All posts filed under: Travel Series

Weekend Updates and Monday Happy Finds

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I hate the fact I didn’t realize it was Palm Sunday yesterday – a celebration I take very seriously. The only way I discovered that it was, was when I went upstairs to visit with my mother – who was seated on her favorite armchair, hands pressed together, praying while mass was streaming on the television screen. I actually wanted to cry seeing her, with eyes closed, praying the way she does and especially now even more. Have I told you all recently just how much I respect the elderly and their traditions and values and approach to all things life is throwing their/our way? Anyway, after the crying, I came back to my studio downstairs and watched the heavy downpour from my window for about an hour and it was probably the most soothing thing I’ve done from the indoors. Normally I find my comfort with all the walks I embark on throughout the city. Staring out of the window, I realized how beautiful human beings are…really…truly. Something that’s gone unnoticed forever it seems …

A Burst Of Hope and Our Collective Love For Italy

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I felt a burst of hope yesterday when, after standing in line for 40 minutes to enter the grocery store, I saw stacked cases of my favorite water. I thought it was a mirage, but I walked up and managed to secure  my two-per-cart cases of water feeling as if I were on top of the world. Baby steps. Don’t give up hope, we are going to get through this. Lately, or let’s just say, every year around this time, I experience much wanderlust-particularly anywhere in Italy. Funny thing is, I keep sharing photos of Italy with my loved ones courtesy of Instagram to up their moods, or maybe mine – with a note saying remember this? or can’t wait to travel with you here or  how about that restaurant in Venice?  What is it about Italy-time and time again, that I feel the need to include this fascinating destination to my annual travel plans. Except this year, it will just have to be an imaginary tour of what these editors have detailed here. Here’s …

Travel: Cotswolds On My Mind

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Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to be driven around in England – you know – on the other side of the road, which I would never attempt – to travel through some of the most beautiful backroads to see  not only parts of the country that are frequented by tourists, but also the side not many travelers explore – unless of course they drive. The Cotswold became my favorite that year, and I knew it would be a destination I would include in my 2020 June travel plans – until of course… But you know what – even though we can’t travel right now, I still want to share this article which lists the prettiest Cotswolds Villages – wish I could locate a set of illustrations of the same villages  I bought 20 years ago at a street art fair, but sadly I think I may have sold them at a garage sale when I moved a few years later.

Travel: Some Fun Facts to Ponder Over While Social Distancing

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Couple of weeks back, I visited the Academy of Science in Golden Gate Park. I haven’t been for over a decade. I have to say I was enlightened over again about our planet, the birds and the bees (literally), and the universe and the bodies of water around the world. These sort of reminders had me turning to the History channel more often these days to learn more about the fascinating. So I started to think last night, when I finally came to terms that I need to postpone all travels I had planned for the year to perhaps as far into the future as next year. But since I love travel, and some of you are the same, I figured to readjust my travel series to fun facts rather behind every travel. The reason for social distancing – if you aren’t taking it seriously

Boutique Hotel Picks – Chalet Hotels – Europe

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We haven’t really experienced winter in the bay area – in that, the sun with warm temperatures have been steady since the middle of January. I know you think that is awesome, but I don’t. Because once again we are going to experience drought related issues – mostly the awful California fires. So, naturally I look to most places with a bit of snow or signs of anything winter, after all it is winter until the middle of March and spending a week in a chalet is something that’s bin on my bucket list since my trip to Colorado ten years ago. Yes, we have Tahoe, but I am talking about the cozy experience of a chalet somewhere in Europe –   Have you stayed in a chalet? And where – Do you recommend the destination? {featured image source}

Travel: The Art of Solo Travel

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My friend of 20 plus years used to travel alone, through unique road trips she plotted out herself. I couldn’t wait until she returned from one of her excursions so she can whisk me away with her stories, over Mexican dinner and a pitcher of margarita. So today’s collection of articles is in honor of my friend and her solo fascinating trips…     Have you traveled solo? Where to? And do you recommend it? This is something I’m debating for the first time this year – finger’s crossed   {featured image source}

Travel: Would You Stay In An Underwater Hotel?

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I do love the water, and I live by the ocean in San Francisco, and throughout all my travels I always include a destination connected to some body of water – but a hotel immersed in water is something I have yet to experience or even consider being submerged,  for fear of tapping into my claustrophobia. But, would you if you could – stay in an underwater hotel?   On another topic – to recline or not to recline- that is the latest question for when flying, especially on a long haul – Here’s what they say.  Do you agree or disagree? Do you recline? I seldom do – too mindful of the travelers around me I suppose.  {featured image source}

Boutique Hotel Pick – JK Place – Capri, Italy

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I haven’t been to Capri in 20 years, but I remember it fondly. So last night, my wanderlust had me searching Netflix and Amazon Prime for films based on the Island and naturally all of Italy. Which I found and listed below for your reference. But for the sake of this post, a boutique hotel pick in Capri was all I can think about for the planning stages of a trip this year to this romantic destination, brimming with breath-taking scenery, cuisine and nightlife, and some of the best beaches in the world.  As for me, I crave smaller details and sometimes luxury in accommodations , because I spend a great deal of time in my room, penning from the inspiration I draw by my environment, whether here or the next novel. And this hotel will suit me just fine, while in Capri. Care to join? Here’s a list of films made in or about Capri, but my all time favorite classic – It Started in Naples – but really mostly in Capri  {featured image …

When You Can’t Get Away On A Long Weekend

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This weekend is President’s Day in the U.S. – honoring all the men who have led this country in one direction or another. The interesting thing for this year, was that Valentine’s Day coincided with President’s Holiday – which means one can opt for a long weekend, if planned right. But how about some of us who, due to some serious obligations, did not leave us much room to plan – to escape for a four day weekend. So we improvised – hubs and I, dressed in comfy clothes, with backpack in tow, and we walked across the city, each day in a different direction, exploring new neighborhoods, or ones we haven’t been to for years, and experienced new eateries – some good, some I rather not talk about (I swear 4.5 star ratings are sometimes fabricated). We took photographs, stopped to enjoy the views, and even were thought of as tourists, in our own town. Which felt great and for the three days – being Fri-Sun, we escaped from all of our troubles and …

Travel: By Train From England and other Destinations

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Travel by train is my choice, and if we had the luxury throughout the U.S. to do so in an efficient manner, I would be somewhere every weekend. So, I have to plan trips throughout Europe to experience some of the best train travel. Here’s a few I am considering,  past Paris, during my next extended trip to England. How about you – do you love train travel? For some of the best adventures – go here