Our last day in Germany brought us to Munich, from where we were scheduled to fly to Southern France the following morning. Once we arrived at the train station and secured our luggage in a locker, we were headed towards downtown. A wide pedestrian walkway right across from […]
The day we visited the castles of Mad King Ludwig, we also stopped in Oberammergau. This small Bavarian town looks like it comes straight from the pages of a fairytale book. Oberammergau is surrounded by mountains, green forests and meadows. The day we were there […]
There is nothing like a bowl of soup, especially the Vietnamese noodle soup “Pho”. The dish is generally served with a meat based broth and meat. However, vegetarian pho is becoming more common these days. There is a popular Vietnamese restaurant near my house. They serve a great […]
Our recent trip also took us to Germany, where my sister and brother-in-law not only were the most wonderful hosts imaginable, but also took us to see some of Bavaria’s beautiful sights. One day, we drove through parts of the Bavarian Alps, along the road which lead […]
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 […]
I love beets! Red, golden, white and the candy cane striped Chioggia ones. Beets are delicious cooked, roasted and even raw. Here are some ideas for some different salads! Golden Beet Salad 6 to 8 medium sized golden beets 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame […]
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 […]
I am sure glad we didn’t wait to have our friends over to watch a Portland Trailblazers playoff game. I made pizza, from scratch, for the occasion and we had some special release IPA from Hood River, Oregon. The Blazers lost the game, and therefore did not […]
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 […]
in cahoots with muddy boots 