Category: Travel

A mouthwatering selection at Crosstown Doughnuts in London UK. ©travelmagnolia2016
Europe, Food, Travel

Foodie Friday | London

Heading to London? You won’t lack for dining options! Here are a few of my favorites from my most recent trip.

Bao

Exterior of Chinese dumpling restaurant Bao in London's SoHo neighborhood. ©travelmagnolia2016

New to me, but a real crowd pleaser (NB – expect to wait about 30 minutes in line across the lane from the entrance – they do not take reservations), Bao has expanded from takeout only at Netil Market, to three locations, including the one in Soho where I ate. Yes, it seems a bit absurd to wait so long but bring a book, or a companion, and you will not regret it. Delicious Taiwanese dim sum and more. Continue reading “Foodie Friday | London”

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Volubilis, Roman Ruins, Morocco ©travelmagnolia2016
Morocco, Travel

Morocco | Great Day Trips from Fez

Whenever possible, I like to unpack and settle in for at least five nights in one place. That reduces the time spent on logistics and, conversely, increases time for fun! We spent five nights in Fez which gave us plenty of opportunity to explore the city and also make two day trips.

Chefchaouen

Berber with produce

To visit Chefchaouen is to step back in time.The city is located in the Rif mountains and was developed as a fortress in the late 16th century and was a refuge for Moors and Jews fleeing the Spanish inquisition (it is only about 60 miles from the Mediterranean).  Continue reading “Morocco | Great Day Trips from Fez”

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Fez, Morocco, Tourism, Dar el Makhzen gates
Morocco, Travel

Morocco | Visit Fez First

I first visited Morocco several years ago when I spent a few days in Marrakech, followed by the Atlas Mountains and ending in Essaouira. This was enough to whet my appetite to spend more time in this vibrant country.  However, after my recent trip to Fez, I suggest that future travelers start there for a more immersive and even, perhaps, more authentic Moroccan experience. Continue reading “Morocco | Visit Fez First”

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Morocco, Travel

Morocco | More Amazing Artisans in Fez

It is no small comfort that even in this 21st century fast-paced immediate gratification world, there are still those who practice skills that require infinite patience and sometimes a life time of training.  In addition to the artisans profiled in my previous post, we saw masters of other crafts producing exquisite works.

Zouaq

Ceilings, walls and doors are adorned with Zouaq, traditional Moroccan painting that uses geometric and biomorphic motifs.

Continue reading “Morocco | More Amazing Artisans in Fez”

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Fountain, Riad Fez, Fès, Morocco, ©travelmagnolia2016
Morocco, Travel, Video

Morocco | Fez’s Amazing Artisans Pt 1

Fez is a city of contradictory impressions: at once revealing the artistry that has characterized since its founding in the late 9th century, while also hiding much of its beauty behind the high walls and imposing doors.  What is absolutely clear is that generations of talented artisans have handed down their skills and fortunately these are still being practiced today. This post focuses on the art of Zellige (geometric tile work for which Fez is renowned) and ceramics.

Fountain, Riad Fez, Fès, Morocco, ©travelmagnolia2016
Zellige design fountain and wall decor  at Riad Fes

Continue reading “Morocco | Fez’s Amazing Artisans Pt 1”

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Morocco, Travel

Morocco | Friendly Faces of Fez

Just back from four days in Fez, a fascinating city that offers the chance to lose oneself (literally and figuratively) in its medina where life hasn’t changed much in twelve centuries. In fact, Fès el Bali (the official name of the medina) is believed to be the largest car free urban area in the world.

Continue reading “Morocco | Friendly Faces of Fez”

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Shepard Fairey mural on building side in downtown LA
Art, Travel

LA’s Arts District | Chock a Block

Just east of downtown Los Angeles, the sprawling warehouse area is gradually transitioning from industrial to trendy with increasing numbers of boutiques, galleries, lofts and the inevitable restaurants and coffee shops that follow. Perhaps no one block (okay – it’s really several but feels like one) epitomizes the changing nature of this area as much as East 3rd Street between Santa Fe and Traction where Hauser Wirth Schimmel just opened their arts complex in a former flour mill.   Continue reading “LA’s Arts District | Chock a Block”

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Travel

Los Angeles | City of Contrasts

Mention Los Angeles to people and their reactions are as varied as the city’s neighborhoods.  To some, it is the incarnation of the American Dream –  the place where stars are born. Or, a sprawling car centric culture albeit one with panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Lately, many think of the burgeoning arts scene and the remarkable culinary diversity  (no longer is the difference between LA and yogurt that [only] one has an active culture).  Continue reading “Los Angeles | City of Contrasts”

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travelmagnolia.me, Grand Teton National Park, gtnp
National Parks, Travel, United States

Grand Teton National Park

I know where I will be on August 25, 2016: celebrating the US National Park Service’s Centennial (and my older daughter’s birthday)  in my favorite park – Grand Teton National Park.   Locals refer to it as The Park – as in I’m going biking/hiking/skiing/fishing/kayaking etc. in the Park. Come summer in Jackson Hole, the tourists go to Yellowstone but everyone else stays away from the teeming hoards and enjoys the spectacular beauty and relative peace of its neighbor closer to home.

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Art, Museums, Travel

New York City State of Mind

Growing up in the suburbs, New York was simply “the city.” To this day, I think of it as such, although other metropolises may have vied for my affections (see: Paris, Istanbul and Copenhagen). For the next several years, I will be a part-time resident of the city that never sleeps.  I am excited to more fully experience all that this amazing place has to offer and to share new discoveries and long time favorites.  This post focuses on two arts institutions that may not be on the top of visitors’ lists.  Continue reading “New York City State of Mind”

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