I had grand plans after writing about Greece and Italy.
Read MoreThe first twenty minutes in Milan proper, I said something only a New Yorker would say: "Milan is...cute."
Read MoreOh, what a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. Three trips sandwiched between two hurricanes, two packed bags that never became fully unpacked—and for weeks sat open like a jaw, the insides of a stomach; nearly digested experiences—filled with beach sand, rumpled bathing suits still cold and wet, a bent up straw hat, two Turkish towels, a funeral program, a black dress.
Read MoreLast Monday, February 3 I flew to Paris and met a series of sunny and somewhat-warm days. I stayed at the Hotel Therese, on a quiet street next to the Palais Royal. I revisited a few of the places I knew from the first time I went to Paris, back when I was a frightened little 20-something. There are still things I am afraid of, sure, but now, they feel dwarfed.
Read MoreMy favorite streets are in the blocks surrounding the museum so I led Alistair down Church Street, past Christ Church built in 1840, undeniably beautiful, made of stone. Further down, a set of beautiful buildings in the Mobile style, the most beautiful being Malaga Inn. The courtyard, with its bubbling fountain, is a must-see. I crossed the street and took Alistair to Spanish Plaza, a park dedicated to the relationship between Malaga, Spain and Mobile. There is another very nice fountain there.
Read MoreI have so many memories in the yard. Growing up we used to swim in an above-ground swimming pool, which is now a bed of lettuce. In May we picked blueberries. When I owned a rabbit he would enjoy exploring the azalea bushes. We raked that yard all day after Katrina made landfall. One or our big pine trees fell.
Read MoreI always write: because you can see everything you will pass in advance, San Francisco is the only city where you can see the future.
Read More