Discovering the Allure of Lisbon

There is just something about Lisbon. The sun-kissed city set against the Atlantic Ocean, recently named one of the best European destinations to visit in 2013, just draws you in. While visiting Lisbon recently I tried to pinpoint the city’s allure.

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St. Peter's Church in Old Jaffa

When I went to Tel Aviv after being in Jerusalem I immediately noticed that it was much more secular, and that most people were more interested in hitting the beach or the hot new night club than in the religious history of the city. While it’s true that there is no shortage of places to get your party on in Tel Aviv, there are also some important religious sites there that shouldn’t be overlooked.

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Run the World: Rock 'n' Roll Madrid

On an unseasonably cold spring morning last month, I was amongst the sea of people who lined up at the Plaza de Colon – named for the Spanish explorer Cristobal Colon nee Christopher Columbus – ready to run through the street of Madrid.

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Mother's Day

"Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion." - Leigh Hunt

Happy Mother's Day!

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Windmill Days in Holland

The 40th National Windmill Days take place May 11-12, and is a chance to visit Holland’s working windmills for free. The windmill is not only an iconic Dutch symbol, but has played an important part in Dutch life for centuries. 

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Welcoming May in Italy

Prima di Maggio (May 1) is a nationally recognized holiday across Italy, celebrated with parades, festivals and general merriment. We were in Italy for Prima di Maggio last year and got to witness the festivities first hand.

Spannocchia, the argiturismo where we were staying at the time, was the site of a wonderful local celebration. The Spannocchia community, which consists of guests, the interns who live and work on the property and those who live in the surrounding towns, came together for a procession, music and dancing and food.

Most people "dressed" for the occasion, with flowers in their hats and hair and costumes. After the procession and a rousing session of dancing, we were treated to a lovely feast featuring food and wine produced on the Spannocchia property.

It was a memorable way to welcome May and celebrate spring.

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Run the World: Madrid

Just a little teaser to let you know another destination has been conquered in my quest to "run the world". The event was Rock 'N' Roll Madrid Marathon and 1/2, and I ran the 1/2 marathon portion.

I know I was pretty quiet about this race until yesterday. That's because up until the very last minute I wasn't sure I was going to be able to run it.

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Canals and Confections in Utrecht

It looks like spring has finally come to Holland, and I happily soaked up the sun and took in the gorgeous scenery this weekend in Utrectht. Holland’s 4^th largest city has plenty of water and numerous canals, just as you’ll find in other parts of the country. However, the medieval canals in Utrecht are unique because they have two levels.

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Pray For Boston

I am a runner.  I may not have qualified to run Boston this year.  I may have been qualified and chosen not to run.  I may have been injured and unable to run.  I may never have qualified.  But, I am a runner.  And, my heart is in Boston today!

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The Rijksmuseum in an Instagram

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands and is home to works from the country’s most celebrated artists, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Piet Mondrian. 

The museum reopens this weekend after a massive 10-year renovation and restoration.  I was able to go through the museum a few days ago for a preview and shared some of what I saw on Instagram.

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