[Ally Castillo]

General Discussion Thread 06.28.2025​

Howdy, GrayViners! Ally here, taking over the Saturday newsletter while the lovely Sophia is on vacation. She’s taken a trip to another country, and I bet when she comes back, she’ll have loads of stories to tell all of you! But now I want to know, where’s the best place you’ve been to? It could be a hole-in-the-wall in your city that you frequent every week, or an off-the-beaten-path path you discovered while on a trip abroad. Swap stories with me in the comments, I’m eager to share mine as well!

I once took a trip to Japan, and, despite knowing a bit of the language, still managed to get off the wrong train station and wander a bit into unknown territory. That is, until I managed to stumble upon a huge lake! I never got to ask what the name of the lake is or the history behind it, but I could remember thinking: My, what a view. I'm glad I got lost. It's easily one of the best places I've been to, despite not knowing how I got there.

I stumbled upon this in Japan! Image Credit: Ally/The GrayVine

Or, if you have something else you'd like to share—whether it’s a cool fact you just learned, a funny story, or something that’s been bothering you—feel free to comment them down, too! This General Discussion Thread is created just for you, so feel free to engage with your fellow members!

Now, what's on YOUR mind today?

 

[GaryBlake]

I took an 8 day cruise of the Greek Islands, Ephesus and Instanbul in Turkiye, 2 days in Athens, and one day in New York City. It was the best trip ever. My Dad was stationed in the Mediterranean with the Navy during the Korean conflict, and he wanted to re-visit his old memories. We went together, and he paid for everything. An unforgettable experience.

 

[Hazeleyes]

I drove with my than boyfriend to old Quebec Canada. We left very early in the morning to start our trip and I did not sleep well. He drove the first part of the trip and then I took over. I got to a booth with a guard inside and asked how much as I thought it was a toll booth. Well I was told I need identification to get through. Oh I said we are at Canada border. Showed our passports and continued. The town was so interesting and lots to see. I did have trouble reading the menu at one place as it was all in French. No problem as a person at next table was very helpful and read us the menu. Such nice people we met or talked to while we were there. Even the place we stayed at was very nice. They made a hot breakfast for us everyday along with cheeses and meat dish, danish, rolls, and bagels. It was great.

 

[families2008]

My favorite place visited was Dingle Ireland. I could live there. So many shades of green for sure. Driving around revealed the anger of the sea and then down the road the tranquility of waves on beaches. Water and welcoming people everywhere you go.

 

[Arkie98]

My most memorable was with my Sister and we went across the Root River Valley. Did 3 states, beautiful scenery, was fall time. The bluffs were so vibrant with color, we came home with lots of apples. Went thur a few Amish villages and as well lots of goodies. We spent one night in a jail converted into a B&B. Very interesting. One village we were in had an old store with tin ceilings and crooked wood floors. Pouring down rain, but we went got some thing to drink, fixed our lunch out of the trunk, sat on the curb under umbrellas and ate our lunch

 

[Gayle B.]

The best place I’ve been to is The Grand Teton Mountains. Amazing views and swimming in glacier fed water in Lake Jenny! Brrr
Another amazing place is The Grand Canyon! Wowza!

 

[Gibb]

In 2018 my husband and I went to Hawaii for a month. We island hopped. What a fantastic trip. It was our 36th anniversary

 

[Ally Castillo]

I took an 8 day cruise of the Greek Islands, Ephesus and Instanbul in Turkiye, 2 days in Athens, and one day in New York City. It was the best trip ever. My Dad was stationed in the Mediterranean with the Navy during the Korean conflict, and he wanted to re-visit his old memories. We went together, and he paid for everything. An unforgettable experience.

That sounds like a dream!! Which destination was your favorite?

 

[Ally Castillo]

I drove with my than boyfriend to old Quebec Canada. We left very early in the morning to start our trip and I did not sleep well. He drove the first part of the trip and then I took over. I got to a booth with a guard inside and asked how much as I thought it was a toll booth. Well I was told I need identification to get through. Oh I said we are at Canada border. Showed our passports and continued. The town was so interesting and lots to see. I did have trouble reading the menu at one place as it was all in French. No problem as a person at next table was very helpful and read us the menu. Such nice people we met or talked to while we were there. Even the place we stayed at was very nice. They made a hot breakfast for us everyday along with cheeses and meat dish, danish, rolls, and bagels. It was great.

That's such a heartwarming story @Hazeleyes! I, too, would love to book a quick trip to somewhere quieter (I live in the city) these days. Did you take pictures of the city? I'd love to see what Quebec looked like through your eyes (or lens, in this case).

 

[Hazeleyes]

That's such a heartwarming story @Hazeleyes! I, too, would love to book a quick trip to somewhere quieter (I live in the city) these days. Did you take pictures of the city? I'd love to see what Quebec looked like through your eyes (or lens, in this case).

Always take pictures wherever I go. Not all comes out well but oh well. Here are some. Place we stayed at and our breakfast