“Gooooooood morning Safari Endeavour! We’re sorry to wake you so early, but we wanted to inform you that whales are breaching on the port and starboard side of the ship.” This is the announcement that stirred us from our deep slumber at 6:30 a.m. on the first morning aboard our humble ship. Rick and IContinue reading “Whale!”
Category Archives: Travel Tips & Skills
To Cruise Or To Un-cruise?
Follow me as I share my latest adventures with Rick in this blog series on cruising in Alaska . The Saturday nights of my childhood kept my eyes glued to the TV, watching The Love Boat. It littered my head with grandiose images of cruise ships as floating cities of decadence where every need andContinue reading “To Cruise Or To Un-cruise?”
Food Porn
Food Porn There’s something so evocative to me about pictures of food and the power they have to vividly remind me of mouth-watering meals and moments that I’ve had on my travels. I can look at my culinary photos and remember exactly where I was, the scent of the dish just placed in front ofContinue reading “Food Porn”
With A Little Help From My Friends
One of the best ways to enhance your travels is to season it with friends. Either you can enjoy your present company, meet up with friends who are serendipitously passing through the town you’re in, or make new ones. I’ve been fortunate enough this summer to do all three. So this blog is a photoContinue reading “With A Little Help From My Friends”
I’ve Been Pickpocketed!
I know there’s no need to over-react. I wasn’t attacked, I’m not injured, and everything that needed to get taken care of got taken care of. In fact, the instant that I realized my wallet was no longer in my bag, there was nothing for me to do but smile. Smile at my own carelessnessContinue reading “I’ve Been Pickpocketed!”
A Place That’s All Your Own
One of the most annoying things about travel/tourism is that if you’re going to someplace that’s popular, everyone else is too. That means crowds, lines that seem to have no end, pushing and shoving, and odors that you didn’t think were humanly possible. With all of that mass of humanity, patience and a good senseContinue reading “A Place That’s All Your Own”
Natural Beauty: Worth the Bite
I detest insects. I can’t help it. I like spiders, snakes, dogs, cats, cows, chickens, monkeys, and sheep, but not insects. They tend to bite me…a lot. So, I generally do my best to avoid them. My windows are kept closed if there’s no screen, and I wear Off! or a citronella wristband (so fashionable)Continue reading “Natural Beauty: Worth the Bite”
Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 2 The How-To)
In my previous blog post, I wrote: Whether you’re away on vacation or just living like a local on “staycation”, whether it’s your virgin visit or you know the place like a pro, find alternate ways to enjoy the place you’re visiting. You have the opportunity and the choice to do something beyond the ordinary,Continue reading “Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 2 The How-To)”
Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 1 — The Paris Staycation)
Summertime in Paris can sometimes be a real grind for American tourists. It’s the pinnacle of high season when the majority of families coordinate their kids’ vacation with time off from work. If going with the flow isn’t your strong suit, the energy can be unbearably crushing. Most museums can be inundated with tourists fromContinue reading “Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 1 — The Paris Staycation)”
The French DON’T Hate Americans
I’ve wrapped up a Rick Steves’ Paris and the Heart of France tour as an assistant guide, and I feel blessed to have been on tour with Julie. As an American ex-pat raising her children in the Burgundy region of France, she has so much insight into the French psyche, customs and history. And havingContinue reading “The French DON’T Hate Americans”