During my most recent visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, I heard a funny conversation between two ladies. One of the members of the duo was directing her cell phone camera to a tank full of long, bizarre looking razorfish. She kept complaining cause her photos weren’t coming the way she wanted. “Oh, they […]
One Day in Coastal Newport Beach, California
This article discusses how to spend one day in coastal Newport Beach, California. If we want to talk about quintessential Californian beach towns, it is almost impossible not to include Newport Beach in the conversation. This notorious city, located in Orange County, is famous for its million-dollar houses, charming islands and posh resorts. This place […]
Torrey Pines: Rare Trees, Hikes and Trails
On a thin coastal strip of San Diego County, 2,000 to 3,000 Torrey Pines survive even though they are surrounded by some of the most populated areas of Southern California. At one point during the 20th century, only 100 trees survived the harsh environment. Conservation efforts have permitted the wild population to increase to current […]
Point Dume State Beach and Reserve in Malibu
This article highlights the Point Dume State Beach and Reserve. Seriously, this spot in Malibu is one of the prettiest in Los Angeles County! Sometimes being adventurous and spontaneous is not that easy. It has been said that it is easier than ever to obtain travel information from up-to-date and massive sources like the Internet. […]
Latin Food Fest: Highlights and Photos
Last weekend, we attended the Latin Food Fest which took place at the Broadway Pier in sunny San Diego, California. This is an event that exposed the community to the culinary explosion taking place nowadays in San Diego and Northern Baja California. The entire festival is composed of various events throughout a long weekend. We […]
Sawdust Art and Craft Festival in Laguna Beach
The Sawdust Art and Craft Festival is one of the three festivals that take place every summer in Laguna Beach. The festival’s origins date back to 1965 when a group of artists broke away from the Festival of Arts. The movement was a direct protest to the original show’s jury system. The press was not […]
The Power of Travel Transcends the Open Road
In this article, I discuss how the power of travel has helped me to connect with people (even when I am not technically traveling). It has been said a thousand times. Travel has the power to connect people. When you are outside your element, distant from the place you call home, you have the opportunity […]
Mercado Hidalgo: A Must Visit in Tijuana
This article discusses the flavors, smells, and aromas of Mercado Hidalgo in Tijuana! Note to self: In unfamiliar places, follow the advice of waiters. Their words are often better targeted than those of bus drivers. Case in point: Day trip excursion to Tijuana, Mexico. **** After crossing the US – Mexico border for the first […]
Los Angeles’ Ethnic Neighborhoods: Thai Town
As I walked inside the store, I heard a familiar greeting. “Sawadee Ka,” said the attendant while bowing slightly with palms pressed together. I returned the greeting with a smile on my face. It took me several minutes to browse among the oodles of interesting stuff. Elephants in many colors and materials were displayed next […]
Beverly Hills Tours: Walking Around Rodeo Drive
The other day it occurred to me how I have never walked around Rodeo Drive, the most famous thoroughfare in Beverly Hills known for its luxury stores squished on four blocks. I think I drove by once but can’t remember when. As a long time Sothern California resident, I felt curious about what the area […]
Huntington Beach: Surf City USA
The other day I was watching MasterChef, the program where several home cooks put to test their skills in a series of nerve racking tests (if you don’t know what I am talking about, click here for more information). For this particular episode, the participants, divided in two teams, were in charge of feeding fish […]
21 Boredom Busting Quotes to Get Motivated
This article helps you to think about boredom in a different way. Read this compilation of quotes and get inspired to bust boredom. You guys know I am always encouraging others to break the routine, get out of the shell, and find a sense of awe. The other day I was looking at boredom related […]
Santa Ynez: Westen Style Town Among Rolling Hills
I have always wanted to stop by Santa Ynez. After all, the famous grape growing region in Santa Barbara County bears the town’s name (or is vice versa?). Research did not reveal a lot of action in this small town so I placed it (very) low in my list of spots to check in […]
Old Town Temecula: Going Back to the Past
Desolation reigns during the rainy Monday morning. Few people walk on Front Street and businesses are empty even though it is almost midday. After wandering aimlessly, we found the center of the action by an act of chance. The long waiting time, high piles of pancakes and servers running around ratify the Swing Inn Café […]
Los Angeles’ Ethnic Neighborhoods: Little Ethiopia
I have driven this stretch of Fairfax Avenue many times. The colorful markets, the lunch menus written in foreign characters and the combination of onion / garlic aromas have always caught my attention. I am not sure why I haven’t stop here before considering it is relatively close to my house. Little Ethiopia started to […]