While jet lag has its tentacles in me, I have arrived safe and sound in Marseille. France's second largest city and one of the most important Mediterranean ports, Marseille is a bit gritty, multi-cultural, and so far, absolutely wonderful. I will be here for a month, using the city as my base to explore the…
With the start of 2019, I am going to be traveling more, and a bit differently than in the past. I have rented out my house and am off on some longer journeys than I have undertaken before. My first stop: three months in France! To start, yes, I am skipping Paris. I have already…
I'm not leaving for a week, but timing of other posts mandates that this one go up a tad early. In any event, it is time for my annual driving trip with my father, and I am - as always - excited! This year we are headed to coal country to see the fall colors,…
I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love driving trips! I especially love driving trips when they combine seeing close friends, eating amazing food, experiencing exciting culture, and basking in natural beauty. Tomorrow I head east for a week spent driving through Arizona and New Mexico. Here is my itinerary, and of…
At my house I keep two large laminated maps on the wall. One is a world map and the other is a United States map. On each, I put star stickers on places I have been. The stars are all blue, though since the star manufacturer changed, they are in two slightly different shades. Don't…
The countdown to a trip is always a source of excitement for me. Last minute arrangements, sourcing my favorite travel sites for recommendations, and generally figuring out what I am going to do (though I always try to remain flexible) are a lot of fun. So here I am in the final days before my…
For the first time in a few years, I am headed back to Europe! Thanks to The Flight Deal and an incredible price, I am off to see Madrid for the first time. There is always a mixture of excitement and nervous energy when I am headed to a new destination. Will I like it?…
Do you know that Chance card in Monopoly that gives you money because the bank made an error in your favor? We all smile because that never happens. Or does it? Citibank made an error in my favor, and now I am going back to Singapore! Here is the story. As you all know, I…
Sometimes there just isn't enough time to spend in each destination. If you are like me, you want to see as many places as possible, even at the expense of being able to completely immerse in a new locale. So if you only have two days to see Beijing, a city with a ton of…
Last year, one of my best friends went through a pretty rough divorce. To give him something to look forward to, I offered to take him anywhere in the world he wanted to go. "Japan," he said, "but I want to see the Great Wall first." So here we go! Below is our general itinerary,…