A popular Spanish holiday island in the the Mediterranean, Mallorca has a bit of a split personality. On one side are the secluded beach, challenging cycling trails, spectacular natural beauty for hiking and enjoying, challenging deep water rock climbing, and an environment that creates a haven for a variety of seabirds. On the other side, Mallorca appeals to the hip and trendy, with luxury resorts, marinas full of yachts and luxury sailing craft, top notch restaurants, and plenty of rocking nightlife and bars. So how does a visitor take advantage of the warm weather in Mallorca, and reconcile these two versions of the island into a wonderful vacation? There’s plenty to do on Mallorca, whether you’re young, hip, and ready to party, or are just looking for a relaxing beach getaway. Here’s some ideas on how to make Mallorca the […]
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Where I’ve Been: The 2011 Edition
As I start the New Year, as I do every year, I take stock of where I’ve been. It’s only by knowing where I’ve been that I can plan where I want to go. I have a long, and I mean VERY LONG, list of places that I’d like to go. I no sooner cross a place off than I add two or three more. I’ve accepted that the list will never grow shorter! Here’s where I stand as of January 1st, 2011. The US States I’ve visited (32 of 51, which includes the District of Columbia): And, the countries that I’ve visited (21, or 9% of the world). Note to self: visit bigger countries! I clearly have a ways to go – both in getting to all 50 states, as well as becoming a member of the Centennial Club […]
Read More2010 Travel Year in Review
It’s been a busy year of traveling, both in Europe and much closer to home. It’s always fun for me to look back on where I’ve been over the year, so I can plan where I want to go the following year. Here are the highlights from 2010: January Starting the New Year with a stay in Seattle, I saw the fireworks at the Space Needle from the warmth and coziness of my hotel room. A sponsored trip to Spokane took me back to a city that I’ve been away from for far too long. The occasion for the visit was the US Figure Skating Championships (in preparation for the Winter Olympics), but while there I got to see so much more of the city. From a gondola ride over the river to a ride on the carousel in River […]
Read MoreLuis Tiant: Lost Son of Havana
The Lost Son of Havana is, ostensibly, a baseball movie. It’s the story of the life of former baseball pitcher Luis Tiant. In 1961, the Cleveland Indians brought Luis Tiant to the United States to play professional baseball. The young pitcher followed in the footsteps of his father, also a pitcher, who played in the Negro League for the New York Cubans. While living out his dream as a major league player, Tiant received a message from his parents back in Cuba – “don’t return home.” The rise of the Castro regime made returning back to Cuba an unwise decision. Tiant heeded the advice of his parents, but it would be 14 years before he saw them again. And even longer before he was able to return to the island of his birth. Castro eventually allowed the elder Tiant’s to […]
Read MoreA Pass Through Visit to Bosnia-Herzegovina
If you had asked me to list my must-see vacation spots, Bosnia-Herzegovina wouldn’t have been in the top 10. Truth told, it probably wouldn’t have made the top 50. Bosnia-Herzegovina was formerly part of Yugoslavia, and became an independent country in the breakup of the latter country. While the country is predominantly a mountainous one, it has a very small spot of land that is along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It was that small bit of coastline where I found myself about a week ago. This wasn’t my final destination, I was merely passing through these few miles traveling from Split to Dubrovnik, and the highway goes right through Bosnia-Herzegovina. WOW! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this part of the country is beautiful. Of course, with the sparkling blue waters of the Adriatic, it’s hard […]
Read MoreEdinburgh The City of Festivals
Today’s guest post comes to us from Andy Hayes, also know as the Edinburgh Guide. Offering up great Edinburgh tips and advice, be sure to check out the Edinburgh guide blog before your next trip to the Scottish capital — including exclusive tips for navigating the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival. — Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a busy place throughout the year – at some point in the history of Edinburgh, someone thought it would be a good idea to combat our fickle and sometimes torturous weather with a series of festivals. Now, I think the city is deserving of the title City of Festivals, because nearly every month you’ll run into a festival or two to spruce up your visit. Here’s the low down on some of my favourite festivals; if you want to […]
Read More3 To See in San Francisco
I am pleased to introduce you to a fellow travel blogger, Cat Lincoln, who has generously offered to share a guest post about her city with us while I’m on vacation. — I love sightseeing, but the pressure to hit a laundry list of attractions can make your vacation feel like a competition, or even worse, work! One tactic that helps me keep my “must see” list under control is to limit it to three destinations. List checkers like my husband still feel like they’ve “accomplished” something. And it gives dawdlers like me enough space on our itinerary to enjoy a second cup of coffee – or aperitif – at a charming, out of the way café. Here’s my “Three to See” in San Francisco! Crissy Field and Golden Gate Bridge As soon as you catch sight of the […]
Read MoreTop 10 FREE Things to Do in Europe this Summer
Yes, Europe can be expensive. It’s a big price airline ticket to get there, and although the dollar/euro valuation is improving, you’re still going to find yourself spending some money. Planning ahead means you can save a little here and there, adding up to a whole lot of savings. Consider these Top 10 FREE things to do in Europe this summer (as listed by the European Travel Commission): Austria: Innsbruck is offering a free hiking bus program for all guests living in Innsbruck or staying at one of the holiday villages (with a Club Innsbruck Card). May 30th – October 26th. Belgium: What else, but free beer?! The Haacht Brewery offers free tours and tasting (one low fermentation and one high). Yummmm, Belgian beer! England: London has free admission to the British Museum (additional charge for some special traveling exhibits) […]
Read MoreMix a Little History with Your Cocktail at this Museum
Where else but New Orleans do history and cocktail mix?! The Museum of the American Cocktail features 200 years of cocktail history. From vintage cocktail accoutrements, to Prohibition-era literature, to vast varieties of other cocktail memorabilia, it’s a little American history told in cocktail form. The museum claims to be “part museum, part bar, and part Victorian bordello.” While the museum serves as a tourist attraction depicting a fun bit of Americana, it’s also an educational institution that serves professionals in the beverage industry. It is a nonprofit organization that provides exhibits and education that advance the profession of mixology, while still stressing the importance of responsible drinking. Proof positive that history really can be fun! The Museum of the American Cocktail is located in the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at the Riverwalk Marketplace, 1 Poydras Street, Suite 169 […]
Read MoreQuilt Museum at University of Nebraska – Lincoln
As the weather gets colder, I’ve been pulling my quilts out of the closet and getting them on the beds in the house. Most of my quilts were made by family members, and have great meaning in both the design and the love and care that went into making them. Quilting is an art form that also shares a history – of a family, a community, a culture, or a country. The International Quilt Study Center & Museum is dedicated to the preservation, study and exhibition of quilts and to sharing the resources with the public. On display you’ll find a selection of approximately 50-75 quilts. In addition to the permanent galleries, you’ll find rotating current exhibits include. The Museum is located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1523 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, Nebraska) and is open Tuesday – Saturday […]
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