After the rain comes the double rainbow. Hawaii is always full of surprises.
Read MoreTraveling with MJ January Travel Link Up: Romance
Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Art. As a big fan of both museum quality art as well as street art, I found the submissions a great list of places to check out. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Marysia at My Travel Affairs. Her story – and photos – about street art in Tel Aviv was amazing. I had no idea there was such a street culture in Israel, and if you’re planning a visit, you’ll want to click through to read her post. What’s up This Month The theme for this month is Romance, in honor of Valentine’s Day. A romantic hotel or restaurant, a beautiful beach or sunset, a hideaway that’s perfect for two, any take on the theme of Romance is great for this month’s link up. If […]
Read MoreRestaurant Review: Estiatorio Volos, Toronto
Estiatorio Volos Address: 133 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario MJ Rating: Features: Volos is centered around the concept of Philoxenia, a Greek work meaning hospitable, a concept that is woven into the tapestry of the restaurant’s food, service, and ambiance. It takes traditional Greek cooking styles and infuses them with a modern twist with local Canadian ingredients creating upscale dining that still feels like you’re in a friend’s home. Assuming that friend is a Greek who knows how to cook well. Price Range: Moderate to high. This is upscale, downtown dining, and the prices reflect the location. You know what they say – location, location, location! Appetizers start at $9 and entrees at $19. Dinner for two, with a shared appetizer, main, and a glass of wine (or cocktail), will set you back $100 or more. Personal Notes: The atmosphere at […]
Read MoreTravel Bucket List Update for 2014
Bucket lists have gotten a bad rap, too often seen as a rush to check off experiences without any thought or meaning. I don’t think of it that way – perhaps because I’ve always been a list maker. My travel bucket list doesn’t represent a race to accomplish, far from it. Some of the items on my list are practical and will eventually be checked off. Others are beyond my current budget and abilities, but a girl’s gotta dream. so they’re on the list. I haven’t updated my list for two years, so it’s time. Here are the items that have been crossed off in those two years. There aren’t a lot, so no one will be accusing me of racing through the list. Ride in a gondola in Venice – This was changed to a motor boat because of […]
Read MoreProduct Review: Indigo Chambray Messenger Bag from Brenthaven
The Collins Collection from Brenthaven Product: Indigo Chambray Messenger Bag from Brenthaven Rating: Features: The Classic Collins collection gets a new edge with the Indigo Chambray color option featuring pinstriped lining and leather touch points. The messenger bag has been designed to hold laptops up to 15.4 inches and has a padded, custom fit tablet pocket. Your gear is kept safe with Brenthaven’s signature High Density Foam protection system. What I thought: Brenthaven is headquartered here in my home town, Seattle, and I love doing business locally. They offer value-priced premium bags designed to fit the needs of modern technology users. This messenger bag was perfect to give to a guy in my life who would put it through its paces to see how it performs. Used every day for several weeks, stuffed full of files and gadgets, this bag lived […]
Read MoreRestaurant Review: Marben, Toronto
Marben Address: 488 Wellington Street West, Toronto MJ Rating: (2 out of 3 hearts) Features: When my pal Andrew said we’d be sampling some contemporary Canadian cuisine, I had no idea what to expect. Canadian cuisine — what is it? Marben was about to school my palate. The exterior of Marben sports an industrial brick look, but inside were exposed beams and posts, giving it a homey lodge ambiance. We grabbed a booth across from the bar just inside the door, but if you’d like a more interactive dining experience, ask for a seat at the counter looking at the kitchen. Price Range: Moderate. Starters range from $5 (bread and hummus) to $18 for a charcuterie board. Entrees range from $17 (grilled octopus salad) to $38 for a beef rib eye. Wines by the glass are $10-12 (bottles start at $45), a diverse beer […]
Read More2013: A Year of Travel in Review
I’m often asked how much I travel, outside of the flight attendant flying that I do; the answer is once a month, on average. I probably averaged a bit more than that this past year. 2013 was a great year for travel, with two trips to Europe, two to Asia, and a bunch of traveling around North America. Here’s a little look back at the year in review. January As has become a family tradition, I welcomed the New Year in with a stay at the Westin. After a great meal out at one of my favorite restaurants, I tucked into bed and watched the midnight fireworks off the Space Needle from the warmth and comfort on my room. There’s nothing like playing tourist in your home town to help you appreciate all that your city has to offer. Shortly […]
Read MoreTraveling with MJ December Travel Link Up: Art
Last month the monthly themed travel round up focused on Inspiration. There weren’t a lot of participants, in large part due to an error on my part cutting off the submission date. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading what inspires people to travel. My favorite of the linked up travel inspiration posts was from Suzanne Fluhr at Boomeresque. Her story about Mexico, specifically San Miguel de Allende, in 1963 and how that was the genesis of her desire and love of travel, was heartfelt and inspirational. If you haven’t read it, click on through and do so. I think you’ll be as moved as I was. What’s Up This Month This month I want to know a little more about how you have experienced and appreciate art while you’re traveling. Perhaps you have a favorite art museum, or a piece of public […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel Address: 2-2-1-3 Minatomirai, Nishi-Ku, Yokohama, Japan Value Luxury Rating: Features: The Yokohama Royal Park Hotel is situated in the Minato Mirai 21 area, a cosmopolitan development area of Yokohama which combines a variety if sights and attractions, including an amusement park and the Cosmo 21 Ferris Wheel, shopping, over 200 restaurants, museums, theaters and entertainment venues, and more. The lobby and other public areas of the hotel are lovely – inviting, filled with beautiful floral displays, and offering seating and gathering areas that are well placed and don’t clutter things up. I’d call it an elegant Zen vibe, with a nice dash of upscale luxury. Hotel features and amenities include: fitness center, indoor pool, 9 restaurants, spa, business center, tea ceremony room, gift shop, and concierge service. Located on floors 52-67 of the building, every one of the Royal […]
Read MoreWorld Map Update: Thailand and Malaysia
It’s time to add another two countries to my visited list – Thailand and Malaysia. It’s still a rather paltry representation, emphasizing that I made numerous visits to the same place rather than venture further afield. I’m working on plans to hit up a few more countries in 2014, so stay tuned. Create your own travel map – TravBuddy
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