I’ve been fortunate to travel to Vancouver, BC multiples times in my life for work; it’s one of my favorite destinations because of it’s ease and modern sensibilities. And the food!
Sitting on the water, it’s an ideal metropolis that offers everything you could want. Spending a few days here will give you a great sampling of all this city has to offer, and it’ll make you want to come back again and again. And you totally should…
They’re not canuckin’ around here.
So I have to confess something here. I’m not much of a drinker. I know, I know. Is it too late now to say sorry? Just kidding, I’m not sorry. You’re wondering: how could a light imbiber possibly have anything to say about the most famous wine producing region in the US?
Turns out, there’s a ton of things to do here that don’t necessarily involve spirits, and don’t worry, I will feature some absolutely fantastic wineries on our journey through the beautiful Northern California countryside. There’s just one question you have to ask yourself:
Wine or wine not?
Japan is a special place. Its culture is unique and traditions well preserved. Tokyo is probably the most interesting city in the world, as it is a city of contradictions. There’s an avant garde, boldness to it, but yet there’s also a timid sensibility, too. It’s both modern and ancient, debaucherous and pious. The food, the facilities, everything is deliberated over and planned out, but there’s spontaneity around every corner. It’s edgy, real and fearless. Yet, for a city of its size, it’s unimaginably safe and tidy.
Japanese citizens have a sense of responsibility in keeping their homeland organized and neat, and proudly show off their incredible technology and forward thinking nature. I love everything about it. There’s so much to see and do in Japan, and often times not enough money.
turning japanese
A few years ago, for her birthday, I promised my sister that I would treat her to one of her bucket list destinations, Miraval Spa near Tucson, Arizona (it was one of mine, too). It took a few years before I became financially solvent enough, but we finally made it.
Started from the bottom, now we’re here.
So, we packed our bags for the vast, arid landscape of the Sonoran desert to enjoy some pampering, national park sights and southwestern culture. Listen to the Blink 182 song, that you’ll beat to death in Tucson, okay?
In the desert, you can remember your name…
Did y’all see that game last night? It was a classic, with the Minnesota Vikings pulling off a miracle last play to win over the Saints. And since the Super Bowl is happening in Minneapolis this year, here’s a repost of the 24 hour guide to the city of 10,000 lakes to prepare those who are heading that way in February!
you’re gonna make it after all…
Vail is my favorite winter destination, perfect for the long Martin Luther King, Jr weekend. Mostly because of the apres ski, as an old injury sidelined me from snowboarding and winter sports a long time ago. There’s so much to eat and do here that even if you’re not partaking in the exquisite powder of the back bowls, you can fill your days and nights enjoying all the sights along the cobblestoned, European chalet lined streets.
Pierce the Vail…
Charleston, South Carolina is quite possibly one of the most charming cities in the US. This coastal hamlet has unparalleled appeal, historical value, and probably one of the highest ratios of award winning restaurants to actual citizens within its small limits. No wonder it’s a popular destination for tourism and living alike. It’s also the location for a Bravo reality TV show, so you know they’ve gotta be doing something right.
Charleston chew…
Budapest is probably my favorite European city…well, maybe within the top 3. It is different than anywhere else you’ve been. You don’t feel like you’re in Europe, you feel like you’re in the old world. It’s got this dark magic, and I love it.
It’s a little more subdued, but yet very distinct from its other former Eastern Bloc neighbors, but don’t let that fool you. There’s so much history from the Ottoman Empire and Turks and Romans to the Soviet influence, everyone has crossed through this area, including the Roma people, who give Hungarians their gypsy culture. All of this historic interchange has led to Hungary (and Hungarians) to be a melting pot of mixed ethnicities.
Heroes’ Square is one of the landmark plazas on the Pest side, featuring Magyar and other prominent Hungarian leaders. The central column is topped by Archangel Gabriel holding the Hungarian crown. It is flanked by the Museum of Fine Arts and Hall of Art.
One of the most memorable places I’ve been is the Central Market Hall. This grand indoor market is full of colors and sounds and smells, it’s sensory way overload. Marketplaces seem ubiquitous in America these days, but this feels so original.
getting hungary just looking at this
There’s giant sausages and other encased meats everywhere (literally so many kinds of sausage), cheeses, pickles of all types. Hungarian food is one of my all time favorite cuisines. Put a plate of chicken paprikash or goulash in front of me and you’re golden. You must (read: MUST) buy paprika from Hungary. So closely associated with this country, their paprika is the smoky and rich and perfect. They sell it everywhere.
On the Buda side of town sits the Castle Hill complex, made up of Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. Fisherman’s Bastion is a Gothic style viewpoint that looks like something out of a fairy tale. This very popular tourist attraction provides sweeping views of the river and the Pest side from high above.
The Danube river runs right through the center of town, splitting it into the two sides, Buda and Pest. The gorgeous bridges that span the river are spectacles in and of themselves, and are lovely at night.
chain, chain, chain…
Along the Pest side of the river is a long promenade dotted with cafes and riverfront restaurants. This is a wonderful way to wind down and watch as the lights transform this city into something even more fantastical. Budapest at night is something else.
Venhajo-Etterem restaurant is located on a converted steamboat and has direct views of the castle. Dubarry is also an amazing dining experience, if the weather permits you must sit outside in the white linen bistro tables. Both restaurants serve traditional Hungarian fare of which I cannot get enough.
Walking along the river front will afford you the most spectacular views, the low light of early evening is the perfect time to snap a photo of the Buda Castle.
Unfortunately, I only spent a very limited amount of time in this wonderful city, and a lot of it was spent with family (yes, unexpectedly have family here), so I didn’t have a chance to visit the thermal hot springs. This is a must when you visit. The Romans were originally drawn to this area for the touted benefits of these mineral water pools. Of course, the Turks came through and built Turkish baths, some of which are still in use. The Szécheny Baths are a grand structure on the Pest side of town that has many baths. Guess I know where I’m headed next time…
have a great weekend!
As I spent a lot of this Labor Day weekend watching the US Open, I got serious green tennis ball colored envy. I need to go to Flushing, NY stat (my friend goes every year, I have no excuse). I mean, what a perfect way to spend a long weekend, exploring the last few days of summer in the city and then enjoying Primetime tennis! Until I make it there, all I can do is dream of past New York adventures.
concrete jungle where dreams are made.
There are not enough adjectives to describe the wonder of Paris. No one needs a guide to this city, there are a million ways to enjoy it, and the little discoveries down every alleyway are what makes this place special. You don’t need a ton of money, you don’t even need to see any of the popular tourist attractions. You could walk around for days and not spend one cent and be content. It’s all splendor. The air is different when you arrive in this city of light and magic. You feel different, you get a new lease on life– nouvelle joie de vivre.
I’ve been all over the world, and there is no city that causes my heart to take flight like Paris. No city that comes close in terms of architecture and art and food. It’s the ultimate muse for any travel fantasy, it puts the lust in wanderlust. There’s a romanticism that cannot be recreated anywhere else; it’s no wonder that Paris salons attracted the best in art and literature to a bohemian lifestyle in the capital city.
To get a true sense of the city, you have to at least spend 4-5 days here. My first visit more than a decade ago lasted for almost two weeks. I saw the entire city as a 16 year old, and even though we did not have smart phones back in the dark ages (le horreur), I’ll never forget the moments during that trip. It started my love affair with France and gets reignited every time I come back. C’est magnifique.
la vie en rose
Traveling docs 