Oslo exudes a modern esthetic all its own. While it may not have the charm of its Scandinavian counterparts Stockholm and Copenhagen, the Norwegian capital is firmly committed to the 21st century with stunning architecture and a vast underground highway network that makes it a pedestrian friendly city. Aker Brygge is a relatively new neighborhood that is home to numerous restaurants, art galleries and trendy shops. … Continue reading Awesome Oslo – part 1
Fika is the Swedish term for taking a break to enjoy coffee with a pastry and is a custom I quickly adopted. Kardemummabullar and kanelbullar (cardamon and cinnamon rolls) are the perfect accompaniment to fresh brewed coffee any time of day! Two favorite spots are Mellqvist Kaffebar in Södermalm (favorite of Mikael Blomqvist as well as his creator Stieg Larsson) and Snickarbacken 7 in central Stockholm. The … Continue reading Fika-licious
If good things come in small packages, then summer in Stockholm definitely qualifies. Even before the autumnal equinox, leaves are turning and mornings are cool. Nonetheless, September may be the best time to visit as the cruise ships have departed and the crowds have thinned. Central Stockholm spreads across 14 islands whose bridges provide magnificent vistas of old world buildings and busy waterways. There are a … Continue reading Short and Sweet – Summer in Stockholm
Most every advertisement I see for Myanmar features the stunning temple complex in Bagan and there is good reason! Over two thousand temples and stupas (also known) remain of an estimated 10,000 that were constructed when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, between the 9th and 13th centuries. There are lacquerware workshops and a museum to visit in Bagan. It is fascinating to see the artisans at work and many places will … Continue reading Bagan – the Best for Last
Mandalay may be the most recognized place in Myanmar, thanks to Rudyard Kipling, Amitav Ghosh and others, however much of its former charm has been destroyed and I would not recommend spending too much time there. (In fact, if you have constraints, cross it off your list.) That being said, the people are as lovely as elsewhere, there is a phenomenal Buddhist monastery/university and it … Continue reading Mingalaba Myanmar – Part II – Mandalay and Rolling on the River
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
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
La Serenissima is undoubtedly one of the most photographed cities in the world. I think of her as a woman of mystery with many secrets to discover. When I took this shot, I imagined myself as a spy hoping to see more than what lies on the surface. Today’s post is based on https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/half-and-half/ Continue reading Double Vision in Venice, Italy
I spent this weekend at the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference. This year’s theme was “How Do We Remember” and featured Anthony Doerr, Mary Roach, William Dalrymple and a host of other talented authors. Their presentations over the four days provided great food for thought especially regarding creative process and expression. During one of the breaks, I went for a short hike over terrain that had … Continue reading How I Remember
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
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