Destinations

Custom Surfboards in Sayulita- An Exercise In Surf Holiday Wish Fulfillment

Having a wonderful time in Sayulita? Check. Trying to figure out a way to get back sooner than later? Check. But how will I make this happen? Hmmmm. I’ve got it!! I’ll arrange to have a custom surfboard made for Cooper! That’s PERFECT! Not only will it be useful (I am already envisioning all... »

Who is the Big Dork Dancing Salsa Next to the TV?

Oh yeah, that would be me. Dancing in a carved out space in the living room, between the dog bed and the TV, music blaring, windows wide open, and trying desperately to keep up with the pros salsa-ing on “So You Think You Can Dance?” Short answer? No, I have no illusions that I... »

Every Journey, Like Every Person, Needs a Theme Song

Some movie I saw years ago, the name of which escapes me (no shock there), mentioned the importance of having a theme song. That everyone needs a theme song to get them through the day. I wish I could remember what movie it was, but nevermind, the idea resonated with me. Lately I have... »

Gidget goes Geriatric – How Old is Too Old for a Surfing Holiday?

Just back from our recent fab Surfing trip to Sayulita with Coop, his pal Andrew and my pal Koko (a.k.a. Myrtle, a moniker we picked up for her while listening to a homespun radio program near the Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana. I am Sue Ellen (pronounced S’willin, but that’s another story). When we got... »

Inshallah Surfboards Promote Cultural Awareness in Sydney

“All the surfboards face Mecca.” An Australian artist has produced a range of Islamic surfboards in an attempt to creater a greater understanding between East and West. Phillip George was inspired by his trips to the Middle East and by riots in 2005 when Lebanese Australians were targeted on a beach in Sydney. He... »

Maharaja’s Express – A Rich and Eclectic Train Ride Through India

Pursuant to my recent post in which my mind has packed its bags and my body just needs to follow…one of the articles of inspiration that Stuart found for me was this piece on the Maharaja’s Express, which sounds to me, like a pretty eclectic and fabulous way to experience India, steeped in rich... »

Living the Ex-Pat Dream in Milan

I have known Melanie for over 20 years. We hung out together when we both lived in NY. Then hung out when we both lived in Venice. She is a colorful girl, at minimum, with the greatest stories ever. She’s worked for the French Film Institute in New York (fluent in five langues, I... »

British Vogue – Traveling in Sublime Style Series – South Africa

British Vogue gets it right every time. The June 2011 issue, with its fashion stories cataloged by destination (or lifestyle), appeals to every aspect of my ramshackle chic sensibility – great, effortless style with just the slightest undercurrent of boho artistry (with the budget of landed gentry). The collections – from California surfer girl... »

Antarctica in January 2011 with the WOW! Travel Club

The WOW! Travel Club is headed to Antarctica Jan 6 – 19, 2011. Sailing on Lindblad’s National Geographic Explorer. The ultimate way to do the White Continent. For more information, check out The WOW! Travel Club. For more information Sphere: Related Content »

8 Truly Frightening Travel Experiences

Because, frankly, this picture scared the beejeezus out of me. Great little piece from the Sydney Morning Herald blog. The rest of them are not even a consideration. Except for #3, which isn’t so much of a problem for me. Tho’ Stuart would disagree. 8 Truly Frightening Experiences. Posted by Ben Groundwater “If you... »

Wine, warm weather and wedding renewals – a weekend to remember in Sydney

We have just celebrated Stuart’s and my 10th year wedding anniversary with a soulful, southbound trip to Memory Lane, in the form of Sydney. Still coming off the buzz. What a lovely, lovely affirming thing to do. And to come to Sydney and share this important milestone with friends who have supported each of... »

Vancouver Winter Games Opening Ceremonies – Contemporary, Intimate, Soulful – Shane Koyczan’s “We Are More” a Standout

Shane Koyczan “We Are More” (Click on picture to see video) After watching tonight’s Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies, I have enthusiastically fallen in love with Canada. I am completely overwhelmed by the Canadian spirit – the honesty, the incredible creative talent, the majesty and the life, so beautifully complimented by David Atkins incomparable artistic... »

Mamma Mia! ABBA Fans Have a New Place to Worship!

To all the Fernandos and Chiquititas out there… Opening just two weeks ago, ABBAWORLD is a museum-cum-theme park in London with enough music, mementoes and memory-lane appeal to satisfy even the most fervent ABBA fan (and you KNOW who you are). “It started with, ‘How do we give the visitor a big hug in... »

The Battle of the Beignet – A Quiet Evening in the French Quarter

In support of the most soulful city in the whole US of A on this Superbowl weekend – a favorite NOLA memory. For certain personality types, the generous piles of powdered sugar that cover the beignets served at the famous Café du Monde in the French Quarter are one of life’s little temptations that... »

Fabrik Magazine – A Staple in the LA Arts Community

While working the LA Art Show last week, I met a group of really great people, affiliated with Fabrik Magazine – a 2-year old small-format magazine widely distributed in the LA Area. This is a magazine that supports local artists and galleries, and they appear to be loved in return. “FABRIK magazine covers Los... »

Snapshot from the 2010 FADA Los Angeles Art Show

I am happily ensconced in a small booth working the LA Art Show for an important client, a well-know art publication. And I’m buzzed by all the art and creative people around me. Artists, hippies, bohemians, eccentrics, taggers-turned-fine artists, hip collectors, hot curators, kids living in an art collective, just doing their... »

Sole Searching – A Runner’s Take On Cultural Immersion or How to Eat Dessert While on Holiday

“The trouble with jogging is that the ice falls out of your glass.” ~Martin Mull The moment I pack my suitcase for a journey, I am perfectly resigned about two things. One – that I will not deprive myself of any gastronomic delight or opportunity to drink champagne while watching a sunset (or sunrise). ... »

St Barths Beyond the Myth – Tapping into the Island’s Boho Chic Vibe

I am lucky to have spent a lot of time on St Barts. People are always surprised when I describe it as a low-key, soulful destination. Particularly at this time of year when we are inundated with photos of the latest celebrity “it couple” cavorting in their barely-there bathers on one of the twenty-odd... »

A fun and hugely-entertaining Santa Monica Beach run

What better way to kick off the new year than a seven-mile run on the beach? I mean – why not take advantage of the mild climate that is the envy of all Rose Parade viewers around the world? That’s exactly what we did. The gorgeous beach, colorful characters and market stalls that line... »

Negotiating the Inca Trail for hikers of a certain age

We are planning a trip to Peru in June, with a highlight being trekking the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. “We” includes Stuart and me (mid 40s), our son Coop (16) and friends Jim & Koko (late 50s). We’re all pretty physically fit, but it appears that the altitude issue can be a... »

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