I’ve had an ongoing fascination with tiny nations and semi-autonomous regions in Europe — Monaco, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands. How do their citizens define themselves? What’s it like growing up in a place where you’re one of, say, 30,000 citizens? I learned more about this on a day trip from Bologna to the tiny nation […]
San Marino: The Tiny Nation Surrounded by Italy Read More »
You can’t have a road trip without some weird stops along the way. On my Croatia road trip, it was Hum, “the smallest town in the world” (but probably not really); in Connecticut, it was the aptly named town of Mianus. But one of my all-time favorite road trip stops is a little whitewashed building
Weird South Africa: Ronnie’s Sex Shop Read More »
For my final night in Costa Brava, Spain, I arrived in the inland town of Caldes de Malavella. This beautiful town ended up being an unexpected highlight of the region. I’d never heard of Caldes de Malavella before my arrival. The small town is an hour from either Barcelona or the French border and 15
Caldes de Malavella and The Best Sunset of My Life Read More »
Let me tell you something: it’s easy to go to Europe and see nothing but cities. For years, that was my modus operandi — to hit up the major cities and ignore small towns along the way. It’s the easiest and most convenient option, especially if you’re traveling by train. But in the past year,
Small Towns in Europe That I Love 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 »
Is there such a thing as a sexy trailer park? Oh yes, there is. I can assure you that the Grand Daddy Hotel Airstream Rooftop Trailer Park has the market cornered. We stayed here for our first night in Cape Town — and it’s probably the most unusual place I’ve ever laid my head for a
The World’s Sexiest Trailer Park Read More »
I didn’t spend all my time in Knysna ensconced in my treehouse — I also spent time exploring the fun, low-key town and its relaxing waterfront. This photo essay has a twist — it was done entirely on my Samsung Galaxy SIII! Here are my favorite photos from Knysna: Knysna is a surprisingly international destination.
Photo Essay: Knysna’s Waterfront (With a Twist!) Read More »
“We have a few options for lunch today,” our guide Robin told us. “We could eat in the museum cafe. We could go to a restaurant. Or — and this is an interesting option — we could eat in Alexandra Township. I warn you that it’s very basic. But it’s an experience.” “Definitely use the
Township Life: Meet Alexandra, South Africa Read More »
If I had only known that as we sailed into Pučišća on the island of Brač in Croatia, that we would be seeing the single most beautiful village I had ever seen, I would have taken time to savor it. IF ONLY I HAD KNOWN! Pučišca was an all-too-brief stop on our trip between Omiš
Meet Pučišća: The Most Beautiful Village in Croatia Read More »
One of my most delightful surprises of the Dalmatian Coast was lovely Korčula — the home of Marco Polo. Korčula? But I thought Marco Polo was from Venice! True. Marco Polo was born in the thirteenth century, back when Venice was a Republic spanning from the canal-filled city to what is now Turkey. No one
Korčula: In the Land of Marco Polo Read More »