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
“Are you ready to get into your time machine?” Those words spoken some years ago by a Budapest tour guide still resonate with me today. I was taking a private tour that juxtaposed the Communist years in Hungary with the present day and it was really interesting. The city was … Read more
Soaring above the landscape, a ride in a hot air balloon reveals a perspective of the ground below unlike any other. Perhaps that’s why this romantic mode of transportation enchants adventurers everywhere. It all started with a sheep, a duck and a rooster—the first passengers in a hot air balloon … Read more
As America’s Independence Day celebrations enter the home stretch, France’s Bastille Day festivities await. July 14th, 2019 marks 230 years since the Storming of the Bastille — a turning point in the French Revolution. Today, more than ever, there will be hundreds of events held in NYC to honor France’s … Read more
Known as Music City, Nashville is where the world of music meets southern comfort. This is a land where the tunes are country along with jazz, blues, and rock and where the food can be grits and gravy as well as a grilled lobster. Though it’s home to such high-profile … Read more
Have you ever thought about a summer trip to northern Michigan? Perhaps the ‘Pure Michigan’ commercials made you curious? Being an East Coaster, I was intrigued by the idea of a Midwest version of Cape Cod. Michigan has hundreds of miles of lakeshore all with nearly perfect summer temperatures. I … Read more
Calling all fashionistas, hipsters and arbiters of cool. Tokyo finally has a boutique hotel to call its own and it’s located in the fashion district of Shibuya, minutes by foot from Omotosando, one of the best shopping streets here and home to luxury brands Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The … Read more
From the outside Sonnyboy looks like your typical Lower East Side hole in the wall hot spot where you’d expect packs of trendy diners conversing at a fever pitch However, beyond the front door it’s mysteriously calming, and at once chic and stylish. You don’t feel intimidated like you do … Read more
Egypt should be on everyone’s bucket list. It was, after all, a tourist destination for the ancient Greeks and Romans who visited this wondrous land to marvel at the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. Along the Nile are more must-see, astonishing sights. For an enjoyable and relaxing way to … Read more
“We want to be the best hotel restaurant in the world. That’s what we’re pushing for.” Uttering that statement as he welcomes us into HA Restaurant, Chef Carlos Gaytan sets a very high bar. He then spends the next 3 hours exceeding all expectations. After all, this isn’t your typical … Read more
