I flew from Seattle to Tokyo on ANA’s inaugural Dreamliner flight. There was plenty of mood lighting, during boarding as well as this peaceful post-dinner evening lighting. This aircraft, and ANA’s business class service, has me spoiled about luxury flying. See more pictures in my Tokyo flickr stream.
Read MoreCategory Archive: Destinations
Spain by Land or by Sea
My head has been thinking a lot about Spain these days and have been sussing out all the things to see and do in the Catalunia province in northeastern Spain, from the big city of Barcelona to the mid-sized city of Girona to the small town of Begur. There’s exciting stuff: medieval cities, historic town centers, fabulous food and drink, incredible, art, charming seaside villages, beaches, and lots more. Oh yeah, my time is Catalunia is going to be just fine. As I talked to friends and family members who have been to Spain (I haven’t, this is my first trip there), I discovered that a family member is going to Barcelona to start a cruise during the precise time I am going to be in there. We live 20 miles apart from one another, but we have to travel […]
Read MoreMy Favorite Paris Museum
In a city as full of museums as Paris, you might think think it tough to choose a favorite. After a whirlwind week soaking up as much as I possible could, and visiting more than a few museums, there were only a few Paris museums that made a lasting impression. The Louvre was vast and covered an extensive period of time. But while I enjoyed it, the art on display – with a few notable exceptions – wasn’t really my cup of tea. The Rodin displayed statuary that was lovely, but it didn’t offer the depth to really captivate me. Although this museum would score a solid second on my list of favorites in large part because of the gardens that surround it. The Centre Pompidou made me smile with its architecture and exhibits, the Delacroix was nice, the Quai […]
Read MorePostcard from Carlsbad: Pacific Ocean
A few weeks ago, I head to Carlsbad, California, for a weekend retreat with the staffs of TBEX and NMX. We stayed in a beach house along the Pacific Ocean coast which offered a wonderful view to stir up lots of creativity. I love quiet mornings looking out at the ocean.
Read MoreThe Top 5 Family Attractions in Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a popular place year-round for travelers of all kinds, but especially families. From the very atmospheric city streets to the many tours and festivals that the kids will love, Scotland will leave the parents charmed and your children ready for their return trip. With so many attractions and venues, it’s really hard to decide where to spend your time. So fuel up with a big Scotland breakfast, and then head out for a busy day – these suggestions are sure to keep everyone smiling Edinburgh Castle Of course, the famed icon that brings travelers here from afar has to top the list. But why? Because the castle can be a fun way to learn about Scotland’s troubled history. There is so much to see here, from the city’s oldest building (a small chapel) to […]
Read MoreHollywood Bowl Concerts: Amphitheater Beneath the Stars
An evening of music under the stars doesn’t get much better than when you’re sitting in one of the most legendary natural amphitheaters — the Hollywood Bowl. And if your California holidays permit, scheduling in a concert or visit to this venue is a wonderful summer treat. The Hollywood Bowl was originally built in 1922 and it first consisted of simple wooden benches set against the natural hillside of Bolton Canyon. That same year the first Hollywood Bowl concerts were scheduled when the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra began its first season of “music under the stars,” a tradition that continues today as the Bowl serves as the summer home of the orchestra. Fast forward to today: With seating of about 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural amphitheater in the United States. It is still the summer home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and […]
Read MoreI’m Going to Tokyo #ANASEA
Yes, I’m going to Tokyo and I’m very excited about it. But I jumped to the end of the story before telling you about how this came to be, why it’s important to me, and how you can help make sure my trip is everything I want it to be. So let’s rewind just a little bit. . . . All Nippon Airways (ANA) is launching a new service between Seattle and Tokyo on July 25th, 2012. The daily flight departs Seattle at 1:15 pm and ten and a half hours later arrive at Narita at 3:45 pm (the next day). For visitors interested in traveling on to other cities within Japan, or making connections to other destinations in Asia, this arrival neatly coincides with outbound flights. The outbound flight leaves Tokyo at 5:25 pm and arrives in Seattle at […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Art of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice
No matter where you are in Venice, it seems like there’s an arrow pointing you to San Marco Piazza. And why not? Along with the gondolas on the Grand Canal, the piazza is one of the most popular spots in a city that’s full of popular spots. The Piazza fronts Saint Mark’s Basilica, a Catholic Cathedral and the most famous church in the city. It’s Byzantine architecture and grand design has been a symbol of the power and wealth of Venice for over 10 centuries. This photo is of the lower lower level of the Basilica, and is one of the arched portals that is surrounded by columns. The arch is above a set of bronze doors than open into the interior of the cathedral, where even more awe inducing art and architecture is found. The interior is probably best […]
Read MoreFREE Things to do in Little Rock, Arkansas
If you’re watching the budget, it’s no problem in Little Rock, Arkansas. The largest, and capital city of Arkansas, got its name from a small rock formation – la Petite Roche – that was once used as a landmark for traffic on the river. Today Little Rock offers a vast number of FREE activities that will keep you entertained for days and days. Take a look — History Learn about Civil Rights History with a visit to the circa 1927 Gothic-style Central High School, which received international attention during the Civil Rights Movement, and stop in at the museum in the restored service station across the street. The interactive exhibit “All the World is Watching Us” tells the story of the nine black students who made civil rights history when they entered Central High in September 1957. Location: 2125 Daisy […]
Read MorePhoto Friday: Wisteria on Capri
From Sorrento, a visit to the island of Capri is a short boat ride away, making it an easy day trip. In high season, reservations may be important, but otherwise just head down to Marina Grande, figure out your timing, and buy a ticket. The ticket will depend on the time of boat service and the current Euro exchange rate, but figure about $15-17 and allow 20-30 minutes transport time. Before you go to the island, though, learn how to correctly. It’s pronounced CAH-pree. The often heard cuh-PREE is a pair of pants. Locals will know what you’re talking about if you say it incorrectly, but what not try for a little authenticity. Once on the island, visitors typically either head off for a tour of the famous Blue Grotto, or take the funicular up to Capri Town. The town […]
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