Urban Trail Downtown Asheville

Asheville's history and past are told through 30 stops, each with public sculpture which function as landmarks along the Urban Trail.  This self-guided tour winds it way in and around downtown.  Asheville's history is rich, and the Urban Trail highlights upon five distinct time periods that are signified by pink granite markers in the sidewalk: the feather represents the Guilded Age, the horseshoe represents the Frontier Period, an angel for the Times of Thomas Wolfe, the courthouse for the Era of Civic Pride, and an eagle for the Age of Diversity.  We did not complete the entire 1.7 mile trail in one day, but instead spent a couple of days reading the plaques near each sculpture while also popping in and out of shops, art galleries, and places to eat.  

Eating at Doc Chey's Noodle House.  

Standing in Thomas Wolfe's shoes outside of his childhood home.

Amelie did a great job spotting the trail markers embedded in the sidewalk as we went.

Liam loved the On the Move sculpture because it spun and created the sounds of the varying forms of transportation.

The firemen were outside so invited us over for a closer look at the truck.

I have really turned into a sucker for architecture…I loved seeing the various buildings and details.

Basilica of St. Lawrence

Crossroads Sculpture of pigs and turkeys in the center of downtown.
The kids would always have to hop on whenever we passed by.

One of the many shops that held dozens booths of local artist's works.

Cat Walk Sculpture

Appalachian Stage Sculpture in front of the Civic Center.  The kids liked trying to play each of the instruments.

Shopping Daze Sculpture

We enjoyed pursuing through the Mast General Store on a couple of occasions.
They have fun toys (guns that pop our a cork, etc) and dozens of barrels filled with candy. 

Marjan Hill: Take 2

We have hiked to the top of Marjan Hill, hiked a small portion of the south side; but on November 29th we decided to walk the entire 10K circumference around Marjan Hill.  We love being outside.  It's nice to have a place to retreat away from the city so close to the city...that sounds weird.  Bobby and I used to be wilderness adventurers back in the day, and we think it's time we step up our game when we get back in the States. First stop:  Cumberland Island...who's in?! :)

Sorry, just got sidetracked.  Anyway, the kids loved hiking on the paths in the woods, collecting sticks and rocks and pine cones as they went.  They also loved throwing said treasures into the water when the opportunity arose.   There were times that I had to stay on a wider path with the stroller while Bobby and the kids traveled on a less frequented path.  I am continuing to learn to keep my mouth shut with my "be carefuls" and instructions to Bobby about the kids safety.  He is an amazing dad.  They love spending time with him.  In the end, I know they will remember the feelings of adventure and fun they had with their dad and not the wet shoes or dirty hands they got in the process.  I have not mastered the art of letting go, but I am working on biting my tongue!  Looking back at these pictures, I am reminded how precious this time is that we have with them while they are young.

The three amigos traveling on a small, rocky path near the water's edge.

In case you were wondering, they did go into the tunnel to check it out.

After walking for around two hours, we realized that we were not even half way around the peninsula. Not planning well, we did not bring any food with us.   By happening upon Bene Beach with great playgrounds and a restaurant, we thought we were saved!  However, the chef had errands to run and wouldn't be back for at least an hour.  (Problem with touring during the off season.)  Since we were a couple of hours away from any other food options, we did what any other reasonable parent would do in the same situation.  We fed our children cake for lunch as this was the only food prepared and available in the restaurant.   Amelie and Liam were elated to have this opportunity to have an entire piece of cake to themselves and not have to eat anything prior to receiving this treat.  So, we played, ate, and then continued on our way.

St. Jeronimo's hermitage caves. 

We were greeted by this Jack Russell on top of the fence as we walked by...scared me to death! ;)

After "lunch" Liam feel asleep in this stroller for his nap time.
This is a picture I'm going to add to my compilation of places Liam has slept.

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time.
I am a sucker for sunset and for sweet moments between Bobby and Amelie.
I hit the jackpot with this picture! ;)

No, Liam is not taking the picture...he is still sleeping. ;)

I loved walking this area along the rocky beaches with all of the different pools.
It was much less windy and calm then when we walked this stretch the first time.

Bobby found an anemone that he was showing Amelie and Liam near a fisherman.

Nearing our apartment the sky (and water) turned pink...loved it!

Meandering Through Old Town

We have lived in some great locations on our year long trip, but our living arrangement in Split is one of the best.  Our home in Old Town is located amongst the ruins of an ancient Roman palace, and most of Old Town has incorporated some part of the old palace in to its architecture. The Roman emperor, Diocletian, built a massive palace in preparation for his retirement at the turn of the fourth century AD.  After the Romans abandoned the site, the palace remained empty for several centuries. In the 7th century nearby residents fled to the walled palace to escape invading barbarians. Since then the palace has been occupied, with residents making their homes and businesses within the palace basement and directly in its walls. Today many restaurants and shops, and some homes, can still be found within the walls.  Despite centuries of additions, the palace remains the heartbeat of Split's old town; a unique mix of architecture in a maze of narrow streets.   

On November 12th, we were intentional about walking through the maze of the streets and taking pictures.  We love that our apartment is within the palace walls and we can enjoy this environment every day.

Walking through one of the loveliest places around town, the Narodni Trg (People's Square).  In the distance you can see the iconic 24 hour 15th century clock and the tower of the oldest church in Europe - St. Theodor, built in the 5th century.

The kids love for dad to swing them around.  Swinging both at the same time can be quite challenging.

Bobby twirling the kids near one of the three of the original towers that remain (of the 16 built).

Bonk!

Sculpture of Saint Anthony of Padua on the wall of Ciprianis Palace right above the place we grabbed food.

Making silly faces while we wait for our food to be made.

After eating, the employees offered Amelie and Liam free gelato.
We have been back again to receive the same treatment. :)

Enjoying the gelato!

I love finding details of the past carved on buildings, archways, and more as we walk through the streets.

Sitting in the Peristyle which was an open courtyard within the palace. The columns surrounding the garden formed the northern access to the imperial apartments.

The Palace was decorated with numerous 3500 year old granite sphinxes, originating from the site of Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III. Only three have survived the centuries. One is still located on the Peristyle (seen in the picture above), the second sits headless in front of Jupiter's temple (pictured here), and a third is in the city museum.

Liam going down the world's smallest alleys, "Let Me Pass Street."
Bobby is requiring Liam to actually say, "let me pass" before being allowed through.  

Living quarters tucked behind the peristyle that were built in the old palace walls.

Back on the Riva surrounded by the palace walls and the sea.