Search results for 'paris'

When was the first time, or the last time you saw Paris? But all those wonderful songs go humming through your mind as you stroll on the Champs Elysee. Wherever you are in Paris, you're walking through History. Streets and Parks that were created for Kings, Palaces that are now Museums, art galleries that hold the finest examples of art from centuries ago to the latest art from the sidewalks of Paris.

I love history - mostly European and English I confess. The grandeur, the splendor, the architecture, the "location," are all modern marvels. Except some of the greatest examples of extraordinary vision, architecture, paintings, design, landscape gardens were created centuries ago.  How did they do it then without design apps and computer programs? Without villages of people sitting around sewing, stitching, creating tapestries that tell vivid stories. How did...? There really is no answer, so, when you've spent a few days in Paris, had your fill of city-life, hop aboard a TGV train and speed away to the Loire Valley.  And the magic will engulf you.

No, this is not a typo, the accommodation I bring to your attention is actually called, “A Room in Paris” because that's what you get and it's in a private residence! The city itself is charming, so why not stay in a place that makes you feel like Paris is your home.

O.K. you’ve taken the plunge and will be planning an international sojourn with your beloved grandchildren! You have dreams of creating lasting memories that will be life changing, right?

Well … if you follow these guidelines the answer is YES! I can vividly remember year after year my own little Madison would keep asking me, “Granny, when are we going to Paris?” I would have swept her up in my arms, and off we would go the moment she asked - but as an international flight attendant I was keenly aware of the challenges one faces when traveling with children.

Passion. Culture. Paradise. It’s time to fall in love with Portugal!

“Come with me to the Casbah!”

Who said those immortal words, in which movie, or book?

They certainly capture the magic of what lies ahead when you chose to visit this beautiful city on the water.  For such a small country, Morocco is blessed with several “major” cities, all with their own real and distinctive feelings and fabulous flavors.

Traveling and can’t take your feline companion with you, but would like to enjoy some feline companionship – look for a cat café where you can enjoy a cup of tea or joe and relax petting a willing pussycat.

No other city truly can compare with London – brilliant in offering a rich cultural history dating back centuries to a modern day city to which people from all over the world aspire to be able to move to and live.  I fly often to London every month but cherish the years my family and I lived in London – a few streets down from Harrods in Knightsbridge.  A wonderful and exciting time with family!

The taiko drums reverberated with deep, steady tones, as the monks on either side of the altar pounded them with consistent strokes of their long, wooden bachi (taiko drum sticks). We removed our shoes and found spaces to kneel amongst the other parishioners on the crimson carpet. It was morning outside, but the interior altar was dark and candlelit, with an array of large reflective and intricately decorated golden ornaments dangling from the ceiling. The taiko drumming monks continued, while other monks chanted and shook golden bells. The head priest, also chanting, added sticks to a fast growing fire that he had created as a symbol of peace and purification. The flames, that seemed to understand his esoteric commands, were part of a ritual that is intended to deliver the wishes of the people to Buddha. The pilgrims pray for safety, luck, and prosperity in their lives, and in conjunction with this, at the end of the ceremony, everyone brings his or her purse or satchel to the priest to be waved over the smoke. This supposedly enhances the future value of the bags' contents.

From bustling Paris to charming Provence, enjoy a fun-filled adventure that explores French culture, cuisine and music.

As a member of a generation commonly referred to as a “Baby Boomer,” I have grown up genuinely expecting the world to improve with time. Things might have been tough at different stages in my life but I had faith. With a bit of hard work and determination, payday would eventually come in the form of being able to travel and see the world for myself. It seems I am not the only one with these dreams because according to industry sources, Baby Boomers spend $157 billion each year on travel. With children educated, mortgages nearly paid off and retirement looming on the horizon, we are cashed up and have travel dreams – “our bucket list”- to fulfill.

The beauty of the southern Andes unfolds as you travel from Argentina to Chile, all the while enjoying the local wine and cuisine.

The Royal Horticultural Society, one of the world’s leading horticultural organizations, has partnered with Collette to bring you a line of botanically themed tours. Discover the distinctive horticultural gems of France from Paris through the Loire Valley. Delight the senses at the 22nd annual International Garden Festival in Chaumont, a special highlight on tour. 

Join Collette for a truly once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic adventure.  This 18 day tour explores the wonders of Antarctica – the last great wilderness stretching across ice-covered desert and mountains for over five million square miles.  The ethereal beauty and immense scale of the continent is like nowhere else on the planet. Follow in the footsteps of great explorers and enjoy the privilege of witnessing this fragile, remote environment.  

Three luxurious locations for wonderful chocolate for the holidays - or anytime during the year!

Seven dream locations to enjoy a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner in San Francisco,CA; Stockbridge, MA; Paris,France; Chicago,IL; Washington,DC; Dana Point,CA; and New Orleans, LA.

So here's a spot you probably haven't thought to explore in Paris – the area known as Bercy. This is actually a great place to spend a few nights especially if you are traveling with your grandchildren. The Pullman Paris Bercy is one of the most reasonably priced hotels while visiting the City of Lights. Granted, you are not in the heart of Paris, but a mere 15 minute Metro ride into the center. The hotel has a very modern feel with amenities the kids will like – it is child and pet friendly. The beds are very comfortable and the food and service is quite good. The bathrooms are equipped with amenities and are quite large – all of which is hard to find in the center of Paris.

NEWYORKANDFOOD - yes, they're inseparable.  As any New Yorker knows, and any visitor too, from the vendors on the Streets, to the five star restaurants, New York has the best food in the world.  Any discussion on New York has to talk about it's foodies! Yes, we invented the word for those distinctive people who seemingly live, breathe and eat their way through life and New York.

MONTE CARLO - or, as Somerset Maugham famously said, "A sunny place for shady people!" Some of those crimes have made international headlines, especially the sad, sorry tale of the death of international banker/financier billionaire Edmond Safra. Let's talk about the happier times, and more fun crimes.

SBM rules and reigns supreme in Monaco.  In addition to the grande hotels of bygone years, they own the two major Beach Hotels.  The famed Monte Carlo Beach Club, with its world famous concert facility the Sporting Club.  And the new SBM shuttle buses take you between these destinations during your stay at the SBM hotels.

Milan is the fashion capital of Italy, if not the world.  Many plan trips to Milan just to indulge in the many shops that sell high quality leather purses, shoes and clothing.There is always something for everyone and I have found their clothing and leather goods to be very reasonable and of high quality.  For women, even in the local grocery store, one can pick up non-run hosiery that will last for months!

So much has been written about Paris, one can never do justice in describing this magnificent city! No matter if you pre-plan your itinerary or just show up, you will not be disappointed!

Bermuda is an island unlike any other. Often mistaken for a member of the Caribbean family, Bermuda is only 650 miles away from North Carolina. Her turquoise water and pink beaches are the perfect getaway for honeymooners and cruise ship liners. Spanning only 21 square miles, Bermuda proves that good things really do come in small packages!

Everyone likes good neighbours and, in terms of skiing at least, the Rhone Alp ski centres of Les Deux Alpes and Alpes d’Huez in France are about as good as they come.

Though these two French ski resorts are barely six miles apart as the crow flies, they are, however, a little like chalk and cheese when it comes to comparison and therefore appeal to very different tourist markets. 

These resorts would also make for a great two centre ski break if you like a little après ski action to start your holiday followed by some R&R to end your stay before the journey home.