The Spirit of Santa Fe

Santa Fe Shadows and Light

It doesn’t take long to discern that Santa Fe is a city of believers.

If the shops stuffed with dream catchers, turquoise-encrusted crosses, or healing gemstone bracelets and rings aren’t enough to convince you, then just belly up to the bar at The Shed, the town’s ‘must go’ lunch spot where friendly townsfolk gladly share a story or two with first time visitors, like me.

 “Santa Fe is steeped in folklore and ghosts,” said Sam, a lawyer and 20-year resident who insisted I order enchiladas smothered in locally made red and green chili sauce, called “Christmas” if you order it on the same plate.

When I told him I was staying just down the road at the Inn and Spa at Loretto, he shoved a fork full of posole into his mouth nodded. “Well then you might meet Sister George, the cigar-smoking nun who supposedly haunts it.”

Cigar-smoking nuns? Haunting? 

Best Travel Writing Solas Awards 2012

I just watched the Oscars on Sunday and loved seeing the nominees clap politely for one another and nod in gratitude, saying "It's an honor to be nominated."  Yes, it is. But it's freaking awesome to win something for your hard work, which you know is what Brad and George were thinking when the French guy, who didn't even talk in the movie, scooped up the Best Actor statuette. C'est la vie.

So, I'm giddy to say that a story I wrote called Lost and Liberated (published on gadling.com) was chosen as the bronze winner by Travelers' Tales in the Best Women's Travel category.

What are the Solas Awards? Here's what Travelers' Tales has to say---

Extraordinary stories about travel and the human spirit have been the cornerstones of our books since 1993. With the Solas Awards we honor writers whose work inspires others to explore. We’re looking for the best stories about travel and the world funny, illuminating, adventurous, uplifting, scary, inspiring, poignant stories that reflect the unique alchemy that occurs when you enter unfamiliar territory and begin to see the world differently as a result. We hope these awards will be a catalyst for those who love to leave home and tell others about it.

The list  of winners includes many talented writers, and I am proud to be among them. While it is nice to be nominated (insert polite nod to fellow entries here) it feels freaking awesome to be recognized with a win. Let's face it, we writers don't peck away endlessly at the keyboard for the wads of money we rake in. We write because it's who we are, and we couldn't imagine doing anything else. Same reason travelers travel. Accolades are few and far between and when they arrive they feel like Ed McMahon knocking at your door with balloons and an oversized check for a million bucks.

Today, I am a millionaire.

Fear not, I'll be a struggling writer again tomorrow, pecking away at the keyboard with the rest of you.

Read the stories, get inspired, hit the road.

Click here to see a list of all the winners 


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It's Heeeeeerrre!

Must Sees Brussels, a new international title joining Michelin's the Must Sees series, is colorful, compact, and fits in your pocket, making it the ideal travel companion. And, this  one was written entirely by me this past summer.  Phew.  Lot of work, but I am always proud to write about a city and country I love so much. Many people overlook Brussels, or only stop for a quick glance between train connections. But Brussels has more to offer than a statue of a peeing boy and some seriously good beer. I should know---I lived there for six years and miss it every day.  Let this book, and me, be your guide to the world-class museums, top restaurants, activities for kids, tucked away neighborhoods, fresh markets, shops, and more that, in my opinion, make Brussels one of Europe's best capital cities. Included are side trips to nearby cities, like the bustling university and beer town of Leuven and the adrenaline-fueled, yet relaxation town of Spa, in the Ardennes.  Color photos highlight the people, the towns, the parks, and the book also features mini-guides to Belgium’s other Michelin three-star cities: Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent.  Do it all with Michelin Must Sees!
Order it here


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Lights, Camera, Location!

James Bond's Favorite Hangout
(photo courtesy of VisitMonaco.com)

Is there a girl out there who hasn't dreamed of twirling in the Alps and singing along to The Sound of Music soundtrack -- or a boy who hasn't imagined a home run à la Field of Dreams?

Films have long been an inspiration to travelers looking to link the dreamy scenes depicted on the silver screen to real-life adventures. Here are 20 ways to recreate some classic movie scenes in Paris, Rome, London, New York City, Oahu, and more great destinations around the world.

Click here to find out where the locations shine as bright as the movie stars.



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