How YOU Doin’?

Restrictions are lifting where I live. Starbucks has re-opened some of their stores but only for mobile-order pickup. I’m really curious to know what’s happening and changing where you live, so please share your tales (and photos) with us. Stay healthy and take care, everyone! (This article was originally posted on May 6, 2020 onContinue reading “How YOU Doin’?”

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone (and belatedly, May the Fourth Be With You)! While I will admittedly be mackin’ down on some yummy *comida mexicana* today (let’s face it: any excuse to eat tacos ?), have you ever wondered what we’re actually celebrating on the Fifth of May? Is it commemorate: a. an indigenous religiousContinue reading “¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!”

A Beachin’ Day in San Diego

I’m not one who believes we should be opening up the entire economy right now (and we can civilly agree to disagree on that). I’m more concerned about the collective health and safety of the people in our society, and I’m grateful to the front-line, essential workers and to all the people who are thinkingContinue reading “A Beachin’ Day in San Diego”

Turn Your Airline Sleep Mask into a Face Mask

In early April 2020, in order to protect ourselves and others, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) advised that everyone wear some type of face covering ?when in public. Some cities and counties throughout the United States have now made varying degrees of that instruction a mandate for essential businesses and their customers, as wellContinue reading “Turn Your Airline Sleep Mask into a Face Mask”

Once Upon a Time in Tuscany

A few years ago, I was gifted a ticket to see Andrea Bocelli in concert at the theater he helped create in Tuscany called Teatro del Silenzio. Full of gorgeous operatic and pop music, guest performers, dancing, fanfare, spectacle, and even a white tiger, it was a mesmerizing, unforgettable event. And it gave me anContinue reading “Once Upon a Time in Tuscany”

So, What’s New?

So, what’s new? As I mentioned in my last post, a lot has been happening and changing in my life these past 24 months or so, and it’s time we got caught up. I am going to share some fairly personal things and bare my story to you with the intent of recognizing and respectingContinue reading “So, What’s New?”

A New Normal

Hey Travelphilers! What an incredible change in life and society we’ve gone through in the past few weeks! We are all coping with different and continually-evolving levels of this coronavirus pandemic, and my heart goes out to all of you. Whether you’re self-isolating, mandated to shelter in place, working from home, suffering from loss ofContinue reading “A New Normal”

My Travels in Vietnam and Cambodia Amid the Coronavirus Scare

  Having just spent 3 weeks in Southeast Asia, enjoying jaw-dropping sights, mouth-watering cuisine, eye-opening historical and cultural lessons, and connecting with intriguing, kind, generous, and delightful people all over Vietnam and Cambodia, I am feeling really torn about the need to be vigilant about public health safety and the incessant focus on the fearContinue reading “My Travels in Vietnam and Cambodia Amid the Coronavirus Scare”

Happy Moon Day: Celebrating Humankind’s Greatest Journey

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of one of humankind’s greatest accomplishment, I hope you seek out your own journeys of adventure, discovery, connection, and wonderment.

Becoming a Stark: Archery at Winterfell

Tourism based on TV and pop culture is an odd bird, but I have to admit that Game of Thrones is making me a believer. While its story and settings are brilliantly fictitious, many of the filming locations have their own historic, cultural, and eye-catching charms that can be worth a visit for even non-GOTContinue reading “Becoming a Stark: Archery at Winterfell”