Category Archives: Uncategorized

Baltics- May 2024

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I love a good Christmas market. I read somewhere that Tallinn, Estonia has one of the best markets, so of course I wanted to go. But lately life keeps getting in my way. My original trip was planned in December, but I ended up having to reschedule it for May. So much for seeing the Christmas markets.

Tallinn is small city, that can be walked easily in a few days. It located on the Baltic Sea and is neighbors to Russia, Finland and Latvia. There were once occupied by Sweden, Russia and Germany. The became independent in 1988, with a new constitution and new government in place in 1992. 

I visited the oldest cafe in Tallinn, Café Maiasmokk, to test out it’s Cardamon Bun. My favorite was at Rost

The next stop on my Baltic tour was Riga, Latvia. Given how close it is to Estonia I was surprised how different they felt. If I had to describe Tallinn, I would say it’s a vibrant city, electric, happy. Riga, was opposite, even with the sun shining. It just felt cold and sad.

I signed up for a tour of the Corner Building, a former KGB building turned museum. I showed up for my timed tour and a bit surprised I was the only one. The building was used to carry out activity by the KGB during the Soviet occupation of Latvia. Basically it was a jail. So here I am, alone, with the guide on a tour of a jail. He clearly had a script that would work for a group of people, but alone I started to get a little freaked out. Especially when he ordered me into a the cell and closed the door. Turned out the guide was quite lovely, he had lived in Chicago for 30 years. I wish I could tell you more, but honestly all I remember is starting to hyperventilate when that door closed and I realized I was underground, in a cell and nobody knew where I was.

Originally I had planned on taking the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki, but it did not work out with my travel plans. Did you know that Finland happiest country in the world? It could be because they consume more coffee per person than any other country in the world. Imagine they drink 5-8 cups a day. If the cup I had is any indication, I can’t imagine how they sleep.

I ended up at urgent care in the middle of the night, as I had a horrendous sore throat that was something out of horror movie. Turns out it was the beginning of the what is known as the 100 day flu.

I really enjoyed checking out some of the Baltic states. I learned about their history and would recommend checking it out.

Until next time, safe travels.

Christmas Markets 2023

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I love Christmas Markets. Not so much for the shopping, but more for the ambience. But the older I get, my tolerance for cold weather is waning. I planned an overly ambitious trip, hitting some of the “best” Christmas markets in Estonia and Finland. For someone who does not like cold weather, why would I even consider going to Finland in December?

The original plan was Luxembourg, Brussels, Warsaw, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki. I made it was far as Brussels before having to head to home for a family matter. I should have known when the trip starting to fall apart before I left that it was sign of what was to come.

I spent Thanksgiving in Boston with my cousins and then had planned to fly to Luxembourg via London. My original flight cancelled so I ended up having a day in London. I popped in the they City and had a wonder around and ended up just staying at hotel near the airport. Which turned into a blessing as there was Tube strike the next day!

Why Luxembourg you ask? It’s one of the richest countries in the world, per GDP. It’s landlocked by Germany, France and Belgium. And it’s a country I have not been to and they have Christmas markets. So it seemed like a good idea. I managed to hit the major markets in one afternoon.

I chose to have breakfast at the hotel, because let’s be honest it was cold. I was seated next to a lady that I had seen walking into town the day before. I remembered because she had been kind enough to signal that it was ok to walk across the street. I was deep in thought wondering why I thought traveling to cold places was a good idea. We started chatting, her name was Mandy and she was from Singapore. The breakfast was ok, but they had cookies. Like really good cookies. Typical American I took like 4. I then tried to work out how I can take them with me, as the napkins were cloth. The shock and horror on Mandy’s face was absolutely priceless. I just asked the server for a togo bag. Mandy was not having it. So I ended sharing with the nice German couple sitting next to me. They were quite happy to have the cookies.

I took the train to Brussels, where it was even colder. I managed to catch up with my cousins and then unfortunately had to change my travel plans and headed back to the States.

I was a little sad to miss the Christmas markets, but not sure I am down for anymore in the future. But never say never. Until next time, safe travels

South Korea-September 2023

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I first visited South Korea in April, 2014. I was very interested in returning. One thing I was conscious of was the weather. I thought September would be ideal, not as hot as July. Surprise, it was HOT.

I flew from Brisbane via Sydney to Seoul Inchoeon Airport. I spent the night at an airport hotel before heading over to Seoul Gimpo Airport to catch a flight to Jeju Island. Fun Fact, GMP-CJU is the heaviest traveled domestic flight in the world.

Jeju Island is known as the Hawaii of Korea. Per Wikipedia, there is 3,459 islands in South Korea, with Jeju being the largest. First impression was it’s was very green, HOT and HUMID. I can’t stress enough how humid. I had grand hopes of sightseeing, but I did not plan on it being so hot and humid or getting a migraine. The combination of the 3 meant I was able to join the lovely suite at the Grand Hyatt Jeju

I am going to blame the heat on what happened next. I decided to take a taxi to the O’sulloc Tea Museum. It was interesting to learn about the tea production.

I managed to avoid the snakes which was a relief. I did however make a silly mistake. I took a taxi out there but did not really think about how I would get back. After about 20 minutes of trying to find a taxi I gave up and got on the bus. Apparently you need a certain payment, which I did not have. Could have been a transit card, cash, credit card. I am not sure, because whatever I had did not work. A nice lady took pity on me on paid for my ride. I blame the heat for my stupidity.

After the bus fiasco, I hired a car to take to me Seogwipo-si. I saw a lot of Dol hareubangs which means stone grandfather in Korean. I was also able to visit  Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, which was stunning.

I highly recommend visiting Jeju. There was so much more to see then what I saw. I barely scratched the surface. Just be mindful of the weather, if heat is not your friend.

After a touring around Jeju, I head north to Busan. Leaving the greens of Jeju I expected Busan to be just another big city. It is a big city, but it’s a coastal.

I headed over to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. It was beautiful, I was not able to explore it properly. A lot of stairs and again it was quite warm.

If I am honest, if you asked me why I was going to South Korea, my answer was to eat chicken. It’s reported that fried chicken was introduced in Korea but the American soldiers during the Korean War. Korean Fried Chicken, KFC, has become so popular there is even a Chicken University. I did managed to eat my fair bit.

I probably should have rescheduled this trip after breaking my ankle. I really thought I would have been ok 3 months later. Joke was on me. Also I did not factor in the heat. I did my best, but felt like I spent a lot of time in my hotel. I will go back, maybe in the Spring or Fall, when I avoid the high heat. I highly recommend a visit and spend as long as you can, there is so much to see!

Australia- FIFA Women’s World Cup July 2023

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I can spend hours curating elaborate travel plans and a simple slip on a sidewalk can derail them. I was minding my business walking in a park, missed a step and fell. Resulting in a broken ankle, flare up of arthritis and a blood clot. I had tickets for the FIFA Women’s World Game between England and Haiti. It was the first time Haiti qualified for the World Cup. Being Haitian, I wanted to show my support.

What an experience. I realize I am late the game, literally. I am not really a sports fan, but something about women’s soccer caught my attention. The pride of seeing my “Haitian” cousins on the field was indescribable. So many Haitians traveled to support, it was heart warming to meet them. Sadly, Haiti lost this game to England. On a fun note, I was at the hotel with the England team. On game day, I was watching the USA vs. Vietnam game in the bar, and the English team came by. It was super cool to learn about the plays from the actual experts. I even got to a photo with Jess Carter!

I loved the game so much, I changed my flights and bought tickets for the next few matches, in Adelaide and Perth. Funny because I remember saying that I would not be flying to Perth for a game. Never say never.

I got lucky with the weather in Adelaide. I took the train down to Glenelg for lunch along the water. 

The next day I took a bus tour to Hahndorf and Barossa Valley for bit of wine tasting. Hahndorf was originally settled by the Germans, who brought the Riesling vines to the region. The town still reflects their German heritage.

This time they played China. Unfortunately they lost. But I did meet some my of Haitians “cousins”, as I was staying at the same hotel as the team. When I was leaving the hotel, the Moroccan Team arrived.

On to the 3rd game in Perth. When I arrived at the hotel, the Jamaican team was leaving for their game.I was able to persuade security that my “family” were all sitting together so I able to move to sit with the other fans and family of the players. 

The lost was hard, you could see it on the faces of the players. But to me it was quite the adventure. They should be so proud to be the ones to bring Haiti to the world. I am so glad that I had the ability to do this trip. I enjoyed it so much more than I could have imagined.

I am officially addicted to women’s soccer. Now that I am friendly with some of the players, I feel like it’s only right to show up at their games to support them. Hmm..like I need an excuse to travel.

Until next time.

Berlin, Germany- April 2023

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I love Europe in the spring. Actually I love anywhere in the world in the spring when the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining. In 2022, I spent a week in London and it was so enjoyable, I decided I am going to try to make it annual thing.

This year I decided to go to Berlin, Germany. I have not been back since 2016, so I was looking forward to seeing what had changed.

I arrived on a lovely rainy day. My surprise when I walked out to the hotel, so what appeared to be the Christmas Market huts. Gluhwein and Langos, yes please!

One of the reasons, I had chosen Berlin was because they have Cherry Blossoms. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, a Japanese TV station donated 10,000 plants in Berlin. My travel planning skills are a bit rusty as I should have been paying closer attention to the weather and the likely hood of them being in bloom. First attempt was a fail

I headed over the Garten Der Welt and had success. I was a little disappointed that with all my prior trips to Berlin, that I had not discovered this place. I love a good garden. And yes the Sakura did not disappoint.

I spent my remaining time just wondering around the City. Taking in the sights, enjoying the odd park bench. The flowers were blooming and it was just nice to enjoy the environment.

I highly recommend checking out Berlin in the spring and it possible try to time with one of the Cherry Blossom Festivals.

Until next time…..

2020,2021 and 2022

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It’s been a while….

I landed in Chicago on March 13, 2020. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine what the next 13 months would look like.

I learned to love my home in Chicago, which I was very lucky to have. When the world started to reopen and it was time to travel again, I surprised myself. All that time at home taught me I LOVE being comfortable. Not just elastic waist pants comfortable, I may never go back to zippers, but like chairs, air temperature, mattress, pillows etc. comfortable.

Pre- I did not think much about my comfort, it was more able visiting a new place, experiencing culture and getting away from home.

Post, yeah no. I am not leaving the house for just anything. I need to know I’ll be comfortable. This has now changed the way I travel. Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE to travel. Just no early morning flights, no more bad hotel beds, no more 2 days trips.

So what did I do in 2021? I spent time visiting friends and family. I got to experience a Paris not full of tourist. Which I doubt I’ll ever experience again.

Flew to Scotland to celebrate Katy’s 40th.

Realized that it was perfect time to visit Europe, so took advantage and spent a few weeks in Germany, with a few side visits to UK and Italy.

The new year found me in Fiji, experiencing a cyclone. And then fortunately, 22 months after I left, I was allowed to return to Australia.

I spent a few months just enjoying being back, catching up with friends.

2023 found me back on the road traveling to new places. So stay tuned for more on those adventures.

Seychelles-February 2020

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I once read an article about giant tortoises. They only exists in 2 archipelagos, the Galapagos and Seychelles. Neither location are easy to get to. When I was researching beach locations from South Africa, I found a direct flight from Johannesburg to Mahe. Finally, I get to see the tortoises.

I am not sure what my problem was but as soon as I arrived, I was ready to leave. Immigration was a bit interesting. I know I should not complain as visitors to US have to deal with worse. With the time change and the long flight, was night by the time I arrived at the hotel. It was nice but I was just not feeling it.

I did get out and toured the island. It’s quite mountainous. And they ran out of land on the main island of Mahe, so they created land to expand.

It was beautiful and I am sure there were much more to see and do then limited things that I saw. I just was not feeling it. And that’s ok, I had to go to learn that it was not for me. It will alway hold a special place for me, as it was officially the 60th country I visisted.

Until next time…..

Australia Day, Sydney January 2020

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The American’s celebrate July 4th as our national holiday, Australian’s celebrate January 26th as their national holiday. The date is in commemoration of the arrival of the British and eleven boats of convicts. I am not going to get into the politics but if you want to read more about the history Australia Day check out this website.

With it being a long weekend, I popped down to Sydney to hangout with Katherine and Evander. I used points for us to stay the amazing Park Hyatt. It was the perfect location for the Australia Day weekend.

There was a whole lot going on.. here are some videos.

Tug boat ballet, they kiss!

But by far, the best part of the whole weekend, was seeing the Opera House lite up.

Sometimes is the simple unplanned weekends that urn out to be best. I am so thankful I took advantage of the opportunity to spend time with friends. Who knew just 2 months later we would not be allowed. Hopeful one day soon this shall pass. Until next time, stay safe

Sydney, Australia-May 2019

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Surprise, I found myself back in Australia. What can I say, it’s my happy place! Plus it was an easy decision when I found out Jenny and John were also going to be in Sydney. After I booked, I mentioned it to Jane, their daughter, and she booked flights to come over as well.

Jane managed to surprise her parents which is always good fun! We booked for a lovely dinner at Hubert’s, with Katherine and Evander. I just realized I talk a lot about food. But only good food that is worth talking about. After dinner, we went and checked out Vivid Sydney. Since it was opening weekend, there were just too many people everywhere.

Something that really surprised me, was how dead Sydney was on a Saturday night. There was no place open to get a dessert. Even Brisbane has Jimmy’s on the Mall!

The next day, we all minus Jane, headed to lunch with our friend Ananda to a Nepalese cafe. I have not been to Nepal, so I was not sure what to expect. Turns out its like Indian food, but less spicy. I loved it! I guess I not surprised that most of travel pants involve elastic waists.

I know it’s a ridiculous long way to go to for good food. But when you add in great company, nothing can compare.

Back to Chicago I went for a one month break in travel. Somewhere along the way, I broke my toe. It healed improperly, so I required surgery to get it corrected. Which slowed my travels down a bit. But it worked out, friends came to me. Stay tuned!

Osaka, Japan-April 2019

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After 6 weeks on the ground, I was super excited to get my jet fuel fix. Jenny and John were traveling around Asia and I mentioned that it was direct flight from Chicago to Japan. I should have clarified, it’s a direct flight to Tokyo, not Osaka. Oops. Oh well what’s a connection? What with low fares and free upgrades, why not!

My last trip to Japan was a disaster. Friends keep telling me they love it, but it just had not clicked with me yet. Kind of like Paris. I will say this Osaka is beautiful in the spring!

One of the benefits of being a modern city, it’s well planned out. Which makes being a tourist so easy. We just hung around and took in the sights.

I even convinced Jenny to go cloth shopping. Which any bigger then a US size 4 knows it’s normally a waste of time to shop in Asia. But one brand I really like is actually Japanese. So we hunted down a shop. In order to try on clothes they ask you to put on a face cover. WHY is this only in Japan??? This should be worldwide!

It always good fun to meet up with friends and explore different cities. I know my travels appear to be bit boring. In part because they are. I am less about exploring as much and more about absorbing the surroundings. Which means I may not see as much but I am enjoying it more.

Stay tuned……