Travel
Enjoying fall foliage on an Abruzzo getaway
I was in desperate need for a weekend get-away out in the mountains, and so was my son. The weather forecasts were perfect, and we decided to take a short get-away to our favorite mountain hamlet in Abruzzo – Ovindoli. It was exactly what we needed: fresh mountain air, long walks, fall foliage, and fantastic…
Read MoreA whirlwind stop-off at the Jim Beam Distillery, Kentucky
Anyone who has ever been to Kentucky knows – this is Bourbon Country. Kentucky boasts forty distilleries producing 200 brands of bourbon, spread out along the state, and boasting bourbon trail visits for visitors. We definitely need to get back to do this, but on our big driving tour this summer, we had limited time…
Read MoreIn love with atmospheric Spanish moss
Anyone who has traveled in the southern United States will have noticed the beautiful, atmospheric Spanish moss that graces the oak trees there. Whenever I return, it never fails to make me smile. I love it in the daytime. I love it at night, when it adds an air of mystery. And I love it…
Read MoreHaving lunch in Columbus’ North Market
Although I’d been a few times to Columbus, Ohio, I never managed to get to its North Market before last summer. This past summer, we were staying in the Short North area of the city, and the North Market made an easy location to stop by for a quick lunch. It’s a busy location, with…
Read MoreOn The Road Again – American Roadtripping 2022
If you read my blogs regularly, you probably know how much I love road trips. Last summer, my younger son and I enjoyed a great American road trip. This year, my husband, younger son and I were on the road again – meeting up at times with my older son, who now lives in the…
Read MoreSqueezing out those last drops of summer – on the beach in Sperlonga
I love summer. And yet, it’s the season that always seems to race by fastest. So when my younger son asked me if we could go on a beach get-away for our last summer weekend, he didn’t exactly have to twist my arm. I was happy to make a weekend escape to Sperlonga, one of…
Read MoreSpectacular views from the top of England’s Durham Cathedral
Earlier this month, I made my first visit to the northern town of Durham, England to atend the Historical Novel Society’s biannual conference. For each conference, they choose a historical city in the UK – so it was a great chance to explore a new destination I hadn’t yet seen. Durham is a beautiful, medieval…
Read MoreDucking in from the heat in the US Botanic Garden
The US Botanic Garden has a long history. It was established by US Congress in 1820 – and had been the dream of America’s first President, George Washington. Washington wished to establish a botanic garden that would serve in an educational function – teaching visitors about plants. The Botanic Garden celebrated its bicentennial during our…
Read MoreCooling off in Rome’s Piscina delle rose
Anyone who knows Rome, knows that Rome is hot in summertime. And this summer was no exception. To cool off this summer, my younger son and I were often spending Sundays ar Rome’s outdoor public pool, Piscina delle rose. This pool was built in 1960 – the year in which Rome hosted the summer Olympics.…
Read MoreBirds’ eye view of Dallas, Texas
When my younger son and I were in Dallas, Texas on a hot August day last year, we were melting as we explored the city. We decided it would be best to get the lay of the land from up on high – from the (air-conditioned!) observation tower of the Dallas Reunion Tower. The 561…
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