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...
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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...
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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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The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a remarkable organization that rescues orphan elephants and rhinos in Kenya. The work they are doing is heart wrenching, and the faces of these creatures will totally compel you to assist in their care. Many of the elephants have been harmed or orphaned by poachers, and are very...
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Being a huge fan of scavenger hunts and interactive theater, I was thrilled to discover Shanghai San Francisco, a “walking adventure tour” when Stuart and I were in the city last weekend. It turned out to be such a fun way of spending a Saturday afternoon – but then, cavorting with shady characters has...
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I’ve just returned from a long weekend in San Francisco. Each time I visit the ‘City by the Bay”, I am reminded of how intoxicating this town is. In fact, I will go as far as saying that San Francisco is the most exciting and vibrant city in the U.S., with New Orleans a...
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Don’t Do What I Did! Another Oops! Travel Moment. There is a deliberately unassuming little club on Staunton Street in Hong Kong called Feather Boa. From the outside, you would never know it existed. There is no sign, indeed no indication whatsoever that a popular bôite can be found within. The curtains hanging in...
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Don’t Do What I Did! Another Oops! Travel Moment. Anyone who has been to Kenya is familiar with the Carnivore restaurant in Nairobi. Known as “Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience” it is an institution for locals and tourists alike – a must visit. For my husband, son and myself, it was a novelty and a...
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Anyone interested in Cambodia, a groovy and eclectic global sound, and a compelling tale about the melding of two cultures through music should check out “Sleepwalking Through The Mekong”, an engaging and inspiring rockumentary from Cambodian/American band, Dengue Fever. “Sleepwalking Through the Mekong” follows L.A.-based band Dengue Fever as they travel around Cambodia to...
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It was just announced yesterday the Crescendas Group, a Singaporean consortium representing 21 companies, is looking to sink between $30 and $50 million into tourism in Cambodia. According to Delegation Head Delegation head Lawrence Leow, deputy honorary secretary of the Singapore Business Federation, “We see the progress, very steady progress in the country…The people...
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August 2009 Further to my blog, “Gin and Tonics with a Taser Twist; A tourist’s view of corruption in Cambodia”, I just came across this article in yesterday’s Phnom Penh Post. Perhaps the economic influence that comes from increased investment in Cambodia’s tourism sector may actually pry the country out of the suffocating grip...
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June 2009 For many developing countries, corruption in government is typical and pervasive. In Cambodia, it’s a well-documented fact that corruption is rampant, serving to undermine the economic infrastructure and act as a deterrent to much-needed foreign investment. On a recent trip to Cambodia, I witnessed a small dose of this corruption, a tourist’s...
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Anyone who has visited Phnom Penh will be familiar with Sambo, the gorgeous 49-year old girl who toddles into town everyday from Wat Phnom for her morning bath, and toddles back. I encountered her for the first time last month, when I was in PP and out for my morning run. The juxtaposition of...
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November 2008 We have just returned from a fantastic week in Sayulita where we booked Casa Cumpleanos, an ideal home on the north side of Sayulita. I’ve noticed several posts about bringing teens to Sayulita and about rental homes, and thought our experience might be helpful, if slightly long-winded. We took our 15 year...
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August 2007 Booked into the KiiKii for a 2-week stay while volunteering in Raro with my 13-year old son. Prepared for the worst, based on reviews, so booked into Oceanview room – Room 17 – corner room, ground floor. Ok – its not the Ritz, but it is charming, if a bit worse for...
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April, 2008 Overnighted at the Park Plaza last weekend – Saturday night. Starting from the top, location makes it very tricky to park while dumping bags & spouses to check in – very busy street and no real porter. You have to pull over, throw on the hazards, throw out the bags (and spouse)...
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April, 2009 Being an avid fan of the show “Ghost Hunters”, and never having ventured to Louisiana before, I thought it would be huge fun to take my 15 year old son, 16 year old French exchange student daughter along with my good friend and excellent traveling partner to New Orleans over Spring Break...
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We were so so excited to stay at the FCC after countless hours of due diligence researching hotels in SR, but despite previous glowing reviews and high expectations, it was frankly, a disappointment. Off the bat, slightly odd architecture with reception area off to side of driveway. Lovely reception staff, but English comprehension was...
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April, 2009 First time in New Orleans. Traveling with my two teens. I was looking for a hotel that had the traditional architecture and look of the French Quarter combined with the contemporary, hip, up-market feel of a boutique hotel. After time-consumingly weighing all the options, I finally settled on the W French Quarter,...
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June 2009 In PP, we wouldn’t stay anywhere else. We’re not on a backpackers budget, but don’t necessarily like the rarified isolationism of Raffles (though love the hotel’s famous piano bars), so thought the Pavilion’s brand of low-key chic might fit the bill. It did not disappoint, and we felt like we were staying...
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Boy and his Bowls
Serving up my take on life one bowl at a time
Ramshackle Chic
An eclectic state of mind
An Indian Summer