Tallinn, Estonia - A UNESCO World Heritage site Tallinn, Estonia is probably one of the longest victims of bullying in world history. First it was the Danes and King Valdemar taking over in 1219. Next thing the Germans showed up and invaded, then it was back to being part of Sweden, then ceded to Russia and declared independent in the 19th century. But the Germans came back in … [Read more...]
What surprised travel bloggers
Good or bad - what surprised travel bloggers? Travel bloggers and surprises are a frequent combination. In order to be willing to travel to the extent it takes to maintain an active travel blog you have to go so many places and do so many activities that it's hard to escape being surprised occasionally. Surprises aren't all good, they aren't all bad and they often are due … [Read more...]
Marriott Singer Island – a great place for a Florida getaway
Looking for a Florida getaway? The Marriott Singer Island, Florida is a recently renovated, all-suite beachfront resort perfect for families - kids through grandparents - weddings and girlfriend getaways. It's basically the Easy Button to get to with its close proximity to Palm Beach International Airport and Interstate 95. Blonde recently visited to do reconnaissance for … [Read more...]
The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg with Viking River
The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg The Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg is its own meticulously created gem. Located in a small 18th century palace (if there is such a thing) and only in existence since 2013 it has smaller crowds and better access to the exhibits than larger museums. The museum is a project of The Link of Times Foundation which is primarily funded by … [Read more...]
A weekend in Portland, Oregon
Why we went to Portland, Oregon for a weekend A weekend in Portland, Oregon would normally not make geographic sense for either of us but we were there prior to embarking on a much-anticipated Uncruise. We expected Portland to be the land of fit, crunchy people, a good bookstore and excellent restaurants. We were right on two of those three and missed altogether that it … [Read more...]
The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia and their mating habits
Magellanic Penguins of Patagonia The Magellanic penguins of Patagonia look like they're waddling around the set of a Charlie Chaplin film on a crusty no-nonsense island on the edge of nowhere. They look comical, pompous and very busy. They bray and sound frustrated and indignant - possibly because they are. On a cruise Blonde took through the Strait of … [Read more...]
Things to do in Pittsburgh
Why visit Pittsburgh? Why not? There are lots of interesting things to do in Pittsburgh even though it may not be a leading vacation destination. If you're going to Pittsburgh it's probably to check out one of the 11 colleges or universities , go to a job interview, conference or convention or attend some sort of family get-together. So why not have some fun and learn … [Read more...]
Top Reykjavik Restaurants and their different paths to success
Top Reykjavik Restaurants Blonde visited Iceland on a mission to enjoy the top Reykjavik restaurants and learn their paths to success in the city's competitive (but friendly) culinary scene. People are often surprised to learn that Reykjavik is such a foodie paradise but it is. It isn't inexpensive (that comment applies to the whole country) but then high quality food in … [Read more...]
What to see and where to stay before a cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, a popular pre-cruise destination Over 3 million people a year leave on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale, "The Venice of America". Fort Lauderdale has come quite a ways from its naughty past as a sandy magnet for poorly behaved college students on spring break. Today's Fort Lauderdale is just the right amount of classier, prettier and more cultural. It's sort … [Read more...]
The Ringling Circus Museum, Villa and Art Gallery in Sarasota, Florida
The Ringling Circus Museum, Villa and Art Gallery If anyone tried to convince two (unnamed) life-long clown haters that they would love the The Ringling Circus Museum, Villa and Art Gallery those two (unnamed) sisters wouldn't have believed it. Wrong again - although "they" didn't really change their opinions of clowns very much (although the video of one doing his make-up … [Read more...]