Croatia has become an extremely popular destination in recent years, due in no small part to Game of Thrones‘ enormous success. Dubrovnik is lovely and GOT fans can visit many of the sites made famous by the show. However, Croatia’s charm is best manifested in the lesser known locales and especially the islands off the Dalmatian Coast. (See previous posts: Meet Me in Mljet, Lavandar Man and Other … Continue reading More on Magical Mljet, Croatia
Decisions, decisions. At home, most days begin with fresh fruit, nuts and yogurt, or maybe oatmeal in cold weather. Therefore, one of highlights of travel for me is the wonderful breakfast options (and someone else who does the shopping, prep and cleanup). In Italy, there were so many options: which bread – savory or sweet, which cheese, which fruit, which type of cured meat, which … Continue reading Foodie Friday | Puglia
Were it possible to fall in love with a beverage, Caffe in ghiaccio con latte di mandorla (iced espresso with almond milk) would be the target of my affections. We met one day on a sunny square in Santa Cesarea Terme and my life has never been the same. Almond milk has become tremendously popular in the United States in recent years, but generations have made … Continue reading Best. Coffee. Ever.
Puglia’s pristine coastline invites comparison to the Amalfi Coast. There are the same winding roads and stunning views, but none of the congestion. As in the interior, there are charming villages, with Otranto at the top of my list. The exquisite Church of the Madonna of Altomare sits above the bay overlooking Otranto. While every town has its places of worship, this one stands apart with … Continue reading By the Sea, By the Sea – Puglia Part 2
Compared to just about everywhere else in Italy, Puglia is relatively quiet, especially come September 1, when the Italian families who spend August there have returned to work and school. This may be the best time to enjoy the spectacular wine, bountiful produce and seafood. Inland Puglia features traffic-free country roads lined with trulli, fields of sheep, and endless groves of olive trees. There is nothing quite like just pressed olive … Continue reading Trulli, Madly, Deeply – Puglia Part I
There’s a reason Norwegians dominate nordic events in the Winter Olympics: they roller ski to places the rest of us access by train or car. Our last day in Oslo, we decided to venture a field to Holmenkollen, home to a 60 meter ski jump, the world’s oldest ski museum and some great hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. During our visit, we saw many … Continue reading Outside Oslo
On the third day, we ate…and ate (actually, to be honest, eating is a big part of every trip but more on that in a future post). Oslo may not be as well known for cuisine as her sister cities, but be assured, there is plenty of great food. Mathallen, the wonderful food hall located along the eastern bank of the Akerselva river in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood … Continue reading Rømmegrøt and other Norwegian Specialties – Try It You’ll Like It
Exploring Oslo by bike is a great way to see the city. From the Akershus Fortress, stopping at Snøhetta Architects’ fabulous Opera House (and be sure to take a walk on the roof), then through the heart of the city to Vigeland Park and the beautiful residential neighborhoods that adjoin it, there are well marked bike paths and friendly locals to help out if necessary. I can … Continue reading Awesome Oslo – part 2
While walking back down local’s favorite Old Pass road one early evening, I came around a bend in the road to find this mamma moose and her calf. Fortunately, I did NOT come between them AND thought to capture the moment on my phone! NB always better to walk in pairs and with bear spray especially at the end of the day. Continue reading A Walk on the Wild-ish Side in Jackson Hole
Sometimes, there is no place like home, especially when that happens to be a short drive from one of the most magical places on earth (and I am not talking about Disneyland). Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) may be overshadowed by its neighbor to the north (Yellowstone), but for many of us, it is “the park,” as in “I’m going biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, snow-shoeing, … Continue reading Now for something completely different! | Hiking in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
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