SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD The Advantages of Slow Travel in Italy: A Better Way to a Dolce Vita Posted on April 8, 2024May 21, 2026 In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life’s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time stands still among the olive groves and vineyards. We’ll introduce you to agriturismos, where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK From Cheongdo With Love: Discovering Soumou Cafe Posted on April 7, 2024December 20, 2025 Finding cool new cafes is always fun. Let’s talk about Soumou Cafe, a great spot at Geumjandi Farm in Qingdao Cheongdo. This town is full of new cafes. When I visited, Soumou Cafe had just opened. Once you walk in, you’ll see it’s not like other places. It has its own style. Plus, it has a pretty cool secret too Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Cafe Tims: The Heart of Suseong’s Vibrant Alpha City Posted on April 6, 2024December 20, 2025 Alpha City in Daegu, South Korea, is experiencing an exciting cafe boom. New cafes and restaurants are opening left and right, energizing the whole area. Swept up in the buzz, Steven and I just had to check out a cozy dessert cafe in this lively Suseong district. It was the perfect destination for this week’s cafe-hopping adventure. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD Running the Paris Marathon with My Husband: Endurance, Love, and Teamwork Posted on April 5, 2024April 22, 2026 Military separations aren’t just about miles, but lost time and shared memories. Running the Paris Marathon was a chance to catch up on both. These times apart are challenging. They mean missing holidays, precious moments, and chances to grow together. To reconnect, we find shared goals. Running the Paris Marathon together was our way to catch up and grow closer. But it actually accomplished much, much more. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK TYCOGA Winery: The Best Day Trip in Iowa Posted on April 4, 2024December 20, 2025 At Tycoga Winery & Distillery, it’s more than just about the drinks; their pizza is pretty good, too. Thirty minutes from our door to theirs, we stepped into a place buzzing with life. Despite the crowd, the manager spotted us right away, treating us like VIPs and ushering us to the bar. That warm welcome set the stage for an experience we won’t forget, savoring standout pizza and wine in the heart of Iowa. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Venice Food Secrets: What Happened at Don Fernando’s Octopus Dinner Posted on April 3, 2024February 26, 2026 We both sat there staring at the plate placed before me. When I ordered a seafood salad, I figured I’d see a little crab and shrimp over some leafy greens with a splash of vinaigrette. I had no idea someone would go into the kitchen and out the back door to the canals beyond, scoop up whatever was unfortunate enough to swim into the net, and serve al fresco with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. We sat there, staring at the seafood salad I ordered. This is the story about My Octopus Dinner on the Venice Canals at Don Fernando’s in Treviso, Italy. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Il Vecchio Maneggio: The Best Day Trip in Tuscany Posted on March 30, 2024December 20, 2025 I’m taking you along on my adventure through Tuscany, a place famous for its picture-perfect landscapes and deep history. But there’s a twist – we’re going eco-friendly. We’ll also see why their food and wine just taste different (in a good way!) and learn why picking organic and local stuff isn’t just a trend—it’s a choice that’s better for us and the planet. Spending the day at Il Vecchio Maneggio is more than just eating and drinking; it’s about making decisions that help keep our earth healthy. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Spring in Italy: How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Trip Posted on March 28, 2024December 20, 2025 Today is my birthday and I am spending ot and the month of March in Italy. Spring in Italy has been full of surprises. Despite my initial concerns about the cold potentially spoiling the enjoyment of Italy’s famous natural beauty, my worries were unfounded. The weather is unexpectedly warm, a pleasant surprise that probably points to global warming. The heavy coat I brought, expecting to shield against the chill, has become my personal sauna. Read more