Monday, October 23, 2017

Japan in one week...what would you do?

This trip to Japan came up unexpectedly for me. My husband scheduled a business trip and I was fortunate enough to have an open week on my calendar. This never happens! The stars aligned, so we found some United airline points and packed my bag.

Traditional and modern restaurants
Since Japan had not found priority on my bucket list - there had been no planning. Yes! I wanted to roam the streets of Tokyo at night, and Yes! I wanted to get to the top of Mt Fuji. But, what did I know about Japan? Sushi..Kimonos..Karaoke??

Turns out, I was a total moron when it came to Asia. So, I sat down and made a list. What was most important for me to see to get a well rounded experience AND what could I double down for my "50 before 50" list which is still in full effect?


Original street signs

All this went out the window when I arrived and found a quiet, respectful culture I knew little about. This trip quickly turned into a learning experience I will never forget. My Japanese adventure became an opportunity for me to pull together all the elements of the book I am currently working on, as well as many moments of reflection. I was able to reconcile a lot of the elements that are confusing for me as I fumble through my mid-life crisis.






In a land where little English is spoken, it was hard. Let's start there. I consider myself a savvy traveler (pun intended). I find it easy to maneuver maps, streets, bus and rail systems. It is quite a rush to get where you need to go in a foreign city without losing your day to getting lost. In Japan, the metro system is in Japanese. It is difficult to find maps that are bi-lingual, and some stations do not have them at all. That makes it difficult to get around without asking for help. You must engage with the people. That is the best part of the travel experience, and helps you get past your fears and insecurities.

There is an interesting collaboration, in Japan, of traditional and modern; architecture, people, food, even the train terminals. Some with multi- lingual signage, menus and/ or maps, some with Japanese only.


Peace Lantern


I spent one morning in a garden that was so peaceful. There were water features and turtles every where. An older gentleman approached me and asked where I was from. I tend to forget that I am unique looking, not only to my own nationals, but especially to people abroad. He watched me for my entire stay in the garden. He watched me take photos. He watched me admire the turtles. He followed me around the park with his eyes, I am certain, wondering how this curious brown girl ended up in his neighborhood...in his country. This is what sparked my curiosity of self even further. Why was I here? What am I searching so desperately for?

I visited Tokyo, Otsuki and spent most of my time in Yokohama where my hotel was located. It was easy(in theory) to get around by train and even though it took more time than I like to spend in transit, it was inexpensive and allowed me to people watch and try to communicate.
Downtown Yokohama


Japan is so very unique. Very clean. The things I noticed seem very simple, but so important in comparing our lifestyle here in the states. People do not litter. If they can not find a trash can, they take their trash with them. You also do not see people walking about the streets eating, likely one reason the trash factor isn't so dire. People leave their bikes unlocked on the street, because stealing is simply unacceptable. There are "women only" cars on the train between 5a-9a. It is an admirable gesture for rush hour when there is stuffing of people on every car and people can't help but be in your personal space.
Still respectful.
I did not see drunken tomfoolery like we witness here. I also saw not one obese person. Not one. We do everything in abundance here, and I do not believe that is a good thing. We over spend. We over eat. We waste like it's our J O B. We live with no regard for our planet, our future, or even our own health. The Japanese culture is so respectful, of each other and the space they take up. I felt truly honored to be allowed in their country and presence for even one week. I still have so much to learn in this short life, but felt I was able to connect the dots a bit on this trip.

There were a few things that stood out as different. The Japanese yen was everywhere. Recently in places like Copenhagen, I saw people moving towards a consistent electronic means of payment, even at the metro stations. I expected that in Japan as well, but money/ currency is power...still, and has value in many places. Giving a child a coin. Placing yen in a vending machine. The value of actual money itself, not the concept that has been propagated by societies that rely on moving, shaking, trading an imaginary value for something that doesn't really even exist.
Yokohama Chinatown
There were ups and downs. I left with no souvenirs, since I waited until the last day and at Nissan stadium(on a game day), the opening of the stadium shop was delayed an hour, we were unable to get inside. That's what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak.

I visited Chinatown in Yokohama looking for something very specific for my mom. I did not find it but I did notice the very American logos on clothing and hats...and it made me sad. Every where we go, commercial America has its hand. And, hey! Don't get me wrong capitalism is great, but what I witnessed and felt in a country who values its people over money was life.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

New Orleans, Revisited

I have been to New Orleans so many times now, this almost seems like a cheat blog.
How many times can I talk about how amazing the local culture is - or how great the food is? But every time I visit there, I find something new. Mo' better art, mo' better shopping, music and surprise! Mo' better food.
I have even found the best tattoo shop I have experienced in a decade.
Nola, You are my heart.
This quick trip sent me into the quarter for a tattoo I had been thinking about for almost a year. The guys over at Big Easy Tattoo & Company are true professionals. Amazing artists and fast. My biggest fear (four tattoos later) is the duration of the pain. How long is this going to hurt? These guys know what they are doing and get it done. Out of all the ink I have had placed on my body - this is the second time I thought,"is it over...already?" YES!! I couldn't believe it. Well done! Art and consideration for your pain. Perfect combination. Clean studio. Easy directions for (after)care. It could not have been an easier experience.
My friend getting ink by Dominic @ Big Easy Tattoo
So easy, that my friend and I carried on with our day as if nothing had even happened. We quickly forgot about the six hours and three flights we worked that day. The quick hour of beautiful pain and art we experienced transcended us further into the quarter to shop and eat. We walked all the way from Canal Street to Frenchman Street passing numerous shops and boutiques along the way. Generally speaking, I am not a big shopper, but in New Orleans, how can you not wander into the unique and fun shops that line the streets of the famous French Quarter. We looked for masks and tutu's and found adult stores and costume parlors. Amazing stores lined every street that we chose. No exceptions. We found our way into La Bella Vida, which I must admit, may be my new favorite boutique in the country. Not only was the owner a gracious hostess, she was the most honest retailer I have come across in a decade. She chose sizes, styles and colors for us. She was a true hostess in her element. She explained why her sale was off the charts, and encouraged us to return again for new selections when she could get her fall merchandise on the floor. She is amazing and beautiful and trustworthy. I felt immediate loyalty. Customer service is an understatement. She loves her store, and she loves her customers. These are the small businesses we need to be supporting 100%.

Then there is the food. Oh! the food. I am not a chain girl. You will not catch me at Chili's or TGIFriday's EVER. I don't like generic menus. I don't like mass produced food. I don't like average. The end.
That said, we were pushed towards a Praline Connection on Frenchman St, and I flinched. I was aware of the chain I had seen in the airport, and at least one other location on the street during my many visits. I did not want to eat here BUT by the time we got around to eating, my friend and I were so hungry, we would have eaten just about anything. So, we rolled in and BOOM Fantastic! I couldn't believe it. The service, the hospitality, the food was too good. I wanted to taste everything, and everything was delicious. Soft shelled crab, fried oysters, fish, shrimp, corn bread, hot damn! Collard greens, mac and cheese - the sides are mouth watering delicious. Just go! Get in there. Git you some!

Seafood platter at the Praline Connection, Frenchman Street
Visit New Orleans. Enjoy the art, music and food. Embrace the streets and the people. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Capilano Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada


Another day, another adventure! As I check off bucket list items and find my list is only getting longer the more I achieve, I respect more and more the wonders of the world, man made and natural. We live in an amazing world filled with exceptional sights and natural beauty.


I have been seeking the nooks on this planet to visit and conquer. The Capilano suspension bridge is amazing to say the least. The bridge itself was built in 1889 and stretches 450 feet across, 230 feet above the Capilano river. It swings back and forth with every step one takes and is a bit ominous to say the least, but I never felt in danger as I crossed over from one side to the other.
The surrounding build-outs in the Treetop Adventure allow traversing through the rainforest and climbing the trees which connect the entire park and make it walkable and climbable. A true adventure park.

Facts and trivia throughout the park






I saw photos of this bridge on Instagram and knew immediately, "this is my next attraction".
Yeah buddy.
I NEED to traverse this bridge, breathe this air, seek what others before me have experienced and pave a path for my children to know what is possible. EVERYTHING!!

Initially, I thought, what a beautiful bridge. I need to experience this. Then my son alerted me, he has a fear of heights. Wait, what?
Not, my son. Young Zeus to my universe. I don't have fears, how can he? It is impossible. Then it was mandatory for me to not only visit, but share these experiences. I realized, not only am I living for me, I am making a legacy for my kids via my path of experiences.
You got this!
I began to feel like like every accomplishment I make allows my kids to know anything is possible. My adventures extend beyond me. They make possibilities available and accessible to my kids. My adventures are now becoming my legacies.

Capilano Lake
Even though Capilano was my destination for this adventure, I had never been to Vancouver, so I looked forward to seeing a new city and experiencing new people. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew this was my kinda place. Customs and Immigration greeted me, "Bonjour", "Well Bonjour!" I had not had the opportunity to speak french in a social setting in years and here I was, in my new favorite city with my customs agent greeting me with the assumption I just may speak their language. Et, Voila, I did. Our conversation was short and polite, but my chest beamed with excitement that this country welcomed me and assumed I could, not assumed I couldn't. These are the breaks I need from the states. The reminders from the rest of the world of my talents and value. "Merci", on my way out of the terminal into Vancouver.
My voyage downtown and to the mountain areas was a pleasant surprise. Vancouver has a clean, fun downtown area with trendy restaurants, competitive shopping areas and a walkable, interesting urban space. There are numerous areas to explore. A waterfront area with outstanding restaurants and bars. The city is livable and maintains a welcoming sense of community. There are noticeable hostels all over downtown highlighting travel for students, and international travelers. Vancouver is accessible and inclusive. Vancouver is the kind of city you visit and think, I could live here. I should be living here.

downtown Vancouver

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Rome

I planned my entire annual birthday month getaway around the international marathon of Rome.
Imagine that.

Every year I plan a solo vacation - a couple weeks alone, to rejuvenate. To find myself. A month where I decide what the next year holds for me. I evaluate my goals. I reconnect with myself. I travel and allow other cultures and insights to deeply influence how I live my  own life. A self reminder of what is good and what could use work in my own life. I set new goals and appreciate successes. I forgive missteps. I relearn how to love myself and this weird, confusing world we live in.

This year, I had a hard time deciding which cities would be on my travel itinerary. Luckily, Runners World magazine helped me decide. I am always looking for fun, new places to run and see new things, simultaneously. Rome is designated the "most scenic marathon in the world". This is where the center of my planning began.
Rome. I also knew Copenhagen had been on my list for years, but I had not been able to work it in, so I thought, this is easy; fly to Rome, run a race, and make my way by train to Denmark.
So many things happened which changed the outcome of this trip, but I did make it.
So many people told me, If you go to Italy you have to go t o Florence, so I added this to my itinerary (see previous blog post).
My trip became complete.
Tuscany - lovely like Bali's trip last year.
Rome - wondrous like Paris, many years prior.


Then Copenhagen - the fresh new start I have needed. For a long time.

Rome youtube

Rome is like most overpopulated urban cities. It has the best of everything, yet the overstimulated vibe of many cities we love and despise. With the marathon going on, many things were closed for security purposes and because of the traffic detours.
Even with the harried crowds, I still got to walk through the Colosseum grounds, see the Parthenon, and witness history. It felt safe to walk around surrounded by my people. Other runners and travelers who had come together for the same sense of belonging and adventure, meeting in one place to connect.
Even amongst the chaos of energy and people, I found streams, and peace, and small bands playing randomly on the streets energizing the passersby. My favorite things to find when I travel are small unexpected music bursts and hidden art. And, of course, the delightful food. Food, glorious food! Rome had it all.
Iconic Rome; one singular moment in the midst of it all


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Florence...Tuscany! The country. The Love.

Florence, the capital city of the region of Tuscany, symbolizes everything I write about in this travel blog; Art, wine, and love. The country of Italy has a romantic presence the entire world is aware of. The food is world known as divine. The wines are celebrated internationally. The art is historically relevant and taught as the epitome of brilliance. All the renown great artists are Italian. Everything spectacular about Italy presented itself to me in the intimate city of Florence.

I love Tuscany so much more than I thought I would, or even intended.  Truth be told, I wasn't even planning on going to Florence. I built this years annual birthday trip around a marathon in Rome. Then, everyone I shared my plans with, proceeded to ask if I was going to Florence. That I absolutely had to visit the Tuscany area and the city of Florence. So, I built it into my trip.
It should have been my entire trip.
The entire area which has been represented in films is even more amazingly beautiful in person. The rolling hills and small chateaus showed like cinematic fantasy as I rode through the countryside on a bus full of international tourists, strangers seeking the same glimpse of fulfillment.
Beautiful Tuscany

I heard the voices of the people who kept telling me, "you have to go to Florence". I had no idea the truth to their words. People tell you all the time, "this is so good", "you have to try that", "it's the best", and it's not - usually it's garbage, but I am willing to try. This was the exception, by far.
I felt the energy. I visited the Duoma, and the museums. I ate the food and drank the wine. I watched the people glide through the streets in the clothes. Geez, people are not kidding about the fashion sense of the Italians. They got it. The end. The word fabulous was invented and intended for Italian women.
All I could think of when I saw women effortlessly breeze around, was the scene from Sex and the City where Carrie's Italian friend sees her on the streets of NYC, and she says, "Carrie, Ciao" *kiss kiss* and she is just fucking fabulous. It made me want to start wearing dresses again and up my game. These are women. Confident, sexy, un-bothered women living life to the fullest.

I immersed myself in the countryside, and I got lost. I mean really lost. Every day I was lost. All day.  Everyday. Happily lost in a foreign country for hours at a time. I got so lost, but in the best way. I wandered back streets. I got scared. I back tracked. I walked and walked and walked, and in the end I found my way, but those lost hours were only lost in the American concept that I had somewhere to be, but I didn't. I needed to be right where I was, at every moment in Tuscany, embracing my short life, wandering the streets of Italy, soaking up the sun, looking for the meaning of life in the perfect month of my 49th year of life.
It was in all sense of the phrase, "all good".


Youtube Tuscany with SherriB0mb

These are just a few moments I captured while wandering the streets of Florence and touring Tuscany. I met artists, shared fine meals and even bought a few Italian dresses. This is probably one of the cities I know I will return and enjoy as much, if not more than the first time. There will never be the same beautiful moments captured in any given hour of time.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

CUBA: La Habana

I have been looking forward to visiting Cuba for as long as I can remember. I do not know when I read my first Hemingway novel. Even at age twelve I was destined to visit this beautiful island. To see travel restrictions lifted in my lifetime is a blessing long awaited.
Cubans take the People to People educational aspect very seriously. I found this enlightening and welcoming in my visit. I appreciated the opportunity to talk one on one with any and all locals that were happy and available to speak wih me about their lovey country.
There are many choices to stay in regards to hotels, Air BnB's, hostels, etc. There are also a range of prices to choose from in accommodations. Something to suit anyone's needs. AirBnB's which run from $60US to high end hotels which start at over $200US (or CUC) per night. The exchange rate is dollar to dollar and it is good to know, they do not accept credit cards. So, come cash ready, but know there are cash agencies all over the city (and in major hotels) that will exchange dollars for CUC.

We have all seen the photos of vintage cars and luxurious hotels back-dropped against the most wondrous sunsets in the world. We have also heard the music, and felt the rhythm as we have watched Cuban men and women salsa and rumba with their very own distinctive style. It is contagious and sexy.

I walked through the streets listening for the music...and it drew me in. At one point I had just sat down in the lobby of a hotel to rest my weary feet when I heard a trumpet, and then the drums. I jumped up and ran towards the street and here they came. It was like the pied piper luring followers through the streets enticing us with each note. The dancers calling to us with their movements and joy.


The art, the music, the people, the costumes, the dance, LIFE. The stories and history. I ate it up like a starved child eats porridge. Oh, and the food. The combination of Caribbean flavors and international food choices was undeniably unique and satisfying. The combination of African Cuban spices and traditional meals are the existence of today's Cuba. Cured meats, sausages, rice and beans. a warm beer. This is a good meal shared among friends and family on this small, beautiful island. We began our food journey at a place called Topoly, an Iranian restaurant within walking distance of our Air BnB. Beautiful environment with great service and the most wonderful fare. I found out a vegetarian burger meant falafel and the spices were mainly middle eastern in taste. We also had the chance to eat at opening night at a place called Area 23 - very much like Tapas, it was small plates with wonderful local flavors. We had mixed sausages and everything had the most taste sensational sensual flavors. The restaurant was family run and also had a great local drink menu. Ambiance and deliciousness all wrapped up in one spot.

The composition of the city itself was easy to discern - Art and vintage defined everything.
The old cars, and bikes, and horses which still pulled goods on trucks and trolleys defined the feel of the mood of Havana. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Seeing a man on a horse, pulling goods on a cart seemed normal. Bicycles in the center square making time to work all seemed normal. Watching the hordes of women get on buses or in cars were the norm. ARE the norm. Because the change of the world around them changed and grew, did nothing to adjust the norm of the traditional day in the life of Cuba. Walking to work. Dropping a quarter into a payphone on the street to telephone a friend - this was still the same day to day as existed 50 years ago and still existed today. This Havana.


The cats of Havana were
 an enigma in itself. They were everywhere but unlike cats of other countries, Puerto rico for example, the cats of Havana owned the island. This was their domicile. Every corner, every street alley, every turn, a cat would make eye contact - not move, not adjust for man or tourist. My street, my life...the cats seemed to say, through their eyes - not needing to explain, not needing to own their words. They own their lives. Solely. Proudly.


The art districts and music of Cuba are somewhat historically self-defined, but you can never imagine the richness of the soul of Cuba until you hear it and see it for yourself.  The food as well, has layers and layers of flavors and differences that make the Cuban food game the top of its tier.


Calle de Hamel/Afro Cuban art district
I had coffee on my last morning with the host of the AirBnB which we rented, and it was the most open, honest, relate-able conversation I have had in a long time. It offered not only historic value, but a cultural insight and an immediate comraderie between women which came simply from the context of the conversation and the honesty with which Sol, our host, answered. I hope to have the chance to host her in the future and share with her as she did with me. There are certain things we can always share as human beings; stories of our children, societal issues, history, family pride, food - these things will always connect us when we make time to listen.

Find more travel photos/ video on my youtube channel, Cuba

A great thanks to the people of Cuba for allowing us to visit to see, to share their lives...again. 

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Best of...Las Vegas

I spent the past weekend in Las Vegas with my mother and daughter. A girl's night out not to be topped. A mom's day surprise for my mother - how often do you get to treat your mother to one of the best (and most reasonable priced) suites on the strip, a fancy dinner and perhaps a show?
In the busy world we live in, I hardly get to see my daughter, much less spend a weekend with her. So, I view this as a double treat. I have been to Vegas many times. I was based there at the beginning of my flight attendant career and have many little secret "go-to" spots for different needs.
I have my favorite, off-strip hotel, my favorite non-gaming hotel, my favorite place to grab a quick, inexpensive bite to eat - but these are all flight crew secrets. I saw this an an opportunity to share some of my tourist favorites with my mom and my kid, and share the Vegas I know and love.

Vegas in the summer time is the most energetic place in the world. The buzz of excitement, whether from winning at the tables, or seeing the most fabulous show, meeting your love of the night, or eating some of the best food in the world - the crowds are always an international mixing bowl of curiosity and fervor. As I drove my family around and shared what I love the most about this electric city, I thought, I should make a "Best Of" list.

miso soup @RA
So, here goes, for my friends and family:
The best day ever in Las Vegas.

Best Suite on the Strip: The Venetian

Best priced Suite on the strip (and best room service): The Palazzo

Best off strip hotel: Hyatt Place (no resort fee/ free breakfast, parking and wifi)

Best shopping: Caesar's Palace


Best lunch (taste and value): Ra sushi @ Fashion Show Mall


Best brunch: Mandalay Bay...still


Best table gambling experience: Toss up between Caesar's (where I win), and The Palms (where the dealers are nice to me)


Best dinner: Mon Ami Gabi @Paris Paris (reservations suggested)
The Eiffel Tower at Paris Paris
Best after hours: Drai's ...still

Best live music experience (including clogging): Four Irishmen @NYNY

Best club experience: The Palms (this changes every time I visit, as new clubs open and close every week) but the Palms has hands down the best rooftop party in Vegas no matter what they are calling the club this week.

Best people watching for entertainment value patio on the strip: Mon Ami Gabi (w/ direct views of the Bellagio water show across the street)

Best fast food: In and Out Burger

Best Pool: Now this one is very difficult because everyone has a different idea of what pool time should look like. I like to hang desperately from my lounger hoping the water magically appears replenishing all the bodily fluids I have lost while reliving my youth the night before. A quiet sunny spot, with cool clean pool water to revive me: The Palazzo
Some prefer a young crowd and loud music, checking out the fashion show of hot bodies and their expensive swimsuits from behind their aviators and oversized glamor shades: The Cosmopolitan
Those that believe a child's pool, and chicken fingers on the menu, is necessary - this article is not for you.

Best art gallery: LikVenetian featuring the work of Peter Lik

Best renovated old school hotel: The Tropicana

Best Euro-heavy hotel and casino: Aria

Best Australian men spotted: Treasure Island

Best zip line activity: Downtown Fremont Street

Best place for kids: NOT Vegas


Bottom line, there is a little something for everyone. If glamorous suites and french cuisine are not your thing, there are plenty of hot dogs and rum Slurpee's along the strip as well. It is still the adult playground it always has been. Now, with Celine, JLO, and Brittney headlining and replacing the Brat Pack, its a women's playground as well.

Have fun ladies!!

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Spring Welcome Back Vlog

I warned you all that I would be testing the waters on this "vlogging thing" and stepping out of my social media comfort zone, so I am starting to Vlog for Savvy Traveler followers.

This also gets me a chance to get more subscribers to my YouTube channel, where I am posting more pics/ vids from my travel.

Han on tight, I am certain this is going to be a bumpy ride as I get used to the video concept, but I'm on-board if you are.

Savvy Traveler VLOG

Feel free to check out the past YouTube videos which should be attached to some of the latest blogs below, as well as a sneak peek of Cuba - the pics are coming along, even if the words aren't perfect on the screen yet.

Thanks again for all the support!

Monday, April 24, 2017

Sweet, Simple Sanibel Island

I have had an ongoing argument with my peers about the best beaches in the U.S.
East vs. west, the bougie vs. the laid back, but to me it's always been about the sand and the sun. The sunset after-party is just as important as the beach itself but only in your twenties and thirties. Once you have kids, the party is over, so it goes back to the sun and the sand. At my age, I want to know where the live music is at Happy Hour. The end. Breakfast. Sun. Happy Hour.



I personally believe the west coast beaches are the best; the cleanest, the best sand, nicer crowds. I have found east coast beaches to be rocky, dirty and over crowded with tourists. To be honest, the locals are not that friendly either - seemingly agitated at the tourism income their town brings in.




Not until I visited Waikiki Beach had I ever witnessed the same kind of over population and crowds that I see on the east coast beaches consistently. Now, Sanibel island was a beautiful, long awaited surprise.





The sea shells of Sanibel
Sanibel has all my favorite things; white, clean sand, beautiful shells everywhere, and the tourists seem more mature - actually respectful of the small island and it's charm. The locals were laid back and simply, nice people. Most were happy to have the business from people they know are their bread and butter.The restaurants were very traveler friendly, and there is no weirdness between locals and tourists (that I witnessed).

The locals are very aware of their footprint and you will find signs at the beaches that read, "Leave nothing but your footprints on the beach". This should be a worldwide notice. Stop trashing our world!



Then there is the lighthouse - the sweet Sanibel lighthouse that looks like four guys in overalls built it by hand. It exemplifies everything sweet, good and hand made on the island. Respect. History.
There is a small plaque beneath the base of the lighthouse that explores why it took so long to be built but no real history of the people of Sanibel or how the island came to be populated. I would love to read the history of the secrets of Sanibel Island and find out how it stayed so exclusive and remote.




Sanibel is a sweet island reminiscent of all the good things of the past. It delivers a sense of family and friendship, of good, clean living. There are all the assets of resort living, with the small town feel of restaurants, shops, and people biking instead of driving. It is quaint and wonderful.



"Do not leave anything on the beach except for your footsteps"

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Copenhagen!

The first thing I want to say about Copenhagen is, it is the kind of city where strangers (locals) stop you in the street, or on the train, or in the middle of whatever you are doing, to ask, "what are you looking for", "where are you going"? They want to help strangers, and do so freely. It is an innate and powerful kindness. I had it happen numerous times, and kindly, warmly because it is the right thing to do. My type of city.


Nyhavn
Copenhagen was everything I wanted it to be. All my expectations were exceeded. The people are genuine and friendly. Open and easy going, in the most relevant sense. The city has an ease of living about it which is hard to explain, but easy to sense. Walk-able and livable. Copenhagen is the definition of modern living with traditional values and comfort. They are proud to be eco friendly - aware of the earths resources - this transcends law in the most human factor. They really do care, and you feel that in every aspect of the city itself.
 The primary reason I initially wanted to travel to Copenhagen was to see the Little Mermaid statue, and visit the home of Hans Christian Anderson. My grandmothers, who both influenced my life greatly, were educators and avid readers. They not only introduced me to travel and appreciation of culture and world views - they showed me authors and artists from all over the world from a young age. H C Anderson was one that I always remembered. Like I learned on my guided tour of the city - his stories were (and still are) relevant to society and impact how we treat each other as a human race. The Little Mermaid, may be the most famous, but The Emperors New Clothes and The Ugly Duckling were just as powerful and still show how we as a society judge each other, and are impacted by others perceptions.
Hans Christian Anderson's, The Little Mermaid

I was super lucky to get to witness the
Changing of the guard at the Queen's Palace
changing of the guards TWICE. Once I happened to be walking the area between the palace and the city center and saw the soldiers making their way towards the Queen's Palace, and the second day, I was on a tour bus which alerted us to get off and go onto the Palace grounds to witness the changing ceremony...SO I DID! It was a beautiful tradition and showed so much respect to the city and the Queen. I felt in awe, simply being allowed to watch. And another moment where a local, grabbed me by the shoulders and pulled me to the front of the crowd so that I could get a better photograph as he sang along to the national song. It brought tears to my eyes.



bike lanes are serious business, not just a concept
 One of the things I appreciated about the city was their conscious awareness of their footprint. It was obvious - saving the earth is not just a slogan, it is a lifestyle. The city is proactive in every portion of their living. There are more bike lanes than car lanes. Bikes are lined up everywhere, outside work spaces, outside the metro, in front of apartment buildings, schools, and eateries. Biking and walking are a way of life. I walked and took the metro everywhere I went, but loved the ownership of the bikes.
It just exists as such - freely and lovely. A simple life dedicated to keeping their city clean and easy. I understand that most people own more than one bike - it's like having cars in the U.S.
Even residents from other countries who happen to live there now, also fall right in, walking and biking, living a lifestyle that says, I care about this earth we inhabit; I care about you, my neighbor.


beautiful natural framing of Danish life
The beauty of the city extended far beyond the architecture and esoteric values visible to the naked eye. The beauty of Copenhagen is a feeling as well. A knowledge of something eccentrically good among the people, and the land, and the forward thinking of the society itself. I felt safe and welcome. In todays world, this is unique and sacred and I valued my time here.
I wish goodness everlasting for Copenhagen, its inhabitants, and the visitors so blessed to experience this wonderful city.
The kind of town you want to send a "thank you gift" to, after visiting.

For additional photos, please visit my youtube channel Copenhagen Youtube

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Hawai'i, How I love thee

One of my favorite destinations on the planet. I have been to Hawai'i many times now. Maui hands down, is my favorite island. I was lucky enough this winter to get to share this island with my children in a family vacation.
I do not blog much on family vacations, because I travel solo most of the time. I also have older children, so I do not consider myself an expert on childrens, "things to do". I am well past that. It is a pleasure to share my experiences with my children and to find things to do that teens, young adults and grown folks all enjoy. How can you fail in Hawai'i?

Kihei

There is so much to see and do. I am a planner, so it was easy to mark the agenda with outdoor activities. Snorkeling, boating, beach hopping and typical tourist activities were abundant and accessible. We secured a condo in Kihei and drove up and down the coast in search of activities. The road to Hana, Paia, Lahaina, Kapalua, Napili - I think we hit all the hot spots on our 10 day vacation.




The famous Front Street in Lahaina provided entertainment for a couple days, as well as wonderful food and shopping. We tried three different restaurants on Front Street, and of course, the famous shaved ice. The seafood is amazing and the rooftop seating is worth the price of the menu. Be sure to enjoy the calamari at Captain Jacks Bar across the street from the Banyan tree. Almost all the bars offer cocktails with local POG juice. Yum. Add rum. Shake. Serve.

We secured a weeklong pass to the Maui Ocean Center and utilized the facility for bored afternoons when it was raining, or we were tired of our beach days. The aquarium has a wonderful shark tank as well as turtle ponds, and other local fish pools. A wonderful activity for families with small children. A bargain if you get the week pass (same price for one day).

Pride of Maui Snorkel/ Snuba tour
Oluwalu Point
We took a snorkel trip to Olowalu point where the tour company we chose (Pride of Maui) offered snorkel and snuba. A brilliant way to spend a half day. Morning tours as well as afternoon tours offered. Lunch and drinks provided. We were hoping to travel to Molokini Crater, which is where all the tour companies advertise, but the tour company decides where the boat sails dependent upon weather. Slightly disappointing,  but still a great day.

Haleakala National Park














The Road to Hana may be a bit overrated. We are not "car trip" people. So, six hours in the car on a dangerous windy road, shared with other tourists, who are not the best drivers, and locals who are driving exceptionally fast, was not our idea of a great day. It was exhausting at best. Once we reached Haleakala National Park, we found out the Seven Sacred Pools were not open for swimming due to rough water. Tough day. There were other similar areas (in regards to overlooks, rock formations and ocean access) which were closer to our condo and just as beautiful. I wish we had known beforehand. That might be a trip we avoided. Alternate destinations include, La Perouse as one example, south of Kihei. Blow Hole is another example, north of Kapalua Bay. Amazing locations, far less crowded and just as beautiful.

We took a quick day trip to Paia, where the local shops and brewery were a relief from the congested area on the west side of the island. Laid back and far more chill than Lahaina. Perhaps a bit too mellow to stay here for more than a  day or two, it was a quiet getaway from all the tourist shenanigans in the more congested areas. Mama's seafood is also in Paia, which is one of the best restaurants on the island.


Beach wise, it's hard to go wrong anywhere on the island. I am a fan of Kapalua Bay, simply because the water is calm and it is less congested(by tourists). Located in a  high end area, I find it soothing and comforting for a quiet beach day. My 21 year old daughter preferred Napili Bay which is a great family beach. Also, calm waters, but it is so crowded I find it appalling. If you are looking to socialize and aren't bothered the incessant sound of screaming children, you will not have issue with this beach. Both are on the west side of Maui. My son liked the beaches at Paia. Typical surf beaches. Great waves and lots of young people. The beaches at Kihei were beautiful and perfect compliment to the calm area.





 The sunsets were the icing on the cake. Every evening, undeniable. Hard to forget where you were...a beautiful end to every day in paradise. Hawai'i gorgeous and peaceful.


Sunset Kihei