The marks recording the young boy’s height etched on the walls of the medieval chateau stopped at 1 meter 52 (4 feet 9 inches). The famous post-impressionist painter, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, had spent summers in the chateau as a child and at age 14, after two falls resulting in broken … Read more
A hush falls over The Idiot as you enter. It’s as if Dostoevsky himself was writing in the corner. That wouldn’t be much of a surprise as the warm, cozy atmosphere is perfect for tinkling with your latest poem or perhaps that song you’re writing. Soft music and a Zen … Read more
The Czech Republic may hold the reputation of being a beer lover’s paradise, but the country’s contribution to spirits, Becherovka, stands among the most complex liqueurs in the world. While European countries have a long tradition of digestifs, from Italian amaro to French cognac to Germany’s Underberg, only Becherovka has … Read more
Situated on 40 acres in a quiet corner of Aspen, Colorado and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, the Aspen Meadows Resort is one of the most unique hotels west of the Mississippi. Slightly removed from the flurry of town but within easy walking distance to Ajax Mountain and Aspen’s many restaurants … Read more
Access to St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is easy since it’s a U.S. territory and no passport is required. However, access to the beauty and diversity of life under the waters that surround it requires more effort. You must be a certified scuba diver. Of course … Read more
Myanmar. It’s a destination that’s been on many a travel bucket list for awhile now, including mine. But it always seemed just a little out of reach. I was drawn to the exotic architecture and culture, but it was this same exoticism that overwhelmed me. Sometimes I would stare dreamily at … Read more
Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Despite its 25 floors and 532 rooms, San Francisco’s Hotel Nikko is of imposing proportions but elects to behave like a graceful boutique property. Its location is prime, with proximity to Union Square, high-end shopping and the performing arts while reliable public transportation in the … Read more
From the padded seat of her delivery cart, Jana Micova takes the reins of her two trusted steeds: Barna and Byka. Stacked neatly behind her are barrels of Pilsner Urquell, which Jana and her fillies will distribute to select pubs across Plzen, some of which have been receiving these horse … Read more
Upon entering the “Lord Balfour Hotel” in Miami’s South Beach, the doors immediately swing open as if held by a dashing invisible butler. This little touch immediately sets the tone. This place is cool, really cool. And everything from the moment you enter until the doors sweep out for you … Read more
One of the most magical things about the holiday season is the way that it completely takes over some of our cities. One of the best cities to visit during this time of year is Prague and its fabulous Christmas markets. Heralded as one of the finest Christmas markets in … Read more
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like wine. And an entire weekend-long festival dedicated to celebrating it sounds like a party I’d definitely want to attend. So, if like me, you’re looking for a fun weekend that’s dedicated to wine and don’t mind an interesting history lesson too, the Karlstejn … Read more
Let’s face it. Summer is all about longer days and later nights. But once fall starts to creep around the bend in late September the days get shorter and the nights end earlier. For many, that loss of light and less down time in the evening is an unwelcome adjustment. … Read more
If you’ve been lucky enough to visit the Czech Republic then you know the beer is good. But there’s one that reigns supreme – Pilsner Urquell. Since it was first brewed in 1842, Plzeňský Prazdroj (better known worldwide as Pilsner Urquell) has been a staple in the majority of Czech … Read more
Billed as“a sleek, technology forward, USB chargeable razor” ShaveTech is no larger than a smart phone and can be charged using any worldwide standard USB port. It’s a must-have grooming accessory for any savvy man on-the-go. Its sleek, lightweight design is trimmed in brushed silver and it’s available in a … Read more
The picturesque towns of the Mediterranean have long been immortalized on the silver screen since Brigitte Bardot lounged on a St. Tropez beach in And God Created Women, and Cary Grant and Grace Kelly played cat and mouse along the Cote d’Azur in To Catch a Thief. One of the … Read more