Author Archives: Craig

Jerusalem is a city of change, and growth, and opportunity, while retaining its heritage and culture for the wider world to see and experience. 

Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem is a city of change, and growth, and opportunity, while retaining its heritage and culture for the wider world to see and experience.  There were many aspects that were almost contradictory to other aspects that the city … Continue reading

Posted in Jerusalem | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tel Aviv is the Middle Eastern seaside resort that I didn’t know I needed, nor was missing!

Tel Aviv is the modern Israel that I wasn’t prepared for, and was so pleasantly surprised to experience.  If I lived in Europe, this would easily be a place to visit for a long weekend, and it not just a … Continue reading

Posted in Tel Aviv | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wadi Musa and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is an experience like few others  

Wadi Musa and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is an experience like few others and I would highly recommend visiting.  I honestly waffled on the appropriate number of nights to stay and ultimately settled on 3 nights which I think was the perfect number: I wouldn’t recommend anything less and anything more might leave you searching for things to do. Continue reading

Posted in Petra (Wadi Musa) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dead Sea, Jordan is an experience unlike any other that you will ever experience.

Many people around the world believe in the restorative properties of natural elements – going to hot springs, retreats to fresh mountain air, and yes, even seeking the benefits of the Dead Sea mud and salt treatments – and I … Continue reading

Posted in Dead Sea | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Orosei is located on the Gulf of Orosei, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the east coast of Sardinia.

Orosei is located on the Gulf of Orosei, part of the Tyrrhenian Sea on the east coast of Sardinia.  Larger than its neighbor Cala Gonone to the south, it’s a lot less “sea town” and more of a community with homes, jobs, shops, and restaurants.  Like Carbras, it’s in a bit of a revitalization and still has some improvements to go, but it really is a gorgeous town, on the sea, with lovely buildings, streets, and the kindest residents. Continue reading

Posted in Orosei | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Located about 100km south of Alghero, the tony village of Cabras is charming and in a state of regrowth and development

Located about 100km south of Alghero, the tony village of Cabras is charming and in a state of regrowth and development.  There is a sense of pride and community here that reinforces my love of Italy.  It was eerily quiet on my many mornings, and even evenings, which wasn’t something that I was prepared for but sometimes you just need a place to recharge and unwind. Continue reading

Posted in Cabras, Cabras, Sardegna (Sardinia) | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cala Gonone is THE place to go! Don’t miss it!

So, if you plan to go to Sardegna for a bit of sun and relaxation and aren’t sure where to go, without a doubt, I have to tell you to go to Cala Cogone. It truly is heaven and there is enough to do there to keep yourself occupied and happy for quite some time! Enjoy! Continue reading

Posted in Cala Gonone | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

the best hotel in the world is in Alghero if you ask me

The cross-cultural aspect between Italy and Spain is really quite cool and unique in this lovely town! Continue reading

Posted in Alghero | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Isle of Harris, Scotland

or the sort of calm and awayness that only the north of Scotland can afford, the Isles of Harris and Lewis are like few other places on earth.  You can experience every type of weather throughout a single day, and you will always be met with a kindness from the locals that is, at first, slightly surprising but then completely enveloping. Continue reading

Posted in Isle of Harris Scotland | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

London – trouble waiting to happen in this inviting and charming city

You can get in to any number of types of trouble when you visit London: lord knows I do every time! That trouble could be shopping, over-eating, drinking, or even just wondering and getting lost. But that’s part of the charm to London so come prepared – and leave that credit card in the room if you have no self-control (note to self) – and start exploring this truly wonderful city! Continue reading

Posted in London | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rome, Italy – My home away from home

I will tell anyone who asks: Rome is to me what the sun is to Superman. It is my home, my love, and my return. If you must, take a map but “flying blind” really is part of the fun of Rome: getting lost, finding little cafés, little shops, or just watching people go about their business. Continue reading

Posted in Rome | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Piemonte is more than Barolo but that’s a good first reason to go!

Piemonte is one of the most elegant regions of Italy that also acts as a collective municipality overseeing the Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Continue reading

Posted in Piemonte, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Venezia, Italy – a place of quiet and intrique around every corner

No place in the world calms me like Venice. There are no cars, no motorini, and not even bicycles… just the sounds of everyday life happening. Continue reading

Posted in Venice | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Senglea, Malta

The Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour Hotel. It was truly that stunning! Continue reading

Posted in Malta, Senglea | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Gozo, Malta

Every local I met said “you’ll like Gozo better than Malta.” Yep, you read that correctly: they refer to Gozo as being separate from the country of Malta which took me a while to figure out. But Gozo is different from the main island of Malta and the lifestyle much more simple and uncomplicated and relaxed. Continue reading

Posted in Gozo, Malta | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Valletta, Malta

An undulating and fascinating city seemingly floating in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s ties to Sicily are evident but this wonderful country and city have established their own identity. Continue reading

Posted in Malta, Valletta | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Negril – 7 miles of gorgeous beaches and activities galore!

Nights There are a wide variety of options to choose from in Negril, from the all-inclusive to pay as you go, from 5 star to hut on the beach.  Being someone who is not a fan of the large commercial … Continue reading

Posted in Negril | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Montego Bay – Where you stay, and the staff you encounter, can make or break an experience. And although Montego Bay seemed to be more of a stop-over either when arriving or departing the island rather than a destination, the staff at the S Hotel alone made me want to return.

Where you stay, and the staff you encounter, can make or break an experience.  And although Montego Bay seemed to be more of a stop-over either when arriving or departing the island rather than a destination, the staff at the … Continue reading

Posted in Montego Bay | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Torino – Italian with a hint of Swiss mixed in

When I think of how to describe Torino, I constantly think of it as a hybrid between Italy and the Swiss: the locals have all of the traits that I love in an Italian but there is something a bit more Alpine – I truly don’t mean that offensively – about them that really does make this place absolutely unique. And the Alps in the distance don’t hurt things either! Continue reading

Posted in Torino | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Delhi was more than I expected to be honest. The vibrancy and “controlled” chaos is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

(updated 30 August 2020) Delhi was more than I expected to be honest.   I knew that I would find poverty, immense poverty, and I suspected that I would harassed by men seeing the foreigner and by young children desperate to … Continue reading

Posted in Delhi, India | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Burano – the colours, the solitude, and the tranquility calm me and inevitably bring a smile to this sometimes-hardened face.

Just walk, and walk, and walk, and when you find a canal that looks intriguing, take it. Continue reading

Posted in Burano | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Pavia, Italy – an amazing college town in Northern Italy with so much to see, and amazing places to dine, all while only be an hour outside of Milano.

Like so many cities in Italy, Pavia is filled with unparalleled history: from the likes of famous scientists to artists like DaVinci who spent time in this gorgeous city and contributed to the design of the stunning Duomo (or should I say, lay out). But it is also home to a world-famous university which is part of what brings this little city such charm: it is a college town but it is also a humble town of amazing and kind people who welcome these tourists with open arms. Continue reading

Posted in Pavia | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mumbai is an incredible mix of old and new, upscale and slums, modernity and the way things have always been done… all of which should not be missed.

An incredible mix of old and new, upscale and slums, modernity and the way things have always been done… all of which should not be missed. Nites As this was my first time in Mumbai and I was here for … Continue reading

Posted in India, Mumbai | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

More than just gorgeous canals

I love Amsterdam. Full stop. The people are amazing and helpful, the food divine, and there is a tranquility about the city that keeps me coming back as often as I can. Continue reading

Posted in Amsterdam | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Vancouver BC – Truly, what a stunning city! And one that I want to return to to investigate, and wonder around, and get lost within. And although my time here was short, I have no qualms in recommending some great hotels and restaurants! Head north and enjoy!

Truly, what a stunning city! And one that I want to return to to investigate, and wonder around, and get lost within. And although my time here was short, I have no qualms in recommending some great hotels and restaurants! Head north and enjoy! Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ia (Santorini), Greece

Santorini is really a place to relax and enjoy life. You won’t find museums and even venues for music, but you will find outstanding views, meet truly sweet people, and enjoy a relaxation in life that we are rarely allowed to experience. Continue reading

Posted in Ia (Santorini) | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Located over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is an amazing, but small town, that invites all travelers with open arms and stunning views.

Located over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is an amazing, but small town, that invites all travelers with open arms and stunning views. Nites Tromsø doesn’t have boutique hotels, as far as I could tell, and seems … Continue reading

Posted in Tromsø | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Easter Island – a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should NOT be missed

Easter Island (Isla de Pasqua) is an environment, a society, and a culture completely unto itself and should be visited by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Continue reading

Posted in Chile, Easter Island, South America | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Santiago – a unique blend of old, communist, and avant garde

Santiago de Chile is an interesting place to say the least: there are gorgeous examples of old architecture, remnants of hard times gone by but still in use, and modern buildings and streets that look forward to the future. For a brief stint – perhaps on your way to Patagonia, over to Easter Island, or in combination with Buenos Aires – this city has much to offer. For a longer stint, for which I must admit I was here on business, it can get a bit tough to keep yourself occupied I’m afraid. But don’t let that stop you as a lifetime is really not complete without a visit to Santiago and to experience the charm and friendliness of the Chilean people. Continue reading

Posted in Chile, Santiago, South America | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Vignacastrisi – a tiny village of remarkable strength and beauty

So, why you ask, should you go to Vignacastrisi or any of the surrounding villages? Because it’s a part of Italy that if you really want to know more about, it is integral to the fabric of this culture, and these people, that I so dearly love. Italy is more than Milano, Firenze, or Roma but small communities that exist and even thrive on their uniqueness. Continue reading

Posted in Puglia, Vignacastrisi | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment