maria russo
Have You Eaten Yet?
Any society where people greet one another by asking “Have you eaten yet?” is my kind of place. It’s a simple question that says quite a bit about a culture and its savory way of life. Food is just one of those magical things that bind people in the plainest and most complex of ways—an […]
A “How To” On Surviving Long Flights
The problem with flying is that nothing about it seems, well, logical. The prospect of stuffing oneself into a combustible, steel contraption that launches into a groundless abyss can be quite daunting and almost absurd. But yet we do it, some of us once a year, others, every six months or so, and then there […]
Q&A: A Taste Of The Dordogne With Author Kimberley Lovato
By Maria Russo In her latest book, “Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves, Culinary Adventures in the Dordogne,” Kimberley Lovato explores the medieval towns, bucolic countryside, and remote villages of this southwest region of France through the fascinating heritage of its people, and the local cuisine that has kept century-old traditions alive and well. The book’s […]
The Vineyards Of Sardinia
As a wine enthusiast I wait anxiously for autumn to arrive. The crisp, pleasant weather slowly transforms the landscape into a magnificent palette of auburn, jade, and gold, and ripens the vines to picking perfection. Fortunately, I can spend most weekends during the season admiring these vistas while getting merry at tastings offered at the […]
Exploring Sydney’s Sassy Harbor
Sydney, in many ways exudes the vibe that sort of says: “I’m the best city in Australia.” With its almost-perfect weather, sexy beaches, magnificent harbor, and the Opera House that seems to top it all off like a fluffy cloud of whipped cream atop an ice cream sundae — who wouldn’t want to pencil it […]
Thinking of Joining The Peace Corps? Think Again
Many die-hard travelers, at one time or another, have dreamed about volunteering in a small village in some remote region of the planet. The prospects for such a journey could seem extremely promising for young, motivated spirits. Heck, what could be better than living abroad for an extended period of time, while at the same […]
The Road To Tibet: Crossing The Friendship Highway
Tibet’s history is a complicated story of spirituality, invasion, conquest, and persecution. Once a Buddhist nation governed by the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s religious identity was brutally stripped away in 1951 when Chinese troops forcibly occupied the region, destroying monasteries and killing thousands of civilians. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled Lhasa and settled under the […]
Vietnamese Comfort Food: Snacking On Banh Beo In Hue
I can still remember the freezing January mornings when I would run into the local deli before heading to school, salivating at the thought of getting my hands on the only food that would begin my day on a good note. I would run past the line of people waiting for a steaming cup of […]
Walking On The Wild Side: Zambia’s Undiscovered North
I can still remember what the crisp air smelled like. It was sweet and earthy with hints of eucalyptus and fresh dew. The sky, always impossibly blue, seemed vaster on the open plains and grasslands then it had back home. The sounds of birds chirping tender songs awakened me each morning — their fervor inspiring my […]
A Perfect Marriage Of Luxury And Culture At Lake Atitlan
I will be honest: the sound of the word “lake” causes an instant yawn reflex. Mention “beach” or “miles of sand and sea,” and you’ve caught my attention for the next hour. As a seasoned traveler, it is slightly embarrassing to admit that I almost always search for the perfect seascape to relax and unwind […]