Istanbul is an insanely photogenic city — mosques and minarets dotting the landscape, the Bosphorus so much bigger than it looks on a map, the cramped streets filled with meticulously tended buildings, the blood-red Turkish flag waving in the breeze. So of course I had to get out my iPhone to capture this beauty! Here […]
Istanbul: As Seen By Instagram Read More »
When I got to Istanbul, I was physically and mentally exhausted. I had just had a very fun but very tiring week in Jordan, which came immediately after an exhilarating but exhausting week at WTM in London. Planning those back to back wasn’t the brightest idea in the universe, and I had basically been going
Taking a Break in Istanbul — and Where to Do It Read More »
I’m not in the best mindset when I arrive in Istanbul. Things aren’t going well. It’s freezing cold. Nobody will exchange my Jordanian dinars. As I ride the crowded metro into the city, I quickly learn that deodorant isn’t exactly a “thing” here. And to top it off, everyone is glaring at me for bringing
Arrival in Istanbul: From Uninspiring to Irresistible! Read More »
Early evening is a magical time in Italy, when everyone comes outside to walk the streets — that evening ritual is called the passeggiata, and it goes on throughout the country. Then darkness falls. Bologna, as fascinating a city as it is during the day, becomes positively magical at night. Here are some of my
Photo Essay: Bologna at Night Read More »
My whirlwind jaunt to Edinburgh was filled with a surprising amount of sightseeing for the short time that I was there. Get enough travel bloggers in one place and that will happen, more often than not! I always recommend visiting a city where your friends live and having them show you their favorite places. It’s
Fun, Cheap Things to Do in Edinburgh Read More »
“Bring warm clothes — Scotland is the only place in the UK that makes me shiver!” Anthony told me a few days before we left for Edinburgh. He didn’t have to tell me twice. I packed my new winter coat, two pairs of jeans, and wondered whether I’d be shivering in dresses and leggings. Then
Edinburgh — During the Best Weather Ever Read More »
If there were any historical figure who could move me to tears, there’s only one. Mozart. Many of you know that I was groomed to be a serious musician from a very young age. I worked hard; I later enrolled at Boston Conservatory. And while it didn’t turn into a full-time career, music has always
In the City of Mozart Read More »
The first stop on my swing through Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein was Munich. This was my first time in Munich, first time in Germany, and I had only one full day, so I knew I had to make it worth it. And I also wanted to keep it cheap. I knew that my upcoming TBU
A Day in Munich — On the Cheap! Read More »
Despite my many trips to London, I had never been to the neighborhood of Camden before. It was always high on my list, based on the following factors: 1) It was cool (so I had heard). And 2) Amy Winehouse lived there (RIP). That was enough for me! After arriving in Camden, I was struck
Camden: London’s Most Colorful Neighborhood Read More »
I don’t really geek out over anything, but Harry Potter…if there’s anything over which to geek out, it’s Harry! So when Chris asked me if I had anything I wanted to see in London, from museums to beautiful parks to famous London hotels, I somewhat sheepishly asked, “Can we go to King’s Cross station and
Harry Potter Travel in London: Platform 9 3/4 Read More »