Blog Archives

Enjoying Magical Marrakesh

Marrakesh-Souk-Woolens-Felted-Slippers-MoroccoMorocco is an exotic land.  The smell of spices stewing in lamb tangines.  The brightly colored scarves that it seems everybody wears.  The sticky feel of the midday sun heat against your covered skin.  The cacophony of sound that emanates from the streets and public squares.  Your eyes will grow wide when you walk by snake charmers. 

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Posted in Africa, Marrakesh, Morocco
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Why Visit Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is synonymous with wine making and for good reason.  For centuries the region has been a producer of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.  And for many, that connection is the extent of what they think Bordeaux has to offer.  It is no longer the only reason to visit Bordeaux.

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Posted in Bordeaux, Europe, France
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10 Ways to Experience Paris Like a Local

Paris-InvalidesWhen you hear the word “Paris”, the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame instantly come to mind.  And they should!  These are some of the most iconic sights in the City of Light.  And for me, no visit to Paris would be complete without at least a walk by all of the above.

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Posted in Europe, France, Paris
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How to Spend 3 Magical Days in the Faroe Islands

Klaksvik, Faroe IslandsAn archipelago of eighteen islands between Iceland and England, with strong political ties to Denmark, the Faroe Islands charmed me through and through.  The steep snow dusted mountains, the countless roaming sheep, the candy cane colored homes, the Faroese people, the strong relationship to the wind and water.  I found that the Faroe Islands were full of sweet,

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Posted in Europe, Faroe Islands
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Havana, Pulsing Heart of Cuba

Apr. 5-7: When people think of Cuba, they are usually thinking about Havana.  Makes sense, when we think of New York State, most of us think of New York City.  Think 1950’s Chevrolets, cigars, rum, dilapidated but formerly stately buildings, the malecón, and some of the most soulful,

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Posted in Cuba, Havana, North America
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Montmartre and L’Atelier St-Germain

Oct. 9:  I write this piece from a plane, flying from Paris to Lisbon.  It’s about a two hour flight and, knowing an entire other country and culture awaits us when we land, we have to make the most of our time for blogging.  But let me go back to yesterday morning.

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Posted in Europe, France, Paris
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Alfama District, Miss Can, & Belcanto

Oct. 11:  It’s chilly and raining outside, but it matters not.  We are enjoying some late night tea in our room at the Lisbon Pousada.  We started the day with breakfast at the pousada before embarking on a day of exploration of the Alfama district.  From our research,

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Posted in Europe, Lisbon, Portugal
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Belém, Jeronimos Monastery, & Cooking Lisbon

Oct. 12:  We are having our ritual late night tea at the pousada, recounting the fun we’ve had traipsing around Lisbon.  Almost every picture depicted of Lisbon features Belém and so it certainly made it our must do list.  It’s a bit out of town, but again, it has some very key sights that any visit to Lisbon should include. 

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Posted in Europe, Lisbon, Portugal
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Exploring Évora

Oct. 15:  We are loving our pousada and the features that make it unique.  We especially like that we now sleep where the nuns used to.  Our day began when we went to breakfast in the most gorgeous breakfast nook either of us have been in to date. 

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Posted in Alentejo, Europe, Portugal
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Guadiana Valley Natural Park and Serpa

Oct 17:  We are soaking up the tranquil vibes in Beja, as we should, since tomorrow, we are headed to the Algarve.  When in Rome. . . . .

As we noted yesterday, the woman at the pousada told us that most of the town’s sights are closed early Sunday and all of Monday. 

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Posted in Alentejo, Europe, Portugal
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