Suzhou is often referred to as “the Venice of the East.” In a less ethnocentric world, we would perhaps call Venice “the Suzhou of the West.” The original canal city, Suzhou was already a over a thousand years old when Venice was founded (514 B.C.E. vs. 421 C.E.) It is also significantly larger than Venice, a full order of magnitude more, in fact. Its canal system is indescribably extensive and complex, spreading through a vast network of fields, … [Read more...]
Murano and Burano: Islands of Glass, Lace and Brightly Colored Houses
Fragile Art When people hear the word Murano, they immediately think of glass. Artfully blown glass consisting of a rainbow of colors in whimsical shapes of fish, horses, chickens, unicorns and other creatures. Everyday items like bowls and mugs and plates come alive with images and designs never seen or even imagined. Jewelry of every taste is also abundant in the many shops of Murano and Burano. As visitors pass through the various shops … [Read more...]
Suzhou, China: An Edible Garden of Eden
If I were a philosopher, my motto would be “I eat, therefore I travel.” My first step towards understanding a culture is through food. Taste is the silent thread that binds me to fellow gastronomes around the globe. This is especially true when I visit a country where I know not a soul nor a single word of the native language, my exact situation during my recent visit to Suzhou, China. As alien as I felt upon arrival, I correctly suspected that … [Read more...]
Sirmione, Lake Garda: When You Need a Vacation From Your Vacation
Churches, paintings and palaces are all well and good, great even, but sometimes a traveler needs a little respite from all that culture (right, honey?). Lake Como may be the most famous and glitterati-ist body of water in Italy, thanks to you, Mr. George Clooney, but Lake Garda sparkles quietly, like a hidden gem – at least as far as Americans are concerned. The largest lake in the country, Lake Garda is about an hour’s train ride from … [Read more...]
Dream of Venice edited by Joann Locktov
Dream of Venice is a curated collection of memories thoughts and experiences from a number of well-traveled and accomplished individuals. Philosophical and reflective in nature this book is part reflections, part memories, and a pinch of nostalgia. Excellent photography accompanies every writer's contribution. Venice is always in a state of partial decay and need for support. Portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book will be … [Read more...]
A Restful Night’s Sleep on a Stearns & Foster Mattress
Earlier this year I was introduced to a Stearns & Foster Mattress with a stay in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. This particular Fairmont is located on top of Nob Hill which already gives you nice views of parts of San Francisco simply based on the elevation. However one can be treated to more spectacular views by staying in a room on one of their uppermost floors. Visually I feasted on memorable views from the 14th floor overlooking Coit … [Read more...]
Handcrafted San Francisco Experience + Giveaway, Stearns & Foster + Jetsetter
It had been a few years since I had spent any time in San Francisco; during my prior visits it always seemed like the city was blanked in fog - not so this trip. Apparently some of the best months to visit San Francisco are in September and October, when the fog often stays at bay and and visitor's are greeted by beautiful sunshine. This was a handcrafted trip arranged by Stearns & Foster to experience some memorable moments in San Francisco … [Read more...]
Best Reasons to Visit Losinj, Croatia
Croatia’s picture-perfect island of Losinj sits in the Northern Adriatic Sea, a stone’s throw from Italy. It has been luring visitors since the 19th century, when Austro-Hungarian aristocracy first recognized its regal sheen. The curative effects of a near-perfect climate, crystalline sea and air infused with the scent of hundreds of native plant species made it a top health resort. Tourists have once again taken notice of this salubrious … [Read more...]
Find the Quiet Side of Venice in Santa Elena
For most visitors, the Venice that they visit is jam-packed with crowds. The city is packed with spectacular sights and is one of the most popular tourist sites in Italy. It is one of my favorite European destinations. The city is wonderful any time of the year so I always schedule my visits for the off-season. Even then, I have been amazed at the number of visitors. Someone recently described Venice to me as a "Disneyland for adults" with … [Read more...]
Star Searching, Celebrity House Spotting with Starline Tours, Hollywood
What better time to take a Starline guided tour of Hollywood and hunt for celebrity homes and celebrities than during the Academy Award weekend. Hollywood's epic event attracts a number of celebrities to town, parties and those looking to see celebrities. Sure Hollywood is more chaotic then usual - with part of Hollywood Blvd shut down in the vicinity of Dolby Theatre and the buzz about the event by most everyone who happens to be in the … [Read more...]
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