Mingalaba Myanmar – Part I – Inle Lake

Myanmar is at the top of my “re-visit” list.  The people are extremely friendly, the food is delicious and scenery is beyond compare.  Now is the time to plan a trip to Myanmar as November – March has the best weather (at least for those of us who dislike heat, humidity and monsoons).  There are many wonderful spots, but I highly recommend a night or … Continue reading Mingalaba Myanmar – Part I – Inle Lake

Venice on My Mind

St. Mark’s Square with the its Basilica, numerous caffès and the  Doge’s Palace  is thronged with tourists year-round. However, there are wonderful neighborhoods to explore where the Venetians live and play. Whether you are going to Venice for the Biennale (through November 22, 2015) or just to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities on earth, make sure to visit the lesser known areas of Dorsoduro,  and Santa Croce. … Continue reading Venice on My Mind

Will Travel for Food

Gourmet magazine was my introduction to the world of food and travel for food.  Sadly, it is no longer in print.  However, I like to think its spirit lives on in many people, including me.  When I am in the planning phases of a trip, my first concern is where I want to eat. All other decisions emanate from there. While we did visit a … Continue reading Will Travel for Food

Airport Love

There’s something about airports that intoxicates me.  The lure of faraway destinations yet to be explored and the promise of adventures to come.  Not all airports or terminals are created equal and some are definitely in need of a makeover or total redo.  I was sad to see the demolition of the  iconic flying saucer that was Pan Am’s Worldport. I spent many an hour in that … Continue reading Airport Love

Simply Irresistible

I encountered these lovely ladies on a visit to Konavle, a particularly lush region just 18 kilometers southeast of Dubrovnik . The agriturismo movement is catching on here, which is only natural in a region where eating what one grows is standard operating practice. My friends and I enjoyed a fabulous meal featuring Peka – a traditional Dalmatian dish of slow roasted veal and potato dish cooked under a dome in a bed of embers and … Continue reading Simply Irresistible

To Travel is to Live

Those of you paying very close attention might have noticed my new tagline: to travel is to live – a quote from Hans Christian Andersen that I first saw at Torvehallerne an outstanding food hall in Copenhagen (click here to see photo and read more about it). I wholeheartedly concur with Mr. Andersen’s sentiment – and I couldn’t have said it better.  I love almost everything about travel … Continue reading To Travel is to Live

Make New Friends

and keep the old! This is the vision behind travelmagnolia. For me, a highlight of travel is meeting and getting to know new people. Another  is sharing my experiences and photos.  I hope new friends will connect with me via this blog and share their travels as well, while the friends I have made near and far will be able to keep track of me, at least virtually! … Continue reading Make New Friends

Time to Split |Croatia

Split may be best known for Diocletian’s Palace, built as a “retirement home” for the emperor in the early 4th century.  The city has countless other charms due to its Adriatic coast location including beaches, water sports, access to the beautiful islands just off its coast, and delicious cuisine featuring the local seafood. The 60 meter 14th century campanile of the  Cathedral of Saint Duje … Continue reading Time to Split |Croatia

Croatia | Lavander Man and Other Reasons to Visit Hvar

  Call me cynical, but I was prepared not to like Hvar. After all, everyone else does and it turns out for good  reason. An afternoon in Hvar town is plenty, unless you are into the party scene which rages after midnight. Otherwise, visit the fort, the church and the museum before heading for the hills. Stari Grad is a charming port and one of the oldest cities … Continue reading Croatia | Lavander Man and Other Reasons to Visit Hvar