Ex-expat John M. Edwards is invited as a “standby” to a sumptuous Parisian dinner party near Passy, where perforce playing the devil’s advocate comes with no pricetag at all. . . . “Hello John, how would you like to come to a dinner party tonight,” queried fair friend and picnic partner Julie, a fellow Servas member. A world peace organization affiliated with the United Nations, “Servas,” we joked with devil-may-care abandon, should … [Read more...]
German Christmas Specialties
Many would agree that winter’s most glorious aspects are of the culinary variety. Celebratory food and drink that promise the return of light in the depth of chilly darkness differ in every culture, but epicurean indulgence is a common thread. In Germany, Christmas traditions border on magical. Snow blankets much of the landscape, lights sparkle amidst the frost and festive markets sell handmade crafts and ornaments. On a recent trip to … [Read more...]
A slice of Venice in Oakland
I've lived in the Bay Area, in northern California, since I was a kid, but have rarely had a reason to visit Oakland over the years. Oakland often evokes images of a poverty ridden, perhaps even a crime inflicted town. I just never thought it had anything worth checking out. I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend in Oakland as part of a hosted trip for Dave's Travel Corner and boy was I wrong about Oakland. The city is definitely up … [Read more...]
Planning the perfect piste-side proposal
Of all the locations to choose when planning your proposal to the person of your dreams, few can match the serene majesty of the Alps. The heady mix of crisp, fresh air, rugged mountain scenery and glistening snow makes the Alps the ideal place to pop the question. Wrapped up warm against the elements, the sparkling ring and glistening snow complimenting her beaming smile; what could be more perfect? Of all the locations to choose when … [Read more...]
Traveling in Sin By Lisa Niver Rajna & George Rajna
“When traveling, flexibility and solid team work are essential”- Lisa Niver Rajna When I travel I love to read. It makes the long train, bus or flight times go by much faster. Therefore, on my recent vacation (September 2013) I started reading “Traveling in Sin” during my flight to Bari, Italy. I was immediately hooked. The book is a travel memoir, a collection of stories, very useful travel information and quite a bit of romance. It is … [Read more...]
St. John’s Tomb: Travel Tales from Turkey
Greetings from Cappadocia! We are rapidly adapting to the troglodyte lifestyle of the modern cave dweller! Cappadocia was a perfect hideaway for the early persecuted Christians because they fled here to hide away in caves and they built their churches in caves as well. It almost appears that every family had its own church, sort of like a second living room to their cave dwelling. These early churches comfortably fit only about 10 people in … [Read more...]
Waltzing through the Kaffehaus Kultura Vienna
“The [Café] Central is a place for people who have to kill time, so as not to be killed by it. . . .” --Alfred Polgar “I AM SIGMUND SPIELBERG!!!” The obviously unemployable flaneur with umlaut eyes landed at my marble-topped table without a proper invite, brusquely pushing aside a Thonet wooden chair. Brandishing a copy of Der Spiegel on a wooden rolling pin in his left hand, and reeking from an unfortunate cologne resembling turning … [Read more...]
Arizona Biltmore Creating 10 Edgy Epicurean Evenings For its 24th Season of ‘Winemaker Dinners’
PHOENIX, Ariz. The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (www.arizonabiltmore.com) is planning 10 extravagant epicurean evenings – of innovative gourmet dining, acclaimed wines, winemakers talking about their wines, and after-dinner drinks and cigars – for the resort’s 24th season of Winemaker Dinners. Each Winemaker Dinner will feature an original multi-course menu, prepared by Executive Chef Gordon Maybury and Chef de Cuisine Bryan … [Read more...]
The Best European Casinos
If you're a gambler or poker player, you already know you need a good guide to the nicest European casinos out there. And if you’re a simple tourist in Europe looking for some of the most glamorous venues of modern pop culture, go check out the places where 007 went on his famous winning sprees in service of Her Majesty the Queen. No matter what your particular preference, all of these are worth a look. Casino Monte Carlo, Monaco Doubtlessly … [Read more...]
Escape to Carmel-by-the-Sea
There’s no place like home, but when a trip is ending, I’m always a little sad unless I’ve got the next excursion in mind. Coming home after almost three weeks of having a fantastic time in the Emilia-Romagna and Puglia regions of Italy, I needed to plan a getaway! I found solace in Carmel-by-the-Sea. About a two-hour drive south from San Francisco, Carmel is a convenient getaway for area residents or visitors to San Francisco Bay Area. … [Read more...]
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