Elounda, Crete Every now and then a hotel comes along that defies predictability and shakes a fist at standards. Nestled in a cove on a steep hill plunging down to the Bay of Mirabello in Elounda, Crete, The Porto Elounda Deluxe Resort is one of them. A big stylized “E” … Read more
It seems like these days, everybody’s deluded into thinking they’re great cooks. Maybe it’s because of the Food Network’s rise in popularity, or Pinterest’s millions of cupcake recipes, or perhaps it’s the advent of a strange, strange thing called “food porn”. Whatever it is, as someone who readily admits that … Read more
Sure, going to the Olympics probably has you teeming with excitement. It is, after all, one of the biggest events of the year. And while the energy runs high, so does the chaos. While you’re busy enjoying your time, the streets of London will be swarming with people. Perhaps because … Read more
It’s been said that the island of Santorini was created by a famous earthquake about 1500 BC and that it may be a remnant of the legendary lost continent of Atlantis. While this is true, there is another side to the mysterious island. Writers throughout history have already dedicated countless … Read more
A few months ago, summer seemed so distant. July was an empty playground to be filled with hikes, sailing on the lake, driving with the top down and barbeques with all your friends. But sneaky June has come and gone, leaving you in panic mode. Where did the time go? … Read more
It is no wonder that the term used to describe, “after skiing shenanigans” is French. Après ski has become a universal term originating from the European concept of bringing an end to an epic day of skiing with some drinks, dancing and socializing. Austria has particularly cultivated the art of … Read more
Snowmass Village, Colorado Boudin balls with fennel remoulade awaken your palate and spark curiosity about what’s next … a surprising barbequed shrimp with grits and crisp duck rillettes made of duck confit enlivened with cassis jelly and pistachios. These appetizers surely have you thinking – ‘Creole food in the middle … Read more
A-listers always know what’s hot, which is why summer is such a suitable time for a celebrity wedding. But it also translates well for the hoi polloi, as those who decide to tie the knot in June, July or August are savvy enough to realize that tropical locations are picture-perfect … Read more
I see London, I see France, I see Marilyn’s underpants … There’s little doubt of Marilyn Monroe’s predominance as America’s iconic sex symbol. One of the most timeless and well-known images of Marilyn has her standing over the subway grates in a white halter dress as the wind blows her … Read more
The Hudson River School was a mid-19th century group of landscape painters noted for their romantic depiction of America’s rapidly changing landscape. Named for the region in which the movement originally began, the paintings depicted the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains and surrounding areas. Thomas Cole, considered the founder of the … Read more
Are you ready for Montreal’s third annual Queer of the Year competition? Yup, you’ve read that correctly. Five finalists will be flown to Montreal while it’s in full bloom for Gay Pride week (Aug 13-19) for an all expense paid trip. Finalists will be judged in a series of “social … Read more
When I lived in West Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, cities across the border in the Communist East Bloc seemed a world away. Any travel to East Germany was especially restricted, and the red tape required for visiting wasn’t worth the hassle. But all that has changed, … Read more
Here’s an idea for a summer destination: anywhere in Ishikawa. Bordered by the Japan Sea on the western coast of Japan, this prefecture perfectly lends itself to outdoor sports and relaxation. Just so you know what to expect, Kanazawa, the most well-known city in Ishikawa, rightfully boasts of Japan’s best … Read more
A large open air patio cooled by swirling ceiling fans lures you into Landhuis Daniel, a stunning tropical setting that appears at the end of a drive down a long country road. Chirping crickets and the bling of an occasional firefly provide the perfect setting for romance, along with world … Read more