A tradition that embodies the sophistication and refinement of the world’s finest culinary talents and restaurants in the world is set to arrive this spring for a once-in-a-lifetime food and wine celebration. WHAT: Pebble Beach Food & Wine, the preeminent food and wine festival attracting the most revered and talented chefs from across the globe, returns to Pebble Beach Resorts for the ninth year in a row, March 31 – April 3, 2016. Presented … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2016
A Treasured Stay, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay Thailand
One enters this refined state of opulence through a grand entrance - reserved for quiet of which there is plenty of on this property - and a place to decompress once you arrive. Stone tiles line a reflecting pond culminating in a pavilion and some welcome shade. Everyone can use a refreshing chilled towel infused with some pleasing exotic aroma on hot humid days; this along with an invigorating drink are served upon your arrival. If you are … [Read more...]
Upcoming Antarctica Trip, Ortelius Basecamp – Oceanwide Expeditions
Antarctica has been on my list of remote places to visit for years - I never have done so because of a variety of reasons, one has to cross the Drake Passage (supposedly one of the world's most treacherous waters - I get very bad sea sickness at times) and the cost of getting there - which as demand grows to visit the costs seem to have gone down (just a cursory observation). I randomly met Dan and Audrey of the travel site, Uncornered Market … [Read more...]
How to spend a few days in Buenos Aires (and feel like a Porteño)
Traveling to Argentina without visiting Buenos Aires should be considered a 'criminal offense'. This huge city is the pulsating heart of the country containing its political, economic and cultural centres. Besides, it is a fantastic place to explore, with it's European charm (for good reason it is known as the Paris of the South) combined with it's South American vibe. In Buenos Aires, examples of modern architecture stand directly next to … [Read more...]
Universal Studios Hollywood and TripAdvisor to Send One Lucky Winner and Guests on the Ultimate Harry Potter Trip Around the World
Universal Studios Hollywood and TripAdvisor to Send One Lucky Winner and Guests on the Ultimate Harry Potter Trip Around the World to Experience “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Theme Parks in Hollywood, Orlando and Japan and “The Making of Harry Potter” at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Sweepstakes Winners Begin Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure at the Highly-Anticipated Grand Opening of “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” at Universal … [Read more...]
Staying With the Locals in Cuba
As the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba strengthen, Americans are beginning to flock to the country to get a glimpse of the beauty that Ernest Hemingway famously described. We weren't any different. Once we arrived, we wanted to make sure that we didn't stay in hotels to get a better feel for the local lifestyle. We walked around for nearly 3 hours through the neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and asking for an open room with our … [Read more...]
Everett Potter – Travel Journalist
Everett Potter is an accomplished journalist who has written for and currently writes for major publications. He also manages the well-regarded site, Everett Potter’s Travel Report. Besides his writing prowess he is an accomplished speaker. I was reminded of his career and work when I spotted one his articles "Snowshoes, a Love Story" in the January-March 2016 edition of the Ritz-Carlton Magazine. I reached out to him and these are his … [Read more...]
Exploring the Douro with Viking River Cruises
Discovering treasures in every port Embarking in Portugal upon our first-ever cruise, my husband and I looked forward to the quality and service that have earned Viking River Cruises their outstanding reputation. There were many aspects of this river cruise that we loved, and having a wealth of compelling shore excursion opportunities was a big part of the experience for us. Portugal is known for its famous explorers of centuries past who … [Read more...]
A Most Random Encounter on Saba
While on Saba during my latest trip to the Caribbean something happened that I've dreamed about but in all my years of traveling has eluded me until now. I was standing at Fort Bay waiting to board the ferry back to Sint Maarten in a crowd of people when I spotted a couple standing near me. I am usually good with recognizing faces I have seen before - the man looked very familiar and I initially thought maybe I had met him on another trip. I … [Read more...]
Istanbul’s Secret Gems
Istanbul’s Secret Gems Visitors to Istanbul have a general expectation of seeing an exotic place at the easternmost of Europe. This expectation is definitely appropriate but what the city offers is actually way beyond it. It is not for nothing that Istanbul is regarded as a city founded on two continents. The city offers its visitors many examples from both European and Asian cultures, acting as a bridge between them. Sometimes you feel … [Read more...]