Seeing Jamaica on Television
Jamaica had a fantastic few weeks on American television when two reality shows, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Bachelor, filmed some of their episodes there. Although neither show appeals to me, I swallowed my distaste and allowed the storyline to take a backseat to the view unfolding on my television screen. I ended up catching more of The Bachelor than of the Housewives. Here are some of the places they featured (not in oder): YS Falls, St. Elizabeth The show centers around a young…
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How Much Will Cuba Change?
President Barack Obama's visit to Cuba later this month has its many detractors both here in the U.S. and in Cuba. Normalizing relationships is beneficial for both countries, for the region, and especially for ordinary Cubans, but Cuba will no doubt change. I wonder what will be lost. I visited Havana in 2009 so I could see it as it is before America, with its fast food and chain stores, returned and reduced everything to bland sameness. Here are a few things I hope won't disappear. Callejón de Hamel Located…
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Rocking Down Electric Avenue, Brixton
Electric Avenue is the Brixton, South London street that gave its name to the song that was No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the summer of 1983. I know the song and started humming it immediately after I spotted this sign above a row of stalls in Brixton Market last summer. However, I did not know about the street. What a happy coincidence, I thought as I stopped to take this photo. I looked forward to sharing my find with family and friends when…
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Top Five Budget Destinations for 2016
For those seeking a memorable holiday that won't break the bank, in this piece we've selected 5 budget destinations for 2016. These fabulous locations offer value for money while ensuring you get some indulgent luxury on your holiday. Bulgaria With some of the most affordable beach resorts in Europe, sun-kissed Bulgaria may not remain a well-kept secret for long. The famed resort town of Sunny Beach offers a hedonistic mix of nightlife, beachside restaurants and luxury resorts. It’s all available…
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On Location in New York City
Several times a month, especially in the summer, I see ‘No Parking’ signs like these taped to utility poles in my neighborhood. I always stop and read them. [caption id="attachment_15208" align="alignright" width="498"] No Parking sign, Harlem [/caption] Which movie or television show will they be filming? According to the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment’s website, New York City had a supporting role in 46 television series and 256 movies during the 2014-2015 season. The industry contributed $8.7 billion to the local…
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Mail and Fly Gets Your Items Back from Airport Security
Mail and Fly is a service that sends you your items that have been confiscated by airport security. Last August, I watched as my knapsack glided down the conveyor belt at Heathrow Airport and suddenly veered into another lane. It stopped behind a few others that were being hand checked by a security agent. What did I have in my bag that caused it to need further inspection? I searched my brain trying to remember what I’d stuffed into my bag. Nothing…
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The Secret Cottage Tour of The Cotswolds, II
Leaving Chastleton House, we drove directly to the Secret Cottage, which is about 5 minutes away. Built in 1580, the cottage has the typical thatched roof, with kitchen and living room downstairs, and sleeping quarters upstairs. [caption id="attachment_15012" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Secret Cottage[/caption] When we arrived, we were greeted with a colorful spread of scones, clotted cream, cookies, jams, coffee and tea. With its crackling fire (sorry, no pics of the fireplace or the family's living space), the cottage felt so cozy, I could have been…
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The Secret Cottage Tour of The Cotswolds, I
The Cotswolds covers an area of approximately 100 miles from Chipping Campden in the north to Bath in the south, and about 25 miles from Oxford in the east to Cheltenham in the west. The region is covered in oolitic limestone, called Cotswold stone, which varies from honey colored in the north, to golden in the central areas, and cream or white in the south. The stone is mined from local quarries (some still in operation) and used in building…
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A Photo Review of 2015
The end of the year usually inspires reflection on the year that’s ending and a look forward to the one that’s approaching. Maybe it's getting older, but it seems like time moves more quickly now (I'm beginning to hear myself lamenting its rapid passage just like my mother did. I, however, prefer to think that I'm packing in 1000% more into my life, and this makes the days, weeks and months zip by in a blur). So it's good to have this time to slow down…
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Christmas in Manhattan
Christmas is only a day away but with temperatures in the 60s here in New York, if the city hadn't decked itself out for the season as spectacularly as it has, you might be tempted to think it's Spring. To be honest, I've been a little preoccupied with work - and a cold that for the last two weeks has stubbornly refused to clear up. A few weeks ago, though, I read Michele at Malaysian Meanders' post about Saks Fifth Avenue's Enchanting Holiday…
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