It had been an exciting day already: my helicopter ride with Niagara Helicopter had given me a close-up aerial view over Niagara Falls and my …
Ontario: An Uplifting Experience
It may sound strange, but it all started with the Miami Dolphins. My husband is a huge fan of the fins, but we figured a …
Acadian History at the Grand Pré National Historic Site
It’s always exciting to arrive in a new city. I like arriving at night, so the suspense of this new place stretches into the next …
My 5 Whirlwind Days Exploring Nova Scotia and Halifax
Over the last year or so I have had a chance to explore a lot of Canada, starting with Victoria and Vancouver in the summer …
San Francisco – City by the Bay – Part I
San Francisco – a dream destination for so many people across the world… Well, in February of 2008 I finally had to opportunity to …
Biking through Golden Gate Park & Our Final Dinner at Colibri’s
Our last day in San Francisco welcome us with bright blue skies and brilliant sunshine. In the morning we had already hopped on one of …
A Cable Car Ride & the Eerie Beauty of Alcatraz
Finally we were treated to another gorgeous day with bright blue skies — our last day in San Francisco. From the historic Queen Anne Hotel …
Good Karma & Great Food at Tangerine SF
Our day long excursion to Muir Woods and the adjoining tour of the Sonoma Valley wine country had definitely made us hungry. So for dinner …
An Excursion to Muir Woods & Wine Tasting in the Sonoma Valley
After a late night of exotic entertainment at Asia SF, our day got started very early. Although it was raining I decided to capture a …
The Handlery Union Square Hotel & Exotic Entertainment at Asia SF
After our interesting introduction to local history as part of the Victorian Homes Walking Tour we had to switch hotels for one night and grabbed …
A Victorian Homes Walking Tour
On our second full day in San Francisco the weather gods were not on our side: the weather was grey and cool, and a major …
A Bike Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge
A big storm was forecast for our second day in San Francisco, but so far we had been lucky. Our culinary tour through the North …
A North Beach Culinary Tour
After the rain and drizzle of our first day in San Francisco, day two of our adventure began more promisingly: bright sunshine greeted us as …
Exploring Fisherman’s Wharf & Dinner at Neptune’s Palace
After my extensive tour of the Victorian era Queen Anne Hotel we were ready to start exploring the city. At least as far as the …
Arrival and a Tour of the Queen Anne Hotel
A long and harsh winter can take the wind out of you and just make you feel like you want to get away. And what …
My Final Day – Discoveries of Catania
My three week language learning adventure in Sicily had officially come to an end: my last full day on this island had arrived. My explorations …
A Driving Tour into the Nebrodi Mountains and Snapping Some Locals in Montalbano
Sicily’s scenic beauty continues to amaze me. Yesterday’s excursion by train to the medieval town of Cefalu was just one more example of the stunning …
A Train Trip to the Medieval City of Cefalu
An early morning was in store for me: I decided to accompany my newly found friend and sailing buddy Claudia to her bus which would …
A Walking Tour of Milazzo
Well, my week on the Solitaire II, studying Italian and sailing through the Eolian Islands, had come to an end. Last night our sailing group …
Goodbye Vulcano, Playful Dolphins and a Catch of Tunas
The days on this sailing trip are so compressed and amazingly full of diverse experiences: waking yesterday in beautiful Lipari, followed by a driving tour …
A Hike to the Gran Cratere of Vulcano and a Magical Evening
Our beautiful dinner in the old town of Lipari last night was another opportunity to get to know Sicilian cuisine. A light-hearted evening was followed …
Picturesque Panarea and a Feast in Lipari
I had definitely overcome my little bout of seasickness last night on our way from Stromboli to Panarea. A good rest had cured all my …
Stromboli and Carabinieri in Golfcarts
Due to bad weather yesterday we spent the entire day docked at Santa Marina di Salina but we had nevertheless a great experience during our …
A Driving Tour of Salina, Il Postino and Language Lessons
After our explorations of Lipari and Salina yesterday the weather was going to keep us on the island of Salina today. I woke up early …
Discoveries of Lipari to Salina
My first afternoon and night on a sailboat had gone surprisingly well. After our little late night excursion into the town of Lipari I had …
Our Sailing Trip to the Eolian Islands Begins
Following my last day in Taormina and my arrival last night in Milazzo I caught a good rest to get up early today to repack …
Goobye Taormina – Hello Milazzo
My last day in Taormina had started: I woke up at daybreak to pack my suitcase since later today I would be relocating from Taormina …
Pottery Painting Lessons and a Hike up the Flanks of Mount Etna
On a gorgeous morning following a good sleep after last night’s cooking lesson I woke up at about 6 am and stepped out on the …
A Sicilian Cooking Class and Enjoying an 8-course Meal
I had thoroughly enjoyed my personal Sicilian history lesson provided by Alessandro Adorno, the Founder and Director of the Babilonia Language School. In addition he …
South Asian Discoveries in Southall
Our last day in London had arrived. After our serene and peaceful early-morning kayak tour on Regent’s Canal we freshened up quickly, grabbed a bite …
Sunrise Kayaking on Regent’s Canal
Our last day in London had arrived, far too quickly I might add. My travel partner Andrea and I had already spent two action-packed days …
London’s Unknown East End & a Tour of the Zetter Hotel
It’s amazing what you can pack into a day: our sightseeing tour on the Number 11 bus had introduced us to some of London’s most …
A Sightseeing Cruise on the Thames River
It was barely mid-day by now and we had already seen so much. Our ride on the Number 11 bus had introduced us to some …
Catching Some Great Sights – from the Number 11 Bus!
Our second day in London greeted us with brilliant sunshine, and even though it was still early May, temperatures in the mid twenties (Celsius, of …
Hyde Park, the Financial District, the Liverpool Street Station, Dinner at Eat 17, and a Taste of London Nightlife at Leicester Square & Piccadilly Circus
After a busy morning exploring Smithfield Market, two historic train stations (St. Pancras and King’s Cross), an enjoyable stroll through the world-famous Portobello Market, an …
Two Historic Train Stations, the Portobello Market, Notting Hill and London’s Little Beirut
Finally I had succeeded in getting to London after my one day delay in Salzburg. I had spent about a week in Austria and was …
A Personal History Lesson about the Mafia
With the images from my beautiful excursion around Mount Etna still etched freshly in my mind, I got ready for another day of Italian studies …
A Driving Tour around Mount Etna
Today was Italian Labour Day, a big national holiday that presented the perfect opportunity to do a little out of town excursion: a drive around …
Sicily Travel: My Language Studies Begin
Language study travel is not at all new to me. Two years ago I went to the University of Havana to study Spanish, and last …
An Excursion into Antiquity: Siracusa
Finally, my first day of beautiful weather in Sicily, a perfect day for an out-of-town excursion. I started my day with a nourishing breakfast on …
A Hike to Castelmola and Some Sicilian Delicacies
A rainy morning had provided a great opportunity to get the owners of my hotel a bit better. After my interview with the Sciglio family …
An Interview with the Sciglio Family who runs my Small Hotel
I really enjoyed my location at Hotel Villa Nettuno, this 13-room family run hotel on the north side of Taormina. Since it was a rainy …
Arrival in Taormina and First Impressions
So my latest travel adventure has just begun: three weeks in Sicily to get to know this beautiful historic island and to learn Italian in …
My Three-week Italian Language Learning Adventure
Sicily – the name alone conjures up images of an exotic island, a mysterious and fascinating past. I have wanted to explore Italy for some …
Taking My Visitors on a Driving Tour
For a person as curious as me, I am always out on some sort of discovery. No wonder travel writing appeals so much to me …
A Driving Tour to the Semmering Mountain and the Pilgrimage Town of Mariazell
My first three days in Austria had already been action-packed, full of hiking excursions and culinary delights. My next adventure was going to be a …
Local explorations in Styria, Close to my Home Town
For several months now I had been planning another trip to Europe, to visit my family in my home town in Austria, as well as …
Medieval Arta, the Beaches of Cala Rajada and the Castle of Capdepera
On my last full day in Mallorca my plan was to explore the eastern part of the island. I had spent the vast majority of …
A Mountain Drive to Alaro, Bunyola & Valdemossa and Folklore at La Granja
After a tasty home-made breakfast on the balcony of my studio apartment in Port d’Alcudia I was ready to head out for a full day …
The Round Medieval Bellver Castle, Inca and Alcudia
After five great days in my temporary home in the Western Bay of Palma it was now time to relocate and have a closer look …
Mallorca’s North West Side: Sant Elm, Sa Dragonera & an Evening in Palma
My stomach problems of yesterday had disappeared and I felt as good as new on this gorgeous late May morning. An early highlight of the …
The Historic Train Ride from Palma to Soller and Mallorca’s North Coast
I woke up to another day of gorgeous sunshine and took a seat on our spacious balcony at the Torrenova Aparthotel complex. The surrounding view …
A Visit to Andratx and First Discoveries of Palma de Mallorca
Our location in Palma Nova on the western bay of Palma was very convenient with one exception: several of the hotel guests came home between …
Taking the Historic Tram to Port de Soller and Exploring Palmanova
We had thoroughly enjoyed our drive through the Tramuntana mountain region yesterday and our discoveries in the town of Sóller. After a restful night of …
Mallorca Travel: The Gorgeous Tramuntana Mountains, Finca Ca’s Sant and Soller
Our second full day in Mallorca started with an early morning stroll along the Pine Walk promenade in Port de Pollença, a beautiful seafront town …
A Crazy Drive up the Puig de Maria, Pollença and Cap Formentor
Our second day in Mallorca greeted us with bright sunshine. After a restful night at Finca Son Pont, we got ready to have breakfast in …
Luxury and History at Finca Son Pont & Dinner on the Mediterranean
With my love for the Spanish language and my fascination for Mediterranean landscapes, the island of Mallorca has been one of my dream destinations for …
A Country Driving Tour Through Creemore, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Orillia
Late spring is the perfect time for a driving tour, so yesterday my co-workers Vanessa, Khurram and I set off to check out the countryside …
Exploring Frank Lloyd Wright in Buffalo and Serenity on Lake Ontario
My theory is a real traveler is able to discover interesting things even in the most unlikely of places. Well, Buffalo probably hasn’t made the …
Snowtubing at Horseshoe Valley and an Overview of Ontario’s Winter Getaways and Activities
Our winter getaway over the last two days was supposed to include a couple of different activities: snow-tubing and outdoor skating. Well, our outdoor skating …
Our Beautiful Winter Getaway at Nicholyn Farms Bed and Breakfast
Driving up to the Nicholyn Farms Bed and Breakfast you get welcomed by the hearty and healthy aroma of 2,200 organically raised pigs. This bed …
Exploring Downtown Barrie and Making a German-Trinidadian-Austrian Connection
As much as I love the city (Toronto, that is), every once in a while I gotta get away and a few weeks ago I …
Hello from Caledon, Elora & Guelph – Fall Colours, Ghosts and Ghouls
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ontario, and after last weeks early fall colour tour through the Kawarthas east of Toronto, it …
Hello from Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market – A Culinary History Tour
Life works in really strange and wonderful ways. At the beginning of this week I talked to my brother in Austria on the phone, and …
Hello from the Kawarthas – Early Fall Colours, Scarecrows and Frogmen
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in Ontario when forests light up in hues of yellow, orange and red. It’s the perfect time …
Hello from Lake Ontario’s Waterfront Trail – Exploring Pickering and Ajax
In our neck of the woods the summer has been absolutely gorgeous, a little on the hot and humid side occasionally, but I am unable …
A Driving Tour around the Niagara Escarpment
Although I love the city the summer always makes me itch to get out into the country. So I called up my friend Karel with …
Exploring Victorian Beauty in Owen Sound
Staying in a bed and breakfast is often the highlight of my weekend getaways. Every B&B is unique, the food is usually delicious and the …
The Garden House B&B in Owen Sound
Late summer can be a very beautiful time in Ontario, and this year we certainly have been having great weather. In addition to getting out …
Landfall Farm B&B in Port Perry
[Please note that this is a historic article from 2008. Landfall Farm B&B is no longer in business. Please do not call the Heintzmann family …
Shining Waters B&B & a Kawartha Lakes Tour
Summer is a really beautiful time in Ontario and a perfect time to explore the verdant countryside surrounding Toronto. Since we were just having visitors …
Clonmel Estate B&B & Discoveries of St. Jacobs, Port Dover and the Lake Ontario Shoreline
With the weather gods perfectly cooperating, we embarked on another country excursion, a great opportunity to show my European visitors a bit more of Ontario. …
Medieaval History at the Riegersburg and a Reluctant Goodbye
Having recovered from my action-packed day yesterday which included a photo safari of my home town, some extreme hiking and subsequent culinary feasting (to counteract …
Classical Music, Reunions with Old Friends and a Final BBQ
After just a gorgeous day on the Alpine peaks at the Austrian / Italian / Slovenian border, the weather gods were not as kind yesterday. …
A Day Trip to Slovenia and Italy – Monte Lussari
After yesterday’s exciting outing to Graz we were planning an even bigger outing today: an excursion to the so-called “Drei-Länderecke”, an area where Austria, Italy …
Hello from Austria: A Hike through the Raabklamm and a Visit to Graz – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Inspired from my cave adventure yesterday, I met my friends Andrea and Herbert early this morning to go on a hike through the Raabklamm (Raab …
Austria Travel: Exploring Eastern Styria and the Town of Weiz
Finally, after the rather rainy day yesterday I opened my curtains to an absolutely gorgeous day today. The lush green Alpine foothills and mountains surrounding …
Our Hiking Trip through Styria’s Vineyards
On a beautiful warm summer day and after a nice filling breakfast we got going early yesterday to embark on our Sunday excursion to the …
Austria Travel: Arrival in Eastern Styria and First Impressions
Many of you will know that I am originally from Austria, but that I have been living in Toronto for more than 20 years. I …
Hiking the Raab River and Exploring the Provincial Capital of Graz
The story of the immigrant – the recurring tale of people with two identities, their lingering attachment to their birth country and their love for …
Hello from San Diego – A Waterfront Stroll & a Tour of the Historic Sofia Hotel
Today was our relocation day: we moved from our vacation apartment in Solana Beach in San Diego to the chic Sofia Hotel in downtown San …
A Day Trip to Ptuj, Slovenia
After my upper Styrian driving tour the day before, my brother and I headed out on another driving tour, this time going south to Lower …
A Tour of Mala Strana and Petrin Hill with Prague’s mini-Eiffel Tower
As the late afternoon sun had come out, I was continuing my action-packed day in Prague. After a guided tour through Prague’s Jewish Quarter, a …
Art Nouveau Splendour at Prague’s Municipal House & a River Tour
After an introduction to kosher food and after sampling some Krupnik and Gefilte Fish, I thanked Michal Günsberger for his culinary education and for his …
Culinary Experiences at the Kosher King Solomon Restaurant
After our extensive tour through Prague’s Jewish Quarter it was only fitting to cap off this experience with a nice meal in a kosher restaurant. …
Prague Travel: A Walking Tour through Prague’s Jewish Quarter – A Fascinating Part of Town
One of Prague’s key attractions is the Jewish Quarter, the former Jewish ghetto of the city. So on this bright, yet blustery day I strolled …
A Visit to Strahov Monastery & Prague Castle, Two of Prague’s Gems
At the end of my delicious lunch at La Rotonde, the Art Deco restaurant at the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel, my personal tour guide for …
Art Deco Splendour at the Historic Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel in Prague
Always on the lookout for historical structures, I had planned a visit to another renowned Prague establishment: the Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel, established in 1932 …
Cold War History at the Hotel Jalta on Wenceslas Square
On a somewhat cool and breezy day, bright sunshine woke me up and I stepped out on to the balcony of my room at the …
A Visit to an Authentic Czech Beer Hall – U Medvidku
My local experts Jitka Simkova, owner of Prague Walks.com, together with her colleague Karel had given me a great introduction to Old Town Prague. The …
A Walking Tour of Prague’s New Town and Old Town Historic Areas
After more than two weeks of European explorations in Austria and Mallorca, another highlight of my 2009 European odyssey was waiting for me: a three-day …
A Grand River Experience, a Blue Dog, Historic Mansions & a Sculpture Garden
After a delectable and nourishing vegetarian omelette at the Two Roses Bed and Breakfast in St. George, Ontario, we were ready to start our third …
Exploring Paris, Pewter Art & Great Hospitality in St. George
We had already seen and experienced so much on this gorgeous fall day: from Brantford’s signature sights such as the Bell Homestead and the Mohawk …
The Brantford Farmers’ Market, Harmony Square, a Bike Ride & a Historic Train Station
After our action-packed morning which included a tour of The Bodega Inn, a visit to the Bell Homestead and the historic Mohawk Chapel, the Brantford …
A Tour of the Bodega Inn, the Bell Homestead and the Mohawk Chapel
My second day in Brantford, was an absolutely action-packed day. I got going early at about 8 am when I headed downstairs and requested Jennifer, …
A Perfect Staycation Begins – the Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Café Andreou & an Evening at the Sanderson Centre
Searching for an interesting weekend getaway, I have been studying a map of Ontario, looking for places that are just an hour or two outside …
Asturias Travel: Exploring the Asturian Coast, Colombres & the Cares Mountain Valley
My last full day in Asturias had arrived. I had long wanted to travel to this northern Spanish mountain region, and my six days here …
Exploring Llanes, a Mountain Drive & Hospitality at the Posada de Babel
On this gorgeous sunny day I had already fallen in love with one Asturian coastal town: the scenic town of Ribadesella had truly captured my …
The Tito Bustillo Prehistoric Cave and a Scenic Walk in Ribadesella
Well, my time in the high mountains of the Asturian Picos de Europa was over. I checked out of the Hotel La Cepada, my cozy …
Discovering the Picos de Europa
My day began with a nice breakfast overlooking the town of Cangas de Onís, a pretty town of about 6700 people that is embedded in …