, I sometimes go there just to roam the streets, take pictures, eat the traditional food and talk to the locals. It is possibly my favorite city of all that I have visited. I really could have benefitted from some Istanbul travel tips before I went the first time. I learned to do my research. The first time I went to Istanbul I felt an energy as soon as I left the airport. I believe a city is a living, breathing, ever changing organism. … [Read more...]
SFO to Manchester Flight Launch!
I recently had the pleasure of attending a reception to celebrate Virgin Atlantic's new direct route from San Francisco to Manchester. The event was held at the residence of the HM Consul General Andrew Whittaker who made the announcement, followed by an evening of mingling with journalists. British food and cocktails kept flowing through the evening as we celebrated this momentous occasion for who doesn't want more non-stop flights from the … [Read more...]
The art of Damasquinado in Toledo Spain
Damasquinado (Toledo Craft) can be found in many shops in Toledo Spain. While in Toledo, we were “pulled” (seduced) into a workshop where the ancient craft of Damascene is practised. We literally had just checked into our hotel, dropped our bags in the room and headed out to grab a bite to eat. We walked a few steps when I felt a few raindrops hit my head. Of course the umbrellas were in our room but my husband volunteered (aka- was forced) to … [Read more...]
Antequera: Andalucia Spain without the tourists
We say we want an authentic local experience when we travel. But do we? Suburbs and industrial parks are authentic if, by that word, you mean a place where people actually live and work. What we really seek are sights and a slice of life that doesn’t feel produced for the consumption of others. Or maybe all we desire are places not frequented by other tourists. We want to feel we’re having a unique experience, one that hasn’t shown up already … [Read more...]
Five Reasons to Visit Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card
Last November, I took a leap of faith and booked my first solo trip abroad. I headed to the Netherlands. Having never traveled alone before, I needed to be safe, smart, and strict about my spending. I enjoy comfort and privacy, so costs add up quickly with both an international hotel and a flight. Through my research, there appeared to be five reasons why the I Amsterdam City Card was the best option. It allowed me to be smart about my … [Read more...]
Ghosts of Verdun
"On the battlefield of Verdun I stand. Half a million, young as I, are buried here. Where are they now?" - excerpt from Verdun and You, a poem by German battle survivor William Hermanns Marshal Ferdinand Foch, France's Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in WW1, is said to have once remarked that the training of a Major General requires about 15,000 dead soldiers. In 1916, at the infamous battle of Verdun, more than 20 times that number … [Read more...]
Oh, the Eating in Lyon is To-Die-For
Lyon is considered France’s capital of gastronomy. And with good reason. With the highest concentration of restaurants per capita in the country, Lyon lies in an enviable position. Literally. It’s surrounded by the best sources of raw ingredients and fresh produce. And this allows the city and its people the ability to create some of the best dishes in the world. Bresse chicken and Charolais beef from the north (with Bresse chicken dubbed as … [Read more...]
Lost to the charm of Seville
Sometimes it is better to travel and be surprised by a destination rather then trying to do research ahead of time. My time in Seville has given me a new perspective about this beautiful part of Spain and my trip here has been without any preconceived expectations. Previously I had only heard of Sevilla through an opera that was based on a story about a barber - other than this fragment of knowledge I knew nothing about this charming little town … [Read more...]
Trier – Rome of the North
“Ante Romam Treveris stetit annis mille trecentis” (Trier stood 1300 years before Rome) – legend of Trier’s founding. Trier is the UNESCO World Heritage city you’ve never heard of. While you were busy swooning over Berlin’s modern architecture or Munich’s copious beer gardens, you’ve missed Germany’s most remarkable city, quietly minding its own business along the banks of the Mosel river, the way it always has for two and a half … [Read more...]
Saarland, Germany’s best kept secret
My fondest memories as a kid growing up in Germany typically involved hiking in green forests, visiting medieval cities, exploring roman ruins, cycling along river banks, driving through vineyards dotting the many low rolling hills, or taking daytrips to the French side of the border to gawk at life on the other side. This is Saarland, Germany’s hidden gem. If you’ve followed any of my other articles, you’ll know by now that what I enjoy most is … [Read more...]
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