logistical experience. Additionally Bhutan requires all international visitors to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is currently $100 per person per night . This fee used to be $200 per day but has been dropped in recent years. Our ten day tour with My Bhutan cost $10,000 and included all transportation, most meals, all activities, amazing guide and driver, all accommodations and the SDF fee.
Hiking in Bhutan
Least Expensive Country – Cook Islands
We flew from Honolulu to the Cook Islands for 9 days and stayed at a basic but lovely little resort called Palm Grove. Our small individual cabin included a tiny kitchen and we cooked our meals a couple of days. But breakfast was included with our room, and restaurants were delicious and affordable. We used the public bus on several occasions, and although a bit old it was worth it not to worry about having a car. We also walked to many places, and we felt safe walking on the two lane road that circles the island because there is minimal traffic. This small and unpretentious island was a wonderful surprise and very inexpensive.
The Cook Islands
Favorite Airbnb – Bordeaux
We stayed in fewer Airbnb’s this year than in the past, but our long stay in Bordeaux France was in a unique, newly renovated three story townhouse about a mile from the historic core of the city. We loved it and would definitely stay there again.
Fun Airbnb in Bordeaux
Favorite Hotel – Middle Beach Lodge Tofino British Columbia
We had talked about a British Columbia road trip for several years, and this past July we made it happen. One of our favorite stops on this trip was the gorgeous Pacific Ocean destination of Tofino. Here we stayed at the beautiful Middle Beach Lodge. We loved it so much.
Rustic and perfect – Middle Beach Lodge
Favorite Bed & Breakfast – Covered Bridge B&B Glen New Hampshire
Our month long road trip across the USA included four nights in the tiny town of Glen, New Hampshire. We fell in love with the Covered Bridge House Bed & Breakfast for the great hospitality, location, hosts and breakfast! Highly recommend.
Covered Bridge House Glen New Hampshire
Best View Lodging – Tofino
The Middle Beach Lodge (mentioned above) was so cozy and included a wonderful view from multiple vantage points. We were in a standard view room, but the lodge also has stand-alone cabins, stand-alone tree houses, and stand-alone multi-bedroom houses. I hope to visit again.
I want to visit again
Food & Drink
Favorite Cuisine – France & Germany
Food is a big part of our travels and the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards bestows credit to the best. Of course France is always a winner for incredible cuisine, and our long stay in France did not disappoint. But we also love the food of Germany, and heartily enjoyed meats, stews, sweets and drinks on our Christmas Market tour in December.
France and the food. Oh My.
Pork Shank. Wow. Germany is deliciious.
Best Food Tour – Bordeaux and Switzerland
We try to take a food tour in most places we visit. For us it’s such a great way to learn about the local marriage of food and culture. We had an outstanding tour in Bordeaux early in our month long visit, and learned about regulations of French boulangeries, Cheese and much, much more.
Food Tour in Bordeaux
In Switzerland we had a unique opportunity to to take have a culinary experience of the beloved Swiss dish Cheese Fondue. We learned so much, ate so much, and enjoyed wine pairing too. If you ever have a chance to do this I really recommend it.
Authentic Swiss Fondue in Basel Switzerland
Best Cooking Class – Bordeaux and Bhutan
Well another tie is in order. We take a lot of cooking classes and always enjoy them. During our long stay in Bordeaux we spent an evening with The Gastronome, where we learned to make the local Bordeaux specialty of Caneles. DO THIS CLASS if you are in Bordeaux.
Canales! I made those!
Our tour in Bhutan included a cooking class, where we learned to make incredible Bhutanese dumplings with fresh and local ingredients. The we ate them along with many other traditional Bhutanese foods. Delicious.
Delicious dumpling and really lovely people in Bhutan
Best Meal – White Mountain Cider Co. Glen New Hampshire and Parapluie Dijon France
Well if you follow My Fab Fifties Life you know we love to eat! Whether it’s an authentic food cart or fine dining we make a point of enjoying the local cuisine. Two stand-out meals came to mind when we discussed this category. Impeccable meal at the White Mountain Cider Co., in Glen New Hampshire sitting next to a cozy fire and sipping great wine. And just as memorable, a Chef’s Tasting Menu at Parapluie in the fabulous city of Dijon France. We really fell in love with Dijon and hope to visit again!
White Mountain Cider Company, Glen New Hampshire
Parapluie, Dijon France
Best Beer – Germany
Well that was fun! While in Germany in December we had a unique experience learning about and tasting the specialty of Bamberg – rauchbier. Made with malt dried over an open wood fire, this smokey brew was surprisingly delicious. We tried five different kinds and ate it with a wonderful spread of German meats, cheese and pretzels. Definitely try smoky rauchbier.
Rauchbier was new to us
Best Wine – Saint Emilion France
Spending a month in beautiful Bordeaux France gave us such a leisurely opportunity to explore the wine regions of the area, including Saint Emilion where we visited twice. This fabulous medieval town is a cultural and historic gem, in addition to being one of the most amazing wine regions in the world. We loved it!
We fell in love with Saint Emilion and the wines of the region
Culture
Most Authentic Cultural Experience – Bhutan
Our time in Bhutan was truly magical. This tiny country is proud and protective of its culture and customs. As a visitor you are treated with great respect and our guides were amazing, funny, generous and so knowledgeable. We loved every day.
Bhutan Culture was Amazing
Most Amazing Man Made Structure – Tigers Nest Bhutan
Long on my bucket list, the day we hiked up to the Paro Taktsang Monastery (nicknamed Tiger’s Nest) was an incredible once in a lifetime day. The hike was steep but manageable. Our guides made sure we went early in the morning, and since we were on a private tour we could move quickly. This meant we were the second people to arrive at Tiger’s Nest. Having it to ourselves provided wonderful photo opportunities and a peaceful and serene experience. I am so grateful I was able to do this.
Astonishing Bhutan
Best Gardens – Melbourne Australia
The Melbourne Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful, peaceful and accessible city gardens in the world. We love it and would go back over and over. And it’s free.
Melbourne Botanical Gardens
Best Market – Christmas Markets
Our ten day Viking River Cruise in December gave us the opportunity to to visit ten European Christmas Markets. This was a first for us – both the markets and a river cruise. Our top three markets were Baden Baden, Heidelberg and Nuremberg.
Baden Baden Germany
Best Museum – National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum Cooperstown New York Honorable Mention Carnavalet, Paris
Our cross country road trip gave us a chance to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum. We had talked about doing this for years and it was a fun day to finally visit.
My hometeam – the Seattle Mariners at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum
We also had an opportunity to visit a new to us museum in Paris, thanks to our local friend. The Carnavalet is fascinating and covers a wide range of topics. We did not have time to see it all but we will definitely go again on our next visit to Paris.
Carnavalet
Best Walking Tour – Luxembourg France
Brand new country to us – we spent three days in Luxembourg in May. It’s one of the countries we just kept missing…but now we have been and what a beauty it is. We walked and walked in Luxembourg City, including an amazing guided walking tour we booked through Viator. Definitely worth it when you are new to this city.
Deliciously beautiful chocolates in Luxembourg
Best Overall Historic Site – Rock Carved Sanctuary Saint Emilion France
This place. Mind blown. We visit Saint Emilion twice. The first time for the wine with a guide; the second time on our own for the wine AND to visit this incredible Rock Carved “Monolith” Sanctuary. Built in the 11th Century it really was one of the most amazing things I have seen.
Rock Carved Sanctuary Saint Emilion France
Best Performance
Seattle is our home base and we see great performances when we spend time at home. 2025 was no exception and we LOVED the David Byrne concert we went to this past November. If you ever have the chance to see him in concert do it.
David Byrne at Seattle’s Paramount
Best One Day Tour – Bordeaux France
Through VIATOR we booked a full day wine tour out of Bordeaux to visit the two prominent wine regions; Saint Emilion and Medoc. This was incredibly educational day learning how France grades their wines and regions and grapes and vintages. Very different than in the USA and it was fascinating. We visited six wineries in two appellations and had a spectacular lunch too.
Enjoying wines frm the Medoc region
Best Multi-Day Tour – Bhutan
A favorite destination for 2025, Bhutan, was also our favorite multi-day tour. A well thought-out and inspiring ten day visit to this amazing country. Made possible really because of our guides (see next category).
Arne making friends
Best Tour Guide – Llamo and Dan with My Bhutan
Kind, helpful and so educational, our time in Bhutan was first class, thanks 100% to our wonderful guides from My Bhutan Tours.
Our guides Llamo and Dan were incredible
Funnest Tourism Kitsch – Jolly Green Giant
It’s not a USA roadtrip with out stopping at some of the kitschy iconic roadside entertainment. My favorite this past fall was the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth Minnesota.
My twin Jolly Green Giant
Nature
Most Incredible Natural Site – 12 Apostles Australia and Dune Du Pilat Arcachon France
We stayed more than a month in both Australia and France, and though we had visited both countries before, we took the time to see new things. Two natural phenomena were astonishing and beautiful and made for a great day trip and photography. The 12 Apostles along Australia’s Southern Great Ocean Road is a must when in this part of this beautiful country. And Dune Du Pilat is an amazing sand dune on the French coast in Archachon, an easy daytrip from Bordeaux .
Australia’s Twelve Apostles
Dune Du Pilat in Archachon France
Best Wildlife Encounter – Australia and Yellowstone National Park USA
We never get tired of Australia and we are hoping to visit again in 2027. Australian wildlife is the most unique in the world and we love that. On this last trip we saw koalas in the wild for the first time – a dream come true for me.
Koala’s living there best life on Raymond Island Australia
Our amazing Bhutan guides (see above) were highly skilled in identifying birds of the region and we had so much fun with them seeing dozens of new-to-us birds in Bhutan. A highlight was the hoopoe, a very unique looking bird that had evaded us for years. We finally saw it in beautiful Bhutan. Additionally we were very lucky to see the endangered Black Neck Crane while in Bhutan. Although it was past the time these birds usually migrate, we were lucky and saw a few.
Hoopoe ( image from Merlin)
Endangered Black Neck Crane (image from Merlin)
Best Sunrise – Yellowstone National Park USA
Watching the sunrise over Yellowstone Lake on a cold crisp September morning was a treat.
Sunrise on Yellowstone Lake
Best Sunset – Maui Hawaii
Always a favorite, sunset on the island of Maui
Sunset Maui Hawaii
Best Beach – Australia
We had great beaches in Maui and the Cook Islands but a real treat was visiting Brighton Beach, a southern Melbourne suburb. This beautiful beach is home to the historic and iconic bathing boxes.
Posing with my favorite Bathing Box at Brighton Beach Australia
Best Waterfall – Niagara
We took a three hour detour on our cross country road trip to see Niagara. We had been there before, but it was decades ago, so we decided why not? It is a spectacular thing to see.
Niagara Falls USA
Best Natural Beauty – Australia and New England USA
Australia blows my mind each and every time and this year, New England in the fall was also breathtaking.
The southern coast of Australia
The view from Artists Point New Hampshire
Athletic Pursuits
Best Hike – Bhutan; Honorable Mention Big Tree Trail, Meares Island Tofino Canada
We did several hikes in Bhutan and loved them all, but of course climbing to see Tigers Nest was a lifelong dream.
If you look close you can see Tigers Nest on the cliff behind us. We hiked to it.
Our visit to British Columbia Canada and the Tofino area gave us several hiking opportunities. But one of the most unique things we did was take a small boat to tiny Meares Island to hike the Big Tree Trail. Not long (about three miles) but one of the most difficult and interesting hikes I have ever done.
Big Tree Trail, Mears Island BC
Best River Rafting Short Trip – Bhutan
Bhutan gave us so many opportunities to do so many different things, including a fun (and wet) day on the river.
Rafting in Bhutan on a beautiful spring day
Best Golf – Maui
We golfed a lot this year, both at home in the Pacific Northwest in on the island of Maui. Golfing is one of my favorite things to do when in Maui.
Golfing at Maui Nui
Best Place to Run/Walk – Maui
Early morning runs in Maui are like heaven. Before it gets hot, before the traffic and the people, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the world.
Sunrise Walk/Run in Maui
Best Sporting Event – Melbourne Australia
Australian Rules Football! We spent a month in the beautiful city of Melbourne. And it was Football season, Australia style. Rules for Australia football are very different, and the fan mania is almost as fun as what it happening on the field. We enjoyed going to the local Collingwood Magpies match and had a blast – even if we didn’t always understand what was going on.
Collingwood Magpies packed the stadium
Weather
Hottest Day – Australia
We were in Australia during the down under summer. Luckily we had a pool! Hottest day 95 degrees F.
Some pool time in Melbourne
Coldest Day – Heidelberg Germany
Visiting Heidleberg Germany in December meant some chilly temperatures, but it was the wind on this day that had us shivering in our boots. Coldest day 25 degrees F.
We bundled up and were glad we did in Heidelberg Germany
Wettest Day – Maui
In all the times I have visited Maui, we had never experienced the kind of extreme weather, rain and flooding that we saw in January. Mind blowing damage. Luckily no one was hurt.
Mud, debris and lots of damage to beaches, businesses and cars
Craziest Weather Experience – Paris France
While visiting Paris in May, we encountered another incredible weather event – hail the size of golf balls. Luckily we were inside, just preparing to leave a museum when the skies darkened and the most intense storm came out of nowhere. The hail was so big and so strong it broke windows in the museum.
What the hail in Paris
Travel
Longest Travel Day (Flight) Bhutan- India -Singapore-Zurich-Bordeaux
8934 miles 23 in the air and a total travel day of 40 door to door
We fly ALOT, but those really long travel days never get any easier
Longest Travel Day (Car) Buffalo Wyoming to Rochester MN
11 hours drive 781 miles
Welcome to Minnesota
Most Unexpected Flight Experience – Bhutan
After taking off from Singapore on our flight to Bhutan, we learned that the King and Queen of Bhutan were on our plane. When we landed, all the passengers waited to disembark until His Majesty and his entourage exited the plane and the runway. Watching from my window seat we had a great view. But in respect to Bhutan rules, I am not sharing a photo of His Majesty. Such an unexpected experience.
The entourage awaits for Their Majesties to disembark
Most Stressful Flight Experience -Bhutan
When it came time to leave Bhutan, a brush fire near the airport was causing us a lot of stress. We had to make our connection in Singapore or lose a lot of money. We waited a LONG time to find out if our incoming flight was going to be able to land (it finally did) and at last we boarded and took off!
Very smokey skies
Strange (and a bit rude) Train Experience – France
We spent ten days traveling by train from Bordeaux visiting great cities such as Lyon, Dijon, Luxembourg City and finally Paris. It was our first time using the French rail system and the Eurail pass. We did not realize our tickets had not been properly validated. The conductor, instead of explaining to us what we had done wrong, instead berated us rudely (and mostly in French) calling us names in front of all the other passengers. It was very strange experience.
On board Eurorail France
Excellent Ferry System – British Columbia
Our ten day visit to British Columbia gave us the opportunity to enjoy the amazing ferry system available there. On time, inexpensive, clean and efficient. We enjoyed it very much.
BC Ferry System is amazing
Best Cruise Experience – Christmas Market Cruise
We had never done a river cruise until this past December, when we spent ten days on board the Modi with Viking River Cruises. The itinerary focused on European Christmas Markets. I’m not sure we would do this again (it’s very expensive by our standards), but we had an enjoyable time.
Viking River Cruise
Best Airport – Changi Singapore
Changi wins again. It really is a remarkable and beautiful airport. Everyone should see it.
Changi is so entertaining
Expensive But Worth It
Bhutan
Our ten day private tour in Bhutan cost us $10,000. This included our guides, transportation, most food and all accommodations. This also included the tourist tax of $100 per day that the government uses to protect the beautiful culture and environment of Bhutan. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Beautiful Bhutan
Best Photo of the Year
This was really hard for me to chose this year. So many opportunities for great photography in 2025. But after much consideration I have chosen this image. I love the reflection, the color and the unique shapes. Captured on a beautiful sunny day in late April in the small and historic French village of Bergerac, a couple of hours from Bordeaux.
Bridge over the Dordogne River, Bergerac France
Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025
There you have it. The best of the best of My Fab Fifties Life travel of 2025. Amazing, memorable and unique adventures with new cultures and fantastic experiences around the world. We sure hope you will consider visiting some of these places and enjoying some of these unique experiences too – the ninth annual world travel awards 2025. We always are available to answer questions or help you with your own travel plans. Please let us know if you do visit any of our suggestions.
Having fun with fall leaves in New Hampshire
What next?
As I post the Ninth Annual Travel Awards 2025 I am in Mexico. We just arrived after an incredible tour of Cuba. Over the next year we will visit anywhere from 10-14 more countries. See our plans here. But we will also be taking six months at our home in Washington State from March-August as I recover from knee replacement surgery.
Sunrise in Wuzberg Germany on Main River
The Ninth Annual World Travel Awards
It takes me weeks to write this post so I hope you have enjoyed the Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025. My goal is to inspire you. The world is so amazing…not everyone is going to want to go to places like Bhutan. I understand that. But I hope you have learned something and perhaps are motivated to step beyond your comfort zone. We hope you will continue to follow us around the globe. You could really help us by your comments, pins and shares of this post so others can follow as well. Thank you and stay fabulous. This travel blog wouldn’t be possible without all of you.
Sunrise in Melbourne
More From the Past
If you would like to see our Travel Awards from the past, you can click on any of these links; 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Follow our 2026 adventures on Instagram where we post daily.
Be sure to check back NEXT FRIDAY for my post about Beautiful Cuba!
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF TRAVEL!!! We appreciate it when you comment, share and pin our blog posts – especially this one!! The Ninth Annual World Travel Awards 2025. Stay tuned! Lots of adventures ahead! Thank you.
I was in a reading slump at the end of 2025, uninspired by nearly everything I tried to read. And then there was Theo. The feel good book of the year. Here is my Book Review Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
Heartfelt
The word heartfelt, though a bit cliché, is the best word to describe this beautiful story. I listened to this book and seriously found myself smiling through it…except for when I was sobbing. I have not read anything by Levi before, and this character driven novel is such a beautiful story.
Who is Theo?
An old man shows up in the small Southern USA town of Golden. With no other name he is willing to share than Theo, this quiet, compassionate, generous gentleman begins to sew a tapestry of goodwill and benevolence through the community. Each person he encounters questions why a perfect stranger would be so kind-hearted.
Characters
The plot revolves around Theo bestowing portraits to a wide range of characters within the community. As each bestowal occurs, Levi creates a magical connectin for the reader to an eclectic group of people in Golden. We meet a intelligent homeless woman, a local musical busker, a single sad father, a little girl suffering from a tragedy, a bookseller running from his past, a music virtuoso and a remarkable artist trying to make ends meet. These are the people that Theo of Golden is about, and how one old man can touch so many lives.
Book Review Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
I loved listening to this book, but I’m sure it is just as touching as a hand held. Definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and if you haven’t read it yet, you should. I’m smiling as I am writing this, because that’s what happens when you get to know Theo.
*****Five stars for Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
Thank you for reading my Book Review Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. A true work of art.
Spanning fifty years, Dream State is a lovely but sometimes sad look at life of looking back at choices and decisions made. Here is my book review Dream State by Eric Puchner.
College
Charlie and Garrett are best friends in college, despite their differences. Little do they know that their random meeting their freshman year will shape the rest of their lives.
Choices
Charlie is in love with Cece and they are getting married. Charlie has asked Garrett to officiate the wedding. Cece has reservations about this, given Garrett has had some mental health issues following the tragic death of a friend. Garrett feels responsible for this tragedy and has struggled. But when Cece meets Garrett and spends some time with him, she begins to have feeling for him. Garrett also is falling in love with Cece.
Montana
Like the Montana setting of this story, the choices and aftermath are monumental and breathtaking. This epic novel will follow these characters for fifty years. The decisions they each made will affect generations to come. As families, friendships and even Montana itself experience irreparable change, Puchner leads us through this novel with beautiful prose, well developed characters and humor too.
Book Review Dream State by Eric Puchner
Touching on important topics of the day including climate change, drug addiction, alcohol, divorce, infidelity, and most of all friendship. Puchner’s novel is engaging and beautifully written with breathtaking passages of beauty and touching moments of humor.
Year ten begins. What? How time does fly! Our travel life continues with an incredible itinerary for 2026 – and it all begins next week. Here is our story Travel 2026 What’s Next for My Fab Fifties Life
Early years of the Grand Adventure in Australia
Year Ten
People often ask me what destinations are still on our wishlist. And as I always say, we are not trying to visit all the countries of the world. But there a few that still have, for many reasons, not yet been achieved. In 2026 we tackle several new to us destinations, while also revisiting some of our favorites.
But all that said, we also have a little different strategy for 2026, since I am going in to have knee replacement surgery in March. So here goes;
Cuba with Intrepid Travel
Confirmed – Nine Days – Intrepid Travel Fully Guided
Cuba (Canva)
Long on or wishlist, Cuba becomes a reality in January with our favorite tour company Intrepid. This will be our third time using Intrepid Travel, and though we usually are independent travelers, we have loved Intrepid. Intrepid offers a Cuba tour specifically for Americans. We will spend ten days in Cuba and I am very grateful for this opportunity.
Mexico New to Us Places
Confirmed – 26 days – Independent Travel – Hotels and Condos
Mexico (Canva)
After Cuba we head back to Mexico for a month. This time we will visit some new to us destinations; Cancun, Merida, Puebla and San Miguel de Allende. We will also visit some old favorites; Mexico City and Mazatlan.
Panama for Long Term Consideration
Confirmed – 14 days – Independent Travel – Airbnb
Panama (Canva)
Next it’s back to Panama. We have only been to Panama on a cruise, and this time we will have a two week stay in Veracruz. We hope to get to know this destination as we consider it for a long-term future stay.
Knee Replacement Surgery
Late February we return to the USA where I am scheduled to have knee replacement surgery in early March. I have been putting off this surgery for several years and it is time. I have given myself more than five months to recover from this surgery before we embark on more travel.
Greenland Adventure
Confirmed – Ten Days – Independent Organized Tour – Hotels
Greenland (Canva)
I have been dreaming about this destination for so long! With a brand new airport, Greenland is positioned to welcome many more visitors, and I want to get there before it gets too crowded. With a short window for visitors, we have booked a ten day independent tour (no guide) with Greenland Tours.
Svalbard Surprise
Confirmed Four Days – Independent Travel with Day Tours – Hotel
Svalbard (Canva)
Only recently did I add the island of Svalbard near the North Pole to my wish list. And after Greenland it’s time to head even farther North. We will make a brief stop in Copenhagen in transit and then head to Svalbard for just four days.
Fun in Finland
Not confirmed – working on it now
Finland (Canva)
Back on SAS Airlines we will head to Helsinki, Finland for a few days and then a week in Lapland. This is another long awaited destination that we canceled five years ago due to Covid. We are still working out the details of this destination.
New Territory with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania
Not confirmed
Latvia (Canva)
There are only more four countries left that we had to drop when COVID hit. One of those is Ukraine and I’m not sure we will ever get there. But Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will follow Finland. We will bus between the capital cities of these three countries and expect to spend about three weeks total.
Hello Holland and the Netherlands
Not confirmed
Holland (Canva)
Our time in Amsterdam has always been during long lay-overs (four times) so finally we will explore more than just Amsterdam and get to understand the history, culture and beauty of Holland and the Netherlands. We expect to spend about seven to ten days.
Back to Egypt
Not confirmed – Working on it, Now Guided Tour with Memphis Tours
Egypt (Canva)
Well it’s been twenty years in the making, but the Grand Egyptian Museum finally opened in November 2025. We had a great experience in Egypt when we visited several years ago using the tour company Memphis Tours. We have not booked this yet, but we are working with Memphis Tours again to visit this epic museum and see a little more of fascinating Egypt. Details still in the works.
Kick Back in the Azores
Not confirmed
Azores (Canva)
From Egypt via Zurich its a pretty easy hop over to Azores, one of Portugal’s most famous islands. Long on our list to visit, we hope to stay for a month.
Wrapping up 2026
The world is big and we want to see it. But being flexible is important, so we try not to book too far ahead. However some destinations (like Greenland and Svalbard) have such limited capacity its important to book in advance. We are excited for Travel 2026 What’s Next for My Fab Fifties Life.
While we continue to build this itinerary over the next several months, we expect 2026 to be another epic travel year. Departing January 1st and I will have the first of the 2026 blog posts by mid January – so no posts for a couple of weeks while we are traveling in Cuba.
Are you ready for a travel life? Ask me questions, I would love to help. And keep following as we embark on year ten, starting in Cuba.
Note – Most photos in today’s post are from CANVA
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Szalay is a new to me author. He recently won the coveted Booker Award for 2025, otherwise I probably would never have read his work. But since my husband and I follow the Booker Prize closely, we immediately got a hold of Flesh. Here is my book review Flesh by David Szalay.
Sex
I’ll be right up front about this. There is A LOT of explicit sex in this book. If that bothers you, this book is not for you.
Sparse
Sparse is the word I have chosen to describe this novel. The dialogue is sparse, and the story itself is pretty bare bones. I found the narrative style a bit difficult, dialogue of one and two word sentences for much of the book. Szalay is known for this kind of writing, but it’s not my favorite.
Story
The story follows Hungarian born Istevan through out his life, starting when he is 15 years old. Istevan encounters multiple circumstances through out his life that will take him from rags to riches. He does not always make the best choices, although he is not an unlikable character. He is however an unfortunate character, whose own actions thrust him from problem to problem throughout his life.
It’s a fairly short, and unhappy book of one man’s life. From humble beginnings to incredible wealth and back to simple life.
Book Review Flesh by David Szalay
I did not love this book. But you might. It’s an interesting choice for such an important award. I have read a lot of Booker Prize winning books, but recently I have not been a fan of the choices. That said, Szalay is definitely talented, and this book certainly has people talking.
**Two stars for Flesh by David Szalay.
Thank you for reading my book review Flesh by David Szalay.
We just returned from two weeks in Europe, where we did our first-ever river cruise. The cruise we chose was with Viking River Cruises and was focused on Christmas Markets along the Rhine and Main Rivers. Given how we usually travel independently, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this cruise. But we had a very enjoyable time. There were a few things we didn’t love, but overall it was fun. So if you are considering visiting European Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises, here is my report.
Viking River Cruises Longship the Modi
Onboard the Modi
Before I tell you about each of the Christmas Markets, let me tell you about our experience onboard the Modi. Known as longships, the river fleet in Europe each holds 190 passengers. Since we were new to this kind of travel, we chose the least expensive room called a Riverview.
Here’s a breakdown of typical room types on Viking Longships:
Riverview Staterooms: On the Main Deck, these have fixed windows located higher up on the wall for views, often slightly larger than French Balcony rooms.
French Balcony Staterooms: Feature a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door, but without space for chairs outside, allowing the room to feel more open.
Veranda Staterooms: The most common type, offering a full outdoor balcony with seating for two.
Veranda Suites: Two-room accommodations with a separate living area and a full balcony off the living room, plus a French balcony in the bedroom.
Explorer Suites: The largest suites, located at the stern, featuring two rooms and a wraparound balcony.
Our Riverview room
Comfortable
What About the Cost?
Because a river cruise is significantly more expensive than an ocean cruise (and way more than our usual day to day travel costs) this less expensive room was just fine for us. We had plenty of room, storage and the bed was very comfortable.
Each day on the cruise we were provided at least one excursion at no cost. Additional excursions were available for a fee. Additionally special lectures, music and even high tea provided more entertainment.
Three meals a day were provided on the ship. During meals, wine or beer is included. Additional alcoholic beverages outside of meal time were available at a cost in the lounge. Guest who want to drink more alcohol have an option to purchase a beverage package. We did not do that.
Before dinner drink in the lounge
Afternoon delight in the lounge
The food on board was very good. Most meals exceptional. Additionally the staff both in the restaurant and elsewhere was superb.
Wide range of breakfast options
I did not have dessert at every meal but this one was exceptional
Chateaubriand was on point
Our ten day cruise from Basel Switzerland to Nuremberg Germany cost $9200 for two people. When comparing costs with ocean cruises keep in mind the wine and beer at meals on Viking River Cruises is included (ocean cruises you pay a lot for drinks) and the fact that daily at least one excursion is included with your cruise.
This cost however is significantly more than our normal daily travel costs. For comparison the total cost of this 14 day trip was about the same as our 26 day Stans Tour with Intrepid Travel or 35 days on our own in Bordeaux France. Our thirty day stay in Philippines was a third of what we spent on the cruise.
Sundeck on board
Europe is Magical in the Winter
We did not see snowfall, but we had some cold, crisp days and we found that added to the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Markets. I have become a big fan of off-season travel, but that said the Christmas Markets can get very busy. In fact, due to a lot of travel “influencers”, European Christmas Markets are now generally crowded. During our cruise we visited a total of ten Christmas markets. Some very big and busy, others small and very local. Below are my thoughts on each of the nine.
Things to Know
Before I go market by market let me explain a couple of things. Firstly, the mugs. Each European Christmas Market has mug for the popular Gluhwein. These mugs change annually and are a popular collectors item. Gluhwein is a hot mulled wine served throughout Europe during the holidays. Mugs of warm Gluhwein are available for purchase and you pay a deposit for the mug. If you want to keep the mug you don’t get your deposit back. Or, return the mug to any vendor throughout the market and your deposit is returned. I kept two mugs from Heidelberg and two mugs from Wurzburg. Other drinks like hot chocolate are also available in the mugs.
I mug in every port
Some people collect them all
Local food items are available at the markets, with popular choices being bratwurst and other sausages, potato pancakes (called Kartoffelpuffer ), raclette, fish sandwiches, pork burgers, lots of sweets and more.
OMG
Kartoffelpuffer
Visiting the markets via land perhaps by train would be just as fun, maybe more so. Ten markets was too many, as they begin to all blur together after awhile. I was expecting each to be unique, but they were very similar. I was expecting more handmade local items for sale, but we only found that in a couple of places. Most items were mass produced somewhere else. That was disappointing.
These types of items at every market
FRANKFURT GERMANY
We arrived in Frankfurt from our Seattle flight, and planned two nights in this city before heading to the cruise. So on our own we found our way around Frankfurt. Frankfurt’s Christmas Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in Germany dating back to 1391.
Don’t miss: The Main Christmas Market is spread out near the Cathedral. Be sure to visit Frankfurt’s treasured jewel, the Imperial Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew. If you have extra time in Frankfurt like we did I recommend the Stadel Art Museum and walking across the Iron Bridge
Frankfurt Market
Reflecting
Frankfurt
Frankfurt Cathedral
BASEL SWITZERLAND
We took the train from Frankfurt to the border town of Basel Switzerland, and the three hour ride was on time, clean and comfortable. We had a full day and night in Basel before boarding the ship.
Basel is a wonderful mix of old and new and the medieval Old Town’s pastel buildings date back to the 15th century.
Don’t miss: We really enjoyed the Basel market and sampled raclette, sausages, potato pancakes and lots of Gluhwein. There is a market in the cathedral square overlooking the city, and another at the bottom of the hill. The old town is beautiful with the Rathaus and square and also it’s worth it to visit Freie Strasse pedestrian street, walk across the holiday lit historic Mittlere bridge and visit the Spalentor gate.
Raclette is always served with potatoes and pickles
Basel Town Square
Mittlere bridge
Basel Cathedral
Before leaving Switzerland we enjoyed an optional shore excursion to indulge in the Swiss tradition of Fondue. I highly recommend this when in Switzerland. We learned a lot and we ate a lot.
Fondue Fun
Swiss Fondue
BREISACH GERMANY
We sailed over night and woke up in Breisach Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest. It was an early departure day for the excursion we chose. We boarded a comfortable coach to drive away from the river and into the mountains.
Bucolic scenes from the bus window
Hey that’s snow
Don’t miss: The drive was beautiful and we even saw some snow. But the best part was seeing the beautiful old villages where the German people have lived and toiled for generations. Our destination this day was the touristic village of Hofgut Sternen. Here we enjoyed a short hike to an ancient tiny church. Next we had time to watch glass blowing and learn about the art of Cuckoo Clock making, before learning how the famous Black Forest Cake is made. And if that wasn’t enough, we also had a wonderful lunch around an open outdoor fire pit.
Hofgut Sternen
Short walk to historic chapel
Gorgeous but expensive
I’m gonna make a Black Forest Cake when I get home
Despite the long bus ride, this was one of my favorite days.
Cold and sunny creekside lunch
STRASBOURG FRANCE
Sailing overnight we awoke in France. Bonjour! Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christkindelmarkt in Europe, dating back to 1570. Petite France, the jewel of Strasbourg, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning half timbered houses and winding canal.
Canals of Petite France
Unfortunately the day we visited the market was very crowded and the line to get inside the massive and gorgeous Notre Dame cathedral was so long. Despite the hype, this was one of my least favorite markets.
Canal Cruise boat offers great views
Half Timbered homes on the canal
Don’t miss: The best part of our day was the canal cruise, where we learned from our guide fantastic history of this beautiful city. Weather was sunny and the canal boat with so many windows made the experience great. I really wanted several more hours in this city. But we had to head back because we had a second afternoon excursion to…
Strasbourg at Christmas
Notre Dame Cathedral
Retired French Bakers come together for the market
Thank you Retired French Bakers!
Gengenbach Germany
I signed up for this optional excursion on the same day as Strasbourg, specifically to have an opportunity for a night market. We took a coach about an hour from Strasbourg to the tiny town of Gengenbach.
Ahhhh. That’s better. Not too crowded and the prices were great. Beautiful medieval town that still lives and breathes and is not just for tourists. The market was a comfortable size to walk around and unlike Strasbourg many of the booths were locally made items.
Obilquetory Gluhwein
Gengenbach
Don’t miss: Gengenbach’s historic center is a protected area, part of Germany’s Timber-Frame Road. Gengenbach is a popular destination, famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and its unique tradition of turning the City Hall into the worlds largest Advent Calendar. The evening included live music and a Christmas performance by local children. This is much more what I expected from a European Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises.
Gengenbach was just the right size
Beautiful Gengenbach
KARLSRUHE GERMANY
This day we squeezed in two excursions again. Waking up we found ourselves in port in the town of Plittersdorf. We boarded the coaches for the drive to Karlsruhe. Nicknamed The Fan City due to the street layout, Karlsruhe is home to the Karslruhe Palace. Built in 1715 by Margrave (Prince) Karl Wilhelm of Baden-Durlach it embodies his vision of newly found city.
Karlsruhe Palace
Botanical Gardens
Don’t miss: Karlsruhe has several markets, all very small. This was my least favorite stop of our cruise, however I give the prize for best decorated market booths to the market at Friedrichsplatz. For a small market each vendor had beautifully decorated and festive presence, each unique.
Decorations were so well done
Hot Chocolate was amazing
Baden Baden Germany
This optional excursion to Baden Baden was excellent. And possibly my favorite market, or at least in the top three, of the ten we visited. The UNESCO World Heritage site, Baden Baden is a famous spa town nestled in the Black Forest. Known for its storied history, luxurious spas and healing waters, elegant architecture and cultural vibrancy, it reminded me of a smaller Vienna.
Beautiful Casino decor
Casino Christmas Tree
Baden Baden Spa
Baden Baden Cathedral
Don’t miss – we really enjoyed our guided tour learning history of the popular destination in the 19th century where European royalty came to “take the waters”. Visiting the beautiful spa building, opera house, casino and enjoying the dozens of créche scenes were outstanding. Great food and items for sale, all surrounding a beautiful square and Christmas tree. The local cathedral, though not ancient is also a beautiful sight.
One of dozens créche on display
More bratwurst!
More Gluhwein
Baden Baden
Moonrise over Baden Baden
Heidelberg Germany
Next morning we woke up in Frankfurt. Since we had already enjoyed two days there (see earlier comments) we chose to do the included all day tour to Heidelberg. Although it was a long day, it was one of our most enjoyable.
A very cold day on Heidelberg’s Old Bridge
Heidelberg, Germany, boasts a rich history as the former capital of the Palatinate, home to Germany’s oldest university (founded 1386), and a symbol of German Romanticism, featuring magnificent castle ruins that survived major wars. Its story spans Celtic/Roman settlements, medieval growth, devastation in the Thirty Years’ War, a Baroque rebuilding, 19th-century cultural bloom, and its post-WWII status as a scientific hub, largely spared from bombing, preserving its historic charm.
I liked these mugs
Heidelberg’s Pyrimid was one of the best
Festive lunch at Kulturbrauerei
This very nice student is from India
Don’t miss – The Heidelberg old town is long and narrow and the Christmas Markets here are spread out throughout several different squares. The Old Bridge is a highlight and it’s an absolutely must to go up to the historic castle ruins overlooking the town. We also enjoyed a visit to the famous Kathe Wohlfahrt store, known throughout the world for Christmas items. A highlight of this day was lunch at a famous restaurant called Kulturbrauerei, where we ate with students from the Heidelberg University. A special treat to talk to them and learn their stories. Food was great too.
Ruins of the Heidelberg Castle
View from the Heidelberg Castle
MARKTHEIDENFELD AND LOHR AM MAIN GERMANY
No excursions planned until afternoon on this day, so we actually skipped breakfast and caught up on our sleep. By this time in our trip we were both feeling exhausted, and a bit bloated from all the food! During the morning the crew provided some fun for guests including a Gingerbread demonstration and future cruise suggestions.
Gingerbread making onboard
In the afternoon we arrived at the port of Marktheidenfeld. Our included excursion today we would visit the very small town of Lohr am Main, said to be the home of the women who inspired the story of Snow White.
Fisherman statue in Lohr am Main
Ancient homes in Lohr am Main
For the tourists, a Snow White Castle
And Snow White herself
Don’t miss – Lohr am Main’s Christmas Market was a very small one, but also very local and authentic. After a brief walk around the town, where we also learned about the Snow White legend, we spent some time at the market and purchased a beautiful wooden bowl from a man who actually made the bowl. This made me happy since so much of the items for sale at the markets are mass produced.
All the locals out enjoying the tiny Lohr am Main Christmas Market
Back to the ship in Marktheidenfeld we walked around the very tiny market here as well. Another historic and authentic medieval town with half timbered buildings, this market is only held one weekend a year and we happened to be here on that weekend.
Marktheidenfeld
Beautiful and festive Marktheidenfeld
WURZBURG GERMANY
Waking up in Wurzburg, we stepped outside on the small deck to discover one of the most beautiful sites of our entire cruise. Sunrise in Wurzburg on the Main River blew me away. It’s gonna be a good day.
Wurzburg Reflection
Pinks
Guten Tag Wurzburg
Würzburg, Germany, boasts a rich history from Celtic settlements to a powerful Prince-Bishopric, a vibrant Jewish center, and a major Holy Roman Empire hub, known for its stunning Würzburg Residence (a UNESCO site) and Marienberg Fortress, though it suffered massive destruction in WWII bombings, with significant rebuilding efforts restoring its Baroque and Rococo charm, making it a significant cultural and academic city today.
Wurzberg Market
These heart shaped mugs were worth bringing home
Now that is a hot dog!
Don’t miss – many guests did a full day trip to Rothenburg, a gem of a medieval German city. But Arne and I had visited Rothenburg before, so we decided to stay closer to the ship and do a walking tour of Wurzberg. I am so glad we did. The market was good, but very similar to every other market, but I loved the heart shaped mugs. Wurzburg is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bishops Residenz sometimes called the little Versailles. Our guide was amazing and we learned a lot about the history of the Residenz as well as the rebuilding of both the Residenz and the town after WWII. I enjoyed this day very much.
Exterior of Bishops Residenz
Spectacular interior
BAMBERG GERMANY
Many cities along Germany’s great rivers are known for their wine. Bamberg however is known for it’s signature beverage: rauchbier, a smoky beer made with malt that has been dried over wood fires. We chose to do an optional excursion on this day to taste and learn more about rauchbier.
Hellerbrau smoked beer
A perfect accompaniment
Don’t miss – We were in Bamberg on a Sunday, so all the regular shops were closed. However our excursion included a brief history walking tour of this cute small town which is home to two rivers; the Main and Regnitz. Bamberg is one of the few cities in Germany not destroyed in WWII and retains a large selection of medieval structures in it’s Old Town. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Beautiful Bamberg
More Gluhwein
Our beer tasting was remarkable. We tasted FIVE different beers from Hellerbrau founded in the 15th century, learned the nuances and history of the choices and were served a remarkable spread of pretzels, brown bread and delicious meats and cheeses. All in a historic brewery/restaurant building from the 14th century. I am so glad we did this.
What a peaceful place Bamberg was
This ancient church used to be part of the fortification walls
Bamberg Christmas Market
NUREMBERG GERMANY
It’s our final stop on this Christmas Cruise! The ship arrived early in the morning and we have a full final day. My husband and I plan to stay in a hotel and enjoy one more full day in Nuremberg after we disembark.
I thought this ancient city was beautiful
Nuremberg’s history spans from a vital medieval trade hub and Holy Roman Empire center, known for art and printing, to becoming the symbolic heart of the Nazi Party with massive rallies and discriminatory Nuremberg Laws in the 1930s. Nuremberg famously became the site of the post-war Nuremberg Trials, which established international justice for war crimes.
Where we ate- Tucher-Brau am Opernhaus this is an absolute must when in Nuremberg. Make a reservation. For lunch we highly recommend Bratwursthausle where you can sample the small Nuremberg style sausages. Be sure to get the potato salad too.
Don’t miss – Nuremberg Castle and moat area, one of the only moats remaining in Germany. The first castle on this site was built under the Salian kings respectively Holy Roman Emperors (1027–1125). Today the castle offers an interesting look into the history of this region with a stunning view of the city that has built up below.
There are several markets in Nuremberg and we tried to hit them all. The main one is in front of the City Hall building by the famous Schoner Brunnen fountain.
Heidelberg Castle
Historic buildings everywhere
Beautiful cathedral
A River Runs Through it
The historic site of the Nuremberg Trials, Courtoom 600, the post-WWII Nazi trials that changed the world forever. Don’t miss this when in Nuremberg.
River walk – stunning way to enjoy the medieval architecture
Overlooking the main market
We loved the fun Kinder market with the two story carosel
This city is beautiful, pedestrian friendly and full of fabulous restaurants and sites. I recommend it highly at Christmas time or anytime of the year.
European Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises
Some final thoughts. Would I cruise with Viking again? Maybe. I’m just not sure group travel of this style is for us. That is not to say we didn’t have fun, but we prefer more independent travel.
Would we do the Christmas Markets again? Maybe. But only one or two. Markets are falling into the overtouristed categories, so if I were to go again I would carefully chose which ones and go as early in the season as possible.
It’s magical at night
My favorites of the markets we visited were; Nuremberg, Baden Baden, Heidelberg and Gengenbach.
Thank you for reading my long post European Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises. I am happy to answer any questions you have about our experience. We always appreciate your pins, shares and comments. Thank you and have a very Merry Christmas!
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