HOTELS Il-Wileġ Bed & Breakfast in Gozo Posted on September 19, 2017August 14, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters It was a pretty, but its not exactly what I expected. I thought I booked a room with a balcony. He scurried downstairs and brought up my reservation. In the center, it was very clear. I had booked the Lavender Room. He could see I was disappointed and offered to show me another room the following day. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Catania Sicily– What to See and Do for First-Timers Posted on August 26, 2017October 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Catania was originally founded as a Greek colony in ancient times and since then has been part of numerous Empires and cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. All it takes is a few hours to walk around the city to explore the numerous treasures left behind from the many cultures and empires that once called Sicily their home. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Villa Borghese: The Best Day Trip in Rome Posted on November 5, 2016October 17, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Villa Borghese in Rome blends art, history, and beauty in one unforgettable setting. From strolling through its peaceful gardens to admiring Bernini’s marble masterpieces, every moment feels steeped in grandeur. Inside the Borghese Gallery, Apollo and Daphne and Pluto and Proserpina come alive through skillful detail and storytelling. Beyond the museum, the park’s lake, temples, and sculptures offer space to slow down and reflect—reminding visitors that art, nature, and mythology all intertwine here in the heart of Rome. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 24 Hours in Paris: My First Trip and What Made It Special Posted on October 27, 2016September 13, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters As long as I live there are a few things I will never forget. I will never forget the day I met my husband or the day my children looked into my eyes and knew who I was. The first time my husband left for war was the worse. And I will never forget the first time I saw Paris. Never. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What Makes German Etiquette So Unique: Lessons from Our First Day Posted on December 18, 2015October 12, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Every country has its quirks, peculiarities, social etiquette that contributes to its overall culture. Some are reasonable, some from an outsider’s perspective, can seem odd. But it’s adopting these habits into daily life, even if only temporarily, that make living abroad fun, rewarding and unpredictable. Some, like eating pizza with a fork, is just eating like a local. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What Makes Spending Christmas on the Costa del Sol So Special Posted on November 26, 2015August 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Christmas in Spain is a magical experience. Our journey along the Costa del Sol heightened that charm. The coastal highway revealed sun-kissed beaches and picturesque communities, each with their own unique allure. Among them, Marbella stood out for its elegance and sophistication. Its upscale vibe added a touch of luxury… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Spending Christmas in Seville Was Better Than We Expected Posted on November 26, 2015August 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters We spent 4 days and Christmas in Seville. We were told we would be closed. However, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to find they were wrong during Christmas in Seville. Initially, we were warned that many establishments would be closed during the holiday period. However, to our pleasant surprise,… Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Spending Christmas in Córdoba, Spain Felt So Special Posted on November 26, 2015August 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters There were more than 1,000 mosques in Córdoba during the 10th century and the Mezquita was the most magnificent of them all. More than half a million worshippers prayed alongside the jasper, marble and granite columns that fanned out like a grove of orange trees. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Christmas in Spain: The Magic of Granada and the Alhambra Posted on November 26, 2015August 22, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I’ve spent Christmas in a lot of places, but Granada stands out. From the start, it felt different—lively streets, beautiful views, and so much history all around us. Things didn’t go exactly as planned. We missed our flight, lost our tickets, and ran into a few surprises. But that’s what… Read more