Reviews

Eat, Pray, Sell your Soul – Open Letter to Liz Gilbert

Dear Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz. HOW could you? How COULD you? How could YOU? Of ALL people? I am sending you this letter my dearest Lizzie, to tell you that at least one of your devotées – one of your most devoted of devotées, has fallen off the Eat Pray Love bandwagon... »

The Sex Lives of Cannibals – An Excellent Travel Read (says she, through clenched teeth)

Chapter 1 in which the author (me) bites the bullet and reads a delightful travel log that has her questioning why she can’t seem to focus her energy and write her own damn travel log…which she knows would be clever and entertaining and would sell in the tens of copies. Chapter 2 in which... »

Travel to “A Happy Place” in Katie Melua’s new Video

Love love love Katie Melua. Her new album, “The House” is interesting and hypnotic, anchored by the first release, “The Flood” (see earlier post). Subtle shades of electronica beneath flowing, melodic, artfully structured and sweetly sung songs. The result is unusual and moody. “A Happy Place” is industrial-chic and beautifully shot in what seems... »

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... »

Cool, Evocative and Hypnotic – the Musical Stylings of Lal Meri

Everyone needs to listen to this music. Click here to hear Lal Meri’s “Bad Tbings”. I found them on “Music is Eclectic”, about 2 years ago, and immediately downloaded their CD to itunes. Have been a huge fan ever since. Have even sung the praises of Lal Meri in previous posts. Saw them perform... »

The Power of the Pod – Air New Zealand Takes Business Class Lying Down

On a recent flight to Sydney on Air New Zealand, I experienced for the first time, the power of the pod – Air NZ’s answer to a good night’s sleep at 37,000 feet. Now 3-weeks later, I am dismally confident that this experience has set impossible expectations for all future air travel, and find... »

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... »

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... »

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... »

12 “Must See” Documentaries to Rent in the New Year

We are big fans of the documentary in our house, as our Netflix queue reveals. Having a teenager, we certainly see our share of churned-out, hyped-up Hollywood action flicks, don’t get me wrong. But the movie nights that seem to resonate with us are those spent engaged in lives and issues – some very... »

Shanghai San Francisco – A Walking Adventure Tour Full of Mystery & Intrigue

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... »

Opening Up The Suitcase In…San Francisco

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... »

Paolo Nutini – Toe-Tapping Traveling Music – Have A Listen

In keeping with the musical theme of global influence – yet another toe-tapping song to load onto your ipod. For those who may not know Paolo Nutini (no, not nutella), he’s an addictive though decidedly- odd combination. Italian by name; Scotsman by birth; and 1930s African-American scat singer by soul and style – all... »

Hello, Lover! It’s All About the Suitcase

Few things in this world impress me to the point that I am unable to articulate decipherable words. Funnily enough, the two things that come to mind both herald from distinguished British institutions. The first is my husband Stuart and the second is the Centenary Collection from renowned British luggage maker Globe-Trotter. Both examples... »

BOS Travel Snapshot – Otter Creek Tents, North Goa, India

If you’re looking for a little dose of ramshackle chic Indian style, you’ll need to look elsewhere. That is, Elsewhere in North Goa, where Otter Creek Tents provides an inspired and affordable balance of privacy, relaxation and great style. Situated right on a saltwater creek, each of the three tents has a double four-poster... »

Lal Meri – A Seductive Sound that Transports Body and Soul

The words “Lal Meri” in Hindi convey a great adoration, affection and belief to inspire a people to smile through the best and most troubled of times. I was immediately struck by Lal Meri’s sound months ago when their debut album of the same name was featured on NPR. Driving in the car, it... »

Dengue Fever’s “Sleepwalking Through the Mekong” screens this week in SF

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... »

Casa Cumpleanos, Sayulita Mexico – A great rental in a great town

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... »

The Kii Kii Motel – Cheap & Cheerful in Rarotonga

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... »

Park Plaza Nottingham – Average Property but Great Gym

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)... »

World Clock

French Word of the Day