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Destinations: North America

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Take ownership of your freedom to choose kindness and compassion and show up as a united humanity.

March 19, 2020
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Coronavirus. That’s all that is in the news (and on everyone’s minds) these days. It is no longer just a “Chinese virus” or an Italian issue or a problem for the poor countries, those with fragile health systems. Unlike humans, coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is unbiased. It’s an equal-opportunity giver that has traveled more distance and spread faster than any of our wildest imaginations could have fathomed. And while COVID-19 continues to travel far and wide with no end in sight, it has produced the reverse effect on humankind. As city after city heads into lock-down and country after country closes their borders, we are eminently changing the very notion of what travel and freedom mean to humans all over the world. 

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All About Food, Destinations: North America

A Perfect Day in Sonoma: An Itinerary Fit for Even the Largest of Groups

April 24, 2017
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The weather is getting warmer and what better way to celebrate than with a trip up to wine country in California? You’ve Googled “best itinerary for wine country”, looked up reviews of different vineyards, asked friends for tips and recommendations and now have a list of dozens upon dozens of fantastic wineries in Napa and Sonoma to visit. Well that doesn’t help very much because you still have to figure out timing, distance between vineyards, where along the route you can have lunch, and which vineyards can take a larger group. Plus price might play a factor. Well fear not! Here is an itinerary created for a perfect day in Sonoma (especially if you’re planning a day for a larger group). Continue Reading…

All About Food, Destinations: North America

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse: The Cruffin Chronicles–Does it live up to the hype?

April 3, 2017
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Located on a nondescript block of Tenderloin in San Francisco, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse has become known as the home of the famous cruffin. What is a cruffin you ask? Imagine if a croissant and muffin had a baby. That’s a cruffin! This crispy pastry is dusted with sugar and filled with the daily flavor of pastry cream; anything ranging from Pineapple Cherry Rum or Tropical Fruit to S’mores or Snickerdoodle. Check @mrholmesbakehouse to find the weekly flavor updates.

Since it’s opening in November 2014, Mr. Holmes Bakeshop has induced cruffin enthusiasts from across the city to form lines around the block at the crack of dawn each morning in anticipation of acquiring a cruffin from the limited daily supply. As much as I’ve wanted to try this infamous cruffin, the long lines deterred me on multiple occasions. However, I finally made up my mind that the cruffin would be mine! Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

Top Things to Do In Havana

February 27, 2017
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After decades of being closed off to many parts of the world, Cuba is finally pulling back the curtains and revealing the mystery behind this beautiful and culturally-stimulating country. Attracting a greater number of foreigners in the past few years, Cuba is becoming a top destination for many. In particular: Havana, the capital of Cuba. What should be at the top of your list for must-do’s during your visit? Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

The 13 Essentials: What to Pack for Cuba

January 30, 2017
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You have your flights booked, casa particulars arranged, and an itinerary all set to go for your trip to Cuba. Now what to pack? Despite an uptick in tourism to Cuba it remains a challenging destination for many foreigners due to the lack of infrastructure and difficulty in purchasing many of the essentials. This list includes the basic necessities you’ll need to ensure a smoother trip! Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America, Travel Tips

Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Cuba (especially for Americans)

January 17, 2017
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Streets lined with classic American cars from the ’50s. Striking architecture around every corner. Miles and miles of white sand beaches. A lively culture filled with creativity and welcoming hospitality. Cuba is a fascinating country that will likely be significantly different than most destinations you might have on your travel bucket list, but undoubtedly one that should be at the top of your list. So what should you know before planning a trip? Here are some essential tips on just that! Continue Reading…

Destinations: North America

The Burning Man Edition: The Truth About Burning Man

September 10, 2014
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I’ll admit right off the bat–the title of this post is a bit misleading. There really is no singular “truth” about Burning Man. Burning Man is an experience that is as individualized as the ridges that make up your fingerprints. You get what you want out of it and your experience is ultimately created by your decisions. If you have never attended Burning Man it is almost impossible for you to fathom the experience unless you just go! Even then, each year you return home to the Playa, your experience will be completely different than before (at least that is what I have been told). So while I cannot offer you singular “truths” about Burning Man, what I can offer are my personal “truths” based on my experiences THIS year. Will my experience next year be the same? Probably not. But for now, these are my truths from Burning Man 2014.

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Destinations: North America

The Burning Man Edition: Newbie Orientation Tips & Tricks

April 28, 2014
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Just four months away from popping my Burning Man cherry! Can you tell I’m excited? Along with the excitement and anticipation for this experience, I must admit I was beginning to feel a bit of angst. Where will I be camping? How do I prepare? What is this “gifting” business? How am I going to lug clothing, food, a bike, and other necessities to get me through an entire week in the desert?! As fate would have it, just as I was mulling over these questions an email popped into my inbox from the Jack Rabbit Speaks: Burning Man’s official Email Newsletter. This edition announced the Newbie Orientation and Participation Faire to “meet your fellow virgins and learn tips and tricks from veteran Burners!” What perfect timing!

As any newbie burner would do, I attended the orientation this past weekend. Continue Reading…
All About Food, Destinations: North America

Breakfast at Mama’s on Washington Square – Is It Overhyped?

March 24, 2014
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The short answer to that question: Yes, it is overhyped. Not that the food isn’t good. But is the food amazing enough for me to wait hours like people often have to do to eat there? Definitely not. I also don’t agree that Mama’s is “the best breakfast in town” as quoted in a Time article on the San Francisco: 10 Things to Do. Mama’s has been serving up breakfast in the San Francisco North Beach area for over fifty years and is without a doubt a historical tourist landmark of sorts. But in my opinion, I think there are better brunch spots in San Francisco. In case you’re wondering, “Where in San Francisco could breakfast be better than Mama’s?!”: Check out my prior blog post on the Best Brunch Spots in San Francisco.

I digress. So what can you expect at Mama’s? Here’s a synopsis of my experience. 

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All About Food, Destinations: North America

Best Brunch Spots in San Francisco

January 10, 2014
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Mmm brunch. What’s not to love about it? It’s the single meal that you can eat just about anything and get away with it. No longer does brunch just entail eggs, waffles, and pancakes. Now you can get brunch burritos, brunch sandwiches, and even brunch-style pizza! In a city like San Francisco, “brunching” is it’s own culture, requiring one to wake up early on a weekend, strategically select a brunch location, then patiently wait amongst the crowds in anticipation for the deliciousness that will soon satiate the hunger pangs and make the long lines worthwhile–though these lines are not always worth the wait. So which spots offer up a waiting-worthy brunch? Here are three of my all-time favorites!
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