Seattle flights Mt. Rainier views from the plane

An Exhausting Day of AA Flight Delays from Philly to Seattle (AA PHL-SEA)

There’s a first time for everything they say….I just wish it wasn’t me that had to experience it so often.  Over the years, I’ve sat on runways delayed for no reason in the sun and other times sat on the runway because of Airforce One.  With nightmare travel days and […]

The Art of the Brick Tree Huggers

Travel Safety Tips to Consider on Your Next Trip Local or Abroad

One excuse I’ve heard over the years for not traveling is “it isn’t safe to go to x, y or z”.  I was reminded this weekend that staying at home isn’t safe either – bad things can happen anywhere.  While sitting in one of four lanes of traffic waiting to […]

The Grazing Goat Roast Dinner Yorkshire Pudding

London Sunday Roast Dinner at The Grazing Goat in Marylebone

So I took a silly quiz recently to see “How British Are You” based on the list of British foods you’ve eaten.  It was a fun quiz and not surprisingly I scored “you are a picky eater” which made me laugh because I won’t eat haggis for extra points. One […]

Coastal Beach view UK train Edinburgh to London

Review: Train Edinburgh to London First Class on the East Coast

Update: Note that as of June 24, 2018, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will take over this route from Virgin East Coast (which I used during my travels).  Much will remain (including the great views along the way) the same as I understand it with staff transferring – it will […]

Virgin East Coast First Class Lounge

(Former) Virgin First Class Lounge Edinburgh Review – Stylish with Free Biscuits

Update: Note that Virgin no longer services the East Coast line.  The lounge is now affiliated with the new vendor (LNER) and changes may have been made since my visit when operated by Virgin.  Check your train ticket and talk to staff to see if you have access to the […]

Edinburgh Sheraton One Square Restaurant bar lounge decor

Review: Edinburgh Sheraton Grand Hotel Room with a Castle View

There’s a table full of Scottish shortbread cookies (and healthy apples) that I was drawn to in the lobby at check in – I knew I was going to like it here. Here was the Edinburgh Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa located in Festival Square. My weekend trip to Edinburgh […]

Hairy Coo Fiona, Scottish Highland Cow

Three Days in Edinburgh – Scottish Castles, a Hairy Coo and Lush Landscapes

For my Memorial Day trip this year, I decided a quick three days in Edinburgh would be a perfect diversion from my normal London visit.  I would still go to London for two nights before flying home to see friend. With such a short visit to Edinburgh, you’d think I […]

Love Statue Philly

A New Tradition – The Memorial Day Trip to Europe

When my father passed suddenly a few years ago, his service was the day after Memorial Day.  What was a lovely holiday to start the summer, a holiday to remember those who served in the U.S. Armed forces, was now a holiday full of sadness, deep sadness that I wasn’t […]