My visits to Japan always focused on Tokyo, that massively energetic, noisy, wonderful mega-city. And, yet, here I was a 90-minute flight south from Tokyo on Shikoku Island, standing on the Godai-san Observation Deck (Godai-san Tenbodai), looking down on the city of Kochi.
La Residencia was my getaway destination on Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands off Spain’s eastern coast.
I didn't know what to say. The master of ceremonies pointed at me. He was dressed in a brightly colored red and white Japanese folk costume. He wanted volunteers to join his Awa No Kaze dancers on the stage.
Shrines and temples are at the heart of Japanese culture. Some are in cities like the majestic Meiji Shrine in busy Tokyo or the 1,600 Buddhist and 400 Shinto shrines in quiet Kyoto. Others are tucked away in forests on distant mountain tops.
Before I left for Mallorca, all I knew about the island was that it was off Spain's Mediterranean coast. And that it was the largest of the four Balearic Islands that are popular destinations because of the beaches, beautiful landscape and warm weather.
Palm trees, bright skies, bruschetta, burrata, pear tarts, cannoli and espresso on a hotel terrace facing a lake. Italy, right? Sure, but that also describes Switzerland in the southern region known as Ticino.
One of Zurich's premium destinations, Hotel Baur au Lac is a member of Swiss Deluxe Hotels and the Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has gained a reputation for its quality of service and the comfort of its rooms.
My wife needed a break. Michelle works a demanding job with a lot of responsibility. Most days she wakes up at 5:00 AM to answer emails and get organized for the day's meetings. For exercise she takes long walks on the beach with friends, but only on the weekend. For her vacation, she told me she needed to go somewhere quiet, relaxing and healthy.
The best hotels are prized as much for their locations as for their creature comforts. You will certainly choose the Widder because of its 5-Star qualities and because it is located in the heart of Zurich's Old Town.
You did it! After sixty years in isolation, at least for Americans, you made it to Havana.
I love to fly. I am still amazed by the elegance of a sleek airplane taking to the air and gliding above cities, mountains, grassy plains and vast oceans. Flying on a new airplane, one that is beautifully appointed and well designed is one of life's great pleasures.
"There! Do you see it?" Deirdre Whalen from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary called out, but I didn't hear her in time. I turned but missed seeing the baby humpback whale breach not far from two groups of student kayakers just off shore.
Popular in spring and summer when the tulips bloom and the sun shines brightly, now Amsterdam is a go-to-destination during the holiday season from the end of November through the middle of January.
Some places you enjoy while you are there. Other destinations stay with you long after you have come home. Villa Buena Onda is one of those places that does both.
A member of The Leading Hotels and The Leading Spas of the World, Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is a quiet oasis of luxury with 5 Star comforts on the boundary of one of Costa Rica’s wildly beautiful nature preserves.
