Spring Welcome Back Vlog

I warned you all that I would be testing the waters on this "vlogging thing" and stepping out of my social media comfort zone, so I am starting to Vlog for Savvy Traveler followers.

This also gets me a chance to get more subscribers to my YouTube channel, where I am posting more pics/ vids from my travel.

Han on tight, I am certain this is going to be a bumpy ride as I get used to the video concept, but I'm on-board if you are.

Savvy Traveler VLOG

Feel free to check out the past YouTube videos which should be attached to some of the latest blogs below, as well as a sneak peek of Cuba - the pics are coming along, even if the words aren't perfect on the screen yet.

Thanks again for all the support!

Sweet, Simple Sanibel Island

I have had an ongoing argument with my peers about the best beaches in the U.S.
East vs. west, the bougie vs. the laid back, but to me it's always been about the sand and the sun. The sunset after-party is just as important as the beach itself but only in your twenties and thirties. Once you have kids, the party is over, so it goes back to the sun and the sand. At my age, I want to know where the live music is at Happy Hour. The end. Breakfast. Sun. Happy Hour.



I personally believe the west coast beaches are the best; the cleanest, the best sand, nicer crowds. I have found east coast beaches to be rocky, dirty and over crowded with tourists. To be honest, the locals are not that friendly either - seemingly agitated at the tourism income their town brings in.




Not until I visited Waikiki Beach had I ever witnessed the same kind of over population and crowds that I see on the east coast beaches consistently. Now, Sanibel island was a beautiful, long awaited surprise.

The sea shells of Sanibel

Sanibel has all my favorite things; white, clean sand, beautiful shells everywhere, and the tourists seem more mature - actually respectful of the small island and it's charm. The locals were laid back and simply, nice people. Most were happy to have the business from people they know are their bread and butter.The restaurants were very traveler friendly, and there is no weirdness between locals and tourists (that I witnessed).

The locals are very aware of their footprint and you will find signs at the beaches that read, "Leave nothing but your footprints on the beach". This should be a worldwide notice. Stop trashing our world!



Then there is the lighthouse - the sweet Sanibel lighthouse that looks like four guys in overalls built it by hand. It exemplifies everything sweet, good and hand made on the island. Respect. History.
There is a small plaque beneath the base of the lighthouse that explores why it took so long to be built but no real history of the people of Sanibel or how the island came to be populated. I would love to read the history of the secrets of Sanibel Island and find out how it stayed so exclusive and remote.

Sanibel is a sweet island reminiscent of all the good things of the past. It delivers a sense of family and friendship, of good, clean living. There are all the assets of resort living, with the small town feel of restaurants, shops, and people biking instead of driving. It is quaint and wonderful.

"Do not leave anything on the beach except for your footsteps"

Copenhagen!

The first thing I want to say about Copenhagen is, it is the kind of city where strangers (locals) stop you in the street, or on the train, or in the middle of whatever you are doing, to ask, "what are you looking for", "where are you going"? They want to help strangers, and do so freely. It is an innate and powerful kindness. I had it happen numerous times, and kindly, warmly because it is the right thing to do. My type of city.

Nyhavn

Copenhagen was everything I wanted it to be. All my expectations were exceeded. The people are genuine and friendly. Open and easy going, in the most relevant sense. The city has an ease of living about it which is hard to explain, but easy to sense. Walk-able and livable. Copenhagen is the definition of modern living with traditional values and comfort. They are proud to be eco friendly - aware of the earths resources - this transcends law in the most human factor. They really do care, and you feel that in every aspect of the city itself.

 

The primary reason I initially wanted to travel to Copenhagen was to see the Little Mermaid statue, and visit the home of Hans Christian Anderson. My grandmothers, who both influenced my life greatly, were educators and avid readers. They not only introduced me to travel and appreciation of culture and world views - they showed me authors and artists from all over the world from a young age. H C Anderson was one that I always remembered. Like I learned on my guided tour of the city - his stories were (and still are) relevant to society and impact how we treat each other as a human race. The Little Mermaid, may be the most famous, but The Emperors New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling were just as powerful and still show how we as a society judge each other, and are impacted by others perceptions.

Hans Christian Anderson's, The Little Mermaid

I was super lucky to get to witness the

Changing of the guard at the Queen's Palace

changing of the guards TWICE. Once I happened to be walking the area between the palace and the city center and saw the soldiers making their way towards the Queen's Palace, and the second day, I was on a tour bus which alerted us to get off and go onto the Palace grounds to witness the changing ceremony...SO I DID! It was a beautiful tradition and showed so much respect to the city and the Queen. I felt in awe, simply being allowed to watch. And another moment where a local, grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me to the front of the crowd so that I could get a better photograph as he sang along to the national song. It brought tears to my eyes.

bike lanes are serious business, not just a concept

 One of the things I appreciated about the city was their conscious awareness of their footprint. It was obvious - saving the earth is not just a slogan, it is a lifestyle. The city is proactive in every portion of their living. There are more bike lanes than car lanes. Bikes are lined up everywhere, outside work spaces, outside the metro, in front of apartment buildings, schools, and eateries. Biking and walking are a way of life. I walked and took the metro everywhere I went, but loved the ownership of the bikes.
It just exists as such - freely and lovely. A simple life dedicated to keeping their city clean and easy. I understand that most people own more than one bike - it's like having cars in the U.S.
Even residents from other countries who happen to live there now, also fall right in, walking and biking, living a lifestyle that says, I care about this earth we inhabit; I care about you, my neighbor.

beautiful natural framing of Danish life

The beauty of the city extended far beyond the architecture and esoteric values visible to the naked eye. The beauty of Copenhagen is a feeling as well. A knowledge of something eccentrically good among the people, and the land, and the forward thinking of the society itself. I felt safe and welcome. In todays world, this is unique and sacred and I valued my time here.
I wish goodness everlasting for Copenhagen, its inhabitants, and the visitors so blessed to experience this wonderful city.
The kind of town you want to send a "thank you gift" to, after visiting.

For additional photos, please visit my youtube channel Copenhagen Youtube