TelAvivDec2

The last 2 weeks of January 2012, I will be taking a once in a lifetime journey to Israel, the Holy Land. Growing up in the Bible Belt of Iowa, the legendary "land of milk and honey" was discussed often as a faraway land, where none of my family, mere farmers, blue collar workers and "gasp" Iowans.  But here I am looking forward to a visit to Galilee, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. I'm even going to throw in a camel safair and some other such adventures.

Israel boasts warm winter sunshine while we (Europeans and Americans) are shivering under layers of...

Continue...

WellingtonAirNewZealand

Most travelers put New Zealand on their bucket list, and I'm no different. There's so much to see and do -- from ancient Kauri forests, rugged coastlines and the traditions of the Maori.

Getting to New Zealand is an adventure in itself. My November layovers and the long Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand and then on to Wellington was just the beginning. 

Once your flight lands, you breath in the breathtaking New Zealand scenery, unique Maori culture and the Kiwi's hospitality, and then you grab your luggage and you're off for an adventure of a life time!

Continue...

TheBradburyCanon_City

On the road again...this time to Canon City, Colorado.  Its first territorial prison was built in 1871, followed by 12 additional state and federal prisons making Canon City the Corrections Capital of Colorado. But Canon City, located in the Pikes Peak region, is way more than its prison as one of the oldest tourist destinations in the West.

We've got three must-do places to see:

• Winery at Holy Cross Abbey
• All aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad, dome car, gourmet dinner with all the...

Continue...

CantinaLaredoShrimpSalad1

I don't venture often to Southeast Denver, but I accepted the invitation for a cooking class at Cantina Laredo Denver, an upscale Mexican restaurant, located in Centennial's outdoor mall, The Streets at SouthGlenn. Cantina Laredo is part of a national chain, each with its own personality and staff. Here traditional Mexican food is accented with Southwest flavors and generous twists of lime.  

Cantina Laredo Denver celebrates the summer with several fresh salads: Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad, Mango Chicken Salad, Cranberry Pecan Salad, and -- my favorite -- Honey Shrimp Salad. All four salads consisted of fresh ingredients, and house-made salad dressings. 

Continue...