When a group of people travel together, you’re bound to have to make some compromises. Most likely, you’re gonna want to travel with people who share the same interests as you, but when you’re stuck traveling with family…well, God bless them, but sometimes, you just can’t get along. Especially when you all have different ideas about what an ideal vacation is like.
My ideal vacation involves a lot of exploring. I love to walk around neighborhoods and towns, stopping by whichever store catches my fancy. I like to plan out a basic itinerary under a strict budget, and I try to use the most of my time and stomach—eating only the best (but relatively cheap) food, and sleeping less so I can enjoy more. Vacation for me is not about relaxation or rest—I want intense activity, something challenging. I also have no interest in nature. I mean, mountains and lakes are pretty and stuff, but after a few minutes, I get bored of all the same trees and flowers.
My parents’ ideal vacation, on the other hand, involves lots of trees and flowers and water. They can stare at a waterfall for hours, marveling at God’s amazing creation. They like to drive for hours and hours, singing along to praise songs, and stopping by at whatever hotel they can find when they get tired, preferably a Best Western. They detest the city—all that walking! All that people! All that cars!
So you see, we have very different tastes in traveling. But since we’re on this vacation together as a family, we’ve had to make some compromises. For Day 3 of our trip, we had our parents’ ideal vacation: we made an impromptu trip to the Thousand Islands.
We never planned to go to the Thousand Islands. Well, actually, my dad did suggest it, but my brother and I pooh-poohed the idea, shooting it down mercilessly. But maybe my dad prayed about it, because we somehow found ourselves in Kingston, Canada…and what do you know? It’s just a 20 minute drive away from the Thousand Islands!
“It’s God’s leading!” my dad proclaimed joyfully. “Why else would we have landed here? God wants us to go to the Thousand Islands!”
And when a pastor declares something like that, we’ve got no choice but to obey it as God’s words. So we went. My parents got their wish. And I gotta say, it wasn’t half-bad. 
The Thousand Islands is, as you’ve guessed an archipelago of islands by the lake between the United States and Canada. But unlike its name, it actually consists of almost 1,800 islands. It is a very popular destination for boaters, fishers, and campers, and used to be a vacation spot for the wealthy. 
We did a quick last-minute research, and discovered a good deal for a 5-hour cruise around the area, with a break by the Boldt Castle. 
Our cruise boat’s name was called the Gananoque Boat Line, and we arrived just a few seconds before it took off. 
The fresh, slightly salty lake air blowing into my face and hair, the gaggle of excited tourists chatting in French, the delighted expressions of my parents, and the melodious glide of the boat across the clear blue waters…they were all lovely. They made me happy…but only for the first half hour. The whole ride was an hour and a half each way, and by the last hour, it all got a bit tedious for me. 
The view was excellent, but do I really want to look at never-ending blue-green waters and pretty islands for a whole hour and a half? At least my parents were happy: 
They made up for the boredom by being subjects of my amateur photography skills. Hee. 
An hour and a boring half later, we finally arrived at Boldt Castle. I really had no idea what or why it was an attraction; all we knew at that moment was that it was pretty, and my parents like pretty. And they were right—it was pretty. 
The Boldt Castle was built by George C. Boldt, a millionaire (and popularizer of the famous Thousand Island dressing), for his wife Louise. He loved her so much that he bought a whole island in the Thousand Islands, and constructed a castle from scratch fit for an empress, all for the sake of impressing his wife. The castle was designed to be a six story, 120 room castle—complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, and a dove cote storing exotic fowls. 
However, the grand story ended in tragedy. Louise never got to enjoy her castle, because she died at an early age of 45. The castle was only partially constructed at that time, and George Boldt didn’t have the heart to continue with it in his grief. In fact, he died never having seen the finished masterpiece of his romantic gift. 
But in 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority decided to acquire the property, and to rehabilitate the construction to the wonderful dream house George envisioned for his wife…except, now it became a dream house for tourists of future generations.
So thank goodness, George Boldt’s efforts weren’t a total waste after all. After all, though his wife may not have been able to live in this castle, it is now open to everyone to enjoy…like my parents, who look like they’re on their second honeymoon here. 
The funny thing is, Louisa…isn’t exactly a stunning beauty. When I saw her picture, I was a bit surprised, because I was expecting someone dead-drop gorgeous—a least, enough to capture the adoration of the wealthiest man in that age. 
I caught the expressions of the other people who observed her portrait curiously, and all of them made a “What the heck?” expression when they saw a plump, plain-looking lady instead. I couldn’t help chuckling, but was also doubly impressed by this love story. Louisa may not have been a beauty, but that only proved that there was more than lust in this relationship. It only made George Boldt’s love seem more sincere and real. 
After our short tour around the castle, we stopped for a quick lunch. There was a concession stand, and we got several items to share: 
BBQ Pork bun with coleslaw (unpictured). 
Hot dog with mustard, relish, onions, and ketchup. 
Chili con carne. 
Pizza rolls with Marinara sauce. 
And ice cream cones for dessert! I think this was my favorite part of the day. 
And then we trudged back to the coast line for another hour and a half…I had to stand up and walk to and fro to keep myself from falling asleep. I also entertained myself by taking candid pictures of my family again: 
Tee hee! I thought my dad looked a decade younger with his cap worn backwards like that! 
And that concluded our tour around the Thousand Islands. It wasn’t the end of our Day 3 in Canada, though. We had a long, long drive from Kingston to Quebec, where it was finally my turn to have my ideal vacation. I think you can guess how it’s gonna be like, but you’ll have to find out on the next post!
I’ll just leave you with a new foodie discovery I made: 
It’s Poutine…from Burger King, of all places! 
If you don’t know what poutine is, it’s a Canadian-style french fries—fries dressed in a rich and savory gravy, and topped with cheese curds. 
I’ll let you know what I thought about it later. Right now, I’m in the car on our way back home. 5 hours of driving, 6 hours left to go. Whoopee.
Question of the Day: What is your ideal vacation?
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Awww I absolutely adore that photo of you with the ice cream cones
Gosh don’t get me started on having different holiday intentions to parents! My dad always used to pick the most boring places ever to visit….at the moment my secret ambition is to take a solo trip around Europe on a motorbike 
Sarah x
Uh, those fries don’t look too appetizing!
That story of the castle is so romantic! And I had no idea Thousand Island dressing was named after a place with literally a thousand islands Haha! Never heard of it!
You’re a good daughter for going on the tour for your parents. I probably would have complained and tried to get out of it somehow! I am easily bored with nature too
<3 Tori
i love the story behind the castle! have you visited Hearst Castle before? it’s also very beautiful!
Boldt Castle is beautiful, and although sad, I loved the story behind it. Just proves that inner beauty surpasses outer beauty. Family vacations are definitely tough when it comes to compromising. That was nice of you and your brother to let your parents enjoy a “second honeymoon”. Right now Gary and I travel mainly for food and the kids. All our destinations are centered around where we want to eat and what the kiddies would enjoy doing. I wonder at what age will our kiddies take us places that we enjoy?
Not a huge poutine fan. I’d rather have just fries and gravy. And my ideal vacation is a place with great food for hubby and I but also great fun for the kiddies? Disneyland maybe? Never been, but soon.
Hehe… this post made me smile. I’m more like your parents. I love admiring nature and beautiful scenery. It just makes me feel calm and relaxed. But that’s the thing about travelling with others. It forces me to get out of my comfort zone and opens me to things that I wouldn’t usually take note of. That, in itself, is a great joy!
haha, your parents are so adorable. Love the backwards cap. he does look younger! I know you siad your weren’t that inpressed with poutine but I loved it when I was in Montreal!! I think its better at a restaurant, no burger king. hehe
I am on the same page as you girl. I am always go, go,go—–but what we travel LOOK OUT. I am even more high energy & amped up. Sleep, not so much time for that. Sit, not much time for that either. Eat, exercise, immerse myself in the culture, that’s what I like to do. Your folks are adorable. Looks like everyone had a great time. The Ice cream is a definite highlight
xxoo
I had no idea that Thousand Island dressing actually came from a place called Thousand Islands (or that one existed!). Love that pic of you and the ice creams, very cute! And I always find that the great beauties of the past centuries don’t really resemble our modern definitions of beauty. I wonder what they’ll think of our present day beauties in a couple of centuries?!
LOVE the picture of your dad with his hat on backwards. SO cute
I think my favorite kind of vacation is balanced with some exercise,good food,interesting sights,relaxation and everyone getting along.
My ideal vacation is similar to yours, with good and traditional foods (local style) and less sleep to see more. I was a history major, so I love historical things. I like to look and see and I can’t sit on a beach for more than 30 min to an hour, I have to get up and see and do. I think you have seen over this past summer what my ideal vacations look like.
That was nice of you to humor your parents and I think you got some enjoyment out of it, or at least some good pictures. Can’t wait to see how this trip takes a turn for the better with the parts you enjoy.
wow…poutine?! never heard of it, but DEFINITELY wanting it!
and that picture of you with the ice cream is hilarious! lol
ideal vaca? hmmmmmm…probably greece. something about the meditteranean coastline with its pastel houses and craggy white shores just calls to me
I like your kind of vacay – seeing lots of sites, exploring new areas, eating new food. Peter likes the last one, not so much the first ones. Even so, we always find plenty to do.
Love the ice cream picture! Double-fisting, huh?
I haven’t traveled with my parents in ages because my dad is like a tour director, insisting we are on the move nonstop, and my mom is also obsessed with gardens.
My ideal vacation is being in Europe in a gorgeous hotel, eating Nutella and french bread. I try to make this a reality at least once a year.
I feel dumb for saying this, but I didn’t know that there was such a thing as the 1000 Islands!! And I’ve never heard of that castle either… AND I’ve never heard of poutine!!! Hmmm, I’d try it, but I think I’d rather have my fries covered in cheese sauce rather than gravy. I just got a little education in this post! haha!!
Your parents are too adorable! (I know that’s a rather irreverent way of describing adults, but it’s true!) That’s the beauty of compromise, especially when traveling: it may not be your cup of tea but often, you’ll be surprised to find that you enjoy it after all. It’s a great way to discover new things that you may have overlooked if left to do only the things you like to do.
I think I got an inkling of what you thought about poutine from one of your tweets! It’s been a long time since I’ve had some but I think I can say that BK is probably not going to serve a stellar example of it. Hope you have a chance to try a few more!
I’ve been to the Thousand Islands! Very cool place. My ideal vacation would be like yours, fast-paced and exciting. I feel like I’m wasting time if I spend too much time relaxing.
Just so you know, I have my exam in less than 2 hours, and have been in cram-mode since 7 AM this morning. What do I do on my break? I decide to read your blog. Always, always, a perfect mind-refresher. I love that you entertained yourself on the boat by taking candid photos and walking to and fro. It kind of sounds like what I would have done–at least to save myself from throwing myself overboard. Just kidding! The thousand islands actually look nice — can you believe I’ve never been? Bad Canadian.
By the way, since I already know what you’re going to say about the poutine, let me just say that POUTINE FROM BURGER KING MUST BE OUTLAWED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please don’t judge our Frenchie-fries by the standards of BK. Uggggggh. *cries* The best poutine is probably found in some hole-in-the-wall, low key, authentic Québécois resto in the heart of Quebec City. Montreal probably has some nice ones too. The key is NOT to have soggy fries. And the gravy mustn’t be clumpy nor grotesquely thick. The curds must be REEEEEAL curds, and not simply blocks of mozarella haphazardly hacked. TRUST ME. If all else fails, New York Fries makes a really decent poutine.
THAT IS ALLLLLLLLLL my friend. Congratulations on surviving the looooong road trip!!!
Back to Operation EXAM-CRAM!
P.S. I like your family. I like your family very much.
Okay, I totally get the being-stuck-on-a-boat thing. I ended up on a bay cruise in the S.F. Bay years ago that I thought would never end. Years later I ended up on an old steamboat(?) on the Sacramento River for a miserable work Christmas party. It was bad. Stuck at a party, wanting to leave, but there’s no way out. I felt like a caged animal.
That castle was really great though– I do love a castle. Oh, and now I know where Thousand Island Dressing comes from… and where the heck the Thousand Islands ARE!
Hang in there, chickie… and enjoy the lovely scenerie (giggle).
Hugs,
Jill
PS: Your dad rocks in that hat! Too cute!
Wow, gorgeous photos! The castle looks amazing. Love the ice cream photo of you! I am curious to hear what you think of poutine.
I’m on the same boat as you, although nature is beautiful and breathtaking most of the time, it can get a bit boring. But maybe it’s with age, as you grow older, the city probably doesn’t interest you as much.
Oh poutine, how yummy! I have had my fair share of those in Canada. The cheese curds are usually put on before the gravy though, so that when the hot gravy is poured over the fries, the cheese gets all gooey and melty… and delicious! You should try it from one of those big food carts on the street, those are the best!
Enjoy the rest of your vacation
WOW! What a fun trip. I love all the pictures. Glad that you are enjoying it even thought it might not be your first pick of a vacation spot!
Poutine is good but, from Burger king: gross! If you are still in Quebec I suggest you stop in any kind of restaurant that is in a small village, there you’ll get great poutine! With homemade fries and all. Cheese is supposed to be so fresh it makes a squeaking sound, and fries should be slightly sweet and not overcooked, if possible made with fresh potatoes (handmade). Do not get poutine in Montréal it’s disgusting. Believe me… I know real poutine when I see it. Poutine was ”born” in the vilage just next to the one where I grew up.
I actually really enjoyed reading about George and his Lady Fair. Love is blind, of course — but it is especially curious when a common-looking lass can win the affections of such a wealthy man. I imagine she must have been exceptionally kind or smart to have won him over, or maybe she was beautiful in her own right. =)
That picture of you with the ice cream cones is adorable!
My ideal vacation? Probably something with my fella to somewhere I’ve never been that allows for lots of exploration but no mad-rush to get it all done in one day or anything. I like leisurely, but I despise stagnation. =)
I didn’t know that was what Thousand Islands salad dressing was named after. Pretty cool!
I like naturey vacations and city vacations pretty much equally. I like going somewhere that has both!
haha your family is awesome.
I like a little of both for vacations. I love going to cities and finding awesome food and cool sights but also LOVE nature and natural sight seeing. Hiking rocks my socks off.
haha two ice creams for the price of one!! haha u seriously outta be super proud to call them your parents
they are the coolest peeps and definitely look like they know how to have a good time!! love the pictures!! <3
love the pic of you with the ice cream cones!!!
Heehee, reading your Canadian adventures is bringing back my own memories
I’ve been to Boldt castle! I remember almost not getting in because technically we had to “cross the border” to get on the secluded island, but then got through by showing my Toronto Library card 
Poutineee!! Best poutine: Harvey’s. If you find a Harvey’s, get their poutine. OR Costco – those ones are about twice the size of Burger King’s!!!
izzyy
xoxox
Haha, I’ve been on vacay with my parents too. My dad and I love to walk walk walk and explore, though he indulges me when I just want to go shop or visit a spa. But this vacay was with the other parents, one of which had just had back surgery, so it was…interesting.
My ideal vacation is a mix of relaxation and go-getting. I love to explore, but I always like to have some time to relax–like getting a massage or facial. And I need a chance to shop.
I like nature, and I like museums. Haha, I just like new experiences. People watching. Observing culture. It’s all fun to me.
i love seeing all your pics, very beautful…i had to chuckle too when I saw her pic..but hey he loved her…my ideal vacation…a couple of months in Mexico, oh swoon
sweetlife
…and that’s why I usually vacation solo.
Seriously, though, that’s because I almost feel guilty if I go on any sort of vacation other than a dive trip, and everyone I know seems to think I’m crazy for diving at all, so I have no choice but to go myself anyway! :p
<3 <3
I like a vacation that includes a combination of things: sightseeing and exploring cities, doing outdoorsy things like hiking and kayaking, and having some downtown by drinking coffee at a cafe. A little bit of everything makes my vacations feel more balanced.
Poutine is so good, and really rich. I’ve had it a few times in Montreal, and have seen it at Burger King in Quebec. It’s quite a treat.
cute parents, CUTE ice cream picture!! that made me LOL!
my parents just got home from vacation (cabin, lake, hot weather, crappy fishing) and all they did was complain. i said, “this is exactly why i didn’t go!”
my ideal vacay is a STAY-cation. a week off that i can go to yoga every day in the city, cook and can and preserve and do crafts and garden and all the “work” that i enjoy.
and read a lot.
I’m with your parents! Although I really really loved visiting Las Vegas, walking around everywhere and experiencing the glitz of each casino, my most enjoyable vacation was staying in a cabin by a lake where we hiked and swam every day, enjoying the awesomeness of God’s creations in all the beauty surrounding us. We started each day singing hymns in an outdoor worship area nearby, which reminds me of your parents singing in the car! So maybe I need to switch places with you and enjoy your parents ideal vacation–LOL! I love the story of that castle but it kinda breaks my heart. I think that would make a great book or movie. So tragic. I’ve never heard of Poutine but am interested in your review! Burger King doesn’t serve Poutine here but maybe they only do in Canada. It kinda freaks me out. By the way, gorgeous pics!
love the ice cream cone face LOL
ideal vacay = warm, plenty of R & R and downtime, not overscheduled by any means and just being spontaneous!
Mostly, my dad and I go “vacations” to places where he has to do work! Or we end up in his hometown in Belgium where my grandma lives. Although I cant complain about belgian food…I go waffle crazy! I want that pic of you with the ice cream taped to my fridge!
I agree with you on your ideal vacation. I am all about moving and seeing and getting to new places, as much as possible. Exploring the food, the sites, and as many activities as possible is how I like to do it! My mom is like your parents, definitely.
Love the picture of you and your ice cream! That’s my favorite part of ANY day! I had the best chocolate gelato last night (homemade) and yes, I was in heaven
Lucky Canadians…I totally want some of that poutine!? YUM!! What a gorgeous vacay…you’re very blessed to have parents that still take you on vacation. It looks like a wonderful experience
Lol everyone says poutine is AMAZING, but it looks so gross! Maybe I should try it first before I knock it
I do love cheese fries…
That was a pretty fun post! I love history like that. I love romance even more! Those french fries didn’t do much for my morning sickness though!
Wow, the Thousand Islands looks so beautiful!!
I must say though I’m Canadian, I cannot stand poutine. Especially from my school’s cafeteria. It’s just….ew.
My dream vacation would be travelling the world and seeing all the diffrent scenery and cultures.
It seemed like a nice vaca! I really like the picture of your pained expression with the ice cream cones lol
My ideal vacation would be one in a tropical area…with a lot of palm trees (because I’m obsessed with them). When I was in Cali, I was freaking out (in a good way) because they were everywhere
Hey Danielle!
Maya from American Gourmande and I may be meeting tomorrow 3pm for dessert, coffee, or ice-cream…think you can join us, dear girl?
I always say that you never know someone until you live with them or go on vacation with them. Hah.
Yes, it can be an ordeal a lot of times. But in the end, it’s almost always memorable and more enjoyable than not.
I’m so happy you included your parents favourite vacation
We never would have got to see vicariously the castle & its love story through your eyes. I too have been gob smacked especially in my travels through Europe when I see ‘the lady of the castle portrait’ (& similarly to you being amazed at how darn plain some of these great romantic heroines are); I mean ‘what the…? right! Guessing fashions of the day, inner beauty & ‘in the eyes of the beholder’ are the reasons…. But, I digress. Great post again. Lovin’ your journey, looking forward to stepping up the pace a bit for your ideal vacation post next. Cheers Anna
That castle is gorgeous! I had no idea who Boldt was until now. And doesn’t ice cream always taste better when you’re on vacation?
My ideal vacation? Probably a cruise
Complete with an opportunity for relaxation or exploring that destinations!
I’m glad you had fun with your family, even though y’all may have different vacay opinions
<3 jess
xoxo
That castle is gorgeous, and what a sweet, romantic story! I am totally craving a burger (and poutine — yum!) now!
oh how fun! honestly i think you’re on my ideal vacation. water, great scenery, great food and family! i love the pictures, the castle is so pretty and i’m excited to hear what you think about those fries.
ps, you’re adorable, i love the picture of the ice cream cones!
what a fun time with the fam! i just got back from vacation with my rents… it was a good time, but my ideal vacation involves more outdoors activity
Going anywhere with my family is ALWAYS a compromise. And never an easy one. You and I have very similar tastes in vacation. We should go on one together.
I’m super interested to hear what you think of poutine!
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