An Ideal Ten Days in the Amalfi Coast and Islands

An Ideal Ten Days in the Amalfi Coast and Islands

Amalfi coast with its breathtaking views and cliff-hanging pastel homes is known for its limoncello drinks, jaw dropping views and terraced gardens. While other Italian cities like Rome, Florence and Venice are known for their churches and museums, the Amalfi Coast is known for its ambience and natural landscape and is best done just enjoying…

A Day in Lecce, Italy

A Day in Lecce, Italy

Known as the “Florence of the South” for its beautiful Baroque buildings. Surrounded by gentle hillsides dotted with enchanting villages, Lecce is a laid-back city with hospitable people, great food and natural and architectural beauty.  A university city and capital of the province by the same name in the Apulia (or Puglia in English) region…

What is a Masseria?

What is a Masseria?

What is an Italian Masseria? A “masseria” is an Italian version of a plantation, hacienda, or farm. The name masseria is used mostly in the Puglia region of Italy. These homes are sometimes referred as “massi” or “factoria.” From the 16th to 18th century,  masserias were the farmhouses in which workers and “pedrones” (English: master/boss)…

A long weekend in Tucson, AZ

A long weekend in Tucson, AZ

Arizona’s “second city,” makes a great snowbird weekend getaway for adventure and food. It is often overlooked for spa retreats in Scottsdale or the landscape of bucket list destinations such as Flagstaff,  Sedona, or the Grand Canyon. Tucson, which is surrounded by desert and mountains, is the best place to see the large Saguaro cactus….

5 Best Coffee shops in Barrio Logan, San Diego

5 Best Coffee shops in Barrio Logan, San Diego

I love spending an afternoon in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood. Known for its food, activism, and artwork. I first discovered the neighborhood because of the beautiful murals depicting indigenous deities, famous Chicanos, and local activists. Known for grassroots activism and good food, this makes for a great afternoon excursion while in San Diego. While…

Ten Days in Puglia, Italy

Ten Days in Puglia, Italy

Puglia, Italy is known for its terraced country gardens, whitewashed villages, fresh farm-to-table restaurants and seaside Adriatic towns. For those who say Italy looks like a boot, this is the “heel” region. Once a part of mankind’s first democracy as part of Magna Grecia (ancient Greece), the region is rich and deep in history. When…

Ways to celebrate Black History Month without leaving NYC

Ways to celebrate Black History Month without leaving NYC

African-Americans have been living and contributing to the development of New York City since 1626. While early inhabitants were forced here through the Dutch West Indies trade. A large number of African-Americans moved up north during the great migration of the 19th century for economic opportunity and better treatment. A large number of Black New…