Getting Centered at the Equator in Ecuador (or Our Journey to the Center of the Earth)


Just outside of Quito, Ecuador lies the exact midway point between the North and South poles and, being of reasonably sound minds, we had to see it.

Seriously, when do you get the chance to stand on  Latitude 00° 00′ 00”?

We did some wacky things there, but only one of us got a certificate for the wackiest thing of all… CONTINUE READING >>


Just outside of Quito, Ecuador lies the exact midway point between the North and South poles and, being of reasonably sound minds, we had to see it.

Seriously, when do you get the chance to stand on  Latitude 00° 00′ 00”?

We did some wacky things there, but only one of us got a certificate for the wackiest thing of all… CONTINUE READING >>

A Reader’s Paradise in Manhattan – The Library Hotel

When writing accounts of our escapades around the globe, we don’t often mention where we stay.

What can we say? “The towels were nice and the TV worked.” Not exactly a captivating story.

But sometimes the accommodations are the story, as is the case with the Library Hotel in New York City.

From the moment we checked in… CONTINUE READING >>

When writing accounts of our escapades around the globe, we don’t often mention where we stay.

What can we say? “The towels were nice and the TV worked.” Not exactly a captivating story.

But sometimes the accommodations are the story, as is the case with the Library Hotel in New York City.

From the moment we checked in… CONTINUE READING >>

Florence on the Fly

Widely heralded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Firenza is the center of Italy’s art universe, and home to many of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Florence has treasures that could take days, weeks, months, years, or perhaps a lifetime to fully exploreCONTINUE READING >>

Widely heralded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Firenza is the center of Italy’s art universe, and home to many of the world’s greatest masterpieces.

Florence has treasures that could take days, weeks, months, years, or perhaps a lifetime to fully exploreCONTINUE READING >>

Oh My Aching Feet! Cobblestones, Comfort & Flight-induced Cankles

Yup, it’s time for another women “of a certain age” post from me. So far I’ve overshared about stray hairs, arm flaps, botox, and mammograms – so why stop now, right?

This time it’s about my feet and cankles – yuck, I know, but it’s life and if I don’t overshare, who’s going to?

So here goes – some frank talk (but no gross pictures, promise), a little bit of whining and a solution or two… CONTINUE READING >>

Yup, it’s time for another women “of a certain age” post from me. So far I’ve overshared about stray hairs, arm flaps, botox, and mammograms – so why stop now, right?

This time it’s about my feet and cankles – yuck, I know, but it’s life and if I don’t overshare, who’s going to?

So here goes – some frank talk (but no gross pictures, promise), a little bit of whining and a solution or two… CONTINUE READING >>

A Romp Through the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is the granddaddy of all malls – one of the oldest and certainly largest covered markets in the world.

It seemed as though most of the 400,000 visitors who come each day were inside with us.

With over three thousand shops packed in along sixty-one covered streets, we felt like lab rats looking for… CONTINUE READING >> 

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul is the granddaddy of all malls – one of the oldest and certainly largest covered markets in the world.

It seemed as though most of the 400,000 visitors who come each day were inside with us.

With over three thousand shops packed in along sixty-one covered streets, we felt like lab rats looking for… CONTINUE READING >> 

Wachau Talkin’ About? Austria Along the Danube

In this region — far removed from any modern hustle and bustle — the river winds beneath church towers, vineyards, and ancient castle ruins as it passes the hamlets that dot the hillsides along the banks.

No wonder the entire area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage… CONTINUE READING >>

In this region — far removed from any modern hustle and bustle — the river winds beneath church towers, vineyards, and ancient castle ruins as it passes the hamlets that dot the hillsides along the banks.

No wonder the entire area has been named a UNESCO World Heritage… CONTINUE READING >>