The Intracoastal Waterway . . . a simpler life runs through it

By staff writer Vicki Lathom. Photos Copyright © Vicki Lathom. IT’S CALLED THE Route 66 for boaters. The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, also known as “The Ditch,” is the inside route for cruisers to go north and south along the east coast without going out into the ocean. Made up of rivers...

April 24th, 2012 | STAFF, USA MAINLAND, Boating | Read More

Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park, San Diego

By staff writer Cathie Nichols. Photos Copyright © Cathie Nichols. One of the great benefits of living in a tourist destination is that there are days when I get to be the tourist. Believe it or not, even after nearly 25 years, there’s a lot of San Diego I have not yet seen. On the first really...

April 20th, 2012 | STAFF, USA MAINLAND, GARDENS & PARKS | Read More

Postcards from Pittsburgh No. 3: Phipps Conservatory

Story by Milli Thornton. Photos Copyright © Milli Thornton. Part of the mission of the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is to “inspire and educate visitors with the beauty and importance of plants.” The building, with its glass peak and dome and sweeping staircases,...

April 17th, 2012 | STAFF, SERIES, GARDENS & PARKS, PITTSBURGH | Read More

Truth or Fiction: Are Parisians Rude to Tourists?

By staff writer Estrella Azul. Photos Copyright © Estrella Azul. Paris is swarming with tourists! I did my research before leaving and read several articles on different websites. This one here, Why Paris Sucks by Bellanda in Paris, about how the city can and does suck sometimes, is the funniest. Given...

April 13th, 2012 | TIPS&SECRETS, STAFF, SERIES, EUROPE | Read More

Kayaking in Mercury Bay, New Zealand

Story by staff writer JM Merchant. Photos Copyright © Joanna Abram. Auckland. Also known as Dorkland, its inhabitants humorously refer to themselves as Jafas (Just Another F****** Aucklander). This city is one of the biggest tourist draws in New Zealand. It’s also where I spent the greatest percentage...

April 10th, 2012 | STAFF, Beaches, Boating, NEW ZEALAND, Scenic Wonders | Read More

In Love in Belgium

Story by guest blogger Tania Dakka. Photos Copyright © Tania Dakka. Roeselare, Belgium might not be on many sightseeing tour maps, but it certainly should be. However, I could be biased. You see, when I got off the plane in Brussels (on the way to Roeselare), I laid my eyes on the man I would marry....

April 6th, 2012 | GUEST BLOGGERS, EUROPE, MEMORIES | Read More

Play and Real Life Review: Tortilla Curtain, San Diego Repertory Theatre

By staff writer Cathie Nichols. Photos Copyright © Cathie Nichols. AS A PERSON who prides herself on being on time, I arrived at Horton Plaza with plenty of time to spare. I parked on one of the upper levels and sat tweeting in my car for a bit. After all, I had plenty of time to make it to the San...

April 3rd, 2012 | STAFF, USA MAINLAND, SHOWS/FESTIVALS/HOLIDAYS | Read More