Burgundy: Beaune, France

Beaune was the perfect halfway point to spend the weekend during our drive from Provence to Normandy. Located in the eastern part of central France about 30 miles south of Dijon, Beaune is the wine capital of the Burgundy region and a quintessential French town. Jake said that before he visited France, this is what he pictured it to be like.  It reminded me of the French village in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Bangkok: Honey Toast, Goats and Mango Sticky Rice - A Walk Down Thonglor

Thonglor is one of the nicest parts of Bangkok and a lot of fun to explore.  This area seems to attract some of Bangkok's best and most creative restaurants and cafes, leading to lots of great places to try out.  Located right off of the skytrain, Thonglor is easy to reach.  Hint: Thonglor Road is also called Sukhumvit Soi 55...

Provence: Verdon Gorge

We left Cotignac a week early and got a head start on our drive to Amsterdam.  We turned it into a French road trip, with stops in Southern, Central and Northern France.  First up:  the Verdon Gorge.

Provence: Cotignac, France

I thought of three alternative titles for this post:  "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly", "It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times", or "All that Glitters is not Gold."  Perhaps this offers a glimpse into my feelings about Cotignac, a picturesque Provincial village tucked in the south eastern corner of France.  I spent just under two months in Cotignac (Jake was with me for about half that time).  While I treasure my gorgeous photos of one of the most beautiful villages in France, I take comfort in the fact that I never have to go back...

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is a city of contradictions.  Sophisticated yet laid back, grand yet intimate, upscale yet unpretentious, traditional yet innovative.  San Sebastian is also one of those rare cities blessed with both natural and man made beauty, creating a stunning synergy. While the beach beckons, the true star of the show is the food.   

  

Around Town: 

The promenade along La Concha (shell) beach is charming.  There is something about a beach plopped down in the center of a city that brings with it a unique energy.  Notice the statue (of Jesus) on the hilltop.  We hiked toward this statue, but never quite saw Jesus (walking uphill is hard!) although we did see some magnificent views of the city and ocean.