Visit Downton Abbey in 2012

If it takes you longer than 10 seconds to recognize this icon, then count yourself among the few not hooked on public television’s hottest show sensation since Upstairs, Downstairs and Brideshead Revisited: Masterpiece Theater’s Downton Abbey.

At its heart, this period melodrama speaks of romance – the will-they-or-won’t-they drama between Lady Mary and Matthew Crawley as well as Anna and Bates, the head housemaid and the Earl of Grantham’s valet.

The romance extends beyond the characters’ conflicts to the lush landscapes of the English countryside, the period costumes, and a time when life was less hurried and more well-mannered.

My travel money is on Wanderboomers who will want to check out the beauty of Highclere Castle for themselves, perhaps hoping to live vicariously through the lives of Downton Abbey’s characters, perhaps wistfully reflecting on times past, or perhaps imagining how it would feel to call this castle home.

Highclere Castle, Gardens and Grounds is celebrating an Easter Opening, 7 days a week, between April 1st and Sunday April 15th. May dates follow from the 6th – 8th, and in June from the 3rd – 7th. Summer dates begin July 1st and end September 13th.

Admission to the castle is by pre-booked tickets, available for purchase after February 1st 2012.

Photo credits: flicker, top two photos by JBUK_Planet, bottom right by HerryLawford

For the final travel post in my “Best of 2011” series, I’m sharing my favorite personal travel photo of the past year.

A few moments before the shot was taken on the island of Santa Cruz, this giant tortoise had been munching away on a few apples nearby.  As it raised its head, the tortoise extended its leathery neck toward fellow visitor, 10-year-old Jesse. The curiosity of the tortoise toward its human visitor and Jesse’s surprise to be the object of that curiosity captures the wonder of my Galapagos Islands adventure.

What was one of your most memorable travels moments in 2011, Wanderboomers?

Think back to the special meals you’ve had in your travels. What made the meals so memorable? Was it simply the quality of the food cooked to perfection? The unexpected delight of tasting new flavors? Or perhaps it was the company who shared your table and the conversation that flowed between you.

Though I had many memorable meals in 2011, a luncheon that stands out is one I shared with my tour guide, Giovanna, for all the reasons above. I had just arrived in Ecuador the day before and we were wrapping up our excursion to the Equator Monument, about 15 miles north of Quito. Before leaving, Giovanna suggested having a bite to eat at a small, nondescript restaurant on site. We were shown to a table in the back.

With my first bite of the traditional Ecuadorian food I had ordered, I smiled. Mmm . . . The combination of pork, potatoes, corn, avocado and fried bananas made for a perfect midday meal. The setting far away from home, the ambiance of the restaurant, Giovanna’s wonderful company, all made for a most unforgettable meal.