Always fresh flowers everywhere at The Leela.

Today I am writing a Top 5 post for Kate’s  listography at Kate Takes 5. Kate suggested we make a list of the Top 5 places we’ve visited. In no particular order.

1. The Leela Hotel in Goa

This was an exception to the norm for us–we usually take holidays where we can climb (small) mountains or hike through wilderness or surf the Atlantic. The honeymoon came in the middle of my husband writing a text book, me juggling a full time job and lots of kids and of course planning a wedding. We were exhausted and knew we just needed a place where the biggest decision during the day was Pool or Beach and for the evening it was which of the four restaurants to choose. It was perfectly fabulous. We arrived just after monsoon season so we were one of the few guests and we received wonderfully personal treatment. And yes, we did venture out and saw some amazing sites in Goa, a spice plantation, temples, and old Portuguese mansions. I would go back–for the sites as well as the friendly people.

2. Bemidji, Minnesota

The teenage me would shriek with terror if she knew in 20-some years I would say Bemidji, my hometown, would be one of my top places I’ve visited. I couldn’t wait to get out. But when I took my family there for the first time a few years ago, viewing it with grow up eyes made me see why so many people from all over the US have summer homes in the area.

3. New Mexico

I’m listing a whole state because there’s several places in New Mexico I really really loved. There was a wild beauty that I really connected with, as if (watch out! cornball alert!) I had been there before. And the people were so nice. I also love the variety in the state–desert to rolling foothills of the Rockies. No wonder Georgie O’Keefe chose to paint here. I am planning a big family Road Trip through New Mexico one of these days…

4. Paris

I know. Why couldn’t I be more original? But I really, really like Paris. It seems appropriate that I include it here. Paris is perfect if you have a long weekend and you only live in the South of England. Like me! We like to get up late, walk neighbourhoods, stop for coffee, go to a gallery, browse shops, and find different places to eat each night–tiny little hole in the wall restaurants or fabulously complicated posh restaurants, it’s all good fun.

5. Northumberland

If you’ve never been you are missing the experience of Living in an Artist’s Impression of Wild, Romantic, Passionate England. Wow, the views are incredible. From the purple Cheviots to the elegant beech forests silhouetted across hilltops. The wild coastline with it’s long, wide stretches of beaches that have been rated amongst the most beautiful in the world could hold your attention alone. The fortress castles and the pretty but hardy clutches of stone villages tucked into bends on roads and along hillsides hold pubs with fires and friendly people. It’s one of our favourite family holiday destinations.