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Tag Archives: Madagascar

What’s Happening in 2018? My Travel and Blog Schedule for Next Year

12 January 201816 September 2024

I am so excited for the many opportunities I have for travel this year!   Here is an overview of my travel schedule for 2018 and what you can expect to read on The Suite Life of Travel!

Travel Schedule, 2018:

Will start out celebrating the New Year with a week in San Francisco and a long weekend in Las Vegas!

My best friend will be marrying late winter/early spring, so a few days in Miami and a few more in Tampa to check out possible real estate!  Super excited!!

Work will take me to Montreal and Quebec City, where I will extend my stay in Canada with a vacation along the east coast.

Photo Credit:  Best of Italy Photos

I will wrap up my spring travel plans with a Mediterranean cruise….ALL EXPENSE PAID!!  This is  my first writing assignment as the ship I will be sailing has an all new itinerary!

Summer plans include exploring more of my home state of Ohio!

Photo Credit:  AFS

Late summer, I will spend ten days on African Safari and visiting friends in South Africa, many thanks to some friends that live there!  I will make the drive up to Victoria Falls, check out a rescue where I will volunteer to assist and interact with animals that require medical care before heading back to the States….a possible side trip to include Madagascar??!!

Photo Credit:  VRBO

My last overseas (tentative) trip, will be spending a couple  of weeks on the island of Sicily taking cooking classes and exploring the island by rail.  Any suggestions or recommendations for places to stay are appreciated!

I will be speaking at two conferences this fall….one in San Francisco and Seattle, so a couple of added days to my itinerary will fit in just perfect.

Wow!  So much to anticipate and so many more plans to make.  I have quite a few writing projects in the works and look forward to seeing where this year leads!

Blog Schedule, 2018!

Continued coverage of my Ohio outings (lots of posts about Cincinnati this year) as well as Wine Wednesdays will continue!

Winter posts will include my December west coast trip to San Francisco and Las Vegas as well as last year’s last minute trip to London, Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge!

Check out my National Parks in the West/Midwest series coming in May and July.

Paris takes center stage in August with a side trip to Versailles.

September makes a detour back to the US with a weekend in Yosemite.

I can’t wait to share my insights on New Orleans, which is full of restaurant recommendations and amazing things to do in the “Big Easy”!

And the rest of the year will cover my recent trip to Jordan and Israel which will carry on into 2019!

Hang out with me to explore some amazing locations across the world and to hear about my exciting adventures!  Thanks for reading my updated posts to “The Suite Life of Travel”  and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Suite Life of Travel has a Facebook Page and you can follow my photos on Instagram!

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Krohn Conservatory – A Photographic Tour

5 March 201614 September 2024

1 IMG_6526 - Krohn Conservatory

The roads had recently been cleared of snow and I was ready to leave the house to witness this wintery wonderland.  What better place to spend a cold, wintery afternoon than in the warmth of a conservatory?

From home, I arrived at the Krohn Conservatory within twenty minutes.  Bundled up for the cold, I entered the warmer temperatures to a humidity that only comes from the tropics.  It was a wonderful contrast to the bitter freeze outside.

2 IMG_6524 - Butterfly at Krohn's Conservatory

I paid the attendant my admission fee and learned that I had arrived between two exhibits. Having missed the recent Christmas Exhibit, the conservatory was preparing for the Hatching Spring Blooms Spring Show.  Parts of the conservatory were closed during the renovations but I was able to explore The Palm House, Fern House, Desert House and the Orchid House.

I picked up the pamphlet for the self-guided tour and entered the Palm House located directly ahead.

3 IMG_6508 - Krohn Conservatory Fountain, Palm House

Taking the ramp to the right,  I was greeted by palm trees and the soothing sounds of water.  Crossing the bridge,  I walked towards the back of the room where I noticed the waterfall.  The exotic trees surrounding me included the Rubber Tree, Coffee Tree, Banana Tree and the Banyan Tree.  The path led behind the waterfall for a unique perspective and continued on towards the exhibit’s exit.

4 IMG_6517 - Chocolate Tree

Exiting through the handicapped door, to my immediate right was the Fern House,  I was fascinated with the trees named from foods such as the Chocolate Tree, Starfruit Tree, and the Pomegranate Tree.  The unusual Powderpuff Tree bore bright pink blooms that could have easily been found in a Dr. Seuss book.

7 IMG_6527 - Entering the Orchid House Exhibit, Krohn's Conservatory

Because the showroom was closed in preparation for the next exhibit, I exited the main building to reach the Desert House.   I couldn’t help but notice a light snowfall and snow covered trees.   11 IMG_6547 - Crown of Thorns, Desert House

The Madagascar Palm was the first beautiful tree I noticed when I opened the door.  Is it a cactus or is it a palm tree?  An unusual plant, this palm is indigenous to the large island of Madagascar off the coast of southeast Africa.  The arid temperatures were the perfect climate for a variety of cacti that thrive in a humid climate.  Various pieces of artwork from clay sculptures to metal images were strategically placed around the exhibit.

Leaving the Desert House, I was excited to see the intense red blooms growing among thick thorny plants.  The placard identified it as the Crown of Thorns, the  Euphorbia milii.  Referred to as the Christ thorn, these thick spikes were driven into the skull of Jesus during His crucifixion.  I was surprised by the thickness and length of the barbs and could not imagine the pain He must have suffered at the hands of the Romans.

12 IMG_6567

The final exhibit, the Orchid House is a small, intimate display.  Showcasing a handful of orchids, there were various species of its kind, each unique and beautiful.  Hearty, drooping clusters as well as dainty, fragile exhibits were available in a wide array of color.

14 IMG_6564 - Pitcher Plants

An interesting selection of Carnivorous Plants was also thriving within the Orchid House.  The Pitcher Plant was one of the most unusual of species, similar to the Venus Flytrap.  In fact, they attract, trap and digest their prey, both in the similar manners.  Because of its bright colors and sweet nectar, the Pitcher Plant lures insects into its chamber where they are then digested at the bottom.

As I made my way towards the exit, I couldn’t help but think about the movie, “The Little Shop of Horrors.” Waiting for one of these meat-eating plants to bloom into a life sized human eating machine, I planned my way of escape and happy to be alive.

Are you looking for local attractions and educational opportunities to visit in Ohio during the winter season?  I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit if you would kindly leave your suggestions in the comments below!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Krohn Conservatory
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 5707

  • Admission Fee:  Admission for adults is $7, for youth $4 (ages 5 – 17) and children 4 and under are free.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 10AM to 5PM, closed on Mondays. Special hours on December 18 – 23:  10AM to 7:30PM; December 24: 10AM to 5PM and December 25: 10AM to 2PM
  • Amenities:  rainforest, desert, butterfly show, seasonal exhibits, special educational programs
  • Scenic View: Interesting plants and exhibits
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  There may be an additional fee for exhibits in addition to admission.   The holidays are the best time to visit for the decorated displays.

Where to Stay:

Renaissance Cincinnati Hotel
36 E. 4th Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 333 0000

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 621 3666

During my recent visit, I started out with the jalapeno ravioli, which was spicy and delicious.  Depending on my mood, I will either order the grilled Yellowfin Tuna Steak or the grilled Mahi Mahi which are both served over wild rice with peppers and onions.

Teak Thai Cuisine
1051 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 665 9800

UPDATE:  This restaurant is now closed.

What to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

Moerlein Lager House
115 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 421 2337

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

Exhibit A IMG_6502

Coming from the westside of Cincinnati from 50, heading east

Exhibit B IMG_6503

Driving through downtown Cincinnati, heading towards Eden Park
Exhibit C IMG_6515 Krohn Conservatory Statue, Palm House

The African Statue at the Krohn Conservatory

6 IMG_6528

The Outside Snowy View from Krohn Conservatory

Exhibit D IMG_6540 - Desert House

The Desert House
Exhibit E IMG_6560 - Orchids at the Orchid House

 The Orchid House
Exhibit F IMG_6572

The View of the Ohio River from Eden Park

 Exhibit G IMG_6573

A View of Covington, Kentucky and the Ohio River from Eden Park

 Are you looking for local attractions and educational opportunities to visit in Ohio during the winter season?  I would love to hear your recommendations of places to visit if you would kindly leave your suggestions in the comments below!  Happy Travels!

8 IMG_6530 - Madagascar Palm

The Madagascar Palm

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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