Easter Sunday just outside of Krakow in Europe’s most Catholic country. This most important holiday is a celebration of food, family and worship. No shops are open and even the picnic tables at the monastery of Jasna Gora have been removed. Bells peal from the towers as we enter the small sanctuary where the Madonna […]
The Mysterious and Miraculous Black Madonna of Czestochowa Read More »
Dreaming of spending Valentine’s Day in the most romantic city in the world? Don’t limit yourself to the 14th of February. Paris is the perfect city for a romantic getaway, ANY day. First, check and book flights. Skyscanner is a great app for that. Make hotel, lunch and dinner reservations online with the information provided
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It struck me as I was setting out the beautiful porcelain figures in our Christmas manger scene this year. Starting with the Holy Family. Adding the wise men, the shepherds, a donkey…even a camel. This was Christmas. A wooden manger. No room in the inn. In fact, there were no “inns” in the time of
How to Find Beauty and Divinity in Divided Bethlehem Read More »
Since launching this blog, I’ve been asked for advisory “kick-starters” from many who’d love to do a solo trip and appreciate the inside scoop from one who has. Here’s a collection of my best to date. Travel like a writer. In other words, approach your trip as an adventure with a script that you get
First Time Traveling Solo? The Best Advice From A Broad Read More »
Paper cones filled with roasted steaming chestnuts, the air perfumed by cauldrons of hot, mulled cider, cinnamon and cloves. Sacher torte with peppermint-laced cream. Blown glass ornaments delicate as soap bubbles, hand-painted eggshells, their holiday scenes painted with a feather brush. St. Nicholas, Pere Noel, Weihnachtsmann, Father Christmas… The Christmas season offers an intimate portrait
Once in a Lifetime Christmas Markets You Must See Read More »
Remember when you had to actually GO shopping to shop? Not any more. Any of these wonderfully giftable items are guaranteed to generate tidings of great joy from your favorite traveler. I recommend each of these after lots of research and personal usage but would love to hear from you if you have a better
The Absolute Best Christmas Gifts for Broads Traveling Abroad Read More »
Sachertorte has a sweet secret. In 1832, the Austrian State Chancellor challenged his kitchen staff to prepare a “dessert to impress” special guests. With the Head Chef taken to his bed, his 16-year old apprentice, Franz Sacher performed the original culinary magic creating a chocolate cake which soon gained a cult following. From the imperial
Sachertorte, Schloss Mirabell and St. Nicholas Market: Sweet Secrets of Salzburg Read More »
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
Five Tips for Better Solo Travel Pics Read More »
For the first time since the Covid situation interrupted the travel plans of those of us hopelessly addicted to the exploration of other cultures, this summer is almost like the summer of 2019 but without the crowds and with a very appreciative group of Schengen countries who are open for business! You can travel solo,
Ten Places to Travel Solo Right Now Read More »
…and one of the most important places of medieval pilgrimage. It’s been on my bucket list for years but I knew little about this 10th century abbey until this visit. Warning to the traveler not ready for a stairmaster challenge, this is a bit of a hike to reach the most spectacular and expansive views
Mont Saint Michel, Normandy’s Gem Read More »