Month: May 2019
7 Ways to Celebrate WorldPride NYC
In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn on historic Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. The rough handling and arrest of many patrons was the final straw for the gay community. Riots ensued and continued for the next five days. Though … Read more
Discovering Finland’s Sauna Culture
I’m in the eastern reaches of Finland, in the Lakeland region that includes scenic Lake Saimaa, which has 14,000 islands and more shoreline than all of France. As the sun sinks slowly into the surrounding forest, I slink on to a “floating sauna,” a mini houseboat specially designed for a … Read more
20,000 Painted Azulejo Tiles
Take one step inside, and you can’t help but stand still, as if stopped by an invisible hand. Picturesque multi-colored houses climbing the hills of centuries-old Porto on the banks of the majestic Douro River have been the main attraction for countless visitors through the ages. But no traveler should … Read more
A “Taste” of Madeira, Portugal
Let’s talk about Madeira. The wine and the island. This jagged land mass rises from the Atlantic Ocean atop an ancient volcano and offers enough adventure to satiate thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. But if you think this is going to be about trekking through ravines and up mountains, … Read more
6 Tips for Driving in South Africa
Before embarking on a road trip in South Africa, it’s wise to heed a few rules, written and unwritten. As in the UK and their territories, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road so remember to always yield to the right. The speed limit is 120 kilometers … Read more
Africa’s Treasure Route from Johannesburg to Kimberley
DAY ONE: EXPLORING JOHANNESBURG Welcome to Soweto Johannesburg, the City of Gold or Egoli, so named by the Zulu nation, conjures up images of mine shafts, mine dumps, gold bars, and gumboot dancing. Affectionately called Jozie or Joburg, it’s the largest city and the business hub of South Africa. It … Read more
Muluk Spa-Hotel, Xcaret
Why merely relax when you can transform? The Muluk Spa at Hotel Xcaret Mexico is your gateway to the ancient traditions and healing practices of the Mayan culture. As you enter the spa’s expansive, open-air lobby you immediately connect with the lush topography of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Excavated from a … Read more
Culinary Excellence on Ocean Drive
Now that the New York-based one (1) Michelin-starred Azabu has opened in the Stanton Hotel on South Beach’s Ocean Drive, the hotel no longer has a typical hotel restaurant. Even 1 Michelin star is a big deal in this tiny beach enclave, so it’s safe to say that it’s Azabu’s … Read more
Luxury Cruising Aboard a Turkish Gulet
Moroccan scholar and traveler, Ibn Buttata once said: “Travel leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.” I have to wonder: did a cruise along the Turkish coastline prompt this quote? It’s a place where sunbeams sparkle on turquoise waters. A place where picturesque islands with rocky outcrops and … Read more
The French Riviera: Off the Beaten Path
Pristine beaches, charming villages, mouth-watering food, and deep blue Mediterranean waters — the Cote d’Azur is a destination that many dream about visiting. Around five million tourists visit the area every year making it the 2nd most popular destination in France after Paris. If it’s on your bucket list too, … Read more