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When you arrive in Avignon during a Rhône River cruise, the first things most travelers notice are the grand stone walls, the winding medieval streets, and of course the towering presence of the Palais des Papes (which I shared about HERE). But tucked into the lively Place de l’Horloge — where cafés spill onto the square and church bells echo softly through the afternoon — stands another building quietly carrying centuries of history: the Opéra Grand Avignon. Located across from the Carrousel Belle Epoque that I shared about last week (read HERE), this European theater is beautiful and elegant and holds a history that is far deeper than you may first imagine.
A Theatre Born From Revolution
The site of the Avignon theatre has been connected to performance and public gathering since the early 19th century. The first theatre on this location opened in 1825, during a time when France was still reshaping itself after the upheaval of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
The theatre quickly became a cultural centerpiece of Avignon. Opera, music, drama, and civic gatherings were held here — bringing together people from across Provence.
Yet the building that stands today is not the original structure.
In 1846, tragedy struck when a fire destroyed the first theatre. Fires were unfortunately common in 19th-century theatres, where candles and gas lighting were used during performances. Within just a few years, however, the city rebuilt the theatre, reopening it in 1847 in the Italian-style opera house design that remains today.
Inside, the theatre reflects the grand tradition of European opera houses:
• velvet-lined balconies
• ornate gilded decorations
• a horseshoe-shaped auditorium designed for perfect acoustics
For nearly two centuries, this theatre has hosted operas, orchestras, ballets, and theatrical productions — serving as one of the cultural hearts of Avignon.
A City of Theatre
Avignon today is known across the world as a city of theatre, largely because of the famous Festival d’Avignon, one of the most important performing arts festivals in Europe.
Every July, the entire city transforms into a stage. Posters cover ancient stone walls. Actors rehearse lines in the streets. Performers invite passersby to their shows in tiny theatres tucked into medieval courtyards. The courtyards of the Palais des Papes themselves become dramatic open-air stages and as I shared in my post, you can see these performances throughout the summer. But while the festival uses dozens of venues across the city, the Opéra Grand Avignon remains one of the most important traditional performance spaces.
Standing in the Square
One of the quiet joys of river travel is that it slows you down enough to notice places like this.
On our Rhône River cruise, the theatre appeared almost unexpectedly as we walked through the square. It was early morning so cafés were not open yet, and the carousel was still, but the theatre still jumped out to me for the incredible architecture and elegance.
If you know me you know that I love live performances and music of all kinds, so this building quietly struck me in deep ways. And learning the history of it made me pause. It reminded me that Europe’s great stories are not always only found in palaces or cathedrals. Sometimes they are held inside places built for music, storytelling, and the simple human desire to gather together.
When we travel, it is easy to focus only on the famous landmarks. But places like the theatre in Avignon remind us that history is also preserved through art, performance, and community life.
For nearly two hundred years, this building has welcomed audiences who came to laugh, listen, reflect, and imagine. And perhaps that is part of the deeper beauty of Avignon itself that I experienced -a city where medieval stone walls surround a living tradition of theatre that continues even today.
Thank you for stopping by and reading today! I hope that you enjoyed this brief history of the Opéra Grand Avignon! I can't wait to share more about our adventures on this cruise! If you are interested in reading more about our Rhone River Cruise with Viking, you can click on the links below:
Viking River Cruise (2025):
Viking Cruise Specific Posts: // Embarkation Day on the Viking Delling //
// Viking Rhone River Cruise: Answers to Your Most FAQ's // 9 Must Have Experiences on the Viking Delling //
Viking Rhone River Specific IG Reels:
Photo by freepik
Road travel gives people the freedom to move at their own pace and choose their destinations without strict schedules. That flexibility is even better when the trip goes smoothly - especially for people who use mobility devices. A little planning and smart packing go a long way toward avoiding headaches during those long drives and all the pit stops along the way.
Mobility equipment has come a long way over the past twenty years. Things like portable ramps, car lifts, and smaller scooters have made it possible for more travelers to get where they want to go - transport, hotels, restaurants, or just out enjoying the outdoors - without having to rely on someone else. Picking the right tools and knowing how to use them can make accessible road trips feel a lot more predictable and much less stressful.
How to Choose a Mobility Device Suitable for Your Trip
Your mobility device is at the heart of any accessible trip. Before you even pull out of the driveway, it's worth asking if your current equipment can handle the distance, terrain, and daily plans you've got in mind.
For short outings or city trips, a compact electric wheelchair for travel usually gets the job done. Many models break down into pieces that fit in just about any car trunk. No extra gadgets needed - and they're easy to use in hotels and restaurants.
Long journeys or outdoor adventures call for heavier-duty options. Larger power chairs have beefier motors, better shock absorption, and can go longer between charges. That makes a difference on gravel, boardwalks, big parking lots, or cracked sidewalks. Reliable equipment is key to traveling without breakdowns and sticking to your own schedule.
Portable Ramps and Getting In or Out of Vehicles
Sometimes, even "accessible" entrances have a step or two, uneven ground, or a random bump. That's where a portable ramp saves the day. Lightweight aluminum ramps are easy to fold up and toss in your car, or hang on the back of your chair. Look for a ramp that's long enough for a gentle slope, with good grip, and the strength to support your device. Longer ramps make climbs easier and safer.
You never know when you'll run into a curb with no ramp, a step at your rental, or an awkward patio. Having a ramp at hand keeps plans on track and prevents wasted time trying to find another way in.
If your scooter or chair is heavy, a lift is almost a must. Wheelchair lifts mount in the car and protect your equipment from dirt, rain, and whatever the road throws at it. If trunk space is tight, hitch lifts are a solid backup. Both save you from hauling heavy gear by hand - and that means less risk of injury or straining your back. Long term, a powered lift makes prepping for travel a lot easier.
Manage Batteries While On the Road
How far you can go in a day often depends on your batteries. Road trips usually mean long stretches and unfamiliar stops, so keeping track of your charge matters.
Always start out fully charged and pack your charger where you can get to it. It's smart to bring an extension cord or a small surge protector - hotel outlets or charging spots aren't always close to where you park or enter. Try to keep your battery above twenty percent if you can; running it all the way down cuts its lifespan and can leave you stranded. Quick charges at lunch or breaks help keep your device running strong all day.
Keep Your Device Safe During Travel
Your mobility gear needs to stay put during the drive. If it shifts around, it can get damaged - or worse, cause a safety problem. Tie-down systems with retracting straps lock your device in place on the vehicle floor. Exterior lifts rely on grips and wheel locks. Both types are quick to use and help protect your equipment on long trips.
Traveling on an outside lift means facing rain, sunshine, and dirt. A sturdy cover shields electronics, seat cushions, and controls from any weather. Good covers are water-resistant, have strong seams, and either tighten with straps or stretch with elastic to stay put. Using one helps your device last longer and avoids annoying breakdowns from rain or dust.
Accessories for a Smoother Travel Experience
Don't overlook the small stuff - little accessories can make long drives far more comfortable. While ramps and lifts get the spotlight, day-to-day comfort is often about the details.
Storage bags and pouches keep things like meds, IDs, your phone, or water within arm's reach - no need to keep getting in and out of your chair.
Support cushions are worth packing, too. Hours in the car or sightseeing can put pressure on your back and hips. Cushions that spread your weight are easier on your body. Some people also bring a smaller travel cushion for seats in restaurants or waiting areas.
Plan Accessible Stops
Planning ahead means fewer unpleasant surprises. The right gear helps, but solid prep is what keeps a trip running smoothly.
Search for hotels, rest areas, and attractions before you go. Many hotels now offer rooms designed for accessibility - wider doors, showers without steps, and space to turn a wheelchair. Double-check these details before you book. That way, you won't run into issues when you arrive.
Restaurants and public spaces can be hit-or-miss with accessibility. Searching online or calling ahead can save time and hassle. Quick calls to staff about parking, entrances, and ramps make things clearer before you arrive.
The Final Word
Accessible road trips really come down to planning, the right equipment, and thinking ahead. With a good mobility device, a portable ramp, a dependable lift, and a few handy travel accessories, it's much easier to get from place to place. When you've got the necessities covered, the journey between destinations feels a whole lot more relaxed - and the trip itself can finally be about enjoying the ride.
*contributed post*
A road trip with your partner offers a refreshing change from tightly scheduled holidays.
Instead of rushing through airports or navigating crowded stations, you move at your own
pace and have the space to take it all in. Think quiet coastal roads and hilltop viewpoints that
give you frequent reasons to pull over and share the moment. When you travel this way,
small experiences often become the memories you talk about long after the journey ends.
Romantic Routes Across the UK
Scotland’s North Coast 500 runs along a dramatic shoreline and through remote Highland
scenery, which creates regular opportunities to stop together and absorb the view. You could
park above a quiet beach near Durness or take a short walk to a coastal viewpoint before
continuing along the winding road.
Further south, the Cotswolds offer a gentler style of driving that suits a relaxed weekend
away. The roads connect villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold,
where you can wander past stone cottages and enjoy lunch in a country pub.
Planning a Flexible Itinerary
Begin by choosing a region rather than a strict schedule, then map a few key places you
would like to see along the route. This approach keeps the journey manageable while giving
you freedom to explore. For instance, if you travel through the Lake District, you might plan
to reach Ambleside by evening but leave several hours unstructured during the day. That
spare time allows you to explore a village market or take a walk together. Choose
accommodation with flexible cancellation policies so you can extend your stay if you wish.
Packing Smart for Two
Choose versatile clothing that works for both walking and relaxed evenings, such as
comfortable jeans and waterproof jackets. British weather changes quickly, so layers help
you stay prepared without overpacking. Food also improves the experience. A small picnic
bag with sandwiches and a flask of tea allows you to stop at scenic locations instead of
relying on areas with cafés whenever you feel hungry.
Keeping the Journey Fun
Swap roles occasionally so one person navigates while the other drives. You can also add
small traditions to the trip. For example, you might photograph each scenic viewpoint you
stop at or rate the cafés you visit along the route. These shared activities turn the excursion
into a collaborative experience rather than simply a drive between destinations.
Driving Tips for Safe Journeys
Before leaving, check tyre pressure, fuel levels, screen wash and engine fluids so you avoid
unnecessary disruptions. Rural roads across the UK often include tight bends and narrow
lanes, so allow extra travel time. It also helps to have reliable car insurance cover before
travelling, especially if you plan to explore remote areas where breakdown services may
take longer to reach you.
An Unforgettable Adventure for Two Awaits
The beauty of a road trip lies not just in the places you visit, but in the moments you share.
With the UK offering a variety of scenic routes, every journey becomes a personal
adventure. It’s a chance to rediscover the joy of travel without the rush, and to deepen your
connection through shared experiences. So, fill your tank and let the road lead you to
unforgettable memories.
*contributed post*
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.jpg "you know it is spring in upstate new york when you can do this")
Yesterday, something very exciting that happened for those of us who are ready for spring in Upstate New York over on Instagram!! Has Spring come to your area? Do you have a "driveway test" for Spring?
Sharing a reel where I explain a bit more- Please head on over to watch, comment, and like the reel HERE!
Happy Sunday and beginning signs of Spring!
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five no prep march and women's history month personal finance resources/ caravan sonnet shoppe
March 7, 2026
.jpg "Women's History Month Bundle / Caravan Sonnet Shoppe- Teachers Pay Teachers")
Happy Saturday friends! Today I am so excited to share with y'all some last minute NO PREP March and Women's History Month Personal Finance resources that are available in the caravan sonnet shoppe at teachers pay teachers! These are the perfect, NO PREP, ready to use resources for this very busy time of the year!
If you would like to go directly to the shop you can click HERE! Here are all of the helpful resources...
.jpg "Women's History Month Bundle / Caravan Sonnet Shoppe- Teachers Pay Teachers")
I want to make a note that I am SO thankful that this has been SO popular since I listed this bundle this past week! These are resources that students have continuously responded well to over the yearsand have provided a lot of reflection and engagement so this is so wonderful to see how helpful it is to so many teachers already!! You can purchase it HERE!
1. Taxes Bundle
*****5 STAR RATING*****
One of the most popular resources in the shop, this bundle is 3 weeks of resources and is perfect prep and items for this time of year! Included are resources that inspire reflection, discussion, and real-world financial thinking. Perfect for high school and college personal finance courses, this bundle will help students develop money awareness, critical thinking skills, and long-term financial reasoning—without overwhelming your lesson plan.
This NO PREP resource includes:
Why Teachers Love This Resource
✔ Saves planning time — ready-to-teach and scaffolded for novice learners
✔ Builds essential financial literacy skills required by standards
✔ Connects tax concepts to real career outcomes
✔ Supports classroom discussion, independent work, and group practice
✔ Builds essential financial literacy skills required by standards
✔ Connects tax concepts to real career outcomes
✔ Supports classroom discussion, independent work, and group practice
Click HERE to purchase this no prep resource!
Looking for a meaningful, data-driven Women’s History Month activity that builds real financial literacy skills? Many Women are segregated into low-paying jobs, with more than half of all women workers holding sales, clerical, and service jobs. Most students are not aware of this or how this affects their lives as they consider workforce careers and their budget and this simple and yet powerful Lesson Plan/Teachers Guide can bring this topic alive!
I created this educational 5 page (3 page Lesson Plan guide and 2 Page Specific Case Guide) specifically for Equal Pay Day but it could be used at any time during the year. I had searched for one specific to this and couldn't find one so I hope that this can help another teacher!
Students don’t just learn about Women’s History Month — they evaluate economic data, calculate lifetime earnings impact, and analyze financial decision-making trends using real-world scenarios.
This NO PREP resource includes:
Click HERE to purchase this no prep resource!
Powerpoint Contains 10 Powerpoint Slides with colorful and animated sections on Equal Pay Day, Equity Pay, Discrmination topics and more! This is a fun and interactive topic for students in high school and in college!
** The dates in this resource specifically highlight March 2026. This resource will be updated yearly for your convenience!!**
Equal Pay Day & Pay Equity | 2026 PowerPoint
Personal Finance • Workforce Equity • Financial Literacy • Economics • Civics
Help students understand the economics behind Equal Pay Day and the real financial impact of wage disparities with this fully updated 2026 PowerPoint presentation.
This NO PREP ready-to-teach slide deck explores the history, legal foundations, and financial implications of pay equity in the United States — all through a personal finance lens that connects directly to students’ future careers, earning potential, and long-term wealth building.
Click HERE to purchase this no prep resource!
Looking for a meaningful, data-driven Women’s History Month activity that builds real financial literacy skills? This Women's Financial Rights Activity explores how women's financial rights have evolved and how that history connects to modern personal finance topics.
Help students connect history, financial literacy, and modern economic realities with this engaging Women’s Financial Rights Activity mini unit.
This NO PREP ready-to-use resource invites students to explore how women’s legal and financial rights have evolved — and how that history still impacts personal finance decisions today.
Students will:
✔ Read and analyze three mini structured historical passages
✔ Examine the evolution of women’s banking and property rights
✔ Calculate real-world gender pay gap data
✔ Connect historical milestones to modern wealth-building strategies
✔ Reflect on leadership, representation, and financial empowerment
✔ Create a timeline of major financial rights legislation
✔ Complete a brief 2-3 paragraph extension project focused on negotiation, research, or financial planning
Looking for a meaningful, data-driven Women’s History Month activity that builds real financial literacy skills?
This Women & Wealth Data Analysis Lab challenges students to examine income gaps, investing participation rates, retirement savings differences, and long-term compound growth projections through a structured, analytical framework.
Students don’t just learn about Women’s History Month — they evaluate economic data, calculate lifetime earnings impact, and analyze financial decision-making trends using real-world scenarios.
What Students Will Do:
✔ Calculate income differences and percentage gaps
✔ Project 40-year lifetime earnings comparisons
✔ Analyze investing participation rates
✔ Evaluate retirement savings disparities
✔ Apply compound interest modeling
✔ Write a structured financial analysis conclusion
This activity promotes:
• Data literacy
• Financial literacy
• Critical thinking
• Economic reasoning
• Written analysis skills
Click HERE to purchase this no prep resource!
If you would like to go directly to these resources you can click HERE! These resources are also included in the Personal Finance Holiday Bundle which you can find HERE!
Thank you so much for all of your support of the shoppe! It means so much to me! If you would like to check out the shoppe you can find it HERE! Thank you again friends! Happy Saturday!
Happy Friday friends!! I hope that you have had a lovely first week of March! I am so grateful to spend time with each of you in this sweet space each day. I love catching up together for these "friday favorites" posts! I hope that you enjoy these items!
First, are we connected on Instagram? If not, I would love to connect there! Please say "hello" and follow along - I would love to follow you and be part of your community there! Click HERE to say hello!
Second, here are some of the favorite posts by readers from the last week:
Tuesday Travel Posts
.jpeg "personal update- mom's breast cancer journey")
Thursday Health Thought Post
I hope that you have a wonderful Friday and weekend friends! Thank you for making this such an incredible space to come to and connect with every single day. I am so blessed!! I will see you here tomorrow!
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