My First Visit to Amazing São Jorge Island, Azores

My First Visit to Amazing São Jorge Island, Azores

A view of the Village of Calheta on Sao Jorge Island with a tall church steeple in the center of town © Jo Clark My First Visit to São Jorge Azores Island The spectacular scenery of the oblong island that is São Jorge begins from the air. A long mountain range developed by a volcanic ridge forms the backbone of São Jorge. The island’s nickname is the sleeping dragon—how cool is that? Meanwhile,...

26 Incredible Things to Do During New York City Winters

26 Incredible Things to Do During New York City Winters

Even during the coldest months, there are incredible things to do during New York City winters—without freezing in the Big Apple! I have spent time in the city during early January for the last three years. See? It wasn’t so bad that I didn’t go back again! Of course, that first year, I called the airline and changed my return flight by three days to walk on the beach while 18 inches of snow...

15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands

15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands

15 Reasons to Explore the Amazing Azores Islands The Azores Islands consist of nine large islands that float lazily in the Atlantic Ocean, midway between Portugal and the United States. Are you thinking, “pit stop”? Hold that thought—it’s a good place to make a quick stop while traveling on long international flights! Azores Airlines (formerly known as SATA) has direct flights to the Azores from...

Wine and Chocolate Make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Wine and Chocolate Make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, not to mention my birthday, so wine and chocolate are on my mind! Same day! *smile* Why not impress the object of your affection (or me!) with your chocolatier skills, or at least your pairing skills extraordinaire! And, honestly, a significant other is not required to enjoy chocolates and wine. It can be shared with roommates, friends, fur...

Touring Half Moon Bay – What a Wonderful Day

Touring Half Moon Bay – What a Wonderful Day

Author taking photo of Golden Gate Bridge as Discovery Princess sails underneath Full disclosure:  I only had half a day to explore Half Moon Bay. But it was a fantastic excursion during my Discovery Princess cruise down the Pacific Northwest coastline. We sailed into town, narrowly missing the bridge’s underside, and docked early. Soon, everyone scattered to explore this...