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)…

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…

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…

A Day in Annapolis, Maryland

A Day in Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis, the Capital of Maryland Annapolis, America’s Sailing Capital, is known for its rich Maritime history. Its name is almost synonymous with the famous Naval Academy on site. The Capital of Maryland, is laid between the Chesapeake Bay and Severn River. While the city still remains the State Capital of Maryland, you feel like you…

A day in…Downtown Brooklyn

A day in…Downtown Brooklyn

Small businesses sandwiched amid older landmarked buildings, as new luxury developments outpace each other in this once gritty and tired neighborhood. Downtown Brooklyn is now a thriving neighborhood while still holding true to its original bustling community.  Timing: I love downtown Brooklyn during the annual Atlantic Antic festival which is a street fair run by…

A Day in… Polignano a Mar, Italy

A Day in… Polignano a Mar, Italy

The dramatic towering cliffs contrast the clear turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and are perfect for any shutter-happy tourist. Italy’s Polignano a Mar, is one coastal town in the largest region in Italy,  Apulia (or Puglia in English) known for its picturesque mountain top villages and rolling countryside. The iconic beach town is popular…

A Day in…Framingham, MA

A Day in…Framingham, MA

Framingham, the third city along the Boston Marathon route, is located 30 miles west of Boston. The city brings to mind images of clusters of shopping malls and car dealerships. Yet, beyond these commercial images, Framingham offers a surprising amount of plenty of natural beauty, conservation land, and charming farmhouses and other attractions worth visiting. …