I have been wanting to talk about charity shops, or thrift stores, in Edinburgh. I am having a hard time narrowing down the scope of that project given the sheer volume of them so I have decided to do a series about them based on what neighborhood they are in since there so many neighborhoods… Continue reading Thriftin’ in Morningside

Just a nice piece of antique furniture I saw at a charity shop today near our flat, bow front with glass shelves, only 50 pounds ($65). A pretty place for your bric and your brac.

We have been trying to take advantage of the nice weather in Edinburgh with some outdoor activities. On Saturday, we decided to hike Arthur’s Seat, a hill in Holyrood Park in the middle of Edinburgh. We walked from our flat on a lovely day and entered the Park near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. I obviously… Continue reading Camelot

This is a flashback post to talk about a past trip. I plan on doing more of these in the future. After leaving Japan this past spring, we spent the summer driving across the US twice, from California to North Carolina and then back to California. We decided to make it interesting with a lot… Continue reading Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Every August, something happens in Edinburgh, no, not a few sunny days; the Edinburgh International Festival. Started in 1947, it has grown into the largest arts festival in the world. Also started in 1947, was the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, or the Fringe. The Fringe was the result of several organizations crashing the official Festival. That… Continue reading On the Fringe

On our second full day in Naples we set out to explore part of the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first coastal views were of Sorrento. Sorrento As we drive further, our guide points out several small islands off the coast made famous by Homer, home to mythical sirens, enchanting  mermaid creatures… Continue reading Amalfi Coast Odyssey

Mi dispiace (I’m sorry) for this absence. Technical issues in Italy prevented me from being able to upload photos and you just cannot convey Italy without the visuals! So now it’s time to play catch up. On our first full day in Naples we took a guided tour of the Island of Capri, which included… Continue reading Capturing Capri

I am leaving for Italy tomorrow for 10 days. I really should be packing, but wanted to share about my stroll today down part of the Royal Mile. What is known as the Royal Mile is actually made up of numerous streets that run from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. It is the main avenue… Continue reading The Royal Touch

One thing about having been a military spouse, especially after two overseas tours, is that you have friends around the world and often are able to reconnect with them. Today I spent the day with a friend we met in Japan, who is Scottish and from Edinburgh. She happened to be visiting family during school… Continue reading Heavenly Neighborhood