Category Archive: Uncategorized

Visit Kylemore Abbey and Estate in Connemara, Ireland

Step back in time when you visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful, large estate located within County Galway, only an hour away from Galway City. Built during the 19th century, the abbey was originally meant to serve as a home – and it did, for many years! It then became a sanctuary for Benedictine nuns, adding layers of culture and information to the fascinating history of the estate.  Visiting Kylemore today is a multifaceted experience. It’s a chance to learn about the history of the estate and the story behind its origins and inhabitants, as well an opportunity to to tour the grounds and its buildings. You can choose to join a tour of the building and estate or explore on your own. If you work up an appetite walking the grounds and exploring the woodlands, you can rest up with […]

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Cheers for Pisco Sour: Traditional Peruvian Cocktail (with recipe)

While cruising in South America last year – Peru and Chile – I was reintroduced not only to the Pisco Sour cocktail, but also to the history and debate between the two countries as to which gets to claim authenticity.  I love recreating food and beverages from my travel when I get home, and South America is rich in choices (check out my ajiaco from Colombia). Why not review the debate and make up your own mind while enjoying this classic sipper. So, What Exactly is a Pisco Sour? The pisco sour is a traditional alcoholic cocktail that originates from the Peruvian capital of Lima.  The name of this earthy and refreshing drink is comes from the liquor from which it is made – pisco. Pisco is, in a technical sense, a form of brandy as it is made from distilling […]

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Onboard the Viking Neptune: Iconic Western Mediterranean Itinerary [Review]

The Mediterranean has always been a place where history and cultures come to life. From the bustling metropolis of Barcelona to the turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the rolling hills of Tuscany – there is so much to see that it can be overwhelming to plan a Mediterranean trip.(I know – I’ve done it.) That’s what enticed me about the Iconic Western Mediterranean itinerary with Viking cruises onboard their Viking Neptune ship. Cruise life not only allows you to sit back and relax while waking up in a new place each day, but this itinerary takes you to some of the most well-known cities in the Mediterranean, made famous for their history, culture, and natural beauty. That is to say, they have become iconic. And while we have spent a fair amount of time in this part of […]

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2023 Travel Reading Challenge (6th Annual)

Hello 2023 and Happy New Year! 2022 was a great year for both travel and reading, and I’m hoping 2023 gives it a run for its money. I did a lot of reading in 2021, completing 96 books. There were a dozen or so long-haul flights where I got some reading done, but there was still a lot of time reading on the couch, lounging in a bubble bath, or my nightly habit of reading before bed. I’m generally a Kindle reader. I like having dozens of books (actually hundreds) at hand. It makes for light packing, it slips into a purse, and with the reading app, I can synch it up to all my devices. I have the Kindle Paperwhite. It adjusts to various light situations, so I can read it in a darkened airplane cabin or in the […]

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2022: A Year of Travel in Review (and a peek at 2023)

2022 was a go-big year for travel. Five cruises, two Globus tours, four continents, three new countries, a first trip below the equator, and a few things checked off my bucket list (after a couple of years with very little travel). Time to update that list after a few stagnant years. Through it all, I made countless memories that will last a lifetime. Read on for all the details, along with links to some of the posts already published about these travel destinations and experiences. I’ll have posts about the last couple of month’s travels in the new year. January Every year we head to New York City for an annual event. It’s a great combination of business and pleasure – with pre-set marketing appointments and lots of time spent catching up with travel writing and tourism industry friends. Tony […]

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