In the beginning . . .
We met in law school in 1988. A mutual, matchmaking friend, Bebette, introduced us. She kept on us until we were finally a couple! In fact, our first trip together was with Bebette right after law school graduation. We spent a few crazy days on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before we began studying for the dreaded New York bar exam. The next year, we traveled up and down the California coast together. We married a few years later. Our honeymoon was in Greece!
Where we are now. . .
We hate to admit it, but, yes, we are 50-something. After all these years together, still we would rather spend time with each other than anyone else, really! Four years ago, less than a month after we became emptynesters, we took a leap of faith. We didn’t sell our house and become nomads. We did sell the home where we raised our children. But, instead, we bought a pretty ugly fixer-upper on Keuka Lake, in the Finger Lakes.
Our lake home is our retreat. It’s a little bit country and a little bit lake luxury. We spend long summer days lazing on the dock and enjoying the water with family and friends. We have long, sometimes boozy, al fresco lunches and dinners on the terrazza that Pat designed and built for me. We have a ton of information about the Finger Lakes to share with you. You really must visit.
Why we love to travel. . .
We will probably never be that couple who sells it all to hit the road. Yet, our urge to travel and explore the world together has not subsided. Throughout the past 31 years, even while we were both working full-time as lawyers and raising two children, we made it a priority to take a trip every year, at least once, just the two of us. Wandering together both at home and afar, has kept us young and our relationship exciting. Let us ignite our passion in you!
With every adventure we laugh, we learn, and sometimes argue. We are not art or museum lovers, nor are we foodies. We are mildly adventurous, like to discover new things and see new places, and are avid people watchers. We strive to blend in where ever we go and to experience the venue like the locals. Hence, after much discussion and a few disagreements, that’s how we settled on the oddball moniker, “Chameleons with Carry Ons,” in case you were wondering.
Over the years our style of travel has evolved. We will no longer sleep on airport floors or in questionable accommodations, if it can be avoided. Sometimes we splurge on extravagance. But, most of the time, we’re looking for deal. Lisa can sometimes be a penny-pincher. Patrick often wonders out loud if she grew up in the depression, not the 1960s and 70s. However, we usually look for comfortable accommodations at comfortable, if not a fantastic, price. Our preference for longer stays is usually an apartment rental so that we can make our own coffee in the morning, keep a beer or two in the fridge, and enjoy a little more space.
Florence, Italy 
Nice, France 
Montego Bay Jamaica
Why you must follow our blog!
Experiencing some place new together is like your first date — exciting and a little scary. And, like your first date, you remember each trip forever! ❤ We want to inspire you to make time to travel with your partner notwithstanding the demands of work and family. And, when you’re not able to travel too far, to venture out together closer to home. We know that it seems easier said than done. But, with some planning and forethought, it is totally doable and absolutely worth the effort. From our experience, we know that each trip you take together will reignite those sparks between you.
In this blog you will find stories of our travels and our relationship. Our destinations will include the New York Finger Lakes and places throughout the United States and the world.
We spend a lot of time researching and planning before each trip, and our knowledge and experience will make your adventure together better. We will give you ideas for travel experiences together and sometimes our different perspectives as a couple. You will find tips on how to find the best experiences on a moderate budget.
And shoes — we both love shoes! So we’ll show you our most comfortable and fashionable footwear for every excursion. It’s important not only to feel good when you’re traveling, but also not to look out of place. Come along and travel as couple in our shoes!
