Our trip started in Cape Town, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is located at the foot of Table Mountain, which has been included on the list of ‘wonders of the world.’ The vibe along the waterfront is energetic and fun, and as we strolled along we were certainly not the only ones swept up in the enthusiasm of the crowd!

We had a few places on our list of restaurants to try on the trip, and the first one was Pier Restaurant. We enjoyed an outstanding lunch that was as creative as it was delicious.

Table Mountain beckoned in the distance, so of course we had to go see it for ourselves. Walking along the top was like walking on another planet: the views over the city, the ocean and the countryside were incredible. At that moment, I had no idea that Africa was going to seep into my blood like the mist that swirled around us (aka the “tablecloth”). It was indeed just the beginning of the visual feast that is South Africa, with many incredible ‘dishes’ to come!

After Cape Town, we flew up to Port Elizabeth, which was a jumping off point for our safari. We chose Shamwari, a private game reserve and one of the largest private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa. We stayed at the flagship lodge, Sindile, (meaning ‘survivor’, and named after one of the reserve’s beloved rescue leopards) in beautiful luxury tents set on a ridge. The view over the river and plains was breathtaking, and the water hole below attracted a daily migration of animals that was so fun to watch.

It is impossible to describe the feeling of settling in to sleep at night to the sound of lions roaring … it felt as if they were right outside the tent!

Every morning and late afternoon, our private ranger took us out to see the wildlife. It was amazing and exhilarating and sometimes downright scary! We also got the chance to visit the wildlife rehab center on site, as well as the sanctuary where lions and leopards that have suffered horrendously at the hands of man are able to live out the rest of their lives in peace.

After Shamwari, we made our way along the Garden Route back towards Cape Town. The scenery along the way was absolutely beautiful, with farms and fynbos (the Cape’s indigenous flora) stretching as far as the eye could see. I thought the United States was big, but it doesn’t hold a candle to South Africa!! The landscape morphed into lush forested mountains, and we crossed over bridges that spanned steep caverns below. Along the route, we stopped in Plettenberg (‘Plett’) and Wilderness (don’t you just love that name) in hotels perched high above the Indian Ocean. The views and hospitality were stellar. We hiked a bit, watched for whales (I spotted a mother and calf at breakfast!) and ate more delicious food.

After Wilderness, we continued south and drove into the interior for a bit before making our way along a dusty gravel road which brought us to De Hoop Nature Reserve. Only three hours east of Cape Town, it seemed a world away, where the mountains and the ocean flank 34,000 hectares of beaches, dunes, wetlands and fynbos. The Reserve is at the southern tip of Africa, and incredibly, it is one of only six floral Kingdoms of the World – and also a World Heritage Site. It is a prime location for spotting migrating whales, but our guide told us that unfortunately there weren’t very many this year. In fact, the numbers were down from well over a thousand last year to just fifty-something this year.

After all that nature, we were ready for some serious wine tasting, and our last stop was Franshhoek, one of the most beautiful valleys I’ve ever seen. We stayed in the fabulous Leeu Estates, which not only produces its own wine but also features local artists both on the grounds and in the lovely gallery on site.

We had two divine tasting menus during our stay: one in La Petite Colombe (which was next to the gallery) and one in Epice, located in town. Both restaurants are in the same group as The Pier Restaurant (Colombe) and I can’t say enough about them. My mouth is watering just remembering the incredible food!

But let’s not forget about the wine….there are so many great vineyards in Franschhoek!

I’ll leave off with some of my favorite photos from the trip…..

Have you been to South Africa? If so, I’d love to hear your favorite spots! I’m already planning my next trip.

I’ve also got a sketch pad and a set of beautiful colored pencils in a drawer, and I often get ideas (like when I visited the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueras a few days ago) but I never seem to get around to actually sketching or drawing.

I’ve also been thinking about my life, and how it often seems a bit chaotic. Not on the outside, mind you, but in my head mostly. To the observer, I’m sure it looks very serene and comfortable. And it often is. But whenever things get too predictable, it’s as if an internal tornado starts spinning around in my head and my thoughts and feelings get all stirred up. At those moments, I feel out of control and may likely say or do something that upsets the balance around me. I admit, I find too much predictability boring.

And, like often happens when you keep yourself open to things, I came across an article that addressed this very topic! It was about how chaos and predictability in life are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Rather, the human mind, programmed as it is to predict, actually needs chaos to be able to thrive. And this is where creativity comes in. The article stated that one of the latest big theories in neuroscience is that although humans are fundamentally creatures of prediction, creativity is not only not at odds with that, but actually goes hand in hand with improving our predictive power. “Life itself, in this view, is one big process of creatively optimizing prediction as a survival strategy in a universe otherwise tending toward chaos.”

According to Mark Miller, a cognitive scientist at the University of Toronto, the human brain has evolved to “seek out the edge of informational chaos” and it is in that zone that predictive models begin to break down – and make space for learning. Art and creativity can bring us to this so-called edge of chaos by causing us to reevaluate ourselves and rethink the world around us. Imagine: when you see a beautiful painting or hear a particular piece of music, or when you come across a passage in a book that moves you, it can actually alter how you think about yourself …. and even the world. The creative experience makes way for learning. How wonderful!

So, in spite of its negative connotation, chaos is not necessarily a bad thing. The big takeaway for me, besides how important art and creativity are, is that one of the best ways to become healthier, more adaptive (and creative) creatures is to regularly expose ourselves to different kinds of uncertainty (read as chaos). So chaos in itself is not necessarily bad… what a relief!

I attribute my dislike of predictability to being a ‘Third Culture Kid’ – I was born in Saudi Arabia to American parents and spent my formative years there. I grew up in an unpredictable place and was exposed to so much in a short time, including different cultures and experiences. I travelled a lot as a child, and in my early twenties I continued to travel extensively, looking for that elusive place where I thought I might fit in (after I was no longer able to return to Saudi Arabia, the only home I had ever known). I felt like a square – make that a star-shaped – peg trying to fit into a round hole. I never got too attached to places or things, and I’ve often wondered if there was something wrong with that. But I’ve finally come to the realization: my ‘happy place’ is not a place after all. It is that sweet spot between predictability and uncertainty; in other words, the edge of chaos. And what’s more: it is in that fiery chaos that lies the spark of creativity, which is just waiting for me to blow on it and bring it to life.

Tell me your thoughts on the subject…I’d love to hear them!

Picture yourself on a private island, with all the luxuries of a first-class resort: beautiful accommodations, all-inclusive gourmet cuisine, turquoise water, pristine beaches. Surrounded by nature. No light pollution. The only sounds are the calls of birds and monkeys. That is Wa Ale (pronounced wah ah lay).

If you are looking for something a little different – something other than the same old luxury vacation with the same generic rooms, the same buffet breakfasts, the crowded bars and pools – then Wa Ale is the place for you. Believe me when I tell you, you won’t be disappointed! You will feel like you are in a James Bond film as you land at the tiny airport in Ranong, Thailand and then driven to the port, whisked through customs before taking a short boat ride to the nearby port in Myanmar, where you will be greeted by Wa Ale staff who will handle all your paperwork. Once through customs, you will embark on a speed boat, where you will have tasty snacks waiting, to make the roughly two-hour journey to the resort. It’s entirely up to you if you want to stretch out and nap on the comfy seats or soak up the beauty of the chain of islands, the fishing boats, and the sea life along the way.

Wa Ale is the ultimate beach paradise. Accessible only by boat, it is located in the Lampi Marine National Park, in the Myeik Archipelago off the coast of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is not only a stress-free zone for humans…it is a haven for marine life as well. Every detail about the place has been painstakingly thought out, in order to provide guests with the chance to enjoy the natural jungle environment while leaving only the gentlest of footprints. No trees were cut down to build Wa Ale. Water is sourced from the island’s natural springs and treated with a filtration system. Electricity is generated from the plentiful sunlight. It’s as natural as you can get and still enjoy all the perks of a top notch resort.

Accommodations include eleven ‘villas’ that stand just back from the sea, enjoying the breezes that flow off of the crystal clear water. The villas are actually South African safari tents, which contain beautifully designed, spacious sleeping and living areas. During the day, the air flows in and around the tents. At night, sheer curtains offer privacy while still allowing the air to pass through and the murmur of the waves to lull guests to sleep. There are also three ‘tree houses’ that are elevated to provide unique views of both the foliage and the sea. Plans are in the works to complete an even more private lodge with its own kitchen for larger groups.

In spite of its secluded location, you never feel isolated at Wa Alé. It’s more like you have stumbled on a secret hideaway that only a few people know about. The staff caters to each guest as if he or she was the only one on the island. Activities include guided hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, yoga, personal training, and sightseeing boat rides (which sometimes involve picking up fresh seafood from local fishing boats). There is even a private barbecue on one of the surrounding islands. Dives can be arranged for an extra charge, as can spa services.

My main goal at Wa Ale was to just enjoy the peace and quiet and take a break from social media. My itinerary included kayaking through the island’s incredible mangrove forest; birdwatching; swimming all alone in the turquoise water just steps from my villa; yoga at the ‘Jungle Gym’ (an elevated platform hidden in the trees just off the beach). And I got one of the best massages of my life while surrounded by monkeys chattering in the treetops.

And the food! Fish and clams straight off the fishing boats. Fresh, local produce. Need I say more?

Alas, while on the island, I had hoped to find one of the beautiful, sweet smelling flowers for which the resort was named. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to spot any. I hope to return one day and try again.

Wa Ale has claimed a very special place in my heart. I promise that it will do the same for you, but be forewarned: once you visit Wa Ale, you will never want to go anywhere else.

I LOVE CHARLOTTE!!!

“Why?” you might wonder.

Because there is so much to do there: great restaurants, bars, theaters, sports venues, and museums to name a few.

This trip, in addition to eating some of our favorite things (chicken and waffles, oysters on the half shell), hearing some great music (Jewel and Melissa Etheridge), and catching a show (Girl from the North Country – with music by Bob Dylan), we visited a fantastic little museum. The Mint Museum Uptown houses the internationally renowned Craft + Design collection as well as outstanding collections of American and contemporary art. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits, and there was such an incredible array of them! Here are some of my favorites:

Which ones did you like?

The exhibits change, so if you are anywhere near the city, don’t miss a visit to the Mint Museum! And if you are there around lunchtime (or dinner time), there are two fantastic French restaurants close by – La Belle Helene and Coquette. The food at both is fantastique!

Long ago, it was a safe haven, offering food, water, shelter and a place to worship regardless of religion. There were originally two palms standing over the building, indicating food and water to passersby.

Like many estates, Aubocassa changed hands many times, going from local ownership to nobility, before it was subdivided and portions were sold off. The current owners originally intended to plant vines to produce wine, but after soil analysis they decided to plant olive trees instead.

Our tour guide, Patricia, was so knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned so much about the history and process of making olive oil, and much more. The nearby village of Petra, for example, sent missionaries to California, where they established missions all along the coast.

The best part, of course, was tasting the smooth and silky, unfiltered Aubocassa olive oil. It just sings in your mouth! And then we got to taste some of the wines that the owner produces on the mainland, in Rioja and the Ribera del Duero. We went wine tasting in that area last year but did not find his particular vineyard, unfortunately. The wines were all very good.

We are so lucky to have discovered this place …. and to have made a new friend on the island!

We touched down in Bordeaux on Easter Sunday, and after a lovely lunch in a brasserie in the city, we made our way to Martillac. It was a beautiful drive, and we had an interesting welcoming committee just before arriving at the hotel.

The spread that greeted us was a trifecta of splendor: Hotel+Spa+Winery.

And as if that isn’t enough, there is a Michelin restaurant on the premises (where I enjoyed my birthday dinner). The meal was outstanding, but the carafe and pouring of the wine almost stole the show.

The Chateau Haut Lafitte vineyard is just across the street from the hotel, beyond a whimsical statue of a hare (aptly named “Hospitality”). The owners’ private wine cellar is amazing, located underneath the tasting room. The wine we tried was divine, but unfortunately they don’t ship to Mallorca so we did not end up buying any.

If it’s good enough for the King and Queen, it’s good enough for us!

Our next stop was Saint Émilion, a charming little town surrounded by something like 900 vineyards! We had lunch at Logis de la Cadène, the oldest restaurant in the town (1848!) and also a Michelin restaurant. The dishes were so creative and tasted every bit as good as they looked!

Our first wine tasting was one kilometer outside Saint Émilion at Chateau Franc Mayne, where we learned all about “Grand Cru Classé.” It is a prestigious classification that started in Saint Émilion in the 1950s. The vineyard sits on a limestone plateau and its cellar is an old stone quarry, where stone was extracted centuries ago to build houses, chateaux and churches in the surrounding area.

Our second wine tasting was at Chateau Fonplégade, where we were referred to by a member – it is a private vineyard owned by an American, Denise Adams, who has managed to infiltrate the wine culture in France. The vineyard is named for the 13th century fountain that sits above the chateau, and which has not run out of water since it was built! The vineyard is not only organic – it is biodynamic – a form of agriculture that aims to improve the earth to a better condition than when it first began to be farmed. It is based on ideas developed by Rudolph Steiner, the first person to introduce organic agriculture. (He also established the Waldorf Schools and Anthroposophical medicine. I have studied Anthroposophy and his ideas are very esoteric.)

Our tour of the property was so much fun, and very educational. The wine tasting was spectacular, and we left wanting more and hoping to return for a harvest so we can meet the proprietor!

Our last two days were spent in Bordeaux. It is such a beautiful city! We shopped, drank great wine, ate fabulous food, admired the architecture, and basically soaked in that famous “je ne sais quoi” that is France.

Luckily, it’s a quick one-hour flight from Palma to Bordeaux, so we will be back! Au revoir #Bordeaux!

The past several weeks, I have been mulling over my writing, tossed between guilt for the lack of progress and anxiety over what direction to go in my current novel.

I desperately need to 1) get motivated and 2) get focused. I feel like my mind is like a kaleidoscope: full of all these beautiful patterns ebbing and flowing, but with no discernible picture. Recently, however, I have been feeling a shift in the energy around me, and I attribute this to the changing of the guard, so to speak. We are leaving the calm introspectiveness of the Year of the Rabbit and entering into a more energetic year.

The dragon is the only mythological creature in the Chinese zodiac. It symbolizes good luck, strength and power. Some of its characteristics include confidence, creativity, energy and impulsiveness. The Year of the Dragon promises to bring positive changes, new opportunities, and also challenges. But we can take the reins and choose how we handle all these. Those born under the sign of the dragon are believed to be showered with success….. hopefully, 2024 will sprinkle some of that good fortune on the rest of us!

Funnily enough, G’s New Year’s Resolution on December 31st was “to travel more.” And as someone born under the sign of the Tiger, that is exactly what is in store for him this year! We already have four trips planned in the next four months. I am a Snake, and although I didn’t have a resolution per se, I decided to learn another language (I’m currently learning Spanish). And guess what the year predicts for Snakes? Learning new things!!

Chinese people believe that what you do at the beginning of the year will affect the coming months. Energy out = energy in. So be kind and compassionate. Be loving and patient. And it doesn’t hurt to incorporate some “lucky” food into your New Year’s Eve dinner on February 9th. As for me, I’m going to be making “Money Bags” (dumplings). And maybe some spicy Dragon Chicken, too.

I don’t know about you, but I am planning to jump on that beast and ride it high and hard in the coming months… I hope you all join me and let’s make 2024 our most creative year ever!

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them!

I was dying for Italian food – one can only eat so many pintxos – so we made our way up to the number one Italian restaurant in the city….and we were not disappointed. We had to wait for a table as it was full of locals, but it was worth it! The place was so cute, and dog friendly, and the food was outstanding.

After our late lunch/early dinner, we walked around and enjoyed the sights. I really liked the vibe of the city – it’s very eclectic, and a bit rough around the edges. G said it looked like they used every possible material that they could get their hands on (concrete, wood, steel) to build, and it looked like it all was just jammed together into a hodgepodge of architecture.

We ended the evening listening to some great music near the hotel. It went on until the wee hours, because it we could still hear it when we fell asleep after midnight!

The next day we visited the Guggenheim . In all honesty, both G and I liked the installations outside the museum better than the exhibits inside. But there were a few interesting pieces, and it was a nice way to spend the afternoon.

Yayoi Kusama’s work is nothing if not bizarre. Somehow it feels like it’s all very sexual.

It was interesting to walk through the larger than life exhibit of the American scuptor Richard Serra and then see his plans in miniature.

Although we were told there was not much to see in Bilbao, I really liked the city a lot. Even the food was great – our hotel actually had a Michelin restaurant and we had dinner there the second night. G wanted to try a place around the corner, but it was pretty much just for meat and I’m more of a chicken and fish kind of girl.

But if we ever go back, he can try it.

Two saints are venerated in Urkiola, which is in the heart of the Basque Country.

There were several hiking trails leading off from the site, and very few people because of the weather. We took our time walking around the perimeter and then peeking inside the church before continuing on to the city. And yes, Saucy finally managed to find the perfect place to do her business.

Uh oh, I thought as we arrived in the city and saw police and road blocks. We didn’t know that there was a big bicycle race the next day (the San Sebastián Classic). Luckily we were able to make it to our hotel, which was perched atop a natural lookout on San Bartolomé Hill. The hotel wasn’t quite what I expected – it is built alongside an old monastery so I expected it to retain some of its historical aspects, but sadly it didn’t. But the staff was very dog friendly, so that made up for it.

After we checked in, we walked down to the waterfront to have lunch. There were people everywhere – a lot more than I expected since it wasn’t yet August, which is when everyone in Spain and France goes on holiday.

I had read a blog post about the oldest (and best) places to go for pintxos – small bites like tapas but speared to pieces of bread. Unfortunately, it appeared that everyone in town had read the same article because all the places were overflowing with people. So we just wandered around until we found a space to eat. We weren’t disappointed! Honestly, I saw pretty much the same thing everywhere. And I think we lucked out because the last place we ended up was actually a Michelin restaurant (Beti Jai Berria) and the food was awesome….not to mention the great service!

The second day in San Sebastián, we walked around and did some shopping. Saucy was worn out, because she’s not used to walking so much. Luckily, there was an elevator that took you from the hotel straight down into the heart of the city…but we had to walk along a very smelly (centuries old) hallway to get to it. Hence the reason for shopping – to pick up something to make our room smell better!

For dinner, we had reserved at a place called Narru, another Michelin Guide restaurant opposite a cathedral. (San Sebastián is quite well known for the number of Michelin restaurants located in the city.) Our meal was outstanding, but the best part was discovering a new wine that was exquisite.

The next day as we were leaving the hotel, we saw the world champion cyclist – who was also staying at the Catalonia Donasti. He had won the race and was signing autographs. It was nice to see that he was very humble. We really enjoyed San Sebastián and highly recommend it for foodies. It’s a beautiful city!