I was visiting my sister in New York last week when I got an urgent call from my dad. “You better not come back on Friday like you planned,” he said. “We’re getting a snowstorm. And this is going to be a BIG one.” Big was right. Soon we would be hit by Storm Nemo, […]
Surviving Snowstorm Nemo in New York and Boston Read More »
Winter in Europe can be such a gamble. While we arrived in the Rhône-Alpes region to a clear day in Lyon, we were soon bombarded with snow, slush, and freezing temperatures in both Lyon and Grenoble. Despite three pairs of socks, my toes nearly froze clean off. Thankfully, Grenoble has a number of museums, including
Grenoble on a Perfect Winter Day Read More »
When I first landed in Paris at age 16, my favorite neighborhood was Montmartre. The artists, the views, the hills — it just captivated me. But as I grew up, I found myself falling for an entirely new neighborhood. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the sixth arrondissement. Saint-Germain is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, just southwest
Living the Parisian Life in Saint-Germain-des-Pres Read More »
Each time I’ve been to Paris, it’s been during a different time of year. I’ve experienced rainy April days, the tourist swam and local flight of August, chilly October nights, near-perfection in June, and the freezing temperatures and soldes of January. On this trip, my sixth, I visited in December — and got to experience
Christmas in Paris Read More »
In a bit less than a week, I will be visiting Paris for the sixth time ever. I visited Paris for the first time at the age of sixteen, returning at seventeen, twenty, twenty-one, and earlier this year, twenty-seven. Paris has always been my favorite city in the world. Being a lifelong francophile, I think
This Time in Paris — The Expat Life! Read More »
Four nights in Johannesburg? I clicked through my trip itinerary in mild disbelief. In a country as wild and diverse and incredible as South Africa, did we really have to spend more than one third of our trip in this much-maligned city? Looking back, I don’t blame myself for thinking that way. There is
Johannesburg: I Guarantee It’s Not What You Think. Read More »
This past March, I visited Barcelona for the first time. As you may recall, I was massively underwhelmed, finding the city dirty, crowded, and expensive compared to the rest of Spain, and even the lovely architecture couldn’t lift my spirits. This September, I had a day and a half to spend in Barcelona between TBU
Barcelona and Me: The Complicated Relationship Continues Read More »
Dear Readers: If you come across a contest takes little effort to enter and has no repercussions afterward, there’s no reason not to enter. Play your cards right and you could win a nice dinner out. Or a car. OR you could win a trip to Stockholm. At World Travel Market last year, I dropped
Introducing the Beautiful City of Stockholm Read More »
Costa Brava may very well be the best kept secret in Spain. This September, I spent time in this region of Catalonia for the first time ever, and I was blown away by its sheer beauty, the variety of things to do, and its warm hospitality. From beaches to cities, from jamon to tomatoes, Costa
13 Reasons to Fall in Love with Costa Brava, Spain Read More »
Early this year, I visited Spain for the first time and quickly declared it one of my favorite countries. The culture, the architecture, the food, the beautiful men — how could I not fall for Spain? Of all the cities, I found myself falling for Granada and Sevilla the most. But my new favorite? I
Girona: My New Favorite City in Spain Read More »