Tag Archive

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

By Lesley Ford

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?

By Lesley Ford

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... »

A Fellow Traveler will be Forever Missed. Steve Ford 1956 – 2010.

By Lesley Ford

We have had the heart-breaking news today that Stuart’s big brother, and Lynne’s little brother, Stephen Ford, passed this morning in the UK. I did not know Steve as well as I would have liked, but I immediately liked him very, very much.  When I met him the first time, I was on a... »

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

By Lesley Ford

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... »

Snapshot from the 2010 FADA Los Angeles Art Show

By Lesley Ford

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

By Lesley Ford

“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). ... »

I Love Anthony Bourdain (But I’m Not Eating The Offal)

By Lesley Ford

I am a big Anthony Bourdain fan.  Like a case of nausea, my fervor for him comes in sharp waves.  I’m riding a high one now, a result no doubt, of the Travel Channel’s unrelenting pre-season sell-in of  “No Reservations”, during which past episodes are drudged out so we can all reacquaint ourselves with... »

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

By Lesley Ford

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

By Lesley Ford

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... »

Last Minute Xmas Gift – Foster an Elephant

By Lesley Ford

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... »

Whatever Happened To Traveling By Concorde?

By Lesley Ford

I was just thinking about the Concorde fleet of supersonic, luxury jets that ferried moguls, industrialists and well, Naomi Campbell, across the pond in half the time of a 747. Whatever happened to the Concorde?   Granted their cost model wasn’t exactly profitable, but to have traveled by Concorde was a prestigious distinction that the... »

Pop-Up Hotels – Porta-Tourism Thinks Inside The Box

By Lesley Ford

When life gives you  lemons, make lemonade.  So the saying goes.  Apparently the travel industry is following suit, and doing a little squeezing of its own for the budget-constrained, on-the-go traveler who doesn’t mind a bit of pre-fab construction. Pop-up hotels have been well, popping-up all over the world for a couple of years... »

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

By Lesley Ford

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... »

A “Moment” – The healing Powers of a Summer Night in Sydney

By Lesley Ford

Moment – definition – Merriam-Webster Dictionary 1. a minute portion or point of time : instant; 2. a comparatively brief period of time; 3. a time of excellence or conspicuousness. Moment – definition – mine 1. a blessing; a slice of time that is transformative in which everything is aligned to achieve a temporary... »

Opening Up The Suitcase In…San Francisco

By Lesley Ford

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

By Lesley Ford

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

By Lesley Ford

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 Random Airport Shot of the Week

By Lesley Ford

Because frankly, there is no wrong time for a ukulele. Snapped by another well-worn traveler. Oakland Airport – September 17, 2009 »

Hart Island, NY – A Real Life Island of the Dead

By Lesley Ford

I watched a creepy film recently called “Island of the Dead”.  The film was average, but I was surprised to learn that the subject matter – Hart Island – is a real place, far spookier than the movie, where over 800,000 bodies – adults and infants, and even dismembered body parts, are buried. Hart... »

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In the Suitcase

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Online resources for the slightly compulsive and hopelessly picky traveler

By Lesley Ford

My suspicion is that there are many discriminating, borderline OCD travelers like myself who double and triple check hotel and destination information across a... »

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