We had been traveling for just about three weeks by the time we arrived in Oloron St. Marie. This small town, located in the foothills of the Pyrenées Mountains, had been on our radar from the beginning. It’s an out of the way, quiet, not much happening […]
We just got back from a trip to Europe. One of the highlights for me was, spending a few days in Brussels, where, as a teenager, I spent a year studying French and exploring this vibrant city. Our hotel was right smack in the center […]
Transport yourself to Lisbon with me, and listen to a song by the queen of Fado music, Amália Rodrigues. Take in the sights and sounds of this most beautiful city. The song I love the most is Lágrima. It tells the story of tears and […]
On our trip to Bali, we arranged to have a five day lay-over in Seoul, South Korea. Coming all this way, we figured we might as well see a bit of Seoul, a place we hadn’t visited before. In addition, adjusting to the time difference […]
One of the most enchanting encounters in recent memory occurred at a “one month baby celebration”. My friend’s new baby was being welcomed by family and friends. While sitting on a couch in a quiet corner, this little girl came over and took a liking […]
Spain: country of sunshine; sparkling blue mediterranean sea; vermouth; tapas bars; Antonio Gaudí; Salvador Dali; Pablo Picasso; ancient Roman historic sites; Don Quixote de la Mancha; salmoreja; paella … and La Boqueria! And, the land of the classical guitar. While on a visit to Barcelona three […]
When all else fails, “Calpe Diem”! We arrived tired, sweaty and hot after a long trip by train, tram and bus. But somehow, it was not meant to be. We had been offered to stay at a friend’s small apartment in this town. The rules […]
This poem was inspired by one of the many hikes and explorations of Northern California my friend Greer and I have enjoyed over the years. Point Reyes is a spectacular place to go hiking. They also have a very affordable hostel, which costs a fraction of […]
Too many books on my shelves, all-around the house, upstairs, downstairs, here, there, everywhere. More than one slightly used book with dog-eared corners, faded, tattered covers, strange bookmarks between the pages, hinting at its history. Most nights, curled up in bed, one slightly used book […]
Azure Bee Bliss Sage Chartreuse Daffodils Emerald Frogs Hopping Iridescent Jade-green Kale Leaves Misty Nippy Overnights Peonies Quietly Re-emerging Showy Tulips Upright Vigorous Witch hazel Xanthous Yellow as we eagerly zing into spring.
I salute the history of coffee. Brewed every morning in homes around the globe In coffeemakers, French presses, Bialetti moka pots, perculators, paper filter cones The choice of beans is vast, dark or light roasts, single origin or blends. Endless possibilities await for our daily […]
Morning, noon and night, Much to my delight, The suet, the seed and the water fountain, Turn me into a binoculared spectator on the mountain. Keeping an eye on the happenings out back, These fine feathered friends sure demand their snacks! Solitary warbler dressed […]
After visiting the Columbia River Gorge with a out-of-town friend recently, I had promised myself, to not wait as long before going back again. Well, I am happy to report that I kept my promise to myself. Added bonus, my husband came along. It turned out […]
The neighborhood looked unfamiliar. The pedestrians we had come across did not speak English. We ducked into a small cafe. The interior resembled the “Starbucks” look, but it definitely was not Starbucks! Once our coffees were ready, the young waitress came over and chatted us […]
Music: alternative bossa nova classical dance electronic funk guitar hip hop instrumental jazz karaoke latin metal new age opera punk rock qawwali reggae soundtrack tango urban folk vallenato world xoomii yodeling zydeco So many choices! How could I choose only three songs? However, I do […]
On our Bali trip last spring, we realized upon arriving, that the room we had booked ahead in Ubud, was not quite what we had envisioned. The location was perfect, the price was right ( $10.00 per night including breakfast for 2! ), and the host […]
A visit from a friend last week reminded me of how easy it is to neglect exploring one’s “own backyard”. It had been a while since I had ventured out to the Gorge. Along the historic Columbia River Highway are vast forests of moss and lichen covered trees, […]
The highlight of our Iberian Adventure turned out to be a side trip to Montblanc. This medieval walled town just north of Tarragona, happened to be celebrating their “Fiesta de Corpus Christi” that weekend. The entire population seemed to have assembled in the town square. Spectators lined up […]
in cahoots with muddy boots 