“A good story cannot be devised, it has to be distilled” Raymond Chandler Ireland: Republic of and Northern Distilled in great photos with brief commentary. Five grand adventures beginning with Dublin and a circumnavigation of the Republic of Ireland, with a pause for positive Covid test adding eleven days to the journey. A chance to visit Northern Ireland. Dublin’s jewels: Jameson’s, St. Patrick’s ( built 1220) novelist Oscar Wilde, Irish …
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 Jesus, none in Bethlehem and not in the Air Bnb-style. Barren, rocky landscapes, dusty and …
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 of a country’s customs and its people. But… Christmas Market Travel is a big business. …
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 recommendation! Here are my top picks in no particular order: ~The Secrid Twin Wallet Double …
It’s inevitable. So plan for it. It’s a rare trip that follows the booked itinerary but there are things you can do to make it a minor inconvenience instead of a catastrophe. Federal Law Says… It’s important to know that federal law entitles you to a full cash refund in the event your flight is canceled, regardless of the reason. On domestic carriers. Unfortunately, getting a refund is often a …
You will never forget your shopping experiences in Morocco. There are the open bazaars and medieval markets, back-alley souks in labyrinths of the medinas. From Fes to Marrakech, the neon colors and bold patterns deliver a sensual assault. In a good way! It is overwhelming at first. Every shopkeeper is a carnival barker, circus performer, negotiator, host and many are relentless beyond American tolerance. I loved every negotiation. Every conversation. …