All posts filed under: Travel

Must Do’s: Mostar and Kravice Falls (Bosnia & Hercegovina)

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Mostar is my favorite place to visit in Bosnia, partly because of the astonishing scenery. The city is stunning in its own beauty and can easily be compared to a fairy tale setting. I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 things to do and see in Old Town, Mostar. I have been to all of these places and have enjoyed them immensely. Another thing about this charming city is that there is always something new and exciting to see and amazing people to meet. Mostar: To See 1. The Old Bridge (Stari Most) The Old Bridge (Stari Most) is one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks and a fantastic piece of Islamic architecture in the Balkan region. Sadly many memories of this Ottoman bridge stem from November 1993 when the Croatian forces bombarded the bridge. The bridge collapsed into the river. Thanks to the UN, the World Bank, UNESCO and several European countries including Croatia and Turkey, the bridge was rebuilt to its former glory. The original Stari Most was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent …

Weekend Unexplored: Verona, Italy

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My first encounter with Verona is through reading Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.  When I read the famous play, I often imagined what Verona would look like during that time.  I had my answer when Hollywood decided to film the 2013 version in actual Verona, Italy and the surrounding areas. Earlier this year, I traveled to Verona for a few days and finally understood the charm and the seduction of this city in northern Italy. Verona is a small renaissance city and will take only the weekend to see it all.  The city is best to explore on foot as there are many old alleyways, town squares and bridges to see.  There are numerous  historical sites to visit, places to shops and restaurants to try. Here is La Vie Partagee’s list of must do’s. SIGHTSEEING 1) Walk around the perimeter of the city along the river and explore the castle and monuments lining the walk path. 2) Take the elevator all the way up to the tower at Torre Dei Lamberti (Via della Costa, 1, 37121 Verona) to …

The Original Food Market: The Essex Street Market (NYC)

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Even though I have lived in NYC for a long time, I have never ventured into this particular market until one Sunday afternoon.  My friend lives in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for a long time and decided today’s field trip would be a great way to see what the original NYC food market is like before it moves into a new sparkling location across the street.  Essex Street Market opened in 1940 and has survived through tumultuous years before the revitalization of lower Manhattan.  With new residents moving into the area, the market is infused with a renewed vitality and offers a range of culinary products and interesting food stalls.  This market is run by New York City so it is not advertised as much as the newer and more upscale private markets. At first, the market did not look like much to me as compared to the newer ones popping up all over the city.  As I ventured through the maze of stalls, I found myself in markets similar to the ones in Europe. …

Airline Lounge Review: Japan Airlines Business Class Lounge at Narita Airport (Terminal 2)

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I often take Japan Airlines to my destinations in Asia and I always look forward to freshening up and relaxing at their Business Class Lounge in Narita Airport.  The Japan Airlines Business Class lounge is called the “Sakura Lounge”.  The lounge has a great mixture of western and eastern amenities.  Both Business Class and Premium Economy members have access to the lounge which can prove to be crowded at certain times. Location The Sakura Lounge is located at the T2 Main Building on the second floor after passing through security for connecting flights. For Japan Airlines Premium Economy customers, make sure to go to customer service located right after security to get lounge access pass if it was not given during the initial flight check in. Layout The lounge is split into two floors.  The first floor (same floor as the entrance) is busier and has the main food area of the lounge.  The bottom floor is accessible by descending down the grand staircase.  On the bottom of the staircase are storage lockers for small …

Weekend Unexplored: Boston’s Freedom Trail Through the Eyes of Bostonians

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The Freedom Trail is a unique experience in Boston that is a must do!  The trail was created 60 years ago and marks the 16 sites that are fundamental to our understanding of the revolutionary war and creation of the Republic.  The trail is identified with a red brick path along the road and is easy to follow. I have done this trail several times in my life.  This time around, I took my dog and invited my college friend and his dog to re-explore the trail.  We hope to provide insights on which sites to visit and which detours to consider along the trail. The trail is best done early in the morning before the throngs of visitors descend upon the sites. TIP! There is a free downloadable brochure that you can save on your phone.  There is an explanation for each site so no need to actually pay for a “tour”. 1) START at Boston Common (139 Tremont Street) The Freedom Trail starts at the Guest Information Center in Boston Common.  Boston Common is America’s oldest …

Traveling With Kids Under 2

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The idea of traveling with an infant or toddler can be daunting. Tons of questions crossed our minds when we first traveled with Kyla, our now 2.5 year girl. How much do I need to pack? Should I bring a stroller? What about a car seat? What if my baby becomes that baby who cries on the airplane? How do I entertain my child? Do I need to purchase a ticket for my baby/toddler? We’ve traveled to 15 U.S. states, 1 international trip (Canada) and a total of 19 one-way plane rides, 1 amtrak train ride, and a lot of road trips with our little girl. We’ve encountered tears, bloody ears, and life to our years during our trips. Here I will summarize lessons I learned during our airplane travels with our babe. For most domestic airlines, a child under 2 years old can travel for free as a “lap child” while accompanied by an adult. You will still need to call the airline ahead of time to reserve a lap child ticket. Bring a …

Metropolitan Museum of Art: China Through the Looking Glass

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Every year, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Costume Insitute put on a costume exhibition.  The theme this year is China Through the Looking Glass.  It is a fascinating and vibrant look at China culture and its influence on cinema, fashion, art, and the western world.  The exhibit also has videos of historical and current fashion trends.  It is a spectacle for the senses and a feast for the eyes. The video below from the Metropolitan Museum of Art posted by the World Fashion YouTube channel is a 7 minute overview of the exhibition with fascinating insight. On a sunny Friday morning, I visited the exhibition.  Aside from the stylish clothes, the way in which the fashion is exhibited on a fake lake, in a mock up of a house, and against video tunnels is spectacular.  The exhibition has extended until September 7, 2015.  I highly advise going on a weekday or very early on a weekend as it gets crowded quickly. The exhibition description from the Met: This exhibition explores the impact of Chinese aesthetics …

Bugs: A Hidden Sushi Gem In Its Last Week

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New York is transient by nature with people coming and going at all times.  Some people and moments can leave an impact and a lasting impression.  Bugs, a Japanese sushi restaurant that can seat 15 people located in the East Village, is one of those lasting impressions.  I first met Osaka-born Chef Sho Boo in 2013 when she opened her tiny restaurant that can often be described as a hole in the wall.  This is another connotation for a hidden gem and accurately describes this chef and her restaurant. Coming to Bugs feels like you are coming to Chef Sho Boo’s kitchen where she labors away with an assistant in a makeshift kitchen that comprises of two electric burners, a microwave, a toaster oven, and a rice cooker.  Chef Boo, her assistant, and a waitress work together to put on a meal worthy of any noted sushi restaurant in NYC.  Unfortunately, Chef Boo did some soul searching after the death of her mother this year and decided to travel the world volunteering and learning new …

Airline Review: Japan Airlines Premium Economy

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As one of the founders for Orphans’ Futures Alliance, I take several trips each  year to Asia to oversee operations and meet our partner orphanages and government contacts.  I normally dread the 17+ flight from Boston.  In recent years, I have found an affordable option to make these trips less painful and more enjoyable.  Japan Airlines (JAL)) introduced their “Premium Economy” a few years ago and I have become an ardent fan. Disclaimer:  The author paid for the upgrade to premium economy at her own expense.  Value:  Above Average Japan Airlines offers larger Premium Economy seats, above average service, and amazing lounge access for a great value.  The ticket is $200-400 round trip for the upgrade from economy and is cheaper than other airlines. Seat:  Above Average Japan Airlines Premium Economy has “fully recline” seats with much bigger space and leg room.  The plane is divided into first class, business, premium economy, and economy.  The premium economy is sectioned off for the flight.  The bathrooms are shared between the premium economy and economy cabins. Priority Boarding: Average Priority …

Weekend Unexplored: Kayaking on Tomales Bay

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North of San Francisco, Tomales Bay is a destination that I’ve driven to a handful times when guests have come to visit.  The main purpose of these trips is to eat oysters by the shore.  After claiming a picnic table at Hog Island Oyster Company or Tomales Bay Oyster Company, one can order various sizes of Pacifics to shuck and enjoy raw or cooked over one of the open grills.  The staff sells oyster knives and shucking gloves for use.  And if asked, they will even show a novice how to shuck her very first oyster. In my mind, I always equated Tomales Bay with weekend picnics, warm sunny days, and of course, oysters.  Thus, when a friend asked me to go to Tomales Bay for kayaking after sundown, I was not sure what to expect.  Kayaking has become a popular recreational activity on the bay.  According to the National Park Service, Tomales Bay is the “largest, unspoiled coastal embayment on the coast of California.” Most of the kayaking trips that I have found in …