Daily Wanderlust: Snow in the Mid-Atlantic

Today is Christmas … and I’m knee-deep in sunshine. The complete opposite of what I am used to having grown up in the sometimes blustery and freezing Maryland. In fact, even when I was living in Las Vegas, there were times during the winter when a thick coat was necessary. Well, that is most definitelyContinue reading “Daily Wanderlust: Snow in the Mid-Atlantic”

Daily Wanderlust: Tio Pepe in Madrid

One of the first sights after emerging from the Madrid Metro into the heart of the city is the Tio Pepe sign in Puerta del Sol. Perched atop the city’s City Hall, the famous sign has stood since 1936. Sadly, this past summer the historic sign was taken down to make way for a newContinue reading “Daily Wanderlust: Tio Pepe in Madrid”

Daily Wanderlust: Elephant Love

My days at Elephant Nature Park consist of a lot of animal time. When Navann, the park’s new baby, was born on Oct. 28, it thrilled me to no end. I get to spend time with a baby elephant! And, while I don’t get to see him too often, the times I do are pureContinue reading “Daily Wanderlust: Elephant Love”

Escape of the week: Tokyo’s Mount Takao

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Ian at BorderlessTravel.com Escaping the city for lush green forests, temples, and hiking is surprisingly easy for people living or visiting Tokyo.  Located on the outskirts of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis sits mount Takao, a natural recreation area providing an excellent escape for nature lovers. Sushi, shopping andContinue reading “Escape of the week: Tokyo’s Mount Takao”

When leeches attack

I remember the scene from “Stand By Me” so vividly. My childhood crush, Wil Wheaton, is stomach-deep in water and emerges with big, fat, juicy, blood-filled leeches on his skinny frame. Frantic, he and his cohorts rush to pull the vampire insects from their bodies. Then, the worst possible thing happens: there is a leech.Continue reading “When leeches attack”

Preview: Bali’s Five-Star Samabe Resort

At one point, standing on the balcony and letting the hot air gently tousle my hair, I close my eyes and imagine what it would be like to stay in the finished product. Only one word comes to mind — heaven.

Escape of the Week: the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada

It’s a long, mountain-framed drive to arrive at the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada, just outside of Las Vegas. This tiny, dusty town  is about a 40 minute drive from the sensory-overload of Sin City, and a gorgeous spot to simply breathe in the fresh air and spy relics from a bygone era when miningContinue reading “Escape of the Week: the ghost town of Nelson, Nevada”

Giving thanks

I’m sitting in the kitchen of the house where I grew up. Around me, I can hear the happy chatter of my mom, dad and brother. I hear the jingle of metal from the tag on Barkley, our old and gorgeous springer spaniel’s collar. I look outside at the naked trees against the bright blueContinue reading “Giving thanks”

Daily Wanderlust: the spectacular airplane window view

Oh, America. It’s been four months since I’ve been in this great country of mine. Two weeks ago, I made the long-haul trip from Chiang Mai back to America. It was exhausting. It was long. Damn. It. Was. Long. But, on the other side of the world, there were friends and family waiting for me.Continue reading “Daily Wanderlust: the spectacular airplane window view”