Travel is about moments suspended in time. When travelling I try to consider a place my temporary home. Running around, visiting one sight after the other in order to tick off the list of sights you really have to see and cannot miss, blurs one’s mind into one undistinguished pile of memories of churches, castles, landscapes, cafés, restaurants and other things you have visited but actually can’t remember. You look back at all those pictures you … [Read more...]
Most Scenic Drive in the World? Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
This is a story about brilliant branding. It’s about Ireland, but it begins in Chile. In the early 90s one had to head to the far south of South America to sample the tasty, thick, snow-white fillets of a large, deep-water cod called the Patagonian toothfish . No eatery in the U.S. wanted to serve a fish with that name. But when marketers came up with the alluring but meaningless name, “Chilean sea bass,” the fish was on its way to … [Read more...]
A Memorable Visit to Chateau Siaurac in Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux
There are wine regions that hang on the tip of the tongue of serious wine enthusiasts - those regions that quickly come up in conversation when discussing good wines from around the world. One of those is Bordeaux and all of its accompanying appellations. Working in the wine business for the past 10 years I've heard so much about this part of France, its history, the quality of wines, and vineyard practices. As a result upon personally … [Read more...]
Travel in Harry Potter’s Footsteps in Scotland
Do you love the Harry Potter books and movies? If you want more Harry Potter in your life, consider traveling to the locations where the Harry Potter movies were filmed. The movies were shot in the UK - in Britain and Scotland. There are tours where you can travel to the places, but remember that many of the scenes were shot in a studio, or are composites of several locations. When we were in Scotland, we visited all three of the Scottish … [Read more...]
Marseille, France: European Capital of Culture
As someone who lives in Marseille told me, “Marseille is a way of life”. It’s the playing of pétanque (similar to bocce), the imbibing of pastis (an anise liqueur developed in Marseille as a substitute for the banned absinthe in 1915), the savoring of Bouillabaisse (for which Marseille is famous), and a certain "joie de vivre". It is also a way of life that embraces the diversity of this melting pot on the Mediterranean and its rich culture, … [Read more...]
Cruising Bordeaux with Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises was established in 1977 as a fairly small operation with just four ships offering Russian River cruises marketed to Europeans. The company has expanded quickly over the years - entering the US market in 2000. They are now the world's largest river cruise company offering a variety of trips in Europe, Russia, China, Southeast Asia and Egypt. In addition to their main cruise offerings, Viking can arrange airfare and post and … [Read more...]
Layovers are great*
I am fortunate enough to participate in non-rev travel. This has its obvious ups and downs. I know where to find free WiFi in Houston International. I've spent dozens of nights sleeping in airports. And I’m certainly no stranger to being stuck in cities I’d rather not be in. When I was marooned in Paris last November, I was faced with the difficult decision of how to spend the next 24 hours. I was exhausted from a brief romp around Spain and … [Read more...]
The Introvert’s Guide to Backpacking
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” -Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Ring I never wanted to go backpacking. I had no interest in staying in hostels. An introvert by nature, I found the peace and privacy of a hotel room necessary, not only for the enjoyment of the trip, but for my mental sanity. Then the cheapskate … [Read more...]
Understanding London – The north/south River Thames divide
London really is a tale of two cities, as there is a clear divide between the northern and southern parts of the Thames. For non-locals, this may seem a bit silly, but for Londoners it does mean more than you’d think! If you’re preparing to visit London, you could do worse than learn some of the major differences so that when people ask you, you’re well informed and ready to come back with a fact or two. If you want to know more about the … [Read more...]
Berlin Food Tour
Berlin is attracting the attention of hungry tourists around the globe. A huge variety of edible delights compete for your appetite in this bustling metropolis. If your time in Berlin will be brief, consider a food tour. Those on a culinary quest reap the benefits of a guide’s insider epicurean tips. Even if you’re not food-centric, you will learn about the culture, history and sights of Berlin as you stroll the city with your guide and nibble … [Read more...]
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