Walking Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a must when visiting this city. The 2 1/2 mile path winds throughout downtown, passing 16 locations significant in United States history. The Freedom Trail is marked with a painted brick red line indicating where to walk. You can pick up a map at the visitor’s center for a self-guided tour. For a more immersive experience, book a guided tour. They run approximately 2 hrs and 30 minutes. You can purchase tickets here: Tickets The guides are incredibly knowledgable and provide insight into the historic events that took place along the Freedom Trail. My friend Rachel and I toured the famous route. Certain locations offer a pinch me moment when realizing you’re standing in a spot that shaped American history. Here are 5 highlights when walking Boston’s Freedom Trail! Paul Revere's House It’s here the American patriot began his midnight ride on April 18, 1775 shouting “the British are coming.” Revere owned the home for 30 years. His family of 16 children - eight with his first wife Sarah, who passed away, and eight with his second wife, Rachel, lived in the modest home. The house is open daily for self-guided tours. Illustrated text panels are throughout, as well as staff to answer questions. The “Best Chamber” (master bedroom) was also used as a parlor. It was customary in those days to utilize rooms for many functions. The Hall served as a dining room, workshop and business office. Other rooms on display illustrate how the Revere family lived. Granary Burying Ground Dating back to 1660, the historic burying ground along the Freedom Trail has 2,345 grave markers. Notable men including three signers of the Declaration of Independence —Samual Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine — are laid to rest here. A 25-foot obelisk
Walking Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail is a must when visiting this city. The 2 1/2 mile path winds throughout downtown, passing 16 locations significant in United States history. The Freedom Trail is marked with a painted brick red line indicating where to walk. You can pick up a map at the visitor’s center for a
Many Americans are still apprehensive about traveling abroad — the new COVID BA.5 variant has vacationers staying closer to home. But, with our Canadian neighbors to the north, there’s no need to forgo an international getaway. The land of maple syrup provides the flavor and feel of a trip to Europe, close to home. Last May I visited Toronto. Prior to arrival I was required to complete an ArriveCAN form online. The Canadian government uses this as a way to streamline entry into the country. All tourists entering via air, car/bus or sea must fill out ArriveCAN information within 72 hours before arriving. The website or app gathers your travel and health information. The app can be found in the App Store or Google Play. Here is how to navigate the ArriveCAN app when traveling to Canada. ArriveCAN for Incoming Travelers It’s easiest to download the app onto a smartphone rather than accessing the website each time information is added. When the app is downloaded on your phone, create an account with an email and password. Once signed on, proceed with the application. Click “trip details.” You’ll be asked “what best describes you or your primary reason for entering Canada?” Check the “discretionary/optional” choice. This indicates a visit for leisure and tourism. “How are you entering Canada?” is the next question. There are three choices — air, car/bus, or sea. The following information appears depending on which mode of transportation is selected. Air: COVID testing outlines and requirements: Fully vaccinated travelers may be randomly selected for testing upon arrival at a Canadian airport. Non-Canadian citizens age 12 or older who want to enter Canada must be vaccinated with at least two vaccines or one J&J. Booster shots are not necessary. Car/Bus: Travelers list the port of entry and
Many Americans are still apprehensive about traveling abroad — the new COVID BA.5 variant has vacationers staying closer to home. But, with our Canadian neighbors to the north, there’s no need to forgo an international getaway. The land of maple syrup provides the flavor and feel of a trip to Europe, close to home. Last
During COVID-19 when families around the globe are isolated, meals provide needed solace. Gathering for dinner is the great equalizer, and shows how similar we all are. Preparing food together draws us closer. This is a time to collectively cook global recipes which transcend borders and unify humanity. While traveling isn't possible now, experimenting with new global recipes is. Here's one of the global recipes to cook while in quarantine! White Chicken Enchiladas This oh so decadent enchilada recipe is popular with my husband’s Mexican family. It's exactly what is needed in times like these! 2 Tbs. Butter 2 onions, large & sliced thin 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced 6 oz. cream cheese, diced 2 cups Jack cheese, shredded 1/2 cup pimentos, chopped 2/3 cup whipping cream 12 corn tortillas 2 cups corn oil Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large pan, cook onions in butter until soft (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat. Add chicken, pimento, and cream cheese. Mix with a fork. Season with salt and pepper. Heat corn oil in a skillet. Dip each corn tortilla in hot oil until it begins to blister and become limp. Take out of oil and place on plate with paper towels to drain. Repeat with all 12 tortillas. When tortillas are cool to the touch, spoon a 1/3 cup of chicken mixture onto a tortilla and roll. Set it seam side down in a 9” x 13” baking dish. Repeat with all 12 tortillas. After filling, rolling and placing all tortillas in the baking dish, spoon whipping cream over the enchiladas. Then sprinkle with the Jack cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Serves six.
During COVID-19 when families around the globe are isolated, meals provide needed solace. Gathering for dinner is the great equalizer, and shows how similar we all are. Preparing food together draws us closer. This is a time to collectively cook global recipes which transcend borders and unify humanity. While traveling isn’t possible now, experimenting with new
Montreal is a city famous for its food. Boasting a culinary scene that’s at the forefront of innovation, it’s just one of the many reasons this cosmopolitan city is high on any traveller’s wish list. Foodie’s come from far and wide to experience the city's tried-and-tested favorites, classics with a twist and unusual flavor combinations. But, with curfews in place due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, in-dining experiences are limited. Many restaurants now offer their unique fares in the comfort of your own home. Takeout options have exploded. Here are just a few of our favorites. LOV on McGill Street Offering up elevated vegan and vegetarian plates, this stylish restaurant is popular with meat-eaters and vegans alike. Voted number 11 of 72 contemporary restaurants in Montreal, the whitewashed walls and intimate seating options make it a favorite with locals and tourists. Now available for takeout and delivery through Uber Eats, you don’t have to live without their mouth-watering plant-based deliciousness. However, it’s well worth returning to the Montreal restaurant when protocol allows. You'll experience the welcoming atmosphere that's mentioned in almost all of its 2,120 reviews. It’s even better if you can snag one of the hanging wicker chairs to enjoy it from! Boris Bistro on McGill Street With minors not allowed, this Montreal restaurant serving eclectic French fare is the perfect place to enjoy a grown-up night out. Complete with a buzzing and spacious terrace, Boris Bistro is a popular location come the summer months. Its vast selection of wines are now available to order at Boris Bistro for takeout. Those with gluten intolerance will be happy to know this Montreal restaurant is certified gluten-free! Maison Christian Faure on Place Royale Voted the number three bakery in Montreal, Maison Christian Faure should be a mandatory stop for anyone with a
Montreal is a city famous for its food. Boasting a culinary scene that’s at the forefront of innovation, it’s just one of the many reasons this cosmopolitan city is high on any traveller’s wish list. Foodie’s come from far and wide to experience the city’s tried-and-tested favorites, classics with a twist and unusual flavor combinations.
Irish food is underrated. Most think of fish and chips, potatoes or hardy soda bread when the Emerald Isle’s cuisine comes to mind. While those are delicious, Éire is also a county of fresh seafood, farm to table fare, and artisan sweets. While I explored Ireland, I sampled some of their best regional eats and they were delicious! Here are 5 local foods to try in Ireland! Tayto Original Irish Crisp Potato chips are called crisps in Ireland. Tayto is THE brand and has been a staple in pantries across the country since 1954. The original flavor is cheese and onion. They don’t produce a plain version. Other choices include prawn cocktail and smokey bacon, with limited editions of roasted chicken and pickled onion, to name a few. Being a self professed potato chip junkie, I’ve tasted different kinds of the savory snack around the world. Tayto is definitely one of the best. They’re light and have the right amount of salt. If you can’t wait until you visit Ireland to try the popular snack, they’re available to order here: https://amzn.to/3k8Aw6s. Quinland's Portmagee Crab Claws I still dream of these sizzling crustaceans tossed in garlic butter and served with crunchy sourdough bread. They’re fished in County Kerry’s village of Portmagee off the southwest coast of Ireland. Their motto is “from tide to table.” Papa Quinland started the business 60 years ago. His sons now run the show. They are maintaining the same freshness and sustainability. There are six Quinland Seafood Bars in the Republic of Ireland. They serve whatever has been caught; squid, salmon, prawns, hake. But I highly recommend the crab claws. Murphy's Brown Bread Ice Cream The most common bread in Ireland paired with cream from Kerry cows culminates in this super yummy ice cream.
Irish food is underrated. Most think of fish and chips, potatoes or hardy soda bread when the Emerald Isle’s cuisine comes to mind. While those are delicious, Éire is also a county of fresh seafood, farm to table fare, and artisan sweets. While I explored Ireland, I sampled some of their best regional eats and
Just in time for summer, the San Diego Zoo opened its new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Built on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, this three acre interactive exhibit is designed to educate guests of all ages on wildlife conservation. It especially caters to kids, showing them the role they play in creating a world where all life thrives. Wildlife Explorers Basecamp is divided into four zones — Rainforest, Wild Woods, Marsh Meadows, and Desert Dunes. Eight buildings and habitats dispersed throughout the zones feature wildlife that live in these ecosystems. Each has unique offerings including water play, a tree house, touch-screen games, and artificial intelligence (AI) to name a few. Here’s what to expect on your visit to Wildlife Explorers Basecamp! Rainforest A 10,000 square-foot building dubbed “Spineless Marvels” houses the fascinating world of invertebrates. Inside, a huge, floor-to-ceiling fiberglass honeycomb signals visitors they’re entering the bee exhibit. Along the wall, glass panes allow a peek into a real-life working beehive. While most of us know one or two bee species, there are in fact over 4,000 different kinds! Spiders, scorpions, leafcutter ants, jungle nymphs, grasshoppers and other insects live here, too. Curators took graphics to the next level with colorful, cartoon murals depicting the role these creatures play in nature. The pièce-de-résistance is on the dome ceiling where an animated meadow is projected with hundreds of fluttering Monarch butterflies and dragonflies. Wild Woods A 20-foot tree stands in the middle of this playground area. Children can run with abandon across a suspension bridge and through a tunnel made of rope, mimicking the nearby squirrel monkeys who swing on ropes and romp in their enclosure. On hot days, the splash-pad complete with waterfall, meandering stream, and water jets offer a respite from the heat. Marsh Meadows The aptly named
Just in time for summer, the San Diego Zoo opened its new Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. Built on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, this three acre interactive exhibit is designed to educate guests of all ages on wildlife conservation. It especially caters to kids, showing them the role they play in creating a world
The Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22nd. The holiday is determined by a traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycle and the Earth’s course around the sun. It falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal; 2023 is the year of the rabbit. Just as we do in America, people in China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore and other countries celebrate their new year with favorite foods. Most importantly, many dishes are thought to bring good fortune, prosperity, and health in the year ahead. Over the years, I’ve hosted dozens of foreign exchange students from the Orient. Each taught me techniques for preparing foods from their homeland. I’m astonished how a few ingredients mingled in a pan result in such flavorful dishes. While the following recipes will adorn new year’s tables, they can be eaten year round. So grab your wok and let’s get cooking! Here are five, simple Lunar New Year recipes! Stir-Fried Lettuce Lettuce is a popular vegetable for Chinese New Year. The Cantonese word for lettuce sounds like “rising fortune.” For this reason it’s a must have at holiday feasts. Ingredients: 1 head iceberg lettuce 2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon sugar ground pepper to taste 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 slice ginger (1/8” thick, smashed with the side of a knife) 1 clove of garlic (chopped) Recipe & preparation: Take the lettuce and firmly hit it on the counter, core side down. Turn over and remove the loosened core. Remove the outer layer and any discolored leaves of the lettuce. Discard. Tear the lettuce with your hands into large 4”- 5” pieces. Place the lettuce in a large bowl of very
The Lunar New Year is Sunday, January 22nd. The holiday is determined by a traditional Chinese calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycle and the Earth’s course around the sun. It falls on the second new moon after winter solstice. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal; 2023 is the year of
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of gallons of oil off the coast of Santa Barbara, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized Earth Day. — The first Earth Day was celebrated April 22, 1970. On that day, 2,000+ colleges and universities, 10,000 public schools, and 20 million citizens participated, about 10% of the US population at the time. — Wanting to help in the initiative, more than 100,000 people rode bikes in China to reduce CO2 emissions and save fuel on Earth Day 2012. — Some countries call it International Mother Earth Day. — Earth Day has a theme song written by an Indian poet. — Due to COVID-19, in 2020 an Earth Day Live event was hosted remotely. Approximately 20 million people worldwide tuned in to the 12-hour broadcast. Worldwide initiatives to clean up neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, and parks span the planet, teaching how environmental conscious is paramount. It doesn't take grand gestures to participate in Earth Day. Clean up trash outside, forgo using unnecessary electronics, or plant a tree. As a traveler, I visit some of the most beautiful natural habitats on earth. I know how precious these places are and the importance of conserving them for future generations to enjoy. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to take care of planet earth. San Blas Islands, Panama Todos Santos, Mexico The Exumas, Bahamas Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Viñales, Cuba Grand Canyon, Arizona Sonoran Desert, Mexico Anza Borrego Desert, California Redwood National Park, California Our environmental awareness helps keep
Earth Day started in 1970 to shine light on our global impact and raise awareness of environmental conservation. Originally, it was only observed in the United States. But, in 1990, the movement went global with over 140 nations participating. A few facts about Earth Day: — After witnessing a massive oil spill spewing millions of
The Alps are a 750-mile mountain range stretching across south-central Europe. Peaks soar as high as 15,776 feet. Long known as a winter ski destination, they are equally as beautiful in the summer months with their alpine lakes and lush green meadows. The alps encompass Germany, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and France. The latter four countries have the greatest alpine territory. Over 13,000 species of plants have been identified in the alpine region, make the summer months especially beautiful. The best known of them is the Edelweiss. It thrives in the higher altitude's rocky limestone environment. The European mountain range is also home to 30,000 species of wildlife from the tiniest snow flea to the Alpine ibex — a species of wild goat. Italy's dolomites have 18 peaks. In 2009 UNESCO listed these as a World Heritage Site. Switzerland has the actual Matterhorn, made iconic by Disney's famous amusement park ride. Ariel trams funiculars, and a railway make it possible for European visitors to enjoy the Swiss Alp's peaks. The French portion of the mountains are popular for biking, paragliding, even white water rafting. As is Austrias. Germany's Bavarian Alps have quaint villages tucked among breathtaking scenery. It's popular for spas and health retreats. Mother Nature's beauty bestowed upon this area makes it a must-visit destination in summer, as well as winter. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to visit Europe's playground! There are tours available to destinations in the mountain region. Here a a few popular ones to choose from: Day Hike in the Alps Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps Related Posts: 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit La Paz, Mexico
The Alps are a 750-mile mountain range stretching across south-central Europe. Peaks soar as high as 15,776 feet. Long known as a winter ski destination, they are equally as beautiful in the summer months with their alpine lakes and lush green meadows. The alps encompass Germany, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and France. The
Less than a one hour drive south of Reno is Lake Tahoe. Known for its beaches and ski resorts, the year-round play ground straddles the Nevada and California border. At 22-miles long and 12-miles wide, it’s the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All this makes it a great destination for a couples getaway. My husband and I decided to celebrate valentines weekend at the resort town. Here are tips for a couples ski getaway to Lake Tahoe! Getting There Eleven commercial airlines fly into Reno/Tahoe International Airport, the closest airport to Lake Tahoe. The concourse is easy to navigate, with slot machines interspersed for passengers who want to try their luck. Little Miss Biscuit, a therapy dog who volunteers at the airport with her owners to make travel less “ruff,” patiently waits for lovin’ near the baggage claim. Daily shuttle service is offered from the airport to destinations around Lake Tahoe. Reservations are required 24-hours in advance. Another option is to rent a car. Make sure it includes unlimited mileage. Check with your car insurance company ahead of time to see if they cover rental car damage. It’s an easy drive from the airport to Lake Tahoe and you’ll have a car to use while on vacation. Where to Stay South Lake Tahoe has two nice Marriott locations — Marriott’s Timber Lodge and Marriott Grand Residence Club. Both are steps away from the Heavenly ski resort gondola. We stayed at the latter. The guest room included a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, living room, fireplace and a pretty view of the snow covered pool and Fitness Center. The resort’s Serenity Spa is a treat after a long day on the slopes. Massages, facials, body wraps and steam rooms provide the ultimate relaxation. Restaurants Walking distance from
Less than a one hour drive south of Reno is Lake Tahoe. Known for its beaches and ski resorts, the year-round play ground straddles the Nevada and California border. At 22-miles long and 12-miles wide, it’s the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All this makes it a great destination for a couples
