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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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...
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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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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Seems like everywhere I look, I’m reading about the shifting sands of travel preferences. Whether we’re embracing our inner explorer or developing a long-overdue awareness of our place in the global scheme of things, it’s clear that travelers today are more eager than ever to go “off-menu” in search of a more-resonant travel experience....
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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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My suspicion is that there are many discriminating, borderline OCD travelers like myself who double and triple check hotel and destination information across a barrage of online sources in the hope of validating their choices (and possibly themselves), in the process. Speaking from experience, this can be an exhaustive and overwhelming exercise, particularly for...
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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