Paris je t’aime
My first trip outside North America was in 1989. It was a choir tour to Germany, Austria, and Hungary, but we flew through Paris, where we had an eight-hour layover, so we arranged for a quick tour around the … Continued
I’m Just a Broadway Baby
When you grow up gay in the suburbs of New York, you develop certain affinities. Like, for instance, the Broadway musical. (I don’t mean to perpetuate any stereotypes. I actually know plenty of people who like musicals who aren’t from … Continued
A Balkan History Lesson
Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going. Paul Theroux I started this post writing about my enthusiasm for seeing Sarajevo because of the extraordinary history that city has experienced. This is the centennial year of … Continued
Globejotting
I bought this book today. I hope I will get some value out of it. And perhaps you are hoping I get some value out of it even more than I am!
Europe is (just) a dream
Europe doesn’t actually exist. It’s a huge myth invented by fantasy writers. The myth became so real that it took on the legitimacy of history and geography. All the people, cultures, landmarks, museums, rivers, mountains, cities — all of it is … Continued
Pinot Noir: Not my favorite
I spent the Labor Day weekend in the wine country of the Willamette Valley, in and around McMinnville, Oregon. I went with my friend Margot to attend the wedding of my friends Lisa and Steve, who are wine aficianados, or … Continued
Comfort Zone
In the two weeks since my last post I have been thinking a lot about my difficulty with getting out of my comfort zone when I travel. This might seem ridiculous to people who can’t imagine going to Europe all alone. … Continued
The frugal traveler in my footsteps
I was both delighted and wistful to read The Frugal Traveler’s most recent post about his journey through Scandinavia. Before he began his trip (and while I was in the last week of mine), Seth Kugel posted requesting readers provide him … Continued
But it’s in Arizona
Even though I’ve been to all 50 states, there are a lot of places in the USA where I haven’t been and still would like to see. Near the top of my list is the Grand Canyon.