Getting kinky in Coral Gables, Miami
“Are you here for the book signing?” asked the concierge. I was in the lobby of the venerable Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Miami and the buzz was all about E.L. James’s erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey.” The book launch was happening at the hotel. The Miami Herald had featured the book launch on the front page of its Saturday edition and the book signing at The Biltmore, hosted by Books & Books, had sold-out in a flash. A second event at the bookstore itself had been added for April 29, 2012. “We’re expecting 700 people,” said...
Read MoreMeal of the Gods in Tikal, Guatemala
Most people go to Tikal to soak up the atmosphere and history of one of the world’s largest Mayan archeological sites. I went for a plate of chicken. In all fairness, it wasn’t an ordinary chicken dinner, but Subanik, a ceremonial Kaqchiquel Maya dish that relies on wild turkey, ancho and guaque chiles to impart its unique flavour. Although we’d been going to Guatemala for decades, we’d never once visited the mighty ruins. They were a 7 hour drive from San Vicente which meant it might as well have been in Winnipeg, as our family rarely leaves the village. There...
Read MoreInspired by colour in San Miguel
I didn’t expect to learn to love the colour orange when I went for a spa treatment at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende but as the weeks have passed since the Writers Conference, I’ve found myself returning to my photos wondering how I can incorporate some of the colourful magic of this UNESCO World Heritage site into my new home in Mexico. Much of my inspiration comes from an afternoon spent at the newly-opened Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Rising from the skyline of colonial villas and church spires of the historic centre, it offers 67 beautifully appointed suites and a...
Read MoreDo butlers equal bliss?
St. Regis Punta Mita With a butler in a white suit standing by to do my every bidding, I can’t help feeling like the woman in the Philadelphia Cream Cheese TV commercial who has Albert the manservant at her beck and call. I’m at the St. Regis Punta Mita, the Riviera Nayarit location of the ultra-exclusive luxury hotel chain, founded by NYC real estate tycoon John Jacob Astor IV. The hotel is renowned for its century-old St. Regis Butler Service, an ever-present, yet discreet service intended to fulfill every guests desire. Except instead of enjoying my...
Read MoreRum Makes a Comeback
In a world of designer cocktails and flavor infused vodkas, a long neglected spirit is enjoying an unexpected renaissance. Rum, once considered best camouflaged with fruit juice and an umbrella pick, has drawn the attention of a growing number of aficionados who appreciate its subtle nuances and complexity. Most surprising, is the number of micro-distillers getting into the act. “Rum from the Tropical Island of Tennessee” — that’s the slogan for Pritchard’s Distillery who, in addition to their line of bourbons, are now producing Fine Rum, a Private Stock Rum and even a Peach...
Read MoreMy Favorite Bloggers
Culture Tripper
Nerd's Eye View
The Planet D: Canada's Adventure Couple
Trans-Americas Journey
Traveling Light Blog by Travel Writer Colleen Friesen
Wandering CarolLatest Pins on Pinterest
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Amazing Instagram photo by @sethstafford of Oahu's Sean Moody taking on the Mexican Pipeline
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Mercado Global's innovative approach to fighting poverty and empowering indigenous women in Guatemala’s highlands connects their artisan cooperatives to sales opportunities in the U.S. on an unprecedented scale.
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Beautiful Semuc Champey in Guatemala
In 2003, I left the corporate world to try my hand at travel writing. Now, I travel the world, writing about people, places and cuisine. My writing has appeared in over 100 publications and anthologies. 
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