Who Won Le Village Préféré des Français 2021?

Sancerre won and Fresnay-sur-Sarthe came in second, followed by Hérisson (*my* favorite French village)

I Took BART to San Francisco for the First Time in Over a Year

Since the pandemic began in March 2020, I haven’t been on a bus, plane, train, or ferry! So after 15+ months, I was thrilled to take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) again

My Post About Paris Booksellers is Featured on “Travel In Culture”

Thanks to Annelise of Travel In Culture for including my post on their list of Top Things to See and Do in Paris! Check out number 7: Les bouquinistes

Vote Hérisson for Le Village Préféré des Français 2021

The French village of Hérisson has been named one of 14 finalists in the 2021 edition of Le Village Préféré des Français, the FRANCE 3 show hosted by historian, Stéphane Bern. (Note: Voting has ended. The winner will be announced on the show on June 30, 2021)

Visiting Berlin: Berlin Wall

While I had seen remnants of the Berlin Wall before in a Washington, DC museum, nothing compares to seeing the Wall where it actually stood for nearly three decades (February 2020)

Visiting Berlin: “Like You! Friendship – Digital and Analogue” Exhibition

In February 2020, my dear friend and I took our children to the Museum für Kommunikation in Berlin, where we experienced this special exhibition about friendship

citizenM Hotel at CDG Paris Airport

I enjoyed my overnight stay at this modern hotel. I have pictures! [Originally posted July 24, 2018. Updated in 2020]

Visiting Berlin: Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg Gate

Pariser Platz is the best place to start for first-time visitors to Berlin like me

Visiting Berlin: Where to Eat

When your belly grumbles in Berlin, you can easily find beer, pretzels, and currywurst to satisfy your hunger! But what if you’ve got a hankering for something different? My dear friend introduced me to a few good restaurants

Wednesday Postcard: Berlin, Germany

This week’s postcard features the capital of Germany

An Impromptu Layover in London

We got some much-needed shut-eye and enjoyed some savory snacks, too! Overall, we had a pleasant overnight stay at London Heathrow

7 Words Francophiles Never Want to Hear

Due to Storm Dennis, my connecting flight from London Heathrow to Paris was cancelled

Ski Week: the Mid-Winter Break

The mid-winter break in February is a new concept to me

Visiting Seattle: How to Get Around and See the Sights

Planning a trip to Seattle? Here are some tips on how to get around and see the sights

Visiting Seattle: Where to Eat

Starving in Seattle? I recommend you grab a bite at the following places for burgers, phở, and mac and cheese. They’ve got good eggs and pancakes, too…with warm maple syrup, everything for you

Visiting Seattle: Ferry to Bainbridge Island

Only 35 minutes away from Seattle by ferry, the island and city of Bainbridge Island is a charming place to visit. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area and check out these shops and restaurants along Winslow Way and Madrone Lane

Visiting Seattle: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

If you’re a fan of Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Prince, Pearl Jam, science fiction, horror, or fantasy films, video games, and music in general, MoPOP is a must-see when you’re in Seattle

Visiting Seattle: Original Starbucks

Did you know there are two originals in town? One is the first store that opened in 1971 and the other is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery that opened in 2014. I like one more than the other

Visiting Seattle: Glossier Pop-Up

I happened to be in town when the Glossier Pop-Up in Seattle opened, so I had to check it out (Please note: the Seattle Pop-Up closed on July 7, 2019)

You’re Not Too Old to Stay in a Youth Hostel

Need a place to stay in Paris? Washington, DC? Montréal? Consider staying in these three hostels

Wednesday Postcard: Lille, Maine, USA

Bonjour! I got this week’s carte postale from a local used-book shop. I had heard of cities in France and … More

8 Creative Things to Do on a Long Haul Flight

If I were on an ultra long haul flight, how would I pass the time and entertain myself? Here are some of my ideas (beyond reading, watching movies, and sleeping!)

Airplane Food

Here are a few pictures of food I’ve had while traveling. Who says airplane food is terrible? In the grand scheme of things, it’s all good!

Treasure Hunt in Paris

Do you like travel games? I made this treasure hunt list for my recent trip to Paris to help me keep an eye out for cultural details beyond the major landmarks.