Portugal is a country that I don’t think gets enough press for being a destination of both incredible beauty and excellent value. And my recent trip to the Douro Valley proved that in spades! The Douro Valley is the primary wine-growing region of northern Portugal. Having read a bit about it and been intrigued, I
Into the Douro Valley of Portugal Read More »
Edinburgh is famous for its wild and unpredictable weather, categorized by frequent rain showers, fog, and chilly winds — the kind of weather that makes you want to bundle up with a tartan scarf and wile away the day in glorious cafes. Well, most of the time, that is. I happen to have incredible luck
Scenes from Rainy Edinburgh: The Water of Leith Read More »
When I heard that TBU was taking place in Porto, Portugal, this year, I was intrigued — but mildly disappointed. I had been to Porto earlier in the year and though I enjoyed photographing the riverfront, I hadn’t really connected with the city itself. Frankly, it had seemed a bit boring to me. Well, TBU
Porto Revisited: This City Rocks! Read More »
In most cases, when a popular blogger ends a relationship, he or she can do so discreetly, perhaps without even mentioning it publicly. I can’t do that here. Dave has been a major presence on this blog for the past year and a half, as I met him in Hanoi, Vietnam; as I moved in
Breaking Up, Moving On, and Leaving Chester 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 »
If you’re a longtime reader, you remember how I decided to stop dreaming and actually start traveling. It began in January 2010. Within a two-week span, everything in my life seemed to fall apart. First, my relationship ended. Next, I lost my freelance job writing about Boston nightlife. Third, I lost my job. And finally,
When You Get a Sign, LISTEN. Read More »
Growing up in Massachusetts, the ocean has always been a short drive away. I LOVE being close to the ocean and LOVE spending time on the beach (remember my Southeast Asia perma-tan?), and the idea of being landlocked terrifies me a little bit. Even if I’m not heading to the beach, it’s nice to know
Kicking Back in Munich’s Englischer Garden 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 »
Here’s a brief confession: when Dave and I stepped off the plane in Pula, Croatia, I wondered briefly if I’d made a giant mistake. It was an afternoon in late May, and it was cool. Temperatures were in the low sixties (about 17 C). Long-sleeved t-shirt weather. I had planned on this trip being our
Photo Essay: Roses of Istria Read More »
Italy is my country. I’ve spent a long time there, I studied abroad there, and I get a huge smile on my face each time I return, excited for the food and the wine and the beautiful people. As a result, my readers are always asking me for Italy advice. Most of the time, people
How Umbria Changed My Mind About Italy Read More »