A Travel Blog In Progress

A Sonoran Desert Escape!

2013-05-18T18:42:00.000-04:00

David recently attended the 2013 Cargo Network Services Conference at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Chandler, Arizona just south of Phoenix. The sprawling hotel/spa/casino/golf course complex is actually located on property owned by the Pima and Maricopa Tribes. It is fairly isolated from Phoenix, though easily accessible to nearby Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Sheraton Wild Horse Resort & Spa

There is plenty to do at the resort, and you can always get into Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale and other suburbs quickly enough with the area's pretty efficient freeway system.

David and I have a history with, and fondness for, the Arizona desert. We met in Tucson more than 21 years ago before relocating to Ohio. Whenever we get the opportunity to return, it certainly brings back lots of memories. But with this trip, we got to add some entirely new ones.

Granted this was a work trip for David, and a busy one at that. And the stay was fairly short with a Saturday arrival and Tuesday departure. But that left plenty of time to take LOTS of pictures of this amazing resort in the Sonoran Desert, and I experienced my first ever "spa day."

Desert Interpretive Path at Sheraton Wild Horse Resort & Spa

I've been a loyal fan of sports massages from a masseur we discovered on a trip to Chicago a few years ago, but this spa thing was a whole different level. This was one of those "experiences" where there's a sort of hush as you walk through the door and everybody talks using their "indoor voices."

Entrance to Aji Spa

All joking aside, the Aji Spa was truly outstanding. The architecture blended in perfectly with the surrounding Sonoran desert. The Native American culture reflected in the design of the lobby and the artwork hanging on the walls really gave the place a special feeling.

Mosaic in the lobby at the Aji Spa

Native American Art at Aji Spa

Sky Mural at Aji Spa

Everybody I encountered could not have been nicer. The spa included a small cafe/bar area (at which I didn't eat, so I can't really comment, but it looked cool), what looked like a pretty well stocked retail area, a common lounge/waiting area and separate lounges and locker room facilities for men and women.

Aji Spa Cafe

The men's area was first rate. It included a lounge, separated by doors from the locker room area, with television, sofas, etc. The locker room included every amenity you could ask for with private showers, a steam room, dry sauna, indoor and outdoor whirl pools and chairs outdoor for relaxing in the quiet desert sun. I assume the women's area contained the same.

Men's Private Lounge at Aji Spa

Men's Private Outdoor Pool at Aji Spa

I started my day with HEOSIG, or aromatherapy, that melted every muscle. Next was HO'DAI, or Gila River Rock Massage, that certainly transported me. After a break to relax (or snap a few pictures), I finished with my first-ever THAHTAT/NOHNHOV, or reflexology session. I was blown away!

I was welcome to relax and enjoy all of the spa's amenities. Or, if staying at the Wild Horse Pass Resort I could just wander back to my room. Or, take some more pictures.

A Cairn brings Spirit to the Desert

Lounge Chairs Surround the Pool at Aji Spa

Landscaped pool at Aji Spa

Replica of a Pima Roundhouse at Aji Spa

Lounge space at Aji Spa

One of the Wild Horse Pass Resort's "must experience" features is its Two-Mile Interpretive Trail. The resort has done an awesome job of creating a well marked trail perfect for walkers or joggers, complete with markers to highlight the unique flora of the surrounding desert. It's a photographer's delight, but do note the warning signs. You are in the desert, after all.

Sonoran Desert at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort

My Cairn in the Sonoran Desert

In addition, the resort includes two 18-hole world-class golf courses, the Koli Equestrian Center , the Aji Spa Tennis Program and, of course, numerous incredible dining options including the Kai Restaurant, one of the most celebrated resort restaurant anywhere.

There is a huge pool just off the lobby with a very cool slide that magically attracts all the kids to one end. A convenient outdoor bar is ready to keep you hydrated and satisfied, and the staff is on-hand to help with any needs. This place is definitely here to pamper, but without being in the way!

Pool at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa

So, if you're looking for a place in the desert to escape, whether it's for a quiet couple's getaway or a family vacation, this place has it all! Pack your sunscreen and head for the Sonoran desert!

A Trip to The Ohio State University's classic Oval

2013-05-02T11:34:00.000-04:00

The Oval at The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University is an awesome community within a community. It fits perfectly within a vibrantly expanding Columbus, lending to the excitement of the nearby Short North, Arena District and Downtown Columbus, yet still maintaining its own uniqueness.

Arches across High Street at night in Columbus' Short North

Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets

Downtown Columbus from the Scioto River

David and I have lived on the south edge of The Ohio State University campus for well over 15 years, and it has been a great place to watch the constant interaction of history, present and future continue to change right before our eyes.

Since I haven't done any "real traveling" lately due to, let's say "technical" reasons, I decided to take a trip over to The Ohio State University campus in preparation for some upcoming adventures.

Glenn at OSU's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

It was one of those absolute perfect spring days in Columbus. The sun was shining with a really light breeze in the air. The temperature topped eighty degrees fahrenheit and King and Neil avenues were active with cars, busses, bicycles and people. It felt good.

Although it's far from official, I always consider the King Avenue United Methodist Church as a sort of campus marker. When I'm giving guests directions to campus or just to the area in general, its prominence is a good starting point. And it's not far from here that you're actually "on" campus.

King Avenues United Methodist Church

The southwest corner of The Ohio State University seems to be dominated by most things medical (for which I am grateful). Following along Neil Avenue are some very cool sites including the official "The Ohio State University Medical Center" sign and The Ohio State University College of Nursing, home to most probably the greatest doctors, nurses, technicians, etc., ever. (Just my personal opinion.)

Walking around the small streets and alleyways, it's always exciting to see the beauty of what the architect imagined, surrounded by awesome landscaping and filled with brilliant people working and learning. If you think about it too much, it gives you chills.

And The Ohio State University campus has some incredible art! Remember, this is just one tiny corner...

Mirror Lake is a beautiful setting on the corner of campus, probably best known for a certain tradition that takes place around the OSU-Michigan football game. That aside, with a fountain in the center and surrounded by benches, it is the ideal location for photos throughout the year. You'll find eager photographers, bored (and even studious) students, melancholy graduates, avid travelers, and even a few geocachers around here all year long!

Mirror Lake at The Ohio State University

Mirror Lake connects the OSU's famous Oval, anchored on the west end by the William Oxley Thompson Library. For many students (and alumni), the Oval is the heart and soul of OSU. It is a place to meet friends, throw a ball or a frisbee, catch some sun, a place to quickly try to escape the freezing cold and a place where some unforgettable speakers came because you were there. Kind of a big deal.

Steps up to The Ohio State University Oval

William Oxley Thomas Memorial Library

There's even an official Visitors section on The University's website. You can sign-up for guided tours, make reservations for group tours, download self-guided tours and more. They've got it all figured out!

Keep in mind, there's a wealth of incredible sites to see at The Ohio State University - for visitors from out of town and for locals alike. From world-class arts and culture to world-class athletics to world-class doctors and scientists, you're sure to find something to pique your interest. While Columbus is filled with fun and interesting things to see and do, you could truly have a heck of a time just hanging out at OSU!

Springtime at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

2013-04-23T15:05:00.002-04:00

It was a beautiful spring day in Ohio and we decided to take a drive down to southeast Ohio's Hocking Hills to visit friends who have a cabin down there. While the area is particularly popular during the fall with its spectacular foliage, it's an ideal place for day trips or weekend getaways any time of year with great photo opportunities popping up around every turn.

Circleville Memorial Hall

Scenic cemetery in southeast Ohio

This region of the state is characterized by rolling hills criss-crossed with winding roads and dotted with charming towns, family farms, state parks and nature preserves. It is a nature lover's paradise!

Winding roads in Ohio's Hocking Hills

Queer Creek in Ohio's Hocking Hills

In the tree-tops of Ohio's Hocking Hills

Our friends Michael and Darryl have a great cabin high up in the Hocking Hills and often we make it there and not much further. It's definitely one of those places where it's easy - and a lot of fun - to spend time soaking up the surroundings and doing absolutely nothing. But, we were determined to take them out to lunch at nearby Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

I had stayed at the Inn several years ago and it was fantastic. I knew they had done a lot of expanding and I was eager to check things out. Wow, was I impressed!

The Inn is surrounded on three sides by the Hocking Hills State Park and offers a number of great lodging options ranging from antique-filled inn rooms to private cabins. They also have an amazing restaurant that serves lunch and dinner to outside guests, as well as a spa offering some very tempting looking treatments.

The kitchen and dining area is located in the Inn's original 1840s log cabin, along with some cool common areas where guests and visitors can relax. Our lunch tasted great, service was wonderful and the ambience couldn't have been better.

Michael and Darryl at Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Relaxing in front of the fireplace

The Inn also includes a very interesting area called The Gathering Place, ideal for business meetings and corporate retreats. There is meeting space for up to 50 people along with a more intimate 450-square-foot windowed breakout space and a 1,000-square-foot rooftop herb garden.

The Gathering Place

With such amazing sunshine pouring in the windows, we had to tear ourselves away from the very cool features of the cabin and take a walk around. The landscaping at the Inn is stunning, blending in perfectly with the nature all around you.

Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Whether you're looking for a day trip destination where you can enjoy Ohio's awesome scenery and have a wonderful meal, a place where you can get away for a few days and relax in quiet luxury or you're searching for the perfect place for your next corporate planning session, the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls just may be the place for you.

Vicarious Hong Kong

2013-04-18T00:08:00.000-04:00

David and Bryan finished their work in Beijing and Shanghai, and even squeezed in a quick stop in Taipei on their way to Hong Kong.

Computer Time at Taipei International Airport

While they were headed to one of my favorite cities, the guys had a busy week ahead with several meetings as well as the Cargo Facts Asia Aircraft Symposium. I'm sure it was nice to check-in to The Langham - the conference host hotel - and get settled into one place for a few nights.

The Langham, Hong Kong

While days were filled with meetings...

Bryan at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

David and Bryan at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Jeff, Bryan and David at Atlas Air

David and Bryan RCS Logistics

And the conference lived up to all expectations...

Alan Hedge, Research Director ACMG

Panel Presentation at Cargo Facts Asia

JJ Hornblass, CEO Air Cargo Management Group

David Cunningham, President Asia Pacific and FedEx Express

They did manage to find a little time for fun. After all, it's Hong Kong!

Enjoying Hong Kong

David in Hong Kong

Hanging with the locals in Hong Kong

Bryan's "Foodie" Shot

David's "Foodie" Shot

They had a great time re-connecting with industry peers...

Bryan, Brian and David

And, of course, it's always nice soaking in that uniqueness that is Hong Kong!

Monks catching a cab in Hong Kong

Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong

Hong Kong

2013-04-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

After leaving Shanghai, David and Bryan had a stop in Taiwan on the way to the final stop on their Asian trip - Hong Kong!

They've already arrived, and I look forward to sharing their perspective of one of my favorite cities in a future post. Meanwhile, I thought I'd show you some photos from our previous trips and tell you about a few of my favorite sites in this incredibly diverse destination.

David and Glenn in Hong Kong's Expat District

One thing I love about Hong Kong is the cool mixture of Asian and Western cultures everywhere you turn. While you are fully immersed in China, there are glimmers of English around every corner...

Ladies' Market in Hong Kong

At night, the skyline put on one heck of a show...complete with lights and music! A Symphony of Lights is the "world's largest permanent light and sound show" (according to Guinness World Records) across the stunning Victoria Harbor.

A Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong

Victoria Peak offers incredible views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong. You can take an amazing tram ride, which in itself is quite a trip. And trust me, the views you get from the top are well worth any hesitation you may have.

Hong Kong view from The Peak

There are restaurants, shopping and nature walks all available at The Peak, as well. Being so high up with such an amazing view of the city below is an incredible sensation. You really feel like you are looking out on top of the world. It's a great destination for visitors of all ages, and ideal for a visit during the day or at night - or maybe both!

People are very friendly in Hong Kong. One of our visits included Halloween (a few years back) and we made our way to a very packed Expat District filled with a combination of Westerners and Asians, old and young, having a very good time.

Celebrating Halloween in Hong Kong

When I commented to the lady holding the "pirate" that Halloween must be quite a celebration in Hong Kong, she assured me it was like this all the time. And I believe her!

On the other hand, Hong Kong has an amazing spiritual side that seems to be a calming presence in the midst of a lot of chaos.

A quiet Hong Kong temple

I think it's one of the moments I love most about traveling, when you're literally wandering lost down a crowded street and suddenly - there in front of you is something colorful and exotic...

Entrance to the Wong Tai Sin Temple

You pass through a gate and it's like the whole world melts away. Suddenly, you can hear the birds singing louder and all that traffic noise has just disappeared. That is definitely the case in Hong Kong!

One of my favorite sites that we have visited on any of our trips is the Tian Tan Buddha located near the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.

Tian Tan Buddha at Po Lin Monastery

The 112-foot-tall bronze statue weighs 250 metric tons and symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and religion. It's an incredibly peaceful feeling to climb the steps to the base of the statue and look out over the beautiful countryside to the sea.

And the trip to Tian Tan Buddha is quite an adventure, as well! We took the Ngong Ping Cable Car from near the Tung Chung metro stop, which provides for some of the most breath-taking views you'll ever see. Even if you are a little afraid of heights, if you ever get the chance, be sure to take this cable car trip. These are the sorts of views that stick with you forever...

Boarding the Ngong Ping Cable Car

Harbor views from the Ngong Ping Cable Car

Hong Kong International Airport from the Ngong Ping Cable Car

Path to the Po Lin Monastery from the Ngong Ping Cable Car

First glimpse of the Tian Tan Buddha

Hong Kong is definitely a favorite destination filled with friendly people, exciting sites and sounds and a nice mixture of Asian and Western cultures.

Vicarious Shanghai

2013-04-11T16:16:00.003-04:00

Bryan and David continue their Asian adventure with a stop in an incredible city that I've been fortunate enough to have visited - Shanghai!

Shanghai Architecture

It's an amazing city filled with an incredible mixture of old and new. With a population nearing 23.5 million people, it is the largest city in the People's Republic of China. The city sits on the mouth of the Yangtze River in East China.

Jeff arranged for an incredible night-time cruise through the Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise Company. The photos he, David and Bryan sent are awesome!

Jeff on the Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise

Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise

Work continued in Shanghai with business meetings, and some interesting cultural exchanges along the way. Sometimes it is best to let the photos tell the stories...

Bryan and David at AOE Logistics in Shanghai

David and Bryan at Yangtze River Express Airlines

Bryan and David in Shanghai

David dining on the run in Shanghai

David shopping in Shanghai

Dinner in Shanghai

Bryan and David are headed to another Asian city that I've been lucky enough to visit a few times. I'm really looking forward to seeing the photos they have to share from there.

Meanwhile, back in Columbus, spring is springing! Buds are bursting and things are slowly coming back to life...

David and Bryan Take Beijing

2013-04-08T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Forbidden City

My partner David and his co-worker/our friend, Bryan, are on a two-week business trip to Asia. I couldn't make this trip, so I'm traveling vicariously through them...and boy did they have a great start.

The Forbidden City was home to China's emperors during the Ming and Qing dyantsties. Construction of the 7,800,000-square-foot complex began in 1406 and was completed in 1420.

David at the doors to the Forbidden City

Bryan at the Forbidden City

China's Forbidden City

Ancient waterfall at the Forbidden City

Guarding the Forbidden City

Marble entrance to the Forbidden City

A young visitor to the Forbidden City

The Emperor's Throne

Imperials Gardens at the Forbidden City

Architectural detail at the Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square is the third largest city square in the world, and it's named after the Tiananmen Gate - or Gate of Heavenly Peace - separating it from the Forbidden City. It was built in 1415 and has witnessed incredible scenes during its existence. Bryan and David were fortunate to have Jeff Cheng working with them on this trip and showing them around before getting down to business.

Jeff, Bryan and David at Tiananmen Square

The Great Wall of China is actually a series of fortifications that were built over the years by a number of different rulers for different purposes. Some construction began as early as the 7th century B.C. and it covers approximately 5,500 miles of defense.

The Great Wall of China

David with Chinese tourists at the Great Wall

Bryan at the Great Wall

David at the Great Wall

One of the things I love most about traveling is learning about another place's history and culture. And China seems to offer that in abundance, with a mixture of the ultra-modern always balanced with the ancient. The old preserved for thousands of years and cultural heritage that is a way of life.

The Freedom to Travel...for Now

2013-03-31T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Supreme Court of the United States heard two cases last week dealing with marriage equality. One case questions the state of California's right to define marriage as specifically between a man and a woman, while the other challenges the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which denies federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples even in states where those marriages are legal.

As a Gay American, with a partner of 21+ years, this is something that really means a lot to me. We live in Ohio, where it's not currently legal for us to marry. When asked his opinion on the matter recently, our governor John Kasich at first said he is opposed to same-sex marriage but was okay with civil unions. His office later released a statement that the Governor was using the term "civil union" in a loose sense and he doesn't believe in an actual recognition of same-sex unions.

Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, went just a little further when speaking on the steps of their state capitol last Tuesday for Texas Faith & Family Day. Speaking for the entire state population, Mr. Perry said "The people of the state of Texas, myself included, believe marriage is between one man and one woman."

I was born and raised in Texas and have visited a few times since leaving. I have family and friends who live there. David and I have had great times in Dallas watching the Blue Jackets and Stars play. We've had fun in Austin and San Antonio, and had fun reminiscing with family and friends in East Texas.

When I was reading Mr. Perry's quote, the one where he speaks for all the people in state of Texas, I wondered if the Melrose Hotel in Dallas had a problem accepting our money when we checked in. They certainly knew we were staying together in the same room, and everybody seemed very pleasant while we were there. Maybe somebody should alert Mr. Perry they like queers.

And the folks at Southwest Airlines didn't seem to have a problem with us flying in and out of Dallas. Of course, we weren't married. He was right about that. So I guess it's okay to take our gay money, but let's not talk about equality.

Of course, Mr. Perry is in Austin, not Dallas. But if I remember correctly, when we were in Austin there seemed to be an awful lot of places in town that didn't mind taking our gay money. In fact, I think I heard a lot of Texas accents coming out of people that I'm pretty sure were gay. They may not have been gay married Texans, but I think some of them want to be.

So when Rick Perry says "it is fairly clear about where this state stands on that issue," I have to wonder if it is really all that clear? And if it is clear, does that mean that he - and all the people he speaks for - doesn't want us spending our gay money in Texas any more? As Gay American's, are we still free to travel wherever we want? Or is that right in jeopardy, as well?

Amsterdam!

2013-03-21T16:45:00.001-04:00

Amsterdam is one of coolest cities we've visited so far. It really has an almost indescribable quality that has been attracting visitors for literally thousands of years. It's filled with incredible views, amazing history and art, friendly locals, great attractions, and everything is very customer friendly.

A Classic Amsterdam Canal View

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is a major hub for KLM Airlines. So if you are flying on KLM or one of their partners to Europe, odds are that you'll see Schiphol. It's a pretty impressive airport (check out the "Food & Relax" section of their website!) and it's very easy to get around.

Getting into Amsterdam proper from the airport is a breeze. The train station is directly below the airport, with everything very well marked. It's simple to get your luggage at baggage claim and buy a ticket from a machine located near the baggage carousel, follow signs to your train, and take the 15 minute ride into town.

You'll arrive at Amsterdam Centraal Station, a beautiful and typically European city train station. It's bustling, but again there are plenty of signs in English that will direct you to the front doors. As soon as you walk out those front doors, no matter what time of day, you'll see taxis and trams and people.

The trams are a great way to get around. Amsterdam is a fairly compact city, and you may find yourself walking a lot. For those times when walking isn't an option, the tram is the perfect choice. You can pay per trip or purchase a PT Smart Card, depending on the length of your stay.

We've stayed in several different places in Amsterdam, from a tiny little room with canal view to a "modern tourist style room" across from the train station. Our favorite, and my recommendation, is the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel located across from Leidseplein.

View from the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

The hotel is in a great location near Vondelpark and just a short tram ride from Museumplein where you'll find some of the most incredible art - and architecture and music and culture - in the world.

Vondelpark

Amsterdam's Museumplein

Rijksmuseum is a Dutch national museum filled with treasures. Art lovers, and even the casual admirer, will be amazed at masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and others. The nearby Van Gogh Museum has become our favorite, partly because we love Vincent van Gogh's art and partly because it's such a cool museum. It holds the largest collection of his work in the world, the design of the museum's two buildings is very unique, and there's a wonderful energy about the place. There are interesting events at the museum all the time, so be sure to check out their website for a current list.

David near the Van Gogh Museum

Shopping is amazing in Amsterdam! Even if you don't buy anything - and I'm not sure that's possible - you have to spend some time exploring the incredible variety of stores. Whether your interest lies in clothes, jewelry, art, music, flowers...even some things you may not be able to buy back home - you'll find plenty to grab your interest, whether you're just browsing or actually making a purchase.

Shopping in Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Flower Market

Probably one of the most impactful places I've visited on any of our trips is the Anne Frank Museum. This is the actual house where the young girl, her family and a few others hid from Nazi invaders during World War II. The incredible story she told through her diary has been translated into languages all around the world and is a standard part of every student's reading list at some point.

Walking through those doors, standing in those rooms and almost hearing the army tanks outside really puts things in perspective. As a hush falls over the place you realize this was so much more than just a book.

The Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk on Dam Square are incredible examples of the sort of European majesty that makes traveling such an amazing adventure. The palace was originally built as Amsterdam's City Hall during the Dutch Golden Age. It contains beautifully detailed architectural elements including Atlas holding the weight of the world on his shoulders.

The Royal Palace

Atlas holding the World

Eating, drinking - and other forms of recreation, if you're so inclined - are available all over Amsterdam. You'll find every kind of food you could want, so there are plenty of options. (Restaurants close around 10 p.m., unlike some other European cities, so be aware.) Everybody should make a visit to the infamous Red Light District, just so you can say you've been there. But don't take photos of the ladies at work. They don't appreciate it, and it's probably not very nice.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city full of surprises. Each time we visit, we find something new to like about it. People are always friendly and, while the weather may not always be ideal, somehow we manage to find a fun place to relax, chat with the other tourists and watch the world go by for a while.

Giant Outdoor Chess Board in Amsterdam

Hockey Pucks, Singing Mormons and Shopping on the Magnificent Mile!

2013-03-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

I love a good weekend getaway. Whether it's a trip to the city or a quiet few days away, packing all that fun and excitement into just a few days makes it special. And our trip to Chicago last weekend certainly met all expectations!

As expected on a Friday afternoon, Port Columbus International Airport was bustling with people leaving and arriving. The 25th Annual Arnold Sports Festival (as in Arnold Schwarzenegger) was taking place in Columbus so the airport was filled with some very fit men and women, along with the usual clientele.

Free Wi-Fi and lots of outlets

Port Columbus International Airport

The exciting buzz of activity was the perfect start to the trip. We had a lot of fun planned, and I was ready to take to the skies.

One of the best things about a visit to Chicago is how convenient everything is. We like flying into Midway International Airport because you can hop on the CTA Orange Line train and be downtown in no time - or connect to other parts of the city.

Landing at Midway International Airport

We stayed at the Majestic Hotel near Wrigley Field. Just transfer to the Red Line and get off at Addison Street stop. It's a very cool stop with an amazing view of one of the most historic baseball fields in the country. Even if you aren't a fan of the game, take a couple of minutes to take it all in.

The Majestic is a comfortable boutique hotel with 52 rooms and suites. The hotel offers some great packages all year long and rates include free wi-fi, buffet breakfast, fresh cookies in the afternoon, coffee and tea and more. It's one of those places that a very diverse bunch of people seem to really like and return to again and again.

We were on a tight schedule when we landed and checked in. David and I were meeting his brother Joe at the hotel and heading straight for the United Center. Our beloved Blue Jackets were playing the Blackhawks and we were determined to be there for the national anthem.

Joe and David at the United Center

We made it to our seats just in time - possibly the best cab driver in Chicago ever - and saw one heck of a game! The Jackets scored first (Go Vinny!) and took the best team in the NHL to overtime, but the Blackhawks ended up winning. It was a noble effort and a lot of fun being there proudly wearing my Jackets sweater!

Blue Jackets vs. Blackhawks at the United Center

We had dinner after the game at Taverna 750 near Halstead and Addison. It's great Italian recipes served as sharable small plates at reasonable prices. We had a reservation for 10:45, but the place was still full when we arrived. Worked out fine as they showed us to the bar and we had tasty champagne (and pepsi) on the house while we waited. And when we got to the food, that was tasty, too!

Champagne at Taverna 750

Saturday was a busy day. We were looking forward to introducing Joe to a few more of our favorite things about Chicago. Our first stop was brunch at Melrose Restaurant on Broadway near Belmont. This is a real Chicago diner and, again, you'll see a wonderfully diverse mix of people here. They serve awesome Eggs Benedict with an abundant side of hash browns, perfect to get your day going.

Eggs Benedict at Melrose Restaurant

After fueling up, we hopped on the train and headed downtown. It was time to introduce Joe to Chicago's Magnificent Mile, a place that always lives up to its name.

David and Joe at Chicago's Water Tower

Of course, just the architecture itself makes downtown Chicago amazing. When you add in all the great shopping - and all the excited shoppers - there seems to be something in the air that makes this place hum. We've been here during the winter and summer, day and night, and it never seems to lose its magic.

David at Zara in Chicago

AllSaints on Magnificent Mile

After a full day on Michigan Avenue, it was back to the hotel for a short break. I had made reservations at what has to be one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, and maybe anywhere. Angelina Ristorante is a small place near the corner of Broadway and Addison just a few blocks from where we were staying. (I highly recommend reservations.) The food is incredible with generous portions, reasonable prices and something for everybody.

Dinner at Angelina Ristorante

After dinner, we grabbed a cab and headed straight for Chicago's theatre district. We were seeing The Book of Mormon, and we were all really looking forward to it. The show definitely lived up to everything I had heard about it. Just as expected, people were cracking up and looking just a little guilty at the same time. (I don't think our row looked too guilty.) If you get a chance to see this show, make sure you do so!

We returned to the hotel, exhausted from laughing, and got a good night's sleep so we could head out bright and early on Sunday. The weekend getaway was a big success - despite the Blue Jackets' loss - and we look forward to the next trip.

A Chicago Getaway...

2013-02-27T16:15:00.003-05:00

Besides its own merits, one of our favorite things about living in Columbus is that doing so makes it convenient for visiting literally some of the world's most incredible destinations. Whether traveling by car or by air, within just a few hours you can see some amazing sites.

Downtown Columbus along the Scioto Mile

And speaking of traveling by air, check out the new branding video by the folks at the Columbus Airports. I think they did a great job with it. And if you're a frequent flier at other airports, I'm sure you appreciate the wonderful amenities we have here. Or if you haven't had the pleasure yet, prepare to get spoiled. Shouldn't every airport provide free wi-fi and virtually unlimited electrical outlets and workspace by now?

Brushstrokes in Flight by Roy Lichtenstein

We'll be taking advantage of those wonderful airport amenities when we make the short flight to Chicago for the weekend. It's one of our favorite cities and it has proven to be ideal for everything from a couple of nights squeezing in as much fun as you can, to a leisurely week of doing nothing and enjoying every minute of it.

Chicago Skyscrapers

This trip will be the former, with just two nights in the city. We're staying at the Majestic Hotel near Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park and Boystown. It's a beautiful old building that has been wonderfully restored into a boutique hotel near Lake Shore and Addison. The hotel offers free breakfast, free wi-fi, gym access and even free home made cookies in the afternoon!

Coincidentally, the Blue Jackets are playing the Blackhawks on Friday night, and we just happened to get tickets. The Blackhawks are looking pretty tough this year, but the last time David and I saw a game in Chicago the good guys won. I'm just saying...

Nationwide Arena

Saturday night, we're seeing Book of Mormon at the Bank of America Theatre. We've heard great things about it, so we're really looking forward to it. As always, the weekend will be filled with great food, probably some drinking, and as always, Chicago's own brand of hospitality.

It should be a weekend of fun...and hopefully a second Miracle on Ice to report next week! Go Jackets!

Columbus, Ohio!

2013-02-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

David and I moved to Columbus more than 20 years ago from Tucson, where we met. Columbus, Ohio? I didn't know a thing about it at the time.

I'm happy to say a lot has changed over those years and what started as a literally freezing cold introduction my first December night in Ohio, is now a wonderful place we happily call home with our dog, Harvey Milk (pictured below).

We live in a sort of hidden spot, tucked between a neighborhood called Victorian Village and the Ohio State University's main campus that's located just north of downtown. David works at the local airport and has easy access and a short drive. We're avid Columbus Blue Jackets fans (season ticket holders since season one!) and luckily, we're just minutes from Nationwide Arena and the Arena District.

Columbus' vibrant Short North Arts District is also just a few blocks away, which means plenty of good restaurants and shops in the area. A monthly Gallery Hop brings people into the area from all over throughout the year with art galleries and shops staying open late and sidewalks filling with musicians, shoppers and revelers of all ages and types.

Being within walking distance of one of the largest state universities in the country makes for some interesting neighbors. Ohio Stadium - the fabled Horseshoe - is just a few blocks from our house. In fact, whenever the Buckeyes play at home on television, we can usually spot our house in the background shots from the blimp.

And of course, there are incredible sports taking place on campus all year long. With the The Jerome Schottenstein Center available for basketball, hockey, concerts, etc., there's always something going on, not to mention some very cool hidden gems such as The Jack Nicklaus Museum.

The internationally known Wexner Center for the Arts brings a dazzling variety of exhibitions. We recently saw an exclusive exhibit by photographer Annie Leibovitz that was very impressive.

Columbus has gotten a lot of national press lately for it's growing food scene, and rightfully so. There are some great restaurants in town. We recently ate at the newest Cameron Mitchell restaurant in town, The Pearl, located in the Short North on High Street. As with his other places, the food was well thought out and well executed, and the service was top notch!

But I don't think a week goes by that we don't make a stop at our local favorite. It's actually part of the the Bravo! Cucina Italiana chain, located in a shopping/entertainment complex just a few blocks from our house. But I've eaten at other Bravo's, and the one at Lennox Town Center is special. It's become a ritual for us to sit at the bar when it's just the two of us, and it has to be one of the most relaxing places in town. The food is consistently good, the service could not be any better, and they've got great entertainment on the televisions. What more could you possibly want?

Seriously, Columbus is a great place to visit or to live. In addition to the college sports and NHL, we have the MLS Columbus Crew, a number of great concert venues, some very cool shopping options and much more. It's a great place for a weekend getaway, or as a hub for a visit to the U.S.!

The Heart and Soul of Buenos Aires

2013-01-26T17:58:00.000-05:00

Buenos Aires is a sprawling South American metropolis filled with fascinating history, incredible architecture and amazing public art that reflect the friendly, passionate people. The Plaza de Mayo has been the very heart of this city since being the scene of the 1810 Revolution that led to the country's independence.

The Plaza is a beautiful park in the midst of a crowded, noisy downtown. It is surrounded by important historic buildings, soaring skyscrapers, scurrying pedestrians and lots of traffic.

We visited on a Thursday when the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo still gather each week to honor their sons and daughters abducted during the years know as the Dirty War. It's a stirring moment to see the passion on the lined faces. If you have a chance to visit on a Thursday, definitely do so.

At one end of the Plaza is the infamous Casa Rosada. The official executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina has been the site of many famous scenes throughout history. Many visitors will immediately recognize the famous balcony from which Juan and Eva Peron addressed their adoring descamisados.

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the main Catholic church in Buenos Aires and overlooks the Plaza de Mayo. While the church traces its roots back to the 16th century, the current structure is a mixture of architectural styles filled with history and art. If you like history, you don't want to miss this place!

In addition to the incredible art - each of the 14 stations of the cross is represented by a magnificent oil-on-canvas painting of at least 1.5 x 1 meter - the Cathedral contains the mausoleum of General Jose de San Martin, the country's greatest hero.

General San Martin is remembered as the liberator of Argentina from Spanish rule, along with freeing Chile and Peru. The impressive mausoleum, accessible from the right aisle of the Cathedral, also contains the remains of Generals Juan de las Heras and Tomas Guido and those of the Unknown Soldier of the Independence.

It was a great day getting a real feel for the city of Buenos Aires. The buildings, monuments and art are beautiful, but the people are what really stand out. Everywhere you turn, people are smiling and friendly in this impressive South American destination.

Buenos Aires Botanical Garden

2013-01-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

One thing that jumped out about Buenos Aires right away was the incredible amount of beautiful parks and public art. The city is huge, and each neighborhood definitely has its own personality, but there's definitely a consistent love of art and beauty that permeates what's been called the Paris of South America.

The Buenos Aires Botanical Garden is a prime example. This incredible public garden in Palermo was inaugurated in 1898. It was designed by French-born Argentine architect and landscape designer Carlos Thays and includes an incredible variety of plants as well as five greenhouses and a number of impressive monuments and sculptures. (If you're into geocaching, you'll even find some hidden caches here!)

The 750,000+ square foot park has an amazing labyrinth of pathways perfect for wandering. You'll find locals and visitors enjoying the many benches scattered around. Fountains, birds and the garden's resident "stray" cats make this the perfect place to enjoy that famous Buenos Aires Sunshine!

It's located just off Santa Fe Avenue across from Plaza Italia and the Zoo. There is a metro stop right outside the front gate. The garden is open most days, including weekends, except for some holidays. They open early in the morning and close at 6 p.m. during winter and 7 p.m. during summer. Admission is free, and some guided tours are available. Check their website for current details.

Buenos Aires' Eva Peron Museum

2013-01-19T16:29:00.000-05:00

Argentina is a fascinating country covering much of the southern tip of South America. It includes a variety of landscapes including mountains, deserts, jungle, vast ranches, a world-famous wine region and bustling cities. However, ask many people around the world what they know of Argentina and eventually they'll mention one of the most famous female political characters in history, Eva Peron.

We finally made it to Buenos Aires and we were eager to soak in some Evita! Luckily, the Eva Peron Museum is located on a beautiful tree-lined street in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires not far from our hotel. It's housed in an early 20th century mansion that was purchased by the Eva Peron Foundation in 1948. It became a temporary shelter for women and children, and the walls once echoed with the sound of Evita laughing with her people. The displays walk you through the life of this amazing woman.

Maria Eva Duarte de Peron, or Evita, was a stage, radio and film star in mid-1900's Argentina. She married General Juan Peron in 1945, a year before he became president. Eva was a champion of women's and children's rights. She was popular with the "descamisados"who fueled the large trade unions, and worked to improve education and social conditions throughout the country.

In 1951, at the apex of her popularity, Eva Peron announced her candidacy of Vice President. She had great support from the working class, but opposition from Argentina's powerful military and upper class combined with her declining health from cancer caused her to withdraw from the race.

In 1952, shortly before her death from cancer at 33, Eva Peron was named "Spiritual Leader of the Nation" by the Argentine Congress. She was given a state funeral, a recognition normally reserved for heads of state, and hundreds of thousands turned out to mourn her passing.

The museum is filled with photos of Eva's early years and some amazing photos and designer gowns and portraits that portray the Evita that many people imagine. There are incredible displays showing her with the workers and nurses and you get a real sense of what was important to her.

If you're an Evita fan - whether it's the woman, the ideal, one the Broadway hits or the movie - this is a must see. If you enjoy history and cool architecture, you also might want to include it on your list. And, it's tucked into a very cool part of Palermo near the Botanical Gardens and the Zoo. Keep in mind that the museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays, so check their site for current details.

The Krista: A Boutique Hotel in Buenos Aires' Hip Palermo Hollywood

2013-01-17T17:00:00.001-05:00

When we decided to make our first trip to South America, there was no doubt that it would be to Buenos Aires. We wanted a place to escape the Ohio winter, we were both huge fans of Evita (the woman, Broadway musical, movie and soundtrack), and we appreciate visiting places with interesting history and architecture. BsAs definitely hit all marks!

Next up was finding the right place to stay. If you've looked into Buenos Aires at all, you know one of the first things that jumps out is the importance of neighborhoods. This huge city - nearly 3 million people in 78+ square miles - is divided into very distinct barrios, or neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Because eating and shopping was high on our list, we settled on Palermo.

The Krista Hotel Boutique is the restored early 20th century home of a prominent Argentine neurosurgeon. With ten guest rooms, a dining room serving breakfast until 11:30, a "relaxation room" where you can book a massage, a large front lobby, a solarium, and a back terrace with seating and a hot tub, it's intimate but with plenty of room for privacy.

The wonderful detail seen in the fine wood, stained glass, crown molding and other touches really help you appreciate the history of your surroundings.

We requested a large room with a shower, and room #5 was comfortable with plenty of room for us and our luggage. We were in the back of the hotel, just off the solarium.

Keep in mind that this is an older, restored building. The bathroom, while spotlessly clean throughout our stay, isn't exactly a spa setting. The shower tended to spray on the floor, despite every effort to prevent it.

The back terrace, with an awesome hot tub, is a great place to start the morning or hang out in the evening. It's a complete oasis of calm in the heart of a bustling Buenos Aires neighborhood.

What really sets the Krista apart, however, is the amazing level of service. From the time we made the reservations online through our early arrival and late check-out, every person we worked with couldn't have been more pleasant. They were ready to offer suggestions on places to eat and things to do, always pleasant as we came and went, and helped us navigate our way around with our limited Spanish.

If you're looking to explore a fun, exciting South American destination with great food and shopping, friendly people, fascinating history and incredible natural beauty, art and architecture everywhere you turn, you can't beat Buenos Aires. And the Krista Hotel Boutique is a great choice in the heart of this bustling metropolis!

Check back soon for more details about our Buenos Aires trip, including visits to the famous Recoleta Cemetery, the Casa Rosada, Museo Evita and much more!

Queensland, Australia!

2012-05-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

For a lot of people from the United States, I think one of the ultimate adventure travel destinations has to be Australia. It's filled with some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world.

The weather is incredible, which gives you plenty of time to get out and enjoy all that natural beauty. And whether you're in the dazzling big cities or charming small towns, the people really are very friendly and welcoming.

We were fortunate enough to get to make this trek half way around the world for a trip to Queensland in northern Australia.

Neither of us had been to Australia before and knew nothing too specific about it. So, I jumped online and started looking around. I soon found that Port Douglas is the place you want to head to for real Australian adventure. It's the only place on Earth where two World Heritage Sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.

It was just towards the end of the busy tourists season, so still plenty of people around but not bustling. It's 70 kilometers north of Cairns along an incredibly spectacular coastal drive. And it is paradise!

We decided to stay at the Pink Flamingo after reading all the great reviews from repeat guests at TripAdvisor. And once again, the travel gods were smiling down upon us. The place was awesome!

As soon as we arrived in front of the resort's pink sign, the tropical landscaping - otherwise known as Australia - became as much a part of the trip as anything else! We saw some plants we had never seen before, and everything just seemed so vibrant and colorful. Even the recognizable plants seemed to take on a special glow.

The Pink Flamingo is a gay owned and operated resort in Port Douglas, but there were plenty of straight couples there when we visited. It has won several awards from TripAdvisor and other notable organizations, and you can certainly see why. While it's all very laid back, the place was immaculate.

The place has 10 Private Villas and two Garden Studios. We stayed in a Villa and it was great! There's a bedroom area, kitchen area, wonderful private patio area with an outdoor bathtub/shower, hammock... all you could possibly need in life!

The Pink Flamingo is located on the edge of Port Douglas, which is really a pretty small place to start with. There is a public shuttle that runs into town that you can catch right across the street from the place, or you can bike or walk. We didn't have a car and got along fine.

Within easy walking distance from the resort is what has to be one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, Four Mile Beach. This incredible stretch of curving coastline conjures up every image of the perfect tropical island. And while Australia may not (technically) be an island, at just 16 degrees below the equator, Port Douglas definitely has the tropical part covered!

Port Douglas is one of those great towns that make you want to just kick back and relax. There are food offerings of every variety, from high-end gourmet to comfortable bar food to awesome desserts. And, of course, you can find a drink or two if you try.

One of the highlights of the week is the Sunday Market, held on the waterfront right in town. The setting is absolutely spectacular, of course, and you can get all kinds of cool hand-made arts & crafts.

One nice advantage of staying at the Pink Flamingo was their great advice and assistance in booking excursions. They have all kinds of information at the front desk on every activity imaginable and can help arrange just about anything. We knew we wanted to take a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef and to the Daintree Rainforest, but didn't have any plans beyond that.

When I made our reservations, they assured me they would be able to help us out when we arrived. They did just that. After much fun discussion about the pros and cons of the offerings, we chose the trips we liked and the resort made the arrangements.

For our Great Barrier Reef adventure, we booked a trip with Calypso. They offer both snorkeling and diving for visitors of all skill levels, picked us up right at the resort, and provided exactly what we had hoped for. We both went snorkeling at the first stop, and David went diving a few times later on. They'll take your photo underwater, and you can also buy disposable underwater cameras to capture some memories of your own.

Being out on a boat in the Coral Sea knowing that just below you is one of the largest and most complex ecosystems in the world is almost surreal. The sun is impossibly bright and water amazingly blue. When the boat stopped, everything was so still it felt like we were the only people on the planet.

As awesome as the Great Barrier Reef is, I was really looking forward to the trip to the Daintree Rainforest. Evidence shows this amazing place is about 130 million years old. The folks at Pink Flamingo highly recommended Tony's Tropical Tours, so that's who we selected. The service was perfect! There were 5 others in our group, giving us a total of 7 plus the guide. He was very informative and funny throughout a long day without ever seeming frustrated by the endless questions.

While snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and exploring one of the most ancient rainforests on Earth can be pretty tiring and may leave you just wanting to lounge around the amazing pool, there's just way too much to do! We figured, when's the next time we'll be able to go horseback riding through a rainforest along the beach? So, our friends at the Pink Flamingo hooked us up with Wonga Beach Equestrian Centre.

Just as with the other excursions, a van picked us up at the resort, we had an awesome day with a fun group of people all excited to be doing the same thing. The folks at Wonga Beach Equestrian Centre are great at judging each person's comfort level with the animals and keeping things moving smoothly. It was a great adventure!

While we thoroughly enjoyed the tropical isolation of Port Douglas, we decided to spend a few days in Melbourne on our way home. It's a wonderful city with an incredible mix of new and old, history and sophistication... and more very friendly people!

We stayed at the Como Melbourne, a centrally located hotel that gave us easy access to a city that we knew nothing about. It's a great place located in the South Yarra neighborhood within easy walking distance to great restaurants and shopping.

Melbourne also has wonderful public transportation, so it's easy to hop on a classic tram and get to the nearby "beach town" of St. Kilda. It's an awesome seaside area filled with funky shops, amazing restaurants, great music - inside and on the streets - and even a roller coaster!

Our trip to Australia certainly lived up to every expectation. Port Douglas is true adventure paradise, the Great Barrier Reef is amazing, the Daintree Rainforest is enchanting and Melbourne is an exciting metropolitan escape!

Check out more photos from our trip here.

Louisville, Kentucky

2012-04-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

We've been lucky enough to go on some amazing trips literally around the world. One of the coolest and certainly most memorable, however, was a road trip just one state away to Louisville, Kentucky.

Last summer was a "big" birthday. I was turning the Big 5-0 and got to pick something special to do to celebrate. It just so happened that my very favorite band - Train - was on tour, so I started looking at dates hoping for Barcelona.

That didn't happen.

But I found some great venues and for a while it looked like we might be headed to L.A. to see them at the Hollywood Bowl. Unfortunately, conflicts arose and it was back to the drawing board.

Eventually, we settled on Louisville at the end of the summer. Train was closing the Kentucky State Fair, along with Maroon 5!

I didn't know much about Louisville headed into this adventure, so I got online and started looking for a hotel. I was happy to find the 21c Museum Hotel was named one of the Top Ten Hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveler. Such high praise definitely made it worth checking out, and the hotel's website sealed the deal!

The 21c Museum Hotel really is just that. It's a 90-room boutique hotel combined with a very hip art museum and award-winning restaurant, all in historic downtown Louisville. This place oozes character as soon as you walk in the front door. This is no typical hotel lobby. The museum is North America's first one to be devoted solely to twenty-first century art.

You'll find a nice mixture of rotating solo and group exhibitions, along with some really interesting site-specific, commissioned installations.

Just off the lobby/gallery is the hotel's restaurant, Proof on Main. Esquire Magazine called it one of the country's best new restaurants. We didn't arrive in time to have dinner there, but we did have breakfast before taking off and the food was awesome. The lunch and dinner menus looked adventurous and I'm sure the food lives up to expectations.

Even the restaurant has some interesting "art" decorating the walls. This shot is from outside (it was after the concert and the restaurant was closed) but you get the idea.

The hotel is located near the Ohio River in downtown Louisville, near where historic Fort Nelson once stood. There is a cool marker, along with a few blocks of historic buildings that have been turned into shops and museums. It was late on a Sunday afternoon and things were pretty quiet, but it looked like it could be a pretty fun area when packed with people.

The Louisville Slugger Walk of Fame is located there, along with the Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Louisville Science Center, Frazier International History Museum, Muhammad Ali Center and more. Apparently, the First Friday Trolley Hop is a great way to see all the galleries, museums, bars and restaurants.

While downtown Louisville was very cool and the hotel was very impressive, I was eager for the main event of the trip! I kept telling myself I had been waiting fifty years for this night, hoping I wasn't putting too much pressure on a rock and roll band.

The awesome staff at the 21c got us a taxi and we were off to the Kentucky State Fair to see - and hear - Train!

Man, it is so fantastic when you are really looking forward to something and it completely exceeds your expectations! And that was most definitely the case with this concert.

I've been a Train fan for years, going back to their self-titled album released in 1998. They're one of those bands with songs that tell real stories. Somehow, Pat Monahan seems to get inside my head and sing about what's going on in there. (Kind of a scary place!) If you aren't familiar with them, definitely check them out!

Not only was Train incredible, but it just so happened that Maroon 5 was on tour with them. They had been opening most of the shows, but at this particular stop Train played first with Maroon 5 closing the show.

The audience was definitely on a Train high, but Adam Levine had the crowd eating out of his hands in no time. Maroon 5 - the whole band - was really impressive, but Adam Levine is one of the most impressive entertainers I've seen. We had actually seen Maroon 5 once before, when they were touring after their first album was released. This show was so much better there was no comparison!

The trip to Louisville is definitely one that I'll remember forever. Seeing Train was a dream come true, Adam Levine and Maroon 5 were amazing, and the 21c Museum Hotel definitely exceeded expectations.

Check out my photo album for more pictures of Louisville and one of the great concert experiences of my life!

Lisbon, Portugal

2012-03-24T22:55:00.001-04:00

Lisbon is one of those places where, as soon as you walk out of the airport into the inevitable sunshine, you feel like you have arrived somewhere special. A lot of superlatives can be associated with the city. It is Portugal's largest city with around 3 million people living in the immediate area.

It's the westernmost large city in Europe, as well as its westernmost capital city and the only one located along the Atlantic coast.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich Roman history. It has been ruled by Christians, Moors, and Christians again, which is evident with the amazing architecture found throughout the city. Look for the blue tiles - or azulejos - used throughout the city which trace their roots back to the Moors.

We stayed in a wonderful place called the Hotel Britania. It's located on a quiet side street just off the hip Avenida de Liberdade, so there's easy access to great shopping, dining and transportation. It's in a beautiful art deco building with a very cool modern decor including cork floors and awesome terraces overlooked the city, and the staff was fantastic!

Lisbon has been one of the hottest European destination's for hundreds and hundreds of years. At one time, Portuguese explorers made Lisbon the center of an empire that spread from Europe to India to South America and beyond. Lisbon's modern nightlife reflects that vitality, and nowhere more so than the Bairro Alto neighborhood.

Here you'll find cobbled streets packed with a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as people just standing around enjoying life. It's an awesome place to strike up a conversation with strangers and learn a little bit about the people of Lisbon or, very likely, a fellow traveler!

While you're there, be sure to check out Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It's a very cool garden with incredible views of the city. In fact, it's definitely worth a return visit to see both the daytime view and the view at night!

One of the things that was so intriguing about Lisbon when we first started talking about was the incredible history. So of course, that's what I was most looking forward to, and Lisbon certainly lived up to every expectation. It is home to numerous historical sites including two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.

The Belem Tower is definitely a stop you want to include on your "must see" list if you are a history buff. As soon as you lay eyes on this place, you can feel that pride of the Portuguese Empire during the Age of Discovery. It does what King John II meant for it to do, it makes an impression!

Likewise, the Jeronimos Monastery is beautiful and tranquil while at the same time conveying a sense of great importance. You certainly knew there was a lot of power behind those walls.

One of my favorite things about visiting other cities is exploring their public transportation. I don't drive, so that's always something that jumps out at me. Lisbon certainly has the transportation thing figured out. We were able to take the cool historic trams from downtown out to the historic sites at Belem, as well as the incredible Tram #28 to St. George's Castle.

The Tram #28 ride itself is an amazing adventure as it weaves its way through the ancient Alfama neighborhood. You'll see some amazing sites just on this tram ride alone, but St. George's Castle is absolutely stunning. It's high walls can be seen looking out over the city below.

Most of the castle has been destroyed over the years, but the amazing walls and towers still stand. There's a restaurant and visitor center as well as a museum, but the coolest part is just wandering along the walls and towers. And the views are absolutely stunning!

Lisbon is one of those places that can really be whatever you want it to be. You'll find plenty of good restaurants, fun bars and clubs filled with locals as well as visitors from all over, great shopping, lots of amazing history... and you're in Portugal! It's sunny and warm with beaches!

Check out more photos from our trip here.

San Francisco, Sonoma and Santa Cruz in Four Days!

2012-03-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

This world is filled with beautiful places. You can travel around the world looking for it, but often there's astounding beauty all around us just waiting to be discovered. We took a trip from Ohio to one of our favorite cities in California, and while there took a couple of amazing day trips that shows just what an incredibly diverse place that state is.

This was a very short trip - only four days to try to squeeze in as much as possible. We started our trip in San Francisco, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. You could easily spend all that time just in San Francisco alone and still not see all the highlights, much less the hidden gems, but we had been to the City by the Bay before and knew that we wanted to do some exploring beyond, so we stayed focused. Luckily, we have family across the bridge in Oakland who volunteered to be our personal tour guides for much of the trip, and that really helped!

Erik, David and Kelly

For this visit, we chose a hotel we hadn't stayed in before. The Galleria Park Hotel is a part of the Joie de Vivre chain, and it was a wonderful find. Normally, I would say there's no need for a car when visiting San Francisco, but because our plans included a couple of trips outside the city we had a rental car, and the Galleria Park was offering a wonderful package that included free parking!

Galleria Park Hotel Entrance

The hotel is in a great location on Sutter Avenue near Market. You're just blocks from Union Square, Chinatown, the Moscone Convention Center, City Hall, great shopping and dining and all manner of public transportation that can have you anywhere in the city in no time. It's in an old San Francisco building complete with steam heat radiators and an awesome terrace on one of the upper floors featuring a walking track, beautiful plants and great benches. We sat out there and watched the famous San Francisco fog roll in after dinner one night. Really nice!

San Francisco Fog Rolls In

It's a beautiful hotel with original art throughout. We weren't really sure what to expect and, especially for the great rate we got, were very pleasantly surprised. The hotel includes a nightly wine happy hour in the lobby, it's pet friendly, Green-certified, and the staff was very helpful during our entire stay. Nobody even blinked an eye when we ended up with olive trees in our room, but more about that later.

Art at the Galleria Park Hotel

David and I spent our first day wandering around the area around the hotel. One of my favorite buildings in San Francisco is City Hall. This is definitely one of the most impressive government buildings I have ever seen, inside and outside!

San Francisco City Hall

Inside the San Francisco City Hall

Located on the second floor of City Hall are several cool busts of famous San Francisco residents. There is one, in particular, that we wanted to make certain we saw. We're both big fans of the late Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to office in California when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Harvey, along with Mayor George Moscone, was murdered by Dan White in 1978. If you get a chance to see Harvey's bust, tell him hello for us!

David & Glenn with Harvey Milk at San Francisco City Hall

For our first night in the city, Erik and Kelly met us at the hotel before heading out to dinner. San Francisco is filled with great restaurants, and I was really looking forward to some great food on this trip. For our first dining adventure, the kids had selected a popular place close to our hotel. Farmerbrown, located on Mason St. at Market, is billed as farm-fresh soul food. Man, it was awesome!

Farmerbrown in San Francisco

The place was packed when we arrived, but we had reservations and were at our table in no time. There's a great atmosphere, cool decor, and the service was fast and friendly the entire night. There were so many incredible looking things on the menu, it was hard to decide. Many of the dishes sounded like the food my mom cooked when I was growing up in Texas! We had wonderful drinks, great food and a wonderful start to our adventure.

On Saturday morning, we met at the famous San Francisco Ferry Building to start the next leg of our adventure.

San Francisco Ferry Building

Located on The Embarcadero, this place offers incredible views of the San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge and San Francisco skyline. There's great shopping inside, and on weekends there is a wonderful farmer's market complete with fantastic food stalls. It was the perfect location to grab breakfast before hitting the road. So far, our California guides were batting .1000!

David, Kelly and Erik at the San Francisco Ferry Building

Gandhi Statue at the San Francisco Ferry Building

After a wonderful morning at the Ferry Building we piled into the rental car, ready for a day in the famous Sonoma wine country! I had never been wine tasting before and was really looking forward to this new experience. Luckily, Kelly and Erik were familiar with the area and had the day all mapped out for us.

The adventure began with my first trip across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge! Having been to San Francisco before, I had seen it from a distance, but this would be my first time to see it up close.

Headed to the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of those destinations that most people have seen many times in movies, television shows, magazines and books. When you see it in person, however, it is truly amazing. The color of the bridge just seems to come alive with the impossibly blue California sky as a backdrop.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge

As we drove north across the bridge, things suddenly began to change. We crossed the bridge, entered a tunnel, and it was as if the city had magically melted away!

Sonoma County

The famous Sonoma County certainly lived up to its reputation. The beautiful rolling hills seemed to stretch out with amazing colors blending together.

California Wine Country

Still in the capable hands of our California guides Kelly and Erik, we started our tasting adventure at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Now, right off the bat I knew I was going to love this stop. I was experiencing California wine country for the first time, and my first stop was at a winery that, according to their website, "embodies Spanish wine growing history, time-honored tradition, and centuries-old sustainable practices." Oh, and their specialty is sparkling wines that reminded me of drinking cava in Barcelona!

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

Flags outside Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards

I was really looking forward to our next stop. Erik and Kelly both agreed it was their favorite winery in Sonoma because of the relaxed atmosphere. Cline Cellars is less than an hour from San Francisco, but it feels like you've been transported to somewhere magical. Tables and spring-fed ponds welcome visitors and are the perfect place to spread out your own picnic.

On the day of our visit there happened to be an olive festival, and while this was traditionally the "off season" for wine tasting, the place was packed and a blast! We tasted all kinds of cheese and olives and olive products and breads and lots of great wine!

And, yes, we learned about how to pack a bottle of wine to take home on the plane. I assure you, if you go on a wine tasting, no matter how much you tell yourself you aren't taking wine back home on the plane, you will. And you should!

Oh yeah, and we bought two olive trees, now known as Olive and Oliver and living happily in Oakland. They were selling these awesome trees and while originally the plan was to buy one, we learned from one of the local experts that two really are necessary for cross-pollination. So...

Olive Tree Shopping (and wine tasting) at Cline Cellars

As Erik and Kelly had taken the BART into San Francisco that morning, the olive trees had to spend the night with us back at the hotel until they could be picked up. While I'm sure the hotel doesn't encourage guests bringing trees into their rooms, the wonderful staff at the Galleria Park didn't bat an eye when we walked through the lobby and straight into the elevator carrying the new pair of trees.a

Olive Trees Purchased at Cline Cellars

We're hoping for an epic olive crop in Oakland. Stay tuned for news on Olive and Oliver's development!

After a few more stops and a full day of fun in Sonoma, we made the amazingly short drive back into the city. By the time we got back to the hotel, we were all starving. We didn't have reservations, but once again Kelly came through with flying colors. She found a place just a few blocks from our hotel called Plouf.

Now, I am not a fan of seafood, and Plouf is a French seafood bistro. But one look at the menu, and I was in! And the other three were already in, so that pretty much settled it. We had about a ten minute walk from the hotel, if that, to a cool alley filled with restaurants. There was plenty of seating available outside, but we opted to wait at the bar for a table inside.

Cool Dining in San Francisco

Plouf: A French Seafood Bistro

The place had a very cool atmosphere, almost like a movie set from the 1940's. There was a lot of color with cool lighting and candles. The food and drink were great, the service was wonderful, and it was a great way to end a phenomenal day.

We spent the next day wandering around the area near the hotel. It is a shopper's paradise! Kelly told us about this great place called Optical Underground on Sutter just a few blocks up from our hotel. It's a great place to get designer frames at a good price, but mainly I loved the space! Architecturally, it was very cool with everything, well, underground.

Optical Underground

Because of the fantastic location of our hotel, I took this opportunity to go exploring in Chinatown and take some quick pictures. Whether it's your first visit to San Francisco's Chinatown or you've been there many times, this is definitely something you don't want to miss. It is definitely a visual treat, with incredible colors and shapes jumping out everywhere you turn!

San Francisco's Chinatown

Our next day, David and I started out on the southern swing of our California adventure. While this would take us back to a place we have visited several times before (and somewhere David once lived), we still had some tips from Erik and Kelly to try out that we were looking forward to. We were headed to Santa Cruz!

We would be connecting with the famous California Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. I'll say my apologies publicly now to Kelly, Erik and David for my non-stop attempt at singing songs all weekend by the greatest band in the world, Train, but how can you not come to San Francisco and sing Train songs?

I've been a huge fan of the band for years (saw them for my 50th birthday in Louisville, KY!) and so this was almost Nirvana for me. So driving into Half Moon Bay that morning, I was definitely doing some singing! (And by the way @Train, whenever you want to get together...in San Francisco, or Columbus, or wherever... I'm ready, willing and available!)

We stopped in Half Moon Bay at a place called Moonside Bakery & Cafe, one of Kelly's suggestions. From the looks of the place, the secret was out! Even though it was a Monday morning, the place was crowded, but service was quick and friendly. Breakfast was wonderful, and I got an awesome cheese danish to go.

Once we got onto Highway 1, it was definitely another one of those magical moments where the camera just took on a life of its own. Although I had been on this drive before, I think my mouth was hanging open in amazement for much of the trip. This has to be one of the most beautiful drives that I have been on anywhere in the world, so far.

Pacific Coast Highway

As we drove along, it seemed around every corner the scenery just got more and more spectacular. I kept reminding myself that we were driving on along the edge of the continent with the amazing Pacific Ocean beating at our shores, and it was truly awe inspiring!

Pacific Coast Highway

Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. You may know how much I love the Spanish coast near Barcelona, and I believe this place has that same incredible natural beauty. Plus it has a very cool boardwalk (where some scenes from The Lost Boys were filmed) and an awesome pier filled with typical shops and some great restaurants. One of David's longtime favorites is Riva's Fish House. He loves the fresh seafood and I always find non-fish dishes that are great. They have an awesome artichoke dip!

Santa Cruz

There's an incredible path that runs along West Cliff Drive, from the boardwalk all the way to Natural Bridges State Beach. This has to be one of my favorite stretches of real estate on the planet. I'm not sure, but I don't believe you're allowed to have a negative thought while walking, running, strolling or meandering along that path.

Surfers in Santa Cruz

Along the path you'll come across the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. While you'll find many great places throughout Santa Cruz to watch surfers, this is a great spot from which to check things out. Plus, the museum itself has some really interesting information on the history of surfing in the United States.

People watching the surfers in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

The Natural Bridges State Beach at the end of West Cliff Drive is one of those incredible gifts of nature. It's a wonderful place where the ocean and wind has worked incredible magic to create incredible natural monuments.

Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz

After a quick walk along this amazing stretch of Santa Cruz paradise, we headed downtown to Pacific Avenue. Kelly had plotted out one more adventure for us, and it sounded like a great one. The Tea House Spa offers a variety of massages, but we were there for the Spa Rooms. These are mini-retreats that you rent by the hour (50 minutes, actually) that include a dry sauna, hot tub and shower, all looking out on a private bamboo garden. What an awesome way to end a tough day at the beach!

Tea House Spa in Santa Cruz

Following a beautiful drive back to the city along Highway 1, we had a nice night's sleep and were on the road back to SFO bright and early the next morning. The Galleria Park had been a wonderful place to call home for a few nights in one of the greatest cities in the U.S., and Sonoma and Santa Cruz were astounding. I would definitely suggest allowing more than four days if at all possible, but you can certainly squeeze in an amazing getaway in a few days!

See more photos from this awesome trip here.

A Look at Prague

2012-02-29T21:03:00.000-05:00

Neither of us had been to eastern Europe before, and we were looking forward to our first trip. There were several options, but one place kept popping up over and over: Prague!

As soon as we decided on the destination, the fun of the research and the planning began. And with Prague, the research was even more exciting than usual. That place has a LOT of history. It has been in existence for about 1,100 years!

Luckily, the planning part was a breeze. The first thing I did was check to see if there is a K+K property there. Sure enough, not only do they have one hotel in Prague, but there are two. We chose the K+K Hotel Central, and what a great find!

One of the many cool things about Prague is that you have an amazing variety of different architectural styles all over the city. The K+K Hotel Central is an awesome Art Deco building that is very well preserved. It includes a full spa, though we never got around to making use of it. It did look incredible!

The cool little bar off the lobby was the perfect place to have a drink before heading out, or to end the night - depending on how late the night got. I had my first (and maybe last?) shot of Absinthe there.

Our hotel is located in Old Town, which has been a UNESCO site since 1992. The mixture of mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture is all around you. In fact, the amazing Powder Tower is just down the street and makes for a great landmark when you're looking for your way home at night!

Old Town is very walkable and you'll find just about everything you could want nearby, but the public transit (street cars and metro as well as taxis) are very efficient. In fact, a streetcar ride from Old Town up to the famous Prague Castle is most definitely something you don't want to miss. It's a great way to see some awesome views of the city.

There are some amazing early morning markets that are bursting with color. You'll find everything from food to flowers to leather goods to t-shirts. It's a great place to head after grabbing a cup of coffee and a bite to eat.

One of Prague's most recognizable buildings is the Old Town Hall with its famous Astronomical Clock. The mechanical clock draws quite a crowd to the town square throughout the day. We were there at a time that was supposedly not peak tourist season, and there was still a wonderful crowd of people...just like I like it! You could hear all kinds of languages and see people from all over the world, all enjoying the same thing together!

The views from the tower of the Old Town Hall were spectacular. You could see the amazing rooftops of the city, get an incredible look at the architecture and landscape weaving together and really appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Everywhere you turn in Prague, you are confronted with incredible history and art. Some of the buildings - and landscaping - leave you absolutely speechless. One of the most dominating structures in Prague is the Prague Castle with a history dating all the way back to the 9th century.

When you first approach the massive castle complex, you'll come to the the Royal Gardens. Definitely take a few minutes to stroll through these amazingly well maintained gardens, even if you aren't all that much into gardening and plants. The views of the castle and of the city below are unbelievable!

We've been very fortunate to see some amazing sites around the world. And no matter where they are or what they history is behind them, there is always something magical about castles. Certainly Prague Castle lives up to all that and more!

Just as the country has had an amazing history, the incredible collection of buildings that make up Prague Castle include everything from a soaring, majestic cathedral to ancient stone dungeons. It really is one of those places where you can close your eyes and almost hear the sound of horses' hooves as they must have sounded on these very stones over the centuries.

St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches - in fact, one of the most impressive architectural structures - that I've seen. This place is absolutely amazing. The current St. Vitus Cathedral is actually the third church on the site, but it's no newcomer. It was founded in November 1344.

When you're standing outside looking at this thing, you know that it is going to be impressive. After all, it's a Gothic cathedral. But when you walk inside and see the incredible interior, be prepared to be completely blown away!

The area immediately around Prague Castle is known as Lesser Town and is connected with Old Town by the incredible Charles Bridge. This pedestrian bridge, began n 1357, crosses the Vltava River in Gothic and Baroque style. You'll find artists, musicians and travelers from around the world enjoying the beautiful views throughout the day and night.

Beneath the bridge, the river flows along its banks creating an amazing setting often referred to as Little Venice. The colorful shops, cafes, street artists and incredible architecture make this a great place to wander.

On our first night in Prague, we took a private Segway tour with a company called Prague on Segway. Andre, our guide, was fantastic. Being a private tour, he was able to talk to us at the start of the tour and get a feel for what was important to us. He tailored the tour to what he thought would best suit us, and we had a wonderful time!

Getting to Prague on Segway to start the tour was a pretty cool adventure, to begin with. Again, it was our first night in Prague and neither of us spoke the language. We had already made arrangements for the night-time tour and had the address for the business. The wonderful front desk staff at Hotel Central knew we would need help, so they called a good taxi for us and gave the driver the address. The location was in Lesser Town, near the Castle, so it was a short cab ride away.

The cool part came when the driver was weaving in and out of the small streets looking for the address. We looked up and saw guards stopping cars and thought, "Uh oh, what have we gotten into?" The driver was trying to explain that the address was just ahead, but we were passing the U.S. Embassy and all vehicles have to be checked. We eventually got the message, made it to our destination and started our tour.

Segway is a great way to get a first look at a city, and the night tour was a cool twist. Prague is beautiful any time, but the lights and reflections at night are just incredible. The machines are so quiet, and you just sort of float along. And Andre did an awesome job of making sure that both of us were close by at all times so that we were able to hear and ask questions.

We saw an incredible variety of places. One of the stops that he seemed most proud of - understandably - was the National Theatre. It is an incredible building dating back to 1844, but most impressive was the passion in his voice when he told how the people really see it as a national symbol. He talked about how the people have raised funds to restore and maintain the impressive structure.

We did manage to find an awesome Italian restaurant in Prague! Just a few blocks from the Hotel Central is a wonderful place called Corso Cafe. They serve everything from breakfast to dinner, though we only had dinner there. I can tell you that it was really good. I strongly recommend it!

Prague is one of those places that I could go on and on about. We actually stayed there for an entire week. Before arriving, we were concerned with that being too long in a new city. Man, were we wrong! Time just flew by as we settled in. We discovered great places to eat, interesting things to see, and fun local bars. If you're up for an adventure and like hanging with the locals, search for a place called U Sudu. It's one of those true local gems that you'll either love or hate. We loved it, and we loved Prague!

Check out more photos from our trip here.

Winter in South Beach

2012-02-25T17:35:00.000-05:00

Last Christmas, we wanted to go somewhere warm but also wanted to take along our dog Harvey. He had flown once before on a short trip to Milwaukee, and we'd taken a few road trips, but this would be our first "big" trip on a plane with him.

One of our favorite "warm weather" destinations in the U.S. is always Miami Beach. In almost every category, it compares with some of the best destinations we've visited around the world. It has awesome food, great scenery, shopping, nightlife...and lots of sunshine!

Task number one was to find a place to stay. As soon as I began searching online, I was happy to find that the Surfcomber Hotel has become a Kimpton property. (We're fans of the Kimpton chain because of their pet friendly and gay friendly policies. Plus, they're great hotels!) In fact, December would be the Surfcomber's first month as a Kimpton hotel, and we would be among their first guests with a pet.

As soon as I made the reservation online, I received an email from one of the hotel's two concierges (Reuben and Mickey) who wanted to touch base since we would be traveling with a pet and staying over the holidays. He offered to make any arrangements we wanted - dinner reservations for Chirstmas, anything dog related, massages, etc. They even offered to have framed photos waiting in the room for us. All I had to do was email a few photos. What a great touch. And this was definitely a sign of the top-notch service to come!

We did end up taking Reuben up on his offer and getting a "doggie daycare" package for Harvey one day that he arranged with Jackie at Happy Tails Wagon. It was perfect. We took Harvey to play in the ocean a few times, so he was ready for a bath. On the arranged morning, Jackie showed up in the lobby and took Harvey for a day that included bath, walk and playing with other dogs, while we had the day to take in some South Beach shopping. She even sent a text with a photo during the day to let us know Harvey was having a good time!

The hotel itself, located on Collins Avenue just steps from 17th Street, is absolutely beautiful with tropical grounds surrounding a spectacular pool, all with direct access to the amazing Miami beach. Everywhere you turn, the tasteful landscaping reminds you that you are in paradise. There are palms trees perpetually swaying in the breeze, the sky is an amazing blue, and it provides the perfect backdrop for the classic white Miami architecture of the hotel.

As with all Kimpton properties, the hotel has a hip, comfortable lobby where they host a popular wine happy hour every day. It's a great way to get kick off your evening and get to know your fellow guests. We were at the hotel for about a week and had a great time seeing familiar faces each evening and hearing about the day's adventures. In addition, the Surfcomber has a nice patio looking out over Collins Avenue and while it's a busy street, it was a great place to sit with a glass of wine and talk with new friends from all over.

The hotel includes the Lantao Kitchen, a Southeast Asian meets South Beach restaurant located right next to the pool. We had breakfast there each morning on the patio - with Harvey - and it was fantastic. The eggs benedict was awesome, and the french toast with ginger-infused syrup was amazing. The wait staff were excellent, really making us feel comfortable during the whole stay. They always made a point of saying hello to Harvey and brought him water, and of course he loved the attention.

One of my favorite features of the Surfcomber has to be the upper level poolside cabanas. Man, they have the most amazing bean-bag sort of chairs, but not quite, that once I got settled in with my iPad and started reading or sometimes just listening to some good music and staring at the incredible views, time just sort of suspended. Don't worry, they have the traditional chairs, too. But I highly recommend giving those bean-bag chairs a whirl!

The Surfcomber opens directly onto the public walkway that runs along the beach, with the beautiful Atlantic ocean right in front of you. During the day, the hotel offers a beach club with umbrellas and chairs. It's a nice touch to have that dedicated service on the crowded beach.

The public walkway along the beach is great. We started off each morning there with Harvey and ended each day there. No matter the time of day, there was always a nice, interesting variety of people from all over the world. There are a lot of runners on the path, so it's important to stay alert of what's going on, but there are lot's of people just wandering and enjoying the amazing views, as well.

Just a few blocks north of the hotel up the path we found what I still think is the best guacamole I have ever tasted, at a place called Lucy's Cantina Royale. It's actually located outside the Shelborne Hotel and the landscaping is wonderful. They have very cool swinging chairs, these platform bed sort of things, a maze, and then some regular tables, as well. But the margaritas, tacos and guacamole really were perfect!

Eating was a fun part of this trip, and the staff at the Surfcomber did an outstanding job recommending places. For Christmas dinner we wanted something special, so Reuben made reservations for us at OLA. This Latin American restaurant is within walking distance of the hotel and offers seating inside, as well as out. We sat out on the front patio enjoying the incredible South Beach weather!

The wine, beer and food was just as good as we expected it would be. The server did a great job explaining the menu and we both really enjoyed our meals. I had the Puerco Asado and it was great.

Whether we're eating out here at home in Columbus or traveling, our favorite food always tends to be Italian food. In fact, whenever we're in a city for a long period of time, we seem to find Italian places we like and stick with them. I know that doesn't sound real adventurous, but it has led us to some awesome Italian restaurants around the world, including La Lupa di Roma on Lincoln Road. This place has real Italian food. And, of course, incredible wine and beer, and you're sitting on the famous Lincoln Road Mall watching all of South Beach go by. Needless to say, we have several amazing meals here. All an the recommendation of the wonderful staff behind the front desk at the Surfcomber!

Miami is a great destination any time of year, but the incredible weather and amazing natural beauty make it the ideal winter getaway. During this trip, I think our goal was to not do too much. We succeeded, and had a wonderful trip!

Check out more photos here.

London, England

2012-02-16T17:10:00.000-05:00

We've had the pleasure of visiting London a few times, and each time that incredible city is just as exciting as before. My first trip, however, was during the summer of 2005 and it is a trip that I will always remember.

For some reason, I believe, Americans have a strange connection to London. But that actually makes sense if you think about it. In theory, there's no language barrier. (I've had instances where I'd argue that point, but no matter.) The city offers something for just about everybody. Whether you like history, or culture or nightlife or food or theatre or shopping...well, you get the idea.

Being my first visit to London, I wanted to see as many of the places that I'd read about and seen in movies and on television. And man, was there a lot to choose from! Just as with Paris, the public transportation - or the Tube - makes it a snap to get all over the city. It was in London where we first discovered the K+K hotel chain when we stayed at the Hotel George.

It's a classic building with an incredible british garden right outside the dining room. This has become a favorite European chain of ours after the outstanding service we experienced at the Hotel George.

This great hotel is in Kensington just a few blocks from the Earl's Court Tube Station. You'll find everything from fast food (yes, there is a nearby McDonald's and I have eaten there) to great local pubs to fine dining. And with the Tube, you can be anywhere in a relatively short amount of time.

Earl's Court Tube Station

London was absolutely amazing. No matter how many times you see Buckingham Palace in a history book or a guide book or on a screen, it just blows you away when you're standing there looking at it. All the pageantry and strength of England seems to be staring you down.

Buckingham Palace

Just around the corner from the front of Buckingham Palace is a very cool museum that sometimes gets overlooked called the Royal Mews. It's known as one of the "finest working stables in existence," but this place is a whole lot more than just a stable. You'll find an incredible collection of royal coaches, cars...and horses! The tour guides are amazing, the animals are magnificent and that collection looks, well, fit for a king/queen.

Horse-drawn Carriage on display at the Royal Mews

The Palace of Westminster with the iconic Big Ben watching over the city is quite a site. The exterior just screams United Kingdom, and when you walk inside you can sense the history all around you.

The Palace of Westminster

Hyde Park is one of the Royal Parks and is an amazing 350-acre oasis in the middle of this world metropolis. It started as a private hunting ground for King Henry VIII in the 1500s and today is filled with incredible fountains, gardens, art and people of all kinds enjoying its beauty. If you have the time and opportunity, try to see it at different times of day. No matter where in the park you wander, you're sure to find something special.

Hyde Park

Of course, the mighty Thames River flows through London and is always a great point of reference as well as a great subject for many photos. There are great running/walking paths along the river, and breathtaking views from the famous London Eye. It's not cheap, but if you want unparalleled views of the city - for taking photos or just for gawking - you can't beat a ride on the London Eye.

London on the River Thames

One of our favorite places to eat in London is a place called Balans. They actually have a few different locations, including one in the theatre district on Old Compton (the first one we ate at) and one near Earl's Court. Both locations had great food, good wine and beer and very helpful staff.

Balans in London's Soho

If you haven't yet been to London, you definitely need to make plans. I hear 2012 is going to be an awesome time to see the city with so many exciting things going on related to the upcoming Summer Olympics. No matter when you go, definitely plan to take lots of photos and spend a lot of time walking around with an amazed look on your face. After all, isn't that what great vacations are for?

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone, but especially to David, the one person in this world who has made my life complete. I've enjoyed our adventures together and look forward to exploring the rest of the world with you!

Southern France

2012-02-13T16:22:00.000-05:00

Paris was everything I had imagined it would be. The museums, the historic sites, the food and drink and people and shopping were like stepping into a movie.

But after a week that flew by, we boarded a high-speed train in the historic Paris Lyon Train Station and headed south. If you haven't traveled by train before, I highly recommend giving it a try. We've taken a few trips by rail in Europe and Canada, and it is a great way to travel!

It was the perfect transportation alternative for this trip. Our destination was a very small, old city in southern France named Aigues-Mortes. Its medieval walls are incredibly well preserved, and the narrow streets and winding alleys are the perfect location to call home while exploring the nearby towns of Nimes and Montpellier, along with some other amazing stops in the southern French countryside.

When you arrive at Aigues-Mortes, certainly the thing that literally stands out are the gated walls and towers. Although supposedly founded around 102 B.C. by the Romans, the city was fortified by Louis IX in the 13th century when he rebuilt the port for use as part of the Crusades.

There are 1,650 metres of city walls and they are very impressive. It was designed to be impregnable, and the number of different gates and chambers and towers of varying heights with walls 6-meters thick in many places make it clear that this was a very serious place. There are numerous opportunities for tours with animated guides so excited to relay the history of their town that you can almost hear the sound of battle just on the other side of the wall.

And, of course, as in all great little towns in southern France there are wonderful places to shop and eat! While the town is small, everywhere you turn there are restaurants and cafes filled with happy customers and friendly servers willing to help you navigate through the menu and suggest their favorite food and wine.

Knowing that there was so much incredible nearby history and beauty to soak in, we rented a car one day and did a lot of driving. Not too far from Aigues-Mortes is the city of Nimes. Also with its roots in Roman history, Nimes is filled with incredible history and architecture.

There are several very well preserved Roman sites right in the city center, so it's easy to park and stroll around the place to take it all in.

One cool bit of trivia I learned when visiting Nimes - and you never know when cool trivia might come in handy - is that denim, as in the jeans we all wear, originally got their name from the sturdy cloth from the region that was used to make the pants. Over time, de Nimes has become denim!

Back on the road, just outside of town near the River Gard is the stunning Pont du Gard. This is still one of the most amazing architectural ruins I have ever seen. It is part of what was a 31-mile-long aqueduct built by the Romans during the 1st century A.D.

The three-tiered bridge stands over 160 feet high and carried approximately 44 million gallons of water a day to the people of Nimes. It's an amazing site!

We spent an amazing week wandering around southern France. It's no wonder that this has been a favorite place of so many talented people throughout history. After several trips to Amsterdam (but that's a whole other story), we have become big fans of Vincent van Gogh. We made a point of rushing to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to see the sunset over the water, perhaps from the same spot where Vincent did.

Unfortunately, the place we stayed in Aigues-Mortes is no longer in business. However, there are still several options for actually staying in the town. If you don't mind staying in a place where they almost literally roll up the streets at night, I'd definitely suggest giving this place a try.

Enjoy more photos from our amazing adventure into a corner of Southern France here.