There is a town situated amongst two massive volcanoes, lush mountains, rolling fields of prairie grass, extensive ranch lands, and the Pacific Ocean. When described like that Waimea may sound imaginary, but it’s not. I’ve been there, and I’ve come back to tell the tale of one of its greatest … Read more
In a country of extremes, where the Midnight Sun stays bright 24/7 in summer, and winter is grey for many long weeks, it’s no surprise that the inhabitants have devised a series of oddball activities to keep themselves amused, and possibly balanced. From culinary wackiness to one-of-a-kind crazy activities, Finland … Read more
The flight, the cab rides, and the water it takes to wash your towels every day at the hotel … vacations are great for relaxing, but even better for making an enormous carbon footprint. For those who’d rather be a little more ecologically conscious this travel season, here’s a list … Read more
Sitting having afternoon tea at The Fairmount Peace Hotel in Shanghai with its art deco cake holders and lamps I feel as if i have been time-warped back to the time when Shanghai was the most exciting city in “The Orient” and the Europeans and Americans who went there were … Read more
Steak 954 is a restaurant not to be missed while staying in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There are hardly any words to describe how delicious their menu is. With the sound and sight of the crashing ocean waves and smells of juicy steak and fresh seafood you’re bound to have a … Read more
Whether we’re abroad or just out of state, they are the ones who take us in, provide a comfy bed, deliver room service … all for a price, of course. After all, hotel owners have to make a living, too. But who are these owners, the lodging gurus who mastermind … Read more
At CVI.CHE 105 every table is full. The warehouse space in downtown Miami hums and buzzes like a beehive. Cement columns anchor stark white tables and chairs cramming the space where white paneled walls with illuminated vitrines harbor Latino-centric curios. All the more to keep you in the mood. It’s … Read more
A Date With Nature The term “Eco-Tourism” can trigger fear in many travelers. Sure, we all want to protect and celebrate the beauty of Mother Earth. But don’t worry, you don’t have to live in a tree house, drink rainwater and eat wild berries to enjoy nature on your vacation. … Read more
London will experience a surging wave of competitive heat with the approaching 2012 Summer Olympics. If you’re a diehard Olympics fan and won’t succumb to just watching the mega event on TV due to the piggybank-breaking insanity of the airfares, we’ve got your back. Or, rather Fly.com does. Fly.com handles … Read more
Wow, talk about an entrance. After a breathtaking drive over the Rickenbacker Causeway out of Miami to Key Biscayne, the landmarked Rusty Pelican creates big drama. Like most restaurants hugging the water, the approach sets up expectations for a true waterfront dining experience. As one of the Florida Keys … Read more
EDGE, Steak & Bar @ The Four Seasons Hotel A Zen waterfall greets you as you pull into Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a welcoming touch … water soothes the body and the soul especially in a tropical destination like this. Past a massive female sculpture by Bottero that leads … Read more
Santa Claus is coming to town! Stop telling the kids that Santa Claus isn’t real, because this isn’t just a fat man with a beard and a red suit. Did you know that the real Santa lives in Lapland, Finland? He’s taking a day off from reading letters and making … Read more
Who would’ve thought? Dancing in close embrace, deep slits, and lots of leg aren’t exclusive to the Argentinean tango. In fact, the Finns have not only taken to this dance, but also made it their own. Finnish tango differs from the fiery Latin version. Instead, the music and dance features … Read more
Forget about Valentine’s Day. February is no longer the month of love, because here comes Midsummer’s Eve on June 22 to take the throne. For all you singles, according to Finnish folklore this is the day when magic comes alive with spells that will reveal your future suitor. For example, … Read more
It was almost summer in Finland and our plan was to spend the longest day of the year in Helsinki. The line from Great Gatsby flashed in my mind when Daisy plaintively asks Jordan and Nick, “What shall we do on the longest day of the year?” Take my word … Read more