All posts filed under: budget vacation

paris and more paris via instagram

Yes, it is that time of year where I do nothing but dream of Paris in all its glory and even not the very perfect, I learned from speaking with locals. But it matters not, a girl can dream, especially one who lives so far away from this magical city. Here are some of my favorite spots perfectly photographed and uploaded via Instagram here:

travel: how I travel through france

I’ve been to France, mostly Paris, a dozen or more times, and every time I announce my plans to go, those who know me simply nod, unable to fathom the obsession I have with the country. It doesn’t matter, I am aware that only some of us understand Paris. How I travel through France is easy. I do it mostly by train, and I alternate the cities or towns I plan to visit each year, making Paris always my last stop for a week or so to simply take it all in. I walk through the neighborhoods, stopping only at a cafe here and there to rest, and people watch. I picnic by the Seine River, I sunbathe seated on a chair in Luxembourg Gardens, and I watch the sun set by the Eifel Tower. Never once skipping on visiting several old bookstores, and thumbing through books I know I would never find here in the states.  That’s all in Paris. I’ve also circled the country from one end to the other, visiting castles, wineries, museums, war memorials, …

photography: rome behind the scenes

I know I am going to regret not going to Rome this year, since I do every year, but plans are a little different and my usual trip abroad will consist of a few surprise destinations.  Until then I want to share with you this amazing article I found online, about photography and Rome. Two of my favorite hobbies. The interesting thing is I know exactly where the photos were taken, even the one below: {photo and article credit click here}

travel destination: Vietnam, Sơn Đoòng

I am always following travel, learning about new destinations, untapped territory, and whatever organic  destination someone discovers. So, here is one about Vietnam, and the fascinating cave with its own climate, jungle and river which runs through it. A travel destination for those who seek adventure. In all reality, we’ve all seen an underworld in movies. But I never imagined for it to exist.

what happens after dark?

I have often wondered what happens in a store after dark? I mean this question could be for anything: churches, bars, museums, and much more, but for me it’s always been about the stores. Retails, boutiques, so forth. So, when I came across this article my eyes lit up at the opportunity of spending just an evening in a shop, a small shop full of intrigue and fascinating things.  Click on the photo to get there:

paris and san francisco deli in common

There are a few eateries I frequent in San Francisco, and in Paris when I spend a few weeks escaping each year.  So, I am glad to report that I’ve discovered something that’s been around in Paris for a while, reminding  me of my favorite deli in San Francisco. I will check it out when I go there this year, and decide for myself if it’s just as good or maybe even better: Paris: Freddie’s Deli. Read articles here, here, and here about the establishment since the website doesn’t seem to be working well. I can’t wait to try it out. In the meantime, I will head over to my favorite deli in San Francisco.     San Francisco: The Deliboard, and I’ll let their website speak for itself. Here’s the secret, arrive at eleven on a weekday, just to beat the lunch hour rush. The lines are out the door, and nearly around the block on some days.    

a week in a nutshell – january 2015

Last weekend I embarked on a cross-country drive to help a friend move to Nebraska. It was a challenging drive since we there were pockets of heavy snow, some ice and rain along the way. Finally we got to her new place, and there was no internet. So I haven’t been able to online. Anyway, it was nice to see other states, or drive through them, just to get an idea of what this country is about. For the next few days I will be helping her decide where her furniture will go, and then I am on my way back to San Francisco. I miss the city, and my day to day there. Until then, here are some photos I took along the way. Not sure if you are interested.  

start to a new week

First week of 2015, and I’ve already got a full calendar. Our company/ San Francisco office is going to be remodeled in the next three months and so we have to pack away the old and prepare for the overhaul, moving around offices and cubicles in stages until each section of the floor is updated. It’s exciting in a way to see what the plan is, which until now has been kept a secret, and although I love where I currently sit, with western views of San Francisco, I am happy to see the new spot I will be moving to.   In the middle of the work chaos, I have to take a road trip to help a friend move across the country. This bit I am looking forward to, as I get a chance to see new places travelling by automobile, and be able to capture some interesting photographs and stories to share. And finally, I am excited that book three is going through a final edit, and has lots to do with Scotland. …

travel: venice canals in venice california

When I travel to anywhere, I am always looking for the unusual to see. Something that would mostly impress and inspire me to develop a storyline. So, as you can tell exploring the Venice Canals in Venice, California is a must. I’m not going to get into the story behind the story, you can click here to read about it. But I am going to say, that please don’t compare the canals to the ones in Venice Italy. Instead stroll along the area early morning hours, before the heat, and take in the peacefulness of the experience.