Ever since I went to the 2018 Seattle Pride Festival last weekend, I’ve been getting a lot of questions and sideways glances. Why did I go? Wasn’t I uncomfortable? Am I gay? I’m not a big fan of labels, and who I sleep with isn’t anyone’s business but my own. The fact is, you don’t…
There’s something special about the joy of small-town summertime festivals, and the Garlic Festival near Long Beach, Washington is no exception. It’s one of many fun annual events in Pacific County, but if you’re a garlic lover, there’s nothing quite like it! From roasted garlic to whipped garlic, garlic fries, and even garlic flavored ice…
Somewhere right now there is a little boy in an impoverished country feeling lost and forgotten. He is fortunate that he has the basics in life: shelter, food, and water; but his young life is still a struggle. He has to work long days helping his parents in the little café they own in Bali.…
I only spent 24 hours on the island of Hvar, Croatia, but I’ll never forget it. A magical energy on the island pulses through you when you step onto her rocky shores. The turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea embrace the isle like a long-lost lover, and you find yourself lost in the beauty, daydreaming about never leaving. I’m so glad I experienced Hvar, Croatia’s lovely tranquility, stunning beauty, and rich history.
The charming town of Jelsa is home to only a few thousand lucky residents, which is probably why it’s so quiet. The only interruption to the tranquility is the regular sound of ringing church bells, which is common throughout Europe. Jelsa is nestled between the two highest mountain peaks on the island, with Hum to the east and St. Nicolas to the west. It has a lovely protected harbor, perfect for escaping storms and taking refuge.
If you follow my blog you know I rarely have expectations when visiting a new country. The wonderful thing about my approach is that I’m never really disappointed, plus I can share with you my experiences so you have an idea of what you might encounter on your own trip to the country. I hadn’t…
Standing at the marina in Kotor, staring up at an ancient fortress built into the granite cliffside of a regal mountain, I wondered why I had never planned on going to Montenegro. For some reason, it wasn’t even a country I had considered visiting, but sometimes the smaller lesser known countries are full of wonderful surprises, and such is the case with Montenegro. It is absolutely gorgeous!
Montenegro is only a few hours away from Croatia, and since I had a week to kill I thought it would be fun to go on a road trip to see Montenegro, along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and wow, I’m so glad I did! These are three reasons why Montenegro is now one of my new favorite countries.
I hate to admit it, but here’s a secret. I rarely research a place before I go there. I like to show up without expectations and just enjoy the area for what it is. I don’t normally participate in mainstream tourists activities and I generally avoid big cities. Instead, I try to learn about the…
Gazing out at the turquoise green water of the Adriatic Sea never gets old, but the homes and storefronts on Brac that are nestled next to it are ancient. The orange tile roofs contrast sharply with the beige stone walls. It all looks like something in a travel brochure or a gorgeous painting. I had…
A dear friend of mine has been visiting Split for years, but it wasn’t until I experienced it for myself that I finally understood why. Split has a little something for everyone; mountains and sea, and ancient ruins alongside modern-day comforts. No wonder the producers of “The Game of Thrones” chose it at a site…
Hood River is an upscale recreational wonderland nestled on the banks of the mighty Columbia River in the Columbia River Gorge. It’s named after Hood River, which meanders gently through the town. I was fortunate enough to have just spent a weekend in Hood River, and I enjoyed every moment of it. From picturesque views,…