Category: Travel
How Hvar Stole my Heart!
While it can be fun to visit tourist attractions during a vacation, at times this can mean waiting in long line ups, crowds and expensive tourist packages. One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is to meet a local and hire them as my guide. While hanging out a rooftop bar in the center square of Hvar, I was fortunate enough to meet a local, Ivo, who was kind enough to take his day off and show me some hidden gems of Hvar. If you can’t befriend a local then be sure to rent a car! Here are some highlights from our day.
The Lavender Fields
A great souvenir to pick up from Croatia. Lavender oil is good to use on mosquito bites, for stress relief and it said to help put you to sleep when used on the bottoms of your feet.
Farm Life
The old stone houses in Hvar were built for farmers, called kazun. Farmers carefully placed layers of stones stacked to build a small hut; the top of the conical roof had a hole so that smoke can come out.
Reaching New Heights
The highest point in Hvar: Sveti Nikola. This was a truly magical moment, I love reaching new highs, if only I was a bird!
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The Desire of Dubrovnik!
Hello, a few words about my first city stop in Croatia! Once the shuttle into town took off, and the views of the Adriatic sea appeared I knew I was in love. I was dropped off at the Pile gate and took a taxi to a lovely Airbnb with an exceptional view. I spent the evening exploring the old town, a huge stone palace, a perfect setting to get lost.
Dubrovnik’s Ideal Sunset Spot: Busco Bar
Sit at the bar for a drink to watch the sunset. Tip, if there is no place to sit, venture further down and sit on the rocks below
Surrounded by the Sea
Take a day trip to Lokrum island. Take a 10 min ferry ride to break away from the excitement and bustle of the city center. Here you will find an ideal space for tranquil day.
A High Up City Highlight!
Walk the city walls. If you are going during the busy tourist season, go after 5pm to avoid the busy hours full of buzzing cruise ship patrons.
Accommodations:
Dubrovnik Airbnb (walking distance to city)
Dubrovnik Airbnb #2 (inside city walls)
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Split Photo Diary
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Split, the City for Romance!
I was only three months old when my mom decided to leave me with my grandma and enjoy her honeymoon in Split, Croatia. Fast forward to about 31 years; now I was able to experience the charming city as well with a few friends from Montreal, Canada.
A must for is to wander through market stalls in any new city I can. Fortunately, the Pazar Green Market, open every day from 7 am to 2 pm and is located near the ferry port. Items we picked up, fresh fruit, cheese, prosciutto, candied fruit.
Pazar Green Market
Remember, it’s a market, this is the place to practice your negotiation skills 😉
Food for Thought
Since restaurants will use fake flavored truffle flavored oil, you can get a good deal on these tasty morsels in the market, as the real thing is quite expensive!
Pizza & Pastry Pit Stop in Spit!
Food is good but mostly touristy. A Croatian girl I had met earlier in Hvar recommended that I try pizza in Split. It is a bit different, not a greasy from thick layers of cheese. Instead, I picked a vegetarian one. Elena, the lady in a shop, said was her favorite, a cartoon portrait of her drawn on the pastry shop wall.
ZA!!!
I imaged that since my parents chose Split for their romantic vacation, it would be a city full of romance. I think love was in the air, the love that comes from friendships, both new and old. We adopted two goofy and heart-warming male escorts from Florida on our last night in Hvar. Luckily for us, they were also on their way to Split and we were thrilled they could join us for some sightseeing, dining and dancing!
Accommodations:
Where we stayed: Split Airbnb
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Jasper in the Winter
Jolly in Jasper!
I’m documenting yet another ski trip where there was no limit to the amount of entertainment to be enjoyed. A lack of activity was inconceivable, whether spent the day skiing or boarding across the wide-open trails, indulging in culinary treats or scenic hikes.
With a beer in hand, a company ski trip was the perfect way to get to know my coworkers in their natural habitat! Instead of boring water cooler conversations, I was able to find out more exciting details about my fellow weekend warriors. Though some people may shy away from corporate events, I truly believe it’s more enjoyable to discuss their wipeouts and witness their mad dance skills during a corporate trip!
Where we Stayed- The Lobstick Lodge
Inexpensive and a few blocks to walk into town!
Favorite Eats- Jasper Pizza Place 
The final day was spent enjoying the brunch buffet at my favorite Fairmont hotel, the Jasper Park Lodge. Although it can be a pricier option for lodging, it welcomes guests to come and walk their grounds, skate, or just have a hot chocolate in the rustic main lobby.
And then the easy hike in Maligne Canyon is treating for the eyes that shouldn’t be missed. Warning! Make sure you purchase or borrow boot covers to walk down into the ice-coated canyon, it’s slick!
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Getting Frisky in Fernie!
I never pass up an opportunity to partake in a ski trip, always hoping for best case scenario snow report. This recent adventure took place in Fernie, British Columbia. At the top of the hill, you will be greeted by a striking landscape. Then it’s your choice of runs, to be accomplished at your level of speed and efficiency!
Although the tranquil landscape didn’t disappoint, I’m often in search of activities that make each ski destination unique. In Fernie, this was the ice bar, located on the hill, inside the Lizard Creek Lodge. Don your fur trimmed Helly Hansen parka, enter the frigid, colorful carved blocks of ice to sample a vast selection of premium vodkas. Smash your ice-made shot glass when you complete your vodka tastings feeling warm and tingly.
How we got Frisky
Where to Stay
Powder Mountain Lodge
http://powdermountainlodge.com/
Pros:
• Close drive to the hill, walking distance to restaurants and pubs.
• Inexpensive
Cons:
• Small Hot tub
• Easy to hear other guests
Where to Eat
Nevados- Scrumptious tapas style Mexican food with tasty margaritas to match
Where to drink
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12 Images from a Day Well Spent in Montreal
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What Brings you to Montreal?
Friends, Food and a Lavish Cultural Wedding!
During a New Year’s trip to Nicaragua in 2014, I was fortunate to find myself in a tour group with a few great ladies who reside in Montreal, Canada. Our friendship has since blossomed and we been able to connect through more traveling. This January I was invited to a first Jewish-Moroccan wedding; I knew it was going to an experience that couldn’t be passed up! Here are some highlights from the weekend festivities:
At some point we have all experienced changes in our social circles, friends move away to pursue exciting careers or romances and some we just grow apart from as our interests diversify. Your best friend from grade school may be a few minutes away but don’t discount the fact that an overseas buddy may be more supportive of your lifestyle since you’ve bonded over several days and nights of travel exploration. Besides being the ultimate Montreal tour guide, my far away friend Emily has since been first on my list of emergency face-time sessions and was the motivation behind booking a trip to Argentina. As a friend, she’s both refreshing and constructive, and being in her presence is invigorating. Have you ever pursued a long-distance friendship? Do you think it’s possible to be closer to a friend who doesn’t live in the same city? I would love to hear about your long distance friendships!
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10 Images that make you want to Spend a Winter Weekend in Whitefish Montana
UNANCHORED EVE 