Cities

Read more about the article 48 hours in Barcelona
Cities / Foodies

48 hours in Barcelona

This summer, we are hiking part of Cami de Ronda (route SR92), the old road from Tarifa in southern Spain to Port Bou in France, now turned into a popular hiking trail. We fly into Barcelona and decide to spend the first 2 days here, before starting the hike. 48 hours in Barcelona, and we pack in a lot. We have a direct flight from SFO to BCN. We land at 1.40pm and take the Aerobus from the airport to Plaza Catalunya. From there it is a short – although hot – walk to hotel Rialto, conveniently located in the Gothic neighborhood. We take a quick shower before heading out. We have things to do and places to see. 

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September 1, 2025
Read more about the article Chengdu: under the Panda’s ass
Cities / The Outdoors

Chengdu: under the Panda’s ass

When a work-offsite was scheduled in Chengdu, I knew this was an opportunity to be able to do another thing on my bucket list. Because Chengdu is most known for their giant pandas and I have always wanted to see them. I once in Hong Kong saw 2 in Ocean Park Zoo, but that does not really count. Sichuan Province is their home, their natural habitat. Besides enjoying a visit with the pandas, both giant and red, I discovered Chengdu has much more to offer. Great food, hiking options and shopping.

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April 18, 2025
Read more about the article A lunch in Porto to remember
Cities / Foodies

A lunch in Porto to remember

It is mid October and the last day of our trip to Northern Portugal. We spent a few wonderful days in Porto followed by a another few in the Duoro wine region, where we had lot of great food and wine. This morning we drive from our fantastic house in Santa Marinho do Zezere back to Porto. For the final day, I have booked a special restaurant: Casa De Cha Da Boa Nova. A famous 2 Michelin star restaurant: we are in for a lunch in Porto to remember.

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December 1, 2024
Read more about the article Bruges where Beer and Chocolate awaits
Cities / Foodies

Bruges where Beer and Chocolate awaits

Bruges is one of Europe’s historical gems and only a 2 ½ hours drive from where I grew up and yet I had never been. I read a lot about it; I watched several movies that were filmed there, but somehow, I never made it there. But finally, this year, the stars align when my friend Michelle has to go to Europe for work around the same time I am visiting mom in the Netherlands for her birthday. The perfect occasion to plan a weekend to explore this city together. So, on Friday at the end of May, Michelle is taking the train from Luxembourg, and I am driving to Bruges, where beer and chocolate awaits.

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June 7, 2024
Read more about the article Escaping the heat of New York City – Fun Way To Keep Cool
Relaxing View
Cities / Foodies / The Outdoors

Escaping the heat of New York City – Fun Way To Keep Cool

I am visiting New York in July. It is hot and humid. On the first day, we brave the heat and walk in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO. However, on Sunday, Andrea suggest we go to Governors Island to escape the heat of New York City.

Fun Ways To Keep Cool

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July 14, 2022
Read more about the article Nashville’s hidden gems
Cities / Foodies / Music

Nashville’s hidden gems

Food explorations in the heart of Music City

Nashville is known as the music capital of the world. Many famous artists started their careers here. A lot of people link Nashville with country music, but Nashville is not just country. In addition to country, it is rock ‘n roll, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and a little bit of soul. So many famous artists that started their careers in Nashville have their names in the Country Music Hall of fame. Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, the Everly Brothers, and Taylor Swift, to name a few. Broadway Street, the heart of downtown Nashville, is a long street with multi-story bars. You can listen to live music all day long. However, the surprise this weekend was Nashville’s hidden gems. Nashville is a place for art and food lovers.

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December 2, 2019
Read more about the article The Beating Heart of Havana: Food, Art and Music
Cities / Foodies

The Beating Heart of Havana: Food, Art and Music

“Both for Havana’s beauty and decay, it’s very hard to restrain yourself from staring everywhere you go”

– Brin Jonathan Butler

I visited Cuba a lifetime ago. It was in the days of Fidel’s reign and rules were strict and supplies were limited. We stayed in Holguin area, on the opposite side of the island from Havana. Although I was in Cuba and we had a great time, I never felt I experienced the real Cuba. The visit to the beautiful city of Trinidad, offered me a glimpse of that Cuba. In addition, after reading a couple of books about Havana, I knew I had to go back. I wanted to walk the streets of old Havana. See the sunset on the Malecon, drink in the history, the culture and the people. I wanted to feel that rhythm and beat: the beating heart of Havana: food, art and music. 

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November 4, 2019
Read more about the article Tai O, Hong Kong off the beaten path
Cities

Tai O, Hong Kong off the beaten path

An authentic little fishing village under the smoke of a big city

At the bottom of Lantau Island, at the far corner, we find the little fishing village of Tai O. A hair raising downhill taxi ride from the big Buddha at 80km an hour drops us at the outskirts of the village. I almost wish I had not bothered coming here. My first impression is of a worn down village of tired houses and old fishing boats. A man is trying to convince us to take a boat tour to see the Chinese pink dolphins. But then we start walking the narrow streets of this little village. The further we go the more enthralled I become. Tai O truly is Hong Kong of the beaten path. (more…)

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February 16, 2019