Santorini: Between the Sea and the Cosmos

Traditionally known in Greek as Thira (or Thera in Classic Greek), this island, which is part of a caldera born from a massive volcanic eruption 3600 years ago, didn’t get its more commonly known of Santorini until about eight centuries ago. Born from a volcanic eruption, Santorini sits atop a Mediterranean caldera, between sky andContinueContinue reading “Santorini: Between the Sea and the Cosmos”

The Allure of the Ligurian Sea

The Ligurian Sea—the liquid azure arm of the Mediterranean caressing the northwestern rocky coastline of bella Italia. Its reach extends from the French/Italian border southeastward towards La Spezia, Pisa, and Livorno and forms a triangle to the northern tip of Corsica. The Torre Aurora stands watch over the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. JustContinueContinue reading “The Allure of the Ligurian Sea”

Adventures in Los Cabos

Tiny beads of sweat tickled my dusty brow. The grease accumulating in my hair could have fueled an SUV. The metallic grind of the engine drowned out all conversations on the jostling bus as we made our way from the airport to Cabo San Lucas. I had neglected to book a shuttle, and forking overContinueContinue reading “Adventures in Los Cabos”

St. Kitts: Lessons in History, Emancipation, Culture Shock, and Women’s Lib–Part II

As we finished our mini-bus tour of the island of St. Kitts, our local guide informed us that it was the final day of the Carnival celebration– it started at Christmas, and that there would be a huge parade through the center of town, Basseterre. While confused about the timing (this was January 2nd afterContinueContinue reading “St. Kitts: Lessons in History, Emancipation, Culture Shock, and Women’s Lib–Part II”

12 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico Part 1: Welcome to the Jungle

Sunscreen: check. Bathing suit: check. Eager-beaver attitude: check. Our first port was calling our name, and I, for one, was ready to hit the beach and take in a year’s supply of Vitamin D in the form of Caribbean afternoon sunshine. As we packed our day bags with our necessary gear, a husky Italian voiceContinueContinue reading “12 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico Part 1: Welcome to the Jungle”

In Search of a Perfect Cruise

My eyes felt like shriveled raisins, abandoned on the vine under the harsh glare of a seething sun. After having stared at my computer screen for so long, I couldn’t tell if my vision was going or if my haggard brain had simply stopped sending messages to my eyes about how to function. It wasContinueContinue reading “In Search of a Perfect Cruise”

New York, NY Part 5: Through the Eyes of an Artist

Looking for an opportunity to take a family trip, Rick’s niece Nicolina became one of our inspirations. Having moved to New York about 10 years ago, Nicolina has lived the life of a struggling artist in one of the world’s cultural and artistic capitals. To get by the first year, she worked at several restaurants,ContinueContinue reading “New York, NY Part 5: Through the Eyes of an Artist”

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 andContinueContinue reading “To Cruise Or To Un-cruise?”

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,ContinueContinue 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 fromContinueContinue reading “Making the Best out of Being Where You Are (part 1 — The Paris Staycation)”