A number of islands in Thailand or beach destinations, especially in the southern part of the country can be over tourist-ed at times and or are destinations for travelers who want to party. For many years I've been attracted to some of the islands in the north closer to the Cambodian border including one of my favorite islands in Thailand, Koh Kood. However, recently I made the trip to Koh Mak, a tiny neighboring island accessible via one of two … [Read more...]
Highlights of the Spanish Andalusia Region
The enduring appeal of Andalusia is easy to understand. It’s a region that has almost every single Spanish cliché from barrel-aged sherry to flamboyant flamenco dancing and vibrant fiestas. Andalusia is home to the sun-baked patios of Seville, the gorge-poised city of Ronda, and the red-tinged Alhambra in Granada. On top of the tourist-rich highlights, dig a little deeper to find blissfully quiet and crowd-free, off-the-beaten track hidden gems … [Read more...]
Destination Guide to Uzbekistan
The word Uzbekistan itself carries an air of mystery about it. When I told people I was traveling to Uzbekistan, they exclaimed "Uzbekiwhere?!" and then followed that up by "Is it safe?!" Uzbekistan IS bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, countries that are not very well known in the West. So I suppose the "safe" question was fair enough! I'm here to give you the 411 on this destination and hopefully … [Read more...]
Visiting Bagan, Myanmar
Bagan is the land of ancient temples - these stone spires dot the dusty landscape of what is called the Bagan Plains. We are visiting in the middle of winter, yet the temperatures are very warm during the day and pleasant at night; apparently rain has not fallen here for weeks. Coming from Inle Lake, some 6 hours away by bus we were startled by the dramatic difference in landscape. Inle Lake has plenty of water - in fact villages are built above … [Read more...]
Koh Phrathong – a Secret Thai Island for Nature Lovers
Done Thailand? Nope! You haven’t. Don’t get me wrong. You might’ve been here before and explored the southern islands. But have you really tracked down all regions of this mesmerizing country? Spots where smiles are genuine, specks that brighten up even Thailand’s map? I know, with its 38.27 million tourists that visited the Land of Smiles in 2018, this nation feels as though vacationers have peeked in everywhere. The corner of the … [Read more...]
When you learn (yet again) how much you don’t know: Agios Michael Synadon
We weren’t inside this little church for more than twenty minutes, but that was long enough to be reminded yet again of my ignorance on… well, so many things. Architecture and Greek Orthodoxy are topics that come to mind, as well as the history of the 100+ public and private churches that exist in Skopelos, the little Greek town we’re residing in while my husband completes an artist residency. We discovered one of those churches, the Church of … [Read more...]
5 Things to Do in Lake Arrowhead
“Every season is beautiful but autumn is my favorite. Everyone is out and about but more bundled up. It’s a fun time,” says Summer Barron, Spa Director at Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa. Born and raised in Lake Arrowhead, California, Summer is the perfect person to inform me about the area, the resort and what makes it such a popular choice by those in the know. Lake Arrowhead is a private lake and community nestled at 5200 ft. (1500 m) in the … [Read more...]
New Zealand of My Thirst
Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand stayed in my head days after I inhaled its poetry, its wild forest, its volcanic lake in a caldera, the slow, gentle rhythm of its longest river, Waikato and its multi-cultural people. The North Island floated in my landscape that wanted to hear its voice during fall. There I was introduced into the polyglot voices of the Pasifika experience of Karlo Mila, a poet who captures the essence of … [Read more...]
Tahiti, Exploring this Gem in the Middle of the Southern Pacific Ocean
I've wanted to visit Tahiti for years but the high cost of airfare has been a barrier to visiting the country. But with recent flights from the west coast of the USA launching earlier this year and prices much more affordable then in the years past, my decision to visit Tahiti became more realistic. The capital city of Papeete is by far the largest city in the country - and yes there is even traffic downtown. But as far as cities go, this is … [Read more...]
Naples, Italy: A Gastronomic Plunge Into Pizza
There are many sites to see in and around Naples, Italy. For travelers who live to eat, it’s the vibrant cuisine that acts like a magnet, drawing us to this southern Italian city like bees to honey. Situated in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, residents live with the constant threat of eruption. Rather than living in fear, they throw caution to the wind, embracing each moment with a carefree attitude and plenty of gusto. Each meal might be your … [Read more...]
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