Laduree Paris

Laduree Paris, Indulge your Inner Dessert Princess on the Champs Elysees

My initial intent was to show my niece, Aubrey, the magic of  dessert in all it’s tempting forms at  Laduree on the Champs Elysses in Paris.  My timing wasn’t quite so good as she hit “famished” on her internal food feeding barometer (she was eating 5xs a day!) right in […]

Eiffel Tower view from 2nd floor

Paris: Thank You for Protesting During Our Eiffel Tower Visit

As we waited for the guide to arrive, we heard the noise of a shouting crowd, saw the smoke being thrown down the street and flags waving. And just like in the movies, the next frame had the police sirens and minivans arrive a block away from the commotion but […]

Macarons in Paris

Paris Macarons and Chocolate, a pastry kitchen tour at Gerard Mulot

If you haven’t guessed by now in reading my blog or following my instagram, I have an insatiable sweet tooth.  Visiting Paris with my eleven year old niece, Aubrey, allowed me to indulge a bit more than normal (or at least I felt that I had a good excuse for […]

Eiffel Tower Paris

The Five day Paris Itinerary with a Tween – Family Fun Activities in Paris

Planning for five days in Paris with my eleven year old niece, Aubrey, was a bit challenging.  While I’ve been to Paris many times over the past twenty years, most recently last November, I needed to view it through new eyes and become a tourist.  Becoming a tourist, to me, […]

Thai A380 fresh orchid

My first A380 flight: Thai Airways A380 Business Class from Bangkok to Paris (BKK – CDG)

You always remember your first time and my Thai A380 first flight will not be forgotten anytime soon.  The A380 is a massive, double decker plane and quite impressive from the outside.  With my Australia RTW Star Alliance redemption, I purposely planned a long 18 hour layover in Bangkok  from […]

Sofitel St. James London

Review: Five Star Luxury at The Sofitel St. James London

Over the years, I’ve stayed in a few different parts of London – Park Lane, Soho, Fitzrovia, Bond Street and the City of London.  Wanting to try something new as the City hotel area is deserted on the weekend, I opted for a similarly priced hotel on Pall Mall, next […]

St. Paul's Cathedral London

Aunt Sue’s Travel Quiz – Week 2 – UK Music

Preparing my niece for our trip to Paris and London, I had her complete her first week’s quiz on what she wanted to do and see.  Week 2 was my attempt to influence her musical tastes leaning toward the music of the U.K.  Full confession, I wanted to expel New […]

Sense Spa Rosewood London

Awesome Deep Tissue Massage in London at Sense Spa Rosewood London Hotel

A special treat when I travel is to indulge in a day spa and the various treatments available such as facials, massage or mani/pedi. When I stayed at the Westin Capetown, I practically swooned in their spa and could have stayed for days in their relaxation room with the heated […]

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, on the outside looking up

Crossing the pond to London has become a yearly trek as part of my job (great perk, right?).  There is, of course, a downside to the trek (cue tiny violins) – my agenda rarely gives me time to explore the city.  Over the years,  I’ve taken advantage of the free […]