Search results for 'san francisco'

If you like deserts, you’ll fall in love with PALM SPRINGS!  It’s like a giant mirage built in the desert, in the suffocating heat, with a/c spritzers cooling you as you walk the action packed streets.

Susie and Beau are always glad to hear about new opportunities for pets in travel. It has come to our attention that a bill has recently passed the House of Representatives (HR 2066) that will require Amtrak to allow pets aboard trains. The billed is dubbed the Pets on Trains Act, which is part of a larger package called the Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act.

This is the year of Diego and Frida.  A historic exhibition, with 70 of the most passionate works by these iconic Mexican artists, opened on March 15 at the Detroit Institute of Art.  On May 16, the first solo exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s work to be seen in New York City in 25 years will open at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx.  The New York exhibition will be the first to focus exclusively on Kahlo's intense interest in the botanical world. The Detroit show is a wonderful introduction to Diego and Frida and their time spent in Detroit (1932-1933).  But there’s so much more …

When’s the last time you got lost? I mean truly let go from the day-to-day grind and unable to be located from the contemporary chaos? In the never-ending, take-no-prisoners, 24/7 plugged in, forever-online world we live in, when is the last time you stopped to enjoy the actual world around you? Honestly?  When was the last time you appreciated life’s simple outdoor pleasures like jumping in a lake in the summer heat, inhaling the cool mountain air, feeling the salty ocean mist hit your face, gazing up at the stars on a still night, or feeling the wind hit your face on the Great Plains? It’s time to stop staring down the proverbial barrel of your computer screen and put a few miles in the rear-view. Work will always be there, it's time to make some memories and enjoy what life has to offer outside of the status quo.  

Florida is known as the Sunshine State, and as the southernmost state in the continental USA, there are endless stretches of coastline dotted with white sand beaches. Although that’s true, there is so much more to this sunny destination! Head to the Florida Keys and spend a full day in Hemingway’s haunt — Key West. Travel through the natural splendor of the Everglades, stopping the Everglades National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a prime habitat of alligators and other wildlife so keep your cameras handy! Additionally, this tour stops in Naples, situated on the Gulf of Mexico, historical St. Augustine and Cocoa Beach. Come, feel the warmth of Florida!

From the moment you land on an island, you feel it – the special uniqueness that belongs to Hawaii.  The islands are infused with the spirit of Aloha, and a heartfelt hospitality permeates the culture in this tropical paradise.  You’ll find the warmth of the people, the majestic beauty of the islands and the diverse experiences offer something for everyone.

On a recent family trip to Disney World my family decided to visit EPCOT.  It happened to be during the FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL so we packed our bags and our rented electric scooter and joined a bus full of happy people.

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.

Silk Road Treasure Tours is offering a series of two different educational group tours for 2015-2016.  These include: Following the Central Asia Silk Road (2015: June 2-19, July 10-27, August 14-31, September 18-October 4; 2016: June 2-19, August 4-21, September 15-October 2), and a Silk Road Study Tour to Uzbekistan (2015: June 3-12 and July 29-August 8; 2016: May 20-30, June 16-26, September 15-25).

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?

Whenever a trip is being planned, there are usually many “wishes” to be fulfilled. One thing for sure is the desire to taste the most fantastic food in the most luxurious settings. Of course, there is fabulous street food, but we’re all about making reservations, dressing up, and enjoying a dining experience for a true foodie!

We’ll journey to many great restaurants in these travels, but let’s start with a couple of my favorites, in my ultimately most favorite place – the French Riviera.  And, we’ll start at the top of a mountain. COLUMBE D’OR in St. Paul de Vence is arguably one of the most famous restaurants in the world. It has appeared in numerous movies, and attracts Royalty, Presidents, Movie stars, and the global uber-rich out for an amazing experience. 

Collette offers incredible Guided Tours, all with the options of savoring the local flavors. There’s an abundance of region-specific food & wine that’s simply waiting for you to arrive! For example, on our Spain’s Classics tour, you’ll get to enjoy native paella with a local fisherman and his family. While visiting Portugal & its Islands, you’ll experience the savory flavors of a traditional Madeira dish called espetada. And on Collette’s Italy’s Treasures guided tour, you’ll visit a winery in the heart of Tuscany that showcases a wine cellar, vineyards and olive groves. 

I love Spain - for it truly is my most favorite country to visit and even to retire. We have visited the capital, Madrid and also Barcelona but the one city that is the top of my list to visit - or even to consider retiring is Malaga - a brilliant gem yet to be discovered

Where can you mingle with Tunis Sheep, bird watch right out of your window and walk through 50 acres of woods? How about the middle of Amish country in Millersburg, Ohio? I’m talking about the Inn at Honey Run. This is an adults-only property located somewhat in the middle of the state between Cleveland and Columbus. There are 40 guestrooms with a two person maximum per room.

Collette offers a variety of tours to South and Central America that will leave you in awe of the magnificent views, spectacular shorelines and breathtaking landscapes. Delve into the secrets of the region: the biodiversity of the rainforest, the vibrant culture along grand boulevards, ancient sites once lost to history, renowned wine regions and surprising cuisine. And even reach the bottom of the world! Check out some of these South and Central America tours today! 

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.

We all remember the FIRST TIME! Yes, that first time, but all the other wonderful ones that fill our lives with joy and happiness. I was living in San Francisco, a fine place to live, and like so many places I have lived; it’s in the center of so many other things. It’s a hub, to the north and the wine country, to the south LA, Palm Springs, the heat and Hollywood. And, just a short ride away into the mountains for skiing.  And there I fell in love – with skiing and Squaw Valley.

We are always on the hunt for new and interesting types of accommodations to share with you. Well, maybe new is not the correct term for this unusual property, but unique would certainly cover it. I’ll bet not many of you have stayed in a Broch, or even know what it is. That’s why we’re here - to keep you in the know! 

As a boomer I was blessed with my father having been in the Air Force and we lived in Spain (Torrejon AFB outside Madrid) when I was in High School  What a perfect age to be exposed to other countries and cultures!  

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!  

Looking for a luxurious country retreat in the English countryside? The Lower Fifehead Farm is a deluxe bed and breakfast that fills the bill. Located in the south of England in Dorset and close to the town of Sturminster Newton the property is just about 50 miles west of Southampton via A31. 

We live in a hectic world where the days seem to fly by at warp speed and we tend to miss some of the beauty that surrounds us, but I found a spot where time stands still and nature stands out. Join me as I take you to Mohawk Valley, just outside Eugene, Oregon to the Tipi Village Retreat.

New England’s miles of sandy beaches, majestic coasts, and rolling surf invite relaxation. The Islands of New England tour spends eight days exploring New England’s charms, from the cobblestone streets of Nantucket to a dry harvest cranberry bog, cultivating that relaxed atmosphere. Step back in time at Plimoth Plantation to sample traditional recipes from that period. Here, you’ll come to know some Pilgrim etiquette and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast where you’ll learn to “eat like a Pilgrim.” In Provincetown, the choice will be yours – set out on a whale watch cruise or embark on a scenic adventure through the iconic sand dunes of the Cape. You’ll also get to visit the historic locations of Boston and Providence, the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the lively artist colony of Provincetown, and the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. 

“The value of a relationship should not be measured by the length of time the relationship lasts, but by the strength of the bond that exists every moment you are together. When you eventually say goodbye, you need to appreciate the moments you had, more than you dread the moments you won’t have.”