Bulgaria offered many surprises. History and charm of course, but Roman theaters still in use, the golden orbs of Orthodox cathedrals in the night sky, Ottoman courtyards, a modern café scene that felt effortlessly cool and a chance to see Les Mis performed in Bulgarian. More on that later… Plovdiv – A City Woven Through […]
Two Cities, One Amazing Journey to Plovdiv and Sofia Read More »
The walls of the Khiva’s Ichan Kala or “Old Town” are a living museum and one of the most intimate ways to connect with the city’s soul is through its woodworking tradition, an ancient art form that continues to flourish today. A Legacy Carved in Wood Wood has long held a sacred and functional role
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At first, it is all kitschy street drama. Tango couples inviting tourists in for the photo op with tipped hat and mimed kisses. There is much more to the story of La Boca. This colorful neighborhood located in southern Buenos Aires brims with street tango performances, soccer fans and art museums. Named after its location
The Brilliant Colors of La Boca Tell Buenos Aires’ Stormy History Read More »
Travel is about discovery and amazement. An “older than time” Buddhist temple in Thailand, a vast and detailed Dubrovnik cityscape, the Taj, the David….the big “aha” moments. Sometimes though, it’s that random glimpse of genius that commands my attention. Wandering the cobblestone streets of Rovinj, Croatia on a lovely summer afternoon, a stunning display of
Croatia’s Secret Genius: Sculptor, Artist, Designer…Meet Ivan Midzic Read More »
A morning walk along the Miyagawa River finds farmers and craftspeople selling sansai (mountain vegetables), wasakana (river fish) along with selections of local pottery and vintage kimonos repurposed as ornate handbags and a subtle rainbow of silk jackets. This remarkably preserved city of 80,000 is in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retains a
Visit Astonishing Takayama: Opulent Festivals, Sake and the Art of Onsen Read More »
An afternoon at Tokyo’s Tsujiki Outer Market introduced me to the art of Japanese shopping. This is Japan’s “Food Town,” featuring every imaginable traditional Japanese food. It’s raucous and noisy but in a very polite, Japanese way. One main and three side streets feature stalls of the finest, just off the hook sushi-grade fillets in
Japan’s Ultimate Shopping Experience at Tsukiji and Nishiki Markets Read More »
Bubbling cauldrons of soups, meats wrapped in palm leaves, a rainbow of desserts – honestly…when it comes to street food, Southeast Asia is the Big Top of variety, flavor and (let’s say) innovation. Each country I visited, (Thailand, Cambodia and Laos on this trip,) has their street food cultural fingerprint. But there are many similarities.
Eat at the Most Bizarre, (delish) and Colorful Food Circus in the World! Read More »
The answer to this burning question is at the end of this post. Enjoy the visual feast until you get there…. The country ranks #2 to the world wide leader, the Netherlands, in the export of this flower. Here, roses grow longer, thicker and heartier stems, with larger buds and fuller blooms making them the
Where Can You Find the World’s Most Beautiful Roses? Read More »
On a recent Saturday afternoon I visited market square in Otavalo, Ecuador, two hours from the larger city of Quito. Textile arts and fabric creation is integral to South American culture, especially in the Andean region. Here, indigenous vendors dress in traditional outfits in a comfortable, easy to navigate setting. Saturday is the biggest day
Must See to Believe! The Luxurious Textile Art of Otavalo Read More »
The southeasternmost point the Italian Stiletto, Otranto has been a target for invaders and crusaders both. Otranto is a great day trip from anywhere in the Puglia region with charming shops, fascinating history and (very important!) many reasonable restaurant choices facing the crystal, azure waters of the Adriatic just south of Brindisi. Otranto is as
Beautiful, Macabre and Delicious Otranto on The Italian Stiletto Read More »