ATHENS: TWO DAYS IN SEARCH OF GREAT FOOD, CLASSICAL CULTURE AND A REAL GLADIATOR

I once visited Athens for 24 hours. Although that sounds improbable, it happened. My husband and I were invited to a wedding in Greece and it was a no brainer to accept. After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we headed directly to the number one attraction, the breathtaking Acropolis of Athens. Located on a rocky boulder towering the city, it contains the remains of several ancient buildings, including The Parthenon. Dedicated to the patroness of Athens, the beloved Athena, the construction [Read more...]

The new ailment to beat: Travel Nostalgia

There’s a new ailment in town brought on by Covid-19: it’s called Travel Nostalgia and so many of us are suffering from it. When you are in the travel business or travel is your everyday normal, confinement takes on a whole new level. This new normal has stopped tourism, especially international tourism, in its tracks. For months now, I have not written much on my travel blog and we all know why: we haven’t gone anywhere! I mean how can you be prolific right now when the name of your blog is [Read more...]

Burgundy, Dijon, Big Deal! Well, yes, it is!

Mention the Burgundy, or Bourgogne, region of France and true wine lovers will immediately say it’s where you find some of the best wines in the world! The strong image of terroir, infinite well-kept vineyards, never-ending lists of wines you want to coddle in your cellar. However, as you make your way through the amazing wine country and spectacular tastings, (most likely with Bonnecuvee.com), keep in mind there are many other treasures to find in Burgundy.

Sailing with the Vikings

Anastasia plays the violin with loving hands. She is tall and thin, her black dress clings tightly to her frail and delicate body, her long fingers expertly hold the bow as she strums the violin with confident ease. She cradles the instrument as if it were a newborn child, eyes shut in loving concentration, every string following her command and streaming soothing classical notes of famous artists long gone. I take a step closer and descend into her trance as do all the others in the room, [Read more...]

Colorful Cuba!

She wore a blood-red shirt, too tight on her chest, but clean and pressed as if she was going somewhere special. The top button was missing, and the next buttonhole was being held by a pin. Her skirt was also tight fitting, had seen its better days and held by a worn-out belt. Her hair was upswept, as I imagine she kept it in her younger days when she was still eager to find the man of her dreams. She was still trying in her seventh decade of life. I could only detect only one tooth in the front [Read more...]

A Simple Journey Through Portugal

A passion for travel allows for the discovery of places and people that make a difference in the perception of your own life. Numerous travel guides are readily available to give you practical information regarding transportation, hotels and tourist attractions. Instead, my intention  is to give you simple, first-hand information and share my personal experience in travel. I will focus on unusual sites, extraordinary people, local food finds, budget friendly tips …and splurges worth your while. [Read more...]

Traveling with Carry-on Freedom!

Anyone who reads my blog knows by now how I like to travel with just a carry-on. Learning to simplify and organize your wardrobe is the key to successful travel. Most people think they need to bring everything they own-just in case. They end up tired, frustrated and they don't wear at least one-third of what they packed. Today I am happy to highlight my friend and colleague, Irene Ziegler. She just left for a 10-day business trip to Austria and is traveling with a carry-on (see her luggage [Read more...]