Travel changes us
Hawaiian poke salad, California-style
Our annual spring break trip to Kauai came and went. As always, it was beautiful, relaxing, and (although it might seem a bit strange) fragrant. One of my favorite things about visiting Hawaii is stepping off the plane and breathing in deeply. The air smells clean and of tropical flowers. I wouldn’t make that up, … Continue reading
Exploring Bangkok’s Grand Palace
If you are planning on visiting Bangkok, chances are the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) is high on your list of places to see. Located in the heart of Bangkok, the palace has been the “official” residence of the Thai King (and before it was Thailand, Siam) since 1782. Although the current King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) … Continue reading
Singapore Hawker Centers, Tian Tian Chicken Rice, and a Hainanese Chicken Rice recipe
It’s chicken, and it’s rice. I know. Understanding the “big deal” about Hainanese Chicken Rice is a bit of a stretch of the imagination. But as we all know from the delicious simplicity of Italian food, the tastiness of a perfectly ripe fruit, and (for us coffee lovers) the excitement of the PERFECT CUP OF … Continue reading
Fun and obscure: Spain’s mencia grape, Bierzo region, and Descendientes de J. Palacios “Petalos” wine
Spanish wines continue to amaze me. After six beautiful weeks traveling the country, I still was not ready to leave the land of cava, sherry, garnacha, and crianza. Thankfully, the global wine world still makes it possible for gorgeous Spanish wines to be delivered to my door (or, in this case, to the door … Continue reading
Discovering Spello: Umbria’s best-kept secret
What makes an Italian hill town so charming? It might be the narrow cobblestone streets that wind aimlessly, leading you to doors that you KNOW have stories behind them. It might be the mysterious quiet during the middle of the day, as everyone has retreated for a midday nap. It might be how easily … Continue reading
Beauty among ruins: visiting Sukhothai, Thailand
Thailand conjures up visions of bustling Bangkok, rural Chiang Mai, and the untouched beaches of Kho Phi Phi. We were lucky enough to experience each of these typical Thai vacation spots on our trip, and while all were fabulous, none were as forgettable as our off-the-beaten-path trek to Sukhothai. Visiting this beautiful, eerie city of … Continue reading
Photoessay of Assisi, Umbria
Rolling vineyards and olive groves, fields of poppies and wildflowers, cuisine filled with hearty lentils, game, and truffles . . . what is not to love about Umbria? This region in Central Italy is one of our favorite Italian regions. Its cuisine, scenery, and history (combined with its convenient location less than two hours from … Continue reading
Thai Green Curry (Gaeng Kiaw Wan Gai)
I always miss Thailand. Every time I see a photo of a beach, I miss Thailand. Every time I walk into an Asian market, I miss Thailand. Every time it’s slightly hot and humid outside… I miss Thailand. No other place in the world has made me feel so out of my comfort zone and … Continue reading
Discovering Lecce
It is amazing how many incredible places in Italy are still seemingly untouched by mass tourism. Like my husband always says, “for every San Gimignano there are a thousand other Italian hill towns.” It took months of travel in Italia to believe him, but after seeing quite a few charming, off-the-radar locations, it is safe … Continue reading
Shrimp, snails, and bull tails: highlights of Andalusian cuisine
There is little else in the world as exciting to me as setting foot on new soil and discovering menus full of things I’ve never had. I’m in that special sort of heaven right now after three beautiful weeks in Andalusia. Those who have visited the more popular cities of Southern Spain–like Cordoba and Granada–have … Continue reading