Orange Bicycle Guesthouse & Gardens

11/11/2026

Today in Tobermory with Legion Branch 290, we pause to remember.

We may not have a close family connection to the brave men and women remembered here, but their courage and sacrifice are part of all our stories.

Today, we honour them and all those who fought before us, so that we could live in a better, freer world.

And let's not forget that even today, in many parts of the world, brave men and women are still fighting for their freedom and basic human rights.

May we never take that freedom for granted.

Lest we forget. ❤️

11/10/2026

Good beautiful Tuesday morning everyone!

We're back! After an amazing five weeks of travelling, exploring, and collecting memories, it's good to be home.

One thing we realized along the way: we didn't watch much news (in fact no TV at all) Instead, we talked to people, listened to their stories, and experienced life beyond the headlines.

The world is changing, the political landscape is shifting, life is getting harder, and young people are facing real challenges finding jobs and building their future. A lot to think about.

But life goes on, and sometimes stepping away from all the noise gives you a different perspective.

And speaking of dreams coming true... after 12 years of having a picture of Manarola hanging in our living room, we finally made it to Cinque Terre! Some dreams take a little longer, but they're worth the wait. ❤️

11/03/2026

Good Tuesday morning everyone! This is Rome Edition! 🇮🇹

Coffee with a view… and what a view! This is a reminder that sometimes the best travel moments aren't always the ones you planned.

Yesterday was quite a contrast: from the colourful, abstract world of Kandinsky to the incredible history and architecture of the Pantheon. We also stopped at the impressive Vittoriano monument, which is quite a sight!

Today, I'm on a Michelangelo mission! We visited the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli to see his magnificent sculpture of Moses. Next stop: St. Peter's Basilica to see the Pietà, followed by the Vatican. So much history, art and beauty in one city!

Rome has certainly given us plenty to talk about.

Tomorrow is a free day to explore a little more before we say arrivederci to Rome!

Next Tuesday, coffee from home. For now, we're soaking up a little more Italy!

10/27/2026

Good beautiful Tuesday morning from mountains to Lake Como! 🇮🇹

One minute we're surrounded by the spectacular Dolomites, and the next we're navigating Milan before arriving at the beautiful Lake Como. What a contrast!

While we're having a great time but can't help noticing many of the challenges people face seem to be similar around the world. Life isn't always easy, wherever we live. But life goes on, and we keep finding reasons to enjoy the journey, appreciate the beautiful moments, and make memories along the way.

And of course, we can't forget our contribution to the local economy…

Time to go shopping and exploring more. More steps means I can have more gelato and cannoli! Next stop Cinque Terre

How are you doing your part to support the local economy with everything costing more?

10/20/2026

10/13/2026

Tuesday Coffee with Nick and Neda — Family Edition

Have you ever noticed that sometimes we connect differently with family when we meet somewhere outside our usual environment?

I have a theory I call the third place — meeting somewhere neutral, away from our everyday routines, responsibilities, and familiar surroundings.

Travelling together gives us the chance to discover new places, share new experiences, see each other from a different perspective, and most importantly, make new memories.

Family isn't always perfect, and neither are relationships. But sometimes, a change of scenery gives us a fresh opportunity to enjoy one another.

This week, our Tuesday Coffee comes from beautiful Budapest, where we're making memories together before heading to the thermal spa!

What do you think? Can a change of place change the way we connect with the people we love?

10/12/2026

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel, explore beautiful places, and most importantly, spend time with family and make memories together.

Life is not perfect. We all have our happy moments and our difficult days. Families aren't perfect, plans don't always go as expected, and sometimes life challenges us in ways we never imagined.

But maybe gratitude is about learning to appreciate what we have, rather than focusing on what we wish were different.

To have family to share a meal with, health to explore the world, food on our table, a roof over our heads, and the freedom to experience new places. To appreciate the things we sometimes take for granted, including the hardships we haven't had to face and the worries we don't have today.

We don't need a perfect life to have a beautiful one.

This Thanksgiving, I'm choosing to be grateful for the big adventures and the little moments, for the laughter, the memories, and the opportunity to be here, living this life.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone celebrating. May we all find a little more joy in what we already have.

10/09/2026

Three fantastic days in Vienna… how do you pick a favourite?

Between the art and beauty of the Belvedere Museum, the fascinating world of Kunst Haus Wien, beautiful streets, and of course, ALL the incredible bread and coffee, Vienna gave us so much to love!

But the bumper cars? Two thumbs up from ALL of us! Sometimes you just have to let your inner child out to play. And for my sister and me, it brought back nostalgic memories of riding bumper cars together at Lunapark in Tehran in the 1970s, before the revolution. Some childhood memories never fade.

And for me, that morning hike up Kapuzinerberg in Salzburg, with its beautiful views, was another highlight.

From our home on the Bruce Peninsula, part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Region, to hiking Kapuzinerberg in Salzburg, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travel reminds us how much beauty, history and culture this world holds.

I loved Vienna, but I have to admit… I loved Salzburg even more!

Three days full of art, culture, laughter, family, good food and a little nostalgia.

Auf Wiedersehen, Austria 🇦🇹

10/06/2026

Day 1 in Vienna 🇦🇹❤️

We’re here! After all the planning, packing, worrying about what would fit in two backpacks… we finally made it to Europe!

And what better way to start our five-week adventure than getting on bikes and exploring Vienna?

Blue skies, sunshine, the Danube, beautiful architecture, a few wrong turns and lots of smiles.

We rode, we explored, we laughed… and yes, we may have already worked up an appetite.

Our European adventure has officially begun!
Five weeks. Two backpacks. Five countries.
Let’s see where the road takes us. 🚲❤️

See you later!

# Vienna