As we drove from the Slovakia capital city of Bratislava, we passed massive concrete buildings splashed with vibrant hues of red, blue and purple paint. Graffiti plagued the facades of many historical buildings that now seemed left vacant and boarded up—remnants of a harrowing and tumultuous past. With its skiing, hiking, vineyards and dramatic landscapes, Slovakia… [Read More]
Checking into the InnBuffalo off Elmwood
Blue pastels, rich reds and deep yellows liven the early American manors on Lafayette Avenue, lovely with ornate panel frames, colorful doors and Victorian wrap-around porches. In the midst of this upscale, historic neighborhood off Elmwood Village, my husband and I stumbled upon our night’s stay: InnBuffalo off Elmwood. An article in Harper’s… [Read More]
The Ultimate Budapest City Guide
The crooked pathways wound through Buda’s antiquated streets and shops as I trekked up Castle Hill. I paused to look back upon the panoramic vista of palaces, castles, and architectural masterpieces appearing before me. As I ascended that last set of stairs, I caught a surreal glimpse of limestone-engraved castle walls: Fisherman’s Bastion. There… [Read More]
What to Consider Before Booking a River Cruise
I’m nestled in my bed after a morning of exploring the outskirts of Slovakia’s capital of Bratislava as I flip through the pages of a Hungarian history book from the Viking River Cruise library. The doors to my French balcony are open as I watch the river run through the Danube’s surrounding hills and gorges. The fresh… [Read More]
A Quick Guide to Vienna
My kapunizer or cappuccino came served in a translucent glass, flaunting each impeccably crafted layer of caffeinated goodness as I ogled the vast pastry selection, eventually settling on a classic Austrian apple strudel. The University of Vienna’s palace-like exterior impressed across its green, perfectly manicured lawns conveniently located by my quaint flower-strewn café patio. As I took… [Read More]
The Ultimate Guide to Tel Aviv
Red umbrellas, beachside bars and restaurants line the white sands of the Mediterranean. Tanned, young Tel Avivian men purposefully hit their paddleball in the direction of the topless sunbathers. Tunes blast chaotically from countless different speakers—a muddled mash-up of Arabic, Hebrew and American 80’s classics. As I cross the street to the beach, horns… [Read More]
Dispatch: Hiking Through History on the Jesus Trail
The sun peaked over the placid Sea of Galilee as I waded into the cool waters and rinsed off the sweat from my Middle Eastern sweltering sleep. Could a man really have walked on these waters? The clear liquid fell between the cracks of my fingers as I held it, examining the sea’s physical… [Read More]
Trekking the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland
“You’re going to sit on me lap, are ya lass?” The Irish taxi driver asked as I stood by (what I considered) to be the passenger-side door. I smiled, nervously, and walked back around the cab, “Oh, uh, sorry.” Fiery-haired Declan was as kind as they come, he illuminated the taxi ride by showing off his… [Read More]
Dispatch: Hiking with England’s Romantic Poets
I paused near a mountain-top stream to get my bearings. Frankly, I was lost. A velvet layer of bright green moss coated the smoky stone and ridges; the stream foamed white against each collection of pebbles; swift but peaceful. The rhythm had a calming effect as I checked out my map. I should be three… [Read More]
