Search results for 'Union square cafe'

Israel is one of my most favorite destinations and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live in Jerusalem for a few years.  Israel was never on my list of countries to visit.  Isn’t that one of the greatest lessons we learn as we approach our golden years?  That sense of discovery of a new destination that never before captured our imagination?  To visit a land from where all of Civilization emerged?  A land so rich in history and culture, upon your first venture into its history, you are overwhelmed by its magnitude.  However the net has been cast - your spirit, your soul captured in its embrace, never to be the same again.  Come as I share with you my adventures into discovery of one’s own destiny and reflective purpose.

A stroll down the National Mall in Washington D.C. is captivating. Flowers bloom all around as children enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. National landmarks surround the grand avenue sprinkled with museums and gardens. The Potomac River flows into the Tidal Basin surrounded by cherry blossom trees. This is the first sight many think of as Washington D.C., a powerful city filled with history. I know it as a city of opulence and splendor.

When it comes to top holiday destinations, size really doesn’t matter...and Barbados clearly proves the point. One of the smaller islands that form the archipelago chain of the Lesser Antilles, Barbados is barely 34 kilometres in length and only 23 kilometres wide. Yet its 431 square kilometres is home to over 80 billionaires....yes, you read that correctly, not common or garden millionaires, but billionaires...and they can’t all be wrong, can they?. With stunning beaches, top restaurants and happening night spots that rest hand-in-hand with excellent golf courses, a world-famous international cricket ground, quaint horse racing track at Garrison Savannah, and elite polo facilities all go to make Barbados one of the best, most sought after and yet friendliest tourist destinations in the entire Caribbean.

Last year was the 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War. If you want your understanding broadened, your senses dazzled, and your collector gene completely awed, The Civil War Museum in Bardstown, Kentucky is a must see. It has one of the largest collections of rare and authentic artifacts of any Civil War Museum in the country. Prominent Civil War magazine, The North and South, named it the 4th best in the U.S. out of 500. This is quite a surprise for this great small Central Kentucky town.

Situated facing the pristine white sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, sits one of my favorite hotels stateside, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. I try to get there every chance I get and sadly, that's just not often enough!

For many years, I took groups of people on charter flights to Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Oh, those were the days - unfortunately, the charter flights stopped, economies took a hit, 2 hurricanes came through, and the number of tourists dropped. The good news is that things are looking up and people are returning to visit this friendly and fun island. There are some changes from my trips from the past and now most of the activity centers around Lucaya where the magnificent Grand Lucayan Hotel sits overlooking the turquoise waters of the ocean. You have a choice of 3 types of views – the Marina, The Island and the Ocean – obviously, the price goes up for an ocean view, but it is so breathtaking, you may want to spend the extra cash.

Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in all the world to visit – not only to experience the beauty of the fjords, northern lights and the midnight sun during the summer, but the people themselves are authentic and represent those qualities of kindness, integrity, and strength of character. The visitor is touched emotionally as these gentle people are genuine, filled with wisdom and sincerity for they are but a reflection of Nature's beauty.

The Czech capital is a small city, but don’t let its size fool you. From an infamous 5-storeyed nightclub to some of the most breathtaking castles in the world – Praha will leave you swooning. There are innumerable ways to explore the city – on foot, bike or segway or even in a majestic vintage car. Whatever your choice of transport might be, the awe-inspiring Prague Castle and the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral are not to be missed. 

Cologne is one of the oldest large German cities and its name dates back to Roman times. The imperial governors of Rome resided here and soon the town grew into one of the most important trade and production centers in the Roman Empire. The Emperor Claudius's fourth wife Agrippina – Nero's mother – was born here.

Accommodations come in all varieties and I promised to cover as many options as I can – Yurts in Turkey were on the list, so let's go!

Huzur Vadisi is a Yoga Retreat situated on the coast of Turkey referred to as the Turquoise coast. By definition, “a yurt is a portable tent dwelling structure traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia.”

Here at Huzur Vadisi, the yurts come equipped with either twin or double beds, electricity, wooden floors and bedside lights for reading. The roof is open to the sky and referred to as the “eye of heaven” so as you fall asleep, you are gazing at the stars.

The origination of man’s creative spirit began in the East – but the gauntlet was passed onto the West – as we have seen throughout our European sojourns.  However, we are seeing the Phoenix rise from a humble beginning as a pearl-diving centre, to one of the fastest growing cities in the world!  What makes Dubai so remarkable is that such accomplishments have taken only thirty years!  This is a city constantly on the move that even the updated GPS systems cannot keep up with all the road changes!

Marco, the owner and Brazilian, brings that charming old world hospitality to this Tuscan style restaurant. You will find him here most of the time and his very large family, including his attractive wife Éclair. His staff is so friendly and attentive to each table. This is a very busy and popular restaurant with 125 seats and offers over 250 vintage wines. There is a full bar too that is now available. In fact Cafe Vico has won the top Best restaurants in South Florida. Even on this busy night, our entire table felt so relaxed, as if we were having dinner in Marcos home. 

Rumi means “stones” and Punku means “door” which is exactly what you will see at the threshold to this hotel. This Inca doorway is considered a Historic Monument of the City of Cusco and it was once the entrance to a very sacred place. Feel the energy of this ancient civilization as you enter the building.

Imagine you are the star of your own “American Pickers” or finding treasures for “Antiques Roadshow” or selling a Flea Market find to the guys on “Pawn Stars”? All of these shows are helped by Baby Boomers buying and selling the artifacts of our childhood. We love going on Patrol for rare and valuable items. We love to find a treasure a new home. Our road trips have shifted to slowing down and getting out of the car every hour or two. This change has gotten us off the interstates and into Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Antique Stores, Goodwill’s, and yard sales. Heading South on I-65 through Kentucky, here are five of our favorite spots. 

Behold the lush greenery of Ireland’s scenic landscapes while indulging in the fresh air that awakens the country’s warm hospitality, strong heritage and perfect blend of rural and urban atmospheres. 

I so enjoy my visits to Germany – actually seven cities that I frequent – but I had no Idea that I would enjoy Stuttgart – “The City of Cars”!  Historically, it is my hubby who is in love with the auto-industry but after a visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum and recently opened state of the art, Porsche Museum, I have become an avid fan of these impeccably designed vehicles!  View the legendary 356, 550,911 and 917 models! Also my favorite – to finally view the original “Beetle” – brings back memories of those college days!

Located in the Paradise Valley section of Scottsdale, Arizona on 125 acres is the spectacular Camelback Inn surrounded by cacti and desert flowers with terrific views of the Camelback and Mummy Mountains.

Whether you’re in a Luxury Class A or towing a Vintage Pop-Up, here are some nifty tricks to make your RV trip more enjoyable.

Jerusalem is the sacred capital of Israel and one of several incredible biblical cities. Situated in the Judean Mountains, the city rests between the Mediterranean and Dead Sea. Jerusalem is divided into two cities, bringing together the best of both worlds. The new city is young and trendy while the old city thrives with history consisting of four diverse quarters: Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and holy to three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The beautiful architecture pays homage to ancient times, incorporating the very precious Jerusalem stone, a pale whitish-pink limestone. Buildings made with the Jerusalem stone are easily spotted and admired. 

The French Riviera explodes with famous cities, and places, restaurants and museums, choose one, choose them all. It's guaranteed you'll have an amazing time and come back again, and again, and again.

I love to report to you places that are special, in an unusual way! I like to use the word a little mysterious to describe this market. I love the boutique feeling of this small 500 square foot space. Everything is the bestest and the freshest ( Blondee wording). They sell out early so make sure you can go early. Their staff always makes you feel so much at home here too!

There are surprises at every turn when it comes to travel and here's one I only recently stumbled upon. I don't even know where to begin because this property has so much to offer. Whether you are traveling alone, with the grand kids or with other family members, you are sure to find something that keeps you coming back.

For thousands of years, humans have found areas in the world where the natural mineral springs seemed to miraculously help cure health ailments. For over 9000 years The Jefferson Pools have refreshed the fortunate few who knew her location. Warm mineral springs are relaxing, rejuvenating, and offer a great pit stop on a road trip to brush off the aches and pains of road travel.  Thomas Jefferson came in 1818 at the age of 75 suffering from what he called “rheumatism.”  He stayed for three weeks, taking the waters several times each day.  He reported their naturally warm mineral springs had a healing effect. Mrs. Robert E. Lee came often, but during the Civil War sorely missed her visits because of her fear of travel.  

Barcelona – The Capital of the province Catalina.  Catalina consists of four provinces, Barcelona, Girona, Lledia and Tarragonia. During the 1960’s Catalina went through what is known as the “Spanish Miracle” which was the economic boom that really put Barcelona on the map. This miracle brought about improved living standards and an even bigger middle class in all of Spain.