Category: Places to Explore

Posted on

Bundle up for the Cold Chicago Chill!

When Flat Stanlina arrived, she was very excited to explore Chicago, but she was not prepared for the cold weather! All she packed was a very pretty sundress! Great for southern California or Chicago in summertime, but not wintertime! Poor Flat Stanlina was shivering when she came out of her envelope.

photo (11)

“Why is it so cold?” Well, Flat Stanlina, that is a question I ask myself almost every day around this time of year. Continue reading “Bundle up for the Cold Chicago Chill!”

Posted on

Flat Stanlina Visits Chicago in December

A few months ago, our family friend Christine, who lives in Southern California, asked me if I’d be willing to host a young friend in Chicago named Flat Stanley. Before Christine asked me to do this, I had no idea who or what Flat Stanley is.

Christine’s young daughter, Naomi, is in third grade in Southern California. Naomi sent me her Flat Stanlina to Chicago.

photo (11)

Flat Stanley is a project helps young people learn about the world. The story goes that a kid named Stanley was flattened by a falling bulletin board. Don’t worry, he wasn’t hurt! He’s able to do something very cool now as a result. He can visit all the places of the world very easily. His parents place Flat Stanley in an envelope, carefully addressed and with proper postage to friends across the world. He records his adventures in a small journal. Continue reading “Flat Stanlina Visits Chicago in December”

Posted on

Talk to a Dubliner: Three memorable conversations

A three day Travel Blogger conference in Dublin, and ironically I’d only seen this city from inside the airport, the airport shuttle, my hostel, several taxis and the conference hotel. Without experiencing the city myself yet, the people I met in transit were my only connections to Dublin. They reminded me of the great potential that waited after the conference, through their very pleasant company for a few minutes’ drive (or few hours’ flight), and maybe a dart of their eyes in the rearview mirror or a sideways glance between movies.

And, that brogue. That brogue. Continue reading “Talk to a Dubliner: Three memorable conversations”

Posted on

I won’t tell you how to help Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Yolanda survivors.

I believe every charitable giving situation, and especially with this natural disaster, is a personal decision. Therefore, I’m not going to tell you how to best contribute for Philippine Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan relief efforts.

Many of my friends, who trust my opinion and knowledge of the Philippines, have contacted me asking how they can help. The fact that you stopped to ask me, “How can I help…” someone on the other side of the world with whom you have little to no tangible connection (other than we share this planet) is amazing. You trust my judgment and I’m humbled to have earned it.

But this is not a decision I feel good making for you. Continue reading “I won’t tell you how to help Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Yolanda survivors.”