I enjoyed getting up early and going on solo walks around town. It was the perfect time to see vendors setting up their wares and observe the town in the quiet of the early morning. I thought I would simply post some of my candid shots from throughout the day. I hope they give you a flavor of life in Laos. The early morning markets are filled with items you would expect at a Laotian farmer's market, but also have a generous sprinkling of handcrafted items for sale. The night

Yesterday afternoon, it was raining hard in our neighborhood. While watching the rain, my hubby said that he was remembering the rain and greenery in Laos. Although we only spent a few days, it left an indelible impression on all three of us. Luang Prabang was inscribed on the World Heritage List in December 1994. It is recognized as an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional Lao architecture with that built by the European colonial authorities during the 19th and 20

The well preserved historic center, the many temples, and my wish to see the ancient practice of morning alms lured me to Luang Prabang.

I don't know why. Maybe it is Spring or Mother's Day approaching, but my mind is on flowers. I love every aspect of travel: from coming up with my list of places I desire to visit to the planning, in addition to the adventures in the destination. New sights, new tastes, new sounds, new smells, history and culture. But I also greatly enjoy the afterglow, remembering the time spent in a different location. When planning family vacations, I try to include something for everyone.

Whenever I plan a trip for my family, I try to pick something for everyone, attempting to include some fun, food, arts, history and culture. Sometimes, these can be quite sobering. Laos (Lao People's Democratic Republic) had been on my wish list for several years; we made it a reality in 2018. Although it does not appear on many lists of things to do when in Laos, I simply could not visit the country without taking my family to the UXO Visitors Center. Recovered bombs in fron

I recently read Elephant Whisperer, recommended by a dear friend. The book beautifully recalls the story of South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony accepting a herd of wild "rogue" elephants onto his game reserve, thus, preventing their demise. I enjoyed and recommend the book which highlights the connection that can be forged between elephant and human. It also made me think back to one of our family vacations in Southeast Asia. Elephant Nature Park Among my planned d

A Road Sign in Bhutan that Captured my Fancy Rice Fields in Bhutan Bhutanese Red Rice is a staple rice of the Bhutanese people. I do not claim to be a rice fan, but this was really good.

When traveling to Bhutan, one must make arrangements through a Bhutanese travel agency approved by their government. I embrace this concept because not only do I, the traveler, receive the most for my money, including a private guide and driver, but it also preserves and protects the beautiful nature of this amazing country. One can make arrangements through a state-side travel agency, or through another international travel agency, but that agency must still make the travel

Yesterday I was gathering some photos to share of my family's visit to the Great Pyramids, but last night I dreamed I was in Bhutan. As in Tibet, Prayer Flags Adorn Bhutan Yes, Bhutan captured my innate sense of awe and wonder. My visit to this country enriched me, and after dreaming of Bhutan last night, I am compelled to share a few more of my photos of this unique kingdom in the Himalayan mountains. Being an isolated country until very recent history, it retains its unique

Dubai first captured my wanderlust with its man made islands. I had hoped for many years to drop in on a connection and finally my desire became reality. Then came the question, what do I most want to do in Dubai? That answer for me was obvious, I wanted to see those islands I had read so much about. Research brought me to Seawings Seaplane Experience. I could not pass it up, so I booked it for my family. The three of us set off for my personal fantasy trip. I cannot recall

I thought I was sitting down to share photos with you from a different travel destination; however, either my soul or my heart keeps returning to Bhutan. So before we leave, why don't we visit a farmer's market and maybe a fabric handicraft shop? Farmer's markets have a way of engaging all of one's senses while also providing an inside glimpse into the local culture. This is why I prefer the local markets where local producers and artisans bring their wares for sale, and wher

Thimphu is both the capital and largest city of Bhutan, and sitting aloft on one of its hilltops is the Buddha Dordenma Statue. Cast of bronze and gilded in gold, measuring at a height of 169 feet, this is the largest seated Buddha in the world and can be seen for miles away. The Buddha sits atop a lotus flower on the roof of a gilded meditation hall. No photos allowed inside but trust me it is beautiful. Inside are 125,000 smaller gilded Buddha statues, 100,000 8 inch tall

On the high road from Thimphu to Panaka, one passes through the Himalayas over the Dochula Pass. The elevation of the pass is 10200 feet and the road weaves among the cypress clad mountains which are speckled with religious flags and families selling their locally grown apples. This mountain pass is gorgeous in its own right, but it is also the site of Druk Wangyal Chortens. These memorial chortens, or stupas, 108 in number, were built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who s

Bhutan is an amazing country for many reasons, but I will begin with one of its superlatives, Paro Taktsang Monastery. The Himalayan Buddhist monastery seems to hang on a cliff above Bhutan's beautiful Paro valley at an elevation of 10236 feet above sea level. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, either seeing or visiting the monastery is a marvelous and memorable experience. Seeing would be what my husband and I did, not being up to the arduous ascent; visiting would be

Hanbok, literally meaning "Korean clothing", is the name for the traditional attire of South Korea. In fact, Hanbok was worn daily in South Korea until a mere 100 years ago. Today it is primarily worn for celebrations, festive occasions and special anniversaries. I suppose we would term its modern use both semi-formal and formal attire. Most Koreans have at least one Hanbok in their closets for these special times. The Hanbok is said to be surprisingly comfortable. This fea

Bali is undeniably an epicenter for talented artists. My last post I shared photos of their famous textile artisans, today I turn my attention to their master wood carvers. Bali is known as a hotspot for both master wood and stone carvers. I personally prefer the warmth of wood over stone so that is what I included in our family's itinerary. In retrospect, I muse that wood is also more lightweight to carry home, knowing that my son adores bringing home artwork from places we

This post is not only for people fond of Bali and travel, but also for those fond of textiles and of supporting people with amazing talent and unique skills. Shops are not normally on my itinerary, however, in Ubud, artisans abound and Threads of Life was a textile shop that made my list. I will quote their online website here: "Threads of Life is a fair trade business that uses culture and conservation to alleviate poverty in rural Indonesia. The heirloom-quality textile

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Bali was to experience the Balinese culture and Ubud is definitely the heart of Bali's culture, so it was a must stop on my personal itinerary. My husband kept asking me why Bali, and he was frankly least interested in that part of our adventure. I insisted Bali was for me and although I didn't say it to him in these words, going to Bali was not negotiable. Of course my husband enjoyed Bali much more than he thought and our son absol

I told my granddaughter Claire that I would upload some photos from Bali but I really didn't know where to begin. Bali is everything I had dreamed it would be and more. Beauty, nature, culture, history and arts, such a richly woven tapestry. One of the many magical elements is the true Balinese hospitality, which brings me to Amori Villas in Ubud. I carefully chose Amori Villas and it even exceeded my high expectations. This is a huge shoutout to the Australian owners for th

if you are in Lhasa, Tibet, do not pass up the opportunity to visit Sera Monastery. Dating to the 13th century, a visit to this lovely complex is an enriching experience. Sera, one of three great university monasteries in Tibet, along with its sister monastery in India, are known for their debate sessions which are open to the public. Prayer Wheels