Life is a patchwork of experiences
This Month’s podcast is all about my luxury European Waterways barge cruise on the River Thames with the Magna Carta.
Podcast link: Barge Cruising England’s Scenic Thames River
Continue reading “October 9, 2025 Podcast: Barge Cruising England’s Scenic Thames River”
In this month’s podcast, I share my experience aboard the Canyon Spirit on the 3 day luxury train journey from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Denver, Colorado. The Canyon Spirit is part of the Armstrong Collective, owners of the Rocky Mountaineer, the famous luxury train journey across Canada.
Podcast link: The Canyon Spirit – A Luxurious Train Journey Through the American Southwest
In this detailed Canyon Spirit review I describe everything about my luxury train journey from Salt Lake City, Utah to Denver, Colorado
Along with cruising, traveling by train is one of my favorite ways to see the world, especially if it is a luxury train experience. I’ve been on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express from Venice to Paris, the British Pullman in the UK, and the Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham trains in Peru, and they have all been memorable journeys.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to experience the new luxury US Canyon Spirit train route from Salt Lake City to Denver, where I enjoyed impeccable service along with regionally inspired dining while taking in the varied landscapes of the southwest.
In this month’s podcast, I talk about my three week road trip in Alaska and the Yukon. From Katmai National Park, to exploring Wrangell–St. Elias and Kluane National Park, driving the Alcan Highway, and staying at the remote yet luxurious Tincup Wilderness Lodge, I share my experiences and tips.
Podcast link: Alaska and the Yukon Road Trip – Exploring the Wild
Continue reading “August 14, 2025 Podcast: Alaska and Yukon Road Trip – Exploring the Wild”
The first thing I noticed was the quiet – the kind of quiet that is almost impossible to experience in today’s world.
There was none of the background noise that comes from whirring motors, or humming electronics, or airplanes flying at 30000 feet. These are the sounds of modern day life that are always present and have become imperceptible.
Until they are no longer there.
In a landscape where towns and modern amenities are few and far between, Tincup Wilderness Lodge stood out as a luxurious haven of silent solitude that truly was in the middle of nowhere.
Continue reading “Finding the Sounds of Silence at Yukon’s Tincup Wilderness Lodge”
In my latest podcast, I share tips for planning the best alaska cruise.
Podcast Link: The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Experience: What to Know Before You Go
After many cruises to Alaska, these are my Alaska cruise planning tips.
There is no doubt that Alaska is a beautiful state. With glacier studded mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, wildlife galore, and ancient native cultural traditions, it’s no surprise that it is a bucket list destination for many. Cruising southeast Alaska is an easy and (relatively) budget friendly way to see one of the most scenic parts of this huge state.
All about my recent cruise in the Baltics.
Podcast link: Cruising the Baltics – Vibrant Cities and Local Culture
Continue reading “June 12, 2025 Podcast: Cruising the Baltic”
A Baltic cruise was an easy way to see this part of Northern Europe. I am sharing my Baltic cruise excursions as I independently explored each port stop.
I cruise for many reasons: to get some me time, to get pampered, and to enjoy unending views of the ocean are just a few of them. I also cruise to experience new destinations, which was why I chose this particular Baltic cruise itinerary. I have long wanted to visit the Scandinavian countries and the Balkans, and this cruise made that wish come true.
Continue reading “Discovering Northern Europe With My Baltic Cruise Excursions”
Sharing my visit to Highclere Castle. This is all about my real Downton Abbey tour.
“What IS a week-end?”
The Dowager Countess of Grantham as played by Dame Maggie Smith in the Downton Abbey series delivered many pointed one liners that defined her indomitable character. This is one of my favorites.
Downton Abbey would not be the same without Maggie Smith, nor without the backdrop of the imposing structure of Highclere Castle, the real life estate that stands in for the fictional Crowley home.
