Mykonos Musings: Does Your Heart Bleed Blue and White?

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No place has held my heart more than Mykonos.  The Aegean blue contrasted with the whitewash, boxy buildings makes for a stunning contrast.  I found the Mykonians lovely—accommodating yet not obsequious—warm and friendly with a touch of melancholy which drew me in.

Though Mykonos is a great place for relaxation and contemplation, it is also known for its lively atmosphere in the summer.  According to locals, young people flock to the island in July to enjoy one another’s company and commiserate on one of the many beaches; there are so many beaches in Mykonos, each has developed its own character and entertainment specialties.  

Photo Courtesy of Sona Schmidt-Harris

I stayed close to Platis Yalos beach, which according to a native, is known for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.  Apparently, some of the beaches have a party atmosphere and the fun goes on late into the night.  My husband, “Deke” and I are boring so quiet and family-friendly were fine by us.  Another beach which is known for being quiet and relaxing is Elia Beach.  I visited Paraga Beach and it was much livelier; young people played beach sports and frolicked in the sun.  I recommend that you stay by a beach that fits your own personal style. 

International Vacation Home Exchange offers an exclusive home exchange, Villa Hurmuses, close to Mykonos Town.  Ranked by Conde’ Nast Traveller as one of the 20 greatest villas on the Greek Islands, you can’t go wrong staying at Villa Hurmuses any time of year, but for a more serene visit, I recommend coming slightly offseason in the fall.  Mykonos Town, within walking distance from Villa Hurmuses, is charming and has managed to retain its character despite the popularity of Mykonos.  Picturesque windmills dot the town, and delightful shops (many of them specializing in fine jewelry) line the streets. 

Good restaurants are plentiful; I recommend Nautilus for the service as much as for the food.  The proprietor, whom I know only as Vasyli, greeted us warmly and with enthusiasm.  Our driver told us that there was no happier man than Vasyli, and that his hospitality was legendary.  Most everyone who greeted Vasyli, hugged and kissed him.  I embarrassed Deke, but I had to ask, “Vasyli, why are you so happy?”  He said that he loved his job and he loved people.  He loved what he did so much, he would do it for free; I wouldn’t believe that from most people, but I believed it from him.  We were in the presence of a special man.  After the meal, Vasyli drank matika with us—an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of a tree that is supposed to have beneficial digestive properties.  Vasyli could drink his as a shot, but I needed to sip mine.   I only take the time to tell this story to illustrate the warmth of the Mykonians; they are more than half of the reason I would like to return to Mykonos.

Departing from Mykonos Town is the ferry to the island of Delos.  The mythic birthplace of Apollo, Delos was once a thriving port, particularly during the first millennium, B.C.  The Odyssey and The Homeric Hymn to Apollo refer to Delos as the religious center of the Ionians.  The ruins, including the “House of Dionysos,” the “Temple of Hera,” and the “House of Hermes” are definitely worth seeing, and it’s a thrill to know that you are in such an ancient place.  The museum on the island is informative and interesting; there were a couple of mosaic floors which were fascinating.

Another place I recommend visiting is a Greek Orthodox monastery located in the village of Ano Mera.  There is a small, ornate church on the grounds, and according to a deacon, the church houses an icon dated at the time of Christ.  The deacon said that most people who come to worship at the church must stand for three hours; the few seats there are reserved for the elderly.  As an American, worshipping and standing for that long is hard to comprehend; we’re just not that holy.  Deke says that most Americans would only stand that long for the newest version of the iphone or the latest Star Wars movie.  I say that we would only stand in line that long at the ATM machine after a disaster.  Though I am indeed a proud American, I just don’t think we’re the standing-and-worshipping-for-three-hours type.

Perhaps it is the pulse of religion that helps to make the Mykonians so appealing.  Whatever it is, it holds me and lures me to this day.  My heart indeed bleeds blue and white.  Their numbers are small; during the offseason there are only 10,000 of them.  They open their island to us, and are superb hosts for their guests who are normally just passing through. 

If you would like to visit Mykonos, consider an exclusive home exchange at IVHE.  See how it works.

Yasas

Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000  

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Mount Rigi and Lucerne – The Full Swiss Experience

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I had the privilege of visiting Lucerne and Mt. Rigi in 1993.  It was the quintessential Swiss experience—one which still lingers with me.  Lucerne is located on the northern end of Lake Lucerne.  Surrounded by a medieval wall, the turreted buildings and famous covered bridge, Kapellbrϋcke, make Lucerne a pleasure to visit.  In fact, it was so charming, I was content just walking around town, and felt no need to buy anything but a coffee and pastry.

After enjoying a stroll around Lucerne, make sure to visit nearby Mt. Rigi.  Something unique about Mt. Rigi is that there is a train going all the way to the summit!  It is a wonderful ride, and the scenery is breathtaking on the way up as well as at the summit.  After a ride up, I and my companions hiked down Mt. Rigi.  Make sure and wear comfortable shoes if you chose to do this; the hike is steep.  I still hear my Swiss hostess exclaiming, “Die Sona bludet” (Sona is bleeding) when I showed her my torn-open, blood blisters.

If you are lucky enough (as I was) you could be treated to a rest area on the way down Mt. Rigi where an alpenhorn or alpenhorns are playing, and a hot coffee with a shot of the good stuff is served (by good stuff I think you know that I mean alcohol—what alcohol in particular, I am still unclear to this day).

All the way down Mt. Rigi were light brown cows with dewy, soft, expressive, and somewhat imploring eyes.  The sound of cowbells is to me the sound of Mt. Rigi.  I don’t know how the Swiss and Switzerland do it—though a path has been traversed numerous times, it can somehow appear as if you are the first visitor there—pristine and untouched.  The same is true of Swiss cities—both the French-speaking and German-speaking.  It is as if a centuries-old place was just built recently—neat as a pin and ever inviting.  Another wonderful thing about Switzerland is that it has something to offer every season of the year.  World-class skiing, idyllic countryside and towns, and friendly residents beckon year-round.

Is a visit to Switzerland in your future?  International Vacation Home Exchange has several luxuryhome exchanges available.  Plan your ski vacation or simply relax in the summer.  See how it works.

Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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St. George, Utah – A Red Rock Reverie

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In the southwestern corner of Utah on the Utah / Arizona border, St. George sleeps contentedly in a valley surrounded by red rock bluffs.   As the sun rises, the bluffs awaken in crimson and the residents, some permanent, some snowbirds, stir towards the day.

Dotted with an increasing number of second homes and golf courses, St. George is fast becoming another Palm Springs though dressed in red.  Pockets of sophisticated and cleverly designed desert homes are the architectural heart of the valley.  Some of these are exclusive exchange homes with International Vacation Home Exchange.

Near St. George is Snow Canyon State Park.  Located amongst the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, Snow Canyon State Park is home to miles of hiking and equestrian trails.  Featuring primarily Red Navajo sandstone, the topography is interesting and beautiful.

Not only is Snow Canyon State Park nearby, but some of the world’s most famous nature parks are within driving distance.  Spectacular Zion National Park is approximately a 1-hour drive away, and Cedar Breaks National Monument, an enormous natural amphitheater of sorts with not only the regional reds but also entrancing yellows, is under a 2-hour drive just outside of Cedar City, Utah.   A 2 hour and 20 minute drive away, Bryce Canyon National Park calls to nearly everyone, particularly photographers.  I recall an enthusiastic visitor exclaiming at Bryce, “You wait your whole life to see something like this—your whole life”!  An average of 4 hours and 30 minutes away, are the otherworldly Goblin Valley State Park, the iconic Arches National Park, and the incomparable Grand Canyon.

Depending upon the time of year, while visiting these natural wonders, you are sure to see tour bus after tour bus of Japanese and German travelers; this tour of American Southwest parks has become very popular.  For a quieter visit, try touring in the autumn.  For a contemplative, reflective and apropos read in this region, try, Red:  Passion and Patience in the Desert by Terry Tempest Williams, a local author and enthusiastic conservationist.

If you want a faster pace, Las Vegas is only a 2-hour drive away; interestingly, you won’t escape stunning vistas on the way to more worldly pursuits.  To get to Las Vegas, you need to drive through the majestic Virgin River Gorge; it is a stunning ride with dramatic cliffs on either side of I-15—as beautiful as any state or national park.

For a visit to a cooler climate, consider Cedar City, just an hour’s drive away from St. George.  Home to The Utah Shakespeare Festival and a Globe-like theatre, there are also contemporary plays.  The festival takes place in the summer, and is a great reprieve from the heat

Family-centered entertainment dominates at the unmatched outdoor theatre of Tuachan near St. George.  The plays’ backdrops are dramatic red bluffs—a truly unique experience.

For fine dining and a nice view of the St. George valley, consider dinner at the Cliffside Restaurant.   For shopping, Coyote Gulch Art Village in inventive Ivins, Utah offers photography and other unique galleries.  IVHE has an spaciously beautiful exclusive exchange home in St. George (see video below).

For unmatched pampering, The Sagestone Spa and Salon at Red Mountain Resort features indulgence in a beautiful setting; my sister Laura said that the pregnancy massage she received there was the best massage she ever had.  Also featured is a healthy menu for lunch which I enjoyed.

Are you a history buff?  The St. George area has both ancient and more recent historical sites.  There is a tour of Brigham Young’s  home offered for free (St. George was a Mormon settlement).  For ancient history, consider the Little Black Mountain Petroglyph Site or the Dinosaur Discovery Site.

Wow!  Though I write about many wonderful places in the world, detailing just some of what the St. George, Utah area offers has made me want to return—to bask in the ambient, red light of morning, or to just visit my little sister, Laura, St. George resident.

Sona Schmidt-Harris @Sonag2000 and Special thanks to Laura Hafen, St. George resident and Sona’s Sister Extraordinaire
For another great blog on a ghost town in the area - read the blog Ghost Towns.  

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Choose a Great Book for Your Travel Destination

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A good book on vacation is a wonderful pleasure; a good book related to you travel destination is an even greater pleasure.  Here are some suggested books for some popular vacation spots around the world (this the first of two blogs on great books visit the next blog):

Dublin - A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

This sensitive portrayal of a young man, who considers entering the priesthood but ultimately chooses the artistic life, is a page turner in its quiet, but earnest way.  With autobiographical echoes of Joyce’s own life, the protagonist, Stephen Dedalus (so named after the mythical, Daedalus, a skilled artist and craftsman) grows, suffers, and “sins” his way to his ultimate, artistic fate.  Much of the novel is set in Dublin, famous for its various literary figures and other colorful characters.  Some passages of the book are heartbreakingly lyrical, and one can see clearly how Joyce and Dedalus are likely one when Dedalus proclaims at the end of the book, “I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience and to forge in the smithy of my soul the uncreated conscience of my race.”  To many, Joyce is the conscience of Ireland and Dublin.

Istanbul – The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk

Just as Joyce is to many “the uncreated conscience” of Ireland and Dublin, so Orhan Pamuk is “the uncreated conscience” of Istanbul and Turkey.  Deserving winner of the Nobel Prize, Pamuk sensitively weaves a passionate love story in and out of the teeming and varied streets of Istanbul throughout “The Museum of Innocence.” 

Kemal, though engaged to Sibel, falls in love and longs for Fϋsun, a distant relative.  While pining for Fϋsun, Kemal comforts himself by wandering through Istanbul taking in the sites, smells, political atmosphere and many moods of the city. In addition to his wandering, Kemal begins collecting and pilfering objects related to Fϋsun: 

                As the objects accumulated, so did the manifest intensity of my love.  Sometimes I

Would see them not as mementos of the blissful hours but as the tangible precious

debris of the storm raging in my soul.

Florence - Dante’s Inferno

A raging in the soul of another sort is found in Dante’s Inferno.  The first part of Dante’s, The Divine Comedy, Inferno chronicles Dante’s journey through hell next to his guide and teacher, Virgil.  A wonderful blend of the religious and secular, Inferno details various sins, sinners, and their punishments.  As terrifying as any horror film of current imaginations, Inferno describes such dreadful scenes in hell as two sinners buried in the ground close together with only their heads sticking out; one head chews on the head in front of him.  For some reason, this was especially terrifying to me, and I had to stop reading for a bit; in fact, on my way to Italy, a woman on the plane mentioned that she had tried to get through Inferno several times, and was unable to finish it.

So why should you read it in Florence?  Because not only is it a canonical work, but it also speaks to who Dante was and what was going on in fourteenth-century Florence.  As brilliant as Dante was, he also managed to make some enemies and was later exiled from Florence.  One of the city’s favorite sons today, his portrait hangs in the famous Il Duomo.  Il Duomo itself served as both a religious and secular center of sorts reportedly because of sizable secular funds used to build it.

New York City – By Nightfall - Michael Cunningham

No one portrays sophisticated New Yorkers better than Michael Cunningham.  Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Hours, Cunningham turns his attention to a modern, New York couple’s marriage and extended family.  Peter and Rebecca Harris have a comfortable life; Peter is an art dealer, and Rebecca, an editor.  They seem to have it all—careers in the arts that pay!  But something haunts Peter; he questions his own authenticity; he questions his marriage, and he ends up questioning his sexuality.  It is like Cunningham to play with the blurred lines of human sexuality—in this sense, he is a very honest writer. 

Rebecca’s younger brother, “Mizzy” comes for a visit.  A college dropout, former drug addict, and free spirit, Mizzy challenges Peter’s belief in himself. In part a commentary on the commodification of art, this novel will not only give you a sense of the complicated New Yorker, but also spotlight the tragedy of modern, “successful,” American living.

Want to Travel and Read a Great Book?

Are you looking to visit one of the cities listed above?  International Vacation Home Exchange can help.  See these luxury home exchanges, see how it works and read testimonials.

Come back in a couple days, we'll have more great travel books to share with you - read it here.  

Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Spectacular Santorini Greece

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For a festive time, think of the spectacular Greek Islands,  specifically, Santorini, ever beckoning visitors to her heart-stopping shores, offers guests her welcoming hospitality.

If you arrive in Santorini by ferry, you are greeted by hills plunging into the Aegean blue.  Probably the most dramatic of all of the Greek Islands, Santorini offers not only natural delights, but culinary and cultural as well.  Musician, Yanni’s rendition of “Santorini” expresses the exuberance of its landscape (not to get too new-agey or anything—Yanni can be corny, especially when he matches his outfits to his surroundings on album covers, worth a listen).

Fira 

The most exclusive area of Santorini is the Cliffside region on the northwestern side of the island.  On   the Cliffside, are the cities of Fira and Oia.  Fira, the capital of Santorini, is the island’s largest shopping district.  While some of the shopping consists of tourist bric-a-brac, there are also artistic shops where you can buy local artists’ creations.  With many narrow and quaint cobblestone streets, make sure you bring your walking shoes as Fira is more pedestrian-friendly than auto-friendly (though there are numerous tour buses all over the island; for a lesson in skilled driving, watch the bus drivers negotiate the narrow streets and turns—truly amazing).

Oia

Oia is north of Fira, and is known for its stunning sunsets.  Be warned, however, that when the cruise ship crowd enters Oia, especially to watch the sunset, the village is packed!  Ask local residents when the best day and time is to go into Oia.  As far as shopping goes, Oia, like Fira, is a combination of tourist bric-a-brac and lovely, artistic creations.

Imerovigli

Between Oia and Fira, lies the small village of Imerovigli.  Imerovigli is the highest point on the island, and in many people’s view, has the most dramatic sunsets.  With exclusive hotels throughout Imerovigli, it may be cost-effective to consider a home exchange.  The lovely Cliffside village is an exclusive, sought-after destination for many.  Imerovigli epitomizes the famous architecture of the region; the clean, white homes coupled with views of the azure sea gives one a feeling of new beginnings and possibilities difficult to articulate here.  The homes and the hotels on the cliff are very steep, so be prepared for the most part to climb stairs.

Skaros

Off the coast of Imerovigli is the truly unique geographic formation—Skaros.  Skaros was the former capital of Santorini because of its strategic location and resistance to raiding by pirates.  You can access Skaros from the Cliffside path.  Remnants of the medieval architecture still remain; it is difficult to conceive of how the architect could design and the artisans build anything like it on such steep terrain.  On the nether side of the Skaros facing the sea is a Greek Orthodox church, which seems to beckon a welcome to all who approach the Santorini coast.  While most could climb near to the top of Skaros, it is recommended that only the young and/or deft scale the last part.  It is truly steep!  Even if your residence/hotel does not face Skaros directly, it makes for a wonderful photo at sunset with such an interesting geographical formation in the shot. 

You should not miss a stroll from Imerovigli to Fira along the Cliffside pathway.  One passes numerous white homes and hotels contrasted with fuchsia bougainvillea and blue shutters and gates.  The famous but rare architecture is a joy.  Also, dotted along the pathway are restaurants with stunning views—somewhere between heart-stopping and heart-breaking. 

If Santorini is on your bucket list, you simply must visit.  From what a couple of Santorini seasonal workers report, slightly off-season September is the best time to go.  

To see home exchange options in Greece with IVHE, click here (Who knows?  You might even see Yanni—probably wearing a blue and white outfit with a dash of fuchsia to match his surroundings!).  
Thank you to Travel Blogger Sona Schmidt-Harris. 

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The Pulse of Taipei

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On the northern end of Taiwan, sits Taipei, a teeming, breathing metropolis that many overlook.  From its high-end District 101 to its numerous night markets, Taipei offers surprises around every corner.  

I recently sat down with two-year Taipei resident, Bronson Glaittli who gave me a foreigner’s inside look.

Taipei, 101

District 101 is a wealthy district and the busiest part of the city.  Taipei’s financial center and home to one of the tallest buildings in the world (Taipei 101), District 101 always has something happening.  The towering skyscraper serves as a landmark and a place of reference much as the old and new World Trade Centers do in New York City.  There is also an enormous exhibition center.

A great way to see the Taipei (which according to Bronson, who speaks Mandarin, is pronounced closer to “Taibei”) is on a “U-bike” which you can rent for about $3.00 or $4.00 per day.  In fact, transportation in Taipei is excellent and convenient with “Easy Cards” which are good on all transit including the world-class MRT system (you can reach the southern tip of Taiwan from Taipei in just three hours for a satisfying day trip).  Interestingly, the MRT bans food and gum on their trains.  If caught with either, the penalties are stiff.

Night Life and Cuisine

Especially entrancing at night, Taipei features night markets with numerous street vendors selling food, knick-knacks, carnival-type games, and other delights.  Street food is unusually inexpensive and varied, so much so that Bronson said it was normally just as cost-effective to eat out utilizing street vendors as it was to eat in.  You can get a good meal on the street for approximately $5.00.  If you choose to eat at an indoor restaurant, the tip is usually included; however, if it is a western restaurant, prepare to tip.

Also unusually varied is the choice of drink shops featuring fruit juices and all manner of teas.  The passion fruit and mangos are superior, and the pineapple sweeter and less acidic than is found in the West.  The West’s presence, however, is ubiquitous with 7-11s all over the city.

Culture

To see Taiwanese and Chinese treasures, visit the National Palace Museum.  The famous Jadeite Cabbage is housed there.  Considered a masterpiece in jade, both the essence of the jade and a Chinese cabbage are captured in green and white; even the veins of the cabbage are visible.  Unfortunately, the identity of the artist is now unknown adding to its mystery and lure.  There are also ceramics, beautiful calligraphy, and murals.

Regarding cultural norms, Bronson said that it is in the character of the Taiwanese to be very business-like in professional settings, even at restaurants.  The fawning over that Americans are used to does not exist there when dining.  To the Taiwanese, this is simply professional and dignified.  However, if you are invited to a Taiwanese home, prepare to be treated warmly; they are wonderful hosts.

Day Trips

If you need a break from the city, there are densely forested hills near Taipei with Buddhist and Taoist temples hidden in the jungle.  It is advisable to always carry an umbrella as rain can appear suddenly, drop a deluge, and then disappear, a little like Florida.

Other day trips include a visit to the Taipei Zoo, a twenty or thirty-minute ride on the MRT from downtown.  The pandas are especially captivating.  The Maokong Gondola offers beautiful views of the hills and is a great escape from The Big City.  The Beitou Hot Springs, north of Taipei, are home to a former public bathhouse.  Yangmingshan National Park can be reached on foot from Taipei and is famous for its cherry blossoms.

Are you interested in visiting Taipei?  International Vacation Home Exchange has this luxury home exchange available.  See how this works.

Thanks to Bronson Glaittli and Travel Writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – You can follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Pleasures of Traveling Alone

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As a woman who married later in life, I have done a great deal of my traveling alone.  I found that there are many pleasures that traveling single affords.  I have been surprised to learn that many people won’t travel unless they have a companion.  I believe that this occurs in part because people aren’t fully cognizant of the benefits of traveling alone.

Your Agenda is Your Own

When traveling with others, you must consider their agenda, wants and personal quirks.  Not so when traveling alone.  Do you want to take photos for five hours straight?  What about leisurely meandering along the back streets of a favorite city?  None of this is a problem when traveling alone.

It’s A Wonderful Way to Meet New People

Whether you are looking for romance or just companionship, traveling alone makes you more approachable.  In Banylus-Sur-Mer, France, I enjoyed a fun conversation with some Australians at dinner.  On my way to Copenhagen, I met a lovely woman from New Zealand on the ferry. 

Regarding romantic interests, I had a potpourri of delightful men approach me (well—some not so delightful and this was when I was younger and cuter).  I met a sophisticated Italian gentleman on a train to Paris, and though there were no future encounters, I still remember his refined manner of speaking (in English and German) and how he made a long ride more enjoyable.

Hotels Will Sometimes Offer a Discount on Your Room

I didn’t know this was a possibility until I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Vermont.  The proprietor simply offered me a discount for occupying a room by myself.  When you think about it, it makes sense.  Generally, one person requires half of the maintenance of two.  Be sure and ask if a discount is available for single occupancy,

Talk About Me Time!

It’s all about you when traveling alone—your wants—your needs—your comfort.  What a change this is for most of us! 

Catch Up on Your Reading or Other Solitary Pursuits

I found that traveling alone was a wonderful time for me to pursue my interests in writing, reading and photography; there are few distractions on a plane or train for long periods of time.

It’s Both Rejuvenating and Relaxing

When is the last time you had as much time as you wanted to work out or just lie in the sun?  One of the most relaxing times I had was in French Catalonia sitting outside in a café drinking coffee—watching and listening to the waves of the Mediterranean.

Are you ready to treat yourself?  IVHE has this luxury exchange home in Paris—perfect for the single traveler.  See how this works and read testimonials.

Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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More Great Things to do in New York!

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6.       Visit New York’s Highly-Rated Gramercy Tavern 

On 20^th Street just off of Park Avenue South is my favorite restaurant in New York City, Gramercy Tavern.   There are actually two sections in this establishment—the restaurant and the tavern.  The restaurant is expensive and often the wait is long to reserve a table; however, the tavern serves on a walk-in basis, and has a welcoming and warm atmosphere.  With magnificent floral arrangements and creative cocktails, Gramercy Tavern provides a great ambience whether you’re there alone or with friends.  I have seen famous folk wander in amongst the lively and stylish environment, and some of my own favorite New York memories were created here.  There can be long waits on Friday and Saturday nights; however, Gramercy Tavern is also open for lunch, a normally less busy time to come.

   

7.       Walk Through Central Park

It may seem like a cliché, but a walk through Central Park, no matter the season, is a must.  Part of what makes New York City great is the park.  Created in 1857, Central Park is iconic in film.  No matter how sophisticated you are, walking through the park and seeing things you have seen on the screen is a thrill.  Plus, you never know who you will see.  I waved to Woody Allen in the park, who waved back—good times.  The bridle trails are great for jogging, and the Shakespeare Garden is an inspiration in spring and summer.

8.       Linger at Any Coffee Shop in SoHo

The SoHo neighborhood in Manhattan, fashionable, exclusive, and artistic, is worth your time.  With numerous boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, it’s great to shop if you have the money, and great to window-shop if you don’t.  When it’s time for a break, linger at one of SoHo’s many coffee shops.  It won’t be long until someone interesting walks through the door.  Some of the coffee shops feature community tables—perfect for the person travelling alone.

9.   Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

To really get a feel for the various characters in New York, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  You can find everyone from the person walking to work to a man with a pet snake on one shoulder and a boom box on the other.  It’s invigorating, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the pulse of the city.

10.  In Pleasant Weather, Eat Lunch on the Steps of The New York Public Library on 5^th Avenue

If you want to feel the rhythm of the workforce, go to The New York Public Library on 5^th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan at lunch.  A business district, Midtown features the hurried employee looking for a reprieve during day. People with their takeout lunches relax in the sun on the steps of the library.  Behind the library is Bryant Park—another great place to go at lunch where you can find people playing chess.  There were once so many pigeons, that the city hired a falconer to release his bird at lunch to shew away the pigeons; the only problem was that the hawk decided one day to pick up what it saw as lunch—someone’s Chihuahua! Needless to say, the falconer plan was scrapped.

Wait, that was only 5, the first 5 are in yesterday's blog for 5.  Start planning a New York stay with IVHE in one of these luxury home exchange options in New York; it’s a great way save thousands in accommodation costs to stay in the city.  See how this works and read testimonials.

Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow me on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Travel Tales of Travail – Barcelona Blues

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I arrived in Barcelona, Spain full of anticipation.  It was from the airport, to the train, a short distance, and on to the French Catalan Coast.  As often happens with me, I have difficulty sleeping on planes so after an all-night flight, I had no real rest.

I think most of us have arrived at the luggage carousel and have impatiently waited for our baggage to be spewed out of the mouth of whatever contraption it is that spews out the baggage.  We must look so pathetic—watching the luggage carousel go round and round for our “special” delivery which looks almost exactly like everyone else’s “special” delivery.  It is almost as if we are having an identity crisis until our luggage appears, and then when the magic bundle is finally in our hands, it is as if our mind says, “Good—I am myself again.  My sh** that I have packed is reunited with the wonderful me.”

Such were my thoughts in the Barcelona Airport in front of “my” luggage carousel.  The only problem was that it just kept going around and around.  I was getting dizzy, and I noticed a small crowd of others with the same dumb, perplexed looks on their faces.  I’m not sure how long we stood there in front of the carousel until one of us finally spoke to “baggage control.”  The airline employee said that the baggage had been delayed; there was no estimate as to when the baggage was to appear.

After two more hours of no sleep and not brushing my teeth, my baggage appeared!  My sh** that I had packed was reunited the wonderful me, and I was off toward the train bound for France.

I had learned a little French to make my trip go more smoothly and to show respect for the French people.  The problem was, I didn’t bother to brush up on my Spanish.  I had taken a little Spanish in college, but had decided that it was not my language when our Spanish instructor asked us each to describe our sueño (dream).   I proudly declared in Spanish that I wanted to take a nap with Don Johnson.  The classroom was quiet and I guess that they thought, “Who are we to judge her sueño?”  Like someone who is slow to get a joke, about ten minutes after sharing my sueño, I said, “Fiesta! Fiesta! I want to go to a fiesta with Don Johnson, not take a siesta with him!”  The students and instructor burst into laughter.  “We just thought you were honest,” said one of the male students on whom I had a mild crush.  Perhaps it was this semi-traumatic experience which kept me from giving the good people of Barcelona their due by brushing up on their language.

This did not serve me well at the train ticket dispenser.  The sophisticated Barcelonians were not that pleased when I asked for help with the train ticket dispenser without so much as a por favor.  I struggled to figure it out for myself, but to no avail.  Finally, a nice lady who saw all of us (mostly Americans) struggling with the machine, came over and helped us.  I was late, but it was onto the train I went.  As I stumbled over my luggage while getting onto the train, I saw what I thought was a great place to finally sit down and relax.  It was then that a French couple came over and politely reminded me that I was sitting in their seats.  It took a while, but I finally found my seat, and it was on to Banyuls-sur-Mer, France—delayed luggage in tow. 

Want your trip to Barcelona to go more smoothly than mine?  International Vacation Home Exchange can help.  See this luxury exchange home in Barcelona and speak to an IVHE travel consultant.

Join me next time in my Travel Tales of Travail series when I discuss why Deke’s Knee Creaks.

Thanks to well-meaning but accident-prone travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – You can follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Siena: A Medieval Tuscan Joy

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To put “medieval” and “joy” together may seem like an oxymoron, yet both words are applicable when describing Siena, Italy.  Founded between 900 - 400 BC, Christianity did not make an appearance until the 4^th Century AD.  Much of the Gothic architecture still donning Siena was built in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries under the “Council of Nine”—a progressive governing body.  Included in these Gothic wonders are The Palazzo Pubblico, The Piazza del Campo, and the Duomo (Cathedral) in Siena.  The Palazzo Pubblico, a kind of City Hall, has a stunning bell tower and a clever, curved façade which borders the Piazza del Campo.  The Piazza del Campo is the center of the city, and is very spacious.  Bordering the Piazza del Campo is not only The Palazzo Pubblico, but also fine restaurants with great views of the piazza.  You can enjoy a fabulous meal here, even during a short visit to Siena. 

The Piazza del Campo is vast, and evokes a sense of freedom; but as a city center, it also radiates a sense of community and belonging.  If you are a lover of architecture and are interested in saving money on travel, you can be entertained for hours just by looking at the piazza and its surrounding buildings.  I was.

On the Piazza del Campo, the Palio di Siena is held every summer.  The Palio di Siena, a pageantry horse race, attracts visitors from around the world.  Fast-paced and exciting, it is not uncommon for the riders to be thrown from their horses.  With this one of the most popular times to visit Siena, you might want to consider a vacation home exchange instead of a hotel. 

Though the Palio di Siena is very exciting, generally Tuscany invites a lingering and a leisurely pace—another alternative may be a Tuscan villa where you determine when you wake, sleep, and visit the countryside. 

In contrast to the open Piazza del Campo, are the many narrow, Siena streets best negotiated on foot.  It was in one of these streets, I saw a man carrying a “man purse,” which actually looked like a ladies’ purse.  I don’t believe I ever saw this in the United States—not even in Manhattan.   Now, to our sophisticated European crowd, this may be a common sight, but to an American, especially years ago, not so much (To see just how much this can stun the American sensibility; see a clip of the now-famous “Seinfeld” episode). 

Was it the slant of the autumn light (I found autumn a perfect time to go), being with the one I love, seeing a “man purse” or “murse” live, or the Gothic architecture which made for such a perfect day—one which I would love to repeat?  The interesting thing is that I paid for no tour, bought no trinket; but still the exuberance of my brief time in Siena remains with me—all for the price of lunch.

Make your trip to Siena incredibly special and relaxing by staying in an Italian villa with IVHE.com. 

Thank you to Travel Blogger Sona Schmidt-Harris.  

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More Great Travel Books

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A good book on vacation is a wonderful pleasure; a good book related to you travel destination is an even greater pleasure this is the second in a series, to read the first click here. 

Amsterdam – The Diary of Anne Frank

Deservedly famous, The Diary of Anne Frank is a must-read if you have ever, or you are planning on visiting Amsterdam.  Though I read, “The Diary of Anne Frank” when I was just a girl, much of it came flooding back to me in my twenties when I visited the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam.  Because of the depth of the writing of a young girl and the tragic circumstances in which the diary was written, it is somehow surprising to learn that the Frank house is very beautiful, bright and airy.  Strangely, it is evocative of youth and thus the spirit of Anne Frank herself.

Hawaii - Hawaii by James Michener

Considered by some to be a potboiler, Hawaii does indeed contain some melodramatic moments, but this saga by Pulitzer Prize Winner James Michener captivated me both in print and film.  Abner Hale, a devoted and uptight divinity student soon-to-be preacher needs to marry in order to go to Hawaii on a mission to convert the natives to Christianity.  Abner meets the beautiful Jerusha, and soon they are married and on their way to Hawaii.

Outside of the sensitive portrayal of the Hawaiians and their traditions, Michener does a brilliant job of conveying that it is the spirit of the law and not the letter of the law that matters.  At least the film did for me when I was a child.  When I read the book later as an adult, I was struck with how sweeping and ambitious the book was, and I was especially moved by “From the Boundless Deep,” and early chapter in the novel that details the birth of the Hawaiian Islands.

Greece – Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle – Translated by D.P. Chase

Going to enjoy the sunshine and beauty of Greece without tending a bit to your Greek history or philosophy is like going to Paris and not walking down the Champs-Élysées.  When I was in Greece, I found that a taste of Aristotle a day helped to keep luxury hotel snobbery away (although I must admit, one can get used to such things). 

In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle is concerned primarily with “the Chief Good” or “that which all Things aim at.”  The book is a kind of ethical manual for becoming a refined person.  Of special interest to me was Aristotle’s doctrine of “the mean” wherein Aristotle postulates that it is the person who manages a middle way who is most refined and balanced.

Also of special interest to me was Aristotle’s discussion of the meek:

“For the notion represented by the term Meek man is the being imperturbable, and not being led away by passion, but being angry in that manner and at those things, and for that length of time, which Reason may dictate.”

I found the passage above to be the perfect companion to explicating the Christian ideal of “Blessed are the meek . . .”

Want to Travel and Read a Great Book?

Are you looking to visit one of the cities listed above?  International Vacation Home Exchange can help.  See these luxury home exchanges, see how it works and read testimonials.

Looking for more?  Viewthe previous Travel Book blog.  
Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Rocky Mountain High – It’s Real in Colorado

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Whether its winter or summer, few places have as much physical beauty to offer as Colorado.  One feels on retreat there even when tending to business.

Take Boulder for instance.  Home of the University of Colorado/Boulder, the mountains loom quietly but decidedly over this progressive community.  Perhaps the topography is in part responsible for the state’s strong conservationist stance.   Actor and avid environmentalist Robert Redford attended the University of Colorado, though according to Redford himself, not very successfully.  Nonetheless, a great American conservationist was born.

In the 1980s, when I was in Boulder, the University of Colorado and the city seemed ahead of its time; bike paths crisscrossed the whole, beautiful campus.  Real effort was put into maintaining the character and splendor of the place.

I met a man, who was to me, the quintessential example of a progressive Boulderite.  When he and the mother of his child decided to split, they had a “separation ceremony” complete with meditation and the burning of candles.  I wish I had been more like that; my break-ups consisted of a lot more angst, and I must admit, some yelling.

Do you want to increase your inner peace and contentment?  International Vacation Home Exchange has this luxury home exchange in Boulder—the perfect place for centering or even having an amicable “separation ceremony.”

In addition to a luxury home exchange in Boulder, IVHE has several luxury vacation homes in magnificent Breckenridge, Colorado.  Breckenridge was founded in the mid-1800s after the discovery of gold in the nearby Blue River; it later became a thriving boomtown in the Wild West. 

However, by the 1950s, Breckenridge was nearly a ghost town and might have faded into the past had Breckenridge ski area not officially opened in 1961.  Further boosting the town’s appeal was that in 1984, Breckenridge’s historic district was placed on the National Register of Historical Places, and Main Street was restored to its western glory.  In 2009, a grand gondola came to town.  Breckenridge’s Main Street is a bit like Park City, Utah’s Main Street with unique shops, spas, and restaurants with wonderful western facades. 

Like Park City, Breckenridge offers delights year-round.  In the summer, take a “gold mine hike,” or explore your adventurous side with mountain bike racing. And if you have never ridden a ski lift in summer, you must try it once—the views are spectacular.  There is also a National Forest nearby which only adds to the area’s appeal.  Want to go in winter, but not a skier?  Breckenridge offers a ski and snowboard school.

Are you ready to have a Wild West adventure but stay in luxury accommodations?  Check out these IVHE luxury vacation homes in Colorado.  See how it works.

Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris – Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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Colorful Copenhagen and the Danish Countryside in Fyn

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Upon my arrival in Copenhagen, I was greeted first by one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens.  Also one of the world’s most visited theme parks, Tivoli has not only rides, but also a pantomime theater and a classical concert hall.  At night, the iconic entrance gate lights up its corner of Copenhagen adding a measure of cheerfulness to this already colorful city. 

Probably the most photographed area of Copenhagen is Nyhavn, a seventeenth-century waterfront along a canal reaching towards the harbor.  Brightly colored historical homes and businesses in blue, yellow, red and orange energize and gladden as you stroll looking for one of the many places available for a meal, drink, or coffee.  The best dessert waffle I had in Europe was along this promenade. 

After leaving the Nyhavn promenade, walk toward the delightful statue of The Little Mermaid in honor of Hans Christian Andersen who lived along Nyhavn.  Beyond The Little Mermaid, Sweden’s Malmo is visible just over the Öresund Bridge.  Cabled and understated with simple, Scandinavian lines, the Öresund Bridge is just one of many such bridges which bind Denmark together and with the rest of Europe.  That is one of the things so wonderful about Denmark—the simplicity of modern design along with centuries-old architecture beckons you towards the past and draws you towards the future.

Fyn (Funen)

Fyn is an island in the heart of Denmark offering both pastoral countryside and history-laden towns.  Known as Denmark’s “garden island,” Fyn is ideal for exploring by bicycle.  Rolling hills, thatched-roof farm houses, and a peaceful, bucolic environment make for a pleasant holiday.  If this pristine countryside is not enough, consider this:  Fyn is the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and the fairytale castle, Egeskov.  Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense in 1805; his birthplace home is now a museum and well worth a visit.  One can see why Hans Christian Andersen was inspired to write fairytales just by seeing the Fyn countryside and visiting Egeskov Castle. 

Egeskov Castle is noted as being Europe’s best preserved moat Renaissance castle.  The grounds feature various gardens, hedge mazes, a PlayForest, and a doll house, arguably one of the best in the world.  Informative and fun, Egeskov Castle is a great destination for both adults and children.

Another great place to visit on Fyn is Funen Village.  Idyllic eighteenth and nineteenth-century, thatched-roof homes, period farm animals, and “living history”—villagers dressed in period clothing during the summer—provide an escape from the modern world.  There is also a family theater for a couple of months during the summer.

Do You Want the Fairytale to Continue?

If you would like the fairytale to continue, consider this:  International Vacation Home Exchange has an ideal luxury exchange home available on the island of Fyn.  This 350-year-old manor has stunning interiors complete with a formal dining room.  Outdoors boasts a parklike garden, a pond, and a forested area.  The beach is just ten minutes away.  See how this works, and read testimonials.

Thanks to travel writer Sona Schmidt-Harris.  Follow her on Twitter @Sonag2000

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