Cleveland, Ohio: Photo Essay of a Post-Industrial Ghost Town

I began my exploration of Cleveland in the University Circle neighborhood just East of downtown. University Circle is one of Cleveland's historic neighborhoods. The old buildings were ornate and palatial, remnants of a time when Cleveland was a wealthy city on the rise.

      As a vacation destination, in her current state,  Cleveland has little to give. I’m rooting for her though, Cleveland has a lot of potential.

24 Hours in Charlotte

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“Wait, where are you?” “Charlotte.” “Why are you in Charlotte?” I was in Charlotte because my amazingly talented trombonist husband recently joined the orchestra of the touring company of “Come Fly Away.”  Long tours can be difficult on a relationship, especially now that our little-one is part of our family equation. The solution, Sojourner and [...]

Charlotte, North Carolina Photo Essay

In the center of downtown, you'll find this old fashioned clock

      patriotism at its finest

Charlotte, plus Cinco de Mayo, who knew?

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When one thinks about Cinco de Mayo celebrations around the world, Puebla, Mexico, or Mexico as a whole, most likely comes to mind. Depending upon where you live, certain pockets of the U.S. west and southwest may also register. After my weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Charlotte is now on that list. Charlotte is a [...]

Being In The Moment

Two days ago, I found myself flipping through the pages of A Day’s Tour, a travel narrative written by Percy Fitzgerald circa 1887.  Travel writing has evolved over the years, but certain scenic impressions and sentiments remain timeless.   “We long to be away, to be crossing over that night- enjoying a cool fresh passage, [...]

A Touch of Brasil in Herald Square

I wish I were a natural green thumb. I crave green leafy goodness to enliven the dull slate that characterizes city living. Despite my best intentions, I am the curator of a string of failed urban garden attempts. Luckily, my longing to see vibrant green, eye-popping red and creamy yellow was satisfied today with a [...]

Spring In Brandywine, Maryland: A Photo Journey

“The Town Mouse said to his friend: “You live here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of plenty. I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come with me, as I much wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my dainties.”  The Country Mouse [...]

Visiting New York? Try a vacation rental.

  When it comes to planning a New York City vacation, there are numerous accommodation styles worth considering. From hostels, to bed and breakfasts, to hotels and motels, you can find a little bit of everything in Manhattan and its surrounding boroughs. But did you know that there is also a booming rental market for [...]

Pondering and Rambling About My Origins in Cameroon

  I recently, in honor of Black History month and out of genuine curiosity took an African Ancestry DNA test. A test similar to the ones famously taken by Oprah, Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Blair Underwood (to name a few). It turns out part of my story (matrilineal) began in Cameroon, a small Western [...]

San Antonio, Texas – A Photo Diary (and a few words too)

Hazy and hopeful with a pinch of spice, San Antonio, Texas is a great weekend destination. With a thriving arts scene and a strong historical tradition, there are a number of things to see and enjoy (many for free). Whether you’re all about great food, Mexican culture, the rodeo, romantic walks along moonlit canals, or [...]

In Search of Vegan, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-Free, Nut-Free Delicious Desserts

“I’m going to recommend, if you still want to breast feed, due to the nature of Ohm’s allergies, that you adapt a total elimination diet so that we can determine the source of his irritation.” “What does an elimination diet entail?” “No dairy, no eggs, no nuts, no soy and no wheat.” “What?” “Absolutely no [...]

What’s In A Name?

“Sue-jerner?” “No.” “Sigourney? Like the actress from Aliens?” “No.” “Sojoiner?” ”No.” “Serjerner?” “No.” I grew up with a large and inaccurate variety of names. It was inevitable that during the course of a day, I would have to correct its pronunciation at least five times. As a child I wanted nothing more than to blend [...]

Hotel Week NYC

Happy New Year! We made it, it’s January, and January means hotel discounts throughout New York City. After charging exorbitant prices during the peak holiday season from November through December, New York City hotel prices drop to amazing lows in what is called Hotel Week. Similar to Restaurant Week, where New York’s finest restaurants make [...]

The Christmas Light and Window Displays in Manhattan

I love Christmas. For as long as I can remember, I have experienced what can only be described as full body possession by a deranged little elf towards the culmination of Thanksgiving dinner.  Dropping my fork, after my final serving of desert signified one thing and one thing alone- Christmas season had descended yet again. [...]

The Great Gap Year Debate

Go to college… Go to grad school… Get a job… Travel the world…   If these were all regarded as viable and respected options, which would you choose and in what order?   I often think about this. Reflecting on my path, specifically during my late teens and twenties, if I knew what I know [...]

Must Have Accessories When Totting an Infant Traveler

With a little (okay, a lot) of extra planning and creativity, your newborn can be your best traveling companion. The following are some accessories that will make your travel experience with your infant a much more enjoyable and carefree event. 1. Baby Bjorn Carrier I never leave the house without my Baby Bjorn. This is [...]

Ten songs that make me want to get my travel on!

I have the tendency to lose myself in elaborate daydreams, often sparked by hearing a familiar song or two. The following ten songs, make me want to lose myself in adventure. The artists listed are not necessarily the originals, they merely sing the versions that speak to me. 1.  Mozambique  by: Bob Dylan Bob Dylan’s [...]

Help me choose my next travel destination

Hey Everyone, I’m trying to plan my next family getaway and I need some ideas. For the first time we’ll be traveling with an infant so I’d like to keep the flight from New York relatively short. We want to leave either late Fall or early Winter, other than that I’m open. If you have [...]

Traveling with a Newborn: Ohm’s First Trip

I have done nothing in my life as miraculous as giving birth to my son. A month old today, my life with Ohm has been an intense and primal love affair. On his own schedule from day one, Ohm arrived three weeks late, thus disrupting the bonding time my husband and I had planned at [...]

Phuket Photo Gallery