King’s Hawaiian Bread and Bakery-Los Angeles
King’s Hawaiian bread is easily recognized with its orange lettering and sweet rolls sold by the dozen, and its humble beginnings started in a small bakery. The family has been a big part of the business’ success from day one and continues to this day. Let’s go back to the 1950’s when Robert Taira opened...
Big Island Local Food Favourites-Kailua-Kona Hawaii
I’ll admit I like staying in 5-star resorts in Hawaii but when it comes to eating food, I want the local and family owned places. While visiting the west coast of the Big Island and around Kailua-Kona, don’t miss these authentic Hawaiian eateries and soak in the local flavor. Drive 20 miles south from Kona...
Lively Dining on Coronado Island
Times have changed on the island. Coronado, used to be known as a place Navy Admirals retired to and visitors put their toes in the water at one of the best beaches in the USA. A slow pace of life and a beautiful shoreline, the town was predictable. Now there is change in the air...
Wine River/Rhine River Cruise on AMAWaterways
Rhine river castle and vineyard Passionate about wines, this was just the right river cruise. And I learned, it’s not about red or white wines and how to pair with food, it’s drinking what you like. That’s a refreshing concept. I boarded the AMAWaterways ship in Basel, Switzerland on a chilly November afternoon but...
Dining on Coronado Island
Times have changed on the island. Coronado, used to be known as a place Navy Admirals retired to and visitors put their toes in the water at one of the best beaches in the USA. A slow pace of life and a beautiful shoreline, the town was predictable. Now there is change in the air...
The Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar-tiki everlasting
Almost cult like, there is a serious following with no pretense and images of little grass skirts. Welcome to tiki bars, and this one hasn’t lost momentum in seventy years. Located in the famous and internationally known Fairmont hotel high on Nob Hill, San Francisco, the Hurricane Bar and Tonga Room are wildly popular. A...
Visit the Flower Fields in Carlsbad
I had to wonder if I was in Holland or really in Southern California basking in the enormous flower field. Known for top rated beaches, cool surfing spots and snappy Legoland, Carlsbad, just north of San Diego city, is the motherlode of blossoming Ranunculus flowers. On a hillside just one exit from the Interstate 5...
Hawaii food and wine festival-Maui
Threats of hurricanes swirled near the Hawaiian Islands and as my plane landed, it amounted to very hot and humid conditions but the beauty of Maui was undisturbed. The 5th annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival was underway and an all-star chef line-up had been created on 3 of the major islands. The islands swirled with...
Montgomery, Alabama-on the move from past to present
Hi Y’All, come on over here and enjoy tasty gulf seafood and sweet tea before boarding the riverboat. It was my first time to Alabama and I already felt southern hospitality flowing along the banks of the Alabama River where we gathered to take in the sunset. Oysters, Shrimp and plenty of “Yes, Ma’am” added...
Checkpoint Charlie, Looking in Different Directions
A machine gun turret was over my shoulder, yet I tried to remain calm as the East German and Soviet police made me sign a confession. It was 1976 and the Berlin wall was as solid as the American dollar back then. Not knowing it...
Archeology Museum in Palestrina, Italy-A Historical Treasure
Story telling of the Nile River all in mosiacs If you stood still and listened closely while standing on the mosaic tiled floor outlined with colorful fish, you might hear future predictions from the mythological orator in the cave of fates, or Antro delle Sorti. The grotto structure, likely dedicated to the Egyptian Goddess Isis,...
Six Essential Things to Pack For Vacation
For seasoned travelers experienced with the benefits of a smart phone and laptop, the check list continues to grow of things to carry on a trip. But, there consider adding these items to your treasure chest of travel gear: Power strip This came in handy when several of us shared a room...
