I’ve always been fascinated by foreign languages and different cultures. When it came time to choose a language to study in high school, I couldn’t decide—so I chose to study both Japanese and French! I’ve traveled to 43 countries now, and even when I’m taking a short trip to a place where English is not…
When I first came to Turkiye as a visitor in 2015, I went looking for a new cookbook for my collection, since I usually buy a small one in each country I visit. Instead, I found Istanbul Eats: Exploring the Culinary Backstreets and I read it cover to cover in one sitting! Many of my…
Winter in Hawaii is a magical time to visit and quite popular with “snowbirds” fleeing colder climates. It’s peak season so be sure to book your hotels and activities way in advance, if possible. Big events like the Honolulu Marathon, professional surfing competitions and the return of the humpback whales to Hawaiian waters are other…
The Galataport cruise ship terminal in the Karakoy area of Istanbul is billed as the World’s First Underground Cruise Ship Terminal. Historically this neighborhood was a melting pot of culture and commerce and an important commercial center in the city. After years of redevelopment, the massive seaside project has finally been opened to the public….
The following deals are those that have caught my eye this year that are curently running through Black Friday / Cyber Monday / Giving Tuesday – check the dates on each listing to be sure you don’t miss the deadline! My 2025 Black Friday Flash Sale: ✨GOOGLE MAP MAGIC✨ for $1 Learn how to avoid…
In just about every new place I visit, I always try to book a culinary activity as close to the beginning of my trip as possible. It’s a strategy that’s paid off in so many ways – by helping me to maximize my time (plus restaurant and sightseeing choices) for the rest of the trip,…
✈ Planning a trip soon? I personally believe that food is a universal language and it’s a large part of any trip planning that I do. If you need some help with adding some spice to your next trip, there are lots of ways that we can work together. (Plus many free resources, if you…
A selection of my favorite recipes from Hawaii that use mochiko flour, inspired by Koda Farms Blue Star Mochiko flour and the news that the farm business was closing, reported in August 2024.
Because I had a bit of a reputation as a foodie back home in Hawaii and now having spent more than nine years exploring the various regional dishes in Turkey, I’m often asked for my favorite restaurant in Istanbul. The question makes me nostalgic! I can remember the exact moment I fell in love with…
Ways to be a better tourist that go beyond bringing your own water bottle and refusing single-use plastics. Considering ways to give back to the community you visit, or at the very least to do less harm when spending your vacation dollars.
