At Home with Ralph, Ebony & Brittany

The location may vary, but house and pet sitting is always about meeting lovely people and taking care of their cherished pets while they're away on business or vacation. Ralph, a cavoodle, is two years old and one of the sweetest little canines we've ever met. 

From Queens to Poets to Tapestry Makers - Part 2

In Part 1 of From Queens to Poets and Tapestry Makers we toured Hauptville House and the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery. In Part 2 we're continuing our exploration of St. Peter Port via Candie Gardens and the Tapestry Museum. 

The walled Candie Gardens were once a private estate perched high on a hill overlooking the town and are now home to the oldest known heated greenhouses in Britain.

From Queens to Poets and Tapestry Makers: Part 1

We were far from idle during our four-day stay in St. Peter Port. We toured Victor Hugo's Hauteville House, visited the Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery, took in the Tapestry Museum, and strolled through the gorgeous Candie Gardens.

St. Peter Port, Guernsey

Last summer we applied for an April 2016 housesit on Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I've mentioned numerous times both on this blog and to anyone who will listen about the wonderful people we meet via housesitting and this particular assignment is no exception. Homeowner Catherine not only met us upon our arrival at the Guernsey airport, she gave us a mini-tour of the south part of island before dropping us off at the St. George's B&B. This quaint bed and breakfast is located in the capital of St. Peter Port and our room was at the top of the stairs (left dormer window.)

Belem's Santa Maria Church

Included in the Jeronimos Monastery is the Santa Maria Church. This incredible building is massive in scale and includes the spectacular detail of the late gothic manueline-style monastery.

Six Weeks on the Algarve: Praia da Rocha & Alvor

Last year we fell in love with the Algarve region and were determined to spend at least part of this winter there. Rather than return to familiar territory (Albufeira and Lagos) we opted to stay at Praia da Rocha. We doubt there is a more beautiful beach in all of Portugal.

Jeronimos Monastery

Not far from the wonderfully ornate Belem Tower is the Jeronimos Monastery. Both are magnificent examples of the late Gothic Manueline-style and UNESCO world heritage sites.