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Monthly Archives: August 2022

The Big Deal about Waterloo, Napoleon and the Butte du Lion

Ever have one of those songs you just cannot get out of your mind? It’s there when you wake up, you find yourself humming it in the grocery store or on the train. People stare. Someone asks, ”What IS that song?” Mine is Waterloo. Made famous by the Swedish rock group ABBA in the 70’s. I recently visited the place behind the song and the legend on a trip through …

The Intimacy of Yad Vachem and Why You Should Visit

Yad Vachem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem is a place of beauty, hope and acknowledgement. It is also a place of unspeakable pain. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, the building is a prism-like structure penetrating Mount Herzi from one side to the other with both ends cantilevering into the open air. I experienced walking through the dark, interior galleries, a warren of small rooms, each purposed to tell …

Can I Drive? How to Rent a Car in Europe

Is the question a little daunting? Understandably yes. Of course you can drive a car in Europe but whether or not you should, based on your travel plans, is another question. More on that in a minute. First, having the freedom to go where you want, when you want is an attractive option for the solo female traveler. Let’s assume you want to explore this option. What’s the process? Is …

The Portuguese Riviera: What to See in a Day

Leave Lisbon and drive or take the train (for about 5 euros round trip ) along the coast to Cascais, considered by every guidebook of merit to be one of Portugal’s most chic resorts. “Known for its three stunning bays and boasts delicious upscale restaurants, luxurious hotels, and non-pareil beaches. But it is the tranquil atmosphere of luxury and ease, along with its stunning seaside esplanade that makes it one of …

Secrets of France: Jewels and Lingerie

The French know jewelry. With an historical pedigree from Cartier · Chaumet · Boucheron · Chanel · Dior · De Grace · Breguet, yessir, France has a lock on luxury baubles. On a recent Louvre excursion I spent time in rapt appreciation of the magisterial collection of Crown Jewels enthroned in three showcases in the 17th century gallery of Apollo. From the crown of Louis XV to the Le Régent …

Five Tips for Better Solo Travel Pics

Traveling solo to distant lands and want to make sure you capture your adventure with some great pictures with you in them? Here are my five top tips : What’s Your Share Method? How are you going to show off your images? Facebook? Instagram? Your Blog? None of the above, you’re just going to text randomly to friends or put them in a Shutterfly book when you get home? You’ll …