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Clearly I am a huge fan of travel. I think there are so many benefits to traveling including expanding your mind and exposing yourself to different ways of life. But on one recent sleepless night thanks to jet lag following my return from an epic two week European adventure, it occurred to me that traveling actually teaches us some important life lessons. Learning these lessons on a micro level while traveling, can have a huge beneficial impact if you apply them on a macro level to your life's journey. Here are the most important life lessons I was reminded of on my trip: Stay Flexible When traveling, it is more likely than not that you will face some unexpected challenges. A flight will be cancelled or delayed, the weather will not be what you had hoped, a traffic jam will disrupt your schedule...the list goes on. It is important to stay flexible and get creative about how to handle the problem. On my recent trip, we planned to take a bus from Chamonix to Lake Como with a stop at an historic Italian village for lunch. What a lovely day! However, leaving Chamonix, we got stuck in a miles long traffic jam trying to go through the tunnel leaving the valley. We found out that the tunnel was closed for some reason and would not reopen for three hours. Instead of sitting there frustrated for several hours, the bus driver found a different route to get us to our end destination. We missed out on the historic Italian village, but alternatively we got to see a different part of the Italian countryside and stopped at a small roadside restaurant which served the BEST fondue of the entire trip! Staying flexible allows you to roll with the punches and reduce anxiety while sometimes delivering some delightful discoveries. Let Go of Control I am a person with well established control issues. Just ask my friends and family. I have definitely gotten better as I've aged. Also, the pandemic definitely taught me a bigger lesson that the control we think we have is often just an illusion anyway. This realization has helped me to relax in many ways. I am still generally a planner and I like to feel prepared. However, I have learned to loosen my grip a bit. On this trip I gave up total control and let the tour group plan all aspects of my trip. I just paid and showed up. Everything else was taken care of! While I had some moments of anxiousness not be able to dictate my own schedule or order my own meal at a restaurant, overall it was a great experience just sitting back and letting the details be handled by someone else. I saw areas of Europe I wouldn't have even thought of, I tried food I definitely wouldn't have tried if left to my own devices, and put myself in a position to meet a bunch of new people who were amazing travel partners and now friends. Applying this to my life, I plan to try and relax and just let life unfold for me without trying to control all of the details. I will put my energy in the direction of things and people that interest me, but I will try not to be attached to a particular outcome. Go with the flow and see what happens! Keep an Open Mind and Try New Things As I mentioned above, by letting go of control I was forced to try new food and experience things I might not have been inclined to do if it were up to me. But I promised myself at the beginning of the trip that I would try whatever was presented to me, including food that didn't look that appetizing or was not something I normally enjoy. In all honesty, there were several meals where I took a few bites and decided it was not my thing so I didn't finish it. Good thing I had snacks back in my hotel room so I didn't go hungry! However, there were many things I tried that I was surprised to find I enjoyed. The meal in Innsbruck with a fried egg on top of a mixture of salted beef, onions and potatoes comes to mind as well as an authentic German meal with Flädlsuppe (a rich broth soup with thin strips of flädle pancakes) and German bread dumplings. And of course there is the Tartiflette that I talked about in my Annecy blog that I thoroughly enjoyed! The life lesson is that it is important to be open to new things in order to discover more about yourself. Pushing your limits either confirms what you thought to be true or shows you that self-limiting beliefs may be keeping you from making your life bigger and more interesting. This goes beyond just trying food. It also applies to being open minded about experiences, people and places. You never know what you might discover! Stay Curious In order to find new things to be open to try when traveling, you need to stay curious. What is the history of the area and how has it evolved, what is the area known for, what do the locals like to do, what is it like to live in the area, what is the traditional food to be tried? As you find out more information about a place you are visiting, it gives you a new perspective on the area, the people who live there and their experience. You can see how it is different from your experience and how you live your life. You can see how the area and its' history has impacted how people live and what they believe and value. Learning about this impact can make you grateful for the advantages or blessings you have, or it may make you question your belief system and how you live your life. In any event, in life, it is important to stay curious and continue learning as long as you live. The more you learn, the more you know and ALSO the more you learn how much you don't really know. Staying curious keeps you engaged, keeps you learning and keeps you open. Respect the Differences One thing I love about traveling is the ability to see how different places are and how differently people live. Especially when traveling abroad, things can be very different from the US. From simple things like the type of currency used and the type of plug to use for electricity to the language spoken and the values of the country. I don't travel to a new place expecting to do things exactly as I do them at home. And why would I want to? I am going to have a new experience. If I am going to another country, it is only courteous to try to assimilate into their culture as much as possible. Even though I do not speak any other language besides English and it is fortunate that most people in other cultures know English, I still try to respect the area and the culture by at least attempting some basic communication in the country's language. Generally I observe an appreciation by the locals for this effort. The uniqueness that each place and person brings to this world is what makes it interesting and beautiful. It is important to appreciate and respect these differences whether we observe them abroad or in our own back yard. We don't all need to believe the same things, live the same way or have the same values. Giving people the space to be different and respecting those differences makes the world a better place to live. Appreciate the Backstory I always find that when I do some research or take a tour of an area I am visiting and learn the history and how the place has developed and evolved over the years, I have such a deeper appreciation for everything I am seeing and experiencing. Some of the areas I visited on my trip, specifically Munich and Innsbruck, had been directly impacted by WWII. Many of the buildings had been damaged or destroyed by bombing, many of the citizens of those areas had been forced to flee to nearby countries and rebuilding had influenced the development of the city. Looking at the cities through this lens allowed me to more deeply connect with what had happened in these places and realize the extreme price paid by the people who lived through that time. We also toured the Dachau Concentration Camp that sits just outside Munich which serves as a constant reminder of that horrific time. Even though both cities are now thriving and bustling, there is still the memory and the impact of what happened that influences many aspects of their culture. Failing to appreciate the backstory of these places would have made the visit one-dimensional and superficial. This can be true of people as well. How many times in your life have you had an unpleasant experience with someone only to find out that something awful had happened to them or they were having a bad day before they crossed paths with you. Appreciating someone's backstory gives you greater understanding of why people act they way they do, feel the way they do about certain things or why they overreact to something that seems minor. It doesn't mean we have to like or accept bad behavior, but it gives us a better understanding of the person and may influence how we respond in a situation. Travel Light In full disclosure, I am an AWFUL packer. I like to have outfit choices and I have a tiny obsession with shoes so like to bring several different pairs to go with the various outfit choices. The silly thing is, I never wear all of the clothes and I end up wearing the same one or two pairs of shoes because they are most practical and comfortable for the walking I will be doing while sightseeing. This problem was particularly annoying on my Alps trip as I was trying to move my large suitcase from place to place as we followed along our tour. And even if my suitcase was primarily taken care of by porters at each hotel, I still had to lug my overpacked carry on from place to place and through the airport (and the hassle of customs). I was cursing myself on many occasions during this trip and vowing to become a better packer so I could travel lighter in the future. Why do I need to bring so much stuff? Especially when I didn't use or need most of it? Do I feel more comfortable and secure knowing I am prepared for anything...even though generally nothing out of the ordinary happens? I load up with snacks like I think I won't have access to grocery stores or restaurants along the way. Although having some snacks on hand was definitely needed when I didn't like the local fare as I mentioned above! This life lesson can translate to trying to keep life simple on a day to day basis too. Do I need to fill my space with so much stuff? Why do I need one more pair or shoes or one more piece of clothing when my closet is filled with plenty of perfectly good stuff? Why do I buy so much "back stock" of certain food items when I have limited space and can easily go back to the store when I am getting low? I can also apply this principle to my mind and my mental state. Do I need to stress about so many things that never happen or oren't really my concern? If I really think about it, there are only a limited number of things that run through my mind that really matter, are in my control or that directly impact me. If I kept my thoughts focused on only those things, my mind would be a lot quieter and more calm. Easier said than done and something I am working on every day. If you figure out a way to do that, please share! Traveling light by keeping things simple, whether on trips or day to day living, makes things so much easier and enjoyable. Be In The Moment When traveling I like to be fully engaged and take in all the sights and sounds. I fully immerse myself in the experience. Sometimes while riding on the tour bus through the countryside, I had the urge to pull out my phone and mindlessly scroll. I resisted that urge most of the time and made sure to pay attention to the beautiful views out the window. I saw some amazing scenery that I would have missed if I was looking down. I will admit the white noise of the bus engine and the cozy seat did cause me to drift off occasionally. I don't want to think about what I missed when my eyes were closed! I would touch base with the girls or my parents at night while I was getting ready for bed, but during the day I tried to keep myself in the moment of the epic experience I was having. Generally there is nothing from back home that needs my attention while I am on vacation. This can also be applied to daily life. How much do I miss while looking down at my phone or engulfed by the thoughts in my head. Worrying about something that happened in the past that can't be changed or something that may or may not happen in the future prevents me from being present in the moment and engaging with the people and experiences that are happening RIGHT NOW! Being in the moment is essential for authentic connections with friends and loved ones as well as for creating vibrant memories. I hope these lessons can be of use to you to fully enjoy your next trip as well as every valuable life moment in between.

If you don't already have going to Oktoberfest in Munich on your bucket list, make sure to add it immediately! Even if you are not a big beer fan, there is nothing like this traditional festival and you will find plenty to enjoy. If you still aren't convinced, I think you will change your mind by the end of this blog! How the Party Started: The first Oktoberfest occurred on October 17, 1810, at a horse race held in further celebration of the wedding of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria (later King Ludwig I) to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The celebration was such a success it was decided to hold it every year. As the annual festival moved forward the length of the celebration was extended. It was extended forward into the month of September most likely to enjoy the more pleasant, warmer weather that Munich typically enjoys in September. The festival now runs for two weeks every year beginning on the first Saturday following September 15 and runs through the first Sunday in October. Interesting Oktoberfest Party Facts: Approximately 5.7 million festival goers attended the 2022 Oktoberfest! Only beer from Munich breweries may be served at Oktoberfest. The six breweries that provide their newly brewed Wiesn beer to the festival are Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten. 5.6 million liters of beer were served at the 2022 Oktoberfest. 112,551 traditional Oktoberfest beer mugs were confiscated from souvenir hunters who didn't want to pay for their own from the souvenir stands. How to Enjoy the World's Best Party: Access to the festival grounds (Theresienwiese fairgrounds) and the beer tents is free. A smaller, more low-key Oktoberfest called Oide Weisen takes place on the northwestern corner of Theresienwiese. Entry to Oide Weisen is 4 euros for adults (children under 14 are free). There are beer tents with genuine Bavarian customs and a special dark beer brewed using historical recipes which is served in stone mugs. Oide Weisen is Oktoberfest with lots of nostalgia. Oktoberfest kicks off with a Weisen tapping by the Oberbürgermeister (also known as the Lord Mayor) of Munich. The tapping occurs at noon on the first Saturday of the festival in the Schottenhamel Festhalle. A rousing "O'Zapft Is!" starts the beer flowing for the annual Oktoberfest. There are 17 large tents and 21 small tents to enjoy beer, wine and food. Each tent is privately owned and has its own distinct vibe. Don't worry, the typical Oktoberfest atmosphere can be found in every tent! Check out a description of each tent here so you can decide which one sounds like the best fit for you before you go. You don't have to have reservations to enter a beer tent and a proportion of tables in each tent are kept open for walk ins. However, if you plan to go to Oktoberfest on the weekend, in the evening or in a large group, it may be difficult to secure those open spots or even get into a tent. Tents will close due to overcrowding and you will only be able to enter if you have a reservation. You can only make a reservation for a full table which seats 8-10 people. You need to contact each tent directly to make a reservation. (WARNING: Reservations cannot be resold so do not attempt to buy a reservation any where other than directly from the respective proprietor of the relevant tent. A reservation that has been sold will be automatically cancelled so you could be left stranded.) A table reservation itself is free, but in order to secure the reservation you will need to buy and pay for vouchers for 2 liters of beer and half a chicken per person. Price may vary by tent but is generally around 350 euros for the full table. In addition to the beer tents, there are all kinds of things to be enjoyed at Oktoberfest. There are many booths with traditional Oktoberfest foods, souvenir stands where you can purchase your own Oktoberfest beer stein or flower head wreath, and a wide selection of carnival rides. Looking at many of the rides, it doesn't seem to me that they would be a good mix with drinking lots of beer, but who am I to judge? I did enjoy a ride on the symbolic Willenborg's Ferris Wheel and a Toboggan ride that I will discuss below, but I passed on any spinny rides (that honestly I couldn't handle even before drinking beer)! Lots of families were enjoying this part of Oktoberfest and there were apparently plenty of beer drinkers who have a stronger stomach than me. You don't have to dress in traditional garb to attend Oktoberfest, but it definitely makes it more fun! Women generally wear a dress that is called a dirndl with a matching apron. How you tie the apron bow will tell any interested admirer whether you are single, married or widowed, so be careful how you tie it! Men wear lederhosen which are leather shorts with suspenders. They can accessories with Loferls which are "calf warmers" only worn on the lower leg. You can order these outfits before you go, but you can also purchase them in Munich at almost any store. I didn't wear a dirndl, but I purchased a traditional skirt and a flower wreath to join in the fun! Find out more information on putting together your perfect Oktoberfest outfit here . My Oktoberfest Experience: I had a fantastic time at Oktoberfest and I can't wait to go back again. We had reservations in the Schottenhamel Festhalle, the beer tent that kicks off the Oktoberfest celebration with the tapping of the beer and the "O'Zapft Is!". Oktoberfest was in full swing by the time we arrived so we missed that tradition. Reading the descriptions of each beer tent, apparently the Schottenhamel Festhalle is the oldest Wiesn tent, but also has the reputation of being the best tent to flirt so many of the youngest guests head here. I'm sure any beer tent has great potential for flirting given the crowd and the amount of beer being served, but this is the Schottenhamel story and they are sticking to it! As noted above, you don't have to have a reservation, but if you have a large enough group or plan to go during a peak time, I would highly recommend it. Reservations will guarantee you a spot in your favorite tent. Reservations are generally made in three hour increments throughout the day. We were there from11:00-2:00, but don't think that being there that early in the day means a more subdued Oktoberfest experience. The early time didn't seem to have an impact on the amount of celebrating that was going on! It was so fun to experience Oktoberfest with the travel group I had been with for the past two weeks, but it was also fun to meet new friends from all over the world who were also there to experience Oktoberfest! Our reservation time ended and three BIG beers later I wandered out into the festival grounds to check out the rest of the Oktoberfest scene. As I mentioned above, I did grab a ride on the Willenborg's Ferris wheel. The Ferris Wheel has been in operation since 1979 and goes 50 meters high over the Oktoberfest grounds. I then wandered over to the infamous Toboggan ride. I was watching people slide down a really tall slide and decided that would be something fun to do...it was safe because there was no spinning involved! However I failed to notice the really fast magic carpet ride that you needed to hop on (with the assistance of a very handsome young man dressed in lederhosen) that whipped you up part way to the top of the slide where you then have to climb several more sets of stairs to reach the entry to the slide. Apparently it is common knowledge that you can stand and watch drunk people try to maneuver the speedy conveyor belt for hours of festival entertainment. I don't think I provided any laughable moments, but the whole thing is a little hazy thanks to those three BIG beers so who knows. I won't see any of those people again. I made it safely to the top and rode the tall, winding slide down to the bottom. I don't have any video or pictures of me enjoying the Toboggan ride. I think that is probably a good thing. I wandered around a little more taking in all of the sights and enjoying some warm toasted almonds. I loved seeing the horse drawn keg carriages that each brewery had decorated in true Oktoberfest style! Planning Your 2023 Oktoberfest Visit: The 2023 Oktoberfest is scheduled for September 16, 2023 through the first Sunday in October (although it may be extended through the public holiday on Tuesday, October 3, 2023). The 188th festival will kick off with the traditional tapping happening at noon on September 16, 2023 in the Schottenhamel Festhalle. Once the tapping has occurred, the beer can start flowing in all the other beer tents and Oktoberfest 2023 will begin. Reservations for tables will not open until sometime next spring, usually around April or May. Note that each beer tent handles its own reservations. You can click here for information on the reservation process and to keep updated on when each beer tent will begin accepting reservations. If you have a specific tent you really want to visit, I would jump on the reservations as soon as they open as the most popular tents fill up quickly. I hope this blog has encouraged you to plan your own Oktoberfest trip. I promise you will not regret it! After experiencing the festival you can explore Munich and the surrounding Alps. Check out my other blogs for inspiration regarding exploring nearby places.

Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a charming alpine village and world famous ski resort situated near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy. It sits in a valley surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, including Mont Blanc, which is the highest summit in the Alps and the highest point in Europe. At 4810 meters high, Mont Blanc is always covered in snow hence the name which translates to "White Mountain". The area become more of a tourist destination after hosting the Winter Olympics in 1924 and continues to be a popular vacation spot. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a must-see destination for you. In the warmer months, Chamonix-Mont Blanc is a mecca for hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and paragliders. There are hiking routes for all ability levels and many trails have alpine huts and chalets along the trails for refreshments and meals. There are also overnight accommodations if you want to continue your hiking or biking journeys over multiple days. To find the best hiking or biking trail for you in the Chamonix mountains, check out AllTrails . If you are visiting during the Winter months, of course you will want to ski at the world renowned ski resorts in the Chamonix valley. There are five different resorts offering a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders alike. Check out information about the Chamonix valley ski resorts here . If you need a break from all the activity, or if outdoor activities are not your cup of tea, there are many other things to do in Chamonix-Mont Blanc. Shopping. The picturesque village of Chamonix is filled with tourist shops, ski shops, and upscale boutiques. Dining. Dining options in Chamonix range from casual cafés to traditional brasseries to fancy gourmet restaurants. We had dinner at restaurant called Joséphine that is right on the Main Street. Joséphine has a charming outdoor patio looking out at the breathtaking mountain vistas. There are blankets on each chair in case you get chilly while eating (a lot of the European cafés had these blankets matching their decor and I think it is a wonderful idea that American restaurants should incorporate!). I had a delicious bowl of French Onion Soup (which I ate too quickly so no mouthwatering photo) and a yummy Nutella crepe for dessert. Take Those Insta Worthy Pictures. As you walk around the village there are amazing photo ops around every corner. From the stunning mountain peaks, vibrant flowers bursting with color (in warmer weather obviously), street art, historic architecture, and any number of other visually stimulating scenes, you will not want for pictures to remember your visit. Some of the best pictures I took from my whole trip were captured in Chamonix-Mont Blanc. L'Aiguille du Midi. Take a 20 minute cable car ride from the heart of Chamonix village to L'Aiguille du Midi. From here you can get to the highest viewing terrace at 3842 meters giving an incredible 360 degree panoramic views of the surrounding Alps range and looking directly at Mont Blanc. There is also a clear plexiglass viewing platform called Step Into the Void that lets visitors feel like they are floating over the mountain range (I would guess only interesting to those who do not have a fear of heights!). There is no extra charge for this, but apparently there are usually long lines. If I am lucky enough to return to Chamonix-Mont Blanc I will definitely include this excursion and can't wait to Step Into the Void. Ride the Panoramic Mont Blanc Gondola. From the top of L'Aiguille du Midi, you can hop on the Telecubine Panoramique Mont Blanc Gondola. The Gondola will take you on hour long journey to Courmayeur, Italy, past Mont Blanc and over a landscape of glaciers, mountain tops and valleys. Tramway Du Mont Blanc. Take a train ride on one of the highest rack railways in France. The train runs from Le Fayet and Saint-Gervais ending at Mont Blanc. If the exertion of hiking or rock climbing is not your thing, this train ride can give you the mountaineering experience by giving you panoramic views of the vistas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountain peaks. Mer de Glace. One of the largest glaciers in Europe, Mer de Glace is just a short train ride up from the Chamonix village. Mer de Glace, which translates to "Sea of Ice", is rapidly shrinking as a result of climate change. Once you get to the top, you have the opportunity to enter the Grotte de Glace, a 100 meter long ice cave allowing visitors to have an inside view of a glacier. There are lots of places to stay when you visit Chamonix from independently owned condos to 5-star luxury hotels. Our group stayed at Mercure Chamonix Centre which was conveniently located in the heart of the village, just a very short walk to the stores and restaurants. The included breakfast was an incredible buffet of choices, including gluten free options (which I always appreciate having two daughters with Celiac Disease). I highly recommend this hotel for its location and amenities. Find out more about rates and availability here . So whether you want to visit Chamonix-Mont Blanc in the warmer months to hike, bike and explore or in the winter to shred the slopes, you will find a charming alpine village with spectacular views and plenty to do. I hope to get back some day to soak in more of the beauty and experience more of the local atmosphere!

When visiting Boston, there is no shortage of museums to explore to get your cultural fix. But if you haven't checked the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum off your to-do list, I suggest you move it to the top for your next visit to Boston! I will admit that art museums are not generally my favorite (I tend to prefer photographs over paintings and admittedly don't have enough art history knowledge to fully appreciate what I am seeing). However, the story behind the creation of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the intrigue surrounding the unsolved art heist that occurred here in 1990 made this art museum a favorite for me! Isabella Stewart Gardner Isabella was a progressive woman for her time. She was known for being a free-spirit and used her strong, out-spoken voice during a time when women and their rights were severely restricted. She and her husband shared a love of art and culture and after her father's death she used her inheritance to begin collecting art. Over the years she amassed quite a collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, manuscripts, rare books and decorative arts. Following her husband's death in the late 1800's, she decided to fulfill their dream of creating a space to showcase the treasures. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was opened in 1901 and Isabella moved into a private residence on the 4th floor of the museum building so she could dedicate her time to personally arranging the works of art in her private collection in the historic galleries on the first three floors. She never fully explained her reasoning or thought process behind some of the arrangements or the pairings of works in certain rooms, leaving the observer to contemplate the scene and try to make their own connections. Isabella believed that art possessed the power to change lives and she made it her life's mission to collect art from around the world and share it with the public. When she died in 1924, she left the Museum "for education and the public forever". She funded an endowment to operate the Museum after her death, stipulating that nothing in the galleries be changed or moved and that no items be acquired or sold from the collection. When you visit the Museum you will see the items she personally chose and they are displayed exactly as she personally arranged them over the years! The Museum The Museum has three floors that surround an open courtyard. The structure of the Museum resembles a Venetian palace. This is an intentional design concept created by Isabella as a nod to Venice, a spot that she and her husband frequented to soak up the art and culture of the time. The three floors are divided into various galleries or "Rooms". Again, each Room was very intentionally established and organized by Isabella. You will receive a detailed map to guide you through each Room. The map also highlights the certain pieces of art to keep an eye out for in each section as you make your way through the Museum. In addition to the map, you can also access a free guided audio tour on the Museum's website to give you additional information about the Museum and the art pieces in each Room. We used this audio tour on our visit and it was very informational! Be sure to bring headphones with you so you can listen to the audio tour while you wander through the rooms. Access the audio tour here . The Museum is full of beautiful art pieces collected by Isabella over the years, but the heart and soul of the Museum is the center courtyard. It is the first thing you see when you enter into the Museum building. Only women inhabit this space. All figures depicted in the artwork and statues in this space are female. This is a reflection of Isabella's strong feelings about female empowerment and women's place in the world. This part of the Museum is a living, breathing art installation as the plants in the Courtyard are changed about every six weeks. As you can see from the picture, mums were being highlighted in the garden when we were there. The Courtyard was definitely my favorite part of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum! The Art Heist One of the more intriguing aspects of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the unsolved art heist that occurred in 1990. In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, two men dressed as Boston police officers obtained entry into the Museum by claiming they were responding to a disburbance. Breaking protocol, one of the security guards allowed them in through the employee entrance and at the fake officer's request left the watch desk. The two security guards on duty were handcuffed and tied up in the basement. The Museum has motion detectors, so the movements of the thieves in the Museum were recorded. Works of art were taken from the Dutch Room, the Short Galley and the Blue Room. The thieves made two trips to their car with stolen artwork and left at 2:45 am. The whole theft took 81 minutes from entry to getaway. It remains the single largest property theft in the world. They ultmately stole 13 works of art valued at $500 million dollars, including three original Rembrandts, five Degas drawings and a Napoleonic bronze eagle finial. The Rembrandts were cut from their frames and the empty frames remain hanging in the Dutch Room. The frames are kept empty as placeholders for the missing works and symbols of hope that they will one day be returned. While the crime remains unsolved, the Boston police have narrowed the suspects but have been unable to close the case. There is still a $10 million dollar reward for information leading directly to the recovery of the works. There is a separate $100,000 reward for the return of the Napoleonic eagle finial. If you want to learn more about the theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the investigation, there is a good Netflix series titled This Is a Robbery: The World's Biggest Art Heist. Visit the Museum The Museum is open every day except for Tuesdays. Admission is free for kids under 18, $20 for Adults, $18 for seniors and $13 for college students with a current ID. One cool fact about the Museum is that if your name is Isabella, you have lifetime free admission! The Museum is popular and tickets for busy days sell out fast, so I recommend reserving a timed entry ticket online here if you are planning to visit. We were lucky to be able to pop in on the spur of the moment, but it was a Monday in November so not a high traffic time. Although I am not a huge art museum fan, I really enjoyed my day at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for the art, the history and the intrigue! Plan your visit soon!

Are you a seasoned veteran of NYC and looking for something new to do? Or maybe you are a visitor to NYC looking for something unique and special to do in addition to the typical touristy experiences? I have a recommendation that works for either camp. Sign up for a baking workshop at Atelier Sucré. Not only do you get a unique experience, but you leave with tasty treats that you made yourself! Sounds like a win-win to me. Atelier Sucré is the vision of New York based French pastry chef Simon Herfray. Atelier Sucré provides high quality French pastries and other delicious food as well as providing fun cooking experiences for customers. Atelier Sucré is located in the heart of East Village and utilizes state of the art appliances and tools to allow would-be chefs to create culinary delights! My daughter Madison had purchased a workshop to make French Macarons as a Mother's Day gift for me. French Macarons are a treasured treat in our house as they are gluten free and both of my daughters have Celiac Disease so need to avoid the gluten that is in most cookies and pastries. We finally scheduled the workshop and we had so much fun! They place you in groups of four to utilize the supplies and ingredients. We were paired with a nice couple visiting from Switzerland. That added even more international flavor to our French Macaron making. The workshop started promptly at 6:30 and was over by 9:00. The chef teaching the workshop prepared the meringue (which I understand is the trickiest part of making French Macarons) and we mixed the dry ingredients that we folded the meringue into. If you are a fan of Schitt's Creek you will chuckle at the requirement to "fold in" the meringue. If you know, you know. :). We were able to pick a color for our cookie shells and all the different choices made for a colorful display! After the cookie shells baked, we were provided three different fillings-chocolate caramel ganache, strawberry preserves and lemon curd to make the Macaron cookie sandwich. We had fun creating an assortment of French Macarons and were provided with a box to bring our creations home to share (or eat ourselves!). They also gave us the recipe for the shell base, the meringue and the fillings as well as the cookie template to use at home to make each cookie shell a consistent size. Bakers of all experience levels are welcome at Atelier Sucré and they provide all the equipment and tools that you will need. There are numerous workshop times available and there are a variety of choices of what you can bake. Most workshops are around $90/person. Here is a sample of the other types of workshops to choose from: French Croissants Christmas Yule Log New York Bagels Crème Brúlee, Chocolate Mousse and Madeleines Chocolate Soufflé and Apple Tart Eclairs and Cream Puffs To view the different dates and times for the various workshops click here . We had a great time and our French Macarons were delicious. I highly recommend this unique experience for a girl's weekend, a bachelorette party, family experience, special date or just because you are looking for something fun to do! Bon Appétit!

I am lucky enough to live a short distance from New York City so I like to plan a visit every Christmas to take in the sights and sounds of the City during the holidays. Even if you don't live close enough to make an annual trip, you should make plans to visit NYC at least once during the holiday season. If you come, be sure to bring a large dose of patience, warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes because there will be lots of people, probably cold weather and you will be logging a lot of steps as you make your way around the City. BUT you will also have an experience you will never forget and you will leave with the perfect gifts from the holiday markets. You will also be full of holiday cheer to carry you through the season! Best Places to Check Out Decorations Around New York City Rockefeller Center: Of course the decorations at Rockefeller Center are the most iconic image of Christmas in New York City. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree stays lit 24 hours a day and towers over the ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center. Ice skating at the Rockefeller rink is a quintessential NYC winter experience. You need to buy a ticket to reserve a time for your ice skating. You can buy tickets here . The Channel Gardens, lined with 12 iconic Clarebout angels, are also located in the Rockefeller Plaza and lead directly to the Tree or directly to the Saks Fifth Avenue light display if you look the other way. Department Store Windows and Interior Decorations: Be sure to check out the holiday displays of the many retailers around the City, particularly along 5th Avenue and around Herald Square. The big retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue (which is on Fifth Avenue right across the street from Rockefeller Center), Bloomingdales and Macys at Herald Square are particularlly known for their extravagant decorations and window displays. The window displays are usually centered around a particular story or theme. The pictures I have included in this blog are from a 2019 visit. Every year the window displays are different so it is fun to visit every year and see what designs they have come up with for the season. Here is a link to a Time Out article highlighting the best window displays of 2023. In addition to the window display at Saks Fifth Avenue, they have a classic exterior light show that starts at sundown and lasts for about 5 minutes. It replays every 10-15 minutes after dark. Larger Than Life Decorations Around the City: Placed all around the City are larger than life decorations perfect for that holiday Instagram pic. The large string of Christmas lights shown in the picture at the start of this blog are located at Rockefeller Center. There are also the iconic large red Christmas ornaments that are one of the most photographed holiday decorations in NYC. They are located on Sixth Avenue right across from the Radio City Music Hall. The fountain outside of the Plaza Hotel also has some beautiful decorations for that perfect holiday photo. There are so many places with amazing decorations for taking that Instaworthy photo around the City. Just keep your eyes open and you will find them around every corner. Hudson Yards Mall: The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards is an indoor mall that is stunningly decorated for the holidays in thousands of white lights. It is breathtaking when you enter through the doors. It is the perfect place to go when the weather isn't great because it is an indoor mall with lots of great shopping and dining choices. You can also find several other things to do besides shopping and dining like going to the Edge and taking in a 360 degree panoramic view of the City by standing on a clear glass platform that is 100 floors up. The Vessel, an iconic NY art installation is also located in Hudson Yards right next to the mall so you can see that as well. Best Holiday Experiences to Have in New York City The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes. The Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall is a Christmas tradition that has stood the test of time. We took our daughters when they were younger and it was quite the spectacle. It lived up to all of the hype and I highly recommend going at least once if you find yourself in NYC at Christmastime. You can grab some pre-show photos at the Red Ball Ornament display mentioned above or a Large Candy Cane display that is right across the street from Radio City Music Hall. Christmas Markets at Union Square and Bryant Park. If you are looking for a unique gift for that hard to buy for person on your list, I recommend going to the holiday markets in NYC. The two biggest markets are the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market and the Bryant Park Winter Village. Each market has hundreds of vendors in outdoor booths selling crafts, art, home accessories, clothing and other unique items. Each market also has a number of vendors selling food and snacks to give you energy to keep shopping. We went to both markets and there are a lot of the same vendors at both. The Bryant Park Winter Village is a little bigger and also has ice skating and a bar. Either one provides a great venue for finding unique gifts, grabbing a bite to eat and getting in the holiday spirit! Oscar Wilde NYC. If you are not feeling the Christmas spirit, the first place you need to stop is Oscar Wilde NYC on West 27th Street in the NoMad District of New York. If you can't get in a festive mood after visiting the extensively decorated Christmas bar, we will just call you Scrooge! This bar is so unique it is a great spot to stop even when its not decked out with Christmas decor. Interestingly, the Victorian styled space was home to the Prohibition Enforcement Headquarters in 1919 and it was subsequently discovered that the phone lines of the Headquarters had been tapped for months (allegedly by the Mob!). After Prohibiton ended the space was inhabited by a number of different businesses until it was finally turned into the unique Oscar Wilde NYC. The bar has a large art and object collection that is displayed all around the space. It also boasts the longest bar in NYC at 118.5 feet. When Christmas comes around, this already unique space is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. They have a food menu , a specialty cocktail menu , and a selection of reserve whiskey/mezcal/tequila. There is also a live DJ spinning Christmas music and throwback dance tunes to keep the festive energy high. It is a must see if you are in the City over Christmas. Apparently they also go all out with their Halloween decor so keep them in mind if you are visiting the City in October! It is a popular spot, so make a reservation to be sure you can get in. Craft and Carry (Several Locations). After a full day of holiday activities, you may be looking for something a little more low-key. Craft and Carry has several locations throughout New York City. They are a tap room with the best local, hyperlocal and independent craft beers, hard seltzers and ciders on tap. They also offer bottles and cans so you can "carry" the craft beers and ciders out to your home or function. Between the taps and the bottles there are over 300+ options! In addition to the selection of beverages and the comfy, cozy atmosphere, each Craft and Carry location offers free skee ball for your entertainment. Check out their website here to see what's on tap and find the location closest to you! Obviously there are hundreds of things to do in New York City over the holidays. The suggestions in this blog are just a few to get you started. If you find something new on your holiday visit, please let me know in the comments so I can add it to my to-do list for next Christmas! Happy Holidays!

The incredible Mass MoCA in North Adams Over the holidays, my daughters and I were looking for something fun to do while they were visiting me in Saratoga Springs. Taylor, my youngest daughter, suggested taking a short drive (just over an hour) to visit Mass MoCA (the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) in North Adams, Massachusetts. I agreed, even though I am not the biggest museum fan. I am so glad she suggested it because it was an incredible afternoon that I highly recommend! The drive through charming small towns and beautiful scenery was easy and relaxing and the Museum itself was breathtaking in more ways than one! The Beautiful Mass MoCA Buildings Are Historic and Artistic in Their Own Right! Mass MoCA is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States. The Museum is housed in a converted factory that used to produce printed textiles up until 1942 when it was closed due to the impacts of the Depression. All of the buildings in the factory complex were originally built between 1870 and 1900. The 19th century complex is listed on the National Historic Register and the 26 buildings are connected by an elaborate system of interlocking courtyards and passageways that the Museum curators have expertly integrated into the presentation of the art exhibits. The brick facades, industrial accents and large windows are rich with history and create an architectural ambiance that perfectly complements the amazing art displayed within. I spent almost as much time admiring the details of the buildings as I did the incredible art. The Mass MoCA Art Exhibits Banners of the Current Mass MoCA Exhibits We spent several hours at the Museum and didn't even come close to seeing all of the exhibits listed on the Museum's website. You should plan for several hours if you want to see it all in one trip OR you can plan to split it up and take a couple of day trips to cover the whole Museum. There are many long-term exhibits supplemented by several temporary exhibits that are only on display for a designated period. There are exhibits from well-known artists as well as new and emerging artists. The exhibits are mostly large-scale, immersive installations. The experience at Mass MoCA is so different than what you would typically experience at a more traditional museum. This is exactly what I really enjoyed about my Mass MoCA visit. Many of the exhibits were artistic representations of deeper ideas and concepts that really made me think as I experienced the art. Here are a few of my favorites from what we saw: SOL LEWITT: A colorful Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing The Sol LeWitt: A Wall Drawing Retrospective is a amazing exhibition of 105 wall drawings installed on three floors of a 27,000 square foot mill building specifically renovated for this show. The work is on display for an unprecedented 35-year period. The three floors represent his work Early Career, Mid-Career and Later Career respectively. The exhibit clearly shows the progression of his work and his wall drawings are certainly distinctive and visually intriguing. EJ HILL: The fun and funky paintings of EJ Hill The EJ Hill: Brake Run Helix exhibit was fun because of the bright pink colors and neon lights, not to mention the fully-functional, rideable roller coaster! We were there just in time for an actual performance of the art installation when one of the Museum employees took a ride on the pink EJ Hill roller coaster. EJ Hill has been obsessed with roller coasters since he was young, constantly sketching roller coaster designs. His works reflect this passion in sculptures and paintings. The title of the exhibit, Brake Run Helix, comes from two essential elements required for a functional roller coaster design: a brake run and a helix. The brake run is a section of the track meant to slow or stop a coaster's carts giving riders "a moment to collect themselves, for their minds to catch up with their bodies." The helix is a moment in a roller coaster's track when the carts complete at least one 360 degree turn: "a moment of intense g-force and forcible perspectival shift". While the functional roller coaster in the Brake Run Helix exhibit does not contain a brake run or a helix, the title can be interpreted to be an artistic representation "of social and environmental structures that mercilessly subject the body to outside forces." [Quotes from the EJ Hill pamphlet provided by the Museum.] I love the whimsical nature of this EJ Hill sculpture! MARK SWANSON: An eery display at the Mark Swanson exhibit A Memorial to Ice at the Dead Deer Disco. Mark Swanson's exhibit, A Memorial to Ice at the Dead Deer Disco, was a strange but moving exhibit meant to represent the relationship between humans, culture and the natural world. The ruins in the art sculptures and environments he created "symbolize a bleak future resulting from the impending loss and inevitable results of climate change, a future which could have been avoided, but now comes with consequences beyond our control." The installation represents the two spaces where Mr. Swanson felt the most comfortable and spiritually connected-the nightclubs of his youth and in the woods today. Despite this comfort, both places became sites of threat due to climate change and the AIDS crisis. Mr. Swanson creates an intriguiging and eerily uncomfortable space with his sculptures and environments reflecting humans' destruction of the natural world. [Quotes from the Mark Swanson pamphlet provided by the Museum.] LOUISE BOURGEOIS: A poignant metal sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. Louise Bourgeois transformed emotions about intimacies and traumas of childhood, marriage, motherhood, and artistic struggles into physical form through her artwork. She used a variety of materials and mediums in her work that evoke a highly provocative feeling when observing them. She was intrigued by the subconscious and it is said her artwork is an expression of repressed feelings from anger to fear, love and desire. There is definitely a feminine energy to her work and I really enjoyed the pieces in her exhibit. SOME OTHER AMAZING EXHIBITS WE SAW: In addition to the highlighted artists above, there were many other amazing art pieces we got to experience at Mass MoCA. Here is a teaser to encourage you to plan your own visit! Performing Arts at Mass MoCA Besides the unexpected performance art experience we happened to catch with the EJ Hill roller coaster, we did not attend any other live performances at Mass MoCA. However, Mass MoCA presents numerous performances year round. In fact, 50% of Mass MoCA's programming resources are devoted to performing arts. Live events include popular music, contemporary dance, alternative cabaret, world music dance parties, outdoor silent films with live music, avant -garde theater, documentaries and music festivals. Check out their schedule of performances here and maybe you can combine a Museum visit with a performance! Where to Get Sustenance for Your Mass MoCA Day? If you need to take a break during your visit to Mass MoCA, there are several places to grab a bite to eat or something to drink right at the Mass MoCA complex. Lickety Split at Mass MoCA: This cafe is right in the Main Building of the Museum. They serve delicious sandwiches, salads, coffee and ice cream to go. They also offer yummy baked goods. I had a slice of pumpkin bread that hit the spot when we took a quick snack break! Door Prize: Located right outside of the Museum, this spot serves sandwiches and more. It has limited hours so it may not be open depending on when you visit. Tunnel City Coffee: Located to the side of the Museum, you can get your caffeine boost here. Bright Ideas Brewing: Maybe a craft beer is more your speed? No worries, Bright Ideas Brewing is located right outside of the Museum and serves beer that is brewed right on site. Planning Your Day at Mass MoCA Mass MoCA is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 10-5. Advanced timed entry tickets are highly recommended, although we were fine just walking in to purchase tickets. Tickets prices are $20 for Adults, $12 for Students, $8 for Children Under 16 (Children Under 5 are free!). Note that there is a Free Museum Day on Saturday, January 28th ! You would definitely want to reserve a timed entry ticket if you want to take advantage of the Free Day. Reserve or purchase entry tickets here . I suggest you check out all of the exhibits that will be there when you plan to visit at the Mass MoCA website to get an idea of what things you want to see if you don't have time to explore all the exhibits. The exhibits are all very different and there is sure to be something for everyone! I was very pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Mass MoCA and I think you will be too. Even if you don't consider yourself the "artsy" type, the exhibits are so fun and different it will definitely capture your interest. Enjoy and let me know what your favorite exhibit was!

This post is a little different than my usual travel blog, but it is relevant because it involves going about this life solo in all aspects, including travel. As I have mentioned in earlier blogs, I recently got divorced after 25 years of marriage. A lot of changes come with that, but the most significant one is learning how to do life solo after years of being accompanied by a partner and family. In the months after my separation, I had a sense of freedom. I only had to worry about myself after years of trying to meet someone else's expectation, taking care of everyone else's needs (which I was very happy to do for all those years), and not having to worry about many of the things that ultimately led to the disconnect in my marriage. I realized I had lost myself along the way and was excited to take some time to rediscover parts of myself that had been neglected. I also focused on reconnecting with friendships that had not received the attention they deserved when I was struggling with my emotions and the crumbling of my marriage. In full transparency, after this initial feeling of relief, reality set in. Coming to terms with all that was lost and all the future plans that will never happen was sad. I realized that, at least for now, I truly am on this journey solo. My daughters are truly amazing and of course they have been supportive during this whole period, but they are adults and have their own paths to forge. Honestly, sometimes this realization that it is just me, myself and I feels liberating and sometimes it feels scary. But I know that this is where I need to be right now. One thing that has been the most difficult about being single as a middle aged woman (or just a single person in general) is realizing how much of life (and society, media, etc.) is focused on being part of a couple. Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting companionship and love in your life. I am open to that if it happens to cross my path again, but I am not actively seeking it at the moment. I want to experience life on my own terms and in my own way at this phase of my life. But because of the emphasis that is placed on being part of a couple, it is hard not to equate value with having someone by my side. It is easy to let myself feel "less than" because I have not "been chosen" by another to be their life partner. But the growth comes by being ok with that and realizing that I am choosing not to "be chosen". I have learned that my value comes from the unique qualities I bring to the party and not who is coming to the party with me. Taking some time to live life alone is so important. Being solo gives you an opportunity to do some deep soul searching and find out what is important to you. What things do YOU want to prioritize, what goals do YOU have for yourself, how do YOU want to live your life, what kind of future do YOU envision? Not that you can't do this with someone else, but then you will obviously need to compromise and answer those questions considering the answers for a "WE" and not a "ME". If you find yourself single in midlife it is a unique opportunity to reassess your life and take a moment to really think about these things with no other opinions or distractions. Once you figure it out and start living your life in alignment with these things, any one who comes into your life as a friend or a partner will only enhance the vision you created. Failing to take the necessary time to dig deep and do the work to discover your authentic self is wasting a precious opportunity. That being said, it takes a lot of fortitude and confidence to stick to the solo journey. I am, and have always been, a fiercely independent person. I enjoy my alone time and have no problem doing things by myself. But I would be lying if I said that it wasn't hard sometimes. Going into a restaurant and saying I am a "Party of One" can feel awkward. I do travel with friends often, but they are not always available when I want to travel so I do take a lot of trips by myself. Traveling by myself is fun, but there are always moments I wish I had that "built in" travel partner to share those amazing experiences. Sometimes it would be nice just to have someone sitting quietly on the other end of the couch or binge-watching a great show with me. Yes, there are definitely times when I feel lonely. But there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. There were plenty of times I felt lonely even when I had that partner, so being coupled up is no guarantee that you avoid that lonely feeling. Now, the occasional lonely feeling passes and I am left with a realization that I am happy living the authentic life I have created for myself. Choosing to be single will require you to often defend or explain your choice. We are constantly bombarded with media messages that finding that "perfect partner" should be our primary focus. Well-meaning people will ask if you are dating and tell you "not to worry" because you will find someone else when the time is right. But what if you don't want that? What is wrong with wanting to enjoy life's journey surrounded by good friends and family? What if you want to keep your independence? Why is staying single not a choice that is more prevalent and accepted? It is important that we begin to normalize being single, regardless of age or gender. We should honor someone's choice to take some (or all) of their life journey as a solo traveller. You can be a "Party of One" and that's perfectly ok!

On a very cold and rainy evening in Amsterdam, my friends and I ventured out to visit a bar called Tales and Spirits known for its creative cocktails. My friend Ann's research tipped us off that we were going to taste some unique concoctions, but we didn't fully know what an experience was in store for us. Despite being known as a cocktail bar, the place is very low-key and has more of a pub feel. It is a quirky and whimsical place and I felt like I had stepped into another world when we walked through the door. The bar is filled with vintage and antique pieces and the walls have several handpainted murals and quotes on the walls. The room was quaint and cozy which was the perfect antidote to the damp, chilly night outside. I felt a magical energy as soon as we walked in, in part because of the friendliness of the servers and bartenders. It seems that everyone at Tales and Spirits is definitely having fun at their job. Their enthusiasm helps create the party-like atmosphere in the small space (well, that and the strong drinks they make). It was fun to watch them create their artistic masterpieces. The cocktail menu is a creative work on its own! It takes a while to go through it as it is filled with stories and art supporting the description of the unique cocktails. The drinks have names like Fallen Lady, What If...(which corresponds to the painted mural above), Shut the Fuck Up George!, Little Miss Trouble, and MoJo. There is also a complete menu of specialized Old Fashioned's if that is your go-to drink. Find a complete cocktail menu here to check out your options if you plan to visit Tales and Spirits. You may want to preview your choices because there are so many interesting drinks it could take a while to decide. One of the most interesting drinks offered at Tales and Spirits is called the Zombie and luckily my friend Misty ordered it. The drink came with a whole presentation. Words alone can not capture the experience so I will let a video show you how the Zombie is delivered. Needless to say we were surprised by the fireworks display inside the bar! When we asked what was in the drink the server just said "Everything!". Ok...enough said. Misty didn't want to have a drink with "everything" in it by herself, so we got four straws and all took a taste. Probably a good idea as the bar itself limits customers to only two Zombies a night! You can see from the description below what "everything" actually means! The little shot glass that is lit on fire can actually be added to the Zombie as well. It's not too hard to figure out where the name of this drink came from. Upon arrival, the server provided us with a complimentary bottle of water (to keep us hydrated!) and some delicious crunchy chips with mango chutney. There is also a menu with a selection of bar bites. I highly recommend you order some for a couple of reasons. First, the drinks are strong so eating food is probably a good idea. Second, the bar bites are delicious! We ordered a few different ones to share. We got the Crunchy Chicken (which were finger bites of chicken that tasted like Sesame Chicken), Mini Cheese Souffles (pockets of deliciously melted cheese-my personal favorite!) and Bitterballen (a traditional Dutch snack served with spicy mustard). So yummy! There are other great options on the menu like Pork Buns, Onion Rings and Jalapeño Poppers. I don't think you can go wrong! If you find yourself in Amsterdam, make sure to venture to Tales and Spirits. Learn more about the bar and get directions here . They are open on Tuesday through Saturday from 17:30 (5:30 pm for us Americans) to 1:00. You should know that Tales and Spirits does not take reservations and operates on a first come, first serve basis. Rumor is it gets very crowded later at night and on weekends. We were there on a Thursday, but we made to sure to get there right when they opened so we could definitely get in. We arrived a bit before opening time and there was already a short line forming. Luckily we were able to snag a table, but the small space filled up quickly. If we hadn't gotten there so early I don't think we would have gotten to check this place out! If you end up visiting Tales and Spirits on your journeys, please share a picture of the drink you ordered as many come with their own unique presentation. I would love to see the creative way they serve drinks we didn't order! Prost!

Taking a break to take in the scenery in Amalfi Let's face it, as much fun as it is to travel, it can be a lot for anyone. Flight delays or cancellations, weather struggles, hauling luggage from place to place, cranky travel partners...just being out of your normal environment, all of these things can exhaust you and interfere with your vacation enjoyment. Add to all of that a physical or health limitation and it makes things even more difficult. However, if you love to travel like I do, you don't want to miss out on seeing the world. The good news is you don't have to if you plan your trips taking into consideration your limitations and figuring out ways to work around the obstacles. This information is also valuable if you travel with someone with Lupus or some other health condition that may impact your plans. My Lupus Story I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2015. Lupus is a systematic autoimmune disease in which the body's defense system mistakenly attacks healthy organs and tissue in the body. It affects joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, lungs and sometimes even the heart and brain. I am fortunate that my Lupus has not been particularly aggressive, but I still struggle from time to time with flares of the disease. My flares are generally mild and include symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and joint pain. While sometimes flares just happen without any warning, there are certain things that will definitely trigger a flare. I have had flares on vacation and it is a huge bummer! I have learned through trial and error what things to avoid or watch out for. However, sometimes I like to forget I have to deal with limitations of Lupus and am not as careful. I always pay the price. Unfortunately, some of the things that can cause me to have a Lupus flare are things that are common with travel (stress, intense sun, lots of walking/activity). As eliminating travel from my life is not something I want to do, I have learned (and am still learning) what I need to do when I travel so that I don't ruin my trip or have a long recovery when I get home (as I just experienced upon returning from my most recent trip to Italy). These tips and recommendations would also be helpful to anyone dealing with any other type of autoimmune disease that involves flares of fatigue, muscle weakness and joint pain (which is most of them!). Lupus Travel Tips Make sure your travel companions understand your disease and your limitations. Let your travel companions know ahead of time about how you need to take care of yourself and what could happen if you don't. Also, let them know if you feel you are pushing your limits. This communication will make them more understanding when you need to take a break, need to bow out of an activity or start to not feel well. When I did the AMA Waterways Riverboat Cruise with my friends, I had to skip an excursion and went to bed early a few nights. They understood and were supportive because they wanted to me to feel good going forward! Don't push yourself too hard and do take frequent breaks. This ties into the first tip and is one that I have a hard time with. I am so excited to explore when I get to a new place that I like to go, go, go so I can fit everything in. Even though my girls were constantly checking in on me on our last trip to the Amalfi Coast, I kept saying I was fine and continued on full steam ahead. To be honest, I was hanging in there and doing ok, but I should know better and know that if I push myself too hard it is going to catch up with me. I did have a flare towards the end of the trip and also caught a virus on the way home that really got a hold of me because I had let my body get so run down. My immune system was shot and the virus wreaked havoc on me for a full month after I got back! Lesson learned (I hope), but it is easy to forget when you are excited to be traveling and exploring the world. It is important to pace yourself throughout the day and take frequent breaks to rest and hydrate. Schedule rest days in your itinerary. When planning your vacation itinerary, be sure to schedule rest days or relaxing activities after days that require more exertion or lots of time in the sun. I didn't do a great job at this on our last trip to Italy. It was a little more difficult as we were moving from spot to spot and so we tried to see and do as much as we could in each area. Looking back, there were a couple of very strenuous days in a row that required significant time in the intense sun. It was shortly after that I started feeling the beginning of a flare. If I had to do it over, I would have split those days up and scheduled something low key in between. Don't be afraid to sit out certain events. This one is hard, but sometimes necessary. If you aren't feeling great or if you have had a lot of sun exposure or exertion already, it is a good idea to stay back and take care of yourself. I am getting better at this and will definitely stay back at the hotel to take a nap or do something low key. I may have occasional bouts of FOMO, but it's better to choose when I want to miss out rather than being forced to miss much more if a major flare up happens because I didn't properly rest. Limit sun exposure and ALWAYS use sunscreen. Sun exposure can trigger Lupus flares. I have personally experienced many flares after too much sun. I used to love beach vacations, but those are a thing of the past for me. Multiple days with hours on the beach spell disaster for me and for most people with Lupus. However, even when you take different types of vacations exploring different parts of the world, it is easy to get caught out in the sun for extended periods. That is why it is important to always apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing regardless of your plans so you are always protected from intense UV rays. Again, this is a lesson I continue to learn. I often forget the sunscreen and don't properly anticipate the amount of sun exposure I will get when planning certain activities. It happened in Italy and I paid the price with a flare (which is why I skipped the beach day even though I had planned to sit under an umbrella). Learn from my mistakes and ALWAYS apply sunscreen in the morning before you head out and bring a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from excessive sun. But limiting sun exposure shouldn't stop you from doing fun things. You just need to adjust expectations and think of creative solutions. We really wanted to do a boat tour around Capri, so I just made sure to stay under the shade canopy on the boat most of the time and we had a blast! Rest a few days before your trip to conserve energy and go into vacation feeling rested. Often we are so busy and stressed trying to get ready to go on vacation, that we start out already in a deficit. If we are traveling to a different time zone, we may also be dealing with jet lag. Taking steps to conserve energy before you leave and having a plan to deal with anticipated jet lag will help you start out feeling energized rather than already fatigued before you even get started! Try to eat healthy, anti-inflammatory foods when you can to keep inflammation down (of course make sure to also enjoy ALL the local foods you want to try...you are on vacation after all!). Disclaimer: The food below is not necessarily anti-inflammatory, but it was certainly delicious! Bolognese from Chez Black in Positano and it was the best bolognese I've ever had! Pack all your medications for managing flares in your carry-on bag and bring extra in case of delays getting home. I have a once a week injection that needs to be refrigerated and would have to be cleared to travel with, so I generally don't take this with me. So far it hasn't caused me too much trouble skipping a dose while I am away. However, you should always talk with your doctor before deciding whether or not to skip medication when you are away. I have several other oral medications that I bring to ward off any joint pain or other frustrating symptoms. I always make sure to bring enough for the days I plan to be away plus extra in case I run into travel difficulties on my way home. Also, I ALWAYS put my medication in my carry-on bag so there are no problems if me and my checked luggage take different routes to our destination. Try to travel during off-peak times to reduce exposure to crowds and reduce time standing around to get into popular tourist sites. My favorite times to travel are the "shoulder" seasons...that travel period between peak and off-peak seasons. Generally this is in Spring and Fall which is why I mostly plan my big trips in May or September. Not only do I usually get lower rates but I still get the nice weather. And, most importantly (especially for this blog), the crowds are significantly reduced. As a person with a compromised immune system I try to avoid large crowds as much as possible (although it is not possible to avoid them all time) and reduce the extended waiting periods standing in the hot sun surrounded by hundreds of people. Aside from health benefits it also makes my trip much more enjoyable! Plan a day or two of complete rest once you get home. Unfortunately, my one or two days turned into a month after my last trip since I got so run down and got sick. Under normal conditions, I always plan to take a day or two to chill out when I get home so I can regroup and rest up before reentry into real life. Lupus (and other autoimmune conditions) can certainly impact how and where you travel, but a little planning and awareness of how you (or your travel companion) are feeling while you are on vacation can go a long way to preventing a flare! Hopefully these tips can help you stay energized and healthy as you explore the world. Maybe someday we will cross paths on our adventures! Cheers!

View from the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone When planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast, all the big names pop up. Positano, Capri, Amalfi, Sorrento. Of course, all of these places are extraordinary and have their own unique beauty that cannot be missed while you are on the Amalfi Coast. But I want to let you in on a hidden gem we discovered on our trip. Ravello is a hilltop village sitting 1200 feet above the Mediterranean that offers a glimpse into thousands of years of history and some captivating views of the Amalfi Coast. Ravello turned out to be one of my favorite stops on our trip! Taking in the views from the Terrace of Infinity Getting to Ravello : Ravello is high above the coast so getting there requires some planning. There are three ways to get to Ravello: WALK: If you are really fit, you can walk (or basically climb stairs) from Amalfi. We chose to get transportation up to Ravello and walk back down to Atrani/Amalfi and I can report that even the downhill trek is challenging. There are A LOT of steps (apparently approximately 1700!) and steep decline so I can't imagine doing it the other way up to the top! But if you are looking for some intense exercise on your vacation you do have the option to walk to Ravello. BUS: We had hoped to take the bus up to Ravello as it is the cheapest and most convenient option. If the buses are operating, this is the option you should choose. A bus leaves from Amalfi about once an hour and the ride is about 20 minutes. Ticket prices are less than 2 Euro (either one way or round trip), but you may want to consider a Special Ticket which gives unlimited rides on the SITA buses around the coast for 24 hours from the time of first validation. If you are exploring several different areas this may be the best option for you. Check here for ticket options and pricing. Unfortunately, the day we wanted to go to Ravello, the buses weren't operating, so we had to take a taxi. TAXI: Taking a taxi to Ravello is the most expensive option and was even more expensive for us as the buses were not operating. The Italian taxi drivers took advantage of the limited transportation options and were charging 60 Euros for a one way trip up to Ravello! At first we declined and contemplated walking up (but on our trip down I realized that plan would have lasted about 5 minutes before we turned around because the uphill climb was too difficult!). I really, really wanted to visit Ravello based on my pre-trip research so I bit the bullet and paid the outrageous taxi fee. All I can say is I don't regret it! As I said, Ravello was one of my favorite stops of our trip so I am so glad we decided to go despite the transportation difficulties. If the buses are operating, the fare for a taxi ride up to Ravello would probably be a bit more reasonable so it is an option if riding a crowded bus up a twisting mountain road doesn't sound appealing to you. What to Do in Ravello: Walk Around the Piazza and Surrounding Streets: Ravello has lots to explore in an afternoon. We arrived mid-morning on a Sunday and it was very quiet. We grabbed some breakfast and sat in the Piazza Vescovado looking out over the mountainside with the historic Duomo as our backdrop. The Duomo, which was built in the 11th century, serves as the spiritual and social hub of Ravello. After our breakfast we walked around the streets of Ravello and took in historic architecture and browsed the beautiful ceramic shops. Commune with the Village Cats: One of our favorite things about Ravello was the number of village cats roaming around. We are cat lovers and were missing our kitties at home so this was a nice surprise. There was a black cat named Natari that is the official cat of Ravello and we were enchanted by her. We saw her actually jogging along side one of the residents of Ravello who told us of her official status. In addition to Natari, there were several other friendly cats and the girls had to stop and meet each one! Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone: Ravello is especially known for the beautiful villas and gardens that look out over the Mediterranean providing unbelievable views of the Amalfi Coast. There are two main villas that you should see on your visit to Ravello. Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are both incredible and provide completely different experiences so I highly recommend checking out both of them. Villa Rufolo sits right off the main Piazza. Villa Rufolo was built by a wealthy merchant family in the 13th century and at one time was one of the largest and most expensive villas on the Amalfi Coast. It's beautiful gardens are a popular attraction and Villa Rufolo is the host of annual summer concerts featuring piano concerts, chamber music and a grand orchestral performance on a stage jutting out over the Mediterranean Sea and the Amalfi Coast creating a breath-taking backdrop for the musical performance. Villa Rufolo opens at 9:00 am and tickets are €7. Depending on how long you linger it takes about an hour to walk through the Villa and the gardens. Villa Cimbrone is a short walk (about 10 minutes) from the main Piazza. Villa Cimbrone itself is private 5-star hotel, but tourists can (and should!) visit the Villa Cimbrone Gardens. Villa Cimbrone was built in the 11th century, but was extensively renovated by a British nobleman in the early 20th century. On the Garden grounds there is a crypt, cloister, various statues and other artwork, and the famous Terrace of Infinity where you can grab that Instagrammable photo! The Terrace of Infinity sits high above the coastline and is lined with white marble busts creating a unique and breathtaking spot to take in the views and grab a photo. The cost of admission to the Villa Cimbrone Gardens is €7 and again will probably take around an hour to explore the grounds. Grab a Bite to Eat: There are several places to eat in Ravello and I am sure they are all great. We stopped at Ristorante Villa Maria, a charming spot we passed on our way back from Villa Cimbrone. What a great find! The view from the terrace was spectacular, the food was excellent and the spritzes were refreshing. The perfect ending to our time in Ravelllo! Heading Back Down to Atrani: After our delicious lunch, we began the journey down to Atrani. It was downhill, but it was still challenging due to the steepness and the THOUSANDS of stairs. If your knees and stamina are up for it, I would still recommend it because the views were amazing! If you are in the mood for a more relaxing day, you can catch the bus or take a taxi back down. Here are some shots from our trip down to Atrani, a small fishing village right next to Amalfi. SIDE NOTE: If you are looking for some beach time, my girls highly recommend the Atrani beach. It is just a short walk from Amalfi and it was a lot less crowded. It was a free public beach, they just needed to bring towels. Don't Miss This Hidden Gem! A day in Ravello should definitely be on your itinerary. You will find a charming, historic village that will give you a break from the crowds at the more known Amalfi Coast spots, incredible views and a kitty fix if you are a cat lover! Ravello is a precious hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast so make sure you don't miss it!

Breeze Through Customs with MPC Long lines at the airport are usually the worst part of traveling, especially after an amazing international trip and a long flight home. The last thing you want to do when you land is wait in line at customs and immigration. On my last trip, I discovered a travel hack that allowed me to breeze past the long lines and get through customs in a matter of minutes. My secret? Mobile Passport Control (MPC)! MPC is an app that streamlines the entry process at certain designated US ports of entry. The app promises speed, convenience and ease. I personally experienced all three of these benefits. So, you are probably wondering how MPC works and if it is worth it to you to download the app. You may also be wondering how MPC differs from the Global Entry program you may have heard about. This blog will provide you with all the answers you need to make your next international trip a bit easier (at least at US customs and immigration). What is Mobile Passport Control (MPC)? Mobile Passport Control is an official app developed by US Customs and Border Protection that allows you to submit your passport information and customs declarations via your smartphone or tablet. This means you can skip completing the traditional paper customs form and bypass the regular inspection lines, entering the US faster. MPC is available for US ciitizens and Canadian visitors at select airports and seaports. The app is free to use and is different from Global Entry which requires an in-person interview and a membership fee. How Does MPC Work? The process for using MPC is straightforward and can be broken down into five easy steps: Download the App: The first step is to download the free CBP Mobile Passport Control app from the App Store or Google Play. Be sure your are downloading the official app by CBP to ensure the security of your data. Create a Profile: Open the MPC app and set up your profile. You will need to enter your passport details, including your full name, date of birth, passport number., issue date and expiration date. The MPC app stores this information securely for future trips. Submit Your Trip Details: When you land in the US, open the MPC app and select "New Trip." Here you will answer a few standard customs declaration questions similar to the paper forms you usually fill out on the plane. I actually filled out my New Trip information prior to arriving in the US, but was prompted to press the "Submit" button only after landing at my designated airport. As soon as I got off the plane, i connected to the airport wifi and pressed Submit. Within seconds, I received the QR Code discussed in the next step. Receive a QR Code: After submitting the details of your New Trip, the MPC app will generate a QR code. This code iwll serve as your digital customs declaation receipt. Show the QR Code at Customs: At designated MPC airport locations, there will be special lines or kiosks for Mobile Passport users. Simply show the QR code on your mobile device to the customs officer, along with your physical passport. T That's it! Easy Peasy...and you have breezed past all those people standing in line who don't know about this travel hack. You're welcome! Tips for Using MPC Make Sure Your App is Updated: Before your flight, check if you have the latest version of the MPC app. An outdated version might not work smoothly or might lack new features or updates. Keep Your Phone Charged: You don't want to reach customs only to find your phone has died. If your phone dies, you won't be able to access your QR code. In this case, you will have to go through the traditional customs process, which means standing in the long line. Make sure your have your charger or portable battery handy! Check Airport Eligibility: Not all US airports and seaports support MPC. Before your trip, visit the CBP website to confirm that your arrival airport accepts MPC. Have Your Physical Passport Handy: While the MPC app helps expedite the declaration process, you still need to present your physical passport to the customs officer. Traveling with Family: If you are traveling with your family, you simply add family members to your profile and submit all declarations together. It is a convenient option for families traveling with kids. How Does MPC Compare to Global Entry? You may be wondering how MPC compares to the popular Global Entry program. Both MPC and Global Entry offer expedited entry, but they cater to different travelers. Global Entry involves a more extensive vetting process and offers additional benefits like TSA PreCheck. To benefit from Global Entry, you must pay a fee and perform an in-person interview. MPC, on the other hand, is free and doesn't require any background checks. However, MPC only speeds up entry at those select airports that support MPC. Global Entry is accepted at all US airports. If you are a frequent intrenational traveler, the investment in Global Entry is probably worth it. However, MPC offers those who travel less frequently an opportunity to avoid those long custom lines as well. I would check the list of airports that support the MPC process and if your nearest airport is on the list, MPC is a great (and FREE!) option to save some time at customs and breeze through the entry process. Final Thoughts International travel can be stressful enough; don't let the post-flight bottleneck slow you down. Take a few minutes to download the MPC app and create your profile. Then when you arrive at your US destination, you can skip those dreaded long customs lines and be on your way in no time!