Musings & Insights

Mr Short, the Duke, Mom and Me…A Rite of Passage at the Café Carlyle

Having a travel memory. I’m 23. Living back east. My mom has come to visit me in NYC for her quarterly pilgrimage. We are doing the town. Shopping at Bendels. Afternoon champagne at The Oak Bar. Dinner at The Box Tree. The theater. Caviar at Petrossian. The works. Heady times, no question. Scanning through... »

Eat Pray Love…Buy

Dear Lizzie, Today USA Today weighed in on the commercialism that has become Eat Pray Love. I have decided a more fitting name for the book is Eat Pray Love Buy, which I think, you have to admit Liz, is better than Eat Pray Love Die. ‘Eat Pray Love’ is already at a store... »

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... »

Side touch, side touch, back step – Growing Up Cotillion

All that salsa talk has got me nostalgic for my passion for dance and long-standing reputation as a noted icon of the art form. It is true. I accept my gift, and bear my trophies (well, trophy) and accolades with deep humility. In fact, Baryshnikov and I frequently get together to discuss the sensual... »

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... »

Inspire. Act. Imprint Change on the World. How We are Marking Mandela Day in our House.

INSPIRE. ACT. IMPRINT CHANGE ON THE WORLD. Mandela Day (July 18) is a global call to action for people to recognize their individual power to make an imprint. The hope is to inspire people from every corner of the earth to embrace the values of Nelson Mandela as they seek to improve their lives... »

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... »

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... »

The Red Balloon

I am listening to the new Katie Melua CD, The House, hand-delivered to me from Europe by my friend Gabriel, who was kind enough to grant my desperate request to pick it up as I simply could not wait…simply…could…not…wait until August 3 when it was released here. I am delighted that the CD is... »

Where the Mind Goes, the Body Will Follow

Come Springtime, my head goes into wanderlust mode – no particular time or place – just conjures up ideas – historical or sentimental – vague notions of travel that remind me how vital getting out and about is in my life. Recent daydreams have had me traveling with Lawrence of Arabia, both in our... »

Wild Horses in New Mexico – Courtesy Aunt Julie

In Placitas, as in many other parts of New Mexico, we have several herds of wild horses. These herds of horses have been formed from horses that escaped over the last 300 years and roamed freely in the hills and valleys. Now that people are encroaching on their territory, they have become more used... »

A Taste of Teen Macabre – Russian Style

Just a really odd little tidbit in the news. May want to wipe St Petersburg off the “Places to travel with Teens” list. ST. PETERSBURG — The Associated Press A Russian court has convicted two men of murdering and eating a 16-year-old schoolgirl in January. The St. Petersburg City Court says it sentenced a... »

France moves toward partial burqa ban – CNN.com

“French lawmakers believe the burqa is a growing phenomenon beneath which lies a not-so-subtle message of fundamentalism.” “French lawmakers Tuesday recommended a partial ban on any veils that cover the face — including the burqa, the full-body covering worn by some Muslim women. Commission members began their work six months ago after French President... »

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... »

Shout Out to Johnny Depp Stalkers With A Couple of Dablooms

To all the die-hard Captain Jack Sparrow stalkers, oops, fans out there – you know who you are. How much do you really love him? Enough to swim up to his yacht in the middle of the night, sneak up the rigging and lie in the bed, the very bed, he sleeps in? Well,... »

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... »

Book Shopping Can Be Confusing While Traveling in Asia

According to Confucius, “If you are in a book store and cannot find the book for which you seek, you are obviously in the…” »

World Clock

French Word of the Day