While I’ve been lucky enough to explore cities all over the world, my heart is always in San Francisco. With it’s stunning scenery including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, story-book Victorian homes, cable cars, vibrant parks, hip neighborhoods, world-class dining, independent boutiques, impressive museums and innovative industries attracting people from all over the world - the City by the Bay checks all the boxes for a dream destination. It’s the friendliest little big city with an eclectic mix of architecture, walkable neighborhoods (the steep hills are great for your glutes), and it’s easy to navigate whether on foot, public transportation, Uber or Lyft. So grab your layers - unpredictable weather varies from sunshine to a blanket of “Karl the Fog” - lace-up your kicks, and go experience San Francisco’s spirit...
London is calling. And when it does, I listen! Dubbed the “cultural capital of the world,” this multifaceted, vibrant and historical city - that is changing at a remarkable pace with new buildings and refurbs - is a year-round destination. In spring the weather is mild and parks are bursting with blooms. During the balmy summer months visitors play outdoors all day - enjoying festivals, events, or rooftop bars. In autumn, buildings are adorned with yellow and orange leaves and museums debut exciting new exhibits. And in winter, the city is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland, with twinkling lights everywhere - adorning streets, hotels, markets - all dressed up in holiday finery. London is a city that takes my breath away and that I enjoy again and again. London is a wonderfully walkable city of “villages” and its public transportation, the Tube, is excellent and used by most residents. I’m a big fan of the famous London black cabs driven by skilled, knowledgeable, chatty drivers.
By popular demand, London is a city that you voted as A Well Traveled Life’s next City Guide. And, with several British milestones in 2018 (a baby prince, a royal wedding, and oh yes, a new season of Netflix’s The Crown) London is now, more than ever, a top destination.
So mates, I welcome your feedback and updates, and hope you have a brilliant go at exploring this fantastic city. Cheers!
The culture, the culinary delights, the chic Parisians, the iconic sights...The popular sentiment that “Paris is always a good idea" rings true. However, each time I travel to this fabulous city, I scramble to figure out the best bistros, restaurants, cafés, shops and boutiques to visit. And, the City of Light is always on fire with enticing new points of interest and pleasures that I don’t want to miss. While I always leave Paris feeling that I didn’t have enough time to do it all, I remind myself that I will return. Again and again. This debut Paris guide (which is in no way exhaustive) compiles information I have gathered from my recent experiences, conversations and research.
For your convenience as you plan your visit, street addresses and the number of the city’s 20 arrondissements (districts) in which the establishment is located are provided, as well as the website, when available. I love to explore Paris on foot or by bike; however, navigating the Paris Metro is easy with its 16 lines identifiable by number, color, and end-of-line names. At night, I prefer to walk, Uber, or hire a hotel car.
I welcome your feedback, and wish you Bon Voyage and Bon Appétit as you set out to explore this irresistible city…
