As you traverse narrow mountain roads enroute to Greece’s mightiest gorge, historic stone bridges appear and disappear enchantingly. Hand-built centuries ago by master masons of Epirus, these stone arch bridges fill the Pindos Mountains with purposeful grace and rugged beauty. It seems as if you’re in a fairytale come true. And the bridges are characters in their own right. The first bridge you encounter is the Kokkorou Bridge, the stern guardian of Zagori. Its high single arch spans the...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Scenically surrounded by mountains and strategically set on a lake, the Epirus capital of Ioannina commands an urban setting unique in Greece. Ioannina’s lovely promenade along Lake Pamvotis draws locals and visitors alike by day and by night. Water taxis shuttle constantly between Ioannina’s dock and its small island in Lake Pamvotida. The locals call their island To Nisi, which simply means “the island.” To Nisi is inhabited, one of only two inhabited lake islands in all of Greece. The...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hidden in the lush forests of Epirus, Greece is a little-known cultural gem: The stone villages of the Pindos Mountains. Centuries ago, master stone masons built an intricate network of stone bridges, stone paths, and stone stairs connecting these tiny mountain villages (choria, χωριά). Nowadays, Epirus’ larger mountain communities can be reached by locals and visitors alike via car or bus. In particular, the lower Zagori villages have become better known and offer somewhat more...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
After visiting the magnificent medieval monasteries of Meteora, Paul and I continued our road trip through rural Thessaly, Greece. Fierce rains pummeled our car and so, with conditions worsening, we pulled over for an unplanned stay outside Trikala. We were the only guests at Vintage Suites Trikala, a surprisingly sophisticated accommodation for this strictly local area. The owner suggested the only restaurant open that evening. The rain continued to lash the car, and us, as we sloshed...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Are you traveling over the long Memorial Day weekend? If so, you’re one of 45 million people in the USA alone who will travel 50 miles (80 km) or more from home, say TSA and AAA. 45 million. That’s a new record number of holiday travelers on Memorial Day weekend trips. despite increasing costs for gas (the majority will drive this weekend), airfare, hotels, and well, everything else. Whether you’re heading out this holiday weekend or planning a later trip this summer, perhaps for the FIFA...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Where do your travel dreams take you today? Paul’s and my travel dreams take us to the awe-inspiring Atlantic Coast of Lisbon, Portugal, in the quiet season. We’re imagining a long drive up the lonely coastal road, past empty beaches of golden sand which sun-lovers and surfers will soon throng. Grey skies and cold rain create an entirely different mood than summer’s bright and warm summer months. Strong winds pummel the wild coast, and spectacular waves pound the rocky shores. And...
3 months ago • 1 min read
“This has got to be the world’s most beautiful bookstore,” wrote Susan in reply to last week’s email. “Please tell us more.” Yes, El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires is every bit as gorgeous and glamourous as the stars of stage and screen who once graced this 1919 opera house and movie palace. Tens of thousands of books, magazines, and music selections fill the vast interior, complete with original luxury boxes and ceiling frescos. The onstage café is a perfect place to sip an espresso...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Libraries and bookstores are passports to endless worlds within four walls. So there’s always room in our tote bag or suitcase to bring home a special book or two. At home and abroad, Paul and I find joy visiting local libraries and bookstores, such as the beautiful El Ateneo Grand Splendid in Buenos Aires, Argentina pictured above. Now is a great time to find some fresh bookish joy. Because National Library Week started April 19th and ends with Independent Bookstore Day on April 25th....
3 months ago • 1 min read
Where do you find joy when traveling? Two places where Paul and I find joy are libraries and bookstores. We seek them out wherever we go, at home and abroad. Because the joy of knowledge, cultures, adventures, and inspirations await within their walls. National Library Week 2026 starts April 19th, celebrating the theme “Find Your Joy,” and ends with Independent Bookstore Day on April 25th. Surprisingly, at least to us, we found one of the world’s most important public library systems in...
3 months ago • 1 min read