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It was snowing in New York City at 5 pm on December 30, 2016, when I stepped out of the Port Authority at Eight Avenue and 41^st Street into the traffic of people, buses and cars at the edge of Times Square. How appropriate! Frozen water crystals are falling from the evening sky, as I am on my way to a pre-New Year’s Eve, behind-the-scenes viewing of the nearly six-ton, twelve-foot diameter “Big Crystal Ball!” 

For the past 90 years the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC has been teaching the lost art of folk crafts in the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina. If you can make it by hand, you can make it here! 

There is a well-known saying, “Bagan is (the) spirit of (the) history of Myanmar” and to fully understand the importance and complexity of the Buddhist influence over Myanmar then you really should treat yourself to a hot air balloon flight over the ancient city of Bagan. Although not yet awarded a UNESCIO World Heritage listing, this area is home to the highest density of Buddhist architecture anywhere in the world and stretches across 42 square kilometers of the Irrawaddy plain. I had already spent two leisurely days exploring the area by electric moped, where I  was amazed by the craftsmanship of the builders dating back to the 11th and 13th centuries, however, I needed to experience a “birds eye view,” to really appreciate the historic and cultural wealth of this site.

Remember when… English food was considered abominable? Except for we English who loved it, didn’t know better, and it wasn’t until the advent of the early Chinese and Indian cafes that we knew any other cuisine or cooking.  But over the years, especially with the EU making crossing borders easy, the wonderful influx of young chefs from France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc., has brought fine dining to an Art form in London and beyond.  Let’s take a look at some of the venerable restaurants in London, and it’s all about adapting tried and true establishments adapting to the “latest” trends

From Six Mile Lake Provincial Park 

To Oastler Lake Provincial Park, Parry Sound

Scenic route driving distance:  148  KM 

I woke up early and chilled.  It got good and cold overnight, and feeling chilly is what woke me up.  I think I should have used both sleeping bags…but when I fell asleep it was not that cool.  Since I was already awake I decided to get up. It was still dark!  

We recently spent the day in Jamestown, NY - the hometown of Lucille Ball. Our visit happened to be on Lucy’s birthday weekend, which is also the date for the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. 

It was a rainy autumn day in Tokyo, as my companions and I shuffled out of the Toei Chikatetsu metro line at Asakusa Station.  Emerging onto the street level, we quickly opened and raised our large, red, paper umbrellas, on loan from our escorts, and made our way down a few alleys to the Ohshimaya Onda Chochin Lantern Shop.  Here, we were greeted with bows by Mr. Shunji Onda himself, a fifth generation master of the Japanese paper lantern.  Mr. Onda’s business was founded 160 years ago by his great-great grandfather, when Kyoto was still the official capital of Japan and “Edo” was ruled by the powerful Tokugawa shogunate.          He both custom makes and hand paints the lanterns. He uses patterns, designs, letters, characters, and family crests from the Edo period as well as some more modern designs upon request.

Susie and Beau will let you know that this has been a tough year for them and their daddy - Nothing like a major medical issue to stir up the pot.  But we all want you to know what a great comfort it is to have a pet or pets as we grow older and begin to face a variety of medical challenges. Little did daddy know that he was training me to also be a therapy dog for him (and mamma) and Beau has learned much along the way even though he is only 9 months old.

A couple years ago my fiancée, my daughter, and his son and father all went to Disney World to celebrate our union together before our wedding.  I already had joined the Disney Vacation Club program, and went ahead to schedule a 2 bedroom villa.  Doug’s father could not walk long distances due to a heart issue, and being 80 years old, so we rented a scooter.  We also made sure that the villa was on the first floor.  My fiancée needed to use a CPAK for oxygen at night, so a comfortable place to sleep was key.  Finally, the kitchen was Wonderful, as we had special dietary needs.

Another set of recommendations and warnings from the mistress of treats, Susie Sweetdog and her brother Beau – be sure to know what you are giving your beloved pets both in their regular diet as well as with treats. Susie says what again!

Hello, I’m Lynn Cahoon, author of The Tourist Trap Mysteries and a frequent solo traveler.  My husband, you’ll hear me call him the cowboy on my posts, doesn’t love traveling as much as I do, so he minds the fort while I wander. 

Join Collette and experience the best of France on this 12 day France Magnifique tour! Bask in the rich history, art, culture and romance of France’s celebrated cities and charming towns. Enjoy a tour and tasting at one of the famous wineries in Vouvray. Witness luxury and splendor in the Principality of Marco, the glittering gem of the Riviera. Relax on a sunset dinner cruise in the “City of Lights,” past famous landmarks along the River Siene.  These fabulous experiences will be sure to make your journey through France unforgettable. 

Havana has been called a City of Porches. Located on the northern coast of the Big Island of Cuba, it is geographically on Latitude 23.14 North. This means the sun beats mercilessly upon its streets and squares. Why would any city be known for its’ porches?

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead.

Could you imagine your life without the love and companionships of animals? I couldn't. 

This is our summer for short regional trips. And we’ve found some delightful places quite close to home that are worthy of a visit.

So I've taken you for a sampling around Montego Bay and Falmouth, but there is much more of Jamaica to see. I did not have the chance to visit it all, but we did explore something very fun in Ocho Rios called Mystic Mountain. Our faithful driver Jermain picked us up at the Melia Braco Village for another day of “What – more places to do crazy things and have fun?”

I honestly don't know how I've been in travel this long and have never been to the island of Jamaica, but somehow I missed it. Lucky for me, the Jamaica Tourist Board gave me the opportunity to make a visit to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios and I'm so happy they did.

It’s almost July!  That means we are halfway through the centennial celebration year for our nation’s park system.  

Last weekend my husband Doug and I went to NYC.  It was his first visit.  I was in a training in Stamford, so we took some time to see the sights in New York City.  The city can be, and is often very exhausting, so on Sunday morning (Doug’s last day) we were looking for a more laid back experience.

The fabulous Starwood Hotel on the grounds of the Gila River Indian Community incorporates the complete Arizona recreational, educational and inspirational experience. Located in Chandler, the resort combines luxury guest rooms, fine dining, the award-winning Aji Spa, four pools, tennis courts and the Whirlwind Golf Club with two 18-hole Troon-managed golf courses. The influence of the Pima and Maricopa tribes is evident in this “living museum” with beautiful architecture, music and art throughout the resort. 

Mandatory retirement does not accord with every person’s soul. It did not with Dr. Amporn Wathanavong’s. He was not accustomed to stillness. His life had been full of errant breezes. Like bamboo, he had become used to the wind’s force. He had learned that at times he had to bend all the way down to avoid snapping. Still, he had always found his way back to the center. 

If you want to experience a life-changing adventure, I highly recommend you combine travel with volunteerism! It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done! I’ve traveled to many beautiful, historic, and tourist friendly places, but volunteering gave me a deeper, richer, and more rewarding experience. It’s a great way to be completely immersed in a new culture, visit places you’ve never have been before, give yourself a new perspective on your life back at home, and have the added feel-good bonus of feeding your soul while helping those in need.

Have you ever visited a new city, and not been sure what you want to see? It can be very overwhelming. On a recent trip to New York City my daughter and I decided to take the hop on hop off bus. Keep in mind that I have sight limitations, and my daughter (who is 19) is very ADHD. This was her first time in the Big Apple, so we choose to take the night time tour.

Last year I was lucky to be asked to review a product by BackJoy called Sit Smart, which I use daily to this day – it keeps my posture straight when I sit in front of my computer, plus they gave back to a charity after my review. So, I was more than thrilled when they approached me again this year to try out some more of their wonderful products.