Life is a patchwork of experiences
On a recent visit to Marrakesh, I had the opportunity to experience a day trip to Essaoura from Marrakech, Morocco. I was surprised to find that this coastal town was so much more relaxed and laid back than Marrakech. Even with a short day in Essaouira, I discovered that its beach vibe felt more akin to being in the Caribbean than on the African coast.
Continue reading “A Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech, Morocco”
Ever since I watched the PBS Nature episode about Japanese snow monkeys, I hoped that one day I might be able to see them in person. When I had the chance to visit Japan in winter with my husband, we took the opportunity for a visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park from Tokyo The experience with the snow monkeys was as engaging and entertaining as anything I could have wished for. In many ways, it was like looking in a mirror.
Continue reading “Exploring Japan’s Jigokudani Monkey Park From Tokyo – A Look in the Mirror”
Miyajima, Japan is most famous for the photos of its floating torii gate. But this lovely little island offers up lots of gorgeous scenery, both man made and natural. Read on to find out about what to do in Miyajima as I spent a day exploring its photogenic treasures.
Continue reading “Japan’s Most Sacred Island – What To Do In Miyajima In One Day”
I was on a mission. I was in Japan again for the third time in two years, and I wanted to see – and photograph – the perfect cone shape of Mt. Fuji. I hoped that on my planned one day Kawaguchiko itinerary, I would get my wish.
Continue reading “In the Shadow of Mt. Fuji – A One Day Kawaguchiko Itinerary”
The shrines and temples of Nikko, one of Japan’s 21 UNESCO listed sites, are one of the many easy options for Tokyo day trips. You can do a Nikko day trip either as a tour from Tokyo, or you can go there independently. Either option has its pros and cons. Read my recommendations for a complete Nikko day trip experience.
Continue reading “A Nikko Day Trip From Tokyo – Taking a Tour Versus Independent Travel”
Mount Mitake in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a green and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Tokyo. Only 90 minutes away, it is easily accessible and provides a non touristy cultural experience as you hike with the locals past shrines, waterfalls and a natural moss covered rock garden.
Continue reading “Hiking Mount Mitake – Where Nature and Religion Meet”
If you love waterfalls like I do, then Pennsylvania’s Ricketts Glen State Park should be at the top of your hiking list. With 21 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek, you won’t find a more gratifying hike in the state, especially in the fall when the leaves start changing color. Hiking Ricketts Glen is my choice for the best state park in PA experience.
Continue reading “Hiking Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania’s Prettiest State Park”
I have never been to a spa. So this summer, when a girlfriend and I were planning a weekend in Hershey, PA, we decided to indulge ourselves to a day of chocolate spa treatments at the chocolate hotel, or as it is better known, the world renowned Hotel Hershey Spa. Continue reading “Chocolate for the Mind, Body and Soul – A Fabulous Day at the Chocolate Hotel”
“The best care killing scenery on the continent” is what naturalist John Muir wrote about Glacier National Park in the US and the adjoining Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada. A visit to Waterton Lakes National Park is an easy day trip from the US side and provides a different perspective on the mountain scenery and lakes that straddle the border between the two countries. Continue reading “A Scenic Day In Waterton Lakes National Park – Where the Prairie Meets the Mountains”
Take a day to explore the works of Dale Chihuly in Tacoma on the Chihuly Glass Walking Tour and you wont be disappointed.
Most visitors to Seattle, Washington who want to see works by master glass artist Dale Chihuly would most likely visit the Chihuly Gardens at the base of the Space Needle. But just 30 minutes to the south in Tacoma, Washington, you can also see a diverse series of his permanent art glass installations set in a variety of very distinct environments.
This story won Finalist – Destination Travel, Online Publication category in the 2017 North America Travel Journalists Association competition.
Continue reading “On the Trail of Dale Chihuly in Tacoma, Washington”
