Climbing the 355 steps of Phousi (also spelled Phou si) Hill in Luang Prabang was a top item on our Laos adventure checklist, but we had yet to anticipate the rain that accompanied our climb. I love the rain, just not when I’m hiking or climbing steps that are prone to be slippery. It was a memorable and enchanting experience nonetheless.
At 9 am, just as the day’s heat began to rise, I bicycled in the historic town of Luang Prabang, preparing for an enlightening encounter. I parked my bike, a loaner from the Belle Rive Boutique Hotel, near the steps, covered in pink petals from the flowering bush overhead. Before entering the temple grounds, I pulled out the sweater I brought to cover my arms. As requested by Orange Robe Tours.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting morning traditions of Luang Prabang with the captivating almsgiving ceremony and the insightful Orange Robe Tour. As the sun rises over this charming town, embark on a spiritual journey unlike any other. Join me as I share my unforgettable moments of partaking in the almsgiving ritual and delving into the profound teachings during the Monk Chat sessions.
As the world of travel has opened up, I find myself among many fellow travelers looking for unique destinations, away from the busy tourist spots of old. That’s why I’m drawn to places like Laos. It has a special charm …
Discover the beauty of Seobongsa Temple, with its renowned artwork and serene surroundings. Indulge in the joy of stumbling upon unexpected cafes. A perfect blend of culture and pleasant surprises in the middle of the city.
Lunch Break Escapade Just 15 minutes from gate #4 lies a hidden gem that is waiting to be discovered – the Temple of Bright Virtue, 광덕사(光德寺). I stumbled upon this temple on a whim, looking for a way to spend …
Unveiling the wonders of Wat Chalermprakiat in Thailand– an extraordinary adventure hike to this breathtaking sky temple’s hidden beauty.
The Dragon Temple captivates visitors with its intricate art and architecture, serene atmosphere, community involvement, and surrounding natural beauty.
Do not touch the monks unless you ask or they touch you first. This is especially true for women. You should also be aware, some temples are not open to women. Do not be offended. Women were allowed in these temples at one time. Women were banned because they menstruate, soiling the mats. Unfortunately the modern day conveniences of tampons has had no effect on the prohibition. Women are still considered “unclean”.
Kyoto at first glance doesn’t appear to be a traditional city. Kyoto Station is modern and surrounded by other modern buildings… just like any other city. It has modern conveniences just like any other city. It’s one of the only places you’ll see women in traditional kimonos and no one stops to stare. It’s a land of a thousand temples and where traditions flourish alongside cell phones and everything else modern.
The temple shrines are guarded by statues of Foxes which are believed to be “messengers” of Inari Okami. The statues hold a symbolic item in their mouths or beneath their front paw—most often a jewel and a key, but a sheaf of rice, a scroll, or a fox cub are also common. Almost all Inari shrines, no matter how small, will feature at least a pair of foxes, one male and female, usually flanking or on the altar or in front of the main sanctuary.
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7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Snowbirds IRL at #WITSUtah and #empirecanyonlodge #visitutah @shegoeswithpurpose
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
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 seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
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 seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Hanging out in San Gimignano with new friends
Driving along the Amalfi Ciat from Sorrento to Amalfi ITALY.
At Crazy Pizza in Rome zitaly for my birthday with our daughter Ashley.
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/
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....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/organic-wine-il-vecchio-maneggio/
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....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/organic-wine-il-vecchio-maneggio/