Bali was on my bucket list to visit when we lived in Japan. It worked out just right for us to go while Jeff was deployed and Sam was on summer break. The weather in Bali in July was also amazing. It’s winter in July so the days were warm and breezy and the nights… Continue reading Itinerary for a Perfect Day in Ubud, Bali

Many cities have iconic landmarks and iconic views. Edinburgh is no different. One of the iconic views of Edinburgh is from Calton Hill. The climb up the staircase on a very windy, but sunny day, was worth the panoramic view of the city.  

If you live in Japan you experience the rhythm of life that revolves around festivals. Japan celebrates a lot of festivals, many having to do with nature, that occur at the same time every year. There are festivals when cherry trees are in bloom, when wisteria is blooming, when sunflowers are in bloom. There are… Continue reading Shobu-en Iris Festival in Yokosuka, Japan

This is the first part of an ongoing series in which I interview experts on a variety of topics. The first topic for this series is SCOTTISH ANTIQUES. I interviewed Patrick Buckley, owner of Patrick Buckley Antiques in Edinburgh. I know Patrick’s shop well because it is located very near my flat on Causewayside in… Continue reading AN INSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE #1: Scottish Antiques

I personally think that no visit to Dubai is complete without a bouncy ride through the desert in a 4×4. While in Dubai this past February with Sam we did just that when went on a desert safari that I booked through our hotel. Our driver picked us up at the hotel in a white… Continue reading Desert Safari in Dubai, United Arab Emirates