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Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater: An Architectural Marvel

15 July 202022 September 2024

 

Entrance to Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs have had an eminent impact on architecture today.  Although he created over 1,000 commercial and residential blueprints, only half of his ideas were ever constructed.  Considered the father of “organic architecture”, some of his distinguished masterpieces are open to the public, including one of his most notable achievements, Fallingwater.

Having a limited knowledge about Wright and his architectural genius, I set aside some time to learn more about the history and design of this summer home that was built for department store magnate, Edgar Kaufmann and his family.

View from Stop on the Path

When I arrived at the entrance to Fallingwater, I parked the car and made my way to the Visitor’s Center.  My initial plan was to take some photos of the home and then drive towards Rickett’s Glen for an afternoon of hiking.  It wasn’t until I overheard that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had recently booked the site for a private tour, I became a little more intrigued and decided to buy a ticket nevertheless….silly I know, but I am so glad that I did, whatever the reason.

Fallingwater Pathway

I just happened to tag along with a group who would be leaving in about 15 minutes.  I soon learned that tours book up quickly and purchasing them in advance is highly recommended.  I couldn’t believe my luck!  The guide escorted us up the quarter of a mile trail that led to the home where the tour would begin.

Another view of Entrance fountain

Fallingwater is a perfect example of Wright’s trademark style of seamlessly incorporating the aspects of architecture into its natural surroundings.  Prior to entering the home, there is a small, Zen-like fountain at the entryway that sets the tone for the tour.  The unique stonework frames a narrow doorway that leads up to the main living quarters.  It is from this point forward that cameras are not permitted.

Amazing Use of Steel...so natural

Frank Lloyd Wright had already established himself as a renowned architect when Fallingwater was under construction in the late 1930’s.  It was Kaufmann’s son that would be instrumental in the building of the family’s second home.  He had been a long time admirer of Wright’s work and encouraged his father to contact Wright to design and construct their summer house located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh.

Once the home was completed, it instantly drew attention when it appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1938.  It has been considered one of Wright’s most monumental accomplishments and may be one of his most familiar.

Larger View of Outdoor Living Space, Fallingwater

The informative tour centered on all of the living spaces of the home, which took a little over an hour.  I had plenty of time to explore the exterior grounds at my leisure and take some photos of the house from various angles.  It was not difficult to notice that the living quarters seem to be suspended over the 30 foot waterfall below without any support.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s ability to make use of a cantilever system intensified the mystique of his construction and minimized unnecessary obstruction of the surrounding landscape.

Stairs to the Falls, Fallingwater

The focal point of Fallingwater is the sizeable waterfall that flows below the property. Frank Lloyd Wright was interested in incorporating the natural falls into the home so that it could be “a part of the family’s everyday life.” A set of red steel stairs lead down to the water from one of the main outdoor living areas, but from this vantage point, the waterfall is difficult to see.

Fountain Entrance at Fallingwater

Frank Lloyd Wright built the home using local Pottsville sandstone from a nearby quarry.  Wright selected his signature Cherokee Red as the color for the steel to add depth to the ochre concrete used throughout the home.

Until 1963, the Kaufmanns used the property as their weekend home.  Edgar Kaufmann, Jr., decided to donate the home to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy so that the property could be accessible to the public as a museum.  It is estimated that over 120,000 visitors tour the home and the grounds on an annual basis.

Baby Bird in Nest at Fallingwater

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Fallingwater.  Frank Lloyd Wright’s dynamic ability to consider his surroundings in his designs are what make him unique and a pioneer in modern architecture.  As I spent time walking, I wondered what elements of the property inspired Frank Lloyd Wright, knowing his deep love and appreciation for nature.

It was then that I heard a faint chirp of a little bird and noticed him on the ledge above me.  As I spotted this nestling so perfectly situated between the sandstone, I knew that at this moment, Frank Lloyd Wright would have been inspired.

Are you a fan of architecture and have a favorite architect? Have you visited other Frank Lloyd Wright homes? I would love to hear your experience if you would kindly leave a comment below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Fallingwater
1491 Mill Run Road
Mill Run, PA  15464
Telephone: 724 329 8501

  • Admission Fee:  Guided house tours are $30 for adults and $18 for Youth ages 6 – 12; grounds passes are $10 and available at the gate; landscape hike is $12 per person; In-depth tours are available for $80 ages 9 and up; Sunset tours and Brunch tours are $150 per person;
  • Hours:  Daily from 10AM to 6PM
  • Amenities:  Falllingwater Café, bookstore, guided tours, restrooms at the visitor center only
  • Scenic View:  Splendid view of Fallingwater with the falls located beneath the home.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Advance ticket purchase is essential for all tours by purchasing online or by phone at 724 329 8501.  Purchase tickets a minimum of two weeks prior to your visit during the busy months of July, August and October. Specialty tours (Brunch and Sunset) sell out early in the season. Allow at least 15 additional minutes for travel due to rural winding roads. No public transportation is provided to Fallingwater. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a considerable amount of walking. Children under six years old not permitted on tour. Photography is not permitted inside of Fallingwater. The best time to visit is late June through early July when the rhododendron bloom.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Donegal
3695 Route 31 East
Donegal, PA  15628
Toll Free Number:  877 859 5095

Upscale Resort:
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
1001 Lafayette Drive
Farmington, PA  15437
Toll Free Number 866 344 6957

Where to Eat:

Fallingwater Cafe

Fallingwater has its own cafe which offers delicious sandwiches, salads, fruits and homemade desserts.

Bittersweet Cafe
209 Farmington-Ohiopyle Road
Farmington, PA 15437
Phone Number: 724 329 4411

I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich at this amazing farm-to-table cafe! Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this eatery is perfect for a quick bite and checking out the antique shop on the premises!

What to Eat: 

  • Pretzels were brought to Pennsylvania by the German settlers.
  • Philly Cheesesteaks are sandwiches made of strips of steak topped with Cheez Whiz and onion.
  • The Banana Split is said to have been invented in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
  • Hershey’s Kisses
  • Lebanon Bologna made by the Pennsylvania Dutch
  • Apple Butter produced by the Pennsylvania Dutch
  • Utz potato chips
  • Tastycakes
  • Heinz Ketchup
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • Twizzlers
  • Chocolate
  • Scrapple is a meat loaf made of pork scraps and cornmeal.
  • The Arnold Palmer is a drink made of half tea and half lemonade.
  • Pot Pie is another contribution by the Pennsylvania Dutch.
  • Root Beer was invented by Charles Elmer Hires of Philadelphia, PA.
  • Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup was served at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.
  • Funnel cakes
  • Stromboli
  • Shoofly Pie is a pie with the main ingredient of molasses
  • Whoopie Pies are cake cookies with a cream filling
  • Peeps

What to Read:

  • Fallingwater, A Frank Lloyd Wright Country House  by Edgar Kauffman, Jr.
  • Fallingwater: The Building of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Masterpiece by Marc Harshman, Anna Egan Smucker, LeUyen Pham
  • Fallingwater Rising by Franklin Toker

For additional information and sights to see in Pennsylvania, check out the following links!

A Hike of Waterfalls:  Rickett’s Glen, Pennsylvania

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Travel Tip – Getting Back into Work Mode

29 April 202022 September 2024

I love adding a few vacation days to a holiday weekend.  So after being in holiday mode for a week, there are times when getting back into work mode can be somewhat challenging.  Here are some tips for making the transition easier.

  1. Set up my “out of office” message – This alerts co-workers and clients that I will be out of the office and if there is an urgent need to either leave a voicemail, especially if I will not be able to check email, or an email that I can check once I return to the office.  Which leads to my second point.
  2. Have a backup person – Putting someone in charge while I am out of the office is not only helpful to my clients, but it also relieves me of some of the duties that I would have had to cover had I not been on vacation. It is always a great idea for me to meet with that person prior to leaving to discuss any unfinished business and to meet upon my return for any urgent action items that may need to be resolved as soon as possible.
  3. Sneak a peek once in awhile – If I am accessible during my holiday away from work, I don’t mind checking email or voicemail on a 24 hour basis just to make sure that something has not slipped through the cracks or that there is a situation that requires immediate attention. I don’t want to spend all day working on my vacay, but checking every now and then doesn’t hurt.
  4. Put up a sign “In Teleconference” – After being away for a week, I may need to take some uninterrupted time to go through email and voicemail and snail mail to catch up on some loose ends. I can either provide a time when I will be available or just leave the sign up on the closed door until I feel I can take on any additional work/questions from colleagues.  Of course, I can also add “Interrupt in an absolute emergency”, so my co-workers are not too frightened to disturb me in the event that they need to do so.
  5. Prioritize and tackle – So while I am hibernating away to follow up and address any concerns, issues or questions, I want to see if there are any urgent notices (emails or voicemails) that require attention right away. I will many times answer the not so urgent messages stating that I have (or have not) had a chance to review their message, but will do so as soon as possible or even give them a time limit.

Vacations are a much needed priority to feel recharged and renewed.  I certainly don’t want to feel overwhelmed after my holiday, so I try to think about ways to proactively set myself up for an easy transition back into work.  It certainly can make a difference.

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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2019 Travel and Blog Schedule for The Suite Life of Travel

5 January 201927 July 2024

2019 will be my busiest travel year to date….and I can’t wait!  So many opportunities that I could not pass up, so they are booked and I am counting down the days!

Belize:    Port of Belize, Xunantunich, Scuba Diving

China:    Beijing, Tiananeman Square, Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City, tri-shaw rides, hutongs, Zhangjiajie (the land of Avatar), Tianzishan Ten Miles Natural Gallery highway, Bailong Elevator, Tianmen Mountains, Gui Gu Plank Road, Highway to Heaven, Tianmen Fairy Fox Show,  Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the glass-bottom bridge, Baofeng Lake,  Chengdu,  Jinli Ancient Street, Qing Cheng Mountains, Dujiangyan Panda Valley, Panda Conservation,

Egypt:   Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Pyramids, the Sphinx and Valley Temple, Khufu Ship, Camel Rides, Cairo Museum, Khan El Khalili (Souk), Felucca Ride and Belly Dancing; Nile Cruise starting in Luxor, Luxor, Karnak Temple, Thebes and the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Ramesses III, Dier El Madina,  the Locks of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Aswan and the High Dam, Philae (the most beautiful temple in Egypt, Coptic Cairo, Sakkara and diving in Alexandria.

Honduras:   Port of Honduras, Altun Ha, Scuba Diving,

Israel:   Qumran,  Caesarea Maritima, The Dead Sea,  Masada, Mount Arbel, Capernaeum, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Fish and the Loaves, Sailing the Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemene, Sepphoris, Mount Zion and the Upper Room, Jerusalem, David Center in Jerusalem, Southern Wall Excavations and the Teaching Steps, The Western Wall, Pool of Bethesda, The Via Dolorosa, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Temple Mount, The Garden Tomb, Ein Karem, Nebi Samuel, Valley of Elah

Mexico:  Cozumel, Cancun, Chitzen Itza, Tulum, Cenotes, Underwater Park

United States: 

California: Yosemite, Napa, John Muir State Park, Hearst Castle, San Francisco, Sausilito

United States: 

Connecticut:  East Haddam, Gillette Castle, Mystic, Hartford

United States: 

Michigan:  Upper Peninsula:  Soo Locks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Seashore

United States:

Ohio:  Cincinnati,  Bellefontaine, Dayton, Greenville, Yellow Springs, Ohio Wines

United States:

Louisiana:  New Orleans

What travel plans await you in 2019?  I would love to hear about them, so list your future adventures in the comments section below!  Wishing you an amazing 2019 and lots of Happy Travels!

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The Port of Monaco, Venturing Off “The Rock” and Visiting a Perfume Factory

2 February 201631 August 2024

0928 Map of Monaco

A set of stairs led down from “The Rock” where we had just explored Monaco’s Old Town and Monte Carlo Casino.  Below the palace is the Monaco Harbor full of expensive yachts and to the right, the starting line for the Monaco Grand Prix.  We had only a few moments before making our final stop in Eze so we descended down the stairs leading to the port.

0928 Formula 1 Race Starts Here

Monaco is famous for its Royal Family, the Monte Carlo Casino and Formula One Racing.  The Monaco Grand Prix has drawn race fans to the country since 1929.  Known as one of the most prestigious car races in the world, this competition is one of three that make up the “Triple Crown of Motorsports” taking place over Memorial Day weekend.  Although the route of the race changes each year, the starting point remains the same.  At the base of the stairs descending from “The Rock”, we approached the race’s infamous hairpin curve.

0928 Sign for Formula 1 Turn

The Circuit de Monaco is approximately 1,000 miles throughout the streets of Monte Carlo and Condamine which wraps around the harbor.  The streets of the race are very narrow and the turns quite sharp.  The most famous of the turns on the route is the Fairmont Hairpin turn, so named because it passes the Fairmont Hotel and is one of the most sought after locations to watch the race.  Spectators pay thousands of dollars to cheer on their favorite driver from this vantage point.

38 Monte Carlo - Hairpin Turn of Formula 1

Due to the design of the street circuit, this race is considered one of the “most demanding tracks in Formula One,”  With its dangerous curves and narrow course, it is one of the most prestigious races throughout the world.  In addition to its challenging track, there is a tunnel that continues  below the Fairmont Hotel following the Fairmont Hairpin Turn.          0928 Castle of Eze

A short bus ride through the French Riviera brought us to our next stop, the coastal town of Eze.  Known for its highly acclaimed perfume industry, we visited the world-renowned Fragonard  factory.  The medieval town of Eze sits atop a large mountainous rock and is famous for its panoramic views as well as its beauty and charm.

0928 Fragonard Perfume Factory

Fragonard has been producing a wide variety of fragrances since 1926.   Our tour included a presentation of how the fragrances are made as we watched chemists make handmade soaps and lotions in a variety of scents for both men and women.

The factory also produces cosmetics and candles which are available for sale in the gift shop. In addition to purchasing a couple of candles, I found an amazing, fresh smelling scent that reminded me of a day at the beach.

0928 Rose at the Perfume Factory

I exited the gift shop into a charming courtyard, surrounded by fragrant roses used to produce the fragrances within the perfumery.  I took a seat wanting to sit under the warmth of the sun and gaze out into the Mediterranean, mesmerized by the waterfront scenery below.

While enjoying the sunshine and fabulous scents at Fragonard, I could see the village of Eze up on the hill.  This medieval town’s narrow cobblestone streets make it a wonderful change of scenery for drinking an afternoon coffee at the cafes and shopping its lovely boutiques.   The Path of Nietzsche originates at the coast at Eze Sur Mer and ends at the town of Eze, offering spectacular views of the coast along the way.

0928 French Riviera Coast

The drive back to Villafranche was just as spectacular as the rest of the tour. I sat at the back of the bus with a wide open window where I could see the magnificent coastline of the French Riviera.  The shades of blue darkened as the water met the coast.  The towns and people seemed like miniature toys as we climbed up hills towering over the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean.

Although this coastal drive is magical and mesmerizing, it is also a scene of tragedy and sorrow.   One of the most memorable tragedies was that of Princess Grace of Monaco.  As she was returning back to the palace from her vacation home, she suffered a stroke and lost control of her car sustaining life threatening injuries.  It was a sad day for Monaco as well as the world. She was 52 years old.

0928 Harbor of Nice

Within a few moments and we are passing through the popular, metropolitan port city of Nice.  This panoramic coastal drive takes us through the cornices of Basse, Moyenne and Grande.  Nice is most known for its scenic promenade, the Promenade des Anglais that offers a spectacular view of the waterfront.

Additional dramatic overlooks include Cliff Walk and the Fort at Mont Boron. Nice also has an Old Town, the Vieux Nice, where visitors can get lost in the maze of boutique shopping and local markets.

0928 Streets of Villafranche

At last we have arrived back to port and I had wished we had more time in Villafranche.  I was drawn to the town’s laid back atmosphere and how it had maintained its character without succumbing to the typical touristy nature of popular port towns.    I learned that the beach here is preferred over some of the other French Riviera shores because it is quiet and more relaxing.  I had experienced an amazing day in Monaco and Monte Carlo and look forward to coming back for a peaceful day in Villafranche.

Have you visited the port town of Villafranche?  Did you take an excursion or explore this cozy port town?  I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my shore excursion to Monaco and Monte Carlo.  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Parfumerie Fragonard
158 Avenue de Verdun
06360 Eze France
Telephone:  33 4 93 41 05 05

  • Admission Fee:   Free guided tours year around (book ahead by calling +04 93 36 44 66 or by email at tourisme@fragonard.com).  Guests may experience additional wait times if reservations are not made ahead of time.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 9AM to 6PM
  • Amenities: Perfume shop, lovely courtyard with beautiful roses
  • Scenic View:  Gorgeous views of the French Riviera
  • Length of the Tour:  Approximately 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:   Guided tours must be made in advance.   If you suffer from allergies, you may want to reconsider this tour.  Wait times may apply if advance reservations are not made.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Ambassador Monaco (affordable)
10 Avenue Prince Pierre, 98000
Monaco
Telephone:  +377 97 97 96 96

Fairmont Monte Carlo (luxury)
12 Avenue des Spelugues
98000 Monaco
Telephone:  377 93 50 65 00

Where to Eat:

Restaurant Le Pinocchio
30 Rue Comte Felix Gastaldi, 98000
Monaco
Telephone:  +377 93 30 96 20

I ordered the Salde de calamars grilles, fenoil,  oranges et huile parfumee a la vanille for 18 Euros.  It was the perfect lunch , although I would have also liked to have tried the Risotto “La Fee Bleue”, a risotto with Mascarpone and Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, Liquour Cointreau 1849 and poire et pistache for 29 Euros.

What to Eat: 

  • Barbajuan is the national food of Monaco.  Similar to an empanada, these pastries are filled with ricotta cheese and Swiss chard.  Some may also include added ingredients such as onion, rice, leeks, spinach and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bouillabaisse, a fish stew.
  • Fougasse, made popular by the Monegasque is a bread seasoned with sage, rosemary and/or thyme.
  • The Galapian is a cantaloupe-cherry-almond tart
  • Gnocchi is a potato based dough served with cream
  • Pissaladiere is a French pizza topped with olives, carmelized onions and anchovies.
  • Porcetta – stuffed pork roast
  • Socca are street food pancakes/crepes

What to Read:

  • Loser Takes All by Graham Greene
  • A Ghost in Monte Carlo by Barbara Cartland
  • I Kill by Giorgio Faletti
  • Headhunters, by Jules Bass
  • Anything Considered, by Peter Mayle
  • Grace, by Robert Lacey
  • Once Upon a Time, by J. Randy Taraborrelli

Photo Guide for Monaco: 

  • Port Hercule for the super mega-yachts in the harbor
  • Tete de Chien is  trail that takes you from the center of Cap d’Ail to the hills offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Rooftop Terrace of Musee Oceanographique
  • Digue de l’Avant Port where a pathway winds along the water’s edge
  • Jardin Exotique for its gardens and cliffside pics
  • The Observatory Cave is located inside of the Exotic Garden
  • The Monte Carlo Casino for its elegant exterior
  • Ride the Bateau Bus for gorgeous photos of the coast
  • Monaco Cathedral for its beautiful interior
  • Monaco-Ville, the charming old town of Monaco

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

0928 The Fort of Villefranche

A view of the fort as seen from the tender

0928 View of VF from the Ship

The port of Villafranche as seen from the ship

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Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port.  I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some  tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include:  Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

000 Stingrays, Grand Cayman

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

IMG_4932Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes:  Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes:  London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

2011 Cincinnati Skyline (2)

Local Travel includes:  Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans?  I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information

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The Liebster Award: Nominating Fellow Travel Bloggers for their Exceptional Talent

10 July 201431 August 2024

I want to extend a humbling thanks to the wonderful staff of bohotraveller at http://bohotraveller.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award, an award by fellow travel writers who in turn recognize other  writers for their amazing contribution to travel!   I am overwhelmingly grateful for the recognition as I had recently started sharing my travel adventures this year!  Here is what bohotraveller had to say about my travelblog:

A travel bug bit her when she was a little girl and her passion for travel increased multifold when she took up a job as Assistant Purser on the SS Vera Cruz. What hooked us to her blog was the amazing collection of pictures from around the world and her coverage of Arizona just blew us off our feet. So before we spill more beans on her, why don’t you pay a visit to her on https://www.thesuitelifeoftravel.com/ and get in touch with this lovely traveler!

Many thanks to bohotraveller for taking an interest in my blog and for the nomination!   It has been such an amazing experience to share stories with others who are just as passionate about travel as I am!  I look forward to posting more information that I hope can be helpful to all my readers with their travels and thank you for your continued support!  I can’t thank you enough for the honor, bohotraveller!  Muah!

Having accepted this nomination, I have answered the ten questions that were provided by bohotraveller and have thoroughly enjoyed this process as it has taken me back to some of most memorable adventures!

Question 1:  Tell us a little about yourself.  And do add something that we do not know about you!
Travel is my passion and I currently work in pharmaceuticals on the research development side of the industry.  I have been an active traveler for most of my life living on both coasts of the United States! I am an insane lover of all animals, especially cats, big or small and have one of my own named Sammy.  When I was in the sixth grade, I won the highest honors for a singing contest for the state of Ohio!

Question 2:  What is your blog about and when did you start? 
My blog is a compilation of travels that I have experienced both internationally and in my backyard.  You can find an opportunity to write a story if you just look for it and explore the places that interest you, even in your own hometown!  My first blog post was published on January 1, 2014!

Question 3:  Why did you feel the need for a blog?
I have always been fascinated by travel writing, and kept journals of my cruise ship life and all of the travels I had experienced since my early vacations.  I did not have the courage to submit my writings to be published, but my friends and colleagues encouraged me to start a blog as a way to keep up with me and my travels.  And voila! It has since become a passion and second career, to say the least!

Question 4:  What is your most favourite destination till date?
Working on cruise ships, this was always the question I dreaded to answer.  Mainly because each place that you visit will usually make an impact on you in one way or another.  But to be fair in answering, I would have to say Bali, Indonesia, for several reasons.  It was my first major solo travel trip with the help of a Balinese friend that I stayed in contact with over the years since my cruise ship days.  Secondly, I was invited private Hindu ceremonies that brought me closer to the culture of the Balinese.  Finally, if you have ever seen photos of Bali, you can see the beauty in the island and the diversity that you can experience here!

Question 5:  What is next on your bucket list?
I have a bucket list that seems to be unending.  This year I will be hitting Madeira, Portugal, Vietnam and Cambodia as well Nova Scotia and New Brunswick!   Next year I have already begun planning my two top bucket list items which are trips to Israel and Machu Picchu!

Question 6:  If you could live only in one place all your life, which place would you choose and why?
I have always been fascinated by the Italian culture and their way of life.  I would have to say that living in Tuscany would be the ideal place for my laid-back personality and love of wine. The only drawback would be that the weather can be cold at times.

Question 7:  What is the biggest challenge that you have ever faced in your travels to date?
Having missed my connecting flight to Venice, I worked with the ticketing agent to “creatively” create an itinerary that would allow me to arrive before the cruise ship for which I was scheduled to embark the next day.   Within a 24 hour period, I had visited five countries.  The route went from Newark, NJ where I was to fly into Heathrow, England and taxi to Gatwick.  The time to reach Gatwick was too short, so the agent booked me on a flight to Frankfurt, Germany.  Upon arrival they immediately provided me a ticket to Paris, France, as there were no seats available for Venice.  From Paris, I boarded the final leg of my flight, finally arriving in Venice, Italy!   I was about 10 hours late from my initial arrival, but I somehow managed, with the help of the airline staff, to make it before my cruise the next day!

Question 8:  You are a seaside person or a mountain person?  And why?
Maybe it’s my living on cruise ships for so many years, that I love the sound of water and love to watch the waves crashing on the beach.  It is such a therapeutic experience for me to smell the salty air and sink my toes in the sand.

Question 9:  Apart from travelling, what else do you really enjoy doing?
Photography!  From family photos to landscape and animals, I absolutely love to capture incredible sights on film!

And with that said, I want to once again thank bohotraveller for their kind words of introduction, the nomination and keeping in touch for some travel inspiration!

For some, travel is an outlet that takes one to a whole new level in understanding culture, seeing the beauty in the world and experiencing an education that you can’t always find at home!  This is what I found in MY nominees for the Liebster award!!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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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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Recent Posts

  • The Amish Town of Charm, OH
  • The Piazzas, Museums and Fountains of Rome
  • Ohio Wine Month Featured Winery: Old Mason Winery

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  • Document Travel-Ways to Remember the Adventure - The Boho Traveller
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