Wroclaw (pronounced “Vrot-swahv”), Poland’s jewel of a city just under four hours from Warsaw, is proud of itself. Voted European Capital of Culture in 2016 and European Best Destination 2018, it has more than a few feathers in its cap – City of 100 Bridges, City of 5 Rivers, City … Read more
In her twenties Jocelyna Dubuc became interested in learning more about foods to improve her health. Touting her success, she would ultimately create a wellness destination in Canada way before the term was even coined. In 1977, she opened Spa Eastman, a holistic place in Canada’s Eastern Townships that has … Read more
As I write this, I’m a healthy 168 pounds, but three years ago that wasn’t the case. Having battled with my weight my entire life, I reached a pinnacle in 2016 tipping the scale at 250 pounds. It took a coveted invitation to Amsterdam for the 325th Anniversary Gala of … Read more
The Intercontinental San Diego beckons almost immediately upon landing at San Diego International Airport. The 400-room hotel, newly opened in Fall 2018, is part of the new BRIC complex. Only a 10-minute drive from the airport (get ready to watch some low flying planes for a bit of added excitement) … Read more
One of Eastern Europe’s biggest surprises today both in terms of evolution and culture is Warsaw. Largely rebuilt from scratch after World War II, it’s a city of surprises where artists, designers, chefs and a veritable treasure trove of creative types reside. Rooted squarely in its past, it has lately … Read more
Called the “Castle in the City,” Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is appropriately crowned with a chateau-style peaked copper roof, now elaborately aged a burnished patina. Built in the 1930s as one of the country’s premier hospitality residences (a collection of iconic hotels that even today still dot the original Canadian Pacific … Read more
I spotted the iconic 660-foot front porch of the Grand Hotel from the ferry to Mackinac Island. From a distance I could see the massive white structure on a hill in stark contrast to the deep green of the surrounding trees and the rich blue waters of Lake Huron. As … Read more
Teal waters, leaping dolphins, breaching whales, a dramatic Dothraki terrain, and all with a Spanish flavor — why, it’s Cabo San Lucas. Not exactly … in twenty, thirty years maybe! For those looking for a Mexican getaway but loathing the thought of a McMexico experience, Loreto beckons with minimum fuss, … Read more
Lucerne is often called “the City of Lights.” The name goes back to a miracle which is said to have happened here. According to a legend, an angel showed the first arriving settlers with a light where to build a chapel in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of … Read more
Confession: Though I’ve visited seven continents, 60 countries and 46 of the nation’s states, it wasn’t until recently that my travels included Idaho, more specifically Boise, its capital. As the saying “it’s never too late” suggests, my visit to the largest city of the country’s 43rd state may have been … Read more
“Why would anyone give you a houseboat to sail when you can’t even steer a canoe straight?” This was the question from my 11-year-old granddaughter. She had a point. On our recent canoeing trip together, I navigated straight into the banks of the river more than once. The prospect of … Read more
“A river seems a magic thing.” — Laura Gilpin The thunderous sound of Europe’s largest waterfall tumbling over a wide expanse of cliffs impeded any attempt at conversation. With our boat wobbling in the churning water, we got as close to the falls as our experienced tour guide dared go … Read more
