I admit, I am fickle. I fall in love too easily. My last amour and still somewhat smouldering, is India. To be exact, Mumbai and New Delhi with a temporary staycation in Darjeeling.
But now my latest crush is China.
For a city to grab my attention, I have to have certain ingredients. For starters warmish, snowless four season weather, much culture, sensational hotels, amble supply of fine restaurants, history, green parks and millions of locals bustling on the streets. I found all this in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in the southwest of China. This area dates back to the 4th century.
But what draws the people to Chengdu, are the fluffy, seemingly friendly pandas. They are adorable, cuddly, black and white and non-chalant.

WHERE TO GO

THE PEOPLE'S PARK located in the city needs a few hours. It's here that the locals dance and sing, do their exercises , play mahjong and, of course, there's a tea house.
GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE, is the world's premier, non profit research and breeding faculty. These are the rare, cuddly, black and white animals have only 2000 in the world. Pandas aren't waiting for you. You have to walk a lot, look up to tree tops and in the bottom greenery. Fortunately, they seem to be accustomed to humans so playing in trees, eating their bamboo, without being annoyed,are natural to them. And only you know that they are enclosed since the area in which they lived is huge with a single pathway for the crowds to see them. Their diet includes, not only bamboo, but carrots, apples, panda bread. And if you're one of the lucky visitors you may see a new baby panda, kept in another area.

THINGS GO DO

Performances at the Shu Feng Ya Yum Sichuan Opera, shouldn't be missed, The evening I was there, there were several segments and only one was an operatic scene. The exception art of magic is truly amazing. Hogus pokus! The segment on mask change with just a flick of their fan and suddenly, a different painted face appears. I'm sure that there is not only magic involved but the some new technology probably gives help while the gizmo is up one of their wide sleeves.
There was the wonderful controller of the glorious marionette ballerina as she dropped her hankerchief and then retrieved it or when she plucked a flower and then the agility of the puppeteer somehow pined it to her outfit. Other segments prove exciting as we sat chewing pumpkin seeds and drinking tea, (So civilized. Every two seats have a small table.)
I didn't venture to the top of Mount Qingchen knowing I'd never get there but I did climb half way over a long suspended bridge where there's a splendid tea house which overlooking an area of green trees. The agility and ability of the Chinese is awesome. While having my tea, I notice a masseur given by a tiny woman. So I thought, another experience and hired her. Her strength didn't match her size. With each pinch, pounding hammering and slapping, this woman gave out-air, fully-dressed massages, a new definition.
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I certainly underestimated Iceland, I thought I’d see the Northern Lights, touch an iceberg, and soak in the hot springs. Then I’d be on my way to my next stop, London UK.
But there are so many places and sites to see and in the four days there, ( not long enough ), I did discover as much as possible of this charming, very southern city of Reykjavik on the cutting edge with new beautiful architecture, hidden- away fashion designers and well thought out food made with local ingredients that are not imported. Import duty makes Reykjavik feel as though you are in expensive New York City but without the hyper steroids. I didn’t meet any Vikings but was totally swept away by the variety of polite, helpful locals and interesting city sites.
Reykjavik was always my thought of being on the top of the world and what a better time visiting my 100th country and counting
As a single woman traveller, one of my first objectives and a tip to first timers, when available, take a Hop On/ Hop Off, bus which helps familiarize the entire city. Four days doesn't do justice to this city with a population of 124,000. To see more of the country, one needs double that. However, I did push a lot into those days.

ARCHITECTURE

The most obvious building to startle you is, Hallgrimskiekja Lutheran Church, an edifice sweeping upward, 74.5 metres (244 feet). Located atop a hilly street in the centre of the city, it has become a landmark which can be seen from almost anywhere in Reykjavik. Semi rounded columns attached to the building and worked in textured concrete, with a heavy main door detailed with red mosaic tiles and brass and the huge spire are the first inviting sights. Inside traditional pews, marvellous high arched ceiling with a huge organ in shiny golden colour as though absorbing the autumn colours. And then there's Leif Eiriksson's large statue which stands in the front.a sort of welcome to this majestic piece of architecture. One of the most unusual grand examples is the Harpo Centre, a masterpiece in any country. This unexpected glass creation is by H.Larson Architects in Reykjavik. . .

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This year, 2019, is the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement and it’s still youthful appearance fits our modern lifestyle.

Although the birth of the Bauhaus school was Weimar, Germany, it’s in Tel Aviv, Israel that has the largest collection outside the birth city. Bauhaus was introduced to a growing city and the signatures of colour, geometric shape, minimalism, and simplicity, came to the city that was growing out of the sand dunes.

A SERIOUS OASIS IN THE DESERT

Tel Aviv, Israel, is a city with a palette of monochromic colours . . . now.

I have my favourite architects - Walter Gropius who introduced his vision of Bauhaus along with Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Many new immigrant architects who had come to Israel, were involved at the start of this movement with new ideas, shapes and new concepts to an accepting, new country.

WHO STARTED THIS?

In 1919, Walter Gropius, a German architectural visionary, elaborated his thoughts and Bauhaus also known as Modernism/International Style considered the treasure of architecture, was born.

Of the details which distinguish them in Tel Aviv, due to different weather needs, were recessed windows which originally, were rectangular walls of glass but here allowed too much sun into the non air conditioned interiors. Innovated flat roofs doubled as places for public gatherings, and another nod to this hot country, were long narrow balconies which covered the apartments below, allowing for some extra breeze. These edifices were raised on pillars with double functions - a playground for the children and extra wind to cool the apartments.

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There are no flies in Muscat. I discovered that on my first morning while sitting on the terrace of my hotel eating a breakfast of fruit and pastries.

It was hot even at that time of day but I didn’t have to bother swishing or swatting those annoying creatures.

But that was just the beginning of my first trip to oil-rich Oman, located on the Arabian Sea.

A Magic Kingdom

Out of the dark medieval atmosphere that existed only thirty five years ago, Sultan Qaboos (pronounced like the last car of a train) brought this magic kingdom into the 21st century. Following a bloodless coup, he took over from his father and, in 1965, Oman became independent.

In stark contrast to other Arab countries that border Oman, women have a choice of dressing how they like, driving a car and getting an education. But that’s only half the story of this haven. Muscat looks as though it gets vacuumed daily. Huge white mansions that can only be owned by nationals, are set against the grey-black Hajar Mountains, juxtaposed with the desert and beaches where the azure sea seems to collide with the cloudless blue sky.

No taxes

And on top of all this, there is no income tax or any form of taxation at all; medical services and education are also both free. Being there is like taking a page from One Thousand and One Nights or Camelot.

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TORONTO, the most under rated, exciting big city in North America

It wasn't just Drake who made Toronto famous. It had become a major destination before the rap' icon who is from chic mid city, Toronto's, Forest Hills. He also has made Toronto into a hip destination. However, as much as I would like to meet Drake, this article is for tourist visiting Toronto.

This city has so many firsts and with great food and foodies, museums that exhibit world wide collections, shopping for fashionistas' favourite - label loving boutiques, several theatres and the best film festival for the public in the world, Toronto International Film Festival (aka TIFF) . Cannes is for selling films, Toronto is for the movie lovers who stand in line for hours to see a few of the newest flicks a day. Smart film lovers buy their tickets early!

So where to start?

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"The world is the body and India is its life."
Khalid Masood

My latest trip to India was magical. After working in Delhi with my associate, for a week, I decided to go where I haven’t been in 25 years . . . Kerala. Does that ring a bell? It is a small area on the southwest coast and where life is slower than the mad paced larger cities and most importantly, was once the most important centre for the spice trade in Kochi in the province of Ernakulam.

Once referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi (aka Cochin) it is also know for their "back waters."

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“INDIA changes people”.

I’ve traveled the world and India is the ultimate experience.

If it’s your first trip, I’ll suggest the destinations “for starters”. Even if it’s the fourth or more, my suggestions come from personal experiences.

Sure there’s sensory over load and a cacophony of honking horns but learning different cultures with their 4000 year history, it is intriguing.

We’ll work together on booking top end hotels, restaurants that won’t give you Delhi belly, unique sites and English speaking guides with great knowledge of their country, and of course, shopping.

Yes, it’s a huge country and getting to know india may take a lifetime of visits. But start and you’ll want more.

My associates in Delhi with offices throughout the sub continent, are always ready to assist. They will even book your air flights and all other requests.

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I LOVE INDIA.

I love India. Not the poverty, that’s for sure, but the colour, the sensory overload, history, temples, glitzy hotels, heritage hotels ( let’s call the decor ‘shabby chic’), but nevertheless, wonderful), so I’ve been here and there, north south, east and west.

The idea was to create ‘bespoke’ ( another work for custom-made) itineraries. With my knowledge and activities for those who have the penchant for sightseeing, trekking, the local eating places and the elite restaurants, and never having Delhi Belly, shopping galore, art galleries, ethnic prayer halls, temples and all the monumental sites. I’ve done it all.

The BIG idea!

My idea was to set up a concierge travel service and have my Indian friend who is the proprietor of a large travel company located in Delhi, to assist. And assist he did. My first clients (and there have been many since), were pleased.

The must-have in India…Patience. I learned this quickly. Then most importantly, adjusting to the traffic juggernauts, the cacophony of the constant honking of horns, the chaos of thousands of people on the streets where elbows come in handy. Probably the most important part of enjoying the sub continent is learning patience.

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MOST READERS THINK THAT I ONLY GO TO EXOTIC, HECTIC DESTINATIONS. WELL, SURPRISE, I DISCOVERED COLOMBIA - Bogata

Bogota, the capital. is like any large metropolis with traffic juggernauts and shopping malls, but Cartagena is the complete opposite. Here there’s a calm atmosphere that settled over me.

I chose my hotel as though i was tossing a dart, blindfolded. I came up with a winner. Casa Pestagua (Calle Santo Dominco) is a sensational 11 room, mansion- turned- hotel on a cobblestone narrow, main street.

After you push the heavy wood entrance door, it’s a fairy land. Royal palm trees reaching towards the sky with a narrow oblong pool and spouting fountain, also has tables for meals. And as it turned out, the hotel’s restaurant, Amadeus, is a top rated restaurant and well deserved too. Not only is the food delicious but the bright carrot orange painted stucco walls with white trimming, made me feel I was in a film.

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IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO COME HOME BUT THIS TIME I WISHED I COULD HAVE STAYED LONGER. - Bogata

It’s always good to come home but this time I wished I could have stayed longer. That’s the effect Bogota, Columbia had me . . . most unexpectedly.
By happenstance, I choose a hotel as if I was using a dart..I came up with one of the loveliest accommodations as though I had been given a secret number.
B.O.G. Hotel one of the Design Hotel Group, in the perfect location (Carrera 11 #867) and with only 55 rooms, the perfect size. Only 6 years since the property was bought and redone.
Truly, B O.G, is beautifully designed and although some of the rooms are small, the wonderful staff, from reception to servers in the restaurant, made up for that.

WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO DO, WHERE TO EAT???. THAT’S ALWAYS A QUESTION WHEN YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN.

I decided that I’d have a better time if I was with my friend’s sister, Lizette, and I was right . When you go to destinations with a local, you tend to see areas that weren’t in any travel book or itineraries.

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FEW OTHER COUNTRIES COMPEL ME TO RETURN - The Kiosks of Tel Aviv

No matter how often I return to Israel, it is always like being a bride. There’s always something old that has just been unearthed, something amazingly new, some trend borrowed, as seen in the new and novel hotels and something always blue in the glorious sky and sea.
Life goes on in Tel Aviv at a hectic place for its 400,000 inhabitants who wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. Why would they with the variety that life in T.A. offers: major cultural venues, truly fine cuisine, sports, music events, and the development of innovations, from pharmaceuticals to new technologies.
Given the outdoor lifestyle and great weather in this Mediterranean city, it’s not unusual to see locals multi tasking: walking, speaking on their cell, and eating, all at the same time.

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DJERBA, TUNISIA’S LANDMARK FOR JEWISH TRAVELERS.

A few years ago, while in Tunisia, I decided to take a side trip to the island of Djerba, (the largest island in Africa, in the Gulf of Gabes.),where the oldest synagogue in Tunisia is located in what was once a Jewish village: Hara Srira (“small village”) or Seghira.
Records show that Jews came to Tunisia after fleeing from Palestine in 586 BCE, following the destruction of the first temple. Legend has it that a stone and a door from Solomon’s Temple is incorporated into the building. The fewer than a thousand Jews who have remained in Tunisia, still consider this the center of Jewish life.
Once there were 20 synagogues in this country but by the 1950s there were only five. I had always wanted to see El Ghriba Synagogue. And luckily I did. El Ghriba (“the marvellous”) has an ancient Holy scroll (the Torah), the oldest in Africa, is here. El Ghriba was considered “a repository of a vanished culture” which based its religious practice on the double system of custom and law.

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Some countries can be read like manageable road maps. Easy to figure out where you are, learn about the history and politics and how to get from one dot to another. However, joining these dots in Lithuania is so beyond complexities with the political twists and turns, the devastations, domination by various countries, having part of their territory sliced off, reversing their ideology, and if you compare it to a map, even the most adept directionally capable person would beg for an aspirin.

NEIGHBOURS
Considered the geographic centre of Europe, their neighbours are Belarus to the east, Latvia on the north, Poland in the south west and Russia to the west. And they are neighbours that haven’t always been friendly. However, this small country has been recorded as existing since the 10th millennium B.C. Finally after the USSR dissolved and dispersed, Lithuania in 1990, again became independent. And that’s the tiniest nutshell for this mammoth often incomprehensible history.

CULTURE HAS BEEN RESUSCITATED
Vilnius, the country’s capital and largest city with 560,190 in population,(the country’s population is 3,575,439) is neatly divided by the Neris River with the commercial and industrial area on one side which features the never out of sight Europa Tower. While the Old Town, once the largest in Europe, is on the other side of the city centre river with artists, cafes and small boutiques. Another claim to fame is that Lithuania was named ‘ 2009 Centre of Culture’. The highly literate population places heavy emphasis on education with a large percentage graduating from university. . .

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Newsletter #20 - Nov 20, 2017
KYOTO’S FASCINATION WITH THE HINA DOLLS

In a city with 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, hundreds of gardens, and a population of 1,5 million, when I was told that I would be visiting a doll store, I wondered what the planners could have been thinking .

DOLLS?

I haven’t played or even touched a doll since my daughter grew up and that was a few decades ago. In fact, she didn’t love them enough to have a keep sake.

But then I didn’t know about Hina dolls and once seen I certainly quickly became a fan. No tradition in Japan is new and Hina dolls go back over hundreds of years although other traditions are a 1000 years old.

KEIHO

Ando Keiho Doll Shop is pricey they could take days, even weeks to finish since there’s a strict adherence to their craftsmanship, Now the 3rd generation, maintained by Keiho and his wife Keiko, they are hands on in overseeing every aspect of their treasures.

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My guide, Renata and I reach the historic, over 700 year old town of Swidnica. . As with most Polish cities and towns, there's a main square where we have a typical but far too large Polish lunch of steak, potatoes and pierogis.

Our visit is to see the Church of Peace, about a 10 minute walk from the square and considered the outskirts of town. We pass small shops and modest houses. This is not a city of great wealth and with a population of only 20,000, it has a great amount of parks, about 11, which makes Swidnica very picturesque . . .

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As Poland increasingly becomes a travel destination, chances are stops will include the capital, Warsaw plus the ancient city of Krakow, and perhaps Wroclaw (formerly Breslau).

THE MIXTURE OF BAD, AND UGLY

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On the small island of San Salvador, Bahamas, about a 1 hour flight from Nassau, capital of the Bahamas, is a hidden surprise: Club Med's, Columbus Isle. It has a 4.5 Trident rating but should really be rated a luxury 5 Trident accommodation as are the Club Meds in Mauritius, Cancun, Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Originally called Mediterranee SA, they are now all known worldwide as Club Med.

MOST UNIQUE JOURNEY FROM FRANCE TO CHINA

The concept, which was started 50 years ago by Gerard Blitz, a Belgian and an Italian tent maker, Gilbert Trigano, was initially a simple colony in France with rudimentary huts and tents. After some growth and some added luxury due to Baron Edmund de Rothschild who enjoyed his stay so much that he invested in the company, it grew widely and was recognized world-wide. Now, there are 82 "villages" internationally. . . .

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On my first trip to India, I was convinced I was going to die. I was to be met by someone from the tourism department in Mumbai but he/she was a no-show. In fact there were few travelers, and mysteriously few guides. The small tourist office in the terminal, was shut and padlocked tightly.

An obvious Westerner, seeing me looking perplexed and perhaps thinking he could be of assistance, told me to walk over to the Domestic terminal. (This was the old crumbling, dark airport, now replaced by the swanky Indira Gandhi international building). That in itself scared the hell out of me since suddenly there were dozens of children and adults pulling at my sleeves and pants, although my money pouch was hidden under my top. I felt they must know that and to me it seemed to be the next area of attack. I was pre-warned about the grabbing. But who could know how bad it was.

At the Domestic terminal, the small stalls and shops had their shutters locked. Back to the International terminal where there was a bus in which an unofficially dressed man, certainly not from the tourist board, suggested that I get on. Now, in retrospect, this was beyond stupid but there really wasn't an alternative and no cell phones yet. Remember this was 25 years ago and India wasn't on many tourist radars. . . .

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After my 12th or maybe 13th visit, I had made acquaintances mainly through interviewing various people of interest. And recently one of my 'new friends' invited me to his son's wedding.

Who would or could resist an Indian wedding? So with my air mile points, I was on my way to an extravaganza that not even Bollywood could reproduce.

Each of the three days, (I stayed longer. Who goes to India for 3 days?), my every hour, from brunch on to evening events was full. Out of town guests received the itinerary which had been beautifully printed on a heavy vellum card.

The bride's family had an evening, so did the groom's parents. Cocktails, stated on the card, were "dress code casual elegant", except there is no such thing in this affluent social group.

Everyone looked so very India Vogue-smart. Bling during before the sun went down was small, while the evening glitz and glamour of the soirees were "blingtastic". Did they water these jewels during the day? The parties got bigger and the saris more glorious . . .

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Although this newsletter is from an article of a few years ago when the world was safe, it's still a goodie and an adventure that continues to bring laughter and tears as its memory lingers on.

My day of sightseeing in Istanbul (Turkey) the city that straddles both Asia and Europe, included bargaining at the Grand Bazaar, buying the mandatory Turkish Delight (which I nibbled on during the day), being gob-smacked at the sight of huge gems at the Topkapi Museum which Kim Kardashian would love, the Archaeology Museum and the Blue Mosque, which Kim has probably never heard of, followed by the Galata Tower and the wildly rich decor at the Dolmabahce Palace.

Little wonder that I felt like a wet noodle by late afternoon. Tired? Absolutely! However, what were my chances of getting an appointment at the 'Hammam" (Turkish Bath) at the last minute? It was worth a try and I actually got an appointment, "but immediately". I rushed downstairs, not even stopping long enough to deposit my newly purchased souvenirs.

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When I was told by my adventurous daughter who was living in Dubai, that our accommodation for the next few days would be in the desert, immediately I visualized that I'd be in a tent. Been there, done that, no t-shirt and not keen to repeat.

Okay, I thought rationally, I could pretend for a few days that I was in a huge sand box with whatever ants and animals were around. Driving along the well paved four lane highway, we passed great sculpted sand dunes, golden and red sands with tuffs of wild grass here and there, which took my mind off what awaited me.

We were 2 1/2 hours from Dubai, a beautiful scenic drive but the tent-thought still interrupted my pleasure of seeing the constantly shifting sand.

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SIZE DOES MATTER
I've been on several ships but never one as large as the Crystal Serenity which is a 68,000-ton ship where luxury abounds. Large means space and, even with 1070 guests, I never felt crowded. My first impression: this is a floating village, and that's what it became during my trip to South America

LET'S EAT . . . AGAIN
The chatter always included where to eat dinner. Prego, obviously Italain,with the best carpaccio I've ever eaten anywhere and a very fine wine list. I liked the Chilean Merlot, remembered by the servers who always asked if I wanted a glass.
At the Silk Road/Nobu Restaurant, waiters are very understated and know they have a sophisticated clientele. They, therefore, don't blanch when asked for cold sake . . .

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OLA MADRID THE MAGNIFICENT!
Madrid is a city of plenty. It has at least 44 museums, a history that is daunting, many imperial boulevards, numerous theatres, palaces, outdoor monuments. It's a city of guitars and flamenco huge open green spaces, unexpectedly polite locals, and safe drinking water.

THE RAIN IN SPAIN ISN'T ALWAYS ON THE PLAIN . . .
I've been to Madrid when it rained for a few days, not little sprinkles but serious downpours. A lesson learned! Buy the lightest, smallest umbrella and have it with you whenever you go out. What to do during the downpour? It's the perfect time to visit a museum that was on your list. Just metres behind the Nacional Hotel, where I stayed, is Reina Sofia on Calle Atocha. Of course, every day, I intended to go since it was so close. Nothing could be better than to see the famed, heartbreaking canvas, "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso, a work that makes this museum one of the top in not only Madrid but also the rest of the world. . .

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THE MOST PEACEFUL PLACE TO DE-STRESS HIGH IN THE HIMALAYAS
There was a time, not that long ago, when tourists knew nothing about the tiny landlocked kingdom of Bhutan located between India's craggy Himalaya Mountains and China and bordering on Nepal. And the Bhutanese knew nothing about the outside world until the 1970s. In this "last place on the roof of the world", about the size of Switzerland, is a country with approximately 700,000 people who have deep respect for their constitutional monarchy, their lives tied to religion (mostly Tantric Manayana Buddhism). Dzongs ( fortress-like monasteries) dot the pristine countryside, often perched precariously on hilltops. These days much has changed with TV dishes and cyber cafes present in even the most isolated areas.

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EMERGING 3RD WORLD COUNTRY BUT WITH A MOTHERLODE OF HIDDEN WEALTH
I had a preconceived idea that this land-locked country surrounded by the Altai Mountain range with undisturbed nature and little tourism, untouched by the modern world and a population of 3 million, would be a hardship. All that changed in 1990 with their independence from the Soviet regime. But in some areas poverty still exists. One half of Mongolians live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar (aka UB).

Sure it's a third world country but with a stack of undeveloped riches – gold, oil, copper, nickel , zinc, coal, silver, phosphate, and fluorspar. Potential aplenty. Question is, can the Mongolians do it on their own or will they be, yet again, invaded and colonized for their underground wealth?

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Located on the shore of Lake Ontario in the western part of New York State, now with a population of over 2 million in Greater Rochester Area,there are so many 'firsts' here.
 
Rochester is considered the first Boomtown which had the largest flour mills in the States, also was a centre of manufacturing especially in men's clothing, numerous universities are dotted around the city such as the noted University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology. And most importantly, the birthplace of Kodak and Xerox. I was surprised to learn, also of Bausch & Lomb. Of course, Genesee brew masters call Rochester home. But, the head of this pyramid of achievements, read, invention, philanthropy and entrepreneurship was George Eastman who's legacy lives on around the city.

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IN EUROPE BAD MEANS GOOD
Most spas have the prefix of Bad for example Baden Baden in Germany or Bad Regaz in Switzerland, or they may have the suffix like the Czech Republic's Marienbad. There is no Bad attached to Italy's, ABANO GRAND HOTEL AND SPA. And since I have a serious case of Spa-itis, I could hardly control my glee when I finally arrived in the Grand Hotel & Thermal Spa and hotel.
 
Located in the town of Abano (AH-ban-oh), it is known for thermal waters and is one of the largest thermal spa town in Europe, even considered the largest in the world. The emphasis is entirely placed on well being, rebalancing, diet, reducing skin and cellular aging and anti -stress programs.

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Most tourists come to @Millennium City Park, which is what we would call a theme park. Fire eaters, acrobats, horse show and the view from the Rainbow Bridge. It's huge and although we spent over 3 hours seeing shows, most without admission, we still needed more time. The kid in me showed through.
 
In the evening, the water show I (tickets are so very difficult to obtain) which takes place on the lake utilizing high tech audio and visual effects, The show,"Dreamlike Glory of the Song Dynasty, is presented against a backdrop of mountains. A floating huge red lotus flower opens to display several actors. It's a Chinese version of EAU, Le Cirque du Soliel show but with castles, brilliantly coloured costumes, and unusual lighting.
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THE BACKGROUND STORY
This is from a trip 15 years ago but every so relevant today. As an insomniac, I leave the radio on all night. Mainly, because, DW (Deutsche Wella) had wonderful segments. They were located in Koln but now, Bonn. Early one morning, a segment talked about a man with a mission. Gunter Demnig, had created a way to memorialize those who had perished during WW II. The German Tourism in Toronto,thought it was a great idea for me to interview this passionate artist/sculpture and soon I was on my way to Koln (Cologne), Germany. READ MORE

European Waterways is a series of luxury, bespoke barges accommodating up to 12 guests each. There were only 6 of us travelling on the all-inclusive, most lavish barge. The fare includes the local wines, with exquisite meals, the visits of historic treasures and, best of all, floating through the Loire country. The Renaissance barge turned out to be exactly what we wanted - a slow-paced cruise, and being tended to like the French royal families were before they lost their thrones and, a few, their heads. READ MORE