Blog
"Life is a curious mix of fantasy, experienceand interpretation."
Note to readers: After a three-year hiatus, my blog has relaunched in a new home — on this website. You can subscribe to future posts via RSS feed, or by using the sign-up box below.
The Seamy Side of Airbnb Reviews
A system in which hosts and guests rate each other has a chilling effect on travelers, and gives enormous power to homeowners.
In Paris, Four Hot Tickets Take the Chill Off Winter
From ambitious retrospectives and creative curation, to high-tech immersive art, these special exhibits give art buffs a reason to brave the cold.
A Favorite Paris Neighborhood, Above and Below Ground
My search for an affordable Paris rental led me to a part of the city not frequented by tourists. Then I fell in love with the neighborhood.
Four Great Rooftop Views of Paris
From pricey tourist traps to cheap thrills, the Paris rooftops are enchanting. Here’s where you can savor the most iconic vistas.
The Whole Bonito on Budget Travel
Any way you slice it, I went overboard with an impulsive – and bargain – purchase. Here’s how I tackled the culinary challenge.
Four Périgord Markets That Are Worth the Journey
For those who value freshness, giant French supermarkets are no competition for weekly outdoor markets. Here’s how to shop like a local in the Dordogne.
In France, Doing a Reverse Julia Child
When an Alsatian butcher handed me a free pork shoulder, I didn’t know what to do with it. But I wasn’t about to let it go to waste.
Sniffing Out a Restaurateur’s Cheesemonger
A cheese store worth a detour is just a quick hop from Vichy, France, famous for its thermal waters, Art Deco buildings and role in World War II history.
In Alsace, Elevating a Once-Scorned Grape to a New Status
When does a Sylvaner not look or taste like a Sylvaner? The winemakers at Domaine Armand Hurst, in Turckheim, have an answer to that riddle.
Eating Like a Grape Picker in Alsace
The harvest is a festive time, with celebrations in wine-producing villages and food stores offering seasonal concoctions. I tried my hand at baeckeoffe.
How to Spot An Airbnb Guest Who Has Something to Hide
When vetting people who want to rent your home, make sure to ask the right questions and pay attention to all the signals.
Why and How to Visit Verdun
With underground forts and a vast, high-tech, museum, the century-old Verdun battlefield offers lessons for today. Here’s how to structure a brief visit.